St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons

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We’ve all played Operation — that classic tabletop game where the problems are obvious and the solutions are clear. If only real life were that simple. Pastor Ken continues our “The Games We Played” worship series in this message exploring Mark’s story of the paralytic and his four friends. When they can’t get through the crowd to reach Jesus, they tear open the roof and lower their friend down. Everyone expects Jesus to heal the obvious problem, the man’s paralysis. But Jesus does something unexpected: he addresses a deeper issue first. Jesus sees behind the visible to what’s hidden in our hearts, addressing not just the symptoms but the root issues that bring lasting transformation. 
Sermon Reflections:
 In this week's message, Pastor Ken used the game Operation as the metaphor. In that game, the problems are obvious and labeled, but in real life our deepest woulds are often hidden. What are some of the hidden wounds or struggles that people often carry beneath the surface?
Mark tells us that Jesus saw the faith of the paralytic's friends. How does this story challenge us to be better friends to those who are struggling?
Sometimes what we think we need the most isn't actually what we really need the most. Can you think of a time when God addressed something deeper in your life than what you initially asked God to fix?
David's prayer in Psalm 51 was, "Create in me a clean heart, O God", rather than asking God to fix his circumstances or reputation. Why is the condition of our heart more important than our external circumstances? 
A surgeon can't repair what she cannot access. What are some barriers we put up that prevent God from accessing the wounded areas of our hearts?
Jesus sees all of our hidden wounds, failures, and shame — and, yet, he still loves us. How does this truth change the way we approach him with our deepest needs?

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Just remember: the collapse never begins with the last block. In this second message of our summer worship series, “The Games We Played,” we explore Jesus’ powerful story from Matthew 7 about two builders and the foundations they chose. We use the game Jenga as an illustration, discovering how most collapses in life don’t happen overnight — they’re the result of small compromises and neglected disciplines. Both houses in Jesus’ story looked good on a sunny day. Both builders worked hard. But when the storm came, only one remained standing. The difference? The foundation. Storms don’t passover followers of Jesus, but rather reveal what’s holding them up — the prayers nobody see, the scripture nobody knows you’re reading, the daily acts of trust and obedience. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians that no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. Not a good foundation-the only foundation. When storms come, you may bend, but you won't break, because Christ is your rock.
Sermon Reflections:
Jesus said both houses experienced the same storm. Why do you think God allows storms in the lives of God’s people?
Pastor Ken compared spiritual foundations to the hidden root system of palm trees. What are some 'hidden' spiritual disciplines that have helped anchor your faith during difficult seasons?
In what areas of your life might you be removing “blocks” — making small compromises or neglecting important practices — that could lead to instability down the road?
The Statue of Liberty's beauty depends on an internal iron framework we can't see. How does this picture help us understand what it means to have Christ as our foundation?
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that no one can lay any foundation other than Jesus Christ. What are some things people commonly try to build their lives on instead? Why do these fail to hold us up in storms?
What daily practice or discipline do you sense God calling you to establish or re-establish to strengthen your spiritual foundation?

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Welcome to our summer sermon series, “The Games We Played.” This week, we’re starting with Candy Land — a game that requires no strategy and no skill, just drawing cards and moving along. It’s a simple game of chance that teaches us a profound spiritual truth: control is largely an illusion. In John 14: 1-7, Jesus speaks to his anxious disciples who are facing uncertainty and fear. They want answers and directions, but Jesus offers them something better: himself. “I am the way and the truth and the life,” Jesus says. Faith isn’t about having a detailed roadmap; it’s about trusting the Person who sees the whole path.
Sermon Reflections:
When in your life have you most struggled with wanting control? How did that situation resolve, and what did you learn about trust?
Thomas wanted directions, but Jesus said 'I am the way.' What's the difference between following a set of directions or instructions and following Jesus?
What looks like chaos on our end is often preparation on God's. Can you think of a biblical example or personal experience where you saw this principle at work
In John 14:2, Jesus says He goes to prepare a place for us. How does focusing on what God is preparing (rather than what we're losing) change our perspective during uncertain seasons?
When have you experienced God giving you just enough light for the next step rather than showing you the whole path? How did that grow your faith?
Jesus says :No one comes to the Father except through me.” How do we hold the exclusivity of this truth alongside the invitation and love behind it?

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What does it mean to truly praise God? In this message from Dr. John Blizzard, we explore Psalm 150, why Scripture commands praise nearly 200 times, and why it matters for our daily lives. We look at powerful moments when God's glory filled the temple so intensely that priests could not enter, Jesus's declaration that if we stay silent the stones themselves would shout praise, and Job's remarkable declaration of trust even in suffering: "Though He slay me, yet will I praise Him." Praise does not require that we deny our pain or pretend everything is fine — praise simply aligns our hearts with the God who proved his faithfulness at the cross. Together, we can join in creation's unstoppable chorus of praise. Whether you're facing uncertainty, feeling insufficient or unprepared to handle life's challenges, or simply looking for deeper joy, this message offers a biblical foundation for a life of praise. 
Sermon Reflections:
Psalm 150 calls us to praise God with instruments, dancing, and everything that breathes. What does wholehearted, uninhibited praise look like in your own life?
In Luke 19, Jesus said that if His disciples stayed silent, the stones would cry out. What does this teach us about the unstoppable nature of worship?
Praising God 'aligns our hearts with the ultimate source of joy.' How have you experienced this alignment in your own spiritual life?
• In 2 Chronicles 7, God's presence filled the temple so powerfully that the priests couldn't enter. Have you ever experienced a moment when God's presence felt especially near? What was that like?
Scripture commands praise for our benefit, not God's ego. How does this change the way you approach worship?
Praise helps us build bridges instead of walls. How can a life of praise change the way we relate to others who are different from us?

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Where can we place our hope when everything in life seems uncertain? In this message from Associate Pastor Jesse, we dive into Romans 5:1-8 and explore how faith in God's justifying grace brings peace that transforms our suffering into endurance, character, and unshakable hope. The world offers hopes that often disappoint, but Scripture reveals a God who never changes: faithful, loving, and present through every season of life. Discover why hope in Christ doesn't disappoint and how peace with God enables us to live into God's kingdom. When we boast in God's glory rather than our own accomplishments, we participate in something eternal. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ: not suffering, not failure, not even death. This is the hope that sustains us.
Sermon Reflections:
What are some things you've placed your hope in that ended up disappointing you? How did that feel?
How does trusting in a God who never changes produce unwavering hope in your life?
Paul writes that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Can you share an experience where suffering eventually led to hope?
The story of Maximilian Kolbe shows someone who illuminated God's love through self-sacrifice. How can we illuminate God's love in smaller, everyday ways?
How can we as a community participate in God's glory by acting like Christ, even when it means we might suffer?

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