North Raleigh United Methodist Church Podcast

I Am the Resurrection and the Life | Rev. Jen Swindell | North Raleigh UMC What did Jesus mean when He declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" ? In this message from John 11, Rev. Jen Swindell explores one of Jesus' most powerful "I Am" statements through His conversation with Martha after the death of her brother, Lazarus. Martha comes to Jesus carrying grief, disa...

The Good Shepherd: Called by Name | Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue | North Raleigh UMC What does it really mean when Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd" ? In this thoughtful message from John 9-10, Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue explores one of Jesus' most beloved "I Am" statements through the story of the man born blind. Before Jesus speaks about the Good Shepherd, He seeks out someone wh...

I AM the Gate | Rev. Kevin Johnson | John 10:1-10 Podcast Description: What did Jesus mean when he said, "I am the gate"? In this message from John 10:1-10, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores one of Jesus' lesser-known but deeply meaningful "I AM" statements. Using the story of his family's adventurous beagle, Donut, Kevin illustrates why gates matter—and how Jesus serves as...

What did Jesus mean when he declared, "I am the light of the world"? In this message from John 8:12-20, Rev. Laura Johnson explores one of Jesus' most powerful "I AM" statements, spoken during the Festival of Booths while standing beside the massive lamps that illuminated Jerusalem. Through stories of caving in complete darkness and finding her way through a foggy campgrou...

What does Jesus mean when he says, "I am the Light of the World"? In this episode of Behind the Scenes, Rev. Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to explore John 8:12-20 and the next message in our "I Am" sermon series. Together they unpack the rich symbolism behind Jesus' words, the Festival of Tabernacles, and the dramatic exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees. Why does...

I Am the Bread of Life | Rev. Kevin Johnson | North Raleigh UMC What are we really hungry for? In this message from our I Am sermon series, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores Jesus' powerful declaration in John 6:35: "I am the bread of life." As Jesus speaks to a crowd that has just witnessed the feeding of the 5,000, he invites them—and us—to look beyond physical needs and discover the de...

Trinity Sunday: Faith, Doubt, and the Mystery of God Rev. Laura Johnson | North Raleigh United Methodist Church What if doubt isn't the opposite of faith? On Trinity Sunday, Rev. Laura Johnson explores one of Christianity's most profound mysteries: the doctrine of the Trinity. Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, she examines the surprising detail that even as the disciples encountered the ris...

The day of Pentecost marked one of the most dramatic moments in Christian history when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples with unmistakable power. The disciples had been waiting together in Jerusalem, following Jesus' instructions to tarry until they received heavenly power. Their waiting wasn't passive but filled with expectation, like a family in a hospital waiting room antic...

Rev. Laura Johnson - May 17, 2026 North Raleigh UMC The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals a profound truth that transforms how we understand love and community. When a legal expert asked Jesus who his neighbor was, Jesus responded with a story that completely reframed the question. The tale of a Samaritan helping a beaten traveler wasn't just about helping those in need - it was about fun...

In this episode of the North Raleigh UMC Behind the Scenes Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to unpack one of Jesus’ most recognizable parables: the Good Samaritan. As the church concludes the sermon series I Love You, But… with the message No Ifs, Ands, or Buts , the conversation explores what it truly means to love without conditions or boundaries. Laura and Kevin dive into the...

5/10/2026 Rev. Kevin Johnson North Raleigh UMC Discover the hidden lessons in the Prodigal Son parable that reveal profound truths about God's love, grace, and our spiritual identity. This powerful biblical story explores two different struggles with divine love: feeling unworthy versus feeling overlooked. Learn why the older brother's jealousy represents a common challenge for faithful...

Forgiveness stands as one of the most difficult yet essential aspects of Christian faith. When someone has deeply wounded us, the question becomes how to love while still forgiving. Jesus established forgiveness as foundational, telling Peter to forgive not seven times but seventy times seven, demonstrating unlimited grace. Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed for his torturers' fo...

What does it really mean to forgive—especially when someone never apologizes? In this powerful episode of the North Raleigh United Methodist Church “Behind the Scenes” Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson and host Kevin Van Hall dive deep into one of the hardest questions of the Christian faith: How do I forgive someone who has truly hurt me? Exploring Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18 (the Parable of the U...

Throughout Christian history, believers have wrestled with disagreements on biblical interpretation, from women in ministry to church practices and theological positions. These differences can feel deeply personal and divisive, yet they have existed since the earliest days of the church. The challenge lies not in eliminating disagreements but in learning how to maintain unity despite our differenc...

Political polarization has reached a breaking point in our personal relationships, creating divisions between family members, friends, and potential romantic partners. We have learned to treat politics like team sports, putting on partisan jerseys that immediately categorize others as allies or enemies, leaving no room for nuance or middle ground. The apostle Peter addressed early Christians facin...

Discover the profound wisdom behind Jesus' response to one of the most challenging questions in the Bible. When religious leaders tried to trap Jesus by asking about the greatest commandment, His answer revealed life-changing truths about love, faith, and relationships that still transform lives today. Learn why loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind isn't about perfect emotions...