GraceCast (Audio)
Weekend Service Podcasts Other Podcasts If you wish to subscribe to the GraceCasts in your iTunes, iPodder, or other software, please click on the link above. If you wish to choose individual sermons, you may use the links below. Clicking on a link will most likely stream it in your media player. By right clicking on the link you can same the file to your hard drive. Most of these files run a little over 10 MB a piece.
Onesimus and Philemon
September 9, 2007
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A look at Paul's letter to Philemon and what it teaches us about the cost of discipleship today.Right Click - Save to Download
Hosea
July 29, 2007
Hosea 1:2-10
Today we take a look at the prophet Hosea and consider how his message contains one of the most beautiful presentations of the Gospel in the Bible.Right Click - Save to Download
I Quit
June 24, 2007 - Proper 7c.
1 Kings 19This Sunday I am preaching on the text from 1 Kings. I have decided to read all of chapter 19 instead of just the few verses selected by the lectionary. The chiastic structure of the story is eviscerated by the lectionary. I am especially grateful to Dan Epp-Tiessen for his comments on the text. How do we deal with ministry burnout? What about all those times we just say we want to quit—I QUIT!
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Getting What We Want
June 17, 2007 - Proper 6c
1 Kings 21:1-21aAhab was king of Israel. Imagine that. King! Think of what he had as king. Imagine the prerogatives and privileges he enjoyed as king. Yet Ahab became an emotional basket case when he was unable to take possession of a little vineyard next to his property. What is it about having to get what we want even if we are destroyed in the process?
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Do We Have to Make a Choice?
June 10, 2007 - Proper 5c
Why can't we compartmentalize our lives with competing priorities? A look at the story of Elijah and his confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and what that has to do with us.
Text: 1 Kings 17:8-24; 18:1-2, 17-39
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What God Has Given Us in the Holy Spirit
Pentecost Sunday - May 27, 2007
Text: Romans 8:14-17For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. (World English Bible -WEB)This week’s lesson reminds us of the following advantages we have been given in the Holy Spirit.
- As God’s children we are led by the Holy Spirit.
- We have received a Spirit of Adoption and not of bondage.
- The Holy Spirit assures us by witnessing to our spirits that we are God’s children.
- We are joint-heirs with Christ.
- We will share in Christ’s glory if we share in his suffering.
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Open My Eyes
Ascension Sunday
May 20, 2007
Lessons:
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Christ promised to continue leading us by the Holy Spirit at his ascension into heaven. During this week's sermon we look at how he does that even as we anticipate what is ours in the pentecostal birth of the church.Right Click - Save to Download
The Mark of Christ
The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year C)
May 13, 2007 (Mothers' Day)
Texts...
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29
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Revelation 22:4 "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads." World English Bible (WEB).
In our society there are many people who are concerned with the mark of the beast, but the real question should be if you bear the mark of Christ. Today we take a look at what it means to be marked by Christ.Right Click - Save to Download
What Is Love?
Sermon for Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year C)
May 6, 2007 - Horne Memorial UMCAfter hearing the sermon, Johnny Hill suggested that people might want to see this video that corresponds to the illustration I used about the checkout clerk at a grocery store. Thanks for the link Johnny!
Texts...
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35One of the recurring themes through the past few weeks has been the linking of suffering with glory. In today's sermon we not only see this connection again, but now we find the motivation. Why? Because we have been given a new commandment by Christ. He calls us to love as he loves. It is no simple task. To love like Jesus means we will endure suffering for our love. Sometimes we will be rejected. We may be ridiculed. We may even find ourselves, yes, suffering for the love we willingly share in Christ's name.
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Christ's Shepherding Ministry
The Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C)
April 29, 2007
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30Our image of the Good Shepherd is usually not influenced by modern practices of shepherds since we are just not exposed to them (at least here in the US). We tend to have a romanticized view of shepherds based on the Sunday School images we have learned and applied to King David and Jesus. But, that image is probably not so far from the practice of shepherds in biblical days.
It is Jesus who is the Good Shepherd. He is the incarnate God who will “ seek the lost, ...bring back the strayed, ...bind up the injured, ...[and] strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:16). By claiming the title, Jesus is making a political statement as well as a theological and religious one. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has laid down his own life for the sheep. He gathers us. He protects us. We belong to him and recognize his voice as he calls us by name (John 10:3-4).
Remember that Jesus makes this statement during the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22, better known to us as Hanukkah) a celebration that recalls the liberation of Israel from the Syrians in the Maccabean revolt. It is a feast day of religious and political significance. His statement (“I am the Good Shepherd.”) would not only be threatening to the religious and political leaders of his own day, but should also serve as a warning to the flock today to be wary of “hired hands” as well as “thieves and robbers” who only look out for their own needs and come to “kill and destroy” (see John 10:8,10,12). Combine this with people clamoring to know if Jesus is the Messiah (10:24), that is the anointed one who would come and liberate the people of God.
The first lesson is about Peter being called to the bedside of Dorcas/Tabitha, a disciple who had just died in Joppa (modern-day Jaffa). Dorcas is a disciple who has poured herself into the work of the Gospel by doing “good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36, NRSV). Specifically, she was known for the clothing she made for the poor. Peter prays for Dorcas and she is brought to life.
The final verse of this reading mentions that Peter stayed in the home of Simon the Tanner, which is quite remarkable of itself. Tanners and Fullers often worked with public urinals to collect what they needed for their work. What are the implications of this invitation of Simon the Tanner to Simon Peter for us as disciples? And of Peter's acceptance of the act of hospitality that the tanner offers?
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The Revealed Christ
The Revealed Christ
April 22, 2007
The Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19
Paul writes, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God ... provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17, ESV) This idea of sharing in the sufferings of Christ is also found in our Gospel lesson this week. After Peter affirms his love for Jesus three times, Jesus tells him that “when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18, NRSV) He then ends with the command, “Follow me!” This command to Peter is reminiscent of Jesus’ challenge to “take up your cross and follow me.”Right Click - Save to Download
Propane or Charcoal - What Would Jesus Do?
It is one of the most hotly debated conflicts in the church today! Propane or Charcoal? What would Jesus do?
Note: If you are humor-impaired or don't recognize satire when you hear it, please just skip this item.
Devotional given Friday morning before we served our chicken BBQ.Right Click - Save to Download
The Vigor of a New Life
The Vigor of a New Life
Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007
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Acts 10:34-43
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
John 20:1-18
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The first witnesses crossed the threshold into a vigorous new life by believing. Some believed by seeing. Some believed when they heard Jesus call them by name. Yet others believed on the witness and testimony of others. Today we still have that opportunity to cross that threshold into new life.Right Click - Save to Download
Remade for Ministry
Remade for Ministry
The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
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Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior are a New Creation - Remade for the Ministry of Reconciliation.Right Click - Save to Download
Hearing the Word, Living the Word
Hearing the Word – Living the Word
Texts: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:20-28; Luke 4:14-21
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 21, 2007 - Horne Memorial UMC
Gigi Nelson, Lector; Alan Swartz, Pastor
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For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version (ESV)Right Click - Save to Download
First Things First
Putting First Things First
Matthew 6:19-34
October 29, 2006 - Horne Memorial UMC
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Jesus tells us to seek the Kingdom of Heaven first and God will take care of us as he does the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields. A sermon on priorities and remaining focused.
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A. Be United in Your Life – Not Divided Luke 11:17
1. Your heart will follow your treasure (v. 21)
Matthew 13:44; 19:21
2. Keep your eye on the goal (vv. 22-23)
Philippians 3:13-14
2 John 1:8-9
3. Be wary of divided loyalties (v. 24)
James 1:8
B. Move from Anxiety to Trust (v. 25)
Luke 12:11, 25
Philippians 4:6-7
C. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (v. 33)Right Click - Save to Download
We Have a Heritage of Small Groups
A look at the Wesleyan heritage of small groups (classes and bands) and how small groups serve an important place in the work of the church today.
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How to Have a Successful Marriage
This is part 2 of a 2-part series on marriage. Last week we looked at some of the factors that cause the disintegration of a marriage. This week we look at several styles of marriage and some of the key elements involved in building successful marriages.
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Marriage and Divorce
Today's Gospel text (Mark 10:1-12) deals with marriage and divorce. Today's sermon looks at the biblical background of marriage and divorce and looks at the work of Dr. John Gottman in Why Marriages Succeed or Fail and How You Can Make Yours Last, John Gottman, Ph.D., Simon & Shuster, 1994. ISBN 0-684-80241-4
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We Are a Community that Reaches Out
As United Methodists, we are part of a denomination with a strong tradition of reaching out. In this sermon we will look at three persons in the Bible who were called to reach out as well as our Wesleyan heritage of reaching out.
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We Have a Faith that works
This sermon builds on the teaching found in the sermon “We Are a Community of Grace.” In this sermon, Dr. Swartz explains the implications of Ephesians 2:8-10 for Christians seeking to live out their faith. This text (and others) help us understnad the relationship of grace, faith, and works. The evidence of God?s grace at work in our lives is manifested in the work we do. While we are not saved by works of the law God has prepared us for works of grace.
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We Are a Community of Grace
One of our distinctive theological characteristics as United Methodist is our view of grace. Regardless of what aspect of theology you discuss we believe that it must be framed in a discussion of grace.
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The Duty of Constant Communion
A look at our United Methodist heritage of Holy Communion with a special emphasis on Wesley's sermon titled The Duty of Constant Communion and the hymns he and his brother, Charles, published in their Hymns of the Lord's Supper.
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Living in the Shephelah
The Shephelah is the region between the Judean high lands and the coastline. The Israelites living in the Shephelah had to learn to live faithfully to God while living in an ungodly culture. Samson demonstrates well this struggle. We, too, live in our own Shephelah. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and we live in this world. We are called to God's influence on the culture around us - not to be seduced by the culture.
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Being the Body
A look at the 6th chapter of John and what it can tell us about being faithful in our discipleship as the body of Christ.
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How to Really Live Like Jesus
Paul prays that the Ephesians will know and grasp the love so that they will live that love out in their lives. In other words, to really live like Jesus. The petitions Paul lifts up for the Ephesians are lifted up today for all of us. What does it really mean to live like Jesus? What would that look like. Text: Ephesians 3:14-21. Lay Reader: Sean Hein.
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Every Spiritual Blessing
When we think about being blessed by God, our minds often reflect on those material and emotional blessings we have been given. In today's text from Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have been given.
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When God Seems Silent
What do we do during those times of difficulty when our prayers to God seem to God unanswered? Today we look at the Apostle's Paul's witness to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:2-10) about such an occasion in his life. Paul tells us that God's answer to us is always YES. God is able to redeem those things meant for ill in our lives and accomplish good.
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The Generosity Challenge
The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that they excel at many things, such as faith, speech, knowledge, and eagerness. He challenges them to excel in generosity as well. But, true generosity is a fruit of the Spirit that grows out of the Spirit's work of holiness within us. Like the Corinthians we excel at many things, but we to would do well to face the Generosity Challenge that Paul presents to the Corinthians. Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.
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Enduring by Grace
The Apostle faced hardships, troubles and calamities with patient endurance. By recognizing the work of God within us, we can do the same. We prove ourselves by purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love, and holiness.
Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Lay Reader: Sean HeinRight Click - Save to Download
Hearing the Word of God
This sermon looks at the doctrine of inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. The Holy Spirit has inspired the prophets and disciples of old to write the scriptures. The Holy Spirit has protected the transmission of the scriptures through the ages. The Holy Spirit illumines the scriptures for us that they may be the Word of God in our lives today.
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Knowing the Truth
(1) The tag line of The DaVinci Code is "Seek the Truth." We examine some of the factual errors made by the novel, The DaVinci Code. (2) In the New Testament Pilate asks, "What is the Truth?" We look at the five standards used to determine the Books of the News Testament by the Church. (3)Jesus says, "I am the Truth..." As Christians we realize that ultimate truth is not intellectual as much as it is relational. If you want to know the truth, know Jesus Christ.
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Easter People are Loving
Today's text tells us that God is love; that God is revealed to us in love; and, that Love is the internal and external mark of the presence of God in our lives.
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Easter People Make Sacrifices
Dr. Swartz speaks from today's epistle text (1 John 3:16-24). We know what love is because Christ laid down his life for us. So we ought to do the same for others. The sacrifices we are called to make are voluntary offerings -- vountary expressions of our love of God, of our neighbor, and our God. We also give willingly that others may be lead to praise God. The lay reader is Sean Hein.
Easter People Live in Purity
Concrete steps to take to begin to live a life of purity. Lay Reader is Sean Hein.
Easter People Live in Harmony
The first of the Easter season sermon series "Easter People - A Community of Love." During this series we will look at what it means to live in community as God's people. This sermon looks at what it means to live in harmony and the steps we can take to live in harmony.
We Believe in the Resurrection of the Body
We believe in the resurrection of the body and in the life everlasting. The scriptures make at least seven basic affirmations about this which we will look at today.
The Resurrection - Sunrise Service
A Brief sermon on the resurrection of the body given at the Horne Memorial UMC on April 16, 2006 by Alan Swartz at the sunrise service.
Learning to Live in Grace
We are the people of the new covenant -- people who live in God's Grace. How do we do that? Just what does it mean to live in the grace of God? In this sermon we explore some of the steps we must take to really live in the freedom God has given us by his grace.
Givers of Grace
We are people who have been significantly blessed by God. God's graces pours out on us so freely that it runs over and covers us. We cannot hoard that grace any more than the Hebrews could hoard the manna in the wilderness. God calls us to be Givers of Grace.
A God of Holiness and Love
Lent 3 – March 19, 2006
Exodus 20:1-17
Today's Theme: God's Covenant with Moses
Sermon: A God of Holiness and LoveA God Who Names Us
Overall Theme for Lent: People of the Covenant
Lent 2 – March 12, 2006
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Romans 4:13-25
Today's Theme: God's Covenant with Abraham and SarahA God Who Disarms
Overall Theme for Lent: People of the Covenant
Lent 1 – March 5, 2006 (Holy Communion)
Genesis 9:8-17
1 Peter 3:18-22
Today's Theme: God's Covenant with Noah
Sermon: A God Who Has DisarmedThe Defeat of Satan
Lent is a time for reflection and intentional growth. To promote good growth in a plant often entails pruning back dead or diseased branches. In the same way we need to encourage good growth bu pruning the dead and decaying from our lives. It must be an intentional process. This sermon reflects on the examples of St. Paul and Jesus and seeks to apply what we can learn from them to our own lives.
Jesus, My Redeemer
In this sermon we look at the Old Testament concept of the kinsman redeemer (goel) and consider the implications for our understanding of Jesus as our redeemer.
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Friends
Are you a good friend? Do you have good friends? In this sermon we consider what the Bible teaches us about friendship. How can we be better friends? What does being a good friend have to do with a good marriage or Christian outreach?
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All Things to All People
The Apostle Paul speaks about how he so fervently shares God's desire that all may be saved that he is willing to be all things to all people. In this sermon we look at what the Apostle Paul means by that, and what the implications are for our own lives as Disciples of Jesus Christ.
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Spiritual Struggles
Every struggle has a spiritual dimension. Every decision we make carries spiritual implications. As disciples we need to remember that we cannot separate our physical lives from spiritual realities. We are to be whole and holy beings. It is what God created us to be.
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A Fishy Tale
A sermon based on the Book of Jonah. Why Jonah was so reluctant to preach to the Ninevites. Who are the Ninevites we would prefer to ignore. Why God will be relentless in outreach, and why we should be as well.
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Bought_with_a_Price
We are not our own. We were bought with a price. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians sets the theological context for issues of Christian Freedom and our responsibility in our behavior towards one another with a special look at sexual ethics. Sermon manuscript also available.
Edenton Street UMC
Raleigh, NC
The Church of the Resurrection
Leawood, KS
Dr. Jerome Smith
Pastor, St. Paul UMC
Tabor City, NC
Vann Spivey
Pastor, Christ Community UMC
Clayton, NC
Ginghamsburg UMC
Tipp City, Ohio
Ray Warren
Senior Pastor, Orange UMC
Chapel Hill, NC
Christ United Methodist Church
Chapel Hill, NC
Mon, 12 May 2008 03:34:54 -0500
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