Richland Center Free Methodist Church

Great Expectations

Expectations can shape the way we see everything. Some are built on hope, others on disappointment, and many are shaped by what we’ve heard from others. When the first disciples encountered Jesus, they came with questions, curiosity, and their own ideas about what the Messiah would be like. What they found was far greater than they expected. In John 1:35–51, Jesus invites ordinary people into an extraordinary journey. Some are told to “come and see.” Others hear the simple call, “follow me.” Along the way they begin inviting others to meet Him as well. As their understanding grows, Jesus promises that even greater things are still ahead. This message explores what happens when our expectations are placed in Christ and we respond to His invitation. Come and see. Follow Him. Bring someone with you. There is always more to discover in Jesus. Recorded June 14th, 2026 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: John 1:35-51

Witness to the Light

Before there were witnesses, signs, sermons, or songs, there was the Word. John opens his Gospel by taking us back before creation itself, showing us that Jesus did not simply appear in history; He is the eternal Word through whom all things were made, the source of life and light. John the Baptist came as a witness, pointing beyond himself so that others might believe. In John 1:1-9, we are reminded that the light of Christ shines into the darkness, and that God still calls His people to bear faithful witness to that light today. Recorded June 7th, 2026 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: John 1:1-9

Who and Why?

Who is Jesus, and why did He come? John does not begin with a manger scene or a genealogy, but with eternity itself: “In the beginning was the Word.” Before creation, before history, before we could reach toward God, the Son was already with God and was God. In John 1:1–14, we see the wonder of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Jesus is the light shining into darkness, the Creator entering His creation, and the only Son revealing the Father with grace and truth. Consider not only who Jesus is, but why His coming changes everything. Recorded May 31st, 2026 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: John 1:1-14

It Is Pentecost

A crowd gathers in Jerusalem for Pentecost, expecting the familiar rhythm of an ancient feast. Then the sound of a rushing wind fills the house, tongues of fire rest on the believers, and people from many nations hear the good news of Jesus in their own languages. This is not confusion, but fulfillment. The crucified and risen Jesus has poured out the Holy Spirit, and the call is clear: repent, be baptized, and receive the gift God has promised! Recorded May 24th, 2026 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Acts 2:1-16, 22-24, 36-41

Jesus Keeps Hanging Around

Some people leave a mark and then fade into history. Others are remembered because their words still carry weight. But Jesus did more than leave behind a teaching or a movement. After the cross, He kept showing up, alive, seen, and recognized by those who knew Him. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Paul reminds the church that the gospel rests on real events: Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised, and appeared to many witnesses. The risen Jesus kept hanging around long enough to make sure His people knew death had not won. Come hear a message about the risen Christ and the hope that still walks with us today! Recorded May 17th, 2026 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8