Cross Encounters: Recent Episodes
Lutheran Radio UK
Pastor Samiec presents Lutheran Radio UK's weekly devotion. Inspiring messages that draw the listener close to the cross of Jesus where God comes to meet his people and to lead them in the way of truth.
Words are powerful and should be handled with care. They are tied so deeply to living. They reflect the truth that the only, one, true God speaks.
Such is the promise of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father. What comfort, help, and strength that can be to counter violence, shame, fear, and death. Thank you, Holy Spirit!
Some things don't change and when it comes to our Triune God's grace and mercy that is good news!
The Beatitudes are not the programme to get blessings but give us an insight of Jesus and why following him is blessed.
Death can make us morose, afraid, and lots more which shrivels life to a husk. Only Jesus has broken its power. Anything else that claims a defeat of death is delusion.
The coronation of King Charles III provides a moment for everyone to consider the civic role in society. For Christians that always means following Jesus seeking to serve.
The sirens get our attention but do we listen? We do when we trust the messenger. When God in Jesus is trusted then we have alerts, advice, support, and help in all situations.
The power of the resurrection and the mystery of Holy Communion mean that people today can encounter Jesus and learn that He is for us and not against us and follow Him.
The Church is not just local and global but also spiritual and physical and meeting Jesus with others can be so enriching – spiritually and physically. Jesus always makes a difference each day!
In following Jesus, the Church wants to serve her neighbours – whether they're in eyesight or on the other side of the world. Working out how to serve takes wisdom and effort.
Mothers, Lent, and Jesus all combined – a story often unknown – and one which doesn't stop us from honouring our own Mum!
It is easy to be cynical about service. Whose agenda is being met? Only God in Jesus Christ offers and delivers true service.
The world understands 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' and that so many of our relationships are transactional – particularly in religion. Until we come to Christianity and Jesus that is! Then it is gift upon gift!
But Jesus has rescued us so that we can live in him and that life is better than anything we could have done on our own!
We have so many experiences and encounter many points of view that it is important to understand why we have the perspective we have. For Christians, the answer is seen in Jesus and who is and what he has done for us.
Christianity is more than ethics - how we behave - and Jesus is more than a teacher which is why following Jesus is really about relationships when you consider the cross.
Jesus breaks the stereotype of God – look at the cross – so that people may live. Jesus' followers break the stereotype of discipleship with laughter rather than asceticism – because a full life with Jesus involves everyone around his...
The Christian Faith is not disconnected from our lives but it exists and is lived in our situation – no matter what it is – because Jesus relates to us in all situations and no situation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Each church year, the liturgical seasons can draw us closer to God because we are changing each year and God is faithfully still serving us each year.
Jesus doesn't simply influence life – he kills the sinful flesh and brings a new life (in him) into being – and that is far more radical than influencing.
Christmas, The Epiphany, Easter, anything about Jesus can seem to be about him with Jesus himself 'far away' and in one sense irrelevant but the power of words and the work of the Holy Spirit mean that people are still meeting Jesus through...
The message of the Incarnation isn't about making Jesus like us but reminds us that God wants to us to be like him.
Why Christmas is celebrated is important to know because, at its heart, it is a celebration of God being with us today.
People build their religions from all sorts of sources. How different is it for people when God reveals himself in Jesus Christ!
When people read the book of Revelation they are looking for comfort and hope – and in Jesus you can always find it for he is with his people always!
What is happening to us is always important to us - and we never face it alone with Jesus.
Getting the forecasts right are very helpful for so much of living from the weather to the economy and more. How much more important is the right forecast that comes with living with Jesus Christ! Now that's life in all its fulness!
Whether we hear them as they are spoken or read them from centuries past, words open the world and others to us – and that is no more so than with the Word of God.
When imagining heaven and arrivals there, let's be firmly grounded in God's Word – and there isn't much detail, but it is enough!
Whichever way it is, hopefully we make the best decision we can each time. Knowing that Jesus is with us is good and supportive, but he is not the puppet master, or a heavenly sat-nav. Rather Jesus guides us through his Word. Which way we turn is up to...
We all tell them and they shape our life but they do not necessarily define reality. For the Christian, defining reality and truth comes from God's Word which impacts the stories we tell ourselves.
Whether it is the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time, we live in specific places all the time – and Jesus is with his people wherever they are because he is united with them in Baptism – and so wherever we are, we are...
Will I test the new fuses in the house? If I remember and follow the electrician's instructions. Will I live as a person who is saved? That will depend upon whose words take hold of me even when my following them is all over the place.
Learning the full story is important. When it comes to salvation, then the full story must include Jesus and his cross and empty tomb.
We listen to so much! And those voices - in the room, online, live or recorded - shape us. Making sure we hear theological truth for our context is important in forming us - growing us - in Christ. What a blessing it is to have Lutheran Radio UK.
The opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games can remind us that the past is always a mixture of 'good' and 'bad'. Whether personally or socially, only Jesus is best placed to help us with our history and our tomorrows.
Following Jesus in this world means knowing truth and seeking to serve everyone – friends and enemies, supporters and opponents – and society benefits.
We wear our clothes for all sorts of reasons – functional and festive, to be seen by others and just for being at home – and they say something about us. Through Baptism people 'put on Christ'. Returning to our Baptism each day is like...
I once heard the statement "there is no bad weather, only poor clothing" which, whatever we think of its veracity, reminds us that what we bring to situations – particularly our attitudes and insights as guided by God's Word – affects...
The question to ask when we are reading that Bible is not whether it is God's Word – it is – and that answer is definitive, static. The question to ask when reading the Bible is 'How is what I am reading God's Word for me?'. That...
We want people to be technically competent and good at what they do but also their character is not unimportant. We are returning to this truth in today's world more and more.
We are either growing or declining; getting healthy or unwell, living is about movement. Since faith is living, we can always do things to help or hinder it. It is important to remember that God is faithful and Jesus doesn't change.
No matter how much people insist that God doesn't exist, it doesn't make him go away! That is true as a thought exercise and in reality. The resurrection of Jesus was unexpected and whether it is good news or bad news really does depend when...
How do people relate to God? Often people think about spiritual relationships in terms of monarch and subject or all-powerful and not-powerful or master and servant or owner and pet or mystery and student but to think in terms of friends needs more...
How we live is very much shaped by what we think dying and death are all about. No wonder then that what Jesus has done changes everything!
The right rant at the right time to the right people just may get heard. Christ is risen! Our deaf world needs to hear this!
'Long grief' is being discussed because of the COVID-19 context. All who grieve are in pain – and yes, it is long-term. Even longer, though, is the comfort and hope that Jesus brings since he is with people for the 'long haul' –...
Perspective isn’t everything but it is very import, especially when it includes Jesus’ resurrection.
Hugs are special – to receive and to share – and the empty tomb of Jesus is God reaching out to hug all people.
No matter the relentless pressure of life or the 'hard knocks' that come, Christians can be resilient not because God waves a magic wand but because God broke the 'quick fix stick' into a cross.
Jesus calls us to him in the Divine Service and then sends us into the world to serve. We often go out together but should we?
Listening to a psychology podcast became a springboard for appreciating God's Word, meditation, prayer, Christian consolation, and the perspective they bring.
Especially when the world becomes fearful, we wonder what to do. How we should behave, however, is a daily question that shouldn't be ignored. Christians should definitely know their answer.
Reflections on facing tough situations and yes Jesus is still with us in all circumstances.
HO'OPONOPONO?? Yes, I thought so too! Yet it's amazing how learning a word can take us on a journey. That's even more so with the Word made flesh!
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II commences on 6th February and offers us a milestone to reflect on authority. What should we do with power and authority?
There is always movement in living – and in this world – growing or declining. The Triune God is always coming towards us. How people move in response – towards or away – is very much about what they know of this Triune God.
How do we know anything? Through experience, research, and trust. And that's also true about Jesus. He is not the fabrication often claimed but a living and personal truth to be encountered.
The question of the possibility of life outside our planet is a journey in our increasing knowledge while the message of a cross and empty tomb offers new life and a journey that lasts for ever. Both journeys are exciting!
How long is a long time? The answers vary. How wonderful to hear that God loves us all the time!
Learning to walk is an adventure – just as walking can lead us to new horizons. Is that why walking is a good metaphor about Christian discipleship?
What do we say in our Christmas letters? Something about family and the year no doubt. And Christmas itself reminds us that God is with us as well – but often in the background, helping, blessing. In fact at Christmas, he can be easy to miss!
There's always so much to learn in our wonderful world – and that includes paradoxes. The more we learn there is more to learn! And that includes the story of Jesus and Advent where the God we don't see or hear keeps coming to us to help and...
We appreciate being in the same room with people and also, particularly since the pandemic arrived, being online. Yet what hasn't changed is the deep connectedness one feels when someone really listens. Listening – proper listening – is a most...
We live our moments determined by our context. Our context also determines what we think about God and how we behave. People think they understand the 'God context' - until they meet Jesus who turns everything upside down!
The Lutheran Reformation is a 16th century event which still impacts today as our spiritual disaster response. Will we respond?
Well, there is the needle! There is also truth that it is a good way to serve our neighbour in public health.
We live in congregations – specific localities – and yet we say in the Creed all the time that the Church is global. We diminish the Church when we emphasise one over against the other – so finding good ways of living in the tension is part of...
Life and living is truly a gift. But that thought implies a giver. As harvests come and go, that thought never goes away. What else might a harvest thanksgiving reveal?
Any history of a group of Christians reveals both the local and also the historical – a past which reminds us that we never 'create' Christianity or the Faith – we only receive it – to be lived and to be passed on faithfully.
Our world is an amazing place and the journeys we can take in our minds likewise. And God is with us in both!
The question of silence and personal engagement in worship is a topic that arises from time to time. A few thoughts this week.
What's so funny? Lots of things! But humour is tricky to negotiate and laughter can be both joyous and cruel. A reflection on living well with a laugh – or might I say 'laughing well'?
No, this is not the cry for some semblance of quiet by the Speaker in the House of Commons. Rather this is about knowing what is happening in worship and why. What we do when and why is important but not as important as knowing what God is doing when and...
The mystery of Christian discipleship is that we relate to Jesus through faith which ultimately means that Jesus is beyond our senses and experiences – and yet he uses means – words, water, bread and wine – to reach us via our senses and...
For the Christian, hope is faith grounded in Christ looking into the future – and that is its true power.
Christians and the world know that Jesus' mother was Mary. What does that mean for us today? The many answers suggest that there is something about Mary!
What is the vibe of a thing, a person, or a relationship? A quintessence perhaps? We often live by vibes. In Christianity all vibes need to be anchored in God's Word – all of it – not just our favourite parts – so that we don't make God...
Why do we do what we do in Church? I think it is important that each of us know what is behind we way we react and behave. That is why the distinction between public doctrine and pious opinion is very important.
In the UK the devolved governments are lifting the lid on public worship – 'there are no restrictions' is the summary. But how true is such a sentiment when we talk about Christian worship?
What did you think of when you saw that word? No doubt people and buildings and labels and possibly a chequered history. Such are not unimportant at all. But it is good to first remember that the Christian Church is an article of faith and a hidden...
Faces are everywhere! People have them and we can even 'see' them on inanimate objects. We so want to know and be known and faces are a good place to start. Of course this begs the question spiritually – Does God have a face? What would you...
How do we deal with living when things don't go as we wish? No doubt in many ways. However the best starting point is remembering that God is already with us in the moment and not far away 'waiting to be called'.
What are the issues today about faith and doubt? What should the Church be saying and doing?
Answers to that question might be found in philosophy, physics, and neuroscience. A cross and an empty tomb also shines light on the question.
God goes to great lengths to reveal Himself through the Word made flesh. Jesus points us to the Father – and together they send the Holy Spirit. Thus God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – don't share this personal information for ego but...
We all have thoughts each day about life and living. The Good News of Jesus is the best news to help shape our thoughts.
There is a lot to learn – and to learn a greater appreciation of God and his means of grace. We are never alone.
Baptism – being joined to Jesus' death and resurrection and in a new birth and new life – is critical for everyone because our journey is either being drawn to Jesus in Baptism or returning daily to Jesus and Baptism. That's what living by...
Knowledge is usually not enough to bring about change. What is needed is a reason or motivation. So when it comes to relating to God and to our behaviour that flows from faith, then what we need, above all, is the Gospel.
The Good News of Jesus is not just that he speaks to us but also that he moves. Everything to do with him is about him coming to us.
It would seem that I've got the words 'death' and 'life' back to front! But no, I haven't. This is what Jesus is all about!
You better believe it! Just getting up in the morning requires it – as does believing in God – as does claiming that God doesn't exist – as does driving a car, going to the doctor, and getting married. What do you believe and why?
There are two realities. The main one is that Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The second one, not unimportant, involves why you are being told that Jesus is alive? If speakers want something for themselves by this message, then be on alert....
No matter our physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual state, God's Word speaks into our day and helps us live.
The Small Catechism is designed to engage our brain, heart, hands, and mouth because we can live with someone hidden from our senses. Christians live with Jesus through faith. The Small Catechism guides how read and respond to God's Word and...
We need to make sense of the world to live in it. Whom do we trust for this understanding? That depends on what you want to know! There is so much we can learn but when it comes to living with meaning and purpose then Jesus and his cross can never be...
'Who am I?' is one of the most foundational questions in the world. There can be many answers! However when we ask 'Who am I before God?' then the followers of Jesus through the centuries learn that same answer – loved.
It is unnerving to contemplate when you put God and violence together. How would we survive against an angry God? And it seems we can't escape either topic in this life. That is why the violence of the cross needs to be contemplated. What is it all...
In Lent we are reminded not to ignore our eyes but also not to let sight determine everything – particularly when it comes to God and his glory.
While we are learning to live with masks in our world these days, Christians have always heard of and seen the face of God through Jesus and the means of grace.
We want to get things right but to do so we need to know what that actually is and, more importantly, why. For Christians, the Gospel holds the key to both the what and the why. But don't switch your brain off working it out!
We really can't communicate without words. And yet knowing who is speaking very much helps us hear and understand. What is the relationship between you who hear words and the speaker who says them?
What do you mean that there is no such thing?! We can say what we like! Yet words exist always in contexts and relationships, so whom should they serve?
What is Jesus doing in the water meant for sinners? Why is the voice from heaven pleased? Sinner? Son of God? What is going on? Oh ... it is about ME! ... Aha!
There is huge power in words. Unbelievable. Creative. Destructive. Self-serving. Self-giving. To whom do we listen and why?
We want things to make sense and be understandable. It is good that we do to live safely and well. But when things don't fit into our world, does that mean they are not true? Christmas can only be understood by what happens 33 years later.
Time might be sped up or slowed down in films, literature, and our imagination but we live it one second, one minute, one hour at a time. And no matter whether that moment is happy or sad, smiles or tears, God is with us all the time.
We tend to think good news is good news for all. However on reflection, this might not be the case. How intriguing that the good news of Jesus can be so difficult to both hear and share. How marvellous that people have faith in Jesus at all!
Sometimes we see it coming and at other times we don’t. Death is something we’d prefer ‘over the horizon’ and out of sight. But it is always lurking. It can shrivel life and make people very afraid. However Jesus can help us deal with death when...
Whatever the future is – and it comprises the predictable and the unpredictable – the followers of Jesus know what they need to do – serve and love their neighbours.
What we think is ‘over the horizon’ shapes how we live now. God’s world is always teeming with life and he has gone to amazing lengths to share it. Life is more than just only between ‘me and God’.
When phoning, we want to speak to a real person. When with people, we want to be noticed, not brushed aside. So spiritual relationships can be tricky when they seem so one-sided. And they are – until one meets Jesus.
We want to be the judges not the judged but life doesn’t work like that. We are judged often about lots of things. What happens when God gets involved?
Being aware of our surroundings contributes to our safety and wellbeing and wisdom gives us our purpose.
Birthday musings, living, and dying … what is important in life? Really? It has to be Jesus and the Gospel!
We are conscious of time and history and yet sometimes one date so dominates that it ‘takes over’ that day. Are there any such dates in your life?
While we would like to control things so that problems, hassles, and suffering are avoided, life is not like that. A lot of living is responding to what is happening and for Christians, they do so never alone, for Jesus is with them.
When we think we know everything then we can be so blind. Jesus and the Bible can seem hard to understand, crazy even. And yet when the crucified man is seen as our gracious Lord, then we can see ourselves and living here in such a new way.
We are seeing less of them in these pandemic times. Yet we desire to see them because they help us know someone personally. So what does it mean when God’s face shines on us?
In the northern hemisphere, going back to school is happening. And that inevitably means assessments. How do we think about them and where does God fit in?
There are lots of reasons why things don’t go right. Where does God fit in? Well, that depends on who your God is and what you’re expecting to be done.
In a changing world through the centuries, Christians have always found themselves wrestling with what the world says is normal and what following Jesus means.
Our calendars are being crossed out as plans are cancelled or changed but for those in Christ, all time is ‘crossed out’ because Jesus has defeated death’s power to cancel and wreck life. That truth affects each day and guarantees our future.
Reflections on trust in a time of pandemic. Whom do you trust? Why? This is worth hearing! Trust me!
We get a sense of perspective looking up and usually it is that we are very very small. But when the Creator speaks we can discover that we are very very precious.
Places and things powerfully affect us. That’s why we build them. But for Christians the eye must give way to the ear.
When ‘locked-down’ we miss our routines and plans and we can be concerned for a future we do not want. Friendships help us to be secure and have meaning – especially friendship with God.
How do we assess what we are told? What has the greater authority? For Christians, it is Jesus, the Word of God.
Encountering the Word of God always has consequences. God wants everyone to follow Jesus and have the best adventure in the world.
We need skill and expertise to get jobs done. But living is more than just one job after another.
Alarms are meant to be noticed. Yet they can be ignored. At Pentecost and from then on the Holy Spirit has been active focusing people on Jesus. Will the world hear?
In a world of public and private, inside and out, having someone who sees all might be confronting, even fearful. But when it is Jesus who sees all, sees us inside and out, and loves us – then it is life changing every day. His love can cast out all...
Jesus’ message and promise was given to comfort not control, to lift up not lock down, and, above all, to set people free by promising to remain with us.
God loves us all – everyone – and us individually – and Jesus’ death and resurrection tells us that God wants us to live – with Him – and with others. And then we – as individuals – can live so that the many around us can be blessed.
Jesus calls his people together in little groups and still comes and serves them, walks with them, helps them, suffers with them, and gives them a perspective that affects all of their lives
The Holy Spirit uses means – channels – words, water, bread and wine – so that we may know Jesus and the Father through Him.
What is the ‘new normal’ when someone goes into the grave with death but then comes out alive? What indeed? Disciples of every generation live in their time and place, working that out! Our ‘new normal’ of each day always has Jesus with us and...
For those baptised in Christ, they look to Jesus’ death and resurrection where we are joined to him and his new life. A daily return to our baptism is a daily putting on (like clothes) of Christ where we are reminded that our identity has been given to...
Trusting the One to Whom we call out depends on the nature and character behind the Name we cry.
Mothers are renowned for their love and care. They remind us that life is a gift and they can be reminders to us of God’s care and love who gives the gift of faith through the Church.
God is gracious and gives his life and forgiveness and perseverance and hope and blessings. In fact, in Jesus God gives himself so that I may live.
Jesus’ resurrection is the Gospel by which we are being saved and which is delivered to all as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day.
Jesus’ transfiguration pointed to his death and resurrection where He saved the whole world from sin and death.
Church is an outstanding gift of God. We sing a new song that can be sung in all circumstances: that God has brought about peace between Him and us through the life and death of Jesus.
Everything God does are gifts to us. He came to serve and that we might live free from sin now and forever.
Growing in our relationship with Jesus shapes how we live and behave towards. It reminds us that everyone else is also loved by our God.
For both the Church and the World the only true hope is to stand under the cross of Jesus.
We have the ability to wreck things in the pursuit of our lives. God become human so that we may live with Him and live abundantly.
Entertaining stories and scenarios in our lives can tend to aptly demonstrate Biblical truths which Christ taught, also by vivid examples. This one fortifies the willing response of our Heavenly Father, who is eager to hear the prayers of His children...
A review of the psychology in the motives which drive our modern society shows a striking contrast to the perspective of Biblical times. The people and culture of that period were much more reliant on natural cycles, responsibility in the community, and...
We ought to consider what seems to be a tragedy in the recent terrorist attack against Christians in Sri Lanka, in fact, as a great example of committed faith. For the victims who lost their mortal life maintained more confidence in the promise of...
The nature of our human being, with its intellect and reasoning, tends to think too largely of himself: failing to acknowledge the great majesty and mercy of God, as our only Saviour. It is only because we are so small and insignificant that He loved us...
Just as Jeremiah wept over the Jerusalem of his time, so does Jesus lament when people are unwilling to repent and abide by God’s Word. Jesus longs to save and protect us.
This comparison between Psalm 93 with texts from Revelation offers enlightening similarities to help us see the great majesty of Jesus Christ as our King. Both identify His strength as a warrior to establish His reign - Everlasting. The greatest triumph...
Christ tells the disciples about the purpose of His parables: as a unique means of conveying the great mysteries of God’s Kingdom to those eager to learn His Word – at ALL levels of understanding. Likewise, we must listen and ponder these teachings,...
Just as Christ warned of the false teachings of the Pharisees, so also we must be aware of this as a risk amongst many religious leaders today. By seeking out the pastors and churches who clearly profess the truth from God’s Word, we can be certain to...
An opportunity to consider the coded language by which Jesus is confirmed as the Messiah who was prophesied to come and save His people. By use of extraordinary Biblical illusions which are clearly inscribed in the ancient text, Jesus verifies His...
Consider what is most important about the Christmas tree. Certainly it seems impressive and stunning as it stands tall and glorious, with star and lights. Yet the most vital is the firm stand that keeps it centred and upright. Likewise, Christ is the...
A worthy cause for meaningful meditation, as we prepare for Christ’s coming during Advent season: Note how prominent is Scriptural reference describing the lifeline of Christ in our Lutheran liturgy. This account pledges faithful reminder of how His...
As we enter the season of Advent the idea of God clothing Himself in human flesh seems illogical. Yet, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary to save the world.
This reflection on Psalm 13 provides a stunning contrast from a sense of despair, feeling forsaken by God (as we know in life circumstance) to uplifting praise, rejoicing that He has overcome our enemies! That is: over sin, death and the devil. A great...
Here is an interesting correlation describing a link between the origin of woman – formed as a new creation from Adam – and the birth of the Church – coming to life upon Christ’s death. It captivates the significance of the sacraments derived...
The Gospel of Mark delivers a message that clearly affirms the identity of Jesus Christ. While his contemporaries were posing valid questions, such as how Christ can defy the traditions of the Jews, Mark concludes with the truth that Jesus is the Son of...
A review of various instances where specific declarations from Christ caused for the people to respond with offence, anger, or confusion: e.g. claiming to have divine authority and being the Son of God. Indeed, so that it led to His death. Yet we must...
Luther constructed a thoughtful and methodical ‘Simple Way to Pray’, reminding us that the focus of our prayer ought not to be solely in our own interests. By revisiting Scripture, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles Creed and confessing our sins we...
This reflection offers a double account of the supreme joy of being reunited with the Lord. As we honour Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, we can but try to fathom this extraordinary experience of the ladies meeting their Risen Lord while on the...
The Book of Joshua describes the Cities of Refuge as a gracious resource for protection and strength, to sustain those in need. The elements attributed to these shelters demonstrate a striking parallel to the security Christ offers to us. He is open and...
Here is example of the statue of Christ with His arms outstretched and welcoming us during the course of our travels through life. We are summoned to pause at his feet and duly respect both his authority and embrace, although too many passers-by offer no...
This episode narrates an incident describing how we, as Christians, are called to lend a hand of support to those whom we see heedlessly falling. Yet to maintain our balance while offering assistance, we can rely upon the strength of Christ as a Rock of...
This poetic homily reminds us the prime reason for celebrating this Christmas season. Special reference to Luke’s narrative of the birth of Christ reminds us of the great choral tradition of praise in the Bible (such as Mary’s Magnificat). In the...
Here is a reflection upon the birth of John the Baptist: himself being a miracle conceived, and elected to prepare the way of the Lord. John deemed as ‘Son of Promise’, we see many related prophesies from the Old Testament come to be, which is...
How do we translate the recent flurry of activities into long term opportunities to get the Word of God out to our communities? Real Reformation begins with confession, followed by reading, marking and inwardly digesting God’s Word, praying and...
The love of God does not overlook our whims and inclinations. Take sin and its consequences seriously. Don’t replace the Holy Spirit with the spirit of the age. Truth and right are embodied in Jesus Christ.
Here is a helpful review reminding us the enduring creed of Lutheran theology. ‘The Four Solas’ are central, founded on Luther’s prime principle that we are saved by faith alone. Focus on Scripture recounts the mission of Christ in all He did, all...
The true and proper worship of God should be as natural to his people as birds following their migratory paths.
The ill state of our human condition is the product of sin in our lives, and though we tend to deny it, death is our fate. Yet everlasting hope is in Christ, who triumphed over our fate to deliver us new life.
Jesus says in John 16:20: Truly, truly, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
False idols are like burdens that people carry around. But these idols will never carry people through the tough times of life. The people of God are encouraged to place their trust in Him who seeks, saves and carries us upon His own shoulders.
Church celebrations such as Christmas and Easter are signs that God worked mightily in history to fulfil His promise and save His people. They remind us of God’s trustworthiness and serve as tools to teach future generations that God is with us and has...
We, sinful humans, are incapable of climbing up to God through our own works or merits. Instead, we gather at the foot of the ladder and wait for God to come down to us and God did exactly that when He sent His own incarnate Son into the world.
Humans want to be happy but they are unwilling to do what they know will bring them happiness. This is true even of those who long to do God’s will. Trapped in a hell of our own making we often aren’t “living the dream” but the nightmare....
In the darkness and stillness of His death Jesus turned apparent defeat into glorious victory overs sin, death and the devil.
The glory of God was fully revealed when His Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people unto Himself. He took all your sins into His body and was forsaken by His Holy Father so that you would never experience the eternal forsakenness of Almighty...
Christians are founded on Christ. They are living stones being built up as a spiritual house to proclaim God’s light and mercy.
Don’t just read books about the Bible and spirituality. Don’t settle for the polluted and contaminated water that the world offers. Instead, read the Bible, the source of fresh and living water that wells up to eternal life.
Repent and believe in the gospel. Jesus is the source and the object of faith and salvation.
The Holy Scriptures teach that Jesus actually, physically and historically took our sins into his body that we might die to sin with him and live to righteousness.
Only Jesus, only Scripture, only grace, only through faith to the glory of God alone and so that no one may boast in their own works. We don’t have to do good works. We get to.
Rebellion and disobedience have infected and poisoned all humanity with sin and the sure consequence is death. But Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us and his blood was shed to bring us forgiveness and life.
Sin has you tied up in knots? Are you fighting to free yourself only to find sin’s grip tighter around you? Stop struggling and start confessing. Allow the Saviour who has conquered sin to come to you, to rescue you and to set you free.
They promise so much but deliver so little. Jesus delivers us from sin and assures us of eternal life.
Under trampled by sin? Jesus’ righteousness is proclaimed to you: your debt has been paid in full.
"A god means that from which we are to expect all good and to which we are to take refuge in all distress, so that to have a God is nothing else than to trust and believe Him from the heart" [Explanation to the First Commandment in Martin...
False prophets mistake their own thoughts for the word of God. They may deceive and lead many people away from the truth. They are often full of grandiose promises of blessings and riches but say almost nothing about the disastrous effects sin has upon...
God's children through Christ. God's anointed King Jesus transforms crippled and lame sinners into the glory of His image.
This week Pastor Jon tells us that when we are one with Christ we can stand united and before God.
We cannot find God by our reason or strength. God’s Word leads us to Jesus. In Him our faith finds salvation.
God doesn’t need us to massage His ego. Rather, we give Him praise and honour for what He has done for us.
Pastor Jon reminds us that in the New Year temptations are bound to come and advises us to seek security and shelter from the attacks of the evil one in God who is our fortress.
Didn’t get what you wanted this Christmas? God gave us what we really need: salvation through His Son Jesus.
Are you under attack? Consumed by sorrow? Have these things gone overtime? Remember, God is the ultimate time keeper and He will deal bountifully with those who trust in Him. Listen to Pastor Jon Ehlers’ devotion on Psalm 13 in Cross Encounters.
Humans to often live their life as oxen of old – toiling and dying – but isn’t there more to it?
Are we to wait passively or actively for His coming? Pastor Ehlers reflects on what it means to wait on The Lord