Grenola UMC Sermons

Jesus told a story of a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son, only to have the invited guests refuse to come. Their rejection opened the door for others—both unexpected and unworthy in the world’s eyes—to be gathered in. Yet even among those who entered, one was found without the proper garment, reminding us that God’s invitation is free, but it calls for a true response of faith and tr...

The disciples’ sorrow turned to joy as they realized they had been walking with the risen Christ. No longer weighed down, they hurried back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the others. His‑story became their story, and their witness became part of the Church’s story through the ages. Join us as Pastor Kenny concludes this series, reminding us that encountering Jesus always leads to mission...

As the disciples walked with the stranger on the road, their hearts burned while He opened the Scriptures to them. But it was only at the table, in the breaking of the bread, that their eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Lord. This moment reminds us that Christ is revealed not only in the Word but also in fellowship and worship. Join us as Pastor Kenny continues the His‑Story series, s...

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked in sorrow, unable to see that the risen Christ was beside them. As He opened the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn within them, and they realized that all of history pointed to Him. This passage reminds us that the story of redemption is not scattered or random—it is God’s story, fulfilled in Jesus. To read the Bible is to discover His presence on e...

When Peter asked how many times he must forgive, Jesus answered with a parable that stretched forgiveness beyond counting. A servant forgiven an unpayable debt refused to show mercy to another, and his hardness of heart brought judgment upon himself. The story reminds us that God’s grace toward us is immeasurable, and those who have received such mercy are called to extend it freely. Forgiveness i...

On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John—His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, and the disciples fell to the ground in awe and fear. Yet as they descended, their hearts were filled with questions: about Elijah, about suffering, about what all of this could mean. The Transfiguration reminds us that faith is not th...

From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that the path to glory would lead through suffering, rejection, and the cross. Peter resisted, unable to imagine that God’s plan could involve such loss. Yet Jesus made clear that salvation comes not through human strength but through His sacrifice, and that following Him means denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and trusting His way above o...

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” it was more than a question—it was a turning point. Some said He was a prophet, others compared Him to John the Baptist or Elijah. But Peter confessed the truth revealed by the Father: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession became the rock on which Christ would build His Church, a foundation that still holds firm...

Under the cover of night, Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions that reached beyond religion into the mystery of new birth. Jesus spoke of being born of water and the Spirit, of a life that cannot be earned but must be received. Then came the words that have echoed through centuries: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eve...

When the crowds pressed in with hunger, Jesus took five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and fed thousands with more left over than when He began. Later that same night, He came to His disciples walking on the water, calming their fear and lifting Peter when his faith faltered. These moments reveal the heart of the gospel: our God is able—able to provide, able to sustain, able to save. In every...

As the crowd struggled to understand the voice from heaven, Jesus declared that the hour of His glorification had come. The cross would be the place where the ruler of this world is cast out and where the Son of Man is lifted up to draw all people to Himself. In the midst of confusion and unbelief, He urged His hearers to walk while they had the light, lest darkness overtake them. To believe in Hi...

When the Pharisees challenged Jesus about tradition, He turned their attention to the heart. It is not what goes into a person that defiles, but what comes out—from words, motives, and actions shaped by the heart. In exposing empty ritual, Jesus warned that leaders without true understanding are like the blind leading the blind, and both will fall. His teaching calls us to examine where we place o...

As Jesus sat by the sea and taught the crowds, He told a story of seed scattered on different kinds of soil. Some was snatched away, some withered, some was choked, and some bore an abundant harvest. In His explanation, Jesus revealed that the seed is the Word of God, and the soil is the condition of the heart. This parable is both a warning and a promise: the Word will not take root where hearts...

Jesus compared His generation to children who would not dance or mourn, always dissatisfied no matter what was offered. Yet in the same breath, He turned to the Father in prayer, rejoicing that His truth is revealed not to the proud but to the humble. And then came His invitation: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” In a restless world, these words remind us...

After sending His disciples into the harvest field, Jesus prepared them with words of both warning and encouragement. He reminded them that a servant is not above his master, that opposition would come, and that following Him would require courage and sacrifice. Yet He also assured them of the Father’s care—that every sparrow is noticed, every hair is counted, and every disciple is precious in His...

As Jesus traveled through towns and villages, He was moved with compassion for the crowds—harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He declared that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, and then He sent His disciples out with authority to heal, proclaim, and serve. This passage reminds us that the mission of God is not limited to the first disciples but continues through...

On the mountain in Galilee, the risen Christ gave His disciples the Great Commission—to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize, and teach all that He commanded. At the heart of His command is a call to see and serve “the least of these,” to carry the good news beyond comfort and familiarity, and to embody His love in both word and deed. The authority of Jesus sends us, and the presence of Jesu...

As many began to believe in Him, Jesus declared that true discipleship is marked by abiding in His Word. It is there that we come to know the truth—and the truth sets us free. Yet freedom in Christ is not always welcomed; those who heard Him resisted, clinging to their heritage rather than receiving His life. This passage reminds us that real freedom is not found in status, tradition, or self‑reli...

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed—not only for Himself, but for His disciples and for all who would believe through their witness. He prayed for glory that would reveal the Father, for protection from the evil one, and for unity rooted in truth. In these verses we glimpse the heart of Christ as our intercessor, the One who stands before the Father on b...

On the night before His death, Jesus comforted His disciples with a promise: though He would soon depart, they would not be left alone. The Father would send another Helper—the Spirit of truth—to dwell with them and within them. This gift is not only for the first disciples but for all who love Christ and keep His commands. The Spirit assures us of God’s presence, empowers us to live faithfully, a...

Jesus calls His disciples to remain in Him as branches remain in the vine. Apart from Him, we can do nothing; but in Him, our lives bear fruit that lasts. Abiding is not a momentary choice but a daily posture of trust, surrender, and dependence on His life flowing through us. In a world that pulls us in many directions, Christ invites us to stay rooted in His love and strength. Join us as Pastor K...

Jesus healed a man born blind, opening not only his eyes but also the eyes of faith for all who would believe. Yet this miracle stirred division—some saw the work of God, while others hardened their hearts. In the midst of confusion and opposition, Jesus revealed Himself as the Good Shepherd, the One who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them into life. His voice brings clarity where...

When the risen Christ appeared to His disciples, fear gave way to peace, and doubt was met with mercy. Thomas longed for proof, yet Jesus offered him more than evidence—He offered Himself. And then came the blessing that reaches across the centuries: those who have not seen and yet believe are called blessed. Faith is not built on sight alone, but on the living Word, the witness of the Spirit, and...

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked in sorrow, unable to recognize the risen Christ walking beside them. Yet as He opened the Scriptures and broke bread with them, their eyes were opened and their hearts burned within them. This story is more than a moment in history—it is a reminder that Christ still draws near to the weary, the doubtful, and the searching, revealing Himself in Word and t...

Before dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb in grief—only to discover that the stone had been rolled away. What began in sorrow turned to astonishment and joy as she encountered the risen Lord. The resurrection is not only the turning point of history but the foundation of our faith: death has been defeated, and life has triumphed in Christ. The empty tomb proclaims t...