922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran - Appleton, WI Sermons

It just feels wrong to say that some people who believe in God, pray, and love their neighbor will make it to heaven yet other people won’t. Why do many Christians believe that only Christians will make it to heaven? What about all the sincere, devout followers of other faiths? How can that be anything but exclusive, arrogant, and inaccurate? 

Reliable science relies on evidence. Data drives us to certain reasonable conclusions. But, to many people, Christianity feels like blind faith. Why would they “just believe”? Is there any true evidence that would lead them to seriously consider Jesus? 

Reliable science relies on evidence. Data drives us to certain reasonable conclusions. But, to many people, Christianity feels like blind faith. Why would they “just believe”? Is there any true evidence that would lead them to seriously consider Jesus? 

How can a good God exist when there is so much evil in the world? This classic question has troubled people since time began. Why wouldn’t God change the way things are? Why wouldn’t God intervene? Why wouldn’t God stop tragedies and traumas? Is there any way to believe that a good God is running the world when so much evil still exists? 

How can a good God exist when there is so much evil in the world? This classic question has troubled people since time began. Why wouldn’t God change the way things are? Why wouldn’t God intervene? Why wouldn’t God stop tragedies and traumas? Is there any way to believe that a good God is running the world when so much evil still exists? 

Despite our A.I. and WiFi, we still die. We are, as the Bible says, in “bondage to decay,” on a moving walkway that leads to our final breath. But Jesus can! Jesus, the king who conquered death on Easter, has promised eternal life in his name and the resurrection of our bodies from the grave. 

Despite our A.I. and WiFi, we still die. We are, as the Bible says, in “bondage to decay,” on a moving walkway that leads to our final breath. But Jesus can! Jesus, the king who conquered death on Easter, has promised eternal life in his name and the resurrection of our bodies from the grave. 

The Lord’s Supper is a multitude of miracles packed into one timeless meal. This Sunday sermon reminds us what the Supper is and why “for you, for the forgiveness of sins” is the greatest miracle of all. 

The Lord’s Supper is a multitude of miracles packed into one timeless meal. This Sunday sermon reminds us what the Supper is and why “for you, for the forgiveness of sins” is the greatest miracle of all. 

One of the oddest moments in Jesus’ healing ministry happens with a foreign woman with a suffering daughter. What appears, at first glance, to be an unkind Jesus is really a reminder of the importance of a humble heart, especially when asking God for miraculous help. The Canaanite woman passed the test. May we join her in her humble request. 

One of the oddest moments in Jesus’ healing ministry happens with a foreign woman with a suffering daughter. What appears, at first glance, to be an unkind Jesus is really a reminder of the importance of a humble heart, especially when asking God for miraculous help. The Canaanite woman passed the test. May we join her in her humble request.

Jesus’ miracles (and his explanations for them) remind us that God holistically loves us. That’s why Jesus used his power to feed and forgive, to meet physical and eternal needs. That same Savior hasn’t changed, which is why we call upon his power for daily bread and the “food” our souls need. 

Jesus’ miracles (and his explanations for them) remind us that God holistically loves us. That’s why Jesus used his power to feed and forgive, to meet physical and eternal needs. That same Savior hasn’t changed, which is why we call upon his power for daily bread and the “food” our souls need. 

The doctors couldn’t cure her. The neighbors couldn’t help him. But Jesus could. In the span of nine verses, Matthew reminds us that Jesus’ power transcends science, sickness, and even the grave. 

We often forget about our primary problem (sin) and our most needed solution (forgiveness). Jesus didn’t. His healing of a paralyzed man was a reminder about the purpose of his miracles, to point to his authority to forgive sins and thus solve our biggest problem in life. 

We often forget about our primary problem (sin) and our most needed solution (forgiveness). Jesus didn’t. His healing of a paralyzed man was a reminder about the purpose of his miracles, to point to his authority to forgive sins and thus solve our biggest problem in life. 

The doctors couldn’t cure her. The neighbors couldn’t help him. But Jesus could. In the span of nine verses, Matthew reminds us that Jesus’ power transcends science, sickness, and even the grave. What do you say? 

Some storms in life are out of and beyond our control. But not Jesus. We cry out to the God who is in control of the wind, the waves, and all of our days, trusting that he will calm our storms at the right time and in the right way 

Some storms in life are out of and beyond our control. But not Jesus. We cry out to the God who is in control of the wind, the waves, and all of our days, trusting that he will calm our storms at the right time and in the right way 

Everyone loves someone. The challenge is loving everyone, even the people who are noticeably different than you are. Jesus calls us to that standard, to imitate the God who loves different people and serve our friends, enemies, and everyone in between.

Everyone loves someone. The challenge is loving everyone, even the people who are noticeably different than you are. Jesus calls us to that standard, to imitate the God who loves different people and serve our friends, enemies, and everyone in between. 

The only logical reaction to the love of God is loving others. Far more than a feeling that we can’t control, true love acts, gives, serves, and sacrifices, which has a supernatural way of building trust, healing wounds, and restoring the feelings that we once felt.

The only logical reaction to the love of God is loving others. Far more than a feeling that we can’t control, true love acts, gives, serves, and sacrifices, which has a supernatural way of building trust, healing wounds, and restoring the feelings that we once felt.

The healthiest, holiest, and most wonderful example of love is the love God showed us in sending his Son. This message soaks in the divine love that we have received in Jesus, a love we didn’t deserve but God still chose to give.

The healthiest, holiest, and most wonderful example of love is the love God showed us in sending his Son. This message soaks in the divine love that we have received in Jesus, a love we didn’t deserve but God still chose to give.

To discover your role in God’s goals, it is necessary to know thyself. Do you? Have you come to know how your Creator created you? How to Giver of every spirit gift gifted you? Do you know your part in the Body of Christ? This message will help you answer those questions, enabling you to find your best fit in our mission to share God’s love. 

To discover your role in God’s goals, it is necessary to know thyself. Do you? Have you come to know how your Creator created you? How to Giver of every spirit gift gifted you? Do you know your part in the Body of Christ? This message will help you answer those questions, enabling you to find your best fit in our mission to share God’s love. 

Every one is searching for a cause and a calling. Jesus gave his followers a clear and compelling mission—to tell people about God’s love in Christ. This message digs into the Church’s calling and discusses practically ways to share Jesus with others. 

Every one is searching for a cause and a calling. Jesus gave his followers a clear and compelling mission—to tell people about God’s love in Christ. This message digs into the Church’s calling and discusses practically ways to share Jesus with others. 

Do you ever wonder what God wants you to do with your life? What your God-given purpose is? Jesus kept it wonderfully simple for those who have been transformed by God’s love: Love God. Love people. This is the higher calling giving to every believer who knows that He first loved us. 

Do you ever wonder what God wants you to do with your life? What your God-given purpose is? Jesus kept it wonderfully simple for those who have been transformed by God’s love: Love God. Love people. This is the higher calling giving to every believer who knows that He first loved us. 

This is from Pastor Bill Monday's sermon on Sun., Dec. 31, 2023. There are no sermon notes for this sermon.

This was from an open question and answer session with Pastor Mike Novotny of The CORE from the 10:30 am service from December 31, 2023.

Truth comforts and truth confronts, but truth is always good for our souls. When Jesus came to Earth full of grace and truth, his every word was honest and his every attention was pure. That’s why Jesus is always good for our souls. 

Truth comforts and truth confronts, but truth is always good for our souls. When Jesus came to Earth full of grace and truth, his every word was honest and his every attention was pure. That’s why Jesus is always good for our souls. 

A glorious God who only loved the deserving would be depressing. Thankfully, God is full of grace, a loaded word connected with a freely given gift. God’s grace led him to send his Son and forgive our sins, making it one of the best gifts ever. 

A glorious God who only loved the deserving would be depressing. Thankfully, God is full of grace, a loaded word connected with a freely given gift. God’s grace led him to send his Son and forgive our sins, making it one of the best gifts ever. 

If God was lame, boring, and yawn-worthy, heaven would be a bust and the work of Jesus would not demand our attention. Thankfully, God is glorious. He is brilliant, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring. This is why the whole Earth and heaven itself is full of his glory. 

If God was lame, boring, and yawn-worthy, heaven would be a bust and the work of Jesus would not demand our attention. Thankfully, God is glorious. He is brilliant, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring. This is why the whole Earth and heaven itself is full of his glory. 

Having to guess about God would be the worst thing in the world. What is he like? What does he like? Does he like me? Thankfully, our God has chosen to speak in a timeless way through his Son and his Word, a gift we are able to open and enjoy every day of the year. 

Having to guess about God would be the worst thing in the world. What is he like? What does he like? Does he like me? Thankfully, our God has chosen to speak in a timeless way through his Son and his Word, a gift we are able to open and enjoy every day of the year. 

When there is no end in sight, we lose hope quickly. But when we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, we find strength to endure. This is why Jesus promised us that our pain will not be eternal. Very soon, everything broken will be “no more,” a promise that helps us persevere until the day of Jesus’ return. 

When there is no end in sight, we lose hope quickly. But when we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, we find strength to endure. This is why Jesus promised us that our pain will not be eternal. Very soon, everything broken will be “no more,” a promise that helps us persevere until the day of Jesus’ return 

We often feel like we simply can’t.  We can’t go another day.  We can’t get out of bed.  We can’t step up and follow in the steps of Jesus.  But God promises us that we can, because all things are possible for us through the Jesus who gives us strength.

We often feel like we simply can’t.  We can’t go another day.  We can’t get out of bed.  We can’t step up and follow in the steps of Jesus.  But God promises us that we can, because all things are possible for us through the Jesus who gives us strength.

We often feel like we simply can’t. We can’t go another day. We can’t get out of bed. We can’t step up and follow in the steps of Jesus. But God promises us that we can, because all things are possible for us through the Jesus who gives us strength. 

We often feel like we simply can’t. We can’t go another day. We can’t get out of bed. We can’t step up and follow in the steps of Jesus. But God promises us that we can, because all things are possible for us through the Jesus who gives us strength. 

It is soul-crushing to reach out for help and be rejected, especially when we are running out of options. This is what makes the throne of God’s grace such a thrilling place, since he always is ready to help us in our time of need. He gives mercy, grace, and power to us when we needed them the most. 

It is soul-crushing to reach out for help and be rejected, especially when we are running out of options. This is what makes the throne of God’s grace such a thrilling place, since he always is ready to help us in our time of need. He gives mercy, grace, and power to us when we needed them the most.

In our greatest times of need, we don’t often remember what people say but we do remember that they were there. Someone’s presence is sometimes the greatest and most needed present. This is why God, through all our hills and valleys, promises to be with us, to never leave us, and to never forsake us. 

In our greatest times of need, we don’t often remember what people say but we do remember that they were there. Someone’s presence is sometimes the greatest and most needed present. This is why God, through all our hills and valleys, promises to be with us, to never leave us, and to never forsake us. 

When a church grows, it’s easy to coast. Some think, “We have plenty of people here. We don’t need any more.” But God says that their soul still matters —the soul of your friend, your family member, your neighbor. And nothing makes church life better than seeing someone you love sitting next to you in worship. Praise God for the souls he has already saved! And may God inspire us to go out into all the world and save many more! 

When a church grows, it’s easy to coast. Some think, “We have plenty of people here. We don’t need any more.” But God says that their soul still matters —the soul of your friend, your family member, your neighbor. And nothing makes church life better than seeing someone you love sitting next to you in worship. Praise God for the souls he has already saved! And may God inspire us to go out into all the world and save many more! 

When God saves souls, the need for servants increase. A pastor cannot serve a church of 1000 or 100 or even 10, since he doesn’t possess all the gifts required for everyone’s best church life. This message reminds us that no one can do it all, that a small group of servants cannot serve a large congregation, and that God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church.

Our best church life includes a daily connection to God’s life-giving Word. But when our church’s leaders have more souls to serve, our personal responsibility to own our devotional lives increases. This message urges Christians to own their “Grow Root” as people/couples/parents so that they can be blessed by daily meditating on God’s Word. Don’t just own a Bible. Own your connection to the Bible! 

When God saves souls, the need for servants increase. A pastor cannot serve a church of 1000 or 100 or even 10, since he doesn’t possess all the gifts required for everyone’s best church life. This message reminds us that no one can do it all, that a small group of servants cannot serve a large congregation, and that God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church.

Our best church life includes a daily connection to God’s lifegiving Word. But when our church’s leaders have more souls to serve, our personal responsibility to own our devotional lives increases. This message urges Christians to own their “Grow Root” as people/couples/parents so that they can be blessed by daily meditating on God’s Word. Don’t just own a Bible. Own your connection to the Bible!

As a church grows, it’s tempting to feel that your contribution doesn’t matter, since your offering seems small compared to the biggest givers in the room. But God is more concerned about the heart than the amount. He knows that the best churches are filled not with a generous person but with generous people. As Jesus himself declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Every Christian living their best church life has a strong church community. In order to avoid being an anonymous member who slips through the cracks at a larger church, God calls us to connect with a smaller group of others who carry out the “one anothers” of the Scriptures. As many of us have experienced, a small group can bless us with our biggest church blessings.

Every Christian living their best church life has a strong church community. But the bigger a church gets, the more intentional that smaller community must become. God calls us to connect with a smaller group of others who carry out the “one anothers” of the Scriptures. As many of us have experienced, a small group can bless us with our biggest church blessings.

As a church grows, it’s tempting to feel that your contribution doesn’t matter, since your offering seems small compared to the biggest givers in the room. But God is more concerned about the heart than the amount. He knows that the best churches are filled not with a generous person but with generous people. As Jesus himself declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

What do you expect from your church? Your pastors? And what do they expect from you? As Moses (and Jesus and the Apostles) experienced, the answer must depend on the size of the group that you serve. Moses needed to change his church expectations in order to serve God’s people well and avoid his own burnout. This message looks at how churches of various sizes function, the blessings and challenges of each size, and how your church’s size must affect everyone’s expectations.

What do you expect from your church? Your pastors? And what do they expect from you? As Moses (and Jesus and the Apostles) experienced, the answer must depend on the size of the group that you serve. Moses needed to change his church expectations in order to serve God’s people well and avoid his own burnout. This message looks at how churches of various sizes function, the blessings and challenges of each size, and how your church’s size must affect everyone’s expectations.

“The Spirit was really moving in church today.” “The Spirit moved me to go up and talk to him.” “I felt moved by the Spirit when you were speaking.” What does that mean? That you felt emotional? That you thought about doing something? That you had a strong desire to say something or go somewhere?

“The Spirit was really moving in church today.” “The Spirit moved me to go up and talk to him.” “I felt moved by the Spirit when you were speaking.” What does that mean? That you felt emotional? That you thought about doing something? That you had a strong desire to say something or go somewhere?

This seems to make sense until you see Christians judging, warning, and threatening sinners with the fires of hell. What does it mean to love a sinner? Should they feel loved? And who decides what love is anyway?

This seems to make sense until you see Christians judging, warning, and threatening sinners with the fires of hell. What does it mean to love a sinner? Should they feel loved? And who decides what love is anyway?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how do it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how do it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“Join us for fellowship after church.” “I need some fellowship in my life.” “We had some great fellowship before the service.” What is fellowship? Just people? People and food? People and food connected to a church service?

“Join us for fellowship after church.” “I need some fellowship in my life.” “We had some great fellowship before the service.” What is fellowship? Just people? People and food? People and food connected to a church service?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how does it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how does it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

Even an intelligent, religious man from Jesus’ day was confused when Christ said, “You must be born again.” What does that mean? What does that mean for us? Are you born again? Is so, when? And how? And how do you know? 

Even an intelligent, religious man from Jesus’ day was confused when Christ said, “You must be born again.” What does that mean? What does that mean for us? Are you born again? Is so, when? And how? And how do you know? 

Who would expect a man to be mad about a mission accomplished? But mad Jonah became, mad enough to die. This message examines the scandal of grace, our human instinct to judge God, and the forked road that stretches ahead of us all—Will you accept grace or not?

Who would expect a man to be mad about a mission accomplished? But mad Jonah became, mad enough to die. This message examines the scandal of grace, our human instinct to judge God, and the forked road that stretches ahead of us all—Will you accept grace or not? 

God gave Jonah a second chance at his calling, which ended in the most unexpected blessing, the repentance of the wicked people of Nineveh. God does the same thing in our lives, offering us a chance to be different people who choose a different path now that we have a new knowledge of God’s power and love. 

God gave Jonah a second chance at his calling, which ended in the most unexpected blessing, the repentance of the wicked people of Nineveh. God does the same thing in our lives, offering us a chance to be different people who choose a different path now that we have a new knowledge of God’s power and love. 

Jonah’s best moment happened in the worst place. Surrounded by God knows-what-digestive fluids, he confessed his desperation and praised the Lord’s salvation. The same thing happens to us. Sometimes we have to hit bottom to realize our constant need for God and the grace that reaches us in our lowest places.

Jonah’s best moment happened in the worst place. Surrounded by God knows-what-digestive fluids, he confessed his desperation and praised the Lord’s salvation. The same thing happens to us. Sometimes we have to hit bottom to realize our constant need for God and the grace that reaches us in our lowest places.

Jonah, when given a clear mission from heaven, ran from God, a foolish idea. But we often do the same thing, running from a truth that challenges us to change. This message confronts spiritual “runners” and refuses to let them run too far without hearing the voice of God. 

Jonah, when given a clear mission from heaven, ran from God, a foolish idea. But we often do the same thing, running from a truth that challenges us to change. This message confronts spiritual “runners” and refuses to let them run too far without hearing the voice of God. 

The thrilling story of Boaz and Ruth ends with a marriage and a Messiah hinting genealogy, proof that God was up to something good in the midst of the mess. Those who call Christ their spiritual husband hold on to that same hope, that God is working out all things for the good of his people, even if the greatest good is generations into the future. 

The thrilling story of Boaz and Ruth ends with a marriage and a Messiah hinting genealogy, proof that God was up to something good in the midst of the mess. Those who call Christ their spiritual husband hold on to that same hope, that God is working out all things for the good of his people, even if the greatest good is generations into the future. 

Naomi and Ruth took a huge risk that night when the young Moabite snuck close to the threshing floor, but that is where her true connection happened with her “redeemer.” By God’s grace, we have those moments too, when we give up the world, deny ourselves, and take the risk of following our Redeemer. Thankfully, he doesn’t turn us away but instead “does not rest” until we are rescued and resting in God’s presence.

Naomi and Ruth took a huge risk that night when the young Moabite snuck close to the threshing floor, but that is where her true connection happened with her “redeemer.” By God’s grace, we have those moments too, when we give up the world, deny ourselves, and take the risk of following our Redeemer. Thankfully, he doesn’t turn us away but instead “does not rest” until we are rescued and resting in God’s presence.

Everything changed for Ruth’s story when she met the man, the one who would show her favor and give her comfort. Remind you of Anyone you know/worship? Jesus is the better Boaz, the “man of standing” who sees us and saves us in our greatest time of need. Staying close to him, as Ruth did with Boaz, is the best way to find peace in the midst of the mess.

Everything changed for Ruth’s story when she met the man, the one who would show her favor and give her comfort. Remind you of Anyone you know/worship? Jesus is the better Boaz, the “man of standing” who sees us and saves us in our greatest time of need. Staying close to him, as Ruth did with Boaz, is the best way to find peace in the midst of the mess.

A famine, 3 deaths, a bitter woman, and the chaos of the judges comprise the 1st chapter of the book of Ruth. Yet this first chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, the familiar name of Bethlehem, a hint of blessings to come. Our world can feel like a mess too. Natural disasters, school shootings, shrinking churches, personal tragedy, bitter and broken families, and more. Yet the God who works all things for the good is working in our time too. Believe that and you will, like Ruth, be blessed. 

A famine, 3 deaths, a bitter woman, and the chaos of the judges comprise the 1st chapter of the book of Ruth. Yet this first chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, the familiar name of Bethlehem, a hint of blessings to come. Our world can feel like a mess too. Natural disasters, school shootings, shrinking churches, personal tragedy, bitter and broken families, and more. Yet the God who works all things for the good is working in our time too. Believe that and you will, like Ruth, be blessed. 

A name is a claim of ownership. When your name is on the car title, it’s yours, you care for it & protect it from danger. God does the same thing with us. Through the blessing of baptism, he puts his name upon us, claiming us as his own and filling us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

A name is a claim of ownership. When your name is on the car title, it’s yours, you care for it & protect it from danger. God does the same thing with us. Through the blessing of baptism, he puts his name upon us, claiming us as his own and filling us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

You can find a lot of blessings in someone’s face. The smile of a mother. The proud eyes of a father. The grin of a friend. The nod of her acceptance. The love in his expression. This is why the face of God is a massive blessing. Because he is gracious to us and looks upon us with favor, he turns his shining, smiling, accepting, love face towards us. No wonder King David’s heart only wanted to see God’s face! No matter how people look at us in this world, every believer can close their eyes and see grace in God’s face. That’s why we are #blessed

You can find a lot of blessings in someone’s face. The smile of a mother. The proud eyes of a father. The grin of a friend. The nod of her acceptance. The love in his expression. This is why the face of God is a massive blessing. Because he is gracious to us and looks upon us with favor, he turns his shining, smiling, accepting, love face towards us. No wonder King David’s heart only wanted to see God’s face! No matter how people look at us in this world, every believer can close their eyes and see grace in God’s face. That’s why we are #blessed

One of the best blessings from God is one that we often overlook, namely, the fact that he “kept” us as Christians for another day. Despite the Devil’s lies, the world’s ways, and the desires of our flesh, God kept us as his repentant, believing children. That is no small gift. That’s why we are #blessed. 

One of the best blessings from God is one that we often overlook, namely, the fact that he “kept” us as Christians for another day. Despite the Devil’s lies, the world’s ways, and the desires of our flesh, God kept us as his repentant, believing children. That is no small gift. That’s why we are #blessed. 

Hell is a relic from a fear-based, fire-and-brimstone age, a cruel tool used by church authorities to maintain power and control. So why did Jesus himself mention it so much? Why is he the #1 user of “hell” in the entire Bible? Why was he unembarrassed to talk about fire, darkness, and eternal death? Modern Christians needs to know Christ’s answers.

Hell is a relic from a fear-based, fire-and-brimstone age, a cruel tool used by church authorities to maintain power and control. So why did Jesus himself mention it so much? Why is he the #1 user of “hell” in the entire Bible? Why was he unembarrassed to talk about fire, darkness, and eternal death? Modern Christians needs to know Christ’s answers.