Sermons @ Shepherd Shepherd of the Hills UMC, MV & RSM

Today's scripture comes from the book of Exodus, Chapter 14, verses 19 through 31, where we delve into the incredible story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt. As they stood at the shores of the Red Sea, facing seemingly insurmountable odds, God's miraculous intervention became evident. Join us on this journey of faith and discovery.
In this sermon, Pastor Rick explores the profound meaning behind the parting of the Red Sea. It's not just a miraculous event but a lesson in trusting God during our own Red Sea moments. We all encounter challenges in life where it feels like there's no way forward, and the enemy is closing in. However, as we learn from this ancient story, when we say "yes" to God's guidance and do not succumb to fear, we open the door to God's provision and salvation.
Discover the courage of the Israelites as they step into the unknown, the mud beneath their feet, and the waters parted by God's hand. This powerful narrative reminds us that God's grace is big enough to cover any situation, and He leads us through the difficulties to reach the other side.
As you watch this sermon, reflect on your own Red Sea moments. Have you faced challenges that seemed insurmountable? Are you willing to trust and follow God, even when the path forward seems uncertain? Let Pastor Rick's words inspire you to say "yes" to God's guidance and discover how, in the end, God provides.
Join us in this transformative message of faith, courage, and God's unwavering love. Don't forget to listen for the special word Pastor Rick has included in the sermon for our youth to find!
Listen, reflect, and be inspired.

In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Jennifer explores the timeless wisdom of Exodus 12:1-14 and the powerful lessons it holds for our lives today.
Pastor Jennifer delves into the story of Moses, the Israelites, and Pharaoh, revealing the struggles of belief, worship, and the all-too-human tendency to waffle between faith and doubt. Through this journey, we discover the profound importance of choice and the challenges that come with it.
She reminds us that faith cannot be forced; it must be chosen. We are presented with the question: Do we want to be saved from the darkness and bondage of life's challenges? If so, we must make a public, tangible choice to embrace faith, just as the Israelites did during the Passover.
This sermon challenges us to become active bearers of life and good news in our world. It's a call to action, a reminder that our faith should not remain hidden but should transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Join us in this inspiring message as we reflect on the significance of choosing faith over doubt, and the profound impact it can have on our journey.
Don't miss this opportunity to explore the ancient wisdom of Exodus and its relevance in our lives today. Watch the full sermon now and discover how you can be a part of a faith-driven transformation in your community and beyond.

In today's sermon, Pastor Jennifer dives into the Book of Exodus, revealing a deeper understanding of the epic story of Moses and the Israelites. It's a tale of slavery, suffering, and ultimate liberation. But there's more to it than meets the eye.
Discover how the Israelites' identity crisis and Moses' journey from hiding and fear to purpose and courage parallel our own struggles with identity and community. As Pastor Jennifer eloquently puts it, "Do we know who we are? Do we know what community looks like? Do we know what freedom looks like?"
Through thought-provoking insights and relatable anecdotes, Pastor Jennifer challenges us to confront these questions, embrace change, and rediscover our true selves in the context of beloved community. She reminds us that, like Moses, we may have doubts, but with faith and a burning desire for growth, we can say "yes" to God's call to partnership and provision.
As you watch this sermon, consider the burning bush moments in your own life and the next steps you can take to grow in your faith and community. God provides, and together, we can move forward with purpose and passion.
Don't miss this enlightening sermon that offers guidance on reclaiming your identity, living in holy covenant community, and fulfilling your mission in the world. Join us on this journey of rediscovery and transformation.
Listen, reflect, and be inspired.

Today's sermon takes us on a journey through Matthew 16:13-20, where we explore the profound question of who Jesus is and what the church truly represents. As we reflect on Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, we're reminded that the church is not just a building; it's a community of called-out believers. It's a community that follows the teachings and ways of Jesus, living out His love and grace in the world. Just as Peter was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, we too are entrusted with these keys. These keys symbolize our role in opening doors to God's love and salvation for all. Together, as one church family, we can unlock countless opportunities for people to experience the boundless grace of God. To symbolize our unity and commitment, we invite you to sign your name on the key in the comments below. Whether you come join us in person or join us online, you are a keeper of the keys to the Kingdom. Let's continue to unlock doors to God's love together. Welcome to Shepherd of the Hills, a diverse and dynamic community of Jesus in Mission Viejo. Join us as we follow Jesus, grow spiritually, and work towards building His world through concrete action.

In this compelling sermon, Pastor Rick Recusal guides us through a profound exploration of reconciliation based on 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 and Matthew 5:23-24. Join us on this spiritual journey as we dive deep into the meaning of reconciliation and its significance in our lives.
Pastor Rick reminds us of our role as ambassadors for Christ, emphasizing the call to be reconciled to God and each other. He reflects on the challenges of reconciliation, both vertically with God and horizontally with our fellow humans. Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, Pastor Rick unravels the complexities of reconciling with others and with God.
The sermon underscores the importance of reconciliation in our divided world, where alienation and division often prevail. As followers of Christ, we are called to bridge the gaps and work toward peace and understanding. Pastor Rick also shares insights from renowned figures like Billy Graham and Thich Nhat Hanh, whose wisdom sheds light on the path of reconciliation.
Discover the power of reconciliation as you journey with us through this meaningful sermon. Learn how reconciliation can transform lives, heal wounds, and bring about the peace that our world desperately needs. 

Join us in this powerful sermon as Pastor Rick leads us through a thought-provoking journey based on Matthew 14:22-33. This scripture takes us to the heart of faith, courage, and the challenges we face in our daily lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Rick delves into the story of Jesus walking on water, revealing the deeper meaning behind this iconic event. He reminds us of the importance of taking time for self-care, just as Jesus retreated to the mountain to pray. Pastor Rick emphasizes the need to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and find solace in prayer, regardless of our roles or professions. He shares personal anecdotes, including the struggles faced by clergy, and underlines the alarming rates of burnout and clergy suicide.
Drawing from the story of Peter's brief walk on the water, Pastor Rick highlights the significance of fixing our gaze on Jesus amidst life's storms. He explains how Peter began to sink when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the surrounding challenges, mirroring the struggles we all face. Pastor Rick encourages us to call out to Jesus in times of doubt and fear, reaffirming that Jesus is ever-ready to catch us and bring us back into the boat of safety and peace.
This sermon is a powerful reminder that storms are inevitable, but by keeping our eyes on Jesus and nurturing our spiritual well-being, we can navigate through life's challenges with resilience and unwavering faith. Join us in exploring this meaningful scripture and discovering how we can find rest and courage even in the midst of life's fiercest storms.