Salem United Methodist Church, Pastor Justin Collett

This is one of the most challenging doctrines to understand, yet one of the most crucial to grasp. Many stumble in trying to do so. It's understandable, as such a confrontation teaching often demands a painfully deep surrender. Through it, however, the scripture story reveals a truth both confrontational and transforming, disorienting and foundational. And on the other side, you will discover a God so perfectly holy and graciously loving that He has given you a gift in Christ so precious that you can hardly believe it's yours. Yup. It's that good. It's the Gospel of grace...amazing grace.

This is Part 1 of Passion Sunday. We start with an overview of the story from the Passover meal to the crucifixion of Jesus, before focusing on the most notable symbol of our faith—the cross. And the cross isn't empty. Jesus is hanging on it. Why did this happen? Why would Jesus intentionally submit to this? And can do we possibly understand this violent and seemingly-senseless execution? It's vital to do so. After all, it's not just any man upon a tree. It's the King upon your cross.

We celebrated Palm Sunday a Sunday earlier in order to include Passion Sunday before Easter. Today we remember Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He comes as King, which demands a decision from us all.

This is the first sermon in the Easter series called "King of Kings"

This is the sermon from our New Member Celebration Sunday. We baptized a new sister and welcomed 8 other new members into our congregation. Amazing day!

We delve into a familiar story from Mark 4––Jesus calming the wind and sea. Thankfully, the point of the story isn't simply to, "Have faith in Jesus because he can calm the storms." The "point" is way more profound than that. And truthfully, the story is not so much making a "point" but rather posing a question...a question about a "Person." And in the storms of life, your answer to this question makes all the difference in the world.

For both the individual Christian and also the church congregation, worship is arguably the most important practice to grasp correctly and to do faithfully. Proper worship empowers our most critical battle against the foundation of every and all sin—idolatry. Therefore, an accurate understanding of Christian worship is vital, not only to this present life but also to the life yet to come. We begin this sermon series on worship by consider Revelation 4-5, which offers us an amazing portrait of heavenly worship. What can a church learn from these chapters in God's revelation to John? What is worship really? How does a congregation worship truly? Most importantly, who do we worship faithfully, and is our worship a fitting response to the One at the center of our praise?

OK, Jesus. We hear you. We'll strive to forgive and reconcile with others. But practically speaking, Jesus, HOW DO WE ACTUALLY GO ABOUT DOING IT?!! This is the last teaching in the 5-Part series from "77," all about Jesus's commands to forgive and reconcile with one another. In this last sermon, we threw down the gauntlet with a no-frills, nothing-fancy exposition of how to actually seek reconciliation with a second party and the resulting challenge to try reconciling with something this coming week. However, how do you prepare beforehand? How do you actually begin the conversation? What are basic things to do and also some things NOT to do? This is a link to a DropBox folder containing a series overview and practical guidelines to forgiveness and reconciliation, including typos and all. Use this resource in any way that is helpful to you or others. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bp8k7de8qphzrjj/vLEecIkqmU

FORGIVENESS: The Gift of Reconciliation Does Jesus expect us to ask for forgiveness FROM others? Yes. He doesn't mince words either. In this short section from his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlines unbelievable standards regarding anger, gives a daunting command to seek reconciliation, and alludes to the day we'll be judgment against his mind-boggling standards (just in case we needed extra motivation). So...if this is part of the Gospel, how in the world is it "good news"? Can such a seemingly-damning passage transform our hearts? And how do Jesus's words move us to reconcile with those who are angry at us?

This week we explore the challenge of "heavy-duty" forgiveness in light of Jesus's teaching on prayer in Luke 11:1-10. Jesus doesn't just teach what to pray for, he also teaches how and why we should pray with a particular attitude, if you will. In prayer, we're to "ask with audacity," which an important note. Why? Because forgiveness is as essential as food and water. Ask for it like you're starving, like you're thirsty, like you're desperate. Ask with audacity.

This is Part 2 of our sermon series on forgiveness called "77." In this sermon, we dig into Jesus's commandment to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Easy enough, right? Wrong. It's unbelievably difficult. But what if Jesus is serious? How in the world do we do that? And how does it all tie into the practice of forgiveness?

This is Part 1 of 5 in the new sermon series called "77," based on Jesus's command in Mt 18:22 to not merely forgive only seven times but actually to forgive seventy-seven times (NRSV and NIV translation). As readers, we shouldn't miss the weight of this commandment: Forgive seventy-seven times! That's crazy! That's too hard! Let's be honest: That seems impossible. How in the world do we find the resources, the courage, the compassion, the kindness, the perseverance to forgive others like that?!! Fair question. Is there a good answer?

What is God up to in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ? Is something brand-new taking place? Absolutely...and it's grace upon grace (Jn 1:16) Sounds good, but what does that mean?

Our brother in Christ, Glenn Abernathy, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013. His influence and leadership within our congregation cannot be overestimated. The Sunday following his death, we remember and gave thanks for Mr Glenn and, moreover, considered the significance of this moment in the life of our congregation. The mantle of spiritual leadership and authority is being passed to the next generation. May we be aware of and prepared for this awesome responsibility.

You've probably heard it read before...the passage describing the "full armor of God." You might also be able to recite the list: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, etc. But how does the armor actually protect us in spiritual warfare? How do we practically wield these spiritual weapons? Moreover, how does this armor protect not just our relationship with God but, furthermore, our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Properly equipped, we will stand firm when—not if—the evil days arise.

C.S. Lewis wrote that we can make 2 opposite mistakes when it comes to devils: 1) Disbelieve in them altogether or 2) Be overly fascinated by them. Both are mistakes all the same, and both equally please the devils. Fortunately, the Bible provides a more sophisticated perspective than the modern default position of disbelief (mistake #1) and a more nuanced perspective than the superstitious position of others (mistake #2). We look at Ephesians 6:10-12 to understand who the devil really is and what his schemes really are. This, brothers and sisters, is our struggle. May we not be uninformed or, worse, ill-prepared.

As a husband, this passage from Ephesians is humbling. It's staggering. It's awe-inspiring. And it's also terrifying. Find out why in this sermon—the last in the 3-part series from Eph 5:21-33.