The Kingdom of Heaven: Is Hidden
Our personal priorities shape our lives—from the mundane minutiae to the most marvelous moments. Dinner plans tonight, vacations next year, and dreams for the future are formed by our values.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Contends Faithfully
God’s first command is short and to the point. You shall have no other gods. We think idolatry isn’t a threat to sophisticated, modern minds like ours.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Founded on Christ
Confessional Lutherans handle the Word of God with great reverence and concern. These are the eternal words of our living God. Today, God tells us that his Word is like the rain that falls from above, sustaining spiritual life across the face of the earth.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Provides Rest
For many, today is an important holiday—time off for recreation. But God intends every Sunday to be even more. From the beginning, God provided rest for his creation—especially his people.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Calls the Unworthy
Our Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is holy beyond our comprehension. Yet, he has chosen to not only redeem sinners, but also work through sinners.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Demands Valor
Throughout history, Christ’s Church has faced fierce opposition. At first glance, this is very strange. The people of God are proclaimers of good news.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Moved by Mercy
Every congregation wants to grow. Our Lord wants his church to be fruitful and multiply. But why? At times, our motivation is less than God-pleasing.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Includes Weeds
We expect the kingdom of heaven to be idyllic. Of course, this was God’s original design in the Garden of Eden. But since the fall into sin, we have had a wicked weed problem.
Come and See: The I AM
One plus one equals two. It’s a mathematical concept we have taken for granted since we learned arithmetic. But, today in our songs and readings, we celebrate what we cannot comprehend.
Come and See: The Spirit
Plenty of people reject the Christian church for what it stands for and does at its worst moments. But today, we see its foundation is not Christians but Christ.
Navigating Life Well: Gratitude
Gratitude is having its moment. Culturally speaking, gratitude has never been more popular. People from wildly different worldviews sing the praises of beginning each day with gratitude.
Navigating Life Well: Frightening Events
Not many people enjoy waiting—even when it’s for something really great. Waiting while in pain is even harder to stomach. So why does God make his people wait for the return of his Son?
Navigating Life Well: Ultimate Outcomes
Hope is as important for life as water. Like water, our idea of hope takes many forms.
Navigating Life Well: Desires
We all play a game of hide and seek. We do our very best to hide all our offenses and failures, our guilt and our shame. But God sees through the charade.
Navigating Life Well: Freedom
Each year, we celebrate the Reformation, a watershed moment in the Church’s history. It began in 1517, with Martin Luther nailing 95 theses to the door of his church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Navigating Life Well: Conflict
What do you need in this life? Living in the comfort of modern society, we don’t immediately recognize the difference between needs and niceties.
Navigating Life Well: Fresh Starts
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! We’ve all been taught that the best way to reduce risk is to not be too reliant on any one thing and have a lot of options.
All In: Serving With Your All
Have you ever felt like the task was too much? Do you ever fear that you can’t meet expectations? Someone may tap us on the shoulder for a task we wish we could tap out of.
All In: When Comforts Fail
Unique financial advice typically draws interest. But Jesus’ counsel is unlike any other. He warns us that material possessions quickly ascend from instrument to master.
All In: One Master Only
Our Good Shepherd has demonstrated his love and faithfulness to us in coming into this world for us. God has purchased and won us and made his Church a healthy body.