Pastor Mark Reynolds' Podcast

What does true joy and contentment look like in a culture obsessed with more? From DJ Khaled’s massive sneaker collection to high-profile pastors wearing luxury shoes, it's easy to point fingers. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: How many possessions, experiences, or achievements do I need before I feel satisfied? We all fall into the trap of thinking "just a little more" will bring lasting happiness. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.In this message sermon, we dive into the biblical and practical truths about gratitude and contentment. Drawing insights from the book of Ecclesiastes and studies in psychology, we explore why chasing fleeting pleasures leaves us empty and how practicing gratitude can fill us with genuine joy.Discover why the Bible repeatedly calls us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and how embracing a lifestyle of gratitude not only elevates our happiness but transforms our relationships, strengthens our resilience, and brings us closer to God’s purpose for our li

Are you searching for a deeper sense of contentment? Tune in for the start of our new series, "Contentment," as we explore the surprising truth behind lasting happiness. This week’s message, "It's Better to Give Than Receive," will challenge the common idea that “more” leads to joy and instead reveal the rich rewards of a generous spirt. Join us as we dive into timeless wisdom and modern insights showing that generosity has the power to shape our lives and bring peace, joy, and satisfaction that no material possession can.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

Tune in to this inspiring message on what it truly means to be partners in God's mission of love! As Wesleyan Christians, we are called not just to believe, but to act—to live out our faith by making a difference in the world. In this sermon, we’ll dive deep into how to recognize God’s presence in our everyday lives and discover the powerful ways we can join Him in the work He’s already doing around us. Whether you're seeking purpose, guidance, or a renewed spirit of service, this message will encourage you to be both a hearer and doer of God’s Word. Let’s come together with open hearts and hands ready to serve a world longing for His peace and love.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

We often hear the words "I love you," but without action, they feel empty, and relationships suffer. The Bible teaches that love is more than a feeling—it's something we do. In the Wesleyan tradition, Christians are called to live out their faith through loving action, making love the foundation of a dynamic, growing relationship with God and others. In this message, we dive into what it means to love actively and how it leads to true holiness in heart and life.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

In this message, we look at how United Methodists understand the inspiration of scripture. As Wesleyan Christians, we are rooted in the Bible. It is both the source of our faith and the measure of our spiritual authenticity. However, instead of insisting on a strict literal reading, we teach a dynamic and contextual way of interpreting scripture. When we read prayerfully and carefully with other Christians, the Bible becomes the living word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit, and we are transformed into the image of Christ.Of all the beliefs that set us apart from many other denominations, this one may be the most significant. So, check out this message and learn how God works through scripture to transform us in love!Sources: Adam Hamilton, "Making Sense of the Bible" (2016) and "Half Truths" (2016); Randy Maddox, "Responsible Grace" (1994)If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa

We are excited to begin a new message series, "Wesleyan Rooted." Over the next five weeks, we will explore what it means to follow Jesus in the United Methodist tradition. This series invites us to reflect on our unique spiritual heritage and embrace the core principles of our faith.In this message, we dive into the theme, "Grow Deeply" and see how being rooted in God's love allows us to follow Jesus daily and become a new creation. Rather than focus on church membership or getting saved in a moment of decision, we focus on the love of God that invites us to a lifelong journey of transformation. If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

In this message, we explore how life’s circumstances and current events can reveal God’s will. When we stay close to Jesus, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to spiritual truth and leads us beyond the rush of clock time into kairos—a deeper sense of time that is pregnant with possibilities. Learn how to read the world around you, discern where God is already at work, and discover how you can partner with God in life-changing moments.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

Who are the people that have helped you get where you are today? People who gave you wise advice or helped you see things in a different light? Looking back we often realize that God was speaking through these people to guide our steps.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

When was the last time you read a good book? Are there any books that have changed your life? In this message, we continue the series, “Discernment," looking at how God speaks not only through the Bible but also spiritual writings. Pastor Mark shares some of the books that shaped his faith and changed his life. If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

In this second message from the "Discernment" series, we explore the challenge of distinguishing truth from falsehood in a world filled with conflicting voices, both externally and within ourselves. Using 1 John 4:1 and Galatians 5:13-25, the sermon emphasizes the importance of testing the spirits, discerning between good and evil, and recognizing how the Holy Spirit guides us toward love, peace, and unity. As we learn to identify the impulses of the flesh that lead to division and self-deception, we are reminded of our need for spiritual community, humility, and daily alignment with God's will.

Do you sometimes struggle to make hard decisions? In this message, we explore the process of discerning God's will in our lives. Grounded in scriptures from Colossians 1:9-11 and Hebrews 11:1, the sermon emphasizes the importance of both solitude and community in hearing God's voice. By practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on scripture, and engaging in authentic relationships with fellow believers, we can cultivate the spiritual senses needed to discern God's guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty and risk.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

When mean people hurt us, our natural impulse is to get even. But reacting in anger perpetuates conflict, increases the control that mean people hold over you, compels you to violate your values, and remakes you in the image of your enemies. Thankfully there’s another way, a way that honors God, builds our identity in Christ, and diminishes the power that mean people hold over us. Jesus modeled this third way in the New Testament, and Paul talked about it too, but it is also taught in the Old Testament by a woman named Abigail. Check out this message to see how best to deal with the mean people in your life. If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds Resource: Andy Stanley, "Mean People... and What To Do About Them."

This message is the first in a new two-week series, "What to Do About Mean People." We focus on how our impulse to get even perpetuates conflict and multiples our problems. If we can resist this impulse long enough to ask ourselves a few questions, we can respond (instead of react) in a way that honors God and diminishes the power that mean people try to hold over us.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

This message concludes our series on spirituality and the 12 Steps by looking at the promise of ongoing recovery--a spiritual awakening. Pastor Mark explains Step 12 and then ties all the steps together, showing how they build on each other in a journey of intensification toward freedom, peace, and love.

In this message, guest speaker, Dr. Tony Ferretti, talks about steps 10-11, which focus on spiritual and emotional selfcare. Speaking our of his experience as a licensed psychologist, he stresses the importance of developing healthy habits that last a lifetime in recovery.

In this message, we look at the toxicity of shame and the healing power of confession, repentance, and making amends, the spiritual practices that undergird Steps 4-9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Whether you wrestle with addiction or some kind of unwanted behavior this message in the series, "Breathing Under Water," will help!Source: Richard Rohr, "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps" (Franciscan Media 2011).If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

In this message, we continue our new series on Spirituality and the 12 Steps by focusing on a God that has the power to save and the importance of surrender. Whether you wrestle with addiction or some kind of self-destructive pattern, this message will help!Source: Richard Rohr, "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps" (Franciscan Media 2011).If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

"Breathing Under Water" is a new series (based on a book by Richard Rohr) that explores Christian spirituality and the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this first message, we explore the link between addiction and sin, revealing how these dynamics often trap individuals in self-destructive cycles. Paradoxically, it's by acknowledging our powerlessness that we find the strength to seek solutions beyond ourselves. Whether you or a loved one grapple with addiction or some kind of unwanted behavior, join us on this transformative journey toward healing and recovery.Video, "Nuggets" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUngLgGRJpo. Book: Richard Rohr, "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps" (Franciscan Media 2011).Ego in Contemplative Christianity: In the Christian contemplative tradition, the term ego describes a way of thinking and being in the world that is driven by a compulsion to control. It is a false self that sees everything through the lens of its own personal hurts, needs, and memori

We all experience heartbreak and know the importance of grieving personal losses. But what happens when bad things happen to an entire community or country? What does communal and national grief look like? David sets a good example in his lament over King Saul and Johnathan in 2 Samuel 1. Check out this message to help you grieve personal and collection loss.If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds 

What happens when giants come your way? When you experience scary challenges that feel overwhelming? In this message we continue the series, "God at Work," by reflecting on the story of David and Goliath and how God fights through us when we focus on faithfulness. If this message is a blessing, you can support our ministries by donating at www.fumccb.com.  Speaker: Pastor Mark Reynolds Venue: First United Methodist Church (Cocoa Beach, FL) Connect with Pastor Mark:www.revmarkreynolds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorMarkReynolds