"Running on Fumes" Sermon Series
This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us.
Prayer-full
October 10, 2021 • Pastor Beth Snarr • James, James 5:7–11
Even when we’re not in the 18th month of a pandemic, it’s easy to use all the “gas in our tanks” without stopping to fill up. When that happens, our actions or non-actions usually don’t reflect our true image as children of God and follower of Jesus. This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us. Fill ‘er up, please! Pastor Beth concludes the sermon series by reminding us to stay in love with God by attending to the practice of prayer as both giver and receiver.
Grace-full
October 3, 2021 • Pastor Beth Snarr • James, James 4:1–10
Even when we’re not in the 18th month of a pandemic, it’s easy to use all the “gas in our tanks” without stopping to fill up. When that happens, our actions or non-actions usually don’t reflect our true image as children of God and follower of Jesus. This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us. Fill ‘er up, please! Pastor Beth discusses doing good by embracing humility. Verse 6 of James 4 reminds us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Care-full
September 26, 2021 • Reverend Alan Taylor • James, James 3:1–12
Even when we’re not in the 18th month of a pandemic, it’s easy to use all the “gas in our tanks” without stopping to fill up. When that happens, our actions or non-actions usually don’t reflect our true image as children of God and follower of Jesus. This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us. Fill ‘er up, please! This sermon explores doing no harm by choosing what comes out of your mouth carefully using James 3 where verse 5 says “How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire.”
Faith-full
September 19, 2021 • Pastor Beth Snarr • James, James 2:14–26
Even when we’re not in the 18th month of a pandemic, it’s easy to use all the “gas in our tanks” without stopping to fill up. When that happens, our actions or non-actions usually don’t reflect our true image as children of God and follower of Jesus. This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us. Fill ‘er up, please! A full picture of faith includes actions which is at the foundation of who we are as United Methodists. Simply stated by UMC Bishop, Reuben Job, John Wesley’s three general rules for Methodist societies are as follows: “Do no harm, do good and stay in love with God.” In addition, the Apostle Paul describes in Galatians 5:6; 22-23 the nature and outcome of discipleship. The nature is “faith working by love” and the outcome is holiness of heart and life.
Purpose-full
September 12, 2021 • Pastor Beth Snarr • James 1:17–27, James 1:1, James
Even when we’re not in the 18th month of a pandemic, it’s easy to use all the “gas in our tanks” without stopping to fill up. When that happens, our actions or non-actions usually don’t reflect our true image as children of God and follower of Jesus. This walk through the book of James as well as the three “simple rules” of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, will remind us who we are and what we are called do, not by our own strength, but by faith in Christ who lives in us. Fill ‘er up, please! Our purpose statement is, “We exist in the heart of downtown Gainesville to share Christ’s love with open hearts, open minds and open doors.” Pastor Beth starts the sermon series during the weekend when we remember the 20th anniversary of the horrific events of September 11th and reminds us that we are called and committed to being bearers of more love in our community and our world that needs it so much.