FIRST WORDS

Pastor Matt reflects on James chapter 5.

Pastor Matt reflects on the words of Isaiah 11. In the sermon, Matt mentions the 2019 We Raise Leadership awards and a local story about an orphaned oil well in LA. Click here to see that video.

For the First Sunday of Advent, we had a long kids' chat to explain what the ornaments, called Chrismons, on our Christmas tree mean. Consequently, that made for a much shorter sermon reflecting on Matthew's genealogy of Jesus.

Pastor Matt reflects on the crucifixion story from Luke 23.

Pastor Matt reflects on Jesus' teaching from the temple mount in Luke 21.

After our worship service and the sermon "God Comes Down," Sarah Salzberg, who teaches Old Testament at Orange Lutheran High School, shared her reflections on the sermon and some of the dots she connected. If you'd be interested in having Sarah speak at a workshop, conference, retreat or facilitate a Bible Study, you can learn more at http://www.worddelivered.com

Pastor Matt reflects on God coming down in the Torah. This sermon moves quickly through some large stories including the tower of Babel in Genesis 11 and Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18 and 19. If you want to learn more about those two stories, you can check out previous sermon recordings on Genesis 11 (posted 6/8/25) and Genesis 18/19 (posted 7/27/25 & 8/3/25). And Check out the God Comes Do...

Pastor Matt digs into Luke 18 and looks at the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee.

Pastor Matt reflects on 2 Timothy and discuses the wisdom of Scripture.

This week, Pastor Matt takes a look at the militaristic language in 2 Timothy and uses the book of Ruth to present a picture of "fighting" for the Gospel.

Pastor Matt reflects on Habakkuk and how we trust in God even when God doesn't bring about justice as quickly or in the way we may desire.

Pastor Matt reflects on Psalm 146.

Pastor Matt works through Psalm 113.

Pastor Matt reflects on Ezekiel 34 and God's solidarity with creation.

Pastor Matt reflects on Paul's letter to Philemon. The episode also includes congregational reflections so there are sections of the audio that are not loud or clear due to our recording setup, but Matt tries to summarize what people share.

This week we recognize the feast of St. Bartholomew and reflect on the examples of looking up to role models in the faith and the importance of sacrificial living for the sake of others.

Pastor Matt continues to work through the Gospel of Luke chapter 12 and discusses what should be causing divisions.

Pastor Matt reflects on Luke 12 and how our view of God can influence the way we navigate the world.

Pastor Matt does a deep dive on Genesis 19 and discusses Sodom and Gomorrah. Content Warning: This text and message talk about rape and sexual violence.

Pastor Matt reflects on the back half of Genesis 18 and the conversation that Abraham has with God as they look out over Sodom and the nearby cities.

This week rounds out the chapter of Luke 10 as we meditate on the implications of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home.

Pastor Matt, who was recovering from a cold and sounds worse than he was, meditates on the parable of the good Samaritan.

Pastor Matt reflects on the words of Luke 10 and when we should kick dust off our feet.

This week we take a look at 1 Kings 18 and 19 and compare two "mountain top" experiences that Elijah has. A correction for this sermon : Pastor Matt comments that 40 is a symbol for testing motifs, but 40 is actually used in connection with exile motifs. Thank you to Sarah Salzberg for pointing out that mistake.

Pastor Matt reflects on Isaiah 65 and considers why it is a good text to kick off the season of Pentecost.