FUMC Bentonville Sermon Podcast

December 22nd, 2024 - "Thomas Rides the Polar Express" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Both Bentonville and Corinth get to draw strength from the incredible diversity and the energy of our towns. With such giftedness, there are no limits to what each church can do for Christ!

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

December 15th, 2024 - "The Elves and the Shoemaker/Elijah and the Widow" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Kings 17:8-1

We will look at the story of miracles of care. When we are at our most desperate, so often a miracle occurs that saves our very lives.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

December 8th, 2024 - "The Poky Little Puppy, the Three Magi, and the First Christmas" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Matthew 2:1-12

What gifts do we bring? We will look at how bringing something to the most vulnerable and the ones we love can make a small and a big difference – and both matter in God’s world.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

December 1st, 2024 - "How the Grinch and Saul Stole Christmas" - Rev. Dr. T. Ray Wheeler

Acts 9:1-20

Both the Grinch and Saul started out breathing hate toward others. And both experienced a transformation that grew their hearts three sizes too big.

Due to technical issues, this week's reading was done in post by Matt Nelson.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

November 24th, 2024 - "Christ the King Invites You!" - Rev. Dr. T. Ray Wheeler

1 Samuel 8:4-20 & John 18:33-37

     This is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of our Liturgical year. This Sunday reminds us that Christ is the King over all creation. The idea of a human king has negative implications. We see this in our Old Testament reading when Israel asks Samuel to appoint a King so they can be like other nations. The Lord tells Samuel to be clear to the people about what it means to serve under an earthly King. We contrast this with King Jesus before Pilate when Pilate interrogates Jesus about Christ being called the King of the Jews. We serve a heavenly King who invites us to serve and love him, rather than demands our unquestioning allegiance.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

November 17th, 2024 - "Corinthville: State of the Church" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

We will reflect on the State of the Church, and in particular, we will look at how our work as a church where as to where "All Are Welcome" is going. If we are to be truly living into that reality, then we will have to face the fact that all of us will feel unwelcome sometimes. It is about having enough humility to love in the midst of difference.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

November 10th, 2024 - "Corinthville: Incredibly Gifted" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Both Bentonville and Corinth get to draw strength from the incredible diversity and the energy of our towns. With such giftedness, there are no limits to what each church can do for Christ!

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

October 27th, 2024 - "Corinthville: Who Would Have Guessed?" - Rev. Dr. T. Ray Wheeler

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Corinth and Bentonville have become economic centers, and places of far greater influence than the world expects. Both are signs of the logic of God – to expect the unexpected.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

November 3rd, 2024 - "Corinthville: Divided Body" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Corinthians 11:17-26

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

October 20th, 2024 - "To God's Churches in Corinth and Bentonville" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

October 13th, 2024 - "Tragedy and Grace: Finding God's Purpose in Life's Uncertainties" - Mr. Michael Burks

Luke 13:1-5; Romans 8:35-39; Matthew 7:24-25

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

October 13th, 2024 - "As You Love Yourself" - Mr. Wesley Wells

Matthew 22:34-40

We'll be exploring the greatest commandment through the eyes of the piece that's often forgotten.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

October 6th, 2024 - "What a Wonderful World: Where Science Intersects Scripture" - Rev. Sara Bainbridge

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

September 29th, 2024 - "It's the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Revelation 21:1-7

In the end, we find our hope! It is hard fought and we are battle-scarred, but ultimately, as followers of Christ, we know that we will find ourselves in a place of peace and healing. We will affirm this without belittling what we have been through. Suffering is very real, but so is the power of Christ’s redemption and love.

See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville

September 22nd, 2024 - "It's the End of the World as We Know It: Can It Get Any Worse?" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Revelation 16:12-21

Ever find yourself in an awful situation, something you barely think you have the strength to survive? And then ever have ANOTHER awful thing happen to you? As we look at this stretch of Revelation, we will dive into times when things just seem to keep getting worse and worse. How do we find hope in those times?

September 15th, 2024 - "It’s the End of the World as We Know It: Where's All This Coming From?" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Revelation 5:1-6:8

It is natural when we go through something hard to wonder what is making all of this happen. It is also natural to lay the blame at the feet of God. And it is natural to then question whether that makes sense at all too. As we explore this passage of Revelation, we will make space for that ambiguous reality in the midst of struggle.

September 8th, 2024 - "It's The End of the World as We Know It: What's Going On?" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Revelation 1:9-20

 

We open this series with some discussion on the value of seeing the Book of Revelation as a companion in the journey of difficult times in life. We will also address the struggle of interpreting this book, ultimately giving us permission to stop trying to unravel the mystery, and instead, let the story carry us along.

September 1st, 2024 - "The Physicist and the Farmer" - Rev. Dr. T. Ray Wheeler

Matthew 5:13-16

God doesn’t want perfect little followers, and you don’t have to be something you are not to be a good follower of Christ. We should bring all we are in our walk with Christ. Of course, we also must create space for others who find a home in our church. They need to bring their authentic selves as well!

August 25th, 2024 - "Following the First Commandment" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

Genesis 11: 1-9

What is the First Commandment God gives humanity? It's not what you think. Listen and learn how we can better follow.

August 18th, 2024 - "Heroes and Villains: Jesus and Baymax (Big Hero 6)" - Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris

John 15:12-13

Both Jesus and Baymax are not merely human, but may be the most human of all of us. Both came to bring healing. And both give their lives for others – friends and enemies alike. There is no greater hero than these.