North Raleigh United Methodist Church Podcast

North Raleigh United Methodist Church

Behind the Scenes is your all-access pass to the heart of ministry at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. We publish the Sermons for easy listening each week. Each "Behind the Scenes" Podcast episode takes you beyond Sunday morning with behind-the-scenes insights, theological reflections, and sermon previews that bring Scripture to life.  Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, explore the "why" behind our worship, or get a sneak peek at what’s coming next, this podcast is your companion for thoughtful conversations and spiritual growth. Tune in as we journey together, asking big questions and discovering God at work in our everyday lives. 

  1. Jul 7

    Sermon: I am The Resurrection and The Life - Rev. Jen Swindell

    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, disappointment, questions, and faith all at once. Rather than correcting her or explaining away her pain, Jesus meets her in it and reveals that resurrection is more than a future promise. It is a present reality found in Him. Drawing on John 11, Romans 8, and the imagery of resurrection woven throughout Christian tradition, this sermon reflects the heart of Wesleyan and United Methodist theology by emphasizing God's prevenient grace, the work of the Holy Spirit, and our calling to embody resurrection life in the world today. Resurrection is not simply something Christians wait for after death. Through Christ, it is a life we are invited to live now, as God's grace transforms us and works through us to bring hope, healing, compassion, and new life to others. Whether you're walking through grief, wrestling with unanswered prayers, searching for hope, or longing to deepen your understanding of Jesus' words, this message offers biblical encouragement and practical discipleship rooted in the Gospel. Scripture: John 11:17-27, Romans 8 North Raleigh United Methodist Church (NRUMC) is a welcoming United Methodist congregation in Raleigh, North Carolina, committed to helping people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in faith, build authentic community, and serve the world. Topics: I Am the Resurrection and the Life, John 11, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, resurrection, eternal life, United Methodist Church, Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace, Holy Spirit, Romans 8, Christian hope, grief, faith, discipleship, Bible study, Jesus Christ, Christian living, sermon, North Raleigh UMC.

  2. Jul 1

    Sermon: I am the Good Shepherd - Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue

    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 who has been questioned, judged, and cast aside by religious leaders. Through this powerful connection, we discover that the Good Shepherd is not simply a comforting image. It is a declaration of God's relentless grace, mercy, and commitment to seek those whom others overlook. Drawing on the rich themes of John's Gospel, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and United Methodist theology, Brett reflects on God's prevenient grace, belonging before believing, the church's calling to embody Christ's compassion, and the hope found in being known and called by name. Rather than offering easy answers, this sermon invites us to consider how Jesus continues to pursue people with mercy, healing, and love. Whether you've experienced rejection, are searching for a deeper understanding of God's grace, or want to explore Wesleyan theology through Scripture, this message offers encouragement and a fresh perspective on the Good Shepherd who never loses track of His sheep. Scripture: John 10:11-30 (with John 9), Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34 North Raleigh United Methodist Church (NRUMC) is a welcoming United Methodist congregation in Raleigh, North Carolina, committed to helping people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in faith, build authentic community, and serve the world. Topics: Good Shepherd, John 10, John 9, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, United Methodist Church, Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace, grace, belonging, discipleship, inclusion, mercy, compassion, healing, identity, faith, Christian living, sermon, Bible study, Raleigh NC, North Raleigh UMC.

  3. Jun 22

    Sermon: I Am The Gate

    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 both our protector and provider. Drawing on the imagery of sheep, shepherds, and ancient sheepfolds, this sermon reveals how Jesus invites us into the safety of God's care while also sending us out into the abundance of God's provision. We are reminded that faith is not about restriction or limitation but about finding the abundant life Christ promises. This message explores:  The meaning of Jesus as "the gate" in John 10  How God protects us from spiritual predators  The connection between Jesus the Gate and Jesus the Good Shepherd  The rhythm of being gathered and sent in the Christian life  Why abundant life is at the heart of the Gospel  How worship, prayer, and Christian community help sustain us Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' words, this sermon offers encouragement that Christ knows your name, welcomes you home, and leads you into life that is full, meaningful, and abundant. Scripture: John 10:1-10 Keywords: Jesus, I Am the Gate, John 10, Good Shepherd, abundant life, Christian sermon, Bible teaching, Gospel of John, discipleship, faith, spiritual growth, worship, church, United Methodist, North Raleigh UMC, Christian living, grace, protection, God's provision, shepherd and sheep, abundant living, following Jesus, Christian encouragement, Rev. Kevin Johnson, Raleigh NC. About North Raleigh UMC: North Raleigh United Methodist Church is a welcoming church in Raleigh, North Carolina, helping people connect with God, grow in faith, and serve others in Jesus' name. Learn more at North Raleigh UMC.

  4. Jun 15

    Sermon: I am the Light of the World

    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 campground at night, Laura invites us to consider how Christ's light guides us when life feels uncertain, exposes what we would rather keep hidden, and helps us see ourselves and others through God's grace. This sermon examines the biblical background of Jesus' claim, the significance of the Temple treasury and the Festival of Booths, and how God's people were guided by a pillar of fire through the wilderness. Along the way, Laura reflects on spiritual discernment, the work of the Holy Spirit, self-examination, grace, forgiveness, and the church's calling to reflect Christ's light into a dark world. Whether you're facing a difficult decision, navigating uncertainty, wrestling with fear, or seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity, this message offers encouragement that we do not walk alone. Christ continues to illuminate the path before us and calls us to shine that same light for others. Scripture: John 8:12-20 Topics: Jesus, I AM statements, Light of the World, Gospel of John, Christian discipleship, faith, spiritual guidance, Holy Spirit, grace, forgiveness, spiritual growth, United Methodist, North Raleigh UMC, biblical teaching, Christian living, darkness and light, prayer, church community, following Jesus, Christian sermon, worship message. About North Raleigh UMC: North Raleigh United Methodist Church is a welcoming church in Raleigh, North Carolina, helping people connect with God, grow in faith, and serve others in Jesus' name. Learn more at North Raleigh UMC

    Sermon: I am the Light of the World
  5. Jun 10

    Sermon: I Am the Bread of Life

    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 deeper satisfaction found only in him. Through humor, biblical insight, and practical application, Kevin examines what it means for Jesus to be the true bread from heaven, the source of eternal life, and the one who brings us into relationship with God. In a world constantly telling us we need more, Jesus offers a different promise: that in him, there is enough. In this sermon, you'll discover: • Why Jesus' "I Am" statements are so significant in John's Gospel • How the manna in the wilderness points to Christ • What it means for Jesus to be the Bread of Life • Why worldly satisfaction never lasts • How communion invites us into God's life and love • What it means to trust God for our daily bread Scripture: John 6:30-58 Preacher: Rev. Kevin Johnson Series: I Am Church: North Raleigh United Methodist Church If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the good news that there is always enough in Jesus. #NorthRaleighUMC #KevinJohnson #BreadOfLife #IAmSeries #GospelOfJohn #John6 #UnitedMethodist #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #Faith #ChurchOnline #RaleighNC #UMC #ChristianLiving

    Sermon: I Am the Bread of Life

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Behind the Scenes is your all-access pass to the heart of ministry at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. We publish the Sermons for easy listening each week. Each "Behind the Scenes" Podcast episode takes you beyond Sunday morning with behind-the-scenes insights, theological reflections, and sermon previews that bring Scripture to life.  Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, explore the "why" behind our worship, or get a sneak peek at what’s coming next, this podcast is your companion for thoughtful conversations and spiritual growth. Tune in as we journey together, asking big questions and discovering God at work in our everyday lives. 

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