Glorious Joy | 1 Peter 1:1-9
Explore the biblical theme of joy and discover the incredible inheritance waiting for us as citizens of Heaven. Joy appears over 430 times in Scripture—it's at the heart of God's plan for our lives.
KEY POINTS:
- One of the most prominent themes of the Bible is joy
- Do you know true joy? The gospel opens a new dimension of joy that surpasses everything else
- We are citizens of Heaven—exiles longing for our true home
- We have an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance reserved in heaven
- Go claim your inheritance—you are a child of God, a child of the King
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:1-9
Includes the powerful story of Ben Hooper, who grew up facing rejection until a preacher told him, "You are a child of God. Go claim your inheritance, boy."
From First Methodist Church Wetumpka
Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us!
#Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Joy #Hope #Heaven #Christmas
Refined by Fire: Finding Joy in Trials
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-9
Peter writes to scattered believers facing hardship, reminding them of the living hope found in Christ's resurrection. Though trials test our faith like fire refines gold, these momentary struggles produce something far more precious—a faith that brings glory to God. Even without seeing Jesus face to face, we can love Him and experience an inexpressible joy as we await the salvation of our souls.
Key Themes:
Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading
Trials serve a purpose—refining and proving our faith genuine
Joy transcends circumstances when anchored in eternal hope
We love and trust a Savior we haven't seen, yet know is real
This message offers encouragement for anyone walking through difficulty, pointing toward the eternal perspective that transforms how we experience suffering today.
Let the music of Christmas fill your heart and draw you closer to the One whose birth we celebrate.
Discover the incredible truth about peace with God and the hope we have through Jesus Christ. In this devotion, we explore one of Scripture's most powerful passages about grace, faith, and God's overwhelming love for us.
When the people of Jerusalem assembled to hear God's Word read aloud, something extraordinary happened. What began with attentive listening and heartfelt tears transformed into unexpected joy and celebration. In Nehemiah 8:1-12, we discover the power of gathering together around Scripture - how understanding God's Word turns our mourning into dancing and reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength." Join us as we explore what happens when God's people come together with open hearts and eager ears.
The Grace of Giving | 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Discover what it means to excel in the grace of giving as we explore Paul's teaching about the Macedonian churches who gave generously despite extreme poverty, showing us that true generosity flows from a heart surrendered to God.
KEY POINTS:
• Give generously without a reluctant heart and the Lord will bless you
• God is more concerned with the condition of your heart than anything you could possess
• It's equal sacrifice not equal giving, based on our love for God
• When you tithe for the right reasons, you have gone into business with God
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Through the examples of the Macedonian churches, the widow's mite, and George Mueller's lifelong generosity, this message challenges us to respond to God's love through sacrificial giving that reflects our gratitude and trust in Him.
From First Methodist Church Wetumpka
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#Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Generosity #Giving #Stewardship #ChristianLiving #Tithing
2 Corinthians 8: 1-7
His Witnesses | Hebrews 12:1-3
Explore the call to run our race of faith with endurance, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. This message challenges us to stay focused on Jesus and finish strong.
KEY POINTS:
- Others have completed the race - We're surrounded by witnesses who successfully ran their race of faith
- Get ready to run the race - Every morning, prepare yourself to run with endurance
- Keep your focus on Jesus - Don't take your eyes off Jesus; fix your gaze on Him, not yourself
- Stay strong and finish the race - Victory comes from finishing, not from being the fastest
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1-3
A powerful illustration from the 2002 Winter Olympics reminds us that the gold medal goes to those who cross the finish line, not those who get tangled up in the chaos around them.
From First Methodist Church Wetumpka
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#Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Perseverance #Endurance #ChristianLiving #Hebrews #RunTheRace
Run with Endurance: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus | Hebrews 12:1-3
Life can feel like a marathon, not a sprint. In this devotional, we explore how to run the race God has set before us with endurance and purpose. Discover what it means to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, throw off the sin that entangles us, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—the author and perfecter of our faith.
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1-3
When the race gets hard and you feel like giving up, this message will remind you where to find the strength to keep going.
From First Methodist Church Wetumpka
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Faithful Service | 1 Peter 4:7-11
Discover what it means to faithfully serve God and prepare ourselves for eternity through five essential promises we make as followers of Christ.
KEY POINTS:- Uphold God's work with our prayers - being called to pray daily and without ceasing- Uphold God's work with our presence - gathering together for worship strengthens our faith- Uphold God's work with our gifts - investing our time, talents, and resources for God's glory- Uphold God's work with our service - becoming the hands and feet of Christ in our community- Uphold God's work with our witness - sharing what God is doing in our lives with others
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Pastor shares powerful insights including Abraham Lincoln's testimony about prayer and the importance of converting not just our hearts and minds, but also our resources to God's purposes. A compelling call to active faith and service.From First Methodist Church WetumpkaVisit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us!#Sermon #Methodist #Faith #FaithfulService #Stewardship #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #ServingGod
Using Your Gifts for God's Glory | 1 Peter 4:7-11
Discover how God calls each of us to use our unique gifts to serve one another and bring Him glory in this devotional reflection on 1 Peter 4:7-11.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Reflect on the spiritual gifts God has given you and how you can use them today to serve others and point them toward Christ.
From First Methodist Church Wetumpka
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#Devotional #SpiritualGifts #1Peter #Methodist #Faith #Serving #Purpose
Explore God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where all things will be made new and death will be no more.
KEY POINTS:- God is a creator - He promises a new heaven and a new earth- God comes to us and comforts us - No more death, mourning, or pain- God finishes what He starts - "I am the Alpha and the Omega"- God calls us - Called to conviction rather than compromiseSCRIPTURE: Revelation 21:1-8
A powerful reminder from Lot's wife: Don't look back at what's behind you, but embrace the new things God has for your future. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."From First Methodist Church WetumpkaVisit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us!
#Sermon #Methodist #Faith #NewBeginnings #Revelation #Hope #Transformation
Revelation 21:1-8
What's the greatest promise you've ever been given? In a world of broken promises, there is one that remains certain and secure: our eternal home.
In this encouraging message, we explore one of Jesus's most comforting statements from John 14: "I go to prepare a place for you." Using the analogy of a long-planned, cross-country trip to Hawaii, this sermon illustrates the commitment, preparation, and trust required for our own journey to heaven. Just as you wouldn't embark on a major trip without a plan, a ticket, and trust in your pilot, our journey to our heavenly home requires a conscious decision to follow Christ.
This sermon reminds us of several life-changing truths:
God is a Promise Keeper: His timing is perfect, and His word is true.
Heaven is a Real Place: Jesus is actively preparing a home for those who love Him.
We Have a Mission: Our goal is to "make heaven crowded" by sharing this hope with others.
We Were Made for a Person and a Place: Jesus and Heaven.
If you're navigating the turbulence of life and need your heart to be reminded of your final, glorious destination, this message will renew your hope and strengthen your faith in the promise.
#Sermon #John14 #Heaven #Hope #Promise #Christianity #Eternity #Afterlife #Church #WetumpkaAL
John 14: 1-3
What if the goal was to be an "awful" church? Not awful in the way you think, but AWE-FULL—a church literally filled with the awe of God.
In this special message, guest speaker Dr. John Ed Mathison challenges us to rethink what a vibrant, growing church looks like. Using the powerful model of the early church in Acts 2:42-47, he asks a simple question: "What made them so effective?" The answer lies in becoming a church that was "full of awe." Through powerful stories and timeless biblical truth, Dr. Mathison unpacks the five key characteristics that made the first church irresistible and can transform our church today.
Discover the blueprint for "Becoming An Awe-full Church":
Atmosphere: Fostering a culture of deep teaching, prayer, and miracles.
Acceptance: Creating a place of radical welcome where everyone feels they belong.
Action: Moving beyond discussion to active, hands-on service in the community.
Aim: Unifying around a joyful, sincere, and praise-filled mission.
Additions: Positioning the church for God to add to it daily.
This sermon is a powerful call to action for every member to move from being a spectator to an active participant in building a church that truly reflects the power of God.
Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction by Dr. John Ed Mathison
01:43 - Digital Ministries & Sermon Outline
05:44 - The "Awe-full" Church Premise (Acts 2:42-47)
06:53 - 1. Atmosphere: Teaching, Prayer & Miracles
09:28 - 2. Acceptance: The Power of Belonging
13:56 - 3. Action: Moving from Discussion to Doing
19:24 - 4. Aim: Unity, Gladness & Praise
21:06 - 5. Additions: Positioning the Church for Growth
22:41 - Concluding Story: The Power of a Simple Invitation
27:16 - Final Challenge: Becoming an Awe-full Church
27:57 - Closing Prayer
#Sermon #JohnEdMathison #BookOfActs #ChurchGrowth #EarlyChurch #AweOfGod #ChristianCommunity #Church #WetumpkaAL
Luke 23:32-43
2 Corinthians 13: 5-14
Ephesians 3:20
What will your legacy be? In a world of distractions, how do you live a life of purpose that you can look back on without regret?
In this sermon, "Here’s the Plan," we witness one of the most emotional moments in the Apostle Paul's ministry: his farewell address to the elders of the Ephesian church. Knowing he will likely never see them again, Paul lays out the blueprint for a life of faithful service. He doesn't offer a complex strategy; instead, he points to his own life as an example of what it means to follow Christ completely.
This message unpacks Paul's heartfelt final instructions, revealing a four-part plan for every believer who wants to make an eternal impact:
Serve with Humility: Set aside personal accomplishments and boast only in the Lord.
Serve with Honesty: Proclaim the whole truth of the Gospel, both publicly and privately.
Serve without Hesitation: Be compelled and led by the Holy Spirit, even when the path is uncertain.
Serve with Honor: Focus on finishing the race and completing the unique task God has given you.
If you are looking for a clear, biblical plan for a meaningful Christian life, this sermon is for you.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction & Scripture Reading (Acts 20:17-27)
02:07 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
05:14 - Point 1: Serve the Lord with Humility
08:22 - Point 2: Serve the Lord with Honesty
12:21 - Point 3: Serve the Lord without Hesitation
17:01 - Point 4: Serve the Lord with Honor
19:40 - Final Challenge & Summary
20:25 - Closing Prayer
#Sermon #BookOfActs #FinishTheRace #ChristianLeadership #ApostlePaul #LiveOnPurpose #Legacy #Church #WetumpkaAL