Grenola UMC Sermons

Mission of the Disciples

Jesus looks at a weary, scattered world and sends His followers out with compassion, courage, and a message that still changes lives. This week, Pastor Kenny explores what it means to be sent — to trust God’s Word, to rely on the Spirit, and to carry the light of Christ into places that resist it. From ancient prophecy to the risen Jesus opening the Scriptures, we’re reminded that the mission has always been His… and now it’s ours. Scripture   Matthew 9:35–10:23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A35%E2%80%9310%3A23&version=KJV] Isaiah 8:13–22 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%208%3A13%E2%80%9322&version=KJV] Luke 24:13–32, 44–45 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3A13%E2%80%9332%2C%2044%E2%80%9345&version=KJV]

Friend of Sinners

Jesus’ ministry consistently moved toward the people others avoided—tax collectors, the unclean, the broken, and the overlooked. In Matthew’s calling, the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, and the raising of a ruler’s daughter, we see a Savior who meets people in their need, not their perfection. Pastor Kenny reminds us that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, and that His mercy reaches those the world casts aside. Through the parable of the prodigal son and the faith of Abraham, we’re invited to see ourselves in the story—broken yet loved, wandering yet welcomed, imperfect yet pursued by a God who calls us to walk by faith, not by sight. This message celebrates the grace that restores, the compassion that lifts, and the Savior who truly is a friend of sinners. Scripture   Matthew 9:9‑13, 18‑26 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A9-13%2C%2018-26&version=KJV] Luke 15:11‑32 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015%3A11-32&version=KJV] Hebrews 11:6‑10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011%3A6-10&version=KJV] Romans 4:13‑25 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%204%3A13-25&version=KJV]

The Great Commission

As Jesus prepared to ascend to the Father, He entrusted His disciples with a simple but world‑shaping call: Go. Go and make disciples, go and teach, go and proclaim the good news of God’s love. From Isaiah’s vision of holiness, to the gospel promise of John 3:16, to Paul’s reminder that faith comes by hearing, Scripture reveals one continuous invitation—come to Christ, and then go tell others. Through the Spirit’s guidance and the wisdom Jesus promised His followers, we are sent into a hurting world with a message of hope, truth, and everlasting life. Join us as Pastor Kenny explores the Great Commission and the call to share the gospel with boldness, compassion, and love. Scripture   Matthew 28:16‑20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A16-20&version=KJV] John 3:16‑17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16-17&version=KJV] Isaiah 6:1‑10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%206%3A1-10&version=KJV] Romans 10:8‑17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2010%3A8-17&version=KJV] Matthew 11:25‑30 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A25-30&version=KJV] Matthew 10:16‑20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010%3A16-20&version=KJV] Luke 21:13‑19 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021%3A13-19&version=KJV] 2 Corinthians 13:11‑14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2013%3A11-14&version=KJV]

Promise Fulfilled

On the evening of the resurrection, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon His disciples and promised that greater power was still to come. Fifty days later, at Pentecost, that promise was fulfilled as the Spirit was poured out with wind, fire, and bold proclamation. From Moses’ longing for God’s Spirit on all people, to Joel’s prophecy of an outpouring in the last days, to Paul’s call to walk in unity and holiness, Scripture reveals one continuous story: God giving His Spirit to transform hearts and empower His people. Join us as Pastor Kenny traces the promise of the Spirit from the Old Testament to Pentecost and into the life of the church today. Scripture   John 20:19‑23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020%3A19-23&version=KJV] Acts 1:4‑8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201%3A4-8&version=KJV] Acts 2:1‑21 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A1-21&version=KJV] Joel 2:27‑32 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel%202%3A27-32&version=KJV] Numbers 11:24‑29 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011%3A24-29&version=KJV] Ephesians 4:1‑32 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204%3A1-32&version=KJV]

Unity

On the night before the cross, Jesus prayed for His disciples — and for every believer who would come after them — asking the Father to make His people one. In a world divided by fear, hatred, and spiritual warfare, Jesus calls His church to a unity rooted not in sameness, but in love: love for God, love for one another, and love for a broken world. Through His Word and His Spirit, He strengthens us, protects us from the enemy, and sends us out as His witnesses. Join us as Pastor Kenny explores Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and the call to live in unity with Christ and with each other. Scripture   John 17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2017&version=KJV] 1 Peter 4:12‑14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%204%3A12-14&version=KJV] 1 Peter 5:7‑10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205%3A7-10&version=KJV]