The Essence of Spiritual Living

Religion can get really complicated, with all its rules, rituals, and doctrines. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.

In this sermon, our study of the book of Romans brings us face-to-face with to two simple verses that capture the essence of what it means to be a spiritual person.

Today’s scripture: Romans 12:1-3, 9-17

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Full Frontal Faith

How would it feel to stand stark naked in front of God, baring your skin and your soul? With your darkest secrets exposed, how will God respond?

This sermon looks at what it means to live with a Spirit of vulnerability and authenticity, and to embrace the “you” that God created you to be!

Brent Walsh is our special guest speaker for today’s sermon.

Today’s scripture: Psalm 139:1-16

Sermon supplement: Transgender Concepts 101 [pdf]

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Theology 101

As we continue our study of Romans, this sermon tackles one of the harshest, most objectionable passages in the New Testament — only to realize that, when understood in context, it is one of the most gracious and hopeful. In the process, we learn a lot about how to think about God. Correction: In this sermon, Jeff makes reference to Second Peter 3:18. That’s incorrect. He meant to cite First Peter 3:18.

Today’s scripture: Romans 9:10-21

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The Gap

No, we’re not talking about the clothing store. We’re talking about the gap between what everybody says the spiritual life can be (in theory) and what we actually experience from day to day (in real life). How can we close this gap?

The Apostle Paul has a powerful, practical suggestion.

Today’s scripture: Romans 7:15-25; 8:1-11

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The Gap [ 37:45 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A Personal Declaration of Independence

July 4! A day (in the U.S., at least) for contemplating independence and freedom. With today’s sermon, we’ll consider the nature of independence — not just for our nation, but as individuals, living out our faith.

Today’s scripture: Galatians 3:23-26, 29; 4:1-7

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When People Pray

What difference does prayer make? If you’ve ever pondered this question you are not alone.

We were pleased to welcome special guest Carolyn Olivier from Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Carolyn shared with us how prayer, along with the generosity of Jesus MCC, made possible a recent humanitarian trip to Haiti. God worked some miracles to get a group from Indiana to one of the most devastated part of our world.

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 100

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What’s Jesus Got To Do With It?

We often hear people say that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary — that without it, we would be in big trouble. What does that mean? Why is the cross important? This Sunday, we’ll cut through the buzz words to examine how Jesus’ death fits into the big picture.

Today’s scripture: Romans 5

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Religionless Christianity

We’ve all seen it. Sometimes religion actually makes people worse. Sometimes religious people are downright mean and unloving. Clearly religion is not the answer.

So what is? What does God really want from me? This sermon looks at the surprising answer found in the New Testament book of Romans.

Today’s scripture: Romans 3:21-24; 4:3-5, 13, 18-25

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The Dilemma

Picture someone you know who is wild and uninhibited, given to all kinds of riotous excess. Now picture someone who is super-religious, given to strict observance and quick to criticize. Who is closer to God? Who is more likely to enter Heaven? If religion is not the answer, then what is?

Today’s scripture: Romans 1:19-20, 28-32; 2:1, 17-24, 3:9-18, 23

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God’s Active Social Life

Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Many of us probably tend to see God as a singular monarch, “the Unmoved Mover,” sitting on a throne somewhere in the distant cosmos, completely self-sufficient, wanting and needing no one.

But what if that’s not the case? What if God is, in fact, a thoroughly social Being who thrives on relationships with others? This sermon explores what the Bible teaches about God’s ‘social life’ and the profound implications for how we live from day to day.

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 8:1, 22-32

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Bewildered

Some people see God as best friend and constant traveling companion. Others see God as infinitely transcendent and remote — ‘high and lifted up.’ So which is it? Should I see God as best buddy or as unknowable being?

This sermon continues our series, as were thinking deeply about a critical question: “What is God really like?”

Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:9-12

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The Joy Factor

Fear. . . Joy. . .

Two of the most powerful words in our vocabulary. Which word comes closer to describing your typical state of mind? This Sunday we’ll explore several factors that have the potential to unleash a ‘joy revival’ in your life!

This message was brought to us by Rev. Dr. Mona West, MCC’s Director of Formation and Leadership Development.

Today’s scripture: Luke 24:44-53

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The Battle Of The Sexes

On this Mothers Day, we could choose to play it safe and offer a bland, superficial sermon filled with platitudes about motherhood. But that’s not who we are!

As followers of Jesus, let’s engage the real issues (and truly honor our Moms) by exploring an important subject: ‘gender and God.’ If God is Father, does that mean God is more male than female? Is it valid to refer to God as “Mother”?

Today’s scripture: Luke 15:1-10

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The Battle Of The Sexes [ 40:18 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download