Saints Peter and Paul Sermons: Recent Episodes
Saints Peter and Paul
The Bible is full of "church words." They weren't that way to begin with - - but 2,000 years of using them can isolate their meaning + make them difficult to understand!
Justification is one of those words. It's central to the Christian Faith and what it means to be a believer in Jesus. But what does it mean?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin continues to trace Paul's outline of Christianity in the book of Romans by breaking down the meaning of this word.
This is the first sermon in a series on Romans called "Reciting Romans" preached in August 2026. Through the six weeks of this series, we will walk through the main sections of Paul's theological logic throughout the letter. We will focus on a key word and a memory verse in order that we can learn these words by heart. In this sermon, we begin by looking at the root of the Gospel in Romans 1:16-17.
The Bible uses a great deal of military terms throughout its text. This may be obvious - since much of the Bible records the history of the Israelites: their struggles, wars, and geopolitical reality as a nation.
But...what do the old wars of Israel or their military structures (citadels, towers, and the like) have to do with us? How do understand the wars of the Old Testament or the military language found even in the Psalms - in connection to us? Does it have anything to do with us?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks Psalm 48 - which describes the military city of "Zion" - to help us see how we can faithfully pray these ancient prayers.
This sermon is the final one preached in the sermon series "The End" based upon the book of Revelation. This series was intended to ground ourselves in the historic, Biblical interpretation of the End Times. In this final sermon, Pastor Aaron unveils to us the real definition of the Apocalypse.
When you think about the book of Revelation - the title of this sermon may be precisely what you think about: "Of course, that books ALL about the end of time!" For some - that prospect may seem a distant future. Others predict the Last Day to be coming any second!
But what about all the predictions that have come and gone? Can we reliably trust in any End Times prediction? And if we can't...then what's the point of Revelation 20 and the "timeline" it gives?
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin helps hearers engage the difficult book of Revelation by using a specific technique. You're invited to join along with him (have a Bible ready!) - and uncover what Revelation 20 has to say.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron introduces the topic of the Armageddon. This is likely a term most people have heard in popular culture. Generally, it's used to discuss the end of all things. But, does this word have a Biblical basis? It sure does -- Revelation 16. This sermon helps to ground our understanding of the Armageddon in the historic, Biblical hope we have in Jesus who brings about the end to evil itself.
This is the first sermon in a series called "The End" based on the Book of Revelation. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps to unpack how it is that we, as historic, orthodox, Lutheran Christians interpret the end times in contrast to some newer methods of interpreting Scripture and the end times.
This sermon is also preached for the commemoration of All Saints Day in which we hear, as is proclaimed in the Book of Revelation, that in Christ even death itself comes to an end.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers the Reformation of 1517 in light of Jeremiah 18 and the need for all Christians to be re-formed by the Gospel.
In this final sermon in the Money Matters sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches on the Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9, as Paul compares money to seeds.
How do you determine where to spend your money? What influences your purchase decisions? Are you aware of your "money mindset"?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers Paul's instruction to the Corinthian Church - and the potential "money mindsets" that are at work within the congregation. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 9 - Paul encourages the them to have a Macedonian Mindset.
What's that mindset? Listen to the sermon and consider how God's "mindset" towards giving impacts your "money mindset."
This is the first sermon in a series called "Money Matters" focused on the Apostle Paul's most comprehensive discussion on money in 2 Corinthians 8-9.
This final sermon of the "Who's Next" series asks the questions "who's next to reach?" That is, who's next to reach with the good news of Jesus Christ.
If you're a Christian person and spent any time in a Christian church, you've very likely heard, "Now that you've received the good news of Jesus, go and share it with other people!"
But why? And...more that...how?
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the words in Matthew 9:35-38 where Jesus sees the crows and has compassion on them as sheep without a shepherd.
Pastor Aaron helps to share with us the heart of Jesus that our hearts would beat in the same way as Jesus. The end of this sermon also specifically addresses a few practical next steps that every Christian can take as we consider "how do we share the good news of Jesus with others."
What makes you great? What defines how great you are? It's not uncommon in our world to answer these questions based on certain metrics like:
- What's your position within your organization?
- What's your annual salary?
- How many friends do you have?
- How many international places have you visited?
But in Luke 22:24-27 - Jesus defines greatness in a very different way. "Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the one who serves." Jesus metric for greatness? Who have you served?
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin unpacks the motivation behind "service" for the Christian and how service was an impactful part of the rise of Christianity. Then, he offers some paths forward for our serving in our context.
Who's next for you to serve? Who might you raise up to serve along with you? Consider these questions as you consider Jesus' teaching on service.
In Jesus' departing words to His disciples (in Matthew 28) - He shares with them the vision for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. "Go and make disciples..."
And the disciples carried forward this mission of Jesus into the world, to the next generation, until it reached even us!
But...what is a disciple? What does it mean to "make" a disciple? Is God still using "discipleship" today?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin invites listeners to consider who God may be calling them to - to walk in the Christian faith. God has always called His people into community. You weren't not meant to walk alone!
As you listen - consider: "Who's next to disciple?"
The book of Acts is the origin story of the church. If you call yourself a Christian - this is YOUR story. And the story continues.
The "Acts" that the book references are really the "Acts of the Holy Spirit." This member of the Trinity empowered, guided, and directed the movement of Jesus during the 1st Century. He still empowers our mission today.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shares about the Holy Spirit (who is called "breath" and "wind" in the Bible). What does that mean for us today?
Listen and consider how God is moving you by His Spirit - to continue the story of Acts.
Jesus is oppositional.
There's no whitewashing about it. The message that He came to preach cut against the old religious system. It cut against the culture of His Jewish contemporaries. It cut against the rich + the poor. No one was safe.
And neither are we. As C.S. Lewis put it so well in his Chronicles of Narnia series - referring to Azlan (the character representing Jesus): "Safe? Who said anything about safe? Of course He isn't safe! But...He's good."
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin considers the "oppositional" nature of the Gospel and of Christianity (this "sect that everywhere is spoken against" - Acts 28:22). Listen and consider how the Gospel is opposing you! And how to find the "life" that it promises, underneath it all.
As the book of Acts nears its end - things are getting worse and worse for Paul. He's a prisoner, awaiting a trial that has taken years to set up, constantly facing mobs and death threats against his life.
And, to make matters worse, in Acts 27 he finds himself in the middle of a savage storm.
But, in the midst of the storm, we don't see a Paul rattled by the challenges he's facing; instead we see a Paul dripping with calm and confidence - in the face of disaster.
How does Paul manage to keep his composure? What did he know that would help us face the storms of our lives? And how is God connected to it all?
Listen as Pastor Kevin walks through Acts 27 and teaches on "the God of the storm."
Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and now he's brought before governors and kings fulfilling what Jesus foretold in Matthew 10:17-20.
In each situation, Paul is given the opportunity to speak and he takes the opportunity. He tells his story and as he's telling his story he always centralizes his life on the message of Jesus' death and resurrection.
Each Christian has a story to tell because each Christian is a walking talking testimony to the work of Jesus in the world.
Pastor Aaron helps us think about our own stories and how we might tell those stories in order to point people to Jesus.
In Acts Chapter 21, Paul finds himself on trial. He's been assaulted by the Jews - who are demanding an explanation from him. The Roman Official who came to Paul's rescue - is equally interested in what Paul has to say for himself. And in Chapter 22, Paul makes his "defense."
Paul is a unique character in Christianity. His life (likely) looks far different than yours or mine. Yet, as Christians, we share the same radical identity that Paul had. We belong to a culture that looks radically different from the cultures it finds itself in. And so - as Christians - we ought to expect to give an "answer" or "defense" for our lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the reasons that Paul is on trial - and considers some ways in which Christians today ought to look different from their surrounding culture.
This sermon was recorded during the outdoor service at Saints Peter and Paul on July 27th, 2025. In Acts 19 & 20, Paul is finishing up his third missionary journey. These two short chapters describe three years of time that Paul spent in Ephesus. In chapter 20, Paul gathers together the Ephesian elders and gives a heartfelt speech reminding them of the purpose for which he came to them. He encourages them to continue steadfast in the faith!
As Paul continues to travel from city to city, he ends up in Corinth in Acts 18. In this sermon, Pastors Aaron and Kevin both bring the sermon. They focus on all of the different names of people over the last couple chapters of Acts 18. When reading through the book of Acts, it can be a little overwhelming to read so many names. But each of those names are the names of real people who were changed for eternity by the good news of Jesus Christ.
The story of Acts is the story of a disciple-making movement. Disciples who make disciples who make disciples, until today. Where we are still disciples who are called to do the exact same thing.
In our world today - there's a skepticism about Christianity (although, it's shifting!). The idea that a Palestinian Jew from the 1st century died and rose again - and that having something to do with our salvation - sounds laughable.
But this is no new challenge.
Paul received a similar response when he shared his faith with the people of Athens (cf Acts 17:32). And yet, the case for Christianity was so compelling to that 1st century audience that the masses joined this minor movement.
Why were "some" of that Athenian crowd compelled? How did the minor movement of Christianity convince a larger Roman culture positioned against it?
Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks Paul's message to the "men of Athens" -- and see the relevance of that same message for us today.
In Acts 15, the first Church Council meeting was held. The topic: circumcision. The attendees: Peter, Paul, James, Barnabas, and the other apostles and elders.
Does that information sound relevant to you? If you're a Christian (and even if you're not!) - - it might just be the most relevant + important council ever held for your faith + life.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the importance of this Church Council meeting - by way of a much more relevant (in terms of timing) cultural artifact.
Listen and consider how their conclusion impacts you this day!
Acts 13&14 is the story of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The church in Antioch heard the Holy Spirit direct them to send these two on a journey to share the good news of Jesus with people in new lands.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron focuses on the message that they brought and the varied methods they had to reach different people groups.
This sermon focuses on Acts chapter 11, primarily, as Peter goes back to Jerusalem to give a report on the Holy Spirit's activity at Cornelius' house.
We then, shift to the birth of the Church in Antioch where the disciples of Jesus were first called Christians.
Acts 10 tells the story of Peter bringing the good news of Jesus to Cornelius' household. This is a major shift in the book of Acts as Cornelius is a Gentile, and at this point, Christianity had only been spreading among Jewish people.
After Peter's proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit is manifested among the Gentiles in a similar fashion to the Day of Pentecost.
Have you ever heard the phrase "born-again"? In some circles of Christianity, this phrase is often used to talk about conversion - becoming a Christian. They might call themselves a "born-again" Christian.
But how does one become "born-again"? What does it look like?
In Acts, chapter 9, we get a glimpse of just such a conversion. Saul has been persecuting the Church...but by the time Jesus is done with him - he has an entirely new outlook on life. He's a new person. He's born-again!
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the conversion of Saul, to highlight the ways in which God continues to "convert" us towards His grace + mercy in our daily walks with Jesus.
This sermon focuses on the work of Philip in Acts 8 after a great persecution breaks out in the city of Jerusalem. We watch as Acts 1:8 begins to come to fruition in Acts 8:1.
In this sermon, we are introduced to the first Christian martyr, Stephen. This sermon walks us through the history of Christian martyrdom from Biblical times to the present day with the hopes that the stories of the martyrs inspire our faith and witness.
"What is Truth?" This question might summarize the popular 21st century opinion about reality. We live in a relativistic society. Where "my truth" is valued over any "objective truth."
What's interesting, however, is that those three words were uttered in the 1st century. To Jesus. By Pontius Pilate - the Roman Ruler. It's recorded in John 18:38, and with that question - he foresaw the "modern problem" of Truth.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the "problem of truth" - by looking at the history of truth. If God really is sovereign, then we can expect His Words to ring true through the annals of time.
But what do we find when we look at the history? Listen and consider what you look to for truth as these words of Pilate are unpacked.
It's a growing church in Jerusalem when Acts chapter 3 begins. What will happen now that the Holy Spirit has come upon the Apostles? Well, they don't sit still. In this sermon, Peter and John head into the temple and on the way heal a crippled man in the name of Jesus. This sets off a series of events where the religious leaders try to silence the apostles from speaking the name of Jesus.
In Acts, chapter 2, we hear the first sermon ever preached by the Christian Church. Peter stands, in the midst of a Jewish festival called Pentecost, and he proclaims the truth about Jesus of Nazareth.
That day, we are told, three thousand people came to believe in Jesus.
Why? What was so compelling about what Peter shared?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin demonstrates the secret power that Peter had in his proclamation. A power - that is still available to you today. Listen and consider the radical truth that the world experienced on that Pentecost 2,000 years ago...and which still invades the world today.
This is the first sermon in a new series on the Book of Acts. Pastor Aaron preaches an introductory sermon to this series based on the first 11 verses of chapter 1.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron examines the unique resurrection appearance of Jesus that occurs in Luke 24. Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. At first they don't recognize Jesus, but then after spending time with him and listening to his word, they come to see Jesus for who he truly is - the resurrected Savior of the world!
This event changed their lives from that very moment, and we pray that hearing their eyewitness testimony will change yours as well!
On the first day of the last week of Jesus' life - He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Those gathered strew palms at His feet - an act of homage to the One they proclaimed to be: "the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38).
But when a claim is made about Jesus' identity - you can bet: there will be opposition.
The same is true for us today. Whether we exclaim it in a public setting, model the way of Jesus in our work or at home, or even confess in our own hearts that Jesus is Lord - you can bet: opposition will be close at hand.
How do we face it? Can we? By what power?
Listen as Pastor Kevin shares "the secret" to facing opposition - through Jesus' own response to the opposition that faced Him.
Luke 19:1-10 is the story of Zaccheus and Jesus. Perhaps you have read this story in a children's Bible. Maybe you learned it in Sunday School and even sang a song to go along with it. But, have you ever considered the depth of meaning in this short story?
This is the final event that occurs in Luke's Gospel before Palm Sunday. This story rounds out all of Jesus' ministry outside of Jerusalem. And the final words... "The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."
This is why Jesus has come.
During the season of Lent, we've been reading through the Gospel of Luke (and preaching on stories/events unique to Luke). For the last two weeks, we've heard Jesus speaking in parables. Through them, He's been teaching about the danger of self-righteousness (Parable of the Two Debtors) and the importance of serving others - especially those different than you (The Good Samaritan).
But, as a hearer of Jesus, you might ask Him: "Why?" Why should I do those things? What difference will it make in the end?
In today's sermon, Pastor Kevin preaches on another parable of Jesus': The Rich Man and Lazarus. In this parable - Jesus gives us the "long view" of our day to day living and answers the "why" question.
As you listen, consider for yourself: "Where are you heading?" May you discover the confidence that Jesus gives us for our destination, through His Word.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable might be one of the best known parables, or at least the title of it is well known. Jesus tells this parable to speak to the heart of a lawyer putting him to the test. And, this parable still speaks to our hearts as well, in a myriad of ways.
In Luke 7, we hear a story familiar to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). A "scandalous" women enters the house of Simon, the Pharisee, and anoints Jesus with tears and perfume.
But what comes next, in Luke's Gospel, is unique.
Jesus - "the Teacher" - as Simon calls Him, tells the parable of the two debtors. In it, He pronounces peace to the woman, judgement upon Simon, and asks a question of all of us: do we love much? If we think so - are we willing to admit what the parable requires of us?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the parable, and the story, of the two debtors.
This is the first sermon in our Lenten journey through the Gospel of Luke. During this sermon series, we will be highlighting texts that only appear in Luke's Gospel.
This sermon looks at the only instance recorded in Scripture of Jesus as a young boy.
Throughout the "Gifted for Good" series, Pastors Aaron + Kevin walked through Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthian Church. While Paul was addressing issues specific to that congregation - there were universal principles for the church that Paul was also establishing.
One of them being: as a Christian - you are gifted for good!
In this sermon, Pastor demonstrates the universal nature of this teaching (among others), by looking at the same principles in the book of Romans. Additionally, you're invited to hear how members of SSPP are living this out, and to consider how you are gifted for good.
Wherever you are, you are called by God to use your gifts for the good of the Church. How are you gifted for good?
Everything that we've talked about so far in 1 Corinthians really comes to a head when the Corinthian congregation gathers together for worship. The prophets are speaking over one another. The tongues-speakers are all speaking at once with no interpreters. It's a chaotic and confusing environment where the message of Jesus is not being clearly shared among the people or as a witness to the world.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through 3 questions about our public worship. Why do we worship? How do we worship? And who is the worship service for?
In the late 1960s the "Charismatic Movement" began in the United States. This movement emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit - moving and working within God's Church - through "spiritual gifts" (charismata in Greek).
One of the most highlighted gifts of that movement was: speaking in tongues (prophecy was a close second!). But this gift isn't "new"! In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul teaches on the very same gifts of the Holy Spirit - for the 1st Century Corinthian Church that was utilizing them.
So what is speaking in tongues? What is prophecy? And what is their place within Christian worship and the lives of Christians today?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin answers these questions, walking through 1 Corinthians 14:1-25. Listen and pray for the working of God's Spirit in your life - for the building up of His Church!
1 Corinthians 13 is a familiar passage because it is often read at weddings due to its descriptions of what love looks like. But this passage is sandwiched in between all of the issues that Paul has been dealing with causing conflicts in Corinth. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through this passage describing the supremacy of love, the character of love, and the absolute necessity of love in the body of Christ.
Many people around the world are "members" of a Church. Why do we use that word? What does it mean to be a "member" of the Church?
In 1 Corinthians 12, we're given the biblical answer. As "members" of the Church that Jesus established - we're confessing the reality that we are actually connected to HIS body. We, individually - and as the whole - represent Christ to the world.
In the words of Francis Schaeffer: "So then...how shall we live?" In unity. In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks Paul's metaphor by example and by story. Listen, and consider your place - in the body of Christ!
The Bible teaches that when a person believes in Jesus as their Lord, by faith, they are granted the Holy Spirit. Whoa. Re-read that!
If you are a Christian (i.e. you've been birthed into the Christian Church by faith/baptism) - that means that YOU have the Holy Spirit working inside of you.
But what does that mean? How does it look? What's the point?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers the ramifications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 on "Spiritual Gifts." Listen, and consider how God has equipped you - and how you might employ your giftedness for the sake of His body.
In this week's sermon, we look at the good gift that God gives to us in the Lord's Supper.
Pastor Aaron walks us through two important questions, "What is the Lord's Supper, and Why is it Good?"
This is the first sermon in a series called Gifted For Good based in the latter chapters of 1 Corinthians. Over the next few weeks we will be seeing that all of the gifts that God gives to us are for the good of our neighbors.
In this first sermon, we are introduced to the concept of Christian freedom. In Christ, we have many freedoms, but what are these freedoms for? Not just for our own personal edification, but they are for the good of our neighbor.
At the end of chapter 2 of Luke - the Christmas Story flashes forward to an episode from the young boy-Jesus' life. He is 12 years old and headed to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But, during the trip, Jesus is lost!
Can you imagine how Mother Mary felt? She was entrusted with the caretaking of the Savior of the world...and He slipped through her grasp! Her salvation - gone!
As Christians, we are also given life + salvation. But what happens when it seems to be falling out of our grasp? What is God's posture towards us, when we have failed to live up to the high calling of "Child of God?"
Listen as Pastor Kevin shares the surprising end to Luke's story - and the surprising nature of the Gospel.
In the ongoing Christmas narrative (yes, the Christmas season continues!) -- we see four characters who are "waiting." In Luke 2:22-39: Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna are all waiting for something...from a significant Jewish ritual to the "consolation of Israel."
So...what are you waiting for? What are your overarching hopes in your life? What are they hinging on?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the "waiting" that we experience. What's it for? What does it say about us? What or who do our hopes hinge on?
Listen and reflect on this continued Christmas story as you consider what you are waiting for...
This final sermon of our Advent series "Foretold," looks at the birth of John the Baptist, and Zechariah's exclamation of praise for the deliverance that God is bringing through Jesus in Luke 1:57-80.
Yet, prior to that, John must come to prepare the way for the Lord. Are you prepared to meet Jesus?
He's coming for you. To deliver you out of darkness and the shadow of death and guide your feet in the way of peace.
In this week's sermon, our focus is on the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. This is an incredible interactions. The young, unmarried girl who has miraculously conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the old, barren woman who has miraculously conceived with her husband by the power of the Holy Spirit.
These two are relatives, and Mary goes from Nazareth on a 4 day journey to the hill country outside of Jerusalem. Upon Mary's arrival, the baby inside Elizabeth leaps for joy!
This third week of Advent is the week for joy is so it is fitting to follow John's reaction as we engage with Jesus.
In Luke, chapter 2, when Jesus' birth is announced by angels to the shepherds, the angels declare: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
But when the angel Gabriel announces Jesus birth to Mary, the announcement looks different: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."
Peace and shadow. Light and darkness. Both are true in the life of the Christian. And both would be true in the life of Mary. Yet, she surrenders to the working of God in her life anyhow.
What gave her the strength and wisdom to do this? How can we find the same courage to act as Mary did? In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers the "shadowed" life of the Christian - and the light which gives us hope and peace.
For this first Sunday in Advent, we turn our attention to Luke chapter 1. Luke chapter 1 is often overlooked as we jump straight into the Christmas narrative in Luke chapter 2. But, that's often how it goes with Christmas, isn't it? We rush right ahead. As soon as the Halloween decorations are down at Walmart, the Christmas ones are up. We're too quick to jump ahead to fulfillment, when there's something spiritually edifying in waiting in the foretelling.
In this sermon, we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of the one we will come to know as John the Baptist.
In Revelation - the apostle John gives us a glimpse of what's coming - at the end of all things. Yes, there is an ending. Not just to the Scriptural Narrative, but to the world as we know it. And then, something new. As Semisonic once penned: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
But we're not thrust into an endless cycle of rebirth and recreation. We're not subjected to the same pain, suffering, and struggle that we're so accustomed to living in, in this life. You might say we don't long so much for "life after death"...but "love after death."
And that's what awaits all who fall asleep in Christ. But what does this "love" and "life" look like? What difference does it make to me now? How do I know I'll experience it? Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks the glimpse of John, given to us in Revelation 21.
In the Scriptural narrative, Jesus death and resurrection is the climax of the story. It's everything that everyone had been waiting and hoping for. But...there's still more to the recorded story of history after the climax. This sermon focuses on the words of the Scriptures that take place after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The New Testament is filled with the people of God living into the reality that in Christ, that (we) are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.
This is still our reality to this day.
Everything in the story has been pointing to this movement. It's all about Jesus. Every page of the Old Testament has been gearing up for His arrival. Jesus is the one who fulfills everything that every person in the Old Testament was incapable of doing.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through the Bible to demonstrate that Jesus is the perfect prophet, priest, and king.
David is one of the most central figures - not only in the Bible - but in history. His biography is longer than any other from ancient history. Statues of David can be found from Venice, Italy to Washington D.C. More stories from his life are recounted in Scripture than that of Abraham or Moses. In the New Testament - one of David's Psalms (110) - is quoted more than any other passage from the Old Testament.
Why is David so important? And what is the connection between David and Jesus?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores 2 Samuel 7 - to demonstrate how the promises made to David are fulfilled ultimately in Jesus of Nazareth.
Moses is one of the most well known characters in the Bible. Multiple episodes from his life feature prominently in children's Bibles and Sunday School lessons. His story is covered in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But, the events of his life end up becoming themes that carry on throughout the Old and New Testaments, and even meet us today.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron reminds us that Moses was an ordinary man, like all of us, but God is the one who worked His promises through Moses.
In Genesis 12, God comes down. No, this is not the "incarnation." This is not the virgin birth of Jesus. But it sets a certain pattern (which Jesus will ultimately fulfill!) - of God partnering with humanity to achieve His goals.
God meets with a man named Abram, calling him from his homeland, and thrusting him into a quest for the salvation of all mankind. Sound epic? It is. And it's also the way God continues to work.
God, still today, "partners" with humanity for the sake of the world - to fulfill the promise made to Abram - that His people would be "a blessing to all the families on the earth." And he accomplishes this - through His people.
Looking for inspiration for how God is working in your life? Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks this week's "Movement of Scripture."
The 2nd major movement with the Scripture is the fall into sin.
In our first sermon, we established that God is the creator of all things. We discussed that what we believe about our beginnings affects our every day reality.
In this 2nd movement of Scripture, we looked at the origins of where sin and all its horrible effects come from. Because, what we believe about the origins of sin also affects our every day reality.
So, where does it all come from? Take a listen to this sermon as we open up the Bible to Genesis chapter 3.
This is the first sermon in a series called "Movements of Scripture." In this series, we will be focusing on 8 major movements that happen within the Bible. The goal of focusing on these movements is that we will have placeholders throughout the story of the Bible so that as we open up the Bible and read it we will have a better understanding of where we are.
In this first sermon we begin where the Bible begins: creation.
The word "politics" comes from the Greek word "polis" which means "city." It's the term that describes how we go about tending to shared, civilian life: how we govern and are governed, what laws order our life together, and what programs & systems are put in place towards the welfare of humanity.
With this definition in mind, it is clear: Jesus was political. Jesus had much to say regarding how we interact in our shared, civilian life. The scriptures give explicit direction towards how to treat those who govern us (see Romans 13). So, what does "The Word" have to say about politics?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the unique path our faith gives us to navigate the political realm. Instead of bowing down to any one ideology/party/agenda - we are given "Kingdom Vision" to demonstrate our ultimate allegiance to God - even in the realm of politics.
Being in relationships with other people is part and parcel to what it means to be humans. And yet, from the very beginning, in the first relationship between Adam and Eve, sin broke it. That same sin also broke the perfect relationship that God created between himself and those same humans.
Every one of us have broken and strained relationships with other people. But, is that the way that it has to be? No. Jesus has given us the gift of forgiveness.
We talk about forgiveness all of the time as Christian people, but how many of us actually put into practice what Jesus offers us?
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps to demonstrate to us the beautifully freeing gift that forgiveness is.
Do you feel like life is too busy? Do you find your schedule overwhelming? Do you notice yourself being scattered or unable to sit still for periods without a device?
For many of us, are lives are overly complex. We've got too many commitments, too much to do, and not enough time. But what if that wasn't the case? What if we have just the amount of time we need to live a fulfilling life?
God gave the ancient Israelites a practice that is as revenant today as ever. It's called "The Sabbath." Much more than a "command" (it's one of the "Big 10") -- the Sabbath is an invitation to live an unhurried, peace-filled life. How do we practice it? What does it look like to live this way?
Take a listen, as Pastor Kevin preaches on the Sabbath - the antidote for peace in our schedules.
This sermon is the first in a new sermon series called "Peace."
Pastor Aaron teaches us based on Matthew 6 that Jesus is after our hearts when it comes to our finances. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
He also walks us through the Biblical history of what a tithe is.
We had a bit of a technical difficulty in our sound quality this week. Our apologies for that.
John says two incredible things in his final chapter of his first letter (1 John). He says: 1) The commandments of God are not burdensome. 2) He says that everyone who is "born of God" overcomes "the world."
These two things should strike anyone (whether Christian or non-Christian). Are not the commandments of God an incredibly burdensome thing? Isn't Jesus' vision of morality impossible to live up to? How could anyone imagine them not to be burdensome?
What is more - aren't the forces of evil too great to suggest that we could overcome them? Jesus? Sure, He could. But is it really possible for me to experience real, lasting freedom from the forces of evil that plague me?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks these two truths, and helps listeners to understand - and expect - the spiritual growth that comes for all who are "born again."
For John, you cannot experience the "love of God" without the "grace of God." They are intertwined and inseparable. But what does it mean to experience God's grace?
In 1 John, chapter 3 - we get a glimpse of John's experience of grace as the truths he is telling become real. Listen as Pastor Kevin elaborates on John's experience of "grace" and how (through understanding the doctrines John is teaching), we too can experience grace.
In 1 John 2:15-17, John tells us very clearly that we cannot love the world and love the Father. To love one is to forsake the other. But, we still live in this world. So, how ought we relate to this broken world in which we live as Christian people?
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through different world philosophies that have tried to answer this question. And then he provides us with a Biblical worldview which calls us to an even more meaningful way to live.
In 1 John 2:1-14, John says that love is not a new command. He's right. It's in the Mosaic Law. It's what Jesus says is the great command. John is telling us once again, that love is the way of the Christian's life. It has to be.
Because He first loved us, we also ought to love one another. We can't claim to know Jesus and walk in a direction that is opposite to him.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron tells us once again about the depth of God's love for us and how it transforms our lives to be people of love.
In the modern world, people recoil at the thought of a "God of wrath." We think it's irreconcilable with a "God of love." How can a God who loves the world - judge it? Isn't it a sin to judge?
However - the Bible (emphatically) tells us that God IS a God of wrath. Of judgment. Of justice. Even Jesus demonstrates it - in His own life and ministry.
How can God be BOTH a God of love AND a God of judgment?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the reality of judgment, the Divine basis for it, and how we can escape it ourselves.
Did you know there are different "kinds" of prayers? Some prayers take the form of "Adoration." Others, "Petitionary." Still others, "Confession." But the Lord's Prayer takes on them all.
In this final sermon of the "Teach Us to Pray" series, Pastor Kevin looks at the final two petitions of the Lord's Prayer which show us a final kind of prayer: "battle prayer."
Are there challenges you are facing that have you doubting in God's presence? Or His goodness? Are there temptations that seem to have a "foothold" or a "stronghold" in your life? Learn how to pray this way, so that you can be delivered!
We are locked in a spiritual battle. There are forces of good and evil waging war all around us - and we are caught in the fray.
Are you aware of that?
This particular petition of the Lord's Prayer is striking. By teaching us to pray this way - Jesus opens our eyes to the spiritual struggle that we are ALL engaged in. And through it, He equips us for the fight.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shares the reality that 1) we are all tempted 2) why it works 3) and the key to standing firm in the midst of it.
Take a listen, and gird up your loins!
In Matthew 18 Jesus shares one of the most terrifying truths of all Scripture. After describing a servant who is sent to prison for all eternity, Jesus says: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
You cannot escape this life without experiencing hurt in relationships. How will we find the strength to forgive those who have caused us pain?
Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks the "Parable of the Unmerciful Servant" - to point us to the One who can strengthen us to forgive, by what He has done for us.
When you pray - what does it sound like? What do you say?
Most of us are well acquainted with "petitionary" prayer. It's the kind of prayer where we are asking God to help us. To give us this or that. To protect us in some way. And there's precedent to pray this way: Jesus teaches us to pray: "Give us."
But has praying this way deformed our understanding of who God is? Have we questioned the power of prayer when our requests have gone (seemingly) unanswered? How do we pray this way rightly?
Listen to Pastor Kevin as he shared what it means to pray this petition. And cling, along with Him, to the bread of life!
If God desires our good...and if God is all powerful...then why do I experience suffering?
This is one of the biggest charges against the Christian God and one of the biggest challenges for believers in Him. Yet, the Bible declares that "all things work together for good" for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).
Is that really true? How do we explain the difficulties we experience with our understanding of God's good purposes for us? How do we find the courage to pray "Thy Will Be Done" when God's will runs counter to the plans we would form for ourselves?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the 3rd petition of the Lord's Prayer through the lens of the Old Testament character - Joseph.
Listen and consider how God is weaving together your story - for your good.
The 2nd petition of the Lord's Prayer is: "Thy Kingdom Come." What do we mean when we pray this? Do you know?
Jesus spoke about "The Kingdom" over 100 times in the Gospels. It was a central theme for Him. Something vital to why He came to Earth. So...what is it?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shares what the "Kingdom of God" is, how it differs from "kingdoms" of this world, and how we can access it.
The word "holy" is not a term we're familiar with. It's a "church" word. We use it to talk about God, we sing about it...but what does it mean? It might get used (in common language) to describe someone self-righteous: "holier than thou."
So what are asking for in the Lord's Prayer when we ask God's name to be "hallowed" or "kept holy"?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the 1st petition of the Lord's Prayer by looking at the meaning of "holiness" in the Scriptures. Through this meditation he encourages hearers to "tap in" to the holiness God offers - by way of His Son - Jesus, the Holy One!
In Luke 11, Jesus’ disciples come to Him with a simple request: “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Unlike other places in the Gospels - where Jesus’ shrouds His teaching in parables or cryptic sayings - here Jesus gives a straightforward answer: “Pray then like this…”
In the introduction to the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs the disciples to call Him "Father." What does this mean? What benefits does such a relationship give us? How can we have the audacity to call Him this?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks Romans 8:12-17 and the benefits of "sonship" to God through Jesus.
In this final sermon series based on Mark 1:17, Pastor Aaron focuses on the final verb "become." Jesus says that we will BECOME fishers of men.
How does this transformission take place? By being with Jesus.
This is the second sermon in a series based on Mark 1:17, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron focuses on the second verb in the sentence, "make." He reminds us that we have been made, therefore we have been made with a purpose.
In this first sermon of a 3 part series based on Mark 1:17, Pastor Aaron discusses the words of Jesus, "follow me."
What did Jesus mean when he spoke these words to Peter and Andrew, James and John? What does it mean when he speaks these words to us. This sermon helps us to understand that following Jesus is where our discipleship journey begins.
In this Easter sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through Mark 16:1-8 where we see the empty tomb, hear a message from the angel, and watch the women react.
We find ourselves right there with the women, believing in Jesus word and then truly seeing who is he!
This week we go "back in time" from our Reading Plan, as we enter into Holy Week - commemorating the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the "benevolent King." He was hailed. "Hosannas!" rung in the air. Palm branches were strewn before Him. It was a celebration.
But that's not all that happened on this peculiar day. In this sermon, Pastor Kevin highlights the "oddities" of Jesus' actions on Palm Sunday. Sometimes it seems like God doesn't know what He's doing. Very often, we have no clue what we're doing. But Jesus - He knows what He's doing.
Listen, as Pastor Kevin encourages the 10 confirmands of SSPP, as well as every disciple of Jesus, as He shares the significance of Jesus' actions. Jesus knows what He's doing - not just in the Bible - but in your life too!
The text for this week is Mark 11:27-12:12. At this point in the narrative, Jesus is in Jerusalem. His eyes have been set. He was determined to get to this point. Now, he's here. He has gone right to the heart of Jewish power and authority - the temple in Jerusalem. And, while he is there, he faces many opponents who try to trick him, trap him, and plot to destroy them.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the text demonstrating that nothing will stand in the way of Jesus getting to the heart.
Jesus once revealed his full glory to His disciples. It was called "The Transfiguration." In this moment, the disciples saw what no man had ever seen, what not even Moses - who spoke to YHWH "as a friend" had seen. The same cloud, thunder, and lightning that descended upon Mt. Sinai in Exodus 19 descended once again - on Jesus.
This is the kind of God we prefer. One who displays His power dramatically! One who exudes power to accomplish His tasks. One who will blow back and overpower the opposition.
But Jesus doesn't stay on the mountain. Instead, He insists they leave and tell no one.
What's this about? Why does Jesus return from the mountain? Why doesn't He continue to demonstrate His power - as He revealed it to Peter, James, and John? More personally - why doesn't He act with power in our lives?
Listen, as Pastor Kevin tackles these questions and considers the calling of Christ on all our lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron contrasts the story of Herod beheading John the Baptist in John 6 vs. Jesus feeding the 5000. In these two stories which come consecutively in the book of Mark, we see Herod, the king of the Jews with a failing kingdom, and Jesus the true king of the Jews whose power and authority continues to grow.
We begin our Lent series on the Gospel of Mark. In this sermon, Pastot Aaron introduces us to the Gospel of Mark and preaches through chapter 1.
In this final sermon of our Wise Guys sermon series, Pastor Aaron preaches about Stephen who the Bible records as the very first Christian martyr.
In Stephen's short ministry, the Bible describes Stephen as being "filled with Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3-6). When he argues on behalf of Christianity, it also says that "they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking" (Acts 6:10).
Finally, as Stephen is being killed for his Christian faith, he speaks like Jesus, offering forgiveness for those who are killing him.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron reminds us that Godly wisdom does not come easily, but it is gained through the difficulty and hardship in life. But - as Jesus says, it is during these hardships, and even times of persecution, that we have the best opportunities to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
In Proverbs 8 we are given another "Creation Account" - but from a different angle. From the perspective of "Wisdom." "When he established the heavens, I was there...when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman" (Prov 8:27,29-30).
Which means - God's wisdom is embedded into ALL CREATION. It's all around you! The very creation, whispering to you of God's Wisdom. Shouting back to Him songs of praise!
But if that's the case...then why is God's Wisdom so hard to find? Why don't we feel His love pulsating through us - all of the time? Why is there so much darkness in the world?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin seeks to explore the reality that God's Wisdom IS embedded into all creation (and how you can see it!). While helping explain why it's not always obvious to see. And yet, how Wisdom doesn't just wait for us to find it, but actually seeks us out.
As we go through this series, "Wise Guys" we want to make sure that you know it's not just the guys... not just the men... who have received wisdom from God. But, God has also given his wisdom to women in order to disperse to the world in unique ways.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through Proverbs 31 to help explain the context and what is being said to both men and women in these words. The sermon also spends time expressing the beauty of God's wisdom in creating humanity to be male and female.
This week, our "wise guys" are two Biblical characters that you likely have not heard about. Their names are Heman and Ethan and they're listed in 1 Kings 4. They are also the authors of Psalm 88 and Psalm 89.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron follows the words of Heman and Ethan as they express bold faith to God, but also an open honesty about the difficulty of their lives. Pastor Aaron points us to the wisdom of these words to learn that patience is the companion of wisdom.
King Solomon is revered as the "wisest person of all time." Multiple books of wisdom in the Bible are attributed to him. God Himself said that "none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you." (1 Kings 3:12). And even Jesus referenced the great wisdom of Solomon while He walked the earth (Matthew 12 / Luke 11).
So what was his secret? What had Solomon discovered that enlightened him so? And how can we learn and apply the same wisdom to our lives?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through 1 Kings 3:16-28 - a story that demonstrates Solomon's wisdom. Through it he will show 1) our need for wisdom 2) the structure of wisdom 3) the secret (and surprising) power of true wisdom.
We are all likely familiar with the story of the "Wise Men" at Christmas. Every year we hear songs like "We Three Kings" and see Nativity displays with finely dressed men bowing at the manger, presenting their gifts to Jesus. We laud these "wise men" for following the star and locating by their wisdom the Savior of the Nations.
But what if I told you we got it wrong? What if these "Wise Men" weren't followers of God - but rather enemies of His people? What would that mean for Christmas...and for Christians?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the classic Matthew 2 text on the "Wise Men" and shows us why we ought to be open to worldly wisdom, be wary of worldly wisdom, and see to whom it all points.
In this final Advent sermon in our series based on Isaiah 40:1-11, Pastor Aaron preaches on Isaiah 40:9-11. In these words, God is calling out to his sinful, broken, exiled people to tell them what they are to become. When He rescues and redeems them, they will be heralds of good news to the world.
But, in this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps us to ask the question, "Why would God choose people like this to be his messengers of good news?" And, what does that mean for us?
In Isaiah 40:6-7, the prophet voices a timeless lament: "The grass withers, the flower fades...surely the people are grass." It's true. Everything changes. Things fall apart. It's built into the wharp and woof of the universe. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics states that "Entropy" is the reality for the world around us.
Yet, the prophet utters a divinely inspired word of hope - amidst his cry: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the Lord stands forever" (Is 40:8).
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shares a story from his own life that tackles the challenge of change. Consider the changes taking place around you. What gives you hope in the midst of them? Listen to hear the prophet's (and Kevin's) hope. It can be yours too!
In Isaiah 40:3-5, we hear Isaiah speak to the people of God encouraging them to prepare for the glory of God to return to the people in exile.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the Biblical concept of the "glory of God" and how it is the visible manifestation of God. This sermon encourages us to consider our own lives and our preparation for receiving the glory of God in Jesus Christ.
During Advent this year, Saints Peter & Paul is walking through Isaiah 40:1-11. This section of Isaiah has inspired several Advent hymns as it declares the promises of God to His people that salvation is coming!
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at the first 2 verses of Isaiah 40 that speak of "comfort." But, can we really experience true comfort when our lives are buried in so much guilt, shame, challenge, and frustration?
Listen as God declares to you and me, through Isaiah, that comfort is here...it is now...it is yours! In Christ.
This sermon is the conclusion to the study on Ruth. In chapter 4, we finally see Boaz redeem Ruth.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps us to consider the reality that we are redeemed people as well.
Pastor Aaron preaches on Ruth chapter 3 where Ruth lays it all on the line at the feet of Boaz. This is the chapter where Ruth lets Boaz know her desires and she has to find out how he will respond. How does he respond? He makes a pledge that she (and Naomi) will be redeemed.
In chapter 2 we repeatedly hear Ruth called "The Moabite." The author's use of this title serves to heighten the tension for Ruth living in a foreign land. She's an outsider. She doesn't belong. There's no reason she should expect any grace or favor from the people she is living with (remember: the Moabites were ancient enemies of Israel!).
Yet, God reveals His heart towards the "sojourner." In Deuteronomy 24 and Leviticus 19, God established a law to protect foreigners by allowing them to "glean" in the fields of landowners. Boaz demonstrates the grace of God by following this law, and seeking the welfare of Ruth.
Listen, as Pastor Kevin elaborates on the heart of God toward the outsider - and how this changes our hearts towards those who are "outcasts" in our midst.
The story of Ruth begins as a tragedy. Grief upon grief befalls the family of Naomi (whose name means "pleasant, lovely")...until she changes her identity to Mara (which means "bitter"). It's as if the Hebrew author wants to drive a wedge into our hearts as we take in the incredible trauma of Naomi and her family. Naomi is restless.
But in the midst of the tragedy and grief emerges another character: Ruth. Though she has experienced the same loss as Naomi - she is buoyed. She has a hidden strength that allows her to fix her fate with Naomi: "Where you go I will go." Ruth has a kind of "rest" about her...and it even begins to bring rest to Naomi.
What is this power? How can Ruth do such a thing? What is the secret she has discovered?
Take a listen - and discover for yourself the Rest that Ruth found...that is available to you today.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches about our core value "Multiply Disciple-Makers."
This core value is based in the Great Commission of Jesus as he sends us out into the world to make disciples who make disciples until the whole world hears of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
For resources Pastor Aaron mentions, check out www.copperluth.org/dande
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches about our core value "Be Humbled Daily." Based on Matthew 18:1-6 and Philippians 2:1-10.
This week's core value we're studying is Pursue Health. Pursuing health demonstrates a desire to live in the fullness of life God has promised. When things are not healthy, we find healing and restoration in Jesus and work towards healing and restoration in all aspects of health.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Kevin preaches on the core value of Saints Peter and Paul "Honor Relationships." God is our creating Father who desires a relationship with His creation. He has placed us in relationships with others to reflect His desires to the world. This includes relationships with family, friends, people in the church, and those who are far away from Christ.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches on the core value of Saints Peter and Paul "Love Life." God is a God of life. He is the creator of life, the sustainer of life, and the giver of eternal life. Therefore we love our lives, always advocate for life, and are life-givers.
This is the first sermon in a 7 week series on the Core Values of the family of God at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton, MI. These values are based in the Scriptures and in the very character of Christ himself.
The first value we're looking at in this sermon is "Treasure the Word."
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches a sermon in a response to the question, "Do you hear me when I pray?"
Many people have questions about prayer like, "How should we pray," "When should we pray," "Does God really hear me and respond to me in prayer?"
So, in this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron addresses a variety of those questions in regards to this wonderful gift that God has given to us where we have an open line of communication with our loving, Heavenly Father.
The Devil is the premier enemy of God in the Bible. He is the Snake who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden. He is the encourager of lawlessness. His mission is to disrupt God's plans and disorder God's good creation.
And he wants do disrupt your life as well.
How do we combat the devices of the Devil? How do we identify the strategies of Satan?
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin draws on practical wisdom from pastors throughout the ages who dedicated much of their life to these questions. Listen, and consider how the Devil is "playing" you - and you might thwart his attacks by the power of the Gospel.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron shares with us Biblical wisdom and Biblical direction about the important responsibility of raising up a faithful generation.
In this world where truth is relative, and the culture doesn't naturally support a Christian life, how are we doing raising up our children with a strong foundation in God's Word?
There are so many times that we wonder, "What should the Christian life look like?" Maybe we wonder this about ourselves, or we wonder it about other people. Sometimes we're tempted to pass judgments on other people's salvation because we don't think their lives have enough evidence of salvation.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron clearly distinguishes our the righteousness that we passively receive from Jesus. And the active righteousness that we live out among other people.
In this sermon we take a look at Jesus' words from John 15 where he says, "I am the vine, you are the branches." We also turn to Galatians 5:16-25 to get greater details about what the Fruit of Spirit looks like.
There's an increasing trend in America today of viewing the Bible with skepticism. Those who believe it to be "fables, history, or moral precepts recorded by man" (as opposed to God's inspired Word) went up 10% from 2010-2023.
Is the Bible just a fable? Can it really be trusted? Should I build my life around it?
The question received this week is this: "How do we best respond to someone who says they don't like the Bible because it was written by men, even though I tell them it's God's inspired Word and His presence in the world today?"
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin seeks to answer this question by looking at 1) The problem without the Bible 2) The problem WITH the Bible and 3) The answer to our problems.
The question we're considering in this sermon is one that every person asks. We seek, with a deep longing of an answer to this question to make life a little better. The question is, "Why is there so much hurt and suffering in the world?"
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron points us to the Bible for an answer "why," and then, we also look to the Scriptures to learn how to faithfully respond to our own suffering and the suffering that our loved ones face.
This is the first sermon in a series called "Ask" which is based in questions that have been submitted by the congregation at Saints Peter and Paul. The first question that is being considered in this sermon is, "What does God look like?"
In this final sermon in our Surprised by Hope Sermon Series, Pastor Aaron reminds us once again that Christian hope is true hope. It is not wishful thinking.
We can learn to be held in hope by pointing to the past and focusing on the future.
This week, Pastor Aaron walks through the Biblical story line to demonstrate what our true Christian hope is. Many people get caught up wondering about heaven and hell as places people go when they die. We have lots of images in our minds about what these things are, what they look like, and what kinds of people are there. But...where did we get these pictures in our minds? From the Bible? Or, from somewhere else.
Listen to this sermon to get the Biblical understanding of our Christian hope.
To access the article Pastor Aaron mentioned in this sermon, go to copperluth.org/surprisedbyhope
This week, Pastor Aaron's sermon was based on 1 Corinthians 15, which again, emphasizes the centrality of Jesus' resurrection for our Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, there is no Christianity. But, in fact, Jesus has been raised from the dead - the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
This means, that we will rise from the dead. Our bodies will rise from the dead. Physical matter matters to God. The goal of Christianity is not to escape our physical bodies and go be a spirit-being forever. The goal of Christianity is that even though we die, one day we will rise from the dead.
In our world today - judgment is unpopular. "Don't judge...lest you be judged" is perhaps the most quoted Bible Passage in the West. And yet, judgments abound. "Cancel culture" could not exist without some kind of judgment (and basis for it).
So, we want judgment...and we don't want it. We avoid it at all costs...and we lay into it (especially when we're not on trial).
But if what "Judgment" was actually Good News? In this sermon, Pastor Kevin seeks to redeem the term "judgment" with the positive connotations it is brimming with in the Gospel. Listen and discover why 1) you need judgment 2) what Judgment Day is all about 3) How to live shaped by the judgment of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches on the historic, and Biblical doctrine that Christ will come again once and for all to raise the dead and make all things new. He contrasts this with a teaching that is called "dispensationalism" which is a modern teaching created in the late 1800s and popularized during the 1900s.
Pastor Aaron's goal was to clearly teach that a traditional reading of the Scripture keeps our eyes on Jesus and fills us with hope for the return of Christ.
Jesus' ascension is one of the most misunderstood pieces of His life & ministry. You can find Hallmark cards for His birth, death, and resurrection...but you're not likely to find one for His Ascension. Why the obscurity? What is the point of Jesus' Ascension? And if "Heaven" (as we've been discussing in this series) is not the "ultimate hope" of the Christian - then why did Jesus ascend there at the end of His life on Earth?
In this Sermon, Pastor Kevin peers into the Ascension of Jesus as recorded in Acts, chapter 1. We see: 1) Why the disciples are left "looking into the sky" 2) why it was essential for Jesus to "ascend into Heaven" and 3) why Jesus' ascension is incredible news for you and me.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps us to see what it is the whole world is waiting for. He looks at Colossians 1:15-23 and walks us through this significant passage where we see that the cross and grave are the method by which the creation comes back into harmony with its creator.
By looking at God's true redemption plan, we learn that God is not in the business of making creation just slightly better, nor is he going to burn it all up and start all over. Instead, he will redeem, restore, resurrect and refill his good creation with heaven once and for all.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the all important question "What is God's purpose for the entire creation?"
The resurrection of Jesus gives hope for the whole creation. But, many people in world hold to worldviews that lead to an insufficient hope.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron shows us how the worldviews of progress and despair (and their many variations) do not lead us to any source of true hope. But, having a Biblical worldview including the resurrection from the dead and the restoration of the whole creation fill us with hope and purpose.
For this Easter sermon, Pastor Aaron reminds us of the reality that Jesus is a truth teller and a promise keeper. He said he would die and rise and he died and rose from the dead. Even though we fear and face trouble in this life, there is still great joy! Joy bursts forth from the tomb, into our lives, and through us into the world.
Because Jesus' words are true, then his last words are also true. "Go and make disciples." As he has said, so shall it be. As we have heard him say, we go and say to others.
Matthew 21 documents the historical procession of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem - often called the "Triumphal Entry." And it is triumphant! Matthew (especially) highlights the fanfare surrounding this "King Jesus." From quoting a Regal prophecy from Zechariah to the mention of the disciples doing "as Jesus had directed them" (21:6) - this whole section rings of the kingliness of Jesus.
But 5 days later, the Gospel writer is telling a very different story. What began so triumphantly ends depressingly defeatist.
What happened? What changed from Sunday to Friday? What do we learn about the way King Jesus rules & reigns? And how does it affect us when we find ourselves distanced from God?
Take a listen & consider the greatness of this King.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron looks at the words of Jesus in both Matthew 19 and 20 where Jesus says, "The first will be last and the last will be first."
This is what it is like when Jesus rules and reigns in his kingdom. Hopefully, when you experience the grace of God, and see it received by ALL people, you will rejoice!
This week's sermon focuses on Matthew 16 in a climactic moment where Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
Peter answers boldly, "You are the Christ!"
But soon, Peter finds out that his idea of the Christ does not line up with the way that Jesus came to be Christ. Jesus' way leads to the cross, and He tells Peter, the rest of the disciples, and us, that if we want to follow Him, we too need to take up our cross and follow Jesus.
As we enter the season of Lent 2023, we will be studying the Gospel of Matthew. In this first sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches an overview of chapters 1-4 where we see how God had everything perfectly prepared for the arrival of Jesus into the world.
In this final sermon in our Upside Down Kingdom sermon series, Pastor Aaron preached on 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 where Paul says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. What does this mean and what benefits does it have for our lives?
Have you ever felt frustrated with the lack of growth in your spiritual life? Does your walk with Jesus feel like 1 step forward, and 2 steps backwards? Do you find yourself pushing and pushing to get closer to God - only to feel burnt out and tired instead of experiencing the "rest" Jesus talked about (Matt 11:28)?
What if our notions of spiritual growth were wrong? What if we've been trying to hack it ourselves, when God was there all this time - ready to transform us?
In this sermon Pastor Kevin takes a look at how we can grow in our spiritual lives by considering Jesus' words in Matthew 13 (the Parable of the Sower). Through this meditation we realize the power of the Gospel (not us!) - to transform our lives. It may look weak - it's a seed after all - but it has the power to change us from the inside out.
Care to find out how? Give this sermon a listen.
In 1 Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul contrasts Godly wisdom with the wisdom of the world. He demonstrates that when speaking to people about Jesus, we can be weak and rely on the strength of Jesus Christ.
In the sermon, Pastor Aaron gives practical examples of how to witness to others by tapping into the wisdom of God.
"For the word of the cross is folly..."
That statement might not hit us as hard as it hit in the 1st Century. After all, crosses are everywhere. On T-shirts and buildings, on necklaces worn around the neck or tattoo'd onto arms...the cross - folly or not - has made its mark on the world.
But its message still runs against the grain of our human intuition. Especially when we think about what makes us "great." We want heroes! We want victors! We want the brightest, best, and most beautiful. The cross - popular or not - still carries with it an undignified message: "In order to save humanity, God had to die."
That's how dire the situation was...and still is. But in the same breath - the cross tells us a surprising message about our worth. Our value. Our..."greatness."
To discover how the cross can reorient and invigorate your own sense of "greatness" - give this sermon a listen.
In a fractured world, unity is an upside down idea. Sure, the world talks about unity, but it really has no idea how to lead us into it.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron opens the Scriptures for us to 1 Corinthians chapter 1, where Paul addresses the church in Corinth over their divisions about who their favorite Christian leader was.
Paul encourages them to find true unity by following Jesus. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron echoes Paul's words and teaches us to follow Jesus and find true unity with one another.
This week we begin a new sermon series called "Upside Down Kingdom" based on the first few chapters of 1 Corinthians.
In these 6 weeks, we will learn how the Kingdom of God is Upside Down. It's a different reality. We see the world in a whole different way when we're part of God's Kingdom.
In this first week, Pastor Aaron preaches on, probably, the MOST upside down thing about the Kingdom of God and it is the grace of God that we receive in Jesus Christ.
But - what is Grace? You hear about it a lot.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron, defines for us what the Biblical concept of grace is all about, and he compares and contrasts it with the idea of Karma which is a core tenet of other world religions, but also a popular concept in western cultures as well.
In the end, you'll learn that Karma is not Biblical, nor is it even a concept that you would want to be true.
But - Grace is the best gift we could ever receive!
This week, Pastor Kevin gave Pastor Aaron a gift during the sermon. It was a baby onesie. Why?
Well... listen to this sermon to find out what a onesie has to do with our walk with Jesus Christ.
Christianity doesn't fit you. If that sounds offensive, it's meant to be (but not in a nasty way!). It's inspired by the obscure (and dare I say offensive) things both Jesus and Paul said in the Scriptures. Things like: "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it" (John 12:25) or "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6:3). These are dark, cryptic sayings. What do they mean?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin receives another gift from Pastor Aaron in their ongoing gift exchange. It's a suit. That doesn't fit. And is apparently for Kevin's funeral. What does this have to do with Christianity?
Take a listen, and discover how 1) Christianity doesn't fit you. 2) Christianity will be the death of you. 3) Yet, Christianity IS a gift.
In this final week of our Advent sermon series "Be Still," Pastor Aaron shares with us a message about the fulfillment of Psalm 46 in the peace that Christ brings into the world.
You've likely heard a thing or two about peace, but the Biblical concept of peace is much more beautiful and grandiose than you could ever imagine. Pastor Aaron shares with us the meaning of the word "peace" both in Hebrew and in Greek and describes for us just how much we need peace in our lives.
This week, Pastor Aaron preached on verses 8-11 of Psalm 46 where we encounter the words "Be still and know that I am God."
Perhaps you've heard these words before or seen them posted on Christian artwork. But, what do they really mean? Is it a call to kick back and relax, or is there more to it than that?
When, taken in context, we see that these words come from the mouth of God as a command to all creation to stop their fighting, stop their chaos, and acknowledge that God is who he says he is.
In the opening of Psalm 46, the Psalmist describes the chaos of this world in vivid, watery language. But in verses 4-7 we see a dramatic shift. The waters that were once "roaring and foaming" are now "gladdening"! How has the Psalmist been able to turn these "lemons" into "lemonade"?
And how can we? The reality is we will all face troubles in this life. How can we face them with resolve, and even a power to smile at them - as we go through them?
The Psalmist gives us the secret. Listen as Pastor Kevin details the move we can make in our life to "smile at the storms."
This sermon is the first in a series we're called "Be Still" based on Psalm 46. This sermon series is being preached during Advent 2022 at Saints Peter and Paul in Houghton, MI.
This first sermon covers Psalm 46:1-3 and focuses on the simple, yet encouraging reality that God is our refuge and strength an very present help in trouble.
In this final sermon in our Thank You sermon series, based on Philippians, we turn to Philippians chapter 4. Here, the Apostle Paul wraps up his letter by thanking the church for their financial gift that they sent to Paul.
Paul is thankful for the church. It is through their love, support, and encouragement that Paul see's the fruit of the Gospel coming to life. Because of that, Paul is filled with great joy and contentment through the strength of Jesus Christ, and the generosity of the church.
Pastor Aaron preaches this sermon, and in it, he shares his deep appreciate for the church and their love, support, and encouragement of him.
This is a sermon on the first chapter of Philippians from our sermon series titled "Thank you."
Pastor Aaron opens up Paul's letter to the church at Philippi as we see Paul give God thanks for the joy he has in Jesus.
What gives you joy? Do you have people that support you in your walk in faith? In what ways can you show your gratitude to them?
In this final sermon in our "Good Words" sermon series, Pastor Aaron preaches on the Good Word "Sent."
God is a sending God. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save the world. After Jesus death and resurrection, Jesus sent his disciples (and us) with the commission to go and make more and more disciples.
We are sent.
This is a good word.
Our Good Word for this day is Victory. Jesus is victorious over all the powers and principalities of the world. Through his death and resurrection, we have the victory over sin, death, and the devil.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron proclaims to us this reality and what it means to be part of Jesus' winning team.
Pastor Aaron shares a message on the Biblical concept of marriage. Marriage is an image used all throughout the Bible to describe the kind of relationship God has with us. Christian marriages are also supposed to reflect this same kind of dynamic between husband and wife.
Listen to this sermon and be encouraged by God's perfect love for us sinners.
This week, we learn that "Property" is a good word.
The Bible uses the image of property to describe who we are as God's people. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron reminds us that we are God's property, and because we are God's property, this is a good things for us.
Today's Key verse is 1 Peter 2:9, "For you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Jesus finishes His opening statements (the Beatitudes) to His kickoff sermon (the Sermon on the Mount) by saying "those who are persecuted...are blessed." Really Jesus? Blessed? Once again, we're struck by Jesus subversive ideas. But, it's Jesus, so there's gotta be something here.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin speaks towards the inevitability of persecution within the Christian life, why it's bound to happen, and how understanding our acceptance before God can give us the power to stand through it.
In this opening sermon for our series entitled "Good Words," Pastor Aaron shares about the good Biblical word "Life."
Life is what God originally created for us, and life is what God has prepared for us in eternity. In this life now, we have the opportunity to live life in the newness that Jesus has provided for us.
God is a peacemaker. He has made peace with us by the blood of the cross. You have peace with God. That's why Jesus says, "When you are my children, you too will be peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers."
So, are you?
Do you live life making peace or making pieces? Do you put the best construction on everything, or always look for the negative? Do you speak well about your neighbor, or speak ill?
Listen to Pastor Aaron's sermon as he encourages us to follow Jesus' way and make peace instead of pieces.
Do you see God in your life? Do you see Him working? Do you feel His presence?
Sometimes in life - we don't. Let's face it. Sometimes, life feels too broken, to painful. And when we hear Jesus words: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" - we're not sure if we belong to Jesus' category of: pure in heart.
But God comes into our mess. He is faithful to walk with us and meet us - even in those spaces that seem the least likely. And it is He, who purifies our hearts and makes us clean - from whatever brokenness we've been in.
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
But what IS mercy? What does it look like? How do we become people of mercy?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the meaning behind the word "Mercy" by taking a look at one of Jesus' stories on the subject: the parable of the unmerciful servant.
We all have this innate understanding that things are not right in this world. Things are not right in our own lives, in our families, in our world, and even in our relationship with God.
So, what should we do about it? Is there anything?
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches on Matthew 5:6 where Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."
Jesus once said: "Blessed are the Meek." Blessed are the humble. The lowly. But is that true? Wouldn't we sooner agree that "Nice guys finish last"? What was Jesus trying to tell us? And is there wisdom in what He had to say?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the wisdom of meekness (James 3) as well as the larger spiritual reality that Jesus came to show us: that in the face of God: we are Meek. But, God welcomes the spiritually low, in order to exalt them.
Blessed are those who mourn.
We live in a culture that doesn't like mourning. Many people want to shorten, or soften, or all out eliminate the mourning process. Even as Christians we're tempted to say, "I shouldn't be so sad. I believe in Jesus. I need to be strong."
But, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
What role does mourning play in the life of Christian people? And, how do we get ultimate comfort? Watch this second sermon in our series called #Blessed.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron shared about our 5th Spiritual Discipline - Memorization.
This sermon was preached at our first outdoor service for the summer. We were having some internet issues, therefore, a few sections of the sermon didn't get recorded.
If you'd like to read the whole sermon, go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u99i_EWChs2lLfr1ogXm4pSC8OFZGkEJ/view?usp=sharing
For all the resources for this sermon series, and to go deeper, check out:
copperluth.org/resources
Did you know that Jesus talked more about money & treasure than nearly any other topic? Why was He so focused on this particular topic?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the spiritual discipline of "Generosity." Through Jesus' ministry & teaching (especially on the Sermon on the Mount) - we are invited into a different way of approaching our finances. Why do we need generosity? What is it? And how can we implement it in our lives?
All this and more are discussed in this sermon on Generosity.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting. Fasting, in the Bible, primarily deals with abstaining from food for a set amount of time and for a particular reason(s).
Pastor Aaron walks through the various reasons for fasting as found in the Bible and asks us to consider how we might implement fasting into our Spiritual rhythms.
In this 2nd week of our Spiritual Disciplines sermon series, Pastor Aaron speaks about a foundational discipline in Christians' lives--prayer. Prayer is fundamental in our relationship with God. In Luke 11, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in words that we now call "The Lord's Prayer."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through the Lord's Prayer and asks us to consider how our prayer lives align with the way that Jesus' taught us to pray.
Looking for prayer resources? Check out our resource page: copperluth.org/resources.
What is Bible Reading? Why should we do it? What are some practical ways for us to "treasure the Word"?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin talks about the personal nature of God's Word. How Jesus, as the "logic of the universe" has much to offer us as we engage with him. And he provides 4 practical ways to get deeper into the Word.
This is the concluding sermon for our 9 month series through "The Story."
This sermon concludes the series by looking at what the Bible tells us about the end. Generally we speak about the end being heaven. BUT - what do we mean by heaven? What is it? How do we get it? What should we do until heaven?
Pastor Aaron breaks down these questions for us in this sermon.
The Bible is more than a collection of books. It's A STORY. It's one cohesive narrative that gives an "arch" from where the world has been - to where it's heading. And YOU have been written into this Story!
The Apostle Paul discovered this reality himself - as his own plot line changed drastically after meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus. He spent the rest of his life trying to demonstrate to others that God had written them into this great story as well (see Acts 17:22ff).
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin invites you to ponder your own story. What's the narrative arch of your life? What are the major plot points? And then, he invites you to consider how God is penning a plot line for you as well.
Wishing your story was more? Bigger? More adventurous? See your life in connection to God's Story - and you will be wrapped up in the greatest story of your life!
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron shares about the mission of the Church. Chapter 29 covers much of the New Testament where the Apostle Paul (and other apostles) started churches and carried the name of Jesus. Does this mission still exist today? If so, how do we go about it?
This is the sermon from the 10am service on Easter 2022. In it, Pastor Aaron reminds us of the simplicity of the Christian message. Jesus died and he rose from the dead. Even though we will die, we will rise from the dead.
That's it!
He is risen!
What happened after Jesus rose from the dead? He didn't just disappear. Instead, he appeared to his disciples and to hundreds of people over the course of the next 40 days. Why did Jesus appear to people and what do these appearances teach us about our lives? Take a listen to this sermon.
This week, Pastor Aaron emphasizes on the Palm Sunday text from Matthew 21. While it doesn't necessarily correspond to The Story, chapter 26, we will be walking our way through chapter 26 all throughout this week in our Holy Week services.
In today's sermon, based on Matthew 21, Pastor Aaron focuses on the simple, yet powerful word "Hosanna." What it means, and how it was applied by the people on Palm Sunday, but also by us today.
This week, Pastor Aaron looks at the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus boldly declares himself as "I am" multiple times throughout the Bible. In doing so, he's not just talking about the kinds of characteristics he has. But, Jesus is making a bold claim about his own identity as God in the flesh. These bold statements cause alarm for the Jewish people. Either Jesus is a blasphemer or he actually is who he says he is.
We believe that Jesus is who he says he is. So, what does that mean for us? Watch this.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron shares Jesus' words from Luke 15 in which He tells 3 parables about lost things. Jesus speaks these words to Pharisees and Scribes who grumbled at Jesus for taking time to teach "tax collectors and sinners." So, Jesus tells these parables to prove the point that the Father desires that lost people be found. That is why Jesus came to this world, "to seek and save the lost."
Pastor Aaron shares insight into these words and how we, too, need to be people who urgently seek those who are lost.
Have you felt like God was hard to understand? That He was confusing? That He was a little backwards?
You're not alone. Those who walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry were baffled by Him. He acted in ways that people never expected God to act! He ate with sinners. He didn't religiously follow all the rules of the Church. He didn't lord His Lordship over others. He was meek & mild.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores two Gospel accounts where Jesus' actions are baffling to even His disciples. Listen in, and consider where God has baffled you. You are not alone. Learn from those who walked (physically) with Jesus, that you too might surrender your confusions to the One who is beyond comprehension.
Merry Christmas!
If you're listening to this the same week that it was posted (or most weeks out of the year) - it's not actually Christmas. And I can tell you from experience: saying "Merry Christmas" outside of December is a little strange.
But so is our God. And was the way He chose to live out His plan. And so is this text from Luke, chapter 2.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at the boy Jesus in the temple for Passover. Through it, we discover how strange God is, and yet - how worthy He is to follow.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches about chapter 20 in The Story which covers the story of Esther in the Old Testament.
As Esther and Mordecai as the question wondering if all the events in their lives have prepared them "for such a time as this," Pastor Aaron leads us in a discussion about our own lives. How has God prepared you "for such a time as this?"
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron recounts for us the return of the exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. These returns exiles had such high expectations for their return. They would no longer be persecuted for their faith but would be allowed to resume their centralized worship. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel had previously prophesied that when the exiles returned, it would be glorious.
But, when the exiles got back home, it wasn't all that they hoped for. Reality didn't match their expectations. The new temple construction was smaller than their previous temple. There was opposition from people living in the land. Even though they tried to be faithful to God's Word, they quickly fell away once again just as previous generations had.
What do we do when reality doesn't match expectations? Where is God in it all?
This sermon explains the context of the story, but also aims to answer these questions.
You're an exile. Did you know that? You live in a land not your own. At least, this is how the Christian community has considered itself since the days of Jesus.
Like Daniel (who was exiled from Jerusalem in 605 BC) - we too live in a culture that is out to conform us. If we give in, we'll end up patterned after the futile ways of the world. If we don't - we may well end up creating a culture of judgment.
How are we to live as exiles in our cultural context? Take a listen, as Pastor Kevin looks at how Daniel models a Christ-like approach to culture.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron shares what life has like been like for him and his family over the past month and also as his family has been dealing with a lot of other issues. He shares this personal story to demonstrate that it is through difficult situations in life that we are forced to our knees in humility and vulnerability crying out to God, "Lord, I need you. I don't have it all together."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron contrasts a state of humility with the arrogance, pride, selfishness and downright wickedness of the kings of Judah that we read about in chapter 17. It is because of their wickedness that God's people are finally forced into exile, the temple is destroyed, the walls of Jerusalem are knocked down, and it's just not good.
But, God is not finished with His people because He is faithful to His promise to give life.
God is not finished with you either. He will give you life now and forever.
How do you respond when your reputation is on the line? What do you do when attackers hack & slash at your identity? Do you retaliate? Crumble? Or walk cooly through it?
In chapters 18 & 19 of the book of 2 Kings, a certain King named Hezekiah has his reputation attacked. But in the end, he keeps his chin up & walks away from the situation unscathed.
How can we mimic his strength? How can we learn to let the trash talk brush aside, and remain confidently ourselves?
Listen to this sermon as Pastor Kevin traces the situation that Hezekiah faced and shares with us his secret to success. Hint: It's all about where your identity is placed!
God has a message He wants to get across to you. Will you hear it?
The people of Israel had messages sent to them by God. He sent them through the Prophets. Nine of them came to the people over 208 years as God tried to "turn their hearts back" before disaster struck. They didn't listen. But God never gave up seeking their heart.
God has a message for you today. Will you hear it? Take a listen as Pastor Kevin walks through this message - straight from the mouth of one of His greatest messengers: Elijah.
In this chapter we are introduced to "the wisest man in history." King Solomon. He was revered by the Israelites as a King with incredible insight (1 Kings 3:28); and was praised by foreign dignitaries from afar - who had heard of his greatness (1 Kings 10:6). Through his wise rule - Israel was put on the map and held in honor by all.
But what was the secret to his wisdom? How did he make so many wise choices? And how can we, looking at Solomon's life, do the same in ours?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the life of Solomon, unpacking one of his wisest proverbs: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at a key verse from Mark 10: "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
Jesus may not only be telling us to become childlike (to depend on our Father & our Savior for in order to receive the Kingdom) -- He may also be saying that the Kingdom of God itself is like a child!How? Take a listen and learn what it means for the Kingdom of God to come like a child.
In 2 Samuel 11, we watch as David makes a significant mistake. He had everything going for him at this point. The nation of Israel was unified. The boundaries have expanded. David has reinstituted centralized worship of God in Jerusalem. God has even promised David that through his lineage, there would be an everlasting kingdom and a king who would reign forever and ever. David had great power and wealth.
This power and wealth went to David's head. And, instead of being faithful to God's Word, David fell into sin by having an adulterous relationship with Uriah's wife.
There are many takeaways from this part of the story, and in this sermon, Pastor Aaron points us to the practical applications for how we handle our own sin.
At the end of chapter 11, we see David as King - enjoying rest in his house after defeating the Israelites. But the Almighty God is living in a tent! David wants to pay God back for all the God has done for Him; David wants to build God a house. But God says: "No." Why?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at this key text from 2 Samuel chapter 7, where instead of David building God a house, God builds David a "house." Through it all - we see God's heart, his radical grace, and how he operates on a different basis than the ways of the world.
At the end of chapter 11, we see David as King - enjoying rest in his house after defeating the Israelites. But the Almighty God is living in a tent! David wants to pay God back for all the God has done for Him; David wants to build God a house. But God says: "No." Why?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at this key text from 2 Samuel chapter 7, where instead of David building God a house, God builds David a "house." Through it all - we see God's heart, his radical grace, and how he operates on a different basis than the ways of the world.
In the first part of chapter 11, we are introduced to David. At this point, Saul (the first king of Israel) had disobeyed God and therefore, God rejected him as king. God, therefore, told Samuel to go to the family of Jesse because one of Jesse's sons would be the next king of Israel. As Samuel, looks at the sons of Jesse, the oldest ones seem to be good, kingly material. However, God has to remind Samuel that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.
This is when Samuel is introduced to David. David is described as "a man after God's own heart."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through what it means to be a "man after God's own heart" and how God wants our hearts to be aligned with His as well.
"Pride cometh before the Fall." Many of us are familiar with this wise saying. It comes from the book of Proverbs (chapter 16), and applies to all sorts of situations: NFL football players boasting before losing the game; high school students trying to "fit in" with the cool kids before blundering in front of their class...even Old Testament Kings trying to mirror the kings of their surrounding culture - and ignoring the God who made them king along the way (that's Saul! Check out 1 Samuel 15).
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin traces out the problem of Pride by looking at a different character from the book of 1 Samuel: Hannah. In her story we see not only the problem of pride, but it's product...as well as a path forward - to avoid feeling too low OR too puffed up about ourselves.
Chapter 9 of The Story covers the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. It is a reminder to us about the importance of following with our whole lives.
Chapter 8 of The Story covers the Book of Judges in the Bible. The Book of Judges tells us of a 4 phase cycle that the people of Israel go through over and over again for a few hundred years. It is a story not all that uncommon with our own understanding of world history as well.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron connects the dots for us between the Book of Judges, our current state as Americans, and the commemoration of All Saints Day.
The Holy Scriptures are rife with military imagery. But Jesus practiced nonviolence? (See Matthew 5:38-48). So what kind of battle are we dealing with?
Paul said it well in Ephesians: "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...the spiritual forces of evil." Our battle takes place in our minds - as our enemy, the Devil, seeks to deceive us into sin.
In this week's sermon: Pastor Kevin looks at the keys Joshua used to gain victory in the Promised Land; so that we might gain victory in our own battles against the Devil.
In this week's sermon, based on chapter 6 of The Story, Pastor Aaron reminds us to pay attention to the signs of God. Most clearly, pay attention to the sign of the cross which is the reminder of Who God is and what He has already done for us through Jesus.
Unlike the Israelites, who lost sight of God's Word, let us be people who love the Word of God and do everything we can do obey it. For God's Word is life!
Why do we bristle when we're told what to do? Why do we sometimes sabotage ourselves by not doing what we're told (even when we know it's probably good for us?). And knowing how we respond to being told what to do -- why did God give us the LAW?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores these questions by looking at Exodus 19:4-5. Moses has received the 10 Commandments from YHWH and the people have responded: "We will do everything the Lord has spoken." Of course, that isn't exactly what happens.
Maybe the Israelites responded poorly to the LAW because they didn't understand God's reason for giving it... Maybe we fall into the same trap. By looking at these key verses from Exodus, Pastor Kevin hopes that we will see the LAW not primarily as a bunch of "have to's" - but as a bunch of "get to's".
In this week's sermon, we are introduced to Moses in chapter 4 of The Story. Moses is a man who is given an important task by God. Yet, Moses responds with an important question, "Who am I?" Who am I? That's one of those questions that not thought about carefully can lead people to moments of mental crisis. Moses finds solace in this question by asking God, "Who are you? Who are you God? What's your name?" And God responds.
This is what we learn, without a knowledge of who God is, we will never truly understand who we are.
In the Sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the question that plagues many in the midst of their suffering: "Why?" Chapter 3 follows the story of Joseph. It's a story of suffering. And yet, in it, we learn one of the most important things we can know about God: How He works through our suffering.
In this sermon, based on chapter 2 of The Story, Pastor Aaron shares 3 stories one for each generation: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And, in each of the three stories, we see a similar theme, "God gives life to what seems dead."
The Bible begins with these five words, "In the beginning, God created." God is creator. It's how the Bible begins. It's how The Story begins.
In this sermon on chapter 1 of the story, Pastor Aaron preaches about the significance that God is our Creator and we are His creation.
We are a people of stories. We read them to our little ones, we watch them ourselves. From action movies, to love stories, to fantasy, thriller, and historical documentary. When asked about our weekend - we don't list off our activities like data -- we tell a story. It's like stories are written into who we are. BUT WHY?
Perhaps it's because we've been written into the Greatest Story Ever Told. The same God who created us, who authored life, also authored the Bible. It's a Story, all pointing to Jesus, that tells the Story of Everything. The whole world is drawn into this epic narrative, including you and me.
In this sermon - Pastor Kevin introduces "The Story" - a 31 week journey through the Bible that Saints Peter & Paul will be walking through in the Fall 2021-Spring 2022 Ministry Season. Through this series we will Read the Story, Experience the Bible, and find our place in the Greatest Story Ever Told.
The story of Ezra & Nehemiah finishes in an unexpected way. All throughout these books - we've heard about all that God was restoring for His people: the temple; the people's spiritual foundations; the city walls of Jerusalem. But in chapter 13 - all of these accomplishments start to come undone.
That's because this isn't a Hollywood story with a "happily ever after." This is Scripture. Documenting real events in the lives of real people. And that things don't work out perfectly -- well, that's more relatable than the stories we often hear.
Yet, God shows us that even when we're undone - He's NOT done! Not with Nehemiah. Not with you or me. Listen as Pastor Kevin walks through this anticlimactic end to the story of "Rubble Restoration" in Jerusalem. And consider what God might be seeking to rebuild in your life.
In Nehemiah 8-12, the characters of our Story of "Rubble Restoration" UNITE. Ezra & Nehemiah join forces to tell "The Story" of God's activity in the lives of His people. But when the people hear it - they weep! Why? Because the "stories" they have been living have been devoid of God. They are confronted with their own guilt & shame for living their stories apart from God.
However, they don't remain in this state. Through the teaching of Ezra & Nehemiah - the people's weeping turns to joy. God's Story does not leave the people forlorn and forsaken - but forgiven & RESTORED.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin challenges the hearers to consider their own "stories." How do you see yourself in your "story"; in your life? Are you the main character? Or is God?
When we find ourselves placed into the larger story God has for us - we fill find our own brokenness, failures, and weeping turned into purpose, identity, and joy.
We turn the page into the book of Nehemiah today in our sermon series "Rubble Restoration: Rebuilding God's Way." Nehemiah was an important official (the cupbearer) serving the Persian King when he heard that the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem weren't going all that well. In particular, the city wall and the city gates had not yet been rebuilt after lying in rubble for the last 150 years.
Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to lead the wall-rebuilding effort.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron opens up the Scriptures to us by starting with Nehemiah and expanding to other places to see which kind of walls are purposeful in the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Aaron and Pastor Kevin join together for this sermon where they share the preaching on Ezra 9-10. This sermon was pre-recorded as both Pastors were out of town this day.
In a unique way, they tell the story of these rather complicate words from Scripture. In the end, we hope you hear that Relationships Matter to God.
Ezra is finally on the scene! In Chapter 7 begins a new "section" of the Rubble Restoration story for the people of Israel. The 1st wave of Israelites have been back in Jerusalem for 80 years; the temple has been rebuilt; and there's a lot of positive movement for God's people.
But there's one thing lacking in Jerusalem - spiritual leadership. The smallest group to return to Jerusalem were the priests & Levites - the spiritual guides of Israel. Their spiritual foundations need to be rebuilt. They need "one who can help." Luckily Ezra is on the way.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin traces the story of the 2nd wave of returned Exiles - led by Ezra. His name means "one who helps" - and Ezra comes to help rebuild the spirituality of Israel - by pointing to God's presence with the people.
God is present in the lives of ALL his people. There are Ezra's among us with stories to share. Do you see God's presence at work in your life? Consider where He IS working -- for He is not far from any one of us!
In this week's sermon, we continue journeying with the returning exiles on their rubble restoration project. This week, in chapter 3, the returning exiles decide to first rebuild the central place of their worship - the altar. Once that is established, they can have regular worship with God. But, do you ever wonder, why is worship such a central part of our Christian experience? Why do we gather? What is the point?
Pastor Aaron seeks to answer these questions for us in this sermon.
Pastor Kevin walks us into the Book of Ezra by introducing us to characters like Zerrubabel meaning "planted/born in Babylon." This sermon opens up your imagination to put yourself in the shoes of these Biblical characters living in the midst of this defining moment in history. As we journey through Ezra and Nehemiah, we will be looking forward to many things that God has in store for us. But, for us to truly understand where we are going, we need to understand where we've been. That's what Pastor Kevin does in this sermon. He reminds us of God's faithfulness to us. Just as he was faithful to his people (even during exile), he has been and will always be faithful to us!
This is the first sermon in the sermon series titled "Rubble Restoration: Rebuilding God's Way." It will be a sermon series walking through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of God's people returning from their time in Babylonian exile. In their return, they find the city of Jerusalem in rubble. So, they begin to restore. However, even in their restoration, it doesn't always go according to plans.
This last year has been one of devastation. Many of the things that we love have turned to rubble and they may not ever be rebuilt the way that they were previously.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron casts vision for what this sermon series will be like and boldly reminds us that Jesus is the perfect rubble restorer.
Follow Me. Go and Be Neighbors. We don't have to go very far to follow Jesus into our neighborhoods. All we need to do is go home. Jesus is with us in our homes. Therefore Jesus plans to utilize you, and your home, and your family as a mission outpost in your neighborhoods.
In this final sermon in our "Follow Me. Go and Be" series, Pastor Aaron opens up our eyes to the repeated phrase throughout the Scriptures, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
He also shares some practical tips at the end encouraging us to be good neighbors.
Is Jesus a part of our politics? Should He be? In this Sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at the politics of Jesus - as He engages in a political conversation with two opposed political groups. In this conversation from Mark 12, Jesus paves a pathway for us to follow Him as citizens by 1) Respecting the civil authorities and by 2) Reforming the Civil Authorities.
Curious how you ought to vote in the next election? Wondering what Jesus has to say about following the leaders of our nation? Take a listen and see how the Kingdom of God - which Jesus came preaching & even inaugurating in His life, death, and resurrection - impacts how we operate in our world - even in our politics.
On this Sunday, the congregation of Saints Peter and Paul gathered together for one combined worship service outside.
We gathered under the theme "Follow Me. Go and Be Workers."
The average person will work about 90,000 hours in their life, which is about 1/3 of their lifetime. Do you believe that God has created this work for you to do and is present in your work? You better believe that He is. He is present in your work and he has commanded you to be his worker even in your workplace.
The work of God is the work of creation. It is the work of life. So, we are commanded to be people who get to work doing God's work at our work.
At the end of this sermon, Pastor Aaron invites a member of the church, Joe Battisfore, forward to share how he has tried to put his faith into work in his workplace. They are also joined at the end by Pastor Aaron's discipleship coach, and trainer of disciples of Saints Peter and Paul, the Rev. Dr. David Kim (www.glocalmission.org).
" I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends." These are powerful words from Jesus towards His disciples. Although He IS Lord, Master, God in the Flesh -- He calls His disciples; He calls YOU friend.
There are 2 marks of a true friend: 1) They will always let you in. 2) They will never let you down.
Jesus, as the greatest friend, models these traits perfectly. He speaks truthfully to you. He invites you to speak back - to share your secrets with Him. Although things don't always go according to our plans - Jesus remains in control. And when disaster strikes us - like a true friend He sits with us in our despair, and He understands - as He took on our despair on the cross.
Listen to the words of your true friend - Jesus - and hear how you can "Follow Him...and Go + Be" a true friend for others in your life.
We often consider the Church (building) to be the place where our faith formation takes place. However, studies have shown that the HOME is the primary place where children are formed into the people they will grow up to be -- including their faith. So how do we train up our children in the faith?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin looks at the instruction of Moses in Deuteronomy 6 - as he teaches the people of Israel how to "disciple" their children in the faith - by giving them a Command, a Creed, and a Covenant to pass on to the next generation. These are the very things we can pass on as well.
As parents & grandparents - you ARE disciple-makers! God has placed little disciples in your households to be formed by you. Listen & learn how you can share the faith in your household.
Jesus has commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations. He has also commanded us to follow him and BE his disciples. But... what does the word "disciple" even mean?"
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron slows things down and defines what "disciple" means, and then encourages all of us BE disciples and MAKE disciples of others modeling our life and teaching after the life and teaching of Jesus.
This sermon is the first in our new sermon series called "Follow Me. Go and Be." This sermon series will walk us through the ways and places that God has placed us to be his people.
Did you know that when Jesus sends you into this world to "Go and Be" he's already there? Jesus never leaves you alone. He actually prepares in advance the good works for you to do. So, as you follow Jesus, you have the opportunity to be his disciple and invite others to follow you.
This sermon sets the stage for this series by asking the question "Who do you follow?" Have you considered how many voices there are in this world vying for your attention? Do you follow them? Or do you follow Jesus?
1 Corinthians 16 is the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Church in Corinth. It follows chapter 15 - "the "Resurrection Chapter" - and everything Paul is relaying to the congregation flows from the Resurrection of Jesus. These are "marching orders" for the Christians in Corinth - to continue engaging in the Mission of the Church.
Jesus outlined that Mission in Matthew 28:19-20. These words are called the Great Commission. Here, Jesus gives His "marching orders" to His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." Sent with the Good News of Jesus' Lordship over sin & death, the disciples are sent into the world to spread the Word.
As followers of Jesus in the 21st Century - we continue this Mission. We are Jesus' disciples in the hear & now - in a world where many still need to hear of Jesus' Resurrection - the Good News. In this Sermon, Pastor Kevin encourages the hearers to share this Good News with those in their lives. For we are all for One Mission.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul uses the human body as an image of what the church of God ought to look like. He calls all baptized Christians the "One body of Christ."
Consider your own body. You do not know all of the parts of your body. There are so many parts of your body that you have never seen, you don't know what they're called, or even what they do. And, that's your own body. You ARE your body, and you don't really know all that much about yourself. Yet, all of those little body parts are necessary for your body to function. The lesser known ones are not less important. And the well known ones are not more important.
So, it is in the body of Christ. We all need one another. We all have value. We all have purpose. Not because we create that for ourselves, but because God gives it to us. Let us take good care of the body, we have nowhere else to live.
Meals have a way of connecting people. Drawing people together. There's something sacred about breaking bread with others. The Lord's Supper is a ritual meal that we come back to week after week. But why do we do it? What's it all about? And what's going on when we eat + drink the Lord's body + blood?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin describes three ways that the Lord's Supper connects us. The Lord's Supper connects 1) the present to the past 2) individuals to a community and 3) you to God.
Watch, listen, or read this sermon to hear more.
The theme for this week is "All for One... Morality." Oftentimes when people think about why they should live moral lives, they think, "I want to live a moral life to make God happy," or "I want to live a moral life so I don't make God mad," or "I hope that living a moral life means that I can still have fun."
But, none of these ideas get to the fullness of why we would live moral lives as God's people. In this week's sermon, we hear Pastor Aaron repeat the Apostle Paul's words, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? You were bought with a price. Honor God with your body."
Our bodies are temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells within us. This ought to affect the way we live our lives as individuals and in relationships with others.
Watch, listen, or read this sermon to hear more.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Aaron, preached on Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians chapters 3-4 in which he reminds the church what it means to be the Church. They were facing an issue in Corinth of division amongst many segments in the church population. So, Paul writes to them to remind them of the basic truths of who Jesus is and what the church ought to be like.
To do this he uses three main images: food, field, and foundation.
Watch or listen to this sermon to learn more.
In 1 Corinthians 2 - the Apostle Paul mentions the "Spirit" 13 times in 16 verses. It's a major focus of the chapter, and of Paul's letters in general ("Spirit" is used 149 times in Paul's 13 letters). But WHO is the Spirit? WHAT is the Spirit? And how does the Spirit work?
In this Sermon, Pastor Kevin alludes to the multiple meanings behind the word "Spirit" (wind, breath, mind). He hones in on the meaning of "mind" - and acknowledges how all of our "spirits" (minds) can be easily swayed by the many voices speaking to us. But we want to be swayed by the One Spirit that we share - the Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit's work is to point us to Jesus. If you confess that "Jesus is Lord" - you have God's Spirit in you! (1 Cor 12:3). But God's Spirit wants to keep moving in you until you not only confess Jesus as Lord, but start to look & act like Jesus in your world. Take a listen, consider the Spirit's moving in your life, and seek to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5) in your life.
The apostle Paul was a missionary in the 1st Century. Having learned the Good News of Jesus' death & resurrection himself (that Jesus was the One who died for all) - Paul began spreading the word. One of the places he went was to the metropolitan city of Corinth. There he established a church.
A few years later - Paul received a report about how the Christian Church in Corinth was doing. He learned that there were factions. Some were saying, “I follow Paul”; while others were saying, “I follow Apollos” or “Cephas” or “Christ.” (1 For 1:12) They were all trying to claim significance by name dropping notable people within the church.
We do the same thing. WE want to be significant, so we try to associate with others who ARE considered significant. But Christ is different. He flips this social norm. Even though HIS NAME is the greatest name of all.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
What a joyous Easter morning celebration. After last year, when Easter worship didn't take place at the church, you may have felt disconnected and alone.
We heard in this sermon that it is Jesus who ultimately was alone - alone in death and alone in resurrection - so that you will know you are never alone.
Pastor Aaron opened us up to the book of 1 Corinthians for the beginning of a new sermon series called One for All - All for One. Jesus is the One who overcame death and the grave which means that He has Won! He is the One who has Won.
What did he win? You. You are his prized possession. Live in this resurrection reality. Because the resurrection of Jesus changes lives.
Palm Sunday was a massive parade in the city of Jerusalem. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of Jews had gathered for the Passover Feast in the city. And there was a certain man headed for the city - Jesus - who had been amassing a following after performing his miraculous signs.
The Jews were hopeful that this Jesus was their long-expected KING. They were hopeful that Jesus would deliver them from their oppressors - the Romans. But who were Jesus enemies?
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the list of enemies that Jesus faced as he rode into Jerusalem to do battle. The Romans were one of them...but not all of them. Listen as Pastor Kevin details the many enemies that Jesus overcame -- 2,000 years ago and today.
In the final chapter of Daniel - chapter 12 - Daniel receives one last word from the Angel Gabriel about "the end." He is told there will be trouble...but then deliverance - ULTIMATE deliverance! Here we have one of the most explicit references to the Resurrection in the entire Old Testament.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin reflects upon Daniel's life - how he experienced trouble...but then deliverance, again and again. What gave Daniel the confidence to face all these trials? His belief in this Resurrection hope - and the God who would deliver it.
This is our hope too! Consider how you face trials today - and the affect your "beliefs" have upon it. Because there is a connection between believing...and being.
In Daniel 10, the angel Gabriel peels back the curtain for Daniel on a spiritual realm where angels do battle on behalf of God's people. This idea of spiritual warfare is something that we often don't pay attention to, and may not even notice unless we're attentive.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron teaches us how Daniel - a man of deep faith and trust in God - is spiritually anguished. He also teaches that God comes to us in our times of anguish to comfort us, and bring us peace in Jesus Christ.
This message is challenging, yet it is also filled with hope and encouragement for those who are struggling.
In Daniel 9, Daniel cries out to God in a prayer of repentance confessing his sin and the sins of the people of Israel. At this point, it's been 66 years since Daniel was taken into captivity. We find out in chapter 9, that Daniel had been reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah where Jeremiah had prophesied to the people of Israel that their captivity would last 70 years. When Daniel recognized these words of Jeremiah were coming true, he searched the Scriptures and he prayed.
Daniel modeled to us a life of devotion and obedience to God despite what the circumstances in the world through at him.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron encourages us to live lives of obedience as well. Not to purchase or win our way to heaven or salvation, but simply because obedience to God's Word is a better way to live - for us, and for the world.
In Daniel 8, we are introduced to another beastly vision (after the vision of beasts in chapter 7). This time, Daniel sees two beasts duking it out: a Ram and a Goat. Thankfully, in this chapter, an angel interprets some of the symbolic language for Daniel (and for us!).
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin utilizes the 4 tips offered by Pastor Aaron on how to interpret Apocalyptic Literature (see Daniel 7 sermon) to walk through an interpretation of Daniel 8. In the process, we see that this vision speaks directly concerning events that unfolded from Daniel's life (550 BC) - all the way to Jesus' life and beyond (70 AD).
Daniel chapter 7 is a shift in writing style from the first half of the book. Daniel 1-6 was written more as a historical recording of events from Daniel's life in Babylonian captivity. Chapter 7 begins visions that Daniel had concerning the life of God's people.
Biblical scholars would classify this type of writing (beginning in Daniel 7 and continuing to the end) as apocalyptic literature. It is prophecy about the future.
This kind of writing can get confusing to interpret and understand what the intended meaning is. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps us unpack Daniel 7, but also gives some helpful hints about how to interpret apocalyptic literature in general. This is helpful because this kind of writing appears all throughout the Bible.
This is finally the chapter we've been waiting for. Daniel chapter 6 with Daniel in the lions' den. If you didn't know much about the book of Daniel, you likely had at least heard the phrase, "Daniel in the lions' den."
But, why was he put in the den? Who made the decision that Daniel should be put to death? And what does this have to do with me?
Listen to this sermon where Pastor Aaron puts this story in historical context and applies it to our reality - that God is the only one who can and will deliver us from certain death.
In Daniel chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezzar needs to be taught a lesson. You could say he needs to be, "put in his place." You see, 30 years have passed since Daniel chapter 3 happened. In that time, the King has become more powerful than ever and he's sitting pretty high and prideful. It seems as though all those lessons he learned about Daniel's God have faded away and he is giving himself all the glory.
Well, God will teach him his lesson through a significant "fall from grace." But in the end, Nebuchadnezzar admits, "Those who walk in pride, God is able to humble."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron applies the reality of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience to the necessity of all Christians to live in humility.
In chapter 3 of Daniel - it's Daniel's friends who take center stage: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar has set up a golden "image" that he demands the citizens of Babylon worship. But these 3 boys resist. They won't bow down, and so they face the consequences: to be thrown into the burning fiery furnace.
In this sermon, Pastor Kevin highlights the pluralistic nature of the society of Babylon (that they worshiped many gods). He compares this with the pluralistic nature of America - where the hearers live. By drawing this comparison - the question is posed: what will we do when the music plays?
To hear how the 3 boys respond, how God responds, and what God is up to in the midst of our trials - check it out. You can watch it, listen, or click "read it" to read the manuscript.
In Daniel chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that troubles him deeply. He demands that the wise men tell him his dream and then offer an interpretation. No one can do it, so the King orders all the wise men in Babylon to be killed.
Daniel hears of it. And, with nothing but a deep faith to trust in God's deliverance, Daniel stands up to seek an audience with the king.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron spends time walking through the text of Daniel chapter 2, pointing out the importance of prayer, and also offering application on Nebuchadnezzar's dream for our present day situation.
Watch it, listen, or even click "read it" to read the manuscript.
In this opening sermon for our sermon series walking through the Book of Daniel, we begin where the story begins - Daniel chapter 1. Daniel chapter 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book. It gives the context for who the main characters are, the protagonists, the antagonists, and an opening drama.
Daniel begins in 605 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian Empire (which has just risen to immense power) comes to Jerusalem to take captive young men who will be trained in the way of the Babylonians.
Advent is over...technically. Christmas Day is over...but the season continues for a few more weeks. The waiting we've been doing through the Season of Advent...it's over. What now?
As Luke shows in his Gospel narrative - the birth of Jesus is not the end of the story. It's only the beginning. In this section of Luke 2, Mary + Joseph will encounter a seemingly ordinary man named Simeon. He is going to point to the life & work of Jesus, even His death + resurrection.
Though Christmas is over and through Christ really did come - this is not the end of our story. We are sent - just like Simeon - to share the Good News of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection with the world.
Christmas Eve worship at Saints Peter and Paul was a bit out of the norm. But, God's Word was still preached and shared by both Pastor Aaron and Pastor Kevin throughout the worship service. The message was broken down into 3 different sections following 3 sections of Luke chapter 2.
What you will hear/watch in this recording is 3 sections each beginning with a Bible reading followed by the Pastors preaching on that section.
In this final week of Advent, we conclude our sermon series "I Can't Wait" with this sermon called "Waiting with Love." In it, we consider the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would give birth to a son.
Gabriel was clear with Mary who this child would be. Pastor Aaron, in this sermon, focuses on 5 key statements that Gabriel makes to Mary.
Ultimately we are reminded how true love has come to us in Jesus Christ. And, as we await the 2nd Advent of Jesus, we wait with love. We don't need to go looking for love. For love has come to be with us.
In this 3rd Advent sermon, we are still following Moses & the Israelites. They have left Mt. Sinai (where they failed to wait on God at the Golden Calf incident) and are now at the doorstep of the promised land. But it doesn't look like how they expected it to.
The people fear and suggest returning to Egypt where things were comfortable. God reproves them for this and declares they will wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Then the people try to immediately go into the promised land - against God's will.
Moses intercedes (again) for the people. God forgives. And the rest of the story demonstrates how God faithfully walks with an unfaithful people - showing them WHO they need to look for in order to find rest & JOY.
In this 2nd Advent sermon, we encounter Moses and the Israelites as they are wandering in the wilderness. God has made himself known to his people and each day he is giving them more and more instruction and formation about how to live as his people.
Moses is called up on Mount Sinai one day and while he is there, the people become restless because Moses is gone for days. Instead of waiting, like Moses asked them to do, they asked Moses' brother Aaron to build them a golden calf to worship.
They were supposed to be patient and wait. But they couldn't wait. Can you?
This sermon kicks off a sermon series called "I Can't Wait!" The first sermon of Advent, 2020. "Advent" means "to come" and it's the time of the year we remember how Israel waited for the coming of the Christ & how we too - await Christ's second and ultimate coming. Throughout this sermon series, we're taking a look at all sorts of biblical characters who were called to wait.
In this sermon, we take a look at Noah - who was called "to wait" in his day. But we learn that "waiting" on God looks much different than the kind of "waiting" we're used to. It's not simply distracting ourselves until whatever we're waiting for comes to pass. It's a waiting that calls us to HOPE.
In this final sermon on the Book of Ephesians, we look at the final greetings that the Apostle Paul sends to the people in Ephesus. He mentions a man (who is not too well known) named Tychicus that is mentioned also in the Book of Colossians, Acts, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. Both here in Ephesians and also in Colossians, Paul says that he is sending Tychicus for the purpose of "encouraging their hearts."
Tychicus was an encourager.
This final message on Ephesians from Pastor Aaron is meant to be an encouragement for all who hear it. It's no doubt that 2020 has been a rough year and we need to be encouraged to stand firm in Christ until life everlasting.
Watch until the end - there's even homework to do!
Not many people pay much attention to what's going on behind the scenes of the chaos in this world. And that's exactly how Satan would like to keep it. He wants to convince you that he is not real, that there's no spiritual warfare going on, and that ultimately God himself is not real.
As Christians, we must be aware and attentive to these crafty schemes of the devil. And then - most importantly to stand firm in Christ. Putting on the full armor of God, we will withstand all the schemes of the devil. Christ has already risen and is victorious over the devil.
The Apostle Paul warned the Ephesians of the "waves" of this world (4:14). In Chapter 5, he goes into detail about some of those "waves." Cultural influences that the Ephesians would walk into each day.
We walk into our own world that is shaped by ungodly influences. Like the Ephesians, we must not be "tossed to and fro" (4:14), but instead BE LIGHT to the world. Thankfully, this is our identity in Christ. He has made us light (5:8) to the world by the gift of faith. We live in this world as reflections of the One True Light - Jesus Christ - who has enlightened us with His gifts.
On this All Saints Day, Pastor Aaron encouraged people to take a step back from what is right in front of us to gain a greater perspective of what the full story of the Scripture is. All Saints Day points us to the resurrection from the dead and imagine that in eternal life there will be people from every tribe, tongue, and language united in crying out, "Salvation belongs to God!"
As Christians, we have been called to live as one body with Jesus Christ as our head. With the right perspective, we will desire to bear with one another in love, eager to maintain unity in the bond of peace.
In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul prays for the Christians gathered in Ephesus that they might "comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love" (v. 18).
In Christ, we are united to all the saints. We have a history. Our faith spans over thousands of years. Just as God's love preserved HIs Church and His people over centuries of hardship, He preserves His Church and His people today.
In Ephesians 2, Paul is addressing the "wall of hostility" that the Jews and Gentiles still kept building between themselves over issues such as circumcision. Paul reminds them that in Christ, they are one. Not two. One.
In a contentious world that we live in, we are so quick to build walls of hostility. We are quick to judge. We are quick to assassinate people's character. When in actuality, we should really just be looking to the cross.
It's at the cross of Jesus where there is No More Hostility.
In Ephesians 1 - Paul tells us that "God has a plan...to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth." But in the divided world of Ephesus, such a claim seems impossible. How could peoples of different classes, races, and religions be united? A look into the life of Paul provides a possible answer. And this answer has implications for us today - both our unity with God and our unity with one another.
It's all about taking notice. Seeing other people. Too often we get tunnel vision, we listen to voices and information that we already agree with, and we don't notice our neighbors who are right around us.
In this final sermon in our series "The Spiritually Vibrant Home," we focus on the parable of the Good Samaritan as we are encouraged to live lives of Biblical hospitality.
Spiritually Vibrant Households are ones that have spiritual vibrant conversations (aka "Loud Tables"). Did you know that you can turn any conversation into a spiritual conversation? It's what Jesus did in his ministry all the time. He would take a practical item and use it to teach people about the Kingdom of God.
However, what we find out in this sermon is that through research by The Barna Group, practicing Christians are having fewer than 10 spiritual conversations each year! That's not much at all. That means Christians aren't talking about the faith.
This sermon gives some practical examples of how to turn any conversation into a spiritual conversation.
Join us for the launch of our fall kick-off series titled "The Spiritually Vibrant Home" based on a book by Lutheran Hour Ministries and The Barna Group.
In this initial sermon, the term "house" is defined based on Biblical definitions and we are encouraged to build our houses upon the foundation, our rock, Jesus Christ!
***apologies for the loud wind during this recording. This service was one combined service with the whole church and took place outside.
These are the final two chapters of the Book of Genesis. In them we have final words from Jacob to his children and Joseph to his brothers.
If you had the opportunity to speak final words to your family before you die, what sort of legacy would you desire to leave?
Jacob is on his way to Egypt. But, Egypt is not where he's supposed to be. He's leaving the promised land to go to this place where he and his family will now be foreigners. But, God promises, as always, to be with him.
In the midst of a hope famine, we have the bread of life, Jesus Christ. But we can't go from being starving for Jesus to being gluttonous for Jesus. We need to spread the bread. And we do that by acting like Joseph. Instead of seeking retribution against his brothers in Genesis 42-43, he sought reconciliation. Instead of dividing the relationship, he was moved by compassion and worked to bring it back together.
We're starving. But, we're not starving for Jesus. We're starving for reconciliation.
Everything seems to have been stripped away from Joseph. He's abandoned, sold into slavery, and seemingly all alone. But, the words of Genesis 39 repeatedly remind us that "The LORD was with Joseph." And why was God with Joseph? To bless him. So that through him all peoples would be blessed. The same goes for you.
We are introduced in this section to Joseph, the son of Jacob. Even though nothing in this story goes according to the plans of the people, God's ultimate plan is carried out.
In Genesis 31, Jacob flees a conflict with his uncle Laban. As he flees, he also fears a greater conflict that awaits him with his brother Esau. Between his fleeing and his fearing, he has an encounter with God and Jacob leaves that encounter with God both broken and blessed.
As Jacob flees his hometown at his mother Rebekah's direction, he finally makes it north to Laban (his uncle). There at a well, Jacob meets Rachel whom he quickly falls in love with. Jacob, who has a history of deceiving others, will soon find out that deception runs in the family as he tries to marry Rachel.
Deceit. It's all around us. And we, too, are deceivers. There is only one who will never deceive you.
Jacob leaves home at his mother's direction. In his wake is a broken family and a stolen birthright. What lies ahead? He doesn't know. Yet, we find out in Genesis 28, that despite his failures, God is still faithful.
This was the first sermon preached by Pastor Kevin Bender at Saints Peter and Paul.
It sure seems in Genesis 27, that Isaac is "the forgotten father." Neither of his sons or his wife seem to care much about him, they just care about what he has to give them.
In Genesis 26, God reaffirms the promise that he had made to Abraham. It is Isaac's inheritance to carry on this promise that through their family all people will be blessed.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus spoke his final words, "You will be my witnesses..."
Later in Acts 2:32, Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost, "This Jesus, God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses!"
The disciples were eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The truth of the resurrection was so real that they were willing to hold onto it and proclaim it even to the point of their own deaths.
This sermon reminds us that we, too, have seen, heard, and received this eyewitness testimony.
In order to have the new life of Jesus planted in us, we need to pull out the weeds of our sin.
Please excuse some of the glitches in this video. We had a few technical issues during our live feed on this day.
In this concluding chapter, Peter addresses the local leaders of the congregations reminding them to model Christ, live in humility, and ultimately stand firm against the inevitable attacks of the devil.
The end of all things is at hand. Jesus is coming back very soon. That's what we believe. That's what Christians have always believed. Are you living like it's true?
Do you love like it's the last time you'll love? Do you serve like it's the final day? Are you willing to make the name of Jesus Christ known while you love and serve other people?
Are you prepared at all times to give a reason for the hope that is in you? Pastor Aaron encourages us in this sermon to consider our Christian growth like that of those who serve in the military. The military prepares in order that when they face combat they won't panic.
What about us, as Christians? Are we prepared with the story of Jesus' resurrection and the living hope that gives us, so that when we face the inevitable suffering in this life, we can still testify to the hope we have?
Have you tasted anything good lately? Many of us have the impression that what tastes good generally isn't good for us. However, once you start eating healthy food and leave the junk behind, you realize that what's good for you can actually taste good too!
That's the truth about Jesus as well. When we "taste and see that the Lord is good" we realize that He both tastes good and is good for us.
Pay attention to how many times you say the word "hopefully." What do you mean when you say it? Generally, it seems to be a word of wishful thinking. But, did you know that in Jesus Christ, our hope is full? What would it look like for you to live "hope fully?"
The crowds welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" They desired salvation. They desired deliverance. But, did the reality of Jesus match the expectations they had about their coming king?
Jesus speaks clearly in John 14 saying, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This world is offering people many different directions and ways to go in life. But, none of them are clear. They are confusing and misleading. The only sure way to follow is the way of Jesus.
As we all sort through the complexities and rapid changes of the Covid-19 outbreak, this message entitled Jesus is Sight opens our eyes to see Jesus clearly and to serve our neighbors boldly.
In these chapters, we watch Jesus bring water (physical and spiritual) to a physically and spiritually dehydrated woman. Jesus, the living water, provides the water of eternal life. Jesus, also, in John 6, brings living bread to the physically and spiritually hungry.
Are you looking somewhere other than Jesus for sustenance to fill you up? Look no further. Jesus is what you need. Now and forever.
As we enter into the season of Lent, we open the Scriptures to the Gospel of John to fill in the blank Jesus is ........... In first sermon, based on John 1:1-5 we learn that Jesus it the Word of God. What does this mean? What affect does it have on our lives?
On this Transfiguration Sunday, Pastor Aaron shared a message about mountain climbing. What does God have to show us when we're at the top of a mountain? Is this where we're supposed to stay? Or is there more to come?
In this final sermon on the Book of Esther, we learn about the primary purpose for the writing of the Book of Esther. Esther and Mordecai instituted a celebration called Purim in order to remember how God had saved the Jews.
What can we learn from books of history such as Esther? That's what this final sermon is all about.
In this section of Esther the tables are turned, the scales are tipped, the proud are humbled, and the humbled are exalted. Everything that has seemed to be going poorly for the Jewish people is completely reversed. The villain is killed, and justice is served.
Esther puts her life on the line to step into the presence of the King. She took a "step of faith" you could say. And, so far, it's working out in her favor.
How do you know when it's time for you to take a step forward and when it's time to wait on the Lord? Watch, listen, or read.
In these two chapters of Esther, the plot starts to thicken and the drama unfolds. A newly promoted, high-ranking official to the Persian King, is supposed to have everyone bow down to him. Mordecai won't do it. This sets off a feud that dates back centuries between God's people and an ancient enemy. Now is Esther's chance to stand up to the King, reveal her Jewish identity, and beg for the deliverance of her people.
She famously says, "If I perish, I perish."
What are you willing to put on the line for the sake of the Gospel?
In the first half of chapter 2, we are introduced to Esther. She is wrapped up in the process of the Persian King searching for a new queen. And, at the end, she is chosen by the King to be the new queen. But, there are many decisions that Esther makes along the way. Many of them compromise her Jewish faith. Is this good? Did God direct this?
We opened up the Scriptures to the Book of Esther for a 7 week sermon series. This is a true, historical story that is tucked into the depths of the historical books of the Bible.
In this first week, we set the stage, the plot, and historical context for the whole book.
We focus on the flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt as Herod plots to kill every new born boy in Bethlehem after the Wise Men fail to return to him.
Watch, listen, or read this exciting story with deep ties to Israel's past in Old Testament prophecy.
At the beginning of Jesus' life, it is evident that he is A New King. The wise men from the east knew it. Herod, reluctantly, knew it. Do you know it?
In this sermon from Christmas Eve, we are reminded of the simple truths, using memorable imagery, that Jesus is meant to be unwrapped and fully alive in every aspect of our lives in order to give us his good gifts.
In this final sermon for the season of Advent, we are reminded that love's purest form is experienced when we can do nothing to earn it. We are unlovable, and yet God still loves us.
We should know this truth, but this simple Christian message should also change our lives.
Pastor David Weber filled in for Pastor Aaron, while he was sick, and brought this wonderful message of the joy we have in Jesus.
With anxiety-related issues being the #1 mental health diagnosis in the US, and divisiveness in the politics, and warfare all throughout the world, the message of peace is much needed.
Everyone has ideas about peace - where it comes from, how to achieve it, etc. But, all attempts at peace are impossible if not for the peace of God which is available only in Jesus Christ.
Jesus offers us a peace that is not of this world. His peace goes beyond human understanding. It doesn't come from within us. It is out of this world.
During this first Sunday in Advent, we are reminded that in Jesus there is Hope for the Hopeless.
In this final sermon for this series, and as the last Sunday in the church year, we take a look at our final hope: the return of Christ on the Last Day.
But, prior to that Last Day, we have many questions about what happens to Christian people when they die. We want to know that our loved ones are okay, that they are happy, that they are enjoying themselves with Jesus. And, so we often wonder.
This sermon opens up the Bible to how it talks about death and the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
We have strong images in our minds of how we view Heaven and Hell. We've been influenced not only by the Bible, but perhaps even more strongly by popular culture, historic imagery, and the pictures, movies, and books we've seen and read.
So, is what we imagine accurate according to the Scriptures and Jesus' teaching?
This sermon opens up that question with the Biblical reality that Heaven and Hell are both real, eternal, places.
Many Christian people wonder, "Is Jesus really the only way?" The only way to what? The only way to receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The Bible can answer this question in one word, "Yes." Yes, Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
But - when we start thinking this through and putting it into practice, we run into a number of dilemmas that can be hard to understand.
This sermon opens up a number of those hard questions and finds a foundational resolution in the Word of God.
Many people lack confidence in their salvation. They might believe that they're saved by Jesus Christ alone, but then they still wonder, "What if I'm not?"
For that very reason, we looked at this question in the 5th week of our Hard Questions sermon series.
By the end, you will have confidence in your salvation if you desire to be saved by Jesus alone.
As we live in this world, we naturally face situations where we have opportunity to speak about the truth of Jesus Christ. It might be that someone is behaving in a way that is contradictory with the Bible, and we feel we should address the sin. It might be that someone is a time of deep need and the best hope we can offer is Jesus.
God gives us plenty of opportunities to speak, but often we don't know how. Or, we don't do it well. Or, we don't do it at all.
This sermon will remind us about the reasons why we should care about Evangelism (that is, telling the good news of Jesus) and how we can genuinely and authentically have real-life conversations with those who need to hear about the truth of Jesus.
If we're honestly reading God's Word and reflecting on our own lives, we will quickly see that we are sinners. But, what is sin? Sin is, "The failure or refusal of human beings to live the life intended for them by God their creator."
Working off of that definition, this sermon takes us to the Garden of Eden, through the 10 Commandments, and to the fulfillment of Jesus' perfect life, death, and resurrection.
Prayer is a gift from God for us to talk to him whenever we want. But, there are so many things we wonder about our prayers.
What about when it seems like God doesn't answer our prayers? What about when he answers the prayers of other people and not us? Does God answer the prayers of people who are "good" or does he answer prayers of anyone?
These and many other questions regarding prayer are covered in this sermon.
In this first sermon in our "Hard Questions for Jesus" we ask the age old question, "What to do about evil?" In today's sermon, we address the topic from a very high level knowing that many of the questions that we have originate from this general problem.
We learn how to faithfully think through and deal with all the suffering, brokenness, and evil that we face in life.
The good news of Jesus Christ cannot just stay with us. By the very fact that we are Christian people, we have been commanded and sent to bring the good news of Jesus in the world, for the world, with the world. Or, as we say it at Saints Peter and Paul, "IN the Community, FOR the Community, WITH the Community."
In John 17, we read the prayer of Jesus for his disciples as he prepares to be arrested and crucified.
It is vitally important for Christian people to be in relationships with other people. We were not created to live life alone. We are dependent on one another and, at the end of the day, we are better together.
Jesus gives us an image of what a collection of his disciples look like in John 15 in the image of a vineyard. Pastor Aaron preached on this image and explained the importance of groups in the life of Christian disciples.
We are Alive in Christ IN Worship because God is FOR us and God is WITH us.
Have you ever wondered why the Church gathers together week after week for worship services where they sing, pray, listen to a sermon, etc? This sermon reminds us of why it is we worship and what exactly happens during that time together.
This is the final sermon in our summer series through the Book of Genesis. In this final section, we see the transition to the Next Generation. Abraham and Sarah will pass away and their son Isaac will be married to his wife Rebekah.
The sermon applies this message by focusing on the importance for parents to invest in the intentional raising up of the next generation of Jesus followers.
The time has finally come for God to deliver on his promise to Abraham that a son would be born to Sarah and him. They name him Isaac, which in Hebrew means "laughter."
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron focuses on the many reminders God gave of his promise as Abraham waited for God to deliver on the promise.
As we continue our journey through Genesis this week, there is a slight pause in the story of God's promise to Abraham as we see the significant wickedness of God's people in Sodom and Gomorrah. How do we make sense out of God's harsh judgment against sin once again? Watch this.
On Sunday, August 11th, guest preacher, Rev. David Weber reminded us once again of the everlasting covenant that God made with Abram, which is ultimately fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Abram and Sarai had received the promise of God that they would have a multitude of descendants. But, after waiting and waiting and nothing happening, they take matters into their own hands.
This sermon explores "both sides of the story." It looks at it from the side of Abram and Sarai, and then also from the side of Hagar.
There is something for all of us to relate to on one or both sides of the story.
In Genesis 12, God calls out to Abram to pick up and move his family to Canaan. What did Abram do? He listened to God's word. He trusted God. He put his faith in God.
This sermon emphasizes the simple importance to let God be God, and to trust His Word.
Genesis 11 tells the history of how humanity rebelled once again by desiring to make a name for themselves by building a giant toward to reach the heavens.
This time, God's response to their rebellion was to confuse their language so that they could no long communicate with one another so clearly.
It's one of the most well-known stories in the Bible whether people believe in the Bible or not. The Flood.
It's time for us to open up the Scriptures to Genesis 5-10 as we continue our journey through the Book of Genesis. There is much that could be said and preached about regarding this part of the narrative. While it is all important, and merits some good conversation, this sermon zeroes in on one particular image: water.
How quickly sin intensifies from Genesis 3 to Genesis 4. The first death recorded in human history is a murder of a brother by his brother. Cain becomes angry with his brother and he kills him!
God warned Cain, "Sin is crouching at your door. You must rule over it."
In this sermon, we are encouraged to find strength in the Lordship of Jesus that sin would not have mastery over us.
In Genesis 1 and 2, we see how perfect God created things to be. As soon as we turn into Genesis 3, things start to fall apart.
This sermon stays very close to the words of Genesis 3 expounding on the origins of sin and its affects on our world today.
While Genesis 1 is like a zoomed out version of creation, Genesis 2 zooms in to talk specifically about the creation of humanity and the uniqueness of humans.
Pastor Aaron was out of town this weekend and so this sermon was recorded in advance of Sunday services and was played during the services on June 23rd.
On this Father's Day we started a new sermon series titled "Beginning God's Way" which will be a 12 week series covering the first 25 chapters of the Book of Genesis.
Today, we begin where it all begins Genesis 1, "In the beginning, God created."
On the Day of Pentecost the promise of the Father - the Holy Spirit - came upon the disciples with great power. They were enabled to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus and initiate the command of Jesus to be His witnesses to all nations.
note: The band and choir from Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson, WI were our special guests on this day and provided wonderful music for our services.
Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. Luke records that Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."
They finally get it. They know who Jesus is and what he has done for them. They understand.
In this sermon we explore if understanding is enough. Is it enough as a Christian to simply know who Jesus is? Or, is there more to it?
Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations." These words are often called The Great Commission. What does it mean to be commissioned to a task? Who's mission is it to start with?
This sermon explores these significant words of Jesus and directly applies them to our lives today.
We had a very special guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. David Kim. He is a dear friend and personal discipleship coach for Pastor Aaron Gehrke. Dr. Kim led a discipleship training on Saturday, May 11th and preached God's Word from the Book of Ruth.
You can learn more about Dr. Kim and his organization, Glocal Mission, at www.glocalmission.org.
He's often called "Doubting Thomas" however the problem with Thomas was not so much doubts as it was a flat-out refusal to believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
He was an unbeliever. Yet, Jesus still came to him and Jesus came for him. And Thomas could not help but confess, "My Lord and My God!"
After the resurrection of Jesus, he spent 40 days appearing to people validating his resurrection.
Just like an aftershock of an earthquake, these appearances were like aftershocks of Easter. They originate with Jesus and are triggered by the main shock of his death and resurrection.
In this first sermon in the series, we see how Jesus appeared to two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. In this story, those followers start by being heartbroken, but in the end, their hearts burn with the passion of the risen savior Jesus.
On Easter morning the crown of thorns was exchanged for the crown of victory!
Christ's victory is our gain. The crown of life is our eternal inheritance!
The Cross is the most well-known image associated with Christianity throughout the world. But The Cross was a death penalty. A gruesome death penalty. Yet, this is what we hang on the front of our churches, and place on our steeples.
What we believe about Jesus all comes down to what happened on the cross.
The Cup appears in two different places in Luke 22. The cup of the Passover and the cup of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Watch or listen to this sermon to learn more about the significance of The Cup.
When we follow after Jesus it's good to be part of the crowd. But, what's your place in the crowd?
On this Palm Sunday, we join in the crowd of people shouting, "Hosanna! Save us now!"
On this last Wednesday in Lent, during the week of "Going" in the Red Letter Challenge, Pastor Aaron reminds us that one of the greatest inhibitors to us speaking about our faith is fear.
Jesus spent a lot of time telling his disciples, "Go." He also spent a lot of time telling them, "Fear not."
In this final principle of the Red Letter Challenge, things get personal. Going is probably the most difficult thing for Christians to do. Why? The reasons vary from person to person. But, the reality is, we must speak.
We have to learn to simply tell others what Jesus has done in our lives and what difference that makes.
There are too many people dying not knowing Jesus. You need to go.
Go and do not be silent, you are not the only one to be saved.
"Give clothes to the needy," is the challenge for today. In this sermon, we look at the Biblical theology of clothing and find a useful image for us in how to view our clothing.
Our God is a generous God. We are invited by Him to live lives of generosity in response.
In this 4th principle of Jesus followers, in the Red Letter Challenge, we are challenged to be people who give because the way we give directly affects the way we experience the Kingdom of God.
What if all Christians saw themselves as everyday missionaries in their literal neighborhoods?
"Love your neighbor as yourself." -Jesus
Why do we serve other people as Christians? It's our purpose because it was Jesus' purpose! Jesus came into this world not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Day 16 in the Red Letter Challenge asks us to "be merciful."
In this message, Pastor Aaron reminds us what mercy means, why mercy is a practical necessity in the world, and he teaches the congregation a song called "Lord Have Mercy."
Grace has the power to change lives. No matter how serious, big, or awful your sin is, God's grace extends to cover it.
In this week of Forgiveness, we will experience the reality that we are forgiven solely because of what Jesus has done for us. Grace!
The Day 9 challenge is "Spend some time in solitude today: Take your bible with you and get way from all the distractions. Try it for 30 minutes and if you are able, do it even longer."
This evening's message from our 2nd Wednesday evening in Lent dives deeper into this daily challenge and the necessity of it.
*sorry for the crummy audio today
In this 2nd official week of the Red Letter Challenge, but 1st week of "actual" challenges we are introduced to the theme "Being."
Being is a lost art in our culture. We're great at being busy, but not too great at being. Before God ever asks us to do something for him he invites us to be with him. Our God is not far away. He does not desire a long distance relationship with us. He is near. He is here. And he offers a real relationship with us. All the time.
What a great gift!
On Ash Wednesday we gathered to confess that we are "dust and to dust we shall return." The wages of sin is death, but thanks be to God that Christ overcame death for us!
On Wednesdays during Lent we will gather for worship at 7pm and the theme for worship will follow the Wednesday readings in the Red Letter Challenge.
Ash Wednesday's theme was introducing the topic of "Forgiveness" which will be a full week's theme starting on 3.17.
Today, we launched our Lenten campaign called "The Red Letter Challenge." We will take God at his words as he said on that transfiguration mountain "This is my Son. My Chosen One. Listen to him."
Over the next 40 days, we will be reading the words of Jesus and putting them into practice on a daily basis! This sermon serves as an introduction to the themes we will cover over the next 5 weeks.
Stay in touch at www.copperluth.org/redletterchallenge
We had a snow day at church on 2/24/2019. Because we were intending on wrapping up the Book of Job, Pastor Aaron preached the sermon from his basement on Monday 2/25/2019.
This sermon is the conclusion to the Book of Job sermon series.
Finally! God shows up and God speaks! This debate between Job and his friends about why Job suffered so greatly needed to come to an end.
God always shows up. God always speaks. And when shows up and speaks we are humbled of ourselves and we can hear what he has to say.
Do you want to experience his presence and his word today? Look to the cross!
We all have a human need to seek justification. That means, we want to be made right. We want to be right. And we want others to know that we're right. But, what we truly need is to be made right with God, and that has already been given to us as a gift through Jesus.
In chapters 32-37 in the book of Job, we meet a character named Elihu. Elihu has a lot to say to Job and to Job's friends. And he's confident he is more right than Job or the 3 friends.
After going through 3 rounds of debate with his friends last week, Job makes his final, not guilty, statement in this week's sermon. He's made his case. He's defended himself against the accusations of his friends. The only thing he desires now is for God to show up and make a final decision!
In Job chapters 3-28 we enter into 3 cycles of debate between Job and his friends regarding Job's suffering. Job's friends try to tell him that he must have done something to cause his suffering. Job maintains his innocence at the same time maintaining his trust in God.
This sermon helps bring clarity to these chapters all while encouraging us to be true friends as Christ is our true friend.
Suffering is the most well known human experience. And it is THE thing that we just don't understand. Those who don't believe in God do everything they can to distance themselves from it. Those who believe in God often spend their time asking God, "Why?" Suffering.
The book of Job teaches us some very practical things about what to do, what not to do, what to say, and what not to say when we or are loved ones are faced with suffering.
As we read this story over the next 6 weeks, we will be forced to wrestle through many difficult questions relating to suffering in the light of Jesus Christ. In the end, and in each sermon, there is hope and help in Jesus Christ!
On this Day of Epiphany we are reminded that our big big God became real for us. He has shown us everything we need to know about him in Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrates once again that he came into this world for ALL people!
We are Alive in Christ. That means we "put on Christ" by putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
What you put on affects you, and it also affects the way others see you.
We learn tonight that Jesus is the only one in the history of the world who was without sin. But, he came into the world, the son of sinners, in the midst of sinners, for sinners.
This is the story of Christmas. God, comes for us, rebellious people, to save us from our sins.
Jesus is the completion of God's plan of salvation. He is the fulfillment of all that had come before him, and he is the fulfillment of all that we need. There is no other means by which our lives can be completed except through Jesus.
In this sermon we learn about the names "Jesus" and "Immanuel."
"I thank God that my salvation is not based on my ability to complete things. If God had a task list for me, I'd be doomed. I know my inconsistencies well. I'm familiar with my failures. I am grateful that we have a God who calls and gathers broken failures like us to be his very own..."
This and much more from the 3rd Sunday in Advent!
"After these things God put Abraham to the test..." (Genesis 22:1).
Why did God test Abraham? Why does God test us?
These questions are only natural for us to ask, and therefore this sermon spends time opening up answers to these questions.
The season of Advent is all about waiting for the coming of our King, Jesus. God promised that he would send a Savior and he did. He followed through on his promise. Jesus has promised he will come again. We trust that he will. In the meantime, we wait.During the Sundays of Advent, we will trace the lineage of Jesus according to the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew. We will see that Jesus is the true Messiah fulfilling all of Old Testament prophecy. Today's sermon focuses on the reality that Jesus is the Son of David - our King!
When will this heartache be over? When will I be pain-free? When is Jesus going to come back to make all things new?
No one knows. But we do know that He will. So, what should we do until His return? That's what this final sermon in the series on Acts is all about.
Feeling anxious today? Stressed? Worried?
You really don't need to. God is near. You can give him everything through prayer. And He will replace your anxiety with his peace that goes beyond all understanding.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Do you ever get sick and tired of hearing the same thing over and over and over again? Many people do.
Do you ever get sick and tired of hearing the good news of Jesus over and over again?
Let us be people who desire and are hungry to hear the Word of God!
God allows some amazing things to happen for the good news of Jesus to be proclaimed. What is that good news of Jesus?
Jesus is the promised Savior who has risen from the dead! This theme is echoed over and over again in the book of Acts.
And today, we hear how God enables even prisoners to preach this message to those in high authority.
We apologize for a technical difficulty we had with the audio recording in the sermon starting at minute 7:12 and lasting for the remainder. If the remainder is too hard to understand, a transcript has been included as an attachment.
How do you say goodbye to people? Do you take the opportunity to turn each goodbye into a blessing?
In Acts 20, Paul has to say goodbye to some beloved friends from the city of Ephesus. Let's watch how he says goodbye to them.
In Acts 17, Paul stands before a group of willing listeners who know nothing about Jesus and is invited to speak to them.
If you were afforded the same opportunity, would you know what to say? Where would you start? How would you tell about the hope you have in Jesus?
What would you say?
As we get into chapters 10-14 in this 3rd week of our Acts sermon series, we read stories of Peter and Paul as they reach unbelievers in different areas. Peter mostly stays near Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas go to many different cities.
This sermon challenges us, in our present context, to consider how we are doing at following Christ's Acts 1:8 command to be witnesses of the resurrection locally and globally at all times.
There are real threats to Christians. There are external threats that come from others who seek to persecute us and potentially even put us to death. And there are internal threats, as our own selfish, prideful sin does battle with the life Christ has called us to.
In all of this, the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us victory to overcome and live boldly in His name!
This sermon examines the death of the apostle Stephen - the first Christian martyr.
This begins a sermon series on the Book of Acts. At the beginning of the Book of Acts we watch the 11 remaining disciples replace Judas through casting lots.
This sermon introduces us to the (new) 12 apostles so that we can get to know them before we watch them carry out the the commands of Jesus Christ against all the odds.
Being a follower of Jesus is not just about knowing who He is. It's not simply about considering ourselves disciples of His. But, if we believe that He is the Christ, and that we are His disciples, then we have the opportunity to call Jesus our Lord. Jesus is not looking to be Lord over 50% of our lives or 75% of our responsibilities. He is offering to be Lord of 100% of our lives. And this, we will find out, is very good for us.
In this second sermon of a 4 part series, we ask the questions, "What's a Disciple? Am I One?" By looking at the Scriptures Genesis 15:1-6, Galatians 3:1-9, and John 8:31-38, we a reminded that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are free to follow him.
God is an active God. His work is to seek and to save the lost through Jesus! He is active in your life by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring the good news to the world. Will you join him?
This sermon deals with some of the main reasons Christians are hesitant to share Jesus with unbelievers, and also offers some practical tips of how to do it.
David had it all, and yet he wanted more. In this part of the story, we see the man David fall from the top as he falls into temptation seeking Bathsheba. It's a kind of story that we've seen time and time again.
In this sermon we look at some of the reasons stories like this continue to resurface even in 21st century America. And, yet, above it all, we are reminded once and again that the grace of God is for sinners.
After David killed Goliath, he didn't become king right away. As a matter of fact, he had to go on the run from a jealous King Saul who wanted him dead. This part of the story is filled with drama and excitement. What we see, ultimately, in the character of David is a man who seeks after the heart of God.
David was called by God and anointed to be the next king prior to his defeat over Goliath. When God placed a call on David's life, he called him for a life of purpose. David's purpose was not just to defeat Goliath. God had much more in store for him.
This sermon is the first in a 3 week series that will survey the Life of David.
This is the final sermon in this six week series on Psalms. In Psalm 150, we learn what "hallelujah" means and talk about why there's so much singing in church.
God's love is eternal, steadfast, and lasts forever. And all of that love is also intimately involved in every moment of your life. This day is one that God has created for you. Rejoice and be glad in it!
How do you picture Jesus in your mind? Is he soft, kind, and gentle? Or, is he strong, mighty, and powerful?
Psalm 110 is a prophecy about the kind of King that Jesus is.
Watch/listen to this to hear all about it!
Don't you just feel like telling God how you really feel? That you're disappointed. Frustrated. Even angry? Well you're not alone, that's what Lament Psalms are all about. Psalm 44 is a Lament Psalm.
The second half of this sermon is an update from Greg Holz, a missionary in Cambodia, and college friend of Pastor Aaron's.
Psalm 23, one of the most beloved Psalms, is a rich reminder to us of the eternal protection and provisions provided to us by our almighty God.
Psalm 1 serves an introduction to the book of Psalms. Here we learn what the life of someone who is faithful to God looks like.
This sermon sticks close to the Biblical text in Peter's Pentecost sermon from Acts 2. In which he clearly speaks about the work of the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This all culminates in the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ to put an end to evil and undo death.
What is the work of the Holy Spirit? The disciples found out first hand on the Day of Pentecost and you can as well.
Where Jesus is, there is joy. Joy is not something that is earned or achieved. It is given to us by Jesus when he shows up. The good news - he's always with us. Therefore, joy is always a possibility!
What do you do about the suffering you have to face in this life? How do you handle it? Where is God in it all?
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:18, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Do you agree or disagree?
Watch/listen to this sermon on how Easter Affects My Suffering.
What's your calling? What has God uniquely called you to do in this life?
Your vocation is more than just the place that gives you a paycheck. God has bigger plans for you than just that.
Many people in this world feel lost. They’re ever-seeking, and never finding. Always thinking, never confident. Always grieving, never hoping. Always in pursuit of something more, yet finding less. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, what direction do you have?
Easter affects your direction.
Easter affects families, particularly the way parents raise their children. Parents' primary responsibility in this life is to point their children to the resurrection of Jesus. Because, without that, nothing else matters.
This sermon begins a new sermon series for the Sundays of Easter. Each week we will explore a particular aspect of our lives and discuss how the reality of Jesus' resurrection affects our lives.
In this first sermon, we look at the example of "Doubting Thomas" to learn how it is that Easter Affects My Doubts.
The resurrection of Jesus is no joke. We're not fooling around. We're talking about a reality. Jesus really rose from the dead. And this changes everything.
When Jesus said, "It is finished" he was not speaking of his death. He was declaring victory over the fact that he had fully accomplished the Father's purpose for sending him: to save the world from its sin.
Who is Jesus? What is he doing? The best way to find out is to listen to Jesus and watch what he does.
During Holy Week, we will focus on the Greek Word "Tetelestai" which is what Jesus spoke on the cross and is translated in English, "It is finished." On this Palm Sunday, will will focus on the first word "It."
This Sunday is also our Confirmation Sunday in which 16 young adults publicly confirm their Christian faith.
It's easy to give up in this life. But we don't need to give up. We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. God never gives up ON us. God always gives up FOR us.
We are people who love to be in control. We want things our way, when we want them and how we want them. Yet, ultimately we are not in control. God is. Are you living life out of control? Or, are you allowing God to be in control?
Blood (Heb. dām). The essential fluid of human, animal, and even plant life (cf. Gen. 49:11–12; Deut. 32:14).
In addition to its literal meaning, blood can be interpreted figuratively as the equivalent of life itself. Thus, the “voice” of Abel’s shed blood cries from the ground for vengeance (Gen. 4:10). At Gen. 9:4–6 Noah is forbidden to eat flesh with “its life, that is, its blood,” either of animals or of human beings. The prohibition against eating animal flesh from which the blood had not been drained may have been to oppose a cruel, barbaric custom of eating live animals or those whose blood was still warm. Perhaps it implies the future importance of blood for sacrificial purposes. Human bloodshed was forbidden because human beings are created in the image of God (v. 6). When God demanded a reckoning for the blood of a human being, he took human life into his protection and established an intimate connection between blood and life. In this way God hoped to arrest the prevalence of murder spawned when Cain slew his brother Abel.
The Mosaic legislation did not alter this divine prohibition. The blood and the fat of animals were to be brought to the altar, to indicate that they belonged to God rather than to man. The priests could sprinkle the blood on the altar, but, like the other Israelites, could not eat it or the fat (Lev. 3:16–17; 7:22–27). Fat and blood offered upon the altar symbolized atonement and therefore belonged to God alone. During the wilderness period the slaughtering of a sacrificial “ox or a lamb or a goat” could be done only at the door of the tent of meeting (17:3–5). After the Conquest, however, the priests were permitted to sacrifice animals anywhere in Palestine, though they were still not permitted to eat animal blood (Deut. 12:15–16, 21–25; cf. 1 Sam. 14:34).
According to Lev. 17:11, God gave the blood of animals “upon the altar to make atonement for [the souls of his people]; for it is the blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life.” The slaughter had to take place on the altar and the sacrifice was to be given to the Lord. The express prohibition against eating animal blood was repeated and observed by the Jews (vv. 10, 12) and the sojourners (v. 13). The cultic significance of the shedding of animal blood reached its highest expression on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest brought it into the holy of holies and sprinkled it on the mercy seat (Lev. 16:14–15). As the essence of life, animal blood atoned for real life; symbolically, it atoned for the sins of the person making the sacrifice.
Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (pp. 163–164). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Not many people will voluntarily give up power. It is something we cling to and a desire we crave. Yet, in life, we are often forced to acknowledge that we are ultimately powerless when faced with life's afflictions.
During these times, where will we find power? In ourselves, or in our God?
Hebrew mizbēaḥ, from zbḥ “to slaughter” (and subsequently “to sacrifice”), designates a place where various types of sacrifices and offerings (e.g., animal, grain, incense) were presented. (Originally the term may have indicated that animals were placed on the altar and then slaughtered, but in general practice the killing took place in front of the altar [Lev. 1–7; cf. Gen. 22:9].) The altar was the focus of the Israelite sanctuary, hence the phrase “to build an altar” connotes “to establish a sanctuary” (cf. Gen. 12:7–8; 26:25).
The earliest altars mentioned in the Old Testament were erected in commemoration of a divine theophany (e.g., Gen. 8:20; 12:7–8; 13:18; 22:19). Others were set up as a witness to God and frequently were given a commemorative name (e.g., Exod. 17:15 [RSV “Yahweh is my banner”]; Josh. 22:9–10, 26–27). Such “lay” altars were common even after the centralized cult had been established at Jerusalem under David and Solomon and despite the later reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah (cf. Josh. 8:30–34; Judg. 21:4; 1 Sam. 7:17; 2 Sam. 24:25); monarchic and prophetic opposition to these local altars was not intended to subdue individual piety but rather to lessen the divisive impact of local practices (which had persisted since the days of the tribal confederacy) and prevent further influence by non-Yahwistic elements (“Baalism”). The consecrated altars of the tabernacle and of the Jerusalem temple were symbols of God’s eternal presence in their midst.
As the locus of sacrifices and offerings, the altar also functioned as a means of mediation between mankind and God, thereby maintaining or reestablishing the covenant relationship (cf. Exod. 20:24)
During Lent we will focus on giving up certain things that can inhibit us from experiencing the fullness of life in Jesus Christ. Today, the theme is "I Give Up: Comfort."
Our hearts should break when we see how great our sin is.
We cannot escape the effects of our sin. And we cannot escape the effects of God's grace for us in Jesus Christ.
From dust we are and to dust we shall return.
In chapter 4, we finally hear the heart of the prophet Jonah. He lets us in on how he's feeling, and why he acted certain ways. As he does this, he turns more and more in on himself. His selfishness is evident. Yet, God remains consistent in being who he is: gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Jonah gets a second chance to respond to God's call in chapter 3. Believe it or not, he does what God commands. God gives us new life each day through His grace. And He has a plan and a call for you as well. Will you go?
In Chapter 1, Jonah had fled from God. Yet, God rescued him by delivering a great fish to swallow him up. Chapter 2 is a song/Psalm of Thanksgiving from the lips of Jonah as he is in the belly of the fish.
What does Jonah have to say for himself? How does he understand what God is actually doing? Take a listen to this sermon to find out!
In Chapter 1, the Word of God comes to Jonah with a clear command. What does Jonah do? The opposite. Hear how it unfolds in this sermon.
A sermon introducing the book of Jonah. This is a well-known story, but how much do people know about it? Is this story true? Did it actually happen? These and other questions are answered in this introductory sermon.
Simeon recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. Taking him up in his arms he said, "Now I can die in peace."
Jesus is holding you.
This final Sabbath on Christmas Eve morning is like the calm before the storm. The calm before the storm of Christmas celebrations. But also the calm before the storm of Christ's return.
We live noisy lives in the midst of a noisy world. Where is God in all this noise?
He is with us. And He most often speaks to us in a still small voice. He can speak to us in a whisper because He is near to us. He is with us always.
When we remember the Sabbath, there is a kind of death. We die to ourselves and we rise to new life in Jesus Christ. We rest, and then we rise.
This sermon also takes us to the fact that death itself is a form of Sabbath. Pastor Aaron reads prayers from the graveside burial service that point towards the hope we have in rising from the dead.
Jesus was accused by Pharisees of allowing his disciples to break the Sabbath? How did Jesus handle it?
He told the Pharisees that they had a wrong interpretation of the law. He also reminded them that the Sabbath is not meant to be burdensome, but it's intended as a gift.
During this season of Advent we will focus on the theme "Sabbath: There is Rest for Those Who Wait."
Are you restless? Anxious? Stressed? We are people infatuated with being busy. We try to take matters into our own hands. We want to get all the credit for our work. When in reality, God provides all that we need just when we need it.
Therefore he commands us to rest because it's good for us.
On this Last Sunday of the Church Year, we look at Jesus' words in Matthew 25. When Jesus returns, he will come to deliver the inheritance of eternal life to the sheep (righteous people). But, what is it that makes someone righteous? And, what about the people who don't believe in Jesus? What's in store for them?
People love the Bible. It's the best selling book year after year after year. But, what is the Bible? Is it history, philosophy, a moral compass, a self-help book, or something much greater?
How do we know that the Bible is trustworthy? Can it hold up to academic and historical scrutiny?
These are some of the questions that are sought after today as we look at the final sola of the Reformation - "Sola Scriptura." This means that we don't need to look anywhere else for matters of faith. God has revealed to us just what we need to know about who he is and who we are in the words of the Scriptures.
Martin Luther cried out, "Sola Fide" - that is we are saved THROUGH faith alone. Luther's understanding of the Gospel as a gift of God on account of Christ, influenced the role of faith in the life of the Christian.
In some ways, faith is a passive gift of God that is received and allows us to believe that Jesus is who he says He is. And, in another sense, faith is also a lively and active thing which causes us to respond in thanksgiving and obedience.
In this sermon, these various dynamics of faith are explored.
The cry of Luther, "Sola Gratia" (Grace Alone) was a shocking assertion in the 1500s. The church had long stood on merit-based salvation. As a matter of fact, every day of our lives, living on this earth, is merit based. If I eat healthy food, I'll be healthier. If I exercise, I'll be in better shape. If I follow the speed limit I won't get a ticket. Do any of the opposite, and there are consequences.
But, God's grace isn't merit-based. Except, solely on the merits of Jesus Christ and him alone.
Grace is an all or nothing proposition with God doing ALL, and us doing NOTHING.
When it all comes down to it, all of our generous actions come back to this: Time and Money. Some people say that time is money. Some people say that money is time. Either way, it hardly seems like we ever have enough of either. Yet, it's exactly these things that God gives to us not only for ourselves, but also to live generously for others.
What motivates you to be generous? Today we look at the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector.
Attitudes differ when it comes to Generosity. What does Generosity mean? Is there one action that's more generous than another? What does the Bible say about it all?
In this first sermon in a 3 week series, we will open this conversation about a core Christian practice: Generosity.
Habits are developed through repetition. Through the repetition of Hope in the Head, Hope in the Heart and Hands of Hope we can be and become People of Habitual Hope. This is good for you. And this is good for the world!
Your future is set. Jesus rose from the dead and he will raise all of you to new life. This is your hope. But there are many in this world who are running short on hope. How has God uniquely gifted you to be hands of hope in this world which often has no hope?
When you don't have to worry about your future you are free to care about the future of others.
Having defined Christian hope last week, in today's sermon we ask the question, "So what? Does our future hope affect our present reality?" It should, but often it doesn't. In this sermon, we are encouraged to let our Christian hope be more than just something we know, but a truth that sees us through all of life's situations.
In this week's sermon, Christian hope is defined as a firm and secure anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6). This is contrasted with worldly hope, which is nothing more than just wishful thinking.
God hears all of our prayers and he answers them according to his good and gracious will. Sometimes his answer satisfies us, and sometimes we may wonder if he even heard us. This much is guaranteed to us - God Will will always be done. His will is good for us.
Included in this sermon is a conversation with Pastor Aaron's brother Seth and his wife Emily who live in Houston, TX regarding the effects of Hurricane Harvey.
This sermon focuses on Luke 18:1-8 where Jesus tells a parable to encourage his disciples to not lose heart, but to pray always.
Do you know how to pray? Maybe you do silently, but what about with other people? This sermon gives some practical examples of how to pray.
Have you ever thought, "If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely in charge, why should I pray to Him? Why does He want to hear from me if He's just going to do what He wants to do?" Watch or listen to this sermon to hear why we should pray.
This sermon begins a six week sermon series on prayer. Each week we will ask a simple question about prayer. Today's question, "What is prayer?"
On this day, we had one combined worship service to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our congregation. We gathered under the theme, "In Christ We Are: Alive to Thrive."
All the objectives of the ministry of Christ's Church must be founded in the preaching of God's Word, the administration of His sacraments, and the teaching of the faith.
Have you ever read the Bible and said, "What did I just read?" You're not alone. The Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8 said to Philip, "How can I understand what I'm reading unless someone explains it to me?"
God's Word is ready to be delivered to you that you may have life and have it to the full.
Based on the parable from the Good Samaritan, we ask the question, "Why should we extend a helping hand in human need?" What's the reason that we want to help other people? Do we help others to make ourselves feel good? Do we help others to make the world a better place? Or, do we help others simply because they need our help and we are able to extend a helping hand?
Fellowship means more than just coffee and donuts. As a matter of fact, the Greek work "koinonia" means that there is an earthly element and a heavenly element happening at the same time. When we love and forgive as we have been loved and forgiven we have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ while at the same time having fellowship with God himself.
Unity is a Christian concept at its core. Jesus Christ is the only way that people can be truly united in this world.
We are Alive in Christ because of who God is and who he has made us to be. It is our mission to continue being a vibrant and growing family of God, truly and fully Alive in Christ!
This sermon focuses on the third phrase of our congregation's 150 year old mission statement "Assist in Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to All the World."
You probably don't consider yourself a preacher. But, you do use words, correct? You have opinions? How can you preach the good news of Jesus Christ in everyday conversations?
This sermon focuses on the second phrase of our congregation's 150 year old mission statement "Carry out His will."
We ask the questions: What is God's will? How is God's will done? And, how do we, as a congregation, carry out God's will?
This is the first phrase in our congregation's 150 year old mission statement. It all begins here. The purpose of this congregation is to give honor and glory to God.
Before we can begin to accomplish the mission that God has before us, we must first acknowledge the fact that God is God and we belong to him.
What is Heaven? Where is it? How do we get there? What should we do until Heaven? Today's sermon will scratch the surface on answers to these questions. The goal: to give you answers about the end so you can have hope while you wait.
The Apostle Paul faced incredible suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and yet he still found joy in the immense love of Jesus. How can we get through the difficulties of this life if not for the love of Jesus Christ?
At all times we need to be ready to witness about the hope we have in Jesus Christ. There are other times where we need to follow Paul's example and intentionally bring the good news of Jesus to "those people" in "those places." Are you willing to go?
What does it mean to "be a witness" of Jesus? Who do your eyes see today? What do your hands touch today? What do your lips speak today? How will you use these things today to testify the ways you have seen and experienced the risen Jesus?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ happened in history. It is reality. The reality of the resurrection makes your reality more real.
On Good Friday, Jesus’s body was ravaged, yet at the same time as he is being ravaged, he ravages the power of the devil. How has Jesus ravaged your enemies, or do you feel like the one who is ravaged?
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus reclines at the table to celebrate the Passover with his disciples. When do you recline in the presence of Jesus Christ and truly appreciate his nearness to you?
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem. But, what a ride it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ! This ride leads to resurrection!