SpotifyApple PodcastsOn this First Sunday of Advent, Pastor Ken begins a new worship series, "God With Us," by exploring Jesus's genealogy as documented in the Gospel of Matthew. Why does this gospel begin with a boring list of names? Why is Jesus's family tree so important? While we often focus on the shepherds and angels from Luke's telling of Christ's birth, the first chapter of Matthew presents a different kind of miracle — a genealogy filled with imperfect people, outsiders, and "scoundrels" who God chose to be part of the Messiah's lineage. Pastor Ken helps us explore some of these people as we discover how God uses broken histories to write beautiful stories of redemption. Whether you're struggling with your own family history or feeling disqualified by your past, this message reminds us that God works through real people, not perfect ones.Sermon Reflections:Pastor Ken admits that genealogies can seem boring at first glance. How did the sermon change your perspective on why Matthew chose to open his gospel with a list of names rather than a dramatic nativity scene?Jesus’s family tree includes liars, cheaters, and outsiders (like Jacob, Manasseh, and Rahab). How does knowing that Jesus came from a "messy" family affect the way you view the imperfections in your own family or background?Matthew breaks cultural norms by including four specific women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) in the genealogy. What common thread did the pastor identify among these women, and what does their inclusion tell us about God’s character?Pastor Ken used the metaphor of a bowl made of "spalted wood" — wood infected by fungus or disease — to illustrate how God works. In what ways have you seen God take something "diseased" or difficult in your life and turn it into something beautiful?Genealogy isn't just a record of the dead, but an ongoing story that we are invited into. How do you see your current life circumstances as a continuation of the story God began with Abraham?In Jesus’s family tree, barriers of gender, race, and moral failure disappear. Which of these barriers do you find hardest to believe God can overcome in your own life or in the lives of others?Watch traditional worship livestream
--------
30:20
--------
30:20
Faded Virtues: Gratitude
SpotifyApple PodcastsIs gratitude a "faded virtue" in our entitled world? In this final message of our "Faded Virtues" series, Pastor Ken Curtis challenges us to look beyond Thanksgiving as a single holiday and reclaim the transformative power of a grateful heart. Drawing on the biblical command to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), Pastor Ken explores the difference between mere thankfulness and a life-changing posture of gratitude. Together, we learn three key ways to reclaim our gratitude: by slowing down, remembering God's blessings, and practicing generosity.Sermon Reflections:Moses warns the Israelites not to forget God when they are prosperous and satisfied (Deuteronomy 8:17). Where in your life are you most at risk of forgetting God's hand in your success and attributing it solely to your own strength?Pastor Ken contrasts an attitude of entitlement with the virtue of gratitude. Can you identify an area in your current life where a sense of entitlement (e.g., toward a job, a relationship, or even God) might be overshadowing your ability to be truly grateful?Is there a difficult or annoying circumstance in your life right now for which you can sincerely try to find one thing to be grateful for?Pastor Ken gives us three strategies for reclaiming gratitude: by slowing down, remembering God's faithfulness, and being generous. Which of these three is the most difficult for you to implement daily, and why?In the story of the 10 lepers, the nine were healed, but only the one who returned to give thanks was told his "faith has made [him] well." What is the spiritual difference between being merely healed by God's blessings and being made whole through a posture of gratitude?Pastor Ken challenges us to write down 1-3 things we are grateful for every day [53:22]. If you were to start this practice today, what would be your first entry, and how do you plan to hold yourself accountable for the next week?Watch traditional worship livestream
--------
29:18
--------
29:18
Faded Virtues: Courage
SpotifyApple PodcastsAssociate Pastor Jesse Enniss continues our lessons in our current series, "Faded Virtues." What does it truly mean to have a faith that is loyal, not passive? Associate Pastor Jesse Enniss continues our series on "Faded Virtues" by challenging us to embrace the radical courage required to follow Christ. Diving into Luke 21:5-19, Pastor Jesse helps us distinguish between misinterpretations of "end-times" prophecy and Jesus's call to endurance during real-word persecution. We find inspiration in the powerful testimony of early Christian martyrs Perpetuate and Felicity and the 20th century example of Rev. James Reeb. Together, we learn that Christian courage today is not expressed through online aggression, but through our willingness to sacrifice our own comfort for the good of others, advocating for those without a voice, and confronting harmful beliefs in a loving, relationship way.Sermon Reflections:Pastor Jesses shares the stories of Christian martyrs to show that true courage involves joy in suffering. How does their attitude challenge your current perspective on the "small" discomforts or social risks you face when practicing your faith?A passive faith stands in contrast to a courageous loyalty. In what specific area of your life (e.g., family, workplace, online) is Christ currently calling you to move from being a "bystander" to taking courageous action?As believers, we should advocate for victims of abuse and discrimination. What is one specific, actionable step you can take this week to "show up for others" in a marginalized group, following Christ’s example?Jesus's words in Luke 21:18 state, "Not a hair of your head will perish." How do you reconcile this promise of ultimate salvation with the reality of persecution, discomfort, or loss that you may face in this life?The idea of confronting harmful beliefs is presented as a courageous act done "in a loving and relational way." Think of one difficult conversation you need to have: how can you prepare to approach it with relational love, rather than just trying to be "right"?Watch traditional worship livestream
--------
26:58
--------
26:58
Faded Virtues: Loyalty
SpotifyApple PodcastsSenior Pastor Ken Curtis kicks off a new worship series on "Faded Virtues" by exploring the decline of loyalty in today's fast-paced, instant-gratification world. Drawing from the story of Peter's denial (Matthew 26:33-35), we're challenged to recognize that "loyalty is proven, not proclaimed." We examine real-life examples like baseball player Pee Wee Reese's act of support for Jackie Robinson. Even when our loyalty fades and we stumble, Jesus' faithfulness remains — like when Jesus forgave Peter's three denials. Together we learn that our failures don't disqualify us, because our story and our chance to prove our loyalty isn't over.Sermon Reflections:In what specific area of your life — friendships, job, or faith — might your loyalty be currently fading without you fully realizing it?How does the example of Peter's denial and subsequent restoration challenge you to move from merely proclaiming your faith or values to actively proving them through concrete actions?Pastor Ken listed several traits of a disloyal friend or church member: gossip, consumerism, a refusal to forgive. Which of these temptations are you most susceptible to and what is one practice you can adopt to counter it?Ittai the Gittite volunteered to join King David in exile and battle, saying, "wherever my lord the king shall be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." What would a commitment this costly look like in your life today?Jesus forgave Peter three times. How does this act of intentional restoration impact your understanding of God's grace when you feel you have failed him?What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate unfailing loyalty and love to God, a friend, or your community?Watch traditional worship livestream
--------
26:17
--------
26:17
All Saints Sunday: The Leveling & Jesus' Sermon on the Plain
SpotifyApple PodcastsIn this message for All Saints Sunday, Rev. Bailey Brislin explores Jesus' Sermon on the Plain from Luke 6 to illustrate God's call for solidarity and a leveling out of the social order. Drawing on the metaphor of preparing land for a farm, she challenges us to consider what it means to truly see our neighbors — the poor, the hungry, the weeping. We're reminded that our call to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ involves comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. We learn how the saints in our lives loved us into being and we can continue their legacy by actively creating a path toward blessing and flourishing for all creation.The guest preacher for this message was Rev. Bailey Brislin, a member at St. Stephen who works as works as Palliative Care Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator at UNC Hospitals.Sermon Reflections:Bailey uses the metaphor of "leveling the land" in farming to describe the social order Jesus calls us toward. What is one specific, un-leveled area (injustice, inequality, or need) in your local community that you are being called to address?Jesus’ message is described as comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. In which of these two groups do you most often find yourself, and what is one concrete way you can respond to Jesus's call from that position?Bailey asks, "What blessing do I have to offer?" What is a unique gift, resource, or piece of knowledge you possess that you can use to "dirty your hands in the work of leveling a path toward blessing and flourishing for all"?Mr. Rogers frequently asked, "Who are the people in your life who loved you into being?" As you remember the saints, what is the most important legacy of love or forgiveness you want to embody and pass on?Reflect on the contrast between the "blessings" and "woes" in the Scripture reading (Luke 6:20-31). What is the main value system Jesus is trying to subvert or establish for his disciples?Bailey suggests that our discipleship journey, like farming, requires "ongoing care and attention." What is one spiritual practice or act of service you can commit to for a sustained period to continue the work of Christ's solidarity?
Su St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons
A weekly message from the worship staff of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our vision is to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ, in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world.
Ascolta St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons, Abdul Basit - Warsh e molti altri podcast da tutto il mondo con l’applicazione di radio.it
Italia