In the Middle of the Mess

In the Middle of the Mess

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas May 12, 2025 Duration: 25:33

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

Family can be messy and complicated. In this week’s sermon, we look at the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar in Genesis 16. Sarai tries to control God's timing, Abram goes along without resistance, and Hagar finds herself exploited and abandoned. Yet, God shows up, reminding us that God does not ignore the suffering of the vulnerable. In fact, the first person in Scripture to name God is Hagar—a pregnant, runaway servant.

Being in the middle of a mess—whether it's a family struggle, personal failure, or broken relationship—doesn't mean God does not see us. He meets us there, not after we've cleaned everything up, but right in the middle of the chaos.


The HPUMC-Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship) podcast brings the weekly message from the contemporary worship service at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas directly to you. This isn't about dry theological lectures; it's about experiencing the energy and connection of a live service, where ancient scripture meets the complexities of modern life. Each episode features Bible-based preaching delivered with a relatable and modern voice, intentionally crafted to bridge the gap between Sunday and the rest of your week. You'll hear sermons that tackle real-world issues-faith, doubt, relationships, purpose, and social responsibility-with practical wisdom and spiritual depth. This audio extension of the Cornerstone service is for anyone seeking a thoughtful, engaging exploration of Christianity that feels both grounded and genuinely relevant. Whether you're a longtime believer, someone re-examining your spirituality, or simply curious, this podcast offers a consistent source of reflection and challenge from within a vibrant, believing community. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration that aims not just to inform, but to transform daily living through a contemporary lens on timeless truth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship)
Podcast Episodes
The Seed Effect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
Hannah Buchanan
Imperceptible to Undeniable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–33 reveals that the kingdom of God often begins in ways that seem small, hidden, and insignifican…
Bear and Bow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
Hannah Buchanan
For Forty Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Resolutions often fail because they demand an undefined, lifelong commitment; “forever” feels overwhelming. Lent, however, offers a grace-filled, 40-…
Portrait Mode: The Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In this week’s sermon, we see Jesus interrupt ordinary life with an extraordinary invitation. Matthew 4 tells the simple version: four fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, a…
Portrait Mode: Gameplanning Against Temptation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
Clcik/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Following his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). There, he faces three temptations that engage the whole human person.…
Reclaim Your Life (20 Minutes at a Time) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Psalm 1 invites us to reclaim our lives by paying attention to the habits that quietly shape us each day. Life is not formed by one defining decision but by the paths w…