North Raleigh United Methodist Church Podcast

I Am the True Vine | Rev. Laura Johnson | North Raleigh UMC

What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the true vine"?

In this message from John 15, Rev. Laura Johnson explores the seventh and final "I Am" statement in the Gospel of John. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gives His disciples one last image to remember: He is the vine, the Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. This beautiful metaphor reveals that the ...

I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life | Rev. Kevin Johnson | North Raleigh UMC

What did Jesus mean when He declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)?

In this message from John 14, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores one of Jesus' most familiar and profound "I Am" statements. Spoken during the Last Supper, these words are more than directions to heaven. They reveal Jesus as the One who brings us into relationship with ...

I Am the Resurrection and the Life | Rev. Jen Swindell | North Raleigh UMC

What did Jesus mean when He declared, "I am the resurrection and the life"?

In this message from John 11, Rev. Jen Swindell explores one of Jesus' most powerful "I Am" statements through His conversation with Martha after the death of her brother, Lazarus. Martha comes to Jesus carrying grief, disappointment, questions, and faith all at once. Rather than corre...

The Good Shepherd: Called by Name | Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue | North Raleigh UMC

What does it really mean when Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd"?

In this thoughtful message from John 9-10, Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue explores one of Jesus' most beloved "I Am" statements through the story of the man born blind. Before Jesus speaks about the Good Shepherd, He seeks out someone who has been questioned, judged, and cast aside by religious lead...

I AM the Gate | Rev. Kevin Johnson | John 10:1-10

Podcast Description:

What did Jesus mean when he said, "I am the gate"?

In this message from John 10:1-10, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores one of Jesus' lesser-known but deeply meaningful "I AM" statements. Using the story of his family's adventurous beagle, Donut, Kevin illustrates why gates matter—and how Jesus serves as both our protector and provider.

Drawing on the imagery of she...

What did Jesus mean when he declared, "I am the light of the world"?

In this message from John 8:12-20, Rev. Laura Johnson explores one of Jesus' most powerful "I AM" statements, spoken during the Festival of Booths while standing beside the massive lamps that illuminated Jerusalem. Through stories of caving in complete darkness and finding her way through a foggy campground at night, Laura invites us to consider how Christ's light ...

What does Jesus mean when he says, "I am the Light of the World"?

In this episode of Behind the Scenes, Rev. Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to explore John 8:12-20 and the next message in our "I Am" sermon series. Together they unpack the rich symbolism behind Jesus' words, the Festival of Tabernacles, and the dramatic exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees.

Why does John present Jesus differently than the other Gospels? What d...

I Am the Bread of Life | Rev. Kevin Johnson | North Raleigh UMC

What are we really hungry for?

In this message from our I Am sermon series, Rev. Kevin Johnson explores Jesus' powerful declaration in John 6:35: "I am the bread of life." As Jesus speaks to a crowd that has just witnessed the feeding of the 5,000, he invites them—and us—to look beyond physical needs and discover the deeper satisfaction found only in him.

Thro...

Trinity Sunday: Faith, Doubt, and the Mystery of God
Rev. Laura Johnson | North Raleigh United Methodist Church

What if doubt isn't the opposite of faith?

On Trinity Sunday, Rev. Laura Johnson explores one of Christianity's most profound mysteries: the doctrine of the Trinity. Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, she examines the surprising detail that even as the disciples encountered the risen Jesus, "some doubted."

This sermon challen...

The day of Pentecost marked one of the most dramatic moments in Christian history when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples with unmistakable power. The disciples had been waiting together in Jerusalem, following Jesus' instructions to tarry until they received heavenly power. Their waiting wasn't passive but filled with expectation, like a family in a hospital waiting room anticipating good news. When the Spirit arrived, i...

Rev. Laura Johnson - May 17, 2026 North Raleigh UMC

The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals a profound truth that transforms how we understand love and community. When a legal expert asked Jesus who his neighbor was, Jesus responded with a story that completely reframed the question. The tale of a Samaritan helping a beaten traveler wasn't just about helping those in need - it was about fundamentally changing how we approach relat...

In this episode of the North Raleigh UMC Behind the Scenes Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to unpack one of Jesus’ most recognizable parables: the Good Samaritan. As the church concludes the sermon series I Love You, But… with the message No Ifs, Ands, or Buts, the conversation explores what it truly means to love without conditions or boundaries.

Laura and Kevin dive into the deep historical tension ...

5/10/2026 Rev. Kevin Johnson North Raleigh UMC

Discover the hidden lessons in the Prodigal Son parable that reveal profound truths about God's love, grace, and our spiritual identity. This powerful biblical story explores two different struggles with divine love: feeling unworthy versus feeling overlooked. Learn why the older brother's jealousy represents a common challenge for faithful believers and how taking God's blessings for g...