Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Serves - 2026 July 19 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 19, 2026

This week, Pastor John challenges us to rethink the meaning of love through the lens of servant leadership. He centers his message on the powerful imagery of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, explaining that true love is not just a feeling or a theory, but a sacrificial, active commitment to meet the practical needs of others.

Pastor John emphasizes that we are called to follow this model of humility, being willing to "do feet"—which means doing the often uncomfortable, humble work of caring for our neighbors. He highlights that loving others as Jesus loves us is both a command and the ultimate evidence of our discipleship. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a call to action, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and embody a selfless, Christ-like love in our daily lives, letting our service be the primary way the world recognizes that we are followers of Jesus.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Won't Stay Silent - 2026 July 12 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 12, 2026

This week, Pastor John challenges us to consider how our love for God and our neighbors should never remain silent or kept to ourselves. Using 2 Corinthians 5, he outlines four core convictions that define our role as followers of Jesus:

Love as our motivation: The love of Christ compels us, serving as the driving force behind everything we do, from how we interact with our families to how we serve our community.
A new perspective: We are called to stop viewing people from a worldly standpoint and instead see them through the eyes of Jesus—as individuals worthy of grace, reconciliation, and transformation.
The longing for transformation: We celebrate the life-changing power of the gospel, which turns old ways into new creations, and we are encouraged to share this hope with those who haven't yet experienced it.
Our mission as ambassadors: Every one of us is called to be an ambassador for Christ, actively participating in God's mission of reconciliation by representing His kingdom in our daily lives, whether we are at home, at work, or out running errands.

Ultimately, he encourages us to live as "good neighbors" who aren't afraid to step out in faith, share the gospel, and love others with the same selfless love that we have received from our Savior.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Crosses The Road - 2026 July 5 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 5, 2026

This week, Pastor John dives into the powerful parable of the Good Samaritan to explore what it truly means to love our neighbors as ourselves. He emphasizes that genuine, biblical love isn't just a feeling; it’s a form of costly compassion that requires us to actively cross boundaries—both literal and figurative—to meet the needs of those around us, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Pastor John challenges us to shift our perspective from asking "Who is my neighbor?" to the more introspective question, "Am I acting like a neighbor?" He reminds us that because God has extended such reckless, sacrificial love to us, we are called to reject the "us versus them" mentalities that divide our world. Ultimately, he encourages us to move beyond indifference and embrace a life of active kindness and mercy, just as the Samaritan did, trusting that by doing so, we reflect the very heart of Jesus to everyone we encounter.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Gives Everything - 2026 June 28 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene June 28, 2026

This week, Pastor John invites us to reflect on the depth of the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. He emphasizes that this is not a partial commitment, but a wholehearted, sacrificial lifestyle that mimics the way Jesus loves us—selflessly and without reservation.

Pastor John highlights that our love for neighbor is deeply tied to our love for God. By acknowledging that God created and loves every individual, we are called to see everyone we encounter as an opportunity to extend that same grace. He also reminds us that healthy, biblical self-care is a crucial part of this equation; when we honor the life and body God has given us, we are better equipped to serve and love others effectively. The message serves as an encouraging starting point for a series on what it truly means to be a good neighbor, challenging us to move beyond mere theory and into active, compassionate service.

Psalms - Listen To My Cry - 2026 June 21 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene June 21, 2026

This week, Pastor John discusses Psalm 86 and the importance of relying on God through prayer. He teaches that prayer is meant to be a consistent daily habit rather than a response only for emergencies. Throughout the sermon, he explains how the psalmist models a relationship with God by recognizing personal limitations, making specific requests for guidance, and acknowledging God's character. Pastor John emphasizes that prayer and praise are connected, as recognizing God's grace and compassion naturally leads to gratitude and trust.

2026 June 14 - J. Nielson - As Long As I Live

Manchester Nazarene June 14, 2026

Pastor John delivers a sermon centered on Psalm 116, emphasizing the importance of a life of persistent, prayerful trust in God. He highlights how God consistently hears our cries for mercy and provides deliverance, even in our most desperate moments. By reflecting on God's character as gracious, righteous, and compassionate, we are encouraged to move past "spiritual amnesia"—the tendency to forget past instances of divine faithfulness. Calling believers to express their love for God, commit to future trust, and actively fulfill their vows of praise in every season.

2026 June 7 - J. Nielson - Sound the Joyful Praise

Manchester Nazarene June 7, 2026

This week, Pastor John's sermon "Sound the Joyful Praise," teaches that praise is a mandatory, joyful lifestyle grounded in Psalm 33. He outlines four core reasons to worship: God's faithful Word, His righteous character, the wonder of creation, and His sovereign plan. Calling believers to be active, expressive worshippers in both their personal lives and corporate gatherings

2026 May 31 - J. Nielson - Grace, Love, & Fellowship

Manchester Nazarene May 31, 2026

This week, Pastor John explores the final words of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, focusing on five practical instructions for the church: being joyful, growing toward maturity, encouraging one another, living in harmony and peace, and practicing hospitality through greeting others. He emphasizes that joy is not merely happiness but a deep-seated reliance on the presence of Jesus as our strength, especially during difficult times.

Pastor John further unpacks the benediction found in 2 Corinthians 13:14 as a reflection of the Trinity. He explains that we are called to rely on and extend the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. He concludes that true fellowship, or koinonia, is more than just social interaction; it is a shared life with the Holy Spirit that calls believers to be active, engaged, and united witnesses in the world.

2026 May 24 - J. Nielson - Empowered To Serve

Manchester Nazarene May 24, 2026

In this Pentecost Sunday sermon, Pastor John explains that Pentecost is not just the birthday of the church, but a powerful, transformative moment when the Holy Spirit fills believers to empower them for God's mission. He emphasizes that we cannot fulfill our purpose through our own strength; instead, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, empower our work, and center our witness. By focusing on 1 Corinthians 12, he highlights that every believer is uniquely gifted by the Spirit, and these gifts are intended for the service and benefit of others. Ultimately, Pastor John calls the congregation to a renewed commitment to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, embracing a life of service and using their God-given gifts to make a meaningful difference in the world.

2026 May 17 - J. Nielson - Why Are You Still Looking Up?

Manchester Nazarene May 17, 2026

This week, Pastor John explores the significance of Ascension Sunday, reflecting on the moment Jesus ascends to heaven and the subsequent question posed to the disciples: "Why are you still looking up?" He emphasizes that the ascension is not about Christ's absence, but rather His exaltation to the right hand of God and the subsequent gift of the Holy Spirit. Pastor John explains that while believers rightfully long for Christ's promised return, they are called to live actively in the present. He highlights that the ascension confirms Jesus' identity, fulfills His earthly mission, guarantees His intercession for believers, and confirms the coming of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the church to be His witnesses on earth.

2026 May 10 - J. Nielson - Living as a Hopeful Witness

Manchester Nazarene May 10, 2026

This week, Pastor John explores what it means to be a hopeful witness in a world that often feels dark or challenging. Using the imagery of a lighthouse, he illustrates that believers are called to stand steady and shine their light consistently, regardless of the surrounding storms. He emphasizes that this witness is grounded in the worship of Jesus, requires preparation to share one's personal testimony, and must be carried out with a spirit of gentleness and respect. Pastor John encourages the congregation to maintain a clear conscience and a consistent life, ensuring that their actions align with their faith so that others might be pointed toward the hope found in Christ.

2026 May 3 - J. Nielson - Living Faithfully Even When It Costs

Manchester Nazarene May 3, 2026

This week Pastor John's focuses on the call to live faithfully even when facing difficult seasons of suffering. He explores how believers can navigate hardship by following the example of Jesus, who responded to his own suffering by entrusting himself to God. This message is anchored in the Scripture passage of 1 Peter 2:19-25, which highlights how Christ's patient endurance and sacrifice provide both an example and the ultimate hope for redemption.