Paul writes that we have been delivered “from the domain of darkness.” (Colossians 1:13) Eve’s sin and Adam’s fall have placed us in dire straits. The wages of our sin is death. We need rescuing. We need deliverance. “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24) asks Paul. Only one can. Only one has. Jesus Christ it is.
Given this Great News, what is our response what is the fruit borne from our rescue?
Read MoreSo why doesn’t God do something about this mess? Where is the power of God? Where is our hope and salvation? Is there any hope for the future?
God has a better plan that the ways and means and plans of this world, even among us His people. Yes, He must punish sin. Yes, we must know the consequences. But feeling some of the darkness only helps us appreciate the light.
Read MoreRejecting, Receiving, and Following Jesus focuses on Luke 9:51-62 and Jesus’ unsuccessful attempt to visit a village in Samaria. He was rejected because He was journeying to Jerusalem, and the Samaritans worship on Mount Gerizim, not in Jerusalem. They refused to receive Jesus.
Read MoreFree to Live! Free to Tell! focuses on Jesus’ encounter with the Gerasene man possessed by demons.
We watch a liberator who sets people free! Jesus gives Himself to you as your liberator.
Then, we watch a Lord who gives you good news to tell! The Lord opens the door, you can speak in simple words of what Jesus has done for you and the truth He has revealed to you in His word. You’re free in all of this, since it is not your obligation to convince anybody, but simply to testify to what you know.
Free to Live! Free to Tell! is based on these scriptures:
Psalm 3
Isaiah 65:1-9
Galatians 3:23-4:7
Luke 8:26-39
Let Psalm 8 be the Lord’s invitation to a rich summer season when you get refreshed from both directions: from His creation and the merciful kindness He brings near to you in His Word. He is majestic in mercy! And, in fact, God’s vast creation makes His mercy toward us all the more majestic.
"Majestic in Mercy" is based on these scriptures:
Psalm 8;
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31;
Acts 2:14a, 22-36;
John 8:48-59
So, what does a good “counselor” do? More importantly, what does this Counselor, the Holy Spirit do for us – how does He do it? And how should we respond to His work?
Read MoreWe’ve all been tempted by juicy morsels of gossip and have been compelled in an emotional moment to blurt out some manner of poisonous vitriol. We know that isn’t God’s best for us, don’t we? And we want to repent of our less-than-loving behavior. So let us remember, as forgiven children of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, our words CAN be used in a manner that is pleasing to God. Come and hear how His holy Word He encourages us. Join us Sunday, June 2 at 10:45 to hear how.
Read MoreSigns. Signs. Everywhere are signs...
But are there really? Sunday we'll be hearing again the story of the conversion of Lydia told in Acts 16. We see a heart opened by God that hears the Word and receives the gifts from Word and Baptism to create faith. Then we see evidence of that faith in good works.
So who's the crasher at the heavenly wedding feast? We look at Acts 11:1-18 in context of the parable of the wedding feast from Matthew 22. The answer might surprise you.
Read MoreBe Careful What You Wish For is based on the readings from the 3-Year lectionary (Year C) for the Third Sunday of Easter:
Psalm 23
Acts 20:17-35
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
Recognizing the Risen Redeemer is based on the readings from the 3-Year lectionary (Year C) for the Third Sunday of Easter:
Psalm 30
Acts 9:1-22
Revelation 5:8-14
John 21:1-14
Scripture Readings
Psalm 148
Acts 5:12-20
Revelation 1:4-18
John 20:19-31
