Sermons at McKendree UMC
Sermons that deepen our relationship with God, build relationships with one another, and inspire and strengthen us to show love to neighbors.
Current Sermon Series
Get your groove on, as together we explore some of the Greatest’s Hits in Matthew’s Gospel. We’ll flow with the love of the Greatest Commandment, move with the mission of the Great Commission, and groove in the grace of Jesus' yoke. It's all part of the harmony of a life lived in rhythm with divine purpose.
Our relationship with God is closely related to our relationship with other people. Jesus said the Greatest Command has two parts: Love God and love your neighbors. During the 40-day season of Lent, we will consider the forgiveness we need to accept and to give.
Jesus and the Games People Play
In life and relationships, people engage in various kinds of games. While he didn't use words like monopoly or battleship, Jesus talked about some of these games in the Sermon on the Mount. This series will help you understand the good life God wants for us.
When John baptizes at the Jordan River, he calls those who show up to repent, change their hearts (intentions). God wants more than sorry.
As we begin the New Year in the Gospel of Matthew, we look at what makes this gospel unique (as well as the game Herod plays).
Advent 2023
In a world ruled by Herod and the Romans, poverty and destitution were widespread. But it was in this bleak world that Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy. This season, we can find joy in Luke’s gospel, even in times of fear or grief, as our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God.
Remember, you are part of God’s story. There is joy to be found, even if you are weary.
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Pastor Paula Dallas.
The Gospel story begins with two people, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had reason to be weary.
Fall 2023 ThanksLiving
Paul wrote to the church in Colossae out of concern. He had received news that teachers were saying Jesus was not enough. It was critical the church understand that Jesus is our best revelation of God. What we think about Jesus impacts every aspect of life.
Devotions for Week 1 (October 15)
Devotions for Week 2 (October 22)
Devotions for Week 3 (October 29)
Devotions for Week 4 (November 5)
Devotions for Week 5 (November 12)
Narrative Budget (November 19)
Coming November 19:
Colossians 4:7-18 Everyone Says Hello
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Pastor Cyndi McDonald Colossians 4:2-6
Paul opens his letter to Colossae by describing his prayers for them, prayers that they will grow to live lives worthy of the grace they have received. Giving thanks is part of this process. But now, as the letter ends, he asks them to pray for him. They have a role to play in God’s story.
November 12, 2023
The life God wants us to put on in Colossians 3:12-17 seems so perfect. How do we allow God to bring about these changes within us?
Colossians 2:6-7 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
We continue to give thanks, because this practice and habit is part of how God is shaping us so that we are better able to live out God’s commands to love God and love our neighbors as ourself.
Colossians 1:15-24 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
Trusting God deeply is crucial to living an abundant life. However, having a wrong image of God can hinder this. For instance, if you perceive God as distant and uncaring, you may blame God when things go wrong or turn away under the assumption that God doesn’t care.
So, what is the proper understanding of God? The best image of God is revealed through Jesus. Paul suspected that the Colossae depended on the law rather than on Christ and striving for spiritual growth in harmful ways due to a dysfunctional image of God. He taught them a hymn they could sing to remind them of what God is really like.
Colossians 1:15-20 Dr. Dominic Lele
In his letter to Colossian Christians, Paul describes Jesus as revealing the Image of God. This image helps us to understand more about God, and how people are created to be.
Colossians 1:1-14
Pastor Paula Dallas introduces us to the setting for the book of Colossians. In his letter to Colossae, Paul addresses the question of identity. They are God’s holy people, faithful in Christ and loving. Faith and love are nourished by the hope they found in the gospel. Yet there is pressure on this church to keep hope. How can we be a people of hope and thanksgiving when it seems all is lost?