People starting to get on your nerves? Being cooped up in close proximity with born sinners is a recipe for temptation and conflict. Tough sometimes not to lash out with hard words or deeds. Resentment can build even when we hold our tongues or stop ourselves short of being hurtful. Bitterness, anger, guilt, shame well … Continue reading Fifth Sunday in Lent Online Service and Bulletin
One Boy, Two Fish, Five Loaves and Jesus
An Encouraging Service of Prayer and Preaching With thousands in need, the disciples troubleshooot the situation and come up empty. One offers everything at hand. In the midst of uncertainty, Jesus makes satisfying use of it all. Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Churchwwww.immanuellutheranlaurelne.com Hear the full Service of Prayer and Preaching (Lutheran Service Book, p.260ff) for the … Continue reading One Boy, Two Fish, Five Loaves and Jesus
Matins for our Spiritual Sojourn
A Meditative Matins Service for 3/17/20 The family altar is a sacred place to find the Lord and give thanks. We consider the patriarch Jacob, learning from his complicated family and unsettled life. Here are songs, prayers and a homily on God’s faithfulness to His people throughout our spiritual sojourning. https://youtu.be/I268Z7IkNlA Genesis 35:1-3 God said … Continue reading Matins for our Spiritual Sojourn
Gathered with the Stronger Man
The world is afflicted, suspicious and afraid of more trouble to come. In Jesus, the kingdom of God comes upon us with deliverance from sin, death and the Devil. He is the Stronger Man who overcomes internal burdens and external evils--even disease, death and the grave. The battle is joined as He gathers the afflicted … Continue reading Gathered with the Stronger Man
To All Who Received Him
God knows no better gift for you than His Son--and true sonship by faith in His name... Click to hear the full audio of "To All Who Received Him" A sermon on John 1:1-14 / Nativity of our Lord / 25 December 2019 John 1:1-14 (ESV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word … Continue reading To All Who Received Him
The Voice of One Crying Out
John the Baptist knows who he is before the Lord. Better still, he knows who he is NOT. Do you? Click to hear the full audio of "A Voice of One Crying Out" A sermon on John 1:19-28 / Fourth Sunday in Advent / 22 December 2019 John 1:19-28 (ESV) 19 And this is the testimony … Continue reading The Voice of One Crying Out
Big Deal, or Small Thing?
People-pleasers come in all shapes and sizes, even when the the one person you're trying to please is you. Christ enters in to call us to yield to his judgment, even concerning ourselves. We are freed from chasing the likes, shares, favor and approval of anyone but Jesus--by Jesus who justifies the ungodly. Click to … Continue reading Big Deal, or Small Thing?
The Land Where God is Bringing You
Our focus tends to be on the past, where we once were. God is leading forward, into contentment! Hear the full audio of "The Land Where God is Bringing you" A sermon on Deuteronomy 8:1-10 / Service of Thanksgiving / 24 November 2019 Deuteronomy 8:1-10 (ESV) 8 “The whole commandment that I command you today … Continue reading The Land Where God is Bringing You
Rejoice in That Which I Create
The former things are gone. Our God is making something new for you--fully worthy of your joy and delight! Hear the full audio of "Rejoice in That which I Create" A sermon on Isaiah 65:17-25 / Last Sunday of the Church Year / 24 November 2019
The Justice of Divine Mercy
Jesus teaches us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." Here the Lord speaks of the gracious generosity and merciful readiness with which we are to forgive others. He warns of serious spiritual consequence should we refuse to forgive them "from your heart." But what if the heart … Continue reading The Justice of Divine Mercy
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 