GDLC Audio: Recent Episodes
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
The next missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, is to make time and space to eat together. Throughout the ministry of Jesus food played a large role in how He would spend time with others. In our culture the heart of hospitality is one that as lessened in its priority but offers a great reward for those who engage it. Very few things communicate a heart that is open like a shared meal around a table, a backyard cookout and the simple, yet profound, gesture of a hand, heart and home open to others.
The next missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, is to make time and space to eat together. Throughout the ministry of Jesus food played a large role in how He would spend time with others. In our culture the heart of hospitality is one that as lessened in its priority but offers a great reward for those who engage it. Very few things communicate a heart that is open like a shared meal around a table, a backyard cookout and the simple, yet profound, gesture of a hand, heart and home open to others.
The next missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, happens as we listen and engage others. You have heard the old saying that God has given us two ears and one mouth so we should use them proportionately. In order to BLESS others, we need to listen to understand what the needs, cares and concerns are of this person and engage what they say with compassion, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. The deepest desire of any person is to be understood by another and this week we look at the reality that one of the greatest blessings we can give to another person is simply a heart that truly cares.
The next missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, happens as we listen and engage others. You have heard the old saying that God has given us two ears and one mouth so we should use them proportionately. In order to BLESS others, we need to listen to understand what the needs, cares and concerns are of this person and engage what they say with compassion, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. The deepest desire of any person is to be understood by another and this week we look at the reality that one of the greatest blessings we can give to another person is simply a heart that truly cares.
The first missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, is to begin in prayer. It begins in prayer because this is the mission of God and so we need His guidance, His wisdom and His power to accomplish what He is calling us to do. We see this in the life of Jesus, and the disciples, as they devoted themselves to prayer and seeking God’s will together. We pray that God would open doors, open hearts, open opportunities and align our desires with His through prayer.
The first missional rhythm, as we seek to BLESS others, is to begin in prayer. It begins in prayer because this is the mission of God and so we need His guidance, His wisdom and His power to accomplish what He is calling us to do. We see this in the life of Jesus, and the disciples, as they devoted themselves to prayer and seeking God’s will together. We pray that God would open doors, open hearts, open opportunities and align our desires with His through prayer.
Thankfully, at some point, Jesus will return for us! When Jesus returns, the Bible is clear, He will make us new for eternity! We know we are a new creation in and through Him right now, but we also struggle with the effects of this broken world and look forward to that Day when He returns and makes us new forever! Today we remember from God’s Word that we’ve been given “The New Future You” in and through our faith in Jesus!
Thankfully, at some point, Jesus will return for us! When Jesus returns, the Bible is clear, He will make us new for eternity! We know we are a new creation in and through Him right now, but we also struggle with the effects of this broken world and look forward to that Day when He returns and makes us new forever! Today we remember from God’s Word that we’ve been given “The New Future You” in and through our faith in Jesus!
One of the current hallmarks of our society is centered in answering the question “What’s your passion?” In other words, displaying and living what you are passionate about. What drives you and moves you in this world? While Christians might answer those questions in a variety of ways, there is one central “passion” that every Christian has and will talk about, and that’s bringing Jesus to people and people to Jesus! Today we remember from God’s Word that we’ve been given “The New Passion” in and through Jesus!
One of the current hallmarks of our society is centered in answering the question “What’s your passion?” In other words, displaying and living what you are passionate about. What drives you and moves you in this world? While Christians might answer those questions in a variety of ways, there is one central “passion” that every Christian has and will talk about, and that’s bringing Jesus to people and people to Jesus! Today we remember from God’s Word that we’ve been given “The New Passion” in and through Jesus!
Being a “new creation” in Christ means being different from the rest of the world that does not know Him as their Savior…and…Lord. For us who have been made new in Him and through Him know that we are de facto different, but what that means then, is that we also act differently in this world. Our inward “newness” brings an outward expression of that “newness” to those around us. Today we remember from God’s Word that we have been given in and through Jesus “The New Attitude”!
Being a “new creation” in Christ means being different from the rest of the world that does not know Him as their Savior…and…Lord. For us who have been made new in Him and through Him know that we are de facto different, but what that means then, is that we also act differently in this world. Our inward “newness” brings an outward expression of that “newness” to those around us. Today we remember from God’s Word that we have been given in and through Jesus “The New Attitude”!
One of the dearest and clearest marks of our Christian faith is having peace in and through Jesus, even in a broken, frustrating and fear-filled world! Jesus has put us at peace with God! The Bible is clear…broken and busted sinners, are at peace with the Holy, Righteous, Pure and Perfect God through Jesus! But once given that peace with God, we are then people of peace, living peacefully ourselves and giving that peace to others as well! Today we remember from God’s Word “The New Peace” that Jesus has given to us!
One of the dearest and clearest marks of our Christian faith is having peace in and through Jesus, even in a broken, frustrating and fear-filled world! Jesus has put us at peace with God! The Bible is clear…broken and busted sinners are at peace with the Holy, Righteous, Pure and Perfect God through Jesus! But once given that peace with God, we are then people of peace, living peacefully ourselves and giving that peace to others as well! Today we remember from God’s Word “The New Peace” that Jesus has given to us!
This first week we’ll explore the foundation of “newness in Christ” and what it means for us who are hamstrung by the “old Adam” within us. What does it mean that we’re “born again” or “a new creation” in and through Christ? What does it mean for our now…and what does it mean for our future? Today we remember from God’s Word “The New You” given in and through your baptism into Christ!
This first week we’ll explore the foundation of “newness in Christ” and what it means for us who are hamstrung by the “old Adam” within us. What does it mean that we’re “born again” or “a new creation” in and through Christ? What does it mean for our now…and what does it mean for our future? Today we remember from God’s Word “The New You” given in and through your baptism into Christ!
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia. These words make all the difference in our lives because the Heart of our God is a Heart full of life. The religious leaders thought they had done away with Him, Satan thought he had won, the disciples thought all hope was lost, Jesus’ friends and family are in despair until all of them are shocked, surprised, bewildered to see that the tomb could not keep down the Heart of Life. On this day we gather and celebrate that because Jesus rose from the dead so will all those who submit their hearts and lives to Him. The Heart of Jesus is what being a Christian is all about and we celebrate that His Heart is a Heart of Life and now so are ours.
The Heart of God is one that bleeds with forgiveness for His people. A New Covenant had been prophesied in Jeremiah that God would fully forgive the sins of His people and establish a new way of being in relationship with them. This night we set aside to celebrate the gift of the Lord’s Supper that Jesus gave to us. This holy meal is a celebration of the Heart of our God…a Heart of Forgiveness.
We begin Holy Week looking at God’s own people breaking the last two commandments before our very eyes. In the Gospel of John we see that the chief priests are making plans to kill Lazarus because everyone was believing in Jesus. Their hearts were so envious that they couldn’t see the miracle that Jesus performed, by raising Lazarus from the dead, but only saw a threat to their own popularity & authority. Jesus comes in humility the Pharisees respond in pride. Jesus enters to rejoicing while the Pharisees only grumble. An envious heart will never allow us rejoice fully, live humbly and see the miracle that our Savior has brought and so we see it really is a Matter of the Heart.
We begin Holy Week looking at God’s own people breaking the last two commandments before our very eyes. In the Gospel of John we see that the chief priests are making plans to kill Lazarus because everyone was believing in Jesus. Their hearts were so envious that they couldn’t see the miracle that Jesus performed, by raising Lazarus from the dead, but only saw a threat to their own popularity & authority. Jesus comes in humility the Pharisees respond in pride. Jesus enters to rejoicing while the Pharisees only grumble. An envious heart will never allow us rejoice fully, live humbly and see the miracle that our Savior has brought and so we see it really is a Matter of the Heart.
God’s heart cares about how we talk about other people in our lives. God commands us not to lie about our neighbor, betray them, slander them or give them a bad reputation. For many this doesn’t happen face-to-face but often it happens when we speak behind someone's back as we gossip and slander in private. God’s heart is to the love of our neighbor as we seek to defend them, speak well of them and put the best construction on everything and this really is the Heart of the Matter.
God desires us to live in an honest and content way as our hearts are at rest within His own. To steal is to take from others what does not belong to us and reveals a heart that is not at rest. We have received tremendous physical and spiritual gifts from God and have been commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Stealing can happen in many ways and even includes when we withhold things from being used by God that are rightfully His. Our time, talents, finances, possessions; even our very lives, when we refuse to allow God to use them is in effect stealing from Him. Stealing reveals a heart not at rest in God’s and that really is the Heart of the Matter.
God desires us to live in an honest and content way as our hearts are at rest within His own. To steal is to take from others what does not belong to us and reveals a heart that is not at rest. We have received tremendous physical and spiritual gifts from God and have been commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Stealing can happen in many ways and even includes when we withhold things from being used by God that are rightfully His. Our time, talents, finances, possessions; even our very lives, when we refuse to allow God to use them is in effect stealing from Him. Stealing reveals a heart not at rest in God’s and that really is the Heart of the Matter.
The second reason for this command is that God’s people are to reflect His heart and character. They are to be a holy people, set-apart for God’s purposes, and this includes our sexual purity. God does not want His people to just emulate what they see happening in the world. We live in a hyper-sexualized culture that often reduces a person's body to a mere sex object. We are not only to honor, care for, and respect our own bodies we are also to honor, care for, and respect the bodies of all people. The way we view and treat others directly relates to our relationship with God and that is the Heart of the Matter.
God’s reason for giving this command is because of how important marriage is in the heart of God. God created marriage between one man and one woman and was the building block of His creation and of society. Even after the fall marriage is a sacred union in the way the man and woman complement one another and bring new life into the world through their marriage. With such a premium placed on marriage, it is no wonder that God would seek to protect this union from being defiled which is what adultery is and that is really the Heart of the Matter.
God’s reason for giving this command is because of how important marriage is in the heart of God. God created marriage between one man and one woman and was the building block of His creation and of society. Even after the fall marriage is a sacred union in the way the man and woman complement one another and bring new life into the world through their marriage. With such a premium placed on marriage, it is no wonder that God would seek to protect this union from being defiled which is what adultery is and that is really the Heart of the Matter.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus doesn’t negate the command from Deuteronomy but pulls the teaching even deeper into a matter of the heart for all people. Jesus, in essence, is saying that God sees our hearts and if we have hatred in our hearts we are just as guilty of murder in the eyes of God. It isn’t just about our external practice or religion but it is about our purity of heart before the One who examines the heart and that is really the Heart of the Matter.
God is all about life and the things that lead to greater amounts of quality and flourishing of life. At its core the commandment says we are not to take matters of death into our own hands but also leads us to desiring greater amounts of quality and flourishing for all people. As we look around the world, we see the devastations that many people face that rob them of the quality and flourishing that our God desires. The way we honor our God is to honor, seek after, sacrifice for and give generously to all things that pertain to life and that really is the Heart of the Matter.
God is all about life and the things that lead to greater amounts of quality and flourishing of life. At its core the commandment says we are not to take matters of death into our own hands but also leads us to desiring greater amounts of quality and flourishing for all people. As we look around the world, we see the devastations that many people face that rob them of the quality and flourishing that our God desires. The way we honor our God is to honor, seek after, sacrifice for and give generously to all things that pertain to life and that really is the Heart of the Matter.
To honor your father and mother with your words and actions is to carry a humble attitude of esteem for their position. God values the roles of fathers and mothers so much that He included them in the commandments, so it is worth paying attention to it. We are commanded to honor parents, but this doesn’t mean we have to imitate ungodly ones. We honor our parents for the position they were given by God to be our protection and provision on His behalf, and it is good for our hearts to remember the Heart of the Matter this week.
The word Sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning “day of rest”. On the last day of creation God looked at all He had made as very good and then rested from His work. “To keep it holy”…this four-word phrase in English is only one word in Hebrew which means to consecrate, set-apart or sanctify this day. We keep the Sabbath set-apart as a reminder that we have been set-apart as God’s own people. His heart of love, protection & provision are upon us and this day is Holy because it’s a day to allow our hearts to rest in His…and this is the Heart of the Matter.
The word Sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning “day of rest”. On the last day of creation God looked at all He had made as very good and then rested from His work. “To keep it holy”…this four-word phrase in English is only one word in Hebrew which means to consecrate, set-apart or sanctify this day. We keep the Sabbath set-apart as a reminder that we have been set-apart as God’s own people. His heart of love, protection & provision are upon us and this day is Holy because it’s a day to allow our hearts to rest in His…and this is the Heart of the Matter.
Many people believe that using the Lord’s name in vain simply means using His name as a swear word, but it is much more involved than that. In the Old Testament, a person's name refers to their nature, attributes, or the totality of their being. To honor God’s name is to place Him in a place of ultimate respect in our lives. We respect the name of God by not pulling it into the ordinary things of this world or using it to convey feelings that don’t align with His heart. The respect of our God is what aligns our hearts with His and we also take His name in vain when we, who bear the name of Christ as Christians, misrepresent His Heart to the world and so we see it is a Matter of the Heart.
The first Heart of the Matter is that our hearts were made by God and only work when aligned with His. He commands us not to worship anything else other than Him as our God. An idol is anything that replaces the one true God as the center of our devotion, focus, reverence or passion. Any “good thing” can become a “god thing” when it gets more of our time, money, energy, sacrifice, focus or passion than our God. Jesus says that we are to love our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength-- so we can see that the first commandment really stands as a Matter of the Heart.
The first Heart of the Matter is that our hearts were made by God and only work when aligned with His. He commands us not to worship anything else other than Him as our God. An idol is anything that replaces the one true God as the center of our devotion, focus, reverence or passion. Any “good thing” can become a “god thing” when it gets more of our time, money, energy, sacrifice, focus or passion than our God. Jesus says that we are to love our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength-- so we can see that the first commandment really stands as a Matter of the Heart.
We begin our Lenten journey going to the place where it all started. In Genesis we see Adam and Eve's hearts being led astray by the temptation to circumvent God and claim life on their own terms. God alone is life, and the consequence of sin is separation from God…death. Ash Wednesday is a day we remember that from the ashes we were made and because of sin to ashes we will return. It is also on this day we remember the mercy of our God who cleansed our forsaken ashes, in the waters of our baptism, and has claimed us as His very own. It's the grace of God that leads us to remember our sin, repent of them, and turn to our God for renewal again.
Last week, we were reminded that Jesus is our Leader. We cherish that fact. We want Him to lead us in this world and guide and direct us into the mission and vision He has for us. In truth, though, that’s sometimes as far as we want it to go with Him. Do we want to have Him lead us in our life? Yes! Do we want His guidance and direction every day? You bet! Do we want to take the next step and surrender our entire life to His complete control? Oh…no…wait a minute! Isn’t that kind of extreme? No, no, it’s not. 1John 5:6-12 reminds us that in Jesus and in Jesus alone is eternal life! But remember, as an inheritor of eternal life, Jesus is your life, both right now and eternal! He’s therefore called us to submit everything… every single aspect, every single relationship, every single thing to Him and to His Lordship over our lives! Today, we’ll remember, in everything, Jesus is Life!
Last week, we were reminded that Jesus is our Leader. We cherish that fact. We want Him to lead us in this world and guide and direct us into the mission and vision He has for us. In truth, though, that’s sometimes as far as we want it to go with Him. Do we want to have Him lead us in our life? Yes! Do we want His guidance and direction every day? You bet! Do we want to take the next step and surrender our entire life to His complete control? Oh…no…wait a minute! Isn’t that kind of extreme? No, no, it’s not. 1John 5:6-12 reminds us that in Jesus and in Jesus alone is eternal life! But remember, as an inheritor of eternal life, Jesus is your life, both right now and eternal! He’s therefore called us to submit everything… every single aspect, every single relationship, every single thing to Him and to His Lordship over our lives! Today, we’ll remember, in everything, Jesus is Life!
One of the most familiar words used for our Lord and God is “love,” and one of the most familiar statements about Him is “God is love.” People know that Jesus is indeed “love” and willingly say that out loud, but when they say that, they sometimes do so to justify sinful behavior. “God is love after all!” they say, and do so to insinuate or even flat-out say that the Lord of love ignores what they’re doing wrong, ignores their sin. But 1 John 4:7-12 reminds us that God takes sin seriously and, in taking it seriously, actually shows the true extent of His love! “Jesus is Love” is so true, but He shows His love not by passing over our sins but by paying the price for our sins! Today, we’ll remember Jesus is Love!
One of the most familiar words used for our Lord and God is “love,” and one of the most familiar statements about Him is “God is love.” People know that Jesus is indeed “love” and willingly say that out loud, but when they say that, they sometimes do so to justify sinful behavior. “God is love after all!” they say, and do so to insinuate or even flat-out say that the Lord of love ignores what they’re doing wrong, ignores their sin. But 1 John 4:7-12 reminds us that God takes sin seriously and, in taking it seriously, actually shows the true extent of His love! “Jesus is Love” is so true, but He shows His love not by passing over our sins but by paying the price for our sins! Today, we’ll remember Jesus is Love!
We all have leaders in our lives. Some of us are leaders and yet, even the leaders among us have leaders who guide and direct them. For the Christian, whether they’re a leader or not, having Jesus as their one, true Leader both in time and for eternity is what it means to be “A Christ Follower”. He guides us! He directs us! He moves us! He molds us! He shapes us! He leads us! 1John 3:1-10 reminds us that Jesus leads us as we live in this world representing Him and He will also do so when we leave this place and cross over to where He is! Today, we’ll remember, Jesus is Leader!
We all have leaders in our lives. Some of us are leaders and yet, even the leaders among us have leaders who guide and direct them. For the Christian, whether they’re a leader or not, having Jesus as their one, true Leader both in time and for eternity is what it means to be “A Christ Follower”. He guides us! He directs us! He moves us! He molds us! He shapes us! He leads us! 1John 3:1-10 reminds us that Jesus leads us as we live in this world representing Him and He will also do so when we leave this place and cross over to where He is! Today, we’ll remember, Jesus is Leader!
We often find ourselves walking in darkness and doing so willingly and repeatedly. More than that, we can begin to think that since the Lord Jesus is “Light”, He will, therefore, give up on us and walk away from us, saying, “You’re too dark, too sinful, even for Me!” But we’re reminded today that Jesus isn’t just “Light” for us but Jesus is also “Loyal” to us! As John writes it, He is our “Advocate”! This means that when we sin, He stands next to us, He stands with us, and He does so the whole of our lives, pleading our case and forgiving our sins! Today, we’ll remember, Jesus is Loyal!
We often find ourselves walking in darkness and doing so willingly and repeatedly. More than that, we can begin to think that since the Lord Jesus is “Light”, He will, therefore, give up on us and walk away from us, saying, “You’re too dark, too sinful, even for Me!” But we’re reminded today that Jesus isn’t just “Light” for us but Jesus is also “Loyal” to us! As John writes it, He is our “Advocate”! This means that when we sin, He stands next to us, He stands with us, and He does so the whole of our lives, pleading our case and forgiving our sins! Today, we’ll remember, Jesus is Loyal!
Interestingly, just about every one is afraid of the dark. There are varying degrees of this, but generally, people are quick to turn on the lights in order to dispel the darkness because they fear what might be in the dark alongside them! Perhaps that’s why the Lord was so bent on telling us that He is the light! And, of course, He did so because He is light, the God who is light! 1 John 1:5-10 reminds us of Jesus' status as the God of light and reminds us that through Him, He keeps us out of the darkness of living in sin, death, and the power of the devil! Today, we’ll remember Jesus is Light!
Interestingly, just about every one is afraid of the dark. There are varying degrees of this, but generally, people are quick to turn on the lights in order to dispel the darkness because they fear what might be in the dark alongside them! Perhaps that’s why the Lord was so bent on telling us that He is the light! And, of course, He did so because He is light, the God who is light! 1 John 1:5-10 reminds us of Jesus' status as the God of light and reminds us that through Him, He keeps us out of the darkness of living in sin, death, and the power of the devil! Today, we’ll remember Jesus is Light!
This week, we focus on how God renews our power in ways we might not expect. True power for Christians doesn’t come from wealth, strength, or status, but from our connection to God. Through prayer, God renews our strength and power, reminding us that the source of all power is in Him—and through this, He continues to Renew You.
This week, we focus on how God renews our power in ways we might not expect. True power for Christians doesn’t come from wealth, strength, or status but from our connection to God. Through prayer, God renews our strength and power, reminding us that the source of all power is in Him—and through this, He continues to Renew You.
This week, we explore how renewing our perspective leads to renewed praise. Psalm 103 beautifully demonstrates how a fresh perspective can inspire praise, regardless of our circumstances. There’s power in praising God; this week, we’re reminded that Renewed Praise is a pathway to a Renewed You.
This week, we explore how renewing our perspective leads to renewed praise. Psalm 103 beautifully demonstrates how a fresh perspective can inspire praise, regardless of our circumstances. There’s power in praising God; this week, we’re reminded that Renewed Praise is a pathway to a Renewed You.
This week, we explore how God desires to renew our perspective. I love the quote, "We don’t just read the Word of God; the Word of God reads us." When we listen to and obey Jesus’ teachings, we build our lives on a solid foundation to withstand life’s storms. Ignoring His words is like building on sand, vulnerable to being crushed. This week reminds us that God’s Word renews our minds and perspectives and will renew you.
This week, we explore how God desires to renew our perspective. I love the quote, "We don’t just read the Word of God; the Word of God reads us." When we listen to and obey Jesus’ teachings, we build our lives on a solid foundation to withstand life’s storms. Ignoring His words is like building on sand, vulnerable to being crushed. This week reminds us that God’s Word renews our minds and perspectives—and it will renew you.
We’ll explore how God’s love shows up in surprising and extraordinary ways, often when we least expect it. Just like the first Christmas story—a humble manger, shepherds in the fields, and a King wrapped in swaddling clothes—God continues to work in ways that defy our expectations. This special service will be a time to reflect on the beauty of God’s unexpected gifts, the joy of His presence among us, and the hope that His love brings to our lives. Whether you’re young or old, a long-time believer or someone seeking the meaning of the season, we invite you to come and celebrate the ultimate gift of Christmas with us.
We’ll explore how God’s love shows up in surprising and extraordinary ways, often when we least expect it. Just like the first Christmas story—a humble manger, shepherds in the fields, and a King wrapped in swaddling clothes—God continues to work in ways that defy our expectations. This special service will be a time to reflect on the beauty of God’s unexpected gifts, the joy of His presence among us, and the hope that His love brings to our lives. Whether you’re young or old, a long-time believer or someone seeking the meaning of the season, we invite you to come and celebrate the ultimate gift of Christmas with us.
This week, we tie together the presence of the star with the wise men from the east who came to find this new king of Israel. Since the Israelite captivity in Babylon, the wise men of the east had access to Hebrew Scriptures. From the scriptures, they learn of a new king that is to be born and they were skilled in reading the stars. God intertwines these two realities to guide these men to the house of Mary and Joseph and the unexpected appearance of these wise men who fall down in the worship of Jesus.
This week, we tie together the presence of the star with the wise men from the east who came to find this new king of Israel. Since the Israelite captivity in Babylon, the wise men of the east had access to Hebrew Scriptures. From the scriptures, they learn of a new king that is to be born and they were skilled in reading the stars. God intertwines these two realities to guide these men to the house of Mary and Joseph and the unexpected appearance of these wise men who fall down in the worship of Jesus.
This week, we look at this peculiar and unexpected appearance of a star that pointed the wise men to Jesus. On the weekend, we will dive deeper into the wise men, but for this midweek service, we stay focused on this common Christmas image of the Bethlehem star. There is much mystery and lore that surrounds this cosmological phenomenon, but we know that God created the heavens to point to His eternal glory, and so here we see how God used this unexpected to lead and point to His glory, now born in Bethlehem.
This week, we look at the unexpected messengers in the angels and shepherds. Being a shepherd was a very blue-collar sort of occupation, yet a bunch of shepherds were chosen to hear the news of the birth of Jesus in a very unexpected way. After the unexpected messengers depart, the shepherds become messengers of their own. They carry the message of the birth of Jesus as God shows us; He can use anyone, anywhere, to proclaim the greatest & most unexpected message ever.
This week, we look at the unexpected messengers in the angels and shepherds. Being a shepherd was a very blue-collar sort of occupation, yet a bunch of shepherds were chosen to hear the news of the birth of Jesus in a very unexpected way. After the unexpected messengers depart, the shepherds become messengers of their own. They carry the message of the birth of Jesus as God shows us; He can use anyone, anywhere, to proclaim the greatest & most unexpected message ever.
This week, we will focus on Joseph and all the unexpected events that swirled around this man’s life. His life went from a simple engagement to the news that his fiancé was pregnant. Joseph is then faced with how to handle this unexpected situation to bring the least amount of shame on himself and Mary. In the middle of this contemplation, he then is given a very unexpected dream that changed the course of his life forever.
This week, we will focus on Joseph and all the unexpected events that swirled around this man’s life. His life went from a simple engagement to the news that his fiancé was pregnant. Joseph is then faced with how to handle this unexpected situation to bring the least amount of shame on himself and Mary. In the middle of this contemplation, he then is given a very unexpected dream that changed the course of his life forever.
Our midweek service will focus on this interaction when the pregnant Mary unexpectedly visits her aunt Elizabeth's house. Both women are experiencing unexpected pregnancies, but it isn’t the presence of Mary that is the most remarkable visitor when John the Baptist and Jesus meet for the first time. Even in the womb John was jumping for joy that the Savior was in the world!
We begin our Advent journey by looking at the unexpected appearance of the angel with Mary. Mary is a young Jewish girl who lives in a poorer part of the region, but her life has been unexpectedly turned upside down. Not only was the angel unexpected, but the message this messenger brought was beyond unexpected. I know how I react when unexpected news comes my way, and it is definitely not like the response of this young girl who shows us such bravery, obedience, and faith.
We begin our Advent journey by looking at the unexpected appearance of the angel with Mary. Mary is a young Jewish girl who lives in a poorer part of the region, but her life has been unexpectedly turned upside down. Not only was the angel unexpected, but the message this messenger brought was beyond unexpected. I know how I react when unexpected news comes my way, and it is definitely not like the response of this young girl who shows us such bravery, obedience, and faith.
This week, we are looking at the very heart, the key, of living thankful, and that is the power of prayer in our lives. I heard it said that prayer is when we come before God to let Him figure us out. Prayer is the ultimate power of perspective as we make ourselves available for God to speak to us, empower us, clarify us, and motivate us to continue to believe and live faithfully and thankfully. Jesus has invited us to ask the Father for whatever is on our hearts, and God will give us exactly what we need (not always what we want) but what we need so that our joy will be full.
This week, we are looking at the very heart, the key, of living thankful, and that is the power of prayer in our lives. I heard it said that prayer is when we come before God to let Him figure us out. Prayer is the ultimate power of perspective as we make ourselves available for God to speak to us, empower us, clarify us, and motivate us to continue to believe and live faithfully and thankfully. Jesus has invited us to ask the Father for whatever is on our hearts, and God will give us exactly what we need (not always what we want) but what we need so that our joy will be full.
This week, we are focusing on something that, in my opinion, is a huge piece of what steals people's joy, power, and peace, and that is the lost art of being able to say “no.” Every yes we make is a no to something else, and every no we say is a yes to something else. Our yeses and nos point to our greater identity, focus, and mission of life, and so this week, we look at what it means to say no to the things the world is offering so we can say YES to the things that God is working out in our lives.
This week, we are focusing on something that, in my opinion, is a huge piece of what steals people's joy, power, and peace, and that is the lost art of being able to say “no.” Every yes we make is a no to something else, and every no we say is a yes to something else. Our yeses and nos point to our greater identity, focus, and mission of life, and so this week, we look at what it means to say no to the things the world is offering so we can say YES to the things that God is working out in our lives.
“Next” is a weekly devotional-podcast intending to take biblical passages and concepts and apply them to people who are going through transitional stages of their lives. While the primary target audience will be those coming to retirement or newly in retirement, this podcast will minister to anyone who is experiencing change in their lives (divorce; job loss; income diminishment; marriage; kids; etc.). The challenge will be to see God’s hand and God’s direction in the new place they’ve found themselves in.
“Next” is a weekly devotional-podcast intending to take biblical passages and concepts and apply them to people who are going through transitional stages of their lives. While the primary target audience will be those coming to retirement or newly in retirement, this podcast will minister to anyone who is experiencing change in their lives (divorce; job loss; income diminishment; marriage; kids; etc.). The challenge will be to see God’s hand and God’s direction in the new place they’ve found themselves in.
Today we give thanks for being filled with the Word of God. In the book of Nehemiah the Israelites have rediscovered the Word of God and we see the thankfulness that flows out of them for being able to hear it again. We see that as we hear the Word of God, read the Word of God, sing the Word of God, get taught the Word of God, share the Word of God and ultimately live a life abiding in the Word of God that this will lead to a life of thankfulness and gratitude. Paul instructs us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly and see the incredible blessing that the Word of God is in our lives.
Today we give thanks for being filled with the Word of God. In the book of Nehemiah the Israelites have rediscovered the Word of God and we see the thankfulness that flows out of them for being able to hear it again. We see that as we hear the Word of God, read the Word of God, sing the Word of God, get taught the Word of God, share the Word of God and ultimately live a life abiding in the Word of God that this will lead to a life of thankfulness and gratitude. Paul instructs us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly and see the incredible blessing that the Word of God is in our lives.
Today we give thanks for being filled with the peace of Jesus. The peace that has been given to us is not like the counterfeit peace that the world wants to give to us. The world tries to make us believe that we are not complete until we have gained something else of the world. This kind of peace is a continual outside-in approach but the peace of God is completely different. The peace that Jesus has given us “rules our hearts” and starts from within us and does outward into any circumstance we might face in this world. The peace that comes from the knowledge of God’s love, God’s power, and God’s salvation no matter what.
Today we give thanks for being filled with the peace of Jesus. The peace that has been given to us is not like the counterfeit peace that the world wants to give to us. The world tries to make us believe that we are not complete until we have gained something else of the world. This kind of peace is a continual outside-in approach but the peace of God is completely different. The peace that Jesus has given us “rules our hearts” and starts from within us and does outward into any circumstance we might face in this world. The peace that comes from the knowledge of God’s love, God’s power, and God’s salvation no matter what.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus tells the disciples they must follow his example with each other. They must become like servants, setting aside concern for position and privilege. They must place others above themselves. Through footwashing, Jesus unforgettably shows that service, not status, is what he’s about.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that is self-giving and sacrificial in nature. Today we look at this timeless story of Jesus taking the form of a servant and washing His disciples feet. What an amazing display of self-giving love and as Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is focused on the love of God and the love of others.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus tells the disciples they must follow his example with each other. They must become like servants, setting aside concern for position and privilege. They must place others above themselves. Through footwashing, Jesus unforgettably shows that service, not status, is what he’s about.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that is self-giving and sacrificial in nature. Today we look at this timeless story of Jesus taking the form of a servant and washing His disciples feet. What an amazing display of self-giving love and as Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is focused on the love of God and the love of others.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “when you are genuine, when you are true to your convictions, it shows. You speak up. You make a difference. People respect you--even if they disagree. They know you live not by what “feels right” but what is right.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was bold. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and many times he had to boldly shine His light to reveal the darkness of others. Martha was diligent and focused in her service but in her focus she tried to take away from Mary the only thing that was necessary for Mary at that time. Jesus boldly had to step in and speak the truth in love to Martha. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is bold as we live “not for just what feels right but we live for what is right”.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “when you are genuine, when you are true to your convictions, it shows. You speak up. You make a difference. People respect you--even if they disagree. They know you live not by what “feels right” but what is right.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was bold. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and many times he had to boldly shine His light to reveal the darkness of others. Martha was diligent and focused in her service but in her focus she tried to take away from Mary the only thing that was necessary for Mary at that time. Jesus boldly had to step in and speak the truth in love to Martha. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is bold as we live “not for just what feels right but we live for what is right”.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “You can’t study the life of Jesus and avoid life-altering grace. He is the personification of grace. He acknowledges the ugliness of sin but chooses to see beyond it. In each of the four gospels, Jesus radiates grace not only in his teachings but in his life.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was grace-full. Few stories encapsulate the grace-full nature of Jesus than the love He gave to this sinful woman who had been caught in adultery. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is full of grace for others just as Jesus is full of grace for us.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “You can’t study the life of Jesus and avoid life-altering grace. He is the personification of grace. He acknowledges the ugliness of sin but chooses to see beyond it. In each of the four gospels, Jesus radiates grace not only in his teachings but in his life.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was grace-full. Few stories encapsulate the grace-full nature of Jesus than the love He gave to this sinful woman who had been caught in adultery. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is full of grace for others just as Jesus is full of grace for us.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus was tuned into outcasts, people on the fringes—those who were the most likely to feel left out or excluded. The gospels are abundantly clear: Jesus was shockingly accessible to anyone who felt undesirable or unwanted.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was approachable. In this story we see Jesus willingly going to the party of a Pharisee and the willingness Jesus had to be approached by this woman during the meal. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is approachable and open to the lives of others.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus was tuned into outcasts, people on the fringes—those who were the most likely to feel left out or excluded. The gospels are abundantly clear: Jesus was shockingly accessible to anyone who felt undesirable or unwanted.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was approachable. In this story we see Jesus willingly going to the party of a Pharisee and the willingness Jesus had to be approached by this woman during the meal. As Christians we have been called to Love Like That as we live a life of love that is approachable and open to the lives of others.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus saw what others didn’t. In fact, the Gospels mention that Jesus ‘saw’ forty times. And when he saw, he was almost always moved with compassion.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was mindful of others around Him. Dr Parrott also said that, “the life of Jesus is filled with these perceptive incidents. Where others saw a paralyzed man, Jesus saw faith. Where others saw a political traitor, Jesus saw a new disciple. Where others saw crowds of harassing people, Jesus saw people being harassed. Where others saw sinners, Jesus saw people in need of mercy.” Today we look at this love being displayed to Zacchaeus and also see how we as Christians have been called to Love Like That and to be mindful of others as Jesus has been mindful of us.
In the book “Love Like That” Dr Les Parrott says, “Jesus saw what others didn’t. In fact, the Gospels mention that Jesus ‘saw’ forty times. And when he saw, he was almost always moved with compassion.” This week we focus on the love of Jesus that was mindful of others around Him. Dr Parrott also said that, “the life of Jesus is filled with these perceptive incidents. Where others saw a paralyzed man, Jesus saw faith. Where others saw a political traitor, Jesus saw a new disciple. Where others saw crowds of harassing people, Jesus saw people being harassed. Where others saw sinners, Jesus saw people in need of mercy.” Today we look at this love being displayed to Zacchaeus and also see how we as Christians have been called to Love Like That and to be mindful of others as Jesus has been mindful of us.
Normally we give thanks, to God and to others, only when good things come our way. Someone gives us a gift…we say “Thank you!” The Lord answers our prayers in the way we want Him to…we say “Thank you!” But giving thanks in ALL circumstances? That would be seriously hard to do! How can we give thanks when something goes awry? How can we give thanks when we just don’t want to or feel like it? Really the question is this: When we consider our intimate relationship with our loving Lord and His intense passion for loving us and meeting our needs, how can we not give thanks in all circumstances? Yes? No matter what comes our way, God is good all the time…all the time, God is good! We therefore “Give Thanks in All Circumstances”!
Normally we give thanks, to God and to others, only when good things come our way. Someone gives us a gift…we say “Thank you!” The Lord answers our prayers in the way we want Him to…we say “Thank you!” But giving thanks in ALL circumstances? That would be seriously hard to do! How can we give thanks when something goes awry? How can we give thanks when we just don’t want to or feel like it? Really the question is this: When we consider our intimate relationship with our loving Lord and His intense passion for loving us and meeting our needs, how can we not give thanks in all circumstances? Yes? No matter what comes our way, God is good all the time…all the time, God is good! We therefore “Give Thanks in All Circumstances”!
We would all agree that prayer is an essential part of who we are as Christian people. There’s not a person who calls Christ his/her Lord and Savior that would believe we should never, ever pray. But the words of 1Thessalonians 5:17 are challenging as they call us to “Pray without Ceasing”. Never pray? That’s not good. Always pray? Who is able to do that? How can we obey this passage? How can we “Pray without Ceasing” in a world of distractions? We’ll explore and deep-dive the very essence of prayer this week and as we consider that amazing gift from God, we will be encouraged and empowered to “Pray without Ceasing!”
We would all agree that prayer is an essential part of who we are as Christian people. There’s not a person who calls Christ his/her Lord and Savior that would believe we should never, ever pray. But the words of 1Thessalonians 5:17 are challenging as they call us to “Pray without Ceasing”. Never pray? That’s not good. Always pray? Who is able to do that? How can we obey this passage? How can we “Pray without Ceasing” in a world of distractions? We’ll explore and deep-dive the very essence of prayer this week and as we consider that amazing gift from God, we will be encouraged and empowered to “Pray without Ceasing!”
One of the more amazing things about our faith is that it is a “now and later” faith. We have Jesus in our hearts-and-lives now on earth, and we have Jesus in our hearts-and-lives later and for eternity! When we consider the incredible truth that Christ is with us “always…even to the very end of the age”, or, said differently, “now and later”, it causes us to have something else both “now and later” and that “something” else is joy, true joy, His joy! We can do what we’re called to do in 1Thessalonians 5:16 right here on earth, namely, “Rejoice Always”, because in and through Christ, both now and later, we have true and unshakeable joy!
One of the more amazing things about our faith is that it is a “now and later” faith. We have Jesus in our hearts-and-lives now on earth, and we have Jesus in our hearts-and-lives later and for eternity! When we consider the incredible truth that Christ is with us “always…even to the very end of the age”, or, said differently, “now and later”, it causes us to have something else both “now and later” and that “something” else is joy, true joy, His joy! We can do what we’re called to do in 1Thessalonians 5:16 right here on earth, namely, “Rejoice Always”, because in and through Christ, both now and later, we have true and unshakeable joy!
We’re ending this tour through John with what is perhaps the most obvious of encounters with Jesus and that’s Him meeting us in our need…our need for forgiveness. Peter had denied Christ. Peter had gone back on his word. Frankly, in the garden with Jesus, Peter had bold face lied to the Lord. And yet what does Jesus do? Does He act like we would, kicking Peter to the curb and walking away? Nope. Jesus reaches out to Peter. Jesus seeks Peter. Jesus comes to Peter in His need and speaks the word of forgiveness He so desperately needed. He does the same for us. Thank you Jesus that when we sin…when we run…when we deny…You come to us in our need!
We’re ending this tour through John with what is perhaps the most obvious of encounters with Jesus and that’s Him meeting us in our need…our need for forgiveness. Peter had denied Christ. Peter had gone back on his word. Frankly, in the garden with Jesus, Peter had bold face lied to the Lord. And yet what does Jesus do? Does He act like we would, kicking Peter to the curb and walking away? Nope. Jesus reaches out to Peter. Jesus seeks Peter. Jesus comes to Peter in His need and speaks the word of forgiveness He so desperately needed. He does the same for us. Thank you Jesus that when we sin…when we run…when we deny…You come to us in our need!
We are people of faith. We trust that God exists. We trust that Jesus died and rose for us. We trust, we live in faith, every single day. For a long time therefore, the Church berated and shunned those who doubted. They were called, from our story in John today, “Doubting Thomases” and thought to be less than the best Christian. Amazingly however, Jesus doesn’t act like us! Oh…that’s not amazing is it? He always shows us the way and in this instance He reminds us that while He knew all about Thomas’s doubting and unbelief, He came for Him, not once, but twice. He knew and yet He spoke “peace”. He knew and yet He did what He needed to do to bring faith into the heart of Thomas and perhaps, make him even stronger than he was before. And so He does with us…but so He also does through us to others! Thank you Jesus for coming to us in our doubt!
We are people of faith. We trust that God exists. We trust that Jesus died and rose for us. We trust, we live in faith, every single day. For a long time therefore, the Church berated and shunned those who doubted. They were called, from our story in John today, “Doubting Thomases” and thought to be less than the best Christian. Amazingly however, Jesus doesn’t act like us! Oh…that’s not amazing is it? He always shows us the way and in this instance He reminds us that while He knew all about Thomas’s doubting and unbelief, He came for Him, not once, but twice. He knew and yet He spoke “peace”. He knew and yet He did what He needed to do to bring faith into the heart of Thomas and perhaps, make him even stronger than he was before. And so He does with us…but so He also does through us to others! Thank you Jesus for coming to us in our doubt!
Live long enough and you’ll be afraid of the “things” of this life! All of us experience fear during the course of our lives, but sometimes circumstances can seem overwhelming and it can seem as if God is absent, God is gone, or worse…God is dead! That’s how Mary felt here. Her Lord was not only dead but He was also gone! What would her future look like now? How would she live on after three years invested in service in and through Jesus? And then Jesus shows up! He didn’t have to. He could have waited till Mary was with the rest of the disciples but nope, Jesus met her in her fear (and grief). He came to her when she needed Him most…and so it is with us. As Psalm 23 says it, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”…and why? “Because you are with me” David writes. Jesus meets us, comes to us, and thankfully He does so even in our fear!
Live long enough and you’ll be afraid of the “things” of this life! All of us experience fear during the course of our lives, but sometimes circumstances can seem overwhelming and it can seem as if God is absent, God is gone, or worse…God is dead! That’s how Mary felt here. Her Lord was not only dead but He was also gone! What would her future look like now? How would she live on after three years invested in service in and through Jesus? And then Jesus shows up! He didn’t have to. He could have waited till Mary was with the rest of the disciples but nope, Jesus met her in her fear (and grief). He came to her when she needed Him most…and so it is with us. As Psalm 23 says it, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”…and why? “Because you are with me” David writes. Jesus meets us, comes to us, and thankfully He does so even in our fear!
This is one of the stories from John that reminds us that Jesus comes to us in order to change our thinking…in order to change us! This story is so important because Jesus is calling us to understand our faith in Him through this story. Technically this could be “Encountering Jesus in Pride”…because He shows our prideful-selves what true humility looks like. The Lord of Glory…bending low. The Lord of Glory…stooping to serve. The Lord of Glory…washing filthy feet. And then The Lord of Glory saying “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:15. Let’s remember today that He does meet us in our pride but He also meets us in our humility. Said a little bit differently? He clears away our pride and empowers us for humility! He gave us an example of true humility, but He also gives us the power to live the example! Thank you Jesus for meeting us where you want us to be…in humility!
This is one of the stories from John that reminds us that Jesus comes to us in order to change our thinking…in order to change us! This story is so important because Jesus is calling us to understand our faith in Him through this story. Technically this could be “Encountering Jesus in Pride”…because He shows our prideful-selves what true humility looks like. The Lord of Glory…bending low. The Lord of Glory…stooping to serve. The Lord of Glory…washing filthy feet. And then The Lord of Glory saying “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:15. Let’s remember today that He does meet us in our pride but He also meets us in our humility. Said a little bit differently? He clears away our pride and empowers us for humility! He gave us an example of true humility, but He also gives us the power to live the example! Thank you Jesus for meeting us where you want us to be…in humility!
Always seems odd to talk about Jesus meeting us in our gratitude. We presume we’re the actors when we’re not. Take worship for example…we think we come to give to Him but in fact, He comes to give to us. Mary’s love for Jesus here was born of her gratitude for the return of her brother Lazarus. She was tearful and sad in John 11 but is grateful and glad here in John 12. And yet, even in her gratitude Jesus meets her. Jesus receives it for what it is, namely a huge “thank you note” for blessing her with her brother yet again. And yet,
Always seems odd to talk about Jesus meeting us in our gratitude. We presume we’re the actors when we’re not. Take worship for example…we think we come to give to Him but in fact, He comes to give to us. Mary’s love for Jesus here was born of her gratitude for the return of her brother Lazarus. She was tearful and sad in John 11 but is grateful and glad here in John 12. And yet, even in her gratitude Jesus meets her. Jesus receives it for what it is, namely a huge “thank you note” for blessing her with her brother yet again. And yet,
Not unlike last week’s theme, we remember today that when we’re hurting God can seem far away. Jesus Himself cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). Today we remember however that when Mary and Martha were hurting over their brother Lazarus, Jesus was right there. To be sure, He was there in His timing and according to His plan and purpose, but He was there. More than that however, He was not just there for them, but He was there with them. In fact, in an amazing twist, though Jesus knew what He would do for Lazarus, He nonetheless “wept”. Jesus was grieved too. And when you see that truth, when you grieve, you’ll be able to remember that Jesus comes to you in your grief and He shares your grief too. Thank you Jesus for coming to us when we grieve!
Not unlike last week’s theme, we remember today that when we’re hurting God can seem far away. Jesus Himself cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). Today we remember however that when Mary and Martha were hurting over their brother Lazarus, Jesus was right there. To be sure, He was there in His timing and according to His plan and purpose, but He was there. More than that however, He was not just there for them, but He was there with them. In fact, in an amazing twist, though Jesus knew what He would do for Lazarus, He nonetheless “wept”. Jesus was grieved too. And when you see that truth, when you grieve, you’ll be able to remember that Jesus comes to you in your grief and He shares your grief too. Thank you Jesus for coming to us when we grieve!
One of the things that derails many people’s faith is our broken world. The presumption is this: Since there’s a broken world where people get hurt and get sick and ultimately die, then God cannot be a good and gracious God. But today we remember through the man born blind in John 9, that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and comes to bring healing. Never forget, that might not be the healing that you want…but Jesus nonetheless comes to us in our brokenness and He does so to bring healing and wholeness…the healing and wholeness that He knows we need. Thank you Jesus for coming to us in our broken world!
One of the things that derails many people’s faith is our broken world. The presumption is this: Since there’s a broken world where people get hurt and get sick and ultimately die, then God cannot be a good and gracious God. But today we remember through the man born blind in John 9, that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and comes to bring healing. Never forget, that might not be the healing that you want…but Jesus nonetheless comes to us in our brokenness and He does so to bring healing and wholeness…the healing and wholeness that He knows we need. Thank you Jesus for coming to us in our broken world!
We live in a very judgmental world that is quick to castigate and slow to elevate. But we in the church can be extremely judgmental too and often are far more judgmental than anyone we meet on the street. Now, we know what God’s Word says about sin…sin in general and sin in specific too. The character that meets Jesus in John eight was in fact guilty as charged…she was an adulterous. But the point Jesus makes in this text is if we are judgmental, we better take a hard look at our own lives because when we do, our finger of judgment will be pointing right back at us! Jesus meets the women in this judgmental situation. Once again however, Jesus doesn’t leave her in that sin and judgment but speaks forgiveness and along with that word of forgiveness also says “…go and sin no more.” Thank you Jesus! Jesus forgives sin! Jesus empowers sinners!
We live in a very judgmental world that is quick to castigate and slow to elevate. But we in the church can be extremely judgmental too and often are far more judgmental than anyone we meet on the street. Now, we know what God’s Word says about sin…sin in general and sin in specific too. The character that meets Jesus in John eight was in fact guilty as charged…she was an adulterous. But the point Jesus makes in this text is if we are judgmental, we better take a hard look at our own lives because when we do, our finger of judgment will be pointing right back at us! Jesus meets the women in this judgmental situation. Once again however, Jesus doesn’t leave her in that sin and judgment but speaks forgiveness and along with that word of forgiveness also says “…go and sin no more.” Thank you Jesus! Jesus forgives sin! Jesus empowers sinners!
Sometimes our lives consume us. We are a never-ending, in-motion, non-stop, gotta have more society. Our wealth and our drive for more wealth isn’t in an of itself a bad thing. The problem is we are quite good at taking a good gift from God and turning it into something that gets between us and our relationship with Jesus. As we encounter Jesus however, we are reminded of what’s important. Jesus says in John chapter six “Don’t work for food that perishes but food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give you” (verse twenty-seven). He knows you have to work but He calls us today to have our priorities right. He is the bread of life and calls us to make sure that in the midst of our striving to put food on the table, that we don’t forget that truth about Him. We should ask the question today “Can I genuinely say that Jesus is all that I need in life?” Today we are thankful to Jesus that He comes to us in life but more importantly, that He is our life!
Sometimes our lives consume us. We are a never-ending, in-motion, non-stop, gotta have more society. Our wealth and our drive for more wealth isn’t in an of itself a bad thing. The problem is we are quite good at taking a good gift from God and turning it into something that gets between us and our relationship with Jesus. As we encounter Jesus however, we are reminded of what’s important. Jesus says in John chapter six “Don’t work for food that perishes but food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give you” (verse twenty-seven). He knows you have to work but He calls us today to have our priorities right. He is the bread of life and calls us to make sure that in the midst of our striving to put food on the table, that we don’t forget that truth about Him. We should ask the question today “Can I genuinely say that Jesus is all that I need in life?” Today we are thankful to Jesus that He comes to us in life but more importantly, that He is our life!
Sometimes our lives consume us. We are a never-ending, in-motion, non-stop, gotta have more society. Our wealth and our drive for more wealth isn’t in an of itself a bad thing. The problem is we are quite good at taking a good gift from God and turning it into something that gets between us and our relationship with Jesus. As we encounter Jesus however, we are reminded of what’s important. Jesus says in John chapter six “Don’t work for food that perishes but food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give you” (verse twenty-seven). He knows you have to work but He calls us today to have our priorities right. He is the bread of life and calls us to make sure that in the midst of our striving to put food on the table, that we don’t forget that truth about Him. We should ask the question today “Can I genuinely say that Jesus is all that I need in life?” Today we are thankful to Jesus that He comes to us in life but more importantly, that He is our life!
We live in a world that believes that they can do whatever they want to regardless of what the Word of God says. Sadly…Christians are at that spot too. But that’s not true. We are called submit our lives, our will, our hearts to Christ’s word and the life He wants for us to live. Having said that, our amazing God nonetheless meets us right where we’re at. He doesn’t reject us simply because we’re living in a way that is contrary to His Word. He intentionally came to the woman at the well…Jesus sought her out…and she was living in sin. Jesus came to her, right where she was. But He also refused to leave her that way. And he refuses to leave you that way too. Today we remember that we encounter Jesus in sin but when we encounter Jesus in sin we are empowered to repent and enabled to be forgiven by Him. Thank you Jesus, today we remember that You come to us in our sin!
We live in a world that believes that they can do whatever they want to regardless of what the Word of God says. Sadly…Christians are at that spot too. But that’s not true. We are called submit our lives, our will, our hearts to Christ’s word and the life He wants for us to live. Having said that, our amazing God nonetheless meets us right where we’re at. He doesn’t reject us simply because we’re living in a way that is contrary to His Word. He intentionally came to the woman at the well…Jesus sought her out…and she was living in sin. Jesus came to her, right where she was. But He also refused to leave her that way. And he refuses to leave you that way too. Today we remember that we encounter Jesus in sin but when we encounter Jesus in sin we are empowered to repent and enabled to be forgiven by Him. Thank you Jesus, today we remember that You come to us in our sin!
Ever questioned your Christian faith? Ever had a hard time understanding or even believing the truth about Christianity? The story of Nicodemus reminds us that the Lord Jesus is indeed patient with us and meets us in our doubts and struggles about the faith. Nicodemus was a learned man! Nicodemus was a teacher of the faith of the Old Testament! Though that was true about him, Nicodemus didn’t grasp or understand what Jesus meant when He said “You must be born again.” And how does Jesus respond? Jesus patiently explains the truth of the Gospel and gives him not one, not two, but three different ways of understanding what faith in Jesus is all about! Jesus does the same for us as we encounter Him even in our doubt!
Ever questioned your Christian faith? Ever had a hard time understanding or even believing the truth about Christianity? The story of Nicodemus reminds us that the Lord Jesus is indeed patient with us and meets us in our doubts and struggles about the faith. Nicodemus was a learned man! Nicodemus was a teacher of the faith of the Old Testament! Though that was true about him, Nicodemus didn’t grasp or understand what Jesus meant when He said “You must be born again.” And how does Jesus respond? Jesus patiently explains the truth of the Gospel and gives him not one, not two, but three different ways of understanding what faith in Jesus is all about! Jesus does the same for us as we encounter Him even in our doubt!
Our first story in John is not only “the first sign” or “miracle” of Jesus, but it reminds us of yet another miracle He brings to our lives all the time. Jesus is interested in our family life! Yes, making water turn into the best wine available is amazing and wonderful and proves that Jesus is not just some “magician” but is in fact, God Almighty in the flesh. But notice that God Almighty in the flesh…attended a wedding! Jesus is interested in our families and in fact, in our families we can together, encounter Christ’s love and guidance and protection and peace. He is a good and gracious God and He comes to us always, but today we remember, He comes to us in our families!
Our first story in John is not only “the first sign” or “miracle” of Jesus, but it reminds us of yet another miracle He brings to our lives all the time. Jesus is interested in our family life! Yes, making water turn into the best wine available is amazing and wonderful and proves that Jesus is not just some “magician” but is in fact, God Almighty in the flesh. But notice that God Almighty in the flesh…attended a wedding! Jesus is interested in our families and in fact, in our families we can together, encounter Christ’s love and guidance and protection and peace. He is a good and gracious God and He comes to us always, but today we remember, He comes to us in our families!
This week we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit as it was given to Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost. The disciples are all together in one place and after receiving the Holy Spirit they are empowered to take the message of Jesus to the streets. They leave the safety and comfort of their home and powerfully speak to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done. This week, like the early disciples, we are empowered and encouraged through the good news that we also have been rescued from a powerless life and have been given a powerful life…empowered by the same Holy Spirit to carry on the same mission of Jesus to this world.
This week we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit as it was given to Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost. The disciples are all together in one place and after receiving the Holy Spirit they are empowered to take the message of Jesus to the streets. They leave the safety and comfort of their home and powerfully speak to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done. This week, like the early disciples, we are empowered and encouraged through the good news that we also have been rescued from a powerless life and have been given a powerful life…empowered by the same Holy Spirit to carry on the same mission of Jesus to this world.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that the last enemy to be destroyed will be death itself. In the resurrection of Jesus, we know that death has most certainly been defeated; and yet, until the day Jesus returns, we will live in the shadow of that enemy. This week we will be encouraged and empowered to not live our lives in the shadow of death but in the shadow of the cross and empty tomb. Jesus came to give us life in abundance and through His death and resurrection He has rescued us from death to life…now and always.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that the last enemy to be destroyed will be death itself. In the resurrection of Jesus, we know that death has most certainly been defeated; and yet, until the day Jesus returns, we will live in the shadow of that enemy. This week we will be encouraged and empowered to not live our lives in the shadow of death but in the shadow of the cross and empty tomb. Jesus came to give us life in abundance and through His death and resurrection He has rescued us from death to life…now and always.
What an amazing gift the Word of God is in our lives. A collection of writings that have been written, preserved and given to us by the Spirit of God Himself. While we know the power and importance of scripture, we also live in a hyper-distracted world with countless forms of entertainment at the tip of our fingers constantly. There is a war that has been waged for our attention, our focus and ultimately our lives. May we be empowered and encouraged this week to see that we have been rescued from the distractedness of this world to live a life determined to sit at the feet of Jesus as He speaks to us the words of life.
What an amazing gift the Word of God is in our lives. A collection of writings that have been written, preserved and given to us by the Spirit of God Himself. While we know the power and importance of scripture, we also live in a hyper-distracted world with countless forms of entertainment at the tip of our fingers constantly. There is a war that has been waged for our attention, our focus and ultimately our lives. May we be empowered and encouraged this week to see that we have been rescued from the distractedness of this world to live a life determined to sit at the feet of Jesus as He speaks to us the words of life.
As a society we take great pride in our personal rites, our individual dreams, and our ability to accomplish things on our own. This week we will be reminded that we have indeed been rescued from a life that is predominately concerned with ME into a life that is now concerned for the WE. The WE is the body of Christ on earth that we have been baptized into through the grace and love of Jesus. We have been rescued from a self-serving existence to a life of serving others and looking out for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a society we take great pride in our personal rites, our individual dreams, and our ability to accomplish things on our own. This week we will be reminded that we have indeed been rescued from a life that is predominately concerned with ME into a life that is now concerned for the WE. The WE is the body of Christ on earth that we have been baptized into through the grace and love of Jesus. We have been rescued from a self-serving existence to a life of serving others and looking out for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As followers of Jesus we have been empowered for a bold, brave and courageous life of faith as we take the love that has been given to us and give that love away to others. While we know this is true than why are we so often plagued by feelings of doubt, timid spirits and lack of confidence in the goodness and power of our God? This week we will be empowered and encouraged to a life of daring faith as we see that we have been rescued from our doubts and have been empowered to a life of confidence and boldness in the gospel of Jesus.
As followers of Jesus we have been empowered for a bold, brave and courageous life of faith as we take the love that has been given to us and give that love away to others. While we know this is true than why are we so often plagued by feelings of doubt, timid spirits and lack of confidence in the goodness and power of our God? This week we will be empowered and encouraged to a life of daring faith as we see that we have been rescued from our doubts and have been empowered to a life of confidence and boldness in the gospel of Jesus.
This week we look at the reality of the evil & power of satan but also the good & sovereign power of our God in this world. Evil is best understood as a lack, or a perversion of good, and good is best seen when we know who God is. Only when we look at how good God is can, we form any idea of the devil’s badness. What an amazing thing Jesus did for us all to rescue us from the domain of satan & evil and transfer us into His Kingdom of light & grace. May we be empowered and encouraged to live without fear of the evil one as we live through the truth that we have been rescued from satan into the salvation of Jesus Christ.
This week we look at the reality of the evil & power of satan but also the good & sovereign power of our God in this world. Evil is best understood as a lack, or a perversion of good, and good is best seen when we know who God is. Only when we look at how good God is can, we form any idea of the devil’s badness. What an amazing thing Jesus did for us all to rescue us from the domain of satan & evil and transfer us into His Kingdom of light & grace. May we be empowered and encouraged to live without fear of the evil one as we live through the truth that we have been rescued from satan into the salvation of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul says “for God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” It is this truth that we are encouraged and empowered by as we remember that if God is for us then who could be against us. There is plenty in this world that could cause us all to have great fear. Things that seem out of our control, out of our abilities, or out of our comfort zones. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we are those who can be of courage because He has overcome the world. We live with assurance that we have been rescued from all our fears and this empowers us to live a life of great faith.
In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul says “for God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” It is this truth that we are encouraged and empowered by as we remember that if God is for us then who could be against us. There is plenty in this world that could cause us all to have great fear. Things that seem out of our control, out of our abilities, or out of our comfort zones. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we are those who can be of courage because He has overcome the world. We live with assurance that we have been rescued from all our fears and this empowers us to live a life of great faith.
Today we celebrate again the beauty and majesty of the Palm Sunday ride. We see Jesus on His kingly-ride...we see the crowds crying out “Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!”...we see the palm branches and cloaks...we see the truth about Jesus...He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. But we see something else, don’t we? We see the Lord of the Universe riding to the place where He would give His life for the sins of the world. Our Lord and Master, our King...our God...humbly submitting to the death and punishment we deserve. Because “We Belong to Jesus” however, we are called to live lives of humility every day. Today we hear Jesus saying “Follow Me to Humility”
Today we celebrate again the beauty and majesty of the Palm Sunday ride. We see Jesus on His kingly-ride...we see the crowds crying out “Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!”...we see the palm branches and cloaks...we see the truth about Jesus...He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. But we see something else, don’t we? We see the Lord of the Universe riding to the place where He would give His life for the sins of the world. Our Lord and Master, our King...our God...humbly submitting to the death and punishment we deserve. Because “We Belong to Jesus” however, we are called to live lives of humility every day. Today we hear Jesus saying “Follow Me to Humility”
As we step into this very heartwarming story, we are reminded of the effect sin has on our bodies. The woman had experienced physical difficulties for twelve years and even with the God-given intervention of the medical community of her time, the Gospel of Mark tells us she’d only gotten worse. Jesus healed her completely. He healed her physically. He healed her spiritually. But what does this passage say to us today? You see, though He sometimes does, we know that God doesn’t always heal our bodies. How do we apply this story then? This story reminds us of what we know...He’s brought eternal restoration and healing to our souls through the Gospel. We’re then reminded that the Lord Jesus does heal us completely as we consider the restoration of our bodies and souls even if it’s not realized fully until eternity. We consider that Jesus calls us “Follow Me to Wholeness” and see Him with His almighty hand extended, pulling us into the heavenly realm.
In truth, this week’s message could just be titled “Follow Me” as Christ calls us to a life lived for Him. Faithfulness is certainly a value for us, not just because “We Belong to Jesus” but a value that is shared by all people. We want faithfulness and loyalty from those we know and love. Jesus wants faithfulness and loyalty from those He knows and loves too. Jesus is calling to us today “Follow Me to Faithfulness”.
In truth, this week’s message could just be titled “Follow Me” as Christ calls us to a life lived for Him. Faithfulness is certainly a value for us, not just because “We Belong to Jesus” but a value that is shared by all people. We want faithfulness and loyalty from those we know and love. Jesus wants faithfulness and loyalty from those He knows and loves too. Jesus is calling to us today “Follow Me to Faithfulness”.
One of the more important aspects of the Christian faith is that Jesus doesn’t look at what we look at. Jesus doesn’t look at the outside and bring His Gospel to those who are important and special and amazing and wonderful. Instead, He comes to those who really need Him, those the world kicks to the curb. We remember that “We Belong to Jesus” because Jesus came to us in spite of our unworthiness and calls to us then to “Follow Me to the Lost and the Least”.
Our Lord is a long-suffering God who is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”. He shows us compassion because “We Belong to Jesus” and He shows us that compassion over and over again. We therefore are called to show compassion too...when someone sins against us. But we’re also called to show compassion no matter what. The hungry...the hurting...the homeless...the grieving...the lonely...the alone...the ___________...you insert in the blank whatever it is you’re seeing in others. All of that begs us to show them compassion, the compassion of Jesus. Today Jesus calls to us “Follow Me to Compassion”.
Our Lord is a long-suffering God who is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”. He shows us compassion because “We Belong to Jesus” and He shows us that compassion over and over again. We therefore are called to show compassion too...when someone sins against us. But we’re also called to show compassion no matter what. The hungry...the hurting...the homeless...the grieving...the lonely...the alone...the ___________...you insert in the blank whatever it is you’re seeing in others. All of that begs us to show them compassion, the compassion of Jesus. Today Jesus calls to us “Follow Me to Compassion”.
In many ways the idea of holiness is lost on our society and seen as archaic and unnecessary. Furthermore, the opposite is celebrated as the Bible would prophesy it in Isaiah “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). But as Christians, as a people who embrace the fact that “We Belong to Jesus” we live for Him and through Him and we do so in holiness and purity, that which is found in Him who lives through us by His Holy Spirit. Today we hear Jesus say “Follow Me to Holiness”.
As we consider the concept of “being patient with others” today, we’re really right where we were in the last message about “peace”. Our world is an impatient world. Our world is a “cancel culture” world. Rather than being patient with people, recognizing that the things that bother us about them are things that we do ourselves, we instead fly off the handle and, well, “cancel them”. Jesus calls us to give to others what He has given to us. He has show us patience...over and over again...and He calls to us today saying “Follow Me to Patience”.
As we consider the concept of “being patient with others” today, we’re really right where we were in the last message about “peace”. Our world is an impatient world. Our world is a “cancel culture” world. Rather than being patient with people, recognizing that the things that bother us about them are things that we do ourselves, we instead fly off the handle and, well, “cancel them”. Jesus calls us to give to others what He has given to us. He has show us patience...over and over again...and He calls to us today saying “Follow Me to Patience”.
This week’s focus is an interesting one because all of us want peace in our world but few of us do what it takes to bring peace. And this is particularly ironic and sad because “We Belong to Jesus” the Prince of Peace and so it’s a reminder that the Christian Church on earth is the only place where true peace can be found. Jesus is calling us today to be the conduit of peace in our lives every day. We are never, ever to stir up controversies, divisions or hate, but are to be bringers of the peace of the Gospel message as we obey our Lord as He whispers in our ear every day “Follow Me to Peace”.
One of the more amazing gifts connected to the fact that “We Belong to Jesus” is the gift of prayer. After all, we are allowed, invited, even expected to pray to God and seek His help, His guidance, His protection, His providence. God wants to talk to us and wants us to talk to Him...better said, to lean on Him, for all that we need. After all, “We Belong to Jesus” and as such are His sons and daughters and as His “kids” we’re deeply loved and cared for. He wants us to come to Him, sit on His lap and ask, seek and knock. Jesus calls us today saying, in every way and every day, “Follow Me to Prayer”.
One of the more amazing gifts connected to the fact that “We Belong to Jesus” is the gift of prayer. After all, we are allowed, invited, even expected to pray to God and seek His help, His guidance, His protection, His providence. God wants to talk to us and wants us to talk to Him...better said, to lean on Him, for all that we need. After all, “We Belong to Jesus” and as such are His sons and daughters and as His “kids” we’re deeply loved and cared for. He wants us to come to Him, sit on His lap and ask, seek and knock. Jesus calls us today saying, in every way and every day, “Follow Me to Prayer”.
In truth this week’s “Follow Me” probably should have been the first message in this series. People who belong to Jesus are called to a depth of faith...to be sure, always growing, always deepening their understanding of God and their love for God...but seeking the depth of faith and development of understanding that our state, our nation and our world need from those who boldly claim “We Belong to Jesus”. This week’s Lenten challenge will be to not just grow in your faith and understanding but to constantly and fervently grow in your faith and understanding as we hear Jesus say “Follow Me to Depth”.
As we embrace the fact that “We Belong to Jesus”, we’re reminded that that means loving unloveable people. Perhaps the hardest thing to do as a human being is to love someone you do not want to love or someone who has done something that makes you reticent to love them. We’re reminded in our “Follow Me” sermon series today that Jesus calls us to a higher love, a deeper love, an unheard of love...loving not just those who are hard to love, but those we simply do not want to love...our enemies. As we walk behind the Lord Jesus and follow Him into this world, we’re challenged by His love for enemies and His call to us to then “Follow Me to Love”.
As we embrace the fact that “We Belong to Jesus”, we’re reminded that that means loving unloveable people. Perhaps the hardest thing to do as a human being is to love someone you do not want to love or someone who has done something that makes you reticent to love them. We’re reminded in our “Follow Me” sermon series today that Jesus calls us to a higher love, a deeper love, an unheard of love...loving not just those who are hard to love, but those we simply do not want to love...our enemies. As we walk behind the Lord Jesus and follow Him into this world, we’re challenged by His love for enemies and His call to us to then “Follow Me to Love”.
As we enter the penitential season of Lent, we do so recognizing that while we’re called by Jesus to follow Jesus wherever He goes, we often stray the path He lays out and “do our own thing” rather than what He wants us to do. Because “We Belong to Jesus”, though we all have our own lives and families and gifts and careers, we are nonetheless all called to the exact, same thing, namely to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and yes, follow Jesus. What does that look like for you...exactly? You and your Lord know. But one thing that we can unequivocally say about being a disciple of Jesus or follower of Christ, we are called to follow Him with every fiber of our being and every day of our lives. We are invited to seek forgiveness when we stray, but we are “His workmanship”, we belong to Him. We are therefore “created in Christ Jesus for good works” which He prepared ahead of time for us to do. We are called to live for Him each day and “Follow Him with Everything” as the Rich Young Ruler was.
Jesus is giving His marching orders to those who will follow Him. He is tipping His hand and telling them what a life of being His disciple will entail and it won’t be like anything they have ever experienced in this world. Contrary to what our social groups may be telling us, society may be telling or even the world may be telling us, Jesus is offering a Better Way of living…living in a world turned upside-down by His love and grace. A world where the poor are rich, the marginalized are exalted, the sinner is forgiven, and the dead are raised to life again.
Jesus unveils the cornerstone of his master plan as He teaches His followers His expectations of them and how they will navigate a world that will never understand them. This teaching is what turns the world upside-down and clearly communicates that His disciples will be known by how they love one another. This love will be so radical, and out of this world, that it will even extend to their enemies. Jesus is saying that if we want to act like and be like God then we must love even our enemies…Why? God loves His enemies.
Jesus is going to be turning his attention to the lack of mercy present in the spiritual leadership of Israel. He is speaking to a judgmental and condemning spirit that withholds love, grace and forgiveness from others because of what they have done, said or who they are. Jesus is teaching us a Better Way and the only way that will bring true change to a person and this world. The Better Way is through the power of love and grace as we give to others what has been so freely given to us through Jesus.
If Jesus’ audience was relaxing in the assumption that the preceding teachings were directed only at the Pharisees and their followers, they could not dodge the direct force of this challenge. It is specifically directed to those who profess to follow Jesus and looks at what it means to build our lives on Him as the solid rock. Jesus is making the point that it’s not mere words or even generally ethical behavior or religious practice that mark true believers, but whether they do what He says. Jesus is calling His followers to a radical obedience that will lead them to continue to turn the world upside-down through His love and grace.
Transfiguration Sunday is a weekend when we remember that Jesus truly is God Almighty. On the Mount of Olives Jesus pulls back His humanity and shows us all the glory that is within Him. It absolutely blows my mind to think that the Great I AM, the Creator and sustainer of all things, the beginning and the end, God Himself would take on human flesh and walk amongst us. Jesus is a God who loves us all with a love so great that it would propel Him to suffer, die, and rise on our behalf. He is the one that unites the Old & New Testament in His blood. Jesus is God!
Transfiguration Sunday is a weekend when we remember that Jesus truly is God Almighty. On the Mount of Olives Jesus pulls back His humanity and shows us all the glory that is within Him. It absolutely blows my mind to think that the Great I AM, the Creator and sustainer of all things, the beginning and the end, God Himself would take on human flesh and walk amongst us. Jesus is a God who loves us all with a love so great that it would propel Him to suffer, die, and rise on our behalf. He is the one that unites the Old & New Testament in His blood. Jesus is God!
This week we look at how Jesus was sent as the grace of God & the love of God. The good news of God was that the Father loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save the world on account of sin. Jesus was sent to bring the grace & love of God to this sinful world. Everything that Jesus did was motivated by His grace and love for His creation, and it is seen clearest, when Jesus went to the cross to show us all how far the grace and love of God will go for each of us.
This week we look at how Jesus was sent as the grace of God & the love of God. The good news of God was that the Father loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save the world on account of sin. Jesus was sent to bring the grace & love of God to this sinful world. Everything that Jesus did was motivated by His grace and love for His creation, and it is seen clearest, when Jesus went to the cross to show us all how far the grace and love of God will go for each of us.
This week we see how Jesus truly is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of whole world. What an amazing epiphany to connect the Old Testament with the New Testament on this amazing truth. The Israelites put the blood of the lamb on the door frames to protect them from the angel of death and then ate the lamb to strengthen them for the journey ahead. As Jesus sat with His disciples, to celebrate the Passover, He took the wine and said that it is His blood and the bread and said that it is His body. His blood forgives us of all our sin and delivers us from death and His body strengthens us until the day we are in His promised Kingdom once and for all. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin and the sin of the whole world.
This week we see how Jesus truly is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of whole world. What an amazing epiphany to connect the Old Testament with the New Testament on this amazing truth. The Israelites put the blood of the lamb on the door frames to protect them from the angel of death and then ate the lamb to strengthen them for the journey ahead. As Jesus sat with His disciples, to celebrate the Passover, He took the wine and said that it is His blood and the bread and said that it is His body. His blood forgives us of all our sin and delivers us from death and His body strengthens us until the day we are in His promised Kingdom once and for all. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin and the sin of the whole world.
The Wedding at Cana might seem like an odd scripture passage for this week but really it shows us more of the humanity of Jesus then we might think. As Jesus lived out His earthly ministry He looked like every other Jewish male at the time. The incarnation of God went to a wedding reception, drank wine, danced with friends but also transformed the party from the inside out. Jesus listened to His mother and changed jars of water into jars of wine. Jesus came to be like one of us to change us from the inside out. He renews our old sinful vessels and fills them with His new wine, His presence and invites us to come to Him whenever we need grace and mercy to help in our time of need.
The Wedding at Cana might seem like an odd scripture passage for this week but really it shows us more of the humanity of Jesus then we might think. As Jesus lived out His earthly ministry He looked like every other Jewish male at the time. The incarnation of God went to a wedding reception, drank wine, danced with friends but also transformed the party from the inside out. Jesus listened to His mother and changed jars of water into jars of wine. Jesus came to be like one of us to change us from the inside out. He renews our old sinful vessels and fills them with His new wine, His presence and invites us to come to Him whenever we need grace and mercy to help in our time of need.
This week we look into a subject that we all want more of...namely, peace. We live in a world that is the definition of “unrest”. We live in a world that is tumultuous beyond belief. We lay down at night and wonder “What’s next?” and we really don’t want to know because we lay awake in fear! But we also know that in Jesus and through Jesus we have what the world could never give us...the peace that surpasses all understanding. We’ll remember that because of Jesus, His peace is also with us through the good, the bad and the ugly...at all times and in all places!
This week we look into a subject that we all want more of...namely, peace. We live in a world that is the definition of “unrest”. We live in a world that is tumultuous beyond belief. We lay down at night and wonder “What’s next?” and we really don’t want to know because we lay awake in fear! But we also know that in Jesus and through Jesus we have what the world could never give us...the peace that surpasses all understanding. We’ll remember that because of Jesus, His peace is also with us through the good, the bad and the ugly...at all times and in all places!
This week we work through a difficult topic of the power of Jesus to perform miracles. This topic is difficult because of the sheer amount of suffering that people go through in their lives. Everyone would say they are in need of some sort of earthly miracle and today we are reminded that Jesus has the power to do all things. We are empowered to ask God for those miracles and to help us in our unbelief or times when we lack faith. We also remember that the point of the miracles was to point to a greater hope and a greater miracle that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. The miracle is that we will all be healed, we will all be cleansed, and we will all witness a resurrection when we close our eyes and open them for the first time in the Kingdom of God.
This week we work through a difficult topic of the power of Jesus to perform miracles. This topic is difficult because of the sheer amount of suffering that people go through in their lives. Everyone would say they are in need of some sort of earthly miracle and today we are reminded that Jesus has the power to do all things. We are empowered to ask God for those miracles and to help us in our unbelief or times when we lack faith. We also remember that the point of the miracles was to point to a greater hope and a greater miracle that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. The miracle is that we will all be healed, we will all be cleansed, and we will all witness a resurrection when we close our eyes and open them for the first time in the Kingdom of God.
As Jesus led His disciples, He was constantly teaching them the truth of the Kingdom of God and how things have been created. David says that, “good and upright is the Lord, and He instructs sinners in the way, He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way.” What an amazing thing that Jesus would want to come to us in order to show us the path of salvation. Jesus is the one who made us, who formed us and who designed us to find our completion in Him and in Him alone. Like the early disciples Jesus shows us His heart to teach the lost lambs and then to take up His bread of truth and distribute it to all who are in need.
As Jesus led His disciples, He was constantly teaching them the truth of the Kingdom of God and how things have been created. David says that, “good and upright is the Lord, and He instructs sinners in the way, He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way.” What an amazing thing that Jesus would want to come to us in order to show us the path of salvation. Jesus is the one who made us, who formed us and who designed us to find our completion in Him and in Him alone. Like the early disciples Jesus shows us His heart to teach the lost lambs and then to take up His bread of truth and distribute it to all who are in need.
Oswald Chambers once wrote, “The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain (with God) and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.” What an amazing honor that Jesus would call us His friends. A true friend is an immense blessing and has the ability to strengthen in times of weakness, sharpen us with wisdom, and encourage us on our journey. Through prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. This week we will be encouraged that Jesus Christ calls us His friends and all that we seek out of life is found in the connection Jesus has made with us through His death and resurrection.
Oswald Chambers once wrote, “The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain (with God) and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.” What an amazing honor that Jesus would call us His friends. A true friend is an immense blessing and has the ability to strengthen in times of weakness, sharpen us with wisdom, and encourage us on our journey. Through prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. This week we will be encouraged that Jesus Christ calls us His friends and all that we seek out of life is found in the connection Jesus has made with us through His death and resurrection.
This past week we were reminded that Jesus will return for us. Jesus said “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18), intending to mean the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. But the truth is applicable to His Second Coming too! He won’t leave us here. He will return for us! But He will return for us to take us to be where He is...for eternity. When Jesus returns our redemption will be completed. To be sure, Jesus has finished the work for us in order for us to be in heaven forever, but we nonetheless wait for Him to return so that we can be, well, completely complete in Him! Today we remember, Jesus promised us, He will be “With Us for Eternity”!
This past week we were reminded that Jesus will return for us. Jesus said “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18), intending to mean the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. But the truth is applicable to His Second Coming too! He won’t leave us here. He will return for us! But He will return for us to take us to be where He is...for eternity. When Jesus returns our redemption will be completed. To be sure, Jesus has finished the work for us in order for us to be in heaven forever, but we nonetheless wait for Him to return so that we can be, well, completely complete in Him! Today we remember, Jesus promised us, He will be “With Us for Eternity”!
When we are children we are given the promise that at the end of the day our parent or parents will return home for us. We long for that moment in time. We look for that moment in time because they are not with us and we want to see them so badly. We’ve remembered the wonderful truth that Jesus is with us always and with us always to the end of the age. But this week we’ll remember that the Lord, who is in fact with us always, will be with us in the future too. He is coming for us. He is returning to not only be with us physically, but to take us home where we really belong! Today we’ll remember that our ever-present Lord will be “With Us in the Future”!
Sometimes we get hung up in our faith, believing that Jesus came to us in Baptism and as we’ll look at in the coming weeks, He’ll come again to take us home to Himself. Somehow, we miss that He is with us not just in our faith walk as we discovered in midweek, but furthermore He is with us when our faith walk goes awry, when our lives are difficult. What a blessing to know that in this world that Jesus promised would bring us “tribulation”, we can know that He is in fact not only on our side but in fact, carrying us by His side. He is with us. He is with us always. But today, let’s take great comfort in the fact that He is “With Us in Difficulty”!
Sometimes we get hung up in our faith, believing that Jesus came to us in Baptism and as we’ll look at in the coming weeks, He’ll come again to take us home to Himself. Somehow, we miss that He is with us not just in our faith walk as we discovered in midweek, but furthermore He is with us when our faith walk goes awry, when our lives are difficult. What a blessing to know that in this world that Jesus promised would bring us “tribulation”, we can know that He is in fact not only on our side but in fact, carrying us by His side. He is with us. He is with us always. But today, let’s take great comfort in the fact that He is “With Us in Difficulty”!
This week we’ve been reminded that Jesus comes to us in the living and active Word of God. We were reminded that while He walked this earth and spoke His Word 2000 years ago, we can know and trust that He continues to be present in our lives through that very same Word 2000 years hence. More than that however, today we remember that Jesus is not just with us in His Word, but He is also with us in our very being! Through Baptism, His words to us in Matthew 28 are verifiably true. Jesus said “I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age.” When He came into our bodies through the waters of Baptism, He proved His Word to be true and more than that, proved that He’d be “With Us in Our Daily Walk” until the end of time! Thank you Jesus!
The truth of “God With Us” is absolutely mind-blowing to be sure. Couple that with the fact that He didn’t just come to us long ago, but He willingly and intentionally comes to us in our day and time. Granted it seems different than Him walking this earth and speaking to us in our hearing, but Jesus nonetheless walks among us and speaks to us through His Spirit-filled Word! He didn’t come 2000 years ago and hope we’d grope our way towards Him...He instead seeks us out and brings us to faith and keeps us in the faith through His living and active, ever-enduring, Spirit-filled Word! Thank you Jesus...He is “With Us in His Word”!
The truth of “God With Us” is absolutely mind-blowing to be sure. Couple that with the fact that He didn’t just come to us long ago, but He willingly and intentionally comes to us in our day and time. Granted it seems different than Him walking this earth and speaking to us in our hearing, but Jesus nonetheless walks among us and speaks to us through His Spirit-filled Word! He didn’t come 2000 years ago and hope we’d grope our way towards Him...He instead seeks us out and brings us to faith and keeps us in the faith through His living and active, ever-enduring, Spirit-filled Word! Thank you Jesus...He is “With Us in His Word”!
While we accept it willingly, one of the more difficult concepts for the Disciples to wrap their brain around in this idea of “The Incarnation” of Jesus, was that Jesus was actually God...in the flesh. They saw the “flesh guy”. They saw the human being, the Rabbi, the Friend, the Mentor. But they had trouble seeing that He was literally God. Not so for us! We see all that He did and the fact that He raised Himself from the dead and we KNOW without a doubt that He is God. But we need the reminder nonetheless. You see, He’s not just “Sunday School Jesus” to be taken off the shelf once a week for an hour...but as God, He is our Lord...He is our Master. Today we remember that when Jesus came to us, He was “With Us as God” then and He remains so now and that truth has implications for our lives every day!
“The Incarnation”...that’s what it’s called that Jesus, the God of the Universe, took on flesh and dwelt among us. “The Incarnation”...the truth of it is a big and mysterious as the phrase itself. Seriously, God became a human being? God..the Almighty God...took on a man’s body? We have great difficulty being able to believe that Jesus was, in all the fullness of the term, a human being. We see the miracles. We see the healings. We see the God-nature...but this miracle working, healer, was also 100% bona-fide human being! Amazing! Amazing indeed! “Amazing Grace” as well! As it is often said, “He was born in Bethlehem that we might be born again!” Praise you Jesus...today we’ll remember that in Jesus, God was “With Us as One of Us”!
“The Incarnation”...that’s what it’s called that Jesus, the God of the Universe, took on flesh and dwelt among us. “The Incarnation”...the truth of it is a big and mysterious as the phrase itself. Seriously, God became a human being? God..the Almighty God...took on a man’s body? We have great difficulty being able to believe that Jesus was, in all the fullness of the term, a human being. We see the miracles. We see the healings. We see the God-nature...but this miracle working, healer, was also 100% bona-fide human being! Amazing! Amazing indeed! “Amazing Grace” as well! As it is often said, “He was born in Bethlehem that we might be born again!” Praise you Jesus...today we’ll remember that in Jesus, God was “With Us as One of Us”!
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will hear Him Redefine for us all what a “safe-life” looks like. We all know that God has given us good gifts to help us stay safe in this world. From vaccines, to seatbelts, finances, warm clothes and the list goes on and on. But will anything of this physical world lead us to a spiritually safe life? Paul says that our battles are not flesh and blood so we must rely on something beyond the physical for the ultimate safety and security of our lives. This week we will listen to Jesus teach us what that is.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will hear Him Redefine for us all what a “safe-life” looks like. We all know that God has given us good gifts to help us stay safe in this world. From vaccines, to seatbelts, finances, warm clothes and the list goes on and on. But will anything of this physical world lead us to a spiritually safe life? Paul says that our battles are not flesh and blood so we must rely on something beyond the physical for the ultimate safety and security of our lives. This week we will listen to Jesus teach us what that is.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will listen to Him teach us what true treasure is and how important it is to our life. Our world wants us to believe that treasure amounts to what is in our bank accounts, what we store away in our homes or what we consider our worldly assets. King Solomon says that wisdom & understanding are of more value than gold or silver. Wisdom to see that the things of this world are temporal but the things of the Kingdom of God are eternal & understanding to pursue eternal things and hold loosely to temporal things.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will listen to Him teach us what true treasure is and how important it is to our life. Our world wants us to believe that treasure amounts to what is in our bank accounts, what we store away in our homes or what we consider our worldly assets. King Solomon says that wisdom & understanding are of more value than gold or silver. Wisdom to see that the things of this world are temporal but the things of the Kingdom of God are eternal & understanding to pursue eternal things and hold loosely to temporal things.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will listen to Him Redefine our Normal when it comes to the topic of adultery. Adultery is more than a matter of the action but is a matter of the imagination, and heart, of the person. Jesus has called His followers to a life of purity, honesty, and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit to do holy things.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus this week, we will listen to Him Redefine our Normal when it comes to the topic of adultery. Adultery is more than a matter of the action but is a matter of the imagination, and heart, of the person. Jesus has called His followers to a life of purity, honesty, and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit to do holy things.
As we sit at Jesus feet this week we are reminded of the truth that we cannot by our own reason or strength claim the Kingdom of God as our own. It is not through our righteousness, our good works, or the will of our flesh that we have access to such a wonderful hope, faith and joy. This is the truth that the Reformers held to, the truth that Jesus taught and the truth that Jesus reminds us all of that it is only through faith in Jesus’ Righteousness and His grace and love that we can live as righteousness and holy people in this life and on into the next.
As we sit at Jesus feet this week we are reminded of the truth that we cannot by our own reason or strength claim the Kingdom of God as our own. It is not through our righteousness, our good works, or the will of our flesh that we have access to such a wonderful hope, faith and joy. This is the truth that the Reformers held to, the truth that Jesus taught and the truth that Jesus reminds us all of that it is only through faith in Jesus’ Righteousness and His grace and love that we can live as righteousness and holy people in this life and on into the next.
There is truly no uglier sin than the sin of pride. Prideful people are repugnant and repulsive and are so because they generally push others aside to gain their own glory. Christians are expected to find pride especially unacceptable because we stand next to the one and only one who deserves glory, honor and praise, and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says to us “Follow Me!” and when we follow Him, when we walk with Him, we see something truly amazing in our Lord. Not only do we see His glory, but we also find out that even though He has all rights to be prideful and arrogant, we instead see a humble Savior. We see a humble Savior who took on the form of a servant and being found in human likeness, humbled Himself to death on a cross for us! As we encounter the deep and amazing humility of the Lord Jesus, we are not only called to humility by Him, but we are enabled by His Holy Spirit to “Walk Humbly” with Him every single day!
There is truly no uglier sin than the sin of pride. Prideful people are repugnant and repulsive and are so because they generally push others aside to gain their own glory. Christians are expected to find pride especially unacceptable because we stand next to the one and only one who deserves glory, honor and praise, and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says to us “Follow Me!” and when we follow Him, when we walk with Him, we see something truly amazing in our Lord. Not only do we see His glory, but we also find out that even though He has all rights to be prideful and arrogant, we instead see a humble Savior. We see a humble Savior who took on the form of a servant and being found in human likeness, humbled Himself to death on a cross for us! As we encounter the deep and amazing humility of the Lord Jesus, we are not only called to humility by Him, but we are enabled by His Holy Spirit to “Walk Humbly” with Him every single day!
Kindness is one of those traits in people that we all love to experience. The “kind” people in our lives are people that we’re drawn to like a magnet. Lately however, it seems like someone opened a hateful drain and all the kindness in the world has rushed out, flushed away. But we know that while it feels like there’s no more kindness in the world, we also know it’s not true because we’re in the world. Oh, we can be hateful and hurtful too, but because of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives, we can “be the kindness” that everyone is craving. We love Jesus with all our hearts, minds and souls and through Him we’re then enabled to “Love Kindness” and truly show others what Jesus followers are all about!
Kindness is one of those traits in people that we all love to experience. The “kind” people in our lives are people that we’re drawn to like a magnet. Lately however, it seems like someone opened a hateful drain and all the kindness in the world has rushed out, flushed away. But we know that while it feels like there’s no more kindness in the world, we also know it’s not true because we’re in the world. Oh, we can be hateful and hurtful too, but because of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives, we can “be the kindness” that everyone is craving. We love Jesus with all our hearts, minds and souls and through Him we’re then enabled to “Love Kindness” and truly show others what Jesus followers are all about!
Our world is a place where injustice abounds. So many in our world suffer and they do so needlessly. Sad but true, so many in our world suffer and do so needlessly, simply because people ignore their suffering, don’t care about others and/or won’t help even if they can. However, we serve a living God who does care about us and those we encounter...and a living God who furthermore wants something done for the widows and orphans and hurting and disenfranchised. As Christians we are then called to hear God’s voice and open our eyes to the injustice and suffering around us and live out our faith by making a difference in the lives of others. Because we have faith in the living loving Lord who is concerned about the widow and the orphan, as well as the hurting and the disenfranchised, we will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, quite naturally desire along with Him to “Act Justly” in this world.
Our world is a place where injustice abounds. So many in our world suffer and they do so needlessly. Sad but true, so many in our world suffer and do so needlessly, simply because people ignore their suffering, don’t care about others and/or won’t help even if they can. However, we serve a living God who does care about us and those we encounter...and a living God who furthermore wants something done for the widows and orphans and hurting and disenfranchised. As Christians we are then called to hear God’s voice and open our eyes to the injustice and suffering around us and live out our faith by making a difference in the lives of others. Because we have faith in the living loving Lord who is concerned about the widow and the orphan, as well as the hurting and the disenfranchised, we will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, quite naturally desire along with Him to “Act Justly” in this world.
The last two commandments about coveting are an important reminder that it’s not just our actions that God governs, but even our very thoughts...and this can be a really tough subject for us! Who hasn’t looked at a friend’s car and thought to themselves “I wish I had a car like that!” Who hasn’t seen a friend’s house and said “I wish we had the money for a home like that!” We do this all the time...coveting all sorts of things...and it can get us into trouble. We begin to covet our friend’s money. We move further into coveting their husband or their wife. We can even begin to covet their very life and everything about it. And God reminds us today that “covet” isn’t the word for us...instead, the word for us is “contentment”. Jesus calls us to be thankful for what He has given us and by the power of His Holy Spirit, to choose “Contentment Over Coveting” every single day.
The last two commandments about coveting are an important reminder that it’s not just our actions that God governs, but even our very thoughts...and this can be a really tough subject for us! Who hasn’t looked at a friend’s car and thought to themselves “I wish I had a car like that!” Who hasn’t seen a friend’s house and said “I wish we had the money for a home like that!” We do this all the time...coveting all sorts of things...and it can get us into trouble. We begin to covet our friend’s money. We move further into coveting their husband or their wife. We can even begin to covet their very life and everything about it. And God reminds us today that “covet” isn’t the word for us...instead, the word for us is “contentment”. Jesus calls us to be thankful for what He has given us and by the power of His Holy Spirit, to choose “Contentment Over Coveting” every single day.
For the most part, your normal, average person would agree that stealing is out of bounds for anyone, but especially for a Christian. So, if you told your Christian friends that you had broken into your neighbor’s house and taken your neighbor’s possessions, they’d never invite you over again and wonder if you were saved. If you told your Christian friends that you had no problem stealing cars, they’d keep a tight reign on their keys and never let you near their vehicles...and again, wonder if you are saved. But if you told them you leave work an hour and a half early twice a week and yet clock in for the full amount of hours, they wouldn’t think anything of it. If you told them that you cheated on your taxes so that you got a refund instead of paying more tax, they’d wouldn’t blink an eye. But I think you know...for the Christian...stealing big or stealing small...it’s still stealing, and as such, is contrary to God’s will for our lives. We’ll remember today then that “Honesty is the Best Policy” because in fact, honesty is God’s policy!
For the most part, your normal, average person would agree that stealing is out of bounds for anyone, but especially for a Christian. So, if you told your Christian friends that you had broken into your neighbor’s house and taken your neighbor’s possessions, they’d never invite you over again and wonder if you were saved. If you told your Christian friends that you had no problem stealing cars, they’d keep a tight reign on their keys and never let you near their vehicles...and again, wonder if you are saved. But if you told them you leave work an hour and a half early twice a week and yet clock in for the full amount of hours, they wouldn’t think anything of it. If you told them that you cheated on your taxes so that you got a refund instead of paying more tax, they’d wouldn’t blink an eye. But I think you know...for the Christian...stealing big or stealing small...it’s still stealing, and as such, is contrary to God’s will for our lives. We’ll remember today then that “Honesty is the Best Policy” because in fact, honesty is God’s policy!
- Trusted The Art of Civility really comes down to the valuing of others over and above the valuing of our own opinions as we interact with them. If we engage in conversation with the goal to win, be right, be heard and get our point across, then in many ways we have already lost. We have lost the Art of Civility and traded it for pride of an opinion. We want people to feel heard, understood, respected and trusted with who they are and what they have to say. When someone does not feel one of these things, it can lead to them feeling HURT. Jesus came into our lives to set us free from the ways of this world and to empower us to manifest His Kingdom in the midst of this world.
The final piece of The Art of Civility is the feeling of being trusted. When others share with us their feelings, views or ideas they are entrusting us with a piece of themselves and this leads to a greater trust between two people. For Christians, trust starts with the amazing reality that God can always be trusted. God is perfected trust and will always come through for His people.
Isaiah 26:3-4 spoke to this truth when he said: “you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Then again scripture speaks to this in Proverbs 3:5-6: “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
As we trust in God, He will empower us to be trustworthy people to others. We know we cannot control others and need God’s wisdom when it comes to who we entrust ourselves to. However, when it comes to ourselves, here are nine tips to help us become a more trustworthy person.
- Always keep your commitment in word and deed
- Be honest
- Be transparent
- Be on time
- Keep confidences
- Don’t gossip
- Apologize when needed
- Be predictable with a loving attitude
- Set the tone for those around you
Your attitude and consistency can cause a ripple effect to others and we want to make sure that the ripple effect is positive. As Christians we have been called to be the leaders of civility in this world. Romans 12:18 says: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
I pray this study has raised awareness of how vital civility is for the well-being of our families, our church, our city, our nation and our world. May we all take it upon ourselves to live out of the peace that we have so graciously been baptized into.
We live in a world where vitriolic rhetoric is the norm, not the exception. It’s disturbingly sad the way so many in our world speak hatefully about other people. Often, even worse, what they are saying is at the very least a half-truth if not an outright lie. Unfortunately, this isn’t some benign thing that happens between people half a world away, it also happens between people who are so-called friends. Furthermore, and far more troubling, it sometimes comes from the mouths and the pens and the keyboards of Christians. Gossip abounds. Bad-mouthing is rampant. Ugly hateful-speech is spewed. But God calls us to higher living, better living, kinder living...even towards our “enemies” by the way. God calls us to support and uplift and speak well...to speak kindly of everyone around us but especially our fellow Christians. Luther wrote “explain everything in the kindest way” and that’s exactly what the Lord Jesus calls us to do. In a world that is prone to trash-talking-bad-mouths, we will be reminded today that we are always called to deliver “Kind Speech”.
We live in a world where vitriolic rhetoric is the norm, not the exception. It’s disturbingly sad the way so many in our world speak hatefully about other people. Often, even worse, what they are saying is at the very least a half-truth if not an outright lie. Unfortunately, this isn’t some benign thing that happens between people half a world away, it also happens between people who are so-called friends. Furthermore, and far more troubling, it sometimes comes from the mouths and the pens and the keyboards of Christians. Gossip abounds. Bad-mouthing is rampant. Ugly hateful-speech is spewed. But God calls us to higher living, better living, kinder living...even towards our “enemies” by the way. God calls us to support and uplift and speak well...to speak kindly of everyone around us but especially our fellow Christians. Luther wrote “explain everything in the kindest way” and that’s exactly what the Lord Jesus calls us to do. In a world that is prone to trash-talking-bad-mouths, we will be reminded today that we are always called to deliver “Kind Speech”.
- Respected “If people respect you, respect them back, if they disrespect, you respect them back. They represent their ideology, you represent yours.” Mohammad Zeyara
We all have a need to be respected, to be taken seriously, to feel relevant, to be considered worthy, to be noticed, to be valued. Along with these is the need we all have to sense our own identities. Our identity is how we define who we are in the world. A way that this happens is in the way that others acknowledge and treat us. We have all heard stories of how people have used this power to discourage or belittle another person. As humanity, we also have the ability to empower others as we make them feel important and have good reason for being in our lives. In The Art of Civility, common respect for others is a key piece in being able to treat others with the worth and dignity they deserve.
The opposite of respect is contempt, which is a key feeling that is present in the midst of almost all relational struggles. Showing contempt to anyone is a deep insult and will often lead to deep feelings of frustration, unhappiness, hurt feelings, dismissal and even anger. The feeling of disrespect is often connected to a feeling of worth. As Christians, we start from a standpoint of our shared identity and worth in Christ.
Look at this piece of scripture from Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
As Christians our identity and worth was spoken for when Jesus came and gave up His life for ours. He showed us our worth in His sacrifice on the cross and gave us our identity in His resurrection from the grave. Romans 8:31 says: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Notice that Paul is saying that since we have been heard by God, understood by God and respected by God, than what person in this whole world could give us a greater feeling of worth or respect and, since Jesus has treated us all this way, than who do we have the right to be against?
Jesus said in Matthew 7:12: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” I am in no way saying that this is an easy thing to do in our everyday lives and I think Jesus meant it to be that way. If it was easy than we might be led to think we can do this on our own power apart from God, but since it is so difficult, we need a wisdom, strength and love that is greater than our own. It starts with a heart transformed by the Gospel and ends with that heart giving the love and respect of God away to others. We don’t want anyone to feel HURT, so we seek to Hear them, Understand them, Respect them and Trust them.
Points to Ponder: 1. Describe a time in your life when you felt respected for just being yourself. 2. What does it mean to you that “God is for you?” 3. What help do you need from God as you move toward respecting others in the world?
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is found in the most intimate of emotional and physical connection given to a husband and wife. Because it’s one of God’s greatest gifts to us, it becomes one of satan’s sharpest weapons against us. The old evil foe uses our God-given desire for one another in the worst of ways and destroys marriages, families and lives in the process. When it comes to our sexuality then, how do we defeat satan, push this world away, and live for Jesus with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength? Let’s get at that today as we discuss “Purity in an Impure World”.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is found in the most intimate of emotional and physical connection given to a husband and wife. Because it’s one of God’s greatest gifts to us, it becomes one of satan’s sharpest weapons against us. The old evil foe uses our God-given desire for one another in the worst of ways and destroys marriages, families and lives in the process. When it comes to our sexuality then, how do we defeat satan, push this world away, and live for Jesus with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength? Let’s get at that today as we discuss “Purity in an Impure World”.
2 {UNDERSTOOD} “Please understand and love me” ~ Ernest Hemingway
One of our deepest longings, deeper than we even perhaps recognize day-to-day, is the desire to have other people understand aspects of how we are feeling. We don’t want others necessarily to agree with all our feelings, but what we crave is that they at least validate them. This is why people will feel hurt when they do not feel they are being understood or that someone doesn’t care to find out. Ernest Hemingway correctly connected the dots that an extension of love is the motivation to understand where someone else is coming from. As we talk through The Art of Civility, there is no replacement to the art of listening with the intention to better understand the person who is sharing.
Psalm 139:1-6: “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether, you hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”
As Christians we start with the reality that God KNOWS everything about us. We are completely seen and understood by our God at all times. Some points to ponder:
- What thoughts/feelings come up within you as you read this portion of Psalm 139?
- What does it mean for you to be understood by someone else?
- What does it look like to seek to understand someone else?
- What things get in the way of this process happening?
Every person is the sum total of many life experiences. From the way they were raised, to who influenced them in their life, choices they have made, organizations they have been a part of and countless other things that have made them into the person they are today. The Art of Civility is the ability to listen to another person without writing them off, dismissing them, or not hearing them because they hold to differing opinions than we do. We don’t have to agree with everything a person stands for, but that doesn’t mean we can’t seek to understand them for the unique creation of God that they are.
When we are small, we are prone to grab at control in our lives by saying that word “Mine” and doing so forcefully. As we get older...we may not say it...but the sentiment is still in our heart...“Mine!” Today, as we look at the very important Fifth Commandment, we’re reminded that actually nothing is “Mine!” but everything, including my very life, belongs to God. To be sure, it has been given to us...more like loaned to us...but it nonetheless belongs to the God who “knit us together in our mother’s womb”. Therefore, if all life comes from and therefore belongs to God...and it does...it’s then not ours to take, ever. We cannot take our own life...nor anyone else’s. Today we’ll remember that life is precious to be sure, but we’ll remember that this is true because “He Owns Us”.
When we are small, we are prone to grab at control in our lives by saying that word “Mine” and doing so forcefully. As we get older...we may not say it...but the sentiment is still in our heart...“Mine!” Today, as we look at the very important Fifth Commandment, we’re reminded that actually nothing is “Mine!” but everything, including my very life, belongs to God. To be sure, it has been given to us...more like loaned to us...but it nonetheless belongs to the God who “knit us together in our mother’s womb”. Therefore, if all life comes from and therefore belongs to God...and it does...it’s then not ours to take, ever. We cannot take our own life...nor anyone else’s. Today we’ll remember that life is precious to be sure, but we’ll remember that this is true because “He Owns Us”.
1 {HEARD} “The desire to be heard is as deeply seeded as the desire to be loved. For some people, it doesn’t matter who’s on the other end.” ~ David Levithan
“We all like to think that, despite our position in life, we are a ‘somebody’ that matters. We may not be a politician, a celebrity, an academic, etc., but we are here and involved in the world around us and we want desperately to belong. We have a voice and an opinion and crave to be taken seriously. We all want the very same thing…to be heard, to feel like our views matter…that we matter.“
The above paragraph was written by an online writer who had felt he was not being heard on certain social matters. He wasn’t desiring that his opinions be made a reality, but simply that his opinions would be heard and thought about.
As Christians, The Art of Civility starts with the invitation that God has given to us to come and talk to Him directly. Listen to this scripture from Jeremiah 33:23: “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it-the Lord is His name. Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
What an incredible invitation that God has given to all of us! That at any time, in any place, in any circumstance, God desires to hear us. Take a few more moments to let this incredible truth wash over you. The Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, is inviting you to come and share whatever is going on in your life. The Lord who has the power to breathe stars, create planets, and who even formed your DNA is the same God who has made you a promise that you will always be heard. WOW!
Prayer is a two-way street where we communicate to God and God also is communicating with us. He has promised to not just listen but also to tell us great and hidden things that we would not know on our own, discover on the internet, or hear from a friend. As Christians, we always want to be starting with prayer and allowing that to then transcend into our other relationships as we seek to hear those around us.
The Art of Civility really starts with the art of listening, as we listen not just to respond, but in order that we might more fully understand the person we are speaking with. Remembering that our goal is not to win a conversation, change someone else’s opinion, or defend our territory, but rather to allow someone else the space where they will be heard with a heart of love. Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” May we take the listening ear that God gives to us and extend that to others in this world with a heart that is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love…just like our amazing God.
Points to Ponder: 1. Describe a time when you felt you were really listened to and how that make you feel. 2. What things get in the way of really listening to others? 3. How can you improve your listening skills with people in your own life today?
What a privilege we have been given as Christians to show our world the way of Jesus and what it means to be His follower. There are so many aspects to show people, so many aspects to this “Christ-life” that we lead, but perhaps none more important for our times than that of showing honor. Showing honor is in many ways forgotten by our modern world and yet the Lord calls us to that duty, in all our relationships, and particularly when it comes to the people He has set over us in our lives from the beginning...our parents. As we consider our faith-lives today, let’s remember that “Showing Honor” is the call of every Christian and may we seek ways to do so to His glory and our good!
What a privilege we have been given as Christians to show our world the way of Jesus and what it means to be His follower. There are so many aspects to show people, so many aspects to this “Christ-life” that we lead, but perhaps none more important for our times than that of showing honor. Showing honor is in many ways forgotten by our modern world and yet the Lord calls us to that duty, in all our relationships, and particularly when it comes to the people He has set over us in our lives from the beginning...our parents. As we consider our faith-lives today, let’s remember that “Showing Honor” is the call of every Christian and may we seek ways to do so to His glory and our good!
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:1-11
INTRO
The book of James 3:5,9-10 reads: “so also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things are not to be so.”
How we interact with others is of great importance as we live out the callings that God has given to each and every one of us. I like to call it “The Art of Civility” within our human experience. Civility is defined as “formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.” In many ways, The Art of Civility seems to be a forgotten art in today’s culture. The sheer amount of unfiltered opinions going out on social media platforms, opinion articles, news stations, late night television, radio and our own homes, has led to a culture in desperate need of reclaiming The Art of Civility.
Through these studies, we will be using an acronym to guide us into greater amounts of civility in our own lives and this acronym is H.U.R.T. As people we feel hurt when we feel we have not been…
Heard Understood Respected Trusted
Scripture has this to say when it comes to how we are to speak to one another. Ephesians 4:15: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.”
Civility is not withholding your thoughts, opinions, passions or desires from one another, but it is being able to share those things with a heart of love for the other person. The promise we are given is that as we do this we will all grow up in every way into Jesus who is the head of our body. Paul is speaking here of the Church, the body of Christ on earth, and scripture says that, as Christians, we are to be the leaders of civility in this world.
The Art of Civility is not just in how we put our thoughts and opinions out into the world, but also in how we allow others to do the same thing. We do not like to feel HURT and neither does anyone else. Through the next four studies, you will be encouraged, challenged and empowered to reclaim the Art of Civility in your own life and then bring that blessing out into the world.
Hebrews 13:20-21: “May the God of peace, who brought back the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, from the dead by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with every good thing to do his will, by developing in us what pleases Him through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory forever and always. Amen.”
Last week we were reminded that we are always “Working from Rest” as we use our “Sabbath”, which is Sunday, for that very purpose. Today we will be reminded that we’re called to make this “Sabbath Day”...“Holy”. Our “Sabbath Day” is not just rest for our bodies, it’s also and far more importantly rest for our souls. We start our week resting back on the Heavenly Father and watching as He builds us up, nurtures our faith, and strengthens our walk for the week ahead. We are fueled by Him and His Word and Sacraments as we intentionally take up “The Habit of Worship”.
Last week we were reminded that we are always “Working from Rest” as we use our “Sabbath”, which is Sunday, for that very purpose. Today we will be reminded that we’re called to make this “Sabbath Day”...“Holy”. Our “Sabbath Day” is not just rest for our bodies, it’s also and far more importantly rest for our souls. We start our week resting back on the Heavenly Father and watching as He builds us up, nurtures our faith, and strengthens our walk for the week ahead. We are fueled by Him and His Word and Sacraments as we intentionally take up “The Habit of Worship”.
We have be led to believe that if you’re not working, working, working, you’re somehow falling, falling, falling behind. What used to be a 9-5 day, forty-hour week, has now morphed into a 7-7 day and a 65 hour week! Even retirees will say “I’m working now more than ever!” That kind of non-stop work was never God’s plan for us. Work hard? Yes! Work diligently? Absolutely! But work yourself into the ground? Never. God calls us to Sabbath...God calls us to rest. And for the Christian, we work from our rest, we don’t rest from work. We start our week with rest, on Sunday, our “first day of the week”. We rest in order to be more effective. We rest in order to be our best. We are therefore always “Working from Rest”.
We have be led to believe that if you’re not working, working, working, you’re somehow falling, falling, falling behind. What used to be a 9-5 day, forty-hour week, has now morphed into a 7-7 day and a 65 hour week! Even retirees will say “I’m working now more than ever!” That kind of non-stop work was never God’s plan for us. Work hard? Yes! Work diligently? Absolutely! But work yourself into the ground? Never. God calls us to Sabbath...God calls us to rest. And for the Christian, we work from our rest, we don’t rest from work. We start our week with rest, on Sunday, our “first day of the week”. We rest in order to be more effective. We rest in order to be our best. We are therefore always “Working from Rest”.
The Bible is very clear about the import of the name of God. We are never, ever to take His name lightly but are to call upon His name in prayer and bear His name in this world, in such a way that others will see in us the true reverence we have for our Lord and yes, for His name. Everything we say and everything we do should give evidence that we believe with all of our heart the words of Paul in Philippians chapter two “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9. May our lives prove that indeed, the name of Jesus is in fact, the “The Name Above Every Name”, but that it is so in our lives as well.
The Bible is very clear about the import of the name of God. We are never, ever to take His name lightly but are to call upon His name in prayer and bear His name in this world, in such a way that others will see in us the true reverence we have for our Lord and yes, for His name. Everything we say and everything we do should give evidence that we believe with all of our heart the words of Paul in Philippians chapter two “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9. May our lives prove that indeed, the name of Jesus is in fact, the “The Name Above Every Name”, but that it is so in our lives as well.
If you’ve lived long enough you’ll eventually fall in love...and that’s deeper than it first appears. To be sure, we can fall in love with people, but we can also “fall in love” with hobbies, places, careers, possessions...you name it. We can have an absolute deep devotion to and indeed a “trust” in the people and things of this world. But in this message in the “Freed From—Freed For” series, we’re reminded that we are to “fear, love and trust in God...above all things”. Can we love other things? Yes. But we are called to love God above ALL things. In other words, our Lord and Savior, God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is to be “Our One, True, Love.”
If you’ve lived long enough you’ll eventually fall in love...and that’s deeper than it first appears. To be sure, we can fall in love with people, but we can also “fall in love” with hobbies, places, careers, possessions...you name it. We can have an absolute deep devotion to and indeed a “trust” in the people and things of this world. But in this message in the “Freed From—Freed For” series, we’re reminded that we are to “fear, love and trust in God...above all things”. Can we love other things? Yes. But we are called to love God above ALL things. In other words, our Lord and Savior, God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is to be “Our One, True, Love.”
One of the questions that every Christian should ask about their faith is “What do the Ten Commandments have to do with my faith-life today?” The reason you should ask that is that the Lord Jesus Himself said in Matthew five, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” So what does it mean that He is not “abolishing” but “fulfilling” them? To begin with, He fulfilled them for you! He fulfilled the Law, the whole Law, by living a perfect life and doing so...for you! But that being said, the Law, and specifically the Ten Commandments, remains God’s instructions for how we are to live in our in our daily relationship with Him and our daily relationship with others. Are they fulfilled? Are you freed from fulfilling them for yourself? Yes. But are they abolished? No. In other words, we are called as Christians to live in the tension of being freed from the Law, but freed for the Law all at the same time. Thanks be to God, we have indeed been “Freed From—Freed For”.
One of the questions that every Christian should ask about their faith is “What do the Ten Commandments have to do with my faith-life today?” The reason you should ask that is that the Lord Jesus Himself said in Matthew five, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” So what does it mean that He is not “abolishing” but “fulfilling” them? To begin with, He fulfilled them for you! He fulfilled the Law, the whole Law, by living a perfect life and doing so...for you! But that being said, the Law, and specifically the Ten Commandments, remains God’s instructions for how we are to live in our in our daily relationship with Him and our daily relationship with others. Are they fulfilled? Are you freed from fulfilling them for yourself? Yes. But are they abolished? No. In other words, we are called as Christians to live in the tension of being freed from the Law, but freed for the Law all at the same time. Thanks be to God, we have indeed been “Freed From—Freed For”.
Jesus had promised His disciples that He would send them another Helper in the Holy Spirit who would comfort, counsel, guide and advocate for them in fulfilling the Great Commission that He had given to them. At Pentecost Jesus fulfills His promise when the disciples receive the power of the Holy Spirit and immediately take to the streets to spread the news about Jesus. We are reminded this week that Jesus has made His Kingdom accessible to all people. Peter says that any who are far off are welcome to come, repent of their sins and receive the free gift of the forgiveness of Jesus and the gift of His Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of Jesus is truly a Kingdom for all people.
Jesus had promised His disciples that He would send them another Helper in the Holy Spirit who would comfort, counsel, guide and advocate for them in fulfilling the Great Commission that He had given to them. At Pentecost Jesus fulfills His promise when the disciples receive the power of the Holy Spirit and immediately take to the streets to spread the news about Jesus. We are reminded this week that Jesus has made His Kingdom accessible to all people. Peter says that any who are far off are welcome to come, repent of their sins and receive the free gift of the forgiveness of Jesus and the gift of His Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of Jesus is truly a Kingdom for all people.
The Roman Empire valued life, as long as that life helped in them furthering their agenda in the world. In Acts 16 we see Paul and Silas in prison for their faith and they decide it is a good time to sing worship songs to God. As they are singing God miraculously breaks them free, but as they are leaving, they see the Roman guard ready to take his own life for letting them escape. Paul and Silas could have run but instead they stopped the man, valued his life and led this man (and his whole household) to a greater identity in Jesus. As Christians we value all life because Jesus values all life. We follow the lead of the early church as we seek to push back against this worlds view of life and introduce this world to a brand new identity in Jesus.
The Roman Empire valued life, as long as that life helped in them furthering their agenda in the world. In Acts 16 we see Paul and Silas in prison for their faith and they decide it is a good time to sing worship songs to God. As they are singing God miraculously breaks them free, but as they are leaving, they see the Roman guard ready to take his own life for letting them escape. Paul and Silas could have run but instead they stopped the man, valued his life and led this man (and his whole household) to a greater identity in Jesus. As Christians we value all life because Jesus values all life. We follow the lead of the early church as we seek to push back against this worlds view of life and introduce this world to a brand new identity in Jesus.
How we view the family relationship is one of the places that Christianity shines the brightest and yet, also runs most counter to our culture. We live in a “What can I get out of it?” culture. We live in a “How am I going to benefit?” culture. People believe “It’s all for me! It’s all centered in me! It’s all about me!” But for Christians, our lives are lived for others...centered-in and all-about others! And so in the Christian family, we’re not looking for a spouse that “completes” us, we’re looking for a spouse that I can pour myself into and love and serve in Jesus’ name for life. Having kids is not about having a bunch of “mini-me-robots” running around, but if God give us children He also gives us an opportunity to love, serve and nurture them into being loving, serving and nurturing adults. Counter Culture? Absolutely! God’s will? Also absolutely. Today we’ll consider what a true Kingdom Family looks like.
How we view the family relationship is one of the places that Christianity shines the brightest and yet, also runs most counter to our culture. We live in a “What can I get out of it?” culture. We live in a “How am I going to benefit?” culture. People believe “It’s all for me! It’s all centered in me! It’s all about me!” But for Christians, our lives are lived for others...centered-in and all-about others! And so in the Christian family, we’re not looking for a spouse that “completes” us, we’re looking for a spouse that I can pour myself into and love and serve in Jesus’ name for life. Having kids is not about having a bunch of “mini-me-robots” running around, but if God give us children He also gives us an opportunity to love, serve and nurture them into being loving, serving and nurturing adults. Counter Culture? Absolutely! God’s will? Also absolutely. Today we’ll consider what a true Kingdom Family looks like.
During the time of the early church, it was expected to care for the poor of your own family or tribe, but Christians took it to a whole new level. They were giving help & hospitality even to people of other races, people of other religions, and to the poor & outcast of society. Christians went against the values of society that said these people deserved what they were getting in life as they sought to love and alleviate the suffering from their lives. Acts 4 stands as a beautiful example of the unity that Jesus desires for His people and teaches us today what true Kingdom Hospitality can look like.
The culture of the early church was a culture that was founded on the values of shame and honor. Vengeance was expected when someone did you harm and yet the early Church operated from a different set of Kingdom Attitudes. They taught that forgiveness was greater than retaliation and love is greater than hate. This week we look at the example of Barnabas who advocated for Saul to be part of the Christian leadership. Even though Saul had ravaged the church, imprisoned families, and stood by as Stephen was killed Barnabas still led with reconciliation and forgiveness. As Christians Jesus told us that the world would know we are His disciples by the way we love one another. Our God is a God of love, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation and He calls His Church to take these values and live through them for all to see.
The culture of the early church was a culture that was founded on the values of shame and honor. Vengeance was expected when someone did you harm and yet the early Church operated from a different set of Kingdom Attitudes. They taught that forgiveness was greater than retaliation and love is greater than hate. This week we look at the example of Barnabas who advocated for Saul to be part of the Christian leadership. Even though Saul had ravaged the church, imprisoned families, and stood by as Stephen was killed Barnabas still led with reconciliation and forgiveness. As Christians Jesus told us that the world would know we are His disciples by the way we love one another. Our God is a God of love, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation and He calls His Church to take these values and live through them for all to see.
Throughout the book of Acts we see a remarkable unity between people of different races. This was a shock to the current culture who wanted to keep people divided, labeled and living in their own social cast. Christians boasted a new identity where whether you born a slave or free, man or woman, Jew or Gentile, poor or rich, or whatever the world used to divide---were now equal in Christ. This was a radical challenge to the entrenched social structure at the time of the early church as well as a radical challenge to the social structures of today.
Throughout the book of Acts we see a remarkable unity between people of different races. This was a shock to the current culture who wanted to keep people divided, labeled and living in their own social cast. Christians boasted a new identity where whether you born a slave or free, man or woman, Jew or Gentile, poor or rich, or whatever the world used to divide---were now equal in Christ. This was a radical challenge to the entrenched social structure at the time of the early church as well as a radical challenge to the social structures of today.
The foundation for Christian living comes from our unique identity that we have been given through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scripture says that when we were baptized we died to ourselves and live for Jesus alone and His mission on earth. We have been made a people that are in the world but not of the world. A people that live in the values of this world but are not guided by the values of this world. We are also a people who have been sent into this world as ambassadors/witnesses to the truth of Jesus and His love for all. This week we will look again at how incredible our identity in Jesus is and how this stands in contrast to the identity that the world wants us to have.
The foundation for Christian living comes from our unique identity that we have been given through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scripture says that when we were baptized we died to ourselves and live for Jesus alone and His mission on earth. We have been made a people that are in the world but not of the world. A people that live in the values of this world but are not guided by the values of this world. We are also a people who have been sent into this world as ambassadors/witnesses to the truth of Jesus and His love for all. This week we will look again at how incredible our identity in Jesus is and how this stands in contrast to the identity that the world wants us to have.
Our last message was about giving up bitterness in our hearts and it naturally follows that we’d talk about actions connected to letting go on the heels of that subject. You see, if we allow bitterness to take root in our hearts, then the fruit of that root is bound to be seeking vengeance against the person who wronged us. We often “just want to get even” with the person who has wronged us. But that is not the way of the disciple of Jesus. The opposite attitude is what we’re called to display. We are different from the world around us who sees vengeance as the right of the wronged. We are different in that we love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us. We are different in that we leave vengeance to the Lord and His will and instead we love and even serve those who have hurt us, no matter how deep the pain. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No...because nothing is impossible for God and God lives within you...so God lives through you and moves you to the place of “Taking Up Kindness” with everyone, even enemies, every single day.
Our last message was about giving up bitterness in our hearts and it naturally follows that we’d talk about actions connected to letting go on the heels of that subject. You see, if we allow bitterness to take root in our hearts, then the fruit of that root is bound to be seeking vengeance against the person who wronged us. We often “just want to get even” with the person who has wronged us. But that is not the way of the disciple of Jesus. The opposite attitude is what we’re called to display. We are different from the world around us who sees vengeance as the right of the wronged. We are different in that we love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us. We are different in that we leave vengeance to the Lord and His will and instead we love and even serve those who have hurt us, no matter how deep the pain. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No...because nothing is impossible for God and God lives within you...so God lives through you and moves you to the place of “Taking Up Kindness” with everyone, even enemies, every single day.
All of us will be hurt by someone at some point. It’s simply inevitable...living with other sinners in a sinful world...you will get your feelings hurt and sometimes you will be hurt in very serious and deeply permanent ways. And the truth is, even if you are hurt only once...it can breed bitterness in your heart. Having said that, since you live in this sin-torn world and you will very likely be hurt multiple times throughout your life, and so bitterness can become a very real part of your heart and mind and root into the core of your being. But bitterness is not the life of the Christian. Bitterness is in fact the antithesis of the Christian life. We live a life of kindness, joy and forgiveness instead. We don’t hold onto things but instead live a life of “Taking Up Letting Go” every day, as we follow Jesus into this sin-torn world.
How much is enough? That’s an important question to ask ourselves as Christians living in a very affluent society. We may not be rich ourselves, but the truth is, even the poorest of the poor in the U.S. is so far better off than the rest of the world, it’s truly amazing. Unfortunately, that affluence can breed in us a very insidious sin known as “greed” as we look out only for our own interests and not the interests of others. We can become greedy, hoarding for ourselves, rather than what the Lord calls us to be...generous...giving to others. In fact, it really doesn’t matter how much or how little we have, we can all be driven to greed rather than what the Lord calls us to...namely, “Taking Up Generosity”. Today we remember that the Christian life is a generous life.
How much is enough? That’s an important question to ask ourselves as Christians living in a very affluent society. We may not be rich ourselves, but the truth is, even the poorest of the poor in the U.S. is so far better off than the rest of the world, it’s truly amazing. Unfortunately, that affluence can breed in us a very insidious sin known as “greed” as we look out only for our own interests and not the interests of others. We can become greedy, hoarding for ourselves, rather than what the Lord calls us to be...generous...giving to others. In fact, it really doesn’t matter how much or how little we have, we can all be driven to greed rather than what the Lord calls us to...namely, “Taking Up Generosity”. Today we remember that the Christian life is a generous life.
All of us suffer to one extent or another with the “thing” called anxiety. Why are we anxious? Well, likely, there are as many answers to that question as there are people. We all have different reasons, different triggers, that bring on anxious feelings. While we will all struggle with it, and the whole of our lives we will always struggle with it, Christians are not to be anxious people. We are instead to trust in our loving Lord and Savior who not only has our best interests at heart but furthermore provides for our best interests every day. Looking to our amazing God and gracious Savior, as followers of Jesus we live a life of “Taking Up Trust” as we stand by and watch our Lord provide for our every need, or as Jesus said it, as we watch “all these things being added unto us”.
Unfortunately, our sinful human nature brings many things our way, but one of the more heinous things it brings is pride. While some will tell me that they aren’t “prideful” in any way, in truth, all of us are because pride is at the heart of sin. Pride is what causes us to be a self-focused “creature” and that description reminds us that every human being struggles with it. We want things done “my way” and sometimes we are so bold to indicate that we want things done “my way” or offer people “the highway”. But the Christian doesn’t live that way. The Christian lives “His way”...period. And “His way” is a life of humility and not pride. “His way” is a life of humble service to Jesus by humbly living in this world and humbly serving others in His name. So today we remember that our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Humility”.
Unfortunately, our sinful human nature brings many things our way, but one of the more heinous things it brings is pride. While some will tell me that they aren’t “prideful” in any way, in truth, all of us are because pride is at the heart of sin. Pride is what causes us to be a self-focused “creature” and that description reminds us that every human being struggles with it. We want things done “my way” and sometimes we are so bold to indicate that we want things done “my way” or offer people “the highway”. But the Christian doesn’t live that way. The Christian lives “His way”...period. And “His way” is a life of humility and not pride. “His way” is a life of humble service to Jesus by humbly living in this world and humbly serving others in His name. So today we remember that our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Humility”.
Seems like there is so much to be afraid of in our world. We’re afraid of our inner-cities. We’re afraid of our suburbs. We’re afraid of pandemics. We’re afraid of a tanking economy. We’re afraid of climate change. We’re afraid of so many things and what brings fear our way is different for everyone! So it’s very comforting to know that as a follower of Jesus, we can in fact, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be a people who are “Taking Up Boldness”. Now we’ll still fear things, both temporal and eternal, but in Christ and through Christ we can give up fear and instead, remember our loving Lord has us firmly in His almighty hands every single day. Today we remember that our Christian life is one of daily “Taking Up Boldness”.
Many people are convinced that our Country is “divided”...and in many ways it is. There are certainly divisions along party lines and even divisions about core values. That’s simply going to be the way it is in these “United” States, since with human beings there will always be divisions. That truth is why it’s so critical for the Church, and more to the point, for followers of Jesus, to live lives of unity and solidarity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we as Christian people would be “one” even as He and the Father were one...now that’s unity! And that is in fact God’s will for us...unity, not division. So today we’re reminded that following Jesus, living our Christian faith, is one of “Taking Up Unity”.
Many people are convinced that our Country is “divided”...and in many ways it is. There are certainly divisions along party lines and even divisions about core values. That’s simply going to be the way it is in these “United” States, since with human beings there will always be divisions. That truth is why it’s so critical for the Church, and more to the point, for followers of Jesus, to live lives of unity and solidarity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we as Christian people would be “one” even as He and the Father were one...now that’s unity! And that is in fact God’s will for us...unity, not division. So today we’re reminded that following Jesus, living our Christian faith, is one of “Taking Up Unity”.
t genuinely seems that our world is becoming a very angry place to live. People are easily touched off and as such can be aggressive and hateful and hurtful. After all, we live in what has been called “The Cancel Culture” where someone’s anger towards another person or their actions can genuinely ruin careers and families and sadly, people’s lives. We are not called to “man’s anger” as James wrote it, but we are instead called to peaceful, loving, gentle lives, showing others who Jesus is to us and who He can be for them. Today we remember that our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Peace”.
We know the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” and yet...we do that very thing all the time, don’t we? We are a judgmental people and our judgments are often based on outward “things”, the “things” we think we know about the person we are judging. The Lord reminds us that there is only One Judge and He reminds us the the “One Judge” ain’t you! James writes it this way: “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12. Today we remember to love the people around us no matter what, look in the mirror at our own fallen-ness and to let God be God. Today we therefore remember that our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up A Mirror”.
We know the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” and yet...we do that very thing all the time, don’t we? We are a judgmental people and our judgments are often based on outward “things”, the “things” we think we know about the person we are judging. The Lord reminds us that there is only One Judge and He reminds us the the “One Judge” ain’t you! James writes it this way: “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12. Today we remember to love the people around us no matter what, look in the mirror at our own fallen-ness and to let God be God. Today we therefore remember that our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up A Mirror”.
We begin our Lenten journey with what is perhaps the most difficult thing for us to give up...during Lent or otherwise...and that being giving up ourselves. To be sure, the Lord wants us to love ourselves and take care of ourselves and view ourselves as valuable creations of His almighty hand. But true Christianity is one of self-denial...more than that...one of dying to self and doing so on a daily basis that you may unhindered, follow Jesus wherever He wants you to go. As we begin our “Taking Up” sermon series, we begin by “Taking Up” what will cause us to truly live for Jesus in this world. As we give up ourselves, we find it easier to live for Jesus daily and follow Him! So today we remember that your Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Selflessness”.
Regardless of your personality type, “introvert” or “extrovert”, everyone has issues with giving up control. As sinful human beings, we want things our way and our personality type simply dictates how aggressively we pursue our controlling behavior. As a Christian however, the identity which supersedes our personality types and our behaviors, we are called to give up control, open our hands and “let go”, otherwise said, let the Lord have His way in our lives. We may not always understand where He is leading us or why, but nonetheless, since He always wants what’s best for us, we give up control and quite simply, follow Him. So today we remember our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Open Hands”.
Regardless of your personality type, “introvert” or “extrovert”, everyone has issues with giving up control. As sinful human beings, we want things our way and our personality type simply dictates how aggressively we pursue our controlling behavior. As a Christian however, the identity which supersedes our personality types and our behaviors, we are called to give up control, open our hands and “let go”, otherwise said, let the Lord have His way in our lives. We may not always understand where He is leading us or why, but nonetheless, since He always wants what’s best for us, we give up control and quite simply, follow Him. So today we remember our Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Open Hands”.
We begin our Lenten journey with what is perhaps the most difficult thing for us to give up...during Lent or otherwise...and that being giving up ourselves. To be sure, the Lord wants us to love ourselves and take care of ourselves and view ourselves as valuable creations of His almighty hand. But true Christianity is one of self-denial...more than that...one of dying to self and doing so on a daily basis that you may unhindered, follow Jesus wherever He wants you to go. As we begin our “Taking Up” sermon series, we begin by “Taking Up” what will cause us to truly live for Jesus in this world. As we give up ourselves, we find it easier to live for Jesus daily and follow Him! So today we remember that your Christian faith is one of “Taking Up Selflessness”.
We began this series looking at the sweet promise that God has forgiven us of all our sins. This week we look at the promise that God will use us to spread this news throughout the world. C.S. Lewis famously wrote “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you”. There is no greater joy God could give to us than to be used by Him to spread the news of His love and mercy for this world and to be used as an ambassador of His forgiveness for all!
We began this series looking at the sweet promise that God has forgiven us of all our sins. This week we look at the promise that God will use us to spread this news throughout the world. C.S. Lewis famously wrote “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you”. There is no greater joy God could give to us than to be used by Him to spread the news of His love and mercy for this world and to be used as an ambassador of His forgiveness for all!
For all of us, the forced social isolation, and required physical disconnection from people, has been incredibly difficult. This week we remember that it isn’t the church building, the worship style, or even if we are in person that unites us as a people but in fact it is God Himself that unites us. Jesus said that true worship won’t happen at this place or at this time, but true worship will happen in Spirit and in truth. Whether or not we’re in the church building, or at home, we are united as God’s people and find comfort and strength in this promise.
For all of us, the forced social isolation, and required physical disconnection from people, has been incredibly difficult. This week we remember that it isn’t the church building, the worship style, or even if we are in person that unites us as a people but in fact it is God Himself that unites us. Jesus said that true worship won’t happen at this place or at this time, but true worship will happen in Spirit and in truth. Whether or not we’re in the church building, or at home, we are united as God’s people and find comfort and strength in this promise.
The calendar year 2020 has taught us all many lessons it seems. Don’t take toilet paper for granted, community is an essential piece of our lives, don’t leave home without your mask, and it is no fun to feel a sense of powerlessness in our lives. I have a secret for you though, come close and I will tell you, there is a way to feel content, and even strong, no matter what is going on in your life. The secret is that it has nothing to do with you and your strength and everything to do with God and His strength in you. This week we rest and find strength in the promise that God makes that He will empower us for whatever life brings us.
The calendar year 2020 has taught us all many lessons it seems. Don’t take toilet paper for granted, community is an essential piece of our lives, don’t leave home without your mask, and it is no fun to feel a sense of powerlessness in our lives. I have a secret for you though, come close and I will tell you, there is a way to feel content, and even strong, no matter what is going on in your life. The secret is that it has nothing to do with you and your strength and everything to do with God and His strength in you. This week we rest and find strength in the promise that God makes that He will empower us for whatever life brings us.
The double helix of the promises of God is that God will be our provider and our protector every day of our lives. When God makes a promise, He always fulfills His promise, and the promise you can rest in this week is that God is fighting for you. What an incredible image it is to picture the God of the universe going to battle for you, standing over you, surrounding you with His angels, and guarding and protecting you throughout your entire life. We find comfort and strength in this phrase again today “If God is for us then who can be against us?”
The double helix of the promises of God is that God will be our provider and our protector every day of our lives. When God makes a promise, He always fulfills His promise, and the promise you can rest in this week is that God is fighting for you. What an incredible image it is to picture the God of the universe going to battle for you, standing over you, surrounding you with His angels, and guarding and protecting you throughout your entire life. We find comfort and strength in this phrase again today “If God is for us then who can be against us?”
In Isaiah 9:6 God is said to be “Wonderful Counselor” and this means that God is wonderful at guiding and directing our lives or making strategic plans and leading us in them. God has made each of us a promise that He will guide and lead our lives in accordance with His will. He has a plan for His Church and for everyone who is a part of His Church. Romans 8 says that all things work together for the good of those who love God according to His purposes. God makes the plan, God guides the steps, we trust in His leading, and all of it is for His Glory and Our Good.
There are many sayings people will use when it comes to explaining God’s presence with us. People say things like, “He is watching over me!” or “He is walking with me!” or “He is with me always!” or “God is near!” and many others like these. Scripturally, all of these are accurate and true and worth clinging to tightly! But God has made another promise that is even more incredible than all of these phrases and that is the promise that He will come to live inside of us. This week we look at this incredible promise that God is in us, the fullness of the Triune God, lives inside our bodies! Within this promise is where we find our true strength and our true hope no matter what is going on in our lives!
There are many sayings people will use when it comes to explaining God’s presence with us. People say things like, “He is watching over me!” or “He is walking with me!” or “He is with me always!” or “God is near!” and many others like these. Scripturally, all of these are accurate and true and worth clinging to tightly! But God has made another promise that is even more incredible than all of these phrases and that is the promise that He will come to live inside of us. This week we look at this incredible promise that God is in us, the fullness of the Triune God, lives inside our bodies! Within this promise is where we find our true strength and our true hope no matter what is going on in our lives!
Is there any sweeter phrase that can be spoken to us than “Your sins are forgiven”? This week we rest in the timeless promise that through Jesus we have received the greatest of gifts of all, and that is the entire forgiveness of ALL our sins. This promise will never change, never transition and never need innovation. It’s a promise that will be true every day, every week, every year of our life and on into the Kingdom of God!
Is there any sweeter phrase that can be spoken to us than “Your sins are forgiven”? This week we rest in the timeless promise that through Jesus we have received the greatest of gifts of all, and that is the entire forgiveness of ALL our sins. This promise will never change, never transition and never need innovation. It’s a promise that will be true every day, every week, every year of our life and on into the Kingdom of God!
The website living-on-purpose.net defines a person’s personal legacy as, “Your Personal Legacy is more than simply a statement of how you wish to be remembered after you pass on. It is something that enriches your life and reveals you and what your life is about to your family, friends, and your community. ... Live a life that serves as an example of what an exceptional life can look like.” The reason I share that with you is because I feel more and more people are worried about what their personal legacy will be. How will they be remembered and what was the sum total of their life about? In Luke 2:22-38 we are introduced to Simeon and we learn that what Simeon wanted the most was to meet the Savior. Simeon is said to have been righteous & devout but the legacy he leaves for us to remember him by is that He wanted to see Jesus, meet Jesus, and then He could die a happy man. We are reminded this week that Jesus is our only Hope to an exceptional life, enriched life and a life that leaves an eternal legacy.
The website living-on-purpose.net defines a person’s personal legacy as, “Your Personal Legacy is more than simply a statement of how you wish to be remembered after you pass on. It is something that enriches your life and reveals you and what your life is about to your family, friends, and your community. ... Live a life that serves as an example of what an exceptional life can look like.” The reason I share that with you is because I feel more and more people are worried about what their personal legacy will be. How will they be remembered and what was the sum total of their life about? In Luke 2:22-38 we are introduced to Simeon and we learn that what Simeon wanted the most was to meet the Savior. Simeon is said to have been righteous & devout but the legacy he leaves for us to remember him by is that He wanted to see Jesus, meet Jesus, and then He could die a happy man. We are reminded this week that Jesus is our only Hope to an exceptional life, enriched life and a life that leaves an eternal legacy.
The definition for purpose is “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” It says in Luke 2 that the Shepherds were doing what Shepherds do. They were fulfilling their purpose as they sat out in the fields watching their flocks at night. It was while they were doing what they felt they were supposed to do that God showed them what they were made to do. In a powerful moment of time the Shepherds saw that there was something far greater than themselves and they had to be a part of it! Jesus is the greatest thing that a person could live for. If your life feels like it lacks meaning, drive or purpose this week we look to Jesus and we see that He is our only Hope for true unending Purpose.
This week we are brought into a moment of incredible joy for Mary and Elizabeth. On the outside you might think it is because they are both pregnant at the same time, or maybe because they haven’t seen each other in a long time but when we read the Magnificat, we realize the source of their joy is much deeper than that. Mary & Elizabeth realize they are part of God’s plan to bring renewal to their people. They realize God is up to something and they have been graced to be a part of it. This same joy is available to all of us as we see that through Jesus, we have been brought into the greatest story ever told and that is God’s love story for His people.
This week we are brought into a moment of incredible joy for Mary and Elizabeth. On the outside you might think it is because they are both pregnant at the same time, or maybe because they haven’t seen each other in a long time but when we read the Magnificat, we realize the source of their joy is much deeper than that. Mary & Elizabeth realize they are part of God’s plan to bring renewal to their people. They realize God is up to something and they have been graced to be a part of it. This same joy is available to all of us as we see that through Jesus, we have been brought into the greatest story ever told and that is God’s love story for His people.
This week we see Jesus walk into a hopeless situation bringing a freedom that no one thought possible. Scripture tells us that this man was controlled by powers outside himself, lived amongst the darkness, was in constant torment, and caused many people a lot of pain. Now we know this man was possessed by many demons, but when you speak to people who have suffered under the control of addictions, depression, and oppressions describe those situations in much the same way. There are many in our communities, workplaces and even families who are struggling under powers from outside themselves and many feel they are` in a hopeless situation. Isaiah 61:1 reminds us that Jesus came to liberate those who are captive, set free those who are bound, and He alone is our only Hope at Freedom
What a situation Mary & Joseph were brought into by God! A newly engaged couple, a teenage pregnancy, and a fiancé trying to do the right thing by his religion, his community, his fiancé and himself. Joseph felt the only thing he could do was quietly divorce Mary but we see that God had other plans for their relationship. God intervened, Joseph listened, and they went on to raise the hope for all relationships on earth...Jesus! Reality is that many of us have been trying to handle our relationships with our own wisdom, and own strength for a long time but this week we remember that God is only Hope for Relationships.
What a situation Mary & Joseph were brought into by God! A newly engaged couple, a teenage pregnancy, and a fiancé trying to do the right thing by his religion, his community, his fiancé and himself. Joseph felt the only thing he could do was quietly divorce Mary but we see that God had other plans for their relationship. God intervened, Joseph listened, and they went on to raise the hope for all relationships on earth...Jesus! Reality is that many of us have been trying to handle our relationships with our own wisdom, and own strength for a long time but this week we remember that God is only Hope for Relationships.
The most popular Christmas hymn is Silent Night but when Jesus came to this world is was anything but silent. The world is in pain, people do evil things and chaos is everywhere and Jesus was born right into the middle of the pain, evil and chaos that sin brings. This week we look at the situation that Jesus was born into so that we can remember are true Hope for Peace. John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
We begin our Advent journey looking at our Hope for Healing. So many people are waiting, have been waiting, or are just starting their journeys with hoping that they might find healing for their illness or the illness of a loved one. In our Gospel reading we meet two people who are looking for Jesus to bring healing to their lives. Jairus needs Jesus to heal his daughter and the woman needs Jesus to heal her bleeding ailment. In these stories we see Jesus perform miracles and heal them both, but we also remember this week that we have all been promised healing. The greatest healing came when Jesus forgave our sins and promised us that no matter what we face in this life we have a certain Hope for Healing in Him.
We begin our Advent journey looking at our Hope for Healing. So many people are waiting, have been waiting, or are just starting their journeys with hoping that they might find healing for their illness or the illness of a loved one. In our Gospel reading we meet two people who are looking for Jesus to bring healing to their lives. Jairus needs Jesus to heal his daughter and the woman needs Jesus to heal her bleeding ailment. In these stories we see Jesus perform miracles and heal them both, but we also remember this week that we have all been promised healing. The greatest healing came when Jesus forgave our sins and promised us that no matter what we face in this life we have a certain Hope for Healing in Him.
How amazing is it that God gives us faith! He doesn’t leave us on our own, but He comes to us through the Gospel that we might come to Him! But He brings us to faith for a purpose...namely, to be faithful to Him every day. Amazingly however, He not only brings us faith but He also causes us to be faithful in and through Him as well! Even our righteous deeds, done in His name, are done by the power of the Holy Spirit! Today we remember that Jesus causes us to live for Him and so today we are “Thankful for Faithfulness”!
How amazing is it that God gives us faith! He doesn’t leave us on our own, but He comes to us through the Gospel that we might come to Him! But He brings us to faith for a purpose...namely, to be faithful to Him every day. Amazingly however, He not only brings us faith but He also causes us to be faithful in and through Him as well! Even our righteous deeds, done in His name, are done by the power of the Holy Spirit! Today we remember that Jesus causes us to live for Him and so today we are “Thankful for Faithfulness”!
God is so good to us in that He brings us into this world to live and breath and have our being in Him! Unfortunately, our sinful human nature, which is inextricably linked to our created bodies, keeps us from trusting in Him as our Savior. Amazingly however, in the same way that the Lord gives us life, He also gives us eternal life! Today we remember that the Lord engenders faith in our sinful hearts and so today we also remember to be “Thankful for Faith”!
God is so good to us in that He brings us into this world to live and breath and have our being in Him! Unfortunately, our sinful human nature, which is inextricably linked to our created bodies, keeps us from trusting in Him as our Savior. Amazingly however, in the same way that the Lord gives us life, He also gives us eternal life! Today we remember that the Lord engenders faith in our sinful hearts and so today we also remember to be “Thankful for Faith”!
With the gift of life comes the need to sustain our life. We completely understand that the life in our bodies is a gift from God but we often think that the “daily bread” part comes by our hard work! We genuinely believe that we “put bread on the table”. But today, we’ll remember that it is the Lord who feeds us! The Lord puts bread on our table and sustains us with everything else we need for life and living. Therefore, today we remember to be “Thankful for Daily Bread.”
With the gift of life comes the need to sustain our life. We completely understand that the life in our bodies is a gift from God but we often think that the “daily bread” part comes by our hard work! We genuinely believe that we “put bread on the table”. But today, we’ll remember that it is the Lord who feeds us! The Lord puts bread on our table and sustains us with everything else we need for life and living. Therefore, today we remember to be “Thankful for Daily Bread.”
What an amazing gift God has given us in giving us our life! He placed us in our mother’s womb! He ordained our birthday! He gave us life and has done so with purpose and forethought. He planned you. He made you. He set you on your path. How amazing is our Lord that He cares so much for us? How amazing is it that we have been given life through His almighty hand. Remembering those truths, we are “Thankful for Life” today!
What an amazing gift God has given us in giving us our life! He placed us in our mother’s womb! He ordained our birthday! He gave us life and has done so with purpose and forethought. He planned you. He made you. He set you on your path. How amazing is our Lord that He cares so much for us? How amazing is it that we have been given life through His almighty hand. Remembering those truths, we are “Thankful for Life” today!
One of the more common images that Jesus gave for our faith-life was the image of a planted seed. Jesus wanted us to understand that the Gospel “seed” once planted, not only takes root but also grows the whole of our life. So, when we consider our life in Christ, we must remember that living in and through Jesus means that we are growing in our faith every day. In fact, we are growing by the power of the Holy Spirit towards a maturity that Christ wants in the life of every believer. While we will not be “complete” until we die or the Second Coming happens, in our life in Christ we are all growing into “Mature” men and women of God in His sight every single day.
One of the more common images that Jesus gave for our faith-life was the image of a planted seed. Jesus wanted us to understand that the Gospel “seed” once planted, not only takes root but also grows the whole of our life. So, when we consider our life in Christ, we must remember that living in and through Jesus means that we are growing in our faith every day. In fact, we are growing by the power of the Holy Spirit towards a maturity that Christ wants in the life of every believer. While we will not be “complete” until we die or the Second Coming happens, in our life in Christ we are all growing into “Mature” men and women of God in His sight every single day.
Today’s segment of Colossians one brings up something that is hard for us to understand as Christian people. We believe that we are sinners...that’s not a problem. We believe that we are forgiven...and we love that truth. But do we really believe that we are “holy” in God’s sight? Do we even come close to trusting that we are “blameless” and “above reproach”? Those are amazing words and they are also hard words to believe because we know ourselves too well. We look in the mirror and know how sinful we really are. Today we’ll remember that it’s not how you look to yourself that matters, but how you look to God. And in our life in Christ, we are in His sight, “Holy, Blameless, Above Reproach”...thanks be to God!
Today’s segment of Colossians one brings up something that is hard for us to understand as Christian people. We believe that we are sinners...that’s not a problem. We believe that we are forgiven...and we love that truth. But do we really believe that we are “holy” in God’s sight? Do we even come close to trusting that we are “blameless” and “above reproach”? Those are amazing words and they are also hard words to believe because we know ourselves too well. We look in the mirror and know how sinful we really are. Today we’ll remember that it’s not how you look to yourself that matters, but how you look to God. And in our life in Christ, we are in His sight, “Holy, Blameless, Above Reproach”...thanks be to God!
For the most part we all understand that we have been created by God, and yet, we can even be more specific and say we were created by Jesus. We often call Jesus our “Redeemer” but we understand from God’s Word that He is also our “Creator”. John 1:1-5 reminds us that Jesus is in fact, our Creator God saying that “all things came into being by Him”, referring to Jesus. But Paul adds something to Jesus’ status as our “Creator” when he reminds us that we were not only created “through Him”...but we were also created “for Him”. In other words...He made us, therefore He owns us. Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 6 “You are not your own, you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God with your bodies.” We are not our own. We are created by Him. We are purchased by Him. We belong to Him. We are His. And that has definite implications on how we live our lives in this world! We remember today then, in our life in Christ we have been “Created Through Him and For Him.”
For the most part we all understand that we have been created by God, and yet, we can even be more specific and say we were created by Jesus. We often call Jesus our “Redeemer” but we understand from God’s Word that He is also our “Creator”. John 1:1-5 reminds us that Jesus is in fact, our Creator God saying that “all things came into being by Him”, referring to Jesus. But Paul adds something to Jesus’ status as our “Creator” when he reminds us that we were not only created “through Him”...but we were also created “for Him”. In other words...He made us, therefore He owns us. Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 6 “You are not your own, you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God with your bodies.” We are not our own. We are created by Him. We are purchased by Him. We belong to Him. We are His. And that has definite implications on how we live our lives in this world! We remember today then, in our life in Christ we have been “Created Through Him and For Him.”
What an amazing truth we’ll encounter today! As we step into Colossians chapter one today we are reminded that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of Light! But even more amazing is the fact that the Lord Jesus willingly entered into the darkness of our sin, more than that, was even swallowed up by the darkness of our sin, in order to deliver us into the Kingdom of Light, both now and forevermore! Our Life in Christ sermon series in total, but especially today, will be a reminder that we have been “Delivered and Transferred” by our Loving Lord Jesus Himself!
What an amazing truth we’ll encounter today! As we step into Colossians chapter one today we are reminded that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of Light! But even more amazing is the fact that the Lord Jesus willingly entered into the darkness of our sin, more than that, was even swallowed up by the darkness of our sin, in order to deliver us into the Kingdom of Light, both now and forevermore! Our Life in Christ sermon series in total, but especially today, will be a reminder that we have been “Delivered and Transferred” by our Loving Lord Jesus Himself!
We have all been given gifts, skills and abilities that are unique to ourselves and all of them are a gift from God. Psalm 139 says that God made us, knit us, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He designed everything about us and that includes the gifts and talents He has given us. These gifts and talents weren’t meant just so that we could serve our own purposes with them but so that we could serve others with them. Unfortunately, there are so many people who, for one reason or another, bury those talents and don’t put them to work for God’s Kingdom. How does God desire you to serve and bless others as you use…His gifts and talents?
We have all been given gifts, skills and abilities that are unique to ourselves and all of them are a gift from God. Psalm 139 says that God made us, knit us, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He designed everything about us and that includes the gifts and talents He has given us. These gifts and talents weren’t meant just so that we could serve our own purposes with them but so that we could serve others with them. Unfortunately, there are so many people who, for one reason or another, bury those talents and don’t put them to work for God’s Kingdom. How does God desire you to serve and bless others as you use…His gifts and talents?
Scripture has a lot to say about money and most of the messages revolve around the reality that it is a gift from God, that much good can be done with it, that our hearts our prone to lust after it, and that we need to be careful because it can very quickly become something that we desire even more than God Himself. As God’s people we have been called to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and God promises that as we do, He will provide for us everything we need. Think of all the ways that we can be a blessing to others as we steward well…His Money.
In the beginning God created everything. From the stars in the heavens to the fish in the oceans and every tree, plant and animal… everything found its existence in the imagination of God. Adam & Eve were given the responsibility of watching over, caring for, and working this creation that God had given to them. We honor God as we take care of the gift that He has given and not just using it for whatever we want to use it for. When you look out at the environment today, and you see how humanity is treating it, no wonder creation is longing for the return of Jesus! So what part do we each play in the stewardship of…His Environment?
In the beginning God created everything. From the stars in the heavens to the fish in the oceans and every tree, plant and animal… everything found its existence in the imagination of God. Adam & Eve were given the responsibility of watching over, caring for, and working this creation that God had given to them. We honor God as we take care of the gift that He has given and not just using it for whatever we want to use it for. When you look out at the environment today, and you see how humanity is treating it, no wonder creation is longing for the return of Jesus! So what part do we each play in the stewardship of…His Environment?
In the beginning God created our bodies from the dust of the ground and then it was His breath in us that gave us life. God is life and apart from God there is no life to be found. Jesus came as to not only redeem our souls but to redeem our bodies as well. Jesus came to forgive us, renew us, heal us, and then fill us with the Holy Spirit. Paul says we are now temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are to honor God with our bodies. We honor God with the decisions we make as we treat well this gift that has been given to us by God…His Body
As we conclude the “love” segment of our Faith.Hope.Love sermon series, we do so with a call to action and an opportunity for action! Love is a verb after all! Love does things for others! Our message today will be a reminder that we never worry about our own resources, how much we have or don’t have as the case may be. We will remember that we simply put our “Love in Action” regardless of the personal ramifications involved. When we do so, we are then reminded that Jesus provides for us so that we can provide for others in turn. But today we will be reminded that we don’t just talk the talk but we walk the walk as we will literally be reaching into the lives of people in our community who need to see and experience the love of God in Jesus Christ. Today we we be reminded of “Love in Action” but we will, as a congregation, also put love into action!
As we conclude the “love” segment of our Faith.Hope.Love sermon series, we do so with a call to action and an opportunity for action! Love is a verb after all! Love does things for others! Our message today will be a reminder that we never worry about our own resources, how much we have or don’t have as the case may be. We will remember that we simply put our “Love in Action” regardless of the personal ramifications involved. When we do so, we are then reminded that Jesus provides for us so that we can provide for others in turn. But today we will be reminded that we don’t just talk the talk but we walk the walk as we will literally be reaching into the lives of people in our community who need to see and experience the love of God in Jesus Christ. Today we we be reminded of “Love in Action” but we will, as a congregation, also put love into action!
Inevitably we are going to come across people who are different than we are. Inevitably we will encounter men and women whose lives are even the antithesis of who we are. Could be their life-style...could be their race...could be their faith life. Whatever it is, they are seen by us, perhaps only in our hearts and minds as some sort of “outcast”. But our Lord Jesus calls us to show His love to everyone...not just the ones we love or the ones we are attracted to...but everyone. In fact, you could make the case that the Lord wants us to seek out the outcast and show them the love of God in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ example today we will be reminded that we are to show His “Love for the Outcast” every single day.
Inevitably we are going to come across people who are different than we are. Inevitably we will encounter men and women whose lives are even the antithesis of who we are. Could be their life-style...could be their race...could be their faith life. Whatever it is, they are seen by us, perhaps only in our hearts and minds as some sort of “outcast”. But our Lord Jesus calls us to show His love to everyone...not just the ones we love or the ones we are attracted to...but everyone. In fact, you could make the case that the Lord wants us to seek out the outcast and show them the love of God in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ example today we will be reminded that we are to show His “Love for the Outcast” every single day.
Our first message in this series talked about loving hateful people...but what happens when that hate is directed towards you and your faith? What happens when you are persecuted for your faith? How do you handle that? How do you show love for someone who is not only your enemy, but also the enemy of God? You know the answer...and you know the answer because it’s Christ’s answer “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Hard? Really, really hard? Yes. But impossible? No. Christ loved His enemies and through Him we can have “Love for the Enemy” too.
Our first message in this series talked about loving hateful people...but what happens when that hate is directed towards you and your faith? What happens when you are persecuted for your faith? How do you handle that? How do you show love for someone who is not only your enemy, but also the enemy of God? You know the answer...and you know the answer because it’s Christ’s answer “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Hard? Really, really hard? Yes. But impossible? No. Christ loved His enemies and through Him we can have “Love for the Enemy” too.
This is a subject that many Christians struggle with. Many Christians believe that passivity is the only way that Christians can show the love of God. After all, just last week we explored the idea that showing Jesus’ love and mercy to someone is the best way to combat hate, so clearly if someone in our lives is doing something wrong then simply showing them an abundance of His love and mercy will fix the problem. And yes, that is true, but we are also called to bring discipline into the lives of those we love when they are in error. Is it hard? Does it feel “judgmental” at times? Will we be called out for doing so? Yes. But nonetheless, we are to remember that often, as Christians, “Love and Discipline” will in fact walk hand in hand!
This is a subject that many Christians struggle with. Many Christians believe that passivity is the only way that Christians can show the love of God. After all, just last week we explored the idea that showing Jesus’ love and mercy to someone is the best way to combat hate, so clearly if someone in our lives is doing something wrong then simply showing them an abundance of His love and mercy will fix the problem. And yes, that is true, but we are also called to bring discipline into the lives of those we love when they are in error. Is it hard? Does it feel “judgmental” at times? Will we be called out for doing so? Yes. But nonetheless, we are to remember that often, as Christians, “Love and Discipline” will in fact walk hand in hand!
We live in a world where people want what they want and they will run over whoever they have to get what they want. People often only care about getting their own way even if it means the demise of those around them. How do we “combat” that as Christians? We could push back, fight against it, put them in their place...or...we could follow Jesus’ example of love and mercy and let Him and His powerful love and mercy overtake them and change them into the people He wants them to be. Living in His love and mercy is true, Christ-centered, “Love for a Hate-filled World”.
We live in a world where people want what they want and they will run over whoever they have to get what they want. People often only care about getting their own way even if it means the demise of those around them. How do we “combat” that as Christians? We could push back, fight against it, put them in their place...or...we could follow Jesus’ example of love and mercy and let Him and His powerful love and mercy overtake them and change them into the people He wants them to be. Living in His love and mercy is true, Christ-centered, “Love for a Hate-filled World”.
This is the second time in this summer sermon series that we will consider the Second Coming of Jesus. This time however, we will consider not what happens on the “other side”, but that Jesus’ promise of returning for us is sure and certain. Our hope for the future is based in a promise from the Bible that Christ will return. Our hope for the future is based in how trustworthy are Christ’s words “I will come back and take you to be where I am”. Do we have a sure and certain “Hope for the Future?” Yes. And we do, because Christ’s promises are always sure and certain and He alone is then our “Hope for the Future”, both now and always!
This is the second time in this summer sermon series that we will consider the Second Coming of Jesus. This time however, we will consider not what happens on the “other side”, but that Jesus’ promise of returning for us is sure and certain. Our hope for the future is based in a promise from the Bible that Christ will return. Our hope for the future is based in how trustworthy are Christ’s words “I will come back and take you to be where I am”. Do we have a sure and certain “Hope for the Future?” Yes. And we do, because Christ’s promises are always sure and certain and He alone is then our “Hope for the Future”, both now and always!
Last week we considered hope for those who are paralyzed by fear and this week we consider hope for those who are literally paralyzed...paralyzed by the illness and disease that this world brings our way. All of us will experience it to some extent or another, whether in our own life or the life of another, a loved-one, a friend. But is there hope for the physically hurting? Is there healing even if our bodies continue to be tied up by sickness and disease? Indeed there is...healing or not...we remember today that Jesus brings “Hope for the Hurting”!
Last week we considered hope for those who are paralyzed by fear and this week we consider hope for those who are literally paralyzed...paralyzed by the illness and disease that this world brings our way. All of us will experience it to some extent or another, whether in our own life or the life of another, a loved-one, a friend. But is there hope for the physically hurting? Is there healing even if our bodies continue to be tied up by sickness and disease? Indeed there is...healing or not...we remember today that Jesus brings “Hope for the Hurting”!
When we as Christians talk about the concept of “Hope”, we are most concerned about a person having the “hope of eternal life” or as it is written in 1Peter chapter one “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” 1Peter 1:3. We have a deep desire for people everywhere to have the hope the the Resurrection of Jesus alone can give, namely, everlasting, never-ending life. Today we’ll explore how God uses us as Christian people in this world to bring “Hope for the Lost!”
When we as Christians talk about the concept of “Hope”, we are most concerned about a person having the “hope of eternal life” or as it is written in 1Peter chapter one “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” 1Peter 1:3. We have a deep desire for people everywhere to have the hope the the Resurrection of Jesus alone can give, namely, everlasting, never-ending life. Today we’ll explore how God uses us as Christian people in this world to bring “Hope for the Lost!”
Our final message in this segment of our “Faith” section of the "Faith.Hope.Love" sermon series reminds us that someday our journey of faith will come to an end...or will it? In fact, our short life lived here on earth will come to its completion but when we die or the Second Coming happens, our faith life on this earth will be complete, but we will just begin our journey with the Lord Jesus...a journey that is as eternal as the Lord Himself. Today we’ll consider the amazing truth about heaven, eternity and “The Completion of Faith” for the Christian!
Our final message in this segment of our “Faith” section of the "Faith.Hope.Love" sermon series reminds us that someday our journey of faith will come to an end...or will it? In fact, our short life lived here on earth will come to its completion but when we die or the Second Coming happens, our faith life on this earth will be complete, but we will just begin our journey with the Lord Jesus...a journey that is as eternal as the Lord Himself. Today we’ll consider the amazing truth about heaven, eternity and “The Completion of Faith” for the Christian!
Today, as we explore God’s Word, we are reminded that we are given the gift of faith, we are given the growth of our faith, and we are so, because the Lord brought us into “The Life of Faith”. Our faith in Jesus isn’t just a systematic belief but it is in fact a day to day, hour by hour, lifestyle as we live in the love that Jesus has given to us and live out the love Jesus has given to us by our faith in Him. Today we’ll consider the amazing truth that as Christ-Followers we have been brought into “The Life of Faith”.
Today, as we explore God’s Word, we are reminded that we are given the gift of faith, we are given the growth of our faith, and we are so, because the Lord brought us into “The Life of Faith”. Our faith in Jesus isn’t just a systematic belief but it is in fact a day to day, hour by hour, lifestyle as we live in the love that Jesus has given to us and live out the love Jesus has given to us by our faith in Him. Today we’ll consider the amazing truth that as Christ-Followers we have been brought into “The Life of Faith”.
Last week we remembered that the Lord gives us the gift of faith. We were reminded by God’s Word that the Lord “caused us to be born again into a living hope”. This week then, we’ll be challenged to grow in our faith in Jesus...not to remain infants...but to grow up in all aspects of our faith in Jesus. How does that happen though? If faith is a gift...is the growth of that faith also a gift? We’ll explore these and other questions as we consider “The Growth of Faith” today!
Last week we remembered that the Lord gives us the gift of faith. We were reminded by God’s Word that the Lord “caused us to be born again into a living hope”. This week then, we’ll be challenged to grow in our faith in Jesus...not to remain infants...but to grow up in all aspects of our faith in Jesus. How does that happen though? If faith is a gift...is the growth of that faith also a gift? We’ll explore these and other questions as we consider “The Growth of Faith” today!
As we begin our Summer Sermon Series we do so by recognizing that our Christian Faith is a gift from God, but more than that, our Christian Faith is what Jesus would say to Nicodemus in John 3, being “born again”. What an amazing truth the Word brings to us today, namely, God has caused us to believe in Him. We have faith because God gave us faith! We believe in Jesus because God caused us to believe! Why then doesn’t everyone believe? Why are some in and some out? We will explore these and other questions as we consider “The Birth of Faith” today!
As we begin our Summer Sermon Series we do so by recognizing that our Christian Faith is a gift from God, but more than that, our Christian Faith is what Jesus would say to Nicodemus in John 3, being “born again”. What an amazing truth the Word brings to us today, namely, God has caused us to believe in Him. We have faith because God gave us faith! We believe in Jesus because God caused us to believe! Why then doesn’t everyone believe? Why are some in and some out? We will explore these and other questions as we consider “The Birth of Faith” today!
This weekend we stop to remember the great blessing that God has given us in His Holy Spirit. To be sure, we cannot say Jesus is Lord, we cannot become a Christian in other words, unless the Holy Spirit causes it to happen (1Corinthians 12:3). More than that however, we also recognize that in sending us His Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus is also sending us His wonderful presence! He promised, “I am with you always!” and by the power of His Holy Spirit...He is with us always. Thank the Lord Jesus today for His promised presence! Thank the Lord Jesus for “His Promised Holy Spirit!”
This weekend we stop to remember the great blessing that God has given us in His Holy Spirit. To be sure, we cannot say Jesus is Lord, we cannot become a Christian in other words, unless the Holy Spirit causes it to happen (1Corinthians 12:3). More than that however, we also recognize that in sending us His Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus is also sending us His wonderful presence! He promised, “I am with you always!” and by the power of His Holy Spirit...He is with us always. Thank the Lord Jesus today for His promised presence! Thank the Lord Jesus for “His Promised Holy Spirit!”
Join Pastor Ben in the stories of grace from the book of John. There will be parallel adult and children's study each week. Please send in the stories that you would like to hear from the gospel of John to Pastor Ben at ben.johnson@gdlc.church. Our prayer is that these stories will provide enriching conversations with you and your family!
In this final week we look again at the reality that we have been SET FREE from the chains of this world to a life of running after & living for the things of the Kingdom of God. Paul says in Galatians 5 “You were called to freedom…only don’t us your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” We have been SET FREE to live a life of purity in love as we give to others the love that has been given to us in Jesus.
In this final week we look again at the reality that we have been SET FREE from the chains of this world to a life of running after & living for the things of the Kingdom of God. Paul says in Galatians 5 “You were called to freedom…only don’t us your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” We have been SET FREE to live a life of purity in love as we give to others the love that has been given to us in Jesus.
In Ephesians 5 Paul reminds these Christians to “look carefully then to how they walk…making the best use of their time”. As we look at our culture today I think it is fair to say we are a distracted bunch. How many accidents happen every year because people can’t put their phones down? How many notifications will we receive from the countless apps we have downloaded? How many shows will we watch and how many hours will we give to sports? Is there a better way? A better use of the time we have been given? YES! This week we look at how we have been SET FREE from earthly distractions and have been brought into a life of Kingdom determination.
In Ephesians 5 Paul reminds these Christians to “look carefully then to how they walk…making the best use of their time”. As we look at our culture today I think it is fair to say we are a distracted bunch. How many accidents happen every year because people can’t put their phones down? How many notifications will we receive from the countless apps we have downloaded? How many shows will we watch and how many hours will we give to sports? Is there a better way? A better use of the time we have been given? YES! This week we look at how we have been SET FREE from earthly distractions and have been brought into a life of Kingdom determination.
The word in Hebrew for “Peace” is the word Shalom. This word is best defined as wholistic contentment and this is what Jesus gas given to all of us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not give to us as the world gives because what the world gives leads us to annoyance, anger and outrage but this week we look at how we have been SET FREE from earthly anger to a life of Kingdom Peace.
The word in Hebrew for “Peace” is the word Shalom. This word is best defined as wholistic contentment and this is what Jesus gas given to all of us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not give to us as the world gives because what the world gives leads us to annoyance, anger and outrage but this week we look at how we have been SET FREE from earthly anger to a life of Kingdom Peace.
As Samuel is seeking out the next king of Israel God says to him, “The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. Our world is so deeply hurt and scarred with the prejudice caused by sin. Just like Samuel our natural inclination is to judge others based on what our eyes see but God sees differently. This week we confront our own personal biases and prejudice as we are reminded that we have been SET FREE from those inclinations and have been called to embrace a life of seeing others with Kingdom compassion.
As Samuel is seeking out the next king of Israel God says to him, “The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”. Our world is so deeply hurt and scarred with the prejudice caused by sin. Just like Samuel our natural inclination is to judge others based on what our eyes see but God sees differently. This week we confront our own personal biases and prejudice as we are reminded that we have been SET FREE from those inclinations and have been called to embrace a life of seeing others with Kingdom compassion.
In some of the final words that Paul would speak he shares with young Timothy to be careful not to set his hopes on the uncertainty of riches. To many a great people have lost themselves in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. As we look at our world so much pain, hurt, and horrible actions take place for greedy gain. This week we are reminded that we have been SET FREE from earthly greed to a life of Kingdom Generosity. A life full of good deeds, generous hearts and eyes fixed on the Kingdom to come.
In some of the final words that Paul would speak he shares with young Timothy to be careful not to set his hopes on the uncertainty of riches. To many a great people have lost themselves in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. As we look at our world so much pain, hurt, and horrible actions take place for greedy gain. This week we are reminded that we have been SET FREE from earthly greed to a life of Kingdom Generosity. A life full of good deeds, generous hearts and eyes fixed on the Kingdom to come.
The world seems more connected then it has ever been with the invention of internet, email, cell phones and social media. So why in our hyperconnected world are people feeling so lonely, isolated, anxious and without genuine community? This week we look at the chains of individuality and the scheme Satan has to keep us isolated, anxious and alone. Then we can all celebrate together that through the grace of Jesus we have been SET FREE from those chains to run into genuine Kingdom Community together and learn what being community for one another looks like.
The world seems more connected then it has ever been with the invention of internet, email, cell phones and social media. So why in our hyperconnected world are people feeling so lonely, isolated, anxious and without genuine community? This week we look at the chains of individuality and the scheme Satan has to keep us isolated, anxious and alone. Then we can all celebrate together that through the grace of Jesus we have been SET FREE from those chains to run into genuine Kingdom Community together and learn what being community for one another looks like.
Holy Week and the Palm Sunday ride, we encounter one of the most loved events of Christ’s life! Palm Sunday is a moment of wondrous celebration ahead the quiet contemplation of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. But we not only come across a loved story, we also encounter and amazing story. Let’s remember, Jesus, who is riding a humble donkey, is the LORD who is spoken of in Psalm 121. On Palm Sunday we see the LORD of the Universe who nonetheless chooses to take up the humble ride into the Holy City of Jerusalem...and ultimately, a humble ride up to the cross to die for the sins of the world. The Psalmist asks “Where does my help come from?” and on this Palm Sunday we know the answer is and will remain, our help comes from “Our Humble Lord”!
Holy Week and the Palm Sunday ride, we encounter one of the most loved events of Christ’s life! Palm Sunday is a moment of wondrous celebration ahead the quiet contemplation of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. But we not only come across a loved story, we also encounter and amazing story. Let’s remember, Jesus, who is riding a humble donkey, is the LORD who is spoken of in Psalm 121. On Palm Sunday we see the LORD of the Universe who nonetheless chooses to take up the humble ride into the Holy City of Jerusalem...and ultimately, a humble ride up to the cross to die for the sins of the world. The Psalmist asks “Where does my help come from?” and on this Palm Sunday we know the answer is and will remain, our help comes from “Our Humble Lord”!
We know that we all have to earn a living. You have to make ends meet. You must work or have an income that follows you into retirement. But the question is a good one, namely, “Who do you work for?” Our Gospel reading today reminds us that whatever we do for a living, like the first Apostles, in this Gospel, like Matthew (Levi) we are employed by the Lord Jesus in His work! And all of us would agree, working for Jesus is “Always Better” no matter what we do! Amen? Amen.
We know that we all have to earn a living. You have to make ends meet. You must work or have an income that follows you into retirement. But the question is a good one, namely, “Who do you work for?” Our Gospel reading today reminds us that whatever we do for a living, like the first Apostles, in this Gospel, like Matthew (Levi) we are employed by the Lord Jesus in His work! And all of us would agree, working for Jesus is “Always Better” no matter what we do! Amen? Amen.
Though it may sound silly, sometimes we think we know better than God. Living in relationships such as bosses with workers, parents with children, friend with friend even...we can say that there are times when or the other knows better how things should be and should be handled. But not so with our Lord. We never “know better” than He does. In fact, today we’ll remember that leaning into God and trusting His every word is “Always Better” for us and for our lives.
Let’s face the reality of our reality today! First of all, we must admit that even the poorest of us in this congregation is blessed beyond belief in comparison to the rest of the world. When we consider how much we have versus how little others have...we have to admit it...we are blessed! Amen? Amen. But that brings up the great curse of our lives...yes...our blessings can in fact be a curse. We can have a tendency to make something out of nothing when we make our blessings out to be more important than the giver of our blessings. The rich young man in our Gospel today did that very thing but the lesson of his life for us is that Jesus is “Always Better” than anything this world has to offer. Rich or poor or somewhere in between...Jesus is “Always Better”...always!
Let’s face the reality of our reality today! First of all, we must admit that even the poorest of us in this congregation is blessed beyond belief in comparison to the rest of the world. When we consider how much we have versus how little others have...we have to admit it...we are blessed! Amen? Amen. But that brings up the great curse of our lives...yes...our blessings can in fact be a curse. We can have a tendency to make something out of nothing when we make our blessings out to be more important than the giver of our blessings. The rich young man in our Gospel today did that very thing but the lesson of his life for us is that Jesus is “Always Better” than anything this world has to offer. Rich or poor or somewhere in between...Jesus is “Always Better”...always!
Sadly, our society has a propensity for “Craving Recognition” if not outright grabbing at recognition. We want to be noticed; we want to receive accolades; we want people to pay attention to us! But what the Lord has for us is “Always Better” and what the Lord has for us in this arena is honoring, praising, and glorifying Him and His holy name and not our own. Today we remember that pointing to Jesus instead of ourselves is “Always Better” and always will be!
This is one of the harder commands from Scripture to obey. The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be anxious but to lean into something that is “Always Better,” namely, peace that passes understanding in and through the Lord Jesus. Martha struggled with anxiety but Mary seems to have it right. Mary likely knew that things needed to be done and that there was satisfaction and peace in getting those things done, but Mary also knew that spending time with Jesus was “Always Better” than any task or to-do-list and that’s what she chose. What about you? What choices are you making that affect your peace?
This is one of the harder commands from Scripture to obey. The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be anxious but to lean into something that is “Always Better,” namely, peace that passes understanding in and through the Lord Jesus. Martha struggled with anxiety but Mary seems to have it right. Mary likely knew that things needed to be done and that there was satisfaction and peace in getting those things done, but Mary also knew that spending time with Jesus was “Always Better” than any task or to-do-list and that’s what she chose. What about you? What choices are you making that affect your peace?
When we look out over the vast landscape of humanity we see with our eyes so much diversity in our world. So many beautiful languages, ethnicities, foods, cultures and the list goes on and on. Yet as we read scripture we see God’s message unifying all of humanity into two very distinct categories. Those categories are those who know the love of Jesus and those who do not. Before the cross of Jesus Christ there is but one level plane that all humanity stands on as broken and sinful people in need of a Savior. This week we remember that we are One People because we are One in Jesus…in Jesus alone!
For the worshipping community there is nothing more important than the Word of God. C.S. Lewis wrote, “It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true Word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him.” The Word of God is our sure foundation, our one source of all truth and the very thing that makes us ONE. This week we are reminded of the central role of the Word of God in our lives as God’s people.
For the worshipping community there is nothing more important than the Word of God. C.S. Lewis wrote, “It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true Word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with guidance of good teachers, will bring us to Him.” The Word of God is our sure foundation, our one source of all truth and the very thing that makes us ONE. This week we are reminded of the central role of the Word of God in our lives as God’s people.
I have heard it said that the worship of God is the heartbeat of the congregation. As humans we were designed and created to be worshippers and as Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” This week we are reminded of the central role that worship plays in uniting us in One Voice in the praise and honor of our God for all He has done and for all He has promised to do.
I have heard it said that the worship of God is the heartbeat of the congregation. As humans we were designed and created to be worshippers and as Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” This week we are reminded of the central role that worship plays in uniting us in One Voice in the praise and honor of our God for all He has done and for all He has promised to do.
“One Voice-One in God’s Blessings” At the beginning of worship services you will often hear said, “we begin worship in the name of God the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit”, and then the sign of the cross is made over the worshipping community. This part of the service is known as the invocation and many Christians will then make the sign of the cross upon themselves as well. Then at the close of worship you will hear the Aaronic blessing (benediction), from Numbers 6. These elements were used as a reminder to the worshipping community that as we enter worship, and as we leave worship, we do so as One People sharing in God’s One Voice speaking over us that His favor and blessing is with us now and always.
In Psalm 32 David writes this psalm to describe the importance that confession plays in the life of a believer but also the importance it plays in the life of the community of believers. Remember that the Psalms were written as the hymn book of the Old Testament people and so clearly we see that confession was of great importance to the worshipping community from the very beginning. As we confess together we acknowledge our dependence on our merciful and forgiving God, we acknowledge that we are all sinful and that above all we share in the undeserved grace of God together as One.
In Psalm 32 David writes this psalm to describe the importance that confession plays in the life of a believer but also the importance it plays in the life of the community of believers. Remember that the Psalms were written as the hymn book of the Old Testament people and so clearly we see that confession was of great importance to the worshipping community from the very beginning. As we confess together we acknowledge our dependence on our merciful and forgiving God, we acknowledge that we are all sinful and that above all we share in the undeserved grace of God together as One.
In our worship services you will often hear the ringing of the Apostles Creed being confessed. Along with the Apostles Creed we also hold to the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed as statements to our shared beliefs. What is remarkable is that throughout Scripture we see that creeds are a very important device that gives a unity of belief and a One Voice approach to the faith that is held by the community. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is known to be one of the early churches’ statements of faith from around the years 31-35 AD and the Apostles Creed is dated around 370-390 AD. Needless to say we follow in a long line of Christians who have shared with One Voice the things that we are One in Belief on.
In our worship services you will often hear the ringing of the Apostles Creed being confessed. Along with the Apostles Creed we also hold to the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed as statements to our shared beliefs. What is remarkable is that throughout Scripture we see that creeds are a very important device that gives a unity of belief and a One Voice approach to the faith that is held by the community. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is known to be one of the early churches’ statements of faith from around the years 31-35 AD and the Apostles Creed is dated around 370-390 AD. Needless to say we follow in a long line of Christians who have shared with One Voice the things that we are One in Belief on.
This week, we begin with the truth that we are “One in Prayer.” Prayer is a great blessing we all share as we present our needs, wants, cares and desires to God. Throughout Scripture we are reminded and encouraged to be actively engaged in prayer with one another and as we do we share in life’s needs, wants, cares and desires and we do so with “One Voice.”
This week, we begin with the truth that we are “One in Prayer.” Prayer is a great blessing we all share as we present our needs, wants, cares and desires to God. Throughout Scripture we are reminded and encouraged to be actively engaged in prayer with one another and as we do we share in life’s needs, wants, cares and desires and we do so with “One Voice.”
The shepherds told Mary and Joseph about all that they experienced on the hills of Bethlehem and we’re told “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19. Imagine what was going on in her mind! She had known about Jesus for nine full months but she was still “pondering” them? Yes. She was pondering how amazing the truth of Jesus really was. We ponder “all these things” tonight too! God light brought to the world that night! God presented His love, His light to us in Jesus!
Today, in our “God’s Light” sermon series, we encounter one of the more loved characters in the Christ-story, namely, the shepherds. But what do the shepherds tell us about the “Christ-story” and about “God’s Light”? This familiar part of the Christ-story reminds us that God’s love and God’s light is for everyone, not just a select few. The brilliant light of heaven which split the darkness that night on the hills of Bethlehem, was a wonderful image of God’s love splitting the darkness in the lives of all people..including people like you and me. “God’s Light Presented” reminds us that God’s love is presented to us!
Today, in our “God’s Light” sermon series, we encounter one of the more loved characters in the Christ-story, namely, the shepherds. But what do the shepherds tell us about the “Christ-story” and about “God’s Light”? This familiar part of the Christ-story reminds us that God’s love and God’s light is for everyone, not just a select few. The brilliant light of heaven which split the darkness that night on the hills of Bethlehem, was a wonderful image of God’s love splitting the darkness in the lives of all people..including people like you and me. “God’s Light Presented” reminds us that God’s love is presented to us!
As we consider “God’s Light” in this Advent Season, we’re amazed that in Jesus God came to earth. Let’s say that again...in Jesus, God who is Light...came...to earth! Why though? Why did God come to us? There is no passage that proclaims the answer to those questions better than Luke 19:10 “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which is lost.” Said according to our sermon series, God came to shine light on those who are living in darkness. Amazing. He came to seek us in the dark. Amazing grace. He came to save us and bring us into the light. Amazing love. Amazing light. God’s Light! “God’s Light Proclaimed.”
As we consider “God’s Light” in this Advent Season, we’re amazed that in Jesus God came to earth. Let’s say that again...in Jesus, God who is Light...came...to earth! Why though? Why did God come to us? There is no passage that proclaims the answer to those questions better than Luke 19:10 “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which is lost.” Said according to our sermon series, God came to shine light on those who are living in darkness. Amazing. He came to seek us in the dark. Amazing grace. He came to save us and bring us into the light. Amazing love. Amazing light. God’s Light! “God’s Light Proclaimed.”
Today we’ll look into the Old Testament and be reminded that the Lord not only promised to send His Son, but He also gave clue after clue as to what “sending His Son”, the “Light of the World,” meant for the world. In Genesis 22 we’re reminded of the incredible sacrifice that Abraham was asked to make of his one and only son. But the words should be a tell-tale sign that this was no mere test for our father in the faith, Abraham. In the darkness of death this story was a pre-figuring of what God the Father would do with His Only Begotten Son. Is the pre-figured Christ then Issac? Or...is there another? There is another indeed as we remember again “God’s Light Pre-Figured
Today we’ll look into the Old Testament and be reminded that the Lord not only promised to send His Son, but He also gave clue after clue as to what “sending His Son”, the “Light of the World,” meant for the world. In Genesis 22 we’re reminded of the incredible sacrifice that Abraham was asked to make of his one and only son. But the words should be a tell-tale sign that this was no mere test for our father in the faith, Abraham. In the darkness of death this story was a pre-figuring of what God the Father would do with His Only Begotten Son. Is the pre-figured Christ then Issac? Or...is there another? There is another indeed as we remember again “God’s Light Pre-Figured
As we start this “God’s Light” sermon series, we have to begin at the beginning! We have to go back to the Garden of Eden to truly be amazed by the way that God loves us even though we brought darkness into His world. We know He loves us in that He created us and in fact, made us the pinnacle of His creation. We know He loves us in that He breathed the breath of life into our lungs and set us on our way on this earth. But His love is far more amazing than that. The moment Adam and Eve chose darkness by disobeying God’s one command in the Garden...He showed them, showed us, the true extent of His love. He loved us in spite of our sin and disobedience and darkness and promised, in the Garden, to send His Son, the Light of the World. In other words, He loved us in the Garden and all the way to Bethlehem and beyond. And so today we will explore “God’s Light Promised” in the midst of our sin!
As we start this “God’s Light” sermon series, we have to begin at the beginning! We have to go back to the Garden of Eden to truly be amazed by the way that God loves us even though we brought darkness into His world. We know He loves us in that He created us and in fact, made us the pinnacle of His creation. We know He loves us in that He breathed the breath of life into our lungs and set us on our way on this earth. But His love is far more amazing than that. The moment Adam and Eve chose darkness by disobeying God’s one command in the Garden...He showed them, showed us, the true extent of His love. He loved us in spite of our sin and disobedience and darkness and promised, in the Garden, to send His Son, the Light of the World. In other words, He loved us in the Garden and all the way to Bethlehem and beyond. And so today we will explore “God’s Light Promised” in the midst of our sin!
This week’s topic and parable in our “From God—For Others” sermon series may be a little confusing for us. Church is definitely “from God”...He is the Giver and Sustainer of our congregation and all Christian congregations as well. But what about “for others”? What does that mean? How is “Church” “From God—For Others”, after all...Church is “For ME.” Or is it? The truth about the Body of Christ, known as “The Church”, is that the Lord gave it as the outlet for His grace and mercy and love and Word and Sacraments...for ALL. What does that look like? When God’s people, assembled in the Church, take seriously His charge to reach out in Jesus name and bring others into the Church through His Word and Gospel...then Church is being the Church and being what God wanted it to be all along. A “club” for certain people? An enclave of friends who huddle-up and keep others out? A closed circle where no one else can get in? Nope. The Church, this church, Gloria Dei, is to be a place where we bring people who need Jesus and all are welcomed. We will look in the mirror of our parable today, recognize where we need to change, and grow in our understanding that even Church is “From God—For Others”
This week’s topic and parable in our “From God—For Others” sermon series may be a little confusing for us. Church is definitely “from God”...He is the Giver and Sustainer of our congregation and all Christian congregations as well. But what about “for others”? What does that mean? How is “Church” “From God—For Others”, after all...Church is “For ME.” Or is it? The truth about the Body of Christ, known as “The Church”, is that the Lord gave it as the outlet for His grace and mercy and love and Word and Sacraments...for ALL. What does that look like? When God’s people, assembled in the Church, take seriously His charge to reach out in Jesus name and bring others into the Church through His Word and Gospel...then Church is being the Church and being what God wanted it to be all along. A “club” for certain people? An enclave of friends who huddle-up and keep others out? A closed circle where no one else can get in? Nope. The Church, this church, Gloria Dei, is to be a place where we bring people who need Jesus and all are welcomed. We will look in the mirror of our parable today, recognize where we need to change, and grow in our understanding that even Church is “From God—For Others”
Now this week’s focus is generally what folks expect us to speak into when it comes to stewardship. After all, we typically talk about the stewardship of our time, talents and treasures. And this week, we will. But we will be reminded that the things that God gives us, our time, talents and treasures, are to be used for God’s glory by using it for others. God gives us time...so we spend that time with others. God gives us talents...so we use our gifts, skills and abilities for the sake of and building up of others. God gives us treasures...so we use the financial resources to not only further the Gospel but to help those in need around us. Resources...From God—For Others.
When Christians learn about and grow in the subject of “Mercy”, there is perhaps no better passage of Scripture than “The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.”Granted, this parable approaches the subject from someone who did not have mercy, but it reminds us just how important mercy is to our Lord and Savior. The Lord freely gives us His mercy and He does so in order that we can not only have our place in His kingdom, but so that we can give mercy to those around us. We receive mercy from God and we are then to, in turn, give mercy to others! Mercy...From God—For Others!
Today, we will look at mercy. When Christians learn about and grow in the subject of “Mercy”, there is perhaps no better passage of Scripture than “The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.”Granted, this parable approaches the subject from someone who did not have mercy, but it reminds us just how important mercy is to our Lord and Savior. The Lord freely gives us His mercy and He does so in order that we can not only have our place in His kingdom, but so that we can give mercy to those around us. We receive mercy from God and we are then to, in turn, give mercy to others! Mercy...From God—For Others!
I have heard it said that it is easy to tear down but it is really hard to build. This statement is especially true when it comes to the building of God’s Kingdom on earth. Now we know that God does not reside within brick and mortar, but within His people; and so, while we have buildings and need buildings, we understand that “building the kingdom of God” isn’t found in building buildings. Building the kingdom of God is accomplished through the proclamation of the Gospel and is done wherever the Church goes. We take the Gospel with us day after day and we build the Kingdom wherever we go!
I have heard it said that it is easy to tear down but it is really hard to build. This statement is especially true when it comes to the building of God’s Kingdom on earth. Now we know that God does not reside within brick and mortar, but within His people; and so, while we have buildings and need buildings, we understand that “building the kingdom of God” isn’t found in building buildings. Building the kingdom of God is accomplished through the proclamation of the Gospel and is done wherever the Church goes. We take the Gospel with us day after day and we build the Kingdom wherever we go!
David and Jonathan shared a very unique and special, God-given bond. 1 Samuel 18:1 says that their souls were knit together and we know that no one is able to knit souls together accept God Himself. The Greek word for this kind of love is “philia” and it refers to the kind of love that exists between friends. God knew that David was about to go through some very difficult and trying times and having someone in his corner, someone looking out for him, and someone that would support and love him was going to make all the difference. What a wonderful truth that the Lord Jesus is with us always, but that He also willingly provides “Jonathans” in our lives through the Church. We all have Jesus...but who is your Jonathan
One of the more beautiful gifts we’ve been given by the Lord Jesus is the Lord’s Prayer. How wonderful is it when we stand together and speak together the words of Jesus from the Gospels “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name...” That God-given prayer not only brings unity among us as in unison we speak our “Family Prayer,” but it also speaks into the unity we have in the koinonia lifestyle. When we pray, we are “Joining Our Hearts” because our prayers are directed toward God who we rely on together, not only for daily bread and other every day needs, but also for salvation itself. Today we remember that we are not only family, but as brothers and sisters in Jesus, we are “Joining Our Hearts” in prayer to our Heavenly Father.
One of the more beautiful gifts we’ve been given by the Lord Jesus is the Lord’s Prayer. How wonderful is it when we stand together and speak together the words of Jesus from the Gospels “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name...” That God-given prayer not only brings unity among us as in unison we speak our “Family Prayer,” but it also speaks into the unity we have in the koinonia lifestyle. When we pray, we are “Joining Our Hearts” because our prayers are directed toward God who we rely on together, not only for daily bread and other every day needs, but also for salvation itself. Today we remember that we are not only family, but as brothers and sisters in Jesus, we are “Joining Our Hearts” in prayer to our Heavenly Father.
Please note that this study will be livestreamed on Thursdays and Sundays. The following Tuesday, the online version will be available.
Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at church or livestream. The study will be published online on Fridays.
Contemporary versus traditional. Praise versus heritage. Guitar and drums versus organ and piano. These are often the ways in which we define and categorize our worship services. Some like it “formal” and some like it “casual”. Some like it “old school” and some like us to be “the church of what’s happening now”. Unfortunately then, some will say that it has to be “this way” or “that way” for it to be “worship” whatsoever. Today we’ll remember that living the koinonia lifestyle means that we are united in our praise even though we may not be unified in our personal worship-style-preferences. Today we remember that we are “Joining Our Voices” in praise regardless of style because our praise is united in and around and even by God’s Word and the absolute center of His Word, the crucified and risen Lord Jesus.
Please note that this study will be livestreamed on Thursdays and Sundays. The following Tuesday, the online version will be available.
Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at church or livestream. The study will be published online on Fridays.
As we have discovered thus far, we are, by faith in Jesus Christ and baptism into His name, brothers and sisters in Christ. We are de facto unified in the koinonia lifestyle as children of the King of kings and Lord of lords. But we are more than sons and daughters, we are also disciples or followers. The Lord didn’t bring us into a relationship with Himself just to sit by and enjoy being His kids, His children, His family. He also brought us into a relationship with Himself to be His followers, His students, His disciples. It’s far too easy to be idle and enjoy our identity in Christ every day until Jesus returns or takes us home. But when the Lord calls us to faith He also calls us to follow. Deep discipleship is His deep desire for our lives but deep-unified-discipleship is also His desire for our lives together in the Church. All of us “Growing Together” as we seek to follow Jesus arm in arm and in lock-step. Today we explore God’s Word and discover that we are “Growing Together” every day. What would Gloria Dei look like if we lived this truth?
In just about every organization, vision or mission or purpose is seen as paramount to the organization’s success. If the organization doesn’t have a vision, mission or purpose, the organization will flounder and will also likely fail. More importantly, the vision, mission and purpose of the organization must be embraced and lived by all. If members of an organization are pulling in opposite or even multiple directions, the organization will be split and divided and demise will soon follow. And...the “organization” known as the church is no different. Does the church need to have vision, mission and purpose? Absolutely. But our vision, mission and purpose must be Christ-centered and Christ-like. Today will explore God’s Word and discover what the Lord wants our vision, mission and purpose to be and what therefore keeps us “Pulling Together” every day!
“Living Koinonia Lives Aug 31st/Sept 1st “Others First” (life) Acts 2:42-47; Galatians 6:1-10. PJM mains; PBJ 9:00a FLC; 10:30a Sanct. As we begin our “Koinonia” sermon series, we are reminded that our life lived as Christian people is not lived for ourselves, but for others. This is a difficult truth for us to embrace because we’re raised to believe that “me first” is an acceptable mantra. And it would be acceptable...if we were just Americans. But we’re not just Americans, we’re American-Christians, or Christians who happen to live in America. As such, we can show a better way to those around us as we show them Jesus’ way by putting “Others First”. Yes, take care of yourself and take care of your family. We will remember today however, that as a Christian, we live like Jesus lived and consider the needs of “Others First”.
As we begin our “Koinonia” sermon series, we are reminded that our life lived as Christian people is not lived for ourselves, but for others. This is a difficult truth for us to embrace because we’re raised to believe that “me first” is an acceptable mantra. And it would be acceptable...if we were just Americans. But we’re not just Americans, we’re American-Christians, or Christians who happen to live in America. As such, we can show a better way to those around us as we show them Jesus’ way by putting “Others First”. Yes, take care of yourself and take care of your family. We will remember today however, that as a Christian, we live like Jesus lived and consider the needs of “Others First”.
I have heard it said that happiness is based on externals while joy is based on internals. Happiness can come and go based on life circumstances but joy, true joy, has the ability to be claimed every day. This week we will be encouraged to choose joy no matter what is going on in our lives. Jesus promised us in John 16:33 that in this life we have many troubles but we can take heart, we can choose joy, because Jesus has overcome the world.
I have heard it said that happiness is based on externals while joy is based on internals. Happiness can come and go based on life circumstances but joy, true joy, has the ability to be claimed every day. This week we will be encouraged to choose joy no matter what is going on in our lives. Jesus promised us in John 16:33 that in this life we have many troubles but we can take heart, we can choose joy, because Jesus has overcome the world.
A life lived for Jesus is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. To make it to the end will take determination, it will take great faith and it will take endurance. Paul encourages us all this week to run our race of faith, not with our own strength, but with the strength that comes from God Himself. In this life we will face many obstacles, we will endure many heartbreaks, we will have times when our faith wavers but thank be to God that the one who called us is faithful and will never leave us or forsake us.
A life lived for Jesus is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. To make it to the end will take determination, it will take great faith and it will take endurance. Paul encourages us all this week to run our race of faith, not with our own strength, but with the strength that comes from God Himself. In this life we will face many obstacles, we will endure many heartbreaks, we will have times when our faith wavers but thank be to God that the one who called us is faithful and will never leave us or forsake us.
In Psalm 139 scriptures tells us that God is the one who formed our inward parts and every human being finds their origin in His divine imagination. Like paint strokes on a canvas God is created something that is spectacular. The sad part is that many people do not embrace the diversity of this world and focus more on the externals than the internals. This week we are challenged and encouraged by scripture to embrace diversity and recognize that what binds Christians together is Christ in us no matter what skin color, language, culture, nation of origin, social economic class or political party we may adhere to. The book of Revelation is clear that in the Kingdom of God there will be great diversity and no matter what we embrace that diversity as we are unified in our worship of Jesus and Jesus alone.
In Psalm 139 scriptures tells us that God is the one who formed our inward parts and every human being finds their origin in His divine imagination. Like paint strokes on a canvas God is created something that is spectacular. The sad part is that many people do not embrace the diversity of this world and focus more on the externals than the internals. This week we are challenged and encouraged by scripture to embrace diversity and recognize that what binds Christians together is Christ in us no matter what skin color, language, culture, nation of origin, social economic class or political party we may adhere to. The book of Revelation is clear that in the Kingdom of God there will be great diversity and no matter what we embrace that diversity as we are unified in our worship of Jesus and Jesus alone.
Have you heard the phrase that “Team work makes the dream work”? In this first week we will be reminded and encouraged that no matter what is going on in our lives we are Seek Unity with one another. Paul is specifically speaking to the church body and in the way they live out their faith in their communities. Division, gossiping, lying, etc only work to Satan’s advantage to tear a church down but the Spirit of God is greater than the spirit of this world and with that power we also seek after unity no matter what.
Have you heard the phrase that “Team work makes the dream work”? In this first week we will be reminded and encouraged that no matter what is going on in our lives we are Seek Unity with one another. Paul is specifically speaking to the church body and in the way they live out their faith in their communities. Division, gossiping, lying, etc only work to Satan’s advantage to tear a church down but the Spirit of God is greater than the spirit of this world and with that power we also seek after unity no matter what.
It has been said that when we lose faith fear is there to take its place. We so often fear what we cannot control, fear what we cannot understand, and fear what might happen if we step outside of our comfort zones. 1 John 4:18 says that there is no fear in love but perfect love casts out all fear. As we live through this perfect love given to us in Christ we are empowered to step boldly and faithfully into the good works that have been prepared for us. We lean not on our own understanding or power but we lean into the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. Through the cross we have the power to overcome our fears and step out.
Is there anything more valuable than time? Whatever we claim as priorities in life we tend to give our time to. This week Paul is reminding us all of our primary calling as followers of Jesus. Paul is urging us to prioritize this, value this, and make time for this. How do we do that? What does that mean for the other things we value?
Many desire to reach out and be neighborly but often are held back by timidity. By definition timidity is the lack of courage or confidence. So how does a Christian lean into their own timidity and not use it as a reason to not cross the street or reach out? This week we will look how we have access to the full armor of God and as we rely, not on ourselves, but on the strength of God then we can follow in the footsteps of Joshua and lead confident and courageous lives for the Gospel.
In the first week of this series, we will be reminded, by Jesus Himself, of who are neighbor is. This radical teaching caught many hearers by surprise and it is this same radical love that believers today are called to carry out. No matter what age, skin color, country of origin, language spoken, political alliance, sexual orientation, or religious views we as Christians are called to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and follow the example of our Savior who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
Sermon “The Spirit-Filled Life” We conclude our “Spirit Filled” sermon series with a reminder that if you are a Christian person, if you are “Filled with the Spirit”, then you will live differently in this world. Our lives lived in and through the Holy Spirit should look very little like those whose lives are void of God’s presence. What do you spend your time doing? What do you spend your money on? What is your purpose, drive and passion? As Christians, everything we are and everything we desire to be is empowered and driven by our faith in Jesus Christ and the presence of “The Spirit-Filled Life” He has given to us.
We are reminded today that the Lord not only wants to fill our individual lives with His presence and by His Holy Spirit, but He wants to fill our family life too. Now, not all of us have the “nuclear family” as it’s called. Not all of us are in the husband, wife, couple kids, two dogs, three cats, picket fence situation. Nonetheless, wherever we are, whatever our situation, the call of the Holy Spirit is the same: In our day-to-day lives, as we gather with those we call our family, we do so around God’s Word, and in Jesus name, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Maybe you’re a single mom; Maybe a single dad; Maybe you’re single, period; Maybe you are married with a couple kids, etc; Maybe retired as a couple or retired all alone as a widow/widower; Maybe you’re a college student away from mom/dad for the first time or a college graduate making your way in the world; regardless of where you are, as a Holy Spirit filled Christian, you gather with others around God’s Word and in Jesus name. Why though? Because the Holy Spirit who called you into faith...calls you back to His Word which brought you to faith, over and over again, every single day and He does so individually and corporately too...to give you “The Spirit-Filled Family”.
We are reminded today that the Lord not only wants to fill our individual lives with His presence and by His Holy Spirit, but He wants to fill our family life too. Now, not all of us have the “nuclear family” as it’s called. Not all of us are in the husband, wife, couple kids, two dogs, three cats, picket fence situation. Nonetheless, wherever we are, whatever our situation, the call of the Holy Spirit is the same: In our day-to-day lives, as we gather with those we call our family, we do so around God’s Word, and in Jesus name, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Maybe you’re a single mom; Maybe a single dad; Maybe you’re single, period; Maybe you are married with a couple kids, etc; Maybe retired as a couple or retired all alone as a widow/widower; Maybe you’re a college student away from mom/dad for the first time or a college graduate making your way in the world; regardless of where you are, as a Holy Spirit filled Christian, you gather with others around God’s Word and in Jesus name. Why though? Because the Holy Spirit who called you into faith...calls you back to His Word which brought you to faith, over and over again, every single day and He does so individually and corporately too...to give you “The Spirit-Filled Family”.
As we move forward in our “Spirit-Filled Life” series we remember today that the only way that I can believe in Jesus, confess Him as my Lord and Savior, and give Him glory, is if the Holy Spirit causes me to do so! This is so contrary to the way we think! “I came to faith!” “I believed in Jesus!” “I received Christ!” And all of those things are somewhat true, but you did so only because you have a “Spirit-Filled Heart” or as we say it in our Catechism “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe on my Lord Jesus or come to Him but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel...”. Today we celebrate the fact that our “Spirit-Filled Hearts” are Spirit-filled because the Holy Spirit has called us into faith and brought us into Christ’s saving grace through the Gospel messag
As we move forward in our “Spirit-Filled Life” series we remember today that the only way that I can believe in Jesus, confess Him as my Lord and Savior, and give Him glory, is if the Holy Spirit causes me to do so! This is so contrary to the way we think! “I came to faith!” “I believed in Jesus!” “I received Christ!” And all of those things are somewhat true, but you did so only because you have a “Spirit-Filled Heart” or as we say it in our Catechism “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe on my Lord Jesus or come to Him but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel...”. Today we celebrate the fact that our “Spirit-Filled Hearts” are Spirit-filled because the Holy Spirit has called us into faith and brought us into Christ’s saving grace through the Gospel message!
In our “Spirit-Filled” series, we begin where we should...at the beginning...at the beginning of The Church that is. Today is the day we celebrate what is called “Pentecost,” sometimes called “The birth of the Church.” Pentecost was an Old Testament Festival but Pentecost in the New Testament was the giving, sending, and out-pouring of the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s Church, or on all Christians. But what is this all about? Why did the Lord do this? Jesus’ words from John 16 remind us of the purpose...as Jesus said it about the Holy Spirit, “He...will glorify me.” What Jesus meant was that the Holy Spirit would come to the Church—and glorify the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—in and through and by the Church every day. And He continues to do so today! Through His Word and Sacraments the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus among us! Through the preaching of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus among us! Through the lives of Christian people, the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus among us! That is “The Spirit-Filled Church!
David reminds us in Psalm 16 that God is the only one who can make the path of life known to us. As a follower of Christ, what do you do with society’s strategy that is trying to confine religious faith to the private world, with the attitude that all religions are the same? Should you keep your beliefs to yourself? Does Jesus make exclusive statements? Indeed He does as in this “I AM” statement this week He uses very exclusive wording, “I AM the way, the truth and the life.” If that’s so, and it is, what should you and I do with them? How do you faithfully live for Jesus in a pluralistic society that kicks aside exclusive claims like this one? It’s simple...you remember again and again that He is your One and Only and proclaim that to a world that desperately needs to know Him too.
David reminds us in Psalm 16 that God is the only one who can make the path of life known to us. As a follower of Christ, what do you do with society’s strategy that is trying to confine religious faith to the private world, with the attitude that all religions are the same? Should you keep your beliefs to yourself? Does Jesus make exclusive statements? Indeed He does as in this “I AM” statement this week He uses very exclusive wording, “I AM the way, the truth and the life.” If that’s so, and it is, what should you and I do with them? How do you faithfully live for Jesus in a pluralistic society that kicks aside exclusive claims like this one? It’s simple...you remember again and again that He is your One and Only and proclaim that to a world that desperately needs to know Him too.
This week we look at the last “I AM” statement in the book of John. In chapter 15, Jesus not only presents Himself as the one true vine, but also reveals there are basically two kinds of branches: those that can alive and bearing fruit and those that are withering and dying and fruitless. The difference between the two is one is abiding in the Vine, connected to Jesus, and the other is not. The question everyone must answer is, “Are you a connected to the Vine, connected to Jesus, or not?” The answer to this question makes all the difference in the world because He is our Connection...our Connection to God, to forgiveness of sins and to eternal life.
This week we look at the last “I AM” statement in the book of John. In chapter 15, Jesus not only presents Himself as the one true vine, but also reveals there are basically two kinds of branches: those that can alive and bearing fruit and those that are withering and dying and fruitless. The difference between the two is one is abiding in the Vine, connected to Jesus, and the other is not. The question everyone must answer is, “Are you an connected to the Vine, connected to Jesus, or not?” The answer to this question makes all the difference in the world because He is our Connection...our Connection to God, to forgiveness of sins and to eternal life.
Lazarus had died, and Mary and Martha informed Jesus about his death. Instead of tending to him right away, Jesus waited. He waited not because He didn't care, but because He chose to use the situation for the glory of God. Martha asks why He wasn't there in the first place to save His friend since she knew He had healed the sick before. Jesus informs her that “He is the resurrection and the life” and asks if she believes this. Jesus then proceeds to raise Lazarus from the dead, giving him what we’re calling “Resurrection-Life”, and promises that if we also believe in Him we will rise just as Lazarus rose. Do we believe? If you do, He is your Resurrection-Life both now and forever!
Lazarus had died, and Mary and Martha informed Jesus about his death. Instead of tending to him right away, Jesus waited. He waited not because He didn't care, but because He chose to use the situation for the glory of God. Martha asks why He wasn't there in the first place to save His friend since she knew He had healed the sick before. Jesus informs her that “He is the resurrection and the life” and asks if she believes this. Jesus then proceeds to raise Lazarus from the dead, giving him what we’re calling “Resurrection-Life”, and promises that if we also believe in Him we will rise just as Lazarus rose. Do we believe? If you do, He is your Resurrection-Life both now and forever!
Do you hear the voices in our world calling for your attention? The phone is constantly ringing, emails continue to arrive, meetings come and go, days turn into weeks, then months, and we have lost our ability to hear the voice of our Shepherd. He is our caretaker, provider, sustainer, defender, protector and friend. He calls us by name, leads us to still waters and restores our souls. This week’s “I AM” statement, “I am the Good Shepherd,” begs the question “Do you hear Him?” Or have the sounds of the world deafened you to His still small voice in your life? Is Jesus leading, guiding, defending and protecting you or are you going this all alone? As He calls, we must answer. As He leads, we must follow. This week He challenges us to lay aside the distractions of this world in pursuit of the one who provides true peace, sustainment and fulfillment, because He is our Defender-Protector.
This week’s “I AM” statement reminds us that Jesus is the light, and the light reveals not only where we are but directs us where we need to be. Jesus promises that those who have His light will never walk in darkness but always have the light of life. Sin and satan want to keep our minds, hearts, and actions in the dark, but the grace, love and mercy of Jesus fill our minds, hearts, and lives with His glorious light and guide us in this world and into the next, because He is our Light every day.
This week’s “I AM” statement reminds us that Jesus is the light, and the light reveals not only where we are but directs us where we need to be. Jesus promises that those who have His light will never walk in darkness but always have the light of life. Sin and satan want to keep our minds, hearts, and actions in the dark, but the grace, love and mercy of Jesus fill our minds, hearts, and lives with His glorious light and guide us in this world and into the next, because He is our Light every day.
Throughout the book of John, Jesus compares something physical to something spiritual by saying “I AM the bread of life” in John 6. Jesus lets the crowd know He can provide so much more than the thing they crave and seek after, namely, physical things, physical bread. Jesus wanted them to know that He is the satisfier and sustainer of life, and that they must turn toward Him for everything and in every situation. Unfortunately, we aren’t too different than these crowds...? We regularly turn toward everything else but Jesus, when ultimately Jesus is all we need, because He is our true food.
Throughout the book of John, Jesus compares something physical to something spiritual by saying “I AM the bread of life” in John 6. Jesus lets the crowd know He can provide so much more than the thing they crave and seek after, namely, physical things, physical bread. Jesus wanted them to know that He is the satisfier and sustainer of life, and that they must turn toward Him for everything and in every situation. Unfortunately, we aren’t too different than these crowds...? We regularly turn toward everything else but Jesus, when ultimately Jesus is all we need, because He is our true food.
Christ was raised so we were raised and we were raised to live a new life in Him and through His resurrection...therefore we are different because of His/our resurrection. In fact, the Matthew reading reads “then go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen...” again, suggesting that the resurrection moves us to action.
Christ was raised so we were raised and we were raised to live a new life in Him and through His resurrection...therefore we are different because of His/your resurrection. In fact, the Matthew reading reads “then go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen...” again, suggesting that the resurrection moves us to action.
When it comes to the subject of pride, people are all over the map. What that means is that some people are boldly prideful while others are less bold about their pride. You see, there is no person on the planet that doesn’t struggle with pride. Pride is at the heart of original sin. Pride is in fact the cause of original sin and is therefore in the heart of every human being. And so regardless of where you think you are on this issue today, we’re reminded that the Lord calls us to avoid pride and while it’s not said in Romans twelve, embrace the humility that Jesus displayed in His life on earth. We’re reminded today that avoiding pride is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
When it comes to the subject of pride, people are all over the map. What that means is that some people are boldly prideful while others are less bold about their pride. You see, there is no person on the planet that doesn’t struggle with pride. Pride is at the heart of original sin. Pride is in fact the cause of original sin and is therefore in the heart of every human being. And so regardless of where you think you are on this issue today, we’re reminded that the Lord calls us to avoid pride and while it’s not said in Romans twelve, embrace the humility that Jesus displayed in His life on earth. We’re reminded today that avoiding pride is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
Paul writes in Romans 12:15 “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep”, and of course, all of us would wholeheartedly agree! When someone is celebrating, we celebrate alongside them. When someone is sad and overwhelmed, our hearts go out to them. But while we believe we should, it’s not always easy to do so. We are busy people and so to take time out for someone else can be hard. We have our own issues to consider and so it’s difficult to truly focus on and genuinely care about the joys or struggles that others experience. And yet...we’re reminded today that being there for others, in every circumstance, is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
Today we come to a mark of the Christian life that sets us apart from what people believe is “normal behavior”. Most people will tell you “If someone hurts you...hurt them back.” “If someone takes advantage of you...write them off.” “If someone persecutes you...never speak to them again.” But today we’re reminded that Christians don’t act that way. We’re reminded that Christians don’t hurt, write off or ignore those that persecute them, but we actually “bless” them instead. Blessing a persecutor? Yes...we remember today that blessing persecutors is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
Today we come to a mark of the Christian life that sets us apart from what people believe is “normal behavior”. Most people will tell you “If someone hurts you...hurt them back.” “If someone takes advantage of you...write them off.” “If someone persecutes you...never speak to them again.” But today we’re reminded that Christians don’t act that way. We’re reminded that Christians don’t hurt, write off or ignore those that persecute them, but we actually “bless” them instead. Blessing a persecutor? Yes...we remember today that blessing persecutors is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
In all the things we can do to show our Christian faith, one of the simplest is to show hospitality to people. In fact, truth be told, it’s not just the simplest ways but it’s also one of the most effective! People don’t want to hear what you believe as much as they want to know that you care...even if they need to hear what you believe as well. But it’s not just about what people want, we’ll remember today that showing hospitality is God’s will for our lives and as such, is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life
Unfortunately, in today’s church-life, people often believe that the church should give to them rather than them giving to the church. Now, should the church provide for its members, visitors and guests? Absolutely! The church is all about serving others no matter what! But members, visitors and guests who are Christians are part and parcel of that serving community, not separate from it. And one way in which we “serve” is through generous giving of our financial resources to the work of the Lord in our congregation. Today we’re reminded that contributing to the need is God’s will for our lives and is one piece of the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life
Unfortunately, in today’s church-life, people often believe that the church should give to them rather than them giving to the church. Now, should the church provide for its members, visitors and guests? Absolutely! The church is all about serving others no matter what! But members, visitors and guests who are Christians are part and parcel of that serving community, not separate from it. And one way in which we “serve” is through generous giving of our financial resources to the work of the Lord in our congregation. Today we’re reminded that contributing to the need is God’s will for our lives and is one piece of the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life
“Being Constant in Prayer” (Romans 12:12) 1Thessalonians 5:16-24 PBJ Prayer is one of the single most amazing gifts that God gives to us. We’re allowed to come into God’s presence! We’re allowed to speak to the Lord of the Universe without fear! We’re allowed to speak to the Lord as we would to a best friend or a trusted father! Amazing and wonderful! And yet, we all have to admit that we don’t avail ourselves of this incredible gift. We all have to admit that we don’t speak to the Lord as we should, let alone “being constant in prayer”. So today we’ll be reminded that being constant in prayer is God’s will for our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
“Being Patient in Trials” Patience isn’t typically a human strong-suit. Patience isn’t something we human beings are very good at. We’re impatient when we’re young and not much changes as we age! And this is particularly true when it comes to suffering. When we suffer trials and tribulations brought on by this world, we want the Lord to fix our situation and we want Him to fix it now! But we’re reminded today that being patient in all circumstances, but in particular, being patient in trials, is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
“Being Patient in Trials” Patience isn’t typically a human strong-suit. Patience isn’t something we human beings are very good at. We’re impatient when we’re young and not much changes as we age! And this is particularly true when it comes to suffering. When we suffer trials and tribulations brought on by this world, we want the Lord to fix our situation and we want Him to fix it now! But we’re reminded today that being patient in all circumstances, but in particular, being patient in trials, is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
One of the more difficult things about our world is that it can flat out make you sad. How many times have you thought to yourself “I have to stop watching the news on TV...it’s just depressing!” And yet, as a Christian living in what can be a “depressing” world, we are called to “rejoice”...but we’re called to a specific reason to rejoice, namely, the hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope is not sketchy but sure and certain. Our hope isn’t a “might be” but is a “done deal”. So today we’re reminded that rejoicing in the hope is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
This week’s focus seems obvious and yet, it’s still a struggle. We are not called to serve ourselves...which is our go to...but we are called to serve the Lord in every way and every day. Interestingly, serving the Lord is actually best accomplished by serving others. In saying that we’re reminded that the order of service is the Lord first, our neighbor second and ourselves, a distant third. Hard to do? Yes. Impossible to do? No. This is not only the Lord’s will for our lives, but it’s also His doing in our lives. What God requires, God provides. So today we’re reminded that serving the Lord is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
This week’s focus seems obvious and yet, it’s still a struggle. We are not called to serve ourselves...which is our go to...but we are called to serve the Lord in every way and every day. Interestingly, serving the Lord is actually best accomplished by serving others. In saying that we’re reminded that the order of service is the Lord first, our neighbor second and ourselves, a distant third. Hard to do? Yes. Impossible to do? No. This is not only the Lord’s will for our lives, but it’s also His doing in our lives. What God requires, God provides. So today we’re reminded that serving the Lord is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
We come to a very important place in our Lenten journey together. Today’s society desperately needs to hear the message today. You see we live in a very disrespectful time in history where people freely and openly combine a very judgmental spirit with a very sharp tongue. As Christians we are called to act like the man in our story from Matthew and show honor where honor is due. And of course, alongside that truth, to remember that the Christian has no right to judge anyone and furthermore, is called to tame their tongues...both truths from the book of James. In all this we are reminded that showing honor is God’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
This week’s focus seems so obvious and yet is also so difficult for us to do. We tend to be loaners in our lives lived in America. Some of us are better about it than others, but all of us tend to be more self-focused than we are ever other-focused. And yet the Holy Spirit of God calls us to not just love our neighbor as ourself, but to extend to our neighbor a love that brings them into our family. The people around us, the saved and the unsaved should experience family love, or brotherly love from us. Brotherly love is the Lord’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
This week’s focus seems so obvious and yet is also so difficult for us to do. We tend to be loaners in our lives lived in America. Some of us are better about it than others, but all of us tend to be more self-focused than we are ever other-focused. And yet the Holy Spirit of God calls us to not just love our neighbor as ourself, but to extend to our neighbor a love that brings them into our family. The people around us, the saved and the unsaved should experience family love, or brotherly love from us. Brotherly love is the Lord’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
We’re taught by our parents as Christian children not to “hate” anyone or anything in any way, shape or form. As Christians we don’t even like the word “hate” and sometimes correct our children from using the term. So it’s difficult, even though it makes perfect sense in this case, to start out our Lent saying that we “hate” something...and yet, in this instance, we must. We must hate evil. And we must because the Lord does. The Lord abhors evil and as the Psalmist writes it for us in Psalm 5 “evil may not dwell” with Him. As we celebrate Ash Wednesday we do so with the reminder that hating evil is the Lord’s will in our lives and is one piece in the beautiful tapestry of the Christian life!
Today we will remember, consider and celebrate the amazing event in Christ’s earthly life known as “The Transfiguration.” Amazingly Jesus was completely transformed in the presence of the disciples and in the presence of two Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah. Notice that while Peter, James and John were fearful and amazed, Moses and Elijah seems to have taken Christ’s changed appearance in stride. So, as you consider that truth, what does this event tell us about Jesus? What does it furthermore tell us about our faith in Jesus?
When we come to faith in Jesus we are given so many wonderful gifts. We’re given God’s eternal love in a world filled with hate. We’re given peace that passes understanding in the midst of a frightening landscape. We’re given hope in the midst of the hopelessness that surrounds us. Today we’ll remember that we’re also given joy. Note that we’re not necessarily given happiness...but we are given joy and a joy that is different from any other joy we know...joy “in the Lord.” That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
It’s always good to gain perspective. It’s always healthy to step back and see things a little differently. Sometimes when you step back, your perspective is not only challenged but it’s changed completely. Paul reminds us today that when we come to faith in Jesus our perspective on the things of this world is radically altered. Do you need the things of this world? Yes. Do you have to live and work and have a family? Yes. But are those things the most important “thing” to a Christian? No. We see things differently through our faith in Jesus. Our perspective is completely changed when through baptism we are completely changed! That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
It’s always good to gain perspective. It’s always healthy to step back and see things a little differently. Sometimes when you step back, your perspective is not only challenged but it’s changed completely. Paul reminds us today that when we come to faith in Jesus our perspective on the things of this world is radically altered. Do you need the things of this world? Yes. Do you have to live and work and have a family? Yes. But are those things the most important “thing” to a Christian? No. We see things differently through our faith in Jesus. Our perspective is completely changed when through baptism we are completely changed! That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
The second chapter of Philippians contains one of the most famous segments of Scripture and one of the clearest expressions of Christ’s humble service given at the cross. His humility was given for us but His humility is also given through us. He was humble and we are called to the same. Is this something that comes easy? Is this a natural expression of who we are as humans? Nope. But through Christ and in Christ and by Christ’s presence within us...we are able to live in humility in this pride-filled world. That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
In this first chapter of Philippians Paul gets at a wonderful truth about our work in God’s Kingdom. Paul reminds us here that we are not going it alone as we bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus. Of course we are always partnering with the Lord, since without Him no one would know saving faith, but we are also partnering with other Christians in the effort. What does that “partnership” look like? What does that “partnership” mean? That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
In this first chapter of Philippians Paul gets at a wonderful truth about our work in God’s Kingdom. Paul reminds us here that we are not going it alone as we bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus. Of course we are always partnering with the Lord, since without Him no one would know saving faith, but we are also partnering with other Christians in the effort. What does that “partnership” look like? What does that “partnership” mean? That’s where we’re headed this weekend!
What Does Heaven Look Like?” We are curious, aren’t we? We want to know what it’s going to look like...not just in appearance but also in terms of what we’ll be doing when we’re there. Are we going to “hang out” like a never-ending vacation? Are we going to eat and drink and be merry? Are we going to know everything and everyone? Are we going to be the same person we were when we die? And that’s just the tip of the ice-berg! What does heaven look like for us? We know this with certainty...we will be with Jesus...we will be with our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we will so forever! What more do we need to know?
What Does Heaven Look Like?” We are curious, aren’t we? We want to know what it’s going to look like...not just in appearance but also in terms of what we’ll be doing when we’re there. Are we going to “hang out” like a never-ending vacation? Are we going to eat and drink and be merry? Are we going to know everything and everyone? Are we going to be the same person we were when we die? And that’s just the tip of the ice-berg! What does heaven look like for us? We know this with certainty...we will be with Jesus...we will be with our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we will so forever! What more do we need to know?
Everyone wants to know about the end times. Admittedly, some don’t want to know the details of the end times because the details bring fear...but all want to know...are we about to see Jesus on the clouds and are we on the edge of Judgment Day? Anyone who’s seriously studied the Bible knows that you cannot know the exact date, but they also know that the Bible doesn’t leave us without clues. So, are we living in the end times or last days? We’ll seek understanding of that difficult question today as we remember that no matter what era or epoch we’re living in, we live in and with and under the rule and reign of the King of kings!
Everyone wants to know about the end times. Admittedly, some don’t want to know the details of the end times because the details bring fear...but all want to know...are we about to see Jesus on the clouds and are we on the edge of Judgment Day? Anyone who’s seriously studied the Bible knows that you cannot know the exact date, but they also know that the Bible doesn’t leave us without clues. So, are we living in the end times or last days? We’ll seek understanding of that difficult question today as we remember that no matter what era or epoch we’re living in, we live in and with and under the rule and reign of the King of kings!
This question is often on the hearts and minds of those outside the Christian faith but it also weighs heavily on the hearts of those who know Jesus as their Savior too. Is God seeking out those who are in remote places? Is God bringing the Gospel of Jesus to people who don’t have the freedoms and the access that we do? What about them? We’ll seek understanding to this difficult question today all the while remembering God’s goodness and grace and mercy and desire, that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth!
“Help Me Understand: How Much Sin Can I Get Away With?” While we’d hope no one would actually ask this question, some times we do live this way. We live on the edge. We live for ourselves. We live as if God isn’t even watching and watching every single move we make. So...how much sin can I get away with and still go to heaven? We’ll seek understanding for that difficult question today while we remember that Jesus came to rescue us from the guilt of sin but that Jesus came to rescue us from sin...period!
“Help Me Understand: How Much Sin Can I Get Away With?” While we’d hope no one would actually ask this question, some times we do live this way. We live on the edge. We live for ourselves. We live as if God isn’t even watching and watching every single move we make. So...how much sin can I get away with and still go to heaven? We’ll seek understanding for that difficult question today while we remember that Jesus came to rescue us from the guilt of sin but that Jesus came to rescue us from sin...period!
When we read the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, one of the strangest things that we come across is Jesus talking as if He’s disconnected or separate from God the Father. When we read Jesus’ prayers or even the fact that He’s praying at all...we can walk away feeling that He is indeed the Son of God, but that’s it. So is Jesus the Son of God or is He God? We’ll seek understanding for that difficult question today and the importance of His Divine nature for our salvation!
When we read the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, one of the strangest things that we come across is Jesus talking as if He’s disconnected or separate from God the Father. When we read Jesus’ prayers or even the fact that He’s praying at all...we can walk away feeling that He is indeed the Son of God, but that’s it. So is Jesus the Son of God or is He God? We’ll seek understanding for that difficult question today and the importance of His Divine nature for our salvation!
Can you even imagine that first Christmas night? All of the angels? The brilliance of the glory of the Lord? The amazed and crazed shepherds running to Bethlehem and shouting the news? The magnificent star lighting up the sky? Joseph and Mary the proud new parents? The scene plays out before us and it is a glorious one, an amazing one! It’s a full-blown Broadway drama with the star of the show being the King of kings and Lord of lords! But think about it for a moment Christian...the Creator of the Universe was lying in a box, likely a stone box, but a box nonetheless! God Almighty inhabiting a very humble, lowly, earthly receptacle. And that reminds us of why He came, namely, to inhabit a very humble, lowly, earthly receptacle...you. He came for you. He came to redeem you. He came to live in you. Tonight reminds us that God is in fact “in a box”, and through faith in Jesus...that box is you!
As we turn this week from Joseph to Mary, we need to look back on what the angel told Joseph, namely, “You shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.” Why? Because one of the people that Jesus saved from their sins was none other than His own mother, Mary. Mary knew it. Mary proclaimed it. Mary sang it. Mary made it known. God was her Savior. As Luke records what is called “The Magnificat” we read these words: “Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...’” Luke 1:46-47. The humble servant Mary rejoiced in God her Savior. But the humble servant Mary rejoiced in God our Savior too. Mary rejoices in the God who would send Jesus through her so that through Him all could rejoice in God their Savior in heaven itself!
There’s always a “behind the scenes” or “unsung” character in every story or narrative. Joseph certainly isn’t an absentee daddy but we really don’t know very much about him. What we do know is this however...he was a man of God, worthy of our respect, a quiet giant to be sure. Not only did he intend to honor Mary by keeping the whole “pregnancy thing” quiet, but he also showed Himself to be a man of God as He simply obeyed the direction of God and did as he was told. Best of all? He followed God’s direction in naming Him Jesus...as it is written...“because He will save His people from their sins.” Joseph’s Son, would save His people from their sins...would save us from our sins and give us access to heaven itself!
We come across an amazing set of characters today. While they were not at the manger/stable when Jesus was born, they do give us an amazing glimpse into our wonderful God. The Wise Men as they have become known by, were likely Medo-Persians who met up with the Jewish nation in Babylon. In other words, God disciplined His children by sending them to Babylon and He did so not only to discipline them, but to bring saving knowledge of the Savior of the world to the Medo-Persians as well. This is simply a reminder of the lengths to which God will go to bring us to salvation and ultimately to bring us to worship at the side of the King of kings in heaven itself!
We come across an amazing set of characters today. While they were not at the manger/stable when Jesus was born, they do give us an amazing glimpse into our wonderful God. The Wise Men as they have become known by, were likely Medo-Persians who met up with the Jewish nation in Babylon. In other words, God disciplined His children by sending them to Babylon and He did so not only to discipline them, but to bring saving knowledge of the Savior of the world to the Medo-Persians as well. This is simply a reminder of the lengths to which God will go to bring us to salvation and ultimately to bring us to worship at the side of the King of kings in heaven itself!
What an amazing truth the star brings to us today. We could make the application that the brilliantly shining star in the sky was just an imagery that pointed to the brilliantly shining Son of God it was meant to point to. Jesus is the light of the world and the star helps us remember that truth! But it was more than an illustration, wasn’t it? It was actually a reminder that the Lord doesn’t leave us without directions pointing to His love and mercy and grace. The world around us certainly points us to God, but the cross, the grave and the believers in the cross and grave are “shining lights” pointing to the truth of the King of kings who came to bring us to heaven itself!
What’s Your Story: Holy-Heavenly-Huddle Amazing to visualize what happened on the hillside that first Christmas night. Can you imagine the concert that the shepherds were privy to? Can you imagine the sound of the voice of an angel of the Lord and the voices of the combined heavenly chorus singing to God on the night Jesus was born. Today’s reminder is that you don’t have to wonder forever. You can speculate and wonder in this lifetime but some day you will stand with all the redeemed and not only hear the voices of the angels singing praises to God and to the Lamb, but you will join your voice with theirs in perfect harmony and wonderful symbiosis as we worship our Lord forever and ever in heaven itself!
Amazing to visualize what happened on the hillside that first Christmas night. Can you imagine the concert that the shepherds were privy to? Can you imagine the sound of the voice of an angel of the Lord and the voices of the combined heavenly chorus singing to God on the night Jesus was born. Today’s reminder is that you don’t have to wonder forever. You can speculate and wonder in this lifetime but some day you will stand with all the redeemed and not only hear the voices of the angels singing praises to God and to the Lamb, but you will join your voice with theirs in perfect harmony and wonderful symbiosis as we worship our Lord forever and ever in heaven itself!
Why Are They Here?” (Shepherds) Luke 2:8-18 PJM. The shepherds are one of the most loved characters in the Christmas narrative. They were chosen. They were amazed. They were afraid. They were excited. They were great. But they were also...not very well liked. When the Lord chose to come to the shepherds, He chose men who were thought of poorly in the culture of their day. And yet, He chose them anyway, didn’t He? This is a message for all of us. It is not about you or who you are...it’s all about Him and His love for you. He chooses to come to shepherds, the hated, the despised, the sinful...and He chooses to come to us...sinful people just like you and me. And why? So that we can some day hear the heavenly chorus of angels singing to God Father, Son and Holy Spirit in heaven itself!
One of the most amazing truths of the birth of Jesus is where He was born. We often hear it said “Jesus should have been born in a palace” or “Jesus should have been born in a beautiful hospital” and that’s all true. But the reminder today is that it’s not exactly true...you see, no earthly location would have ever been good enough for our Lord Jesus. Huge Palace? Massive Castle? State-of-the-art Hospital? Solid gold room in the finest ever hotel? None of them are good enough. This isn’t just a king...this is the King of kings! No earthly locale would suffice to honor Him. And that’s the point...He didn’t come to be honored, He came to be the humble servant of humanity. The manger/stable of old simply foreshadowed the criminal’s death He would die for the sins of the world as through Him we inherit heaven itself!
One of the most amazing truths of the birth of Jesus is where He was born. We often hear it said “Jesus should have been born in a palace” or “Jesus should have been born in a beautiful hospital” and that’s all true. But the reminder today is that it’s not exactly true...you see, no earthly location would have ever been good enough for our Lord Jesus. Huge Palace? Massive Castle? State-of-the-art Hospital? Solid gold room in the finest ever hotel? None of them are good enough. This isn’t just a king...this is the King of kings! No earthly locale would suffice to honor Him. And that’s the point...He didn’t come to be honored, He came to be the humble servant of humanity. The manger/stable of old simply foreshadowed the criminal’s death He would die for the sins of the world as through Him we inherit heaven itself!
What’s this doing in a stewardship series? This is an “outreach” subject...and “each-one-reach-one” kinda message...not stewardship! And yet, today we’ll remember that when we talk about the stewardship of our time, talents and treasures, reaching out is part and parcel of using what God has enTRUSTed you with to HIS glory. We will remember today that we are not “on a mission from God” but that God is in fact the on a mission through us as we are enTRUSTed with HIS message!
We are often very focused on money and things. We are often absolutely consumed by money and things...OUR money and OUR things. Today we will remember that OUR things are not OURS at all. All that we have and all that we are...is His...is God’s. We’ll remember today that we are simply enTRUSTed with HIS resources.
This week in our stewardship sermon series we move from God owning our every day life to God owning our every day. We make plans. We look to the future. We design our life, follow our map, walk according to OUR plan. Today we’ll be reminded that God has a plan for your life. God has a plan for your future, for your every day and it’s therefore His plans and His future that matters. We’ll remember today that we are simply enTRUSTed with the plans God has given us!
This week in our stewardship sermon series we move from God owning our every day life to God owning our every day. We make plans. We look to the future. We design our life, follow our map, walk according to OUR plan. Today we’ll be reminded that God has a plan for your life. God has a plan for your future, for your every day and it’s therefore His plans and His future that matters. We’ll remember today that we are simply enTRUSTed with the plans God has given us!
Some times we forget that we do not own ourselves...we are owned. God made you, HE “knit you together in your mother’s womb” and “your days are numbered and are in HIS book” as Psalm 139 says it. That means God owns your body and your life. More than that, as a Christian He has purchased and won you for eternity with the precious blood of Jesus and so your life is really, genuinely, absolutely...“His Life”...now and for eternity. Today we’ll remember then, we are enTRUSTed with the life the Lord has given us!
Some times we forget that we do not own ourselves...we are owned. God made you, HE “knit you together in your mother’s womb” and “your days are numbered and are in HIS book” as Psalm 139 says it. That means God owns your body and your life. More than that, as a Christian He has purchased and won you for eternity with the precious blood of Jesus and so your life is really, genuinely, absolutely...“His Life”...now and for eternity. Today we’ll remember then, we are enTRUSTed with the life the Lord has given us!
As we come to this final chapter of Jonah we’re reminded of how ridiculous we can be and how ridiculous God’s love is for us! Jonah’s pouting because God didn’t kill the Ninevites! What? How ridiculous, right? And yet, we’re looking in a mirror on this one. We’re often petty and pouty and well...ridiculous. And yet, our wonderful God seeks us and disciplines us and makes us better. Why? Well, because He is crazy in love with us in spite of all our weird ways. And because, He’s chosen to be involved in a ridiculously wonderful and ridiculously deep relationship with us both now and forever.
As we come to this final chapter of Jonah we’re reminded of how ridiculous we can be and how ridiculous God’s love is for us! Jonah’s pouting because God didn’t kill the Ninevites! What? How ridiculous, right? And yet, we’re looking in a mirror on this one. We’re often petty and pouty and well...ridiculous. And yet, our wonderful God seeks us and disciplines us and makes us better. Why? Well, because He is crazy in love with us in spite of all our weird ways. And because, He’s chosen to be involved in a ridiculously wonderful and ridiculously deep relationship with us both now and forever.
How amazing is our God? How amazing is it that He not only rescued Jonah but brought the Ninevites to repentance through the prophet as well. Yes, God brought the Ninevites to repentance. The Bible is clear, even repentance is God’s work in and through us. And each time we repent, we’re reminded that it’s a ridiculous repentance because we love our sin...but each time we repent we’re also reminded that it’s ridiculous because God loves us so much, He gives us both repentance and grace when neither one is deserved!
How amazing is our God? How amazing is it that He not only rescued Jonah but brought the Ninevites to repentance through the prophet as well. Yes, God brought the Ninevites to repentance. The Bible is clear, even repentance is God’s work in and through us. And each time we repent, we’re reminded that it’s a ridiculous repentance because we love our sin...but each time we repent we’re also reminded that it’s ridiculous because God loves us so much, He gives us both repentance and grace when neither one is deserved!
As we turn the page to the second chapter of Jonah we realize that the Lord was all about saving the Ninevites, but He was also about saving Jonah too. Did Jonah deserve to be saved? Nope. Did Jonah deserve to die in that body of water? Yep. But God had mercy on Jonah and sent a fish...a fish that would swallow him and then three days later, spit him up on the beach. Hmmmm...three days later salvation was brought to sinners? Sound familiar? It should! God is all about ridiculous rescues and has done so for the world through His Son’s death and resurrection on the third day!
As we turn the page to the second chapter of Jonah we realize that the Lord was all about saving the Ninevites, but He was also about saving Jonah too. Did Jonah deserve to be saved? Nope. Did Jonah deserve to die in that body of water? Yep. But God had mercy on Jonah and sent a fish...a fish that would swallow him and then three days later, spit him up on the beach. Hmmmm...three days later salvation was brought to sinners? Sound familiar? It should! God is all about ridiculous rescues and has done so for the world through His Son’s death and resurrection on the third day!
Jonah 1:1-5 Matthew 5:43-48
In this first message from Jonah’s first chapter, we come across one of the hallmarks of our Christian faith...namely, we love our enemies. Jonah’s reticence to go to Nineveh was because the Ninevites were sworn enemies of Israel and were furthermore horrible and heinous and violent people. But God takes horrible and heinous and violent people and redeems them and makes them His own. He’s not looking for perfect people to be in His kingdom because there are none...He’s instead looking for, searching out, seeking diligently for sinners who need His grace. And He calls all of us, just like Jonah, to be ambassadors of His grace every day.God is all about ridiculous requests, especially when salvation, love and forgiveness is on the line.
Jonah 1:1-5 Matthew 5:43-48
In this first message from Jonah’s first chapter, we come across one of the hallmarks of our Christian faith...namely, we love our enemies. Jonah’s reticence to go to Nineveh was because the Ninevites were sworn enemies of Israel and were furthermore horrible and heinous and violent people. But God takes horrible and heinous and violent people and redeems them and makes them His own. He’s not looking for perfect people to be in His kingdom because there are none...He’s instead looking for, searching out, seeking diligently for sinners who need His grace. And He calls all of us, just like Jonah, to be ambassadors of His grace every day.God is all about ridiculous requests, especially when salvation, love and forgiveness is on the line.
In restful parenting you’ll find weekly encouragement from God‘s Word to parent from a place of rest. There is plenty of information on the Internet about ways to parenting but in this podcast we will look at how to best parent and love our families from a place of rest in the promises of Jesus.
James 1:12-15 John 8:42-44
This is a tough one for most people. They look around the world and see the suffering and pain. They recognize the evil that's present in everyone's heart...and presume, "If God created everything, then God created evil too." Today we will remember that evil is in the world because this world is infected with the disease of sin. But we will also remember that God never wanted it that way. God created the world to live and to live forever in the perfection and sinlessness of the Garden of Eden. But satan introduced the idea...and we, specifically Adam and Eve, took matters into our own hands. Thankfully, God also took matters into His own hands...the hands of Jesus nailed to the cross.
James 1:12-15 John 8:42-44
This is a tough one for most people. They look around the world and see the suffering and pain. They recognize the evil that's present in everyone's heart...and presume, "If God created everything, then God created evil too." Today we will remember that evil is in the world because this world is infected with the disease of sin. But we will also remember that God never wanted it that way. God created the world to live and to live forever in the perfection and sinlessness of the Garden of Eden. But satan introduced the idea...and we, specifically Adam and Eve, took matters into our own hands. Thankfully, God also took matters into His own hands...the hands of Jesus nailed to the cross.
Romans 7:14-18 1 John 1:5-10
"Christians are hypocrites!" You hear that kind of thing a lot. And while most think we'd object to such a claim, we actually embrace it. Christians are hypocrites and liars and thieves and adulterers and prejudiced and angry and addicted...and, well, you fill in the blank with your "things." We are and fully admit to being...broken. Doesn't that invalidate Christianity? Nope. Christianity isn't dependent on good people, Christianity is dependent on a good God...who takes us, forgives us, molds us, shapes us, changes us, works with us...and puts it on "repeat" as He forgives our short comings over and over again.
Romans 7:14-18 1 John 1:5-10
"Christians are hypocrites!" You hear that kind of thing a lot. And while most think we'd object to such a claim, we actually embrace it. Christians are hypocrites and liars and thieves and adulterers and prejudiced and angry and addicted...and, well, you fill in the blank with your "things." We are and fully admit to being...broken. Doesn't that invalidate Christianity? Nope. Christianity isn't dependent on good people, Christianity is dependent on a good God...who takes us, forgives us, molds us, shapes us, changes us, works with us...and puts it on "repeat" as He forgives our short comings over and over again.
Galatians 5:16-25 John 14:1-6
Christians are often called “narrow-minded” and to be honest, we have to admit that we are. Now, by that we don’t mean it’s okay to be mean...or hateful..or obnoxious...but the Bible does call us to singular thinking when it comes to who God is and what God does and how God operates. We hold fast to Jesus being the only way to heaven...but we do so because Jesus does. Call us “narrow” if you’d like...but Jesus remains, the only way, the only truth, and the only life and no one gets into heaven without Him. And so the good news is? Jesus has made Himself available to every person ever born and through Him they too can be born again!
Romans 1:18-21 John 14:8-11
For the Christian, the existence of God is obvious...but not so for everyone. Often people look at the meaninglessness of this world and say, “How could there be a God?” Often people see the pain and suffering in our world and question the existence of a “good God.” Often people are duped by prevailing philosophies that teaches we came from nothing. But the Bible reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1. How can we know God exists? Because we exist...creation cries out, “There is a Creator,” one who made me, loves me and walks with me.
Romans 1:18-21 John 14:8-11
For the Christian, the existence of God is obvious...but not so for everyone. Often people look at the meaninglessness of this world and say, “How could there be a God?” Often people see the pain and suffering in our world and question the existence of a “good God.” Often people are duped by prevailing philosophies that teaches we came from nothing. But the Bible reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1. How can we know God exists? Because we exist...creation cries out, “There is a Creator,” one who made me, loves me and walks with me.
2 Peter 1:16-21 John 17:12-17
The Bible is the living and active Word of a holy and righteous, pure and perfect God and therefore, it is also as holy and righteous, as pure and perfect as He is.
2 Peter 1:16-21 John 17:12-17
The Bible is the living and active Word of a holy and righteous, pure and perfect God and therefore, it is also as holy and righteous, as pure and perfect as He is.
We conclude our “Sitting with the Psalms” sermon series with a Psalm that is not as well known as many of the Psalms we’ve studied...and yet...one that has a profound and amazing reminder of who God is for us! In the first seven verses, the Psalmist talks about extolling, praising and glorifying God, but He does so for a reason that is revealed in verse eight, namely, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” What is it that drives our praise? He is gracious and merciful and slow to anger because He abounds in steadfast love! We’ll end this series, remembering the Lord’s amazing grace...remembering that He is “Gracious, Merciful, Patient and Loving!”
We conclude our “Sitting with the Psalms” sermon series with a Psalm that is not as well known as many of the Psalms we’ve studied...and yet...one that has a profound and amazing reminder of who God is for us! In the first seven verses, the Psalmist talks about extolling, praising and glorifying God, but He does so for a reason that is revealed in verse eight, namely, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” What is it that drives our praise? He is gracious and merciful and slow to anger because He abounds in steadfast love! We’ll end this series, remembering the Lord’s amazing grace...remembering that He is “Gracious, Merciful, Patient and Loving!”
Psalm 121 1 Peter 5:6-11
Psalm 121 is one of the most loved Psalms and mostly so for it’s opening verses “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Those beautiful words give comfort and hope in any situation, but especially in difficult ones. The Lord is our help! The Lord is our help always! Or, as verse five says it: “The LORD is your keeper!” The Lord God of heaven and earth is my keeper. He guards me! He guides me! He watches over me! He keeps me...both now and forevermore! Today we will remember and be embraced by Psalm 121 as we remember “The LORD is My Keeper!”
Psalm 121 1 Peter 5:6-11
Psalm 121 is one of the most loved Psalms and mostly so for it’s opening verses “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Those beautiful words give comfort and hope in any situation, but especially in difficult ones. The Lord is our help! The Lord is our help always! Or, as verse five says it: “The LORD is your keeper!” The Lord God of heaven and earth is my keeper. He guards me! He guides me! He watches over me! He keeps me...both now and forevermore! Today we will remember and be embraced by Psalm 121 as we remember “The LORD is My Keeper!”
Psalm 100 Romans 14:5-9
There are many wonderful truths found in Psalm 100--it's an amazing passage of Scripture! This Psalm speaks about worship, being thankful and the goodness of God.All of which are wonderful topics. But today we'll remember something that brings us into worship, causes us to be thankful and reminds us of the goodness of God...namely, that "It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3. Today we remember that "We Are His."
Psalm 100 Romans 14:5-9
There are many wonderful truths found in Psalm 100--it's an amazing passage of Scripture! This Psalm speaks about worship, being thankful and the goodness of God.All of which are wonderful topics. But today we'll remember something that brings us into worship, causes us to be thankful and reminds us of the goodness of God...namely, that "It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3. Today we remember that "We Are His."
Psalm 96:1-6 2 Corinthians:14-17
One of the blessings in our culture is that we are inundated with the gift of music--it is everywhere and all the time. It is in the house, in the car, in the work-place, in the hallways, and on our phones. Music is not just part of our culture, it is at the core of our culture. In today's Psalm, we are reminded that in Christ we have a new song. God has made us His new creation, thus we can sing of love, salvation and freedom. Psalm 96 is a great reminder that we can indeed "Sing a New Song" because of Jesus and his love!
Psalm 97:1-7a 1 Peter 2:1-10
We call ourselves a lot of different things—Christians, Believers, Christ-followers, Disciples of Jesus, and the Church. All of those names are actually true and biblical, but there is one name that we don’t often use—God’s People. It’s repeated in Psalm 95 and elsewhere. It reminds us of an amazing truth—we belong to God! We are His. We are His own beloved possession. As being His, we need to represent Him in this world. When we live and move and have our being in this world, Psalm 95 reminds us that we do so as “God’s People.”
Psalm 34:1-8 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
When we think of worshiping our Lord and Savior, we think of coming to Gloria Dei to sing His praise, hear His Word and receive His Sacraments...and all of that is “worship” or “praise” to be sure. But today, we remember through the words of Psalm 34, that “praise” isn’t an event in our week...“praise” is our week...“praise” is in fact, our life! Paul reminds the Thessalonians to: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, (and) give thanks in all circumstances.” Praise isn’t just an event for us... but because of our faith in Jesus, praise is our lifestyle. So, today we remember we live in “Continual Praise.”
Psalm 34:1-8 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
When we think of worshiping our Lord and Savior, we think of coming to Gloria Dei to sing His praise, hear His Word and receive His Sacraments...and all of that is “worship” or “praise” to be sure. But today, we remember through the words of Psalm 34, that “praise” isn’t an event in our week...“praise” is our week...“praise” is in fact, our life! Paul reminds the Thessalonians to: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, (and) give thanks in all circumstances.” Praise isn’t just an event for us... but because of our faith in Jesus, praise is our lifestyle. So, today we remember we live in “Continual Praise.”
Psalm 32:1-7 Colossians 1:9-14
When we think about our blessings, typically we go to things like family, house, career and other tangible, physical, earthly blessings. And to be sure, those are blessings from the hand of God. And yet, the greatest blessing we have is the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. We know that’s true and yet, as we count our blessings every day, we sometimes forget just how blessed we are in Jesus and His saving love! Today, we remember from Psalm 32 that “blessed” means being forgiven, and is centered in the fact that the Lord does not count our iniquities against us.
Psalm 32:1-7 Colossians 1:9-14
When we think about our blessings, typically we go to things like family, house, career and other tangible, physical, earthly blessings. And to be sure, those are blessings from the hand of God. And yet, the greatest blessing we have is the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. We know that’s true and yet, as we count our blessings every day, we sometimes forget just how blessed we are in Jesus and His saving love! Today, we remember from Psalm 32 that “blessed” means being forgiven, and is centered in the fact that the Lord does not count our iniquities against us.
Day after day we walk in a world that taxes, stresses, and generally drags us down. How wonderful then to have the truths from Psalm 23 in our lives. It’s poetic. It’s beautiful. It’s much loved...but it is also true. Christians walk with God day after day, embracing the deep and enduring love-relationship with their God, Creator and Heavenly Father. And that relationship brings us the peace we need as the Lord leads us to the “green pastures and “quiet waters” that only His presence can provide.
This five-part online study “Sitting with the Psalms” will look at Psalm 4, Psalm 16, Psalm 25, Psalm 46 and Psalm 63 during this online study.
Can Anyone Be Saved? When you read Psalm 15, you begin to wonder “If this is God’s expectation, will anyone be saved?” The Psalmist tells us that the person who will dwell on God’s holy hill must be blameless. To which we say “no one can meet those qualifications.” Can anyone be saved? This week’s Psalm reminds us that Scripture must interpret Scripture. Therefore our passage from Jude reminds us of God’s work in our lives, namely, that the Lord Jesus will present us blameless before God. When we asked the question “Can Anyone Be Saved?” We can unequivocally answer “Yes...because of the Lord Jesus Christ!”
Can Anyone Be Saved? When you read Psalm 15, you begin to wonder “If this is God’s expectation, will anyone be saved?” The Psalmist tells us that the person who will dwell on God’s holy hill must be blameless. To which we say “no one can meet those qualifications.” Can anyone be saved? This week’s Psalm reminds us that Scripture must interpret Scripture. Therefore our passage from Jude reminds us of God’s work in our lives, namely, that the Lord Jesus will present us blameless before God. When we asked the question “Can Anyone Be Saved?” We can unequivocally answer “Yes...because of the Lord Jesus Christ!”
Psalm 14 Matthew 28:18-20
Not dissimilar to last week’s message, we should be overwhelmed by the truth presented in Psalm 14. God is with us! Don’t take that for granted Christian...God is with us! And Psalm 14 is especially important in that regard because the Psalmist reminds us that we are surrounded by people, day after day, who do not believe in God as we do. In truth, we are surrounded by people who do not believe in God whatsoever, or as the Psalmist writes it here “The fool says in his heart ‘There is no God’”. So since we are surrounded by people who day after day rail against our faith and rail against our God, it is comforting to know that God is with us every day. Especially because we are not to be hermits or monastics, cloistered away in our faith groupings...ignoring the unbelievers around us. We are called to take the Gospel and to bring our faith and to be bold about it every day. So thank you Jesus! Psalm 14:5,6 reminds us that “God is with Us!”
Psalm 14 Matthew 28:18-20
Not dissimilar to last week’s message, we should be overwhelmed by the truth presented in Psalm 14. God is with us! Don’t take that for granted Christian...God is with us! And Psalm 14 is especially important in that regard because the Psalmist reminds us that we are surrounded by people, day after day, who do not believe in God as we do. In truth, we are surrounded by people who do not believe in God whatsoever, or as the Psalmist writes it here “The fool says in his heart ‘There is no God’”. So since we are surrounded by people who day after day rail against our faith and rail against our God, it is comforting to know that God is with us every day. Especially because we are not to be hermits or monastics, cloistered away in our faith groupings...ignoring the unbelievers around us. We are called to take the Gospel and to bring our faith and to be bold about it every day. So thank you Jesus! Psalm 14:5,6 reminds us that “God is with Us!”
One of the more amazing truths about our God is that He actually cares about us when we are simple, minute creations of His Almighty hand! Now, when I say that you, as a person who is a believer, you might be saying “Yeah..so?” You see, for those of us that are long time Christians, we kind of take this truth for granted. “Of course God loves me...God wants a daily relationship with me...in other words (almost ho-hum) Yep...God cares about me”...we own it, we believe it. But the words of Psalm 8 kind of shock us back to reality about how amazing that truth is. God, G O D, cares about my little ol’, sinful, sorry, insignificant self. Amazing! God Almighty, the Author of life and the Author of Creation, cares for me! Be overtaken and overwhelmed by this amazing truth from Psalm 8 “God Cares About Me!”
One of the more amazing truths about our God is that He actually cares about us when we are simple, minute creations of His Almighty hand! Now, when I say that you, as a person who is a believer, you might be saying “Yeah..so?” You see, for those of us that are long time Christians, we kind of take this truth for granted. “Of course God loves me...God wants a daily relationship with me...in other words (almost ho-hum) Yep...God cares about me”...we own it, we believe it. But the words of Psalm 8 kind of shock us back to reality about how amazing that truth is. God, G O D, cares about my little ol’, sinful, sorry, insignificant self. Amazing! God Almighty, the Author of life and the Author of Creation, cares for me! Be overtaken and overwhelmed by this amazing truth from Psalm 8 “God Cares About Me!”
The Bible was written at a time when an agrarian culture was dominant and so it makes perfect sense that the Lord often used “growing plant” imagery to describe our faith and life in Him. Though we are much less agrarian today, even in the great State of Iowa, we nonetheless connect well when the Lord uses these kind of images. We understand well what this Psalm is speaking about, don’t we? On a base level, we understand that in order to be productive, a plant of any kind needs to be firmly rooted in deep, rich soil with an ample water source available. We also understand then, that in order for a Christian to flourish in their faith, they have to be planted by God, in the fertile soil and flowing waters of His Word. Deeply rooted in the nourishment of God’s Word, we will thrive personally and also produce much fruit for the Kingdom of God. Today we remember from Psalm 1 that we are “A Tree Planted by God.”
The Bible was written at a time when an agrarian culture was dominant and so it makes perfect sense that the Lord often used “growing plant” imagery to describe our faith and life in Him. Though we are much less agrarian today, even in the great State of Iowa, we nonetheless connect well when the Lord uses these kind of images. We understand well what this Psalm is speaking about, don’t we? On a base level, we understand that in order to be productive, a plant of any kind needs to be firmly rooted in deep, rich soil with an ample water source available. We also understand then, that in order for a Christian to flourish in their faith, they have to be planted by God, in the fertile soil and flowing waters of His Word. Deeply rooted in the nourishment of God’s Word, we will thrive personally and also produce much fruit for the Kingdom of God. Today we remember from Psalm 1 that we are “A Tree Planted by God.”
One of the most profound, amazing and wonderful truths found in the Apostle’s Creed comes from what is the shortest of the three Articles. The First Article simply reads “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” Short. Sweet. To the point. But to the point of what? Well...that God is our Father and Maker and Creator. We are indeed “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him. We are not a product of chance or happenstance. We are not a link in a evolutionary chain that simply happened to come about “if given enough time” as it’s said. We are a purposeful creation of the purposeful God. What implications in our world today does that truth bring for us and for those outside the Church? Today, we’ll get at that as we remember that we are “Created by the Father!”
One of the most profound, amazing and wonderful truths found in the Apostle’s Creed comes from what is the shortest of the three Articles. The First Article simply reads “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” Short. Sweet. To the point. But to the point of what? Well...that God is our Father and Maker and Creator. We are indeed “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him. We are not a product of chance or happenstance. We are not a link in a evolutionary chain that simply happened to come about “if given enough time” as it’s said. We are a purposeful creation of the purposeful God. What implications in our world today does that truth bring for us and for those outside the Church? Today, we’ll get at that as we remember that we are “Created by the Father!”
This week we celebrate the Second Article of the Apostle’s Creed as we remember that Jesus has saved us, as we say it, “...from sin, death and the power of the devil.” But we also remember today that we fully believe we “...were a lost and condemned person”. What does that mean? What does it mean that we were “lost” and “condemned” and what does that mean for what Jesus has done for us? How does that change how we look at our faith in Jesus and the amazing grace of God? We’ll consider that and more as we remember today we are “Redeemed by the Son”.
This week we celebrate the Second Article of the Apostle’s Creed as we remember that Jesus has saved us, as we say it, “...from sin, death and the power of the devil.” But we also remember today that we fully believe we “...were a lost and condemned person”. What does that mean? What does it mean that we were “lost” and “condemned” and what does that mean for what Jesus has done for us? How does that change how we look at our faith in Jesus and the amazing grace of God? We’ll consider that and more as we remember today we are “Redeemed by the Son”.
Often we talk as if we had something to do with our faith in Jesus. “I believed in Jesus”; “I trusted Christ”; “I follow God”...we assert. And yes, I get it and understand why we say that. But the truth is, you were actually grasped by the truth of the Gospel and were so by a gift of faith...the gift of faith in Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. Today we will then remember that, as Luther would write it, “I cannot by my own reason or strength come to my Lord Jesus or believe on Him, but the Holy Spirit has called me...”. Today, on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate then the fact that God has brought us to faith or as we are saying it, we were “Called by the Holy Spirit!”
Often we talk as if we had something to do with our faith in Jesus. “I believed in Jesus”; “I trusted Christ”; “I follow God”...we assert. And yes, I get it and understand why we say that. But the truth is, you were actually grasped by the truth of the Gospel and were so by a gift of faith...the gift of faith in Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. Today we will then remember that, as Luther would write it, “I cannot by my own reason or strength come to my Lord Jesus or believe on Him, but the Holy Spirit has called me...”. Today, on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate then the fact that God has brought us to faith or as we are saying it, we were “Called by the Holy Spirit!”