Sermons

Who Are We Listening To?

March 2, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 9:28–36

In a world filled with countless voices vying for our attention, we're reminded of the transformative power of truly listening to Jesus. The Transfiguration story from Luke 9:28-36 serves as a powerful backdrop, emphasizing the divine command: 'This is my chosen son. Listen to him.' This message challenges us to cut through the noise of our modern lives and focus on Christ's teachings. We're encouraged to dive deep into the Gospels, not just to hear, but to actively listen and apply Jesus' words. The sermon draws a crucial distinction between merely hearing and truly listening, urging us to concentrate on Christ's sometimes difficult teachings about love, forgiveness, and selfless service. As we navigate our faith journey, we're called to embody these teachings, transforming our world one act of compassion at a time.

The Divine Verb

February 25, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Genesis 45:3–11, Genesis 45:15

The Divine Verb. Our Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 message. #JmstFUMC #God

Good News for Whom?

February 16, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 6:17–26

The Liveliest Catch

February 10, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 5:1–11

"The Liveliest Catch." Our February 9th, 2025 message on Luke 5:1-11. #JmstFUMC

Ordained to Be a Pain

February 2, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Jeremiah 1:4–10, Luke 4:21–30

Jesus' Mic Drop

January 26, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Luke 4:14–21

The sermon explored Jesus' powerful announcement of His ministry in Luke 4:14-21. "Christianity" is what we call it today following Jesus' appearance and preaching of God's kingdom. We delved into the significance of Jesus reading from Isaiah and declaring the fulfillment of Scripture. This moment marked the public inauguration of Jesus' earthly ministry and highlighted the core of Christianity - Jesus as the Messiah and His gospel message of salvation for sinners. The sermon emphasized how this applies to our lives today, reminding us that Jesus came for all of us, offering hope, freedom, and transformation. Takeaways: Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the answer to all our spiritual needs. The good news of Jesus is for everyone - the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed, both literally and spiritually. As Christians, we are called to use our voices and platforms to share the transformative message of Jesus with others. As we go about our week, let's remember that we each have a voice and a platform. Instead of pushing human agendas, let's use our influence to point others to Jesus - the way, the truth, and the life. Whether through starting meaningful conversations, living by example, or sharing our personal testimonies, we can all play a part in spreading the good news. May we be encouraged and empowered to share Christ's love and truth with those around us.

Dreams & Revelations

January 19, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Isaiah 62:1–5, John 2:1–11

In this powerful message, we explore the transformative power of God's promises and the beauty of divine revelation. The prophet Isaiah's passionate words remind us that God is tirelessly working for our vindication and salvation, even when circumstances seem bleak. Just as fog obscures our view but eventually lifts, so too will God's glory be revealed in our lives. The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana serves as a profound symbol of how God can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary in our lives. This miracle, rich in symbolism, invites us to consider how Christ can change our 'dry hearts into fruitful lives.' As we reflect on these scriptures, we're challenged to maintain hope and trust in God's timing, even when His work isn't immediately visible. How might we cultivate patience and faith in our own lives, trusting that God is actively working for our good?

Tag in Jesus

January 12, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Luke 3:15–17, Luke 3:21–22

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' baptism and its implications for our own spiritual journey. The central scripture focuses on John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ, emphasizing the stark difference between John's baptism with water and Jesus' baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This pivotal moment in biblical history reveals Jesus' willingness to identify with sinners, despite His own perfection. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider our own attempts to 'earn' our way to God, and the futility of such efforts. The imagery of wheat and chaff serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate judgment we all face. Yet, in this sobering reality, we find hope in Jesus' role as our perfect replacement, standing in our place and accompanying us through life's challenges. This message calls us to 'tag in Jesus,' recognizing our need for His grace and presence in every aspect of our lives.

Presents Matter, But Not as Much as Presence

January 5, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Matthew 2:1–12

In this powerful reflection on Matthew 2:1-12, we're invited to explore the profound journey of the Magi and its relevance to our own faith. The story of these wise men from the East reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer is our presence and devotion. Just as the Magi traveled great distances to worship the Christ child, we too are called to go the extra mile in our spiritual lives. Their journey teaches us that encountering Christ requires personal commitment and effort, but the reward is immeasurable. The contrast between King Herod's fear-driven response and the Magi's faith-filled adoration challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to humble ourselves and recognize the divine in unexpected places? This message encourages us to seek Christ in the faces of others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. As we reflect on this timeless story, we're reminded that true worship isn't about the material gifts we bring, but about offering ourselves wholly to God.

Clothe Yourself with Good Things

December 29, 2024 • Colossians 3:12–17

Rejoice in the Lord: Finding Peace Amidst Anxiety

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Philippians 4:4–7

In a world where corporate giants are desperately trying to sell us happiness through products like 'toilet bombs', we're reminded of a timeless truth from Paul's letter to the Philippians. 'Rejoice in the Lord always,' he writes, even from a Roman prison. This powerful message challenges us to find our joy not in circumstances, but in our unshakeable relationship with Christ. We're called to let our gentleness be known to everyone, even the most difficult people in our lives, because 'the Lord is at hand.' This isn't just about being nice; it's about reflecting God's character in our interactions. As we face anxiety and stress, we're encouraged to turn to prayer and thanksgiving, allowing God's peace to guard our hearts and minds. This peace surpasses all understanding, offering us a profound sense of calm amidst life's storms. How might our lives change if we truly embraced this joyful, gentle, and peace-filled approach to life?

Repentance Is the Good News of Advent

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 3:1–9

Get Ready for God

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 21:25–36

From our December 1st, 2024 worship service.

Birth Pains

November 17, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Mark 13:1–13

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the concept of 'birth pains' as described by Jesus in Mark 13. Just as physical birth is preceded by increasing pain and discomfort, Jesus warns that the world will experience escalating troubles before His return. Wars, natural disasters, and persecution are not signs of defeat, but rather indicators of a new beginning. We're encouraged to view current global tensions through this lens - not as reasons for despair, but as signs of God's unfolding plan. The sermon challenges us to endure these difficult times with faith, reminding us that just as a mother's pain results in new life, our current struggles will lead to spiritual rebirth and salvation. This perspective offers hope and strength, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith despite the chaos around us.

Finding Hope in Every Season

November 10, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Ruth 3:1–5, Ruth 4:13–17

In this message, we're reminded that God is always at work, even in our darkest moments. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz from the Old Testament serves as a beautiful illustration of God's constant presence and guidance. Despite Naomi's bitterness and loss, Ruth's loyalty, and Boaz's kindness, God was weaving a greater narrative - one that would eventually lead to the lineage of Jesus Christ. This story encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when we can't see the bigger picture. It reminds us that no matter our circumstances - whether we're facing divorce, addiction, loss, or any other challenge - God is there, working in ways we may not understand. The message 'God is being' resonates throughout, urging us to find peace in Jesus' promise: 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' As we navigate life's ups and downs, let's hold onto this truth and allow it to transform our perspective and deepen our faith.