Discipling Life

(Reflecting on Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7) This Lent, we journey into the wilderness, seeking repentance and renewal. Yet, to understand our need for a Savior, we must return to the very beginning, to a garden where humanity’s relationship with God took a tragic turn. Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7 offer profound insights into the human condition we still grapple with today. God’s Good Design and Gracious Boundary (Gen 2:15-17) “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’“ (NRSVue) Notice the abundance! God places humanity in a paradise of provision, entrusting us with purposeful work (“till and keep”). Within this goodness, God establishes one clear boundary. This wasn’t arbitrary restriction, but a loving safeguard, defining the space for trust ...

In this message, I invite you to explore the Transfiguration of Our Lord, a profound event that reveals God’s radiant glory and challenges us to follow Christ into the heart of our daily lives. Drawing from my own memories of a confirmation retreat in State College, Pennsylvania, under the mentorship of Dr. Nelson Frank, I reflect on the Celtic concept of “thin places”—those sacred moments where the boundary between heaven and earth becomes porous and the divine presence feels especially near. By examining the experiences of Moses on Mount Sinai and the eyewitness testimony of Peter, we see how these mountaintop revelations are not meant for us to hide away in “shelters,” but to transform and equip us for the journeys through the valleys. Ultimately, I want to emphasize that our spiritual life hinges on the Father’s singular command to “Listen to him,” a call that requires us to pay attention to Jesus’ teachings and find direction in His Word even when the world feels chaotic. The Tran...

Today’s scriptures show us the Heart of True Religion. The prophet Micah presents a courtroom scene where God lays out his case against Israel. The people respond by asking what kind of sacrifice would please him—thousands of rams, rivers of oil, or even their firstborn. But the answer is surprising because God has already shown us what is good and what he requires: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.  The Heart of True Religion Sermon Date:  January 18, 2026 Speaker:  Alan Swartz Scripture Lessons:   Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31;Matthew 5:1-20 The Illusory Measure of Success How do you measure success? How do you measure blessing? In our modern culture, the definition of a “blessed life” stands in direct opposition to the biblical narrative. We are surrounded by a world that prizes wealth, influence, and an unwavering sense of self-sufficiency. This creates a profound tension for us, as the values of the kingdom of God ...

Since we are not gathering in person to worship I am sharing the notes that I would normally carry into the pulpit with me. Normally, what I post here is the manuscript of the sermon after it has been preached. Let us pray… God of light and truth, as we prepare to hear your word proclaimed, open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, and our hearts to receive what you would say to us this day. Send your Holy Spirit to illumine the Scriptures and speak through your servant. By your Spirit, give us wisdom to discern your will, courage to obey your call, and grace to live as your faithful people. Help us not merely to hear words, but to encounter the living Word, Jesus Christ. May your truth penetrate the darkness within us and guide us in the way we should go. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Light (a sermon for Epiphany 3a) Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1,4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23 When Darkness Meets the Light We don’t have to look far to see the dark shado...

This was one of those weeks when the lectionary texts are incredibly full of possibilities. We could look toward Isaiah’s call for us to be a light to the nations or follow the invitation of Jesus to “come and see.” But my heart has been especially moved by John the Baptist’s profound declaration: “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” It feels like a text that belongs to Holy Week. It reminds us that from the very beginning Jesus is focused on his mission. Behold the Lamb of God that Takes Away the Sin of the World Author:   Alan Swartz Churches:   Ebenezer UMC and Black Creek UMC Date:   January 18, 2026 (The Second Sunday after the Epiphany) Scripture References:   Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Introduction: The Abundance of the Word The lectionary texts for this Sunday presented a unique challenge for me. There are some weeks when I look at the lectionary texts and pray, “Lord, what in the world do you want...

Our Christian identity comes through God’s grace rather than human achievement, performance, or labels. Being baptized, evidences God’s “prevenient grace” and his initial claim on a person’s life, which is a divine initiative that precedes any human performance, merit, or even the ability to understand. Secondly, recognizing oneself as beloved establishes the core truth that God’s love and delight are given freely before any mission or service begins, providing the spiritual armor necessary to face life’s difficulties. Finally, to belong to Christ means being marked as his own together, with the church, where “sanctifying grace” transforms believers into the body of Christ for the world, leading us to lives of forgiveness, service, and holiness, Collectively, these three movements ensure that the believer is claimed, loved, and sent by God to fulfill his mission. Preacher:   Alan Swartz  Congregations:   Ebenezer UMC and Black Creek UMC  Occasion:   The Bapt...