1 Thing Matters

SERIES: Wounds that Heal

They are some of the most difficult words in the world to speak: “I forgive you.” But as hard as they are to speak, what follows them can sometimes be even harder. To reassure, comfort, and love repentant sinners - especially when we’re the one sinned against - is not an easy thing. But it is a possible thing, made so by the Jesus who first speaks words of forgiveness to us, and then goes to great lengths to follow up so that we know and believe it’s true.

SERIES: Wounds that Heal

This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loathe. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses—a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following him. He wants us to do that now, ahead of time, rather than waiting until we are in the heat of the moment and emotions are running high. However, our calculations must not only consider what we might give up for Jesus. They also entail calculating what we get through him! When we perceive the infinite blessings we find in Christ, the decisions we make, while difficult, will be clear. Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.

SERIES: Wounds that Heal

Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we still helplessly fall into the trap of pride. We all desire acclaim, recognition, and praise. Jesus’ sharp words this week teach us that seeking exaltation in futile and fleeing ways will only result in receiving the opposite. Those who attempt to exalt themselves will eventually be humbled by God. In contrast, Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life. Our exaltation does not need to be our responsibility, because Jesus has already made it his.

SERIES: Wounds that Heal

When it comes to the uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to direct our attention to more theoretical questions. “What is heaven like?” “How old will we be there?” Today someone asks, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” Jesus brushes all such questions aside. Instead, he answers the question we should be asking. “How might I be saved?” Jesus explains there is only one way—entering through a very narrow door.

Jesus’ words cut deep! For he teaches that it is very easy to develop a false sense of security about our standing before God based on some superficial familiarity we have with him. Jesus warns that many who think they are on the path to heaven will end up shut out. These wounding words of Jesus provide healing, pushing us toward that narrow door: faith in him.

SERIES: Wounds that Heal

You’ve seen it stated, “no Jesus, no peace,” in contrast to “know Jesus, know peace.” But would Jesus himself even agree? Not according to his words this morning, he wouldn’t.

The world’s idea of peace is a pipe dream. Jesus’ idea of peace is a reality. What happens when those opposing ideas of peace clash? Division. Nevertheless, only in Jesus can that division be reconciled.

Why do we worry? Because worrying changes anything? Because worrying is good for us? Because maybe God won’t actually provide for us like he promised? Nope, nope, and nope.

Worry is not rooted in any of those things, but in something else entirely. And the good news is that you already have the antidote to worry. The antidote to worry is not merely paying lip service to our greatest treasure - Jesus - but actually treasuring him above all else.

Things need to be renewed all around us. Car registrations. Subscription services. Insurance. The list goes on. But it isn’t just stuff that needs renewing - so do we!

This morning we celebrate our 60th Anniversary. What, exactly, are we celebrating? That God has used this congregation of believers to proclaim the certainty of the Resurrection and to facilitate the renewal that accompanies those who have been raised to live in Christ. Since God only brings about that ongoing renewal through Word and Sacrament, we pray that he continues to equip us to faithfully use them for generations to come.

“Pray for What Pleases God” (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Series: Undivided Attention

In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are frustrated so we vent. We are blessed so we give thanks. Natural!

What does not come naturally, however, is a proper understanding of the privilege of prayer. Prayer is a privilege, based entirely on the unique and unearned relationship we have with God, our Father. And the purpose of prayer is really not to tell God what we want, but to claim that which God wants for us, that which is pleasing to him. Prayer provides the opportunity to bring our will into conformity with God’s will, not the other way around. This week, we give our undivided attention to what God says about this access we call prayer. Along with Jesus’ disciples we say, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Series: Undivided Attention

Sometimes circumstances have to be just right for something to be effective or to work properly. Sometimes, though, even when something is effective or working properly, we can’t tell. A recipe may turn out exactly the way it’s supposed to, but if we don’t know what the finished product is supposed to taste like, how can we tell if the recipe was a success? If a play on the field didn’t work, is it because the players didn’t carry it out correctly, or did the other team just stop it effectively?

Sometimes it may seem difficult to tell if the church - and by extension the Word - is working. We don’t see the results we expected or the results don’t line up with what we assumed we’d see. How do we know the church is working in our midst here or anywhere? Because the gospel grows. That’s what it does - wherever it is proclaimed.

Series: Undivided Attention

There are likely paths you would pursue right now in whatever season of life you’re in if not for limitations. Those limitations might be physical. They might be financial. They might be time-related, or any number of other factors might cause them. Whatever they are, how would your life be different if those limitations didn’t exist?

We have freedom in Christ. Complete freedom. But from what? And just as important - for what? To know the answer to the first question is to open up the endless possibilities for the second.