GSLCVA Podcast

Whatever we love most, and most fear losing, is our functional god. Focusing too much on money can become a form of “religion.” Do you have faith in yourself, your status, and your money? Or do you trust the God who comes to you in Jesus and asks you to forsake all and follow him? Money is not the root of all evil; instead it is our attitude towards wealth and where our hearts focus. Jesus blesses us with his grace. By trusting in Him and giving freely of ourselves no limits exist.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

Jesus says: “Let the little children come to Me...” This invitation is for children of all ages, whether you are 2 or 102, the children of God. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how we are in an ongoing process of being taught. By coming to Him, the Lord of Life, we can be touched by His amazing grace. Commit yourself and your family to come closer to Jesus and experience forgiveness, hope, healing, and new life so that He can claim you as His own child. 

Sometimes we do not focus on the most important things. We become fixated on what is happening around us, rather than looking inward at ourselves. Our actions and words become stumbling blocks. We not only harm ourselves but become a distraction to others making them stumble. Are you a stumbling block? Are you getting in the way of the Gospel? Join us today as we discuss focusing on others, the church, and our salvation through Jesus Christ and not becoming a stumbling block.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

Are you competitive? Do you aim to be the greatest? Our culture, identity, and self-worth are often driven by being the greatest.  Join us today as Pastor James discusses how following Jesus will not lead you to success in being the greatest; it will lead you to service. Through service the true greatness of the Gospel can be seen. It is about love, self-giving, and God working through you to achieve the ultimate greatness.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

Do you favor the things of God or the things of humankind? Who is Jesus to you? Jesus showed us how to sacrifice, how to become humble, and how to empty oneself. Yet we are all challenged to focus our lives in accordance to God’s Word and law. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses sharing Him and considering who our God is truly while favoring the things of God.

Faith is required to please God, it is rewarded by God, and it is always tested. Join us this week as Pastor James discusses the four characteristics of great faith:

1) It approaches Jesus boldly; 2) It doesn’t quit when insulted; 3) It is content with the crumbs of grace; and 4) It is tested by God.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

In today’s gospel text, Jesus’ disciples are rebuked by the Pharisees for not washing their hands as dictated by Jewish religion. Jesus responded that it is not things from the outside that make man unclean, but rather that which comes from inside, from the heart. Join us as Pastor James asks who lives in you - are you a citizen of the world or a citizen of Heaven? What is in your heart?

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

To be fed is great and we don’t take it for granted, but we also feed others, because we want to share good things. The bread from heaven, in Jesus Christ, came down to feed, comfort, heal, and forgive. We receive this bread. It fills us to overflowing, until we can’t help but share it. It will remind us of the many ways we’ve already been blessed in word and deed.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

There’s a significant correlation between good nutrition and the quality of life. Like physical hunger, spiritual hunger is at the core of every man and woman. It must be fed in order to bring lasting happiness. Unless one consumes the Lord Jesus Christ, and internalizes the magnificent truths of the Gospel, the Good News will do the person no good. Through spiritual nourishment we will be sustained in this life and throughout eternity. 

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message

When people are dissatisfied with something they start to protest their grievance and whine. Whining and grumbling lead to sin, and if unchecked can become a way of life. In today’s message Pastor James discusses how Christian faith is rooted in God’s love, law, and the revelation that Jesus Christ is our Savior. We may forget the root of our faith in times of duress, and whine, but our faith will ultimately carry us through.

And at the end of the sermon, please enjoy the hymn of the day as you reflect on the message