First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons First United Methodist Church

Have you ever felt that little surge of pride when you're waved through a VIP line, or when your loyalty card bumps you to the front of the queue? That's the allure of exclusivity talking – a feeling many of us know all too well. On Sunday we'll peel back the layers of this societal concept to reveal a starkly different spiritual truth: God's grace doesn't play by these rules. In contrast this with our world, we'll look at God's inclusive grace, a gift that's not earned but freely given. As The United Methodist Church has a general conference later in April We start a new series "The Method and the Madness" about how the theology of John Wesley still makes a difference in the 21st century.

As we welcome nine new students to our congregation on this Confirmation Sunday, we explore the church as a home.  This conversation is not just about a location on a map; it's about where we find our hearts anchored—a sense of belonging forged on faith and fellowship, strengthening ties that transcend ancestry. This goes beyond our own blood, and we are unified by Christ’s.  From the biblical lands promised to Abraham to the modern sanctuary of the church, we ponder the spiritual and emotional dimensions that shape our sense of belonging and community.

What do you do when things don't turn out the way you thought they would? We probably have had this happen for better and for worse. On Easter we'll see how God overturns our expectations, between the astonishment of the disciples at the empty tomb and the grace that flows into our own lives. The resurrection is the ultimate good news, inviting us to embrace the possibility of revitalization in areas of life that may seem lifeless. Join in celebrating Jesus' victory over the grave!

On Palm Sunday we tackle the enigmatic identity of Jesus Christ during the solemnity of Holy Week. Jesus was much more than an exemplary figure, he was the Messiah. When he enters the the capital city there is no turning back. We're confronted with a decision that's as momentous now as it was two millennia ago—was Jesus a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord He claimed to be? We'll delve into the heart of Christian belief and what it means to stand in the shadow of the cross on Good Friday. Join the conversation that isn't just about history—it's about the here and now, and how you respond to one of the most profound questions ever asked.

In this week's message, we uncover the rich parallels between such cherished memories and the disciplines of our faith. We examine how, much like the ease of making fruit dip contrasted with the efforts of creating a homemade feast, spiritual practices—especially those within a community—require dedication but yield profound rewards. Join in for an engaging conversation that reaffirms the idea: to live out our faith, we must do so together.

This Sunday we'll explore how doing less and creating space for God in our lives is a powerful spiritual discipline, allowing us to decrease so that He may increase. Becoming more like Jesus isn't about a flawless victory, but a process teeming with setbacks and grace and growth. We'll unpack a passage from Mark 2, discussing Jesus' actions on the Sabbath and how this illustrates the importance of embracing the spirit of God's laws rather than being ensnared by the letter. Join in for a refreshing perspective that reassures us that spiritual growth is about availability to God's transformative work, not our own pursuit of perfection.