3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus […]
Reformation Sunday
Verse 1: A mighty fortress is our God, a sword and shield victorious; He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod and wins salvation glorious. The old satanic foe has sworn to work us woe! With craft and dreadful might he arms himself to fight. On earth he has no equal. Verse 2: No strength of ours […]
August 2023
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to […]
(Briefly) On the Work of the Holy Spirit
Happy Pentecost! And what a better time for the season of Pentecost to fall than the beginning of summer. As you well know, the day of Pentecost is celebrated as the day that the Holy Spirit came down and was given to the disciples, and by extension, us. So we have the Holy Spirit among […]
On Post-Easter & Pentecost
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 We are post-Easter and have heard constantly that Jesus has died for us, taken all of […]
Palm Sunday & Easter
Depending on when you are reading this, we will either be just about to enter into Holy Week, amidst it, or perhaps the newsletter got to you late and you are reading this after the entire Easter celebration. Regardless, Holy Week is a deep and meaningful week. It is jam-packed with the feels of excitement […]
On Preaching Beyond the Church
The Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: “1When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in […]
On Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas songs are on the radio, houses are being decorated inside and out, the Christmas tree is set up in the church, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas vacation is ramping up. As far as the church year goes, we are into the well – known […]
On Prayer
Prayer. While it seems to be a common, everyday thing, prayer also can be seen as intimidating and riddled with questions. Why should I pray? How do I pray? When should I pray? What if I pray wrong? We have been spending a lot of time in Paul’s letter to Timothy with our Epistle readings […]
Do Not Be Anxious
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV These words are so much easier said than done. Do […]