GSLCVA Podcast

The Advent and Christmas season is a busy time of the year, and it is easy to forget that we are getting closer to salvation. As we await Christ's promised return, we are told to "stay awake" and that we "do not know what day the Lord is coming." Join us today as Pastor James reminds us of what we should do to stay prepared. The call is not just of what is to come, but a call of continued preparedness for what is already taking place in our midst.

The first Thanksgiving is a fine story in our nation's history, but "the best" Thanksgiving story is of what God has done for humankind. His story is our story, one that tells us "who" we are by telling us "whose" we are. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how it is good for us to recall the history of the first Thanksgiving, to speak of our thankfulness, and of our blessings.

However, the better story is of God's goodness and record of His loving acts as Creator, Christ and Spirit.

Christ the King Sunday reminds us that we worship a wounded king, a wounded God. There can only be one King, only one savior, only one person who can truly save us. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how different our King is. He is not afraid to show us his wounds, provide us the grace and power of forgiveness, and grant us eternal life because of our faith in Him.

Do you see signs of the end of the world around us? Do you fear the world closing in on us as disturbances and wars show how unstable and fragile humanity is? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we might live for today but God plans for eternity. Nothing in this world is fully secure, stable, or forever but hope exists. Hope exists in that God is in command and we should not be deceived, be fearful, or distracted, as He is the purpose of our lives and our stability for eternity.

Do you look at the Bible as problematic and too tough to swallow? Does it create fear and a resistance to change within you? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how Jesus calls for us to change our vision, behavior, and our very core. The problem is not the Bible but within our very core. We must believe in the power of God to make Jesus' vision a reality, accept His invitation to think and act differently when challenged, and respond as Jesus would when things are too tough to swallow.

Jesus taught us that as Christians we will encounter suffering in life. As Christ-followers, we often slip up and attempt to sidestep this suffering at all costs. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we need to "Be Still." We need to wake up, stop fearing, remember our God, and spread His' Word. God will bring His glory, protect His people, and bring everlasting peace. All we need to do is trust in the Word and be faithful in walking in its way.

Have you ever heard that there are two types of people in the world? Those that are good and humble and those that are bad and judgmental. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how there are no good or bad people as we are all sinners and alienated from God. It is through our faith in Him that His justification, sanctification, and grace lead to our salvation, transforming us through His mercy.

What is prayer? Is it an attempt to ask God for our wants and needs? Or is prayer about swaying God to do our will instead of His will? Prayer is about our relationship with God. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how Jesus challenges us to develop an intimate, deep, and personal relationship with God. Prayer should be persistent, honest, and pursued with the intent of listening to Him. Our goal is to honor Him and align our will with His, as He is what we really need.

To be a Christian and follow Jesus is difficult and costly as it forces you to be different, stick out, and look beyond yourself. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how through Jesus our eyes can be opened and we can receive a greater cleansing. We can experience the hope, joy, and love of a new life in Jesus by looking back, following Him, and acknowledging His atonement for our sins.

What is faith? Is it hope? Belonging? A sense of peace? Or a relationship with God that will never leave you lonely? Will having more faith bring you closer to God? Join us today as Pastor James discusses how nothing is impossible with God and we should not quantify faith but instead affirm its power. We should focus on finding ways to use the power of faith, maintain a trusting relationship with God, and use His grace to transform lives around us.