Grace Alone Online: Recent Episodes
Greg Klotz
This 19th Sunday in Pentecost is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels. September 29 is the Archangel Michael's time to shine along with all the angels who protect Christians daily in their walk through life. What is YOUR angle on angels? Listen up.
In the 1960s, I believe it was comedian Flip Wilson who coined the phrase, "Here comes the judge!" He used it often in his routines. Today, in Jesus' parable, a widow seeks justice against her adversaries from a judge but barely finds it. The Lord promises that justice will come quick when he returns to the earth. Will God's children be spared? Will they also be judged? How will they be judged? Find out.
Decades ago, George Carlin had a comedy sketch about "stuff". The accumulation of "stuff", the storage of "stuff", etc. why do we have so much "stuff" AND what are we going to do with it? Jesus parable answers that question.
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan. But who is the Good Samaritan? Do you want to be like him, rather than the priest and the Levite who pass by the injured man on the road? Well, you can't, and you never will. Here's why...
We all know the parable of the Prodigal Son, but what is the final outcome of the older brother. The parable leaves us hanging without a conclusion. The question is WHY? Jesus knew what He was doing when he did this. This parable is the last of three parables Jesus tells in succession, and the punch line is the key in the Prodigal Son. Listen why.
This begins a series on parables found only in the Gospel of Luke. Today, the Pharisee, Jesus and the sinful woman are at a banquet feast. Things don't go as planned for the Pharisee when a prostitute enters the room. What will Jesus' reaction be to this banquet gone awry?
Are you "into God?" Christians say we were baptized in the name of the Triune God. Do we merely carry His name upon us as believers? This Trinity Sunday, we explore the riches of the what if means to believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by taking a look at St. Patrick and Shakespeare.
If you get Christ right, you get the right Christ. It's simple. When you hear God's own testimony concerning His som you avoid the pitfalls of falling into traps of false prophets telling to do this or that in order to be a Christian. Do you get Christ?
Rev. Greg Klotz accepts the invitation from Resurrection Lutheran Church in Brentwood, California, to today's sermon on a familiar post-Easter text: Doubting Thomas.
Rev. Andrew Mundinger of Holy Cross Lutheran in Concord, California, preaches on one of the "I Am" texts in the the Gospel of John. "I am the Good Shepherd" is the theme of this Sunday's worship.
The original ending to MARk's Gospel probably ended at verse 8. Mark 16:9-20f may have been added by Mark at a future date. Earliest manuscripts indicate the shorter reading...why would Mark end his Gospel with the fear and bewilderment of the women who came to the tomb? AND...nobody saw Jesus. We explore how this shorter ending fits into Mark's overall goal in keeping it short and to the point in a remarkable yet bewildering way.
Pastor Mundinger preaches on the story of Thomas who doubting wants to see Jesus in the flesh before believing in His resurrection. But, did Thomas doubt? Or, was Thomas requesting to confirm and affirm what He knew to be true by faith; namely, what He has to look forward to in the end.
Today is the last Sunday Grace Lutheran Church will be worshipping in this building. In 1931, when Grac eLutheran Church began, nobody thought they would go to sleep, and wake up to the last Sunday they would be in their church building. On Good Friday, Jesus went to "sleep" and "woke up" on Easter Sunday replacing death with life, sin ridden bodies into imperishable and incorruptible spiritual bodies. We don't know, however, when we go to sleep, when, or where, or how we will wake up. But for those who believe in Jesus Christ, we are only strengthened in our faith that we will wake up in God's arms as JEsus did.
Palm Sunday and Jesus rides into Jerusalem. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:13). Wow, the crowds were ecstatic! But today is also called the “Sunday of the Passion,” because by the end of the week the crowds are shouting, “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:14). Have you ever wondered why the crowd changed its tune? The Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us why, butwe can make several intelligent guesses.
Back in 1925, Eddie Cantor took the nation by storm with his roaring-twenties hit: “If you knew Susie, like I know Susie, oh, oh, oh what a gal!” Everyone wanted to know Susie, and who wouldn’t. She was lively, fun, a party girl. She was the center of attention when she walked into the room. This was the 1920s – a decade of extravagance, free and wild living, and she was wild. Whatever it was that Susie had, it was working for her. She smiled when she was supposed to, posed for the camera at every opportunity. She did all the right things at the right time to get noticed in all the right ways. Every girl wanted to be like Susie: popular, fun, energetic. Who wouldn’t?
But…after the last kiss at the door and her suitor drove away. Susie probably entered an empty apartment, turned on her bedroom light, peeled off her flapper fringe party dress, her eyelashes. She then sat at her vanity, took her cold cream from the top drawer, and began removing the makeup from her face.
Lent is a somber time, although we do know this season ends in joy, don’t we?. Yes, Christ is risen; your Savior is alive but in LENT you take the time to focus on repentance and your need for what you know is coming on Easter. Lent is part of your journey toward eternity with Christ. Paul says, “God’s patient kindness [towards all those living] is meant to lead you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4). So, during this time of year, you reflect on you and your life with a repentant heart. And, obviously, your repentance should be sincere – not just going through the motions, for God searches your heart. In a nutshell, Lenten repentance is done, knowing with confidence that God forgives those who look up to Him.
John’s Gospel passage today presents you with two reminders to carry you through your Lenten journey: (1) you remember your sins, and (2) you look upon on the cross of Christ for the forgiveness of those sins.
In preparing for today’s sermon, I came across a Bible passage that describes me very well. At least it describes me most of the time. Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Yup, sometimes that thought has crossed my mind. It’s not that I’m a thoroughgoing atheist. Church people get upset by atheism and there’s been a new surge of atheism in recent years. But I have plenty of atheist-like moments meaning, I don’t trust the power of the cross of Jesus Christ, as if it were never there – never happened. Paul says, “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
When you travel, there are some things you need to leave at home. You need to travel lighter. You may leave your rock collection, for example. But, you might want to take your blood pressure medicine. Those are physical things. What about leaving behind attitudes or emotions. For instance, you’re going to a family reunion for 2 weeks and uncle Ned who talks non-stop, or cousin Genie who can’t stop smoking in close quarters. When you get in the car or plane, you prepare yourself emotionally, and adjust your attitude, “It’s only going to be two weeks. I can handle it.” And when you get there, you check your attitude at the door. But on our journey through this world, as Christians, let’s talk about our possible attitude: complacency. Let’s leave complacency behind.
I remember walking through the woods near our house several times in the Fall, trying to find a cocoon. We studied about it in science. I wanted to find one, put it in a jar, and watch it turn from caterpillar to butterfly. I never found one, and I never saw it happen.In the early Christian church, the symbol for the resurrection was, you guessed it, a butterfly. Before becoming a butterfly, a caterpillar falls into a death-like swoon and encloses itself in a tomb-like casing only to emerges later a beautiful butterfly. The early Christian symbol was an expression of faith, that believers too will awaken from their sleep with new lives in transformed glorified bodies, as was Christ when He walked out of the tomb. The transformation process from caterpillar to butterfly is called metamorphosis.
I hate interruptions. Don’t you? Interruptions distract from your final goal and purpose. Sometimes I get so absorbed in what I’m doing, I just can’t be distracted until I’m finished. For instance, the interruption of having to go to the garage to find the tool you need, and then when you’re there forget why you’re there. Man, that’s the worst interruption. Now you must take time, think and retrace your steps, go back to where you started to jog your memory of what you needed. You remember and start out once again for the garage. I hate interruptions.
There is an interruption in our reading today. It’s the Sabbath, and Jesus takes his first disciples – Simon, Andrew, James and John – to church with Him. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. For all the times that these four men had gone to church, they had never seen anything like what they were about to see on this Sabbath Day.
When you were a child, did you ever play King of the Hill? Do you remember the game? We used to play it on the monkey bars at recess or climbing to the top of a mound of freshly plowed snow in the bank parking lot – that’s how we played most of the time. The rules were, first one who pushed and shoved their way up to top was King of the Hill. But the game didn’t end there. It continued because the king had to show his or her dominance by pushing off all pretenders to the crown. It was a show of strength and power.
Well, most childhood games reflect on and prepare us for life in the real world. I’m saying that individually, and so also in society, we can’t help but play King of the Hill. It’s in our flawed DNA. It reveals our true nature: “someone has to be on top and it’s going to be me.” Today we talk about POWER and AUTHORITY as it appears in our Gospel texts.
Jesus spoke to a crowd of people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. For everyone to see and hear Him preaching he asked Peter to let him board his boat and push out a bit from the shore. With people standing on the shore, and fishermen in the boat, Jesus preaches and teaches about the kingdom of God – to repent and believe for the Kingdom of God was at hand.
Then, in a seemingly random way, Jesus tells Peter, “Push out to deeper waters and let down your nets.” Peter does, and the nets nearly broke from so many fish that they had to call James and John to help them pull in the catch.
We might think, “OK, Jesus did this to show that He was the Messiah so that they would follow Him.” People look for signs, wonders, miracles to prove things. But there is something much deeper the way Luke tells the story, deeper than the sea of Galilee. Jesus links the nets of the fishermen with the preaching of His Word. Let’s revisit the story.
Can anything good come out of Pittsburg? Can anything good come out of Antioch? Or let’s be more specific: Can anything good come out of Grace Lutheran this year? Those may be the kinds of questions in the minds of the people with whom we meet and talk. And the attitude behind the questions would be a rather dubious one. Believe it or not, some people may think of an old Lutheran congregation with an old church building, without a large contemporary music and worship services the way they think of seemingly backward and rural towns…..worthless and out of date. Grace Lutheran? Where’s that? And this, in turn, can create doubts and even embarrassment in your own minds. You might become reluctant or even ashamed to speak up for and invite people to our church.
Who is your favorite superhero, or hero? Do you have one? Can Jesus be considered a superhero? What might the difference be? As we remember His Baptism on this day, we understand the reason why God decided to gift us our Baptisms. Our Baptism is meaningless unless Christ goes into the water with us. Find out why.
Timing is everything. To be funny, the punch line of any joke needs to be said at the right time. If not, the whole joke is ruined, the pointdoesn’t get across. When delicate discussions need to take place, you choose the right moment to begin the conversation. Just like you carefully consider when and how to deliver a punch line to a joke, or when and how to approach someone to talk about a potentially explosive subject, Paul considered which Greek word to use which, in English, simply translates as “time”. In English we have only this one word, but for Paul the Greek language offered two choices.
It's Christmas Eve! Tonight's sermon features Caravaggio's Nativity painting you can find here: https://mwerickson.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/caravaggio-nativity1600.jpg
Arching over the life of every Christian is the great sacred story of the mighty acts of God. This sacred story is highlighted by the displays of power and strength which mark God’s victories over God’s enemies. And in scripture, with God’s victories, God’s people sang in response. The victory songs of the Bible are not rich with personal bravado or chest-pounding strength. They are not even celebrations of nations like a national anthem. Rather, these victory songs all celebrate God—who God is and what God does.
For the next three Wednesdays there will be an ADVENTDEVOTIONAL of storytelling. Please take time and reflect as we await Christ's birth. Music used in this devotional:
“Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming,” Vocal Majority, from thealbum The Spirit of Christmas
“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song),” Amy Grant, from the album Homefor Christmas
“Sleep Precious Babe,” George Beverly Shea, from the album AGeorge Beverly Shea Christmas
“Mary did You Know,” Vocal Majority, from the album TheSpirit of Christmas
“What Child is This,” Gaélica, from the album Luz NavidadCelta Venezolana
Much like being lost in a dead-end trail deep in a forest, David prays for deliverance and rescue from his oppressors by asking God to be is rock and fortress to guide and lead him. He confesses that this is exactly what God is for him, a rock and fortress. He has complete trust that God will lead and guide him out of this situation. David’s specific plea is that God lead and guide him “for His name’s sake.” What does David mean; what is it to pray "according to His name sake?"
For the next two Wednesdays there will be an ADVENT DEVOTIONAL of storytelling. Please take time and reflect as we await Christ's birth. Music used in this devotional:
“Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine [feat. Ted Williams],” TheWilliam’s Duo, from the album A Pennsylvania German Christmas
“Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine,” the Festival Consort, fromthe album Renaissance Glory – Christmas with the festival Consort
“Silent Night,” Frank Sinatra, from the album JollyChristmas From Frank Sinatra
“Away in a Manger,” Alan Jackson, from the album Let itBe Christmas
“All is Well,” Vocal Majority, from the album The Spiritof Christmas
This second Sunday in Advent we focus on being renewed through Christ in us. Images abound throughout Scripture as metaphors for descriptions of the human condition. Strength is easily depicted as a lion, or an eagle soaring through the air. But how might you picture weariness or hopelessness? What object, animal, part of nature, might describe weariness or hopelessness? Isaiah has a message for you, as we explore some of these images.
For the next three Wednesdays there will be an ADVENT DEVOTIONAL of storytelling. Please take time and reflect as we await Christ's birth. Music used in this devotional:
“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” Bing Crosby,from the album Christmas
“Here Comes Santa Claus,” Gene Autry, from the album TheChristmas Album
“O Little Town of Bethlehem,” Gene Autry, from the album TheChristmas Album
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” Vocal Majority, from the album TheSpirit of Christmas
“Put Christ Back Into Christmas,” George Beverly Shea, fromthe album A George Beverly Shea Christmas
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” George Beverly Shea, from thealbum A George Beverly Shea Christmas
Our series opener this Advent season fosucing each week on Be Born in Us Today. what does Christ bring us? today we focus on His blessings. From among the many, he calls Abraham to carry the seed of his promise to save the world. He calls you, out of the darkness, to enter His marvelous light.
The concept of eternity is difficult to grasp. We could describe eternity as “timeless” but we use “timeless” differently than “eternity”. For example, a diamond ring is timeless beauty. The ruins of Egypt are timeless. But Pastor Greg’s sermons are an eternity; they are not timeless.
Jesus had 33 years of time to teach about the impending day of judgment. We have, at best, 80 years to come to terms with faith and judgment. Today, we end the church year; next Sunday we begin a new year with Advent. Today, we focus on the Judgment Day and the coronation of Christ our King of eternity; next Sunday we focus on the birth of that king and begin another cycle of the church year.
I love a phrase from Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol. Scrooge says to Marley’s ghost, “There’s more gravy than of the grave about you.” Scrooge doesn’t believe what he sees standing before him, namely Marley’s ghost. He thinks the apparition is caused by some bad foo he ate. This thanksgiving, I’m sure more than one of us will be like Scrooge, not believing what we’re seeing because we are more stuffed than the turkey we ate.
The traditional Gospel text for Thanksgiving is from Luke 17 about the healing of the Lepers. As we read it, our attention is specifically drawn to the Samaritan leper as the one who returned to give thanks to Jesus. Luke makes sure we know that this leper is a Samaritan.
Pause for a moment and think about a most beloved gift you’ve received. For me, it was a camera. I always played around with my dad’s camera, my mom’s camera, my dad’s Bell and Howell 8mm movie camera – not video. Finally, when I was thirteen, my parents gave me a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic 500 Single-Lens Reflex with a screw-thread lens mount developed by Zeiss and Praktika corporations during World War II.
Sharing joy is one part of the message in our parable of the Talentsthis morning. The way Jesus tells this parable, it flows out of the prior parable; the parable of the Ten Virgins. It lets us know we should consider this parable as an extension to the parable of the Ten Virgins.
Even for the most devout Christian, today’s parable and the next three makes us feel insecure, fear, or perhaps doubt. They make us take account of our faith and our actions, our sincerity, our devotedness to follow Jesus. Both Jesus’ and Matthew’s intent, however, is to prepare themselves for Judgment Day with vibrant faith which fuels their daily lives and relationships with others. You, and only you, are held accountable to be faithful both in your confession of Christ as your Savior, and in leading a life of love and mercy, fueled by that faith.
These next three parables are a call to be prepared and to not let your guard down in a world that would swallow you, and your faith, whole. It is Christ who overcomes fear and doubt and you must keep your eyes and live your lives on Him. He is the prize.
Our parable is the last of a series about mercy and judgment. Jesus tells this parable sometime between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. This parable not only summarizes Jesus’ earthly ministry but also anticipates His upcoming resurrection from the dead. It focuses on the wedding feast of His second coming and a king who sends out invitations to the that festal day.
Don’t shoot the messenger. What a great saying. Say it and you evade all responsibility related to the message. “Don’t blame me, I’m just the messenger.” However, killing the messenger would be the most effective way of killing the message. This is what lies behind Jesus’ parable today: the Parable of the Tenant farmers, as it is commonly known.
As a child, I was asked to do chores around the house. I was asked, and then didn’t do them. But, as a child I enjoyed watching my dad plant the garden, pick fruit from the tree, and mow the lawn with the cylinder blade push lawn mower we had. I studied how he mowed and collected the grass on the hottest of summer days. Although I neglected to do chores most of the time, one summer day, when I was around 10 or 11, I decided to work in the yard and be like my father. My dad was at work, and my mom was not home. I decided to help mow the lawn. I got the lawn mower out of the garage and started cutting back and forth across the front lawn, just like my dad. In part, this illustration may serve to help understand our parable for today.
Do you remember an AT&T commercial, where a female AT&T vendor is handing out lollypops to a boy and a girl? She wants to show that AT&T is giving away the best deals to ALL customers; those who have been faithful customers as well as the new ones who sign up. She illustrates how other companies mistreat their customers by giving the girl a small lollypop, but to the little boy she gives a BIG lollypop. The little girl is astonished and immediately cries out, “It’s not fair.” Really, that’s pretty much all of us, isn’t it? You’re all about fairness when it comes to getting what you want.
It’d be nice if things still came with ‘strings attached’ so that we might know if it’s as perfect as it sounds or if there aren’t some hidden flaws. It’d be nice to know if that ‘great deal’ that sounds too good to be true, really is, or if it has ‘strings attached.’ Like if at the bottom of contracts or clauses, a proof-reading lawyer might attach saying. “Spoiler alert! There are strings attached!” Sometimes you might wonder if the grace of God FOR YOU and His forgiveness for all my sins might not also have ‘strings attached.’ You mean to say that after having received all this grace upon grace that now I’m expected to BE GRACIOUS to others and FORGIVE others who sin against me?
When parables judge and condemn, it appears they don’t square with what WE WANT the kingdom of God to be like. Take Peter, for instance. One time, Peter thought He knew what the Kingdom of Heaven was. But when Jesus said, “the Son of Man must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised,” Peter took Him aside and said, “This shall never happen to you.” (Mat. 16:21-22) That’s NOT what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. How embarrassing for Peter.
With today’s parable, we reach the end of Matthew 13. In the Sower and the Seed we saw how the kingdom is sown through God’s word. In the parable of the wheat and the weeds we saw how we live in the kingdom of God, producing fruit for harvest. And we saw how this kingdom starts so small like a mustard seed and harbor in its branches all those who hunger and thirst. Today’s parable describes the joy of living in God’s Kingdom.
Two key concepts that we see repeatedly in Jesus’ parables is hungering and thirsting and the word righteousness. Way back in Matthew 5 Jesus said, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be satisfied.” We know what it is to hunger and thirst, but how would you define righteousness. Rather than define these, they define themselves these examples of how we live.
In today’s parable, Jesus chooses a seed other than wheat. He describes God’s kingdom using a mustard seed. When we hear mustard seed, we all most likely go to the Matthew 17 passage where Jesus says, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain over there…”. Remember that teaching? At some point in your life you probably fixated on something and tried to move it to see if you had even that little bit of faith….and proved to yourself that you don’t. Disappointed….you don’t even have faith the size of a mustard seed. But Jesus tells this parable between the parable of the wheat and weeds, and its explanation as promise and hope – to call people to Him; not as something the people had to do.
Autumn is just around the corner and although wheat has been harvested long ago in June, the idea of harvest still comes to mind. October fest is coming, or, as they say in German, “Oktoberfest is coming.” The time to celebrate the good plants and destroy the weeds that grew with it! Jesus follows his parable from last week, the Sower and the Seed, with end-times harvest talk. Today’s parable is the Weeds and the Wheat.
How many of you are farmers? I Didn’t think so. How many of you have planted a garden? I thought so? Even if you are not a farmer or a gardener, you probably have a general knowledge of plants and how they grow. Israel was an agricultural society. It was natural for Jesus to use gricultural imagery like seed, soil, growth, harvest, fruit, even weeds in his parables and teachings. The whole of chapter 13 has agricultural parables, and these are the most in-depth revelation of what the kingdom of God is like, and how one lives in the kingdom. Our parable today is the well-known Parable of the Sower; a parable that many misunderstand.
Your kids are playing. Suddenly you hear, “Hey you cheated.” A theater director in rehearsal suddenly shouts to an actor, “Wait, that’s not what you are supposed to say. Stick to the script.” In the army, everyone is marching on their right foot; you are on your left. Drill Sergeant Conlin shouts out, “Soldier, get back in line!” A quick corrective and everyone is on their way: playing nice, acting with Oscar-quality, and the soldier no longer trips everyone up. Rule-makers are in authority, and they always want you to play by the rules.
Like in a play, our scene in Matthew is about to play out and things look out of line. The script seems to be changing. Someone is cheating and not playing by the rules. The question is, “Who has the authority to make those changes?
Way back in 1977, the Commodores had a hit single, “She’s a Brick House.” Go ahead, get it out of your head. Sing it. Then stop. Owning a home has been part of the American probably since the 1950s, when the economy was booming and it was possible. At that time, of course, houses were brick.
And that’s only one way today’s parable about homes in the Middle East is different from your sturdy, safe and secure house in the East Bay. For the Israelites in the time of Jesus, there were no ICBMs or cluster bombs to threaten secure homes, but there was Rome. Rome destroyed all the secure homes about 40 years after Jesus. This threat to homeland security lends itself to Jesus’ parable.
We begin our study of parables in Matthew today. Exciting new revelations about god's kingdom will begin at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and carry us through Matthew's Gospel. how many times do you misinterpret the parables. Most people do. Find out why and how they really apply to your life and walk with Jesus.
Do you ever worry that God has given up on you? That he’s finally had enough and is ready to kick you to the curb? It’s like God is thinking: “Oh, my goodness! There he goes again! Haven’t I told him often enough not to do those things? What am I going to do with this one?” Yeah, how could God put up with a supposed Christian as lousy as I am? So I wonder if I’m going to make it with God all the way to the end.
Or maybe you think God has forgotten about you. I mean, look at all the troubles you’re having. You don’t have enough money. Your income is going down. Your expenses are going up. Your health–well, it’s one thing after another. Your life is a mess. Some of the people closest to you have deserted you. And you think: “Maybe God has deserted me, too. He doesn’t seem to care. Nothing is changing for the better. I mean, come on!”
Is religion private? Something that exists only between you and God? Many people have this idea, although it has nothing to do with what Scripture teaches. It is very “American” to think so, since our society is based on individualism. But the concept is still contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Nowhere in Scriptures will you find that more clearly than in Romans 8
The Walking Dead is a great commentary, a spiritual commentary, on our world today. Are we to fear the Zombies? Are Zombies all around us? Fear abounds in our world today, with unanswered questions about what to do when pandemics, or zombies, lurk about. What do you do?
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Here in this verse from today’s Gospel, Matthew 11:28, Jesus issues a gracious invitation and makes a wonderful promise. “Come to me” is the invitation, and “I will give you rest” is the promise. And to whom does he address this invitation and promise? To “all who labor and are heavy laden.” What is it, then, to labor and be heavy laden, to be weary and burdened? What does Jesus mean by that?
Today Jesus tells us that he came to bring us three things: “A Sword, a Cross, and a Life.” Are you sure you want these things? Let’s find out. Our text is the Gospel for today, from Matthew chapter 10. Jesus has been instructing his disciples in this chapter, preparing them for what they’re getting themselves in for. And it’s not going to be a bed of roses. Because some of these roses are going to have thorns. Are you ready for this?
Have you ever been afraid to follow someone or something? Afraid to follow into battle? Afraid to follow hikers hiking along the side of a cliff? Afraid to dive with other children into the pool for the first time? Doubting? Not wanting to commit? Today we wrap up our sermon series called Stop Being Afraid. I’m calling this sermon, “The Fear of Following.” In Luke 5:27 Christ says to Matthew, “Follow me.” Christ doesn’t say, “Follow your feelings.” Or, “follow your dreams and your desires.” Christ doesn’t say, “Follow the crowd, the clique and the culture.” No. Christ says, “Follow me.”
Last month I finally broke down and bought a shell. It’s a brand new, state-of-the-art shell. Tailor-made. Top-of-the-line. My shell is better than body armor and thicker than an army tank. Why did I buy a shell? To protect me from all the world’s pain. Now when I meet people who don’t know Jesus and who don’t care to know Jesus, my shell keeps me safe. And when I see hunger, poverty and racism, it all bounces off my shell. My shell is great! I don’t feel a thing! Are you living in a shell? We continue our sermon series Stop Being Afraid! with a common fear: the fear of commitment!
Guys, do you remember how you felt the first time you made plans to ask a girl for a date? Just how you would ask, where you would meet her to ask, etc. Maybe you even called a few times but hung up fearing if she were to reject you? And, if so, what could you do to make her accept you? Ladies, might you remember a time you wanted to tell your crush just how you felt? But didn’t… for fear of rejection. What about the first time you went shopping on your own as a teenager. You bought new clothes, shoes, make-up only to have your mother or father say: “No. You can’t wear that.” Rejected. In our sermon series Stop Being Afraid we look at the fear of being rejected. You can be rejected for anything in our world today.
Today is Holy Trinity Sunday, the Sunday in the church year when we praise God through readings, songs, and the use of our longest creed: the Athanasian Creed, by which we confess most completely our faith in the Triune God revealed through Scripture: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Today we begin Trinity Season of the church year. This year started with Advent and Christmas, the birth and passion of Christ. It continued with Lent and Easter in Christ’s death and resurrection. God’s promises were fulfilled in the Ascension of Christ to reign with the Father and pouring out of the Holy Spirit for all to come to faith, as John says, “But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children— children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.” And so, now, the second part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon makes total sense on this Trinity Sunday. We celebrate our salvation completed and given freely by the true God, whom we know and confess as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This is a sermon in two-parts. The first part is today, the second part is next week. There are some interesting things that happen at Pentecost. Why the tongues of fire? Why preaching on the porch? Why so many languages? What does this have to do with you and me? We're taking a different approach to the traditional Acts 2 material to look at Pentecost in a new way.
"Enough is enough!" A phrasewe often use to express that we are fed up with someone or some thing. But,most of the time, for mot people, "enough is not enough," ever!People seem to never have enough time, enough money. They never pray enough,work enough, study enough, etc. Continuing the sermon series, "Stop BeingAfraid," we explore the fear of anxiousness, about not being sufficient.These fears start with one word: enough! Really, fears of a future unknown as it relates toyour insufficiency, having enough, doing enough, stockpiling enough, prayingenough. Enough is that nagging notion that gnaws away at your peaceand accuses you of failure by neglect. Reading enough is pouring yourself intoa bottom-less cup, hoping that one day you will have enough to quench yourthirst.
Our series on "Stop Running Scared" continues in these Sundays following Easter. Today we explore something that affects everyone: the Fear of Failure.
PLEASE GOOGLE THE PAINTING "REMBRANDT THE STORM ON THE SEA OF GALILEE" for this podcast.
Today we are going to do something a bit different, known as Visio Divina. This Latin phrase meaning “divine seeing”. It’s like Lectio Divina but instead of listening to God through his Word we will reflect on God’s message through art. Visio Divina also invites us to personalize Christian truth by taking it deeply into our hearts. Today we’re going to meditate using Visio Divina. Assisting us is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn called “Fear in the Storm”.
From Easter through Pentecost our theme is Stop Being Afraid. Our goal is to move from fear – living paranoid when events uproot you from your comfort zone in life, to faith – being prudent in your actions and decisions even though they may make you feel uncomfortable. Moving from paranoia to prudence we are moving from those things that make you fear and feel uncomfortable, to act prudently saying, Forsaking All I Take Him - meaning Christ. Death is probably our greatest fear. Dreams fade. Seasons of life wind down. Jobs come to an end. Children go away to college. Relationships terminate. As happens in all lives, death comes. We all die. And it just keeps on coming in so many ways, shapes and sizes. But you never think about death coming to congregations. But death appears here as well. Death and loss affect your comfort zone. Beginning with pets, as children you may remember a favorite pet that died – or consider one of your own children’s pets – How did you handle it? How did you handle a loved one’s or a close friend’s death?
Last week we had a guest preacher so I missed a podcast. This week we start a series called "Stop Being Afraid." It will take us through the next few weeks to Pentecost.
the most primal emotion we have is being afraid. The most used phrase in all of Scripture is "Don't be afraid!" Wonder why? tune in over the next few weeks and see how you and I are set free from fear to flourish in our lives.
Raised from the dead, all creation has new life through Him. He restores a New World Order that belongs to God alone and those who place their trust and follow Him.
"Take and eat. This is my body given for you. Take and drink. My blood of the New Covenant" of salvation for all through faith in Christ.
When it comes to sermons, I find Christmas, Palm Sunday, and Easter to be the most challenging. Everyone knows the stories. How can I approach the text ina new way so that you don’t fall asleep sooner than you usually do. (pause). So for this Palm Sunday, I’m trying a new approach. No, I’m not going to have Steve or Jim ride in on a donkey; I want to look at Palm Sunday as I would a parable. I title our devotion this morning: A Parable On Parade.
The first king of Israel would never have needed a sign over his head at any time saying, “This is Saul, the King of the Jews.” You would have known it just by looking at him. He was a head taller than anyone else in Israel. He was handsome, strong, and he came from a wealthy family. You would have needed no more than one glance at that exalted head of his to declare, “Now that’s a king." But Saul’s story was no different than other kings. His exalted head lowered, he followed in the way of the world’s first king, Adam. Following in the sinful DNA of his forefather, Adam, he turned away from the Word of the Lord. As a result, God anointed a new king, as Scriptures say, “he was a man after God’s own heart”, the young shepherd David. But Saul persecuted and reviled David. King Saul had the gall, the audacity, to challenge the Lord’s Anointed. Growing up, my family had term for that gall and audacity. We would say that Saul had chutzpah. DO YOU HAVE THAT KIND OF CHUTZPAH? Jesus did!
While mockery is not strictly making fun of someone, mockery does involve making fun of someone or something. Maybe you can remember that one kid in your school of whom everyone made fun. Among children, this happens a lot. Among adults? Yes, it happens every day. Among Chirstians? I'm sorry to say....it's worse. Find out what happens when Christians mock.
It wasn’t until just a couple weeks ago that I found out why TV news reporters kept calling Tom Brady the G.O.A.T. Goat is the anacronym for Greatest Of All Time. Here I thought it was because Tom Brady was the oldest quarterback to have played. And, here I thought it was something Tom Brady’s wife called him due to their recent divorce. The Greatest of All Time. And I guess he is. Retiring this year, he had his day in football. Well, in the Jewish calendar, another type of goat had its day. One day out of the year, the goat was the main event. On this day, Yom Kippur, a different goat was king.
When learning another language, one uses a dictionary to get the meaning of a word. Sometimes, words are synonymous between languages. For instance nación in Spanish means nation in English. Or, crédito in Spanish means credit in English. They’re similar enough. But there are words that sound the same and mean something totally different. For instance, the Spanish word, embarazada does NOT mean embarrassed in English. It means pregnant. Another word that is similar between English and Spanish is useful in our message today. The word is pretend. In English, of course it means to be false, to be something you’re not. We might think someone is pretending if they say one thing and we see them do another. We may be tempted to say that someone is pretending to be a Christian if they confess Christ, but their lives confess something different. This is something that we relate to during our lives. But pretend in Spanish means intention to do something, to have a goal and works towards it. Now although these words are different between two languages, we can easily use this one word to describe the Apostol Peter. Peter is the Great Pretender. He at once pretends to be faithful, then denies, while his deepest intensions and goal was to remain faithful. What happened to Peter?
In the 14th century, Dante Alighieri wrote an epic poem called the Divine Comedy. The first poem to be read on Maundy Thursday is entitled Inferno. You’ve probably heard of Dante’s Inferno. Subsequent chapters include purgatory and paradise. In Inferino, Dante has a system of “hot” and “cold” for sins as well. He reserves the innermost circle of hell for betrayers. He puts Judas’s soul there. But surprisingly, Dante doesn’t surround his soul with flames. For Dante, the center of hell is “ice cold.” He places Judas into a lake of ice. His plight is to spend eternity frozen in the ice, because he had such a frozen heart when he lived. Are sins hot or cold? Listen in....
In a matter of a few weeks, the Academy Awards will hand out Oscars in several categories related to the film industry. The biggest one being: Best Picture. I have a couple favorites. But this morning, I want to present you with my own nominee for Best Picture: “The Transfiguration of Our Lord.”
With any conversation, you can’t just jump in the middle. You risk misunderstanding if you just get the bits and pieces in the middle. To understand and apply Jesus’ teaching in today’s Gospel You need to consider what He says in the context of all of chapter 5, which we have been talking about since two weeks ago. To get it right, you need to get it Jesus-right. To get it Jesus-right, I mean you get it Gospel right. Gospel is Good News that comes from God alone. Whatever Jesus has is a gift to you and me. It is something God does for and to you; not what you do for God. The alternative is to understand what Jesus teaches as Law. So, what does He means when he says, "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect. Perfect? Yeah, right.
“Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for justice, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, who are persecuted, who are reviled.” Many people think that the Beatitudes are qualities that they must possess to be blessed. “Yes, Lord, I hunger and thirst for justice….and I’m fairly pure in heart – at least my intentions are….and I try to make peace with even the most difficult people…So I guess, that means I am blessed when I do these things.” If you think this way, you get Jesus backwards. Becoming involved in social activism for justice neither blesses you nor qualifies you to be declared blessed. The same is true when Jesus says, "you are salt and light." We turn this into a command to BE salt and light, rather than live as salt and light. But what does it matter if we live as salt and light, or not. What does Jesus intend for you when He says you are salt and light.
It’s common to hear a turn of phrase used these days: “in a dark place.” What exactly does this mean? Matthew 4:12-25 quotes Isaiah 9:1 saying, "Those who dwell in darkness have seen a great light." Was that only at that time? How do people grapple with darkness in their lives today? The answers you'll find on the internet either counsel you to wait it out, or, some self-help plans to get yourself out of it. But....nobody escapes darkness. We live in a world of darkness for which Jesus is the light. Explore your dark corners here and find out what your only solution is.
John's declaration as Jesus approaches the Jordan River: "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus first words in the Gospel of John at the Jordan River as He speaks to the first disciples who follow after him: "What are you seeking?"
Need I say more? Everybody's looking for something.
Simon and Garfunkel released a tremendously popular song in 1970: “A Bridge over Troubled Water”. The lyrics speak to the experiences of every human being. They are a part of our nature. We all experience troubled water in life. When you’re down and out, feeling small. When tears are in your eyes, when times get rough and friends just can’t be found, it truly would be nice to have someone who will be on your side and dry those tears away. A friend, like a bridge, to help you get over those turbulent waters in life. In some way, I think we like to think of Jesus as this bridge over troubled water; who provides a way of escaping these turbulent and troubled times. But He’s not; Jesus is not a bridge over troubled water. Find out why?
8 days after his birth, Jesus is circumcised and given the name: Jesus. A seemingly insignificant event, mentioned only in Luke 2:21. It is not uncommon that we miss this important link. This year, however, since New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, we get an "extra" Sunday after Christmas and this is our theme: Jesus' circumcision. Though mentioned in one verse, this verse holds a treasure of information that links the Old Testament covenant to the New Testament covenant of salvation. Jesus is the link between Baptism and circumcision: God's salvation promise. How are you connected?
The Luke 2 story of the historic birth of Christ is the annual, go-to story which most of us know all too well. Many can most likely recite most of the passage along with the Scripture reader on Christmas Eve. Less known, or read, is the Christmas story the Apostle John writes about in the beginning of his Gospel (John 1:1-14). Why? Because while Luke 2 is historical, with actual people and geographic locations like stars, shepherds, Joseph, Mary, Angels, governors, emperors, etc. John has none of these. Luke describes a simply earthly story; John offers us a story from God's perspective - a cosmic story. these are the same story, no one is better than the other, or more complete. Without John's Gospel, we do not know the significance of the Luke 2 event. Come listen as we appreciate john and what he offers.
Tonight, we celebrate the historic birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of millenia-old prophecies is at last fulfilled by the "zeal of the Lord of Hosts." the King is born, but no ordinary King - at least not the king Israel was expecting. Some thing are common among all kings, but what is different about Jesus. Isaiah tells us here....
As Hansel and Gretel walked through the woods, they left breadcrumbs to find their way out. It didn't go to well for them. Having journeyed away from home, they got lost in a treacherous forest. The breadcrumbs were their only way out. It was their only link back from where they came. Our life's journey may take us far away from our roots: our family, our friends, our values, our origins. When we realize we are lost, going back to find those roots is sometimes impossible, and it may be too late. Unfortunately, for Hansel and Gretel, the breadcrumbs were eaten and they had no way back. The journey through life for Christians is not any easier. Sometimes we get off track, wander from God, find ourselves questioning even our identity and purpose. But, the breadcrumbs in a Chrsitians life are always there which can lead them back to their roots. Today we discover, or re-discover, how we can get back home.
It's just not my day! We've all heard it. We've all said it. We have good days and we have bad days. The problem in Israel, which the prophet Zephaniah addresses, is a problem of mixing up values. People only considered the benefits and feeling when they called days "good" and "bad" days were days that things didn't seem to go right. Logical, right? But the prophet warns, "you want to see the day of the Lord? I don't think so....it is a terrible day of judgment for which nobody is ready." But, then, Zephaniah promises the Lord will have his day, and it will be a day twisted to your thinking...something you can't expect in your wildest dreams for ALL the Lord's days are good. Find out why...
"Don't shoot the messenger." It's a popular phrase that dates back to something no longer in use in the Western hemisphere.....a messenger. Messengers were sent to announce the arrival of a king or important dignitaries. Although mostly bringing good news of victory, and the dispersing of booty to the people of the kingdom, sometimes messengers of the King announced bad things, like "And who will withstand the day of his coming!" That's what Malachi, God's prophet did. He announced the king was coming, but not in anticipation of reward. Find out what this message and messenger had to do with the king.
Our Advent Theme for the next four Sundays is: THE KING IS COMING
"Where do you call home?" In our changing, mobile society, many people move around. a common question to ask is, "Where do you call home? or "Where do you come from?" Knowing where your home is not only relates to geographical location or house, but to where you feel at home. What provides you that needed security and safety in life? Afterall, to feel "at home" is to feel both safe and secure. Your home then is an emotionaly, spiritual place as well answering the question, "Where is your center of security?" Feeling at home is important, for without a home you are unstable and your identity is up for grabs. JEremiah prophesies to a people about to be lead into exile, leaving their home behind. What they thought and hoped was their greatest security now was under attack by the Babylonians sent by God to destroy their false security. Jeremiah's message pointed to a future kingdom that would never be destroyed; a kingdom that would be called: "God is Our Righteousness." Are you spiritually homeless? Looking for a place to feel safe and secure in this life? Listen in...
It's time to give thanks, again. Normal statements are, "What are you thank for?" or simply, "I am thankful." Society has all but forgotten that to give thanks needs an object. We don't give ourselves "thanks." We give it to someone else. So, the question is, "TO WHOM DO YOU GIVE THANKS." Luck? Your own hard work? Also, we normally give thanks for "things" we have - (do you ever give thanks for "bad things you have?). Our story of the 10 lepers whom Jesus healed and only one returns fits nicely with our theme of "give thanks..." - but in a wrong way. Why was did this Samaritan leper thank Jesus? Why should you as well?
Have you ever been transferred in your job, housing, life? Like with sports teams, transferring, or trading, takes place all the time. There are ups and downs no matter what the transfer is. good times / bad times. But with Christ, all is good. All transfer is good! Would you like to be transferred into the Kingdom of His Son? He'll take you!
Everyone thinks the world is ending soon because of signs here and there. These signs have been around since the time of Christ. People become afraid, however, when they fear the world is coming to an end. for Christians, it is a time of rejoicing. Why? Simply because we have waited 2000 to be with our Lord and truly live in His kingdom. Nothing can harm us; nothing in this life as He has been victorious over all things, including death. "Fear not, little flock, for I give you the kingdom."
Joel Osteen, popular TV preacher, would have you believe that you deserve your best life now! No focus on Christ, or the cross, or the resurrection, this false teacher glories in YOUR possibilities instead of the glory of Christ, masquerading as a Christian. How can YOU have the BLEST life now?
a Mighty Fortress - Psalm 46. Luther found great comfort in the words of this Psalm. His life was plagued by, well, the Plague, Islamic invaders on the borders of Germany, the Pope breathing down his neck, and his own personal illnesses. 1520s were not a good decade for Luther. Yet, in the middle of all of this, surrounded by enemies on all sides, he and the German princes found great solace in the words of this Psalm so much so that he wrote "A Mighty Fortress" - the hymn of the Reformation. Yet, in the hymn he never names the Pope, the Turks, the Plague or anything else so mundane. Why might that be?
What's your Angle on Angels? Is your angel "acute" angel? Kidding aside, do you believe that angels exist? what do they do? does each Christian have one? Are they there to serve us? We hardly mention, study or recognize angels in Scripture. Not that they want to be recognized, but they have had a very important mission given to them by God throughout history. Seen or unseen, they are God's messengers to do battle or to comfort, but whatever it may be, they act only according to God's will and direction. You have been ministered to them a number of times without knowing it....or...perhaps you have acknowledged their presence. By the time we realize that their protective hand has been upon us, it's too late to see them or acknowledge them. We see angels' work only in hindsight, when everything is suddenly clear that "something" happened. Faith is 20/20 vision interpreting what has happened in hindsight. Here I share the occasions I am certainly aware of when angels were present in my life, and I encourage you to examine those times in you life when they were most likely there for you.
Are you content with your worship? Is contentment what praise and worship is all about? Some people love to go to worship because the music is "lively" or "energetic". They LOVE the music; it energizes them. They jump, laugh, sing la-la-la and enjoy themselves. It's an uplifting experience. Psalm 33 is a Psalm about worship and you'd be surprised at what it has to say; that is, if you are one of those who go to church just to get a high and feel good during the week. Contentment in worship should be about the content. Find how the content of worship can make you content for the rest of your life!
SCHOOLED!!! A popular phrase that means "you been taught!" God teaches too. He teaches through his Word. And the basics of His teaching is the aim of our Catechism. Catechisms are instructional booklets that bring students and new Christians the basic teaching of God in Scripture. It is a guide to Christian living. How have you been schooled by God? What did you affirm as your faith when you stood before your congregation?
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked...." this Psalm opens the Psaltery with advice that we all should take note of. Walking in the pathway of God's counsel is difficult. Producing fruit pleasing to God demands God's counsel and not that of the world. Psalm 1's message is basically "Don't take any wooden nickels!" But, the key is how to recognize the difference between good counsel and evil counsel?
The alarm goes off at 7:00AM.....time to go to church. You hit the snooze bar. It's the opening of the NFL season and your team is on at what time? Time that you go to church....so.....you get a beer. you'll go next Sunday. As a child, I always went to church with my family. for some, however, it is a chore - not a priority. The question comes up...do you HAVE TO go to church on Sunday? The alternative question is WHY WOULDN'T YOU WANT TO? What stopping me!? Psalm 122 says, "I was glad when they said, 'Let's go to the temple of the Lord'." There is something more than what you see going on in Sunday church worship. Listen.....
"You've got Troubles ... I Do Too. But you've got a friend in me." A song from Toy Story tells us that we all have troubles. And, sometimes, a friend can help us through. But where do you go when those troubles seem insurmountable ... and God seems so far away that it seems He does not hear you. If you feel the weight of unanswered prays, when God seems so far, this Psalm is for you. Asaph, the writer of Psalm 77 gives us a model to follow in the face of insurmountable anxiety.
What? No, there is no mention of bellybutton in the Psalm but your bellybutton does have everything to do with the same problem King David was having. Everyone has a bellybutton, and it's there for a reason. Who you are depends on it. Listen in.
Psalm 23 is a favorite of many. Most know the line, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life...." Today we reminisce about a childhood game: Hide and seek. There is more in this game than meets the eye. The game is in our DNA... Adam and Even sinned, they hid from God. then god seeks them. We play hide and seek in our adult lives with each other....and with God. Will God find you?
The Gospel reading is from Luke 12:49, where Jesus begins.....“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." and the preacher says, "This is the Gospel of the Lord." What? I thought Gospel was Good News of Jesus salvation for all humankind. Why, then, does Jesus say these words that cut us to the quick. I though Jesus was my best friend. Here what Jesus has to say!.....
Faith is a miracle. We do not do it. It is not a work that we have to drum up. God is the author and finisher of our faith. We see the miracle of faith given to us precisely when our faith is attacked. When things happen to us that make us believe that God does not love us, we often times doubt God's faithfulness and promises. We want a permanent rose garden, which in this world never happens. God's promises, however, are always present and they are permanent. How can our faith lead us around the disasters that face us in life? How is god faithful to his promise even then?
We all want to live the good life. I mean, we want to have the best life now that we can have. And there is plenty of peer pressure and advertisements to make us feel that way. Financial security, good health, no worries about our future, a nice place to live, happy family life, good friends and neighbors–who doesn’t want all that? Your best life now. A steak on the grill, a margarita in your hand, relaxing on the patio in the shade. Take life easy: eat, drink, and be merry! So what does King Solomon mean when he says in Ecclesiastes, "Vanit of vanities. All is vanity." Emptiness? If I have everything and work hard for it...why should it be called emptiness?
"There's a Place for Us" - a memorable song from Leonard Berstein's musical West Side Story. We all have dreams shattered, plans that are upset. We lose our place - or it seems we're always trying to find our place somewhere, some how, some way.... It's daunting, but even for Ezekiel things did not go the way he had planned. Whatever your shattered dreams, your alterations to your life's plan, this message is for you!
Ezekiel's vision takes him to the valley of dry bones - a desert place. No life, dusty, deserted. These are the people of Israel. a few chapters later, Ezekiel is taken to see a desert where only a trickle of water is coming out from the temple of the Lord. An eyedropper is the measurement of the trickle. Suddenly it explodes into a gushing river. This is the water that brings life to everything in the valley. How many times does the Lord show that He takes something simple and small and make great His Day of Salvation. How has He done this with you?
I don't know if we're hard-wired this way, but it seems that all people SEE, then they FEEL, then they ACT. Seeing leads to feeling, which leads to doing or acting upon the feeling about what is seen. Ezekiel speaks to this point when he sees the glory of the god of Israel. God, however, is also seeing, feeling and acting. His glory is based on His feeling....His feeling is in response to what He sees. See God's glory today and listen in.
Long before Heart of Stone was sung by the Rolling Stones, and long before Neil Young was "searching for a heart of gold," the Lord told the people of Israel that they had hearts of stone, because of their rebellion and sinful lives they did not seek Him or obey His statues. What does the Lord God have in store for them? What He had in store for them, he also had in store for us! Find out what our heavenly Father did!
In 1887, Anthony Showalter composed the hymn, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. The hymn’s refrain includes these famous words—“Safe and secure from all alarms.” Safe and secure from all alarms. You know, all we hear these days are blaring, loud-sounding, heart-stopping alarms. And fear accompanies being alarmed. Even beyond fear there is one word that can sum up our alarmist and fearful reactions: We’re a nation in pandemonium. How can we have peace amid pandemonium?
There’s a reason why Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd and not the Good cowboy. Why?
Pentecosts Sunday is celebrated by the miraculous and mystifying speaking in tongues of the disciples and the pilgrims from around the Middle East who hear the Word of god for the first time in their languages. But is it really ab out hearing and speaking? Listen in...
I enjoy road trips. When our children were young, we would pile in the car – that’s right, we drove – and we’d drive and drive and drive. Our favorite road game was: Are We There Yet!” The kids would play this about every five minutes. The game ranks right up there with songs we sang: This is the Song That Never Ends, and our family favorite: I Know Song That’ll Get On Your Nerves. I would usually lead. If you don’t know these songs, try singing them…now. In Acts 1:1-11, the disciples were asking, "Are We There Yet?" Was the kingdom of God going to be restored right then and there? No....why not?
Trials and Tribulations - not only common in Toy Story but, yes, something similar. In the lives of all people there are trials. In the world of Christians, these trials are tribulations and they happen every day. Only Christians can endure tribulations because of Christ. The greatest tribulation in the world is.....the WORLD. Being persecuted for thoughts, opinions, movements against popular culture and self-centered, narcissistic legislation that goes in the face of god's Word. Like Lydia, in Acts 16, Christians cannot bed the knee to freedoms offered by legislation that fly in the face of God's Word. You cannot serve two masters. Lear how Christ is your peace in these trials and tribulations.
"Wait 'til your father comes home." How often did you hear that as a child? The phrase never brings "good" memories. Anyone hearing this would probably find themselves waiting for their punishment with guilt and fear. As adults this phrase takes a different shape, "Hey, the boss wants to see you," striking guilt and fear in the hearts of the employed. For some, this phrase brings back so many memories of failure, suffering, pain, and abandonment, that even the image of god as Father is disturbing. Even as parents, we fail in the image of father and mother. John offers a new vision of fatherhood. Find out what he sees in his revelation.
During the last four weeks we have heard our Lord's resurrection from eyewitnesses, from "doubting" Thomas, from the women who ran from the tomb bewildered and afraid, and on this 4th Sunday after Easter, St. Paul speaks about the last enemy, death, which will be destroyed upon our Lord's return. Paul offers us an additional two perspectives on the resurrection. One, he describes as a "battle" won over the "enemy" death. We are used to such a description. But Paul leads us to look at the resurrection through Jewish eyes in a way that connects us more intimately with our Lord. Find out what this is!
"The name is Bond....James Bond." We're probably all familiar with this phrase from the James Bond movie franchise. Just this little phrase brings back memories of all the attributes of Bond: suave, debonair, sly, dangerous, crafty. Sometimes, descriptive names precede a person's name like Alexander "the Great". These names have historically labelled the person for his or her actions, and those actions are usually infamous or despicable. So, what about "doubting" Thomas. Listen and find out how you might be related to our friend in John 19.
All the Gospel contain the narrative of the resurrection. Mark's though is the shortest. It originally had only 8 verses dedicated to this. But in later years after the Gospel was written, copyists added the finishing touches; that which all the other Gospel writers included: Jesus appearing before the disciples and others. why does Mark leave this out? What was he trying to communicate by doing this? Find out!
There is a grave in Hannover, Germany, called THE OPEN GRAVE. It is Henrietta von Ruling's grab. Buried in 1784, Henrietta's epitaph reads, "This grave, bought for eternity, must never be opened." But....a little birch seed implanted itself into the foundation of the crypt and 100 years later it broke through the sarcophagus and crypt and opened the tomb. The impossible happened; the tomb meant to be closed for ever burst open. It became a tourist attraction. today, Christ burst forth from the tomb. What does the impact of Christ have on your tomb?
Palm Sunday. Jesus riding into Jerusalem. You know the story. Probably too well. You glide over it; dismiss it with an, "I know what happens today." Do you? Who were those people on the side of the road? Why would they welcome Jesus. He did nothing victorious. He certainly wasn't Hercules in a Disney movie. Remember that parade? Yes, who were they that sang Hosanna? Were they scoffers? Because Jesus didn't have an army of victorious soldiers following him. He didn't defeat anything. Find out who is among this crowd of people.
Our final Sunday in Lent for our Mercy in Lent Theme: Mercy in Service. Perhaps you know the joke where in the Scripture tennis was a big sport, because in Genesis 41 we read: "Joseph served in Pharaoh's court." Service is important in playing tennis. It puts the ball in motion and the game begins. Without the service there is no game. Christians serve too, only it's not a game. If the Christian does not serve in bay talking about his/her faith or serving others' needs there is a good chance friends and family, neighbors and strangers, will not come to know Jesus. The song refrains says, "they will know we are Christians by our love." Jesus sets the example and says if you follow me, you will do the things I do....not for salvation, but because Christ creates us anew, with a fresh spirit, a forgiven life, that frees us from slavishly serving only self and actually thinks of others first. Listen and see what mercy in Service truly is.
Our Lenten theme of Mercy continues with Mercy in Relationships. Relationships are difficult to maintain. We either wrong someone else or someone else wrongs us in many different ways. The churches in the New Testament had a problem of relationships as well. So, even among Christians, problems in relationships exist. We can liken relationships to fruit that is ripe and fruit that is rotten. Listen in to how Christians should live through Mercy in relationships because of Christ's mercy in our relationship.
Mercy in Betrayal. We continue our theme for Lent of "Mercy in ...". Betrayal. A word hardly used today. We say "throw under the bus." Did Judas thrwo Jesus under the bus? Betrayal is paying lip service and Judas definitely paid lip service to Jesus, betraying Him with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane that Maundy Thursday evening more than 2000 years ago. In today's world, ther are many ways we betray Jesus with our lip service as well. We think about that in today's sermon....and what to do about it. Join us.
Our Lent theme continues with: Mercy in Suffering. Why would God allow suffering to take place in this world, especially to his Christian children? Or, when Christians suffer, is it different from the other sufferings in this world? Luther understood that God, although not causing suffering, does allow suffering to happen for His purposes. What might those be? How are we triumphant because of Christ Jesus even in the face of suffering?
Mercy in Temptation - our Lenten Theme on God's Mercy continues. Temptation is almost unheard of today. in a world where everything is legit and you're encouraged to do whatever you want, where nothing is prohibited or bad how can we talk about "temptation?" to be tempted, you have to have a legitimate system of right and wrong values. society no longer has right/wrong values. Also, society no longer accepts God as the objective authority in right and wrong. right and wrong are determined by YOU. So...temptation is a difficult concept no days unless....you are a Christian. You know what temptation is. It is persistent and progressive and takes your focus off of God and His will. Only through Christ can temptation be overcome.
Ashes to ashes. We hear it at every funeral. We find it in Scripture referring to our return to the earth after our death. Ashes. A simple of decay, filth, destruction, and sin. The Old Testament is full of references of repentance shown by donning sackcloth (burlap) and ashes. Even Jesus uses this phrase for repentance. Why repent? What's behind it? What will move you to repentance? Why even confess your guilt, your evilness? We do it in the face of God's mercy. We hear from Him that while we were in our sins, Jesus Christ came to take our punishment and guilt upon himself. He removed our filth and clothes us with His righteousness. We are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Listen in.
A familiar story closes our Epiphany theme: Joy for All. this, however, is no parable. What Jesus has been revealing about himself and about the kingdom of God is now experienced by the disciples, Peter, John and James. They were transformed as they saw Christ in His glory with Moses and Elijah, and had a mountain top experience. HAve you had a mountain top experience with God? Have you witnessed His kingdom coming to you? Find out!
Our Epiphany these: Joy for All continues. IT'S NOT FAIR. The persistent widow appears for the Jewish judge and a tax collector outdoes a Pharisee in repentance. They're both looking for true joy for all. Do they find it? Can you find it in any court of law in our country, or anywhere else? What is Jesus up to in this parable?
We all know the story of the Prodigal Son. "Prodigal" means to be lavish. Sometimes, we even see ourselves as that prodigal son who squandered everything and then wants to return home. We relate with the son, who seeks his father's forgiveness. But that is not Jesus' point in this parable. Whoever labelled this paragraph in your bibles as The Prodigal Son got it wrong as well. It's not about squandering; its about something else and it's all about the older brothers and the Pharisees, not about the younger. Who is this elder son; the prodigal son?
Our Epiphany theme continues, Joy for All! The Shepherd lost a sheep and sent to look for it. A Woman loses a coin and ransacks the whole house looking for it. There is joy when they find it. How much would you sacrifice for something precious that you lost? Would you give up looking after a while, or would you even sell everything that you had to recuperate it? What’s your price? Why does Jesus tell this parable anyway?
We’ve heard the story from Luke repeatedly. Probably every year. We know it as the Good Samaritan. When we hear the title, our immediate reaction is, “Oh, I know this story…there were three men who walked beside a half-dead bludgeoned man on the side of the road AND the one who came to his aid, was the one whom you least expected: not the Jewish priest, not a Levite, but the outcast Samaritan. He was the good one, the one who did the right thing.” And our take-away from the parable is that we should be like the Samaritan, who showed love. That is a good deed, a good action. To do likewise would be good Christians. Well, I’m here to tell you that THIS is not the point of the parable.
Our Epiphany theme of Joy for All continues. Did you hear the one about the Pharisee, Jesus and the sinful woman? I retell the story of this Luke 7:36-50 encounter in a bit different way. Someone finds great joy; the other doesn't. It's in the punchline.
Our Epiphany theme is: JOY for ALL. The Roman Centurion sends word through Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come to the house and heal a servant. Later, however, he defers that invitation and sends friends to ask that his servant be healed from a distance. The Jews said the centurion was "worthy." But, was he? Are you worthy of Jesus?
See how our Epiphany theme, Joy for All, is found in the Baptism of Jesus our Lord. Jesus stands in the waters of Baptism a hero, ready to do battle. But, when we see him we see only a man, water and a washing. What's going on here that gives meaning to our Baptism?
"Are you ready to leave?" This was my common question to the kids when getting ready for church on Sundays. Inevitably, my son could never find his shoes. If truly "All God's Chillun' Got Shoes" as the great singer Paul Robeson once sang in his collection of Spirituals in the early 1900s, my son was not in the line to receive his shoes. He couldn't even find his socks. He would go to church "incomplete". Today, Simeon and Anna, two prophets in Luke, give us reason for Great JOY for ALL people who are not ready to leave.
Christmas Eve - what can I say? Luke uses only two words to sum up Christmas. What are they?
Listening to Christians talk sometimes, you'd think they were the poorest people in the world. "Woe is me, my finances, my health, my job, my life..." Christians are the wealthiest people in the world. God's forgiveness is our wealth. I know, I know, it's not material, you can't count it - but you can count on it! Although wealthy, Christians look to their own wealth instead of the wealth of God's forgiveness when living out their lives. This can be dangerous, both spiritually and mentally. Listen in on how to not squander the riches that have been given to you for riches that are worth nothing.
Shame and guilt. the church says a lot about guilt, but does not treat shame. Guilt is caused by YOU; shame is done TO you. The church usually looks at the sins we commit and ask for forgiveness but doesn't spend a lot of time dealing with the hurt and pain of those sins against us - those sins that make us feel like N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, felt this shame. She was barren, and in the Middle East, that means ridicule, being talked about, made fun of. She was nothing. Yet, Christ, was also shamed. We can rejoice in the midst of shame. How? Listen in!
HOPE. The Second Sunday of Advent is all about HOPE....hope is not wishful thinking. It does not mean to "wish" for something out of the ordinary to happen. HOPE in Scripture, and in many other languages, is the same word as "WAIT" You "wait" with "hope". Hope is therefore knowing for certainty what is going to happen. To have hope is to await the completion of what you know and believe is true. For instance, Christ will return. We wait in hope....not that He returns, because He definitely will. We wait in Hope, anticipating that return. But what if loss and heartache grip us in the midst of that hope. What are the chances we might be embittered and broken in this world...how then do we have and hold on to hope? Listen in!
After finding the continental Divide, Lewis and Clark thought that they had an easy ride to the Pacific Ocean on the Columbia River. but, then they saw the Rocky Mountains. Talk about being trapped - they could not go back, and they didn't know the path forward. What about you? Are you trapped? Can't turn back, can't move forward? How do you deal with it? Listen in!
We give thanks for all things. Even those things that are difficult? Yes, even for those. Do we pray with thanksgiving? Even if they are seemingly not answered? Yes, we do. Thanksgiving does not always mean “joy”…it is to give thanks in all things, knowing that God has what is best for us all the time. We give thanks for our constitution which has protected the freedom to worship and give thanks to God. What if that changes? What will become of Thanksgiving and giving thanks? Listen in....
Back in 1963, Marvin Gaye recorded a minor-hit song that became so popular that it was covered at least nine times, including by the Temptations and Lee Michaels, who made it a hit in 1971. The song, “Can I get a Witness.” Today’s text immediately brought this chorus to mind…and you’ll shortly see why. Today, John finishes his letter to the congregations in modern-day Western Turkey threatened by the false teaching of Cerinthus and his followers. John has spent time and energy, helping those Christians discern who is the true Christian. To wrap up his letter he focuses our attention on three key words: testimony, faith, and to know.
Who loved who first? Is it my love for God or is it His love for me? Everyone seems to be looking for perfect love…but never finding it? “I know what love is, Jenny.” “MORE THAN A FEELING” “I WANNA KNOW WHAT LOVE IS”. Is love a “second hand emotion?”. Even though we might think we know what love is, it’s obvious we don’t have it or we wouldn't long for it through songs and saying. Our love is broken. Our love is not perfect....and perfect doesn't mean how we love...perfect means it is incomplete. What is the difference between my love, human love, and God’s love? Will you at last find true love? Find out!
"Oh, when the saints go marching in...." A beautiful song. Do you want to be in the number? Sounds like there is some doubt in the lyrics: "How I WANT to be in that number." God wants us too as well. That is why his promises are sure. He signs, seals and delivers us to himself according to His promise of salvation....in and through Baptism. There should be no shadow of a doubt for those Baptized and who believe Christ's words, "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," because here God puts his name on us. He claims us as His own. Today we remember all those who are in the Lord's family, who have gone before us into glory, and wear the crown of life given to them by Christ himself. In our worship, we gather around the throne with them. We break into their worship, even just for a moment, to join them briefly in what our inheritance will be by their side in the future.
Whose seed are you? Test it. Test the spirits who tempt you or assure you; the spirits who lead you astray or the one who keeps you in your new life. There is only one test. It is the same one as from the beginning. It’s not new. Before the show goes on, the microphones have to be tested – to be sure everything is heard clearly by the audience. If the mics aren’t working properly misunderstanding or any understanding at all might take place.
1 John 2:28-3:10 is our sermon text: Everything has a root cause, and it has a ‘root’ cause because roots come from ‘seeds.’ The seed produces what will come naturally from that seed. It stands to reason, then, that the root cause of sin is evil seed. John says that as Christ’s children we bear the seed of Christ. We bear the DNA as the ones born of the new creation in Christ Jesus. As new creations in Christ, we are free from enslavement to sinful lifestyles, but we still live in mortal bodies, we still have human roots. Only when Jesus returns in the end times will we see who we really are, because we will see Jesus just as He is. We will then be revealed who we are in Christ Jesus.
1 John 2:18-27 is our sermon text. John has made it clear: the two ways of knowing a Christian (1) being in the light by acknowledging their sin and receiving forgiveness through Christ and (2) by following Christ in the light. It’s a comfort to hear that my sins are forgiven and that I have fellowship with God through Christ, but sometimes, I doubt. Is there any other way by which I would know I have fellowship with God for those times when I doubt
1 John 2:3-3:17 is our sermon text: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” Live like Jesus did? Impossible! I’m a sinner; He is sinless. But, you are called to walk in the light with sins forgiven….as He is in the light. What does walking in that light sound like, feel like, taste like, look like? How does it shine in your life!
We continue our study of the Apostle John's first letter to the congregations in Western Turkey with 1 John 1:5 - 1:5 - "And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
Today we begin a study of John's First Epistles. Seeing, hearing, communing, touching, smelling. God showers upon us the gifts that we need in human life to enjoy ever minute of it. The joy we get from eating food we like, seeing movies we love, hearing songs that move us, touching textures that cause us diversity of sensations. God chose to communicate with us in this way when He became flesh and dwelt among us. There is no superior intellectual, spiritual knowledge to which we must ascend or guess at; God comes to us in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Word made flesh. How does God come to us through seeing, hearing, touching, tasting even today, to make our joy, and His, complete?
The Christian life has a certain rhythm about it: Repentance, faith and servanthood. It can be cyclical in your life - a season, or perhaps every day. We all go through this....it's what keeps Christians going. We are, after all, sinner and saint; that is, we are sinners yet we are forgiven. We repent but we don't grovel or lose hope in what we have sinned, rather, we move from repentance to faith in what Christ has accomplished for us. His sacrificed and resurrection opened the door for us to move from helpless and condemned sinner to righteous in God's sight because of Christ's sacrifice. this frees us up to servanthood in love to all who surround us. Our needs met by Him, we are free to serve. Catch this rhythm.
A boy possessed with an unclean spirit is afflicted and the disciples can do nothing about it. Jesus says, "This is a faithless generation" - TO HIS DISCIPLES....not the boy, not his father, nor the onlookers. Why are the disciples considered "faithless?" they spent all their time with Jesus. How could they have missed something? Have you missed something?
In today's Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man. Pay close attention the extent that Jesus goes in making this man hear and speak again. He does this with all of us. Romans 10:17, Paul writes, "Faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the preaching of God's Word." We are all deaf and cannot respond to the truth of God's Word. He calls us through His word and opens our ears to hear and believe. "Let the person who has ears....let them hear the word of the Lord."
By what authority are things declared "clean" or "unclean". Mayors and governors have tried to prohibit the sale certain foods and drinks that they have deemed "unhealthy." Even presidents have tried to mandate vaccinations and declare "unclean" those who are not vaccinated as if some type of utopia or paradise will be ushered in. Jesus reacts o what makes a person clean or unclean and it's not by prohibiting McDonald's.
Tevye cries "Tradition!" in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Jesus has something to say about traditions in the church, and about those fighting today over "contemporary" and "traditional" worship services!
"Grant me patience, wisdom and understanding...." was a phrase in my childhood prayers that my parents taught me. How true these words are. We have a choice: worldly wisdom vs spiritual wisdom. Street smarts and spiritual street smarts. If you want to survive in this worlds at any cost (perhaps sometimes throwing morals and personal integrity to the wind), then street smarts might work. But, Christ invites us to be granted His riches, His robes of righteousness, forgiveness and salvation from this world and our broken lives and lies. His wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, repentance, and acknowledgement of Him alone as God an Savior. How is the Lord to be "feared in all Christian walks?" Listen in.
People do not live by bread alone -- or DO they?! The gospel of John is straight forward in its presentation of who Jesus is and His teachings. John does not mix words when revealing to us that Jesus Is the bread of life. Chapter 6 is a beautiful chapter in which John frames Jesus teaching of himself as the bread of life and the the Last Supper. Matthew and Mark chronicle the event of the Last Supper, John captures the meaning of the Last Supper in Jesus teachings. Follow Jesus, as He leads us in understanding that He is the bread of life.
We conclude our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians delving into Chapter 6. Since chapter 5, Paul has been talking about our walk with Christ. We are to be "filled with the Holy Spirit..." emphasizing that being filled with the Holy Spirit is to be submissive to each others' needs: putting them before our own. (Ephesians 5:18ff). Paul, then, uses the example of how this plays out in the marriage relationship. In chapter 6, then, Paul addresses how this plays out in the "family relationship" - the family included at that time, not only children but slaves and servants. Paul's instruction is simple: love obediently. This clashes with today's society where we are told to fight against injustice on our own terms before we would obey or love the "other." Let's listen to what Paul has to say...
Submission: What's Love Got To Do With It - it probably the best way to approach the topic in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter 5. Marriage was so rotten among Jews and Romans at Paul's time, that He took time to dedicate part his chapter of "walking in the faith in Christ" to devote to the relationship between husbands and wives. Listen in as Paul discusses how deposits of love prevent a bankrupt marriage.
Ephesians 5:18-21 continues our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Paul focuses on "being filled with the Spirit". It is a command. It is a continuous command. It is something that is done TO every Christian, not something that a Christians does to him or herself. where do we find the Holy Spirit in order to be filled? what are the signs that we are filled with God's Spirit, and living the life for which Christ redeemed us? Listen in.
In our continued study of the book of Ephesians, Paul makes a shift from talking about who we are in Christ to how we walk in Christ. The first three chapters of Ephesians focuses on who we are, seated in the high places, wealth in Christ, chosen to be his family. now, in chapter 4-6, Paul talks about what it is to walk. For Paul, however, faith and walking never happen individually, rather in community. We are in the family of God, joined together by Christ in Baptism. we are united in faith, and, we are to walk united in this world. Paul's emphasis, "we're all in the same boat..." We do not exist, we cannot believe, we will not survive, separate from one another. Doctrine means duty, belief means behavior, oue relationship with Jesus means relationship with one another. Listen in.
Ephesians chapter 3 is our next chapter as we work through St. Paul’s amazing Epistle. Chapter 3 is the middle of the letter, and in this middle, we take a breather, a pitstop. In Ephesians 1-2, we see how God has made us new. In Ephesians 4-5 Paul describes our walk with Christ. Chapter 3 is an important chapter: it teaches us how to move from being born in our new life to walking. It’s our fuel and energizer for living.
As we continue to preach through Paul's letter to the Ephesians we look at the second half of chapter 2: Ephesians 2:11-22. You can't have peace with others until you have peace with God and, understandably, with yourself. How can you achieve this peace, and how does it happen. There are so many walls built up by nations, ethnicity, and personal walls that leep us from living in peace with others. No matter how hard WE try, they are impossible to bring down complete. How, then, can we possibly live in peace with each other. Listen in....
We continue our study of Ephesians. This week Ephesians 2:1-10. Do you like what you see when you look in a mirror? There are houses that intentionally have no mirrors. I don't think I need to explain why. We are not perfect, and we know it. But, we cannot give ourselves a makeover. A makeup artist can only use the tools at their disposal; there's nothing new, and it won't do the trick. God does not give makeovers, rather, He creates totally new. Listen how He does it.
During the summer we are studying the book of Ephesians. Sermons will be based on topics as we read through them. Today, in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus to live in that power. Many times those of us who wear glasses look for them, only to find that we are wearing them. We forget that we already have them on. So with the power of God in our lives; we forget that we have it, and we begin to search elsewhere for it. Listen in to Paul.
Today is Trinity Sunday. Customarily the topic of the Trinity is approached discussing complicated doctrine of the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in one essence. This is difficult to comprehend and only grasped by faith. BUT TODAY, I want to approach it differently. I want to focus on how God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit as LOVE. God invites us to live in His love triangle as He has revealed himself to us through his love as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Listen in.
This is the third part of a three-part sermon series on "turns." We began with U-Turn that churches have to make when they discover they are straying from their purpose in God's mission. Last week we look at the We-turn, what our congregation needs to make in order to spot Satan's lies that would distract us from God's purpose. Today we call this I-Turn. Although we can turn as a congregation to understand and adopt God's mission as our central purpose, there is no WE, if each of us do not turn to revisit our faith, the reason we're here, and the gifts we have been given to bring others to Christ and support the needs in our community. How do you and I turn individually? listen in.
Last week we started a three-part sermon on turning around. We called it a U-Turn. Churches make U-Turns, or they should, whenever they lose their direction. Today, we make it personal. We-Turn. How does the individual congregation make that turn. Large or small, congregations always run the risk of making things about themselves and not about god's mission. The difference is that the congregation most likely does not realize this until they are challenged with their dwindling size, commitment from parishioners, or lack of funds for maintaining and preserving the building and their fellowship. Larger congregations can't even imagine that one day they might be faced with the same challenge. It should take a dwindling congregation to discover the right road and challenge to make sure they area part of God's mission. We-turn....how do we do it?
Everyone knows that when you are driving in the wrong direction, you need to make a U-turn and perhaps start over, or at least change your route. Do churches need to make a U-turn? Churches need to assess the route that they're on: their reason for existence. We are challenged in this day and age to re-examine who we are and what we are as Christian congregations as more and more people leave the church, and on the coasts churches are closing left and right. What will we do? Do you and your congregation need to make a U-turn?
Baptism is God's mask of mercy and grace, through which he reveals the forgiveness and salvation his son accomplished through death and resurrection, defeating evil, Satan and death itself. Why a mask? Listen and find out.
Our normal interpretation of Psalm 23 is that of a shepherd careful and caring, cuddling the sheep. But, King David actually describes a shepherd who is not just loving, but one who is strict and sever with the sheep to keep them out of danger in life. The shepherd is more like a policeman hunting down lawbreakers but with the ultimate goal of saving them from self-destitution.
What experience have you had that gave you unbelievable, unspeakable, joy. Joy is what motivated the Apostle John to write his letters to congregations in Asia Minor. But, joy was not the first reaction of the disciples when Jesus met them in the upper room. Jesus had to "open their minds" for them to "understand" -- then they had unfathomable joy. What did Jesus do when He opened their minds? How, only then, were they able to piece it all together?
Matthew 28:1-11 - He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Then, why is the resurrection story plagued with so many people are are AFRAID. What does being afraid have to do with the resurrection?!
OUR LORD RIDES INTO JERUSALEM FROM BETHPHAGE ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES. HOLY WEEK BEGINS TODAY. HOW THE CROWDS WILL CHANGE THEIR SONGS AND PRAISE TO CRIES FOR CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH. (check out this sermon as well on video: https://youtu.be/tLA8xeThaVc)
In our Lenten journey with Jesus, we visit the judgment hall of Pontius Pilate. After the disciples left Jesus, he was taken prisoner and brought to the judgment hall of Pontius Pilate. Peter waited and denied Jesus in the courtyard outside, while inside Jesus stands judgment. We contemplate Innocence, guilt and freedom in this place. - https://youtu.be/Q6I6O2WOFug
Guilt begins with "G" - but Grace also begins with "G". Which do you want? How is hearing the rooster crow when Peter denied knowing Christ in Caiaphas' courtyard a sound of guilt, as well as it is a sound of grace? How does your guilt stand in your way of seeing God's grace and forgiveness?
This is the Third Sunday in Lent and our Place of the Passion is in the Garden of Gethsemane where a perfect storm is about to hit. How does Jesus handle this situation? How do you handle perfect storms in your life? (video sermon: https://youtu.be/LXFcbnyNdKI)
This Lenten season we're visiting specific Places of the Passion. Today we walk with Jesus to the Mt. of Olives, where in minutes Jesus will be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, spit upon, beaten and then crucified. But, even though these things are about to happen Jesus teaches his disciples to sing. Yes, sing! And, there are three reasons to sing even in the most horrific times in our lives: because of God’s power, His promise and his pardon. You might want to think of it during this time of the CORONA pandemic as God’s PPP. (Video of this sermon is at: https://youtu.be/TEIApQODRwg)
Follow this midweek devotional through the 5 Wednesdays of this midweek Lenten season. Each Wednesday a different Psalm will be studied. Credit goes to Creative Communications and author Dr. Reed Lessing for our study material.
We continue our sermon series called Places of the Passion. Today we walk with Jesus to Bethany. In Bethany we meet Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. And who is Mary?
Today Is Transfiguration Sunday. Today marks the end of Epiphany season, in which the Lord revealed to the world who he was. On this day, He leaves no shadow of a doubt in the mind of this disciples and us as he is transformed, presto change-o to shine like the sun. But there's more here than bling and bedazzlement. Jesus transfiguration is an exclamation point to the recurring question of the multitudes in Mark: "Who is this who...commands, heals, forgives, etc." There are three key words that unlock this text, that will transfigure you and me as well! (For a visual version please watch: https://youtu.be/YEcnmITsmH8.
In authority and power Jesus heals many people, including the mother-in-law of Simon Peter. Which might make one think, “With Jesus’ power and authority, why are there so few miraculous healings today?” Why have I, or anyone I know, not experienced a miraculous encounter when we most needed it? Has Jesus lost his authority and power?
Authority and Power; something we all want AND something we hate that others have. We resist authority, people telling us what to do. What is authority and power. Can someone have authority without the power, or, power without authority. There is a difference. Does Satan have power and authority equal to that of God/Jesus? Why does Mark spend so much time on this issue when writing his Gospel to the Romans? Christ's authority is definitely something you should understand. Listen in. (This sermon involves graphics and can be seen @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOr2trKSBck)
While some people may idolize great prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Jonah seems doomed to be demoted as a inflated and conflated whale story. Yet, we have more in common with our poor chum Jonah than we do with any other Old Testament prophet. (This sermon uses graphics and may best be selected from the playlist for January 24, 2021 here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpA9chnf4KBfUchdsjWTWCw/videos)
Pastor Aaron Putnam gives this message based on Isaiah 60. Aaron is director of LINC Bay Area. LINC is Lutheran Inner City Mission Coalition, which helps people who have a vision and desire to be pastors or evangelists realize their calling through mentoring. Rev. Putnam's message is about being a light in the darkness. At times our presence in this world can be like exploring a cave where darkness surrounds us. But God's word is light for us and the world.
Today we celebrate Jesus' Baptism. On this Epiphany Sunday, Jesus begins His public ministry by which he reveals himself as the Light of the World. Many ask, “Why was Jesus baptized if he had no sins?” While attempted answers to this question range from “He had to” to “fulfill Scripture.” I think Jesus’ baptism deals more FOR US rather FOR HIM.
This podcast originally contains many visuals and can be better appreciated at our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpA9chnf4KBfUchdsjWTWCw/featured
A question lurks in the background of our Galatians text when Paul says “the time was right.” And, this is my question today. How did God know or determine when the time was right? How was everything put in place and ready for His Son to come? The prophets couldn’t say when – just like we cannot say when the world will end. So, I wonder, did things get so bad that God needed to intervene then and there? Can this be? I mean, things were equally bad before, no? When is God's time the right time?
Join our service of prayers and song, meditation and peaceful reflection on the past year and strength for the year to come.
When the angel said to the shepherds, “And this shall be a SIGN unto you: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes,” they were not talking about a sign of proof. The nature of God’s signs is different from our understanding. They are not proofs of His existence; they are tokens of His mercy and love. There is a big difference between what we claim or hope are signs from God and what God actually has given us as signs of His presence. Listen in and find out how much God loves you and gives this gift to you.
Unto Us a Savior is Born. The story of Christmas from Luke 2 is so well known that it permeates even the "folklore" of secularized Christmas. Songs, readings, and imagery on TV and in songs retell a story that is ages old. We can rejoice for the true reason...not a Christmas "feeling" or a "time of peace and unity" in the way the world portrays it. We can rejoice in the true story, the Savior Son of our Heavenly Father who himself is the "gift that keeps on giving." We can laugh, cry, remember, be nostalgic, and never overcome the reason He came to this world....to rescue us from the land of misfit toys.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "whereas human beings cannot become God, God can and does become a human. Thereby, he changes humans into a form acceptable by God. Through him, all is created anew." Join us in celebrated and rejoicing in the advent of our King. DON'T FORGET TO WORSHIP WITH US THURSDAY, December 24, Christmas Eve!
Firstborns are important in the bible. They inherit the wealth of the father. At times, the firstborn is not an exemplary person. Take Cain, for example, who killed his brother. On there other hand, take Isaac, who was the firstborn of Abraham according to the promise given him by God. He was the firstborn according to promise and God tested Abraham to offer him in sacrifice. Abraham's trust in God, proved to be the blessing of all nations, for his descendants gave birth to the Christ child, the firstborn of Mary, and the firstborn from the dead for the salvation of the world.
NO ROOM FOR YOU is not exactly welcoming words we would ever like to hear. As Christians, they are words we should never say to others. But, as you know, there was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph and, with these little words, there is a lot to consider in our text!
A Midweek devotion for the Second Week of Advent. Todays Hymns: What Child is This and The Twelve Days of Christmas. What is the history behind these hymns. Also, our reading from the last prophet of the Old Testament, Malachi, chapter 2, where the Lord pronounces judgment against Israel and Judah who have forgotten their first love (God) and broken the covenant made with Israel. Our devotional reading comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on 1 Corinthians 2:8-10.
Can you imagine traveling now? With all the COVID 19 bans on getting together, distancing, etc. It might seem dangerous to travel. Mary and Joseph, however, were forced to travel to the city of David, Bethlehem, according to the edict of Caesar Augustus. They had no choice. There is a lot of traveling - journeying - going on in the Bible. As Christians does your faith "travel" or do you "shelter in one place"? Listen in....
Midweek devotions are an additional devotional time to Sunday services. Each week, for four weeks, this podcast will have a devotion based on two familiar Christmas hymns and their background stories, a reading from the prophet Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, and a short devotional reading from the letters of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
During the season of Advent, Christians prepare to meet Christ in His Second Coming. His first advent was as a child in a manger. He came to fulfill God's promise of salvation to the first created people on earth thousands of years ago, which is the focus of and purpose of the whole Old Testament and God's faithfulness to the people of Israel since their deliverance from Egypt. God's promise, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophets, was not merely for the people of Israel but for the whole world as God says, "all nations will be blessed and come to Me." Through Christ's death and resurrection that promise of forgiveness and eternal life is fulfilled, yet, we await Christ's return - His Second Coming - when the world will end and He takes all believers to reign with Him for eternity.
Decrees are given by power and authority. they're no good if there is no power or authority behind a decree. Caesar Augustus gives a decree for taxation. what kind of power did he have to mandate the obedience of others. god gives decrees too. He decrees total obedience and absolute trust in Him, punishable by death. Decrees are given in accordance with legislation and laws. But God decrees the impossible, which governments are powerless to do. He decrees forgiveness and mercy. Why can't we do that? What makes this only possible for God to do? Listen in....
2020 is a difficult year in which to give thanks. Can we? Seriously? How and why should we. We give thanks for the faithfulness which God has shown to all creation through the work of His son Jesus, Christ. His death and resurrection fulfilled the promise of the Father, by offering a sacrifice for having gone our own way after creation. He forgives and grants eternal life out of his love and mercy. Yes, even in the midst of a pandemic which is, after all, the result of sin int he world - a world gone astray and corrupt; one which was destroyed by the sinfulness of humankind. God uses even the most horrible situations in our lives which we ourselves have brought upon us, to call us closed to Him, to seek Him, to find forgiveness, survival and eternal life only in Him.
Rev. Kevin Austin of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livermore, California, is guest preacher. Pastor Greg will return on November 29, 2020
Rev. Kevin Austin of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livermore, California, is guest preacher. Pastor Greg returns November 29, 2020.
Rev. Kevin Austin of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livermore, California is guest preacher. Pastor Greg will return on November 29, 2020.
Rev. Kevin Austin is our guest pastor for the sermon this morning. Pastor Greg will return November 29, 2020.
Love your neighbor as yourself. Nothing could be simpler. Easy-peasy, right? Maybe the Ten Commandments really were better than this simple, shortened summary. What was Jesus thinking? Until we even consider this command, we have to consider what love is. A funny question perhaps. Do our emotions define love, or does God define love?
Few opportunities in Scripture lend themselves to talk about politics and religion. But, it is an election year so I think our gospel for today is particularly apropos. According to our constitution, we are instructed not to mix politics and religion. In Jesus’ day, however, this question of separation was particularly difficult
Philippians 4:4-13 - REJOICE IN THE LORD, ALWAYS!!!!!
What? How is rejoicing even possible today. From COVID-19 to unreliable political leaders, violence, insecurity, lack of authority, personal depression, etc. ALWAYS? Seriously? What is St. Paul getting at? How is this even possible? Join in.....
Rev. Michael Lange, president of the California, Nevada & Hawai'i District of the LCMS, is our guest preacher. His message focused on Jeremiah 52:31-34. A promise of hope. There is always a NEXT step and NEW DAY with God.
We conclude our study of Romans with the final chapter. To the naked eye it's merely a list of catch-all greetings from Paul to certain individuals in the congregations of Rome. Are they important? Is there any historical significance to these otherwise unknown people of the first century church? These unsung heroes of the faith are the reason the Christian Church is here today. We are indebted to their witness of Christ even as they were lead to martyrdom. Find out more about these fascinating individuals as we dig into their lives.....and ours.
This morning, Paul’s words to us are strange. Strange, in that he joins two very different things together. In just a few short verses, Paul moves from talking about food to talking about the return of Christ.
Paul begins by talking about eating. Not eating as in partaking of the Lord’s Supper but eating as in consuming daily food. Some Christians in Rome are eating only vegetables and others are eating all things, without any discrimination. This matter is so small and so specific that scholars today have trouble understanding it. It seems there was an argument about whether or not Roman Christians should keep Jewish food laws. Could they eat meat that was not kosher? If in doubt, should they abstain from meat all together? So, on the one hand, Paul is writing about something small and temporal. He is delving into the details of our daily dishes.
In our text this morning, Paul addresses what is called the Two Kingdoms; that is, the kingdom of the left: the civil kingdom. And, the kingdom of the right: God’s kingdom, which in this world –AT THIS TIME - is not seen through power and glory, but through grace and forgiveness. The physical fulfillment of this kingdom will come when Christ returns. Paul sees the two kingdoms as two ways in which God is at work in the world. Earlier in the letter, Paul has recognized God’s gift of the church. The church is the means whereby God proclaims salvation, gathering for himself a people who share his message of salvation with the world. Now, Paul speaks of God’s gift of civil authority. One looks to such authorities not for a proclamation of the gospel but for an enactment of God’s good rule in the world.
In our text this morning, Paul is not setting out a twelve-step program to “build the better spiritual you” but rather revealing the varied ways in which God is at work in the world. And Paul invites us to consider that vision this morning so that today, in our small corner of this vast world, we too can participate in this ever- living kingdom of God.
Earth is crammed with heaven. God comes down from heaven and touches the earth, filling it with his glory. But only those who see take off their shoes.
Our readings this morning invite us to be among those who see. They invite us to see the earth crammed with heaven, to see how God in Christ has come down from heaven and touched the earth to fill it with his glory.
Has God rejected Israel or not? Will God save Israel or not? These are the questions arising from the text. Even more troubling, however, is the picture these verses can give you of God. God seems unfaithful – one time calling a people to be his own and then rejecting them only to call another. What is to keep God from rejecting the Gentile church? Can God be trusted when he makes promises . . . when he claims people . . . any people . . . Gentile or Jew?
How easy it is for us to enter church and turn our eyes upward to the cross and leave the world behind. All we can see is Jesus and seeing him, we can forget where we are or what he would have us be doing. We can simply gaze at Jesus, hanging there on the cross, dying for us and forget that we live in the world and that God has chosen us to be involved in his mission. Here. In time.
When we look up bible passages that meet only our momentary needs to avoid worrying, avoid temptation, help us through the day, Christianity becomes something it was never intended to be: a private, personal religion. It becomes something you turn to not when you enter the world but when you retreat from it. It’s something you read in your private devotional time and you look forward to that moment when it is “just me and Jesus.” God becomes something like our best friend, a person who supports us when times get tough, and someone who helps us accomplish our plans and fulfill our dreams. The problem, of course, is that we have reversed roles with God. Rather than us being servants in God’s kingdom, God becomes a servant in ours. Rather than us being brought into God’s greater story, God is brought into ours. We explore why Paul is willing to sacrifice even himself for the sake of his Jewish brothers and sisters to come to the knowledge of Christ! What does it mean for you and me?!
Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Paul makes it a point of reminding us that even though we live among the ruins of sin in the world and in our own lives, that Christ's death and resurrection restores the ruined world to God. We are given new life; forgiven life. He teaches us that a new perspective to view our suffering world, one in which we can be sure that in spite of the those things in our lives which seem to separate us from God, or make us think that God has abandoned us, that in the midst of the pain is Christ resurrection glory .... which is eternally ours. In it we can see that it is not Christ who is with us, but we who are called to be in Christ.
What is the life Spirit of all Christians as they struggle daily with evil and pestilence in the world, their own temptations, fear, mistrust? Do we look to ourselves? The security that is offered on commercials, in the news, to our government, local authorities to help us through? In his letter to the Romans, Paul has presented us with Christ, who creates us new as we are buried with Him and rise to new life in Him. He presents us with Christ, Our Deliverer. Then, he shows us God, Our Father, who is loving and forgives our sins daily. Today, Paul continues talking about the work of the Trinity in chapter 8. He presents us with the work of the Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor. We are here today because God’s Spirit in us points us to look only to Him who has delivered us, to Him who is our Father. Today’s theme: The Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor.
We continue to preach through Paul's letter of Romans. Last Sunday, Paul presented "Christ, our Deliverer". This Sunday, he presents his readers to "God, Our Father." God claims sinners His children and heirs through the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is Father to all creation, but creation has abandoned God. He delivers them through His Son, and claims them no longer as slaves to sin, but as sons and heirs of God and His Kingdom. Why? How can this be? .....
Continuing on in our sermon series on the book of Romans, Paul talks about our struggle to be faithful to Christ and not sin; about doing what we do not want to do instead of what we know to be that very thing which pleases the Lord and shows our love for others. Paul’s answer is illustrated through a common image known to all during the life of Paul …. Through an image on a silver chalice. As Christians we still struggle with faithfulness, Christ proves himself faithful. Christ is both conqueror of death and merciful Savior. Christ also comes to us in bread and wine, in a chalice, with forgiveness given to us in his body and blood.
4th of July reflections on the opening phrase of the Constitution "We the People in order to form a more perfect union..." has meaning deeper than the individual person, or the individual person's history. An interesting parallel exists between what the history of our constitution means for us today, and what Moses tells the people of Israel in Deut. 5:1. (And, it's not any prophecy about the USA or that we are a chosen nation!). Find out how and why Christians belong to two nations!
Power is one of Paul’s main themes in the letter to the Romans. Last week we saw the power of God, through Christ, in Baptism. Paul, however, presents both the power of the Law and the power of the Gospel throughout his letter. But the power of both are totally different. Today we explore Romans, chapter 7:1-13. Here we learn that the power of the Law never justifies and never makes us righteous. And, to live by the law means making yourself look righteous before God. But to live by the law leave Christ out of the picture. You cannot live by the power of the law and the Gospel. We learn that being buried in our Baptisms with Christ, is live under the power of the Gospel.
Today we begin a study of Paul's letter to the Romans beginning with chapter 6 and continuing through to the end of the Epistle. Every week we will take a different chapter, and a different message. Today we begin with Baptism. Why in the middle of the letter to the Romans? Why not the beginning? There is a good reason....listen and find out. You may also join us for the full worship service or a video sermon at www.gracealoneonline.org/sermons.
Rev. Michael Lange, President of the California, Nevada and Hawaii District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is our guest preacher today.
On Trinity Sunday the Matthew 18:19 passage in which Jesus sends his disciples into the world to preach and baptize in the name of the father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit (The Trinity). Little attention is given to Jesus' words before His command that say, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." In our society today, with protests, rioting, looting, we have a huge problem with "authority". What is Jesus' authority? How are we to understand that authority in light of the authority that is in the world.
Pentecost - the pouring out of God's Holy Spirit at the Festival of first Fruits (Shavuot), in Jerusalem - is the day which God confirms Christ as Lord in and through the Apostle's preaching. He (God) takes a legal obligation of Moses, to give thanks for the first fruits of harvest, and make is a celebration of the first fruits unto eternal through the resurrection of Christ Jesus. We are, through Christ, the harvest brought in to give glory to God, through the power of the Holy Spirit as God's Word of the Good News is preached to all. How is Pentecost a real ongoing happening even today?
Glory and suffering don't go together naturally. In our culture we have the phrase NO PAIN, NO GAIN. All the responsibility for gain and glory in our culture is through our own suffering. And, when we don't get the glory we think we should - many would say it is because we didn't have enough pain in the training, or whatever. We are bent on thinking that our glory comes at our own expense, our suffering and pain. If we endure we will get the prize. But what if we don't? I mean, does our pain and suffering "guarantee" the glory? In no way. Many people make the ultimate sacrifice without the glory. So if that's the way it is in our society, how is it any different from the Christian? Well, it is. Jesus, St. Paul and St. Peter tell us why suffering is a part of the glory we experience "in Christ". Find out why Christians find glory even in suffering.
"In Christ...." This phrase is used all the time by Christians to describe their salvation. In fact, it is used so frequently it almost becomes cliché and void of what it really means. What DOES it mean to be in Christ? St. Paul uses it some 164 times in his 13 epistles alone. I believe the secret is Jesus' teaching in John 14:1-14. Jesus reveals two things about himself and the faith of his disciples and they revolve around the two questions asked by Thomas and Philip. First, he reveals that he is the way, the truth, and the life. (This was our focus in last week's sermon.) Today we focus on Philip's question to which Jesus answers "I am IN the Father and the Father is IN me..." Simple words - not so simple meaning. The Christian is in JEsus, the same way the Father is in Christ. Find out the deep meanings to this text!
We are in the Fifth Sunday after Easter, and yet John 14 takes us back to the beginning of Holy Week when Jesus teaches his disciples shortly after Palm Sunday. His goal is to prepare them for this week of suffering, trials, his crucifixion and resurrection. He starts by saying, "You believe in God; believe also in me." And then moves to tell them he is going to the Father to prepare a place for them. The questions come from Thomas and Philip and move our story along giving Jesus the opportunity to tell them, and us, who He really is and where he is going and WHY he is going there. He is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE but why? And why such exclusive claims which really clashed with our pluralistic religious culture in the USA. Listen in and find out.
Jesus enters and greets His disciples after His resurrection. They are afraid as if they had seen a ghost - which Jesus is NOT. Jesus teaches them - AND US - about our fears, our hurts and our hesitancy in light of His resurrection. Listen in to valuable comfort and encouragement.
I loved show and tell as a kid. In second grade of elementary school every Friday we had to bring something that interested us and share and talk about it in front of the class; it was our very first public speaking opportunity. Luke has a "show and tell" story at the end of his Gospel that we will investigate today. Find out what this "show and tell" event is about!
Jesus says to his disciples, "Peace be with you." He says it no less than three times in the space of a few sentences. And though statement "No peace, no Jesus - Know peace, know Jesus" is trite, it is also true.... but perhaps not in the way you think it is. There are differences between the Roman (and our) concept of peace and what Jesus shares with his disciples in John 20. What did Jesus actually mean when talking about peace, and how do we get it. Today, we learn how Jesus' words invite us into peace.
Most every Easter, John 20 is read as the ultimate narrative for the resurrection. It is the g-to text for Easter; Mark 16:1-8 is not. In most lectionaries it is avoided or simply not read. It is not dramatic at all. It leaves you hanging. The women who go to the tomb leave running from it in fear and bewilderment. They don't even see Jesus. What was Mark thinking? Is part of the text of Mark missing? The Gospel ends at verse 8, however, in most bibles verses 9-20 have a note saying, "these verses are not found in the most reliable, or older manuscripts." What does this mean? Does it mean Mark is missing something here? I assure you he is not....and here is why.....
Today is Palm Sunday! Jesus rides into Jerusalem, the city of peace over which he cries because they kill the prophets and God's messengers. and, they will kill him. Why will people not listen to God's beckoning call to trust in Him alone. Why do they seek only themselves and their own destruction? Jesus weeps for His people, and us, who are obstinate to come to Him in all things. God's love is ever-present and visible in Jesus' ride in peace to meet his own sacrificial death which brings about life, forgiveness and triumph over the ultimate enemy: death.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat is a well-known children's song. But, this song comes to mind when talking about the river of life that we are on. Christians are on a river of life, eternal life. It is marked by being swept away by God's grace in the waters of Baptism. God controls the river, the current, and we can either actively engage ourselves with where it is taking us through life, or we can be passive, and just float down the river. Floating, however, has specific dangers that we don't think about. Actively engaging in the direction of the river, however, is no less hazardous. the difference? God is leading, God is providing as we walk with Him. We can also see all lives, Christian or not, as a river. The flow of life itself is something a person cannot control, only God can. This become clear in today's message where Paul and Lydia meet at a riverside. Their river currents brought them to this location. Were they passive or active in being brought together? Are you actively engaging in where God is directing you? Listen in and think about it.
This is the fourth Sunday in Lent, and also the second week of lockdown in PIttsburg, California. Today's we explore the Dark Side of God. The metaphors we find in Scripture are Light and Darkness. Light is almost associated with Christ in the New Testament. In Old Testament, God's glory and holiness is enshrouded in darkness. In Genesis, in fact, we are told that God existed in the darkness of the firmaments before He created, from nothing, the light. He is the light that shattered the darkness - however - he also dwells in darkness. There is a dark side to God; one that is unknown, unfathomable, feared and awe-filled. We do not know that side of God except in judgment, his wrath, his punishment for sin which is death. As creatures who have fallen away from God, we do not see God in the darkness except through his light sent to this world: Jesus Christ. We know him by faith. Faith walks in the darkness of these times of COVID-19. Let's walk together.
For this and next Sunday, our worship services at Grace Lutheran Pittsburg, California, will be online - in an audible format. This is due as a prevention of contamination from the Corona virus in our area.
Today's Lenten meditation is GOD'S WILL and MY IDENTITY. The focus for today is on Mary, the mother of Jesus. So many myths, stories, legend surround this amazing woman. But what does Scriptures actually say, that make her so special. Although we do not worship or venerate Mary, she is an important woman whom God chose to bring forth the Savior of this world. How have you known her? stereotypes? What can we learn from her....about ourselves. Listen in.
King David had big plans for the Lord. He was going to build him a temple. He didn't think that the Lord should live in a tent while He, King David, was living in a palace. His dreams were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and approved by Nathan, the prophet, that told him to go ahead and build it to serve the Lord. David was happy. But that was not the Lord's plan. Did David fail? did he sin? No, he just didn't see the big picture. Has that happened to you? Listen in...
ALL NEW SERMONS AS OF FEBRUARY 23. Today is the First Sunday in Lent. Lent is the period of self-examination and repentance in spiritual preparation for the death and resurrection of Christ marked by Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Tbis Lenten series focuses on specific characters of the Bible. Today is MOSES.
We explore the texts of Exodus 4, Numbers 20 and Numbers 21 about Moses and the burning bush, Moses and the water flowing form the rock and Moses and the bronze serpent. Each of these episodes in the life of Moses tell us something about Moses and his relationship with God. They tell us more, however, about God His patience, mercy and fidelity in bringing inept and inadequate people into lives of grace and mercy toward others. for all practical purposes Moses' life and calling is no different than those of any Christian. Find how much we are alike, but also how much God is for us.
For the last six weeks "old sermons" have been posted as we have been doing other things in the congregation that simply could not be posted. TODAY IS A NEW SERMON. We end the season of the Epiphany with the Transfiguration of Jesus. Why did this happen! Why was Jesus transfigured before three of his disciples, and in the presence of Moses and Elijah? For whose benefit? What needed to be said or shown that wasn't already shown to the disciples? The Gospel writers of this story place this transfiguration as the "changing" point of Jesus life ministry. Jesus now prepares to walk the road to Jerusalem and his crucifixion. Some interesting things about this story jump out historically and for the believer. We must investigate. Listen in....
My faith is running on empty. So should yours! In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul takes issue with a problem Christians were having about the tension between what was preached and the proof of that word. This tension exists for us too. For example, to say, "I love you" is empty and meaningless unless it is backed up by "proof". So what is the value of words. Is the resurrection a fairy-tale story made up of words only? Is is there an historical impact behind that! Listen on...
Luke's story of a miraculous catch that Jesus did brought a new calling to Peter and the disciples. But the question is...what exactly was the miracle? If not the two boatloads of fish, then what? Listen to why Jesus did this and why Luke includes it in his Gospel.
Paul says that these three remain "faith, hope and love" but that the greatest of these is "love." Why is that, do faith and hope fail at times? Is he referring to God's love, or to human love? This 1 Corinthians passages is a well known passage to Christians and non-Christians alike turning 'love' into something of a cure all. But our love is not powerful nor authoritative....how then, is love the greatest of the three? listen for more.
In Luke's Gospel, there is an elephant in the room. You know, when everybody in a room knows there is an issue but nobody wants to talk about it? Our two texts (Nehemiah and Luke) help to understand what is going on in this synagogue where Jesus was invited to speak and why He chooses to confront the elephant head on. Find out what (or who) that elephant is!
Sometimes, fairy-tales help us understand imagery that is brought out in the Bible. One theory is that Biblical stories were so powerful in the history of storytelling, that they also influenced cultural fairy-tales. "Mirror, mirror on the wall..." shows us who we are, in the light of what we think or imagine that we are. The truth is, "You are not the fairest in the land." Painful as it is, the mirror shows we are NOT the princesses, or princes, that we think we are. But it points us in another direction....find out here.
Today the Church celebrates the Baptism of Jesus. Why was He baptized? did he want to start a tradition? a fad? Was His baptism the same as ours...only better? Jesus was baptized not only to fulfill prophesy about the coming of the Messiah. But, yes, he did need to be baptized, because he was fully "man" and fully "God." Not that His "God side" didn't need Baptism and his "Man side" did. We can't think of Jesus in that half/half way. He, Jesus, God incarnate was truly human. He underwent all things as a human. As a human he was flesh and blood; a descendant of sinful flesh and blood he inherited when He took on flesh. but, he was fully God, something that was not "passed" on genetically from his mother, Mary. His Baptism was unique in that respect; his baptism was not needed except that he was "one of us" and so He if he was meant to redeem humankindness, God's creation, He too was to be clothed in sinful flesh - participate in sinful flesh - yet be perfectly obedient to His Father's will...His Father's original creation design - in order for His sacrifice to be one of obedience and perfection. As truly human Jesus was called to repentance in John's Baptism. In, with and through our baptism we are brought into Jesus' own baptism. Baptized in His name, in the name of Jesus, we put on the Baptism with which he was Baptized - to be like him in his death and so be raised with Him in his resurrection (Romans 6:1-10). Our baptism in indeed necessary....listen in.
January 6 marks the Epiphany. Epiphany means “light” like in “starlight.” We commemorate the arrival of the Magi to the Christchild’s manger. This date, in fact, celebrates the Gentile Christmas. Whereas the 24th of December celebrates the announcement of Christ’s birth to the Jewish world, the star and the Magi who sought the Christchild were not Jewish, they were Gentile. Epiphany, January 6, is therefore the “Gentile Christmas.” Matthew doesn’t tell us a lot about the Magi who sought Jesus out, but the significance is world-altering. Just how wise were these three shadowy figures who knelt before a Savior that they longed to call their own?
The countdown has started. Another year has come and gone. How has it been for you? Glad to see 2019 go? Are you ready for a new year? These are trying times for most people. Some can say it was a good year, but many reflect with what the past year left them: challenges, failure, suffering, loneliness. Where is God in all this? Has he abandoned the hope of His people? Paul writes to the Romans that God's love for them is INSEPARABLE in Christ Jesus. How is this true? Especially, how is this true even in the midst of when I feel that HE has abandoned me? When I don't see him in my life? When he feels so far from me? Listen in for the concrete hope and assurance of God's love.
Everyone knows about the 2-minute warning in football. You know, the clock stops to alert everyone that there is only two minutes left in the game. Everything is coming to a close and if the losing team does not want to lose, they will do everything they can to win. The prophets, particularly Daniel in our text for today, gives a two-minute warning on the coming end of all time. Are you ready? Do you have a game plan? Listen in.
This 3rd Sunday in Advent we turn to Malachi, the final prophet of the Old Testament Scripture, to look at what he says about the second coming of Christ. He is the Sun of Righteousness that will dawn. That day will be a day of destruction for all evil and those who have not believed and trusted in the Lord for for forgiveness and salvation; that is, those who have not believed in the covenant made by God through Christ's blood sacrifice and resurrection....for by their reluctance to believe, they are not part of that covenant. But, for those who believe, living in a world of injustice, danger, destruction, and evil brings about doubts and thoughts that Christ will not return. People in this world - including Christians at times - wonder about Christ's return, and how God can permit injustice and evil to continue in this world. Some dismiss the account of His return as fantastical, a myth or legend. Malachi's message is DO NOT BE MISCONCEIVED - misconceptions can be fatal, when the truth is that HE WILL RETURN. Listen in on God's promise for salvation to those who believe.
This second Sunday in Advent. Listen to a familiar story about Beauty and the Beast. There is a connection here with real-life in this world between the evil of sin and the Light which we welcome at Christmas time. Listen in.
We begin the Advent season, the four weeks prior to December 24th (Christmas Eve). This year we focus on "Light" and the coming of Christ 2000 years ago when God's light entered the world. We look forward to the return of Christ in the End Times as God returning to this world in victory, to take us home to dwell with Him. Along our life's path in this world, however, we experience darkness, depression, anxiety, and all things which are "not" light. Christ entered into the world to BE light for us; to show us the path to the Father. He came to overcome the darkness and evil that exists in the world today. Celebrate with us and listen to Isaiah's prophetic message as he announces the coming Messiah some 600 years before JEsus' birth.
Well, you know - THANKSGIVING. THINGS to be thankful for? More than THINGS. Deuteronomy gives a different perspective on Thanksgiving than the usual Gospel text of the one-out-of-ten Leper who returned to Jesus to give thanks. Listen in on this Thanksgiving Eve sermon.
In God's Mission we, His saints, those belonging to the body of Christ, are called for salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no doubt that we are His children because He called us and made it possible, through His own work, to be that! We are - not what we are but - what Christ made us: a new creation. We have a new relationship with God through Christ, forgiven, to live eternally with Him. Talk about motivation to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES. Yet, a good number of people fell that they don't know what to say and have no special gifts to offer. Today we talk about stereotypical attitudes towards witnessing and evangelism and explore what the Apostles, their example of doing God's Mission, have taught us for the last few weeks of this sermon series on Re-discovering God's Mission individually, and as a congregation. Hint: We are faithful to our calling only because He is faithful in His. Tune in....
Equipping the Saints for ministry is the call of every pastor if they are continuing the line of the Apostles. Regardless of denomination, the call of the pastor as one of the Priesthood of All Believers (1 Peter 2) is to prepare the community for ministry. There are, however, two major setbacks in this which are leftovers from before the Reformation. These are misconceptions regarding the Pastor in the congregation AND the misconception of being a member of a church. Listen in and see where you fit in.
In rediscovering God's Mission for His Church we have arrived at the Reformation. For 1200 years (32AD - 1517AD), the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) ruled politically, spiritually, economically and powerfully over the powers of Europe. since the time it was legal (32AD), as the official religion of the Roman Empire, it took on characteristics of the Emperor Caesar himself. ti centralized all religious power in Rome, the Bishop of Rome - once an appointed office by the apostles to care for the congregations that were going through persecution in the area as they carried out the mandate to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES - became corrupt in politics and secular activities. It became a business, selling indulgences, the forgiveness of sins, and invented offices of power in a hierarchical political structure for a price. In other words, it strayed entirely from what the body of Christ ought to look like in this world. Luther learned through the Scriptures that salvation was through faith in Christ, not through the church and obedience to the pope. Listen to how this man rediscovered the purpose of all believers in the body of Christ, and liberated the church into a potential powerhouse of Christian brothers and sisters like in the days of the apostles.
We continue our sermon series discovering our purpose in the overall mission of the church. Today, as we gather, our focus is on how the Church developed from the time it became legal (325AD) until the time of the Reformation. What became the focus of the Apostle’s ‘mission statement’? With the legalization of Christianity by the emperor Constantine in 320AD, the Church that was victorious over persecution through faith in Christ did not "Keep its eye on the ball;" it lost focus of the centrality of the mandate to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES with the proclamation of Christ. Instead, when the church emerged as a legal entity, a structure of leaders, servants and teachers of the Gospel became political and tempted by personal ambition, power and wealth. the church was no longer the all the faithful that were called out of the world through faith, but just a select few: the bishops and all who had received the successive laying on of hands through the apostles. For the next 1200 years, (300AD - 1517AD), the Church saved; not Christ. The mission proclamation that was centered in the preaching of God's Word as the central power and authority, now became centered in the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). It was his political authority that overrode the Gospel in a desire for power and wealth. The Church became the Savior through obedience and membership; not through faith in Christ. How did this happen during 300 years after Christ? What does it say for us today? Listen in...
Continuing our series on Re-Discovering God's Mission, we meet the first challenge that the Apostle's encountered. A challenge between tradition (or personal preference as it is today) and Biblical Truth (God's Word and command). When Jesus told the disciples to Go and Make Disciples, there was no game plan. eh did not provide them with a manual. And there was a good reason for it. Whereas a game-plan may have provided a "how to do it..." as a fool-proof method, our Lord is not a God of coercion and forcefulness. He want a relationship with his creation. A coercion would demand that people meet God where HE is at...as something that they must to in order to be saved. God, however, created us beautifully IN HIS IMAGE; meaning, to have a relationship, to fellowship, to commune. And think with the diversity of language, culture, and art, how the world groups and communes in fellowships with other in that group. God want to be a part of that group with His message of Christ. Humans are made for fellowship and ultimately, fellowship with God. Christ, therefore, must speak to and be a part of culture in order to bring hope, salvation, love and compassion, to a specific people because that's how people operate; not effectively but affectively. In order to do this, the Apostle's needed to discern between what was personal preference or a cultural tradition and the biblical truth of GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES. Would their traditions stand in the way of someone who is not from their tradition? Would their language, customs, religious traditions? What were they to do so that Christ became real for those who were not Jewish? Find out....
Re-disovering god's mission is to rediscover your place, and your congregation's place, in that mission. While churches are thriving, growing, have large numbers, many times, the impetus of size is what drives a congregation into ministry. Many people + telling many people = more people. And, more often than not, a diversity of activities and events allow people personal preferences. However, when churches decline in membership or attendance, most start to ask, "what happened?" This question starts a process of analysis that can lead to discovering God's Mission. It can be quite illuminating as we rediscover that "getting more people in the pews" is NOT God's primary mission objective. there are many reasons why churches want to get more people "in the pew" and it usually is for sustaining and maintaining what has always been done in the past, in order to continue in the future. No. God's primary mission objective is GO AND TELL....regardless if people come to your congregation and fill the pews. A nice outcome would be that they "join" your fellowship, but God's primary mandate to us is to GO AND TELL! Today we look at the organization of the early, early Christian church and how, from it's humble beginnings, people were added (convinced of the Gospel message) to belong to the fellowship of other Christians like them. Was it programs? Was it entertainment? No. Find out. (Acts 14:21-28; Romans 16:1-16; Acts 6:1-7 form the basis for the messsage)
Last week we heard where the 12 Apostles journeyed to throughout the world. From Spain to India. From Ethiopia to Armenia. Today, we look at what is commonly known among Christians as the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20 where Jesus tells the eleven to "Go and make disciples of all nations...." This was the beginning of the Christian movement. Perhaps it was not as simple as it seems. We know this movement NOW, as the Christian Church, and cannot conceive of it as it first started out. Even as the disciples went to the appointed mountain to meet with Jesus, the text says that that "some doubted." What did they doubt? Their ability? the truth? Jesus? the reality of it all? But then, some exciting things happened to them. And, when they went out, they could not "go and make disciples" if it were not for two important things. 1. The prayers of the believers and 2. their offerings, both money and material needs, for the needy. We look at how prayer and offerings is mentioned by St. Paul, almost inseparably, in these early beginnings of the Church. How do you support the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Savior as part of your congregation? How do you pray for your pastor and congregation to remain as living witnesses of the Gospel today? Listen to the details!
Rediscovering God's Mission for our congregation - week 2: We look at the Apostles. As Jesus sent them out with "power and authority" even Judas was included. Matthew names the 12 apostles. Where did they go after Pentecost? We mostly hear about Peter, John and a little about James. then, Paul comes on the scene and sort of steals the show. Most of what we know doctrinally comes form his pen. Today we look at where the Apostles went and the martyrdom that they faced. If it were not for them, we would not be here today. in fact, none of the church would be here today. How does this impact our mission and our witness as we pass the baton of Christ from generation to generation.
Today's Gospel talks about wayward, lost sheep. I don't know about sheep, but we had a beagle once. Perhaps beagle is much more relatable to an urban society than a sheep. Beagles act like sheep, which makes the point as Isaiah prophecies about the coming Messiah saying, "All we like "beagles" have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way. And, the Lord placed on Him the iniquity of us all." What is it about a beagle or a shepherd who abandons a whole flock to look for one sheep, or even about the woman who turned her house upside down to find a lost coin have to do with God's love for us. Find out how we all howl like beagles.
In this weeks episode, enjoy the whole service. The sermon, however, begins at minute 25:15 for those interested only in the message.
EAT YOUR PEAS is something probably most of us heard from our parents. When commanded we begin to whine and negotiate with our parents about what we should do, compared with what we want to do. We negotiate with God daily about what constitutes "following Him." For instance, in today's Gospel, Jesus says nobody is worthy to follow Him if they cannot hate father, mother, sister, brother and even deny themselves. What a change from "love your neighbor as yourself..." Is this the same God? Does He make such demands to frustrate us? Our immediate response is to negotiate our limits as to what we are able and unable to do in following Him. We want him to accept us as we are...by lowering His expectations of us. "He'll understand..." we sometimes say. Listen in as we discuss that God DOES demand complete obedience.....no negotiating...and why we can't.
When you think about the resurrection, do you always think in the future? Most people think of the resurrection as something that occurs on the Last Day, when our Lord returns to create a new heavens and earth for his redeemed. Why is it that we don't htink of the resurrection as something that has happened NOW; in the wake of Christ's own resurrection. The question is, then, does Christ's message prepare you for the day you die? or does it prepare you for the resurrected life. Listen and find out...
What? Last week, we talked about peace, and Jesus said, “Do not be anxious; do not let your heart be troubled.” Today, Jesus tells us I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Make up your mind. What can we make of this apparent turn about. Does Jesus bring peace or not? Does he bring comfort or a sword? In our Gospel text, Jesus offers us an object lesson about a sword, a cross and a life. They seem like separate things, but they are all related.
Our text is the Holy Gospel for today, from Matthew chapter 10. Jesus has been instructing his disciples in this chapter, preparing them for what they’re getting themselves in for. And it’s not going to be a bed of roses because some of these roses are going to have thorns. He is asking his disciples, “Are you ready for this?”
In today's Gospel, Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock..." How easy it is to say these words, but how difficult it is to "feel" at peace. Jesus words seem unrealistic, fantastical, un-real. What with the mass shootings in Gilory, California; Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas, it's enough to make you paranoid in any public situation. Yet, in the midst of anxiety, Jesus invites us to have peace, and true peace; one that passes any peace that can be bought or made in our society. Find out more about the evil that is in the world, and the peace which only Christ offers us. Listen in.
Today we are celebrating the baptism of Ryan Alan Weaver. He wants to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and receive the blessed assurance that God the Father is his true Father, and that God the Son, Jesus Christ, is indeed the brother that has redeemed him from sin, death and the power of Satan. Water and the Word, Christ's words, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.." Ryan is baptized in the name of the Triune God, as Scripture teaches. Baptized into that name, Ryan receives the inheritance of sonship given to all who have gone before him and all who will come after him believing in Jesus Christ as His savior. A little more than 5 years ago, however, Carrie Underwood wrote a song called "Something in the Water" - I wonder why 'something' was used? Did she not know what was in the water? Did she think it was a magical water only? We dig deep into Scriptural teaching on Baptism today.
"Won't you be my neighbor?" Was a question (and song) made famous by Mr. Rogers at the beginning of his children's program, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. This phrase has become popular in parodies, mocking, and making fun of its childlike innocence. In the Bible, when the Jewish lawyer says to be saved you must "love you neighbor as yourself," he quickly adds the question for Jesus: "Who is my neighbor..." Jesus' story of the good Samaritan follows and seems to answer that question. But is that the question Jesus answers? There is something more here than simply the encouragement that we should "love our neighbors..." Listen and find out.
In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul talks about freedom. Being free, living free is what happens in freedom. You don't HAVE freedom; you live in freedom, just like one lives in a king-dom, or feels like a star in star-dom. Freedom means that you have have been freed FROM something that held you captive or enslaved you. There is a consequence to freedom, however. The consequence is that you are freed FOR another life - a life of different values than the one you formerly knew as a slave from which you were freed. Paul goes one step further to teach us that we, all humans, are enslaved to things of the "flesh": selfish desires, immorality, self-serving, self-loving by our actions. But, we are also enslaved by how the world defines us: ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, patriotic, etc. Our society defines us with all these labels by worldly (or fleshly) values - according to their standards or, as Paul puts it, "according to the flesh."
Those who believe and place their trust in Christ, follow Him, desire to be His disciple, however, we have been freed FROM these things by and through the death and resurrection of Christ. (And, this freedom is freely available to all, because Christ died for all.) We are freed FROM these labels and fleshly, sinful self, and set free FOR Christ - to live and love as Christ has lived and loved us. Freedom FROM sin and death, means freedom FOR love and Christ.
Freedom in and for Christ is the only alternative because if you consider freedom as something which permits you to do whatever you want, whenever and to whomever, you have once again enslaved yourself to the standards of this world. If you are not freed FROM the flesh and sinful world, including death, then you are not freed FOR love and Christ. Listen to how this impacts your life specifically.
the great prophet Elijah is hiding in a cave. He is hiding from King Ahab who wants to cut off his head for defeating his 450 prophets of Baal and then killing them. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel want Elijah's head and all the prophets of the true God. Hiding in the cave, Elijah tell God "I want out. No longer be a prophet." He has met constantly with spiritual batle against Baal and is tired. He wants the Lord to retire him.
There are times we pastor, missionaries and Christians alike find it tiring and want out. In our spiritual battle against forces that would have us reject God and follow pernicious roads to destruction, we find it hard to tell others that the battle is won in Jesus Christ. That although there is evil, horrific evil, in the world there is but one God and creator of us all who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reclaim all creation from the hands of Baal (Satan).
Instead of a WAY OUT, God provides a WAY THROUGH. Find out how and ignite the Spirit's fire in you!
Jesus is revealing who He is, who sent Him, what His mission is, that He must die and rise from the dead. The Pharisees challenge Him and cry blasphemy. But, there were some Judean (Jews) who believed in Him. Jesus addresses them, and as He continues teaching, a big argument ensues, and they repudiate Him. But....how did they once believe in Him. They wanted to choose what to believe about Jesus - fit Him into their belief system, instead of listening to the truth. A similar problem occurs in our society today. People are quick to jump on the Jesus bandwagon and believe about Him what they will - and still call themselves Christian. Many people today, want to fit Jesus into their own construct of who He is and call themselves Christian.... What can we say about what WE believe and confess about Jesus.
We celebrate the gift and work of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' ascension into heaven, the promised Holy Spirit was gifted to the disciples. It is through God's Holy Spirit is twofold; (1) we recognize that we are broken and in need of a savior for we are not perfect, nor can we hope to live up to God's righteous standards because of sin in our very being and (2) it is the Holy Spirit who then opens Scripture teaching us about the Savior of all, by whose death and resurrection we are no longer judged unrighteous and guilty before God because of Christ's sacrifice. In fact, we can sum up the work of the Holy Spirit in this way: Earth, Water, Wind Fire. We, made from the earth and to return to the earth, were washed with the water of salvation (Baptism), in which God' Spirit brings us life and salvation. This is not merely a one-time job for He is constantly with us in the "winds of war" against sin and temptation in this world. He is on the battlefield with us, when we cry out for forgiveness, when we seek strength and fortitude against violence, selfishness. In this way, the Spirit is like fire. Struggling with our sinfulness in this world, desiring to live God-pleasing lives and free to do so, our faith is tested and purified and tested as gold ("fire" and "pure" share a common Latin root). His work is not complete until we are finally with our Lord in Heaven.
Before Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus prayed for his disciples. As a part of that prayer, Jesus prays for us as well. He prays for all those who will come to believe in Him as their Lord and Savior through the witness of the Apostles. He prays specifically for three things for us: (1) that we live in unity, as the Father and the Son live in unity with each other his desire is that we, too, be kept in that unity. For to be apart from Christ is to be apart fro life and forgiveness. (2) Jesus prays for that unity, so that this unity of love which holds Father, Son and us together will give witness to the death and resurrection of Christ, as the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Namely, that we share forgiveness in the name of Christ. (3) Jesus prays for us to be assured of our eternal glory which we share with Him at the end of all time. Hear how He prays and comforts you specifically.....
"Come in and know me better, man" is a line taken from A Christmas Carol. It is the invitation of the Spirit of Christmas to Scrooge on his journey through the night examining the past, the present and his inevitable future. While Charles Dickens describes Scrooge as a skinflint and humbug in relation to those around him, the story is told to inspire those who despair of their lives in the present, to consider their past and amend their lives for the future. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians prays that God the Father sends the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation for the followers in order to "Come in and know Jesus better...." This life transformation, nevertheless, does not happen through our attempt to amend our past lives, nor by promising a better "me" in this life. Listen to how the Holy Spirit is sent to transform your present life, by what was done in the past, in order to live a fulfilling life in the future.
We know that a magician is someone who entertains people through deception; presenting to them something that defies logic or the natural. A card that floats from one hand to the other or a person sawn in half and then comes out of the box whole. He might even accompany some magic words that serve as a clue as to what is about to happen, like, “here is a normal pitcher…” uh, yeah, right….a normal pitcher. Or, “here is a normal deck of cards….” Or, the magician might use the more familiar, “Now you see it…..now you don’t.” But when we see a magic act, we ask, “How does he or she do that?” And we marvel at how the magician kept us from seeing what was done. And, isn’t that the point? Seeing? Trying to understand? Trying to see behind the curtain? When we know that there is a magician, we watch very closely to see what is going to happen and try to catch him in the act. But Jesus' words are no, "now you see me; now you don'." He is not attempting to manipulate or deceive. His purpose is to prepare his disciples for the resurrection, which they will never understand and could never imagine. Listen to how He prepares them and us in the face of death!
The Road to Emmaus is a familiar story where Jesus encounters Cleopas and another disciple walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The resurrection had happened that morning and they were walking - perhaps back home. for them, everything was over. Comparing the story of the women looking for Jesus in the tomb but could not find him, here we have two men walking on the road, not even looking for Jesus, and He finds THEM. The question lurking behind these stories is: Where do we find Jesus? And, where does He promise to be for us today. Listen!
I believe that for everyone, there are times in which we wish that someone would come and search for us; that someone would seek us out where we are at. Perhaps our pain and suffering, conscience, loneliness, depression has become such a torment that we would wish someone would show the love and concern that we desperately need. You know, that someone would just take us into their arms and calm our fears, or whatever may be bothering us. The parable entitled the Prodigal Son is well known to many people....but at times it is so well known that we sort of gloss over the story just to get to the part where the wayward son returns home and is forgiven by the father. In the text, however, there are many things going on which are a slap in the face to Pharisees and teachers of the law who are bothering Jesus. there are some hidden treasures in this story that could carry home the weary and distressed. Listen in....
Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed! This is the appropriate response form the congregation on Easter Sunday morning. Christ's resurrection is the only reason Christianity is what it is. Christians are all those who confess Christ as their Savior. those who confess Christ as their Savior accept the testimony of eye-witnesses who, for thousands of years, have handed down writings and testimonies so that all creation would believe and confess the truth about Christ, and once again return to fellowship with God. There are those, however, who would rather do away with Christians and especially the organizational church. An example, has been the comments whether or not to reconstruct the Notre Dame cathedral that burned last week. Christians say yes; others say that the fire was an "act of liberation" (especially for Europe) from being oppressed with guilt throughout the history of the Roman Empire and the Church. What does this statement, however, actually say about our world today, and their salvation? Listen in...
Palm Sunday marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It begins with the ride of Jesus on a donkey, from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. There were other revolutionary leaders who were hailed as Messiahs, who also rode from the Mount into Jerusalem. In their revolts, however, they died, and their band of guerrillas disbanded. Who was going to oust the Roman from Jerusalem? this was the expected role of the Messiah. But while Jesus preached of a coming kingdom, he preached about it with love and forgiveness; not necessarily the kind of warrior we think about. And, although he preached a message of peace, his followers expected an overthrow. It was not until after Jesus' death and resurrection, that they came to know, through faith, about the kingdom that belonged to Christ. While we might say it was "spiritual" we seem to think of a kingdom that is not visible. This is far from true. Christ's kingdom is visible; He established it in real time and real history through His death and resurrection. All believers are members of this kingdom of grace and forgiveness and away His return, when for all time, He alone will rule unchallenged by Satan and his armies. Today we interview Simon, the Zealot, a guerrilla who was apart of Jesus' disciples.
Today we reach the las Sunday in Lent by interviewing John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. HE was in the Garden of Gethsemane the night Jesus was betrayed. He and Peter and James fell asleep while Jesus was praying. He encourages us to meet crossroads in our life by abiding in Jesus' love and forgiveness. Listen to his story.
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, denied knowing Jesus three times during the night before Jesus' crucifixion. Although a leader among the disciples, and a person who confessed Jesus as the Messiah, he is remembered by most for this denial. We interview him today as part of our ongoing Lent interviews leading up to Easter. Peter can't seem to shake the fact that he "failed" Jesus, and did not remain firm until the end as he promised. Sound familiar? We too fail. Even though we may know that Jesus forgives our sins, sometimes, our past can haunt us. What can we do? Listen to find out.
This morning we interview Malchus, the high priest's guard whose ear Peter cut off in the garden of Gethsemane. the interesting thing about this story, is that Jesus is in the middle between two powers in this world. The first, his own disciple Peter, a Zealot, a guerrilla who wanted to overthrow the Roman domination and set Israel free by proclaiming Jesus to be the Messiah, the coming King. The other, represented by Malchus, a guard to defend the order of the ruling High Priest and Jewish leaders. Jesus is caught in the middle. How does Jesus "do the right thing?" Whose side will he take as Peter cuts off Malchus' ear and wants to lead a revolt?
Dialogue written by Ted Schroeder. © 2016 Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 800-325-9414. www.creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Addendum message written by Rev. Gregory Klotz)
The person we attribute as most responsible for Jesus' sentencing during His passion is Pontius Pilate. A Roman governor of Judea, Pilate was disdained by the Jews who were a constant problem for him, he was place on report to Caesar because of them. He feared the Jews and so to protect himself turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. Was he innocent? A victim of circumstance? His judgment caused the death of Jesus just to save himself. What about you and me. Do we judge others in the same way? How righteous is our judgment of those we assume to be unrepentant sinners? Has God called us to judge? or to love and show His mercy? Listen on.
Dialogue written by Ted Schroeder. © 2016 Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 800-325-9414. www.creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Addendum message written by Rev. Gregory Klotz)
Judas is known for his betrayal of Jesus. Accepting 30 pieces of silver to turn over Christ to the Jewish authorities for crucifixion betrayed the trust that he was given as treasurer of the disciples. At times, the tendency is to turn Judas into the victim. Jesus Christ Superstar does this; he is the main character at times. And even in our minds we may think, "Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him" so we may be lead to believe that Judas had no other "option" in God's plan of salvation - that he was the scapegoat. In actuality, Judas is representative of all of humanity. He IS the Old Adam, emblematic of creation gone awry. His desires for personal gain, to move the revolution plot of the Messiah along (politically speaking), is something we all deal with. Realizing we have betrayed others, by whatever means, in order to have personal gain, it is difficult to turn back, admit it, seek restitution, and sometimes we just live with the pain; pain that for some turns into suicide. such was the case with Judas. Listen to Judas speak and see yourself in his words.
Dialogue written by Ted Schroeder. © 2016 Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 800-325-9414. www.creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Addendum message written by Rev. Gregory Klotz)
Tonight is Ash Wednesday. This period of 40 days is called LENT; a time in which we focus on our need for salvation. It is a time of repentance and preparation before God to reflect on our mortality and to remind us of our waywardness. We follow Jesus and His journey to His crucifixion on Good Friday, and His resurrection by which we are all set free from condemnation, sin and death. Our journey through LENT will be through interviews of characters that are important in the Divine Drama of Chr'ist's salvific work in our lives. Tonight's interview is with KING DAVID. Why would we pick to interview him on Ash Wednesday? Find out.
Dialogue written by Ted Schroeder. © 2016 Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 800-325-9414. www.creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Addendum message written by Rev. Gregory Klotz)
We all grow up from childhood. We grow emotionally, physically, mentally and socially without trying and without thinking about it. Nothing can stop this from happening. It is a natural process that happens in all creatures. it is a part of our creaturliness; a part of our flesh and blood-ness. There is no person that does not outgrow clothes or toys. We all feared girl or boy cooties when young but then moved on to love these cooties in our teen years. We all grow and change naturally. We are also spiritual. Every creature is spiritual and has a spiritual need to have rely on something as their God - whatever gives them meaning or purpose in life. The need to know the true God is natural, part of the creature. But because this world is broken, along with our relationship with God, we do not naturally grow spiritual, otherwise it is outgrown....like the toys you once played with. If it is not fed, it will not grow. You may have left your faith in Sunday School and it may have never matured. Listen and find out if you have outgrown your faith and what to do about it.
Throughout Epiphany Jesus has been revealing who He is to those around Him. Through power and authority, He has been healing, casting out demons, and forgiving sins ... miraculously. Not that the miracles are his point, nor are they proof of his Messiahship; they are merely an outpouring of the Father's love making right a creation gone awry. He turns the world upside down vanquishing sin and reversing nature out of love and compassion. Now, He turns the disciples world upside down with His teaching on what it means to be a disciple. Find out His revolutionary view of the world.
My faith is running empty. So should yours! in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul takes issue with a problem Christians were having about the tension between what was preached and the proof of that word. this tension exists for us too. For example, to say, "I love you" is empty and meaningless unless it is backed up by "proof". So what is the value of words. Is the resurrection a fairy-tale story made up of words only? Listen on...
Luke's story of a miraculous catch that Jesus did brought a new calling to Peter and the disciples. But the question is...what exactly was the miracle? If not the two boatloads of fish, then what? Listen to why Jesus did this and why Luke includes it in his Gospel.
Paul says that these three remain "faith, hope and love" but that the greatest of these is "love." Why is that, do faith and hope fail at times? Is he referring to God's love, or to human love? This 1 Corinthians passages is a well known passage to Christians and non-Christians alike turning 'love' into something of a cure all. But our love is not powerful nor authoritative....how then, is love the greatest of the three? listen for more.
In Luke's Gospel, there is an elephant in the room. You know, when everybody in a room knows there is an issue but nobody wants to talk about it? Our two texts (Nehemiah and Luke) help to understand what is going on in this synagogue where Jesus was invited to speak and why He chooses to confront the elephant head on. Find out what (or who) that elephant is!
Sometimes, fairy-tales help us understand imagery that is brought out in the Bible. One theory is that Biblical stories were so powerful in the history of storytelling, that they also influenced cultural fairy-tales. "Mirror, mirror on the wall..." shows us who we are, in the light of what we think or imagine that we are. The truth is, "You are not the fairest in the land." Painful as it is, the mirror shows we are the princesses, or princes, that we think we are. But it points us in another direction....find out here.
the church calendar of readings marks today as the Baptism of Jesus Sunday. In the season of Epiphany, Jesus' Baptism marks the beginning of His ministry which ultimately takes Him to the cross. But, His Baptism was not just a "showpiece" for everyone to see. Neither is our Baptism a simple initiation rite, or our declaration of faithfulness to God. God does marvelous and unimaginable through Baptism which results in our forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the death of Christ. find out what your Baptism is all about. (contact me gracealoneonline@gmail.com
Today is Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany means "light." We celebrate the arrival of the Magi to the manger of Christ who is the light of the world. Stars have always been a part of magic, ancient mythology, worshiped millennia ago, and worshiped by some today. Stars are displayed a lot at Christmas time; in fact, they replace the manger scenes of Christ in most public displays of Christmas. And although the Christmas Star has been adopted and adapted to the pagan celebration of Christianity symbolizing luck, joy, happiness, and peace, the star is NOT the main object. Find out what the purpose of this star; what it meant to the Magi and what it means for you and me.
In total darkness it is difficult to see where you are going. Darkness usually frightens people. they can't see where they are going; they might not know what lurks in the shadows. There is also spiritual darkness: doubt, losing joy or the experience of closeness to God. St. John of the Cross called this spiritual loneliness the "dark night of the soul." There is only one way out of the darkness. Like miners in a cave who kept candles lit to light their way, you need spiritual light to light your way. find out how.
"From the stump of Jesse" Isaiah prophecies. King David, descendant of Jesse, was given the promise by God, that the Messiah would be born in the lineage of David. But, David, and his ancestors committed all sorts of grave sins.... Yet, God was faithful to his promised and from David's seed, a new shoot, unlike any other, came from David's seed in fulfillment of God's promise given through the prophets of the Old Testament. No more being cut off; no more pruning, this branch lives eternally to save. Find out how this is possible that a shoot should come forth from a sinful heritage.
In this second Sunday of Advent we celebrate another name of Jesus: The Shepherd. Shepherds were common int he Middle East as sheep were very important to commerce and life itself. Jesus calls himself the Shepherd which makes us...the sheep. discover some of the relationships that have commonly been brought out in sermons about the sheep/shepherd relationship....but then, go deeper with me into a cultural - spiritual connection with Middle Eastern culture which brings out a deeper and richer meaning to our text for today.
Advent is the beginning of the Church years. It is a time when we focus on the historical coming of Christ as a child, but also a time of repentance and preparation for His return at the end of all time to establish His kingdom with a new earth and new heavens. This Sunday we focus on God, the potter, who has created all things for a purpose in this world. You have been created by God; he has molded you and shaped you from before you were born. You have a purpose. Find out more about this potter.
What Scripture says about the end of the time, and the heaven that is waiting for those who believe shows that the idea of heaven by the general public is way off base. We explore just how Scripture teaches us the beauty of a new world and a new heaven so much different than the imagined heaven in popular society. Two videos used during this sermon can be found on YouTube: (titles: The Real Heaven; it's not what you think, AND, He's My King)
In our society today, we glory on having an abundance of "things." Many times, people believe that the amount of what they have is the blessing, instead of simply having what they do have. People today easily say, "I am so thankful for..." but they leave off something very important: "TO WHOM are you thankful." Someone has to be thanked; there has to be a reason for thanks. True gratefulness to God can be expressed by even thanking God for what we don't have; giving thanks even when we don't have. Being thankful is a question of faith, knowing that God will provide all you need even when you don't "have." Find out how He does this?.
This is a hot topic in today's society. Amazon and You Tube have tons of videos and books written on "experiences" of near death, or coming back from death. How should we interpret these? While you can't deny a personal experience, you can call into question whether or not they are Christian. Scripture teaches us what to expect in death for those who believe and follow Christ as their Savior. As 1 John 4 says, "Test the Spirits" to see if they are from God....if the experience does NOT preach Christ crucified and risen from the dead, who is the Son of God then it is not a true experience. Scripture teaching is the only PROOF of what heaven is. This week and next week we look at death, and what Christians can expect, and some testimonials from Scripture what a glorious event this is, dispelling some misconceived notions of what happens.
Most people know that they there is no truth to the statement, "something for nothing" even though we wish that is how it were. In reality, we get what we pay for; we get what we deserve for the effort made. But, when we pray, do we expect our investment in "prayer" and "faith" will bring us results? What if we pray but it seems we get no help from God. Then our faith in God is challenged and we normally blame God...because He didn't give us what we want even though we believed in Him. Give God a try does not always work in our favor...BUT...whatever god does IS ALWAYS in our favor. Listen in to see how this works in real life....
Today is Reformation Sunday. On this day, in 1517, Martin Luther challenged the Roman Catholic Pope to a debate on the abuse by the Roman church on the forgiveness of sins. Our text in Romans talks about being free through Christ; something which is unattainable even we try our hardest because we are born and exist under the law...that is flesh and blood. As humans, we can only exist under the law, not freedom, because we are subject to the world around us. Like Free Willy...we cannot let ourselves out of the cage. Listen to how God rescues us from death and the Law and let's us enjoy freedom.
In the world of digital and social media is a new type of restlessness and anxiety that occurs in young people. But it does not only affect young people. The restlessness is caused by boredom and the drive to be on social media is because of boredom. But at the root of boredom is loneliness. Here more about why we fear to be alone and constantly need to be liked by others to the point of inventing images that will cause others to like us.
The Rich Young Ruler who came to ask Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life was dumb-founded by Jesus' answer. In fact, he sadly walked away form Jesus. He had kept the commandments that Jesus listed off, but failed to realize he was his own biggest enemy. Listen to find out.
“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). These words from today’s Epistle are spot-on. In a culture that is quickly drifting away from the values we once held sacred, it’s imperative for us, as the people of God, to hold firmly to the Word we have heard. Today as we gather to listen to God’s Word and receive His gifts of grace, we are drawn close to the Redeemer, who has given His life in exchange for ours. Only in our relationship with Christ will we ever be made complete—members of His eternal kingdom, sons and daughters of our King. Once we see how our true identity is found in Jesus, we can better understand our unique roles in the relationships with one another that He has given to us.
A description guide for themes on the Gospel given by our church organization makes the distinction between preachers and parishioners by calling parishioners 'ordinary' Christians. I take issue with that because Jesus does not make that distinction anywhere in the Gospel lesson for today. Ordination is not the power of the Gospel, it is the Name of Christ.
the Apostle John uses imagery such as DARK and LIGHT to talk about identifying who is the true Christian and who teaches the truth about God. But rather than remain vague with these terms, he goes deeper into a confession of faith that is based solely on God's revelation in Christ.
Monty Python had a skit called the Spanish Inquisition in which people were forced to "confess..." and then subsequently tortured with comfy cushions and feathers. The word "confess" and "confession" have make us feel uneasy and is misunderstood. But Scripture invites us to confess for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. It is a gift from God.
Jesus commands, "Go make disciples baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching to obey all I have commanded you." Carrying out the commissioning, the Apostles did exactly that. Paul teaches that Baptism is a washing through God's Word, which cleanses us and makes us God's own children. God has "signed, sealed and delivered" our salvation through word and water.
The Lord's Supper, also known as the Sacrament of the Altar, or Communion, is where our Lord meets us one on one in his outpost int he Kingdom. Everything that goes on inside a Christian congregation is where his power and glory and promises are made. Here he promises, through His Word, "take eat this is my body; take drink this is my blood." to be present for the believer with the forgiveness of sins. But, St. Paul warns, if you do not believe His words, you take this meal to your judgement for not knowing and discerning Christ's body and blood in the bread and wine. Our meditation centers on faith in the words of Christ.
This closing to the Lord's Prayer blesses and glorifies God. It shows who is in control in this world, and who leads the Christian in spiritual warfare. In the prayer we ask for all we need to live our lives in the world, and reminds us in this closing that within the four walls of worship, we are an outpost of the kingdom of God.
The true mark of Christians is their confession of faith. We confess that there is only one God, who has created us, who has redeemed us from our failure to live as he created us, who sanctifies us in the true faith. This confession is our mark that gives us place, purpose and promise in this world. To walk in this faith, is to bear up under the assaults that Satan would throw at us. This, however, we do not bear for our Savior has born it for us. He not only has taken all our sins upon himself; he has delivered us from the Evil One and given us the authority through his Word to victory.
Temptation is a daily struggle for all human beings. Christians, however, are more aware of struggling between what it is to live as God's children, and to be tempted to follow something else. In this sermon, we look at why the petition is so necessary for those who are following Christ, and a call to those who do not believe, to place their trust in Him for all things.
"And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." This is a difficult petition to pry. We err when we think that God only forgives us when we forgive others. to do so, would mean that we control God's free forgiveness for those who believe in Him. What, then, are we asking for in this petition whenever we pray the Lord's Prayer?
A special detour from the Lord's Prayer sermon series because SOYL (School Of Young Leadership) students were with us at Grace studying Law and Gospel.
Scripture can be divided into Law and Gospel. Understanding how the law and the Gospel function in the hearts of all humans is the key to understanding sin and repentance, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the Gospel, which is God's life-giving grace of forgiveness.
"On your marks, get set, go..." The second sermon in the series on the Lord's Prayer. Being on our marks, means that our firm foundation is the true God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Savior, who forgives and grants eternal life. As in a race, we are called by our Lord to "GO" and make disciples, and live our Christian faith in the real world. What we need is to "get set" - be ready to run the race. Our Lord provides all we need to live as His children on this earth, not merely to give testimony to his name -- but to LIVE NEW LIFE as His children as an example of the power of Christ in our lives, so others will glorify God.
This petition in the Lord's Prayer is typically misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians alike. what is the Will of God? How can we know it? The prayer, however, asks us to "live" it - not just know it. How do we confuse God's will thinking it is like ours.
In his letter to Christians, St. John writes that the only true Christian is the one who confesses Jesus Christ come in the flesh, to suffer, to die and to rise from the dead for the salvation of mankind. Confessing Christ is the confession of the only true God who, himself, offered his son in sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of mankind unto Himself. These are the marks of the true Christian and of the only true God.
This sermon focuses on three things given in the second commandment: 1. what was God's intention in the creation of the world 2. why was the commandment necessary and what does it say about us. 3. what are God's promises to all mankind in this commandment as aprt of his work in the world.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows us and He cares for us. No wolf will steal us from Him and no other shpherd can take us away from Him