Mt Lebanon United Methodist Church's Podcast

In the fifth and final sermon of the series "Half-Truths", most of us have heard of the phrase “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.” So what's wrong with that?  Well, first, Jesus said Love Your Neighbor, not Love the Sinner.  But should we keep quiet about sin?  Heck no!  So what to do?  We’ll discuss that in today’s sermon! Scripture reading: Matthew 7:1-5Pastor Scott Miller, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

On this Sunday, we join with Christians from around the world, as we come to the Lord’s Table. This is the day when we remember that the family of faith extends around the globe. As the Apostle Paul told the people of Athens, “God made all nations to inhabit the whole earth.” (Acts 17:26) In the words of the traditional Spiritual, “He’s got the whole world in his hands!” Scripture reading: Acts 17:22-31Pastor Thomas Strandburg, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.  Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

The Music Ministry of Mt. Lebanon UMC presented a service of sung compline -- a form of evening worship with ancient roots -- on Wednesday, September 29. For those who were unable to join us in person, this is a live recording of that service. The service leaflet may be downloaded from the MLUMC website. Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

In the third sermon of the series "Half-Truths", most of us have either heard or used the phrase “God doesn't give us more than we can handle.” But many people who have been through stressful times - a severe illness, the death of a loved one, loss of jobs or relationships - know that that saying just isn't so.  The Bible doesn't say that.  In fact, it says to expect trouble in this life! We’ll discuss this in today’s sermon! Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13Pastor Scott Miller, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

Some uniquely gifted children are called "child prodigies" because of their ability to produce amazing, adult-level work or art at a very young age. These children, truly, are gifted and talented. Special. We're talking about these children, because, in today's gospel reading, Jesus pulls a child onto his lap. Every child, for Jesus, is a prodigious child of God. Jesus says that the greatest work of an adult disciple is to be like a child.Scripture reading: Mark 9:30-37Pastor Thomas Strandburg preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

Most of us have either heard or used the phrase “everything happens for a reason.”  But does it really?  Is God intimately involved in every single detail of our lives?  If He is, what kind of conclusions can we draw from that line of thinking?  We’ll discuss that in today’s sermon! Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 30:19-20Pastor Scott Miller, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

The final two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21-22, speak of a “New Jerusalem,” the ultimate home of those whom God has made righteous. And in the description of that city is this: "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (21:23). Join this week's podcast as we consider the practical meaning of Christ as our light.Scripture reading: Revelation 21:22 - 22:5Pastor Tom Strandburg preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.   Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

We don't hear much about hell these days in mainstream Protestant churches.  But believe it or not, hell shows us just how much God loves us.  We'll talk about why that's not a crazy statement.  And also the fact that we always need to be mindful of the impact that our life, our words, and our example will have on the people around us.  Scripture reading: Mark 9:42-50Pastor Scott Miller, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved. Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

The facts of modern daily life affirm that we are living in challenging times. We need to hear once again the Apostle Paul's challenge to "put on God's armor." (Ephesians 6:11) Join us, as we explore the "Spiritual Protective Equipment" which God provides for life in difficult times.Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10-20Pastor Tom Strandburg, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

As Pastor Scott Miller has been returning to wellness following surgery, we have had the opportunity to hear preaching from some less-familiar voices. To wrap up this series of visitors to the pulpit, this morning we hear from Mr. John Esaias, long-time member and lay leader at Mt. Lebanon UMC, as he shares reflections on the second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians. Calling to mind the Apostle's exhortations to unity, Mr. Esaias explores how the early church in Ephesus responded to internal and external divisions, and how we can learn lessons from history and scripture that are applicable to the church today.Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:11-22Mr. John Esaias, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

As Pastor Scott Miller continues to recuperate, we have the opportunity to hear some less-familiar voices from the pulpit. This week, Mr. Mitchell Stecker shares reflections on Jesus' statement in John 6 -- "I am the Bread of Life" -- and explores the Eucharistic element of this text, as well as parallels in other biblical stories where God provides that humblest food to his servants in their time of need. Scripture reading: John 6:35; 41-51Mr. Mitchell Stecker, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

As Pastor Scott Miller continues to recuperate from surgery, we have the opportunity to hear some less-familiar voices from the pulpit. This week, one of Mt. Lebanon UMC's own returns to us in a new role: the newly commissioned Rev. Grace Killian preaches today on the 4th chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, speaking on to topic of responding to God's in each of our lives, and what it means to lead a life "worthy of the calling to which we have been called".Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:1-16The Rev. Grace Killian, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

As Pastor Scott Miller continues to recuperate from surgery, we have the opportunity to hear some less-familiar voices from the pulpit. This week, the Rev. Don Cook shares reflections on the 3rd chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, on the theme of being filled with all the fullness of God. Scripture reading: Ephesians 3:14-21The Rev. Don Cook, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

As Pastor Scott Miller continues to recuperate from surgery, some less-familiar voices will be heard from the pulpit at the 8:30 traditional service. This week, Mitchell Stecker concludes a two-part reflection on Ephesians, the "Queen of the Epistles" -- or, thought of another way, "How to be the Church...for Dummies" -- and explores the ways in which the ekklesia, the body of believers that is the church, is similar to our human bodies, and the ways in which we should behave so as to "build up the body", in the words of the Apostle. Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:4-8; 11-32Mr. Mitchell Stecker, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

While Pastor Scott Miller recovers from surgery, some less-familiar voices will be heard from the pulpit at the 8:30 traditional service. This week and next, Mr. Mitchell Stecker will bring a two-part reflection on the rich and expansive guidance that the Apostle gives to the church in Ephesus in his epistle to them. We will be digging into this powerful book of scripture -- which has sometimes been rightly called the "Queen of the Epistles" -- to find how its deep, ancient theology and beautiful, poetic turns of phrase can be applied by Christ's body, the Church, today.Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10Mr. Mitchell Stecker, guest preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

One of the early mottos of the United States was the phrase E Pluribus Unum, "from many, one." It referred to the unity of the inhabitants of the original 13 colonies. Pastor Tom's message for this coming Sunday turns that old motto upon its head -- "From one, many." This emphasizes our unity in Jesus Christ. Join this weekend's podcast as we consider the Apostle Paul's phrase: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)Scripture reading:  Galatians 3:23-29Pastor Thomas Q. Strandburg, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved. Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

Human touch is a powerful thing.  The age of covid has made that even more clear.  This Sunday we'll be looking at two different touches and the power they had on a whole community.  We'll also think about how we are called to touch others and help take care of their needs.  Scripture reading:  Mark 5:21-43Pastor Scott Miller, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

In a time of crisis, we need to find a “still point,” calming our spirits and opening our minds to God’s leading. A pair of Bible stories — David and Goliath and Jesus calming the storm — guide us in responding to chaotic times. Both texts demonstrate the importance of seeking a quiet moment of contemplation in the face of crisis, and how regular prayer can help us build that skill, so we are prepared when challenges arise. Scripture reading:  1 Samuel 17:32-49Pastor Tom Strandburg, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

Sermon for June 13, 2021 -  God doesn’t want us just going through the religious motions – you know, just doing our duty. He wants us changing, because He wants us to become like His Son.  He wants us to grow!Scripture Reading from Mark 4:26-34 (Parable of the Mustard Seed)Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)

How can buildings tell us what is essential to life … on earth and in heaven? Paul challenges us to make sure everyone has adequate food, water, shelter and sleep. But we need to realize that everything in this world passes, so we should live by faith and focus on the building from God that is eternal in the heavens. We will all go home at the end of life, and it won’t be to a house made with hands.Scripture reading:  2 Corinthians 4:13 - 5:1Pastor Tom Strandburg, preacher.Music permission obtained from ONELICENSE: A-700887. All rights reserved.   Support the show (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=112595&f=107)