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

 Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount beautifully reveals what the Reign of Heaven looks like when it breaks into our lives and what our lives will look like when His kingdom comes in its fullness. Today’s text, The Beatitudes, prepares us for what’s about to unfold.

We begin a new year with a new sermon series. This series is based on the 1st Gospel. It’s entitled Revelations – A Journey Through the Gospel of St. Matthew. In recent weeks, as we considered chapter 2 in two parts, we wrestled with the questions: How do we know God exists? What is He like? What is He up to? Today’s passage from chapter 3 further explores the latter. When it comes to “what God is up to,” there is both clarity and confusion.  

We begin a new year with a new sermon series. This series is based on the 1st Gospel. It’s entitled Revelations – A Journey Through the Gospel of St. Matthew. Last week, we considered the first part of chapter 2, answering the question: How do we know God exists and what He is like? Today, we wrestle with the question: What is He up to? 

 It’s the Fourth Sunday in Advent. During this festive season in the church year, we are exploring the “Christmas Spirit.” Today, it is the spirit of ‘urgency.’    

 Artists, poets and musicians alike have sought to capture the essence of the Christmas story – God in the flesh. Though noble, these are vain attempts. The mystery of the Incarnation is far above our human faculties, its majesty well beyond our best abilities to communicate it with paint, prose and notes. Simply stated: Some things are best suited for pondering. During our midweek Advent service, we will ponder the Mystery and the Majesty of God, born of Mary, as foretold by the prophets of Old. 

   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 Grieve in HOPE!    

  Happy Reformation Sunday! Martin Luther, like David, was a key player in God’s plan of salvation. Luther was blessed to rediscover the Gospel of Jesus Christ, David's son and Lord, and make it widely known in the face of unjust treatment and deadly threats. Today, in our ongoing series on the life of David, we receive another invitation to Trust God and His unchanging Word.    

 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.     

 Vineyard Service at Engelheim Vineyards in Ellijay, Ga.

 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 time entrusted to us however we choose. In our ongoing sermon series, we continue to be challenged to see beyond “Me. My. Mine.” to “HIS.” Each of us is to number his or her days, making the most of the time we have TODAY.   

 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. Today, and for the next several Sundays, we are again challenged to see beyond “Me. My. Mine.” to “HIS.” That is to say, all we are and have are a TRUST from our God and Father 

  Let’s Get Real! God is sovereign over all things in heaven and on earth. In terms of the latter, doubts inevitably arise due to the chaotic events of our world and when we experience difficulties in life, especially because we bear the Name of Jesus. Admittedly, our experiences are minor compared to other Christians living elsewhere in the world. Even though these things can be unnerving, they are to be expected. In today’s passage from 1st Peter chapter 4, the Apostle Peter provides much needed comfort and council for God’s people of every age who face persecution for the sake of Jesus.  

 Let’s Get Real! There are two sides to the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. They are privilege and responsibility. As a whole, we make much of the former and little of the latter. Too often, the same is true of our freedom in Christ. That is to say, we elevate the privilege of being numbered among those who belong to God. Sadly, though, we are apt to downplay our responsibility of declaring what great things God has done for us in Christ Jesus and desires to do for all. As those who are free in Christ Jesus, may we be enabled to enjoy our privilege and embrace our responsibility. 

 Happy Father’s Day! We give thanks for our fathers and the other men God has used to bless us, shape us, and encourage us in our walk of faith. Today, we will consider a familiar parable of Jesus, the Prodigal Son. In it, we see a clear picture of the heart of God. He is moved with compassion for the undeserving. When we return to Him with repentant hearts, He is ready to receive us as sons and daughters. What grace!  

 In our Gospel for today, the Old Testament commandment was used to try and show the disciples as law-breakers. Jesus replied, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). None of us, because of sinful condition, can keep the letter of the Law. The cross of Christ sets us free from the guilt of not keeping the Law. Those who accuse others of not keeping the Commandments often are legalistic and do not understand the sacrifice Jesus made to set us free from the Law. Do not let another person’s interpretation of the Commandments bring guilt into your heart! Christ died to set us free from that. Live in the freedom and forgiveness of the cross. 

   Happy Mother’s Day! In our ongoing series on the “one another” passages in the New Testament, we will consider a passage that honors and exemplifies the influential women in our lives – past and present. They were/are kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. (Ephesians 4:32) 

  This is week four 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, prayer is in the ‘spotlight’. Pray for one another. 

  This is week two 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.  

 Throughout the season of Lent, we have devoted our midweek services to exploring Luther’s Small Catechism. Each week we’ve considered one of the six chief parts. As our Lenten journey quickly comes to a close, we turn our attention to the Lord’s Supper, a fitting topic for Maundy Thursday 

 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! 

 Today, in our ongoing series on Mark’s Gospel, Jesus takes note of those giving offerings at the temple. Most give out of their abundance. One gives out of her poverty. In giving all she had, the woman demonstrated true faith. But is there more to the story? Today, we will find out! 

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 Lord's Prayer

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 Third Article of the Apostles' Creed - The role of the Holy Spirit.

 What occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration is nothing short of stunning. The sights and sounds are unforgettable. The presence of Moses and Elijah are telling. Jesus’ Transfiguration, the cloud, the voice from Heaven, “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him” (Mark 9:7), all make the same stunning revelation. Jesus is the Son of God. He is the One foretold by Moses and the prophets. He is the One who will glorify the Father in His sufferings and death so that we might share in Jesus’ glory forever and ever.  

 “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 the teachers of the law ask a good question. However, the answer they provide is a ‘bad’ one. Jesus aids them and us by providing the correct answer and indisputable proof of His true identity.  

 “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 is the One who ushers in the Kingdom of God. As King, He calls us to repent and believe the Good News. .