Quakertown United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Share Christ - Grow in Christ - Serve Christ

Sermons

Here you'll be able to find links to the text of some of our recent sermons.  We're in the process of learning how to record and then upload the audio of our sermons, and eventually aim to have a QUMC podcast.  For now, though, we'll provide the text and hope it's of some benefit.  
 

Signs of the Kingdom

As we reflect on our identity and mission, this sermon reminds us to point the way to Jesus with our very lives.  Luke 7:18-22.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 1.22.12
 

With You in the Waiting

Waiting can be hard, particularly when the waiting is painful.  This sermon reminds us that one of the central promises of Christmas is that God is with us in our waiting.  Luke 2:21-38.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 1.1.12
 

Deliver the Message

The Second Sunday in Advent.  We both receive the message of Advent and are called to be deliver the message of Advent: (1) comfort & hope, (2) tenderness & compassion, (3) preparation and purpose.  Isaiah 40:1-11.  Delivered by Pastor Ron on 12.4.11
 

PTI

The First Sunday in Advent.  Advent reminds us that we serve a surprising and intrusive God.  Mark 13:24-37.  Delivered by Pastor Ron on 11.27.11
 

Leading Dying, Beautiful Lives

Using Paul's life as a model, this sermon challenges us to lead sacrificial, risky, meaningful lives.  The Powerpoint slides are also available.  2 Corinthians 11:23-33.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 10.30.11
 

Responding to Unjust Suffering

In the face of tragedies like 9/11, genocide, and rape, how can Christians respond in ways that are faithful to Jesus?  This sermon develops a biblical framework for responding to unjust suffering: we grieve, we honor, we condemn, we pray, and we act.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 9.18.11
 

Real Power in Forgiveness

Nothing else can rebuild a life the way forgiveness can. Nothing else can change an individual the way forgiveness can. Nothing else can change the relationship between nations the way forgiveness can. When you pull it off, you do the one thing, the only thing, that has the power to change the past. The grace to do it is from God. The decision to do it is our own.  Matthew 18:15-22.  Delivered by Pastor Ron on 9.4.11
 

What Type of Church Will We Be?  (Part II)

Building the type of church God has called us to be requires not just believing the right things, but living the right way.  It also requires the good, hard work of digging deep down to build a foundation that will last.  The PowerPoint slides are also available.  Luke 6:46-49.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 8.7.11
 

What Type of Church Will We Be?  (Part I)

Let's not be a Zealot-like church (characterized by fighting), a Sadducee-like church (characterized by always needing to get our own way), or an Essene-like church (characterized by an isolationism that neglects the needs around us).  Instead, let's spend significant time thinking about praying about the type of church God has called us to be.  Luke 6:46-49.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 7.31.11
 

Keep Sowing the Seed

Though we may sometimes get discouraged by the results (or lack thereof) of ministry, Jesus encourages us to keep sowing the seed and leave the results in God's hands.  Matthew 13:1-23.  Delivered by Pastor Ron on 7.10.11
 

Brand New Wineskins

In Pastor Ron's first sermon at QUMC, he reminds us of Jesus' challenge to remain open to change.  Luke 5:33-38.  Delivered by Pastor Ron on 7.3.11
 

Forgiveness

In what ways is our forgiving others tied up in our own ability to receive forgiveness from God?  In this Lent sermon, Pam McGovern explores rethinking forgiveness.  Matthew 6:5-15.  Delivered by Pam McGovern on 3.30.11
 

Worship that Pleases God

What type of worship pleases God?  What type of worship angers God?  In this Lent sermon, Mike Lehr explores rethinking worship.  Isaiah 1:10-17 and Romans 12:1-2.  Delivered by Mike Lehr on 3.23.11
 

The Super Bowl, Blessing, and Calling

Relational competition distorts our understanding of blessing and distracts from our commitment to calling.  Genesis 29:31-30:24 and John 21:15-22.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 2.6.11
 

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

To keep the main thing the main thing, we must have the right message, the right methods, the right mindset, and the right muscle.  Acts 1:6-8.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 1.23.11
 

God Moved into the Neighborhood

What does the birth of Jesus and the Incarnation of a King mean for us today?  We are not alone.  John 1:1-18.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 1.2.11
 

[Advent Conspiracy]

Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas?  This year, take a stand!  Join a groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be: a joyous celebration of Jesus' birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits.  Advent Conspiracy shows us how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple, but powerful, countercultural concepts:
            ⇒ Worship Fully - because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus (Pastor Nancy, 11.28.10)
            ⇒ Spend Less - and free your resources for things that truly matter(Pastor Josh, 12.5.10)
            ⇒ Give More - of your presence: your hands, your words, your time, your heart(Pastor Nancy, 12.12.10)
            ⇒ Love Allour church, our neighbors, and our families in ways that make a difference (Pastor Josh, 12.19.10)

Enough

Our annual stewardship campaign included a sermon series entitled, "Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity."  Each of the following sermons was delivered by Pastor Nancy.  
            ⇒ Week 1: The American Nightmare
            ⇒ Week 2: Wisdom and Finance         
            ⇒ Week 3: Cultivating Contentment 
            ⇒ Week 4: Defined by Generosity 
 

Predestination

What is predestination, what are the different points of view on it, what is the right answer, and what does it really matter?  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 8.29.10
 

Sabbath

Why did God create and command the Sabbath day, and what are we supposed to do (or not do) on it?  Deuteronomy 5:12-15.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 8.8.10
 

Father's Day

This Father's Day sermon reflects on Zebedee, the father of two of Jesus' disciples.  Mark 1:16-20.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 6.20.10 
  

The Power of Vision

What is vision?  Is it Biblical?  Where does QUMC fit in?  Matthew 28:18-20.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 6.6.10
 

Peace with Justice

Each year the United Methodist Church celebrates Peace with Justice Sunday.  This sermon looks at the relationship between justice and peace, concluding that, "If you want peace, work for justice."  Isaiah 32:16-20.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 5.30.10 

Listen to Him

What does it mean to listen to Jesus?  As this sermon illustrates, listening is about both hearing and obeying: hearing the voice of God and obeying the Word of God.  Mark 9:7.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 5.9.10  
 

Palm Sunday

"There is a way that seems right to the world but that does not lead to peace."  When presented with conflict, we have a choice: respond by escalating the situation, or respond in the way of the crossLuke 19:35-44.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 3.28.10
 

Upon This Rock

Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do others say that I am?"  He then asks a more pointed question: "Who do you say that I am?"  It was an important question then, and it's an important question now.  Matthew 16:13-20.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 3.21.10
 

Hearts of Stone

The Pharisees and scribes were religious men of means who continually confronted Jesus with road blocks of reason, while Jesus confronted them with building blocks of justice and love.  Luke 11:37-52.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 3.14.10
 

Unschooled and Ordinary

The disciples are not perfect -- they have doubts and struggles and shortcomings.  Yet Jesus entrusts the mission of the Church to these broken, incomplete, struggling believers.  And he still does.  Acts 4:13.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 1.31.10
 

God in the Midst of Tragedy

Inspired by the earthquake in Haiti, this sermon reflects on where God is in the midst of tragedy.  1 Corinthians 12:12-31.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 1.24.10
 

The People of Christmas - The Shepherds

By inviting the shepherds to witness the birth of Jesus, God shows his special concern for the dispossessed, the poor, and the forgotten.  God loves the poor; we should, too.  Luke 2:8-20.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 12.20.09
 

The People of Christmas - The Angels

The message we get most clearly from the angels in the Christmas story is, "Be not afraid."  Luke 2:8-14.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 12.13.09
 

The More Important Matters

Jesus says the more important matters of the law are justice, mercy, and faithfulness.  How are we as individuals and as a community doing with those more important issues?  Matthew 23:23.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 11.8.09
 

The Problem of Presbyopia

When life gets fuzzy, we need focused light.  Mark 10:46-52.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 10.25.09
 

Are You Seeking God?

Is God the answer?  "Brace yourself, for I, [God], have some questions for you, and you must answer them."  Job 38:3.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 10.18.09
 

Possessed by Possessions

We are often too attached to worldly possessions or recognition to answer God's call to serve.  Jesus offers us healing from our obsession with possessions.  Mark 10:17-31.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 10.11.09   
 

The Most Important Hour in the Whole Week

Our faith is experienced, shared, examined, and developed in the opportunities we have for Christian Education in the church.  Luke 2:41-25.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on Rally Day, 9.13.09   
 

It's not just a job

It's not just a job; it's an example.  Colossians 3:22-4:1.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on Labor Day, 9.6.09
  

Seeking God in Real Time

We are naturally more receptive to God during certain times of the day and on certain days of the year. We should take advantage of that reality to draw closer to him.  Ephesians 5:15-20.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 8.16.19
 

Jesus is Good 4 U

Jesus is the foundation of good spiritual health.  John 6:35, 41-51.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 8.9.09
 

Message in the Munchies

In place of the cheese curls, popcorn, and potato chips of Christian living, Jesus offers a food that endures for eternal life.  John 6:24-35.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 8.2.09
 

The Difference

There is often no rest for the weary, which means we have to make sure we get the physical and spiritual rest we need.  Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 7.19.09
 

Good to Go

Ministry doesn't stop and start.  Ministry is a continuation of ministry through all of us.  2 Kings 2:1-14.  Delivered by Pastor Nancy on 7.12.09
 

Share Christ

Reflecting on the first aspect of our mission statement, this message reminds us to Share Christ because we have a story to tell, a message to live, and a hope to profess.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 6.28.09
 

Lent Series: Listening at the Foot of the Cross

As a means of journeying through Lent together, we considered some of the last words of Jesus and what they might mean for us today.
               •  "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."  We hear the word of forgiveness.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 2.25.09 
               •  "Today, you will be with me in paradise."  We hear the promise of presence.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 3.1.09
               •  "Woman, here is your son...here is your mother."  We hear the call to relationship.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 3.8.09
               •  "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  We hear the cry of abandonment, yet claim the presence of God. Pastor Ryan, 3.15.09 
               •  "I thirst."  We hear the cry of human suffering and the cry to respond.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 3.22.09
               •  "It is finished."  We hear the word of completion.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 3.29.09
               •  "Into your hands I commend my spirit."  We hear the act of surrender.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 4.5.09  (Palm Sunday).  
                  

Jehovah-jireh

A sermon on the Lord's provision, this message reminds us that God provides both for us and through us.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 2.15.09
 

Three Simple Rules

Each year we engage in a congregational study.  This year's congregational study centered around "Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living," a book by Bishop Reuben Job.  We then spent a week reflecting on each of the three rules.    
                         Week One: Three Simple Rules -- Do No Harm.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 1.11.09
                         Week Two: Three Simple Rules -- Do Good.  Delivered by Pastor Ryan on 1.25.09
                         Week Three: Three Simple Rules -- Stay In Love With God.  Delivered by Pastor Josh on 2.1.09