Sermons

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.

Holy Living and Loving

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Mark 12:28–34

The Upside Down Kingdom

October 20, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Mark 10:35–45

In this thought-provoking sermon, we delve into the counterintuitive nature of God's kingdom as illustrated through the story of James and John's request to Jesus. By examining the passage from Mark 10:35-45, we explore how Jesus redefines true greatness, not as a position of power, but as an act of service and sacrifice. Drawing parallels between common misconceptions, such as the once widespread belief in a square earth, and the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, the message challenges us to reconsider our own perspectives on leadership and success. Through relatable anecdotes and biblical insights, this sermon invites you to embrace the teachings of Jesus and learn how to live right-side up in a world that often operates upside-down. Prepare to be inspired to become a servant-leader and transform your view of what it means to follow Christ.

Exceeding Our Limits

October 13, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Mark 10:17–30

Key to the Kingdom

October 6, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Mark 10:13–16, John 3:16, Matthew 18:3–4, Luke 18:17

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound concept of childlike faith. The central scripture comes from Mark's Gospel, where Jesus says, 'Let the children come to me... for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' This teaching challenges us to approach our faith with the openness, trust, and humility of a child. We're encouraged to shed our adult complexities and skepticism, instead embracing a simple, pure trust in God's love and grace. The speaker draws an interesting parallel between a child's innocent view of Hollywood and our approach to faith, reminding us that sometimes our 'adult' perspective can blind us to the beauty and wonder of God's kingdom. This message is deeply relevant to our daily lives, urging us to examine how we might be overcomplicating our faith or relying too much on our own understanding. It's a call to return to the essence of our relationship with God - one of complete trust and dependence.

Spreading the Spirit

September 29, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Numbers 11:24–30, Mark 9:38–41

Beyond Rules: The Heart of Faith

September 3, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Mark 7:1–23

In this powerful message, we're challenged to look beyond surface-level religiosity and examine the true state of our hearts. The scripture focuses on Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees about their obsession with ritual cleanliness and tradition. We're reminded that true holiness isn't about following a set of rules, but about the condition of our inner selves. The parallel drawn between the Pharisees' legalism and modern-day rigid adherence to traditions is eye-opening. It prompts us to consider: are we more concerned with outward appearances or with cultivating a genuine relationship with God? This message encourages us to reflect on our own practices and motivations, urging us to prioritize love, mercy, and justice over mere rule-following. It's a call to align our hearts with God's will, rather than simply going through the motions of religious observance.

Eternal Relationship with Christ

Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • John 6:26–27, John 6:35–51

In this powerful message, we're invited to contemplate the profound concept of eternal life through Jesus' words in John 6. Jesus declares Himself as the 'bread of life,' offering sustenance that goes beyond physical nourishment. This spiritual food endures forever, unlike the manna in the wilderness that perished daily. We're challenged to shift our focus from temporary, material pursuits to the everlasting relationship with Christ. The parallel drawn between our modern overconsumption and the mountains of discarded clothing in Chile's Atacama Desert serves as a stark reminder of our need for sustainable living and spiritual nourishment. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to find true fulfillment in Christ, who promises to satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst.

Consequences and Redemption

August 11, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • 2 Samuel 18

We explore the theme of consequences for our actions through a personal anecdote and the biblical story of David and Absalom. Just as the speaker faced repercussions for an unauthorized trip, David's family experiences the fallout from their sins. The forest of Ephraim becomes a powerful symbol of how our misdeeds can 'devour' us more than external threats. This narrative reminds us that while God's grace is abundant, we still reap what we sow. It's a sobering yet crucial lesson: our choices have real impacts, often affecting those around us. As we reflect on our own lives, we're encouraged to take responsibility for our actions and seek reconciliation where needed. Chapter 1: The Consequences of Our Actions 0:00 - 4:40 A personal anecdote about facing consequences for disobedience as a teenager. Chapter 2: David's Family Strife and Battle 4:40 - 7:58 An explanation of the conflict between David and his son Absalom. Chapter 3: The Tragic Outcome 7:58 - 13:34 The battle's outcome and Absalom's death, emphasizing the principle of reaping what you sow. Chapter 4: Hope for Redemption 13:34 - 16:31 Despite our failures, God offers redemption and healing for broken relationships. Chapter 5: Embracing Forgiveness and Moving Forward 16:31 - 18:42 A call to embrace Jesus's forgiveness and choose a life free from guilt and resentment.

Working for the Bread of Life

Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • John 6:24–35

In this message, we're invited to reconsider our identity beyond our professions. The Gospel of John reveals Jesus' profound teaching that our true work is to believe. This isn't mere passive acceptance, but an active, transformative faith. We're challenged to look beyond the physical bread that sustains our bodies to the spiritual bread that nourishes our souls. Just as the Israelites received manna in the wilderness, we're offered the Bread of Life in Jesus Christ. This spiritual sustenance requires no laborious work but simply our trust and openness to receive. As we embrace this belief, we find that our relationship with Christ becomes less about toil and more about joyful partnership, much like a well-trained service dog eagerly working alongside its handler. This perspective shift can turn our faith journey into a delightful adventure of discovery and service, bringing new meaning to our lives beyond our earthly occupations.

The Sin Snowball

July 29, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz , Heather McDougall • 2 Samuel 11:1–15, Hebrews 4:13, Romans 3:10, Matthew 9:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the dangers of complacency in our spiritual lives. The story of David's fall into sin serves as a stark warning about how easily we can stumble when we become idle. Just as the deceptively calm waters of Bolton Abbey hide deadly currents, our seemingly harmless choices can lead us down a treacherous path. We're challenged to stay engaged in our faith, avoiding the 'sin snowball' effect that can start with small compromises and escalate into major transgressions. The message emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy spiritual habits like daily scripture reading, prayer, and regular worship to keep us anchored in Christ and prevent us from drifting into temptation. Chapter 1: The Deceptive Dangers of Idleness 0:00 - 3:46 The sermon begins with an analogy of a dangerous stream and introduces King David's story of sin. Chapter 2: The Snowball Effect of Sin 3:46 - 8:10 David's initial sin leads to a series of increasingly severe transgressions, demonstrating the snowball effect of unchecked sin. Chapter 3: The Importance of Staying Engaged 8:10 - 12:40 The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying engaged in Christian practices to avoid temptation and sin. Chapter 4: Practical Steps for Christian Living 12:40 - 21:17 The sermon concludes with practical advice for maintaining a strong Christian faith and avoiding the pitfalls of sin. #JmstFUMC #BoltonAbbey #Temptation #DavidAndBathsheba #Sin #Repentance #GraceOfGod #ChristianDiscipleship #Idleness #BiblicalLessons #Accountability #ChristianCommunity #HolyCommunion #JohnWesley #PersonalIntegrity #GodsForgiveness

Faith Put to the Test

July 24, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Genesis 22:1–8, Hebrews 11:1, Genesis 18, Genesis 21

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 22:1-8, we delve into the challenging story of Abraham's test of faith. We're confronted with God's seemingly impossible demand for Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. This narrative forces us to grapple with difficult questions about faith, obedience, and the nature of God. As we reflect on Abraham's unwavering trust, we're reminded that our own faith may be tested in ways we don't expect. The story ultimately reveals God's mercy and provision, symbolized by the ram caught in the thicket. This timeless account encourages us to cultivate a deep, resilient faith that can withstand life's trials, always trusting that God will provide.

Abraham Laughed

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Genesis 17:1–8, Genesis 17:15–19, Genesis 18:1–14

In this powerful message, we explore the timeless story of Abraham and Sarah, a tale of faith, laughter, and divine promises. The key scripture, Genesis 17 and 18, reveals God's covenant with Abraham and the miraculous promise of a son in their old age. This narrative teaches us that with God, nothing is impossible. We're encouraged to embrace hospitality as a pathway to new possibilities and deeper connections. Just as Abraham welcomed strangers who turned out to be divine messengers, we too can open our hearts and homes to experience God's unexpected blessings. The story reminds us that God's timing may not align with our expectations, but His promises are always fulfilled. As we face our own seemingly impossible situations, we're invited to trust in God's plan and respond with faith, even when circumstances appear laughable.

Lessons from Ascension

Pastor Travis Voeltz • 2 Samuel 5:9–10, 2 Samuel 5:1–5

In this powerful message, we explore the journey of faith through the lens of King David's ascension to the throne at age 30. The story invites us to reflect on our own lives at that pivotal age and compare them to David's readiness for leadership. We're challenged to consider how God's timing often differs from our own expectations. The speaker's personal struggles at 30 highlight the common human experience of feeling unprepared for life's responsibilities. Yet, we're reminded that God's plan unfolds over time, much like David's 15-year journey from anointing to kingship. This message encourages us to cultivate patience and unwavering faith, even in the face of trials, as we trust in God's perfect timing for our lives. Chapters Chapter 1: The Contrast of Life at 30 0:00 - 1:42 Comparison between David's life at 30 and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of readiness for life's challenges. Chapter 2: David's Anointing and Qualifications 1:42 - 4:22 Examination of David's anointing as king and the qualifications that led to his selection. Chapter 3: God's Timing and David's Development 4:22 - 9:03 Discussion on why God chose to make David king at 30 and the importance of patience in faith. Chapter 4: Learning from David and Jesus 9:03 - 13:01 Reflection on David's fall and Jesus' example of patience, encouraging faith during difficult times. Chapter 5: Cultivating Patience and Faith 13:01 - 16:06 Practical advice on developing patience and faith in God's plan, with a call to trust in His timing.