The way to heaven is narrow. Mere outward attachment to the family of God is not sufficent—only through faith in Christ can we enter heaven. The door is narrow and Christ commands us to make every effort to enter it, so the Church prays, “that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command.” Although the door is narrow, it is open to all, and the saints will come from all nations to behold the glory of the Lord.
Outrageous Faith: Discipline Keeps Me Focused
Four weeks of warnings for Christians begins on this Sunday that the life of faith will be marked by difficulties. These warnings are given so that the believer will be prepared to meet these challenges with the confidence of the cross. Today we see that the Word of God doesn’t always unite—it also divides. The living and active Word of God does not bring peace between believers and unbelievers, but division.
The Christian Funeral Service for Dale Roberson
Outrageous Faith: The Best is Yet to Come!
What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? After we have put our trust in him as our Savior from sin, how do our lives change? Today Jesus teaches us the flipside of what he taught us last week. Rather than pursuing worldly wealth, Jesus wants his followers to pursue heavenly riches. Because Christ could return at any moment, we as his followers must always be ready. By keeping our eyes on heavenly treasure rather than worldly wealth, we will be ready whenever he returns.
Followers of Christ Know that Earthly Wealth Is Meaningless
What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? After we have put our trust in him as our Savior from sin, how do our lives change? Today Jesus teaches us that following him means knowing the worthlessness of worldly wealth. "Eat, drink, and be merry" is no less the message we hear today than it was in Jesus' time. The temptation to become preoccupied with money and possessions is truly great. Following Christ means always having our hearts and lives focused on spiritual riches instead.
Followers of Christ Pray Boldly
After reliving the great events of the life of Christ, the worshiping Church spends half a year focusing on the teachings of Christ. Those teachings include a description of the footsteps that we as Christians walk while following Jesus. Today we see that the Christian is engaged in ongoing conversation with God. Because our relationship with God is secure - he is our Father, we his children - we speak to him boldly and confidently. We trust that he hears and answers. We trust that our prayers are powerful and effective.
Followers of Christ Listen When God Speaks
After reliving the great events of the life of Christ, the worshiping Church spends half a year focusing on the teachings of Christ. Those teachings include a description of the footsteps that we as Christians walk while following Jesus. Today we see that those who follow Christ are eager and glad to hear his voice. Even when the busyness of life makes it difficult, even when what God says seems downright laughable, Christians let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly. Christ's words are the one thing needful.
Followers of Christ Love Their Neighbor
After reliving the great events of the life of Christ, the worshiping Church spends half a year focusing on the teachings of Christ. Those teachings include a description of the footsteps that we as Christians walk while following Jesus. Today Jesus calls us to love not only those who are easy to love. He calls us to love strangers, enemies, and outcasts. He calls us to love our neighbor whether he appears all that lovable or not. This kind of love can only come from a heart that has first known God's love for us.
Followers of Christ Understand the Call for Total Commitment
After reliving the great events of the life of Christ, the worshiping Church spends half a year focusing on the teachings of Christ. Those teachings include a description of the footsteps that we as Christians walk while following Jesus. Today we see that Jesus asks his followers for a total commitment. Every area of our lives must be examined to see whether it can be held onto as we continue to follow Christ. If not, we must be ready to leave it behind to follow Jesus with single-minded devotion.
Following Christ Means Confessing Who He Is: The Suffering Savior
Is faithfulness to Christ worth the trouble it brings? The life of faith is lived in a godless world, and it is therefore certain to be met with persecution. Like our Suffering Savior, we too bear his cross in our daily interactions. The Lord, however, uses these persecutions suffered for the sake of the Gospel to refine us into the pure, precious metal of his children. Strengthened through the means of grace, we boldly confess Jesus as the Christ in the face of any persecution or trouble. The Church prays that God in his mercy would direct the affairs of this world so that the Church might have peace, but at the same time we prepare ourselves for persecution.
Guest Preacher: Mr. Andy Westra, 2nd Year Seminary Student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
God's Global Goodness - Mission Festival Sunday
Today’s theme is the universal offer of salvation which our gracious Lord extends in the gospel of Christ to all nations. Let us marvel at God’s love and his goodness that he would save us, then call us to be his messengers of the Good News to those around us and to the ends of the world!
Guest Preacher: Pastor Bramdeo Ramgolam, Trinity Lutheran Church, Castries, St. Lucia
Did God Really Say... Death Is A Natural Part of Life
It has been said, "Tell a big enough lie, repeat it enough times, and people will eventually believe it." From the beginning, Satan, has been spreading some pretty big lies about God. And yet, some of them have been repeated so often that we are tempted to believe them. This week we take a look at the common expression that death is a natural part of life. We try to console ourselves as we face death’s inevitability. However, today we see that the solution to death is not to pretend that it’s normal, natural, or good. Rather, it’s to look to the one who holds power over death and the grave: Jesus Christ our Lord.