In this podcast episode, Tim breaks down the profound meaning of the phrase, “The Lord is near,” from Philippians, which encapsulates four key Christian doctrines: divine omnipresence, eschatology (the end of the world), the incarnation, and the means of grace. These doctrines reveal God's presence everywhere, the imminence of His judgment, His incarnation as Jesus to save humanity, and His ongoing presence through baptism, communion, and the Word.

The omnipresence of God assures that He is always with us, observing and sustaining all creation. Eschatology reminds us of God’s coming judgment, urging readiness while offering comfort in Jesus’ sacrifice. The incarnation demonstrates God’s nearness in Jesus Christ, who became human to redeem us. The means of grace—God’s Word and sacraments—ensure His presence in our lives, bringing forgiveness and salvation.

These truths inspire three blessings: joy, arising from God’s love and nearness; confidence, knowing God hears and answers prayers; and peace, as Jesus’ sacrifice secures forgiveness, victory over death, and a hopeful future.

In conclusion, Christians are called to rejoice, trust, and live in peace, assured of God’s unchanging love and presence.

This Sunday sermon, based on Philipians 4 verses 4-7, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on December 15, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
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Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)    

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this sermon, Tim emphasizes the unchanging yet unpredictable nature of God, using the cycles of seasons as a metaphor for His immutability. While the seasons change predictably in broad strokes but not in specifics, God also remains consistent in His promises—such as forgiveness, sustaining the Church, and Christ’s return—though the details of how He fulfills them aren't fully known. This reflects God’s divine immutability.

Tim warns us against sin, highlighting issues like dishonesty, oppression, and idolatry, which anger God as much today as in biblical times. Despite human sinfulness, God’s love remains steadfast. He refines His people like a silversmith, using life experiences and His Word to purify them.

Ultimately, the message reassures believers that because God does not change, His forgiveness, provision, and promises are reliable. This certainty allows believers to trust in His Word and anticipate Christ’s return with confidence and hope.

This Sunday sermon, based on Malachi 3 verses 1-7, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on December 8, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)   

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

The Advent season... a time of preparation and anticipation, distinct from the celebrations of Christmas. While Christmas focuses on the birth of Jesus, Advent invites us to reflect on why Jesus came into the world and what his mission means for us. It’s a season of looking ahead, much like Lent before Easter, to consider the profound significance of God becoming flesh to dwell among us. During Advent, we remember that Jesus’ life was not only about his birth but also about his ultimate purpose: to bring justice, righteousness, and salvation through his death and resurrection.

Central to this reflection is the concept of God’s name, which represents not merely a title but his character, reputation, and revelation to humanity. Jesus came "in the name of the Lord," fully embodying God’s mercy, justice, and love. Tim explains how believers are called to carry God’s name in their words and actions, living as witnesses to his grace and truth. While humans often fall short in representing God’s character, Jesus’ sacrifice secures our reconciliation with him, making it possible to reflect his love even in our imperfection.

As we begin Advent, the story of Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus as the King who came to fulfill God’s promises and bring salvation. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem foreshadowed the peace and glory he would achieve through his sacrifice. This Advent season challenges us to consider how we share God’s name and reputation with others through our lives, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior who came to give us eternal life and peace.

 This Sunday sermon, based on Luke 19:28-40, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on December 1, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)  

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this podcast episode, Tim starts off discussing his in-laws stay at an all-inclusive resort. He provides this example to state, just as guests enjoy endless amenities within the resort's boundaries, so too does God freely provide all we need within His kingdom. Then presented is the challenge for us to remain in God’s love, building our faith, praying in the Spirit, and faithfully fulfilling our callings as we wait for Jesus’ return.

Through God’s Word, we are equipped to address our doubts, rescue others from spiritual danger, and extend mercy to those caught in sin—all while recognizing our shared need for God’s grace. Ultimately, Tim will encourage us to trust in God’s promise to keep us in His love and present us blameless in His presence with great joy. Let’s listen together as Tim unpacks Jude’s powerful message of hope and perseverance.

This Sunday sermon, based on Jude 20-25 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on November 24, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)          

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

 In this sermon based on Mark 10:28-45, Tim reflects on how Jesus' disciples misunderstood his mission and the nature of his kingdom. As they journeyed to Jerusalem, the disciples expected to enter the city with honor and influence, as trusted followers of a victorious leader. They believed their sacrifices for Jesus would earn them special rewards, much like an example stated by Tim: purchasing a first-class ticket expecting certain privileges but being re-assigned to a different class. However, Jesus repeatedly explained that his mission involved suffering, sacrifice, and service, not personal gain or glory. The disciples, like many today, misinterpreted Jesus' promise of receiving "a hundred times" what they had given up, thinking it referred to material rewards rather than the spiritual and communal blessings found in the church.

This sermon warns us against approaching the Christian church with expectations of entitlement or personal benefit. Just as James and John sought positions of honor, many believers today may feel entitled to influence or recognition based on their contributions or involvement in the church. However, the true call of discipleship, as modeled by Jesus, is one of humility, service, and sacrifice. Christ came not to be served but to serve, and the Christian life is meant to follow this example. The church is not a place for seeking personal glory but a community where believers support one another and reflect the selfless love of Christ.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 10 verses 28-45 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on October 20, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)         

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this sermon based on Ephesians 5:21-6:4, Tim reflects on how our beliefs about family life can be shaped by experiences and media, comparing that to biblical teachings. This sermon emphasizes key biblical principles: husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church, wives should submit to their husbands, and parents, especially fathers, should lead their children's spiritual growth.

Tim then addresses the issue of divorce, highlighting that God does not approve of it except in a specific context of sin, and stresses the importance of forgiveness and grace through baptism. Ultimately, the message encourages following God's design for family life, rooted in love, forgiveness, and mutual respect.

This Sunday sermon, based on Ephesians 5 verses 21-6:4 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on October 6, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)        

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this sermon, Tim reflects on the complexity of human nature, especially in the context of faith; using the Latin word "simul" (meaning "at the same time") to explore how Christians are simultaneously sinners and saints. Through faith in Jesus, believers are declared saints, holy in God's sight, despite their ongoing battle with sin. This dual reality of being a sinner and a saint creates tension but also provides hope through God's grace, as exemplified by biblical figures like Miriam and Aaron, who despite their sins, were still chosen as God's leaders.

True wisdom, as described by James in the New Testament, comes from God and leads to actions that reflect love, peace, and humility. This divine wisdom does not justify means through ends but calls for pure, peace-loving conduct. Leaders in the church, though sinner-saints themselves, are called to exemplify this wisdom, living lives that reflect God's grace and love. 

This Sunday sermon, based on James 3 verses 13-18, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on September 22, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)              

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this episode, Tim underscores the importance of spiritual realities in shaping our response to distress, drawing from the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:8-17.  When human support fails, as seen in the apostle Paul's final imprisonment, God's presence remains steadfast. Paul, despite being abandoned by his fellow Christians, found strength in the knowledge that the Lord was with him. This teaches us that even when people fail us, God's support is unwavering, and He will ultimately bring us safely to His heavenly kingdom.

Elisha's story further illustrates that human efforts are limited, especially when faced with spiritual challenges. When the king of Aram attempted to overpower God's influence through military might, Elisha knew that God's power and protection were far greater. Even though Elisha's servant initially feared the surrounding army, his eyes were opened to see the angelic forces protecting them. This teaches us to trust in God's unseen protection, reminding us that spiritual forces are at work beyond our understanding, and that God's angels guard us through every trial.

This Sunday sermon, based on 2 Kings 8 verses 6-17 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on August 4, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)             

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

This sermon reflects on the life and faith of a man named Edward Malinka, emphasizing his deep love for the Psalms and God's Word. Edward's camping stories and his passion for hymns and scripture exemplified his commitment to living by God's promises. Tim particularly highlights Psalm 119:54, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge," as a verse that resonated with Edward, illustrating how God's Word was central to his life, regardless of where he was.

Edward's faith was rooted in the belief that God's promise preserves life, as echoed in John 3:16, which states that belief in Jesus grants eternal life. Despite knowing Edward for only three years, Tim affirms Edward's understanding of human sinfulness and God's grace. Edward's life was marked by a desire to know God more deeply and to share that knowledge with others, from his youth through to his later years, often bringing conversations to focus on eternity.

We conclude by celebrating Edward's enduring faith and his eagerness to share God's love. His love for camping serves as a metaphor for the greater hope he had in God's promise of an everlasting home. We encourage everyone to place their hope in God’s promise, just as Edward did, confident that Jesus is preparing a place for us in eternity.

This Funeral sermon, based on Psalms 119 verses 49-56, was preached at Powell Funeral Home  on July 15, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)              

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this episode on Luke 3, Tim delves into the ways God provides for our daily needs, drawing on biblical teachings from both the Old and New Testaments. In Proverbs 30:8-9, Agur prays for neither riches nor poverty but only his daily bread, illustrating a balanced reliance on God. This sentiment is mirrored in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches his followers to ask for their daily bread, emphasizing dependence on God's provision. The contrast between Herod's lavish, self-indulgent feast and Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand further underscores the idea that true sustenance and abundance come from divine, not earthly, sources.

He provides through creation itself, as seen in the natural growth of food and the sustenance offered by the earth. Parents feed their children, employers pay wages, and governments sometimes step in to ensure people’s needs are met. These layers of provision all trace back to God’s overarching care. Even our ability to work and earn a living is viewed as a gift from God, intended not just for personal gain but also to enable us to help those who are less fortunate, fostering a sense of communal responsibility.

Tim concludes by highlighting the importance of sharing and mutual support within the Christian community. Just as the food for the feeding of the five thousand came from one boy’s offering and was distributed among many, believers are encouraged to share their resources with those in need. This act of sharing reflects God’s provision through community and emphasizes that both those who have plenty and those who have little depend on God’s grace.

This Sunday sermon, based on Luke 11 verses 3, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on July 28, 2024.  This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)             

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.