Saints by God's Grace. Worship: November 6, 2022

Who is a “Saint”? We use the word “saint” to talk about disciples, martyrs, and leaders of the Church throughout history. We use the word next to names from the pages of Scripture such as Peter, John, and Paul—the type of people we name churches after. On All Saints’ Day we use the word “Saint” as we remember those departed from us who are now with God in heaven. But most amazing of all is that God considers our lives holy and set apart because of Jesus’ sacrifice of His holiness for us. By His victory we are Saints by grace.

This week’s Audio Service is a rebroadcast from October 31, 2021. Please enjoy.

The word “Saint” is a pretty big word. We use it to talk about disciples, martyrs, and leaders of the Church throughout history. We use the word next to names from the pages of Scripture such as Peter, John, and Paul—the type of people we name churches after. On All Saints’ Day we use the word “Saint” as we remember those departed from us who are now with God in heaven. But most amazing of all is that God considers our lives holy and set apart because of Jesus’ sacrifice of His holiness for us. By His victory we are Saints by grace.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Worship: October 30, 2022

The Reformation is a celebration of Jesus Christ. Five hundred years ago Martin Luther found hidden light in the Word of God. He found a real reason to hope in Jesus Christ alone. Even though we all sin and fall short of the glory of God, we are welcomed into the sanctuary and refuge of God’s grace and love in Jesus. God is good!

This week’s audio service is a rebroadcast from 10/31/2021

The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These. Worship: October 23, 2022

Jesus sees something universally beautiful in the innocence of children. Children are entirely dependent on their caregivers. Jesus describes this simple need to be the most important characteristic of all who will receive the Kingdom of God. His blessings are infinite and eternal for us as we trust in Him.

REPOST: God Cares for His Family, September 19 Worship

God cares for us His family. Jesus wants all of us to feel as cared for as a nurtured child. In our lesson from Proverbs we are given the image of a woman and her family who are thriving because they have noble character built by the grace of God. The Apostle James  challenges us to be humble before our God. In this way we will be richly blessed and can live noble lives in the family of our great God and Father.

Confident Before God. Worship: October 16, 2022

We can be confident that God is ultimately just and good. Jacob wrestled with an angelic messenger who finally blesses him. Jesus tells us a story about a woman who persistently petitions an unjust judge until he finally grants her justice. Our loving Father always hears our prayers. Though His answers may not always be what we want or expect we can forever be confident that God is always good.

NOTE: THIS WEEK’S AUDIO SERVICE IS A REPOST FROM OCTOBER 2021.

JESUS GIVES SIGHT, WORSHIP: OCTOBER 18, 2021

There is a mystery at the center of everything, and God gives us the sight to see it. Like the blind man that Jesus heals, when the eyes of our spirit open we see Jesus. The great secret is revealed: Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth.

A Grateful Heart. Worship: October 9, 2022

God is faithful to His promises. His goodness and mercy are constant. Yet it is easy to miss this or lose sight of God’s goodness amidst the complexities of our lives. The blessing of a grateful heart is the best of things we could ever receive. In our reading of God’s Word we hear about the gratitude of Ruth when she finds a place that feels like home amidst people who are not her own. In our Gospel lesson Jesus heals ten men but only one of them returns to express his gratitude. In our epistle lesson Paul reminds his friend Timothy that we can build and rebuild a grateful heart by “remembering Christ Jesus raised from the dead.” Through Christ we can find our way to God with a grateful heart.

Note: This week’s Audio Service is a Repost from October 2021.

All Things are Possible for God, Worship: October 17, 2021

Jesus points out that living in a broken world we will often use the word “never.” By our own strength, many things we can imagine are not possible. But Jesus says, “All things are possible with God.” This means we can live in hope. With God the possibilities are infinite and eternal. What does that mean in your life?

A Living Faith in Our Living God. Worship: October 2, 2022

A living and vital life of faith is a blessing from God. We need God’s continued encouragement in our pilgrimage. Through Paul’s letter, God would affirm the young Timothy in his service, encouraging him to remain steadfast in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Jesus gives His disciples and us encouragement in our daily living telling us that like a mustard seed, the smallest faith is great and good. By God’s grace we have a living faith in Him who is alive among us.

This Audio Service is a reposting from October 10, 2021. Please enjoy.
Jesus is confident that God is our eternal treasure. But He sees that we grasp for the enticing things of the world first. It can be a challenge to see past all that is ultimately empty and take to heart that God’s goodness and love is our eternal treasure. We celebrate the reality of Jesus who is the saving Christ, the living God, who is our eternal treasure.

The Lord Reigns. Worship: September 25, 2022

Jesus tells a parable about a nameless rich man, and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man had it all---fine clothes, rich food, a big house with a gate.  Lazarus had nothing but crumbs and dogs licking his sores. In death, this is all reversed. The rich man is in anguish and Lazarus is right next to Abraham in honor. The rich man begs for mercy, but it is too late; a great chasm has been fixed that no one can cross. The rich man begs that his five living brothers might be warned; he is told that even if someone should rise from the dead, they will not be convinced. The name "Lazarus" means, "God is my help."  Jesus’ story speaks to us of God’s eternal care, and his ability to change every story however He should desire in His goodness. We believe that Jesus has triumphed over all things. Knowing Him, the One risen from the dead, we are blessed in His eternal reign.

God's Way for Us. Worship: September 18, 2022

Jesus understands how complicated life can get. He knows we need good orientation from the start. So, Jesus tells us stories about how God’s wisdom works in real life. Good judgement comes from the godly perspective that His Living and Holy Spirit gives us. It is our joy to honor our God with a way that glorifies Him.

Jesus Finds Us. Worship: September 11, 2022

Jesus Carrying Lost Sheep Home. By Melani Pyke

Things in a Lost and Found box sometimes never get rescued. They are forgotten or forsaken as long gone by whoever lost them. Our Creator God does not forget what He has lost. He has infinite patience, and will search with strength and determination until he finds what he holds dear. If God’s world has lost the truth or righteousness or goodness that God values, He will find and rescue these things. Most of all God loves us in body and soul. Jesus’ stories of rescue after relentless searching set us to appreciate His saving act of rescue and redemption.

The Voice of God’s Wisdom. Worship: September 4, 2022

Christ Pantocrator Icon

New born children quickly start picking up wisdom about the world with wide-eyed wonder. Inevitably we put our heads down and trudge along, relying on what we have learned in the past. But God’s Spirit tells us that seeking God’s wisdom is a vital part of thriving in the present moment. The voice of God’s wisdom enriches every moment for us. God makes things sacred. He reshapes and redeems things. Listening for God’s wisdom is the most important part of prayer. God speaks His eternal voice of wisdom.