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Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Exodus 16:2-15, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/
“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NRSV)
“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NRSV)
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Exodus 17, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC, Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Exodus 14:19–31, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/
Join us as we continue Flourishing: Caring for All Creation and explore the call to reciprocity and generous living. In 2 Corinthians 9:6–12, we hear: “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully… God loves a cheerful giver… God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance… so that you may share abundantly in every good work.” Giving is an act of joy, not obligation; God multiplies what we generously share, sustaining others, glorifying God, and producing thanksgiving. How can you sow generously in your life this week—through your time, gifts, or love?
September 14, 2025; A Better Way (part 6): Hope that Holds On by Rev. Brady Whitton; Scripture Lesson Romans 12:1-2, 9-18 (NRSV); www.FirstMethodist.org
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Exodus 12:1-14, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/
In the final part of the series, Thom and Jess examine four additional translations that remain popular within more specific theological, academic, or expositional contexts: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB). The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB appeared first on Church Answers.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: https://umclex.org/downtown/
This week's lesson focuses on "Forgive"! “Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”” (Matthew 18:21-35 NRSV)
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 10:1-12, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 6:12-16, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Mark 5:35-43, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
August 10, 2025; A Better Way (part 1): Faith That Transforms by Rev. Brady Whitton; Scripture Lesson Romans 12:1-2, 9-18 (NRSV); www.FirstMethodist.org
Genesis 1:26-27 NLT26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.1 John 4:7-21 NRSV7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God.16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, ‘I love God', and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister[c] whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 2:41-52, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Your Faith Journey - Finding God Through Words, Song and Praise
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost August 3, 2025 Faith, Okemos Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23, Psalm 49:1-12, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 Living Under the Sun, Living from Above Grace to you and peace… [Please take a few deep breaths. This will be a difficult sermon to hear, but I ask you to wait with me for the precious good news at the end…] Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity… it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind… What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which we toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity. [There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw is from the hand of God…] Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:22-24 In an email sent from Kalea on Wednesday, I invited you to read the entire book of Ecclesiastes. It is a sobering, largely dark assessment of the human story “under the sun.” If you had time to read it, I like to take a couple of minutes now to hear a sampling of your reactions… I think of the tens of thousands in our country whose jobs have been either completely eliminated or made more burdensome. I think of those trying to support themselves and/or their families but are paid far from sufficiently for their work, whose days, in the words of the Teacher, “are full of pain, and their work is a vexation.” Maybe you, like me, remember projects in which you passionately spent countless hours and perhaps a fair amount of money, all to see them either immediately or eventually go up in smoke. And don't we see in our own day the erosion of hard-fought protections for the poorest among us or for the people in Gaza or for the well-being of Earth itself? I remember Dr. Leupold, an Old Testament professor at our seminary in Columbus, who reminded us of the importance of the phrase “under the sun.” For him that was key to understanding the darkness and seemingly endless repetition, generation after generation, of the quest for power and the presence of insatiable greed. [Historians don't have to look far to see the parallels of the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer throughout our 250 years as a nation and throughout the thousands of years of the lives and deaths of countless empires, nations, and kingdoms.] So the perspective and wisdom of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes. Which perspective is then enriched by Jesus' story of the rich man in our gospel for today. Jesus said: Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. For the rich man, life under the sun was going great. And yet. as Jesus told them this story [here in the Message translation often read in our Tuesday Bible Studies]: The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself. “Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!” Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods – who gets it?' That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.” Or this last thought in the words in the NRSV translation (in our bulletin): So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God. Next Sunday you will hear these further precious words of Jesus: Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven… All of which is to say, in Jesus all is not vanity, all is not a chasing after the wind! Which then takes us to our Second Reading from Colossians 3, words which call us to a live this vexing life above the sun. These words in Colossians don't deny how hard and painful and empty and lonely and, yes, how finite is our life on Earth, our life under the sun. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes counsels a little relief in seizing the moment [Carpe Diem] doing your best to find a measure of enjoyment in your work, in drink… in your eating… But hear again these words: Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, the you also will be revealed with him in glory. What does that mean, “you have died”? For me that means that in Jesus who died for me, my life is much more than my possessions, whether small or great, cheap or very expensive. My life is not about fulfilling my bucket list before I die. I have already died. My eternal life with God and with all his children has already begun, made sure for us in the gift of holy baptism. That's how powerful is his death on cross for me and for you and for all of creation. So, the Teacher in writing the book of Ecclesiastes was only partly right. Life is filled with vanity, [we might say ‘so full of s_t']. But it is so much more than that. Hidden in the midst of our trials and tribulations, in our sorrows and in our fleeting happy moments with a drink and a little food to eat, is this gracious, wonderful gift of life from above. Together with our siblings in Christ and with others of goodwill who do not yet recognize him as their Lord, we get to live an amazing life given to us from above. For me that life is experienced in daily gratitude for the beauty of the Earth and for all who dwell therein. I'm enriched these days by the sight of countless fields of corn and soybeans, of the gladiolas in our backyard, of the swaying trees, taking in tons of excess CO2 and giving back an abundance of O2. And I think of countless very real people, including you all, who enrich my life and lift me up when I get down or hyper-critical or self-centered, when I'm like the rich man who thought only about himself. But when our old under-the-sun-self seeks to smother our gratitude for this life from above, when that self tries to make us forget the grace-filled eternal life that Jesus won for us, the Holy Spirit, who may be especially present in the moments we need to take for quiet reflection, will prompt us to put to death that old self filled with greed and lies and malice and abusive language. Martin Luther called it “daily dying” a needful daily discipline putting to death our old self and receiving the precious gift of a new, risen life from above, putting on the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and patience. I invite you to repeat after me: In Jesus' name I put to death my old self And, in Jesus' name, with a grateful heart, I receive today a new, risen life. Amen.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Colassians 2:6-19, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
This is a longer one. It was recorded back in April so Kat and T.K. had a spirited debate about Anthony Edwards towards the end. Kat also reads an Ethiopian version of the story of Solomon and Sheba. Enjoy!https://www.amazon.com/Never-Caught-Washingtons-Relentless-Pursuit/dp/1501126393https://www.afa-afa.org/african-queens/queen-makeda-queen-of-sheba
Psalm 85:8-13 (NRSV); Music: "Breathe the Free Air" by Stephen Keech, licensed by Soundstripe.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Luke 10:38-42, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sunday, July 20, 2025 Series: "The Fruit of the Spirit" Title: "Goodness: We Were Made for This!" Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27, 31 (NRSV) By: Rev. Steve Price Bulletins 11:00 AM https://trinitygnv.org/s/Sunday-Bulletins-07-20-25-11AM.pdf 9:30 AM https://trinitygnv.org/s/Sunday-Bulletins-07-20-25-930AM-WEB.pdf 8:00 AM https://trinitygnv.org/s/Sunday-Bulletins-07-20-25-8AM.pdf Scripture Genesis 1:26-27, 31 (NRSV) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A26-27%2C%2031&version=NRSVUE To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, consider making a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/ Copyrighted content included in this webcast is used with license under one or more of the following: Christian Copyright Solutions WORSHIP cast Streaming License and PERFORM music License #7840 (to publicly perform and/or web stream any musical composition controlled by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), CVLI (Christian Video Licensing International) #503915511, CVLI ScreenVue License #502477880, CCLI Church Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL016331, CCLI Church Copyright License #1022361, and/or CCLI Church Rehearsal License #CRL011587.
Psalm 138 (NRSV); Music: "When All Have Left" by Kurtis Parks, licensed by Soundstripe.
John 6:16-21 (NRSV); Music: "Words for a Good Man" by Lost Ghosts, licensed by Soundstripe.
John 6:10-15 (NRSV); Music: "When Forests Catch Fire" by Kurtis Parks, licensed by Soundstripe.
John 6:1-9 (NRSV); Music: "When All Have Left" by Kurtis Parks, licensed by Soundstripe.
2 Kings 4:42-44 (NRSV); Music: "Rest" by Acreage, licensed by Soundstripe.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV); Music: "Redemption" by Alice in Winter, licensed by Soundstripe.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 10:25-37, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Psalm 145:10-18 (NRSV); Music: "Our Memories" by AEROPLANES, licensed by Soundstripe.
Ever wondered about what exactly happened to Jesus when He died? What happened in those days before He resurrected? This week in our series on the Apostles Creed, we hone in on the phrase, “He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again.” If you believe in God and/or have been a believer you may or may not have given much thought to what happens when you die. That is what this week's sermon is all about, specifically looking at the in-between of Christ's journey from death to resurrection. Featuring a great deal of Scriptural references, join us for this week's sermon on The Apostles Creed.Things to consider as you listen:If we believe that God wastes nothing, then Christ's time in the grave was significant.Christ had the full human experience, bearing the weight of our sin, even in death.In death, the soul separates from the body. In resurrection, the soul in reunited with the body.THEORY #1 (1 Peter 3:18-22 NLT, NRSV, 1 Peter 4:5-6 NRSV) Christ preached the Good News in the place of the dead offering one last chance to repent.THEORY #2 (Ephesians 4:8-9 NRSV, Philippians 2:9-11 NRSV, Revelation 1:17-18 NRSV) Christ preached the Good News in the place of the dead declaring victory over evil on its home turf.Christ's death was the beginning of our eternal victory.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 18:15-17, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
biblebreakdownpodcast@gmail.com
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 15:11-32, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 15:8-10, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Luke 15:1-7, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Jason Miller - This month, we're responding to your questions! These teachings are in response to questions submitted by the members of South Bend City Church. Today, we're responding to questions about the Bible. Resources Bible Translations: NIV, NLT, NRSV, The Message, Hebrew Bible (Robert Alter), and The New Testament (David Bentley Hart) Podcast: The Bible for Normal People Online resource: Bible Gateway What's Happening Register for the Art for Everybody Screening and Panel happening on June 19 at 6:30p. Sabbath Sunday on July 6 (church is closed June 30-July 6) Join us at one of the Telos American South Interest Meetings on Sunday, June 15 or June 22 at 10:15a.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Acts 2:1-13, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from John 17:20-26, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
biblebreakdownpodcast@gmail.com
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 21:10-22:5, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 21:1-6, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
Sermons from the Downtown Community of First UMC Lexington, KY
Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 7:9-17, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.
“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”Isaiah 40:8 NRSV
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a joyful heart brings healing, while a crushed spirit withers us to the core. Join us as we explore how joy can renew our strength and faith. Discover practical ways to let God's joy be your true medicine! Rev. Pamela Lightsey will end with a thought-provoking theological study afterward.
John 20:24-31 (NRSV); Music: "When Forests Catch Fire" by Kurtis Parks, licensed by Soundstripe
John 20:19-23 (NRSV); Music: "Ever and Ever" by AEROPLANES, licensed by Soundstripe
Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV); Music: "Rest" by Acreage, licensed by Soundstripe
This Sunday we shared Peter's declaration with the powerful truth: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went around doing good and healing those oppressed. Though He was put to death on a cross. God raised Him on the third day—and He appeared to those chosen as witnesses. Peter says: We ate with Him. We walked with Him after the resurrection. And now, we've been commanded to share this Good News. #GoodNews #JesusIsLord #Acts10 #HopeForAll #NoPartiality #ForgivenessThroughChrist #GospelTruth