Bethel Lutheran Church Cupertino: Recent Episodes
Bethel Lutheran Church Cupertino
Forgiveness
If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. Matthew 18:15 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Matthew 18:21
What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and which is appropriate when? The entire chapter of Matthew 18 focuses on the power of forgiveness and restoration of relationships. As people following Jesus, we should always forgive (letting go) and should also seek to restore relationships when possible. Our gospel text for Sunday lays out in great detail a “how to” process which when followed strengthens communities and relationships. See you then!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Stumbling Blocks
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Matthew 16:22–23
Last week, Jesus called Simon the Rock upon which the church would be built. This week he is called a “stumbling block” and demonic. That is quite a turn of events! Simon Peter had a moment of divine revelation when he proclaimed Jesus was the Messiah. However, he was not ready for Jesus to describe God’s mission for the Messiah was suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus helps the disciples understand that following him means journeying to the cross serving God before all else.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Rock of Faith
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:13–15
The people of Israel had been promised a Messiah who would deliver and redeem them. The prophets foretold the Messiah with certain signs for people to watch for. With hopeful expectation the people watched and waited. For some, the ministry of Jesus checked a lot of the boxes for the promised Messiah. Jesus asks the disciples what people are saying about him and then more pointedly ask the disciples what they think. Jesus’ question “who do you say I am?” is also one for us all to ponder. It is a universal question and a personal one. See you Sunday as we ponder this question.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Crumby Faith
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” Matthew 15:21–23
Jesus’ reputation as a miracle healer spread everywhere he went. People were suffering and would seek him out with hope and expectation that he could cure them. When Jesus and the disciples enter a Gentile region, a woman with a demon possessed child persistently urged Jesus to heal her. Initially, Jesus ignored her, but she never stopped advocating for her daughter and demonstrated her great faith. Join us Sunday as we explore this story and open ourselves to what it means today.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Confessing Faith
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
This simple statement of faith “Jesus is Lord” was the first creed of the Christian Church. The Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds were formulated much later and include far more tenets of dogma (virgin birth, Holy Spirit, etc.). To declare that Jesus is Lord and to believe in your heart he was raised from the dead is more than simply have a belief about God, rather it is an orientation and foundation for all of life. Join us Sunday as we consider Confessing Faith.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Abundant Faith
When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” Matthew 14:15-17
Jesus feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most well known stories in scripture. With 5 loaves and two fish, Jesus not only miraculously feeds the massive crowd, but ends of up with 12 baskets of leftovers! The story is amazing and demonstrates the power of God and the abundance of God’s blessings. This story also reminds us to focus more on what we have than what we are missing. The disciples could only see the large crowd and meager provisions. Jesus helped them see the impact they could make with what they had. Join us Sunday as we consider God’s abundance!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Field Day
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38
Church leaders sometimes use the phrase “mission field” to describe the geographic area a particular church or missionary is charged with ministering in. They are sent out to share God’s love and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ own day, he sent the disciples to “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons” (Matt. 10:8). That is quite a to-do list! God’s work in the world is seemingly endless, yet who will go? Jesus asked his disciples this question and it remains one for us today.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Mercy not Sacrifice
But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13
One of the main criticisms of Jesus, by those who opposed his ministry, was he hung out with the wrong people. Jesus spent time with tax collectors (Matthew), sinners, and other who were lowly regarded. In the minds of many religious leaders, it was improper to spend time with those not following God’s laws. Jesus’ ministry focused on mercy and forgiveness rather than strict adherence to laws and customs. Join us Sunday as we consider this radical way of Jesus and the challenge it poses to us.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Discipleship Beyond Boundaries
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission, quoted above, are Jesus’ final words to the disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. He sends them out to make disciples of all nations, and baptizing in the name of the Triune God. The Great Commission coupled with the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:38-40) form the basis of Christian mission. Share the good news everyone, while loving God and neighbor. This seems very simple but is incredibly challenging. God calls on the church to live out these commands and work on building God’s kingdom on earth as it already is in heaven. Join us Sunday as we consider the Great Commission and the call to discipleship beyond boundaries.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Pentecost
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:4
Sunday is Pentecost, a celebration of the Holy Spirit, and the power of God working in our lives. In Jesus’ day, Pentecost was a harvest festival which attracted Jewish pilgrims from many countries and languages. As they all came together, the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the ability to share the gospel so all could hear the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Today, the same Spirit enables and empowers us to share God’s love with those in our lives. Join us Sunday as we celebrate the Spirit!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Come See
Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:46
In Advent, we have a sermon series focusing on the scriptural themes from the capital campaign. “Come See” is the invitation Philip shared with Nathanael to meet Jesus. Come See for yourself who this Jesus is and the difference he can make for your life. Come See also offers us the opportunity to invite people to Bethel as we Do Life Together.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Kingdom Come
He [God] has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:13–15
This week marks the end of the liturgical church year called Christ the King Sunday. It is a festival day to remind us of the kind of king we have in Jesus before we begin the new year with Advent waiting. It is meant to bring us hope and peace knowing we have a “king” who is the very image of the invisible God. A king who saves, forgives, and mercifully welcomes us into paradise. Join us as we celebrate Christ the King!
Message delivered by Pastor Kelly Sandin.
Endurance
By your endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:19
This Sunday’s gospel is a challenging text. Jesus shares with the disciples many of the difficulties they will face as they work in Jesus’ name. There will be arrests, persecutions, betrayal, harsh words and more. Jesus does not exempt them from these struggles but tells them their endurance through it will bear witness to God. Life is hard and often brings us to our breaking point, but if we can endure and draw strength from God, we can get through it and inspire others. Jesus shows us this in his ministry and in his death and resurrection. Always a good place to start.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
God's Promise
Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
Sunday is All Saints Day, when we remember our loved ones and friends who have died in the past year. As we read these names, we celebrate the love they shared with us and the promise of eternal life that has been fulfilled for them. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, death itself has been defeated and while we mourn our loved ones and miss them terribly, we trust in this eternal promise. Join us for this special service on Sunday.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Celebration Sunday
When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Luke 19:5–7
Sunday is a big day at Bethel. It is Reformation Day, when we commemorate Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church door (we will have an Oktoberfest lunch). Additionally, it is Celebration Sunday as we joyfully announce an update in our ongoing capital campaign. Also, we have a wonderful gospel text featuring the story of Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector who tried desperately to see Jesus. When Jesus invited himself to stay at Zacchaeus’ house he was overjoyed to welcome him. This encounter would change Zacchaeus’ life forever, as he discovered the unconditional love and grace of God. Join us Sunday as we have so much to celebrate!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Self Examination
For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14
This Sunday features another parable from Jesus. Two men went to the temple to pray. One of them, a Pharisee, looks at the other, a tax collector, with contempt and thanks God he isn’t as bad as the tax collector. Jesus’ message makes clear that we ought not to judge someone else’s relationship to God, but focus on our own. What an important and difficult thing to do! Join us Sunday as we seek ways to be honest with oneself and avoid judging others.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Persistence
Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:24–26
The story of Jacob is a complicated one. He tricks his father, with his mother’s help, to steal his brother Esau’s inheritance. This led to a strained relationship with Esau to put it mildly. After fleeing in fear of his brother and after years apart, he was preparing to meet him when he wrestles with a man all night. Scholars debate about whether this man was just a man, an angel, or God. Jacob persists in the wrestling match and ultimately prevails. He receives a new name and identity but is also left with a permanent limp. Join us Sunday as we look at stories of persistence and how God blesses us even when it is a struggle.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Grateful for Grace
Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17–18
Sunday’s gospel features Jesus healing ten lepers. Nine of the lepers follow the instruction of Jesus and show themselves to the priest, while the one who was a Samaritan thanks Jesus. On the surface it seems that Jesus is hailing the gratefulness of the Samaritan and chastising the lack of gratefulness of the nine. There is more to this situation than there appears however. Join us Sunday for more!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Mustard Seed Faith
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:5–6
Sometimes we think of faith as having beliefs about God. We recite the words of the Apostles’ Creed, for example, and think these beliefs about God are what constitutes faith. While beliefs about God are important to a life of faith, when Jesus discusses faith it is much more about placing our trust in God. When we are able to trust God in the midst of difficulty or struggle, or even in times of blessings, this makes all the difference. Even a little bit of trust in God can change our lives! Join us Sunday as we reflect on the nature of faith and our invitation to grow our trust in God.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Inequity
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.” Luke 16:19–21
The juxtaposition of the rich man and Lazarus on the same property demonstrates the wealth inequality that was so prevalent in Jesus’ day. In this story the rich man lives a life of luxury while the poor Lazarus receives sympathy from the dogs. Jesus’ commentary suggests that a life of wealth and privilege does not necessarily correlate with blessings in the afterlife. If we use what we have been given and keep love of neighbor at the center of our heart and actions, our life will be aligned with God. If however, we turn away from the hurting and the vulnerable and live only for ourself, we are spiritually bankrupt.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
God and Wealth
“No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Luke 16:13
This Sunday’s gospel reading features another parable from Jesus. The parable is sometimes called the “unjust steward” or the “dishonest manager” and tells the story of a rich man and the person hired to care for his property. When the owner determines the manager has squandered and mismanaged his property, he decides to fire him. When the manager learns his will lose his job he goes to the owner’s debtors and reduces what they owe. What follows from Jesus is confusing because he seems to commend the dishonest manager for being shrewd. Join us Sunday as we explore this parable and consider what it means to be a good steward rather than a shrewd one.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Lost and Found
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1–2
The old saying “you will be judged by the company you keep” was continually applied to Jesus by the religious leaders of his day. For Jesus to spend his time with sinners proved to them his ministry was illegitimate. The leaders believed that those seeking to live a righteous life should avoid being exposed to those who choices and occupations were considered sinful. Sunday we will ponder why Jesus takes the opposite approach and what that tells us about ourselves and God. See you then!
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Cost Estimate
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25–27
Jesus attracted large crowds wherever he went. His healing miracles, his teachings, and the understanding that God’s promises were being fulfilled made him very popular. And then he says things like you must hate your family to follow me. That probably helped weed out would be followers. Jesus wanted disciples who were all in on following him, after all Jesus’ journey will lead him to the cross. On Sunday we will consider the challenge of following Jesus and the cost.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Humble Hospitality
“But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:10–11
Jesus lived a humble life. He was the incarnation of God, the Word made flesh, and could have chosen a life luxury and wealth. Instead he was born into a life of poverty and spent three years of public ministry as an itinerant teacher without an established home. Jesus consistently demonstrated humble hospitality and calls on his followers to do the same. While claiming the place of honor at a dinner party may not translate to our world today, there are many other ways we can demonstrate hospitality in our everyday lives. Join us Sunday as we consider how we show Christ’s love to others.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Holy Sabbath
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. Luke 13:10–13
Jesus healing the bent over woman was a liberation. Jesus healing the bent over woman on the sabbath was an abomination. Both statements, depending on your perspective, are true. The sabbath was a day of rest, a day God appointed for humanity to have relief from work. Over time, this liberating gift from God became a calcified law that served its own purpose. This happens in our spiritual life, our work life, our civic life and more. Join us Sunday as we consider the liberating power of Jesus and how many times we resist it.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Testimony
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself. Acts 26:1
In the opening verses of Acts, Jesus tells the apostles they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The apostle Paul went to the ends of the earth and shared the story of Jesus and also his experience of Jesus. His testimony helped bring people to faith and build churches. He was able to share the gospel with kings, emperors, and everyday people. We too have a testimony to share. We can tell others the difference God’s love has made in our lives. Who knows, it may make all the difference in the world.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Adaptation
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. Acts 17:22–23
As Paul traveled he proclaimed the gospel to people of all backgrounds and would adjust how he shared the good news about Jesus in order to connect with people on their terms. When Paul arrives in Athens, he utilizes his knowledge of their gods and poets to introduce the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This kind of adaptation is critical for the ongoing development of the church. The central message of the gospel is eternal, but how we share it and the different forms the church can take have always been contextual. We can sometimes get stuck in a mind-set of “it has always been done this way” but the truth is the Spirit continues to inspire creative and dynamic approaches to sharing the gospel. Join us Sunday as we continue to discover the richness of the book of Acts and how we can Do Life Together.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Discernment
Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. Acts 15:1–2
Acts tells the story of the early church and all aspects of Doing Life Together. This Sunday we will focus on how the church uses discernment to make important determinations. In this particular chapter, the church is faced with whether or not Gentile believers have to follow the religious customs of the Jewish faith. On the specific issue of circumcision, there was a great deal of dispute. How this issue gets resolved provides key insights for how we can navigate difficult decisions today.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Expansion
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. Acts 13:4–5
The church expanded through the missionary journeys of Paul. At each stop, he would visit the local synagogue and tell the story of Jesus death and resurrection and what it meant for all people. At some places the Word was received and a local church was founded. At other places, they had more difficulty. These missionary journeys were driven by the Spirit and the same Spirit worked in the hearts of those who heard. The same is true for the church today. We are sent out to share God’s word and the Spirit of God determines how the message is received.
Message delivered by Chris Christensen.
Inclusion
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34–35
Jesus sent the apostles to share their testimony to the “ends of the earth.” This mission meant some deeply embedded values would be challenged. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the people of Israel were chosen by God for a special covenant which set them apart from all other people. The Jewish people were God’s people, all others not so much. But as the church begins to expand, Peter and the other disciples discern that God is seeking to include all people, not just the Jewish people. God wants a relationship with all people and if the church wants to keep up with God, it needs to do everything possible to include everyone.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Persecution
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8
Stephen was one of the seven chosen to help solve the food distribution problem in the early church. In his new leadership role, he even went beyond addressing issues within the church but began a public ministry like the apostles. He quickly encountered resistance and underwent persecution for his faith that ultimately (spoiler alert) led to his martyrdom. While most of us will not encounter such resistance because of our faith, persecution can come in many forms. Join us Sunday as consider this challenging topic and how it relates to us today.
Message delivered by Pastor Kelly Sandin.
Empowerment
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables." Acts 6:1-2
The early church grew very fast. With this growth came a certain amount of chaos and disorder. One of the earliest issues involved food distribution. The Hellenist (Greek speaking) widows were not getting the food they needed and their community began to complain. This situation was brought the apostles attention for them to address. This was a leadership test for the apostles and their decision was to empower new leaders so they could continue to focus on sharing their witness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The ability to equip and empower those with gifts to serve is essential in the church. It is also not an easy thing for most people to do. Join us Sunday as we consider the challenge and gift of empowerment.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.
Conflict
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?” Acts 5:1-3
Last week, we examined the formation of the church. The Spirit powerfully brought everyone together and they shared all things in common and dedicated their lives to the new faith community. This idealistic harmony did not last long before conflict occurred. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is more than a story of greed and deceit, it is also the story of the role of authenticity in community. When everyone is counting on everyone else to do their part, what happens when people don’t follow through? How does this effect the community moving forward? Now perhaps the expectation of sharing all things was too burdensome, but what is the appropriate expectation of sharing Life Together? Join us Sunday as we consider conflict in community.
Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.