GSLCVA Podcast: Recent Episodes
GSLCVA
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Herndon, Virginia, is a congregation that builds up God’s people through His Word for His world. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, come join us on our YouTube and Vimeo channels, our Facebook page, our Instagram, and our website (www.gslcva.org) as we love, grow, and serve together. Connect with us on these platforms by searching for @GSLCVA or clicking the buttons below. Be blessed!
The voice is a powerful thing, admired by untold millions purchasing music or sitting breathlessly awaiting the winners of “American Idol” or “The Voice.” Join Pastor James as he challenges us to hear the Spirit’s voice – the source and means of our hope for this life and the next.
Join us this Ascension Sunday as Pastor Johann provides us a refresher on what our mission should be…right here, right now. Often, it is easy to get lost in the details of day-to-day activities and forget our purpose. We ask the wrong questions, emphasize the wrong things, and don’t move on with the mission He has assigned us. Christ is everywhere he is here and now, calling us to be witnesses. Are you ready to tend His flock? If not now, when?
When God chose to love us, it was His choice. Join Pastor James as he discusses how because of God’s choosing us we are empowered and filled with His love and must then resolve to live out that same love each and every day of our lives.
The linkage between our love for each other and God’s love for us is a distinctly Christian message from today’s epistle reading. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how God is love, love is an action of God, and love is an example through Jesus’s atoning sacrifice for our sins. When we abide in God by loving each other, God’s purpose in loving us in completed. We are saved by Christ and are assured of this by loving as He did.
Anyone can say, “I love you.” Words are cheap and the meaning can be lost. Even today as Christians, we use the same phrase. What is the Christian meaning of love? Join Pastor James as he delves into our response to God’s great love as we seek to define Christian love through the lives we live.
Have you ever wondered, “What is the point of the Resurrection?” Is it simply about Jesus’ offering of peace? Join Pastor Johann as he discusses the Resurrection. It happened because the Messiah was meant to suffer and to rise from the dead; it provides a basis for us to wake up and ask for repentance and forgiveness of sins; and finally it allows us to proclaim this message and bear witness of the good news of the Resurrection.
“Peace be with you,” Jesus said to His disciples locked behind doors. Join Pastor James as he discusses today’s Gospel. Assuring us that with Jesus’ peace-bearing presence, we have a secure foundation in a Savior who accepts us as and where we are.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Throughout Lent, we have heard a drumbeat call from God to return to Him, and today we rejoice that this call was issued so that we might have life in abundance through the One who lived, died, and rose again to secure our salvation. Join Pastor Johann as he discusses how we are called to come and see the Christ; to see the salvation won for us; to see the life that He has secured; and to see the Word that we are to share with others.
The author of creation hangs on the cross, wracked with pain and writhing in agony. It is almost unbearable to look on this scene, and yet without it we would be lost forever, still trapped in our sins. As we gather tonight to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for each of us, may we focus on the One who is the way and the truth and the life, even Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Join us this Maundy Thursday as Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus invites us to join Him at the Table. He repeats this invitation repeatedly, because He feeds us in order to build us up and strengthen our faith. His invitation draws us into a place where we have fellowship with all believers. Yet, our fellowship is stained by sin. To remedy our sin Jesus gives us His own body and blood with a promise, to make all things new and share the fruit of the vine with Christ Himself.
Today is Palm|Passion Sunday, it is one of the more cluttered and confusing liturgical days of the church year. In celebration of Palm|Passion Sunday, today we remember a parade deliberately staged by Jesus. Join Pastor James as he focuses on the cheers of Hosanna during that parade, shortly followed by the jeers of the crucifixion on Good Friday. The parade and crucifixion both unwittingly show humankind’s part in highlighting God’s great love for each of us as sinners.
What does Jesus mean when he refers to “the kingdom of God?” Pontius Pilate wrestled with this exact question asking, “What is truth?” How do we navigate the waters of worldly authority and stay true to the eternal authority of God? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus is our King in a way that no earthly authority could ever comprehend. He loves and provides for His subjects, leads by example, and offers Himself to ensure the salvation of His people.
In today’s Gospel reading, some Greeks come to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and say, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” They wanted to see Jesus, which in John's gospel, is closely connected with believing. Join Pastor James as we, on our journey to the cross, come to understand that in the end, you don't have to see Jesus in a physical sense to come to know Jesus through faith.
Join us this Lenten Wednesday as Pastor Johann discusses Peter’s denials of Jesus. Like Peter, we too may shrink from our faith. The pressures of living in a culture that does not recognize Jesus as Lord and God can be significant and may lead us to soft-pedal our beliefs or even to outright deny Jesus. However, Jesus will have the last word. He will forgive us, restore us, and send us out with a task to complete. He calls us to return to Him, to return from denial.
In today’s gospel, John 3:16, Jesus articulates, as Luther says, “the Gospel in a nutshell.” God is fundamentally a God of love, love is the logic by which the kingdom of God runs, and God’s love trumps everything else; even justice, in the end. Join Pastor James as he speaks to how frightening it can be to be so utterly dependent on God, and understanding that it is about God’s boundless love in the gift and exaltation of Jesus Christ.
Join us this Lenten Wednesday when Pastor James discusses Judas’s betrayal and where the sin of false witness prevails. The false witness of Jesus’ sham trial is evident, however ours is seldom so. In what ways do we bear false witness? How do our failures lead us away from God? God calls us to turn from our sin, to look to Him, and to find our rest and identity in Him. When we do, Jesus takes our sins—even our false witness against Him—and offers us forgiveness.
The true power of the cross can be hard to see. In religious culture, it is an icon, yet in the first century, it was a gruesome capital punishment device. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses the message of the cross. To those perishing it is foolish; to those being saved, it is the power of God. The cross shows us the broad love of God, reminds us that God’s ways are not worldly ways, and points to grace and unto salvation.
Join us as Pastor Johann explores betrayal, specifically the ways that we betray one another and Jesus through our denials and rejection of faith. We live in a culture that prides itself on rejecting the morality that Jesus taught. Whether it is failing to acknowledge our faith or embracing our own sinful urges, it is too easy to turn away from God and betray Jesus. Yet Jesus did not avoid betrayal and accepted the consequences to ensure that all who believe in Him are free.
In the Gospel for this week, Jesus tells his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Join Pastor James as he discusses the expectations and impact of the cross upon each of us as we face just what the “how” of that is on our journey of cross carrying and denying ourselves.
Today’s sermon focuses our attention on Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane and explores the topic of prayer. God commands us to pray, but we seldom do a very good job of it. Join us today as Pastor James discusses prayer. When God calls us to pray, He provides us the means to pray, and even fulfills what we ourselves are unable to do. Jesus takes our sins upon Himself and dies on the cross, satisfying the wrath of God and fulfilling what we ourselves are unable to do.
Sometimes in our faith walk, we give up something intentionally, as a homage to the Lord’s suffering. We try to create a desert-like experience, highlighting our mortality and the fragility of life. This desert wilderness is a place of loss and grief, where we face our lack of power. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how the wilderness is where we discover who we are, whose we are, and what matters…being filled with gratitude and appreciation for today, and being fully alive in Christ.
God calls us into relationships with Him and with other Christians, people who walk the path with us and share their blessings. Join us as Pastor Johann sets the stage for Lent, a path where we learn from our brothers and sisters in the faith, and where their stories illuminate and direct our own stories. God’s call is a call to join Jesus on a path of pain and suffering. But, it is a call that leads to everything but destruction; it leads to blessings from God and eternal life in Christ.
The Transfiguration describes a mountaintop experience, where the disciples wanted to worship and stay with Christ. Today we often want a similar experience, striving for highpoints, shunning the low points. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how life is about coming down from the mountaintop into the sinful world, with low points and not just highpoints. The Transfiguration reminds us who gives us true glory, forgiveness, and eternal life, which has little to do with our highs and lows.
Scripture speaks of a Father, and a Son, and a Holy Spirit, each member of the Trinity being coequal, inseparable, interpenetrating, and causing no division. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we need healing, as we are beset by many problems. Jesus represents more than physical healing, He represents eternal healing, as He is the truth and the way to true peace. Jesus is intent on bringing us around to the life we are intended to live, where the greatest are the servants of all.
When we hear the words “because I said so,” we recognize that that person speaks with authority. Join Pastor James as he walks through today’s gospel text seeking an understanding that because Jesus said so, His authority came not from rank or position. Instead, His wisdom came from His competence in interpreting God’s Word, so that we will understand His desire that all His children enjoy health and life.
Jesus says to the disciples and to you “follow me.” This is not just an invitation to go; it’s also an invitation to leave behind earthly pursuits. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we accept Jesus’ invitation to follow, not by packing up, but by letting go. By letting go, where we hear the call to a new life, where we are changed and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. “Follow me” is Jesus’ call to participate with God in God’s own saving work by discovering God’s divinity within us.
There is a lot of “finding” in John’s quirky account on the calling of Jesus’ disciples. Join Pastor James as he shares our calling as Christians, to share the gospel with others. It is through our inviting, going, and showing that those “found” may also take part in finding and sharing in God’s grace-given promise through faith to be with him in eternity.
Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we are recreated in baptism just like the image of creation in Genesis, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Mark’s gospel makes it clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us like Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children. Through baptism, we are set on Jesus’ mission to recreate the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.
Christmas has come and gone and the New Year lays directly ahead. Join Pastor James as he shares carrying Christmas beyond December 25 and into everyday of our lives, shining the light and living the God-given promises seen through the manger and on the cross.
During this season of giving, we often look for examples of goodwill through Saint Nicholas giving his presents, Luke’s Christmas account, and the message of world peace. Humanity achieves peace with God through Jesus Christ filling our hearts with generosity and compassion, so that others may experience the same. When peace is present, goodwill abounds. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses the meaning of peace and goodwill, how it is God’s will, and a message of God’s undying love for all.
In this Sunday’s gospel John, the Baptist was called not to baptize, but to witness to the light, and the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Join Pastor James as he discusses how like John, we are also called by God to witness to the light. Witnessing is about how we are called to talk about what matters most to us, questions of meaning and purpose, our relationships, and what happens in our daily lives in light of our faith.
In life, we have checklists of tasks to remember and perform ahead of our daily activities. Preparation and adaptation are vital as we face challenges to our checklists. In today’s Gospel, we see how our daily checklists pale in comparison to the story of John the Baptist. Join Pastor Johann as he discusses the vital preparations of the believer’s life as we strive to prepare our hearts, purge sin from our lives, repent, and focus on Jesus, as he gives us deep peace and rest.
Perhaps more than any of the other Gospels, Mark offers a distinctly apocalyptic view of only Jesus and the Christian life. Not, mind you, apocalyptic as in the end of the world. His views pull back the curtain of false hopes and realities. In doing so, Mark helps to reveal God's commitment to enter into, and redeem, our lives and world just as they are.
People are more comfortable with the known rather than the unknown. We want certainty, the bottom line, and we want to know what is going to happen more than wanting a particular outcome to happen. As we crave certainty, we realize that life is full of uncertainty. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how in a world with seemingly no certainty about anything our Lord is clear. He lived and died for us, and through His grace, we will inherit the kingdom of God the Father for eternity.
Noticing and thanking – the first step to setting in motion a cycle of gratitude and grace. Join Pastor James as he discusses how after noticing the blessing we have just received, we cannot forget to turn and give thanks, just as the leper did on the road to Jerusalem. And having been noticed with gratitude, we will discover it easier to gratefully notice in return.
When considering today’s text, The Parable of the Talents, one of the great scholarly debates is whether or not we should treat the landowner as God. Join Pastor James as he examines just how do we imagine and treat God in light of the text. Do we see Him as arbitrary and capricious or as loving and gracious? Moreover, just how does what we see impact the way we live our lives?
Do you procrastinate and get things done at the last minute? Do you realize that procrastination typically has poor results? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how our Lord is patient and full of grace; but judgment day is coming, and we should not procrastinate with our spirituality. Instead of doing the minimum to get by, we should be ready to carry out the commission God has given us. We should have a Christian attitude, doing the best for the Lord, transformed to serve Him always.
Humanity holds a fascination with life, death, and the afterlife. We all share a mortal nature and death is an inevitable part of life. On this All Saints Day, we honor and remember the saints gone before us. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how salvation is for all people; how those who have gone before us have found lasting rest through the mercy and grace of God; how we remember them today; and rise to serve Him until we are called to the Lord.
The rise of an earthly civilization and its preeminence never lasts as societal values and morals ultimately break down. Join us this Reformation Day as Pastor Johann discusses how history has shown that selfish ambitions have veered people, and civilizations, off-track. Instead of judging our shortcomings we should focus on revitalizing our faith lives by repenting, focusing on Christian fundamentals, and understanding how His gift of grace transform us providing lasting salvation.
Sunday, we arrive at the point in Matthew’s story about Jesus where things are getting tense. Riding the wave of popular acclaim, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders regarding the authority behind his actions. Jesus asks to see a coin and answers with a question, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Join Pastor James then asks us, just whose likeness do we bear? Do we bear God’s likeness? Or act for ourselves instead of for Him?
In verse 8 of today’s reading from Romans chapter 4, Paul’s encouragement is deceptively simple: think on whatever is right, on whatever is good, on whatever is best. That’s about it. Simple, indeed. Join Pastor James as he discusses how when we know God and His holy word, there is no shortage of good and true and beautiful words and images for us to think on to shake off the bad, false, and ugly thoughts that cross our minds, and how that’s a lovely way to live rejoicing.
Do you love God or hate God? He has provided us with life and all that we need. It is up to us to determine if we will cherish these gifts or abuse them. Join us today, as Pastor Johann discusses how people find it difficult to accept that God’s will and theirs might differ, dismissing Him as irrelevant. God is incredibly merciful and patient with us, but not infinitely so. The time to realign our hearts with Jesus is now, focusing on a relationship with Him sharing His gift of love and grace.
In today’s gospel text from Matthew, the religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority to teach and preach, particularly in the Temple. Listen as Pastor James explores Jesus’ question to the religious leaders and that His answer pushes us to the point of reflection that the real issue is not about authority. It is about the extent of God's grace. That God invites us once again to see, accept, actualize, and respond to God’s amazing grace and live into the future that God has prepared for us.
We all struggle with life in one way or another, at one time or another, and live in ways that seem best to us rather than in faith and love as Jesus teaches us. Through Jesus, God calls us to repent, to turn away from our self-centered lives, to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through His saving love, we can bring the good news to people, including those outside of our fold, sharing His grace and giving us true life through Jesus.
Forgiveness is rarely easy to do, and there is not a simple formula for living it out. Join Pastor James as he talks about how this business about forgiveness is not about a particular requirement or a number of times at all. Rather that forgiveness lies at the heart of our faith in God and our love of one another and that it is not something we do, but a way of being in a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus’ words from today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that He is present among us, and with gifts of peace and reconciliation.
In today’s Gospel Jesus discusses the importance of being ready for His return, and how we can prepare ourselves. This reminder of faithfulness to Jesus is important as it is truly easy to lose sight of what is important in today’s world. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how we are either standing with Jesus or against Him, there is no middle ground. If we seek a life of worldly possessions we will lose them, if we live a life of devotion to God and service to others, we will find life in abundance and salvation.
Choices. They have been with us from our birth. Choice is one of those elements that makes us uniquely human. One day Peter made one of those crucial choices for Christ. It was a momentous day. Join Pastor James today as he asks, “how about you?” What choices have you made and/or are ready to make? What affect have they have had, or could they have on you? Your choices, and the changes they create, are ultimately no different than they were for Peter and his choice for Christ.
God uses everything in our lives, good and bad, to teach us and cause us to grow. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses what is required to have great faith; a great need, knowing Jesus alone can fill that need, and a persistent trust in God even when failure seems imminent. Great faith is not about being worthy, but instead about grace and the simple gift of God’s love and relying on Him.
Do you fear that you will be unable to do great things? And falter when times are tough? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how the root of all fear is spiritual, connected with sin, and knowing that we are not all right. It is only through our faith that we see the power in the Word, and God’s promise. He will never give up; He is with us and for us, doing what we cannot. His promise and action overcome our fear and send us out armed to live and share His abundant life, love, and grace.
Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we are missing the point of Jesus feeding the 5,000 if we focus on the how and the why of what He did. Instead, we should focus on Jesus’ response: “YOU give them something to eat.” We are often unsure and unwilling to do God’s bidding. However, Jesus reminds us what a high opinion God has of believers. Through Him, we have all we need to do the Christ’s work. When we do there is plenty of love, grace, and hope to go around – with leftovers to share.
As Paul finishes Romans 8, he summarizes the Gospel message in just four small, simple words. He chose “God…is…for…us!” But maybe instead of asking, “Is God for us?” we should be asking ourselves, as Abraham Lincoln urged folks to do, “Are we on God’s side?” Join us today as Pastor James discusses the question: what are the ways God is for us? So that we can answer with unwavering confidence “Yes we are on God’s side! We know He is for us.”
We think that if we are good and work hard, everything will work out. If things do not work out, we look to explain and lay blame. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how our lives, and our world, are a field in which what we want (good) and don’t want (evil) grow side by side like wheat and weeds. We look to explain our evil and uproot it like weeds in the wheat. Instead, we should let the weeds be as our job is to love, forgive, and encourage in this mixed field of God’s kingdom.
Today we talk about dirt, not a dirty story, but a parable that reflects Jesus' observations of the world in which He traveled. In the Parable of the Sower, the farmer was so slip-shod in his work that we can only conclude that it is not about farming at all. Instead, it’s about God, and the seed that was sown is His grace. Join Pastor James as he examines the dirt upon which the seeds fell and the hearts and souls of the world today, as our condition as sinners is pictured in the farmer’s dirt.
Life has many dualities and dichotomies; sometimes they are within us as individuals. We are pulled in two directions where our beliefs and our actions do not synchronize, often choosing the wrong path. We try to do right, but find ourselves face to face with sin. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how we should bring our inner turmoil to the cross of Calvary, confess our sins, and renew our lives with God through His love and forgiveness.
The word “just” is an adverb that is used to make a point about something being the only, exact, or precise thing. In today’s Gospel, Matthew uses the word “just” to make a surprising point. Join Pastor James as he discusses how it is “just” the smallest pause, phrase, or conversation that proves all that someone needs is a cup of cold water, Christ’s love, and we are the one’s blessed to give it to them.
We often think of Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” Yet peace is not easy as seen by all of the conflict and war in the world. Often conflict is caused by our personalities, which goes against the content of the Gospel message. The ultimate goal of the Gospel was, and is, not harmony on earth, but peace with God. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how the Gospel calls us to love God more than we love ourselves, and to be loyal and committed by prioritizing Him first.
In today’s gospel text, Jesus lays before us a stirring picture as He looks out at the whole world and sees humankind as a great field to be harvested. As the Lord of the harvest, He is calling for laborers to join Him in sowing and harvesting the gospel seed. Join Pastor James as he takes a look at the ministry shared, misery seen, and ministers sought in Jesus’ call for laborers to gather the harvest.
Ministry is about people, it requires courage and patience, and nobody modeled this better than Jesus did. He is the only one worth following and faith in Him means trusting in Him, even when things look hopeless. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus mixes things up, is attentive to our deepest needs, how He is at work in ways that will surprise us and provides affectionate attention. Through a life of faith, we have one surprising adventure after another, one without boundaries.
Did you know that “the Great Commission” ends with a promise? Often overlooked this “great Promise” is not an accident and tells us that God is with us now and forever. Join us as Pastor James discusses fulfilling the great commission, sharing the good news of God’s grace in Christ through word and deed, and welcoming all into fellowship through Baptism. Christ is always with us, through good and bad, and His presence comforts, guides, and grants us the grace to be the people of God.
Join Pastor Johann as he discusses the Mission (Im)Possible, to “go and tell” the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection to all people. On our own, we are inadequate, and the mission is impossible. Through God, we can proclaim the gospel to all people, and our mission is truly possible. Through the risen Savior, we are equipped to share the Word as He has given us great peace, proof, purpose, power, and proclamation.
Are you having a hard time praying as much as you need to? Are you afraid of praying incorrectly? Join us today as Pastor James explains how we can look to Jesus as an example. We can pray at any time, about anything, and we are never alone in prayer as Jesus is with us. There is no right way or wrong way to pray, it should be a part of the fabric of our daily lives. In the end, what matters most is that we pray so that we may all be one with our faith and with Jesus.
Do you often look for ways to connect with people? Do you lift up idols or earthly objects to fulfill your deepest desires just to be left unsatisfied? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how a life of connection and community, grounded in God, is the key to our desires. As we let go of the idols we chase, we can see our deepest desires fulfilled by God in a lasting way.
Some people have difficulty in recognizing that they have caught what they are chasing or desire. Such individuals, in their extreme forms, are always running but never arriving, always searching but never discovering. While not fair to describe Phillip and the other disciples in this manner, it would be equally unfair to suggest that they were oblivious. Join Pastor James as he focuses on how Jesus answers their question, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied."
In today’s world many are looking to make a deal wondering what’s behind door #1, #2, or #3. However, as we read in today’s gospel lesson the only door that matters is the door with Jesus Christ. Join Pastor James as he reminds us that every human heart has a door that must be opened from the inside to share Christ’s love and life eternally.
People often forget that Jesus is always with us and speaks to us every day through the scriptures. Join us as Pastor Johann asks the question: Do we really listen and examine God’s holy words? It is through these words that the basis of our faith is formed; they give us all that we need, and move our hearts and open our minds to comprehend the will and love of God.
A woman on her way out of worship on Easter Sunday asks the pastor a truly profound question, “Will Easter make any difference for everyone here in church today, or will their lives tomorrow be the same as they were yesterday? Join us as Pastor James discusses how the Easter experience and the living presence of Christ in our lives, Easter does, can, and will make a difference in our lives.
Easter is a great time for feasting as the family of God. In fact, it is one of the highest feasts of the Church Year. God conquered sin, death, and hell through Christ’s resurrection from the dead! We long to be delivered and resurrected from sin, death, anxiety, and pain. Although we are not there yet, God gives us a foretaste of that feast in the Lord’s Supper. As you partake of this feast today, may you anxiously await the feast that has no end!
Since the altar is stripped and the paraments are gone, the wood of the altar and pulpit are fully exposed. On this Good Friday, and at Golgotha, all you see is wood! We are reminded of the agony and pain He suffered to remove your sin. Due to the sacrifice He uplifts sinners, raises the dead, and sweetens all agony and pain through the waters of your Baptism. Jesus Christ is your refuge and lifesaver, lightening every load and giving you eternal rest and the promise of peace.
When Jesus died, He was mocked, punched, spit upon, and beaten. Many people could not wait to kill Jesus. When Jesus was pierced by the soldier on Good Friday, John significantly indicates that water and blood poured out of His side. Yet many failed to realize how rich this treasure truly is. His water and blood still pour out today, forgiving all your sins and working for the good of the whole Church. We celebrate and receive again what our Lord inaugurated for you in His Supper.
Crowds are fickle. One minute the leader is the hero and everyone is waving palm branches, singing praises, and hitting “like” on their posts. The next minute the waving palms and joy-filled cheering begin to dim as the tide begins to turn against Jesus leading to the cross on Friday. Join Pastor James as he examines the why and the how of the shouts of Hosanna on Sunday transforming into the shouts of crucify him on Friday.
In today’s Gospel text we see Jesus upfront and personal. He weeps, He raises people up. He includes others in the healing process. Join Pastor James today as he shares the personal Jesus delivering the Good News of Easter.
At one time or another in life, we have encountered a dramatic and personal eye-opening experience, resulting in a newfound insight, perception, and vision. In today’s Gospel text, we learn about a man blind from birth, who has a dramatic eye-opening experience with Jesus, who gains a new insight and is completely healed of his blindness. Journey with Pastor James as we see how the closer the blind healed man gets to Jesus the clearer he sees God, just as it can work for us.
Across centuries, people have gathered where food and beverages were available to tell tales, catch up on news, and stay current on the latest gossip. In today’s Gospel, Jesus breaks with convention to engage in conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus used the occasion to introduce the eternal image of living water. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how finding Jesus is to find life, a stream of living water that cleanses the world, making all things and us new.
In today’s Gospel Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the dead of night seemingly having missed the central point about life in the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus has faith in God, but he does not understand how faith actually works, or where it comes from. Listen today as Pastor James explores how Nicodemus came to understand the answer to those questions and how the Holy Spirit works within us building up our faith.
Jesus was led to the wilderness to be isolated, weakened, and tempted. The wilderness experience Jesus underwent translates to us today as it serves as an example of stripping away all that we depend upon. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses the three temptations in today’s Gospel of relevance, being amazing, and having it all as these temptations do not truly define us. We belong to God, have been redeemed by Him, and his truth serves to satisfy our deep and true hunger.
Lent strips us naked and lays us bare before God, revealing that we are beggars before God and deserve nothing. When ashes touch your skin, you are reminded that your life is short and that you, too, will die. However, Jesus promises to bless you, raise you from the ashes of your own death and grave, and give you eternal life. Easter promises that God always raises and blesses, filling us with hope because He raised His own Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead.
Simple words, "Listen to Him" spoken on a mountaintop. God told Peter, James and John to listen to Jesus and what He has to say. Is God just talking to the three of them? What about us living today? Join Pastor James as he answers the question, What's the real point - just who really needs to listen?
Violence, lust, infidelity, and inauthenticity are parts of our lives and communities. They seek to take hold of us and are intertwined in our choices and habits, causing deep damage to the trust we have in each other. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we must go past these acts themselves, consider the heart level motivations, and make reconciliation a priority in our lives as we focus on God’s love and true fulfillment.
There are times in our lives when we may think that we are insignificant. However, nothing can be further from the truth, because despite what we may think as Christians we can make an incredible difference in the world. Join Pastor James today as he discusses how when we begin to live our lives in such a way that people are attracted to Jesus Christ, and want to glorify our Father in heaven, we will know that our salt is tasty and we are lit – our light is bright.
Jesus helps us find the right path, the narrow road. No matter the circumstances, He is with us. When we are at the end of rope, or full of sorrow, we can depend completely on God. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how by believing in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, we can find comfort in our sorrows, persecutions, and poor spirits. Jesus turns our attention away from what we lack and toward what we seek the reality of the Kingdom of God, one that is here and now.
Wise men, current and past, do not have the wisdom, reasoning, or philosophy needed to worship God in an acceptable manner. Therefore, Christ put his trumpet to his mouth and warriors clad in fishermen’s garb rose from the Sea of Galilee. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how these humble fishermen, these warriors, show us the acceptable way to worship furthering the glory of God.
We have all received an invitation to an event and been excited to attend and be included. While exciting, these events pale in comparison to the invitations issued by Jesus and the Calls of Christ. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses the transformation we undergo by understanding Jesus, what He is about, and what it is to “come and see Him.” By doing so, we are able to be in a relationship with Him, and through our acts of love towards others.
In this week’s gospel text, John baptized Jesus. Even though John objected, Jesus demanded that John baptize Him. In his message, Pastor James will examine the question “Why did John baptize Jesus?” He had no sins or any need to repent. Join us, as we are heartened to hear that through Jesus’ baptism a new spiritual family was created, welcoming all who are baptized in His name to join a family of faith, love, and power until we are all worshiping side-by-side in the kingdom of heaven.
Christmas is more than the story of God’s coming into the world. It is the story of a rising king that has serious consequences, such as violence, bloodshed, and innocent people getting hurt. Like most similar stories, we are left with two choices: we can ignore the cries of the innocent or we can listen to them. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how God has equipped us to listen to the cries of the innocent and answer through our prayers, faith, and good works.
What child is this? This child born in a stable, perhaps no more than a cave, where animals, not people, are kept. Why these humble conditions in a little village called Bethlehem? Why has the Eternal Creator of all things been born on this earth? Join Pastor James as he, along with you, travels the journey to answer those questions with the Word and song as we rejoice this Christmas morning! For Christ is born! The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Time stops for no one, and we are all bound to it. We cannot hurry it up, slow it down, or even control it. Therefore, it is no wonder that God used the right time to send His Son into the world as seen in the story of Christmas. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we have a lifetime to learn and to love the time that God became one of us, to die for all of us, and to rescue us for all time.
When it comes to telling the Christmas story, Joseph appears on the sidelines while Mary, the baby Jesus, the shepherds and the angels receive most of the attention. Even the account of Christ's birth from Joseph's perspective, in the Gospel of Matthew, gets little airtime on Christmas Eve. Why? Perhaps because it is so very ordinary. Join us today as Pastor James discusses Joseph’s apparent lack of purpose and how we can see what the Lord was up to yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Prison is a difficult experience, filled with horrors beyond the bars and cells. Do you create your own virtual or interior prison? Have you lost your way? Are you confined by unmet expectations and narrow views that feel like a prison? Join us today as Pastor Johann tells us how God does not make our lives easy, he calls us to live more deeply. We need to ask ourselves if we have any prisons in our lives and ask the Holy Spirit in to transform them.
Why do we have warning labels? Is it because we have dangerous products and labels avoid liability? Are they to alert us of the need for precautions for every possible risk? We can avoid them and consider them silly; but the only person we are hurting is ourselves. Join us today as Pastor James discusses the Advent Warning of John the Baptist. We can choose to repent later and look for shortcuts to salvation, or we can prepare to receive God’s Christmas Savior and the real peace he brings.
The Advent and Christmas season is a busy time of the year, and it is easy to forget that we are getting closer to salvation. As we await Christ’s promised return, we are told to “stay awake” and that we “do not know what day the Lord is coming.” Join us today as Pastor James reminds us of what we should do to stay prepared. The call is not just of what is to come, but a call of continued preparedness for what is already taking place in our midst.
The first Thanksgiving is a fine story in our nation's history, but "the best" Thanksgiving story is of what God has done for humankind. His story is our story, one that tells us "who" we are by telling us "whose" we are. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how it is good for us to recall the history of the first Thanksgiving, to speak of our thankfulness, and of our blessings.
However, the better story is of God’s goodness and record of His loving acts as Creator, Christ and Spirit.
Christ the King Sunday reminds us that we worship a wounded king, a wounded God. There can only be one King, only one savior, only one person who can truly save us. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how different our King is. He is not afraid to show us his wounds, provide us the grace and power of forgiveness, and grant us eternal life because of our faith in Him.
Do you see signs of the end of the world around us? Do you fear the world closing in on us as disturbances and wars show how unstable and fragile humanity is? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we might live for today but God plans for eternity. Nothing in this world is fully secure, stable, or forever but hope exists. Hope exists in that God is in command and we should not be deceived, be fearful, or distracted, as He is the purpose of our lives and our stability for eternity.
Do you see signs of the end of the world around us? Do you fear the world closing in on us as disturbances and wars show how unstable and fragile humanity is? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we might live for today but God plans for eternity. Nothing in this world is fully secure, stable, or forever but hope exists. Hope exists in that God is in command and we should not be deceived, be fearful, or distracted, as He is the purpose of our lives and our stability for eternity.
Do you look at the Bible as problematic and too tough to swallow? Does it create fear and a resistance to change within you? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus calls for us to change our vision, behavior, and our very core. The problem is not the Bible but within our very core. We must believe in the power of God to make Jesus’ vision a reality, accept His invitation to think and act differently when challenged, and respond as Jesus would when things are too tough to swallow.
Do you look at the Bible as problematic and too tough to swallow? Does it create fear and a resistance to change within you? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus calls for us to change our vision, behavior, and our very core. The problem is not the Bible but within our very core. We must believe in the power of God to make Jesus’ vision a reality, accept His invitation to think and act differently when challenged, and respond as Jesus would when things are too tough to swallow.
Jesus taught us that as Christians we will encounter suffering in life. As Christ-followers, we often slip up and attempt to sidestep this suffering at all costs. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we need to “Be Still.” We need to wake up, stop fearing, remember our God, and spread His’ Word. God will bring His glory, protect His people, and bring everlasting peace. All we need to do is trust in the Word and be faithful in walking in its way.
Have you ever heard that there are two types of people in the world? Those that are good and humble and those that are bad and judgmental. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how there are no good or bad people as we are all sinners and alienated from God. It is through our faith in Him that His justification, sanctification, and grace lead to our salvation, transforming us through His mercy.
What is prayer? Is it an attempt to ask God for our wants and needs? Or is prayer about swaying God to do our will instead of His will? Prayer is about our relationship with God. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus challenges us to develop an intimate, deep, and personal relationship with God. Prayer should be persistent, honest, and pursued with the intent of listening to Him. Our goal is to honor Him and align our will with His, as He is what we really need.
To be a Christian and follow Jesus is difficult and costly as it forces you to be different, stick out, and look beyond yourself. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how through Jesus our eyes can be opened and we can receive a greater cleansing. We can experience the hope, joy, and love of a new life in Jesus by looking back, following Him, and acknowledging His atonement for our sins.
What is faith? Is it hope? Belonging? A sense of peace? Or a relationship with God that will never leave you lonely? Will having more faith bring you closer to God? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how nothing is impossible with God and we should not quantify faith but instead affirm its power. We should focus on finding ways to use the power of faith, maintain a trusting relationship with God, and use His grace to transform lives around us.
Circumstances and situations in life change for everyone and can create barriers. Our barriers can be choices that destroy relationships and separate us from each other. Are you accepting or rejecting of those who differ from you? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Christ’s love, mercy, and grace helps us value relationships, deconstruct our barriers, and be servants of God.
Do you think that life is tough? Are your plans not working out? Can things can be better if everything goes your way? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how we must realize our situations, face the facts, and acknowledge that we have messed up. Through faith, we see that we are all sinners and need His grace. By coming to God, we are overwhelmed by an abundance of undeserved grace and mercy and welcomed because of Jesus and not our worldly possessions.
Have you ever been lost and in despair? Once found did you celebrate in the recovery? The art of celebrating being found is a joyous and attractive part of being a Christian as every life and soul is precious. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we are found and rescued by our Savior; should support our shepherd’s attempts to find the lost; and celebrate in the joy of being found.
Jesus has a love that carries over the rough times and sad moments. His love was turned to action and provides grace beyond compare for those who repent, ask for forgiveness, and follow His will. Join us today as Pastor James talks about how costly this grace truly is, how we better count the cost to see if we are willing to make the sacrifice, and how it is critical to keep our eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ.
Jesus has a love that carries over the rough times and sad moments. His love was turned to action and provides grace beyond compare for those who repent, ask for forgiveness, and follow His will. Join us today as Pastor James talks about how costly this grace truly is, how we better count the cost to see if we are willing to make the sacrifice, and how it is critical to keep our eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ.
A wedding is a joyous time for the bride, groom, and all in attendance. Seating at the reception is key and everyone wants to sit in a place of honor. Join us today, as Pastor Johann discusses how we should not look towards places of honor at weddings or in life. Instead, we should unselfishly live our lives depending on the Lord and having humility, trust, and faith that the Lord has provided us the invitation of salvation.
Are you living under a crushing weight? Are you weary and at the end of your rope? Jesus notices us, sees everything, and can set us free from our twisted ailments and sins. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus provides us salvation, healing, and forgiveness long before we ask to receive them. The deeper law of God is always love and we need not try to interpret God’s law in order to receive His grace and be noticed.
Our world suffers from dysfunction due to our sinful nature. We are divided, broken, and any sense of balance is lost as our actions lead to disputes and divisions. Join us today, as Pastor Johann discusses how today’s Gospel talks about divisiveness and a lack of peace. Jesus never shies away from a challenge and He is our peace in the depth of struggle. God works through us in this broken world to bring down walls of division to love, forgive, and provide grace for all.
Giving is a test of faith as God works through us to provide His generosity. As compassionate and faithful servants how can we be rich toward God? Join us today as Pastor Johann delves into today’s Gospel and explains what it means to not be afraid, store up heavenly treasures, and be ready for the Kingdom of God.
Do you live your life under the assumption that wealth is your reward for being righteous and in favor with God? Does gaining wealth and possessions mean that you can sacrifice your values and morality as the ends justify the means? Join us today as Pastor James discusses what constitutes the “good life.” We should trust God, put faith in God, and be rich toward God. Our lives belong to God and the abundance of our possessions are not important, rather what we do with them is.
Prayer is about communicating with the Lord humbly, honestly, and frequently. Prayer is a way to spread the Gospel by word and deed; however, it is often misunderstood and adapted to meet social or political platforms. As Christians, our major objective is not to achieve or claim such worldly victories. Join us today to hear how prayer should foster a deeper relationship with God and others while spreading grace, love, and hearing Christ’s guidance.
Jesus shows us that a Christian life encompasses a faith that is active in love and renewed by the Word of God. Jesus is not influenced by the culture of any time or place as listening to His word is more important than anything else we do. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how church is the place where Jesus reveals Himself to us and showers us with His gifts. His words strengthen our faith; provide forgiveness, and the blessing of salvation.
How do you inherit eternal life? Jesus himself says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. You must also love your neighbor as yourself. God’s law requires total righteousness — but we are sinful human beings unable to live up to it. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how our only path to eternal life is through Jesus. His grace alone is the answer as His love flows through us, to others, and allows us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
In today’s gospel, we see Jesus, sensing an evangelistic urgency, sending seventy-two disciples on an urgent mission to share the story of the kingdom of God with the people and minister to their needs. Listen today as Pastor James focuses on us – today’s disciples – and our sending to do the same.
As Christians, do we take time to sit down and ponder our response to a call from Jesus to follow him. Join Pastor James as he looks at three men in today’s gospel text who responded with a yes, but were unwilling to accept the cost and dedication demanded by Jesus, which then begs the question for each of us – are we responding likewise today.
We have many problems in our society and our lives today. Often, we are haunted by metaphorical demons of various kinds: abuses, past ugliness, hurtful rejection, and we find ways to numb the hurt. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how powerless we are in fixing the root cause of this hurt, our loneliness. We are powerless without Christ as only He can fill the void and provide the lonely person the antidote, Peace and Purpose centered in Christ.
We are like the disciples living day to day and enduring the difficulties of the present. Jesus offers us something new to ease these difficulties and show that there is more. Join us today as Pastor James discusses the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Different and yet the same, speaking the word of God, being the Word of God, and enabling the Word of God. Through the Spirit we are guided in discerning what it means to live out Christian faith today.
Does the stress and pressure of life cause you to evaporate and want to disappear? Have your relationships broken down and you want to vanish without a trace? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how as Spirit-filled children of God we are recipients of three great privileges: Security, Intimacy, and Inheritance. With these privileges, we are able to continue onward in this hurting world, strengthen our relationship with God, and mend our broken relationships.
Do you feel like you’re on an island? Are you disconnected from the world and looking for more? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus has a prayer for unity. This prayer is based on His word, His love, and the salvation and coming glory shared by all believers. We are not alone and are united by God’s love, grace, and word.
Have you said to yourself life just doesn’t seem fair when we have greater financial needs than resources? Or our pillows are filled with tears instead of with drool? Life is full of worry, yet in today’s Gospel we hear Jesus say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Yeah right. It sounds nice, but how can it be true? Join us today as Pastor James delves deeper in the Gospel text to show us that we have – God’s pardon – God’s presence – and God’s peace.
Love is a wonderful feeling. In fact, we are commanded by Jesus to follow Him by loving one another. Is this command a rhetorical exercise? Something to aim for? Or is it the essence of following Jesus? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how love is not a feeling but a commitment. Jesus wants us to have an eternal love, a higher love (agape), one that is experienced by trust and faith in God.
Are you a sinner? Can sinning or waning faith cause you to become unsaved? Join us today as Pastor James discusses the unique Lutheran theology of grace, faith, and Scripture. By listening to Jesus and following Him, we are linked by faith. We are not saved by a plan of salvation but by the man of salvation. We are saved by His grace and His gift of eternal life, a gift that is in His grasp proving that once we are saved, we are always saved.
Saul was zealous about his faith and was the least likely person to become a Christian. Through Ananias, a believer, Jesus saved Saul, the least likely of disciples. Join us today as Pastor John discusses how Jesus came to save us and give us eternal life. By supporting and encouraging others' commitment to Jesus, we are able to see him act in incredible ways as we take up the cross and follow him daily wherever he takes us.
Hiding is an inevitable part of being human. We hide to avoid reality, our vulnerability, and our mortality. Most of us choose to hide in a beautiful place in hopes of never being discovered or disturbed. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus’ will calls us to stop hiding and realize that we do not have to hide anymore. Jesus says, “Peace be with you” not to promise us safety but to give us His peace.
We have followed Jesus to the cross, the tomb, and now we follow Jesus out of the tomb as He rises from the dead and appears to another witness to Christ: Mary Magdalene. Mary is chosen to be this eyewitness, and she exclaims to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” Mary is the first to see Jesus’ resurrected glory and proclaim the good news that we speak again and again today, “Alleluia! Christ is risen!”
Our journey to follow Christ, through witnesses to Christ, arrives at the cross. Tonight, we view Christ on the cross through the eyes of the Apostle John. By John’s witness, we view Jesus beaten and bloodied. We hear His words of forgiveness and fulfillment. We see Jesus shed His blood for the life of the world. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses Christ’s love for us and His gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
Betrayed by Judas, one of the 12 disciples. Betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. Betrayed by Judas with a kiss – imagine that, a kiss! Jesus was betrayed for us. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how the betrayal of Jesus reminds us of the forgiveness, life, and salvation that Jesus provides for us in the Lord’s Supper. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we journey ever closer to the cross.
Palm Sunday is the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It marks the day that the followers of Jesus grew up and assumed their roles as active witnesses to God’s truth and way. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Palm Sunday is our chance to show what God looks like, what His mercy looks like, and for us to find our voice and allegiance to the Prince of Peace.
Pontius Pilate was a witness to Christ who consented to order Jesus’ execution. Pilate may wash his hands and proclaim his own innocence in the death of Jesus, but Pilate is guilty. Instead of doing what is right, Pilate is complicit in the death of Christ. Pilate’s failures make us examine our own complicity in the evil of others. How have we deceived ourselves in proclaiming innocence? Thanks be to God that our journey to the cross shows us Jesus’ forgiveness.
He who dies with the most toys still dies. Yet society still desires the pleasures of having more possessions. This attitude fails to recognize that having more does not bring significance to life. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how knowing Christ is more than being religious. It is as easy as saying “yes” to the gift of faith and letting Christ take up residence in your life and filling you with his love.
Barabbas was a heartless, brutal criminal, with anger in his heart and blood on his hands. Custom dictated that Pontius Pilate should release one prisoner at the feast of Passover. Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, but the crowd demands that the guilty Barabbas receive a pardon. We are Barabbas. We are guilty and sinful and deserving of death. But we are also Barabbas in that Jesus takes our place, takes our punishment, and sets us free.
What is God like? Join us today as Pastor James shares the message of how God is like a loving father who is so full of grace. What can we do with God’s grace? We can accept it and live into it; we can experience it; we can open our hearts and lives to it. Or we can reject God’s grace. The choice is ours, to accept His grace or reject it, but God’s love and mercy know no bounds.
Peter witnessed much of Christ’s ministry on earth. Today we see Peter at his lowest point, as he denies Jesus three times, resulting in a massive amount of guilt. Each of us can relate to that unwanted flood of self-disgust that comes when we remember past sin. But guilt is not the final word for Peter, or for us. After his resurrection, Jesus restores and forgives Peter. Jesus offered Peter grace. Jesus also gives us grace, forgiveness, and restoration at the cross.
It is common to attribute disaster directly to sins. However, God does not single people out and punish them for their sins. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how the abounding grace of God does not want to bring judgment but allows time for repentance and living a life that loves Jesus. God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to reach repentance and confirm to His will.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, was a witness to Christ as recorded in John’s Gospel. As Jesus and many others are gathered for dinner, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with an ointment that was worth a year’s wages. What a generous act! Mary’s generosity is contrasted with Judas’ greed. While Mary is generous towards Jesus, Judas seeks his own advantage. We remember Mary’s generosity and love, which point us to Jesus.
Are you so busy that you often do not accomplish what you set out to do? Are the obstacles, or roadblocks, just too great? Join us as Pastor James discusses how Jesus would allow no roadblocks to stand in the way of His mission of delivering our salvation. We may fail but Jesus overcame every roadblock as His word, unlimited love, and promise are true in delivering our salvation.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, was a witness to Christ as recorded in John’s Gospel. As Jesus and many others are gathered for dinner, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with an ointment that was worth a year’s wages. What a generous act! Mary’s generosity is contrasted with Judas’ greed. While Mary is generous towards Jesus, Judas seeks his own advantage. We remember Mary’s generosity and love, which point us to Jesus.
Do the ends justify the means? Does the duality between good and bad, right and wrong underlie our understanding of temptation? Join us this first Sunday in Lent as Pastor Johann discusses how every temptation is an opportunity to rediscover, affirm, and claim our identity as a beloved child of God.
As we begin our Lenten journey, we focus our attention upon various witnesses to Christ, starting with John the Baptist, a man on a mission. God sent John to witness concerning the light, so that through him all people might believe. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how John points us to Jesus, the light, who takes away our sin, our guilt, and our shame at the cross.
The Transfiguration of Jesus was high up on Mount Sinai. Where a glimpse of heaven on earth and the life-changing experience of glory divine occurred. Staying atop the mountain provides the comforting presence of God. Yet in the valley, where reality lies, is where we must be. Join us today as Pastor James discusses the journey of growing in grace, transforming through maturing faith, and coming down from the mountain and into the valley dedicating our lives to God.
How can we overflow with God’s blessing? By attempting to live in the light of God’s extravagant grace. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses the way to live in God’s blessing: by loving your enemies instead of hating them; giving away our possessions instead of holding on to them; and seeing what is wrong with ourselves rather than what is wrong with other people.
Are you blessed or woed in Jesus' Sermon on the Plain? In your best of days when everything is going well, what is your relationship with Jesus during those times? Listen as Pastor James focuses on our need to center our entire existence around our personal relationship with Jesus no matter the circumstances – blessed or woed.
We come together to praise God and to hear God’s word, but do we listen to his Word? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses obeying Jesus, like Simon Peter, to see what happens when you let down your nets. Will you be caught up in the ways of the world? Or will you care about the things that God deems important?
Do you have faith or just familiarity with Jesus? Have you let Him expose your sins, prejudices, and myths in order to heal you? Join us today as Pastor James discusses one of Christianity’s age-old question: Do you love Christ more than anything or anybody else? Do you trust Christ enough? Have faith enough? Will you let Him cleanse you of myth and prejudice to adjust priorities and reset your agenda?
God’s mission is as relevant to us today as it was to the early Christians in Jerusalem. His mission is to take the good news to the nations, and people, of the world and restore the blessed relationship between God and man. Join us today as Pastor Johann shares how the power of prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit can guide us in taking the good news to the poor, blind, imprisoned, and oppressed.
The vast majority of problems that we face are not life and death problems, they are real problems, and we feel like we are running on empty. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how we should turn to Jesus when we have a problem. What matters to us, matters to Jesus, and our problems are truly God’s possibilities. When you do what God tells you and obey God your problems will be handled as blessings follow obedience.
Baptism is a gift of grace where God claims us, sends us unconditional love, and accepts us as children of the covenant God has made with His people. Join us today as Pastor James discusses washing away all of the junk that covers us, keeps us from being what God has created us to be, and how we can share the gift of grace, through baptism, with others through love and service.
We are event driven people and live our lives from one event to the next. Christmas is often seen as an event, here one day and gone with the removal of the tree. Christmas, however, is no mere event; it is the gift of being set apart as God’s children through His intervention and His grace. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a story of creation, the ongoing life of God with his people, and God continuing to give life to his people.
Jesus was all about His Father’s business, the salvation business of His Heavenly Father. This business is not one of the church but one of the Son. It is a business of forgiveness, healing, love, and grace. Join us as Pastor James discusses how the Father’s business is in us, it’s in our hearts that God comes to bring us salvation and forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Christmas is seen as a time of Shalom, or a time of peace, love, and togetherness. By looking within ourselves we see something different. Due to sin we see division and restlessness within our own hearts, anything but a sense of Shalom. Join us as Pastor Johann discusses how the world is not how it should be. God has something else in mind and it is only through Jesus Christ that everlasting peace and love meet in a true Shalom.
What is faith? Faith is believing that what the Lord has said will be accomplished. Join us as Pastor James discusses how faith encompasses much more than belief. Our faith should affect our head, our heart, and our hands. It is a willingness to follow God. It should be reflected in our actions. It is impossible to please God without faith.
Join us today as Pastor James discusses the message of John the Baptist, to Repent, Share, and Serve. John tells us to focus on substance over style and to focus on a new, or renewed, relationship with God. While John’s message was one of glad chidings another more powerful message exists through Jesus, a one of glad tidings – an everlasting joy surrounded with love.
Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how the Word of God offers us no escape from the wilderness of human history. Preparing for God’s arrival is not comfortable and the Word of God offers us no escape from ourselves. The good news of Jesus Christ might be uncomfortable, but it’s the only source of true comfort in the wilderness. His Word offers us a redemption from our sins and it is given freely through Jesus Christ.
When preparing for an event or journey, it is commonplace to work hard and prepare with extra intensity, hoping that the extra effort will pay dividends. But would you work just as hard if the outcome was already known? Advent is a known journey where we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the arrival of God on earth. Join us today as Pastor James discusses Advent, the journey to salvation, and the shining radiance of eternal life.
Join us as Pastor Johann discusses living a life full of Thanksgiving. God is our master and we should live a life centered on His kingdom and His righteousness. By seeking what God wants, and letting him take care of us, we have no reason to be anxious, fear the future, or worry as He will provide for us, protect us, and take care of us.
When thinking of a king do you think of someone who is on top of the world? Someone with final approval? and complete control? Jesus is our Savior and our King. Yet he was a different kind of king not focused on popularity and controlling nations. Instead, He was willing to give of himself, and sacrifice his own life, so that not one person would be lost. Join us today as Pastor James discusses letting Christ be the “So What” king of your life.
As humans we are capable adapting to circumstances and living on the edge. In our day to day activities we have trials and tribulations; where as time goes by we grow comfortable, even numb to potential danger. Join us today as Pastor James discusses a different edge, how to be alert, be prepared, and persevere for Jesus. We are called to live on the spiritual edge, in faith and trusting in the word of promise God has given us.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
On All Saints Day we commemorate those who have gone before us to the Lord. We mourn them, give thanks for their lives on earth, and celebrate their victory in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how God is making all things new. A new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem.
Have you ever had a problem and looked for a “Quick Fix” only to see the solution go awry? Instead of fixing the problem, we have somehow made it worse. A “Quick Fix” may seem to solve our earthly problems but prove disastrous for our sins, as it will not lead to real peace in our hearts. The only “Fix” to sin is Jesus Christ and His love for us. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Reformation, not a quick fix, is the lasting solution to our problems.
What is Christian love? We as Christians are called to love other people. Yet, defining what love is can be difficult. Join us today as Pastor James discusses love through the lens of Jesus and his encounter with the blind beggar Bartimaeus. Jesus shows us that Christian love means to treasure other people personally, being all-inclusive, and being giving of oneself.
Do you ever ask “W.I.I.F.M. -What’s In It For Me?” Our society thrives off of a free-market system as we “shop” to find items that meet our needs. In our quest for salvation, we may “church shop” to meet our perceived needs. Join us today as Pastor James discusses Jesus’ position. Ultimately, by foregoing our perceived needs, we give ourselves away, serve the Lord, and we no longer ask “W.I.I.F.M.” In return, we receive the greatest place of honor in Jesus’ kingdom because he did it “for us.”
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Whatever we love most, and most fear losing, is our functional god. Focusing too much on money can become a form of “religion.” Do you have faith in yourself, your status, and your money? Or do you trust the God who comes to you in Jesus and asks you to forsake all and follow him? Money is not the root of all evil; instead it is our attitude towards wealth and where our hearts focus. Jesus blesses us with his grace. By trusting in Him and giving freely of ourselves no limits exist.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Jesus says: “Let the little children come to Me...” This invitation is for children of all ages, whether you are 2 or 102, the children of God. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how we are in an ongoing process of being taught. By coming to Him, the Lord of Life, we can be touched by His amazing grace. Commit yourself and your family to come closer to Jesus and experience forgiveness, hope, healing, and new life so that He can claim you as His own child.
Sometimes we do not focus on the most important things. We become fixated on what is happening around us, rather than looking inward at ourselves. Our actions and words become stumbling blocks. We not only harm ourselves but become a distraction to others making them stumble. Are you a stumbling block? Are you getting in the way of the Gospel? Join us today as we discuss focusing on others, the church, and our salvation through Jesus Christ and not becoming a stumbling block.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Are you competitive? Do you aim to be the greatest? Our culture, identity, and self-worth are often driven by being the greatest. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how following Jesus will not lead you to success in being the greatest; it will lead you to service. Through service the true greatness of the Gospel can be seen. It is about love, self-giving, and God working through you to achieve the ultimate greatness.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Do you favor the things of God or the things of humankind? Who is Jesus to you? Jesus showed us how to sacrifice, how to become humble, and how to empty oneself. Yet we are all challenged to focus our lives in accordance to God’s Word and law. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses sharing Him and considering who our God is truly while favoring the things of God.
Faith is required to please God, it is rewarded by God, and it is always tested. Join us this week as Pastor James discusses the four characteristics of great faith:
1) It approaches Jesus boldly; 2) It doesn’t quit when insulted; 3) It is content with the crumbs of grace; and 4) It is tested by God.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In today’s gospel text, Jesus’ disciples are rebuked by the Pharisees for not washing their hands as dictated by Jewish religion. Jesus responded that it is not things from the outside that make man unclean, but rather that which comes from inside, from the heart. Join us as Pastor James asks who lives in you - are you a citizen of the world or a citizen of Heaven? What is in your heart?
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
To be fed is great and we don’t take it for granted, but we also feed others, because we want to share good things. The bread from heaven, in Jesus Christ, came down to feed, comfort, heal, and forgive. We receive this bread. It fills us to overflowing, until we can’t help but share it. It will remind us of the many ways we’ve already been blessed in word and deed.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
There’s a significant correlation between good nutrition and the quality of life. Like physical hunger, spiritual hunger is at the core of every man and woman. It must be fed in order to bring lasting happiness. Unless one consumes the Lord Jesus Christ, and internalizes the magnificent truths of the Gospel, the Good News will do the person no good. Through spiritual nourishment we will be sustained in this life and throughout eternity.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
When people are dissatisfied with something they start to protest their grievance and whine. Whining and grumbling lead to sin, and if unchecked can become a way of life. In today’s message Pastor James discusses how Christian faith is rooted in God’s love, law, and the revelation that Jesus Christ is our Savior. We may forget the root of our faith in times of duress, and whine, but our faith will ultimately carry us through.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
We often focus on short term gains - the flashy and newest items to satisfy our consumer needs and desires. Instead we should focus on our deeper needs - to consume the lasting and unchanging Word of God, the bread of life. His love is infinite in nature and in Him, with whom we commune, there is richness and food that endures and does not get used up.
We may tell ourselves that God is in control, but do we acknowledge that with the way we meet the challenges of the storms in our lives. Join Pastor James as he discusses the Gospel text of “Feeding the 5,000” and “Jesus Walking on Water,” showing how God is always watching over us and ready to care for us. Just as Jesus took control and cared for His people, when we acknowledge that God is in control, He becomes the one source for strength and guidance.
In today’s message Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus tells us to “rest.” This simple command proves to be difficult at best as we are often consumed by work, so much so that we forget to slow down to reenergize and give thanks to God. By slowing down, taking time to rest, we are able to detect God’s presence and blessing.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Can you confess, “I am in need?” I hope that you can. But can you also confess, “I am needy, and that is a good thing, because then will I know the strength of God.” It is through the tough times and difficult seasons that God reveals to us that His grace is enough. His strength is enough, more than enough, as we are weak and needy alone and strong and powerful in Christ. God’s grace, his favor, his kindness is all we truly need.
Jesus died for our eternal liberty and promised to provide forgiveness of sins to those who repent. Yet, we are often loath to repent and acknowledge our wrongdoings. When we sin we have two options: To repent and turn to God; OR to try and deny our sins. When people take the way of denial guilt nags them, and they live bound in fear. Through repentance Christ provides freedom from sins and provides forgiveness for true eternal liberty.
On a day like July 4th, when we celebrate freedom, we are again aware that we don’t like to be hindered with a thorn in our flesh. In today’s message we see how St. Paul came to see the thorn is his flesh – his difficulties in life – became the best time to learn from them. As God said to Paul that “His grace was sufficient for you,” so is God’s grace sufficient for each of us as we encounter our thorns on our life’s journey.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Jesus cares for us during trying times and teaches us that we should not fear but believe in Him. God is love and care and it is God that is responsible for the strength and the support we need during trying times in our lives. With faith as the linchpin of our relationship with God, we are able to see that prayer is not just a solitary issue. It requires people who believe in you and intercede for each other.
Pastor Johann discusses what it is to be a father in this podcast release of his Father’s Day sermon. Join us as we learn how a father should be the kind of man who gives hope, happiness, and confidence to his children. A father can only execute his responsibility for the moral life of the family once he has found hope, happiness, and confidence in God.
Storms are one of the most powerful and disruptive forces in creation. Pastor James states life is not defined by how many storms we encounter. Instead, it is whether we have faith to weather those storms. All of us will encounter storms and it is at such times that our faith will be critical. Just as Jesus calmed the water through words of peace for the disciples, He gives us those same calming words for our lives today.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Like the tiny mustard seed growing into the greatest of all shrubs we cannot keep the Kingdom of God from growing. Pastor Johann discusses how God’s love is given to us freely and wildly. It is not something we have to wait for. You cannot halt it from coming. It is like the tiniest of mustard seeds that grows and engulfs the whole world like giant weeds. We are all a part of it, and we cannot keep the Kingdom of God from growing.
We have all had times when we don’t feel valued or worthy. This Sunday Pastor James discusses how our true worth is defined in the Lord’s meal, Holy Communion. Through the giving of His one and only Son, to die for our sins, God is visually saying, “You have great worth and are valued by me.” With His valuing and forgiveness in the meal, we are created anew, loving God more, and serving Him more faithfully: today, tomorrow, and forever.
In this 8th installment of “About the Music,” Director of Christian Education, Andy Muich, sits down once again, with Praise Band Music Director Dan Lamaestra, to talk about and present the latest offering from the Good Shepherd Praise Band, "Fresh Wind." Andy discusses specific scripture references (Acts 2:1-4, Job 33:4, and 2 Cor 2:15), and Dan points out unique aspects of the musical composition that give the song its characteristic sound.
This Sunday Pastor James asks, “What could cause you to lose heart?” Join him as we see that Paul, despite experiencing many situations where he could have easily lost heart, shares how the news of a resurrected Jesus gave him the strength and courage to endure and not lose heart. This becomes a great comfort to us as well, to know as a resurrected people, we are joined with a living Jesus who gives us hope – a hope that says, “I will not and cannot lose heart.”
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann discusses the importance of prayer. We are given instructions in The Lord’s Prayer that can look simple, yet are full of so much meaning. As we learn about prayer, remember that so much of life is about whose will is being done. Is it our will or God’s will? We pray to match and align our will with God’s will as we follow the instructions in The Lord’s Prayer.
On this Memorial Day, we remember our siblings: the fallen, the wounded, those who put themselves in harm’s way, and the families of those who did so. We remember among them, the fallen one, Jesus Christ, sent by His loving Father in heaven, who loved us so much that he sent his only begotten child to die for us. We remember the sacrifice, redemption, and salvific work Jesus, our joint heir, did on this Memorial Day weekend.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann discusses the uncertainty of saying goodbye and farewell to our pets. We do not know what eternity awaits our pets only that God has given them to us as a special blessing, to love, cherish, and enjoy as our companions. When saying farewell we know that God loves all his creatures and we thank Him for these great gifts as we commit them to His care.
The Holy Spirit has been sent to us and has been with all of His followers since His ascension. Terms such as Counselor, Comforter, Challenger, and Advocate have been used as nicknames in order to help us understand the Spirit’s function. On this day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit reminds us about the existence of eternity and that we are never alone. Through the Holy Spirit we are guided through the challenges of daily life.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this installment of “About the Music,” Director of Christian Education, Andy Muich, sits down once again, with Praise Band Music Director/Pianist and Audio Engineer Dan Lamaestra, to talk about and present the latest offering from the Good Shepherd Praise Band. The song, is "Living Hope," composed by Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson. Andy goes into the varied and numerous scripture references in the lyrics, and Dan shares his takeaways from the more unique musical aspects of the composition. The most recent rendition of the song, follows the conversation.
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(Words and music by Phil Wickham © Phil Wickham Music. CCLI License # 858354)
During the worship service we pray the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’ prayer the night before his crucifixion. Pastor James’ message focuses on that prayer and how, even in the midst of His oncoming suffering and death, Jesus took the opportunity to pray for His friends, the disciples, and us. Through Jesus’ prayer we are assured that God will be faithful to answer our prayer for the strength and unity to live in our world today.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this Midweek Recharge, Good Shepherd's Sanctuary Choir singers provide two musical selections for you to listen to during a time of prayer and reflection. They sing "Sanctus" (by Gabriel Faure) and "Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying" (by Ken Medema). May you be blessed as you listen to this music.
In Sunday’s gospel Jesus asserts that we are to abide in His love as He has abided in His Father’s love. In his message Pastor James reflects how Jesus, after assuring us of His love, commands us to love one another. And as we ponder our fulfilling that command, we then come face-to-face with the question we all must ask ourselves – Do people mistake you for Jesus? Is your way of life filled with the abiding love of Jesus?
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this week’s Midweek Recharge Pastor Johann discusses the two greatest commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God’s Word shows us that we do not need to make everyone our best friend or confidant, but we do need to love those whom God loves. Join us as we reflect on this devotion.
The true vine, the vine-grower, the branches, the fruit of the branches...abiding in Christ. These are words, phrases that depict relationships, healthy relationships. Too often in life, we look for love in the wrong places. While we may look to help people who need assistance, it’s quite another thing to look for healthy and strong relationships with people who don’t share the vision or values of the vine, Jesus Christ.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In today’s Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann shares: “You’re going to make mistakes. We all will. But, as Luther persuades us: Don’t live passively. Live, like someone died and rose for you. Live, like you have everlasting life. Don’t dwell on how great your good works are. Dwell on Christ’s goodness and grace, letting His love spur you toward making a difference and leading people to Christ and to life eternal.”
We live in a world today where worries and worrying abound. Listen as Pastor James, after asking if you worry, shares how Jesus as the Good Shepherd guides us. Jesus guides us when we need direction – guards us when we face difficulty – and gets us to our final destination – our heavenly home. So, join us today and rejoice with us in the great, caring love Jesus shows us as our risen Good Shepherd.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Sins aren't merely the sins we have committed. Sins of omission are just as serious. We share responsibility for a broken world that shows its fragility and volatility. The Gospel and the forgiveness offered through the Risen Lord covers sins of commission and omission, rendering us "perfect" before God. When spurred by His grace and love, we fight the good fight, make a difference, and work courageously for justice and mending in a world that truly needs a Savior and His forgiveness and community.
The peace of Christ is not a “worldly” calm that is transitory, one in which you can get a good night’s sleep and don’t feel a generous unease about matters in the world, country, and neighborhood. Rather, as Pastor Johann shares, true peace lasts. True peace is for everyone. The peace of Christ is everlasting.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
In this installment of “About the Music," Andy Muich, Director of Christian Education, and Dan Lamaestra, Praise Band Director, talk about the song "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)." We hear about the genesis of the song and some of the scripture references that inform the resurrection-focused lyrics. We also learn about the musical aspects of the melody, harmony and structure of the song, that help give it it’s unique sound. The latest recording of the song by our Praise Band follows the conversation.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 86:12; Psalm 145:1; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; Hebrews 12:2
"O Praise the Name (Anastasis)"
Words and Music by Marty Sampson, Benjamin Hastings and Dean Ussher
CCLI Song # 7037787
© 2015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia
All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 858354
“I could be at peace if . . .” How would you fill in that blank? We try in many ways to complete that sentence in our daily lives, but in the end we continue to look for a better word or phrase. In this message, Pastor James discusses God’s gift to each of us in our daily struggle with our problems, a gift that rests in four simple words from Jesus: “Peace be with you.” Just as Jesus invited the disciples to peace, join with Pastor James as he focuses on God’s peace given you.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Easter celebration continues with this Midweek Recharge that features Easter Choral Music, presented by the Good Shepherd Music Ministry.
A day that began in crushing sorrow soon turned to unquenchable and uncontainable joy. Easter! Jesus lives! Alleluia! In today’s message, Pastor Johann shares “Stories of Redemption,” focusing on the experience of Mary Magdalene but also bringing us to stories of other people more recently redeemed. The movement that began on the first Easter continues today, transforming people throughout the world. What is your story? Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Why the cross? Historically, the cross was the only logical outcome of Jesus’ ministry, as well as God’s way of dealing with us. But as Pastor James explains in this message, we cannot blame God for the cross. The guilt is ours. And yet the mystery of the cross is just that: It is God's cross. And as we stand at the foot of the cross, its ultimate mystery is revealed. It stands as the message of God’s love, of God's eternal forgiveness, of God’s grace at work, pouring itself down for you and me.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Maundy Thursday, rich in symbolism, includes three key events in Jesus’ last week: washing the disciples’ feet, institution of the Lord’s Supper, and His new commandment to love one another. In this sermon, Pastor Johann shows that these events are linked by the theme of God’s love, dedication, and service. Maundy Thursday reminds us that all of Scripture narrates one sacred story: Jesus as the Christ of God is the climax of, and in most ways the whole point of, the entire narrative of life.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Mixed motives and varied expectations fill the Palm Sunday story. As we enter Jerusalem with Jesus, we move closer to His death on Good Friday. In today’s message, Pastor Johann says that the events of Palm Sunday can be thought of in terms of regime change from many perspectives – but the only lasting regime change is the one that occurs in the heart. As you follow Christ to His crucifixion, consider these questions: Who rules over you? Whom do you truly follow? Lord Jesus, reign in my heart.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that Lydia followed the will of God by responding in faith and hospitality when the Gospel message of Christ’s sacrifice was preached to her. We follow the will of God by responding in love and service to one another in return for what Christ has done for us.
And at the end of the monologue, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Often we look for the quick-fix, one-step, easy solution to our problems. This same approach can creep into our desire for how our faith journey should go. But as we see in today’s Gospel, Jesus describes the cost of Christian living as anything but easy. In his message Pastor James challenges us not to be deceived by watered down, “cake mix” gospels, but instead to be drawn to Jesus, lifted-up on the cross, where we can truly experience the love of Christ and our faith can take root.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that, on the road to Damascus, Paul had his worldview turned upside down when God called him to preach the name of the Christ he had been persecuting. We follow God’s will by putting the crucified Christ at the center of our worldview.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Today we hear a staggering truth from scripture: Salvation is a gift you receive, not a paycheck you earn. This unmerited gift from God given to unworthy sinners is what we call “grace.” It is a love that makes no sense to us. In this message, Pastor Johann urges us not to underestimate grace. God’s grace is not motivated by anything He sees in us. Instead, the compelling reasons are found in God Himself. He is abounding with empathy and unconditional love – for you.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that, in humility, Mary dutifully accepted the role God had given her to become the mother of our Savior. That Son, Jesus, would faithfully follow the path his Father had in mind for him to save us all.
And at the end of the monologue, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
We usually think of Jesus as gentle and calm. But in today’s Gospel, Jesus is angry and throws people and animals out of the temple. Why? In this message, Pastor James notes that Jesus’ anger was fueled by the way the religious leaders of the day mistreated people who were at the temple to offer sacrifices and to worship. Jesus took action and rid the temple of the hucksters and cheats. Come hear about God’s great love for you, me, and everyone and how it was shown on Jesus' journey to the cross.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service we remember that King David followed God’s will to shepherd his people, but often failed to live up to God’s dream for him. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, fulfills God’s dream perfectly to gather his wandering sheep into the sheepfold of heaven.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this week’s hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
We’re all familiar with the idea of having baggage in our lives: burdens we carry with us and are hard to set down or walk away from. Christians think about another type of burden: a cross to bear. In this message, “Your Own Luggage,” Pastor Johann says that one way to think about this cross is to consider that we have been crucified with Christ and have died a spiritual death, no longer living in opposition to Jesus but acknowledging Him as the Lord over our lives. He is the way to eternal life.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this week’s hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service for the first Wednesday of Lent, we listen to Moses as he recalls his reluctance to tell Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But God gave Moses the confidence to carry out His will. In Lent, we remember that God sent his Son to do His will and set all people free from the slavery of sin.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this week's Hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Temptation: We all face it. Each and every day, Satan is right there offering us a full plate of sin-filled temptation. In today’s Gospel we find Jesus being tempted face-to-face with the devil in the wilderness. God was there for Jesus to ward off the devil and his crafty temptations. And Pastor James echoes the Good News that God promises each one of us that He will be there for us too, in our face-to-face battles with the Tempter – Satan – because of His unconditional love for us. And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this weeks Hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. On Ash Wednesday, we hear Isaac recall the time his father, Abraham – trusting that the Lord would provide, knowing that God can do the impossible – was prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. The harrowing memory underscores Abraham’s faith in the will of God. And we know that God’s will was done when Jesus came into the world to redeem his people.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Today we hear about the dazzling brightness of Jesus during His transfiguration. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, we also hear that many of us are blind to the glory of Christ, and that the truth about His saving grace is hidden behind a thick veil of unbelief and defiant distrust. Why do we prefer this veil to the pure truth of Christ? In this message, Pastor Johann urges each of us to cast aside this veil and to ask God to let us walk in the light of His truth – forever.
And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this weeks Hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
When the liturgical season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (next week), the Church stops singing “Alleluia.” This custom dates back to at least the 5th century, and another tradition – that of “burying” our alleluias – has its roots in the Middle Ages. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann helps us better understand the reasons behind these traditions and also talks about how we can be “keepers” of Lent. Following the devotion, reflect on what you’ve heard as pianist Dan Lamaestra provides music.
In today’s gospel, we see Jesus tirelessly healing many people, including Simon, and Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus’ work of healing and spreading the Good News of God’s love and saving grace was ongoing – yet He made time for prayer and devotion. In this message, Pastor James reminds each of us that we need to take “Time Out” to pray every day, even in the midst of our busy lives. For like Jesus, we will never just “find” the time to pray – we must make the time. And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this weeks hymn of the day as you reflect on the message.
In this Midweek Recharge, Good Shepherd's Sanctuary Choir and the Virtual Service singers provide three musical selections for you to listen to during a time of prayer and reflection. They sing "Do Not Be Afraid" (words by Gerard Markland, music by Philip W. J. Stopford), "Go Down, Moses" (choral setting by Larry Shackley), and "Don't You Let Nobody Turn You 'Round" (spiritual; arranged by Lena J. Miclin). May you be blessed as you listen to this music.
God forbids the use of the occult to “find answers” when darkness overwhelms us. Why? As Pastor Johann explains in this message, it’s because God knows what’s best for us and has given us prophetic voices to speak His truth. Jesus, the Word of God, spoke with true prophetic power, with authority, and speaks to us still through the Bible. Many people do not listen to Jesus. But with Peter, we proclaim, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Alleluia! And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy this weeks Hymn of the day as you reflect on the message
Praise Band Director Dan Lamaestra and Director of Christian Education (and Praise Band member) Andy Muich talk about “Forever Reign.” Listen as they delve into the polarity-based approach to the lyrics and music. Andy focuses on verses in Psalms and Lamentations that are echoed in the lyrics. At the end of the podcast, our Praise Band performs the song. (Words and music by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan. © 2009 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI #858354)
*To listen to the song first, go to the 30 min mark.
We often hear phrases like “The wind is calling me to . . .” or “I hear a voice calling me to . . .” In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls four fisherman to follow Him and spread the Good News of His saving grace. In today’s message, Pastor James asks us to consider how will we answer when we hear Jesus say, “Follow me.” Will we let our light shine amid the dimness of the world today? Will the light of Christ’s love shine bright as we respond to the call – “Follow me”?
What does it mean to be a Christian man? To answer this question, Pastor Johann suggests looking at the example provided by Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The biblical record about Joseph indicates that he was humble, faithful, sacrificing, serving, giving. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann explores the Christian character and points out that the qualities we see in Joseph are also those of all genuine Christians. Listen to music provided by Dan Lamaestra as you ponder this message.
God calls out to all Christ followers – not just to professional church workers and pastors – and we want to be ready to listen. In this sermon, Pastor Johann helps us learn these things from the story of young Samuel: God wants to speak to us; we don’t always hear very well; God speaks to us through His Word and through Jesus; and God is patient with us. We pray that, with Samuel, we would respond, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Baptism is much more than a naming ceremony. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann explains that in Baptism, God Himself is present and bestows forgiveness, life, and salvation on his new, beloved child, born again of water and the Spirit. Heaven is opened to us when we are baptized. And every day, we are strengthened by these blessings. Thank God for His gift of Holy Baptism. At the end of the devotion, consider what you’ve heard as pianist Laura Owens provides music.
When we look at Jesus “Through the Eyes of the Wise Men,” what do we see? We glimpse Jesus’ mission, its scope, and our role in it. As Pastor Jon Diefenthaler reminds us in this message, Jesus came to live in our broken world and, through his life, death, and resurrection, gives to the entire world the hope of new life. We extend that mission today by supporting organizations such as Lutheran World Relief, which helps people in troubled parts of the world.
Many of us begin each new year with a list of resolutions. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann offers three new habits or goals to consider making a part of your life: Reflect all year long (not just at the end of the year); live generously; and grow closer to God. At the end of the devotion, consider what you’ve heard as pianist Laura Owens provides music.
Looking into the manger this Christmas, did you pause to reflect on what you saw in the face of the Baby? Did you see just the face of a baby, or did you see God with a human face? In Pastor James's message, we look into the face of the Baby - God with a human face - and see that we can have that same face, too.
As we continue to celebrate the Christmas season, please enjoy this Midweek Recharge, “Music of the Season,” presented by the Good Shepherd Music Ministry, and especially curated by music director Nemeh Azzam.
The “Nunc Dimittis” – sometimes called the Song of Simeon, sometimes referred to as “Peaceful Dismissal” – is a part of the Christian liturgy that occurs near the end of the worship service. While a dismissal can seem like the end of something, Pastor Johann in this message talks about how the Nunc Dimittis applies to our everyday lives as well: It’s OK to doubt; Joy comes in the waiting; Share your light with others. Be God’s gift to others this very week.
In this Christmas Eve message, “Lavish Presents from the Heart,” Pastor Johann asks us to consider presents we have received and presents we have given. He reminds us about God’s lavish gift to us: the gift of Jesus – His salvation, His word, His blessings, His Promises, His peace, His Presence in our lives. God’s lavish gift will last for all eternity.
In this Sunday’s gospel, the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary to deliver the Good News – the Good News of Christmas. But as Pastor James points out in his message, the good news of Christmas rests not in the gifts, dinners, and Christmas cheer, but in the Christmas gospel news that Mary has found favor with God and will bear His Son – the Savior – Jesus. That’s the Good News of Christmas – that’s the news that needs to be sounded – today – tomorrow – forever.
As part of your Advent preparation, think about getting rid of the gizmos and gadgets that take up space in our minds – worry, fear, complexity, chaos – and get back to basics: our calling to proclaim what God has done for us. In this new Midweek Recharge, “Clear the Clutter,” Pastor Johann urges us to set aside distractions and frills and to focus on the foundation of our faith. At the end of devotion, the Sanctuary Choir provides music for you as you meditate on the message.
When the Jewish authorities asked John the Baptist “Who are you?” he told them who he was not and pointed them to someone greater: Jesus, the Messiah, the light of the world, the Savior. In this sermon, Pastor Johann reminds us that Christ-followers can also identify themselves in terms of someone else. Our lives and our identities are wrapped up in Jesus. Because of Him, we know who we are and where we are going.
Praise Band Director Dan Lamaestra and Director of Christian Education (and Praise Band member) Andy Muich talk about “There Is a King.” The lyrics feature imagery from Revelation, and Andy shares other scriptural references in the song. Dan describes orchestrating for two string players when featured with the contemporary worship band ensemble sound. At the end of the podcast, our Praise Band performs the song. (Words and music by Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Tiffany Hammer. © 2019 CCLI #858354)
Mark 1:1-8
Is it really Good News that the manger is empty? In this message, Pastor James reminds us that John the Baptist cried out “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” more than 2,000 years ago, and those words ring just as true today. The manger is empty because God has been at work reconciling a sinful world with His son – Jesus Christ. So today in our own wilderness we need to listen to John’s words and prepare our hearts to fully embrace the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 25:4
Luke 10:38-42
Merriment, joy, busyness, stress … or quiet contemplation. The days leading up to Christmas can be any number of things. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann reminds us that Advent can be a time to remember the ways of the Lord, to quiet the hustle and bustle around us and center our hearts on the most important thing: the coming of the Christ Child and the return of Christ. At the close of this devotion, meditate on the message as pianist Laura Owens plays “Be Thou My Vision.”
Advent 1
Mark 13:24-37
Today we hear an admonition from Jesus: “Be alert. Keep awake.” During Advent, we look forward to Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ first appearance among us, as we also await His Second Coming. In this message, “Advent Reality Stories,” Pastor Johann urges us to embrace the practices of Advent – Be still. Be quiet. Listen. Wait. Watch. Pray. – as we wait with hope for what will be. The presence of Christ is the ultimate answer to every prayer, to every Advent of our life.
Luke 17:11-19
Pastor Gary James
Life is a lot like eating green beans and cherry pie. We enjoy the desserts in life – cherry pie – but we also go through “green bean” moments – things that we don’t much care for. In his Thanksgiving message, Pastor James reminds us that while God cares for us in good times and bad, what matters most to Him is what is in our hearts. When we have the Holy Spirit working in our hearts to strengthen our faith, we can praise and thank God for every moment in our lives.
Matthew 25:31-46
On Christ the King Sunday we consider the Second Coming of Jesus. The story of the separation of the sheep and the goats holds a number of important truths, boiled down to this: God’s people, the sheep of His flock, are known by the love that flows out of faith in Christ; the goats, by their lack of love. In this message, Pastor Johann reminds us that we can love others because Jesus first loved us. And when we are saved, God gives us a new heart that is drenched with love for those around us.
In this latest Midweek Recharge, we offer two choral pieces by our Sanctuary Singers: “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” We thank God for these faithful musicians. May this music help strengthen your lives of praise unto the Lord.