2001
Sermons
James Howard Olds, First Grade
From the Files:
Let me tell you a very personal story. As a child I was bullied a lot by older kids and teased to tears almost daily by adults who somehow saw something humorous about intimidating a small child. In elementary school I stayed to myself and avoided conflicts at all costs with the big eight graders, in that little four-room schoolhouse. This "flee to safety" continued for several years.
Then one day I put away childish ways, found a better identity, developed self-confidence and decided to take on the world. For years I championed causes, stood strong for the powerless, and worked my way through denominational politics and local church challenges. Such assertiveness and workaholism brought me many accolades from the church and community. I became a success, a change agent, a person who knew how to get things done--not a bad resume for a lonely little farm boy who got beat up all the time. But success has its price, and the lonely whine of the top dog began to sound loudly in my soul. Little did I realize then, that the barking of that dog was the hound of heaven nipping at my heels.
You see it was during that time that the Lord did a marvelous thing for me. He blessed me with his love that was not dependent upon approval, accomplishments, advancements, or any other "A" words that might come to mind. I was loved, just as I was, without reserve and without conditions. Unknown to me at the time, it was a marvelous preparation for the biggest battle of my life--the lingering, ongoing, unending war with cancer. As I have waded through the shadows of death these past eleven years, I have been constantly comforted by the words of St. Paul in II Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
January 7, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
By the Waters of Baptism
Luke 3:15-17,21-22 Text Document 
January 14, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
At the Wedding of Belief
John 2:1-12 Text Document
January 21, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
In the Face of Rejection
Luke 4:14-30 Text Document
February 4, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
As the People of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Text Document
February 11, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
As the People of God
1 Corinthians 13 Text Document
February 18, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
As the People of Faith
Luke 5:1-11 Text Document
February 25, 2001
Claiming Our Christian Identity
As the People of Hope
1 Corinthians 15:12-28 Text Document
March 4, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Deciding To Do It
Mark 1:16-20 Text Document
March 11, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Dealing With Temptation
Luke 4:1-13 Text Document
March 18, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Developing Spiritual Disciplines
Luke 11:1-11 Text Document
March 25, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Developing Spiritual Disciplnes II
Luke 12:13-21 Text Document
April 1, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Discerning God's Will
Luke 13:1-6 Text Document
April 8, 2001
Dynamics of Discipleship
Dancing in the Streets
Luke 19:28-40 Text Document
April 15, 2001
Easter
Running Into a Resurrection
John 20:1-18 Text Document
April 29, 2001
Life's Great Recoveries
The Recovery of Persons
John 21:1-14 Text Document
May 6, 2001
Life's Great Recoveries
The Recovery of Belief
John 10:22-30 Text Document
May 13, 2001
Life's Great Recoveries
The Recovery of Family
John 10:31-35 Text Document
May 27, 2001
Life's Great Recoveries
The Recovery of the World
John 17:20-26 Text Document
June 3, 2001
Power From on High
The Power to Make a Difference
Acts 2:1-4,12-21 Text Document
June 17, 2001
Power From on High
The Power to Resist Evil
1 Kings 21:1-21 Text Document
June 24, 2001
Power From on High
The Power to Endure
1 Kings 19:1-15a Text Document
July 1, 2001
Power From on High
The Power to be Healed
2 Kings 5:1-10 Text Document
July 15, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
How To Be A Happy Person
Matthew 5:1-12 Text Document
July 22, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
Living Above Getting By
Matthew 5:13-44 Text Document
July 29, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
The Secret Nature of the Spiritual Life
Matthew 6:1-18 Text Document
August 5, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
How to be Rich Without Worrying About It
Matthew 6:19-33 Text Document
August 19, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
Judging Between Toothpicks and 2 x 4's
Matthew 7:1-12 Text Document
August 26, 2001
The Sermon on the Mount: Revisited
Building Better Homes and Gardens
Matthew 7:13-28 Text Document
September 2, 2001
Becoming An Inviting Church
When God Throws a Party
Luke 14:12-24 Text Document
September 9, 2001
Becoming An Inviting Church
Setting Spiritual Priorities
Luke 14:25-33 Text Document
September 16, 2001
A Very Present Help
Psalms 46 Text Document
October 7, 2001
A Vision for Brentwood United Methodist Church
The World Is Our Parish
John 3:16-21 Text Document
October 14, 2001
A Vision for Brentwood United Methodist Church
We Hold These Truths to be Essential
1 Peter 3:8-16 Text Document
October 21, 2001
A Vision for Brentwood United Methodist Church
Touching Hearts and Transforming Lives
2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2 Text Document
October 28, 2001
A Vision For Brentwood United Methodist Church
Mission Possible
Matthew 28:16-20 Text Document
November 4, 2001
A Vision for Brentwood United Methodist Church
On Being Faithful and Focused
Hebrews 11:1, 32-12:2 Text Document
November 11, 2001
A Vision for Brentwood United Methodist Church
Doing Our Best
Romans 12:1-13 Text Document
Novemeber 18, 2001
Facing Our Fears With Faith
Matthew 10:27-31 Text Document
November 25, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
The Christ Connection
Colossians 1:10-20 Text Document
December 2, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
Living on Full Alert
Matthew 24:36-44 Text Document
December 9, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
Should America Repent?
Matthew 3:1-12 Text Document
December 16, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
War and the Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:2-7 Text Document
December 23, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
Dreams Which Calm Our Fears
Matthew 1:18-25 Text Document
Decmeber 24, 2001
Chaos or Christ: Hope in a Chaotic World
Lighting Up A Dark World
John 1:1-14 Text Document
December 30, 2001
The Time of Our Lives
When It's Time to Wait
Luke 2:19-35 Text Document