At this time of year, we see and hear the phrase “Peace on Earth” everywhere. The peace Jesus brings is evident in our dealings with other humans only after we experience the peace he truly came to bring – that is, peace between us and our Creator.
Employers focus on finding the ‘one’ right employee candidate. Young people are searching for the ‘one’ who will complete them as a spouse. A chef might seek out the ‘one’ recipe that will put their restaurant on the map. Regardless of what we are seeking, we always seem to be looking for the ONE. John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” A strange question coming from the prophet who introduced Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” But we can easily relate to John’s question, once we understand the context of his question. In fact, we might be even more emphatic in our wording.
A musical service of illumination that gradually fills the sanctuary with music and light. With Scripture, narration, carols and candles, this compelling cantata tells the treasured story of Christ's birth. From the hushed whisper of the “Candlelight Processional” to the festive arrangements of some of our most beloved carols, this work has something for everyone.
We hear promises all the time. We are never quite sure whether to trust that the promise will be kept. A common response to a promise of which we are skeptical is to mutter, “Promises, Promises!” Such skepticism is not at all appropriate when it comes to God’s promises.
How would you describe a king? Your answer would likely go in one of two directions – very positive or very negative. But I suspect in either case the descriptions would include absolute control over his subjects, an unrelenting insistence on obedience, and a refusal to concede authority to anybody else. All of these would have been ensured by force.
We also remember all our loved ones, not named here, who are among the faithful departed and called to their eternal rest. Hear us, O, Lord, as we name them within our hearts....
Martin Luther’s struggle to find comfort in the Bible led him to discover the beautiful truth that salvation comes by faith alone, not by our own works. He designed his seal to express his theology and his faith.
We welcome Rev. Steve Vogt as he leads us in worship. All Things are possible with God. Wealth is a blessing from God, but we can't buy our way into Heaven.
Nobody looks forward to just retribution – appropriate punishment for one’s wrongdoing. But in our Epistle lesson from Hebrews this morning, the writer suggests that escape is possible. In fact, he encourages it! He even explains the rationale behind it.
Sin and salt seem an unlikely combination for a sermon title. But Jesus joins these two components in this morning’s Gospel reading. He raises some hypothetical (but obviously incorrect) causes of sin, only to suggest an inappropriate cure. The cure comes from a source that may seem surprising until we remember His words of Mark 7:17-23, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts” (Mark 7:21a).
Todays sermon is about WAR AND PEACE. The story of every christians life. Satans weapons (jealosy and ambition} are working against us. God's weapons (faith, blessings and the forgiveness of our sins) are available to us..
MARK 9:14-29; The Healing of a Boy With an Evil Spirit
All things are possible for one who believes. Learn how God can be glorified in the midst of our suffering. Each of us has an imperfect faith. But God has us in his hands and will never let go.
Use the armor of God to resist the schemes of the devil. Belt of truth, Breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the Gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
There is no doubt about our future of eternal salvation because we have received the very body and blood of the sacrificed lamb. There is no one else who offers this.
Pastor Panning returned from his vacation. Todays lesson is about the old phrase "STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES......." All 3 lessons today include references to hurtful words. The references include correcting the misstatements, admonitions against using such words, and what a fearful, then faithful response to hurtful words looks like.
Pastor Hollar reminded us to stop focusing on what we lack. Be satisfied with what we have. What is the key to being satisfied? I know that my Lord is with me.
All three of this morning’s lessons illustrate consequences – only one of which is a happy one. But it overpowers either of the other two examples of consequences. That same good, overpowering consequence is mightier than any consequence we may face. It is the reason for joy in the time of sorrow, strength when we feel weak, confidence when confronted by turmoil.
In our epistle lesson today, the apostle Paul raises the specter of spending an exorbitant length of time in a deteriorating tent; and he compares that to living in a heavenly dwelling built by God. But Paul is not talking about a canvass or nylon shelter.
Pastor Hollar asked us all if we know what it feels like to be afraid? If peace in our lives is a hopeless dream. If God is always in control, and we have faith, why should we be afraid?
We’re going to bore into the Athanasian Creed. We worship one God, in Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This must be believed for our Salvation.
The Bible's Bow Tie. The entire message of scripture can be described with the icon of the Bow Tie. Two triangles with a cross in the middle. All scripture points to Jesus.
Death has a sting. We will feel a sting when we die. But it will be a brief pain. Because we know that we will have a front row seat in heaven. The best is yet to come.
It was back to Worship in the Santuary for the 1st time since last march. The communion vessels are reverently removed from the altar, the altar is stripped, and the chancel is cleared in preparation for the solemn services of Good Friday.
It was 80 and cloudy for our 22nd outdoor Worship service. Our 3 Confirmands, Annie, Justin and Devyn, publicly proclaimed the faith into which they were baptized.
It was 65 and sunny for our 21st outdoor worship service. Pastor Kuppler talked about What is behind the Cross? God so loved the world that Jesus laid down his life for others. Focus on the cross!
It was 51 and sunny and windy for our 20th outdoor worship service. When Christians point out sinful behavior in the world, the world likes to condemn us as hypocritical by saying Jesus was all about love. This morning’s Gospel includes a clear example of Jesus condemning sin. Only when people acknowledge and confess their sin can they receive the forgiveness offered and the salvation it brings.
It was 70 and sunny for our 19th outdoor worship service. “Who is Jesus?” may seem like a nonsensical question. But many people would respond with an answer far different than you might imagine. The full identity of Jesus includes all that one needs to know to understand the Bible, come to faith, and be saved.
What are some of the ways you have identified yourself over the years? By occupation, family affiliation, race, gender, geographical origin or current residence? All three of this morning’s lessons can be seen in terms of identity issues. We also have the opportunity to identify ourselves in alignment with, or in opposition to, these identities.
Jesus Calling of the first Disciples; Mark 1:14-20
Despite whatever conditions we find ourselves in, whether good or bad, it seems that we are being told to ignore those conditions and live as though they did not exist. Today we learned to live as though the best is yet to come.
It was 45 sunny and windy for our 18th outdoor Worship service. In this mornings Epistle lesson, St. Paul tells each of us that our "body is a temple of the spirit". What does he mean by that?
It was 40 and sunny for our 17th outdoor worship service. Today we learned how a pneumatic nail gun is powered by air, and how a Holy Spirit breathed, God powered life loves without restriction, gives without condition, and forgives without reservation.
It was 33 and sunny for our 16th outdoor Worship service. “God’s timing is perfect.” Someday it will all make sense. The birth of Jesus would not have made much sense during the time of the internet.
