Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

  David’s name (We best know him as King David.) appears more than 1,000 times in the Bible. Clearly, he is a key player in God’s plan of salvation. In our ongoing series on David’s life the overarching theme remains ‘invitation.’ Today, we see that he was (and WE are) invited to show MERCY.     

 David’s name (We best know him as King David.) appears more than 1,000 times in the Bible. Clearly, he is a key player in God’s plan of salvation. In our ongoing series on David’s life the overarching theme remains ‘invitation.’ Today, we see that he (and WE) are invited to TRUST God.  

 David’s name (We best know him as King David.) appears more than 1,000 times in the Bible. Clearly, he is a key player in God’s plan of salvation. Over the next two months we are going to look at David’s life, working with the overarching theme of ‘invitation.’ Today, we see that he receives a Surprise Invitation.     

 Me. My. Mine. All of us use these pronouns regularly and without much thought. They are helpful, quite obviously, in our conversations and interactions with others. However, they also betray a heart issue – an issue whereby we struggle to see beyond ourselves. This is true not only of our bodies, money, talents and time but also the Gospel. Here, too, we are to be good stewards. In fact, good stewardship of the other four areas are essential for being good stewards of the Gospel, seeking to share the love of Christ so that others might also be brought out of the domain of darkness and into the Kingdom of God’s beloved Son.  

 Me. My. Mine. All of us use these pronouns regularly and without much thought. They are helpful, quite obviously, in our conversations and interactions with others. However, they also betray a heart issue – an issue whereby we see ourselves as free agents to do what we think is best (or desire to do) and to use the gifts entrusted to us in ways that ultimately serve us. In our ongoing sermon series, we continue to be challenged to see beyond “Me. My. Mine.” to “HIS.” Each of us have been given gifts by God to be used for His glory and the common good. 

 Let’s Get Real! Peter doesn’t mince words. He clearly states the spiritual dangers we face. Like a roaring lion, the devil seeks to devour us. Thankfully, we are not left to defend ourselves. While we are to resist him, our ability to stand firm in the faith is due to our God and Father who promises to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us in and through Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God! 

  Let’s Get Real! In general, living isn’t easy. Regardless of our age, we face a variety of demands and challenges. Rather than being a proverbial ‘crutch’, living a life of faith makes certain things even more demanding and challenging. Today, in our ongoing series on 1st Peter, despite the added demands (and at times persecution) associated with living a life of faith, we are exhorted to follow Jesus’ example in living the GOOD life.  

 Let’s Get Real! As we continue our journey through 1st Peter, we arrive at the first THEREFORE. (There are seven of them.) Having made the case for our salvation (God’s guaranteed work for us in Christ and IN us), the Apostle Peter begins to layout the ‘so what’ of our salvation. We have been born again through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ to live anew … to live life in a new way. May we be enabled to pursue this new way of living with great vigor, joy and confidence. 

 Today, we observe the Day of Pentecost. Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans (John 14:18). True to His Word, He has come to us via the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and know God as Father. The Holy Spirit also unites us together, gifts us for the common good and uses us to encourage one another as the Day of our Lord’s return approaches. As part of our celebration this morning, Max Vaughan will undergo the Rite of Confirmation. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit for His sanctifying work in Max's life. Ours too! 

 Today, we observe the Day of Pentecost. Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans (John 14:18). True to His Word, He has come to us via the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and know God as Father. The Holy Spirit also unites us together, gifts us for the common good and uses us to encourage one another as the Day of our Lord’s return approaches. As part of our celebration this morning, Max Vaughan will undergo the Rite of Confirmation. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit for His sanctifying work in Max's life. Ours too! 

  This is week five in our series on the “one another” passages in the New Testament. Since we share the same baptism, faith, hope and Father, we are “IN” this together. The New Testament provides ample counsel regarding how we are to work with, love and encourage one another as we live lives of faith in our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. Today, humility is in the ‘spotlight’. 

  This is week three in our series on the “one another” passages in the New Testament. Since we share the same baptism, faith, hope and Father, we are “IN” this together. The New Testament provides ample counsel regarding how we are to work with, love and encourage one another as we live lives of faith in our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. Today, the emphasis is on love, LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

 Today, and for the next several Sundays, we will consider some of the “one another” passages in the New Testament. Since we share the same baptism, faith, hope and Father, we are “IN” this together. The New Testament provides ample counsel regarding how we are to work with, love and encourage one another as we live lives of faith in our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. 

 Today is Palm Sunday. It is a festive occasion for us, a day of great celebration. We remember with grateful hearts the singular purpose of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; for us and for our salvation, He entered into Jerusalem so that He might be obedient unto death, even death by crucifixion. As we raise our palms, let us lift high the Name of Jesus, the Name that is above all names! 

 Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism has been associated with the season of Lent since 1529. Many congregations have the longstanding tradition of reviewing one of the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism each week. Tonight we will consider the Office of the Keys. 

 Today, in our ongoing series on Mark’s Gospel, it is painfully obvious that the disciples still don’t “get it.” (Do we?) As King of kings, Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, giving His life as a ransom for many. Ransomed, you and I are to live lives of cheerful service. 

 Today, in our ongoing series on Mark’s Gospel, a rich, young man eagerly asks Jesus a question about eternal life. What must he do to inherit it? This is a case of “be careful what you ask for.” Once exposed, Jesus challenged this man to rid himself of useless idols. He challenges us to do the same. 

This is The First Sunday IN (not of) Lent. The ’40 Days of Lent’ do not include Sundays. However, to highlight this season, many of the Alleluias and Glorias are reserved for later after the Resurrection. As a penitential season you are encouraged to join us on Wednesdays to reflect on our faith and the forgiveness, we receive through our Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Special thanks to Pastor Ernie for officiating.

  “In our ongoing journey through Mark’s Gospel, we have a sense of urgency. Jesus has pressing work to do, a saving work that culminates on the cross. Having trained the disciples through word and deed, Jesus sends them out to multiply His work. We, too, are sent by Jesus to share the Gospel – to Lift High the Cross. 

 “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” With these words, St. Mark begins his gospel account. With these words, we begin a New Year, a year in which we will explore some of the fundamental questions about Jesus. In today’s text, we see that Jesus issues a call to follow Him. And what is to be our response? Like Simon and Andrew, James and John, we are to follow Jesus.  

 A blessed Epiphany to all of you! Today, we remember the magi. Upon arriving at the house, they worship Jesus, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The appearance of the magi (Matthew chapter 2) reveals the fact that Jesus, the King of the Jews, is the hope of all nations. What good news this is for us! .