In the book of Revelation, John tries to describe the indescribable – the beauty and glory of heaven. Won’t it be wonderful when we finally get to enjoy it? What if we already could, virtually, even while living on earth? Could it be that we can, even now, experience the security and joy to come?
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week that saw Jesus go from celebrated king entering Jerusalem with crowds shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” to his trial with crowds shouting, “Crucify him!” The week concluded with Jesus’ death on the cross and burial.
In this morning’s Old Testament lesson, God first reminds Israel of how he rescued them from Egypt. Then he immediately says, “Remember not the former things.” Why the about face? The answer comes in the next verses. Can you see what God is doing? More to the point, can you hear God’s message for you, today?
One of the most familiar parables of Jesus is The Prodigal Son. Have you ever noticed that Jesus left this parable unfinished? Why do you suppose he did that? How would you finish the story?
We should be careful not to turn our backs on God's instructions. A crisis can be averted when we believe and stand firm in the Lord. Jesus is our joy and treasure.
What was the point of Joseph's life? It was designed beyond our comprehenison. God will get us through every difficulty in life in His own way. We have to trust His wisdom and way.
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.
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 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 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.
