What Is Good? | Growing in Goodness

What Is Good? | Growing in Goodness

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas February 17, 2025 Duration: 32:40

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother… How are you doing with these? In Mark 10:17-22, a rich young ruler who seemingly had it all and had it all together, asks Jesus what he must do to live a good life. Jesus then reminded him of the commandments, all of which he claims to have kept since he was young. But there was one thing he lacked—covetousness. He lacked freedom from the relentless desire to acquire more. The solution Jesus provides, which is to sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor, results in the young man walking away in sorrow.

It’s easy to play the comparison game. When we look at God’s commandments, we may be tempted to focus on the commandments we are keeping. The truth is, we all have areas of our lives where there is plenty of room for growth. But growth comes at a price. Sometimes we have to give something up if we are to grow up. To cultivate lives that reflect God’s goodness, to say “yes” to the life that God is calling us into, we will have to say “no” to something else.


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…