In Sunday’s gospel Jesus asserts that we are to abide in His love as He has abided in His Father’s love. In his message Pastor James reflects how Jesus, after assuring us of His love, commands us to love one another. And as we ponder our fulfilling that command, we then come face-to-face with the question we all must ask ourselves – Do people mistake you for Jesus? Is your way of life filled with the abiding love of Jesus?

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

In this week’s Midweek Recharge Pastor Johann discusses the two greatest commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God’s Word shows us that we do not need to make everyone our best friend or confidant, but we do need to love those whom God loves. Join us as we reflect on this devotion.

The true vine, the vine-grower, the branches, the fruit of the branches...abiding in Christ. These are words, phrases that depict relationships, healthy relationships. Too often in life, we look for love in the wrong places. While we may look to help people who need assistance, it’s quite another thing to look for healthy and strong relationships with people who don’t share the vision or values of the vine, Jesus Christ.

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

In today’s Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann shares: “You’re going to make mistakes. We all will. But, as Luther persuades us: Don’t live passively. Live, like someone died and rose for you. Live, like you have everlasting life. Don’t dwell on how great your good works are. Dwell on Christ’s goodness and grace, letting His love spur you toward making a difference and leading people to Christ and to life eternal.”

We live in a world today where worries and worrying abound. Listen as Pastor James, after asking if you worry, shares how Jesus as the Good Shepherd guides us. Jesus guides us when we need direction – guards us when we face difficulty – and gets us to our final destination – our heavenly home. So, join us today and rejoice with us in the great, caring love Jesus shows us as our risen Good Shepherd.

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

Sins aren't merely the sins we have committed. Sins of omission are just as serious. We share responsibility for a broken world that shows its fragility and volatility. The Gospel and the forgiveness offered through the Risen Lord covers sins of commission and omission, rendering us "perfect" before God. When spurred by His grace and love, we fight the good fight, make a difference, and work courageously for justice and mending in a world that truly needs a Savior and His forgiveness and community.

The peace of Christ is not a “worldly” calm that is transitory, one in which you can get a good night’s sleep and don’t feel a generous unease about matters in the world, country, and neighborhood. Rather, as Pastor Johann shares, true peace lasts. True peace is for everyone. The peace of Christ is everlasting. 

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

In this installment of “About the Music," Andy Muich, Director of Christian Education, and Dan Lamaestra, Praise Band Director, talk about the song "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)." We hear about the genesis of the song and some of the scripture references that inform the resurrection-focused lyrics. We also learn about the musical aspects of the melody, harmony and structure of the song, that help give it it’s unique sound. The latest recording of the song by our Praise Band follows the conversation.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 86:12; Psalm 145:1; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; Hebrews 12:2

"O Praise the Name (Anastasis)"

Words and Music by Marty Sampson, Benjamin Hastings and Dean Ussher 

CCLI Song # 7037787

© 2015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia

All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 858354 

“I could be at peace if . . .” How would you fill in that blank? We try in many ways to complete that sentence in our daily lives, but in the end we continue to look for a better word or phrase. In this message, Pastor James discusses God’s gift to each of us in our daily struggle with our problems, a gift that rests in four simple words from Jesus: “Peace be with you.” Just as Jesus invited the disciples to peace, join with Pastor James as he focuses on God’s peace given you.

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

Our Easter celebration continues with this Midweek Recharge that features Easter Choral Music, presented by the Good Shepherd Music Ministry.