Podcasts about nrsv

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Isaiah 2:1-5, 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/

Advent—the time in between—is here. But many of us struggle to feel “Christmas-y” when life isn’t where we hoped it would be. If peace feels out of tune for you right now, this episode is for you. Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany – two of the three female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego – as they discuss their Advent Mixtape, exploring how ancient and modern songs can ground us in peace in a world that never stops moving. While most Christmas songs feel light, airy, and escapist – giving the false perception that peace is only achievable in stillness and calm, David’s Psalmody, Psalm 96 – one of the “lesser-known songs of Christmas” – provides a more honest and hopeful vision of peace. In this progressive digital Bible-study conversation, explore: The meaning of Advent as a season of the in-between What “salvation” means in the Hebrew Bible and Psalms How nature participates in healing, peace, and salvation The difference between societal peace and inward peace Practices and touchstones to stay centered amid holiday chaos How music helps reset our anxiety and restore calm We invite you to keep the conversation going as you journey through Advent. Join our in-person Convergence group, visit our Patreon Channel, or gather friends and family to discuss these reflection questions: What role does music play in your wellbeing? What is the “in-between” of here and not yet that you are in right now? What role does nature play in your understanding of being made whole? Want to hear the rest of Our Advent Mixtape? Join us for Season 3, Episodes 14-16, for reflections on hope, joy, and love. New episodes drop Sunday mornings. In today’s episode, we share a selection from Psalm 96 (NRSV), and, as a bonus treat, the full psalm from The Message translation below. As you read it, consider: What tune do you think would fit this modern translation of the ancient song? Psalms 96 1-2a Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God—worship God! 2b-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all! 4-5a For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. His furious beauty puts the other gods to shame; Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. 5b-6 God made the heavens— Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart. 7Bravo, God, Bravo! Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. 8-9Bring gifts and celebrate, Bow before the beauty of God, Then to your knees—everyone worship! 10Get out the message—God Rules! He put the world on a firm foundation; He treats everyone fair and square. 11Let’s hear it from Sky, With Earth joining in, And a huge round of applause from Sea. 12Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, Animals, come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir— 13An extravaganza before God as he comes, As he comes to set everything right on earth, Set everything right, treat everyone fair. Scripture taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Pastor Joe Burkhardt, "Christmas Offstage - Zechariah" (Luke 1:5-22, NRSV)

Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Luke 23:33-43, 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/

Daily Anglican prayer - Monday morning – 24th November 2025. Readings NRSV: Psalm 56; 57; 2 Kings 23.4-15; Mark 1.29-39. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Monday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ our Saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1 God's love has been poured into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  Romans 5.5   Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.    2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Marvellous Acts I will sing a new hymn to my God:  O Lord you are great and marvellous,  you are marvellous in your strength, invincible.  Let the whole creation serve you:  for you spoke and all things came to be;  You sent out your Spirit and it formed them:  no one can resist your voice.  Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths:  rocks melt like wax at your presence;  But to those who revere you:  you still show mercy.  Judith 16.13–15   3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.   4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm 5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Creator Spirit, Advocate promised by our Lord Jesus: increase our faith and help us to walk in the light of your presence, to the glory of God the Father; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   1st Reading Kings 23. 4-15; 4 The king commanded the high priest Hilkiah, the priests of the second order, and the guardians of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven; he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5He deposed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem, those also who made offerings to Baal, to the sun, the moon, the constellations, and all the host of the heavens. 6He brought out the image of Asherah from the house of the Lord, outside Jerusalem, to the Wadi Kidron, burned it at the Wadi Kidron, beat it to dust, and threw the dust of it upon the graves of the common people. 7He broke down the houses of the illicit priests who were in the house of the Lord, where the women did weaving for Asherah. 8He brought all the priests out of the towns of Judah and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beer-sheba; he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on the left at the gate of the city. 9The priests of the high places, however, did not come up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem but ate unleavened bread among their kindred. 10He defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, so that no one would make a son or a daughter pass through fire as an offering to Molech. 11He removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun at the entrance to the house of the Lord, by the chamber of the eunuch Nathan-melech, which was in the precincts; then he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 12The altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz that the kings of Judah had made and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord he pulled down from there and broke in pieces and threw the rubble into the Wadi Kidron. 13The king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Destruction, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Astarte the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 14He broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the sacred poles, and covered the sites with human bones. 15 Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin—he pulled down that altar along with the high place. He burned the high place, crushing it to dust; he also burned the sacred pole.   Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 2nd Reading Mark 1.29-39 Jesus Heals Many at Simon's House 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. A Preaching Tour in Galilee 35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.” 39And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.   Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.   7 The Canticle, A Song of Isaiah ‘Behold, God is my salvation:  I will trust and will not be afraid;  ‘For the Lord God is my strength and my song:  and has become my salvation.'  With joy you will draw water:  from the wells of salvation.  On that day you will say:  ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name;  ‘Make known his deeds among the nations:  proclaim that his name is exalted.  ‘Sing God's praises, who has triumphed gloriously:  let this be known in all the world.  ‘Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion:  for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'  Isaiah 12.2–6   8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity.   9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.    10 The Lord's Prayer   Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.    Prayer of the Week following the last Sunday after pentecost Christ the King / The Reign of Christ Stir up,we pray you, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.       11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.   Let us Pray Let us pray for the world and for the church. God, how great your majesty abounds before us. We thank you for all your generosity. May the peace and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be abundant across all nations and countries forever more. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Holy God divine and merciful, your blessing on the people is loved by all, for which our gratitude knows no end. Grant, we pray, your saving blessing on all those experiencing times of trouble or strife, that they may receive the guidance of wisdom to lead them to a path of safety. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Almighty God, hear our prayer to bring about a change throughout the people, we ask for your grace to relay the wisdom to each man and each woman how to co-exist in peace and the will to do so, to continue to respect one another and teach their offspring to do so also. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: Monday 24 November The Diocese of Riverina – The Anglican Church of Australia The Diocese of The Murray: The Parish of Aspley-Albany Creek: Anglicare SQ Meilene Court Retirement Village (Bundaberg) Anglican Schools Australia Management Committee and Member Schools All Prison and hospital ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we are created  and by whose love we are redeemed:  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    God did not give us a spirit of cowardice  but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.  May we rekindle the gift of God within us.  Amen. see 2 Timothy 1.6–7   Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. Song name, Sing my soul, His wondrous love by Ned Rorem – Choir of St John's college, Cambridge & Andrew Nethsingha. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

Daily Anglican Prayer - Sunday Morning – 23rd November 2025 Readings NRSV: Psalm 46; Deuteronomy 17.14-20; Luke 23.33-43. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Sunday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ our Saviour has already saved us and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,  Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1 This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118.24 Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.   The Sentence of the day Christ the King / The Reign of Christ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9.9   3 The opening Canticle Oh come let us sing out to the Lord. let us shout in triumph to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his face with thanksgiving. And cry out to him joyfully in psalms. For the Lord is a great God. and a great king above all gods. In his hands are the depths of the earth. and the peaks of the mountains are his also. The sea is his and he made it. His hands moulded dryland. Come let us worship and bow down. And kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is the Lord our god. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Today if only you would hear his voice: “Do not harden your hearts as Israel did in the wilderness.” “When your forebears tested me.” “Put me to proof though they had seen my works.” “Forty years long I loathe that generation and said.” “It is a people who err in their hearts.” “For they do not know my ways.” “Of whom I swore in my wrath.” “They shall not enter my rest.”      3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.     4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength: a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved: and though the mountains are shaken in the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters rage and foam: and though the mountains quake at the rising of the sea. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God: the holy dwelling-place of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, therefore she shall not be moved: God will help her, and at break of day. 6 The nations make uproar, and the kingdoms are shaken: but God has lifted his voice, and the earth shall tremble. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 8 Come then and see what the Lord has done: what destruction he has brought upon the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease in all the world: he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, and burns the chariots in the fire. 10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted upon the earth.' 11 The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Christ the King / The Reign of Christ The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus, Luke 1.68–79)      Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel:  who has come to his people and set them free.    The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour:  born of the house of his servant David.   Through the holy prophets, God promised of old: to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,   To show mercy to our forebears:  and to remember his holy covenant.   This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,   Free to worship him without fear: holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.   And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,    To give his people knowledge of salvation: by the forgiveness of their sins.   In the tender compassion of our God:  the dawn from on high shall break upon us,    To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death:  and to guide our feet into the way of peace.     5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Lord God, whose blessed Son rose in triumph and set us free: grant us the fullness of life he promised us, that through the Holy Spirit our hearts may possess him whom our eyes cannot see, the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   1st Reading Deuteronomy 17.14-20 14 When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me', 15 you may indeed set over you a king whom the Lord your God will choose. One of your own community you may set as king over you; you are not permitted to put a foreigner over you, who is not of your own community. 16 Even so, he must not acquire many horses for himself, or return the people to Egypt in order to acquire more horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You must never return that way again.' 17 And he must not acquire many wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; also silver and gold he must not acquire in great quantity for himself. 18 When he has taken the throne of his kingdom, he shall have a copy of this law written for him in the presence of the levitical priests. 19 It shall remain with him and he shall read in it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, diligently observing all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 neither exalting himself above other members of the community nor turning aside from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel. The reading is followed by Hear the word of the LORD Thanks be to GOD 2nd Reading Luke 23. 33-43 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”   The reading is followed by Hear the message of Christ Thanks be to GOD.   7 The Canticle, The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel:  who has come to his people and set them free.  The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour:  born of the house of his servant David.  Through the holy prophets, God promised of old:  to save us from our enemies, from the hands of  all who hate us,  To show mercy to our forebears:  and to remember his holy covenant.  This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:  to set us free from the hands of our enemies,  Free to worship him without fear:  holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.  And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High:  for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,  To give his people knowledge of salvation:  by the forgiveness of their sins.  In the tender compassion of our God:  the dawn from on high shall break upon us,  To shine on those who dwell in darkness  and the shadow of death:  and to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Luke 1.68–79      8 The Apostles creed I believe in God, the Father almighty,       creator of heaven and earth.   I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,       who was conceived by the Holy Spirit       born of the virgin Mary.       suffered under Pontius Pilate,       was crucified, died, and was buried;       he descended to the dead.       On the third day he rose from the dead.       He ascended into heaven       and is seated at the right hand of the Father.       From there he will come to judge  the living and the dead.   I believe in the Holy Spirit,       the holy catholic church,       the communion of saints,       the forgiveness of sins,       the resurrection of the body,       and the life everlasting. Amen.   9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  Lord have mercy.     10 The LORDs prayer Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.    10 The Collect of the Day Christ the King / The Reign of Christ Eternal God, you exalted Jesus Christ to rule over all things, and have made us instruments of his kingdom: by your Spirit empower us to love the unloved,  and to minister to all in need, then at the last bring us to your eternal realm where we may be welcomed into your everlasting joy and may worship and adore you for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Prayer of the Week Christ the King / The Reign of Christ Stir up,we pray you, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.   Let us pray   Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ you gave many excellent gifts to your apostles. We ask you to bless Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. So, to help her listen to your voice, fill her with your truth, and clothe her with your holiness, that her diligent preaching of your word, will bring, glory to your name. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     God, Your wisdom knows no bounds, grant we pray that we hear your spoken wisdom and bringing the good news of Christ to all who have yet to hear it, so that we may bring forth fruit of good works to honour and praise your name. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Creator God, we pray for peace and prosperity in our cities, and families. We ask for your guidance to build a world of peace and prosperity, so that our future becomes secure and safe. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Almighty God, today we remember African people, we ask for Your peace to reign in Africa. May African nations come together in harmony, setting aside differences and working towards a common good for all African people. Let Your voice bring peace talks and be their guide in their actions and decisions. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Loving God, as we remember all the missing children in the world, we ask that you embrace them with Your love and protection. Guide them safely back to their loved ones. Grant strength and comfort to their family during their time of waiting. May Your divine light illuminate their path, leading them home. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: Sunday 23 November – Christ the King/the reign of Christ The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia The Diocese of Tasmania: The Parish of Annerley: Anglicare SQ The Glebe Retirement Village (Toowoomba) St Francis Theological College, Milton All Prison ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed.  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.    2 Corinthians 13.14 Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 21:5-19, 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/

Dr. Brown Speaks out of James 1:22-25 in the NRSV version. Today's chapel frame is Heart Holiness.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 20:27-38, 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/

“and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.'”Matthew 27:63 NRSV

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 19:1-10, 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/

The Power of the Quiet1 Kings 19:1-181 Kings 18:20-21How long will you waver between two opinions?If the Lord is God, follow Him.But if ___________, follow him.But the people didn't answer him a word.1 Kings 18:27-29 1 Kings 19:1-181 Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don't make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!”3 Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, 4 but he went on a day's journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I'm no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree.Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the Lord returned for a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 He entered a cave there and spent the night.Suddenly, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies, but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.”11 Then he said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord's presence.”At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”14 “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies,” he replied, “but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they're looking for me to take my life.”15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go and return by the way you came to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. 18 But I will leave seven thousand in Israel—every knee that has not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”1 Kings 19:12 CSB After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. 1 Kings 19:12 NRSV and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. What does it mean for God to be in the silence?• What needs to quiet down in your life so you can recognize God again?• Can you trust that God is at work even when He feels silent?• Can you slow down long enough to notice the God who speaks in silence?The world will keep shouting for our attention — but the living God waits for us in the sheer silence. Will we have the courage to stop, listen, and find Him there?

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 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/

Episode 2.50Who Said It? The Quotation Debate in James 2:18–19What if a single pair of quotation marks changed how you understand faith and works?In this episode of Take 2 Theology, Zach and Michael unpack one of the most overlooked translation debates in the New Testament—who's actually speaking in James 2:18–19?Since the original Greek had no quotation marks, translators must decide how long the “someone will say” quotation runs. Does it end quickly (like in the ESV)? Continue through verse 19 (NASB)? Or include both verses (NIV, NRSV)? Each choice changes how we hear James's tone—rebuke, debate, or diatribe.Covered in this episode:– How Greek manuscripts handled quotations and voices– The short, medium, and long quotation theories– Why modern Bibles make different punctuation choices– What leading commentators (Moo, Davids, Blomberg) argue– How punctuation affects tone but not theologyIn the end, James's message stands: “Faith without works is dead.”But understanding how he said it might change how we hear him.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/O_swkautrVsMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Exodus 33:12-23, 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/

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NASB Rooted in the Word.We live in a world sick from a counsel of confusion and wickedness that scoffs at truth and reason.Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLTI have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLTAll Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLTYour word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT The Bible, when read rightly, brings humility that offers hope, not humiliation. While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NLTTruly loving the Word leads to loving the Author of the Word.You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39 NLT The written Word must connect us to the living Word or we've missed the point of knowing the Word.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5 & 14 NLTThen Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:31-32 NRSVThe bible is more than a book you're meant to get through, it's a book that's meant to get through you.And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:10-11 ESV-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NASB Rooted in the Word.We live in a world sick from a counsel of confusion and wickedness that scoffs at truth and reason.Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLTI have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLTAll Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLTYour word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT The Bible, when read rightly, brings humility that offers hope, not humiliation. While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NLTTruly loving the Word leads to loving the Author of the Word.You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39 NLT The written Word must connect us to the living Word or we've missed the point of knowing the Word.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5 & 14 NLTThen Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:31-32 NRSVThe bible is more than a book you're meant to get through, it's a book that's meant to get through you.And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:10-11 ESV-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Exodus 32:1-14, 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/

The NRSV translates John 7:38, “Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.” Behind that stand entangled questions of the punctuation of the Greek sentences (punctuation is lacking in the earliest manuscripts), the meaning of the word κοιλία (koilia), and whose koilia is in mind. Another translation could be, “Out of Jesus' womb flow rivers of living water,” which fits nicely with John's wider context. Dr. Jennifer McNeel is a NT professor at St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore, MD. She also teaches at United Lutheran Seminary and is active in leading church retreats. She has authored Paul as Infant and Nursing Mother: Metaphor, Rhetoric, and Identity in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 and Under Her Wings: Mothers and Motherhood in the New Testament.    B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/489nuws  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3KurwWj 

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Exodus 20:1-17, 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/

“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)

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)

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/

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

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.

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/

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 10:1-12, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Psalm 145:10-18 (NRSV); Music: "Our Memories" by AEROPLANES, licensed by Soundstripe.

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.