A Deeper Dive for Authentic, Hopeful, Worshipful Faith

The Grace of the Gospel is that it is not of us, controlled by us, or even really understood by us.  We need to trust and listen.

The covenantal teachings of Jesus far exceed the expectations of the Pharisees.  It is only by joining with Jesus that we can be transformed by his way of love.

Jesus commands us to the most significant work—his work!  Being a Christian is participating in the ongoing work of Jesus Christ.

A blessing in disguise, an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results…

“Awake, sad heart, whom sorrow ever drowns; Take up thine eyes, which feed on earth; Unfold thy forehead, gathered into frowns; Thy Savior comes, and with him mirth…” -George Herbert

God, who sees us and knows us, can grow our eyes to see others that we might not see.

Through the baptism of John the Baptist -  Jesus finds his calling, the same way we can find our calling too.

Candlelight Gathering of Remembrance “Comfort, comfort my people, says God.” There are many moments in our lives when we need comfort. There are tough times when we yearn for consolation. The suffering people who looked for God’s Messiah were given a hope-filled image of God in the writings of Isaiah. It expresses the belief that no matter what happens to us, God will be there to comfort and suppo...

The surprises of Christmas unfold into great love

The signs of Christmas are the signs of healing, forgiveness, and joy; and the redemption of human life and nature.  Jesus the Messiah came to bring light into all darkness.

Our Christmas preparations should make room for Jesus the Messiah; both the vulnerability of the baby Christ as well as the missional passion of the grown Jesus.

Despite all the activity that we generate during the Christmas Season, the true “Christmas” arrives according to God’s unpredictable timing and through his unforeseen agency.  We are, then, to be ready to receive the Christmas gifts of God.

Having resolved not to “fall “ for false and corrupt shepherds, it is time to hone in, despite all the interference, on the vibrant signal of Jesus Christ!

The Church's commission, which is the foundation of its freedom, consists in this: in Christ's stead, and so in the service of his own Word and work, to deliver all people, through preaching and sacrament, the message of the free grace of God. We reject the false doctrine that with human vainglory the Church could place the Word and work of the Lord in the service of self- chosen desires, purposes...

Scripture tells us that by divine appointment the State, in this still unredeemed world in which also the Church is situated, has the task of maintaining justice and peace, so far as human discernment and human ability make this possible, by means of the threat and use of force. The Church acknowledges with gratitude and reverence toward God the benefit of this, his appointment. It draws attention...

Christ's Church is to be Independent from Political Power

  

We give every aspect of our life to Christ.  Nothing is “siloed.”

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Welcoming the stranger and the refugee is not a super-Christian commitment.  It is like welcoming your own family.  It is just what we as Christians do.

If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.

What does it take for each of us to "pick up our cross" and follow Jesus? Maybe less than you think

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

"Before I formed you in the womb in knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."