Worship Services and Sermons
Sharing the good news in Jesus is a privilege and a joy.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
Sharing the good news in Jesus is a privilege and a joy.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
The Law can never take people to the promised land. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus defeats our enemies and shepherds us as his flock. The gracious Gospel of forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus is the only way to the promised land of heaven. Jesus leads us all the way there.
Moses, Paul, and Matthew never forgot their past. But God forgot their past. He forgave all their sins and called them to proclaim his mercy. Christians are sinners whom God has mercifully called. Only mercy can explain why Jesus brings people to faith and promises them salvation. Only grace can explain how he calls them to serve as they are able, even in the ministry of the gospel. God loves sinners.
The Festival of the Ascension is one of the oldest and most joyful celebrations in the Christian Church. It will be observed by Christians until Christ returns to take us to be with him.
The Aloha Program is our end-of-the-school-year program. As we end the school year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for allowing us the privilege of being part of your child’s journey each day.
The Aloha Program is our end-of-the-school-year program. As we end the school year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for allowing us the privilege of being part of your child’s journey each day.
What Difference Does it Make? Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would be tempted to live only for myself. If Jesus is dead, I don’t have to worry about what he said or what he thinks. But he lives, and it makes a difference. He takes care of my basic needs. He promises to do more for me than I can imagine. He puts people into my life so I can help them. Now I live for him.
Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. He is the only way to heaven. Yet this gospel message is the most inclusive message in the world. The benefits of the resurrection of Jesus are meant for every man, woman, and child who has ever lived.
Confirmation:
The word “Confirmation” means strengthening. Confirmation Classes comprise a two-year period of instruction in the Christian faith typically for young children 12 to 15 years of age. Jesus commanded his Church to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). The purpose of confirmation class is to strengthen the faith of the children through instruction in the Word of God, and prepare them to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Jesus lives, and it makes a difference. My hope for the future is restored. I have victory over the feeling of hopelessness, because the one who heals me and gives me a better and eternal life is himself alive. He lives to restore my hope.
Jesus engages me with continuing assurances in Word and sacrament. I have proof. I have peace.
Easter: Without the resurrection of Jesus, death would appear permanent. But Jesus lives, and it makes a difference! I too shall live. Death has become a pathway into paradise. Jesus has already made me spiritually alive by giving me faith in his resurrection. In every possible way, Jesus takes me from death to life.
Good Friday: Tonight we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord. We pray to him with confidence remembering what he has done for us.
Holy Thursday: We need to be washed clean in the blood of Jesus. Our own need can distract and overwhelm us with the details of our sin and our guilt. Jesus wants to lift our eyes above all that to his marvelous promise of forgiveness, life and salvation. The Lord’s Supper gives us a glimpse of the heavenly feast where we will eat of the eternal manna and drink from the river of God’s delights forever.
Palm Sunday: Focus! Look up! There is a King who presents himself so humbly that you might miss the importance of his arrival. Hail the King who humbly comes to save us!
Part 5 of Jesus’ Passion History according to Gospel of Matthew: Jesus death on the cross.
Jesus raised people from the dead to prove his power over death. That’s exactly the power I need.
A continued review of the “passion history” of Jesus during the last week of his life and ministry before the crucifixion and burial.
I recognize that I am spiritually blind when I don’t know Jesus. I cannot see the world as it really is. I am tempted to see what is harmful as good, and what is good as meaningless. I cannot see the danger that lurks behind every temptation. I realize that Jesus gave physical sight to the blind. But he also gives me spiritual vision. He said, “I am the light of the world.” He comes to shine his light into my darkened eyes so that I see him and live.
What would you say if you were on trial before people? What if you were on trial before God? Jesus was on trial before Caiaphas, the High Priest, where he gave his faithful confession for us. Part 3 of Jesus’ Passion History according to the Gospel of Matthew.
I recognize my deep spiritual thirst. I long for a good relationship with God and for everlasting life. I am tempted to satisfy that deep thirst with worldly things, a strategy doomed to failure. I realize that my thirst is satisfied only by the one who said, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” Jesus meets my greatest need.
Part two of Jesus’ Passion History from Matthew 26:56 “But all this has to happen so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.”
Long ago, God declared that I would be blessed by a descendant of Abraham who turned out to be Jesus. The blessing is salvation. I receive that salvation by faith in Jesus as my Savior. The good news is that faith is also God’s gift, imparted to me through the gospel.