Podcasts by 1 Thing Matters

Prepare to Meet Him (2 Peter 3:8-14) from 2023-12-10T20:09:29

The Bible teaches that King Jesus is the Son of God in flesh and the only hope for salvation. Jesus himself claimed that he is the only way into the glorious kingdom of heaven. You do not approa...

He Is Coming to Save Us (Mark 11:1-10) from 2023-12-04T00:17:50

Rulers plan and administrate and govern. They typically do not save. If your house is on fire, it will not be the mayor who shows up to save you from the flames. If America were attacked, the Pr...

Our Shepherd King Secures His Scattered Flock (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 23-24) from 2023-11-26T20:11:20

It’s been said that if you want a job done right, then do it yourself. This may be more true in some areas than others, depending on the scale and expectations of the task at hand. 

<...

A Time for Faithful Service (Matthew 25:14-30) from 2023-11-20T04:55:07

As we wait for Jesus Christ to return, we are not to be sedentary. The reason Jesus has not yet returned is that he still has work to do - and he carries out that good work through us, his Church. ...

A Time for Watchfulness (Matthew 25:1-13) from 2023-11-12T19:44:55

Imagine you are planning to take the family out to dinner. You all have to wait on someone to get ready. Minute after minute passes. What can happen in that situation? It is easy to focus on someth...

A Time to Focus on Future Glory (Revelation 7:9-17) from 2023-11-05T20:24:15

Childbearing is an excruciating process. Yet each day countless women, wanting a baby, willingly become pregnant. Pain can be endured if we know it is temporary and that happier times come immed...

A Time for Steadfast Faith (Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23) from 2023-10-29T18:51:08

Jesus told his followers, “You will be hated by everyone because of me” (Matthew 10:22). Even centuries before Jesus ever said it, Daniel experienced that hatred over his worship of the true God. S...

A Story of Liberal & Lavish Invitation (Matthew 22:1-14) from 2023-10-15T22:41:38

There are invitations we might be tempted to reject: an invitation to an event you are not interested in, an invitation to a party that takes place at the same time as something else you want to...

A Story of A Determined Harvester (Matthew 21:33-43) from 2023-10-08T20:39:17

“Foolish” might be how we’d initially describe the person who repeats the same behavior and expects to get a different outcome. “Reckless” might be another description if that repeated behavior ...

A Story of Spiritual Insincerity (Matthew 21:23-32) from 2023-10-01T22:00:29

You have maybe heard the accusation or perhaps even made it yourself: “He’s so fake!” That charge claims someone’s friendliness or kindness is a sham. Such insincerity bothers us. We would generall...

A Story of Faultless Fairness (Matthew 20:1-16) from 2023-09-24T18:36:11

Give a single bag of M&Ms to two four-year-olds and tell them to share. You will witness counting done with accountant-like precision. Each child will get an equal amount of candy because th...

A Quick-to-Forgive Church (Genesis 50:15-21) from 2023-09-17T20:42:30

“Pay it forward.” That phrase means that when someone does something for you, instead of paying that person back directly, you pass along kindness to another person instead. Doing something kind...

The Church Says Hard Things (Galatians 2:11-16) from 2023-09-10T18:19:24

Imagine, late one night, you notice the house across the street is on fire. You see no activity inside. You say to yourself, “Pounding on the door in the middle of the night might scare the fami...

A Self< Church (Matthew 16:21-26) from 2023-09-03T19:57:11

“Be true to yourself, no matter what.” This is the encouragement the world provides. Along with it? An emphasis on the importance of self-discovery, self-image, self-love, self-esteem, self-acce...

The Church Clings to Christ (Exodus 34:5-9) from 2023-08-27T19:04:59

Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Make no mistake. That is the most important question in the world. And it is a question every human must answer. A complimentary answer can still be dead...

Church Is for Everyone (Matthew 15:21-28) from 2023-08-20T19:29:49

“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Historically, it rarely is true. In the gospels, the average Jewish person would have thought it odd, even offensive, if someone who wasn’t an Isra...

Refocusing Faith (Matthew 14:22-33) from 2023-08-13T18:42:57

Wherever faith clings to the promises of God, doubt, deception, and/or distraction linger in the back of our minds in some capacity. When they flare up and attempt to smoke out our faith, we eas...

Don’t Doubt During the Drought (1 Kings 17:1-6) from 2023-08-06T18:46:31

The hardest times to trust in God are the times we need him most. It’s easy to trust God when your job is great, your health is fine, your relationships are strong, your family is well. It’s eas...

Wealth That’s Worth It (Matthew 13:44-52) from 2023-07-30T18:25:10

What do you consider your life’s priorities? If you made a list, what would be near the top? Faith, family, and friends would probably head the lists of many. Financial security and health would be...

Wheat, Weeds, and the Word (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) from 2023-07-25T14:15:34

The wheat that grows in the Middle East is a variety that looks much like wild grass or weeds. It is difficult to tell wheat and weeds apart until shortly before harvest time, when the wheat sta...

Word Grown (Isaiah 55:6-11) from 2023-07-18T15:22:20

Planting seed by hand can seem magical. In your hand the seed looks insignificant and lifeless. Yet you put the seed into the soil, and the natural process of life begins. All by itself, the see...

Rest, Assured (Matthew 11:25-30) from 2023-07-16T23:59:08

Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that after 36 hours without sleep, most people will experience extreme fatigue and hormonal imbalances, resulting in decreased attention, poor decisions, an...

Who Am I? (Exodus 3:1-15) from 2023-06-11T18:27:21

They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how, in a fit of anger, he killed a man. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God, overseeing the persecution and execution of Chri...

Loved, to Live What You Learn(ed) (2 Corinthians 13:11-14) from 2023-06-04T22:23:55

Already in the very first chapter of the Bible we read, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image…” (Genesis 1:26). Note the singular “God” and the plural “us.” Scripture teaches us that...

Faith Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:3-11) from 2023-05-28T19:21:52

Fifty days after the Passover, God’s Old Testament people celebrated Pentecost (Greek for “fifty”). Pentecost commemorated the gathering of the harvest and was also used to remember the giving o...

Making the Unknown Known (Acts 17:22-31) from 2023-05-14T18:36

They may serve up some amazing food at the new restaurant near you, but you’d never know if you never heard about it. The series that just started streaming may be the best thing you’ve ever wat...

This Is the Way (John 14:1-11)  from 2023-05-07T22:37:46

The gospel is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are meant for every man, woman, and child who ever lived. 

Th...

Dealing with Doubt (John 20:19-31)  from 2023-04-30T19:28:44

Thomas had been taught and trained by Christ himself. He heard Jesus predict his death and resurrection. Yet, even after hearing the eyewitness testimony of friends, who all saw the resurrected ...

Hope Restored (Luke 24:13-35) from 2023-04-26T14:21:02

Imagine someone you love is near death. Their only hope of survival is a risky brain surgery, one so complicated that only one surgeon in the state will attempt it. The surgery is scheduled. But...

The Conquering King Lives! (John 20:1-18) from 2023-04-09T19:47:22

Walk through a cemetery at dusk. What do you feel? Is it sadness as you think of loved ones now gone? Is it fear as you sense that it will not be long before you too are buried deep in the groun...

The Conquering King Arrives (Matthew 21:1-11) from 2023-04-02T18:26:30

Pick any head of state: the president, a prime minister, a king. Hopefully, they care about the people over whom they have authority. But even if they care, they live and operate above the peopl...

“Life for the Dead” (2 Kings 4:17-37) from 2023-03-26T21:23:03

The author and poet George Eliot once wrote, “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.” The Roman philosopher Cicero said much the same. He wrote, “The life of th...

“Sight for the Blind” (John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39) from 2023-03-19T19:24:37

The Old Testament said that restoration of sight to the blind was one of the works of the Messiah. In his ministry, Jesus healed those who were physically blind. But even if our eyes work just f...

Hope for the Suffering (Romans 5:1-8) from 2023-03-12T18:28:08

What is our greatest need in the face of suffering? Our initial response might be, “relief.” After all, when dealing with suffering in some capacity, what do our initial prayers for others or fo...

Entry for the Excluded (John 3:1-17) from 2023-03-05T19:40:18

What do we need more than anything else? We need a pass. Permission. Access. We need a way to get in with God. Since God’s holiness keeps unholy sinners on the outside looking in, we don’t stand...

A Champion for the Defeated (Matthew 4:1-11) from 2023-02-26T19:26:45

Our modern English word “champion” comes from an old English word that meant “warrior.” In ancient times, when two armies gathered to fight, sometimes as a prelude to the battle—and sometimes in...

Pay Attention! (2 Peter 1:16-21) from 2023-02-19T19:37:12

Jesus grabbed the attention of Peter, James, and John on top of a high mountain when he was transfigured - changed - right before their eyes, revealing himself to be much more than a normal man....

Live Holy Lives (Matthew 5:21-37) from 2023-02-12T20:10:26

The word “holy” comes from an Old English word, “halig” which means “whole” or “healthy.” We have a holy God. He wants us to live a holy life, one that is wholly dedicated to him, one that is sp...

Make the World Better & Brighter (Matthew 5:13-20) from 2023-02-05T19:08:50

Jesus made the world. Jesus made you.

Sin marred the world. Sin marred you.

But Jesus is better. He redeemed the world. He redeemed you - and he redeemed you to make the world bett...

Living in the Here and Now of Heaven (Matthew 5:1-12) from 2023-01-29T19:39:33

Pay attention the next time someone shares some good news and follows it up with, “I am so blessed.” Are they referring to spiritual blessings? Probably not. When we consider how blessed we are,...

Jesus Appears As the Light for and through Us (1 John 2:3-11) from 2023-01-22T20:33:57

The prophet Isaiah vividly described humanity as “people walking in darkness.” We are completely enveloped by sin and suffering and death. Worse, when we honestly assess the content of our minds...

Jesus Appears as the Lamb of God (John 1:29-41) from 2023-01-15T19:45:34

For centuries the priests of Israel offered sacrifices to God for sin. Over and over blood flowed, testifying that the penalty of sin was death. But over and over a substitute stood in the place...

A Savior Born to Act (Isaiah 63:7-9) from 2023-01-01T19:16

As our celebration of Christmas winds down and we head into a new year, we look back on the past year and see a trail of broken promises - both to ourselves and to others. We said we were going ...

A Savior Born to Change the World (Luke 2:1-20) from 2022-12-25T15:59:59

Families cherish their Christmas traditions. Year after year, they decorate the tree with the same ornaments, play the same music, bake the same Christmas cookies. Without asking, family members...

“Come, Lord Jesus! - As Immanuel” (Matthew 1:18-25) from 2022-12-18T23:24:42

We want control. We want to be able to determine the outcome. We want to be able to follow the prescribed set of rules so that everything works out the way that it should.

But then it doe...

“Come, Lord Jesus! - As Messiah” (James 5:7-11) from 2022-12-11T19:35:53

The Messiah who came at Christmas will return on the Last Day. How do we wait for him? Patiently. But patient waiting is not passive waiting. Patient waiting expresses itself in a confidence dis...

“Come, Lord Jesus! - As Judge” (Isaiah 11:1-10) from 2022-12-04T21:30:45

No one wants to be judged. Being judged is a deflating experience. Our culture has made that clear by how it treats anyone it sniffs out as being judgmental. It’s perceived to be about one of th...

“A King Who Comes to You” (Matthew 21:1-11) from 2022-11-27T20:06:48

It is an odd sight, this man riding into Jerusalem on a baby donkey, to cheers and the celebratory waving of palm branches. Understandably, many asked, “Who is this?” The answer: This is not jus...

“A King for Others” (Luke 23:35-43) from 2022-11-20T22:52:48

When the Israelites clamored for a king, yearning to be like all the other nations of the world, God warned them. Their desire for an earthly king was a rejection of the Lord as their leader. It...

“Make Up Your Mind” (Luke 21:5-19) from 2022-11-13T19:23:02

Jesus will return again on the Last Day. That day will be a day of judgment - his. His judgment will not be based on popularity or performance. It will not be determined by good intentions or ba...

“Truth that Truly Frees” (John 8:31-36) from 2022-10-30T18:44:20

Jesus’ words, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” are commonly quoted by anyone searching for any truth today. While many in the world take these words and misapply ...

“Asking - and Answering - the Question That Matters Most” (Luke 18:18-30) from 2022-10-23T22:20:29

Each new week sees fresh news headlines, but many continue to ask the same question: why? Why does God allow it all to happen? If he promises to work good through all things, where is the good? ...

Work with What You’ve Got (Luke 17:1-10) from 2022-10-02T21:32:52

“You have to learn to walk before you run.” The expression serves to highlight the importance of starting with the basics before we move on to the more complex. We don’t start out with graduate ...

What “Matters” in This Life Doesn't in the Next (Hebrews 13:1-6) from 2022-09-25T18:19:06

"HARD TRUTH" Series

While money and possessions matter in this life, they cannot bring true happiness and fulfillment. In fact, they often bring the opposite of what they promise to deliv...

Serve God WITH Money, But Not God AND Money (Ecclesiastes 5:10-20) from 2022-09-18T19:00:01

'HARD TRUTH" Series

There are more than 2300 Bible passages that speak about money. Why? Money is a master Satan frequently tempts us to serve. And that evil foe knows how successfully he...

The Found are Left; The Lost are Found (Luke 15:1-10) from 2022-09-04T18:27:54

"HARD TRUTH" Series

“He’s lost.” We use that term not only to refer to someone who is bewildered about where they are but also to refer to someone who is in a helpless, hopeless state. Ma...

The Humble Will Be Exalted; The Exalted Will Be Humbled (Luke 14:1, 7-14) from 2022-08-28T18:22:31

"HARD TRUTH" Series

Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we...

The First Will Be Last; The Last Will Be First (Luke 13:22-30) from 2022-08-21T19:39:18

"HARD TRUTH" Series

When it comes to the difficult and uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to d...

We Want Peace, But God’s Word Divides (Luke 12:49-53) from 2022-08-14T18:00:22

"HARD TRUTH" Series

Ask others and you’ll find that most people want peace, but they want it on their terms and as they define it. That is well and good, that is, until someone else comes...

Focused Prayer (Genesis 18:20-32) from 2022-08-07T18:49:06

In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are frustrated so we vent. We are blessed so we give thanks. So we sometimes define prayer as “speaking to ...

Focused Finances (Luke 12:13-21) from 2022-08-02T22:55:19

Jesus wants focused followers. However, one of the things that can most easily get in the way of our focus is our earthly possessions. It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus’ words so frequent...

Focused Friendship (Ruth 1:1-19a) from 2022-07-10T17:25:41

Today, Jesus teaches us that he has set us free to live a life focused on serving others. No matter the neighbor and no matter his need, we are free to act in ways that often seem senseless. We are...

Ministry (1 Peter 5:1-4) from 2022-07-04T00:20:57

"God's Words Possess God's Power" Series

Jesus not only gives us his powerful Word, but also pastors who proclaim it. Those entrusted with the care of Jesus' flock are expected to shepher...

Commitment (Luke 9:51-62) from 2022-06-26T22:20:02

"God's Words Possess God's Power" Series

There are different types of followers: the half-hearted versus the committed. Jesus is uninterested in half-hearted followers who sho...

Freedom (Luke 8:26-39) from 2022-06-19T22:24:48

"God's Words Possess God's Power" Series

We are born into this world on the side of the evil one. Unless and until God intervenes, we are enslaved to Satan and bent only toward sin. But G...

Scattering & Gathering (Genesis 11:1-9) from 2022-06-05T23:01:40

Even after Jesus had gone up into heaven, he still did what he does best: kept his promise! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the fulfillment of Jesus’ parting gift and promise ...

Victorious Over Meaninglessness (Luke 24:44-53) from 2022-05-31T14:03:53

We want to make a difference. We want to serve a purpose. Without purpose, life seems meaningless, and we can feel as if we’re just in the way and taking up space. But purpose can breathe life i...

Victorious Over Grief (John 16:16-24) from 2022-05-22T22:34:35

“This, too, shall pass.” There is a measure of comfort in knowing that seasons of grief will eventually pass. However, that comfort can be rather short-lived when we are suddenly slammed with th...

Victorious Over Lovelessness (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) from 2022-05-15T21:14:14

We love love. We love being in love and even love the idea of being in love. We love certain foods, clothes, celebrities, music, cars, teams, etc. - we could go on and on listing all th...

Victorious Over Falling (John 10:22-30) from 2022-05-08T23:04:16

It could result in serious injury or death for a rock climber. It would dock the figure skater’s score. Falling can have disastrous consequences. But falling from faith would be even more devast...

Victorious Over Failure (John 21:1-14) from 2022-05-01T23:16:38

We all fail. We all are well aware of our failures, and if we’re not, others will all too often remind us of them! But failings and failures from our past do not define us. We are not f...

Victorious Over Suffering (Revelation 1:9-18) from 2022-04-24T23:47:27

Easter Sunday has come and gone, the grind continues, and life goes on. If Jesus’ resurrection is such a big deal, why does it feel as if not much has changed? Struggles have not disappeared for...

Defeated (Luke 24:1-12) from 2022-04-17T18:10:39

Defeated. It’s one thing to experience it when your team is on the losing end of the big game. It’s another to feel it consistently in life. When the hits keep coming, one after the other, when ...

His Humility, Our Hope (Philippians 2:5-11) from 2022-04-11T05:22:17

The events of Palm Sunday might not seem pivotal to our salvation. Christ sheds no blood on this day. However, Palm Sunday sets the tone for all of Holy Week. It perfectly illustrates that Jesus...

Crushing Rejection (Luke 20:9-19) from 2022-04-03T22:56:49

Athletes, authors, and academics all have something in common: they’ve all been rejected. We all have. While no one enjoys it, rejection is something we’ve all experienced in multiple ways throu...

Crushing Condemnation (Romans 8:1-10) from 2022-03-27T22:36:35

Judgment is all around us. We judge others. They judge us. We judge ourselves. Along with so much judgment - justified or not - comes the crushing weight of condemnation. How do we deal with suc...

His Faithfulness Crushes Self-Security (1 Corinthians 10:1-13) from 2022-03-20T23:50:40

It is easy for us to feel confident. We look at our track record of mostly good deeds (or at least better than others) and feel pretty good about ourselves. Or, we look at the good direction our...

Shortcuts Crushed by Determination (Luke 13:31-35) from 2022-03-13T23:09:05

Last week at the start of our “Crushed” series, we talked about temptation. This week we see what is at the center of every temptation: promise of a shortcut to glory. Even in a world as sharply...

Crushing Temptation (Hebrews 4:14-16) from 2022-03-06T23:43:09

The blow that comes as a result of a devastating loss, the defeat of personal failure, the despondency felt from guilt or anxiety or depression - these can all crush us emotionally. In a broken ...

Visibly Hidden (Luke 9:28-36) from 2022-02-27T20:48:10

As the season of Epiphany ends with Transfiguration Sunday, we are presented with another paradox. For God's glory to be revealed, it actually must be covered. God's glory needed to be hidden in...

Loving Hate (Luke 6:27-38) from 2022-02-20T19:40:49

Last week we saw the paradoxical relationship between weakness and strength in Christ's kingdom. This week we see how Christ would have us react to those who wrong us or oppose us. Jesus asks us...

Strong Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7b-10) from 2022-02-14T14:38:46

A paradox is defined as "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true.” The wise individual...

Messengers Uncovered (Luke 5:1-11) from 2022-02-07T12:27:42

It does not surprise us that from the beginning of his ministry Jesus demonstrated his commitment to proclaiming good news of the kingdom of God, regardless of whether people rejected his messag...

Agenda Uncovered (Luke 4:38-44) from 2022-01-30T20:05:27

When our message is rejected, as last week reminded us is often the case, it is natural to equate that rejection with failure. How do we respond? Do we give in to the temptation to alter the messag...

Reception Uncovered (Luke 4:16-30) from 2022-01-23T22:20:43

When one proclaims God's Word, typically the intentions are good. We want others to know the joy of salvation and the love of Christ. Therefore, it can be surprising to us when God's Word is met...

Delight Uncovered (John 2:1-11) from 2022-01-16T19:40:40

Are the pursuit of God and the pursuit of pleasure two separate paths? Many make that assumption—that life with Jesus is a boring, sterile experience. They are dead wrong. Jesus came to undo eve...

Anointing Uncovered (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22) from 2022-01-09T20:16:26

Our sight tends to be the sense we trust most. We say we will believe something when we see it. That presents a problem when it comes to the work of God. So often what our eye sees differs from ...

Substitute (Luke 2:41-52) from 2022-01-02T20:37:08

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Already as a child, Jesus' saving work had begun. His entire life, he served as our substitute, perfectly obeying God's Law. Just think of how we often neglect the stu...

Redeemer (Galatians 4:4-7) from 2021-12-31T18:00

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

The ability to appreciate Christmas is directly proportional to the understanding of whom Christmas is for. Christmas is only meant for those who are held captive by o...

Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-7) CHRISTMAS EVE from 2021-12-30T17:09:35

There is something that sets the Christ child apart from all others. It is not simply his humble beginnings, with a cattle trough as his first cradle. It is not just the miraculous nature of his...

He Lifts Up the Humbled (Luke 1:39-55) from 2021-12-19T19:42:59

By this time of the holiday season, people are often weighed down. They feel guilty about presents that are not perfect, or parties that did not go as planned, or year-end projects that did not ...

He Humbles My Enemies (Zephaniah 3:14-17) from 2021-12-12T20:23:29

Last week we saw that the Lord sends messengers to call us to repentance. This week we learn that those who refuse to heed that call to humble themselves will be humbled anyway. The Lord who onc...

He Humbles Me (Luke 3:1-6) from 2021-12-05T19:40:22

People tend to feel a lot of pressure this time of year. We want to stay on top of our family traditions. We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with t...

He Humbled Himself (Luke 19:28-40) from 2021-11-28T19:35:59

Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent (which marks the beginning of a new church year!) and the start of our Humble Expectations series. The word Advent means “comi...

A Good Reason for Thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:34-36) from 2021-11-25T06:22:19

“Give thanks to the Lord…” but why? There are many reasons, but here are two of the greatest: 1) He is good, and 2) His love endures forever.

Now What Shall I Do? (Luke 16:1-15) from 2021-11-22T01:30:30

God’s Word encourages us to use all of the financial gifts God has given us with an eye on our purpose.

Our challenge this week will focus on living shrewdly with the blessings a...

Eating with Sinners (Matthew 9:9-13) from 2021-11-14T19:29:31

This week, we look at the God-lived life as one that opens our lives to others. As we invite people into our lives and our homes, God gives us opportunities to share Jesus as we build r...

Jesus Makes Us Loving Neighbors (Luke 10:25-37) from 2021-11-07T19:46:47

This week, the particular focus of the God-lived life is a life lived for others, a life of generosity. God allows us the opportunity to serve and love one another, especially those who...

A God-Lived Life is One that Craves the Word (1 Peter 1:22-2:3) from 2021-10-31T19:29:32

This week, the particular focus of the God-lived life is that of being a disciple, a learner, one who grows in God’s Word. May God’s Word cause us to crave that pure spiritual milk so that by it...

Heaven Is… A Great Banquet for Everyone (Luke 14:15-24) from 2021-10-24T18:34:58

What is the room capacity in heaven? How many will be there? Many of the Bible’s descriptions of heaven include some imagery of food and feasting - will heaven be an endless buffet or are those ...

Heaven Is… Coming (Matthew 25:31-46) from 2021-10-17T18:09:02

There are many things we look forward to. In fact, it is often the anticipation of some future experience that excites us as much or more than the experience itself! Heaven, though, will be diff...

Apologize (1 Peter 3:13-16) from 2021-10-10T18:36:31

The Word of God works. But what do we do when others are not interested in hearing it? We apologize - defend - our faith. While reason takes a back seat to faith, that doesn’t mean the Christian...

Always (Psalm 34:1-8) from 2021-10-03T18:06:55

As we become better at listening to others, opportunities for us to witness will increase. However, those occasions are more likely to occur rather sporadically than they are to be scheduled ahe...

Witness (Acts 1:1-8) from 2021-09-27T11:24:34

A witness providing testimony in a court of law isn’t required to be an expert. Such a witness merely testifies about what has been seen and heard. It isn’t any more complicated than that when i...

Listen (James 1:16-20) from 2021-09-19T18:08:14

Just about everyone today has something to say. Everyone wants to be heard. Few, however, are all that interested in listening. The result? Listeners are in high demand. That means an open door ...

Equipped to Escape (Ephesians 6:10-18) from 2021-09-12T19:26:58

Getting out of the rut of chasing after other empty escapes is not easy on our own. The good news? We aren’t on our own. We have the power and strength at our disposal to overcome. But that powe...

Escape from Escaping (1 Peter 5:6-11) from 2021-09-05T19:01:09

No one would doubt that technology has provided us with many blessings. However, many of those blessings can also double as doorways by which we tune out the world. When such things serve as an ...

Escape from Chasing Status and Success (Daniel 6:1-23) from 2021-08-29T20:26:27

Inside each of us is the desire to be known and appreciated. We seek significance. If we’re not careful, that can drive us to value our self-worth heavily on the basis of what others think of us. W...

Escape from Sexual Immorality (1 Samuel 11:1-15, 26-27) from 2021-08-22T18:44:50

Once a gift is received, there isn’t really any guarantee that gift will be used the way the giver intended. It is now up to the recipient to determine how or if he wants to use that gift. This ...

Escape from Consumerism (1 Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19) from 2021-08-15T18:37:51

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17). God has indeed lavished us with gifts! However, what happens when we allow those ve...

Escape from Chemical Dependency (Proverbs 23:29-35) from 2021-08-08T17:49:07

You don't have to be an alcoholic. You don't have to be an addict. The truth is, any one of us can have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs (whether legal or not). But how can we tel...

"Don't Lose Sight of the Source of Your Strength (Samson)" (Judges 13-16) from 2021-08-01T20:13:30

Achievement and success so easily become “ours,” don’t they? The more hard work and effort we put into something, the more natural it is for us to overlook the true source of our success: the Lo...

“Rescued by a Reject (Jephthah)” (Judges 11) from 2021-07-25T18:03:48

The same individual or group who previously dismissed you or rejected you now needs you. Do you help? Do you come to their aid? Jephthah was in a similar situation. He wasn’t the only one. So wa...

“When God’s Not Part of the Plan (Abimelech)” (Judges 9) from 2021-07-18T21:28:44

We all make plans - some better than others. Sometimes we formulate and carry out our plans to near perfection and other times things seem to start to unravel right out of the gates. While some ...

“God Can Do a Lot with a Little” (Judges 6:33-7:25) from 2021-07-11T17:32:12

You may not feel particularly special. You may have convinced yourself that God is very selective with the people in whose lives he chooses to operate and make an impact. You think that God only...

“God’s Promises Don’t Need to Be Propped Up” (Judges 4) from 2021-07-04T22:27:07

Maybe it’s only been recently. Maybe it’s been your whole life. We get spiritually stuck. Progress suddenly slows or comes to a complete stop. Perhaps we backslide or stumble mightily in sin. Th...

Deficient Dads Make Faithful Fathers from 2021-06-20T07:38:02

If you’re a #dad, Father’s Day might be a mixed bag. Your wife and children might do something special to express their appreciation. At the same time, a day set apart to recognize your role as ...

Greatness, Gratitude, and the Great Commission from 2021-06-13T08:00

If God is so great, then why does he need us to #glorify him? Is he that full of himself? Does he actually struggle with insecurity? Truthfully, God does not need us to give him #glory. He doesn...

Grace Generates Generous Giving from 2021-06-06T11:52:02

“All the church cares about is #money.” Maybe you’ve heard it. Maybe you believe it. Financial giving is a struggle for many. Why are some able to give so generously while others struggle to giv...

Bearing Crosses Bears Blessings from 2021-05-30T07:00

Jesus described characteristics that apply to his #disciples. They will hold to his teachings, love others, and bear fruit, to name a few. But as challenging as any of them is Jesus’ call to bea...

Consumer or Contributor? from 2021-05-23T07:00

When God called you to faith in Jesus, he made you a part of something big: his body, the #Church. As a member of the body, each part is uniquely #gifted. That means YOU are uniquely gifted. And...

The Solution to Violence (May 16, 2021 sermon - Luke 10:25-37) from 2021-05-16T07:00

#Violence is everywhere. #Conflict and war, shootings, assaults, oppression - these all flood our newsfeed daily. What is wrong with our world? Has the #GoldenRule become outdated? When will we ...

Summer Vocation series: "God Calls Me a Dedicated Mom" (1 Samuel 1:21-28) from 2021-05-09T07:00

God calls everyone to various roles in life. As a matter of fact, everyone from young to old has multiple roles. He gifts us in unique ways to carry out those roles. In each of ...

“Help Me See… that God Keeps His Promises” (Luke 24:13-35) from 2021-05-02T07:00

Fear, shame, and sadness. Those are just a few of the emotions and thoughts that were going through the hearts and minds of the disciples after Jesus was crucified. 2000 years later, these are s...

“Help Me See… that I Have a Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-18) from 2021-04-25T07:00

Fear, shame, and sadness. Those are just a few of the emotions and thoughts that were going through the hearts and minds of the disciples after Jesus was crucified. 2000 years later, these are s...

“Help Me See… that I Have Purpose” (John 21:15-25) from 2021-04-18T07:00

Fear, shame, and sadness. Those are just a few of the emotions and thoughts that were going through the hearts and minds of the disciples after Jesus was crucified. 2000 years later, these are s...

“Help Me See… that My Doubts are Unfounded” (John 20:24-29) from 2021-04-12T20:40:23

Fear, shame, and sadness. Those are just a few of the emotions and thoughts that were going through the hearts and minds of the disciples after Jesus was crucified. 2000 years later, these are s...

“Help Me See… that I Don’t Have to Be Afraid” (John 20:1-18) from 2021-04-04T12:07:01

Fear, shame, and sadness. Those are just a few of the emotions and thoughts that were going through the hearts and minds of the disciples after Jesus was crucified. 2000 years later, these are s...

"Habits of His Grace: Humility" (Mark 11:1-10) from 2021-03-28T07:00

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

"Habits of His Grace: Forgiveness" (Luke 7:36-50) from 2021-03-21T07:00

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

"Habits of His Grace: Patience" (Luke 13:6-9) from 2021-03-14T08:00

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

"Habits of His Grace: Compassion" (Luke 13:31-35) from 2021-03-07T08:00

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

"Habits of His Grace: Determination" (Mark 8:31-38) from 2021-02-28T08:00

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

“Habits of His Grace: Faithfulness” (Mark 1:12-15) from 2021-02-21T13:26:09

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves an...

"Jesus, the Savior We Want or Need?" Part 2 (Mark 9:2-9) from 2021-02-14T08:00

We’re not always so good at distinguishing between wants and needs. We are quite good even at convincing ourselves that a want is really a need. If we aren’t careful, that same mindset can begin...

"Jesus, the Savior We Want or Need?" (Mark 1:29-39) from 2021-02-07T08:00

We’re not always so good at distinguishing between wants and needs. We are quite good even at convincing ourselves that a want is really a need. If we aren’t careful, that same mindset can begin...

Bounce Back to His Name (Mark 1:21-28) from 2021-01-31T08:00

What do others think of us? Do we have a good reputation? Is our name respected? It may very well be, but not even a good name is enough to guarantee that we’ll be OK when life isn’t.

At ...

Bounce Back to Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21) from 2021-01-24T08:00

It would be more than enough for God to breathe life into us through hearing and believing his Word. That alone is priceless. But that wasn’t good enough for God. He went a step further and prov...

Bounce Back to Witness (John 1:43-51) from 2021-01-17T08:00

Our identity is solidified as we bounce back to the Word and to our baptism. They are our anchor when it comes to being OK when life isn’t. One would expect that the more confident we are with o...

Bounce Back to your Baptism (Mark 1:4-11) from 2021-01-10T08:00

2020 was a tough year, but is there any guarantee that 2021 will be any better? No, there isn't. Is there a way though, that we can turn a setback into a comeback? Can we bounce back from last y...

Bounce Back to the Word (John 7:40-43) from 2021-01-03T14:04:14

2020 was a tough year, but is there any guarantee that 2021 will be any better? No, there isn't. Is there a way though, that we can turn a setback into a comeback? Can we bounce back from last y...

"Looking Forward as We Look Back at the Mess" (Psalm 96) from 2020-12-27T08:00

This year has been a mess in so many ways. Our Advent/Christmas series, "Christmess," has allowed us not only to acknowledge and embrace the mess, but to rejoice all the more that it was th...

"Hope When Others Want to Mess You Up" (Matthew 2:1-18) from 2020-12-20T08:00

This year has been a mess in so many ways. Our Advent/Christmas series, "Christmess," allows us not only to acknowledge and embrace the mess, but to rejoice all the more that it was this ve...

"Hope for Messed-up Plans" (Matthew 1:18-24) from 2020-12-13T08:02:54

This year has been a mess in so many ways. Our Advent/Christmas series, "Christmess," allows us not only to acknowledge and embrace the mess, but to rejoice all the more that it was this ve...

"Hope for Messed-up People" (Matthew 1:1-17) from 2020-12-06T17:00

This year has been a mess in so many ways. Our Advent/Christmas series, "Christmess," allows us not only to acknowledge and embrace the mess, but rejoice all the more that it was this very ...

"Hope in a Messed-up World (Matthew 24:1-14) from 2020-11-29T16:00

This year has been a mess in so many ways. Today we begin our Advent/Christmas series, "Christmess," which will allow us not only to acknowledge and embrace the mess, but rejoice all the mo...

"Free! - to Be Ruled" (Matthew 27:27-31) from 2020-11-22T08:00

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or ag...

"Free! - to Face Death" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) from 2020-11-15T08:00

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or ag...

"Free! - to Face Judgment" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) from 2020-11-08T13:18:41

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever i...

"Free!" (Galatians 5:1-6) from 2020-11-01T13:42:58

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology...

Parables of Jesus: “Divine Dress Code” (Matthew 22:1-14) from 2020-10-25T07:00:02

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are. 

The best...

Parables of Jesus: "Searching for Fruit" (Matthew 21:33-43) from 2020-10-18T08:00

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.

A vineyard is planted for ...

Parables of Jesus: "A Story of Sons, Sorrow, and Salvation" (Matthew 21:28-32) from 2020-10-11T12:57:15

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.  

A fathe...

Parables of Jesus: "It's God's Grace" (Matthew 20:1-16) from 2020-10-04T18:54:39

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.  

In his ...

"Church Is..." series - week 5 (Ephesians 5:29-5:2) from 2020-09-27T07:00

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs t...

"Church Is..." series - week 4 (Ezekiel 33:7-11) from 2020-09-20T07:36:38

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs t...

"Church Is..." series - week 3 (Jeremiah 15:15-21) from 2020-09-13T12:17:21

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs t...

"Church Is..." series - week 2 (Romans 11:33-36) from 2020-09-06T18:36:13

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs t...

"Church Is..." series - week 1 (Romans 11:13-15, 28-32) from 2020-08-30T19:42:14

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs to t...

"Trust before Tasks" (Exodus 14:10-31) from 2020-08-23T17:38:11

When you're feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place, do you go with your gut or with God? Follow Pharaoh's final footsteps and you'll see the clear answer.

“Loved” (Romans 8:35-39) from 2020-08-16T17:37:42

Does God Really Love You?

"God's Good" (Romans 8:28-30) from 2020-08-09T17:11:43

God promises to work out ALL things for the good of those who love him, but... can he really make good on that promise?

“Constant Conflict” (Romans 7:15-25a) from 2020-07-19T17:38:09

You didn't want to... but you did it anyway. Why? Why do we struggle with doing what we know we shouldn't and not doing what we know we should? Knowing the answer to these questions is not nearl...

"Divisive Peace" (Matthew 10:34-42) from 2020-07-12T18:29:24

In the midst of such deep division in our world, we look to Jesus for unity, and what he promises is... more division?

"Misplaced Fear" (Matthew 10:24-33) from 2020-07-05T18:02:09

Got fear? Get Jesus. If he was able to address your biggest fear, then rest assured, he can handle your ongoing and daily fears as well.

"Harvest Workers Wanted" (Matthew 9:35-10:8) from 2020-06-28T17:49:22

Jesus told his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" (Mt. 9:37). Why? Why aren't there more workers, and what does it take to be numbered among them?

"Fruit and Foundations" Part 2 (Matthew 7:15-29) from 2020-06-21T17:39:20

Are you building on a foundation of rock or sand, and how do you know?

"Fruit and Foundations" Part 1 (Matthew 7:15-29) from 2020-06-15T00:29:11

Sure, Jesus says "Watch out!", but how... and why? This is the first of a two-part series, "Fruit and Foundations."

Raising Hope Series: "Hope for Anxiety" (1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11) from 2020-05-24T16:46:55

Anxiety has been described by many different people in many different ways, and they all have something in common: none of them are pleasant. But you don't need me to tell you that. You undoubtedly...

“Blind But Bound” (Isaiah 42:14-21 sermon) from 2020-03-15T21:16:26

Whether you have 20/20 vision, are legally blind, or are somewhere in-between, we are all born blind when it comes to our spiritual sight. But that doesn’t mean we’re lost. God offers a way for ...

“Works Won't Work” (Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 sermon) from 2020-03-08T21:16:39

We know that heaven isn’t earned, right? We know that our works count for nothing as far as our salvation is concerned, don’t we? So we say. Nevertheless, our way of thinking and our very lives ...

“Making the Grade” (Matthew 4:1-11 sermon) from 2020-03-02T16:43:18

Calvary was not the only battlefield on which our Savior handed Satan defeat, nor was it the first. Jesus’ duel in the desert with the devil put the devil in his place and showed that our Savior...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "Living and Listening" (Matthew 17:1-9) from 2020-02-24T06:10:11

What is the best way to live for the Lord? There is no better way than to start by listening. Listening to the Lord and living for him are inseparable. Do you really want to live more for him? S...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "Live for the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) from 2020-02-17T00:42:36

We crave affirmation. A child obeys his father in an effort to receive it. An employee works hard for her boss to receive it. Do we live for the Lord for the same reason, or is there more to it?...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "Live Good Lives" (1 Peter 2:9-12) from 2020-02-10T00:43:58

Knowing the Lord is key to loving him. What do we do for those we love? We live for them. In the second half of our series, our focus shifts to living for him who loves us most. This is the four...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "The LORD" (Micah 6:1-8) from 2020-02-02T23:04:05

Living for God depends on knowing him better. In addition to knowing our Savior as the Lamb and the Light, we also rightly call him Lord. But… do we even know what that title means? Do ...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "The Light" (Matthew 4:12-23) from 2020-01-27T18:19:18

Living for God depends on knowing him better. One of the more common names given to Jesus is the Light. If you want to live in the light, the key is greater focus on its source. This is the second ...

"Knowing –> Loving –> Living" series: "The Lamb (John 1:29-41) from 2020-01-20T17:10:59

How you live depends on who you know. To know and care only about yourself is to live a life of selfishness - one which will be empty of real joy and purpose. If you want more than that for your...

“The Righteous One is the Right One" (Isaiah 42:1-7 sermon) January 12, 2020 from 2020-01-13T23:30

Will you ever be good enough? What if you have all the right resolutions and actually keep them this year - will that be enough to find favor with God? The bad news? The answer is no. The good news...

“Revealed to Be Made Known" (Ephesians 3:2-12 sermon) January 5, 2020 from 2020-01-05T23:30:34

Though some may frown on the practice of re-gifting, there is an appropriate place for it. When it comes to God's gift of grace, each of us can say along with Paul, "God has given it to me, for ...

“Pushing Past the Paradox” series - “Humble Greatness” (Hebrews 13:1-8) from 2019-09-23T16:09:33

Paradox: "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true." What do we do when we come across a paradox...

“Pushing Past the Paradox” series - “Inclusive Exclusion” (Luke 13:22-30) from 2019-09-23T15:54:44

Paradox: "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true." What do we do when we come across a paradox in...

“Pushing Past the Paradox” series - “Peaceful Division” (Luke 12:49-53) from 2019-09-08T23:03:10

Paradox: "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true." What do we do when we come across a paradox in...

It's Not WHAT You Work for, but WHO from 2019-09-03T22:40:04

What are you working for? There's a better question to ask: who are you working for? Asking the right question will lead you to the right answer, and that is when your life will have meaning.&nb...

“Pushing Past the Paradox” series - “Blind Sight” (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16) from 2019-09-03T20:44:48

Paradox: "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true." What do we do when we come across a paradox in...

“Freedom through Faith” series - “Free to Be Family” (Galatians 3:23-29 sermon) July 14, 2019 from 2019-07-23T05:29:22

Are you getting the most out of your family? Are you putting as much as you can into your family? You are free both to be blessed by and to be a blessing to your faith family.

“Freedom through Faith” series - “Free to Fight” (Galatians 5:1, 13-25 sermon) July 21, 2019 from 2019-07-23T05:08

It’s not only OK to fight; it’s absolutely necessary to fight in order to guard against losing the greatest gift we’ve been given. The best part? We fight not to win our freedom, but because we alr...

“Faith over Fear: Faith Learns” (John 14:23-29 Sermon) May 26, 2019 from 2019-06-03T18:05

Faith is more than mere knowledge. To think otherwise is to miss out on how richly our lives can be blessed through it. When Faith Learns, it puts that knowledge into practice, freeing us to live i...

“Faith over Fear: Faith Anticipates” (Revelation 22:12-17, 20 sermon) June 2, 2019 from 2019-06-03T17:50:04

Not knowing what our temporal future holds can leave us living in fear. But it doesn’t have to be that way, because we know what our eternal future holds. That allows us to live in Faith over Fear,...

5/19/19 Sermon - “Faith over Fear: Faith Loves” (1 Samuel 20:12-17) from 2019-05-20T16:04:22

The key to deeper friendships isn’t getting better at loving our friends, but rather loving the One who gave them to us. To know and be loved by him - and to love him best in return - enables us to...

“The Heart IS the Problem” (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23) from 2018-09-04T02:49:55

September 2, 2018 sermon (Pentecost 15) at The Way Ev. LC (WELS)