January 5, 2025 • Pastor Brandon • Matthew 12:46–50
In this passage, Jesus redefines the concept of family. While He is speaking to a crowd, His mother and brothers arrive, asking to speak with Him. Instead of immediately responding to their call, Jesus uses the moment to teach a profound truth: those who do the will of His Father in heaven are His true family. This declaration emphasizes the spiritual bond between believers and the importance of obedience to God’s will over earthly ties.
Dec 29, 2024 - 8:00am - Why Were You Searching for Me?
December 29, 2024 • Pastor Stuart • Luke 2:41–52
In this story, we see a glimpse of Jesus' early awareness of His unique relationship with God. After being separated from His parents during a trip to Jerusalem, Jesus is found in the temple, engaging with teachers and demonstrating profound understanding. His response to Mary and Joseph reveals His deep sense of mission: being in His Father’s house. The passage ends by affirming Jesus' growth in wisdom and grace, setting the stage for His future ministry.
Dec 22, 2024 - 8:00am - Love without Boundaries
December 22, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • John 1:35–42
John the Baptist directs his disciples to Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. Two disciples seek out Jesus and are profoundly impacted by their time with Him. Andrew, eager to share this discovery, introduces his brother Simon to Jesus, who renames him Peter, foreshadowing his significant role in the early church.
Dec 15, 2024 - 8:00am - Joy in Unity
December 15, 2024 • Pastor Stuart • Philippians 4:4–7
Paul offers a powerful reminder to find joy in God regardless of circumstances. Instead of worrying, he encourages believers to turn to God with gratitude and prayer. In doing so, they will experience a deep and unshakable peace that protects their inner well-being and keeps them grounded in Christ.
Dec 8, 2024 - 8:00am - Peace through Understanding
December 8, 2024 • Pastor Stuart • Luke 1:68–79, Luke 3:4–6
Zechariah celebrates God’s plan of salvation through the coming savior, emphasizing mercy, redemption, and peace for His people. Later, John the Baptist fulfills prophecy by preparing hearts for the Lord, urging repentance, and proclaiming the universal reach of God's salvation for all people.
Dec 1, 2024 - 8:00am - Hope in Action
December 1, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Jeremiah 33:14–16
God reminds His people of His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises. He foresees a time when a just and righteous leader will emerge, rooted in David's lineage.
Nov 24, 2024 - 8:00am - Christ our Lord
November 24, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Isaiah 6:1–8
Isaiah recounts a profound moment where he encountered God's overwhelming glory. In this vision, he is struck by his own imperfection but experiences cleansing and renewal through God's grace. When God seeks someone to carry His message to others, Isaiah steps forward, willing to serve despite his earlier fears and feelings of inadequacy.
Nov 17, 2024 - 8:00am - Peter
November 17, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Galatians 2:11–14
Paul describes a scene where he had to challenge a fellow leader about being true to their shared values. Even though Peter was happy to interact freely with believers from different backgrounds, he started to distance himself from them when others might judge him for it.
Nov 10, 2024 - 8:00am - Hezekiah
November 10, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • 2 Kings 20:12–19
2 Kings 20:12-19 describes an encounter between King Hezekiah of Judah and envoys from Babylon. After recovering from a serious illness, Hezekiah receives messengers from Babylonian King Merodach-Baladan. Proud of his wealth and achievements, Hezekiah shows them all the treasures and resources of his kingdom. Following their departure, the prophet Isaiah confronts Hezekiah, asking what he had shown the envoys. Isaiah then delivers a grave prophecy:
Nov 3, 2024 - 8:00am - Moses
November 3, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Numbers 20:1–13
In Numbers 20:1-13, the Israelites again face a lack of water at Kadesh, leading them to grumble against Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to produce water, but in a moment of frustration, Moses strikes the rock instead. While God still provides water, He reprimands Moses and Aaron for failing to uphold His holiness before the people. Due to this act of disobedience, they are barred from entering the Promised Land. This passage teaches that even leaders are accountable to God's instructions and highlights the importance of obedience and faith under pressure.
Oct 27, 2024 - 8:00am - Abraham
October 27, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Genesis 21:1–7
In Genesis 21:1-7, the long-awaited promise to Abraham and Sarah is fulfilled with the birth of their son, Isaac. Despite Sarah's old age, God’s word proves true, and Isaac is born, bringing great joy and laughter to his parents. Sarah reflects on the miracle, acknowledging that only God could have made it possible for her to have a child. This passage celebrates God’s power to bring life and joy, showing that His promises are reliable, even when the situation appears impossible.
Oct 20, 2024 - 8:00am - One Body with Many Members
October 20, 2024 • Lakeview Members • 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul teaches that the church is like a body, made up of many different parts, each with a specific role. Just as every part of the human body is necessary for it to function properly, every member of the church is important, regardless of their background or spiritual gifts. Paul stresses that no one part can say it doesn't belong, nor can any part say it doesn't need the others. This passage calls for unity and mutual respect among believers, showing that every person has a vital role to play in the body of Christ.
Oct 13, 2024 -8:00am - Gifts
October 13, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul highlights the importance of giving with a generous and willing heart. He uses the analogy of sowing and reaping, reminding believers that the measure of their giving will reflect the measure of their blessing. God loves when people give cheerfully, without reluctance or obligation. Additionally, Paul assures them that God will provide for their needs in abundance, enabling them to be generous on every occasion. This passage encourages a spirit of generosity rooted in trust that God will always supply more than enough for those who give with open hearts.
October 6, 2024 - 8:00am - Faithful to the UMC
October 6, 2024 • Pastor Brandon • Colossians 1:15–20
Colossians 1:15-20 celebrates the preeminence of Christ, declaring Him as the visible image of the invisible God and the authority over all creation. Everything in heaven and on earth was created through and for Him, and He sustains all things by His power. The passage emphasizes Christ’s headship over the church and His victory over death, ensuring His supremacy in everything. It further reveals that God’s fullness dwells in Christ and that through His sacrifice on the cross, God brought peace, reconciling all creation back to Himself.
