Weekly Messages

These are the weekly sermons from Kelsey Memorial UMC in Corpus Christi, TX, The Sparkling City by the Sea.

Doing good means going where the need is. The need might be great, but God is greater.

The Sprit of God makes known to us how to avoid evil. In doing so, we can keep from hurting ourselves and each other.

The love of every disciple of Jesus shows the world that we belong to Christ. In Christ’s love, we have the power to overcome discord.

Jesus promises to be our shepherd. We don’t have to wander in darkness or feel lost. We have the power to live free for God’s glory and give all that we have to Jesus.

You can’t fake ministry. Sharing the gospel is about sharing yourself, too.

We live in a time when people say you’re supposed to be able to take care of yourself. But God created us to need each other.

The love that God has shared with us is eternal. The love that God allows us to share with each other also lasts forever.

Have you ever done something you knew was wrong? Something you didn’t really want to do? You did it because there’s a struggle within all of us. The good news is we don’t have to keep doing those things.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the image of his father’s servants having enough is the first image that comes to him when he “came to his senses.” And it was those servants who helped throw a great party when he returned home. As servants of God, that’s our job!

Worshiping God is not about where you are or what you’re doing. It’s about the heart you bring when you worship.

Jesus taught that it’s possible to fill our lives with stuff and still be dreadfully empty. We find the most joy when we commit our resources to the work of God.

Jesus showed us how prayer was important him in his deepest need. He also needed his friends to be willing to pray for him.

If you’re not seeing life when you read the Bible, you’re not seeing what God wants. Jesus taught a group of people that the Bible points us to Resurrection, and in resurrection we have life.

Your work doesn’t have to be a burden. What could change if you saw your work as a time and place to be in ministry for Jesus?

Your work doesn’t have to be a burden. What could change if you saw your work as a time and place to be in ministry for Jesus?

More than a gut feeling, more than a sixth sense, God stirs our spirits in ways that move us and show us his will. But we have to be open to feel that happening.

What we’ve already been through helps us get through what we’re facing now. As we look back to what God has done for us before, we can be encouraged God will reach out to us again.

The people mistook (or accepted) their unwillingness as reason enough not to rebuild the Lord’s House. The prophet Haggai told them to “consider how you have fared.” When you look around at what’s happening, God reveals to you what is most important.

When you feel encouraged by God don’t be surprised if you get discouraged by people. You’re going to have to determine who you will listen to when you follow God.

In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom calls out to us, asking us to pay attention to her. The person that seeks wisdom, finds it and finds life!

Proverbs tells us to trust in God instead of our own understanding. When we do, we are led through life by God’s direction. The path may not always be clear, but it will be straight.

Job has suffered greatly and struggled to make sense of his situation. Conventional wisdom has not prepared his for this time. What he learns helps us ask the question, “If wisdom truly comes from God, how do we become wise?”

God took care of the people as a parent cares for a child and prepares her for life. God has also cared for us, and continues to care, so that we can live in the Spirit’s power and strength.

Hezekiah received despairing news. It was upon hearing that news that he prayed to God to “save us.” What is it going to take to get the church to pray like that?

Because of what we know God has done for us, our lives are dedicated to worship of God.

Solomon’s wisdom was an intriguing part of his life. Everyone noticed. People came from all over the world to hear from his wisdom. We remember that his wisdom is a gift from God! So, like Solomon, when we put our gifts into use for God’s purposes, people notice.

Gideon asks God two of the most serious questions there are when it comes to following God: Why? & How? How God answered Gideon is a sign of hope for us when we ask the same questions.

God prepares us for what is ahead. Joshua had learned and experienced much from Moses. Now, it was his turn to lead. What is it God is calling you to do?

God used a simple piece of clothing to remind the people of God’s power. We can use simple ways to remind ourselves of God’s grace. As we do we are continually encouraged to be holy and faithful to God.

As God dwelled with the people, they came and went only as God commanded them. They were committed to following the lead of God. We live best when we live under the direction and lead of God.

Through their offerings, the people experience God’s glory. Today, as we present ourselves as offerings, we experience God’s grace, too.

God had heard the cry of the Israelites and redeemed them from Egypt. After seeing the power of God, the people came to know God as their God. When we take time to see how God has worked in our life, we see just how much God has done for us, too.

To covenant with God is to be sure that God will uphold his promises. Think about how often we turn away from what we have promised God. But God is faithful and renews us; Jacob experienced the renewal of God even after he had endured so much.

The very first thing the Bible teaches us about who we are is that we were created by God in the image and likeness of God. There is an image of God living in every single one of us. Somewhere, though, we let go of that image and, like Cain, became something else.

Simeon & Anna waited all their lives for the promise of God’s Messiah to come. When we learn to wait for the promises of God, we understand what trust and true joy is.

King David was ready to build a new temple to God. God reminded David there was no need; that would be something someone else would do later. Rather, God was ready to establish a “house” for David.

If we are truly a Spirit-full people, are lives are committed to justice, mercy and bring restoration to God’s world.

God brings comfort to us. We don’t have to wait for things to be perfect to pursue godliness. God hears our cry from the “wilderness” of our lives.

The question the goats and the sheep ask is the same, “When did we see you…” Jesus’ answer reminds us that our treatment of the least of these shows what we really feel about Christ the King.

Moses had to command the people to stop bringing offerings. What could have merited such a request? What does it mean for us today when we give to the Lord, and when do we stop giving?

The king was sure he only ordered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fiery furnace. So, where did the fourth person come from? Who was it? The king praised God! When we stand firm in our witness to God, the world is able to see God through us.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were threatened by the king because they would not worship his idol. The young men’s’ confidence was a result of the trust they had in God. Because they knew God’s power, they were not willing to worship anything else

The love that God had for the world spurred Christ to offer his life for us. The love we have for God, then, spurs us to offer our lives in love for each other.

If you want to know what kind of faith in Jesus you have, look where your feet have been.

The Disciples of Jesus' compassion for the people. That's why they thought it was a good idea to send them home to get something to eat. But Jesus had a better idea for the disciples.

Not everyone will appreciate the right thing you do.

All of us are building our lives on something. We're wisely building on Jesus' words or foolishly building on anything else.

The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit

Being spiritual using your spiritual gifts.

We had seen Christ lifted up on the cross, only to be taken down to a grace. He arose! There are times we feel as if we are stuck down in life. But, as we wait for the promise of God’s power, we know God will raise us up again.