Sermons from Jesus MCC

Just a Bunch of Names

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:10 +0000

For several weeks we’ve been studying the book of Romans. As we come to the last chapter, it would be tempting to skip forward to whatever is next. After all, chapter 16 is just a bunch of names of people Paul acknowledges.

But buried within this dry list are stunning spiritual insights. This sermon will unlock the mystery of the names.

Today’s scripture: Romans 16:1-4, 7, 15-20

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What’s Next?

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:00:05 +0000

In this sermon, we take a look at our past and dream about our future, as we celebrate our 19th Anniversary. You’ll learn a lot about who we are and what we’re called to do.

Pastor Jeff also shares some surprising history (known to few) that gives a big clue about God’s dream for the future of our church.

Today’s scripture: Romans 10:9-17

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Live And Let Live

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:00:41 +0000

The only problem with people is. . . well, people. God makes each of us unique, then throws us all together and expects us to get along. How’s that supposed to work?

Romans 14 provides profound guidelines for living together in healthy community — in our families, at church, and at work.

Today’s scripture: Romans 14:1-6, 13-17

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Here I Am. . . Where Are You?

Guest Speaker — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:22 +0000

Imagine hearing God call your name in the quiet of the night to ask your help with a specific task. How would you respond? Excitement? Fear? Questions? All of the above?

This sermon explores God’s call on your life. This was our Indiana Black Pride Celebration Service with special guest preacher, Rev. Candy Holmes — who has recently made national news with her spiritual justice efforts in Washington, DC.

Today’s scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-11

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The Essence of Spiritual Living

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 05:01:41 +0000

Religion can get really complicated, with all its rules, rituals, and doctrines. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.

In this sermon, our study of the book of Romans brings us face-to-face with to two simple verses that capture the essence of what it means to be a spiritual person.

Today’s scripture: Romans 12:1-3, 9-17

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Full Frontal Faith

Guest Speaker — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:24 +0000

How would it feel to stand stark naked in front of God, baring your skin and your soul? With your darkest secrets exposed, how will God respond?

This sermon looks at what it means to live with a Spirit of vulnerability and authenticity, and to embrace the “you” that God created you to be!

Brent Walsh is our special guest speaker for today’s sermon.

Today’s scripture: Psalm 139:1-16

Sermon supplement: Transgender Concepts 101

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Theology 101

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:00:34 +0000

As we continue our study of Romans, this sermon tackles one of the harshest, most objectionable passages in the New Testament — only to realize that, when understood in context, it is one of the most gracious and hopeful. In the process, we learn a lot about how to think about God. Correction: In this sermon, Jeff makes reference to Second Peter 3:18. That’s incorrect. He meant to cite First Peter 3:18.

Today’s scripture: Romans 9:10-21

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The Gap

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:00:19 +0000

No, we’re not talking about the clothing store. We’re talking about the gap between what everybody says the spiritual life can be (in theory) and what we actually experience from day to day (in real life). How can we close this gap?

The Apostle Paul has a powerful, practical suggestion.

Today’s scripture: Romans 7:15-25; 8:1-11

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A Personal Declaration of Independence

Melody Merida — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:45 +0000

July 4! A day (in the U.S., at least) for contemplating independence and freedom. With today’s sermon, we’ll consider the nature of independence — not just for our nation, but as individuals, living out our faith.

Today’s scripture: Galatians 3:23-26, 29; 4:1-7

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When People Pray

Guest Speaker — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:01 +0000

What difference does prayer make? If you’ve ever pondered this question you are not alone.

We were pleased to welcome special guest Carolyn Olivier from Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Carolyn shared with us how prayer, along with the generosity of Jesus MCC, made possible a recent humanitarian trip to Haiti. God worked some miracles to get a group from Indiana to one of the most devastated part of our world.

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 100

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What’s Jesus Got To Do With It?

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:32 +0000

We often hear people say that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary — that without it, we would be in big trouble. What does that mean? Why is the cross important? This Sunday, we’ll cut through the buzz words to examine how Jesus’ death fits into the big picture.

Today’s scripture: Romans 5

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Religionless Christianity

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:58 +0000

We’ve all seen it. Sometimes religion actually makes people worse. Sometimes religious people are downright mean and unloving. Clearly religion is not the answer.

So what is? What does God really want from me? This sermon looks at the surprising answer found in the New Testament book of Romans.

Today’s scripture: Romans 3:21-24; 4:3-5, 13, 18-25

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The Dilemma

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:01 +0000

Picture someone you know who is wild and uninhibited, given to all kinds of riotous excess. Now picture someone who is super-religious, given to strict observance and quick to criticize. Who is closer to God? Who is more likely to enter Heaven? If religion is not the answer, then what is?

Today’s scripture: Romans 1:19-20, 28-32; 2:1, 17-24, 3:9-18, 23

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God’s Active Social Life

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:00:52 +0000

Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Many of us probably tend to see God as a singular monarch, “the Unmoved Mover,” sitting on a throne somewhere in the distant cosmos, completely self-sufficient, wanting and needing no one.

But what if that’s not the case? What if God is, in fact, a thoroughly social Being who thrives on relationships with others? This sermon explores what the Bible teaches about God’s ‘social life’ and the profound implications for how we live from day to day.

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 8:1, 22-32

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Bewildered

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:00:40 +0000

Some people see God as best friend and constant traveling companion. Others see God as infinitely transcendent and remote — ‘high and lifted up.’ So which is it? Should I see God as best buddy or as unknowable being?

This sermon continues our series, as were thinking deeply about a critical question: “What is God really like?”

Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:9-12

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The Joy Factor

Guest Speaker — Sun, 16 May 2010 16:00:45 +0000

Fear. . . Joy. . .

Two of the most powerful words in our vocabulary. Which word comes closer to describing your typical state of mind? This Sunday we’ll explore several factors that have the potential to unleash a ‘joy revival’ in your life!

This message was brought to us by Rev. Dr. Mona West, MCC’s Director of Formation and Leadership Development.

Today’s scripture: Luke 24:44-53

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The Battle Of The Sexes

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:00:05 +0000

On this Mothers Day, we could choose to play it safe and offer a bland, superficial sermon filled with platitudes about motherhood. But that’s not who we are!

As followers of Jesus, let’s engage the real issues (and truly honor our Moms) by exploring an important subject: ‘gender and God.’ If God is Father, does that mean God is more male than female? Is it valid to refer to God as “Mother”?

Today’s scripture: Luke 15:1-10

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A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 02 May 2010 16:00:19 +0000

How we see God — the picture of God we carry around in our heads — dramatically affects how we feel about life, ourselves, and God. So what is God really like?

This Sunday we resume our series in which we are exploring that critical question, using the concept of the Trinity to guide us. This week we’ll explore the “second person of the Trinity” — Jesus. What is the primary thing we’re supposed to learn about God from Jesus? Even if you’ve spent a lifetime in church, you’ll probably be surprised.

Today’s scripture: John 13:1-20

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Live Like You’re Dying

Melody Merida — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:00:00 +0000

What if today was your last? Have you lived and loved today the way you want?

These last few weeks have been a time of sadness and mourning for our church family. But maybe we can gain some valuable life lessons from our recent losses.

Some day each of us will breathe our last. Will we be remembered as someone who lived in a small way or as someone who lived and loved BIG?

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 6:11-13

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Living the Reality

Guest Speaker — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:01:41 +0000

Do you ever feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the challenges you face? Like there’s no way out?

This Sunday we’ll look at a riveting story from the Old Testament about how someone named named Leah faced — and overcame — her own enormous challenges. There is much we can learn from her powerful example!

This sermon was presented by Deb Doty, Jesus MCC’s Director of Discipleship.

Today’s scripture: Genesis 29:16-35

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Alone In A Great Big World

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:00:30 +0000

Do you ever feel that way? Even when surrounded by friends and family, sometimes life’s journey seems terribly isolating.

Mother Theresa once said, “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer. It’s the feeling of being uncared for, unwanted — of being deserted and alone.” But it doesn’t have to be that way! This sermon explores Jesus’ solution to the problem of isolation.

Today’s scripture: John 16:5-14

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Up From the Ashes

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:00:00 +0000

In a life of countless frustrations, in a life of unacceptable outcomes, in a life of grief and death, Easter rolls around each year to remind us of something very important. . .

Watch this sermon to recharge your soul!

Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

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Notice: About five minutes into today’s sermon you will experience a brief audio interruption. The audio resolves in about 15 seconds. We apologize for the glitch!

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The Sign Of The Cross

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:00:31 +0000

For centuries, the cross has been ultimate symbol of the Christian faith. But why? What was so important about Jesus’ death?

The Bible gives us a big clue by associating his death with the ancient Jewish Passover. This sermon follows that clue to see where it leads, as we explore the mystery of the cross.

Today’s scripture: Mark 15:22, 25-30, 33-34, 37-39

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The Tipping Point

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:00:43 +0000

Some live profoundly meaningful lives, achieving a sense of destiny. Others don’t. What makes the difference?

This sermon explores that question through the lens of Jesus’ trial — contrasting the example of Jesus with that of Pontius Pilate. Explore what it takes to be a creature of destiny!

Today’s scripture: John 18 and 19

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A Tear in the Cosmic Tapestry

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:00:45 +0000

What if each of us could enforce our will on earth in Bruce Almighty fashion? Our world would quickly descend into chaos.

So what then should we pray for? When the chips are down and we’re really being squeezed, what should we ask?

In this sermon we learn from Jesus’ example in his moment of greatest stress.

Today’s scripture: Matthew 26:36-47

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Remember Me

Rev. Jeff Miner — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:00:51 +0000

Every single Sunday, Christians across the globe share in Holy Communion. As the elements are consecrated, the words of Jesus are repeated, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

But why? We can spend a lifetime in church without anybody ever explaining the most basic stuff. What’s the purpose of Communion? What’s supposed to happen when I partake? What’s the big deal?

Today’s scripture: Luke 22:1-6, 14-20

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