Portrait Mode: The Call

Portrait Mode: The Call

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas January 25, 2026 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, and John—are working their nets when Jesus says, “Come, follow me.” Immediately, they leave everything and go. But when we read Luke’s more detailed account, we see why this call was so compelling. Before Jesus asks them to follow, he gets into Simon’s boat, teaches from it, and then leads them into an overwhelming, net-breaking catch of fish. In that moment, the fishermen encounter the power and presence of God—and everything changes.

Jesus speaks their language. He doesn’t discard their skills; he reimagines them. It’s about offering ordinary, everyday work to the kingdom of God. What once served only the economy now becomes part of God’s redemptive work in the world. Following Jesus doesn’t necessarily make life easier, safer, or more comfortable—but it does make it larger, deeper, and more meaningful.


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
More Than You Think Is Possible [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. New things often bring both excitement and fear. Whether it’s stepping into a new season, trying something unfamiliar, or sensing God’s call, the unkn…
Good Friday 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:35
Hannah Buchanan
"What Do You Want?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus was asked many questions throughout his life. In fact, most of his teachings come as responses to what people asked or assumed. But here, just…
God Is Not Fair. God Is Generous! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Research shows, as children, we naturally long for equality in that we want everyone to have the same. But as we grow older, that instinct often sh…
Who Is the Greatest? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:10
Alex Johnston | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. We live in a world obsessed with greatness, which is measured by success, influence, recognition, and achievement. Whether through social media, career…
The Single-Minded Soul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:27
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What is the last thing you purchased for the purpose of improving your life? Every day, we encounter hundreds of proposals about how we should spend…