Sodom and Gomorrah
Sodom and Gomorrah were the epitome of wickedness in the ancient world. Yet, in spite of their wickedness, Abraham argues for God’s grace. When we see wickedness, how do we argue? Do you we argue for judgment or grace? Thankfully, we have a God who argues on our behalf and who loves at all costs. WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Oct 14, 2018Sodom and Gomorrah
Sodom and GomorrahSodom and Gomorrah were the epitome of wickedness in the ancient world. Yet, in spite of their wickedness, Abraham argues for God’s grace. When we see wickedness, how do we argue? Do you we argue for judgment or grace? Thankfully, we have a God who argues on our behalf and who loves at all costs.
- Oct 7, 2018Abraham
Abraham
God continues to seek new beginnings in a world filled with old sin. He makes a promise to Abraham that from him He would bring forth a new nation that will be a beacon of righteousness in a world darkened by sin. He also shows us how righteousness is ultimately obtained – through faith. - Sep 30, 2018Babel
Babel
Noah brings a new beginning, but humanity quickly falls back into its old ways as it seeks to usurp God’s position by building a tall tower. This tower demonstrates both the folly and the danger of human ambition. Human ambition is filled with folly because, of course, no one can build a tower to the heavens. But human ambition is also filled with danger because it cannot compete with God’s perfect commands. - Sep 23, 2018Noah
Noah
As man’s wickedness increases, God’s justice against sin is finally rendered in the form of a flood. But out of disaster emerges a man chosen by God to bring forth a new beginning – Noah. As “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17), we too are called to bring forth new beginnings in a world that is filled with sin.
. - Sep 16, 2018Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel
The effects of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin quickly become apparent in the story of Cain and Abel. Hatred and death quickly have their way. But in the face of evil, God both exacts justice and gives grace. He forces Cain to wander the earth, but he also protects Cain’s life even though he has taken his brother’s life. - Sep 9, 2018Fall
Fall
God’s good creation was quickly corrupted by a bad decision. If Genesis 1 describes the best of times, Genesis 3 ushers in the worst of times and sets up a tension for the rest of the book, for the rest of the Bible, and for all of history. We live in this tension, however, with hope, for God has promised to swallow up the worst of times in His Son. - Sep 2, 2018Creation
Creation
How did all that we see get here? This is the question that Genesis 1 answers. The great promise of this chapter, however, lies not in how everything got here, but in what everything that God created is: it is good. - Aug 26, 2018Living Under the Rainbow
Living 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 Words
The 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, 2018Sacrifice
Sacrifice
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 Part
Acting 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 Business
Taking 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 Mercy
Pursued 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 Familiar
Hearing 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.
