Messages from Trinity Kimberly Way: Recent Episodes
Trinity Lutheran Church: Lisle, IL
Live messages recorded at Trinity Kimberly Way in Lisle, IL. Join us as we explore God's word together.
There are a lot of spiritual options out there, but not all of them are for our good. In this passage Peter lays out several “warning signs” to help us identify dangerous teachings and false paths in a world of multitudinous options.
The last conversation that we have between Jesus and Peter takes place shortly after the Resurrection. Jesus takes Peter aside and restores him to his calling by reminding him of what it truly means to love Him; it means serving and caring for His people. Our love for Jesus is meant to overflow into how we love and serve others. This is the mark of a truly Christian life; we love the way Christ first loved us.
Too often we look for comfort in the physical pleasures and pursuits of this world, but Peter is pretty clear that this is a road to nowhere.
The church has always had a sticky relationship with politics. To those outside the church, it often appears like Christians are just the tools of a political party, adding holy sound bites to someone else’s political agenda. On the flip side, there are many inside the church who have taken an increasingly adversarial posture toward government and politics. So which is it?
Being a Christian is not about joining some kind of holy huddle, separated from the world. God’s grace is not given to us only for our good, but for the good of others. “Through Jesus, God is building a community of believers who will bring glory to His name.”
A lot is made of identity these days. We are told to be who we are. But who are we really?
In the opening lines of his first letter Peter addresses Christians as “elect exiles” two terms which, by worldly standards, seem to be at odds.
Following Jesus means embracing an entirely different way of living; one in which we turn our backs on the ways of the world and embrace the ways of His kingdom. But what does that look like?
The book of Acts ends in a rather abrupt way: with an ending that really isn’t an ending. Paul is in Rome continuing to preach. What does this mean? Why is it here? The answer is quite simple: the mission goes on.
Sadly, we often have a hard time seeing the mission beyond our own walls or communities, preferring our own narrow spheres to the culture-crossing, boundary-breaking mission of the Kingdom of God. But God’s grace is not bound. He leads us, by His Spirit, to bring Good News to everyone,
The members of the early church were animated by the very Spirit of God as they pursued the mission of God together. And this shaped every aspect of their common life. Just as they had received God’s power, God’s presence, and God’s grace, so they extended grace and gave the gift of presence to others. Their story was one in which each person saw themselves as a part of a much larger community, extending God’s grace in tangible acts of generosity, service, and visible acts of witness to the wider world. And the result was not only that needs were met, but the message of Jesus spread outward to others. It is a beautiful picture of common life animated by the grace of God that speaks volumes to the world about the God we worship. It is what it looks like to be a part of a much larger community, one which we continue to be a part of to this day.
The first thing that we see about the early church is that they were called and empowered by God to be a part of a much Bigger STORY!
On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; the irony being that this man who was hailed a King is executed by the very same people just a few short days later. Why? To answer that question, we have to look at another encounter that Jesus had with them in John 8
On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; the irony being that this man who was hailed a King is executed by the very same people just a few short days later. Why? To answer that question, we have to look at another encounter that Jesus had with them in John 8
God has made some amazing promises to Abraham: family, land, nation. The question is, “Is that the only reason Abraham is following Him?”
God has made some amazing promises to Abraham: family, land, nation. The question is, “Is that the only reason Abraham is following Him?”
In Genesis 16 we encounter a third obstacle that faces Abraham in his journey with God: his own plans and desires.
In Genesis 16 we encounter a third obstacle that faces Abraham in his journey with God: his own plans and desires.
What is it that led Abraham to have such faith and trust in God? Genesis 15 provides us with the answer to that question. In this story Abraham encounters another obstacle to following God: doubt. In the face of his own circumstances, he has begun to doubt whether God can really follow through on His promises.
What is it that led Abraham to have such faith and trust in God? Genesis 15 provides us with the answer to that question. In this story Abraham encounters another obstacle to following God: doubt. In the face of his own circumstances, he has begun to doubt whether God can really follow through on His promises.
Out of fear and a desire for self-preservation Abraham leaves and goes to Egypt, where his fears lead him to lie at the expense of his wife and almost endanger the promise itself. Luckily for Abraham, God delivers him from the consequences of his bad decision and returns him to the land, reassuring him of His promises.
Out of fear and a desire for self-preservation Abraham leaves and goes to Egypt, where his fears lead him to lie at the expense of his wife and almost endanger the promise itself. Luckily for Abraham, God delivers him from the consequences of his bad decision and returns him to the land, reassuring him of His promises.
Genesis marks an absolute low point in the story so far: human (and angelic) wickedness has reached such a degree that God regrets that “he made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart”
Genesis marks an absolute low point in the story so far: human (and angelic) wickedness has reached such a degree that God regrets that “he made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart”
“That’s wrong! That’s terrible! That’s not the way it is supposed to be!” Such are the words we say when we encounter pain, suffering, disease, death, disaster, and tragedy. We scroll through our newsfeeds and are bombarded daily with stories that highlight the reality of the broken world that we live in. So if God made the world to be so good, what happened?!
“That’s wrong! That’s terrible! That’s not the way it is supposed to be!” Such are the words we say when we encounter pain, suffering, disease, death, disaster, and tragedy. We scroll through our newsfeeds and are bombarded daily with stories that highlight the reality of the broken world that we live in. So if God made the world to be so good, what happened?!
Though made up of several books containing a variety of literary genres, the Bible is not a collection of random stories or pieces of literature. Rather it is one single narrative from beginning to end, with one central character: God. In its opening pages we are introduced to him and to some foundational truths which echo throughout the rest of Scripture’s pages. Specifically, in the opening lines of Scripture we learn that, before the beginning, there was God, there was love, and there was darkness. And these three things are important for us because they help us understand that all of creation ultimately finds its purpose in God and that our lives are designed for self-giving love with God.
Though made up of several books containing a variety of literary genres, the Bible is not a collection of random stories or pieces of literature. Rather it is one single narrative from beginning to end, with one central character: God. In its opening pages we are introduced to him and to some foundational truths which echo throughout the rest of Scripture’s pages. Specifically, in the opening lines of Scripture we learn that, before the beginning, there was God, there was love, and there was darkness. And these three things are important for us because they help us understand that all of creation ultimately finds its purpose in God and that our lives are designed for self-giving love with God.
Among Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples was the command that they were to be his witnesses to the very ends of the earth. But such a calling is not one that any of us can achieve alone.
Among Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples was the command that they were to be his witnesses to the very ends of the earth. But such a calling is not one that any of us can achieve alone.
From the beginning of time we were called to partner with God in the work He is doing in the world. At creation we were made as His image to care for the world He has made. Now, in salvation, we partner with Him in reaching those who are far from Him and introducing them to Jesus. And these relationships are all around us!
From the beginning of time we were called to partner with God in the work He is doing in the world. At creation we were made as His image to care for the world He has made. Now, in salvation, we partner with Him in reaching those who are far from Him and introducing them to Jesus. And these relationships are all around us!
We aren’t called to live our life of faith alone. It should be instructive to us that Jesus didn’t just call individuals to follow Him; He called them into a community.
We aren’t called to live our life of faith alone. It should be instructive to us that Jesus didn’t just call individuals to follow Him; He called them into a community.
One of the things that we were designed for is relationships (see Genesis 2:18). And this shouldn’t surprise us because we are made in the image of our God who is Himself a community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Perhaps that is why this past year has been so difficult: it has been a year in which we are not only separated physically, but separated relationally. Between COVID and cultural conflict, social media fights and social division, it is no wonder we are exhausted, worn down, and depressed. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
One of the things that we were designed for is relationships (see Genesis 2:18). And this shouldn’t surprise us because we are made in the image of our God who is Himself a community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Perhaps that is why this past year has been so difficult: it has been a year in which we are not only separated physically, but separated relationally. Between COVID and cultural conflict, social media fights and social division, it is no wonder we are exhausted, worn down, and depressed. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Old Simeon waited patiently in the temple – hoping and praying to see God show up in the form of a baby to rescue the world and reunite them with their God. Then, there he was: God’s Messiah had come! Simeon held the child in his arms and praised God!
Old Simeon waited patiently in the temple – hoping and praying to see God show up in the form of a baby to rescue the world and reunite them with their God. Then, there he was: God’s Messiah had come! Simeon held the child in his arms and praised God!
When Jesus comes into the world, from his “fullness” we receive grace upon grace. Paul describes this in this way: “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) This “love in action” by Jesus did not just extend to certain people, but to all.
When Jesus comes into the world, from his “fullness” we receive grace upon grace. Paul describes this in this way: “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) This “love in action” by Jesus did not just extend to certain people, but to all.
Wise men come, seeking the newborn king. They bring gifts and give generously, inspired by the gift that God gives to all mankind!
Wise men come, seeking the newborn king. They bring gifts and give generously, inspired by the gift that God gives to all mankind!
All too often we believe the way to a successful and happy holiday season is by investing in a lot of stuff. Elaborate decorations, plentiful presents, and expensive meals SEEM to be the key to Christmas joy! But all of that stands in stark contrast to the simplicity and lowliness of the first Christmas.
All too often we believe the way to a successful and happy holiday season is by investing in a lot of stuff. Elaborate decorations, plentiful presents, and expensive meals SEEM to be the key to Christmas joy! But all of that stands in stark contrast to the simplicity and lowliness of the first Christmas.
Advent Conspiracy is a radical idea that we can celebrate Christmas humbly, beautifully, and generously. Advent is the story of a wondrous moment when God entered our world to make things right. It is the greatest story ever told, and it changes everything — including the way we celebrate Christmas.
Advent Conspiracy is a radical idea that we can celebrate Christmas humbly, beautifully, and generously. Advent is the story of a wondrous moment when God entered our world to make things right. It is the greatest story ever told, and it changes everything — including the way we celebrate Christmas.
One of the consistent images that we find in the New Testament for the life of a disciple is a race. Paul himself writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). This means that though our journey through the Being Challenge is coming to an end, the journey is just beginning. As we wrap up the Being Challenge, we want to Invite you to reflect: what challenges didn’t you do and why? What might God be calling you to revisit and reflect? What is the one challenge you want to work on?
One of the consistent images that we find in the New Testament for the life of a disciple is a race. Paul himself writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). This means that though our journey through the Being Challenge is coming to an end, the journey is just beginning. As we wrap up the Being Challenge, we want to Invite you to reflect: what challenges didn’t you do and why? What might God be calling you to revisit and reflect? What is the one challenge you want to work on?
In talking about how the early church grew, Tim Keller says that the reason Christianity displaced the “the older Greco-Roman Empire and culture itself and way of thinking” was because they were “attractively different.” And what was so attractive about them? Quite simply, they were sold out for Jesus…together...and people noticed. Choosing church brings consistency into our lives. And the consistency that it brings is the good news of Jesus. The church is the consistent place where the good news of Jesus is proclaimed in word and deed, so that we can hear, experience, and live in light of his grace. And part of being the church is recognizing that God has given each of us gifts to use in helping others to look, live, and love more like Jesus.
In talking about how the early church grew, Tim Keller says that the reason Christianity displaced the “the older Greco-Roman Empire and culture itself and way of thinking” was because they were “attractively different.” And what was so attractive about them? Quite simply, they were sold out for Jesus…together...and people noticed. Choosing church brings consistency into our lives. And the consistency that it brings is the good news of Jesus. The church is the consistent place where the good news of Jesus is proclaimed in word and deed, so that we can hear, experience, and live in light of his grace. And part of being the church is recognizing that God has given each of us gifts to use in helping others to look, live, and love more like Jesus.
We live in a world that is increasingly distracted, and the result is that we are no longer present to the relationships that matter most. Which is why, in the midst of his busiest seasons of ministry Jesus took time away to be with his Father. Solitude was a central practice of his life, for in solitude he could be truly present to what his Father was saying. Solitude isn’t isolation; it is a place of restoration and re-focus in which we get back in tune with the God who loves us and allow him to re-shape our priorities.
We live in a world that is increasingly distracted, and the result is that we are no longer present to the relationships that matter most. Which is why, in the midst of his busiest seasons of ministry Jesus took time away to be with his Father. Solitude was a central practice of his life, for in solitude he could be truly present to what his Father was saying. Solitude isn’t isolation; it is a place of restoration and re-focus in which we get back in tune with the God who loves us and allow him to re-shape our priorities.
When you take a close look at the four gospels what you find is that Jesus either practiced prayer or taught on the importance of prayer nearly 50 times. He prayed to seek his father’s guidance, he prayed before feeding the 5000, he prayed at meals, he prayed in the morning, he prayed in the evening, he prayed before he raised Lazarus from the dead. Looking at all these prayers of Jesus, what we find is that he was in nearly constant conversation with his Father. In fact, Jesus’ prayers seemed so powerful and moving that, finally, his disciples came to him and demanded, “Teach us to pray!” And the beautiful thing is…he does!
When you take a close look at the four gospels what you find is that Jesus either practiced prayer or taught on the importance of prayer nearly 50 times. He prayed to seek his father’s guidance, he prayed before feeding the 5000, he prayed at meals, he prayed in the morning, he prayed in the evening, he prayed before he raised Lazarus from the dead. Looking at all these prayers of Jesus, what we find is that he was in nearly constant conversation with his Father. In fact, Jesus’ prayers seemed so powerful and moving that, finally, his disciples came to him and demanded, “Teach us to pray!” And the beautiful thing is…he does!
The Bible is easily one of the highest selling books of all time. The Guinness Book of World Records estimates that over 5 billion copies of the Bible have been printed. It has been translated into over 700 languages. But why? What it is about this book that is so powerful?
The Bible is easily one of the highest selling books of all time. The Guinness Book of World Records estimates that over 5 billion copies of the Bible have been printed. It has been translated into over 700 languages. But why? What it is about this book that is so powerful?
God has chosen us to be conformed to the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:29), but that kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident, nor simply by following a random set of religious rules.
God has chosen us to be conformed to the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:29), but that kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident, nor simply by following a random set of religious rules.
The phrase “Grow Up!” has become something of a put-down in our culture today, but what is interesting to note is that growing up is exactly what Paul expected Christians to do!
The phrase “Grow Up!” has become something of a put-down in our culture today, but what is interesting to note is that growing up is exactly what Paul expected Christians to do!
What does it mean to be “all in” when it comes to our faith in Jesus? In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome he gives us a dramatic picture! In view of all that God has done for us, including giving his own life on the cross, we are to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.”
What does it mean to be “all in” when it comes to our faith in Jesus? In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome he gives us a dramatic picture! In view of all that God has done for us, including giving his own life on the cross, we are to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.”
The final vision of Ezekiel is a beautiful one. Just as God’s glory came to His people in exile, so His glory will one day return to the Temple, but not just a single building, but all of creation.
The final vision of Ezekiel is a beautiful one. Just as God’s glory came to His people in exile, so His glory will one day return to the Temple, but not just a single building, but all of creation.
In Ezekiel 37, God gives him a vision that begins with destruction and ends with resurrection. He shows Ezekiel a valley of death, a place where bodies lay unburied and bones dried out. He asks Ezekiel, “Can these dry bones live?”
In Ezekiel 37, God gives him a vision that begins with destruction and ends with resurrection. He shows Ezekiel a valley of death, a place where bodies lay unburied and bones dried out. He asks Ezekiel, “Can these dry bones live?”
The First Commandment You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
The First Commandment You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
In Jewish thought, the first commandment is not so much a commandment as it is a declaration
In Jewish thought, the first commandment is not so much a commandment as it is a declaration
Guilt and Shame are closely related topics - but are significantly different in one important way.
Guilt and Shame are closely related topics - but are significantly different in one important way.
This week we ponder the very strange and beautifully intricate poem that Jonah utters in the belly of the fish. This is a powerful and heavily ironic moment in the story.
This week we ponder the very strange and beautifully intricate poem that Jonah utters in the belly of the fish. This is a powerful and heavily ironic moment in the story.
Jonah is God’s own prophet and yet he is the only one in the story who refuses to listen to God.
Jonah is God’s own prophet and yet he is the only one in the story who refuses to listen to God.
This first week we lay the groundwork for exploring the story of Jonah from a fresh perspective: Who is Jonah? Why did he flee and get on a boat to Tarshish? And why is his story in the Bible?
This first week we lay the groundwork for exploring the story of Jonah from a fresh perspective: Who is Jonah? Why did he flee and get on a boat to Tarshish? And why is his story in the Bible?
Sometimes the need seems so great, and our resources so small, that we are reluctant to give, fearing what we give might go to waste.
Sometimes the need seems so great, and our resources so small, that we are reluctant to give, fearing what we give might go to waste.
Before we begin a discussion of our own generosity, we need to ponder anew the generosity of our God!
Before we begin a discussion of our own generosity, we need to ponder anew the generosity of our God!
the story of Jacob and Esau is a story of two brothers who, from the moment they were born, lived in conflict.
the story of Jacob and Esau is a story of two brothers who, from the moment they were born, lived in conflict.
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when all wars would end, and peace would once again rule God’s creation.
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when all wars would end, and peace would once again rule God’s creation.
In the days before the ministry of Jesus, the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah comes to pass.
In the days before the ministry of Jesus, the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah comes to pass.
As believers we have a different perspective, focused on Christ and the new life we have in him.
As believers we have a different perspective, focused on Christ and the new life we have in him.
Jesus is truly God. All things were created through him, hold together because of him, and are reconciled to God in him.
Jesus is truly God. All things were created through him, hold together because of him, and are reconciled to God in him.
The problem of suffering is one that every religion and philosophy has to deal with, and that is because suffering is a universal human issue.
The problem of suffering is one that every religion and philosophy has to deal with, and that is because suffering is a universal human issue.
We have discussed priority, intentionality, and now we look at the influence that being a good steward has for our lives.
We have discussed priority, intentionality, and now we look at the influence that being a good steward has for our lives.
To be a good steward means that you care for something and one of the first steps that we must identify is what are the things that have the potential to pull us away from the plan that God has created for us.
To be a good steward means that you care for something and one of the first steps that we must identify is what are the things that have the potential to pull us away from the plan that God has created for us.
Occasionally, we come across passages in Scripture which throw all our preconceived notions about Jesus right out the window.
Occasionally, we come across passages in Scripture which throw all our preconceived notions about Jesus right out the window.
Jesus teaches us to end our prayers by acknowledging that all things belong to God and by proclaiming our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Jesus teaches us to end our prayers by acknowledging that all things belong to God and by proclaiming our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Jesus teaches us to pray that God would deliver us from evil, acknowledging that He is NOT the source of that evil.
Jesus teaches us to pray that God would deliver us from evil, acknowledging that He is NOT the source of that evil.
Jesus teaches us to pray that we are forgiven and that we would become forgiving people.
Jesus teaches us to pray that we are forgiven and that we would become forgiving people.
Jesus teaches that when we pray we are to ask that His Kingdom would come and his will be done.
Jesus teaches that when we pray we are to ask that His Kingdom would come and his will be done.
Examine our own worship for indications of the true response we offer the King who has come - and is coming.
Examine our own worship for indications of the true response we offer the King who has come - and is coming.
Gabriel’s message brought attention to God’s saving work and left no doubt that God had kept his promises.
Gabriel’s message brought attention to God’s saving work and left no doubt that God had kept his promises.
We need to prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate his first coming and receive him when he comes again.
We need to prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate his first coming and receive him when he comes again.
When God poured out his Spirit on all the disciples, they all began to share the Gospel with anyone that would listen.
When God poured out his Spirit on all the disciples, they all began to share the Gospel with anyone that would listen.
The believers in the early church were willing to sell their possessions for the sake of meeting the needs of others. This flowed from the “generous hearts” that God had created in them.
The believers in the early church were willing to sell their possessions for the sake of meeting the needs of others. This flowed from the “generous hearts” that God had created in them.
We too are called by God to go where it might not be comfortable and welcome people different than us into His kingdom.
We too are called by God to go where it might not be comfortable and welcome people different than us into His kingdom.
In the early church there were disagreements. They solved these disagreements by seeking God’s will together and then respecting those in authority God had placed over them.
In the early church there were disagreements. They solved these disagreements by seeking God’s will together and then respecting those in authority God had placed over them.
The disciples in the early church did not devise a strategic plan or follow a careful set of church growth principles.
The disciples in the early church did not devise a strategic plan or follow a careful set of church growth principles.
The early church was less like the social organization we call the “church” today and more like a family. That fact should still shape the church today.
The early church was less like the social organization we call the “church” today and more like a family. That fact should still shape the church today.
Many believe the battle is primarily defensive: I go about my life ready whenever Satan attacks. But Jesus describes our mission as offensive: we are part of an army designed to beat down the gates of hell wherever we encounter them in our world
Many believe the battle is primarily defensive: I go about my life ready whenever Satan attacks. But Jesus describes our mission as offensive: we are part of an army designed to beat down the gates of hell wherever we encounter them in our world
God has equipped us to face the accusations and physical attacks of the Devil…so that when he accuses us or seeks to harm us, we won’t give in to fear or dismay.
God has equipped us to face the accusations and physical attacks of the Devil…so that when he accuses us or seeks to harm us, we won’t give in to fear or dismay.
Our significance is a gift given by God through Jesus Christ. Because of this, we do not have to glory in our successes, but can rest secure in Christ, even in the midst of failures.
Our significance is a gift given by God through Jesus Christ. Because of this, we do not have to glory in our successes, but can rest secure in Christ, even in the midst of failures.
God made us and daily sustains us. The life God gives shapes how you live in the world.
To be sure, Confirmation is a human invention not commanded by God in His Word. However, this process and rite help us as individuals and as God’s people do a number of things that ARE commanded in God’s Word.
God tells us that regular time in his Word (meditate on it day and night) can change our lives by making us a steady and healthy presence in the world no matter what disaster is around us.
The biggest problem with a full calendar may not be the exhaustion we feel or the lack of sleep we get. It may be that we are missing “God appointments”
Materialism dominates our culture. This mindset keeps us from understanding and living some important truths from God.