Prince of Peace

In today's Gospel, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed - it starts tiny and grows into something much bigger and better. Pastor Jonathan today reminds us that the smallest seed of faith planted in a young person can lead to a life in Christ. Similarly, even the smallest act of kindness can be the greatest help to someone in need.

Today's Gospel lesson tells the story of Martha's grief after the death of Lazarus, and her belief that Jesus will raise him 'on the last day.' Lorne explains that when Jesus tells Martha "I AM the resurrection and the life," he is telling her that Love and Life win, not only in the future, but today. We are assured that violence, natural disasters, and illness are not the end of the story, and sh...

Today's Gospel reading includes the story of "The Good Samaritan." Pastor Lorne shows us that, when confronted by similar situations, it is too easy to think "What will happen to me if I help?" as the priest and the Levite did. The better question, as Jesus tries to teach us, is "What will happen to them if I don't help?" To make a difference, "Love and Life Win" must be more than words - they mus...

In today's reading from Galations, Paul makes one of the earliest references to the idea that in Christ all are equal. Pastor Jonathan shows us that, in freeing us from the tyranny of an unjust empire, Thomas Jefferson almost got it right. Almost 250 years later, we have done better, but we still need to strive toward Jesus ideal - not power for some, but equality for all.

Last week, in his letter to the Galatians, Paul describes a world in which there is "no longer Jew, nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female...", words which present the ideal that we are all equal to God. This past week's Pride and Juneteenth celebrations show how important those ideals can be. This week Pastor Jonathan shows us our calling is to take these ideals and translate them into acts o...

People are always seeking to belong a group, but we discover quickly that to be a pert of that group, we need to believe and act as other members of the group before we can be accepted into the group. Jesus shows us that "belonging" should come first - first by the way he gathered his disciples, then by the way he helped the man in today's gospel lesson. Jesus sets the example that we should creat...

Today, Pastor Lorne shares that what makes a teacher great is their excitement in the growth of their students. He shows us that in today's gospel, Jesus is doing just that - preparing his disciples for their future after his ascension. Jesus tells his disciples (and us) about the Holy Spirit, who both comforts and guides us through life.

Today, Pastor Jonathan shows us that the fire of our faith, much like a burning coal, burns brighter as our community grows. As we welcome new members into our community today, we are reminded how much more good we can do in the world as we grow.

Pastor Jonathan and Pastor Lorne sit down to reflect on our Spring Cleaning series while also looking forward to our next sermon series on Building Culture!

In today's gospel, we hear those words uttered by the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the same words we use so often in the midst of unexpected grief. Many Christians want to respond to those situations with words of comfort and resurrection. Pastor Lorne show us that Jesus sets an example on the way to Emmaus: often times the best thing to do is just to be present.

Shame is that emotion that we fee when we know we've made a mistake, and if we let that shame linger it can become toxic. In today's Gospel, Peter is feeling that shame after having denied Jesus. Pastor Jonathan shows us that Jesus, by asking Peter to "Feed my Lambs," has destroyed the need for shame. Our shame need not become toxic, because we are forgiven.

Even after the disciples learn of Jesus' resurrection, today's gospel tells us that they went back to fishing, thinking that they needed to provide for themselves. Pastor Jonathan reminds us today that just as Jesus provided the disciples the fish that they could not catch for themselves, God will provide for us all that we need.

Pastors Jonathan and Lorne sit down to talk about cynicism and some practical ways to most beyond pervasive negativity.

Today's Gospel is the story we usually call "Doubting Thomas." Pastor Lorne reminds us in his message that our doubts, like our physical wounds, are nothin to be ashamed of - not only can they be healed, but we become stronger.

Spring Cleaning: A conversation with Pastor Jonathan & Lorne by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - Loveland, OH

"Do not be afraid" is a phrase that appears in the bible over 300 times. Today, Pastor Lorne explains that "feeling afraid" is a normal human response to uncertainty - even Jesus felt afraid when faced with his crucifixion. However, "being afraid," or living afraid, can prevent us from living the life God has in mind for us. "Do not be afraid" is God's reminder that he takes each step with us, eve...

It is normal for us, as humans, to hold on tightly to what we know, just as Mary held on to the knowledge that Jesus was dead. But as Pastor Jonathan reminds us this morning, Jesus' resurrection is God's invitation to us to let go of the past, to put aside what we "know" to be true, and embrace what God has in store for us.

Christ is Risen! This morning, Pastor Lorne show us that in the midst of rough time in our lives, the good news can be hard to believe. But by forgiving others, being a servant, and being generous, we can not only help other experience the Resurrection, but we can feel and believe it ourselves.

Jesus, in his final days, conferred his last commandment to his disciples. "Love one another..." is a directive that sounds so simple, and yet we find it so much harder to do than the original commandments. But Jesus gives us the path to follow as he washes his disciples feet. "Love one another, as I have loved you."

Today's Palm Sunday lesson recounts Jesus' preparation and the events that lean to his crucifixion and resurrection. Pastor Jonathan asks us to consider what our preparation for Easter looks like. Are we busy with decorations and meal planning like Martha? Or are we kneeling in devotion to the wonder of God, and the power if His love over death and destructive forces of this world?

Pastors Jonathan and Lorne sit down for a conversation about abundance.

Today's Gospel tells the story of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, while Judas complains that there are better uses for the perfume. Pastor Lorne shows us that Mary has learned the lesson Jesus tries to teach throughout his ministry: in the midst of uncertainty, share what you have with others, knowing that God will make sure we have what we need.

In this week's conversation, Jonathan and Lorne discuss grace as a free gift from God. Is it really better to give than receive?

Today's Gospel lesson is the "scandalous" story of the Prodigal Son. Pastor Lorne Shows us how the grace shown by the father in this story, like the grace show to us by God, isn't about justice or fairness, but about love. Our challenge is to get over the righteous indignation of the older brother and show the same grace to others.

How do we cultivate patience in our lives? Pastor Lorne and Pastor Jonathan sit down this week to discuss how we can grow in patience while in seasons of waiting.