St. Paul United Methodist Church - The Message

Dr. Don's message focuses on two stories about Jesus that teach us our faith is not about blindly following rules, and that it's okay to step back sometimes when we're overwhelmed with all the needs around us. Jesus had bad days too...

The story of Moses and the Burning Bush. It is a look at the excuses he made to God for why he wasn’t the one to send. We often use the same excuses and God sends us anyway, just like Moses.

Becoming a faithful follower of Jesus means that we are to grow in his likeness. Saint Paul reminds us that this transformation causes us to become living sacrifices as our hearts, minds, and even our bodies are dedicated to serving and loving God...

At some point in life we all find ourselves in the darkness of a cave: struggling with disappointment, pain, loss, and other hardships. You may be in a cave right now. But don't forget, God does some of his best work in caves.

When Jacob wrestles with God, he receives a blessing but also walks away with a limp. What does this have to do with our faith? What is the blessing and the limp we receive when we wrestle with God?

The Psalmist reminds us that often the things we do in our own effort do not last. What we do with God's help lasts forever.

Our "Road Trip Song" this week is Psalm 126. Dr. Don's message is about the importance of joy, and how God helps us to lead joyful lives.

Salvation is not a one time thing, but a relationship. A life time commitment to well doing. Dr. Don's message looks at salvation, faith, and God's enduring power. God will have the last word, and he never gives up on us.

We've all faced trouble and difficult times in our lives. How do we make it through? As we look back, we can see God was on our side.

To be human is to be a sinner, but that's not the whole story. We are both imperfect saints and hopeful sinners. Let’s go back to the garden of Eden, and look at the story of Adam and Eve in a new way.

As we become more like Jesus it's important for us to follow his example and teaching. His parable about sheep and goats describes a stepping stone to a faithful life that blesses others, but there is more to the story than meets the eye.

As adults, dads, moms, grandparents, and role models we teach our children about priorities and faith through our words and our examples. What can biblical fathers from the Old Testament teach us about raising our children in the faith?

God called Abraham to leave behind everything he knew, and be part of what God was building instead. Why him? He wasn't well qualified or specially equipped for the job. What can we learn from God's call to Abraham?

What did Jesus mean when he told us to "make" disciples? Dr. Don takes a deeper look at the instructions Jesus gave his disciples in The Great Commission.

Dr. Don takes a closer look at "The Other Pentecost. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is fire and wind, but sometimes it is a quieter but no less powerful voice.

We often go to the scriptures for answers, but the Bible also raises some very important questions. Pastor Don looks at five questions that have a powerful impact on our lives.

The story of Ruth is the original romantic comedy. Pastor Don retells the story, giving attention to how God was at work behind the scenes in Ruth’s life and in ours.

Pastor Don focuses on the words Jesus said to his disciples as he was preparing to leave them. What can we learn from this farewell address?

What did Jesus mean when he called himself the gate? How do we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd when we are surrounded by other false voices leading us astray?

God created our earth, and has made us stewards of the planet. We are called to be "Earthkeepers" and take good care of his creation.