What do you feel when you hear the word evangelism ? For many of us, it brings up awkward memories—bullhorn preachers, high-pressure pitches, or messages more rooted in fear than love. But in Luke 15, Jesus shows us a different way. Through the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin, he reminds us that sharing our faith isn’t about coercion or performance—it’s about love, presence, and celebration. In this episode, Pastor Mark explores three faithful and life-giving ways to share your faith: •...
Jun 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 378
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, Pastor Mark launches a new series called What Christians Do by addressing the trap of Christian nominalism, a faith that costs nothing and changes nothing. Drawing from Luke 14 and the teachings of John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this message challenges believers to count the cost of discipleship and to embrace a faith that doesn’t just inform our beliefs—but transforms our lives. Discover how Jesus’ call to “come and die” isn’t a c...
Jun 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 377
In this Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day message, Pastor Mark explores how truth isn’t just something we learn—it’s someone we follow. Rooted in John 16:12–15, this sermon invites us to embrace humility, community, and truth as essential parts of the Christian journey. You’ll hear a powerful story about healing through slow truth-telling, unpack the mystery of the Trinity, and learn why intellectual humility and deep Christian community are crucial in a world obsessed with certainty and self-reli...
Jun 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 376
In a world filled with anxiety, fear, and nonstop bad news, many of us are tempted to cope through “doom spending”—buying things we don’t need just to feel something solid in an uncertain world. But on Pentecost, God gave us something far more powerful than retail therapy: the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Pastor Mark Reynolds explores how the Spirit meets us in our fear, leads us with peace, and anchors us in a future filled with purpose—not panic. Through Scripture, stories, and pr...
Jun 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 375
In this Ascension Sunday message, From Ascension to Activation , Pastor Mark explores how Jesus’ departure wasn’t the end—it was a launch. Using the metaphor of a SpaceX rocket, we reflect on how Christ’s ascension prepares us for Spirit-filled mission on Earth. Jesus opens our mind to understand scripture and promises power in the Holy Spirit so that we can continue the work of Jesus in our everyday lives. Join us as we shift from staring at the sky to serving here on the ground....
Jun 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 374
What happens when we die? And what does heaven really look like? In this powerful Memorial Day weekend message, we explore the astonishing story of Casey Cleveland—a worship leader who suffered a massive stroke and experienced a profound peace on the brink of death. His near-death testimony offers a glimpse of something greater… but Scripture tells us there’s even more. Drawing from Revelation 21, this sermon challenges popular ideas about heaven and paints a more hopeful, grounded picture: not ...
May 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 373
Do you want deeper, more meaningful friendships? What if the key isn’t about finding the right people—but being the right kind of friend? In this powerful message, Pastor Mark explores God's original call to Abraham in Genesis 12:2–3: “I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to use ordinary people to share extraordinary love—and the best friendships are built by those who live to bless others. 🎯 Big Idea: If you want good friends, be a good fr...
May 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 372
Conflict is inevitable — but division doesn’t have to be. In this timely and practical message from the Friend-ology series, Pastor Mark Reynolds explores how we can face disagreements with courage, grace, and Christlike love. Whether the conflict is political, personal, or just plain awkward, this sermon will help you discover how to stay connected even when you don’t see eye to eye. Rooted in Colossians 3, this message offers biblical wisdom, honest reflection, and practical tools for navigati...
May 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 371
Loneliness is dangerous. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared that isolation poses risks as serious as smoking or obesity. But long before the studies and statistics, the Bible told us the same thing: “It is not good for humans to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mark continues our Friend-ology series with a deeper look at how radical independence and unchecked isolation can open the door to personal and moral collapse. Through the story of David and Bathsheba (2 S...
May 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 370
What do you do when life falls apart? When grief, sin, fear, and death seem to have the final word? In this unforgettable Easter message, Pastor Mark Reynolds explores the powerful hope of the resurrection and what it means for real people facing real pain. From the brokenness of Good Friday to the victory of Easter morning, this sermon proclaims the core truth of Christian faith: the worst thing is never the last thing. Through vivid storytelling, powerful biblical teaching, and the image of Ki...
Apr 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 369
As we enter Holy Week, we're reminded of the profound lessons Jesus imparted in His final days. The central themes of love, forgiveness, and justice intertwine, forming the core of our Christian faith. Pastor Beth Burton reminds us that we're called to love deeply, forgive generously, and seek justice relentlessly - not as mere actions, but as a way of life. These principles, embodied by Christ on the cross, challenge us to examine our own lives. How can we love like Jesus, crossing boundaries a...
Apr 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 368
👉 Have you ever wrestled with the question: “Who is Jesus, really?” In this week’s message, we dive into one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked: “Who do you say that I am?” — a question that still echoes through every heart and life today. Join us as we explore the deep meaning behind three of Jesus’ “I Am” sayings found in the Gospel of John: 🔆 I am the Light of the World 🌿 I am the True Vine 🍞 I am the Bread of Life These aren’t just poetic metaphors—they are powerful revelat...
Apr 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 367
In this week’s message, we explore how Jesus used parables—simple, surprising, and often unsettling stories—to open our eyes to a radically different way of living under God’s reign by focusing on The Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan. These timeless stories reveal the extravagant mercy of God—and challenge us to extend that same mercy to others, even those we might find difficult to love. 💥 Discover how parables disrupt our usual thinking and invite us to rethink justice, compassion, and wha...
Mar 31, 2025•30 min•Ep. 366
Ever wondered how the teachings of Jesus could radically transform your life? Join us for an engaging exploration of one of Jesus’ most famous messages—the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This powerful sermon challenges conventional views on happiness, success, relationships, and authentic faith. In this message, you'll discover: Why Jesus calls those who are humble, merciful, and peacemakers truly blessed. How to treat others with genuine compassion, kindness, and grace. The meaning of authe...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min•Ep. 365
Around 2.4 billion people today call themselves followers of Jesus, yet many barely know what he actually taught. Too often, we reduce Christianity to simply believing in Jesus' death and resurrection to secure our place in heaven. But Jesus' teachings offer much more—a revolutionary vision of life meant to transform us here and now. In this message we focus on Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God. What does it truly mean to live under the reign of God? How does understanding the Kingdom reshap...
Mar 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 364
Temptation is a battle we all face. Have you ever found yourself making the same mistake over and over, despite your best efforts? Do you struggle with guilt and shame after falling short? You’re not alone. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He showed us the path to victory. In this powerful message, we dive into Luke 4:1-13 to uncover practical and spiritual tools for overcoming temptation. Through faith, wisdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can break free from destructive cycles and embrace t...
Mar 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 363
How can Christians be a force for love, unity, and peace in a polarized world? In this powerful message, we explore the wisdom of Ephesians 4 and uncover how God calls us to move beyond division and embody justice, mercy, and humility in our daily lives. Drawing from history, scripture, and real-life experiences, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to reflect on how we treat those we disagree with and how we can foster true unity in the body of Christ. 📖 Key Themes: ✔️ Overcoming divis...
Mar 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 362
What if true strength wasn’t about winning, proving yourself, or always being right? In this powerful message, Pastor Mark explores how true power is found in humility. In This Sermon, You’ll Discover: • How humility frees us from the exhausting pressure to compete, be right, or outdo others. • Practical reflection questions to assess our own struggles with pride—do we offer unsolicited advice, shift focus onto ourselves, or feel the need to dominate conversations? • The role of worship as an ac...
Feb 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 361
In this powerful message, we dive into Micah 6:8, where God lays out clear expectations for His people: ✅ Do justice – Treat all people with fairness and dignity. ✅ Love mercy – Show compassion and practice kindness. ✅ Walk humbly with God – Live a life of obedience and faith. Through biblical wisdom and real-life stories, we’ll discover how kindness has the power to transform hearts, mend divisions, and bring true peace—even when we disagree. From our personal relationships to our politics, cho...
Feb 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 360
Be Just. Be Kind. Be Humble. In a world that often feels divided, we invite you to engage in a new sermon series centered on Micah 6:8, which reveals what God requires of us and how we can actively serve His kingdom of love and justice here on earth. This series will challenge you to discover our common ground as Christians, to extend love to all, and to engage with those who see the world differently. Together, we will explore how to live out our faith in ways that bring healing, unity, and hop...
Feb 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 359
Life is full of suffering—sometimes in ways that shake us to our core. When we witness the horrors of war, senseless violence, devastating natural disasters, or personal tragedies, we can’t help but ask: Where is God in all of this? Why does an all-loving, all-powerful God allow innocent people—including children—to endure such unimaginable pain? In this message, we confront one of the hardest questions of faith: Why do the innocent suffer? Together, we’ll explore common but misguided explanatio...
Feb 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 358
Have you ever wrestled with the heartache of unanswered prayers? In this message, we dive deep into the difficult realities of prayer, doubt, and faith, exploring what it means to trust God when the answers we long for don't come. Through personal stories, Scripture, and reflection, we’ll examine: -Why some prayers seem to go unanswered. -Misunderstandings about the nature of prayer and God’s will. -How God works through prayer—not as a "cosmic genie," but as a force for transformation in our li...
Jan 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 357
Have you ever wondered about the fate of those who don’t profess faith in Jesus? Can a loving and merciful God condemn billions of people to eternal torment? How do we reconcile these questions with the heart of the gospel? In this message, we dive into one of the most challenging questions for Christians in our ongoing series, "Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith." Together, we explore the different perspectives Christians have taken over the centuries—Christian Exclusivism, Universalism, and I...
Jan 20, 2025•27 min•Ep. 356
Have you ever come across a passage in the Bible that made you stop and think, “Wait, did God really say that?” 🤔 You’re not alone. In this week’s sermon, we dive into some of the Bible’s most challenging passages—verses that, at first glance, seem archaic, oppressive, or even contradictory to the God of love revealed in Jesus. From violent stories in Joshua to troubling laws in Deuteronomy, and even controversial teachings in the New Testament, these scriptures can raise serious doubts. But in...
Jan 13, 2025•29 min•Ep. 355
Do you struggle with doubt? You're not alone. In our new series, "Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith," Pastor Mark dives deep into the natural human experience of doubt and its role in strengthening our faith journey. In this first message, Pastor Mark talks about his own doubts as he leads an exploration of questions about God’s existence. From the beauty of creation to the transformative power of faith, this sermon encourages us to see doubt not as an enemy but as a bridge to deeper understan...
Jan 06, 2025•39 min•Ep. 354
Through the lens of Charles Wesley’s beloved hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, we journey through scripture, history, and the transformative power of God’s love. Discover the deeper meaning of the angelic announcement in Luke 2:10-11, the contrast between earthly kings and the true King, and the cosmic significance of Christ’s arrival as heaven and earth are reconciled. Whether you’re singing along with the hymns or reflecting on the shepherds’ response to the good news, this message invites yo...
Dec 23, 2024•21 min•Ep. 353
Discover the Hidden Joy Beyond Life's Sorrows. Life often overwhelms us with challenges, leaving us struggling to see the joy that might be just around the corner. In this third message of The Joy of Christmas series, we explore the story of Joseph and the first Christmas through the lens of faith, resilience, and hope. Through the ancient tradition of “The Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph,” we uncover how Joseph’s journey—marked by heartbreak, poverty, fear, and starting over—mirrors the st...
Dec 16, 2024•25 min•Ep. 352
Discover the surprising message of hope and joy found in the Christmas story—a message that uplifts the humble and challenges the powerful. In this sermon, we explore the contrast between King Herod’s prideful reign and Mary’s humble surrender to God’s call. Learn how God consistently chooses the lowly to fulfill His purposes, and how true joy comes from humility, justice, and aligning our lives with God's will. Through Mary’s story, we uncover the deeper meaning of being "blessed," a promise of...
Dec 09, 2024•24 min•Ep. 351
🌟 Finding Joy in Darkness | The Joy of Christmas Series 🌟 Welcome to the first message in our series, The Joy of Christmas. This week, we explore what it means to find joy in the midst of darkness. While the Christmas season is often marked by celebration and cheer, many of us carry burdens that make it difficult to fully embrace the joy of the season. Through scripture, personal stories, and reflections on the promises of God, this message will guide you in discovering how to reframe challeng...
Dec 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 350
Are you searching for deeper joy and true contentment in your life? In this message, we explore how to transform fleeting happiness into lasting joy by focusing on three key elements: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Through relatable stories, biblical wisdom, and the science of happiness, you’ll learn how to cultivate joy in your daily life—even when challenges arise. 🙏 Support Our Ministries: If this message has blessed you, consider making a donation at www.fumccb.com to help us continu...
Nov 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 349
