Why We Sing | Psalm 95, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Acts 16:25

Crown of Life | James 1:2-18

Crown of Life | James 1:2-18 Life is filled with trials, temptations, and struggles — but God has a purpose in every one of them. In this message, Pastor Matt walks us through James 1:2-18 and four essentials for turning adversity into victory and trials into triumph. KEY POINTS: * Count it all joy — God wants us to have a joyful attitude because He is with us through every trial * Have an understanding mind — seek God's wisdom, not worldly wisdom, and trust Him when doubts arise * Have a surrendered will — grow willingly into His likeness, not kicking and screaming, but eagerly working out our salvation * Have a heart that truly believes — faith is not wishful thinking; it is confidence in God's unchanging character SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-18 Through the stories of Joseph and Abraham, Pastor Matt shows us what it looks like to remain steadfast under trial — and what awaits those who do: the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. From First Methodist Church Wetumpka Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us! #Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Trials #CrownOfLife #James #Perseverance

A Mother Should Be Praised | Proverbs 31:28-31

On this Mother's Day, Pastor Matt explores the profound depth and beauty of a mother's love — why it takes everything you have, how it mirrors the love of Christ, and why the work of motherhood truly matters. KEY POINTS: * It takes ALL you have to be a Mother * Jesus was raised by a loving Mother * A Mother's Love is Christ-Like * A Mother's Work Matters SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 31:28-31 — "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her... Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." From First Methodist Church Wetumpka Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us! #Sermon #Methodist #Faith #MothersDay #MothersLove #Proverbs31

Two on the Road to Emmaus | Luke 24:13-35

Two on the Road to Emmaus | Luke 24:13-35 Two discouraged disciples walking away from Jerusalem encounter a stranger on the road — and everything changes. In this week's message, Pastor Matt shows us how the risen Jesus still seeks us out, opens our eyes through Scripture, reveals himself in fellowship, and moves us to share the good news. KEY POINTS: * Jesus sought the disciples out — he comes to us wherever we are, even in our discouragement * Jesus opens the eyes of the disciples — Scripture still opens eyes and transforms despair into hope * Jesus reveals himself to the disciples — in fellowship and around the table, Jesus makes himself known * Jesus moves the disciples to share — a real encounter with the risen Savior compels us to tell others SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-35 One of the two disciples in this story is unnamed — and Pastor Matt reminds us that makes it easy to put our own name in the story. Whatever road you're walking today, Jesus is ready to walk beside you. From First Methodist Church Wetumpka Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us! #Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Resurrection #RoadToEmmaus #Hope #Scripture

Why We Sing | Psalm 95, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Acts 16:25

Why We Sing | Psalm 95, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Acts 16:25 Guest speaker Thad Hankins delivers a heartfelt message on why Christians sing — drawing from scripture, personal testimony, and three congregational hymns woven throughout the sermon itself. KEY POINTS: * We sing to worship and praise God — He is always worthy, in every season of life * We sing for teaching and encouragement — music helps us memorize and carry the truths of scripture * We sing together to strengthen our faith community — corporate worship builds up the body of Christ * We should sing in all seasons — in joy and especially in hardship, just as Paul and Silas sang from prison SCRIPTURE: Psalm 95:1-2 | Psalm 100:1-2 | Colossians 3:16 | Ephesians 5:19 | James 5:13 | Acts 16:25 Thad shares a moving personal story about his father choosing "Victory in Jesus" as the song for his mother's funeral — a beautiful picture of how singing carries us through even the most difficult moments of life. From First Methodist Church Wetumpka Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us! #Sermon #Methodist #Faith #Worship #ChurchMusic #Hymns

He's Alive | Matthew 28:1-10 | Easter Sunday 2026

He's Alive | Matthew 28:1-10 In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Matt proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for our lives today — hope, courage, and an invitation to stop doubting and believe. KEY POINTS: * The tomb is empty — no body lies where Jesus was buried, because God raised him from the dead. * The women are commissioned to tell the disciples — God uses unlikely messengers, and we are all called to share the good news. * The resurrection gives us hope and courage to face evil, suffering, fear, and death. * Jesus is alive and invites us, as he invited Thomas, to give up doubting and believe. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:1-10 Pastor Matt opens with the story of William E. Sangster, a Methodist minister dying of progressive muscular atrophy, who wrote to his daughter on Easter morning: "How terrible to wake up on Easter and have no voice to shout, 'He is risen.' Far worse to have a voice, and not want to shout." That's why we shout — Christ is risen! From First Methodist Church Wetumpka Visit wetumpkafirst.com to connect with us! #Easter #Resurrection #HeIsRisen #Methodist #Sermon #Faith #Hope #EmptyTomb