Discernment

Reading the World Around You

September 29, 2024 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Luke 21:8–19

In this message, we explore how life’s circumstances and current events can reveal God’s will. When we stay close to Jesus, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to spiritual truth and leads us beyond the rush of clock time into kairos—a deeper sense of time that is pregnant with possibilities. Learn how to read the world around you, discern where God is already at work, and discover how you can partner with God in life-changing moments.

Pay Attention to the People On Your Path

September 22, 2024 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Hebrews 13:1–2, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Who are the people that have helped you get where you are today? People who gave you wise advice or helped you see things in a different light? Looking back we often realize that God was speaking through these people to guide our steps.

Reading Our Way Forward

September 15, 2024 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Proverbs 15:22

When was the last time you read a good book? Are there any books that have changed your life? In this message, we continue the series, “Discernment," looking at how God speaks not only through the Bible but also spiritual writings. Pastor Mark shares some of the books that shaped his faith and changed his life.

Discerning the Spirits Within

September 8, 2024 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • 1 John 4:1, Galatians 5:13–25

In this second message from the "Discernment" series, we explore the challenge of distinguishing truth from falsehood in a world filled with conflicting voices, both externally and within ourselves. Using 1 John 4:1 and Galatians 5:13-25, the sermon emphasizes the importance of testing the spirits, discerning between good and evil, and recognizing how the Holy Spirit guides us toward love, peace, and unity. As we learn to identify the impulses of the flesh that lead to division and self-deception, we are reminded of our need for spiritual community, humility, and daily alignment with God's will.

Listening to God in Solitude and Community

September 1, 2024 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Mark 10:46–52, Colossians 1:9–10, Hebrews 11:1, John 3:3, Hebrews 10:24–25

Do you sometimes struggle to make hard decisions? In this message, we explore the process of discerning God's will in our lives. Grounded in scriptures from Colossians 1:9-11 and Hebrews 11:1, the sermon emphasizes the importance of both solitude and community in hearing God's voice. By practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on scripture, and engaging in authentic relationships with fellow believers, we can cultivate the spiritual senses needed to discern God's guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty and risk.

First UMC of Cocoa Beach

Listening to the Voice of God