CokerChurch

The Ministry of Community - August 15th

All of us are raised with the goal of some level of independence. But sometimes independence is not all that it is cracked up to be. In fact, when we think about the difficulties and complexities of life, not to mention living a life of faith, it can get quite daunting to think about being alone in this. The good news is that we were not created to do these things alone – God has created us for relationship or community. Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC ...

The Ministry of Community

What I Did on My Summer Vacation - August 8th

When I (Pastor Adam) went on sabbatical I started hearing the Lord very clearly. I thought it was interesting how loud God was during that time. Then it occurred to me that maybe God is always this loud, I’m just actually listening now. When we pay attention to getting “rest” we find that God honors that commitment and helps teach us all kinds of other things as well. Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank...

What I did on my summer vacation

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect - August 1

Often our first response to God is to question what he is telling us or calling us to do. Sometimes we think we can run our own lives and don’t need God as a guide. We can get complacent in our faith and let our prayer life and commitment fall away. Everything seems to be going great until we have a crisis and then the first place we tend to turn for help is to God. Wouldn’t we be better off if we learned to always be in communication with God and always listen to what he is telling us? Fo...

Faithful to the Finish

Faithful to the Finish - July 25th

The work is completed on the wall, a dedication service has been held, a lottery has been held to determine who will get the privilege of living inside the walls of Jerusalem. Everything seems completed as far as Nehemiah’s responsibility, so he heads back home to Persia to resume his previous life. But it doesn’t take long before things seem to go wrong back in Paradise. Nehemiah gets word that many of the leaders and even priests have engaged in the same old sins that got the nation of Isr...

Spiritual Revival

Work on the wall has finished and Ezra and Nehemiah gather the people together to create a worship service to commemorate the occasion. A massive number of people gather outside one of the gates and a platform is built for Ezra so he can be easier seen and heard by all the people. As he begins reading from the Scriptures, (which would have been Genesis-Deuteronomy) the people stand. Ezra reads some, then stops and leaders within the crowd would teach the people the meaning of the passages he...

Walking in the Fear of God

Work on the wall is making progress. Everyone is helping out, either building the wall or standing guard. It’s great that everyone is involved. But this raises a problem. No one is working the fields, or the shops, or the markets. Food is becoming scarce, bills cannot be paid, so the people are taking out loans from other Jews who have wealth. But they are being charged outrageous interest by their brothers. And those who cannot afford a loan are “renting out” their children as slaves to pay...

July 4th - Risky Obedience

Now we are introduced to a new character in the story – Nehemiah. He is a contemporary of Ezra but works in the palace as a “cup-bearer” to King Artaxerxes. News gets back to Nehemiah that the work in rebuilding Jerusalem is a disaster and its grieves him deeply. What follows in Chapters 1-4, is Nehemiah praying for direction on what to do, discovering that God wants him, to go back and help spur on the rebuilding efforts. The king agrees and the rest of the story is one of Nehemiah reinvigo...

Risky Obedience

A Crisis of Unfaithfulness

The altar and Temple are finished in Jerusalem. Ezra, the priest, is now ready to move from his home in Persia to Jerusalem to start worship practices again in earnest as he is the most learned priest in Judaism. As he gathers us another wave of Jews to make the move back to Israel, he discovers, to his horror, that a great sin has been committed, not only by many of the leaders, but even by some of the priests. The sin? Intermarrying with the families of foreign countries who practiced fore...

A Man of God’s Word

Going Home : "A Man of God's Word" - Damon Relder

While work on the Temple has started in Jerusalem, meanwhile back in Persia, Ezra is preparing to move there as well to restart Temple worship. The Persian King has blessed the move and provided supplies and support for Ezra. Still there is great opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple, Jerusalem and Israel as a whole by the surrounding countries.   But Ezra has a “secret weapon” – wisdom. Not the wisdom of human beings but the wisdom of God. He knows it, the king recognizes it and ...

Going Home - Learning to Overcome - David Blanco

Opposition. Discouragement. Hope? We have all faced opposition in our lives through difficult moments, moments we can’t seem to wrap our heads around and yet, in a way that only God’s grace can, we’re able to overcome the most darkest valleys.   However, to overcome is not automatic for us, especially to overcome opposition. Sometimes the forces of opposition seem to big to handle. And yet, when we say “I feel weak”, God says “My power is made perfect in weakness”.   Overcoming opp...

Coming Home

Going Home - "A New Beginning" Rev. Damon Relder

Ezra begins with the incredible news that the Jewish people living in Persia, who had been exiled from Israel 70 years earlier, were now being allowed to go home. A few of them were old enough to remember Israel and Jerusalem in all its glory before the destruction. But two additional generations had grown up in Persia and have never seen Jerusalem or the Temple.   Now the Persian king Cyrus is letting them go home to rebuild the Temple, the city and the country (though still under the...

Coming Home - "A New Beginning" Rev. Damon Relder

Ezra begins with the incredible news that the Jewish people living in Persia, who had been exiled from Israel 70 years earlier, were now being allowed to go home. A few of them were old enough to remember Israel and Jerusalem in all its glory before the destruction. But two additional generations had grown up in Persia and have never seen Jerusalem or the Temple.   Now the Persian king Cyrus is letting them go home to rebuild the Temple, the city and the country (though still under the...

Lessons from the Toybox - Rev. David Blanco

I think that we would agree that we can learn many things from children, their questions, their comments, their irreverence, their imagination, their curiosity, etc., and Jesus knew this, that’s why he said “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise?” We can learn a thing or two from children..and, we can learn a thing or two from toys…so we’re going to look at 3 toys that many of us have been exposed to in our lives, and we’re goin...

Lessons from the Toybox

Raising Your Voice for Christ - Rev. Relder

We are know Pentecost because of the story in Acts 2 about how the Holy Spirit came and appeared on the apostles as tongues of fire. Then each began to preach in various human languages that were not native to their own. Peter then declares with boldness that the explanation is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that the prophet Joel has predicted hundreds of years earlier and that the key for God releasing the Spirit at this time in history was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. B...

Empowered & Equipped for Evangelism- Rev. Relder

Before Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission he first spent a year and a half demonstrating what that would look like. Then, when it was time for them to try this on their own, he sent them out in pairs to encourage one another. Today, we have nearly 2000 years of history of people sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, healing, casting out demons all in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the authority of God Almighty. Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @Coker...

"How Christ Changed My Life" - Sarabeth Rebe

Sometimes in our lives we find ourselves caught up in our day-to-day lives and as a result we may find ourselves moving away from a Christ centered life. Circumstances can challenge our faith. In these times our church family may become our “faith helpers”. These are people who lift us up in prayer and help us through the hard times and exemplify the love of Christ in the world. Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerCh...

Now What? - In the Power of the Spirit - Rev. Damon Relder

As a people of the resurrection, Christians are sent out to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to people everywhere. But many today are reluctant for a variety of reasons from shyness to feelings of Biblical inadequacy. But the Holy Spirit has been promised to us just he was to the apostles, and being baptized in the Spirit makes all the difference for the effectiveness for our witness. Today’s Scripture: Acts 1:1-5 NIV Follow us on Instagram @CokerUMC Follow us on Facebook @CokerUMC...

Now What? - Sent - Rev. Adam Knight

Sometimes it becomes easy to believe that being a Christian just means believing certain things. But when we really look at how Jesus expected his followers to livewe see that being a Christian is also very much about “going.” We are a “sent” people – sent to share the good news. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 NIV Follow us on Instagram @CokerUMC Follow us on Facebook @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank you for worshiping with us!

Now What? - Restored and Forgiven - Rev. Adam Knight

Have you ever heard the expression; you are only as strong as your weakest link? It’s definitely no fun being the weakest link – being defined by your weakness or mess-ups. Peter was headed for that kind of definition, but then Jesus met with him after his resurrection and everything changed. Today’s Scripture: John 21:15-19 NIV Follow us on Instagram @CokerUMC Follow us on Facebook @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank you for worshipping with us!

Now What? “Doubting Thomas” Rev Adam Knight

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone to Christian faith.  Once we believe in Jesus’ resurrection, we are called to live a life within that reality.  The question is, how do we live a post-resurrection life?  How does the resurrection effect the lives we live today?     Today’s Scripture: John 20:24-29 NIV Follow us on Instagram @CokerUMC Follow us on Facebook @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank you for worshipping with us!

Easter Sunday: "Remember"

Easter: Remember- Rev Adam Knight- April 4, 2021  The crux of the Christian faith is Easter. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith and it is what sets Jesus a part from any other deity. Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die and then conquer death is the good news of the gospel that we celebrate on Easter. Today's Scripture: Mark 16:1-8; 1Cor. 15:1-8 NIV Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC   Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC   Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/Coke...

7 Words to the Cross: The Courageous Word- Rev David Blanco- Mar 28, 2021 

When we think of heroic acts, we may think about courageous actions by someone in a given situation, particularly in a tough situation, as was the case with Joseph of Arimathea.  This courageous word came from Joseph of Arimathea as he approached Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body.  For Joseph to be so bold as to ask for Jesus’ body is incredible, but what Joseph did not know was that that tomb would not be Jesus’ final resting place.     Once God raised Jesus from the dead, that empty tomb bec...

The Courageous Word

The Word of Testimony

7 Words to the Cross: The Word of Faith- Rev Damon Relder- Mar 14,

So, here we are in the midst of Lent, focused on the events that took place around the foot of the cross. From the soldiers to Pilate to Herod, there seems to be little evidence of faith. The people gathered around the cross showed disdain for Jesus rather than belief in him as the Messiah. Only a few people, mostly family members, showed any level of faith at all, but that was buried within their extreme grief. But there was one, very unlikely voice of faith that day…and it came from a crim...

7 Words to the Cross: The Word of Indifference- Rev Adam Knight- Mar 7, 2021

Do you have something in your life that used to generate lots of passion, but now is not as exciting? We all have to deal with indifference setting in at different points and with different things. The sad truth is that our faith is not immune to this either. Indifference can easily become a faith killer.  Today's Scripture: John 19:23​-27  Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC  Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC  Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch​  Thank you for worshipping...

The Word of Indifference

The Late Word

7 Words to the Cross: The Late Word- Rev Adam Knight- Feb 28, 2021

For better or for worse, Pontius Pilate is the only Roman individual mentioned by name in The Apostles’ Creed. He is infamous for the role he played in the death of Jesus. But even he is a complicated character, who, after sentencing Jesus to death, offers a word about him that is very true. Today's Scripture: Matt. 27:11-26; John 19:17-22 Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank you for worshipping with us!

7 Words to the Cross: The Word of Scorn- Rev Adam Knight- Feb 21, 2021

Isn’t it ironic that as Jesus hung on the cross dying for the sins of the world, others (for whom he was dying) mocked him as they witnessed it? Why do we do that? Why do we feel the need to be scornful towards others?   Today's Scripture: Matthew 27:39-44 Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Follow up on Facebook: @CokerUMC Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/c/CokerChurch Thank you for worshipping with us!

"Tipping Points"

"Tipping Points"- Rev Greg Hackett- Feb 14, 2021

The transfiguration is one of the most interesting and hard to explain moments in scripture. The disciples who were there to witness it even had a hard time with what was happening. It is a wonderful representation of the glory of God, hard to grasp and yet wonderful all the same. Today's Scripture: Mark 9:2-9 Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Thank you for worshipping with us!

U-Turn Into Your Calling

U-Turn, “U-Turn Away from Your Calling"-Rev Adam Knight- Feb 7, 2021

The one thing most people remember about Jonah is that he is the prophet who get swallowed by a giant fish.  While that is, perhaps, one of the most memorable parts of his story, it’s not the thing to remember.  We would be wise to pay attention to what led him to that point – namely, running away from the calling of God on his life.    Today's Scripture: Jonah 1-4 Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Thank you for worshipping with us!

U-Turn, “U-Turn Away from God"- Rev Adam Knight- Jan 31, 2021 

The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the saddest stories in the Bible. It is sad because of the betrayal committed by David; it is sad because of the consequences of that betrayal. But one of the redeeming lessons in the story is that it is never too late to turn back toward God.    Today's Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12  Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC  Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC  Thank you for worshipping with us!

U-Turn, “U-Turn At The Well"- Rev Adam Knight- Jan 24, 2021

John 4 The story of Jesus with the woman at the well is one of the most famous gospel stories.  It is well known because of the shocking nature of the circumstance.  Jesus shouldn’t be in Samaria, he shouldn’t be speaking to a Samaritan woman and yet, all of this is happening.  And because of it, many other Samaritans will end up believing in Jesus because of the woman’s witness.

U-Turn at the Well

John 4 The story of Jesus with the woman at the well is one of the most famous gospel stories.  It is well known because of the shocking nature of the circumstance.  Jesus shouldn’t be in Samaria, he shouldn’t be speaking to a Samaritan woman and yet, all of this is happening.  And because of it, many other Samaritans will end up believing in Jesus because of the woman’s witness.

U-Turn, “U-Turn In A Tree"- Rev Adam Knight- Jan 17, 2021

Most of us have heard the song about Zacchaeus being a wee little man and climbing a tree to see Jesus. However, we don’t give a lot of thought to what caused him to climb that tree. The Spirit of God was at work in Zacchaeus’s life and in the life of many that were present as he met Jesus. Today's Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC Thank you for worshipping with us!

U-Turn in the Tree

U-Turn on the Damascus Road

U-Turn, “When God Turns You Around"- Jan 11, 2021- Rev Adam Knight

Many of us have found ourselves heading in the wrong direction in many different ways. Whether it’s being geographically lost or even spiritually lost, we know what it is to be headed in the wrong direction. When we find ourselves in that place, the good news is that Jesus is an expert at helping people make u-turns.    Today's Scripture: Acts 9:1-9 NIV  Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC  Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC  Thank you for worshipping with us!

U-Turn, “When God Turns You Around"

Many of us have found ourselves heading in the wrong direction in many different ways. Whether it’s being geographically lost or even spiritually lost, we know what it is to be headed in the wrong direction. When we find ourselves in that place, the good news is that Jesus is an expert at helping people make u-turns.    Today's Scripture: Acts 9:1-9 NIV  Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CokerUMC  Follow us on Instagram: @CokerUMC  Thank you for worshipping with us!