Article 7

In Hebrews 11:1, we read that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen." The prophet Jeremiah held to his faith, convinced that the words of future judgment on Jerusalem were the true Word of God. The trouble was, there were so many other voices at the time that were giving a false testimony about God and a false hope to the people. Jeremiah teaches us that holding on to the Truth leads us to a conviction that is first believed, and then seen.

After the sermon, Soprano Barbara Yatrousis sings "O Savior, Hear Me.": Oh Saviour hear me, I implore thee, In thee alone can peace be found, Thou canst sustain and thou restore me Whate'er the cares that hover round. Hear my supplication. O turn on me thy loving eyes; Lord I long for thy salvation, And would feign attain the prize. When cares of earth to me seem heavy Heart-sore I seek of thee relief, Thy grace remaineth ever ready To soothe my pain, to assuage my grief. Hear my supplication. O turn on me thy loving eyes; Lord I long for thy salvation, And would feign attain the prize.

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…". If I were able to talk to the writer of Hebrews, today, I might challenge that person and ask why Abraham and Sarah are said to have had faith in what they hoped for without any mention of the redirection they had to receive from God along the way. But, looking again at Hebrews chapter 11, I think I can see that the writer is not focused so much on Abraham and Sarah, but on the object of their faith. After the sermon, there is a special instrumental version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" performed by Bethany's Created 2 Worship (C2W).

We will reap in due time if we do not give up! Paul gives us many reasons for not giving up all through the letter to the Galatians. In our last trip to this little garden in Galatians, we'll revisit how Paul connects the Kingdom of God to God's creation and all the ways we may reap the good that is sown by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A second walk through Paul's Galatians garden brings us to the fruit that grows by the power of the Holy Spirit. As an added musical bonus, Linda and Lindsay Hemphill offer a beautiful rendition of "America, The Beautiful" - a song that is quoted throughout the sermon.

Happy Summer! The Article 7 Podcast is back, again with three early summer sermons from a series preached at Bethany Lutheran Church and Preschool. This is a different look at Galatians for me as I noticed that there were a few agricultural connections that Paul makes, using language similar to other parts of the Bible. So, come and plant yourself by your listening device for a bit and prepare to grow in our love for God and for each other.

Another five meditations are offered in this special holiday Podcast. This time, hear five Christmas Carols recorded live at Bethany Lutheran's Christmas and Advent services along with a little information about each carol. Merry Christmas!

It has been a while, hasn't it? Well, the Article 7 podcast is back with a special Christmas gift for you. Normally, I share my sermons in this podcast, but this special episode is filled with readings and music to get you ready for the Christmas celebrations to come. The music you will hear was recorded at Bethany Lutheran Church during Advent and Christmas services from the past decade. Two offerings are from 2011 - a brass quintet and the Bethany Bells. You will also hear the children's bell choir (The King's Ringers) playing "O Come, O Come, Emmanual" from this year's Sunday School service; the group Created 2 Worship (C2W) offers "Song of Joy" from the Second Sunday in Advent, also this year. And the Bethany Singers and Praise Ringers are also heard from last year's Christmas services. In between are readings from the Hebrew prophets heard during the Advent season this year.

Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, it is time to podcast again, especially since our Easter celebration at Bethany Lutheran was so joyful, this year. In this special episode of the podcast, you will hear all our choirs combine on a "Canon of Praise for Easter Morning" and then something unexpected. A rendition of "Dry Bones" from a special quartet that was put together for our annual Sunrise service. After the message from Easter Morning titled, "The Glory, Forever", you will hear some more joyous music to close out the episode. May God bless you with a bright and happy Easter season! Christ is risen...!

The Easter worship at Bethany Lutheran continues with the Praise Ringers, Bethany Singers, Bethany Brass and more congregational singing. Part two of the Easter sermon is also here as once again we proclaim the Good News that Christ is risen!

Christ is risen! Hear some of the Easter celebration in word and song from Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia. This podcast has music from the Bethany Singers, Bethany Brass as well as some singing by the congregation. The first part of the Easter sermon is here, as well. Part two will be in the next podcast along with even more music from Easter Sunday