You Are Mine
Typically when we first meet a new person we'll introduce ourselves by telling them our name, what we do, where we live, etc. But are these outward things the true depth of our identity, or are we much more labels and titles? Who are we...really? Today we'll explore the truth of our identity as Baptized children of God. When we realize how deeply God loves us, giving us his Son Jesus and our true identity, it's as if we hear God say once again "You are Mine". What a great place to begin this New Year, being reminded that you are a "New You" in Jesus Christ Our Lord!WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jan 13, 2019You Are MineYou Are MineTypically when we first meet a new person we'll introduce ourselves by telling them our name, what we do, where we live, etc. But are these outward things the true depth of our identity, or are we much more labels and titles? Who are we...really? Today we'll explore the truth of our identity as Baptized children of God. When we realize how deeply God loves us, giving us his Son Jesus and our true identity, it's as if we hear God say once again "You are Mine". What a great place to begin this New Year, being reminded that you are a "New You" in Jesus Christ Our Lord!
- Jan 6, 2019A Legendary GiftA Legendary Gift
Today is Epiphany. It is one of the principal feasts of the Church, formally known as 'The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles'. This festival emphasizes that, from the moment of the Incarnation, the good news of Jesus Christ is for all: Jew and Gentile, the wise and the simple, male and female. Matthew’s account of the Magi is a familiar text. But it is interesting that we have become familiar with the magi - those gift bearers from the east - standing alongside the shepherds in our nativity scenes as if they all belonged there together. It is, in fact, unlikely that these pagan worshipers would be standing alongside Jewish believers. Yet, Christ draws all people to Himself. Epiphany Sunday, therefore, is a great opportunity for us to remember how wonderful it is that Christ has come not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles - which is most of us here today.
- Dec 30, 2018Destiny CertainDestiny Certain
We have been building up to Christmas for weeks, but now we celebrate that Jesus is born! His parents then bring Him to be circumcised and give Him the Name that God told them to name the Child ... the Name that is placed on us in our baptism - the Name of Jesus. This means that as you head into your New Year you go with a Name, the Name of Jesus - a name at which every knee shall bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. A name that goes before you so you can praise and give thanks. A name that is in you that has the power of life and victory over all evil. A name that is on you so that on Judgement Day there can be no argument as to whom you belong. Your destiny is certain. - Dec 24, 2018The Christmas StoryThe Christmas Story
Regarding The Christmas Story, you may have some questions: What is this story about? Is it just a series of random events: a decree from an emperor, a virgin expecting a child, angels appearing to make an announcement, magi from the east, and no room at the inn? Is there any reason to think that these events really happened? And if so, why do they matter to me? - Dec 23, 2018Rejoice! God for Us!Rejoice! God for Us!
This Sunday we stand almost on the eve of the incarnation, when God acts decisively on our behalf, with a gift we can neither earn nor deserve - the gift of Himself, His love made manifest in the birth of the babe of Bethlehem. - Aug 26, 2018Living Under the RainbowLiving Under the Rainbow
"Covenant theology" is an important Scriptural concept, not often stressed in Lutheran circles. You might recognize it better using another English term. No doubt you have heard of the Old and the New Testament.... What does it mean to live "Under the Rainbow of God's Covenant?" You will hear about it this morning. It can be very comforting for the Christian. - Aug 19, 2018The Power of WordsThe Power of Words
Our Old Testament Lesson reminds us of a truth we often forget: words once spoken have irrevocable power. God conveys His love to us in the Word Made Flesh! - Aug 12, 2018SacrificeSacrifice
Faith is trust in God no matter where He leads you...and even when you do not know for sure your life's destination. The God of Abraham and Isaac is the same God who reveals Himself in Jesus. - Aug 5, 2018Acting Our PartActing Our Part
As we look to discover the work of the church, we find that we are all given roles as characters in the gospel, and the work before us to learn to embody our parts in faithfulness, love, and truth. Christians are called to act out the unity that is ours through the body and blood of Christ. - Jul 29, 2018Taking Care of BusinessTaking Care of Business
This morning's Gospel reminds us of the source and center of our faith: Jesus. It invites us to focus on Him, not on secondary matters, not on lesser goods. Our restless hearts will only find rest when they rest in Him. - Jul 23, 2018Pursued by MercyPursued by MercyCan an
y of us remember a time when we did not know the words of Psalm 23? It speaks to us from the very beginning of life to life's end. It speaks of a childlike trust in God's ability to protect us, just like a shepherd. - Jul 15, 2018Our God is Awesome!Our God is Awesome!
Our God, the Creator of the cosmos is far too great to fit into our cranium. Yet graciously He reveals Himself to us in wonderful ways that should cause us to bow in wonder and worship. May the vision of the prophet Isaiah open our eyes to the awesomeness of the God who created us, who redeemed us in Christ and empowers us to be His people and do His will through the work of His Holy Spirit. - Jul 8, 2018Hearing Past the FamiliarHearing Past the Familiar
The Gospel is always proclaimed by flawed mortals ~ otherwise it would never be proclaimed at all. The Gospel is also always heard by flawed mortals ~ otherwise it would never be heard. Our Gospel lesson for today is a powerful commentary on the wisdom of that statement. - Jul 1, 2018God’s Work – Our HandsGod’s Work – Our Hands
Jesus is at work in many places. We see him in the middle of the action and also on the margins. Our Gospel reading tells the stories of two different touches and the transforming power of Jesus’ touch. Being physically present is an important part of Jesus’ ministry. What are the implications of this to us as the body of Christ? - Apr 1, 2018Daring to Believe