Sermons
Based around 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, “Living Letters” will help us to remember those Asbury members who died in the last year who have been “living letters,” communicating their message of faith and love. As they made a difference in our lives, we carry on their witness as Christ’s “living letters” today.
Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments – the list of “thou-shalt-nots” found in the Bible. Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guardrails to help us experience a good and beautiful life. Every “thou-shalt-not” points to a life-giving “thou shalt.” These ancient words were given by a loving God who longs to protect us from harm while pointing toward a deeply meaningful and joyful life.
In the 21st century, a god is anything that is the central focus in our lives. Many of our false gods are gifts from God that get misused – like money, sex, and power. Putting God first in our lives and allowing everything else to be subordinate to that puts everything right in our lives. So, what’s at the center of your life? What drives you? If it is not God, we need to refocus.
For as long as human beings have been around, we have longed to see God. We want to see, feel and touch our gods. The ancient Egyptians made idols that not only came to represent their gods, but they believe they were the essence of their gods. The second Commandment, given to the Israelites during this time, forbids the creation of idols or images to represent God.
Our personal names are important. They go hand in hand with our integrity and character. No one wants someone to steal their identity and tarnish their reputation. God feels the same way about his name. So the 3rd commandment says “Do not misuse the name of Yahweh your God.” Some of us were taught that this commandment is about profanity. But the primary lesson this commandment was teaching was about promise keeping and truth telling.
Setting a day aside each week for rest and renewal is essential to our well-being and helps us be intentional about how we use our time to live the balanced life God intends.
Even if you did not grow up in the church, you have probably heard the fifth commandment to “honor your father and your mother.” Maybe your parents referenced this commandment when you did not obey them. Although this commandment is familiar, what does it look like to honor your parents?
The sixth commandment, “do not murder,” seems straightforward at first. However, Jesus came along and broadened the meaning of this commandment; and we find that his words have implications far beyond the taking of another human life. So what does this commandment mean for us today?
In ancient Israel, the seventh commandment – “do not commit adultery”- was framed as a sin against a married man committed by his wife and another man. However, Jesus came along and broadened the meaning of this commandment and we find that it means more than sleeping with someone who is not your spouse. So what does this commandment mean for us today?
The eighth commandment, like several of the other commandments, might seem so irrelevant to us. Most of us would agree that stealing is wrong and we would never do it. But most of our images of stealing are related to shoplifting or somehow taking someone’s material possessions. But when properly understood, we have all violated the eighth commandment; and God is calling us to stop stealing.
The ninth commandment was about not bearing false witness in the courts of ancient Israel. The people of Israel were prohibited from making false accusations against one of their neighbors and fellow Israelites. Most of us reading this devotional would not go to court and make false accusations… so how does this commandment apply to us?
The tenth commandment warns us not to covet. Coveting in the Hebrew Scriptures is defined as strongly desiring something; and in the New Testament as the desire to have more constantly. We all struggle with coveting in our lives. We all want the latest stuff and what our neighbors have that we don’t have. We convince ourselves that if we just had more stuff our lives would be better. However, Jesus tells us our lives do not consist in an abundance of possessions.
Have you ever felt as if you’re on the sidelines in life? Do we notice others who are? The experience of Bartimaeus in Mark’s Gospel gives insight into our experiences and faith in Pastor Evelyn’s message this Sunday “On the Sidelines”.
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We all want to be known for something. What we really need is to be known by someone. A large church like Asbury is not going to be like ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows your name. But it is a place where someone should know your name.
“At the Movies” is a fun summer series where we show movie clips from popular films along with a message that connects those popular movies with scripture. You probably don’t usually look to movies for life lessons, but take our word for it: sit back, relax, and hear a different perspective on how films can point us toward the gospel.
The Sound of Music is a 1965 American musical drama. After its release in theaters, the critical response to the film was mixed, but it was a major commercial success, becoming the number one box office film after four weeks, and the highest-grossing film of 1965. It’s the story of a young woman named Maria, who is studying to be a nun but is sent to be a governess to seven children for a retired naval officer and widower. So where does this film point us toward scripture?
Chariots of Fire is a true story of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, who participate in the 1924 Olympics. Eric is a devoted Christian who runs for God’s glory. Harold is Jewish and he runs for acceptance in a culture that was prejudice toward people of his faith. The contrast in motives between Harold and Eric is very noticeable but you can sympathize with both men. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?
Forrest Gump is a 1994 movie based on the 1986 novel of the same name written by Winston Groom. The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, a very kindhearted man with a low IQ. The film follows several decades of his experiences in 20th century America. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?
Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 animated Disney movie based on a 1740 French fairy tale of the same name. The movie focuses on the relationship between the Beast, a prince who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a young woman who lives in a small French village. So where does this movie point us toward scripture?
When we go through a difficult season of life it can shake our faith, causing us to cry out to God. What are we to make of bad things happening to good people? In this three-week series we will explore the book of Job. When he is plunged into agony, Job, like us, is confused and angry, crying out to God in prayer. Two recurring things come out in Job’s story: Job says, “I don’t want to suffer without explanation, and I don’t want to suffer without vindication.” Join us as we learn a path through suffering from the book of Job.
No book in all of literature addresses the questions of suffering and evil with the spiritual wisdom of the book of Job. In this sermon, we will look at how the Christian approach to suffering differs from both cynical and moralistic viewpoints. Christians are called to hold onto the mystery and stay in a relationship with a God we cannot control – but whose goodness we cannot doubt when we truly grasp the Gospel.
How do you bear suffering? How do you get through the inevitable suffering that will come to you? The answer to that is comfort. In the book of Job, Job has three friends who show up and do an absolutely terrible job of comforting. Yet, even by looking at their terrible comfort, we’re going to learn something about the sources of comfort.
Job is a man who is plunged into agony, and for chapter after chapter, Job is confused and angry, crying out to God in prayer. He longs to meet with God and prays that God would show up. And God does. This is the climax of the whole book. There are three things we’re going to learn about this final climactic appearance of God before Job – the argument of God, the silences of God, and God’s wonderful, terrible storm.
Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Bill Lentz in worship. Rev. Dr. Lentz served 36 years of ordained ministry in small, medium, and large church settings, including 17 years at Wesley UMC in Bethlehem. His ministry has focused on preaching, teaching, and entrepreneurial leadership; skills that he’s continued to employ following his retirement from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2022.
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There is a famous adage that says “nothing lasts forever.” For the most part that is true, and if you have been on this earth long enough, you can give a number of examples. But there is one thing that will last forever – the Church. Just as Jesus predicted over 2000 years ago the church is still around today. But what does it mean to become part of the church?
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On the day of Pentecost, the Jesus followers in Jerusalem were filled with the Holy Spirit and they poured into the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Sometimes this seems like an ancient story that doesn’t have any relevance for 21st century believers. Just like Jesus’ first century followers, we all need help, and there is a way to get access to the same helper Jesus relied on.
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The Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith is the Pastor Emerita of St. John’s UCC, Fullerton. She has recently completed her ministry as the PNEC, United Church of Christ Sabbatical Conference Minister. She also enjoys serving as the Intentional Interim Pastor, or Church Consultant/Coach for churches in discernment. Becky and Bob Beckwith just celebrated 50 years of marriage! They are the parents of Brad (Alyssa) and Jill (George Williams). Becky is proudly known as Nona to her grandchildren, Maya, Aubrey, and Lucas.
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House flipping (purchasing a rundown house, fixing it up, and reselling it) has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The popularity of flipping shows such as HGTV’s Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop probably has something to do with it. Although many people attempt to fix up a home, very few people know how to fix a relationship that is broken. Join us for the series “Fixer Upper” to see what scripture says about fixing a broken relationship.
When it comes to repairing relationships, no one responds well to being convinced, coerced, convicted or controlled. Yet we try those approaches over and over again.
Repairing a relationship requires someone to initiate, regardless of who’s to blame for the fallout. There’s a simple prayer you can learn to help you take that first step.
It’s human nature to blame the other person for a damaged relationship. We don’t believe we contributed to the problem at all. However, reconciliation requires an honest look in the mirror.
The more mature person typically makes the first move toward reconciliation. And that first move is rarely convenient.
Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Jeff Raffauf in worship. Rev. Dr. Raffauf served for 22 years as Lead Pastor at West Lawn United Methodist Church before retiring in June 2022. He grew up in the West Lawn area and attended West Lawn UMC as a child; and following retirement, he and his wife, Cheryl, remain active in the West Lawn community.
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People ultimately weren’t convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus proclaims “The Kingdom of God is near!” But when we look around at the world today, it seems like the Kingdom of God is a long way off. So what did Jesus mean by that statement and what is our role in ushering in the kingdom? Join us as we explore the topic of the Kingdom of God in the gospel of Mark.
Many times we read the Bible for application, inspiration, or direction. However, there are times when the author wants to simply point the reader to a big idea… an idea that fits together with God’s grand story. In the gospel of Mark, he documents Peter’s experience with Jesus that led Peter to believe in one big idea: the kingdom of God is near, and everyone is invited to participate.
Jesus ignored certain religious protocols. He claimed to have authority to forgive sin. He was uncomfortably comfortable with unrepentant sinners. In this message, we hear about three encounters that showed Jesus came to reverse the order of things.
Whether it’s school, sports, or religion, when we focus only on the rules, it can be difficult to remember the overall purpose of something. Jesus reminds us that when we focus so much on the letter of the law, we may forget why the law was written in the first place.
From an early age, we learn quickly to look for loopholes in the rules. We try to figure out what we can get away with and still be okay. We tend to take this same mindset into our relationship with God, but it doesn’t work. When we opt for loopholes and workarounds, we find ourselves in a category no one wants to be in: hypocrites. Jesus calls us to move beyond loophole religion.
Fear invites us to follow the path of self-preservation. However, if we follow that path long enough, we will neither preserve nor have anything to show for our lives. The original disciples of Jesus had the same tendencies at times. On one occasion, Jesus reminded them of what it means to follow him by saying four powerful words that still apply to his followers today.
Many times, our faith deteriorates as our circumstances deteriorate. When that happens, our faith is quickly overcome by fear, and the future looks dark. The apostle Peter experienced this, and he temporarily fled his faith in Jesus.
We all have embarrassing moments we can laugh about later. There are shameful moments that we would give anything to undo. But while our pasts remind us, they don’t have to define us.
Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Sue Pizor Yoder in worship. Rev. Yoder leads Blank Slate, an emerging spiritual community in the Lehigh Valley. Previously, she served as the pastor of The Barn church.
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Most people are fans of Jesus and they like his teachings.
Very few people have anything negative to say about Him.
However, we are not just called to be fans of Jesus, we are called to be his followers.
So what does it take to be a follower and not just a fan?
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When people are asked the question “what are the most critical issues of the day?”, the answer is different depending on your generation. In this series, we are going to examine the most critical issues identified by millennials and Generation Z. As we tackle each concern, we’ll explore how Jesus’ timeless words and actions point us toward meaningful change. Together, we can work across generations to become part of the solution.
It seems like in every aspect of life, our nation is becoming more and more divided as people gravitate toward silos of people who think and vote like they do. Many people are frustrated with the division in our country, but there are very few people working on solutions. So what would Jesus say to our divided nation?
Our nation is experiencing a mental health epidemic. Anxiety, Depression and suicide are at an all-time high and no one seems to have a solution. So what would Jesus say about mental health?
Our nation was founded on the principle that “all people are created equal.” However, we seem to struggle with making this a reality for all people. Although progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do and not many solutions. So what would Jesus say about diversity and inclusion?
The number one concern of young adults today is climate change. However, their concern about climate change is not on the top of list of concerns for older Christians today. In fact, only 34% of evangelical Christians believe climate change is a serious problem. So should Christians be concerned about our environment? What would Jesus say?
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE @ 10 AM
Christmas day will feature a special video message from our Bishop, John Schol.
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The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a beloved Christmas classic. It’s the story of an angel sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Join us this Christmas Eve as we look at how this movie points us toward the real Christmas story.
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Join us this Advent season as we explore the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The Angels of Christmas series is based on an Advent book by Susan Robb. The Angels of Christmas uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God’s presence in history and our lives today. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now.
In week one of our series, we will examine the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and how the announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy by the angel Gabriel foretells the coming nativity of Christ.
In week two of our series, we look at Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel as Mary learns she will become pregnant with Jesus.
In week 3 of our series, we examine Joseph’s encounter with the angel who informs him that Mary’s pregnancy is divine in nature and instructs him to care for her.
In our final week of the series, we will explore the angelic visit to the shepherds and the announcement of the birth of the Christ child.
