A pop song from the sixties helps us understand God's love for sinners. We cannot shimmy our way into Gods heart. Pastor Gregory Alms from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Catawba, North Carolina presents this episode. Redeemer serves Catawba county as well as Sherrills Ford, Troutman, and the Lake Norman area. Find out more at redeemercatawba.com

Baptism can often be overlooked a s a past event, something that happened a long time ago. But Jesus own baptism in the Jordan river helps us to see that baptism shapes our life everyday. Listen to hear Pastor Gregory Alms sermon explaining how we can "live our baptism". Text: Mark 1:4-11. Redeemer Lutheran Church, Catawba, NC.

The story of Simeon is one of promise and waiting. God promised Simeon he would not die until he held the Messiah. One day Mary and Joseph came and handed the baby Jesus to him. He burst out in song. Listen to hear how we are in Simeon's shoes and can receive the same gift as he and sing the same song. Scripture: Luke 2:25-35.

"Contradictions" in the Bible, what we might call mysteries, sometimes hold the greatest meaning. Consider the almighty power of God and the tiny baby in Bethlehem.

It is easy to push ourselves and our experience to the center of our Christian life. We can make it about us and what we want or feel. John the Baptist had the opportunity to make it about himself. "Are you the Christ," they asked. But he said "No." Instead, he pointed to Jesus as a witness. Listen to find out how we too can put Christ at the center and point to him. Text: John 1: 6-8; 19-28.

What do we do when we meet someone new? We dress up. We try to impress them. We often try to do that with God. In Advent we speak of preparing to meet God. But trying to impress him or dressing ourselves up is a bad strategy according to John the Baptist. Listen to hear how John directs us to truly meet God in this holy season.

Key Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

December could be called the month of the great wanting. We want so many things. Living December as Advent reorients our wanting in a different direction.

Does God only do mighty works and great acts of salvation in the past? Sometimes, it can seem like that. Isaiah complains about it. We can feel that way, too. Listen to discover how God answers us when we pray, "God, do something"! Scriptures: Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 10:1-11.

What make Christians different? What will mark them as unique even at the end of the world? The answers may surprise you. It is not that Christians are "good" people or better than others. No, the differences come in being blessed, in being part of God's family and in having a God who gives all things to us. All this results in sheep who serve their neighbors. Listen to hear Pastor Greg Alms preach on Matthew 25: 31-46.