THE WAY CHURCH: Recent Episodes
The Way Church
Open Eyes See Our Allies: A Sermon on 2 Kings 6:8-17 Green Berets. Rangers. SEALs. Delta Force. These special forces groups are part of the United States military. They are elite: highly trained with unique skill sets. Many of their important missions are carried out in total secrecy. Two weeks ago, we acknowledged that we are in the middle of a massive spiritual war. Today, we thank God that we fight this war with the protection of special forces. Since the fifth century, Christians have observed the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels. We commemorate that God has sent Michael, one of the great archangels described in Scripture, and countless of his fellow angels to protect and serve mankind. Let us rejoice that followers of Christ have powerful allies! Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Recipe for Greatness: A Sermon on Mark 9:30-37 Humility and pride are polar opposites. Pride exalts self at the expense of God and others. Humility exalts God and others at the expense of self. Pride is the essential vice, for it increases one’s hunger for all other sins. Humility increases one’s hunger for the forgiveness and healing found in Christ. The one who is proud demands to be served. The one who is humble is not content unless serving others. St. Augustine described it this way: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” As we see all Christ did to serve us, our hearts melt. Within us grows a Christ-like obsession to serve others, without counting the cost, without any desire to be repaid. Those who are in positions of Christian leadership understand leadership can only be achieved through service. Followers of Christ are humble servants who know real greatness is found in service. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Right Fight Requires the Right Fit: A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-18What is the worst war in human history? One might point to World War II, which has the highest death toll of at least 90 million people. Or consider the Three Kingdoms War, which not only resulted in over 40 million deaths but also lasted for most of the third century. There is no end to the sad list of nominations: the Thirty Years War, the Taiping Rebellion, the American Civil War, World War I. None of those is the correct answer. The worst war in human history began when the first shot was fired in Eden. It has been raging since. It is a war against “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). This is not a war over land or resources. It is a war for souls. The reality is that there are demonic forces that want to do more than kill you; they want to claim you for all eternity. The good news: Christ has already called you his own and equipped you for this war. Followers of Christ are armed for the battle. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
How Jesus Makes Follower: A Sermon on Mark 7:31-37Power is neither inherently good nor bad. Fire is powerful. The chef uses fire to create meals. But the arsonist uses fire to destroy homes. Nuclear fission is a powerful force. The engineer harnesses it, producing abundant electricity. The tyrant harnesses it, threating others with nuclear weapons. What matters is the purpose of the one who has that power. Jesus has limitless power, as the numerous accounts of his miracles demonstrate. Those who witnessed those miracles understood that Jesus used his power for good. That doesn’t mean they all understood Jesus’ true purpose. Some thought Jesus’ purpose was to make this temporal life better. And while Jesus did that at times, his ultimate purpose was to save us from sin and give us the gift of eternal life. Followers of Christ see the true purpose of his power. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Does This Offend You? | A Sermon on John 6:51-69As Jesus concluded his Bread of Life discourse, many said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” and walked away. Read carefully. They did not say the teaching was hard to understand. The meaning was clear enough. Jesus was teaching that the only chance to enjoy eternity in heaven is through a close connection to him. He is the only bread that gives eternal life. That isn’t hard to understand, but it is hard to accept. Eating this bread means reordering our lives so that Jesus is by far our highest priority. It means loving the Blesser infinitely more than his earthly blessings. It means realizing that Jesus is the only thing we really need. If we had nothing but him, we would not lack anything that ultimately matters. Jesus watches the multitudes walking away from him. He turns to the Twelve—he turns to us this week—and he whispers, “You do not want to leave me too, do you?” May the Spirit give us the wisdom to answer, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Only Food We Really Need: A Sermon on Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18As Jesus concluded his Bread of Life discourse, many said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” and walked away. Read carefully. They did not say the teaching was hard to understand. The meaning was clear enough. Jesus was teaching that the only chance to enjoy eternity in heaven is through a close connection to him. He is the only bread that gives eternal life. That isn’t hard to understand, but it is hard to accept. Eating this bread means reordering our lives so that Jesus is by far our highest priority. It means loving the Blesser infinitely more than his earthly blessings. It means realizing that Jesus is the only thing we really need. If we had nothing but him, we would not lack anything that ultimately matters. Jesus watches the multitudes walking away from him. He turns to the Twelve—he turns to us this week—and he whispers, “You do not want to leave me too, do you?” May the Spirit give us the wisdom to answer, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
I Am the Bread of Life: Food for Thought - A Sermon on John 6:25-51There are many different theories about the healthiest way to eat. There’s the old food pyramid, built on a foundation of whole grains. There’s the Mediterranean diet, the Atkins diet, the Paleo diet, and many others. We can debate which is best, but what is undebatable is that whatever your diet, you are going to die. Perhaps a vegetarian diet is indeed easier on your heart. Still, your heart is going to stop eventually. But in his Bead of Life discourse, Jesus offers food that enables us to live forever. There are foods you might never have tasted without someone working hard to convince you to try them. Likewise, this spiritual food that Jesus describes is something no one finds appealing at first, but distasteful. And so today Jesus explains that we need God to work within us, so that we have the wisdom to see that this food gives life and the faith to find this bread most delicious. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Fear Not: A Sermon on 2 Timothy 4Shortly before he ascended, Jesus told his followers they were to engage in meaningful ministry—to work their way through the world, sharing the good news of salvation. Our loving Lord knew that was a big and often intimidating task. So, his next words were a promise. “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). God’s people still need to hear that promise.For several weeks, we have been discussing the reality that the Lord of the Church has called all believers to meaningful ministry. Ministry will come with challenges. It can cause fears to arise: the fear of rejection, the fear of inadequacy, the fear of persecution. So, listen again to your Savior. “I am with you always.” We conclude our series on meaningful ministry empowered by that gracious promise.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Handling Abundance: A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:8-11King David explains, “The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That word “everything” doesn’t leave any wiggle room, does it? That word “everything” means that your home and all its furnishings, your vehicle and all that’s in the trunk, your bank account, the twenty-eight dollars in your wallet, the wallet itself, and the pocket in which you carry your wallet all belong to God. Everything you have was given to you by your good and gracious Father. We need to understand that. But it is just as important that we understand why God provides for our physical needs. As we have seen throughout this worship series, God has called us to ministry. He asks us to reflect his love in meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others. Believers want to serve others in those ways. By providing for us, God meets our need to meet others’ needs. This week Jesus promises that he will provide the resources necessary to conduct meaningful ministry. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Shepherd's Heart: A Sermon on Mark 6:30-34In the ancient Middle East, a shepherd needed certain skills to do his job well: knowledge of edible grasses, ability to trim hooves, capacity to fend off predators, competency to birth lambs. However, the greatest qualification of a shepherd is much simpler. A good shepherd needed to care for his sheep. Without that, none of those other skills would be fully utilized. In Scripture meaningful ministry is often pictured as a compassionate shepherd caring for his sheep: Jesus’ care for us; a spiritual leader’s care for his “flock.” Certainly, gospel ministry requires specific skills: ability to actively listen to people, aptitude for applying the gospel to someone’s situation, etc. But ultimately, meaningful ministry requires a compassionate heart—a profound caring for others. An individual might know God’s Word backwards and forwards. But if they lack compassion, they will not fully perform meaningful ministry. Today, we ask the Spirit to see how Jesus models a compassionate shepherd’s heart so that we might be filled with that same compassion. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Handling Authority: A Sermon on Titus 1:5-9When a child asks a sibling to do something there isn’t much certainty as to the results. The sibling might simply ignore the request. However, if that same child goes to a brother or sister with “Dad said so,” it’s a very different story! Now the father’s authority is behind the child’s request. As believers carry out gospel ministry, encouraging others to turn to Christ in repentance, people might push back. “What gives you the right?” Maybe we ask that question ourselves. “I’m far from perfect. So, what gives me the right to talk about things like sin?” This week we are given the answer to that question. “Dad said so.” When our God calls us to do ministry, he also gives us authority. In calling us to ministry, God isn’t asking us to share our advice or our opinion or even our values. We are sharing God’s own authoritative Word. Gospel ministry is conducted by believers but with God’s own authority behind the effort. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Ministry and Ministers that Handle Rejection: A Sermon on Mark 6:1-6If ministry involves serving others with love and compassion, you would think that people would respond only with glee and gratitude for the help they received. Sometimes, but not always. If you offer to help a family member who is having trouble paying his bills, he might be offended, wondering if you are implying that he is not a good provider. Likewise, if you try and share the gospel with someone, he might resent the message that he is a sinner in need of salvation. You are trying to minister to this man’s greatest need. Your intentions are loving. Yet he responds with rejection and resentment. When our ministry efforts are met not with glee and gratitude but rejection and resentment, we are in good company. The prophets, apostles, and even Jesus himself all had those who responded negatively to their ministries. When that happens to us, it doesn’t mean our ministry is no longer meaningful. For if others do not appreciate our efforts to serve them, God still appreciates our efforts to serve him.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
From the Cross to the Crown: A Sermon on Matthew 16:21-26Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Jesus Stays With Us Through the Storms of Life: A Sermon on Mark 4:25-41A powerful tornado rolls through your neighborhood. A massive hurricane heads straight for your city. A bolt of lightning sends 300 million volts to earth. The raw power and unpredictability of storms can inspire both awe and terror. We cannot stop storms from coming. We can only hope to survive them. However, we know the Almighty God can stop storms. He can calm literal storms. He could remove metaphorical storms, other types of troubles and trials. So, if he can, why doesn’t he?Well, would you rather have a God who was distant from you but removed all the storms of life? Or would you rather have a God who allowed some storms to come but promised to be right there by your side within them, holding you close? May God give us the top-down faith that sees that the latter is by far the better option. God promises to be with us through all the storms of life. Sometimes he removes them. But when he doesn’t, it’s only because he has plans to use even storms for our eternal good.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Kingdom Sized Expectations: A Sermon on Mark 4:26-34Usually, a kingdom advances and is secured through things like military might or political force or worldly wealth. It can be tempting to believe the same holds true in the kingdom of God. Perhaps we think churches would flourish if we had the right rulers passing and enforcing the right laws. Or we believe that for a church to do good requires a robust budget. Political force. Worldly wealth. This way of thinking is breathtakingly wrong. We need God to give us the top-down faith that grasps the fact that kingdom of God advances in ways that are imperceptible. Through something that seems insignificant to most—the gospel—the King of kings establishes his reign in human hearts. Even Jesus himself taught that the gospel seems unimpressive, for he often compared the gospel to a tiny seed. Yet within a seed is hidden life. As the seed of the gospel is planted, the largest of all kingdoms grows. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
n this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Oliver Chiang. We talk about the impact of digging into Scripture, growing in his faith, Lutheran leadership, teaching his kids, and his first visit experience at The Way! We're excited for you to get to know Oliver better!To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts. To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
The Lord of The Sabbath Gives Sabbath Gifts: A Sermon on Mark 2:23-3:6A Top-Down Faith: The Gift of Rest.After a long day of work, you have earned the right to sit down in your favorite chair, put your feet up, and watch your favorite program. After a hard week on the job, you have earned the opportunity to relax a bit that weekend. After doing your job well for many months, you have earned those two weeks of vacation at the beach. This is how everyone thinks: rest is something you earn through hard work. We even teach that to our kids: no gaming until homework is done, no playing with friends until chores are complete. Since that concept of rest being earned is so deeply engrained in us, to properly understand spiritual rest requires a top-down faith. God needs to send us the Spirit so that we can grasp this truth. True spiritual rest cannot be earned. In fact, the harder you try, the more restless and the less peaceful you become. Spiritual rest is a gift that God gives. The rest we need most—from guilt, from worry, from shame, from hopelessness—is graciously given to us by the Lord of the Sabbath. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Devil Does His Worst, Yet Jesus Always Wins: A Sermon on Genesis 3:8-15Look at our lives—the problems, the pains—and it’s easy to conclude that we are losing. Look at the world—the brokenness, the bedlam—and it’s easy to believe that the devil is winning. It all can lead us to despair. Yet this turmoil is exactly what God said would happen already in the Garden. There God declared that until the end of time enmity would prevail between the devil and mankind. But God promised more than that. He promised that from humanity would rise one who would completely defeat the devil. We need a top-down faith to understand that things are definitely not what they seem. Yes, the devil and his allies are constantly doing their worst. Their work always brings pain. Yet, ultimately, Jesus always wins. And his victory is our victory. Jesus’ victory is so complete that even when Satan continues to cause chaos, Christ uses it to reveal his glory and grace to those gifted with top-down faith. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Remember Who You Are: A Sermon on Romans 8:12-17No Christian teaching demonstrates that we have a top-down faith more than the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Scripture teaches that there is only one God. Yet that God exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Incomprehensible! It is the type of teaching about which the psalmist declares, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:6). We believe in the Triune God without fully comprehending his existence, simply because the Spirit has given us the gift of faith. Our belief in the triune God came from the top down. Not only is the concept of the Trinity itself something unique to the Christian faith, but what the triune God does for us and offers us is also completely unique. Our triune God invites us into the blessed relationship that is part of his very nature. The members of the Trinity share with us an intimacy that they have enjoyed with each other from eternity. Our triune God makes us not servants or subjects but blessed members of his family. Remember who you are!Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Christ Has NOT Left Us Alone: A Sermon on John 15:26-27 & 16:4-11Jesus told his disciples that, though he was going to ascend into heaven, he wasn’t going to leave them alone. He was going to send “the Advocate,” a title for the Holy Spirit. But Jesus wasn’t sending the Spirit just to keep us company. Jesus would have the Advocate give us spiritual power so that we might participate in Christ’s saving work. Here is the final resurrection reality. The Spirit gives us the ability to raise the spiritually dead to life. We see this happen on Pentecost. The festival of Pentecost was held fifty days after the Passover. (Pentecost is Greek for “fifty.”) It was a time to thank God for the harvest. But on that day, through the Church at work, the Holy Spirit gathered another harvest, a harvest of souls. Therefore, Pentecost is the third great festival of the Church, along with the Nativity and the Resurrection. With the Festival of Pentecost, the festival half of the Church Year comes to a close.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Reality of Overcoming Brokenness: A Sermon on Acts 6This world is broken. Oh, certainly, we still see beauty in nature. By God’s grace, we have plenty of happy moments. But that does not change the fact that this world does not function the way God designed it to. It is dangerous, especially for God’s children. Jesus once promised that those who live for him will be hated (just as Christ was hated) by those who live for the world. The even greater danger: the priorities prompted by this broken world tempt the careless Christian to devalue that which truly matters. This world is very broken. For that reason, our gracious, living Lord promises that one day soon enough, he will take us to a better world. More, he promises that until that time, his Father will protect us, preserving our faith through the truth of his Word. This is the resurrection reality. By God’s grace, we will overcome this broken world. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
In this episode, we talk to Nathan Golisch, who is a seminary student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He will be joining us in Fredericksburg to be our Pastoral Assistant this summer. We talk about the path to become a pastor, why he wanted to come to Fredericksburg, and what it was like having Pastor Matt as a Teacher and Tutor in high school.
The Reality of Friendship: A Sermon on John 15:9-17The entirety of God’s Word can be summed up in one word: love. God’s Law is all about love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart...” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37,39). The gospel is all about love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...” (John 3:16). From his compassion for the sick and broken, to his sacrificial death on the cross, to the peace he provided after his resurrection, Jesus was the perfect embodiment of love. Love is his business. Therefore, love is our business too. But do you see how he expresses his love? It’s as the best kind of friend… who lays down his life! The resurrection reality is that with the same supernatural power by which God raised Jesus from the dead, God now enables us to live a new life—one marked by radically selfless love and one in which friendships are completely redeemed! The motivation and ability to do this comes from seeing the love of our best friend, Jesus. We love only because he first loved us. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Reality of an Active Faith: A Sermon on John 15:1-8Generally, our actions are shaped by our beliefs. People who eat low-carb diets do so, probably not because they hate pasta, but because they believe it healthiest. If a man buys stock in a company, it probably is because he believes in their business plan. Our beliefs shape our behavior. This is true of Christians’ belief in the resurrection. We believe that Christ’s resurrection means our resurrection to a glorious eternal life is guaranteed. That inevitably shapes how we will act now. However, it is not simply the facts of the resurrection that shape our behavior. It is the person of the resurrection. Jesus is not some wise, dead sage whose advice is contained in dusty books. Jesus lives! Therefore, through his Word, he is able to work on our minds and hearts, molding them to his perfect will. Here is a resurrection reality. Jesus fills us with his Spirit, not only so that we have faith, but also so that we produce the fruits of faith he seeks. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Risen Savior Provides Good Shepherding: A Sermon on John 10:11-18Scripture frequently pictures spiritual care in terms of a shepherd watching over sheep. Even folks unfamiliar with shepherding are able to grasp the meaning. Sheep are helpless animals—an easy meal for predators. For sheep to survive they needed a shepherd who not only leads them to sources of food, but who also is willing to tangle with a pack of wolves. Jesus is such a shepherd. He proved he is willing to lay down his life for his sheep.The word “pastor” comes from the Latin word for “shepherd.” Today, there are plenty of people— pastors, religious leaders, etc.—who claim they can provide healing for your soul. Yet, Scripture warns that “many” of these are “false prophets” (1 John 4:1) who “distort the truth” (Acts 20:30). Many! But the resurrection reality is that our Good Shepherd is faithful. He will raise up true sub-shepherds who know Christ and proclaim the truth of his gospel.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
You Have Something to Say: A Sermon on 1 John 1:5-22A platitude is a statement aimed at helping sooth some sort of emotional unease. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Or “Life is a mystery.” Or “Good things come to those who wait.” While platitudes may be well-intentioned, at best they come off as trite. And since platitudes provide no real help, they can actually make a situation worse. Tell the one whose heart is shattering, “Life is a mystery.” They won’t appreciate your platitude or you. The resurrection gives believers the ability to offer more than platitudes. We have a meaningful message to share—of repentance, of forgiveness, of peace, of power. The reality is we have something important to say to every single person that God brings into our sphere of influence. And our risen Savior gives us the courage and power to share that meaningful message. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Lord Lives to Give Real Peace: A Sermon on John 20:19-31In the Great Resurrection Chapter (1 Corinthians 15), St. Paul writes an entire paragraph listing all the people to whom Jesus appeared after he rose, including a group of over five hundred at one time. It is like St. Paul is telling skeptics, “You don’t need to take my word for it. Hundreds of us saw Jesus back from the dead.” The proof of Jesus’ resurrection brought peace and strength to those early believers. They knew there was more to their existence than just their time on earth. They knew the reality that eternal life was theirs, a gift from their living Lord. It gave them incredible joy and courage. May the resurrection reality give us the same. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Resurrection Reality Check: A Sermon on Job 19:23-27Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common, there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines human reaction to death and dying. One of the biggest reasons people fear death is the perception of its permanency. In the normal realm of human existence, dead is dead. Someone dies, and all you have are pictures and memories. That is the way people typically think. But is that reality? Here’s a reality check: Today, Christ proves to us that death is not final at all! Easter teaches us that Christ is the first fruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, “so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor 15:22). That changes everything: the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, the way we feel when our health fails, the way we look at the purpose of life right now. Let us rejoice in this resurrection reality: All will be made alive! Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Good Friday"Today we gather to watch a man die. Because we love him the watching is hard" (O.P. Kretzmann, Voices of the Passion). But because he loves us, what we see is our salvation. Tonight, the church remembers the crucifixion of our Lord. Good Friday focuses on the sacrifice Christ made on the cross to free us from sin. Our remembrance, while solemn, is the awe-filled adoration of the Son of God as he offers up his life for us. Worship on Good Friday is not a funeral service for Jesus, but a serious time of reflection. We gather to celebrate the sacrifice of the cross. Throughout the course of worship, you will notice that the sun is setting. Yet, even on Good Friday, we worship a living Christ. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Rethinking Commitment: A Sermon on Hebrews 5:7-9Religious sociologists sometimes divide Christians into two groups: committed Christians and cultural Christians.Those definitions are interesting when trying to understand shifts in American Christianity. However, they demonstrate a false assumption about the Christian religion. There is indeed a devoted commitment at the center of Christianity, but it is not man’s commitment to God. Even believers will at times demonstrate lukewarm commitment at best. Instead, at the heart of Christianity we find God’s devotion and commitment to us. It is a devoted commitment so strong that it put God on the cross.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Rethinking Sin: A Sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10Every religion acknowledges that mankind’s flawed attitudes or misguided actions are a source of pain, both now and potentially in eternity. So, every religion offers a solution: a set of laws, a moral code, a path to more enlightened behavior. What do they have in common? We are to solve sin through human effort. Be better! Try harder! This is the heart of every false religion. Those who correctly understand they will never overcome their sin are crushed by guilt. Those who ludicrously believe they have defeated their sin are killed by pride.True religion offers a better way—one that frees us from guilt and has no room for pride. Jesus teaches that the solution to our sin is not to work harder. It is to trust in the work he has done for us. Salvation comes through Spirit- wrought faith in Christ.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Mischa Montrose. We talk about the impact of Christian community, living with anxiety, first date stories, her love of literature, and more! We're excited for you to get to know Mischa better!To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts. To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
Rethinking Worship: A Sermon on John 2:13-22Person A never attends worship. He can’t see the point. Person B attends every week out of a slavish sense of obligation. Her mind wanders during the services, for she views the activities of worship merely as tasks for her to complete. Who is worse off? Rather than debating the point, let us just admit neither understand the true worth of worship. And that is exactly what Satan wants. Many think worship is about what we do for God. It is the other way around. As we gather around Word and sacrament, the Spirit moves us to love and trust in God above all things. Moved by the cross of Christ, we bow down before our God. We commune with him. And that’s exactly what God wants.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Rethinking Crosses: A Sermon on Mark 8:31-38We know that the cross was an instrument of torture and execution. However, Scripture also uses the term “cross” to refer to any suffering that one endures because he is believer: the painful denial of the desires of the flesh; ridicule and persecution from unbelievers; etc. This is one reason people reject religion. They see Christians struggling in life with these crosses, while non-Christians often seem perfectly happy. Even the prophet Jeremiah asked, “Why do all the faithless live at ease?” (12:1) Today, Jesus asks us to rethink suffering under the cross. It is not pointless pain. Our crosses are not how we pay for sin. Jesus already did that on his cross. Our crosses are not redemptive, but they are constructive. Any suffering unbelievers face is only bad, a foretaste of worse to come. But the suffering believers face under the cross is only good, a way Christ connects us tightly to himself with fire-tested faith.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Rethinking Tests: A Sermon on Genesis 22:1-8“If God loves us, why doesn’t he remove all the trials and tests and temptations that we face?” That question demonstrates the religious assumption that those things are bad. They aren’t. In the hands of a loving God, they are tools by which he refines our faith. He uses tests as a way to compel us to be less self-reliant, and instead trust in his strength. He uses trials to teach us that this broken world is not our true home. God even takes Satan’s temptations and uses them for our good. Trials, tests, and temptations are not exceptions to God’s love. That’s a false assumption! These are examples of God’s love. Proof is that God allowed his beloved Son Jesus to face trials and temptations, so that he might be our perfect savior and substitute. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Sit Down to Stand Firm: A Sermon on 1 Peter 5:6-11The Devil’s Work Undone | Martin Luther once said, “Where God built a church, there the devil would also build a chapel.” Satan and the other demons hate God. They demonstrate hatred by hurting those that God loves in any way they can. The epiphany Christ wants us to have is this: demons are real, they are plenteous, and they are dangerous. But Christ would also have us see that he is continually undoing the devil’s work. More, through his Word, Christ Jesus gives us the power to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
God Speaks, Reality Results: A Sermon on Mark 1:21-28Authority is the power to determine what happens, the ability to give direction or even commands. Authority is limited. Authority is limited in duration. Parents have authority over their children until they grow up and move out. Authority is limited in scope. A governor has authority over the people of his state only, not the neighboring state. Authority is limited by levels. A manager has authority over employees unless the company owner—a higher authority—demotes him. Authority is limited in duration and scope. It is limited by higher levels of authority. This week we see that there is one man—only one!—who has absolute authority. There is no one, not even the demons, who is outside his authority. As the Son of God there is no higher authority than Jesus. And his authority is everlasting. But here is the best part of this epiphany: Jesus graciously uses his absolute authority for our benefit and blessing. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA! https://thewaychurchva.com/
Grace Given to Those Who Have Almost Lost Hope: A Sermon on Numbers 24:15-19To whom does the work of salvation belong? Simple question. There is only one Savior. But this is how good Jesus is. So that our lives might have profound meaning and eternal purpose, he shares some of that work with us. He calls us not just to be followers, but to be follower-makers. Jesus asks some—pastors, missionaries, teachers—to do this full time. But ultimately Jesus asks all believers to serve as his ambassadors, sharing the gospel with whomever he brings into our sphere of influence. This lofty charge requires commitment—a willingness to abandon everything else should faithfulness require it. This is the life-changing revelation for this week. Jesus has committed us to a lofty charge: the privilege to play a role in his saving work.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Bad News...Good News: A Sermon on John 14:1-11Martin Luther once wrote that “A theologian of glory says that evil is good and good is evil. A theologian of the cross says that a thing is what it actually is.” Theologies of glory are approaches to Christianity and to life that try in various ways to minimize difficult and painful things, or else to defeat and move past them, rather than looking them square in the face and accepting them. A theology of the cross, by contrast, accepts the difficult thing rather than immediately trying to change it or convert it. It looks directly into pain, and ‘calls a thing what it is’ instead of calling evil good and good evil. It identifies God as ‘hidden in the suffering’. Even when we experience doubt, difficulty, and despair – even as we are following Jesus – we don’t need to “hope” for good luck, deny the bad news we hear, or try to defeat that which we do not enjoy. We have someone who did defeat everything bad for us on the cross. See Christ and be reminded that, because of Jesus, you are, “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Sermon for Christmas & New YearsVisit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Good News That Will Cause Great Joy: A Sermon on Luke 2:8-14We live in a world with a 24-hour news cycle. Between the cable networks or online sources or social media posts, news is flying at us constantly. Most of it seems awful. We doomscroll on our phones—bad news after more bad news. Our hearts grow heavy. Our minds grow anxious. The world is starving for good news. And that is exactly what we get at Christmas. On that first Christmas Eve, the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy… a Savior has been born to you.” (Luke 2:10-11). News is not advice. The angel had not come to give advice about how to cope in a messed-up world. News is simply a report of facts. The angel reported a fact—the birth of One who would make everything right again. This child would remove all our fears and fill our hearts with joy. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
The King Shall Come: With Plans Better Than Our Plans: A Sermon on Luke 1:26-38Has life always gone the way you planned? When life goes a direction that's different than what you were expecting, it can be difficult to navigate the new reality. This is exactly what Mary experienced about 9 months before Christmas. But even as he was miraculously conceived, God teaches us that we can trust Him in the midst of whatever life brings.The historic Christian Church gave Latin titles to each Sunday. They titled the Third Sunday in Advent “Gaudete,” which means “Rejoice!” As we reach the midway point of Advent, we remember that when the King shall come, we can rejoice that God’s plans are always better than ours! Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Reality and Centrality of God’s Gift of Repentance: A Sermon on Isaiah 40:1-11Scriptures teach that King Jesus is the Son of God in flesh and the only hope for salvation. Jesus himself claimed that he is the only way into the glorious kingdom of heaven. You do not approach meeting someone like that casually or carelessly. You prepare meticulously. What does that mean? What does a life of readiness—ready to meet such a King—look like? In one word: repentance. If we insist on hanging onto our sins, how can we receive the One who came for the very purpose of taking those sins away? Throughout history, God has raised up called servants—like John the Baptist—to preach a message of repentance. This repentance is central to our preparation for the Lord’s coming. Without repentance, the King’s coming only terrifies. But all those who believe and repent look forward to the coming of the King and the consummation of his everlasting kingdom.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
The King is Coming to Save Us: A Sermon on Mark 11:1-10Rulers plan and administrate and govern. They typically do not save. If your house is on fire, it will not be the mayor who shows up to save you from the flames. If America were attacked, the President would serve as the commander in chief of the armed forces. The President would not pick up a weapon, go to the front lines, and fight to save you from the enemy. Jesus is different. He is both infinitely greater than all other rulers, yet also infinitely humbler. He does not consider it beneath his rank as King to risk his life for his subjects. He is willing to fight for us. He is willing to die for us. For King Jesus came into our world for one reason—to save us.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Consolation Unlike Any Other: A Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18Consider the Christian man whose body aches from both the cancer and the chemo. Look at that faithful old woman, back arched by time, fingers twisted by arthritis, eyes close to blindness. These believers may pray for death, precisely because they know that for the children of God, death is not the end of life. Death is the end of sorrow and pain. They yearn for the end of those things, and the beginning of their perfect eternity with Jesus. We have come to the end of the Church Year. It is time to talk about the end of this world on Judgment Day. That day does not scare the believer. The first time Christ came he saved us from our sin and the accusations for the devil. The second time Christ comes, he will save us from everything else. On that day, disease, gone. Abuse, gone. Heartache, gone. Even death is ended. None of those things will exist ever again. But we will exist forever with our Lord Jesus. Until then we live in the time in between. As we look at all Christ did at his first coming, we yearn for him to come again to end this broken world and to usher all the saints into everlasting glory. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Time for Faithful Service: A Sermon on Matthew 25:14-30As we wait for Christ to return, we are not to be sedentary. The reason Christ has not yet returned is that there is still work to be done. And Christ carries out his good work through us, his Church. So, until Christ comes again and says, “Stop!” believers will be busy with faithful service. Christ has given every believer gifts and talents. And when Christ entrusts us with those gifts and talents, he calls us to use them all for his glory. In the time between Christ’s first and second coming, we use everything the master has given us to live according to his will and to carry out his mission. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Time for Heavenly Mindfulness: A Sermon on Revelation 7:9-17Childbearing is an excruciating process. Yet each day countless women, wanting a baby, willingly become pregnant. This shows that pain can be endured if we know it is temporary and that happier times come after. Likewise, the time in between Christ’s first and second coming are going to be full hardship, especially for believers. How do we bear it? We remember that this is temporary. Happier times are coming! That truth is made clear on this All Saints’ Day. On this day we remember every saint who has gone before us—all those who had faith in the Lamb of God; our faithful Christian family members, now fallen asleep. They all endured hardship and pain. But no more. Now they enjoy perfect glory, peace, and joy. As we journey through this time in between, how do we endure? We are mindful of all the saints… in Heaven. That’s Heavenly Mindfulness! Death Was ArrestedVisit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Time for Courageous Faith: A Sermon on Daniel 6Jesus told his followers, “You will be hated by everyone because of me” (Matthew 10:22). Satan and the world hate Christ and anyone who confesses faith in Christ. So, the time in between Christ’s first and second coming is going to be dangerous for believers. A good example—Martin Luther. All that man wanted was to share the pure gospel with the world. For trying to do that, both political and religious leaders attempted to end his life. The Festival of the Reformation emphasizes the true Church’s unfailing reliance on the Word of God and unflinching testimony to that Word even in the face of harsh persecution. Today we pray that the Lord would keep us courageous faith; a faith that gives us the peace of knowing that our lives are safe in his hands and a faith that motivates us to boldly confess Christ. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Story of Perfect Timing: A Sermon on Matthew 24:42-51"Timing is everything!" We say that to emphasize how timing, while certainly not everything, is often a very important part of our daily lives. We plan our days with the intention of getting the timing just right. Getting children to school, meeting deadlines, navigating traffic to arrive on time; these all demand “perfect” timing. Frequently though, unforeseen incidents throw off our timing. However, often, we negatively impact our response to the demands of time by procrastinating. Worse still, we even procrastinate with the spiritual things that God sets before us. BUT there does exist perfect timing. God's timing is perfect. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, at the perfect time. Christ did and always does exactly what we need at the right time...every time! What this requires of us is trust and thanks for his provision, spending the time we are given in faithful and wise service...to Him!Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Story of an Unashamed Invitation: A Sermon on Matthew 22:1–14There are invitations we might be tempted to reject: an invitation to an event you are not interested in, an invitation to a party that takes place at the same time as something else you want to do. There are other invitations which people would say you’ve lost your mind to reject: an invitation to go on a free tropical vacation, an invitation to go backstage and meet your favorite musical group, an invitation to the Super Bowl. We get so many invitations. Some we accept; others we reject. Where does God’s invitation to participate in his heavenly banquet rank? Scripture often pictures eternal life as a joyful party, full of friends and family, laughter, and the finest foods. Through a story Jesus teaches us how insane it would be to reject God’s gracious, unashamed invitation to that eternal celebration. More, Jesus tells us what we need to get into that best of all banquets.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Story of Reckless Patience: A Sermon on Matthew 21:33-43Patience is a virtue. But can too much patience be a vice? If you are too patient, waiting to see if that pain in your stomach goes away with time, you might make a problem worse. If you are too patient with an incompetent employee, you will lose productivity before the inevitable—his firing—occurs anyway. Too much patience would seem not to be a virtue, but reckless behavior. Yet that is exactly what God demonstrates to a rebellious human race—reckless patience. Through a story Jesus teaches exactly what God’s patience means for us. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Wendy Patoka. Wendy and her husband Mark are one of the founding families of The Way Church. Wendy served as our Kid's Coordinator until 2022 and has spearheaded our summer Science Camps. We talk about the growth of faith and its impact on our vocations, getting pregnant young and out of wedlock, and her passion for sharing the love of Jesus with kids. We're excited for you to get to know Wendy better!Wendy and Mark have recently moved to Tennessee to be closer to family, and Wendy is starting a Montessori school in partnership with the WELS church there. To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts. To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
Let's Be Real: A Sermon on Matthew 21:23-32You have maybe heard the accusation or perhaps even made it yourself: “He’s so fake!” That charge claims someone’s friendliness or kindness is a sham. Such insincerity bothers us. We would generally rather someone be honest about how they feel about us than be fake.Through a story Jesus teaches us that God feels the same. God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. He sees right through that. God’s desire is that our repentance would demonstrate sincere sorrow over sin. God wants us to see the grace and forgiveness he has shown us in Christ, and in response, to love him back deeply and sincerely.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Story of Offensive Generosity: A Sermon on Matthew 20:1-16Give a single bag of M&Ms to two four-year-olds and tell them to share. You will witness counting done with accountant- like precision. Each child will get an equal amount of candy because that is fair. Human beings have an incredibly strong sense of fairness. That is why it can be so perplexing when we see how God dispenses blessing and grace. We see people who mock God who are more prosperous than believers. We see people who convert on their deathbed, and Scripture tells us they obtain the same salvation as someone who has been Christian all his life. How is that fair?Through a simple story, Jesus teaches us a profound truth. We need to stop expecting God to be fair. God is not fair. He does not give us what we deserve, and that’s called mercy. In fact, he gives us what we don’t deserve, and that’s called grace. No, God is not fair. He is breathtakingly generous.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Forgiven People Forgive People: A Sermon on Genesis 50:15-21“Pay it forward.” That phrase means that when someone does something for you, instead of paying that person back directly, you pass along kindness to another person instead. Doing something kind for someone else is a way of thanking the person who originally did something kind for you. Today God applies that concept to forgiveness. God forgave our countless sins. He was willing to pay an incomprehensible price—the death of his Son. Obviously, we will never have occasion do the same for God. We will never have to forgive God because everything he does for us shows perfect love and care. God never wrongs us. But others may do us wrong. Others may cause us pain. And when we are quick to forgive, it is one way we thank God for being so quick to forgive us. This is what God wants in his Church—people who, like him, who forgive like him. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Crucial Conversation: Intimidating or Inspiring? - A Sermon on Galatians 2:11-16Imagine, late one night, you notice the house across the street is on fire. You see no activity inside. You say to yourself, “Pounding on the door in the middle of the night might scare the family. I’m sure they’ll realize what’s going on eventually.” Ridiculous! You would never do that! To let a family sleep while flames surround them would be cruel. Your inaction would make you a killer. The truth is you would pound on their door at 3:00 AM, screaming. You would throw a brick through their front window if that was what it took to warn them. You would not care if it startled the family. This is a matter of life and death! Love compels you to do whatever it takes. God wants the people of his church to be willing to say hard things to people when that is what is necessary to save them from an even worse type of fire. Warning against sin is not easy. It upsets people, even offends them. But saying hard things is the loving thing to do when it is a matter of eternal life and death.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing: A Sermon on Exodus 34:5-10
Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Make no mistake. That is the most important question in the world. And it is a question every human must answer. A complimentary answer can still be dead wrong. Some in Jesus’ day thought he was John the Baptist or the prophet Elijah come back from the dead. Complimentary, but dead wrong. Today plenty of people believe Jesus existed. They believe he was a wise teacher or a role model for love. Complimentary, but dead wrong if missing the main point. Jesus is both Lord and Savior, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This truth is the core of saving faith. It is the central message God has called our church to proclaim. What does God want in a church? He wants a church that really knows Jesus.
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Everything is going to be alright: A Sermon on Romans 8:28
Wherever faith clings to the promises of God, doubt is always lingering in the back of our mind, constantly asking the serpent’s garden question, “Did God really say?” How striking to think that one must have faith in God before it is even possible to doubt him! It is not uncommon that, in times of aversity, doubt rears its ugly head—doubts about God’s care, God’s promises, God’s providence. In those times, the true answer to doubt is not found in some great miracle that removes adversity, but in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through that Word Christ reaches out to us with nail- scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, “Why did you doubt?” Our faith is restored. The Christian answers doubt with faith because Jesus makes it so.
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Christians Care: A Sermon on Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43
The wheat that grows in the Middle East is a variety that looks much like wild grass or weeds. It is difficult to tell wheat and weeds apart until shortly before harvest time, when the wheat stalks develop a head containing the kernels of grain. Try and pull the weeds out of a wheat field and you will likely pull up a fair amount of wheat accidentally. So you need to wait for the harvest to separate wheat from weeds. This week Jesus uses that image to illustrate life this side of heaven. Christians are pictured as wheat planted by the Lord. Evil and unbelieving evildoers are pictured as weeds. We might want God to take care of evil now—to pull up all the weeds. But he tells us to wait for the harvest. God is going to fix the problem of evil in this world, but it might not be today or even tomorrow. What does God want us to do while we wait? He wants us to live like wheat among weeds, serving the purpose for which he planted us. That means being faithful, fruitful, and mindful of the coming harvest.
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The Reign/Rain of God's World: A Sermon on Isaiah 55:6-11
Planting seed by hand can seem magical. In your hand the seed looks insignificant and lifeless. Yet you put the seed into the soil, and the natural process of life begins. All by itself, the seed germinates and sprouts and reaches to the sun. Except when it doesn’t! Plant multiple seeds and often only some, perhaps just a small amount, will sprout. As these few sprouts grow, birds and pests and weeds and weather attack. The reality is that once the seed leaves your hand, you are at the mercy of forces beyond your control. Today, God uses that experience from nature to explain the supernatural process by which God calls humans to faith through the gospel. The Christian is planted by the Word. The Christian can plant the seed of the gospel into the soil of another’s heart. What happens after that is completely beyond our control. Yet God promises us that his Word always accomplishes his good purposes. God’s Word is powerful, all on its own, without our help.
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Come to Him and Learn from Him: A Sermon on Matthew 11:25-30
Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that after 36 hours without sleep, most people will experience extreme fatigue and hormonal imbalances, resulting in decreased attention, poor decisions, and even speech impairment. Other studies show if someone takes no breaks during their workday, their productivity is lower than those who do take periodic breaks. We need rest. Christians know they need more than sleep or breaks. We need more than physical rest. We need spiritual rest. The Christian knows that the only place to find that type of rest is Jesus. Jesus provides more than a pause in work, more than enjoyable recreation. Jesus provides the removal of our sins, the cleansing of our guilty conscience, and a gentle new yoke of discipleship. In Jesus, the Christian finds rest from his burdens, rest from his battles, and rest forever in heaven.
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The Christian Prays God's Promises: A Sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21
Ask ten different people to define Christian and you may get ten different answers. In our next worship series Christ himself defines the term Christian and describes what Christians do. We will be struck by how often we do not do all those things. There likely are times when people could look at our behavior and assume we were unbelievers. Yet throughout this series Jesus will demonstrate that ultimately a Christian is one who runs to Christ for forgiveness precisely because he has failed to live like what he is—a Christian. As we receive the mercy of Christ, it moves us to strive with all our being to better fit Christ’s beautiful definition, doing all the things Jesus says that Christians do. In week one we see not only that Christians pray, but what (purpose) they pray for, where (place) their prayers take effect, and how (power) it is prayers do anything at all.
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You Made It: A Sermon on Romans 8:31-39
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36). The Greek word translated “compassion” refers to a type of love that almost overwhelms one’s emotions. Imagine a father looking at his little girl lying in a hospital bed near death. The father’s heart aches. That father would allow the surgeon to cut any organ out of him, without anesthesia, and transplant it into his daughter, if that’s what it took to save his little girl’s life. That’s the idea behind the Greek word for “compassion.” Jesus looks at the people and is willing to do anything for them—to make any sacrifice, even the ultimate one at the cross. In that same compassion, the Lord of the Church raises us up to love others. As we share God’s grace and mercy with those whom we have relationship with, Christ saves eternal lives. More so, he fills us up again and again with his Spirit, so that we never stop feeling compassion for all people.
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Sinners Called to be Holy Ambassadors: A Sermon on Exodus 3 & 4
They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how, in a fit of anger, he killed a man. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God, overseeing the persecution and execution of Christians around Jerusalem. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was distained as a swindler and traitor to his people. These men never forgot their past. But God did. God forgave them all their sins and called them into gospel ministry. The holy ministry is not filled with perfect people. The holy ministry is filled with sinners whom God has called out of his boundless mercy. The holy ministry is God’s gift to the Church. But it is also God’s gift to ministers, who certainly do not deserve the privilege of being God’s public servants. God calls sinful and weak individuals into the ministry, so that as his kingdom advances, we give credit where credit is due—to the Holy Spirit.
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A Holy Triune God: A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:11-14Today we being a new series called Holy. It is a series on things that God calls, well, holy. We begin by looking at one of the most mind-blowing truths: that our Holy God is triune. Already in the very first chapter of the Bible we read, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image…” (Genesis 1:26). Note the singular “God” and the plural “us.” Scripture teaches us that there is only one God but that he exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is triune (three-in-one). This teaching is not some logical exercise or philosophical excursion. The doctrine of the Trinity is central to our salvation. The triune God is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Lose this doctrine, and as the Athanasian Creed says, you lose it all. A Jesus who is less than God is also less than a Savior. So often, when life gets hard, we get frustrated. We don’t understand how God is working always for our good. But the doctrine of the Trinity teaches us we cannot even comprehend God’s existence. How then, could we ever comprehend all his workings? On this Holy Trinity Sunday, let it be enough to know that all three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit—love us with an everlasting love.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives to Pour Out His Spirit: A Sermon on Acts 2:1-21, 36-41Fifty days after the Passover, God’s Old Testament people celebrated Pentecost (Greek for “fifty”). Pentecost commemorated the gathering of the harvest and was also used to remember the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, the start of the Church of Israel. Christ chose Pentecost to be the birthday of his New Testament Church too. By pouring out his Holy Spirit, Christ empowered the Church to gather in the great harvest of souls won by the Son. Pentecost is the third great festival of the Church, along with the Nativity and the Resurrection. The early church fathers mention the Festival of Pentecost often enough to lead many to believe it was celebrated annually already at the time of the apostles.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives to Ascend so that Joy would Descent: A Sermon on Luke 24:44-53We understand why God became man in the person of Christ. The Savior needed to be able to suffer and die to atone for mankind’s sin. What is fascinating is that when the work of redemption was completed, the Son of God did not set aside his humanity. The God-man ascended into heaven. It is a human, our brother, who sits on heaven’s throne. The ascension marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission, but it does not signify the end of his work. While on earth, Jesus had set aside so much of his divine power. But Jesus now picks all that power back up again. He ascended to exercise his limitless authority for the Church as we carry out our mission to be Christ’s ambassadors of grace to the world. He lives! And he is in absolute and perfect control, ruling over Creation for the eternal well-being of his friends. And that is what we are! The Festival of the Ascension is one of the oldest and most joyful celebrations in the Christian Church. It will be observed by Christians until Christ returns to take us to be with him.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives and Helps Me to Live for Him: A Sermon on John 14:15-21He Lives and Helps me to Live for HimThe LORD God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die’” (Genesis 2:16,17). In giving that command, God showed love to man by making it clear that it is lethal to live contrary to God’s will. In giving that command, God provided man with the ability to demonstrate love for God—through obedience. True love involves obedience. Jesus did not simply say he loved his heavenly Father. He proved it by obeying his Father, even when that obedience meant dying on a cross for our sake. Love for God who lives in us leads us to a life of obedience. The God who lives in us calls us to live for him. It is as simple as that. Love for our risen Lord means obedience to his commands.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives to be the Only Way to Heaven: A Sermon on John 14:1-11The gospel is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are meant for every man, woman, and child who ever lived. The gospel is also the most exclusive message in the world, for it maintains that salvation can only be found in one place—the person of Jesus Christ. Just listen to how Jesus speaks: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus doesn’t say, “I will show you the true way to eternal life.” The prophets and apostles could say that. But Jesus says, “I am the way. I am the truth. I am the life you crave.” And note that definite article: “the,” not “a”! Jesus is not a way into heaven. He is the way. There is no other way than through faith in the One who died and rose again. The unbelieving world finds this claim—that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven—to be the most offensive teaching in all of Scripture. Yet this is the very truth upon which Christ builds his Church.Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives to be my Good Shepherd: A Sermon on John 10Every culture has the concept of an ideal citizen, someone who typifies its values. For much of the United States’ history, the ideal citizen was the American farmer: hardworking, innovative, vital to our collective well-being. Even some of our first presidents were farmers. For the people of Israel, the farmer wasn’t their ideal citizen. It was the shepherd. Sheep were an invaluable source of clothing and food. But they were hard to keep in the Judean countryside. Its sparse grasslands are intermixed with desert. For sheep, food is sparse, but predators are plenteous. The survival of sheep was dependent on their shepherd. There he is. Weatherbeaten. Sleepless. Armed. In the dusk, he scans the land, counting his sheep, making sure they are all accounted for, every one of them on his heart. You see why Jesus chose the shepherd to illustrate how he cares for us. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from that roaring lion, Satan. Jesus is leading us into the green pasture of eternal life. For centuries, the Church has observed this Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that he lives to be our Good Shepherd.! Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives to Give Me Eyes of Faith: A Sermon on Luke 24:13-35Imagine someone you love is near death. Their only hope of survival is a risky brain surgery, one so complicated only one surgeon in the state will attempt it. The surgery is scheduled. But as that doctor drives to the hospital, he is killed in a car accident. Any hope you had for your loved one’s salvation died along with that surgeon. That is how Jesus’ disciples felt after his death. “We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” they said (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life died along with Jesus. They had let their personal wants and expectations cloud their view of Scripture which said that the Messiah’s death and resurrection were actually the source of all hope! So, the living Lord appeared to his disciples. He explained. He opened their minds to the truth of God’s Word. And in doing so, he restored their hope. There is little worse than a feeling of hopelessness. Christ’s disciples have victory over that feeling. He died, but he is dead no longer. The one who can heal us and give us life to the full lives! He lives to give eyes of faith that see all of that and more! Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
He Lives! To Give Me Proof & Plenty: A Sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-9Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
In this episode, we get to sit down with John Sullivan. John is one of the few members who has lived in the Fredericksburg area for their entire life. He talks about growing up in church, finding community, being a father, his love for Metallica, and so much more. We're excited for you to meet John!To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts. To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
He Lives to Silence All My Fears: Matthew 28:1-10Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
A Greater Kind of King: A Sermon on Matthew 21:1-11Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
What is Resurrection Living? : A Sermon on Romans 8:11-19Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
See Clearly. Live Brightly: A Sermon on Ephesians 5:8-14Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Is the Lord Among Us or Not?: A Sermon on Exodus 17:1-7Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Our Greatest Need is a Gift We Can't Give Ourselves: A Sermon on John 3:1-21Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
The Shocking Truth about Temptations: A Sermon on Matthew 4:1–11Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Transfiguration: A Sermon to Make You Certain | 2 Peter 1:3-4, 12-21Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
Who is the Faithful & Wise Steward: A Sermon on Luke 12:31-48Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
We All Have Calls: A Sermon on 1 Peter 2:9-12Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!https://thewaychurchva.com/
In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Sydney Jones. Sydney and her husband Will started coming to The Way in 2021, while church shopping in the aftermath of COVID. We talk about their experience church shopping, being a young Christian couple, Community, Vocation, and so much more! We're excited for you to meet Sydney!To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts. To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
Jesus Exceeds our Expectation: A Sermon on John 2:1-12Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
Come, Lord Jesus! - As Immanuel: A Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
Come, Lord Jesus.... as Judge: A Sermon on Isaiah 11:1-10Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
Come, Lord Jesus.... as Judge: A Sermon on Isaiah 11:1-10Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
Climbing with The King: A Sermon on Isaiah 2:1-5
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These Words Matter: A Sermon on Revelation 22:6-13
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Something to Behold: A Sermon on Revelation 22:1-5
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I Am Making Everything New: A Sermon on Revelation 21:1-6
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Faith to Depend Fully on Christ: A Sermon on Luke 18:18-30
We always want to be able to "do" something to affect change, to affect the situation. This sermon from Luke 18 shows us what has been done and what we can do.
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In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Lucas Flatter. Lucas shares how he got connected at The Way and what he loved about Foundations. We talk about the value of asking questions, how to build real relationships as an adult, being a life-long novice, and much more. We're excited for you to get to know Lucas!
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
The Way Church is in Fredericksburg, VA
Faith to Pray: A Sermon on 1 John 5:13-15
This sermon addresses the possible problems we may have with praying by showing us God's promises for us.
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Faith for Thanks: A Sermon on Genesis 8:15-22
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Faith for Forgiveness: A Sermon on Luke 17:1-10
The business of being a Christian to be forgive and be forgiving.
We learn how we can have confidence that we are forgiven and therefore we can be forgiving.
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What is Faith?: A sermon on Romans 1:1-16
These week we start a new series call "Lord, Increase Our Faith" and we start out by answering the question:
What is faith?
Find out what scripture has to say in this week's sermon.
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A Heart of Love for the Lost: A Sermon on Luke 15:1-10
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The First Will be Last; The Last Will be First: A Sermon on Luke 13:22-30
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The Humble Will be Exalted; The Exalted Will be Humbled: A Sermon on Proverbs 25:6,7
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On this episode of Meet The Fam we sit down with Lisa Perdue and talk about resilience, trust, and how she was "tricked" into helping start The Way.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with Lisa!
Focused Living Properly Values Heavenly Treasure: A Sermon on Luke 12:22-34.
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Focused Living Properly Values Earthly Wealth: A Sermon Luke 12:13-21
As Christians, how should we view wealth and stuff? Our scripture for today, Luke 12:13-21 shows us how we are to approach material things and what we should guard ourselves from.
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Focused Prayer: Standing before the Lord
This weeks sermon is focused on prayer. From Scripture we learn what to pray, how to pray, and who we pray to. This sermon comes from Genesis 18:20-32.
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Sitting Before Jesus is Better Than Serving for Jesus: A Sermon on Luke 10:38-42
Good things in our lives often can distract us for the best thing for our lives. In this week's sermon we take a look at how sitting before Jesus is better than serving for Jesus.
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Focused on Jesus Roots, Not Our Fruits: A Sermon on Galatians 5.
"It us for freedom that Christ has set us free." Freedom from what? And freedom for what? Find out what scripture tells us in this week's sermon on Galatians 5.
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Do you need a pastor? How can you be sure you have a good one? Find out what scripture has to say in this sermon on 1 Peter 5:1-4
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God's Words Possess God's Power Make Committed Follower of Christ: A Sermon on Luke 9:51-62
What kind of follower of Christ are YOU? Find out what Christ demands from his followers AND find out what he does for them in this week's sermon on Luke 9:51-62
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God's Words Possess God's Power to Forgive and Free Us From Bitterness: A Sermon on Ephesians 4:24-31
The sermon for this morning is from Pastor Jared Oldenburg, who is the Pastor at Eternal Rock in Castle Rock, CO. It is on forgiveness and bitterness.
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God's Words Possess God's Power Over the Evil that Possessed You: A Sermon on Mark 5:1-20
Jesus' words possess power, power over evil, power over our sin. How does that affect our lives and how we live out the Gospel? Find out what scripture has to say in this sermon on Mark 5:1-20
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Through the Word the Triune God Blesses Us: A Sermon on Numbers 6:22-27
There's so much in this blessing that God gives us. He gives us insight into his nature as our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He tells us what he promises us as his children. And he shows us that he has a blessing for each and every one of us.
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The Spirit Marches Victorious Through The Word: A Sermon on John 14:23-27
This week's sermon is about the influence of the Holy Spirit on your life. Find out what scripture says in this week's sermon on John 14:23-27
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Jesus’ Easter Victory Marches to the Ends of the Earth: A Sermon on Acts 1:1–11
Maybe you've been troubled by the question of how the Gospel reaches the most remote corners of the earth? In this sermon we look at how Jesus fulfilled his promise of salvation and what that means for other promises that he makes. This week we take a look at one promise in particular from Acts 1:1-11.
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Love's Victory March Over Selfishness: A Sermon on 1 Corinthians 13
You've probably heard 1 Corinthians read at weddings. Maybe it was even read at your wedding. But this section of scripture isn't really about marriage. Find out what it is about in this week's sermon on 1 Corinthians 13
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Good Shepherd Sunday: A Sermon on John 10:22-30
Jesus says he's our Good Shepherd. What does that mean? Find out what scripture says in this sermon from John 10:22-30
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Worthy is the Lamb: A Sermon on Revelation 5:11-14
What does Christ, the Lamb's, worthiness mean?What does it mean for us? Find out what scripture says in this sermon from Revelation 5:11-14
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Easter's New Normal: A Sermon on John 20:19-31
How does Easter create a new new normal in our lives? How should Easter change the way we view our lives and live our lives everyday? Find out what scripture says in this sermon on John 20:19-31
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Life Has Victory Over Death : A Sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Why do you look for the living among the dead? Why do you find life from the things of this world? Find out where true life comes from in this sermon on 1 Corinthians 15
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Our Disunity is Crushed by Christ's Humility: A Sermon on Luke Philippians 2:5-11
What does Christ's humility mean for us? What does it mean for our relationships with others? What does it mean for our church? Find out in this sermon on Philippians 2:5-11
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Human Striving is Crushed by Divine Enoughness: A Sermon on Luke Philippians 3:4-14
Where in your life are you most tired? Look closely. Behind your exhaustion, is there a desire and drive to validate yourself? What does it mean to be enough? And where does enoughness come from? Find out in today's sermon!
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Our Judgement is Crushed by the Father's Grace: A Sermon on Luke 15:11-32
Grace is central to our faith. But do you actually understand grace and what that means for us and others? This week's sermon on The Prodigal Son is all about grace!
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In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Mark Patoka. Mark currently sits as the president of The Way's church council, as well as being actively involved in pretty much every other aspect of what we do. We talk about the motivation and reason for starting The Way, the vision for our building campaign, , and what it's like being a lifelong WELS Lutheran. We're excited for you to meet Mark!
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
Shortcuts are Crushed by Crosswalks: A Sermon on Luke 13:31-15
Most of the the time we're going to chose the easiest path, maybe a shortcut. Find out what Jesus has to to say about shortcuts in this week's sermon
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Satan's Deceitfulness is Crushed by Christ's High Priest-ness: A Sermon on Hebrews 4:14-16
The Devil is constantly telling us lies, but we have Jesus on our side. Find out what that means for us in this week's sermon.
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Transformation Uncovered: A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
How are you spiritually transformed? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's sermon.
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Resilience Uncovered: A Sermon on Jeremiah 17:5-8
What does it mean to be "cursed" or "blessed"? A few things probably come to mind.. But what does God has to say about being "cursed" or "blessed"? Find out in this week's sermon.
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Agenda Uncovered: A Sermon on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.
Guest preacher, Josh Schultz, preaches about the importance of having sound doctrine that does not keep quiet.
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In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Whitnea Macecvic, who was joined by her newborn son, AJ. Whitnea and her husband, Will, have the special distinction of being the first members to join The Way Church outside of the initial core group. We talk about what that experience was like as well as dive into motherhood, rest in worship, vocation, and what it was like coming back to in-person worship after the lockdown. We're excited for you to meet Whitnea!
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
Reception Uncovered: A Sermon on Luke 4:16-30
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Delight Uncovered: A Sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21
Our God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. That sounds nice, but what does it actually mean for us? Find out in this week's sermon.
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Baptism Uncovered: A sermon 1 Samuel 16:1-13
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A Sermon on Matthew 2:1-12
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Hold Jesus Close: A Sermon on Matthew 2:13-23
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A Humble Child: A Sermon on Luke 2:1-20
Our Savior, Jesus, came to the earth humbly, as a child. What does that mean for you and me? Find out in this week's sermon.
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A Humble Magnificence: A Sermon on Luke 1:39-55
We have a God who lifts up the humble. In this sermon, we learn how God does that.
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God's Gift of His Peace: A Sermon on Peace
What does it mean to have God's Peace? Find out in this week's sermon.
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Humble People: A sermon on Luke 3:1-6
In this sermon from Luke 3:1-6, we learn about what repentance is and what it means for us.
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In this epsidoe of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Savanna Scheffel. Savanna is The Way's Creative Director and she also serves in the worship band. Over the course of this wide-ranging conversation we talk about bad church experiences, what it's like working in a church, church design, worship preferences, being a professional musician, cottage cheese, and so much more. Did we mention it's a wide-ranging conversation...? Enjoy this conversation with Savanna Scheffel.
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow "The Way Church" wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
What is your paradise? Guest Preacher Josh Koelpin preaches on Revelation 22:1-5 and shares what God's paradise restored means for us.
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A Life Lived Shrewdly: A Sermon on Luke 16:1-15
While stewardship of our finances isn’t the only part of stewardship, it is a part of it. God’s Word encourages us to use all of the financial gifts God has given us with an eye on our purpose.
Our challenge this week will focus on living shrewdly with the blessings and treasures that God has given us. But what did Jesus mean when he encouraged us to be shrewd? Who is someone you know that is a positive example of shrewdness? In what ways are you already shrewd? In what ways are you not shrewd? How can you honor God by managing with intention the gifts he has given you?
To fill out your challenge card, you can go to this link: https://thewaychurchva.com/twupdate
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A Life Lived For Others: A Sermon on Luke 10
Stewardship is about more than money. It’s our whole lives. Jesus lived his life and gave his life for us. Our loving response is to imitate that.
This week, we are focusing on a life lived for others—a life of generosity. This week's challenge is: How can you show God’s love to others by being a good neighbor? How can our church be a good neighbor to our community? How can we be present for others?
To fill out your challenge card, you can go to this link: https://thewaychurchva.com/twupdate
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A Life of Being A Disciple: A Sermon on 1 Peter 1
This week, the particular focus of the God-lived life is that of being a disciple, a learner, one who grows in God’s Word. May God’s Word cause us to crave that pure spiritual milk so that by it we grow up in our salvation.
Our challenge this week will focus on growing and learning in God’s Word. What’s your biggest motivation for spending time in God’s Word? What’s your biggest obstacle to spending time in God’s Word? What can help you overcome that obstacle? How can you build Bible study and prayer time into your regular routine?
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A Life of Hospitality
Stewardship is about more than money. It’s our whole lives. Jesus lived his life and gave his life for us. Our loving response is to imitate that.
This week, our congregation is focusing on living a life of hospitality—opening our hearts and homes to others. Our challenge is this: How can you reflect the love of Jesus by showing radical hospitality to someone? How can you be different, like Jesus was different?
May God bless us as we live a God-lived life, loving others!
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To Gather Together in Communion: A Sermon on 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
This sermon is the third and final sermon in our "To Gather Together" sermon series.
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In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Will Whiteside. Will has had a winding journey from growing up in a church-going household to the Christian leader he is today. In this episode we cover a lot of ground and talk about hypocrisy in the church, struggling with addiction, growing in faith, and the importance of vulnerability and accountability in the church. We are excited to share our conversation with Will with you all. We hope it encourages you!
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To Gather Together in Groups: A Sermon on Acts 2:42-47
This sermon is the second sermon in our "To Gather Together" sermon series.
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To Gather Together in Worship: A Sermon on Psalm 27
This sermon is the first sermon in our "To Gather Together" sermon series.
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Anger Management: A Sermon on Jonah 4
This sermon is the fourth and final sermon in our "Jonah" sermon series.
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Numbering Our Days: A Sermon on Jonah 3
This sermon is the third sermon in our "Jonah" sermon series.
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Into the Deep: A Sermon on Jonah 2
This sermon is the second sermon in our "Jonah" sermon series.
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Waves of Mercy: A Sermon on Jonah 1
This sermon is the first in our "Jonah" sermon series.
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This sermon is the ninth in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is on the 9th & 10th Commandments. It is based on Exodus 20 and 1 John 4.
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In this episode of Meet The Fam, we get to sit down with Rebecca Karwoski. You probably recognize her from her spot behind the soundboard. She is an audio expert and responsible for making worship happen every week, but what you might not know is that she may be the most experienced church planter at The Way Church. In this episode we talk about her experience in starting multiple churches, being a part of a church community, and what serving in church means to her. We're really excited to share our conversation with Rebecca with you all. Enjoy!
To listen to more of this series, as well as our weekly sermons, make sure to subscribe & follow wherever you listen to your podcasts.
To find out more and to get connected with us, head to TheWayChurchVA.com.
This sermon is the eighth in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is on the 8th Commandment. It is based on Exodus 20 and Matthew 18.
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The Guardian of Intimacy - A Sermon on Matthew 5.
This sermon is the seventh in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based on Exodus 20 and Acts 5.
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The Guardian of Intimacy - A Sermon on Matthew 5.
This sermon is the sixth in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based on Exodus 20 and Matthew 5.
Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
The Guardian of Everybody - A Sermon on Genesis 4
This sermon is the fifth in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based on Genesis 4:1-10.
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The Guardian of Holidays - A Sermon on 1 Samuel 24
This sermon is the fourth in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based off of 1 Samuel 24.
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The Guardian of Holidays - A Sermon on Exodus 20
This sermon is the third in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based off of Exodus 20:8-11.
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The Guardian of Words - A Sermon on Exodus 20
This sermon is the second in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based off of Exodus 20:7.
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The Guardian of #1 - A Sermon on Exodus 20
This sermon is the first in our "The Guardian" sermon series. It is based off of Exodus 20.
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Heroes of Faith: Jacob - A Sermon on Hebrews 11
This sermon is the 4th in our "Heroes of Faith" sermon series. It is based off of Hebrews 11.
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Heroes of Faith: Moses - A Sermon on Hebrews 11
This sermon is the 3rd in our "Heroes of Faith" sermon series. It is based off of Hebrews 11.
Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
Heroes of Faith: John Mark - A Sermon on Acts 15 & 2Timothy 4
This sermon is the 2nd in our "Heroes of Faith" sermon series. It is based off of Acts 15 & 2 Timothy 4.
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Heroes of Faith: Joshua - A Sermon on Joshua 6
This sermon is the first in our "Heroes of Faith" sermon series. It is based off of Joshua 6.
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Life In His Name: A Sermon on John 20
This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of John 20.
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I will not leave you: A Sermon on John 14.
This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of John 14.
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Easter's Eternal Joy: A sermon based on Revelation 21.
This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of Revelation 21.
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I AM the Bread of Life: A sermon based on John 6:25-69.
This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of John 6.
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Don't Be Afraid: A sermon based on John 6:1-21.
This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of John 6.
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This sermon continues our "Beloved" sermon series. It is based off of John 5.
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Peace Be With You. This sermon is the 15th in our Beloved sermon series. It is based off of John 21.
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Peace Be With You. This sermon is the 14th in our Beloved sermon series. It is based off of John 20. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
I Have Seen the Lord. This sermon for Easter is the 12th in our Beloved series. It is based off of John 20. Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
This Holy Week go deeper into the truths of Jesus’ love for you through the poetry, imagery, and music of Lent and Easter hymns. The devotions are written and read by professors from our affiliate college, Martin Luther College (MLC), in New Ulm, MN. Rev. Dr. Mark Paustian serves Martin Luther College as a professor of Hebrew and English.
See, Your King. This sermon is the 11th in our Beloved sermon series. It is based off of John 12.
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https://thewaychurchva.com On this episode of Meet The Fam we enjoy part 2 of our conversation with our Mission Counselor, Pastor Mark Birkholz. On this episode Mark’s shares his thoughts on an idea his is passionate about, and idea which seems obvious, but is often overlooked: using member’s spiritual gifts. From that, we explore how individuals’ gifts impact the personality of a church. Finally, we touch on the concept of shared spaces in church facilities and we end getting Mark’s take on the future of the multi-site movement.We hope you enjoy this episode of Meet The Fam. You can find this podcast and more from The Way Church anywhere you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Itunes, Stitcher, etc. ) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWKWFUMLdk&t=2s - https://open.spotify.com/show/2omrL2C... -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Find out more about The Way by heading to https://thewaychurchva.com and following us on Facebook and Instagram @TheWayChurchVA.
I Am the Resurrection. This sermon is the 10th in our Beloved sermon series. It is based off of John 11.
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This sermon is the 8th in our Beloved sermon series. It is based off of John 10
Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
In this episode of Meet The Fam we talk to our Mission Counselor, Mark Birkholz. In Part 1 of our interview we learn how The Way Church started and what Mark does as our Mission Counselor. The conversation also covers what we learned about ministry during COVID, and what that means for you in the future! We hope you enjoy this episode of Meet The Fam.
You can find this podcast and more from The Way Church anywhere you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Itunes, Stitcher, etc. )
https://open.spotify.com/show/2omrL2ChvPOw6T8a3noQvX?si=8r7oxYfmREGGnqcr2qgD9w -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-church/id1286134292
Find out more about The Way by heading to https://thewaychurchva.com and following us on Facebook and Instagram @TheWayChurchVA.
What is Lent? And, should I give something up for it?? We answer these questions and more in this episode of By The Way.
Is it possible for anyone to experience something so meaningful, so significant that everything changes? An encounter that marks time and everything afterwards is different? It happened for one woman one day in Samaria. Listen to the biblical account of a “bad” Samaritan woman who became the first “good” Samaritan because of who she encountered. Most import, find out why this account in John 4 has massive implications for the way you live and the way you worship.
Jesus is visited by a man, Nicodemus, who had a question, “How can this be?” You and people you know have questions about Christianity just like Nicodemus. This sermon will look at one of the most famous Bible passages to answer one of the most popular questions asked today: How can a loving God send people to hell?
This is the fourth sermon in our "Beloved" sermon series, where we dive into the book of John. This sermon is based on John 3.
Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!
With all the hype and hoopla surrounding Christmas, it can be easy for people to miss the connection between Christmas and their every day. In this sermon, we learn from the Wise Men about what the birth of Jesus means for our life.
With all the hype and hoopla surrounding Christmas, it can be easy for people to miss the connection between Christmas and their every day. In this sermon, Simeon’s song helps our eyes to see that connection.
In a world of sin Christ enters in.
The 4th sermon in our Hopes & Fears series is based off of Isaiah 61
This segment of By The Way is our Advent Bible Study series. This week we discuss Isaiah 64.
No one likes to talk about sin. Sin is uncomfortable. However, it is unreasonable to avoid the discomfort of confronting sin. We need to confess and confront our sinfulness because there we hear the Good News that God endured discomfort to give his unreasonable grace and remove sin from us. You are forgiven.
The life of Christian is a place for grace in Christ. What if a group of Christians were willing to be a place for grace for others… even when it seemed unreasonable and felt uncomfortable?
This sermon is based on the book of Hosea.
What does "A Place For You" mean for you and for our church? Find out in this week's sermon on 2 Samuel 7.
It’s easy to let our past to define us – for better or for worse. However, allowing our past (even if it is good) to define our identity inevitably leads to an identity crisis! What happens when you – a “good” person – do a bad thing? Do you cease being “good” anymore? Can a “bad” person ever become “good” again? And how do you explain it when you or another “bad” person does good things?
That binary way of thinking of people as either “good” people or “bad” people misses an important Truth: “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and ALL are justified freely by God’s grace” (Romans 3:23-24).
What that means is that you are not completely good. And you are not permanently bad! In other words, in this life you are both a sinner and a saint. Are you “good” or “bad” person? Neither. Really. But you are a richly, immensely, ridiculously, fabulously, eternally, “blessed” person because, in Christ, God made you one with Him (Romans 3:25).
This sermon is based on the Romans 3:21-28 and 4:1-8.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That sounds nice, but it’s not true. Words have the ability to hurt our feelings, ruin reputations, and damage relationships. Because unkind words can stick in our minds for a long time, it’s easy to believe the lie “I Am What Other People Say or Think About Me.”
But have you considered what God says and thinks about you?
God’s Word helps. God’s Word heal. God’s Word sets hearts at peace. Because God Word tells us that he was delivered over to death for us and raised to life for us and our justification…even while we were still sinners.
Listen is as this sermon tells you all about what God Says and thinks about you!
This sermon is based on the Romans 4:25-5:8.
How do you describe yourself to someone new? Statistically speaking the very next thing you say after your name is “this is what I do.” Our jobs, professions, vocations are very important to us. But are they too important?
America is one of the wealthiest and most technologically advanced countries in the world and it is also one of the Top 5 “workaholic countries” in the world. 55% of people admit to already checking their work email while they are still lying in bed in the morning. Half of the workforce would agree that they “define themselves by the jobs they do or the companies they work for?” Because Americans place so much value on our work, we start to look to our work – our jobs, what we do –to provide things it was never intended to give.
But you are not defined by what you do for work. You are defined by whom you go to for rest. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Jesus gives rest that is so amazingly good that He satisfies your every need, he fulfills you, and validates you no matter what your past performance has been. He cares so much about your identity and your self-worth that he came for you and comes for you still to assure you of who you are in Him!
This sermon helps people understand that Christianity is not for good people who work hard. It’s for bad people, broken people, and people burdened out who have finally given up and throw themselves on the forgiving mercy of Jesus, which gives rest for your souls!
This sermon is based on Matthew 11:25-30.
Materialism has been a chief vice in American culture for a long time. Even though we know materialism is calling our name, we still fall into it – specifically, we start to define ourselves and others by it: the amount of money we have, the number of things we have, the looks we have, the lifestyle we have, the education we have. How do we break free from living the lie that “I am what I have?”
The Truth always destroys the lies we believe. God’s Word tells us that we are, actually, what we have because we have 1. hope in an eternal inheritance! 2. security in God’s power! and 3. joy in our salvation!
Don’t ever forget who you are and what you have in Christ!
This sermon message is based on 1 Peter 1:3-9.
Certain parts of the Bible may make it seem that Christians hanging out with non-Christians is a bad idea. But the Bible is more nuanced than that. The Bible says more than that! Rubbing shoulders with those who do not believe in Jesus is the best way to share the hope that only the Savior can give. So, should a Christian is comfortable or courageous? This message is about how Christians can invest in those who are unchurched – even when it is uncomfortable – and, most importantly why Christians can do just that!
Check out this sermon message based on John 17:15-20.
Friendship with your best friend is a blessing! So too, fellowship with your “church friend” is a blessing! Is there a difference? And what would it mean to find a Christian friend? a Christian best friend? Is that the same as being part of the fellowship of a church? This message explores what it means to have friends who share your faith as well as the important distinction between the fellowship of Christians and the self-selected blessing called friendship. Grab a friend and have a listen!
In the Bible, Jesus calls us friends. How does that term of closeness compare to the modern, social media-driven idea of a “friend?” What would it mean for our lives if the Almighty God was actually our ever-present friend? Because Jesus is our friend (and our best friend at that!) and he prefers to be with us, our life is full of forgiveness, care, and support.
Some are seeking. When pain or disappointment, despair or depression, guilt or heartache set in it is easy to ask, “Where is God?” Sometimes God seems hidden. In fact, his glory is hidden from our fallen eyes. Therefore, it’s easy to forget that our God, who is hidden to our human eyes, is here in our lives!
Stop seeking! God is here. God is present even when you don’t see him. How can we be sure? Your powerful, present, yet hidden God has revealed himself to us in His Word in His Son.
Some are hiding! But stop! Stop hiding behind bitterness, sleeplessness, anger, and worry. Hide yourself in the hidden God who loved you and sent his Son for you.
Where does your confidence come from? Find out what the Apostle Paul has to say in this week's sermon.
This might be the most ridiculous sermon you've ever heard... Find out why, by listening to this week's message.
Pastor Matt sat down to have a conversation about racism, from a Christian perspective, with Vernon Green & Jonathan Shores of G3 Community Services.
You've probably heard the story of the Good Samaritan before, but maybe you haven't looked like this before. See why Jesus tells us this story in this week's message.
Following Christ isn't about you, it's about who Jesus is and what He does. Find out what that means in this week's sermon.
Jesus said "Goodbye" and left his disciples. What did that mean for them? What does that mean for us?
Listen in as three church planters talk to a passionate teacher, evangelist, and friend about what it looks like to grow as you go in Christ. Thank you to Professor E. Allen Sorum from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for joining us for the interview.
Do you feel labeled by others? Do you put labels on yourself? What does God have to say about labels? Find out in this week's sermon message.
What does Jesus' resurrection mean for us right now? When does eternity start? Find out in this Easter's message!
Why do people buy more toilette paper during the Coronavirus crisis? Simple. People want control. That's natural. Yet, can you imagine if you were in control of every aspect of your life? Would you really be better off? Probably not. Thankfully the King of Kings is in the saddle of your life. Hosanna!
Pastor Bourman gives us some comfort from the words of Scripture during this global Pandemic.
Sometimes we forget who we are. And in isolation, it can be even easier to forget. Find out what Scripture has to say about who we are in Christ, in this week's message.
Where is God? And what will the worship of God look like in the future? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's message.
How much are you worth? Find out what the Bible tells us about our worth in this week's sermon.
Who is Jesus for you and to you in your life? Find out who Scripture says that Jesus is, and what it means for us in this week's sermon.
We are charged with being guilty of sin. But what does the Gospel have to say about the charges brought against us? Find out in this week's sermon.
Our mission counselor, Pastor Mark Birkholtz, stopped by to speak to us about some of the realities of planting a new church.
What does it mean to "love others"? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's sermon!
At our church we say that we grow together. What does "grow together" mean? Find out in this week's sermon!
There should be only one thing on the minds of those who follow Jesus Christ, because it was the only thing on His mind. Find out what that is in this week's sermon.
In Matthew Jesus says "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world". What does that mean? Find out in this week's sermon!
What does being #blessed really mean for you as a Christian? Find out in this week's sermon.
Why is this year going to be any different for you? Is Jesus still worth following in this new year? Find some answers from Scripture in this week's message.
Life around Christmas can get pretty complicated. But Christ makes life simple. Find out what that means in this week's sermon.
Have you been hurt by people in the church, leaders, or just the church in general? Listen to Kelly talk about her experience with finding a faith family and Christian community, after some bad experiences in church.
What do you do when God's promises do not match your present? Find out in this week's sermon!
The Gospel promise is different and it makes everything different. Find out how in this week's sermon!
Participation in a church is in decline, even for Christians. So whose fault is it? What should church look like technically? Practically? Find out in this week's sermon.
Jesus is the greatest thief there ever was... Find out what that means in this week's sermon.
Safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God. Find out what that means for your life in this week's sermon.
"Freedom" - everyone wants it. Where can we get freedom? And what does freedom look like and mean in the life of a child of God? Find out what Scripture has to to say in this week's sermon.
Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. He is not ashamed to call us his family. What does that mean for you? How does that affect your relationship with those around you and with your faith family? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's message.
Our time is a finite resource. How should we use it? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's sermon.
Stewardship is not a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the Christian life. It is the management of the totality of time, talents, treasures, and Truth that God has given us.
What is good? What is moral? What is true? ...And who get's to decide? Find out what Scripture has to say in this week's sermon.
Where do we find the best wisdom in this day and age? Find out what Scripture tells us in this week's sermon.
What is the meaning of life? In this week's sermon, find out what Scripture has to say about this and what it means for our life.
In this week's sermon we take a look at what Scripture has to say about where we came from, and what that means for our life.
As we continue our David series, we examine the relationship of David and Jonathan and consider the question, "Who can a person after God's own heart be friends with?".
How can we make our mark on those around us and future generations? Find out in this week's sermon.
What do you mean when you say, "I believe!"? Find out what believing is and isn't in this week's sermon.
Easter is not about our senses. But instead, it is about Jesus' sentences. Hear those sentences and more in this week's Easter Sunday sermon.
"Hosanna" is a word we hear a lot on Palm Sunday. But do you know what it really means? It means - SAVE US! Find out how that ties into this "race of life" that we are running in this week's sermon.
What sets Christianity apart from every other religion? The answer, Forgiveness. Find out what forgiveness means for us and our relationship with God and others in this week's sermon.
What is our daily bread? And how does that look in my life? Find out what Scripture has to say about these questions in this week's sermon.
What IS God's Will? Do my prayers affect how God carries out His Will in my life? Find out how Scripture answers these questions and more in this week's sermon!
The Kingdom of God is out of this world! ...What does that mean? Find out in this week's sermon.
Did you know that having a "personal relationship" with Jesus is not mentioned in Scripture? One thing that IS talked about and expounded upon is being a part of a community of believers, the "Body of Christ". What does it mean to belong to a community of believers, a church? Listen to this week's sermon to find out!
What is the difference between Godly wisdom and human wisdom? How do we get Godly wisdom? Where do we get Godly wisdom? Listen to this weeks sermon to find out!
What kind of people go to this church...? Are you curious? Do you want to know? Listen to this weeks sermon for an insight to that, and more importantly, the promises we receive from our Savior.
Are you happier with guessing at what's inside a gift than actually receiving it? Probably not, but often that's exactly how we treat the gift of life our God has given to us.
The first Christmas was a very unusual situation. Christmas is still an unusual season. How can we stop getting ready for Christmas and start getting ready for Christ?
Why are you here? What's your purpose? It is not about what you do, but it is about who you do it for. It is not about who you are, but whose you are.
Where do you find a church with The Church inside? We see Jesus as the foundation, Word and Sacrament and a community of believers.
Potholes are things in life that nudge us off our path. Through the sacraments, Christ comes to us by way of ordinary means, but gives us extraordinary gifts of faith and forgiveness.
Potholes are things in life that nudge us off our path. The Holy Spirit is a person who is God, and who personally points us to Christ.
Potholes are things in life that nudge us off our path. Knowing Jesus opens minds and fixes potholes of preconception; opens hearts and fixes potholes of dejection; and openes mouths and fixes potholes of discrimination.
Potholes are things in life that nudge us off our path. Our natural knowledge and the revealed knowledge of our God shows us that God will fill and level out the potholes in our life.
There is universal agreement that an indispensible component of mental health recovery is hope. this sermon explores the essence and function of hope in the life of a Christian.
Are you carrying heavy baggage of guilt? We can take steps to remove that baggage and revel that our sins have been forgiven.
Is addiction a choice? Fully understanding addiction and the Gospel completely transforms the way I look at addicts, myself and Christ.
What do you do when you're feeling depressed? What do you do when a loved one struggles with depression? God has a recovery plan that transformed Elijah and transforms you.
How do our expectations affect our experiences? We experience anxiety at different times and different levels but we have three tools to tackle that anxiety: plan, pray and praise.
What are gifts? Why do I have gifts? God gives us great gifts and we either use those gifts today or we lose those gifts eternally.
Have you ever read the Bible and asked yourself, "What's the point?" You're not alone. Jesus' disciples asked the same question to Jesus after he tells them a parable. This parable also contains the answer to their question. You get the point?
What are the three hardest words to say in the English language? It may surprise you, but it's not "I love you!" It's not "I am sorry." It isn't even "I don't know!" It involves the "F" word...forgiveness. Saying "I forgive you" might be the three hardest to utter in the English language, but this phrase, because Who said it first, has the power to focus families, comfort families, and reunite families for the best family reunion ever!
Christianity is the only major world religion with a significant gender disparity amoung its followers. How did the church get here? Did the church forget to include men? Did the church drive men away? Does it matter?
We've all worked really, really hard to get that picture of our family that looks really, reallly good! How'd it turn out? A lot of times our pictures don't look perfect. They might even look awkward. And even if the picturesdo turn out great, we know that we don't look that good as a family all the time.
The family unit is the original structure designed and implemented by God to bless humankind. The importance of the family cannot be underestimated! But God's ideal for the picture perfect family is far from how our real family photos look.
This Sunday we will explore what God's perfect picture of a family looks like, how to get that picture for our family, and how we are to think about all those "awkward" past photos.
How do we humble ourselves? We humbly lower ourselves as the Lord lift us up. Through this humility we see: our needs met more completely, all people more compassionately and the future more clearly.
A workless faith is a worthless faith. Our actions reflect the faith we have. Our good works are done according to the Word of God, reflects thank to God, are done for others and are done knowing that the Lord is with us.
Real faith produces real works. We cannot claim faith without caring for the poor and we can love the poor neighbor as ourselves because God loved us first.
Easter Sunday - Evidence is never enough for Easter Faith. Instead of searching for Jesus, we must call off the search and Jesus must find us.
What does it look like to pursue and promote God's glory and not ours? Jesus is the perfect Messiah-King for people with mixed emotions like us when we don't understand why we put God's glory first.
What type of decisions do you make? We make decisions to throw something away or keep it because it has use or value to us. We learn that God made a decision for us also - he loves the world in spite of the world.
Why do we label things? Is it so we can give something an identity? What is our label? Our Father gives us the best label of all - His son, His daughter.
What is repentance? Do we see it as only a negative thing? We learn that our entire life should be repentance and that the change is for our benefit.
Who is Jesus? We may describe or picture him in many different ways but He came to earth to do one ting. He is a man on a mission.
Scandals deal with surprisingly bad things that we didn't see coming. Jesus' suffering and death would definitely qualify. Why was Jesus tempted by Satan? Our plot to sin has been conquered by God's plot to save.
What's the story of the Transfiguration? Is there any significance of this holy event for your life? Spoiler alert: there is. On the Mountain of Transfiguration God teaches us where our glory is found, and it's not in tents.
Why was Jesus baptized? Why are we baptized? Through this gift we receive the power and love of God's grace; heaven is torn open for us.
Finishing strong - giving 100% to the very end - in any endeavor requires two things: discipline and motivation. What does that look like for the Christian running in the race called life?
Why shepherds? Why would God first send his angels to shepherds to announce the Good News of His Son's birth? Why is this same Good News announced to us? God's message given through angels to shepherds tells us.
What is the "real" Mary like? How are we to regard her? Find out as God pulls off the greatest Christmas miracle ever in Mary!
What puts you in the Christmas spirit? Is it better to give than to receive? Jesus Christ give us the ultimate give as our light bringer, our life giver and the ultimate satisfier.
Repentance is a change that we hate but it is the only way to prepare our hearts for Christ.
The Pharisses and Sadducees have a bad reputation for supplementing their relationship with God with their pursuit of keeping God's Law perfectly. Christians who understand that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone know keeping God's Law doesn't save us. Christ saves us. Be are we guilty of "Christianity AND" or do we live by "Christ Alone?"
Scripture Alone? What does this mean? Who do we listen to when it comes to matters of spirituality and life? Scripture alone is the one sure foundation for building our beliefs. It is the solid rock upon which we stand.
Faith Alone? What does this mean? People pollute faith with works. Our God demands perfection but we cannot be perfect on our own. Through faith we are connected to God's Word and the works of Jesus, who was perfect for us
Grace Alone? What does this mean? Without grace we are dead but this priceless gift from God alone saves us.
What are we celebrating on this 500th anniversary of the Reformation? Do we appreciate our heritage enough to live by it? Faithfulness to the Word doesn't come without painfulness but faithfulness to the Word also makes the Christian condition better.
Do I understand what I am worshipping? What does it mean to have a god? We may be ignorant and unknowingly elevating things in our lives to the status of a god. When we look to Christ, we find that the true God provides everything we need.
What is your favorite part of church? Would you still enjoy worship if that was removed? Through God's Word we discover that we have blindspots and bias. We also discover that God does not show favoritism and came with peace to cause freedom for the oppressed.
"Do you understand what you are reading?" The question Philip asked the Ethiopian Eunuch is an important question for us to consider as well. Reading and remaining in The Word of God gives us everything we need for life. Christ promises.
Why does God give me challenges in my life? Why do we suffer? We try to answer the why questions but not looking to God for the answers will leave us Godless, purposeless and comfortless. When we look to the Bible to answer our why, we find that our focus changes from ourself to Christ. We learn that Christ changed our eternity from death to life. The cross gives us the perspective to deal with the challenges. Change strengthens our faith and changed people change people by pointing them to Christ.
God did not send His Son, then His Spirit, and then tell His people to build a church and sit inside it. No. Those moved by the Spirit “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together” (Acts 2:42, 44-46).
The Christ-promised coming of the Holy Spirit reverses the confusion of Babel as the disciples are given the gift of speaking in tongues. In a rush of wind and with tongues of flame the prophecy of Joel is fulfilled. The timidity of the Twelve dissolves into fiery witnessing to the Truth. What began in the streets of Jerusalem, is even now carried to the ends of the earth by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Church of Christ is and forever shall be built on top of these two pillars: The empty tomb (resurrection) and the return of Christ. And yet, people (yes, the disciples and Christians alike) often picture the church being built on their expectations for what the Kingdom of God looks like. Christ’s gives his final direction for the Church of all time. We will receive power, but not for building an earthly kingdom. Rather, we would receive Spirit-power to be heralds of the impending kingdom of heaven.