Crown of Life Lutheran Church

As we celebrate Pentecost, we remember the role of the Holy Spirit, who uses the Word of God to create and instill faith in our hearts. On this special day, we remember that God’s Word of promise brings life!

June 1, 2022 - As we prepare for Pentecost, it is important to note what Christ tells us about the work of the Holy Spirit. His main task is to bring us to faith in Jesus, that we would have life in His Name.

This Sunday as we celebrate the ascension of our Lord, Pastor Michael Mattil blesses us with the message that we are called to be Christ’s witnesses: sharing the Gospel and remembering His promises.

May 25, 2022 - It is funny how doing a physical thing can remind you a spiritual thing. I moved offices and started to go through the stuff I’ve accumulated over the years. Decluttering physically is a lot like decluttering spiritually: choosing to remove the lies we’ve believed and the hurts we’ve held onto.

Much is said today about being "comfortable in our own skin," but until we learn to see who we are with [and without] Christ that comfort level can be deceiving. Our joy as the people of God comes from His unconditional love and our obedient walk in His Word!

May 18, 2022 - This week, I had a few reflections from the sermon on Matthew 14:22-33. We typically praise Peter for his faith to walk on the water towards Jesus. However, perhaps we could also see it as an act of mercy from Jesus that despite Peter’s lack of faith, Christ shows His power.

God Speaks: Faith - In His Word, God gives us words of comfort and promise. As we face the storms of this life, may we take refuge in His love and put our faith in His Word.

May 11, 2022 - Matthew 22:37-40 hold the greatest summary of the Law. As we talk about loving God and loving neighbor, we realize how badly we need God to love us and to save us from our sinfulness.

Whenever Jesus performs a miracle, it reveals something of God’s nature: His power, love, intelligence, thoroughness, etc. As we look to one of the most famous miracles, we see that God is giving, that He is powerful, and that He is compassionate. Thanks be to God for His gifts! May we share those gifts with those who are in need.

I was asked to give a Christian perspective on the theories of evolution and the big bang. My thoughts aren’t eloquent or academic. Instead, it’s just some thoughts on the purposefulness behind creation’s design and how it fits into the Word of God.

Psalm 146 gives us a great assessment between what God is capable of and what man is capable of. Spoilers: God is worthy of our trust… man, not so much.

At times, things around us seem to be falling apart, and every "expert" has his/her advice on how to regroup and make sense of life. Today's Scripture Lessons remind us that only God's Word has the power to establish both meaning and peace for us each day, no matter what.

As we look at the Easter story, the Gospel that saves is simple and straightforward. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised the 3rd day. That's the core of our faith and the message we hear in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Throughout the Scriptures, God has spoken His word of love and mercy. On Easter, He shows us both His power and His love. God Speaks Salvation to all who trust in Him.

We know what happens on the big days like Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday… but what about Saturday. There seems to be a gap in the reporting, an intermission in the midst of an action-packed week. That gap exists for a reason that points us all the way to creation.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we remember that it is easy to miss the point of His arrival. It’s not to be praised as a king, but to die as a criminal so that we would have the forgiveness of our sins.

The 10 Commandments are listed in two places in Scripture: Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. They are almost identical, except for the reasoning behind the 3rd Commandment (in the Lutheran numbering): Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Credit goes to Mark Buchanan and his book, “The Rest of God.”

In this final message on “The Gospel According to Willy Wonka,” we meet the protagonist, Charlie Bucket. Like the rest, Charlie falls into sinful disobedience. Unlike the rest, he responds with a penitent heart.

March 30, 2022 - Looking at Luke 8:16-17, we see a reminder of why God called us to faith and how we can shine God’s truth into the lives of those around us.

We are continuing to walk through the “parable” of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, where we see God’s grace in the midst of our sin. This week, we’ll be looking at Mike TeaVee, the boy obsessed with screens.

Calling on the Name of the LORD is a good and godly thing to do.

March 20, 2022 Sermon - The Gospel According to Willy Wonka: Veruca Salt Guest Preacher: Pastor Jack Schneider

March 16, 2022 - In times of trial and in times of confusion, it is a great comfort to know that our God is bigger and greater than all things. As it tells us in 1 Timothy 6, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.    Books referenced in this devotion:  1. Your God is too Small – J.B. Phillips - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/074325509... 2. The Rest of God – Mark Buchanan - https://smi...

The Gospel According to Willy Wonka: Violet Beauregarde

As we look at Amos 1:2, we know that the prophet compares God to a lion roaring over his domain. Yet we also see God as one who sings over us with joy. As sinners, we certainly hear His roar of judgment; but as saints in Christ, we know He rejoices over us in singing.