Fumc Tulsa

David's choice to lead with worship, dancing before the Lord with all his might, demonstrates that worship should be at the center of our lives as God's people. It's a call for us to examine our hearts: do we view worship as a chore or as the foundational expression of our relationship with God? As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to seek the freedom that comes when the Spirit of the Lord is present, breaking chains and liberating us from what binds us.

The story of Exodus reveals a God who hears our cries and sees our pain, determined to act on our behalf. Just as He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God desires to liberate us from our own bondage - whether it's addiction, grief, or habitual sin. We're challenged to recognize that God always fulfills His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The covenant established with Abraham extends to us today through Christ, inviting us into a treasured relationship with our Creator. As we navigate life's struggles, we're encouraged to cultivate our ability to hear God's voice through His Word, fellow believers, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit's promptings.

The story of Joseph, often overshadowed by his colorful coat, takes center stage as we explore how he embodies the anti-Adam - a man who chose to do right despite overwhelming challenges. Joseph's life serves as a testament to the power of 'chastity of heart' - not just sexual purity, but a deep devotion to God's purpose. His journey from the pit to the palace demonstrates how our lowest points can become the beginning of God's greatest work in our lives. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we're challenged to consider our own commitment to doing right in a world that often punishes good deeds. Are we willing to be light bearers in an increasingly dark world?

In this exploration of Jacob's story, we're reminded that God is big enough for our struggles. The symbolism of Jacob's new name, Israel, reveals that God Himself wrestles for our hearts, showing His relentless pursuit of us. We're encouraged to see our spiritual growth not as effortless but as a daily 'grinding' process, like developing expertise in any field.

This week's message continued our series on covenant, focusing on God's covenant with Abraham and its implications for our understanding of redemption. Pastor Andrew explored how God's covenant is about God creating a family and that the church is meant to be that family for us today.

The message draws a fascinating parallel between our spiritual journey and the Exodus story, particularly focusing on the Israelites trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. This biblical narrative serves as a metaphor for our own lives, where we're caught between our desire for freedom in Christ and the temptation to return to familiar patterns of sin. We're encouraged to 'see the salvation of the Lord' and trust in God's deliverance, even when it seems impossible. It's a call to surrender, to trust, and to embrace the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

In this powerful exploration of sin and redemption, we delve into the story of Noah and the flood from Genesis 6-9. We're reminded that sin is not just a series of transgressions, but a deep-rooted spiritual sickness that clings to our hearts. Yet, even in the face of widespread wickedness, God's love for humanity shines through. The flood narrative isn't just about destruction, but about God's desire to redeem and renew His creation.

God loves us so much that he wants to wipe away the mark of Cain. He wants to heal us from being restless wanderers, and he wants to bring us back into his covenant home. In this message, Pastor Andrew explores the profound human longing for love, particularly the perfect love we were meant to experience in Eden.

This message explores the concept of God's original intent for creation, emphasizing the harmony and balance established in Genesis. It contrasts this perfect state with the current fallen world, highlighting humanity's innate desire for harmony. The sermon traces the story from creation through the fall, and ultimately to God's plan for redemption through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the covenantal nature of God's relationship with humanity and the need for genuine repentance to restore our relationship with God.