Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 28)
Crossfit & Faith
Matt’s message is rooted in Psalm 52 and invites reflection on what people of faith might learn from Crossfit as we seek to practice our faith.
Baseball as a Road to God
Matt’s message is rooted in Psalm 25 and John Sexton’s Baseball as a Road to God. What might we learn from baseball as we consider our own relationship to faith? NOTE: We had technical difficulties in worship with our recording device. We were unable to record our opening prayer which focused on the emotions swirling among us in the wake of the verdict of not guilty for George Zimmerman’s murder of Trayvon Martin. Similarly, the witness of Scott Stiewig was…
Reason
Our worship series on the Quadrilateral continues with emphasis on Reason. Matt’s message is rooted in Romans 12.1-3. “John Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason” (UM Book of Discipline). How is our faith formed and informed by Reason?
Scripture
Our worship series on the Quadrilateral begins with Scripture. Matt’s message is rooted in 2 Timothy 3.10-17. “John Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason” (UM Book of Discipline). How do you relate to Scripture? How does the Bible shape your faith?
Yes to the Mess
Matt’s message focuses on Acts 2 and concludes our worship series on the book of acts and Jazz.
Comping
Matt’s message is rooted in Acts 6.1-7. How might God be calling us to accomany the musicians around us? What might we learn about growing in faith from the leading and following required by jazz musicians?
Even Them? Even Them!
Matt’s message is rooted in Acts 11.1-18. What constraints do we need in our lives in order to be most free? Matt’s message explores the way Peter navigated the religious rules of his day in ways that allowed him to see God’s love could be “even for the Gentiles.” How might the three rules of John Wesley (Do good. Do no harm. Stay in love with God.) lead to freedom in our lives?
Finding the One
Matt’s message is rooted in the conversion of Saul in Acts 9.1-20. Who are the “musicians” who come alongside us in our times of transformation and conversion? Who has given us a hand? Who helps us to find the one?
Take a Knee
This is the first week in our seven-week worship series on the book of Acts and jazz. Matt’s message is rooted in Acts 5.27-32. The early church had to improvise following the death and resurrection of Jesus. What plans do we follow? How do we improvise when the plans go awry? How might we learn to take a knee?
Easter Message
Matt’s Easter message is rooted in Luke 24.1-12. I Believe (Words & Music by Carrie Newcomer) The Rising (Words & Music by Bruce Springsteen) Roll Away Your Stone (Words & Music by Mumford & Sons) Arranged & Directed by Anthony Coleman II Nicole Cleveland, vocals Vanessa Cruz, drums Cole Dutcher, guitar Keith Little, banjo Brenden Lowe, piano David O’Keefe, bass Gerald Pease, vocals
A Vineyard Gardener
Matt’s messgage is rooted in Luke 13.1-9. Who do we say Jesus is? The message reflects on Jesus’ call to repent and the parable of the fig tree. How might God be pruning our roots and spreading manure in hope that we will bare fruit?
A Mother Hen
Matt’s messgage is rooted in Luke 13.31-35. Who do we say Jesus is? The message reflects on Jesus imagining himself as a mother hen. What might this image have to teach us about who Jesus is today?