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**From The Pulpit of DUMC**

Sermons and Scripture delivered from the Pulpit of Davidson United Methodist Church, Davidson, NC

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#325: Rev. David Hockett // April 6, 2025 Sermon Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Scripture Focus: Micah 6:8
"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?"

🔑 Key Ideas:

Confirmation is not an ending, but a beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

Liminal spaces are moments when heaven and earth meet—Jesus is the ultimate liminal space.

The Church is called to be that liminal space in the world by how we live and love.

🙌 What God Requires of Us:

Do Justice

Justice is what love looks like in public.

It’s about living in a way that prioritizes the well-being of others—especially the vulnerable.

Ask: What’s best for my neighbor?

Love Kindness

Not just niceness, but deep compassion and mercy, like the kindness God shows us.

Reflect God's love through our words, actions, and relationships.

Walk Humbly with God

Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less.

Live in daily dependence on God's grace.

💬 Reflect & Respond:

Where do you see a gap between your Sunday faith and your weekday life?

How might you become a glimpse of heaven for someone else this week?

What does doing justice look like in your school, job, or neighborhood?

🙏 Prayer:

“God, help me to be your hands and feet in the world. Teach me to seek justice, to love with kindness, and to walk each day in humility with You. Amen.”

#324: Rev. David Hockett // March 30, 2025 Sermon Mar 31, 2025

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Sermon Notes – “Who Am I Becoming?”

Fourth Sunday in Lent | Rev. David Hockett | Luke 15:11-32

✝️ Key Scripture

Luke 15:11-32 — The Parable of the Prodigal Son

💡 Big Idea

God’s love is freely given—not earned—and always calls us to become more fully who God created us to be. Lent invites us to pause and ask:
“Who am I becoming?”

🧠 Main Points

God loves us because God is good and God is love—not because we are worthy or deserving.

That love doesn’t leave us where we are. It calls us to respond and grow.

Lent’s core question is:
➤ Who am I becoming?
➤ Am I living into my identity as God’s beloved?

Like the two sons in the parable, we can be lost:

By running from God (younger son)

By staying close but growing resentful or self-righteous (older son)

Both sons tried to fill the void with something other than love—but only God can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

God meets us where we are—not with shame or judgment, but with grace, forgiveness, and welcome.

🔄 Reflection Questions

What "far country" have I wandered into lately?

Am I living as someone deeply loved by God?

In what ways is God calling me to grow or return?

What do I need to let go of to become my true self in Christ?

🙏 Encouragement for the Week

No matter where you are—near, far, or still on the journey—God is calling you home.
You are loved. You are being formed. You are not alone.

📖 Quote to Remember

“Just because it is the scorpion’s nature to sting does not mean I should abandon my nature to save.”
— Story from Rev. Hockett’s sermon

#323: Rev. David Hockett // March 23, 2025 Sermon Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

✨ Take Home Notes – March 3rd Sunday of Lent

Sermon Title: "God Loves Us Because God Is Good"
Scripture: Luke 13:1–9
Rev. David Hockett

🪷 Main Point

God doesn’t love us because we’re good—God loves us because God is good.

📖 Key Reflections

Our image of God deeply shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how we live in the world.

Believing God is judgmental and conditional in love leads us to be judgmental and conditional in our own love.

Believing God is gracious and patient helps us become more gracious and patient with others.

💬 Jesus’ Challenge

Jesus pushes back against the belief that suffering is a punishment from God or a sign of someone's sin.

He invites us to stop assigning blame and instead reflect on our own hearts and growth.

🌱 The Fig Tree Reminder

The parable of the fig tree shows God’s patience—giving us space and time to grow and bear fruit.

“Let’s give it a little more time” — a beautiful picture of God’s mercy.

💡 What Fruit Looks Like

Bearing fruit isn’t just about doing good deeds—it’s about becoming more loving, more Christ-like in character.

A transformed life reflects a transformed heart.

❤️ Take This With You

God loves you—at your best and at your worst—because that’s who God is.

Don’t rush to judge others based on their circumstances.

Let your view of God move you toward compassion, not condemnation.

🙏 Questions to Reflect On This Week

How has your image of God shaped how you treat others?

Are there people you struggle to see as loved by God? Why?

What kind of “fruit” is God calling you to grow in this season?

Let these truths soak in as we continue our Lenten journey toward Easter. You are deeply loved. So is your neighbor. Let’s live like we believe it.

#322: Rev. Jim Humphries // March 16, 2025 Sermon Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes | The Fox and the Hen
🗣 Rev. Jim Humphries

Key Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

"Go tell that fox for me... How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

1️⃣ Fear Not – Courage in Christ

The phrase “Fear not” may not be in the Bible 365 times, but God’s command to live courageously is a common theme.

God does not want us to live in constant fear or anxiety, but rather in faith and trust.

💡 Reflection: What fears hold you back from fully trusting in God?

2️⃣ The Fox vs. The Hen

Herod represents the fox—cunning, selfish, and destructive.

Jesus chooses to be the hen—offering protection, sacrifice, and love to His people.

Instead of responding to threats with power and aggression, Jesus meets them with grace and courage.

💡 Reflection: How does Jesus’ example challenge the way you handle opposition?

3️⃣ Courageous Love in Action

Dorothy Counts’ Story (1957) – Despite hostility, she held her head high, refused to return hate for hate, and paved the way for justice.

Like Jesus, she faced evil without fear and responded with steadfast courage.

💡 Reflection: Where is God calling you to show courageous love in your life?

4️⃣ The Power of Reconciliation

Years later, a former classmate who stood silent during the harassment sought forgiveness from Dorothy Counts.

Their story reminds us that it’s never too late to make things right.

💡 Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with?

Final Takeaway: Be Courageous in Christ

✔ Fear may be real, but it does not have to control you.
✔ Stand firm in love and faith even when facing “foxes” in your life.
✔ Jesus’ way is not the way of power, but of sacrifice. We are called to follow that same path.

🙏 Prayer:
"Lord, give me the courage to follow Jesus’ example of love, even in the face of fear. Help me trust You as my protector, my hen, and to be a light to others. Amen."

📝 Challenge This Week:
🔹 Identify one area of your life where fear holds you back—pray for courage to trust God.
🔹 Show kindness and forgiveness to someone, just as Jesus offers to us.

#321: Rev. David Hockett // March 9, 2025 Sermon Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Sermon Notes: Trusting God in the Wilderness

Rev. David Hockett | Davidson UMC

Key Scripture:

Luke 4:1-13 – Jesus' temptation in the wilderness

Main Themes:

Jesus Was Tempted, Like Us

Jesus faced the temptation to seek power, control, and efficiency over love and trust in God.
His humanity makes His struggles relatable, yet He chose a different way—showing us a better way to live.

The Purpose of Lent

A time to prepare our hearts for Easter.
A season of letting go—of control, power, self-sufficiency—and learning to trust in God.
A chance to reflect on our own temptations and realign our hearts with God's love.

The Nature of Temptation

Temptation is often about disordered love—loving the wrong things or the right things for the wrong reasons.
The temptation to control others can feel easier than loving them.

The Church’s Struggle with Power & Control

Even in ministry, we often seek efficiency and results instead of trust and spiritual transformation.
True faithfulness comes not from working harder but from drawing closer to Jesus.

What We Truly Need

Not more programs, strategies, or skills—but more time with Jesus.
Like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:38-42), we are called to be still and listen.
The most important practices:
- Prayer & Worship
- Confession & Forgiveness
- Silence & Listening

The Central Question: Do We Trust God?

Jesus rejected power and control because He trusted God completely.
We are called to move beyond curiosity about Jesus to trusting in His way of love.

The Journey Out of the Wilderness

True faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting God in uncertainty.
We remember:
- Who we are – God’s beloved
- To whom we belong – Christ
- Who holds our future – God alone

Reflection Questions:

Where in my life am I tempted to seek power or control instead of trusting God?
How can I use this season of Lent to deepen my relationship with Christ?
Am I making space to listen to God, or am I relying on my own strength?

Prayer for the Week:

"God, help me to trust You more. In moments of uncertainty, remind me that You hold my future. Teach me to love as You love and to follow Jesus' path, even when it is difficult. Amen."

Next Steps:

Spend time in prayer and silence this week.
Reflect on where you may be resisting trust in God.
Consider ways to practice letting go and surrendering to God's love.

📖 Lenten Challenge: Each day this week, take 5 minutes of silence to simply be with God. No requests, no distractions—just listen.

#320: Rev. David Hockett // March 2, 2025 Sermon Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Sermon Notes

Series: Questions Jesus Asked
Title: “What Are You Looking For?”
Scripture: John 1:35-39
Preacher: Rev. David Hockett

Main Question:

🔎 What are you looking for? – Jesus asks this question to His first disciples and to us today. It’s a question of desire, purpose, and longing.

Key Themes:

1. Our Restless Hearts Need God

Augustine: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Beneath our searching, striving, and dissatisfaction is a deep need for God.

2. Do We Seek Jesus or Just What He Can Give?

We often bring our own agendas to Jesus—seeking comfort, security, or answers.
True discipleship is not about controlling our relationship with God, but trusting and following Him.

3. The First Disciples' Response: “Where Are You Staying?”

Instead of asking big theological questions, they simply want to be with Jesus.
This challenges us: Are we seeking Jesus Himself, or just what He can do for us?

4. Jesus’ Invitation: “Come and See”

We don’t need to have all the answers before following Jesus.
Faith comes first—understanding follows (faith seeking understanding).
The journey of discipleship is about experiencing Jesus firsthand.

5. From Seeking to Sharing

Once we come and see, we are called to go and tell.
The Church is a witness to God’s presence—will others see Jesus among us?

Reflection Questions:

If Jesus asked you today, “What are you looking for?”, how would you answer?
Are you following Jesus for who He is or for what He can give?
How can you help others see Jesus through your life and in our church?

Application: Living Out the Message

✅ Draw near to Jesus – Spend time in prayer and scripture, not just seeking answers but deepening your relationship with Christ.
✅ Trust before understanding – Step out in faith, even when you don’t see the full picture.
✅ Be a witness – Live in a way that reflects Jesus, so others may come and see Him through you.

📖 This week, read John 1:35-51 and reflect on how Jesus invites us to follow Him.

🙌 May our lives and our church be a place where people can say, “Yes, Jesus stays here.”

Thanks be to God. Amen.

#319: Rev. Jim Humphries // February 25, 2025 Sermon Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes

🔹 Questions Jesus Asked: What Do You Live For?
Rev. David Hockett | Davidson UMC

Key Scripture: Mark 8:36

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"

Main Takeaways:

🔹 What Do You Live For?

Jesus’ question challenges us to examine our priorities and what truly shapes our lives.

Are we living for temporary success, comfort, or control? Or for the life God intends for us?

🔹 The Cross Defines Our Purpose

Taking up the cross isn’t about hardship—it’s about embracing Christ’s way of love, grace, and self-giving.

True life is found not in serving ourselves but in surrendering to God’s purpose.

🔹 Letting Go to Receive More

What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Jesus?

To experience the life God desires for us, we must let go of what is false and embrace what is true.

🔹 A Life That Matters Requires Action

Faith isn’t just belief—it’s about transformation.

Following Jesus means aligning our actions with His call:
✅ Worship weekly
✅ Pray daily
✅ Read and experience Scripture
✅ Connect with others in faith
✅ Serve in the church and community
✅ Give generously and joyfully

#318. Rev. David Hockett - February 16, 2025 Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes

🔹 Questions Jesus Asked: What Do You Live For?
Rev. David Hockett | Davidson UMC

Key Scripture: Mark 8:36

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"

Main Takeaways:

🔹 What Do You Live For?

Jesus’ question challenges us to examine our priorities and what truly shapes our lives.

Are we living for temporary success, comfort, or control? Or for the life God intends for us?

🔹 The Cross Defines Our Purpose

Taking up the cross isn’t about hardship—it’s about embracing Christ’s way of love, grace, and self-giving.

True life is found not in serving ourselves but in surrendering to God’s purpose.

🔹 Letting Go to Receive More

What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Jesus?

To experience the life God desires for us, we must let go of what is false and embrace what is true.

🔹 A Life That Matters Requires Action

Faith isn’t just belief—it’s about transformation.

#317. Rev. David Hockett - February 9, 2025 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes
Series: Questions Jesus Asked
Sermon: “Why Are You Anxious?”
Preacher: Rev. David Hockett
Scripture: Luke 12:22-31

Main Idea:

Jesus asks, “Why are you anxious?” reminding us that while worry is real, God’s love and provision are greater. True peace comes when we shift our focus from fear to faith, trusting in God’s presence and care.

Key Points:

🔹 The World Thrives on Anxiety

Marketers, politicians, and businesses often fuel our fears to drive decisions.

We live in a culture that equates success with proving our worth.

Anxiety can become a cycle that robs us of life.

🔹 Jesus’ Invitation: Look at the Birds & Flowers

They do not worry, yet God provides for them.

Worrying cannot add to our lives but can take away from it.

God’s care for creation is a reminder of His care for us.

🔹 Faith Over Fear

Jesus doesn’t dismiss our worries but redirects our focus.

Anxiety becomes harmful when it takes control and distracts us from God.

Instead of seeking security in things, we are called to seek God’s kingdom first.

Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety

✅ Breathe – Take a deep breath, pray, and invite the Holy Spirit in.
✅ Give Thanks – Start each day with gratitude, remembering God’s blessings.
✅ Serve Others – Shift focus from yourself to those in need.

Reflection Questions:

1️⃣ What worries have been weighing on you lately?
2️⃣ How can you shift your focus from fear to faith this week?
3️⃣ What are some practical ways to seek God’s kingdom first in your daily life?

Final Encouragement:

Jesus invites us to trust God and be free from anxiety. When we release our worries, we make room for the peace that surpasses all understanding. God is more than enough.

🙏 “You are God’s beloved. Place your trust in God and experience God’s peace.”

#316. Rev. David Hockett - February 2, 2025 Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

SERMON TAKE-HOME NOTES
"Why Are You Afraid?" – Rev. David Hockett
Date: February 2, 2025

Key Scripture:

Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus calms the storm and asks His disciples, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”

Main Points:

1. Fear is Powerful but Not in Control

Fear can shape our decisions, impact our health, and limit our ability to trust.

Society often fuels our fears—whether through politics, news, or personal anxieties.

Many of the things we fear never actually happen.

2. Jesus Asks, Not Accuses

Instead of scolding, Jesus’ question invites reflection: Why are you afraid?

Like a loving parent comforting a child, Jesus asks us to name our fears.

Naming our fears is the first step toward moving through them.

3. Storms Are Inevitable, But We Are Not Alone

The disciples panicked, but Jesus was with them the entire time.

The same God who calmed the sea walks with us through every storm.

Faith doesn’t remove life’s challenges—it gives us peace amid them.

4. Moving from Fear to Faith

Scripture tells us “Do not be afraid” at least 140 times.

Trusting in Christ means we don’t have to be ruled by fear.

Jesus’ presence in our lives helps us navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Reflection Questions:

-) What fears are currently shaping your thoughts and decisions?
-) How might you hear Jesus' question—Why are you afraid?—with curiosity instead of guilt?
-) Where in your life do you need to trust that Jesus is in the boat with you?

Application This Week:

-) Identify Your Fears – Write them down and pray about them.
-) Reframe Your Perspective – Ask “What happened to me?” instead of “What’s wrong with me?”
-) Lean Into Faith – Read a scripture passage each day that reminds you of God’s presence.
-) Encourage Someone Else – Be a reminder of God’s peace to someone facing their own storm.

Take Heart:
Jesus is not distant in our struggles—He is right there with us. His love is greater than fear. Trust Him, and find peace in the storm.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You more than my fears. When the storms of life arise, remind me that You are always with me. Strengthen my faith and guide me toward peace. Amen.

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From The Pulpit of DUMC

Sermon Notes – “Who Am I Becoming?”

✨ Take Home Notes – March 3rd Sunday of Lent

Key Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

1️⃣ Fear Not – Courage in Christ

2️⃣ The Fox vs. The Hen

3️⃣ Courageous Love in Action

4️⃣ The Power of Reconciliation

Final Takeaway: Be Courageous in Christ

Sermon Notes: Trusting God in the Wilderness

Sermon Notes

Main Question:

Key Themes:

1. Our Restless Hearts Need God

2. Do We Seek Jesus or Just What He Can Give?

3. The First Disciples' Response: “Where Are You Staying?”

4. Jesus’ Invitation: “Come and See”

5. From Seeking to Sharing

Reflection Questions:

Application: Living Out the Message

Thanks be to God. Amen.

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes

Key Scripture: Mark 8:36

Main Takeaways:

📖 Sermon Take-Home Notes

Key Scripture: Mark 8:36

Main Takeaways:

Main Idea:

Key Points:

Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety

Reflection Questions:

Final Encouragement:

Key Scripture:

Main Points:

Reflection Questions:

Application This Week:

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