Family First

This sermon looks at what, for many lgbt people, are two of the most frightening passages in the Bible.

First is the story of Adam and Eve, so popular with the God-Hates-Fags crowd. They love to chant, “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” because it’s such a clever phrase — and it rhymes!

Then there’s Jesus’ hard teaching on divorce. Many of us were taught to interpret this as a strict prohibition against almost all divorce. And, for those of us who came to an understanding of our sexual orientation or gender identity late in life, and found ourselves in a divorce we hadn’t planned on, this teaching haunts us with guilt.

But did you know that those texts can be read to affirm lgbt people? Listen as we get to the heart of these passages.

This sermon was presented by Tyler Connoley, a friend and former member of Jesus MCC, and coauthor of The Children Are Free.

Family First [ 26:25 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mad About You

We’ve all experienced it — a sudden rush of anger, and before we know it, we’ve said deeply hurtful words that can never be taken back. Wounded, the other person lashes back, and our relationship is riven by conflict.

This sermon looks at practical strategies for anger management. We all need it!

Mad About You [ 37:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Prodigal Father

We often hear platitudes about the “love of God” — but in this sermon, we’ll get some insight into how that love works.

We take a look at the familiar story of “The Prodigal Son”, and find that it tells us a lot more about God (as demonstrated by the father in the story) than it does about the son.

This sermon was presented by Deb Doty, Jesus MCC’s Director of Discipleship.

The Prodigal Father [ 38:35 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

How much should I expect from my spouse? To what extent should my spouse fulfill my needs? Those are the questions this sermon explores.

I Can't Get No Satisfaction [ 38:46 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

‘Til Death Do Us Part

How do we keep our commitments in a relationship? When is it appropriate to break them?

This sermon focuses on the biblical concept of hesed, or covenant loyalty. It presents neither sugar-coated platitudes nor dogma — but examines real issues in a way that can bring life.

'Til Death Do Us Part [ 35:30 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Secret — According to Jesus

“The Secret” is a popular book and video that is capturing the attention of millions seeking to find the answer to living a happy, complete life.

But Jesus gave us the secret centuries ago to living happily and completely for all eternity. This week, we’re going to share Jesus’ thoughts on how to live the life worth living, simply by loving.

The Secret -- According to Jesus [ 25:46 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Making Love

Why do some relationships work, but so many fail?

Am I ready for a relationship?

How can I make the relationship I’m in better?

This sermon kicks off a new series: Spiritual Principles for Successful Relationships.

Listen if you’re embarking on a new relationship, would like to have a relationship in the future, or want to improve the relationship you have.

Making Love [ 36:06 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Good Sex

We hear that term a lot, but what does it really mean?  How should we feel about sex?  How does God feel about it?  What role should sex play in the life of a faithful Christian?

Listen as we explore these sensitive questions.  This is the last sermon in our “New Life in Christ” series.

Good Sex [ 35:43 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mastering Money Before It Masters Us

Remember that old commercial: “When EF Hutton talks, people listen.” And everyone would stop whatever they were doing, just to hear what ol’ EF had to say.

What if Jesus offered investment advice? Would you want to listen? This week we’ll look at part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus gives us three key money management principles.

(Incidentally, they’re principles also endorsed by Steve Jobs, Ross Perot, and Madonna.)

Mastering Money Before It Masters Us [ 37:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Through the Looking Glass

Imagine this scenario:  You’ve just pulled in to the Wal-Mart parking lot, and you spot a choice parking space.  But there’s someone else, coming from the other direction, who has seen it too.

What do you think?  What do you do?  Wave them in?  Speed up so you’re sure to get the spot?

This sermon looks at a story Jesus told about how we should behave at a dinner party.  The story shows us how we can handle the Wal-Mart incident — and how to be more like God.

Through the Looking Glass [ 30:04 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

What Am I Worth?

When we look around at how the world measures success — fame, wealth, picture-perfect shiny happiness — it’s easy to think of ourselves as failures.  We’re not worthy!

But what happens when we look at ourselves the way God does?  God measures in a vastly different way than we do, in a measure that’s based on what our God-given purpose in life is.

Listen for a message of great encouragement.

What Am I Worth? [ 34:18 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Who Let the Dogs Out?

When you were a kid, did you ever get lost? Remember how that felt?

As an adult, have you ever had a similar experience spiritually or emotionally — a time when you felt completely lost? In this week’s sermon, Pastor Jeff will interview Robin Herman as she tells her dramatic story of a catastrophic car wreck and a lost dog. From her experience, we’ll learn much about God and ourselves.

Who Let the Dogs Out? [ 42:29 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello

Nobody likes to say goodbye. The loss is painful, and it’s easier to not face it, to just let things slide.

But the spiritual journey is often a series of hellos and goodbyes and hellos and goodbyes.

If we do the difficult work of goodbyes, then we will be ready to really embrace the next “thing” God has for us in our spiritual journey. This sermon looks at one of Paul’s farewell speeches to learn about healthy goodbyes.

You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello [ 29:46 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download