Feb 24, 2019 - Epiphany 7
Love Your Enemies
God instructs us to love our enemies, and to do good to them, even when they are doing evil to us. We can show that kind of love because God has given us that kind of love.
Feb 17, 2019 - Epiphany 6
Suffering & Blessing
Christians suffer, and yet God says that we are blessed. How do suffering and blessing go together? Why does it seem like non-Christians enjoy such a good life?
Feb 10, 2019 - Epiphany 5
Trust God’s Call
On the one hand, we’re tempted to trust ourselves and think we don’t need God all that much. On the other hand, we’re tempted to despair and think that we can’t have God or his blessings. Jesus teaches us two important truths: God calls us to work, and wants us to use the abilities he has given, yet our work accomplishes nothing except with God’s blessing. And God wants us to have no fear, because his perfect love for us drives out all fear. Forgiven and made holy, we confidently and thankfully receive God’s blessings.
Feb 3, 2019 - Epiphany 4
Powerful Word
God’s Word is powerful. Jesus healed and taught, Jeremiah would uproot and plant, and you through the Scriptures are wise, because you know the way to salvation: through God’s Son.
Jan 27, 2019 - Epiphany 3
Prophecy Fulfilled
Jesus announces his identity but is rejected by the people of his hometown. We are also tempted to wish that we could change Jesus to fit our ideas and wishes, but by God’s grace, we see Jesus is our perfect, exactly right Savior.
Jan 20, 2019 - Baptism of our Lord
Chosen by God’s Mercy
In the Old Testament, God chose people for special tasks by having them anointed with oil. Jesus was anointed at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and power. In our baptisms, God chose us to be his children and to have eternal life.