Grenola UMC Sermons

When Jesus declared the Scriptures fulfilled in His hometown, the crowd’s amazement quickly turned to anger. The prophets before Him had faced the same rejection—Elijah sent to a widow in Zarephath, Elisha healing a foreign commander—signs that God’s mercy reaches beyond boundaries. Yet rejection did not stop the mission of Christ; He continued teaching, healing, and sending His disciples into the...

When Jesus stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah, He declared that the long‑awaited promise had come true in Him. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to bring good news, freedom, and healing. From the Sermon on the Mount to His promise of the Spirit, Scripture shows us that God’s Word is not distant history but living truth, fulfilled in Christ and still shaping our lives today. Join us as P...

Throughout Scripture, God appoints watchmen—those called to stand alert, to speak His truth, and to warn His people. John the Baptist bore witness to Christ, the prophets cried out for faithfulness, and the apostles proclaimed Jesus as Lord over all. The role of the watchman is not about fear, but about faithfulness: pointing to the One who reigns, declaring His purposes, and urging hearts to turn...

When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, His strength was not in clever arguments or human willpower, but in the Word of God: “It is written.” That same Word speaks into our fears, our worries, and our struggles today. From the call to trust God’s provision, to the Spirit’s assurance that we are His children, Scripture reminds us that victory and peace are found in Christ alone. Join us as P...

The coming of Christ marks the dawn of something entirely new. Simeon’s song in the temple rejoices that God’s salvation has arrived, while John declares that the eternal Word has become flesh and dwelt among us. Through Jesus, grace overflows where sin once reigned, and we are clothed with compassion, kindness, and love as His people. Scripture reminds us that in Christ, every day is a new beginn...

On a night long ago, in a quiet town and a humble manger, the promise of the prophets was fulfilled. A child was born—Immanuel, God with us—the light shining in the darkness. Isaiah spoke of His name, Micah foretold His birthplace, and Luke tells the story of shepherds who heard the angel’s song of peace and joy. The birth of Christ is not just history; it is the good news that God has come near t...

At the heart of Advent is love—the love of God who came near in Christ. Mary’s song overflows with joy at the promise fulfilled, while the prophets point to the child who would be born in Bethlehem, Immanuel, God with us. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Christ came to do the Father’s will, offering Himself once for all. And Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians show us that without love, every gift...

Advent joy is not shallow cheerfulness—it is the deep gladness that comes from knowing God’s salvation is near. John the Baptist’s call to repentance prepared the way for hearts to rejoice in the coming Messiah. The psalms remind us that even in sorrow, we can trust God’s steadfast love, while Paul urges believers to rejoice always, anchored in the peace of Christ. True joy is found in hearing the...

Zechariah’s song overflows with praise for the God who keeps His promises, sending the One who would guide our feet into the way of peace. This peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and light breaking into the darkness. In Christ, the dawn has come, and His peace reaches into every corner of our lives and our world. Join us as Pastor Kenny leads us thr...

Advent begins with hope—a hope that looks beyond fear, beyond uncertainty, and beyond the shaking of the world. Jesus spoke of signs in the heavens and nations in distress, yet He also called His followers to stand tall, for redemption is near. The psalms remind us to take courage, to remember God’s faithfulness, and to delight in His promises. Hope is not wishful thinking; it is confidence in the...

Pilate’s question to Jesus still echoes today: What is truth? In a world filled with shifting voices and deceptive spirits, Scripture points us to the unchanging Word of God and the testimony of Christ, the faithful witness. From the promises given to David to the vision of Revelation, we are reminded that truth is not an idea to debate but a Person to follow. Join us as Pastor Kenny leads us thro...

Jesus warned His disciples to watch, for many would come in His name to lead people astray. Yet He also declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” In Him we find light, life, and forgiveness, even as we wrestle with sin and weakness. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how Christ guards His flock from deception and leads us into truth a...

When the disciples argued about greatness, Jesus taught them that “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” True greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in power, but in humility and service, modeled perfectly by Christ who gave His life as a ransom for many. Paul reminds us to bear one another’s burdens and not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap. Joi...

When asked which commandment was greatest, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He later told His disciples to abide in Him, the true vine, and to remain in His love by keeping His commandments. These passages remind us that love is both the root and...

Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for mercy, and his sight was restored by faith. Later, when Jesus healed the man born blind, He declared, “I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see.” These passages remind us that Christ not only opens physical eyes but also gives spiritual sight to those who believe. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the light of Christ transforms our vision an...

When a desperate father cried out for his son’s healing, Jesus answered, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” In our weakness, faith clings to Christ, who alone has the power to save and restore. Paul reminds us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God, standing firm through prayer and trust. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how God’s power meets us...

A Roman centurion amazed Jesus by trusting His word alone, saying he was unworthy for the Lord to enter his house. Scripture reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him,” and that true faith holds fast with confidence and endurance. In Christ we see the Father revealed, and by the Spirit we are called to walk in love and freedom. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the centurion’s...

Jesus taught that the wise builder is the one who hears His words and does them, laying a foundation that cannot be shaken. He also called His followers to love their enemies, give generously, and live with mercy—practices that reveal lives rooted in Him. Paul reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” and that the Spirit intercedes for us according to G...

Jesus urged His disciples, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” The prophets spoke of a day when the Lord will stand upon the Mount of Olives, when nations will tremble, and when the proud will be brought low. Paul reminds us that we are not of the night but of the day, called to be sober and watchful in hope. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how living with watchfulnes...

Jesus called His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, warning that “whoever is ashamed of Me and My words… the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father.” Paul declared the gospel to be the power of God for salvation, even when the cross seemed like foolishness to the world. These passages remind us that faith in Christ is bold, rooted in His sacrifice...

At just twelve years old, Jesus told His parents, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” From His teaching in the synagogue to His works of healing, every moment of His life revealed the mission given by the Father. In His prayer before the cross, He declared that His work was to glorify the Father and give eternal life to those who believe. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares ho...

When the disciples wanted to call down fire on those who rejected Him, Jesus rebuked them, saying He came not to destroy lives but to save them. From the synagogue in Nazareth, He declared the Spirit’s anointing to bring good news, healing, and freedom—fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of God’s servant who brings light and restoration. These passages remind us that Christ’s mission is marked by mercy, no...

Jesus rejoiced that the Father reveals His truth to the humble and promised rest to all who come to Him. He assured His disciples that when they gather in His name, their prayers carry the authority of heaven. Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how prayer anchors our lives in God’s presen...

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” To know Him is to see the Father, and to remain in His love is to bear lasting fruit. These passages remind us that truth is not just an idea but a Person—Christ Himself—who calls us into freedom, love, and obedience. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how abiding in Jes...

When many struggled to accept His teaching, Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.” He promised the Helper, the Spirit of truth, who would guide His followers and dwell with them. Paul reminds us that in Christ we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, while the apostles warn of a world resistant to God’s truth. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the Spirit brings life,...