Living Hope

John 15:26,27 - 16:4-11 Jesus told his disciples that, though he was going to ascend into heaven, he wasn’t going to leave them alone. He was going to send “the Counselor,” a title for the Holy Spirit. But Jesus wasn’t sending the Spirit just to keep us company. Jesus would have the Counselor give us spiritual power so that we might participate in Christ’s saving work.

1 John 5:1-5 If you wanted to give a title to the book of 1 John you could easily name it “Authentic Christianity.” The disciple John here writes about 3 tests for authentic Christianity. John is applying a doctrinal test (belief). A social test (love). And a moral test (obedience). John is applying these 3 tests to talk about our authentic identity as born-again Christians. And he holds up faith, especially, as the ticket to victory over this world.

1 John 3:18-24 Our beliefs shape our behavior. This is true of Christians’ belief in the resurrection. We believe that Christ’s resurrection means our resurrection to a glorious eternal life is guaranteed. That inevitably shapes how we will act now. Here is a resurrection reality. Jesus fills us with his Spirit, not only so that we have faith, but also so that we produce the fruits of faith he seeks.

1 John 4:1-6 Test before you trust. That’s a good mantra for just about anything, isn’t it? Sometimes there’s a need to test things out before you buy them or before you pull the trigger on a decision. Having a healthy skepticism can be a fine thing. How much more is that true when it comes our spiritual welfare. In 1 John 4, the apostle John urges us to “test the spirits to see if they are from God.” Today, we’ll look at what that means and how we go about doing it.

1 John 1:5 - 2:2 In God there is no darkness, none at all whatsoever. If God is light then he cannot contain darkness. In the Bible, light often refers to truth and good behavior. Darkness often refers to error and evil behavior. We have the darkness of sin in us, so how could we have fellowship with God, who is light? Our answer is Jesus—the purifier, the advocate, the atoning sacrifice, who takes away our sin so we can walk with God in the light.

1 John 1:1:1-4 Here’s the spiritual tension we wrestle with. It’s this – that sometimes it feels difficult for me to stake my convictions about life in this world and the afterlife on faith alone. But today, looking at the words of 1 John you will learn that you can stake your claim on the risen Christ with certainty and enjoy all the benefits of what becomes yours through faith in your risen Savior.

Job 19:23-27 Easter teaches us that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, “so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). That changes everything: the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, the way we feel when our health fails, the way we look at the purpose of life right now. Let us rejoice in this resurrection reality: All will be made alive because we know that our Redeemer lives!

Psalm 22

Zechariah 9:9-12 What is a "prisoner of hope"? King Jesus comes riding into your life to show you the kind of hope you can have for every day.

John 12:20-33 There is a devoted commitment at the center of Christianity, but it is not man’s commitment to God. Instead, at the heart of Christianity we find God’s devotion and commitment to us. It is a devoted commitment so strong that it put God on the cross.

Numbers 21:4-9 While not every religion uses the word “sin,” they all embrace the concept. Every religion acknowledges that mankind’s flawed attitudes or misguided actions are a source of pain, both now and potentially in eternity. So, every religion offers a solution: a set of laws, a moral code, a path to more enlightened behavior. What do they have in common? We are to solve sin through human effort. Be better! Try harder! This is the heart of every false religion. Those who correctly understand they will never overcome their sin are crushed by guilt. Those who believe they have defeated their sin are killed by pride. True religion offers a better way—one that frees us from guilt and has no room for pride. Jesus teaches that the solution to our sin is not to work harder. It is to trust in the work he has done for us. Salvation comes through Spirit-wrought faith in Christ.

John 2:13-22 Person A never attends worship. He can’t see the point. Person B attends every week out of a slavish sense of obligation. Her mind wanders during the services, for she views the activities of worship merely as tasks for her to complete. Who is worse off? Rather than debating the point, let us just admit neither understand the true worth of worship. And that is exactly what Satan wants. Many think worship is about what we do for God. It is the other way around. As we gather around Word and sacrament, the Spirit moves us to love and trust in God above all things. Moved by the cross of Christ, we bow down before our God. We commune with him. And that’s exactly what God wants.

Mark 8:31-38 Today, Jesus asks us to rethink suffering under the cross. It is not pointless pain. Our crosses are not how we pay for sin. Jesus already did that on his cross. Our crosses are not redemptive, but they are constructive. Any suffering unbelievers face is only bad, a foretaste of worse to come. But the suffering believers face under the cross is only good, a way Christ connects us tightly to himself with battle-tested faith.

Genesis 22:1-18 “If God loves us, why doesn’t he remove all the trials and tests and temptations that we face?” That question demonstrates the religious assumption that those things are bad. They aren’t. In the hands of a loving God, they are tools by which he refines our faith. He uses tests as a way to compel us to be less self-reliant, and instead trust in his strength. He uses trials to teach us that this broken world is not our true home. God even takes Satan’s temptations and uses them for our good. Trials, tests, and temptations are not exceptions to God’s love. That’s a false assumption! These are examples of God’s love. Proof is that God allowed his beloved Son Jesus to face trials and temptations, so that he might be our perfect savior and substitute.

John 4:5-26 Jesus traveled through Samaria. No one expected him to go there. The Jews and Samaritans didn’t get along. But Jesus took the difficult route no one expected because there was a certain woman at a well who needed to meet Jesus that day. Sometimes as we spread the good news of Jesus it might mean taking the more difficult or more inconvenient route. But there are more, like that Samaritan woman, who need to meet Jesus today too.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Today’s Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy contains a promise about a great prophet who would come to speak for the Lord and have the words of the Lord in his mouth. The echo of that promise reaches all the way to Christ and he proves himself to be the true Prophet who speaks God true Word for us. And, in Christ, that word is full of grace and forgiveness for his people.

2 Corinthians 1:18-22 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Today we get to explore the amazing answers our God gives us in his Son Jesus. In Him we find the answer to his every good promise. God’s answer is always “Yes!” in Christ.

Mission Sunday 4 Lessons This is a service to refocus us on our mission as a church. 4 Lessons on each of Living Hope's core values. Hymns are interspersed between the lessons.

Isaiah 49:1-6 In this Epiphany sermon series we’ve been looking at the identity of Christ, and this week he shows himself to be the secret weapon of the Lord—unleashed at just the right time to destroy our enemies. He also shows himself to be the true Servant of the Lord. He is what Israel was supposed to be. He displays God’s grace and power to all the world. We have echoes of Christ’s identity for our own callings too. God uses us as his unassuming secret weapons in the fight against sin in this world—pointing others to Christ. As the Lord’s servants we shine his light to the world.

Numbers 24:15-17 We need a star and a scepter. Or, what we really need is someone to act as a star and a ruler holding a scepter for us. As a human race, so often we’ve lost our way. We need the bright Morning Star. We also need someone with a mighty scepter to rule over us and protect us from our enemies. Through the words of an unlikely messenger for God, we get to hear about the one who will be the star wielding a scepter for us.

Luke 2:1-20 The first Christmas Eve looked like a train wreck. No room in the inn. A baby born in a cold, smelly barn. Rough shepherds the only ones there to celebrate the birth of God’s Son. A wicked king who wanted to kill every baby boy in town. A mess... But out of that mess comes our unexpected hope. A Savior who enters into our messy world to save us from our own personal train wrecks. He knows you. He gets you. He saves you. Christmas means there is always hope because He has come to be with us. Let's gather around the manger tonight to celebrate the gift of unexpected HOPE.

Luke 2:28-32 Simeon was ready for the Lord to dismiss him from this world in peace because he had seen the salvation and glory of God in Jesus. He had all he needed now and could look forward to the result of the salvation God had shown him – eternal life in heaven. Unless the Lord comes back within the next 100 years, all of us here today will also make our departures. And so we want to become like Simeon. He was ready to depart in peace because he’d seen God’s salvation for him. Today we’ll explore Simeon’s song so we too can be fully at peace even right now. So we will be ready to be dismissed whenever God calls us.

Luke 1:67-79 Even as we confront doubts in our own life, Zechariah’s song can be our song when we see that God always keeps his promises.

Luke 1:46-55 Mary sings a song that glorifies the Lord. She glorifies him because he acts with favor for those who fear him, has mercy on the humble and lowly, and is true to his promises. Those things Mary sang for are the same things we can sing of today too, because God has done all the same things for us!

Daniel 7:9,10 Judgment Day might not bring warm fuzzy thoughts to mind. Judgment Day might sound more terrifying and intimidating than comforting and glorious. But as we look at Daniel 7 our goal is to change our view of Judgment Day from a terrifying image to a comforting image.

Matthew 25:14-30 As we wait for Christ to return, we are not to be sedentary. The reason Christ has not yet returned is that there is still work to be done. And Christ carries out his good work through us, his Church. So, until Christ comes again and says, “Stop!” believers will be busy with faithful service. Christ has given every believer gifts and talents. And when Christ entrusts us with those gifts and talents, he calls us to use them all for his glory. In the time between Christ’s first and second coming, we use everything the master has given us to live according to his will and to carry out his mission.

Isaiah 52:1-6 As we wait for Christ to return, as day after day passes, it can be easy to get distracted, to lose vigilance, to become spiritually drowsy. God forbid that Christ should return and find us spiritually asleep. Today we are reminded that the time in between Christ’s first and second coming is a time for watchfulness. The Church prayers, “Lord God, keep us every watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven.”

1 John 3:1-3 The time in between Christ’s first and second coming are going to be full hardship, especially for believers. As we journey through this time in between, how do we endure? We remember all the saints. We focus on the future glory that waits for us.

Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23 Jesus told his followers, “You will be hated by everyone because of me” (Matthew 10:22). Satan and the world hate Christ and anyone who confesses faith in Christ. So, the time in between Christ’s first and second coming is going to be perilous for believers. A good example—Martin Luther. All that priest wanted was to share the pure gospel with the world. For trying to do that, both political and religious leaders attempted to end his life. The Festival of the Reformation emphasizes the true Church’s unfailing reliance on the Word of God and unflinching testimony to that Word even in the face of harsh persecution. Today we pray that the Lord would keep us steadfast in the faith and give us the peace of knowing that our lives are safe in his hands.

Luke 18:9-14 Jesus tells the story of a tax collector and a pharisee. One of them goes home justified before God and the other does not. Hear Jesus tell us the key to this story.

Matthew 22:1-14 There are invitations we might be tempted to reject: an invitation to an event you are not interested in, an invitation to a party that takes place at the same time as something else you want to do. There are other invitations which people would say you’ve lost your mind to reject: an invitation to go on a free tropical vacation, an invitation to go backstage and meet your favorite musical group, an invitation to the Super Bowl. We get so many invitations. Some we accept; others we reject. Where does God’s invitation to participate in his heavenly banquet rank? Scripture often pictures eternal life as a joyful party, full of friends and family, laughter, and the finest foods. Through a story Jesus teaches us how insane it would be to reject God’s gracious invitation to that eternal celebration. More, Jesus tells us what we need to get into that best of all banquets.

Matthew 21:33-43 Patience is a virtue. But can too much patience be a vice? If you are too patient, waiting to see if that pain in your stomach goes away with time, you might make a problem worse. If you are too patient with an incompetent employee, you will lose productivity before the inevitable—his firing—occurs anyway. Too much patience would seem not to be a virtue, but reckless behavior. Yet that is exactly what God demonstrates to a rebellious human race—reckless patience. Through a story Jesus teaches exactly what God’s patience means for us.

Matthew 21:23-32 Through a story Jesus teaches us that God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. He sees right through that. God’s desire is that our repentance would demonstrate sincere sorrow over sin. God wants us to see the grace and forgiveness he has shown us in Christ, and in response, to love him back deeply and sincerely.

Matthew 20:1-16 Through a simple story, Jesus teaches us a profound truth. We need to stop expecting God to be fair. God is not fair. He does not give us what we deserve, and that’s called mercy. In fact, he gives us what we don’t deserve, and that’s called grace. No, God is not fair. He is breathtakingly generous.

Luke 10:25-37 As Christians we act as help for the hurting, pointing people to Christ who heals all.

Luke 16:1-15 While stewardship of our finances isn’t the only part of stewardship, it is a part of it. Today God’s Word encourages us to use all of the financial gifts God has given us with an eye on our purpose. May God grant us grace to use money for what really matters! This week, we focus on wise ways to use the resources God has given us for the greatest good.

Matthew 9:9-13 As we invite people into our lives and our homes, God gives us opportunities to show what we are all about and share who we are all about. Through hospitality, as messy and dangerous as it can be, relationships are built, and Jesus is shared.

Luke 10:25-37 This week, the particular focus of the God-lived life is a life lived for others, a life of generosity. God allows us the opportunity to serve and love one another, especially those who are part of our communities.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 In today’s worship, the particular emphasis of the God-lived life is that of being a disciple, a learner, one who grows in God’s Word. May God’s Word cause us to crave that pure spiritual milk so that by it we grow up in our salvation.

1 Kings 9:9-18 It is not uncommon that, in times of adversity, doubt rears its ugly head—doubts about God’s care, God’s promises, God’s providence. In those times, the true answer to doubt is not found in some great miracle that removes adversity, but in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through that Word Christ reaches out to us with nail-scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, “Why did you doubt?” Our faith is restored. The Christian answers doubt with faith because Jesus makes it so.

Matthew 14:13-21 The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle, besides the resurrection, that is recorded in all four gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all mention Jesus feeding the 5,000. They all agreed – people need to hear this story. Jesus has descended into our wilderness to satisfy us. He joins us in this place of pain, lack, and emptiness and fills us with plenty. Jesus has the power to fill empty stomachs with a feast but more importantly he has the compassion to fill sinful hearts with forgiveness. Even here in the wilderness of the world, Jesus satisfies us.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 As we seek to define what a Christian really is, the Lord reveals that a Christian finds strength in weakness. We are strong when we are weak - because then our strength is found in God alone.

1 Corinthians 3:5-11 These words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3 give us three lessons on how we share the gospel with people around us. We remember God is in charge of the results. We play the gospel long-game. And we build with care. People don’t become Christians through our own hard work. Christians are made through the work of God. Every Christian, including ourselves, are grown and grounded by God.

Matthew 11:25-30 Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that after 36 hours without sleep, most people will experience extreme fatigue and hormonal imbalances, resulting in decreased attention, poor decisions, and even speech impairment. Other studies show if someone takes no breaks during their workday, their productivity is lower than those who do take periodic breaks. We need rest. Christians know they need more than sleep or breaks. We need more than physical rest. We need spiritual rest. The Christian knows that the only place to find that type of rest is Jesus. Jesus provides more than a pause in work, more than enjoyable recreation. Jesus provides the removal of our sins, the cleansing of our guilty conscience, and a gentle new yoke of discipleship. In Jesus, the Christian finds rest from his burdens, rest from his battles, and rest forever in heaven.

Matthew 10:34-42 The Christian loves God above all things. For the Christian understands that everything in this present world is transitory. Relationships fail. Empires fall. Accomplishments are quickly forgotten. But nothing about God is transitory. God’s love is eternal. He promises the Christian everlasting life. And so the Christian struggles not simply to avoid loving bad things. The Christian struggles to love God above all other good things too. Because the Christian understands that God is of ultimate value.

Genesis 8:15-22 Today, our guest preacher is Jacob Shepherd from Round Lake Park, IL where he serves as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The message he’s sharing today will bring us along with Noah as he and his family step off the ark, rescued by God’s grace and according to his promise. Our God rescues us the same way!

Romans 13:1-7 “There is no authority except that which God has established.” When we talk about “godly government” we are not saying that the only legitimate governments are those who do what is perfectly godly. We are confessing our belief that the King of kings is in perfect control of all the governments of this world, and that he works in all things—including tyrants and dictators—for the eternal good of his dear children.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The Triune God has given you just what you need. His grace. His love. His fellowship. God never gives up on you.

1 Corinthians 12:1-7 We all are given unique gifts to put to use in service to God and those around us. These gifts are all given to us by the Holy Spirit as additional “undeserved, unearned gifts” on top of the already incomparable gift of faith in Jesus we’ve been given by the Spirit. This means you have your own individual niche to fill in God’s kingdom.

Ephesians 1:15-23 Today we celebrate the ascension of Jesus. The fact that Jesus ascended from this world to heaven may not at first seem like a very comforting thought. But Jesus is right where we want him to be—at the right hand of God the Father in complete control over everything for the good of his Church and for you. No matter how out of control life may get, you know the one who saved your soul is still in control.

John 14:15-21 As humans we deal with abandonment issues. People leave us. Sometimes because of death. Sometimes because they move away. Sometimes because they walk out on us. There’s pain and sorrow involved in those events. But Jesus is not going to leave you with abandonment issues. He isn’t walking out on you. Ever. Listen to his promises today.

John 14:1-11 The gospel is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of Jesus’ death and resurrection are meant for every man, woman, and child who ever lived. The gospel is at the same time also very exclusive. It says that salvation can only be found in one place – the person of Jesus Christ. The unbelieving world finds this claim—that Jesus is the only way to salvation—to be the most offensive teaching in all of Scripture. But this is the truth upon which Christ builds his Church. We are saved by Christ alone.

Psalm 23 Psalm 23 is the most famous Psalm. It offers comfort and encouragement within some of the most beautiful poetry in Scripture. But each time we read Psalm 23 we’re bound to pick up another detail we’ve never caught before. Our Good Shepherd is with us. And if there’s any doubt about that, Jesus shows us just how masterfully he fulfills every word of this comforting Psalm. Walk along with your shepherd today.

Luke 24:13-35 Heartbreak, of all kinds, will be an ongoing reality in this world but God's Word can be your source of burning hope, just like it was for the Emmaus disciples. If Jesus lives, hope lives. He puts your broken heart back together by rising from the dead and unfolding the great promises of Scripture before you.

1 Peter 1:3-9 If you ask people “do spoilers ruin experiences for you?” the vast majority of people will say, "Yes.” Easter has shown us the ending of the story – of the world’s story and our own stories. And it has done anything but spoil things for us. It’s done the opposite. It’s allowed us to look at everything in a new light, in a hopeful light, even when life gets dark. We’ve been given a whole new perspective on life and death through the risen Christ. These verses from 1 Peter 1 are the perfect place to turn to right after Easter. We get to revisit what Easter means for us going forward. Spoiler alert – it makes everything better.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Christ’s resurrection is the crown jewel of Christianity. All of Jesus’ work is essential but more than anything the resurrection is of first importance. The resurrection is of first importance because of what it says about Christ and what it says for us. His resurrection seals the deal in every way.

John 19:17-30 "It is finished." These might be the most consequential words ever spoken. But when Jesus says from the cross, "It is finished," what exactly is finished?

John 11:17-27, 38-45 Jesus will raise us from death to life. The crown jewel of the coming kingdom is the resurrection of the dead. One day, Jesus will defeat the last enemy (1 Corinthians 15:27) and life will reign again in our new Eden with God. On our Lenten walk to Calvary, today we see the Savior come face to face with death and defeat it completely.

John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39 The Old Testament said that restoration of sight to the blind was one of the works of the Messiah. In his ministry, Jesus healed those who were physically blind. But even if our eyes work just fine, we still need Jesus to give us spiritual vision. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Christ comes to shine his light into our darkened eyes that we might see him and live. Jesus meets our greatest needs. He provides sight for the spiritually blind.

Exodus 17:1-7 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Long before we ever had a thought of coming to him, he came to us. Even though, to this day, we are still sinners who contend with God’s will and test him, still Christ has come in person for us, died for us and slakes our spiritual thirst so we never need to drink from any other well anymore. He alone fills us with what we need for eternal life.

John 3:1-17 Today we get to look at the most well-known passage in the Bible—John 3:16. John 3:16 is such a massive, world-wrapping statement to the point where we maybe forget about the personal conversation this amazing passage was part of. Jesus was talking to just one person, a guy named Nicodemus. As we look at John 3 today, we’re reminded that God’s love is so big, and yet at the same time it’s so personal and patient. These words are universal yet personal. This is what I really need. I need a Savior whose grace is big enough to save the universe. And I need a Savior whose grace is personal enough to reach me.

Romans 5:12-19 Today we are reminded of an ancient war that began in Eden. The perfect peace and prosperity of Paradise was lost when a fallen angel convinced mankind to follow the demons in rebelling against their Creator. When Adam fell, he condemned the world to darkness and death. The enemy of God claimed that the children of men now belonged to him. God was having none of it. He promised he would send forth his champion, his Son. Jesus does what Adam and we could not. In crushing the devil, Jesus meets one of our greatest needs.

Matthew 17:1-9 The opposite of confidence is fear. The person who’s confident feels secure and is ready to move forward no matter their surroundings. But the person lacking confidence is already afraid about something—afraid about not measuring up, afraid of the unknown, afraid of failure. The key to having confidence cannot be based on something within yourself. The source of your confidence needs to be outside of you. The source of your confidence has to be Christ. In him alone, you can stand on your feet with your head held high. Because you’re not standing on who you are on your own, or what you do on your own. You stand on and cling to who Christ is for you; what he does in you and through you. Christ comforts us in our fears, our insecurities, and our lack of confidence.

2 Corinthians 4:5, 7-9, 13-15 Pastor Cale will focus us on our mission as God’s people today—to bring the treasure of the good news of Christ to people even though we ourselves are nothing but clay jars.

Matthew 5:17-20 In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus unravels God’s Law for his people. He tells us what the Law’s true meaning is. He tells us about the relationship we are to have with God’s Law. And, most importantly, Jesus tells us what he has come to do with God’s Law. Jesus has taken us who were slaves under the Law and broken our chains with his Gospel. Now he has set us free to obey God’s Law no longer as a slave but as a willing disciple of Jesus, who’s already fulfilled the Law for us.

Matthew 5:1-12 Being blessed has nothing to do with what you possess. It has nothing to do with your physical health. It has nothing to do with how respected you are or how good of relationships you’ve surrounded yourself with. It has nothing to do with the amazing places you’ve been able to visit and see or the experiences you’ve been able to have in life. None of that determines whether or not you are blessed. Being blessed has everything to do with what Jesus tells you it means. And by Jesus’ definition you can be blessed in all circumstances, not just when times are good, but always.

Matthew 4:12-17 Light always wins the battle with darkness. When the light appears the shadows have to disappear. For us who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Jesus, the Light of the world has come to pull us out of the darkness. And he has come to push the darkness out of us.

Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus was baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” for us. Jesus went into the waters of the Jordan river clean and came out marked for death, carrying our sins. Now, at our own baptisms we get plugged in to the saving work of Christ and are given the Holy Spirit as our energy source that never goes out. The Holy Spirit comes in our baptisms to empower us to live as children of God. We went in to those water dirty and dead but have come out clean and truly alive—a new person.

Galatians 4:4-7 Whether or not you were adopted by your parents, there is one family you’re part of that you weren’t born into. It’s a family you were re-born into. It’s a family you got adopted into: God’s family. You are adopted by God. And these verses we’re looking at from Galatians 4:4-7 today answer two questions for us about this adoption. First, they answer HOW this adoption took place. Second, they answer WHAT being adopted by God means for us.

Lessons and Carols service For centuries on Christmas Day the Church has read chapter one of St. John’s Gospel. There, in just a few simple words, Scripture describes the indescribable: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The word God had spoken in the Garden, promising to send a Savior who was part of mankind, came true. God himself became flesh and blood—to be born under law, to suffer, and to die that he might redeem us.

Luke 2:10-12 The first Christmas sermon was preached to a small congregation consisting entirely of shepherds. The preacher was an angel. The message of his sermon? “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” That is a heavy word: Savior. It says as much about us as it does about this child. If the angel had said “a teacher has been born” or “a mentor has been born,” it would mean that within us exists the potential to fix all that is wrong with the world. It would mean we just need a bit of help: a coach, a mentor, a source of inspiration. But the angel said, “A Savior has been born.” If one needs saving, it means he is totally helpless—completely lost—doomed, without outside intervention. That is how God the Father viewed us: helpless, lost, doomed. So, he sent more than a coach. He sent his only Son to be our Savior.

Matthew 1:18-25 Man can do nothing to overcome the mess that sin makes. Therefore, the Church prays that God would come in power to clean up the mess for us. Since the Garden of Eden, there has only ever been one plan to do that: God would take on flesh and blood. To do what mankind could not do—clean up the mess of sin—God became man. When you look into the manger, what do you see? A baby? Yes. But, more. That is Immanuel, “God-with-us.” The Son of God became Mary’s son, so that he could do for us what we could not do for ourselves. God is with us to save us from the mess.

James 5:7-11 Jesus, our Messiah, has come to deliver us from sin, death and the devil. And he’s coming back soon to deliver us from this world of hardship and pain. Of course, waiting for him to come back can be difficult. We may grow impatient or complacent as we wait for our Messiah to return. Today, James tells us to wait with patience and perseverance. The Lord’s coming is near and in the meantime he will continue to pour out his compassion and mercy on us.

Isaiah 11:1-10 Standing before a judge is very intimidating. There are only one of two results that can happen when that gavel comes down: a verdict of innocent or a verdict of guilty. Knowing that Jesus is coming back soon as the Righteous Judge may sound intimidating. But when our Judge appears and comes back, we won’t need to run in fear of him and his powerful judgment. Instead, we will rally to our Judge who has come at last to bring his people to glorious rest.

Isaiah 2:1-5 This reading from Isaiah 2 gives an amazing picture of what God has in store for us, his people. “The mountain of the temple of the Lord will be established…The Lord will teach us his ways…The Word of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem…The Lord will settle disputes…There will be no more war.” We hear all that and say, “Yes, sign me up for this! That sounds great!” But when is this going to happen? When is our King going to come back and put all this into effect? In short, all these things are happening already now and also not yet. Today we dive in to Isaiah 2 to learn what that means.

Luke 18:18-27 This week Jesus uses God’s law for its chief purpose: to expose sin and crush our natural pride. In Christ’s hands God’s law is a powerful tool used to shape in us the faith he seeks—one totally dependent on God to do what only he can do.

Genesis 32:22-30 In the story of Jacob wrestling with God today we see that God isn’t afraid to get down in the dirt with us and let us struggle with him. He doesn’t back down from stepping into the ring with us in order to show us the answers our struggling hearts need. His goal is to cause us to trust in his promises and cling to his mercy ever tighter, just like Jacob cried out, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Jacob’s audacity is answered with the even bigger audacity of God’s grace—giving him the blessing that was promised. We’re about to find out that God is actually the one who has said, “I will not let go of you until I give you exactly what I’ve promised.”

Galatians 5:1-6 Martin Luther called the book of Galatians, “My Katie von Bora—I am wedded to it.” Galatians speaks clearly against work righteousness and plainly about grace. That meant much to Luther who had staked his life on both topics. Why would anyone risk so much over words? Because the very freedom of the Gospel was at stake. Either we are free by grace or slaves under the law; there is no middle ground. So, Paul says, stand firm and be faithful to the Word of God that sets us free. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone.

Luke 17:11-19 Gratitude is the appreciation and thankfulness we feel when someone does something kind to us or for us. There are two key factors that influence the intensity of gratitude. First, there is the deservedness factor. Second, there is the generosity factor. Apply this to God. Consider the deservedness factor. What does God owe us? How deserving are we of his blessing? Consider the generosity factor. What has he done for us? What blessings has he given us now? What blessings has he promised us in eternity? As Jesus increases our faith, so that we accurately answer all those questions, we become more than grateful. We overflow with gratitude.

1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18 In faith, King David knew everything we have is given to us from the LORD. Therefore, David found it a duty and delight to plan the construction of the LORD’s temple. Since the LORD has given us all things through Christ, by faith we also delight in generously giving our service and our resources to God and our neighbor. Lord, increase our faith that delights in duty!

Amos 6:1-7 Guest pastor Larry Zahn shares a message that focuses us on guarding against spiritual complacency.

Philemon 1, 7-25 As God’s people we are determined to refresh the hearts of others as God has refreshed us. He has refreshed us with a love that “stands in the gap” and a love that “goes above and beyond.” As the book of Philemon shows us that kind of love in action among Christians, we also seek to refresh others around us who feel wilted or worn down.

Philemon 1-16 As we dig deeper into this short letter today and next week, we’ll find the book of Philemon has much to say to you and me. We learn that only God can change hearts through his gospel, the good news of Jesus. With hearts changed by the gospel we learn what it is to be a family in the Lord. With hearts changed by the gospel we learn the deep impact faith has on our relationships. With hearts changed by the gospel we learn to refresh the hearts of others, to forgive others - for love’s sake.

Luke 12:35-40 As we conclude our series on re-examining our priorities, it’s fitting that we talk about how to prioritize our lives in light of this knowledge we have: the knowledge that there is more life to come. The Last Day is also the First Day of eternal glory for those who are in Christ. It’s naturally going to be a priority of every Christian to be ready for that Last Day, or to be ready for our last day when death ushers us into eternal life. Jesus teaches us to perform our service in this world and in his kingdom with an eye to the sky, expecting the return of our Master.

Luke 12:32-34 Make sure your treasure is in the right place, because wherever your treasure is, your heart will follow. Thankfully, Jesus spells out for you where your heart needs to be. In Luke 12, Jesus reveals three things that will happen for you when your treasure is located in the correct spot. You won’t have to worry or be afraid. Your life will be reordered. You will give instead of grab.

Luke 12:13-21 What would it take in my life for me to be able to say these 3 words: “I’m all set”? If my answer is at all contingent on the things of this world, I need to rethink how I answer that question. Jesus said, “Life does not consist in the abundance of one’s worldly possessions.” Our treasure is not the stuff and the wealth we’ve stored up here but the priceless spiritual wealth God has stored up for us in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 2:18-26 The book of Ecclesiastes asks the big question, “what is the meaning of life?” There are a hundred answers to that question but only one answer that satisfies, only one answer that imparts true satisfaction and meaning. King Solomon, having investigated everything “under the sun” and having possessed just about everything a person could ever dream of, looks at it all and says, “It’s all meaningless.” His conclusion: only by fearing the Lord and having faith in him can you receive meaning, enjoyment, and satisfaction in life.

Genesis 18:20-32 What if prayer was a big priority in your life all the time? Not just in times when bad things are happening or looming on the horizon, but all the time? Prayer can easily become a last-ditch desperation act we turn to if we don’t know what else to do. But we are urged in the Bible to “pray continually.” For the Christian, prayer can be our go-to, first action before undertaking anything in life whether big or small, scary or joyful. God himself tells us to pray. He always listens to the prayers of his people. He always answers. In fact, the Lord loves to answer prayer. So, as his people we can tap into the power of prayer. We can prioritize it as one of the most important things we do as we go about life.

Luke 10:38-42 There are many things in life that pull us in 100 directions and get us anxious and distracted. But Jesus is cutting through all that to give us the one thing we really need – himself—the one thing that fills us up even as the world empties our tanks with over-filled schedules and countless concerns. Listening to Jesus and his Word is the one thing needed to counteract all that. As we make that one thing needed our highest priority, we come to see that listening to the Word of Jesus is all about what we’re receiving. It’s not about more stuff we need to do or priorities we need to keep in order to have a fulfilled life. It’s about what’s been done for us to have fulfillment in the life and the work of our Savior.

Acts 14:21-28 This is maybe the most important missionary motto of all - Commit souls to Christ. We give all credit to God when the work of the gospel takes root in a heart and we also take comfort that we do what we can to reach people while we can and then commit people into God’s gracious hands. This is not an excuse to be lazy in gospel sharing work but it is a huge comfort when it seems we can never do enough. We can work as missionaries like it all depends on us but trust that it in reality it all depends on God and his Word.

Acts 14:19-22 If there’s anything we’ve learned so far in this series on Paul’s first mission journey it’s that every step of the way Paul and Barnabas faced hardship in their work of spreading the gospel. The apostle Paul knew better than anyone that we must go through many hardships. This isn’t just a first century thing, or a Paul and Barnabas thing. It’s a Christian thing. We too must go through many hardships. Hardships are part of being a Christian. And because Christ has gone through every hardship of this world on our behalf we can see hardships in a new light—signs that we are on the path to heaven.

Luke 7:11-17 Jesus clothes his power with compassion as he raises the widow of Nain's son from the dead. He clothes his power with compassion for you and me too.

Acts 14:1-7

Acts 13:13-16, 32-39 Outreach is simply connecting with people in order to connect them with the good news of Jesus. God has not left us with a complicated solution to the world’s problems and our own problems – just Jesus. He does all the work of forgiving, justifying, and giving resurrection. Keep it simple. Just proclaim Jesus to your own soul and to others

Acts 13:4-12 “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” In our God’s eyes every soul matters. He sent his Son to die for every person on earth. And so as God’s people we also share his view, that every soul is worth fighting for. The devil wages a battle for people’s souls but as God’s people, equipped with God’s Word, we also fight the battle for the souls God has placed around us. We tell the all-powerful gospel message which has the ability to transform hearts and win souls for heaven through the work of Jesus.

Genesis 3:1-15 The question that the devil asked Adam and Eve is the same one he tries tripping us up with today. “Did God really say…?” We look to our God who has every answer for us to combat the serpent and his temptations.

Romans 5:1-5 We all want to have good standing in our communities and at our workplaces. We want to be in good standing with our spouses, parents, friends or children. But what we crave most is good standing with our God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We want to know where we stand with God. There might not be a better section of verses in the Bible to explore where we stand than in the first 5 verses of Romans chapter 5.

John 17:20-26 Rather than eliminating differences among the Church's members, the Church's unity is built on truths that transcend those differences. The Church truly is a communion of saints. Differences in our world often lead to division. Therefore, when the world sees the unity in diversity that characterizes Christ's Church, it will recognize something unique and special about Christians.