Shepherd of the Hills Podcast

Gone in a Single Day! - Good Friday - April 3, 2026

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0000

Zechariah 3

On Good Friday we see how much can change in a single day. The prophet Zechariah had a vision of filthy garments exchanged, sin removed, and Satan’s accusations silenced for good. That vision was fulfilled in a single afternoon at the cross. As we listen to our suffering Savior speak his final words, we see our sin taken away completely: gone in a single day.

A Cleansing Fountain - Holy Thursday - April 2, 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:52:57 +0000

Zechariah 13:1-3

Long ago, God promised his people “a fountain… to cleanse from sin and impurity.” Centuries later, Jesus showed his love as he fulfilled that promise. We cannot wash ourselves clean, but Jesus, who humbly washed his disciples’ feet, offers us his body and blood for our cleansing. Through his sacrifice and the sacrament, Jesus makes us truly clean!

Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion - March 29, 2026

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:21:00 +0000

Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled on Palm Sunday as our King rides in to bring us peace!

Listen to the entire Passion History from the gospel of Matthew as we begin Holy Week.

Zechariah 9:9-10

Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 26-27

Exactly What I Need - Life - March 22, 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:43:03 +0000

2 Kings 4:17-37

Exactly What I Need - Sight - March 15, 2026

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:28:01 +0000

Isaiah 42:14-21Exactly What I Need - SightHave you ever been on spiritual autopilot—going through the motions, doing the “right things,” and still missing what really matters? That kind of drift is its own kind of blindness: eyes open, heart unawake, trust quietly sliding toward whatever feels safe and familiar, but ultimately empty.God doesn’t abandon the blind in the dark. He promises to lead them on unfamiliar paths, turn darkness into light, and never forsake them. In this sermon, hear how Jesus fulfills that promise for you—giving real spiritual sight through his gospel, shining light into your darkness, and keeping you from being caught spiritually unaware.

Exactly What I Need - Water - March 8, 2026

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:29:01 +0000

John 4:5-26

Thirsty is a meme… until it’s you.

A midday trip to a well turns into a conversation no one saw coming—layered with old grudges, guarded hearts, and the kind of longing that doesn’t go away just because life looks fine on the outside. Why do we keep returning to the same wells—attention, control, success, relationships—only to feel empty again? And what happens when someone sees straight through the deflection and still stays in the conversation?

Exactly What I Need - Faith - March 1, 2026

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:06 +0000

Genesis 12:1-8

When God calls us into action, it can feel unsettling—especially when you can’t see what’s next. When God called Abram to give up everything he knew and move across the world, he didn't hesitate. He boldly went into the unknown on nothing but a promise. The harder question is why we hesitate over far smaller obediences. The good news: God doesn’t wait for us to become brave, obedient people on our own. He gives us exactly what we need to answer his call.

Exactly What I Need - A Champion - February 22, 2026

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:28:00 +0000

Romans 5:12-19

The Winter Olympics remind us what it means to have a champion. The best of the best step onto the ice or snow wearing their nation’s colors. When they win, we say, “We won.” Their victory feels like ours.

But what happens when the medal is silver instead of gold? If you watched the medal ceremonies this week, you saw it — the tight smiles, the fixed stares, the unmistakable disappointment. Second place, even on the podium, still feels like loss.

Romans 5 tells a far more serious story. Humanity already had a representative — and he fell. Adam’s defeat became ours. Sin spread. Death reigned. The scoreboard of history leaves no room for denial.

But God did not leave us on the losing side.

A second Adam entered the arena. A true Champion stood where the first failed. His obedience counts for us. His righteousness is credited to us. His victory over sin and death is not silver — he is our perfect gold-medal Champion!

And that is exactly what we need.

Return to Me! - Ash Wednesday - February 18, 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:59:00 +0000

Zechariah 1:1-6

Identity Revealed - Jesus Calls You Blessed

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:28:01 +0000

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

What kind of people make up the Church?
The impressive? The successful? The strong?

The Apostle Paul says… not really.

God doesn’t choose the wise, powerful, or influential by human standards. He chooses the weak, the lowly, and the overlooked—and then gives them everything in Christ. Our wisdom. Our righteousness. Our holiness. Our redemption.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “enough” for God, there's good news: your identity doesn’t rest on you at all. It rests completely on Jesus!

Identity Revealed - Jesus Is the Light - January 25, 2026

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Matthew 4:12-23

Worship at Shepherd of the Hills on January 25, 2026 was canceled due to severe winter weather.

That doesn't mean we can't worship! This week's podcast is a video devotional service, including the week's readings and sermon for use at home.

A service folder can be found here.

Identity Revealed - Jesus is the Lamb of God - January 18, 2026

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:28:01 +0000

Colossians 2:6-15

When John the Baptist pointed at Jesus and called him “the Lamb of God,” he was drawing on a story that began centuries earlier—on a night in Egypt when families waited behind closed doors, trusting that the blood of a lamb would be enough to save them.

That question—Is this Lamb enough?—still presses on us today. We know the pull to add something to Jesus: effort, certainty, spiritual progress. But Colossians 2 answers that deeper question by revealing who Jesus really is and what he has done.

The Lamb of God is fully God. His sacrifice is complete. And because of him, accusation ends and freedom begins.

Identity Revealed - Jesus Is the Christ, the Anointed One - Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 14:30:01 +0000

Matthew 3:13-17

“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.

Christ the Savior Is Born - Love's Pure Light Beams from Thy Holy Face - Epiphany of Our Lord - January 4, 2026

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:28:01 +0000

Matthew 2:1-12

Christmas isn’t over just yet! Matthew 2 shows how God’s love doesn’t stay hidden in Bethlehem. It shines outward, drawing unlikely visitors from far away and revealing very different reactions along the way.As the magi follow the star to Jesus, God’s saving love is revealed not just for Israel, but for the whole world. While Herod resists and the religious leaders remain indifferent, the outsiders rejoice and worship. Their joy reminds us that God’s love is for people who don’t seem to belong—and that includes us.In Christ, love’s pure light has shone for all, and it still shines today.

Christ the Savior Is Born – Son of God

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:30:01 +0000

Matthew 2:13-23

Christ the Savior Is Born – Heavenly Hosts Sing Alleluia – Christmas Eve – December 24, 2025

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:50:00 +0000

Titus 2:11-14

On the first Christmas night, the angels of the heavenly host filled the sky with alleluia songs of praise. But what does that mean for us, 2,000 years later?

The grace of God that appeared in Bethlehem didn’t fade when the angels finished singing. Christ came to redeem and purify a people for himself—bringing us into his heavenly host. Living between Christ’s first coming in grace and his return in glory, believers learn to sing alleluia not only with their voices, but with their lives.

Because Christ the Savior is born, heaven still sings—and by God’s grace, so do we.

Imminent Arrival – Imminent Arrival of Emmanuel – December 21, 2025

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:28:01 +0000

Isaiah 7:10-14

Isaiah 7 confronts fear, unbelief, and an astonishing promise. King Ahaz refuses to trust God—even when invited to ask for a sign. Yet God acts anyway, giving a sign no one would have dared to request: Immanuel, God with us.

God does not stay at a distance from fearful sinners. As Advent gives way to Christmas, the comfort is clear: our confidence rests not in the strength of our faith, but in the faithfulness of our God. Immanuel has come. Immanuel is with us. And Immanuel will come again.

Imminent Arrival – Imminent Arrival of the Messiah – December 14, 2025

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Matthew 11:2-11

Waiting is hard—especially when God’s promises don’t seem to match what we see around us. From a prison cell, John the Baptist asks an honest question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus responds by revealing his identity through fulfilled promises: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear good news. Mercy comes before glory, and faith is invited not to stumble over what is hidden. On Gaudete Sunday, joy is grounded not in circumstances, but in Christ himself—the promised Messiah who has already come and will come again in glory.

Imminent Arrival – Imminent Arrival of the Judge – Second Sunday in Advent – December 7, 2025

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Matthew 3:1-12

Like a courtroom bailiff calling people to rise for the entrance of a judge, John the Baptist stands in salvation history, calling all people to attention with a single urgent word: "Repent!" As the Judge draws near, John exposes false confidences, shatters self-reliance, and points us to the only secure place to stand: the coming Savior who took our judgment on himself.

Advent urges us to explore what true repentance looks like, why relying on our spiritual résumé is so dangerous, and, finally, how the imminent arrival of the Judge is not a threat for believers, but a source of deep peace. When Christ comes to separate wheat from chaff, those washed in his forgiveness will stand tall—not in fear, but in joy.

Imminent Arrival – Imminent Arrival of the One Who Calls – November 30, 2025

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Romans 10:10-18

As Advent begins, we’re reminded that the last thing any of us wants is to be caught unprepared—especially for Christ’s return. In this week’s message from Romans 10:10–18, we discover that being ready for Jesus’ arrival is far simpler than we imagine: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But if salvation is that simple, why doesn’t everyone know it? Paul tells us plainly—people can’t believe in a Savior they’ve never heard about. That’s where God uses ordinary believers to share extraordinary news.

This year the First Sunday in Advent also happens to be the Festival of St. Andrew. We look at the apostle Andrew’s story as a living example of how the gospel spreads: someone announced, Andrew heard, Jesus invited, Andrew believed… and then he invited someone he loved.

Don't Be Deceived this Thanksgiving! – Thanksgiving – November 26, 2025

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:25:01 +0000

James 1:16-18

Thanksgiving invites us to take a break from the fast pace of everyday life and look with fresh eyes at the gifts that surround us. However, even on a holiday focused on gratitude, our hearts can drift toward confusion about where our blessings come from, what they mean, and what they’re for.

James warns us: “Do not be deceived!” God wants more for us than vague feelings of thankfulness. He wants to clear our vision so that we can see the true source of every good gift, trust in the character of the Giver, and find peace and rest in the greatest gift of all.

Cause/Effect – Scripture/Anticipation – Last Sunday of the Church Year – November 23, 2025

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:17:45 +0000

Revelation 22:6-13

As another Church Year comes to a close, Christians hear the same promise Jesus spoke to John at the end of Revelation: “Look, I am coming soon." But after centuries of waiting, that promise can start to feel more like distant information than eager anticipation. Why does our excitement fade—and what renews it?

Cause/Effect – Sainthood/Stamina – All Saints' Day (Observed) – November 2, 2025

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 14:30:01 +0000

Hebrews 11:32-40

Ever feel like the word saint couldn’t possibly apply to you? You struggle, you doubt, you get tired — and halos don’t exactly follow you around. But God doesn’t call you a saint because you feel holy or look impressive. He calls you a saint because Christ made you his own. And that identity doesn’t just comfort you — it strengthens you. Saints don’t stand by their own power; they stand because Christ stands for them. And that’s why you can face today — and tomorrow — with courage, endurance, and hope.

Cause/Effect – Truth/Freedom – Reformation (Observed) – October 26, 2025

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

John 8:31-36

We live in an age obsessed with truth—and yet, somehow, we’re more confused than ever. As we celebrate the Reformation, we examine Jesus' famous words, “The truth will set you free.” What does that really mean? From the crowds who first heard Jesus, to Martin Luther rediscovering the Gospel, to our modern search for meaning, the cause and effect remain the same—where God’s truth is proclaimed, freedom follows. Discover how Christ’s truth still sets hearts free from guilt, fear, and the slavery of self!

Cause & Effect – Generosity & Gratitude – October 19, 2025

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:57:38 +0000

Luke 17:11-19

Why doesn’t generosity always lead to gratitude? Through the Samaritan leper’s thankful heart, we see how our sense of deservedness and spiritual numbness can block true thankfulness—and how Christ’s generosity at the cross restores it. When we see God's generosity through our eyes of faith, gratitude will always be the result.

Cause/Effect – Praying to a Merciful God – October 12, 2025

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Luke 18:1-8

This week is a special edition of the Shepherd of the Hills Podcast. Pastor Wilde is out of town, guest preaching at Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Mississauga, Ontario.

Former Shepherd of the Hills pastor (and friend and classmate of Pastor Wilde), Pastor Paul Krueger preached on Luke 18 here at Shepherd of the Hills on October 16, 2016. He graciously has allowed us to use his sermon in worship again this weekend.

As we look at cause and effect in God's kingdom, one of the greatest comforts we see is how knowing our God's mercy leads us to take advantage of his gift of prayer!

Wounds that Heal – Increased Faith Increases Duty – October 5, 2025

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 13:29:00 +0000

Luke 17:1-10

Growing in faith is kind of like getting a promotion at work. Sure, there are more blessings as you grow closer to God, but at the same time, you become increasingly aware of the duties you have as a believer to take sin seriously, to confront and forgive one another, to trust in God even with mustard-seed faith, and to live out our calling in simple, humble service. Far from being a burden, however, these duties become a delight because they flow from the Savior who first served us.

Wounds that Heal - What Helps in Life Fails in Death - September 28, 2025

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 17:03:58 +0000

Luke 16:19-31

This week we're listening to Jesus’ sobering story of the rich man and Lazarus. At first glance, it looks like a tale of two very different lives — one filled with daily luxury, the other with daily misery. But Jesus presses us deeper. What we rely on in life, what seems to help us day after day, cannot carry us through death. Not wealth, not comfort, not our own strength. However, there is still hope! In Christ, what looks weak and powerless is the only sure help we have, both in life and in death.

Wounds that Heal - Be as Wise as the World - September 21, 2025

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Luke 16:1-13

Jesus tells one of his most puzzling parables: a dishonest manager who earns his master’s praise. Why would Jesus hold up such a figure? We wrestle with the sting of Jesus’ words—that unbelievers often act with more urgency and wisdom than believers do. Yet that sting drives us to the healing truth: Christ was perfectly faithful for us, and in him we are free. Free to master our wealth instead of being mastered by it. Free to use God’s gifts boldly and wisely for his kingdom, because our eternal future is already secure.

Wounds That Heal: The Found Are Left; The Lost Are Found - September 14, 2025

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 13:30:01 +0000

Luke 15:1-10

The idea of being lost and then found is one of the most comforting thoughts in all of Scripture–but only when we realize what it really meant that we were lost do we begin to grasp the depth of God's grace. In two simple yet vivid parables, Jesus reveals the hard truth that we were utterly helpless, hopeless, and lost, and comforts us by showing how eager he is to seek the lost, and the joy in heaven when even one lost person is brought to him in faith.

Shepherd of the Hills has begun streaming our services live on YouTube. Follow Shepherd of the Hills by using the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMemh0v6m7BkflAA5y3jdfg

Wounds That Heal – All Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled – August 31, 2025

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 13:28:00 +0000

Luke 14:1,7-14

Jesus says, “All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Today we see how pride drives us to chase recognition, but how Christ humbled Himself to the cross so that God could say to us, “Friend, move up to a better place.”

Wounds That Heal - The Door Is Very Narrow - August 24, 2025

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 13:29:00 +0000

Luke 13:22-30

Jesus’ words cut straight to the heart: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.” This week we wrestle with what it means that the door is very narrow. Jesus’ warning shatters our false securities and calls us to focus on him. We also find gospel comfort: the door may be narrow, but in Christ it is wide open. He went to the cross to open the way for people from east and west, north and south—including you!

Wounds That Heal – God's Word Divides – August 17, 2025

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:29:01 +0000

Luke 12:49-53

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet in Luke 12 He says He came to bring not peace but division! What does that mean for us? Today we explore how Christ’s mission to bring peace with God also results in painful division—even within families. These wounds hurt, but they are purposeful, like the cuts of a skilled surgeon. They burn away false hopes and leave us with the lasting peace of forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Undivided Attention - On Heavenly Treasure - August 10, 2025

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:31:50 +0000

Luke 12:22-34

Worry can feel unavoidable—almost like it’s part of being human. Yet Jesus points us to some of the simplest teachers in all creation: birds and flowers. They don’t have the capacity to worry, yet they are cared for every day. This week, we explore why worry is ultimately powerless, how it reveals a lack of trust, and how the Father’s proven care frees us to live generously and without fear. Discover the deep comfort in Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid, little flock,” and the life-changing truth that your Father has already given you the kingdom.

Undivided Attention - On Where We Look for Meaning - August 3, 2025

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 17:30:48 +0000

Ecclesiastes 1:1,2, 12-14; 2:18-26

What do you do when everything you’ve worked so hard for… still leaves you feeling empty? Solomon's wisdom makes us confront the harsh truth that chasing meaning “under the sun” will always come up short. But in Christ, we’re given something far better than what we could ever earn—true purpose, lasting joy, and the freedom to live with open hands. Whether you’re feeling burned out, restless, or just wondering if it’s all worth it, this message will help you look in the right place—and give your undivided attention to the One who gives all things.

Undivided Attention – On the Power and Purpose of Prayer – July 27, 2025

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 13:29:01 +0000

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Prayer often feels natural, like walking—until we stop and realize how powerful and purposeful it truly is. Today, we explore how God calls us to pray for all people, including those in authority, not just for our own comfort but so that his gospel can flourish. While our prayer life can be clumsy at best, and certainly not somethign we deserve, Jesus, our mediator and ransom, gives us access to God our Heavenly Father with confidence!

Undivided Attention - On the One Thing Needful - July 20, 2025

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 13:28:00 +0000

Luke 10:38-42

What do you have in common with a Mars orbiter? Missing one thing might mean disaster. Missing crucial details in calculation can cause a total mission failure for a spacecraft. Missing the "one thing needful" spells total disaster for our lives. Today, Jesus focuses us on the one thing that we need in life and eternity!

Undivided Attention - On A Neighbor's Need - July 13, 2025

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:18:49 +0000

Ruth 1:1-19a

In a time of famine and grief, Naomi believed God had turned against her. But God was quietly at work—through the loyalty of an unlikely daughter-in-law named Ruth. God’s steadfast love opens our eyes to others, even in our own sorrow. Ruth’s devotion points us to an even greater Redeemer, Jesus, who refused to walk away from us. Because he gave us his undivided attention, we are now free to do the same—for a neighbor in need.

Undivided Attention: On the Need for Workers - July 6, 2025

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 13:28:00 +0000

Luke 10:1-12,16-20

The spiritual needs around us are urgent and immense, like an emergency room overflowing with patients but lacking medical staff. Thankfully, Jesus not only highlights this pressing need but graciously sends gospel workers, promising his authority, provision, and eternal success. This week, we explore Jesus' urgent call for gospel workers and how each of us can confidently respond, assured that our names are written in heaven.

Undivided Attention: On Christ's Call to Commitment - June 29, 2025

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 17:09:55 +0000

1 Kings 19:19-21

When Elijah cast his cloak of Elisha, the farmer responded immediately. He slaughtered his oxen and burned his plowing equipment, leaving now possibility to return. This unwavering, no looking back, kind of commitment is what Christ looks for in all believers. Do you have what it takes to answer Christ's call for your commitment?

Undivided Attention: On the Mission Right in Front of Us - June 22, 2025

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:29:00 +0000

2 Timothy 1:3-10

Your neighbor’s house is on fire. Would you stand by and watch, or would you act? God's Word challenges you to see the urgent mission field right outside your door. Discover how the Holy Spirit gives power, love, and courage to speak up and share hope—right here, right now. Don’t wait for a perfect moment or faraway opportunity. The mission is right in front of you!

Undivided Attention - It's What Our Majestic and Mysterious Triune God Demands - Holy Trinity Sunday - June 15, 2025

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Romans 5:1-5

In a world filled with distractions and noise, what truly deserves our undivided attention? On this Holy Trinity Sunday, we reflect on Romans 5:1–5 and see how the majestic and mysterious Triune God commands our focus—not through fear or force, but by giving us peace, access to grace, and a hope that will never disappoint. Join us as we explore the comfort of a God beyond our understanding, yet near to us in love.

Because He Lives - He Sends Us the Holy Spirit - Pentecost - June 8, 2025

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:29:00 +0000

Acts 2:1-21

On Pentecost, the Spirit came with wind, fire, and foreign tongues—a spectacle so powerful, it’s easy to wish we could’ve seen it for ourselves. But what if the greatest miracle wasn’t the flames or the languages, but something far more familiar? As we conclude our Easter series Because He Lives…, we see that the risen Christ still sends his Spirit through simple, ordinary means. And through them, he still does extraordinary things. Because Jesus lives, the Spirit still works—through the Word, through you, and for the salvation of all who call on his name.

Because He Lives - He Still Fights For Us - Ascenscion - June 1, 2025

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:29:00 +0000

Revelation 19:11-16

Where is Jesus right now—and what is he doing? On Ascension Day, we don’t just remember that Jesus went up, but that he reigns and rules for us. In Revelation, John paints a vivid picture of our ascended Savior not as distant or disengaged, but as a triumphant warrior riding out to fight on our behalf. When life feels overwhelming, and when it seems like darkness has the upper hand, this message reminds us: Jesus lives—and because he lives, he still fights for us.

Because He Lives - He Leads Us To Unity - May 25, 2025

Sun, 25 May 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Acts 16:6-10

The world values diversity and longs for unity, but can never seem to achieve both. Jesus offers the impossible: he leads us to deep and lasting unity in diversity.

Because He Lives - We Live Lives of Limitless Love - May 18, 2025

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:29:00 +0000

John 13:31-35

How far does your love reach? We all have limits to how far we'll go for someone else—comfort zones we prefer not to cross. Today, Jesus shows us the kind of love that has no boundaries or limits. We'll discover how Jesus' radical, limitless love—revealed through the cross and resurrection—not only saves us but also transforms our own capacity to love others. Because he lives, we are empowered to love without conditions, beyond convenience, and even past our natural limitations. Listen in and explore what it means to live a life of limitless love!

Because He Lives – We Know We Can Trust Jesus – May 11, 2025

Sun, 11 May 2025 13:29:00 +0000

John 10:22-30

Can you really trust what Jesus says—even when his promises seem almost too good to be true? This week, we explore why believers have every reason to trust Jesus completely, Jesus' words aren't just comforting—they’re trustworthy and life-saving!

Because He Lives - We Can See Clearly - May 4, 2025

Sun, 04 May 2025 13:30:00 +0000

John 21:1-14

Most people know what a difference a pair of glasses or contact lenses can make. Things that were blurry and unclear come into sharp focus as quickly as you put them on. Life becomes easier (and safer) to navigate.

Jesus' resurrection is like a pair of glasses for us. If Jesus hadn't risen life would be an uncertain and blurry place, devoid of real meaning. But Jesus has risen! Because he lives, we can see clearly!

Because He Lives - We Have a Whole New Identity - Easter Sunday - April 20, 2025

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:34:03 +0000

Colossians 3:1-4

The eggs, chicks, baby bunnies, and flowers at Easter aren't just cute mascots. They teach us something about what happened on Easter morning. Jesus rose with new life! Because he rose, you have a brand new life too!

Dead and Buried - A One-Time Sacrifice Buries All-Time Guilt - Good Friday - April 18, 2025

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 23:30:40 +0000

Galatians 3:10-13

All humankind should be under a curse. Even though God's law promises a path to heaven, its demands are too great for anyone to achieve: constant faithful perfection.

On Good Friday, Jesus offered himself as the sacrifice to pay for all of our failures to achieve perfection. He willingly took the curse that we had earned on himself, for no other reason than his love.

Now, instead of living under a curse, we live at peace with God, not because of anything have ever done or could ever do, but simply because Jesus offers us the peace he earned.

Dead and Buried - A New Covenant Buries An Old Contract - Holy Thursday - April 17, 2025

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:42:55 +0000

Jeremiah 31:31-34

You were born locked in a contract with God. Obey him, be completely perfect, and he will love you and bless you. The problem is that this contract is impossible to keep! You can't be perfect like you are supposed to be for your end, so you can't expect God to love you and accept you either. That's just the deal.

Holy Thursday provides us an opportunity to celebrate the new covenant that God offers. It's completely different from the old contract, the old covenant, that could never save you. We can let the old covenant lie dead and buried because of the wonderful new covenant that God established with us!

Passion Sunday - April 13, 2025

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:26:58 +0000

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the final week of Lent, Holy Week. In worship this week we observed a tradition called “Passion Sunday.” Since we don’t have the midweek Lenten services in which these sections of Scripture are usually read, Passion Sunday gives us the opportunity to hear, in one service, all the events of the final week before Jesus’ crucifixion. For those unable to attend this week’s midweek services, Passion Sunday allows us to meditate upon Christ’s suffering and death, rather than going from Jesus’ triumphal entry on Palm Sunday right to his resurrection on Easter, without having heard about Christ’s passion.

Open Door Policies - We Have Treasure Where We Least Expect It! - April 6, 2025

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:15:00 +0000

Philippians 3:4b-14

Have you ever wished that you suddenly discovered that you had something super valuable just lying around the house? Reading Paul's words to the church at Philippi leads us to realize that we have the greatest treasure ever–it's just not where we might always think to look!

Open Door Policies - Grace Instead of Condemnation - March 30, 2025

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:17:08 +0000

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

In a story about two sons, we learn a lot more about the love of the father.

Open Door Policies - No Detours Allowed - March 16, 2025

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:20:00 +0000

Philippians 3:17-4:1

There is always the temptation to take the easy way out. Whenever difficulties and crosses com our way, that temptation will be even stronger than ever. We want to have a comfortable Christianity.

The bad news? There are no detours allowed. Trying to avoid the difficulties that come from following Jesus can even make us unwitting enemies of the cross.

The good news? We have a Savior who didn't hesitate to pick up his cross to earn us citizenship in heaven, and who promises to be with us as we carry our own! With him, we can stand firm!

Open Door Policies - Jesus Is Your Champion - March 9, 2025

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:57:09 +0000

1 Samuel 17

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most popular stories in Scripture, but do you really understand it? It's not a story about personal perseverance as an underdog against your enemies. It's not a moralistic tale to teach us to " just have faith like David" and God will give us the victories. It's a story of a champion who steps in and fights a battle no one else was willing to fight or could. David winning the victory for all of Israel as Israel's champion gives us a clear picture of our champion, Jesus, who stepped in to win the victory we couldn't win ourselves!

Open Door Policies - God Lowers Our Defenses - Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2025

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:15:00 +0000

2 Samuel 12:1-13

Lent can be a difficult time for people because of how somber and self-reflective it is. Lent begins with what might be the most painful and blunt day in the entire season: Ash Wednesday. Ashes remind Christians that every person is doomed to return to ash and dust in death. Death is the inescapable proof that we are sinful and deserve punishment.

However painful God's law might be, God doesn't wound us out of petty vengeance. His goal is not that we simply beat ourselves up or try to punish ourselves. He wants to lead us to repentance! In repentance, we turn from our sinful ways and foolish ignorance of our own sin, and to our Savior.

God's Lenten promise to everyone hurting because of their sin is this: "The Lord has taken away your sin! You are not going to die!"

Epiphany Moments - Where to Find Real Glory - March 2, 2025

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

We are naturally inclined to try to find peace, perfection, and fulfillment by doing the right things or taking the right steps. Our final "epiphany moment" is that true glory can't be found in our own actions. Instead, it's found in the gospel.

Epiphany Moments - Jesus Doesn't Want You To Be Fair - February 23, 2025

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 17:27:12 +0000

Luke 6:27-38

Humans are naturally wired to be very concerned about fairness. The Golden Rule seems to be an excellent way to ensure fairness. (What's more fair than treating people the way we'd want them to treat us?)

Jesus, however, calls Christians to something even higher than a focus on fairness.

Open Door Policies - There's No Better Time than Right Now! - March 23, 2025

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Luke 13:1-9

It's easy to see how badly others might need to repent, and even get caught in the comparison game.

Even when we do recognize how desperately we need to repent, there's always the temptation to procrastinate.

As he urges us to repent, Jesus shows us that there's no better time than right now to turn from our sins and trust in him. Thankfully, his patience and love are every bit as real as our sin and need to repent!

Epiphany Moments - Curses Can Feel Like Blessings And Blessings Can Feel Like Curses - February 16, 2025

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 17:28:03 +0000

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

We feel like we're pretty good at judging what's good for us and what's bad for us. In his grace, God reveals to us that sometimes the things we think might be best for us can come with hidden dangers, and that every evil think in our life comes with hidden blessing.

Epiphany Moments - Jesus Calls You into the Gospel Ministry! - February 9, 2025

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:02:20 +0000

Luke 5:1-11

In a world where we have all sorts of experts and specialists, we're used to looking for the best and most qualified people for the job, especially for particularly important tasks.

We'd expect God to do the same when it comes to the crucial work of sharing his gospel. Not so! No matter how qualified (or unqualified) we may feel, God chooses all believers for his gospel ministry, and then leads us with his power and grace.

Epiphany Moments - Rejection Is Not Proof of Failure - January 26, 2025

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:47:01 +0000

Luke 4:16-30

This week's epiphany moment is all about rejection. Normally, we think being rejected is a painful sign of failure. Watching Jesus get rejected by his own hometown, however, we see that this might not be the case!

Epiphany Moments - God Gives Us More Than We Ask For, Not Less! - January 19, 2025

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 13:55:21 +0000

Ephesians 3:14-21

So often, the temptation is to think that God offers us less than we ask or disappoints our expectations. However, God is capable of giving us even more than we could ever ask or imagine. What if, in our search for fulfillment and joy in life, we're actually guilty of setting our sights too low? God gives us more than we ask, not less!

Epiphany Moments - Baptism Is the Cure for Our Identity Crisis

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:51:04 +0000

Titus 3:4-7

Throughout the Epiphany season, we are letting God's light shine in the darkness and give us "aha" moments, or epiphanies.

Today's epiphany has to do with identity. We struggle to define ourselves in an ever shifting and ever changing world. God's light shines on his gift of baptism to show us that as baptized believers, we never need to suffer any identity crisis!

The Gift of God - The Gift of God Fully Satisfies Those Who Patiently Waited - January 5, 2025

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:07:38 +0000

Luke 1:68-79

Have you ever waited patiently for something, only for it to underwhelm and disappoint? Sometimes we might feel dissatisfied with the fulfillment of God's promises. Looking at Zechariah's joyful song helps us see the wonder of God's faithfulness and leads us from being underwhelmed to overjoyed at God's promises that fully satisfy!

The Gift of God - God Gives an Obedient Substitute - December 29, 2024

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 15:38:38 +0000

Luke 2:41-52

"If only there were backups in real life." An TV ad campaign suggests that it's just a dream, and that the only consolation is good rates on home and auto insurance.

As we look at the only event from Jesus' childhood recorded in Scripture, we see that this isn't just a wish, it's the reality of God's gift at Christmas! Jesus is our perfect real-life backup, the substitute we so desperately need!

The Gift of God - Heaven's Greatest Gift in Earth's Unlikeliest Place - Christmas Eve - December 24, 2024

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:33:27 +0000

It's a special Christmas episode of the Shepherd of the Hills podcast!

Listen to the nine readings from the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, and a Christmas message from Pastor Wilde about the confidence we can find in all the unlikely details of the first Christmas!

A Real Christmas - A Real Christmas Lifts Up the Lowly - December 22, 2024

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 13:53:34 +0000

Luke 1:39-55

Everyone loves an underdog story! We might even adopt an underdog narrative to describe our own life stories. The truth is we are all underdogs, but maybe not in the sense we most often think. Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, tells the greatest underdog story ever. At Christmas, God lifts up the lowly!

A Real Christmas - A Real Christmas Brings Real Joy - December 15, 2024

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 13:47:19 +0000

Luke 3:7-18

The holiday season isn't always merry and cheerful. Many people suffer this time of year, under the pressure to be happy. The celebrations can feel hollow and empty.

If you're struggling this time of year, there is good news, because a real Christmas, a Christmas that God's word prepares us for in the season of Advent, is one that brings real joy–joy that is deeper than nostalgic Christmas songs, merry parties, or cheerful decorations.

A Real Christmas - A Real Christmas Is Rooted in Repentance

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 17:17:04 +0000

Luke 3:1-6

Are you ready for Christmas? It's a question that nags at the back of our minds this time of year. There's just so much to do! If you listen to John the Baptist, though, you realize there's only one thing needed to be really ready for Christmas: repentance. Better yet, God's call to repentance isn't one more burden at an already difficult time. It's a call that frees us!

A Real Christmas - A Real Christmas Requires Remembering Why Jesus Came - December 1, 2024

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:13:23 +0000

Jeremiah 33:14-16

If Christmas only offers the shallow comforts of nostalgia, pretty decorations, nice gifts, and time with loved ones, you're missing out! If that's all you get, you're not even really enjoying a real Christmas, because you could have so much better joy and peace! Remembering why Jesus came in the first place is the secret to celebrating a real Christmas!

Live Like You'll Live Forever - Live With Your Eyes on the Skies - Last Sunday of the Church Year - November 24, 2024

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 18:35:00 +0000

Mark 13:26-37

Even a brief moment of distraction can have disastrous consequences. Jesus calls believers to faithfully watch and wait as Judgment Day draws closer and closer. We live with our eyes on the skies, eager for our Savior's return!

Live Like You'll Live Forever - Live a Life Free from the Fear of Judgment - November 17, 2024

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:41:07 +0000

Hebrews 9:24-28

What would life be like if you didn't have to worry about being judged? Even though it seems hard to imagine, this is the blessed reality every Christian enjoys. Those whose names are written in the book of life, who are waiting for the return of their Savior, have no reason to fear judgment of any sort. They know the judge, and the verdict is set! Living like you're going to live forever means living free from the fear of judgment!

Live Like You'll Live Forever - Live A Life of Incredible Generosity! - November 10, 2024

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:31:18 +0000

Mark 12:38-44

Do you ever dream of the amazing good you could do if only you were rich? If only you had the means to be as generous as you want to be!

Today we see that all of God's people already have the means to be incredibly generous. It's not the size of the gift itself, or even the size of the gift in proportion to what one has that matters. It's the heart God wants, and he'll do amazing things with even the smallest gifts. There's no reason not to live an incredibly generous life!

Live Like You'll Live Forever - Live Unbroken! - Reformation Sunday - October 27, 2024

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:43:59 +0000

Daniel 3:1-30

When POWs face physical torture, their tormenters do their best to remove any hope of rescue and to make their victim feel alone and hopeless. As much as we love heroic stories of resistance, the unhappy truth is that the question isn't if a person will break under pressure, it's when. Everybody breaks. It's just biology.

As a Christian, you are the exemption! Even though the devil is a master torturer and employs all sorts of inventive ways to psychological and spiritual pressure, perhaps even physical pressure, Christians can remain unbroken. Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego are certainly a dramatic example, but not outliers in their steadfastness. Every Christian has the same promises they had. Every Christian can live like you'll live forever, and remain unbroken just like them!

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Make Selfless Sacrifices - October 20, 2024

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 15:59:57 +0000

1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23

“What’s in it for me?” It’s easy to look at life through the lens of that question, to make decisions based on perceived personal benefit. Perhaps at times we look at Christianity through that lens, wondering what we will gain from following Christ. “What’s in it for me?” Jesus first disciples asked that question. They hoped that following Christ would bring prestige and honor. They assumed following Christ would make life easier. But it doesn’t work like that. Followers of Christ are called to sacrifice for the well-being of others.

“What’s in it for me?” Everything! Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, followers of Christ have the peace of his forgiveness. Followers of Christ have the joy of meaningful purpose. Followers of Christ look forward to an eternity of glory in Christ’s heavenly kingdom. In Spirit-wrought gratitude, followers of Christ make selfless sacrifices with joy.

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Have Proper Priorities

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:55:28 +0000

Mark 10:17-27

With God's law written on our hearts in our consciences, it's only natural for us to assume that knowing right and wrong and living a good life should be enough for us to earn eternal life. A rich young ruler in Jesus' time thought the same thing, but even though he felt he had followed God's laws perfectly, he still wasn't sure he had eternal life. Something was missing!

Jesus gave him the ultimate test, to give up everything he owned, to help him realize his priorities were messed up. Sadly, he loved his wealth too much to give it up.

What is it that you couldn't give up for Jesus? Money? Free time? A loved one? Looking at Jesus' love for us helps us set our priorities straight.

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Know How To Love Their Families

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:11:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:21-6:4

Everybody, believer and unbeliever alike, knows that they should love their family. The problem is that even though it seems like it should come naturally, it isn't actually that intuitive. Pain and strife in families is unfortunately all too common. Everyone knows they should love their families, but followers of Christ have the "how" revealed to them. Disciples of Christ know HOW to love their families because God the Creator explains it himself!

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Have Powerful Allies - September 29, 2024

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 12:57:02 +0000

2 Kings 6:8-17

Today we're celebrating the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels. It's a lesser-known minor holiday in the Christian church year, but also a great opportunity to celebrate the wonderful truth that God sends his angels to guard and keep his children! Even though we might not always see them, disciples of Christ have powerful allies!

Discovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Know True Greatness - September 22, 2024

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:17:31 +0000

Mark 9:30-37

The discipled argued over which of them was greatest. People today still live lives driven by the desire to be great or end up bitter that they never had the chance to be greater.

Jesus turns our expectations of greatness upside down. Disciples of Christ know what true greatness looks like. They see it in their Savior, and they have an abundance of opportunities for godly greatness in his kingdom!

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ Are Armed for Battle - September 15, 2024

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:13:53 +0000

Ephesians 6:10-18

Soldiers going out on duty have to be prepared for whatever might happen. In a very similar way, disciples of Christ must be prepared. Even though we might not always see it, there is a war going on, and Christ's disciples can expect to be under constant attack, not just from unbelievers around them, but from spiritual forces of evil.

The good news? Jesus has equipped every one of his soldiers with exactly the right kit to be able to withstand every attack, and not just that, but to advance with the gospel!

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Christ See the True Purpose of His Power

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Mark 7:31-37

What kind of report card would you give Jesus for the miracles he performed during his ministry on earth? You'd probably give him high marks! How about his performance in your life? You know the right answer would be to grade him highly, but sometimes it feels like he's not living up to what you might expect from an all-powerful, and infinitely loving Savior.

As disciples of Christ, however, we see the true purpose of his power. Knowing what his power is for and how he uses it makes it easy to evaluate him: He has done everything well!

Rediscovering Discipleship - Disciples of Jesus Obey with Clean Hearts - September 1, 2024

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:38:22 +0000

Mark 7:1-8,14,15,21-23

The temptation is always there to make your case for being a good person based on how you live, whether it's by minimizing your sins, taking too much pride in the temptations that are easy to defeat, or comparing yourself to (and judging) others. There is nothing more hypocritical. Truth is, you could do everything right, and still not have all God wants. He wants a clean life, but also a clean heart.

The problem is that our hearts are the source of the evil that separates us from God. Our hearts are why we judge others and get prideful about the things we can do and make up extra rules to balance out the ones we struggle with. Jesus wants us to see that we're hopeless in ourselves, and that we can't give him a clean heart.

Because it's only then, when we've realized we need help, that we turn to him and see what's been there all along: his offer to create a clean heart in each of us, to give us righteousness that comes from simple faith in him.

Disciples of Jesus obey him, not out of duty, obligation, or to earn anything, but because he has given us clean hearts!

I Am the Bread of Life - What Other Bread Should We Eat? - August 25, 2024

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 12:51:44 +0000

John 6:51-69

Today concludes our three week look at Jesus' bread of life discourse. We look at two questions that Jesus directed to his followers: "Does this offend you?" and "Do you want to leave me too?" These questions are worth considering ourselves as we reflect on what Jesus teaches us about who he is and what he has to offer. Ultimately, as we evaluate our options through the eyes of the faith God has given us, we have to echo Peter's words: "Where else would we go? What other bread should we eat?"

I Am the Bread of Life - The Father Draws Us to the Bread of Life - August 18, 2024

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 12:31:46 +0000

John 6:35-51

It feels offensive and uncomfortable, but the truth is we cannot come to Jesus on our own any more than we can toss a jumbo jet like a paper airplane or jump the Grand Canyon. We're naturally predisposed to rejecting Jesus and ignoring the wonderful promises he offers. Thankfully, in his love, the Father patiently and gently draws us to Jesus. By his grace, we learn from him and have our epiphany: Jesus isn't something to be ignored or downplayed: he's the bread of life!

I Am the Bread of Life - Spiritual Food for Those Focused on the Earthly

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:19:21 +0000

John 6:24-35

Today begins a three week look at Jesus' famous "Bread of Life Discourse." It's a turning point in Jesus ministry. At the high point of his popularity, his teachings suddenly begin to turn many of his followers off. As we wrestle with the challenging teachings he introduces, we can recognize our own temptations to be disappointed in who Jesus is and what he offers. At the same time, we can grow a deeper appreciation for his amazing promises and love!

Meaningful Ministry - Meaningful Ministry Doesn't Need to be Scary: Jesus Comes With You! - August 4, 2024

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Mark 6:45-56

So often when things get difficult, we get overwhelmed and start acting and thinking foolishly. We fail to see that Jesus is with us. The solution is simple. All we need to do is look and see that Jesus is right there with us. He's by our side as we face all the challenges of life, including the challenges and difficulties in the meaningful ministry he has given us.

Meaningful Ministry - Meaningful Ministry Is Marked by Extreme Generosity - July 28, 2024

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 13:12:18 +0000

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

One of the hallmarks of a child of God is the selfless and single minded generosity in their life of service to God and others. This generosity gives meaning to a believer's ministry, has everlasting results, and is itself fueled by God's great generosity.

Meaningful Ministry - Meaningful Ministry Models Christ's Compassion - July 21, 2024

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:19:08 +0000

Mark 6:30-34

When we look at the world, we see people who are our enemies, who are burdens, who are more trouble than they're worth, who are lost causes. We struggle to minister to them because we're selfish and self-righteous.

When Jesus looks at the world, he sees people who are like sheep without a shepherd. It fills his heart with compassion and love.

Meaningful ministry is motivated by and modeled after Christ's compassion, as believers learn to look at the world and see lost sheep who need the Good Shepherd's love.

Meaningful Ministry - Meaningful Ministry Carries God's Own Authority - July 14, 2024

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 12:34:34 +0000

Titus 1:5-9

We naturally distrust self-appointed authorities, and easily question anyone who presumes to speak with any authority. We put them under the microscope and ask, "What gives you the right to say that to me?"

While it seems nice to say "to each their own," or "let's agree to disagree," this thinking has led to a world where everyone has their own truths These truths often contradict and it can begin to feel like no one has anything of any meaning.

That's where God steps in. He sends his ministers, both public and personal into the world with his own authority. In order to safeguard his image and the authority that they carry, God has specific qualifications for those who would serve as pastors.

Meaningful Ministry - Meaningful Ministry Isn't Always Well Received - July 7, 2024

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 12:29:05 +0000

Ezekiel 2:1-7

Christians have the greatest news to share: There is forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus! You might expect such wonderful news to be received with joy, eagerness, and thanks.

More often than not, however, that is not the reaction Christians experience as they share the life changing gospel that means so much to them. Instead of joy and thankfulness, they're met with rejection, animosity, and resentment.

There is a temptation to feel like our personal ministry is worthless and empty when it's received so poorly. Looking at Ezekiel's call, we see that our ministry is meaningful whether people respond the way we hope or not! God gives meaning to our ministry!

A Top-Down Faith - A Top-Down Perspective on Death - June 30, 2024

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Mark 5:21-24a; 35-43

What might cause people to drive more recklessly, to spend more time tanning in the sun, and to be more aggressive toward people who don't share their world view?

It's not lead in the water. It might be the fear of death. Some social psychologists believe that the fear of death doesn't just effect our lives, it might sub-consciously be the main driving motivation behind everything we do!

As we reflect on Jesus' act of power and love for one family in grief, Christians are blessed with a different perspective on death–one that can only come from God. The top-down perspective on death relieves our fears and sets us free from slavery to fear so that we can be in control of our lives and live in peace and joy!

A Top-Down Faith - Even in the Storms of Your Life, Your God Is With You! - June 23, 2024

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Mark 4:35-41

Assuming there is a god, there seem to be only two logical conclusions that explain the evils we face in the world. Evil happens because either God doesn't have the power to stop it, or because he just doesn't care enough to be bothered to stop it.

Jesus' actions one night on the Sea of Galilee show that neither is true. The "top-down" faith God has given us allows us to see that, despite all appearances, Jesus does have the power to control all the storms of life, and he does care for us perfectly!

A Top-Down Faith - God's One of a Kind Kingdom - June 16, 2024

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Mark 4:26-34

All the great nations of earth have a lot in common in how they were established. It was force, conquest, power, wealth, and strength that built them. We might expect the greatest kingdom of all–God's kingdom–to grow with similar power and strength.

In two short parables, Jesus turns our understanding of how an empire or kingdom is grown upside-down.

God's kingdom grows in seemingly small and insignificant ways, but that's just how God likes to work. Jesus teaches us to trust that even though the gospel seed seems trivial and ineffective, it's what God uses to grow his mighty kingdom!

A Top-Down Faith - The Devil Does His Worst. Jesus Wins Anyways! - June 9, 2024

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Genesis 3:8-15

From any outside perspective it looked like the devil had won. Adam and Eve had taken his word to heart and chose to disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit. Their act of defiance had driven a wedge between them and God.

Thousands of years later, on a hill, it looked like the devil was victorious again. The corpse of the Son of God–Eve's promised offspring–hung on a cross. His followers were dismayed, terrified, and scattered.

Still today it seems like the devil wins victory after victory. From the evil in the world, to the evil in the hearts of believers that bring us shame, it looks like the battle is all but lost.

However, all the way back in the garden, God made an announcement, not of defeat, not of concession, but of victory. Even as the world first plunged into sin, death, and evil, God was there to promise a light!

The devil does his worst. Jesus wins anyway!

A Top-Down Faith - You Are a Member of God's Own Family! - Holy Trinity Sunday - May 26, 2024

Sun, 26 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Romans 8:12-17

Being a member of one family as opposed to another seems like luck of the draw. You might be born with the silver spoon in your mouth. You might be born into abject poverty. Today, on Holy Trinity Sunday, we see that the Triune God himself adopts us into his own family. It's no stroke of luck. By God's grace, we're his children, co-heirs with Christ, empowered by the spirit, and obligated to ourselves to live like it!

Resurrection Reality - Christ Has Not Left Us Alone! - Pentecost May 19, 2024

Sun, 19 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-11

Even before he died, Jesus was busy preparing his disciples for the time when he wouldn't be with them physically. After his ascension, they had to adjust to a new reality–one that today's Christians have known as their entire existence–life in a world without Jesus physically present.

Even though Jesus ascended back to heaven in glory, he promised he would not leave his disciples alone. He would send the Holy Spirit as their Advocate, Guide, Counselor, Comforter, and more. On Pentecost, we celebrate the specific and spectacular fulfillment of that promise to the disciples.

Pentecost is also a celebration of the truth of that promise for every believer since. Jesus doesn't leave us alone. He sends his Holy Spirit to our side to comfort, guide, enlighten, and empower us!

Resurrection Reality - Christ's Ascension Means He Is Closer Than Ever! - May 12, 2024

Sun, 12 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Ephesians 4:7-16

Goodbyes are hard, and usually not a cause for celebration. The one you love is going to be far away, and you'll miss them, and all the good they bring into your life.

When Jesus ascended, it was a serious goodbye. It was the end of his earthly ministry, and never again would his disciples and followers get to see him face to face on this earth. It can seem like he is awfully far away.

However, the opposite is true. When we realize what Christ's ascension means, we realize that Jesus is actually closer and more active in our lives than ever!

Resurrection Reality - Jesus Loves Us As Friends, So We Love Like Jesus! - May 5, 2024

Sun, 05 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000

John 15:9-17

The entirety of God’s Word can be summed up in one word: love. God’s Law is all about love: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37,39). The gospel is all about love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” (John 3:16). From his compassion for the sick and broken, to his sacrificial death on the cross, to the peace he provided after his resurrection, Jesus was the perfect embodiment of love. Love is his business.

That means love is our business too. The resurrection reality is that with the same supernatural power by which God raised Jesus from the dead, God now also enables us to live a new life–one marked by radically selfless love. The motivation and ability to do this comes from seeing the endless love Christ has for us. We love only because he first loved us.

Resurrection Reality - The Living Lord Produces Active Faith - April 28, 2024

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:01:10 +0000

John 15:1-8

Our beliefs influence our actions. Believing in a Savior who rose from the dead changes how Christians think, speak, and act.

Our faith is more than a simple belief system, though. It's a connection to a deeper power, power that doesn't just inspire our actions, but motivates and drives them!

Rethinking Religion - We Are Shepherded in Truth - April 21, 2024

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:23:44 +0000

1 John 4:1-6

On Good Shepherd Sunday, we celebrate the comforting fact that our Risen Savior is our Good Shepherd. Even though there are countless contradictory voices clamoring for our attention and claiming to have truth from God for us, our Good Shepherd raises up faithful under-shepherds to bring us his gospel in Word and sacrament, and equips us to distinguish between faithful messengers, and those who would lead us astray.

Resurrection Reality - We Have a Meaningful Message to Share

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000

1 John 1:5-2:2

The world is full of darkness. The ugly truth we have to accept is that we're not just victims of the darkness, we're perpetrators of it too. However, when we face the truth and stop denying, we find wonderful news. God has a solution for us and for all the world!

This news is better than any empty platitude or meaningless motto. This news gives lasting hope both now and forever. This news is for us to take to heart and then to share with others.

The reality of Jesus' resurrection means we have a meaningful message!

Resurrection Reality - We Have Proof and Peace - April 7, 2024

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000

John 20:19-31

When things seem too good to be true, they usually are. We have to look for proof to know whether or not good news is worth believing.

Jesus' resurrection (for which there is plenty of proof) is the proof that we can believe the unbelievably good news that we have peace with God!

Resurrection Reality - All Will Be Made Alive - EASTER SUNDAY - March 31, 2024

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:35:31 +0000

Job 19:23-27

The film director Woody Allen once said, "I'm not afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens." Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common that there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines human reactions to death and dying.

One of the biggest reasons people fear death is its apparent permanency. In our experience, dead is dead. Someone dies, and they're gone. All you have are pictures and memories. That's the way we normally think, but it is far from reality! On Easter, Christ proves to us that death isn't final or permanent at all!

Easter teaches us that Christ is the first fruits of those who have died. Just as Christ rose, "so in Christ all will be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22). That changes everything: from the way we grieve the death of a Christian loved one, to the way we feel when our health fails, and even the way we look at our purpose in life right now.

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking Real Strength - Passion Sunday - March 24, 2024

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Today we're observing the Sunday of the Passion. It's a Palm Sunday tradition to read the entire account of Jesus' passion from one of the Gospels in preparation for Holy Week. Today, as we read the Gospel of Mark, we'll see real strength displayed in our Savior as he endures suffering for us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is in turn what gives Christians themselves their strength.

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking Devoted Commitment

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:30:00 +0000

John 12:20-33

It's natural to assume that Christianity is just like every other religion: just one brand of rules and thoughts about good living among many, demanding commitment and devotion from its followers. There's some truth to that. Christianity is about commitment, and it does require devotion and commitment to be a believer, but that's not the commitment that the Christian faith is built on. It's not about what you can do for God. Thinking that way just leads to exhaustion, failure, and disillusionment. No, Christianity is all about Jesus' determined commitment to God's plan of salvation, and his devoted love for you–love that drove him to the cross without a second thought?

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking the Solution to Sin - March 10, 2024

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Numbers 21:4-9

Whether they call it sin or not, every religion has the concept of sin. That means every religion proposes some solution. Outside of Christianity, those solutions boil down to the same basic ideas: Try harder! Make up for it! Just deny it!

God offers us a solution to sin that might not make sense to our minds, but one that he promises will actually work.

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking the Worth of Worship - March 3, 2024

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:59:10 +0000

John 2:13-22

Person A never attends worship. He can’t see the point. Person B attends every week out of a slavish sense of obligation. She’s there, but her mind wanders off during the services because she views the activities of worship merely as required tasks for her to complete. Who is worse off? Rather than debating the point, maybe we can just admit that neither person A nor B really understand the true worth of worship. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Satan wants.

Many people think worship is about what we do for God, but that’s only partly true. The truth is that whatever we offer God in our worship absolutely pales in comparison to what he offers us! As we gather around his Word and sacrament, the Spirit moves us to love and trust in God above all things. Moved by the cross of Christ, we bow down before him and commune with him. That’s exactly what God wants.

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking Suffering Under the Cross - February 25, 2024

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:35:27 +0000

Mark 8:31-38

It would make sense for us to assume that choosing the correct religion means that we should have less suffering and discomfort in our lives, but today Jesus challenges us to rethink that assumption. As awful as it was, it was necessary for Jesus to go to his cross to redeem us. As unpleasant as it can be, it is a necessary part of following Christ to be willing to carry whatever crosses we might face for our faith. The good news is our salvation doesn't depend on how well or willingly we carry our crosses. It depends entirely on Jesus!

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking Trials, Tests, and Temptations - February 18, 2024

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:09:11 +0000

Genesis 22:1-18

This Lent we are examining some of the assumptions we might be guilty of making when it comes to religion, even our own.

“If God loves us, why doesn’t he remove all the trials and tests and temptations that we face?” That question demonstrates the religious assumption that those things are bad. The truth is, they’re not. In the hands of a loving God, they are tools by which he refines our faith. He uses tests as a way to compel us to be less self-reliant, and instead trust in his strength. He uses trials to teach us that this broken world is not our true home. God even takes Satan’s temptations and uses them for our good!

Trials, tests, and temptations are not exceptions to God’s love. That’s a false assumption! Instead, they are examples of God’s love! Proof is that God allowed his beloved Son, Jesus, to face trials and temptations so that he might be our perfect Savior and substitute.

Rethinking Religion - Rethinking Our Priorities - February 14, 2024 - Ash Wednesday

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:30:12 +0000

The potential promotion at work. The third date, which will signal if there is real potential in this relationship. The test this Friday, which will determine if you make honor roll or not. The game on Sunday with the playoffs on the line. So many things compete for our attention! It’s easy to think of religion as just another of many activities to cram into our schedules. Sometimes, perhaps, the schedule is just too crowded.

So, Jesus lovingly whispers in our ear, “Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.” Those are the words spoken as a dead body is planted in the ground. The reality is that our time in this world is so short. After comes eternity, spent in one of two very different places. Jesus wants us to grasp that somber truth so we rethink where he should fall among our priorities. Death can come at any time. So now is the time to cling to Christ in true repentance. Not later. Now. There is no higher priority!

On Ash Wednesday, we face the uncomfortable truth because we need to wake up, repent, and cling to God’s wonderful promises.

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know His Glory - February 11, 2024

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Mark 9:2-9

Do we take it for granted that Jesus is God? Do we realize exactly the magnitude of this truth? It should terrify us that all the glory of God belongs to Jesus as true God, but because of his love, we don't have to fear. Instead, we find joy and hope even in the darkest times when we see Jesus' glory on display.

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know Your Strength - February 4, 2024

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:30:00 +0000

1 Peter 5:6-11

It's important to know your own strength! As we learn more about Jesus we learn more about ourselves as well. When we look at Jesus, we see our strength.

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know His Authority - January 28, 2024

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Mark 1:21-28

No one likes to be stuck with a customer service agent who doesn't have the authority to actually fix the problem. We hate to do it, but that's when we have to ask for the manager.

Early in his ministry, it became abundantly clear that Jesus had the ultimate, unlimited authority that can only belong to God. When we see Jesus, we see a Savior who has the authority to command demons out of the possessed and to declare our sins forgiven. We have a Savior whose ultimate authority means we don't ever need to wonder or worry about whether or not all the good news he tells us could be true. It absolutely is! What joy!

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know Your Mission - January 21, 2024

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:30:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

"What was I made for?" is one of the biggest questions in life. Not knowing an answer to that can cause serious pain and even hopelessness, and so many of the things we find meaning and purpose in are only temporary.

Knowing Jesus is knowing a Savior who doesn't just reconcile us to our God, but who lovingly gives us a mission and purpose that is constant. Knowing Jesus is knowing your mission, and that can bring great peace and joy!

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know the Perfect Substitute - January 14, 2024

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Romans 6:1-11

Often, substitutes are not quite as good as the real deal. When you arrive at a show and find out that the lead role is being performed by the understudy, you might feel a little disappointed. If you're going on vacation and need to leave someone in charge of your responsibilities, you might be a little worried that your job won't be done as well as it should while you're gone.

Today we see that Jesus is exactly the opposite as our substitute. At his baptism, God the Father declared his pleasure and satisfaction with Jesus. By our own baptisms, we're connected to Jesus, our perfect substitute, who pleased God in our place and died to pay for our sins, so that God's affirmation of love and pleasure are ours too!

Know Jesus, Know Joy - Know the Savior of the World - January 7, 2024

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 01:59:44 +0000

Matthew 2:1-12

Does the joy of Christmas seem to end too quickly for you? If so, there is good news!

This Epiphany season we are looking at who the Bible reveals Jesus to be. As we do that, we'll see that it's impossible to know Jesus without also knowing true and lasting joy.

Today, we're talking about the three wise men. Do they really belong in your nativity? No! But should you keep them? Yes, because that's what Epiphany is all about. People like the magi, like you and me, people who don't belong, find belonging in Jesus, the Savior of the world!

Good News of Great Joy - Peace on Earth - December 31, 2023

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Luke 2:22-40

The angel choir at Bethlehem sang to the shepherds about peace on earth, but it sure doesn't seem like the first Christmas actually accomplished this. Peace is wonderful and powerful and life changing, but it's hard to find and even harder to maintain...

...that is, if you're looking in all the wrong places like we so often do. In the gospel for the first Sunday after Christmas, we meet two faithful believers who found true peace in their Savior, peace we can enjoy as well, not just in heaven, but here on earth!

The King Shall Come - He Is Bringing Perfect Joy - December 17, 2023

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Isaiah 61:1-3,10,11

Christmas is a time of joy, but so often our joy fades quickly. The excitement of new presents fades, the company of friends and family turns into a burden and a lot to handle, the decorations eventually go back in their boxes. True, lasting joy is hard to find.

But not with Jesus! Our king comes to bring us perfect joy. Joy that never fades because it's connected to the love and power of a Savior who never fails. Joy that comes from knowing that we are free from our captivity to sin and clothed in God's own righteousness. This is the entire reason our Savior came: to bring us perfect joy!

The King Shall Come - Prepare to Meet Him - December 10, 2023

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 13:43:46 +0000

2 Peter 3:8-14

When you have a guest on the way, it's nice to have an ETA. That way you can be sure to be prepared for their arrival. In Advent, we anticipate Jesus' arrival, but just like he didn't reveal exactly when he would be born in Bethlehem, Jesus hasn't provided an ETA for the last day either.

The devil and our sinful nature would love for us to be unprepared for Jesus' arrival, but God calls us to prepare. The key to being prepared is repentance - turning from our sins and trusting in our Savior.

The King Shall Come - He Is Coming To Save Us

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Mark 11:1-11

How should we feel in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival? When you’re expecting someone’s arrival, your attitude and preparations will vary greatly depending on who they are and what they’re coming to do. As we begin another church year and prepare to celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus' life and ministry, we can get a glimpse of the big picture in the Palm Sunday Account. Jesus is our King, and he comes to save!

The Time in Between - A Time to Yearn for the End - November 26, 2023

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Matthew 25:31-46

On the last Sunday of the church year, we look forward to the Last Day. It could easily be a day we anticipate with fear, anxiety, and desperate acts of self-preservation. Thankfully, our Judge is also our Savior, who tells us exactly to expect. This knowledge turns the "time in between" from a time of dreadful anticipation to one of eager yearning and joyful service.

The Time In Between - A Time to Be Thankful - November 19, 2023

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Luke 7:36-50

Thanksgiving Service at Shepherd of the Hills

What are you most thankful for this year? Americans set aside the fourth Thursday in November every year as a special day to focus on being thankful. Depending on how your life is going on any given Thanksgiving, you may find it easier or harder to do that. When things are going great, it’s easy! When you feel lonely or have a tight budget, it’s maybe a little more difficult.

As Christians, we may struggle to be thankful at times. The world is full of sorrow, suffering, and sin, and these evils touch our lives. We might be tempted to despair and just hope for the future, but the truth is every day of our lives, even in the difficult time in between, is a time when we can be thankful for the many blessings our God has given us, most importantly, our salvation in Jesus!

The Time In Between - A Time for Watchfulness - November 12, 2023

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Matthew 25:1-13

The third in a worship series looking at the "time in between," the end times in which we look forward to Christ's second coming.

It's all too easy even for Christians to get complacent as we wait for Jesus' return. Jesus uses the story of some bridesmaids who foolishly were found unprepared for their role in a wedding to warn us about the importance of staying alert and ready for his return. Thankfully, believers don't have to live the nightmare of being found unprepared!

The Time In Between - A Time to Focus on Future Glory - November 5, 2023

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Revelation 7:9-17

The second in a series in which we are looking at what God's Word says about life in our time: the time in between.

It's all too easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when the moment is full of challenges, heartbreaks, and suffering. Christians aren't left to simply take life moment by moment by moment or one day at a time. God gives us the example of the saints that have gone before us and a glimpse at judgment day to focus our hearts on the future glory promised for us. This focus can carry a believer through even the worst of tribulations!

The Time In Between - A Time for Steadfast Faith - Reformation - October 29, 2023

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 05:30:00 +0000

Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23

The first sermon in a worship series looking at what God says about living in the "time in between," the time between Jesus' first and second comings.

For believers in the time in between, steadfast faith is an absolute necessity. The devil, the world, and the sinful flesh constantly attack and try to destroy faith. By God's grace, believers can follow the examples of Martin Luther and Daniel, and stand firm despite these attacks.

Godly Government - October 22, 2023

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 13:21:00 +0000

Romans 13:1-7

As citizens of the United States, we don’t support the government because those we voted for were elected or because we approve of the current tax policy or even because freedom of religion is enshrined in the First Amendment. We support our government simply because it was instituted by God. Jesus himself taught that we owe respect and obedience to our government, even when it doesn’t align with our political preferences.

Christians sometimes struggle with this. We see that government and rulers can be evil. Certainly, if government asks us to sin, “we must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29). But the existence of corrupt government and evil rulers does not negate what Scripture says to be true. “There is no authority except that which God has established.” Therefore, when we talk about “godly government” we are not saying that the only legitimate governments are those who do what is perfectly godly. We are confessing our belief that the King of kings is in perfect control of all the governments of this world, and that he works in all things—including tyrants and dictators—for the eternal good of his dear children.

Tell Us A Story - A Story of Insane Rejection - October 15, 2023

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 05:30:00 +0000

Matthew 22:1-14

Some invitations would be crazy to accept: an invitation from your bully to hang out one on one under the bleachers after school, for example. Others would be crazy to reject: an opportunity to go to a dream destination for free. Whether an invitation is easy to accept or decline often depends on our personal interests and relationships.

Today Jesus tells us a parable that describes God's invitation, one that would be insane for absolutely anyone to reject!

Tell Us A Story - A Story of Reckless Patience - October 8 2023

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Matthew 21:33-43

Jesus tells us a story about a landowner who is unbelievably patient with the least deserving tenants ever. What can we learn? God has patience for us that could fairly be called reckless. Without concern for the cost, he patiently reaches out in love to call us to repent and be his own.

Tell Us A Story - A Story of Spiritual Insincerity - October 1, 2023

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:58:25 +0000

Matthew 21:23-32

Jesus tells us a story to show how God desires sincere obedient faith, not simple lip service. God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. He sees right through that. God’s desire is that our repentance would demonstrate sincere sorrow over sin. God wants us to see the grace and forgiveness he has shown us in Christ, and in response, to love him back deeply and sincerely.

Tell Us A Story - A Story of Perplexing Generosity - September 24, 2023

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus tells us a story about generosity that just doesn't make sense. It's not fair! That's the point, though. God isn't fair when he deals with us. He's generous, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

The Church God Wants - A Church That's Quick to Forgive - September 17, 2023

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Genesis 50:15-21

The fifth and final in a series of sermons in which we are asking "What kind of church does God want?" instead of "What kind of church do I want?"

How do you handle when someone has genuinely wronged you? Do you fantasize about getting even? Do you wait to forgive until they've made it up to you? Until your emotions have calmed?

God calls believers, his church, to be quick to forgive, just as he is. Rather than hanging onto guilt, or forcing others to live in guilt, as believers look at God's forgiveness for them, they can share the same forgiveness with others.

Sermon manuscript available at www.shepherdofthehillslutheran.net

The Church God Wants - A Church That's Willing to Say Hard Things - September 10, 2023

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Galatians 2:11-16

The fourth in a series of sermons in which we are asking "What kind of church does God want?" instead of "What kind of church do I want?"

God's message is inherently offensive. That means that sharing it can be hard, especially when it means confronting a brother or sister caught in sin. That is, however, exactly what God calls and equips his church to do out of love for one another, and out of love for the treasure of the gospel truth.

The Church God Wants - A Church that Takes Up its Crosses - September 3, 2023

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Matthew 16:21-26

The third in a series of sermons in which we are asking "What kind of church does God want?" instead of "What kind of church do I want?"

Our instincts tell us that being members of God's church, connected to his glory and power should be an experience of outward glory and success as well, so what happens when we face hardship? The temptation is to avoid conflict, embarrassment, or suffering, however Jesus tells us that the church he wants is one that is willing to take up its crosses and follow him. It's well worth it. By God's grace, the outcome is glorious!

The Church God Wants - A Church that Really Knows Jesus - August 27, 2023

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:03:34 +0000

Matthew 16:13-20

Number two in a series of sermons in which we are asking "What kind of church does God want?" instead of "What kind of church do I want?"

The Church God Wants - A Church for All People - August 20, 2023

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:51:04 +0000

Matthew 15:21-28

This is the first in a series of sermons in which we are asking "What kind of church does God want?" instead of "What kind of church do I want?"

Is everyone welcome at your church? Why or why not? Today we look at the story of how Jesus lovingly challenged a Canaanite woman to see how serious Jesus is about being the Savior of all, regardless of background, status or anything else.

Define: Christian - The Christian Answers Doubt with Faith

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:49:23 +0000

Matthew 14:22-33

This is the 6th and final sermon in our series on defining what it means to be Christian using God's Word.

Doubt is the unpleasant constant companion of faith which likes to rear its ugly head at the worst times: when hardship and crisis occur. Whether we like it or not, doubt is always a part of a Christian's life on earth, but Christians have a unique way of answering their doubts. They look to their Savior, hear his gentle voice, see his love, and answer doubt with faith.

Define: Christian - The Christian Trusts God to Provide - August 6, 2023

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:08:30 +0000

1 Kings 17:1-6

This is the 5th in our series on defining what it means to be Christian using God's Word.

When it comes to where we get the things we need and want, Christians are no different from anyone else. What makes Christians different is how they view this process. Christians recognize God's powerful hand at work providing for them, and can trust in him to always provide what they need, whether it's through miracles or natural means.

Define: Christian - The Christian Lives as Wheat Among Weeds - July 16, 2023

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:58:49 +0000

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

This is the third in a sermon series in which we are trying to define what it means to be Christian the way Jesus would.

Jesus tells us in the Parable of the Weeds that believers can expect to live alongside evil and unbelievers in the world until Judgment Day. This means Christians need to live different and not give into the temptation to become weeds too. It also requires patience, as Christians wait for the harvest, when evil will finally be rooted out entirely.

Define: Christian - The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth - July 30, 2023

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:58:38 +0000

Matthew 13:44-52

This is the fourth in a series in which we are trying to define what it means to be Christian the way Jesus would.

A Christian properly values the gospel as their chief treasure, one that would be worth selling everything in order to obtain. Better still, God offers the gospel freely in his love!

Define: Christian - The Christian Is Planted by the Word - July 23, 2023

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:11:55 +0000

Isiah 55:6-11

This is the fourth in a series of sermons in which we are trying to define what it means to be Christian the way Jesus himself would.

What makes you Christian? Is it your Bible knowledge? Your thoughts, words, and actions? Your family? Your church attendance? No. God, in his wisdom, has chosen his Word to be the powerful tool he uses to create and sustain the faith that makes us Christian.

Define: Christian - The Christian Finds Rest in Jesus - July 9, 2023

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:18:41 +0000

Matthew 11:25-30

This is the second in a series of sermons in which we are attempting to define "Christian" in God's terms.

Humans need rest. Without it we suffer. Everyone looks for physical, emotional, and mental rest in all sorts of places with all sorts of plans. Christians aren't unique in their search for rest. They are, however, unique in where they find rest. Christians find true, spiritual rest in Jesus!

Define: Christian - The Christian Loves God Above All - July 2, 2023

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:00:20 +0000

Matthew 10:34-42

This is the first sermon in a series attempting to define what it even means to be Christian. (Ask 10 different people and you'll get 10 different answers!) We are looking to God himself for his definition of "Christian."

Being Christian at its core means being someone who loves God above all. This doesn't always mean that everything is going to be peaceful and perfect. In fact, it might mean division and strife. Being Christian doesn't simply mean not loving evil things. It means not loving genuinely good things too much either. Jesus' hard words in Matthew 10 prepare us for the realities of loving God above all, and his love motivates us to continue to strive to do just that.