Grenola UMC Sermons

When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, His answer was simple: love God and love people. This week's message explores how God's unconditional love transforms our hearts and teaches us to extend that same grace to others. Through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we're reminded that even when loving others feels difficult, God is faithful to guide us, strengthen us, and help us reflect His love to a world that desperately needs it.

Scripture
Matthew 22:34-40
Romans 5:1-10
Acts 17:22-32
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Hebrews 13:1-9

Quiz of the Week  
According to Romans 5, when did Christ die for us?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

What happens when everything we've spent our lives building, achieving, and collecting is measured against knowing Christ? In this week's message, Paul challenges us to look beyond accomplishments, status, and even our past mistakes to focus on what truly matters. As he presses on toward the prize of following Jesus, we're reminded that a life transformed by Christ keeps its eyes fixed ahead, trusting in the power of His resurrection and the hope found in Him alone.

Scripture
Philippians 3:4b–14

Quiz of the Week  
What did Paul consider all his accomplishments compared to knowing Christ?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

Jesus tells a parable about rejected messengers, a rejected son, and a stone the builders refused that became the cornerstone. This week's message reminds us that God has continually revealed Himself through His Word, His prophets, and ultimately through His Son. As Scripture points to Christ and the promises yet to come, we're encouraged to stand firmly on the true foundation, remain spiritually awake, and place our trust in the One whom God has established as the Cornerstone of our faith.

Scripture
Matthew 21:33-46
Psalm 118:14-24
Isaiah 28:15-18
John 5:36-42
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Psalm 83:1-18
Zechariah 12:1-10
John 5:42-47

Quiz of the Week  
According to 1 Thessalonians 5, believers are called children of what?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

Jesus was questioned about His authority, but His answer pointed to something deeper than religion: faith. This week's message explores how Scripture reveals Jesus as the promised Savior, from Isaiah's prophecy to Paul's declaration that every knee will bow before Him. When doubts, criticism, or religious expectations try to steal our confidence, we're reminded that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. God isn't calling us into religion, but into a relationship with the One who guides, restores, and gives life.

Scripture
Matthew 21:23-32
Isaiah 45:18-25
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 11:18-19
Daniel 7:13-14

Quiz of the Week  
When the religious leaders questioned Jesus, what did He ask them about first?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

Jesus tells a story about workers hired at different times, yet all receiving the same reward. This week's message reminds us that God's kingdom is built on grace, not comparison, and that His invitation is still going out to a broken world. Through the example of Christ's humility and the promise of God's peace, we're reminded that He calls ordinary people to be His light, serve one another, and share the good news of His love wherever they are.

Scripture
Matthew 20:1-16
John 13:12-17
Philippians 4:4-7

Quiz of the Week  
According to the parable in Matthew 20, what did the workers hired at the eleventh hour receive?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

Peter asks how many times he must forgive, and Jesus points him to a heart shaped by mercy. This week’s message reminds us that real forgiveness isn’t easy — it requires the Holy Spirit’s strength, a softened heart, and a willingness to let go of bitterness. Through Jesus’ parable and Paul’s call to stop judging one another, we’re shown a love that frees, restores, and reflects the grace God has already given us.

Scripture  
Matthew 18:21–35
John 15:5
Romans 14:1–23
John 16:13
Romans 15:1–3

Quiz of the Week  
According to Jesus in Matthew 18, how often should we forgive someone who sins against us?
Answer the quiz on YouTube

Jesus reminds us that the Father seeks every lost sheep, protects every hurting heart, and calls us to love with the same gentleness He shows us. This week’s message points us back to childlike humility, the Good Shepherd’s care, and the kind of love that lifts the broken and stands firm against the enemy’s lies.

Scripture  
Matthew 18:1–20
John 10:7–18
1 Peter 5:6–10
Matthew 11:28–30
Romans 13:8–14

Quiz of the Week  
In Matthew 11, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him?
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Jesus tells His disciples that following Him means surrender, trust, and a willingness to lay down their own way. This week’s message points us to the heart of that call — denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and walking where He leads. Through Peter’s restoration, Stephen’s bold witness, and the courage of the early believers, we’re reminded that true discipleship is costly, but always anchored in the One who goes before us.

Scripture  
Matthew 16:21–28
John 21:14–22
Acts 7
Romans 12:17–21

Quiz of the Week  
In John 21, what did Jesus tell Peter to do after Peter affirmed his love for Him?
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Jesus’ question still speaks to us today: Who do you say that I am? This week’s message points us to the God who revealed Himself as I AM, and to Jesus who shows that same name in His life — the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life. Through Scripture, we’re reminded that the eternal God has made Himself known in Christ, inviting us to trust Him, walk with Him, and know Him as Savior and Friend.

Scripture  
Matthew 16:13–20
Proverbs 18:24
Exodus 3:13–15
John 10:9–11
John 1:1–14
John 8:52–58
Psalms 132:11
Isaiah 43:2–19

Quiz of the Week  
According to John 1, who is described as the Word that became flesh?
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When fear rises and the storm feels close, Jesus reminds us where our focus belongs. This week’s message points us to the Savior who reaches out His hand, steadies the weary, and speaks courage into anxious hearts. Through Scripture’s promises, we’re shown that God has not given us a spirit of fear — He is with us, strengthening, upholding, and calling us to trust Him even when the wind grows strong.

Scripture  
Matthew 14:22–33
Isaiah 41:10
Joshua 1:9
2 Timothy 1:6–13
1 John 4:17–19
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 6:12
Hebrews 11:6–40
Isaiah 40:28–31

Quiz of the Week  
What did Jesus say to Peter after pulling him up from the water?
Answer the quiz on YouTube