First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

Join us this week as we delve into "Not In It To Win It," examining how fear can distort our intentions and principles, especially during election season. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7 we'll explore how Christ calls us to transcend the fear-based narratives that often dominate politics. In its place we'll discover how Christians can embrace the gift of the spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Disco...

In this sermon, "Not In It to Win It: Don’t Substitute Politics for Religion," we explore how partisanship can misplace our devotion away from faith. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians and the example of Paul, we learn to prioritize spiritual mission over political allegiances. With upcoming elections, we're reminded that our true allegiance is to Jesus, who transcends political divides. Empha...

Discover what it truly means to "follow your passion" as we dive into the depths of commitment and suffering for love, drawing wisdom from Philippians 3:10-11. Explore the real-life struggles of extraordinary individuals and uncover how true fulfillment in Christ involves both resurrection and suffering. Join us this Sunday to redefine passion and rekindle a deeper, unwavering love for Jesus.

Join us this Sunday as we delve into Acts 6:1-7 and uncover the powerful lesson that even the first followers of Jesus needed help to fulfill God's mission. Discover how recognizing our unique gifts and seeking support from our community can lead to extraordinary ministry and personal growth. Come be inspired to embrace humility, courage, and the strength of togetherness in your faith journey.

Discover how to reignite your passion for life and uncover the unique gifts God has placed in you! Join us this Sunday as Janna Thomason delves into how we can experience deeper meaning and joy through the activities that bring us true fulfillment. Learn about the Waypoint Matrix, the importance of hobbies, and how embracing our God-given talents can transform our lives and draw us closer to Him....

Pastor Adam explores the challenges of waiting and enduring in our pursuit of God's purpose, using Colossians 1:9-12 as a guide. Discover how patience and endurance, even in tasks we don't like, can bring us closer to God's joy and calling for our lives. Remember, the joy God has in store is worth the wait!

Join us this Sunday we start a new series: "Waypoint." In this week's message titled "God's Gifts, Your Call," we explore Romans 12:6-8. Discover how God's unique gifts to you can guide your life's purpose. Whether you're seeking, rekindling, or fully living out your calling, this message will inspire and equip you to embrace and deploy your God-given talents in service to others. Don't miss this...

You've heard of being "midwest nice" right? What if Jesus shows us a better way? He said: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Meekness shouldn't be confused with weakness; it's strength under control. It's the balance between rage and passivity, the courage to pause before reacting. True meekness, like Jesus and Moses showed, comes from God's strength within us. This Sunday w...

This Sunday we'll explore Psalm 37:4 and the transformative power of delighting in the Lord. In a world captivated by stories of transformation, we’ll discuss how our heart’s desires shape our lives and how aligning those desires with God’s will can lead us towards a fulfilling spiritual journey. Learn about our vision as a church to be a community of unlikely friends following Jesus together, and...

If someone asked you what the most important thing about you was, how would you respond? The answer may surprise you. As we celebrate back to school Sunday we'll be praying for a successful year for students, teachers, and staff and we'll look at how we ALL are a piece of God's puzzle.

In this week's concluding message of the "For Heaven’s Sake" series, we tackle some of the most common and intriguing questions about heaven with a Q & R format. Diving into biblical perspectives, we explore topics ranging from animal life in heaven to the nature of eternal joy and the fate of those who do not believe. With insights from various theological views and an emphasis on the three R...

When we close our eyes and envision heaven, what images come to mind? Fluffy clouds, rays of light, or perhaps angels with harps? Our perceptions of the afterlife are often shaped by our primary experiences, cultural influences, and even popular Christian media. But what if our common understanding of heaven is incomplete? Let's embark on a journey through Scripture to explore a perspective o...

In this Sunday's sermon, we'll tackle "the question of destiny," addressing what happens after we die and where we get our information about heaven. We'll examine the Bible as our primary source and the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of our hope. Though scripture may not answer every question, it provides the essential hope we need. Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration i...

Most of us have gotten lost at one time or another. Maybe we're too stubborn to use a GPS or ask someone for help. Sometimes being labeled lost is perceived as negative but what if it is less of a label and more a statement of fact? In Jesus' time he clashed with a group of religious leaders often around one issue: how to respond to "the lost." In Luke 15 he responds with three different stories t...

We all face temptations daily – from anxiety to procrastination, from overeating to social media addiction. We're not alone in this struggle. Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. The Lord's Prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" reminds us that God is our greatest protector and rescuer. When evil lurks, inside or out, call on Him. He's always there, ready to guide us...

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Forgiveness is a daily necessity, like bread for our souls. It's not about forgetting but releasing resentment. Holding grudges hurts us more than those who wronged us. God's grace empowers us to forgive beyond human limits. Forgiveness brings healing, restoration, and spiritual growth.

"Give us this day our daily bread." This simple prayer holds a profound truth: We're all in this together. When we pray this, we don't just pray for "my" bread, but for "our" bread. When we have more than enough, we're called to be the answer to someone else's prayer. In a world of plenty, we're asked to create a community where everyone has enough. That's how we build God's kingdom on earth.

We pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," in the Lord's Prayer. God’s Kingdom isn’t a distant place but His reign, values, and presence in our lives right now. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21). It’s about living out God’s love, justice, and peace here and now. We’re called to reflect these values in our lives, making God’s Kingdom a...

This message talks about the opening lines of the Lord's Prayer, 'Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.' We learn that addressing God as 'Our Father' emphasizes our interconnectedness as God's children, transcending differences and reminding us to pray with a sense of community. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God's fatherly love, which surpasses the limitat...

Today's message reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life's journey, filled with joys, sorrows, and uncertainties. However, we can find comfort and strength in the unwavering love and presence of God. The scriptures from Deuteronomy 31:6 and Romans 8:38-39 assure us that God will never leave or forsake us, and that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. We are excited fo...

The sermon explored the story of Gideon from the Book of Judges, illustrating how God can use even the weakest and most powerless among us to accomplish His great purposes. Despite Gideon's doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God called him a "mighty warrior" and promised to be with him always. It's a reminder that our strength doesn't come from ourselves, but from trusting in a God who has our bac...

Today's message explores the greatness and goodness of God in the face of life's challenges and the existence of evil. We are reminded that God's power and love are often revealed through nature, like the rare northern lights, but also in the everyday joys and growth of our loved ones. However, when faced with suffering and injustice, we may question how a great and good God could allow such thing...

On Sunday we'll turn to Jesus for shedding the weight of worry and stepping into a life defined by faith and freedom from anxiety. The relentless pursuit of perfection often steers us away from authentic security and self-worth, pushing us to seek validation in all the wrong places. Almost everyone has experienced the universal battle with anxiety, a theme that echoes through the experie...

Join in on a stirring journey as we unravel the complex web of traits and teachings handed down through generations, captured in the John Mayer song "In the Blood." We'll share a heartfelt tribute to Sandra, whose legacy of servant leadership and compassion continues to inspire long after her mentorship ended. This conversation is a Biblical examination of inheritance, how it shapes us and the cho...

This week we tackle the dynamic and sometimes contentious early days of the Christian church, focusing on the landmark debate of Acts 15, where early leaders grappled with whether Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish laws. Discover how Peter and James championed grace over legalistic tradition, paving the way for a faith that knows no borders. We'll celebrate the spirit of generosity exemplifi...