Galloway UMC ”Living the Word”

SEVEN LAST WORDS - It is Finished...Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit, part six

This sermon explores the final two statements of Jesus from the cross: "It is finished" and "Into your hands I commit my spirit." Pastor Raigan explains that these were not words of defeat but of triumph and trust. "It is finished" (tetelestai) was a shout of victory meaning "paid in full," signifying that Jesus had completed His mission of atonement for humanity's sins. Through substitutionary atonement, Jesus took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved so we could receive His righteousness. The second statement, taken from Psalm 31:5, represents Jesus' final prayer of absolute trust in His Father. Pastor Raigan encourages believers to make this daily surrender - "Into your hands I commit my spirit" - a rhythm of their souls, trusting God with what they cannot control while living in the freedom that comes from knowing their salvation is complete.

SEVEN LAST WORDS - I Thirst, Part Five

This sermon explores Jesus' fifth statement from the cross, "I thirst," revealing both His full humanity and the deeper spiritual meaning of His suffering. Pastor Raigan explains how Jesus' physical thirst represents His willingness to drink the cup of suffering for humanity's sins and to fulfill Old Testament prophecy. The message contrasts Jesus' refusal to take pain-deadening substances with His offer of living water to satisfy our spiritual thirst. Through the symbolism of the hyssop branch and connections to the Passover lamb, the sermon demonstrates how Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice to quench humanity's deepest spiritual longings and provide eternal satisfaction through a relationship with God.

SEVEN LAST WORDS - My God, My God Why Have You Forsaken Me? part four

This sermon explores Jesus' cry from the cross, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' - known as the words of dereliction. Rev. Dr. Miskelly examines how the crowd's cruelty toward Jesus reveals the darkness within all human hearts, not just those present at the crucifixion.  The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' words were actually the beginning of Psalm 22, which starts in anguish but ends in hope and deliverance.
Raigan challenges the congregation to recognize that God often answers cries of abandonment by sending people to love and serve others. Jesus chose to worship through scripture even in his darkest moment, reminding us that while the cross represents suffering, it is not the end of the story - resurrection and hope are coming.

SEVEN LAST WORDS - Behold Your Son...Behold Your Mother, part three

Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton
This sermon explores the theme of truth and new creation through the lens of John's Gospel, beginning with a humorous story about a child telling tall tales to illustrate how truth can become distorted over time. The pastor addresses how the gospel message itself has been lost in translation, using the example of someone rejecting a 'love your neighbor' yard sign as 'too woke.' The sermon traces John's Gospel from the opening Logos passage through Jesus' ministry, trials, crucifixion, and resurrection, emphasizing that Jesus came not to condemn but to bring salvation and new creation. The message culminates with Peter's restoration at the charcoal fire, showing how God offers grace and empowers us to participate in bringing justice and love to a world marked by injustice.
 
 

SEVEN LAST WORDS - Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise, Part Two

This sermon explores Jesus' second statement from the cross, where he promises paradise to a dying criminal. The message emphasizes that Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost, as demonstrated by his final act of mercy toward an undeserving thief. The sermon contrasts two responses to Jesus on the cross: one criminal who remained rebellious and mocking, and another who repented and asked to be remembered. Jesus' promise of paradise to the repentant thief illustrates that grace is available to anyone who turns to Christ, regardless of their past. The cross becomes a doorway to paradise, not an ending, and demonstrates God's incredible mercy toward sinners.
 

JESUS? - A Revolution of Inspiration, part three

This sermon explores the Transfiguration of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 17:1-9, examining how Jesus has inspired a revolution of art, music, architecture, and literature throughout history. Pastor Raigan reflects on visiting European cathedrals and sacred spaces, realizing that all of this beauty and devotion stems from one man - Jesus Christ. The message emphasizes that while Jesus inspired countless works of art and magnificent buildings, His greatest work is transforming human hearts. The sermon challenges listeners to move beyond admiring old cathedrals and instead become 'living stones' - transformed people who reflect God's glory in the world.

JESUS? - A Revolution of Humanity part two

Rev. Dr. Miskelly explores how Jesus redefined human dignity and worth in the ancient world. Dr. Miskelly explains that in ancient times, there was a 'dignity gap' where only kings were considered made in God's image, while children, slaves, and the poor were seen as disposable. Jesus revolutionized this by teaching that every person is made in God's image and has inherent worth - not earned worth, but bestowed worth from God's love. The sermon uses examples like the practice of 'exposure' (abandoning unwanted children) and contrasts it with Jesus' radical teaching about welcoming children. Through the story of Dick and Richard Hoyt, Dr. Miskelly illustrates how Jesus carries us when we are broken and unable to save ourselves,demonstrating that our worth comes not from our abilities but from God's love. 

JESUS - The Jesus Revolution, Part One

This sermon explores the profound and lasting impact of Jesus Christ on human history and culture. Dr. Miskelly examines how, despite dying in apparent obscurity, Jesus became the most influential figure in Western civilization, shaping everything from our calendar system to the naming of cities, from the development of universities to the establishment of human rights. 

SCANDAL - A Sign of Hope, Part One

This sermon explores the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1, emphasizing how Jesus' family tree includes scandalous and flawed individuals.

SCANDAL - Promise Keeper, Part Four

This sermon focuses on King David's place in Jesus' genealogy as recorded in Matthew's Gospel.