FUMC Bentonville Sermon Podcast

Ezekiel 12:1-20 We are going to look at what it means to be a prophet. Elphaba will be compared to prophetic figures like Ezekiel. Difference gets attention for justice.

Ezekiel 12:1-20 We are going to look at what it means to be a prophet. Elphaba will be compared to prophetic figures like Ezekiel. Difference gets attention for justice.

John 2:1-12 Jesus turns water into wine, but it is more than just making sure everyone is having a good time. In this first miracle that Jesus performs, we see the heart of what the reign of God looks like.

Luke 3:21-22; Matthew 3:16-17 Jesus begins his public ministry with baptism in the Jordan. What does Jesus’ start to his ministry tell us about our faith beginnings?

Luke 2:25-35 Jesus’ family presents him at the Temple. Simeon responds in celebration! How do we celebrate Jesus showing up in our lives today?

Mark 6:31-44 (CEB) and Mark 8:1-9 (CEB) This Sunday, we’ll take a fresh look at two familiar stories: the feedings of the 5,000 and the 4,000 in Mark’s Gospel. While often seen as similar miracles, these two accounts—placed side by side—reveal something deeper about who Jesus is and who the Gospel is for. What if the leftovers weren’t just about abundance but about belonging? Come hear how Jesus f...

John 8: 2-11 As part of his participation in the Compelling Preaching Initiative, Pastor Ray needs to swap pulpits with another pastor, so while he heads to Goddard United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, their Senior Pastor, Rev. Chase Green joins us. 

Luke 24:28-32 and Genesis 14:1-8 These stories both have surprise guests who make an appearance. Luckily, both the people walking to Emmaus and Abraham were all ready for just such an event. Are we?

Acts 10:9-35 On this Fathers’ Day weekend, what better way to celebrate than looking at this passage that is arguably the foundation for the best BBQ ever! Especially because neighbors can now truly eat beside one another.

Acts 2:1-11 Pentecost empowers everyone to hear the Good News. How well do we do at making space for all of those voices to praise God together? As we open the doors to another service, let’s recommit ourselves to affirming that All Are Welcome.

Philippians 2: 1-16 Philippians is a letter about joy! Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for the gospel, and the secret to being content in any situation. We know from the letter that the Philippians were facing a lot of hardship (and Paul wasn’t exactly living the high life himself). Paul is telling the Philippians to “hold fast and shine,” no matter...

Exodus 2:23-25; Genesis 35:1-8 This Sunday marks one year from the tornado, but it is also Memorial Day weekend. Both invite us to reflection on what it means to remember and honor the past, and move forward at the same time.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Psalm 1: 1-3 Think of a woman in your life who has been strong for you - a woman who has been your strong tower when you were weak. A woman who has cared for you physically or spiritually. Susanna Wesley was that for Charles and John Wesley. She was a spiritual leader and confidant for John late into his ministry. In many ways, Susanna was not only the mother of Charles and John but the mother of...

Proverbs 3:1-12 Sometimes we think we know where our life is headed. Sometimes life has other ideas. God has a vision for us in the midst of all that we are going through. Philip Mills shares his story of that experience.

John 12:23-28 On the other side of Easter, we will look at how things that look like death actually give rise to new life. This sermon will also include an update on the State of the Church, as we are in a season of tremendous growth and loss at the same time, and we will explore what it means to be Resurrection people in just such a season.

Luke 24:36-53 God took our worst disaster and turned it into our greatest hope. Not only did the disaster have no power; the mitigation of the resurrection transformed our world into something so much better – a life where we are saved by and can follow Jesus Christ!

Luke 23:13-25, 44-46 On this Palm Sunday, we often kick off our service with the celebration of the people shouting Hosanna. But shortly after that, many of those same people will be shouting “Crucify him! Crucify him!” That thunderous crowd calling down judgment on Jesus is the true storm of disaster. The crucifixion that follows is the destruction it unleashes. Everything is disrupted now.

Luke 13:10-17; 18:1-8 Recovery can be very long. It can take years or decades in some cases. Often, the most vulnerable among us suffer the longest. In the story of the bent over woman, we see a woman finally recovered after 18 years. In the story of the persistent widow, she keeps screaming at injustice until she sees an end. Recovery requires persistence and constant and inclusive attention.

Luke 10:25-37 When disaster hits, it is time to ignore those divisions among us and help our neighbors, beyond barriers and whatever the cost. The Good Samaritan models for us how to do that beautifully.

Luke 6:27-38 Some disasters are difficult to avert, but we can take away some of the destruction by practicing and learning how to recover in advance of that disaster. For a life of faith, practicing love of all (including our enemies), generosity, all the things recounted in this description of the children of God helps us navigate life when things do get tough, much like a tornado preparedness k...

Luke 6:46-49 Some disasters never happen because we do the work in advance to stop them. Build your house on solid ground and watch it withstand the coming flood. Faith helps us reframe what could have been a disaster into a moment of strength and endurance.

Luke 4:1-13 The temptation in Luke involves the Devil trying to mislead Jesus into different (ultimately disastrous) possibilities. Jesus is prepared to keep the Devil at bay. But the passage also ends with these ominous words: “After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.” Disaster may have been averted for now, but it is coming.

Exodus 1:15-20 The story of Shiphrah and Puah show two women who were willing to do what God wants instead of what Pharaoh wants. As a result, the Israelites multiply and become stronger. What does God ask of us? To bring 10% of what we have to him. Imagine if we all actually did that? We would not have any issues of funding in our church. None. But while we work to that point, imagine if just 2 o...

Exodus 1:15-20 The story of Shiphrah and Puah shows two women who were willing to do what God wants instead of what Pharaoh wants. As a result, the Israelites multiply and become stronger. What does God ask of us? To bring 10% of what we have to him. Imagine if we all actually did that? We would not have any issues of funding in our church. None. But while we work to that point, imagine if just 2...