Grenola UMC Sermons

When the crowds questioned Him, Jesus declared, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” His words point us to the gift of eternal life found only in Him. The prophets spoke of both judgment and restoration, and Jesus Himself warned of days of trial—yet God’s promise is sure: in Christ, we are nourished with hope that does not fade. J...

Jesus told His hearers, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” From Isaiah’s prophecies of the Servant who would suffer and the Child who would reign, to His own words about judgment and redemption, all of Scripture points to Christ. These passages remind us that the Bible is not just a record of history, but a living witne...

When the crowd was hungry, Jesus took what little was offered and multiplied it until all were satisfied. His compassion reveals the heart of God, who not only meets physical needs but gives the true bread of life. As Isaiah calls us to share with the hungry and John reminds us, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” we see that Christ Himself is the provision we need most. J...

Jesus taught that the wise builder is the one who hears His words and does them, laying a foundation on the rock that cannot be shaken. Paul reminds us to be rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith, and made alive together with Him. These passages call us to anchor our lives not in shifting sands, but in the unshakable truth of the gospel. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how Christ...

When Jesus sent out the twelve, He called them to travel light, to preach, and to heal in His name. Their mission was not rooted in their own strength, but in the power and authority of Christ. Paul reminds us to set our minds on things above, to put on the new self, and to be strengthened through the Spirit in the inner man. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the mission of the disciples points u...

When a storm threatened to overwhelm the disciples, Jesus rose and rebuked the wind, saying, “Peace, be still!” His authority over creation reveals that true security is found in Him alone. Isaiah calls us to fear the Lord above all else, and Paul reminds us that the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the presence of Jesus brings calm in the mids...

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a seed that grows in ways unseen, yet bears a harvest in due time. Later, He reminded His disciples, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” These passages remind us that God’s work is both mysterious and powerful—quietly growing within us and giving life that endures. Join us as...

When accused of working by the power of Satan, Jesus answered plainly: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” His words reveal both the futility of evil and the strength of God’s kingdom, united in truth and love. In this passage, we are reminded that life apart from Christ leads only to division, but in Him we find forgiveness, belonging, and purpose. Join us as Past...

When the Pharisees challenged Jesus over the Sabbath, He reminded them that “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” His authority brings freedom, not burden, and points us to the rest found in Him. Paul reminds us that God’s light shines in our hearts through Christ, and that even creation groans for the day of redemption. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how the Lord of the Sabbath brings res...

Jesus told of a son who wandered far and wasted everything, only to be welcomed home by a father running to embrace him. This parable shows us the depth of God’s mercy—lavish, undeserved, and full of joy when the lost are found. Paired with Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness, we see both the weight of our sin and the wonder of His grace. Join us as Pastor Kenny shares how repentance opens the way t...

As Jesus spoke of the temple’s fall and the signs of His coming, He warned His disciples not to be deceived by appearances or distracted by fear. Ezekiel had long ago promised that God would restore His people, giving them a new heart and a new spirit. Paul later reminded the Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, urging them to stay awake and sober. Together,...

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed—not only for His disciples, but for all who would believe through their word. He asked the Father to keep them in His name, to sanctify them in truth, and to make them one as He and the Father are one. Earlier, He had promised the coming of the Helper, the Spirit of truth, who would guide them into all truth and glorif...

Jesus declared, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” To abide in Him is to draw life from His love, and to bear fruit that reflects His Spirit. Paul reminds us what that fruit looks like—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control. And he calls us to carry one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. Together, these passage...

Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Unlike a hired hand who runs when danger comes, the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name and lays down His life for them. In this passage, we see the depth of Christ’s love and the security of belonging to Him. His voice calls us out of fear and into trust, reminding us that true life is found in His care an...

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In the midst of their ordinary work, He filled their nets and invited them to breakfast on the shore. There, He restored Peter with a simple but profound call: “Follow Me.” This passage reminds us that discipleship is not about past failures or future plans, but about daily faithfulness to Christ. He meets us where we a...

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked in sorrow, unable to recognize the risen Christ beside them. As He opened the Scriptures and broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and their hearts burned within them. What began as despair turned into joy, for the One they thought was lost was alive and present. This passage reminds us that Jesus Himself is our life—meeting us in our confusion,...

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. What seemed like loss gave way to the greatest victory—Jesus had risen, just as He said. In His resurrection, the true meaning of Passover is fulfilled: the Lamb who was slain has conquered death, and through Him we are set free. This passage reminds us that hope is not buried in the grave but alive in C...

As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a humble donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks and branches along the road, crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” In that moment, prophecy was fulfilled, and the King arrived not with armies or power, but with gentleness and peace. Yet the same voices that shouted praise would soon e...

As crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover, some Greeks came seeking Jesus, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” In response, He spoke not of earthly glory, but of the hour of His glorification through the cross: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” The triumph of Jesus was not in political power or popular acclai...

Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness so that the people might look and be healed, Jesus declared that the Son of Man must be lifted up, that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. In these verses, we hear the heart of the gospel: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The li...

When Jesus entered the temple courts and saw them filled with merchants and money changers, He drove them out, declaring, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His zeal revealed a heart wholly devoted to His Father’s will, not to self‑interest or convenience. In this moment, Jesus showed that true service to God is not about outward appearances or empty rituals, but about honoring Him...

When Jesus first spoke of His coming suffering, rejection, and death, Peter could not accept it. Yet Jesus made clear that the way of the Messiah is also the way of the disciple: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” These words remind us that following Christ is not about comfort or self‑preservation, but about surrender, sacrifice, and trust....

At the Jordan, Jesus was baptized and affirmed as the beloved Son. Immediately, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness, where He faced temptation and stood firm in obedience. Emerging in power, He began His ministry with a simple but world‑changing message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” These verses remind us that God’s Kingdom is n...

On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John—His clothes dazzling white, His glory revealed. Moses and Elijah appeared, representing the Law and the Prophets, bearing witness to the One who fulfills them both. Then the Father’s voice declared: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” In this moment, the disciples glimpsed that righteousness does not come through law‑keepin...

Jesus pointed to the fig tree as a sign: when its branches grow tender and put out leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, He told His disciples to stay alert, for no one knows the exact day or hour of His return. The call is not to predict the time, but to live faithfully in the meantime—awake, watchful, and ready. This passage reminds us that discipleship is not passive waiting bu...