Crown of Life Lutheran Church

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be using the story of Willy Wonka as a makeshift parable that reveals God’s will, our sin, and how God overcomes it. This Sunday, we’ll look at the character of Augustus Gloop, who was hungry for satisfaction, but always wanted more. We’ll learn where real satisfaction comes from.

March 2, 2022 - We’re taking a look at the solemn and yet important day of Ash Wednesday. Why do we practice this and what’s with the ashes, anyway? In the midst of soot and dirt, we hear the message of our mortality, but also one of God’s love and grace in Jesus.

God gave His disciples an amazing mountaintop experience in the Transfiguration, but they weren’t allowed to stay on the mountain. Likewise, we have great moments of rest, but we are called to the Lord’s service.

February 23, 2022 - As we look at Job, we are reminded that even in the midst of suffering, we have the great hope of the resurrection. We rejoice in Christ’s resurrection, but we also wait expectantly for our own resurrections. Our future is not a spirit floating in the clouds, but to be renewed and made perfect, living how God created us to be.

We welcome Pastor Russ Wiese back to lead us in a discussion on the love of God.

Wordle is a popular online game focusing on 5-letter words. Today, we reveal some of the best words that impact and inform our Christian beliefs.

The Bible is God's story of love and grace through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to stand firm on this Word and to proclaim this message despite the fires that may come. We have this confidence: because of Christ, everything is going to be okay.

There is a 4 Letter "F" Word that we as Lutherans cling to because it offers great assurance that God is the Giver of every good thing.

Throughout history, the Church has gone through stints of leaning towards cold and rigid reverence. Other times, it leans toward a “buddy Jesus” where anything goes. In our text, we are reminded that God is the Ruler of the universe, the Almighty, the King far above us. And yet, in love for us, He invites us into His presence to be forgiven and restored.

February 2, 2022 - In Luke 5, we see Peter catch a ridiculous amount of fish. In John 21, we see the same thing. The difference? In the first, Peter seeks to be distanced from Jesus; in the second, he does everything he can to be near Him. Why? Because Jesus is the forgiver of sin. Special thanks to my professor, Dr. Schmitt. I am honored to be able to continue learning from him, long after my sem...

We are one in Christ, but we are not all built and gifted the same way. It is crucial to remember the difference between unity and uniformity. We are intentionally placed in the Body of Christ to serve in various roles all for the common good and toward the common goal of glorifying the Name of Jesus.

January 26, 2022 - Looking at Psalm 6, we see a prayer of David. As we go through seasons of trial in our lives, we join our voices with his. Though we suffer in this world, we can be confident that the Lord hears and accepts our prayers. He has saved us because of His unfailing love.

Paul proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 12:7 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” While this is true, it is so much more than that. It is the uses of those gifts that God actually unites us as his Body.

In stories and movies, we tend to identify as the main character. Sometimes, we do the same thing with Scripture, making ourselves the protagonists instead of having the Lord as the center of the story. The Bible is not primarily about us; it is about the God who rescues us.

As the Israelites prepare to cross the Red Sea, there is great turmoil and terror. Yet, God comes to their rescue. He is the God who fights for His people… and He still does that today.

As we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, it reminds us of our own Baptisms, where God has washed us clean of sin and calls us His own beloved children.

January 5, 2022 - If you look at the two texts: Matthew 2:6 and Micah 5:2, there’s almost what seems to be a disagreement. One says that Bethlehem is small… even too small, to be a clan in Judah. The other says that Bethlehem is by no means least in Judah. So which is it? Why the difference?  I don’t know, but here’s a thought on it.

The wise men (or magi) are more than just gift-givers. They are representatives of a larger people group who have faith in the Messiah. They are proof that Jesus came not just for the chosen people of the Old Testament, but for all people. They remind us that God’s loving rescue plan includes you and me.

December 29, 2021 - What we see in John 1:16 -17 is that the Law is good for us, but that in Jesus Christ, we have something far better. Instead of just showing us our need, Jesus provides for our need.

Two years of Covid have given us a new appreciation for this old expression as some work from home in "relaxed" garb while others crave the opportunity to get out and celebrate in their finest. Today a modest Mary and Joseph bring the Child to the temple, and we who know Christ get a glimpse of how we look and live, dressed in Him.

The Word Became Flesh: Glory

God Speaks: Incarnation

December 22, 2021 - Looking at Ephesians 4:14 , we see that rather than be blown and buffeted by every wave of teaching, we should stand firm on God's Word.

Jesus left heaven to be with us and to restore us to Himself.

December 15, 2021 - When we hear the story of Christmas, do we react in ho-hum fashion because we’ve heard it before, or are overjoyed liked the shepherds? It’s good to be reverent, but it’s also good to rejoice over the gift that God gives to us.