GSLCVA Podcast

A day that began in crushing sorrow soon turned to unquenchable and uncontainable joy. Easter! Jesus lives! Alleluia! In today’s message, Pastor Johann shares “Stories of Redemption,” focusing on the experience of Mary Magdalene but also bringing us to stories of other people more recently redeemed. The movement that began on the first Easter continues today, transforming people throughout the world. What is your story? Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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

Why the cross? Historically, the cross was the only logical outcome of Jesus’ ministry, as well as God’s way of dealing with us. But as Pastor James explains in this message, we cannot blame God for the cross. The guilt is ours. And yet the mystery of the cross is just that: It is God's cross. And as we stand at the foot of the cross, its ultimate mystery is revealed. It stands as the message of God’s love, of God's eternal forgiveness, of God’s grace at work, pouring itself down for you and me.

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

Maundy Thursday, rich in symbolism, includes three key events in Jesus’ last week: washing the disciples’ feet, institution of the Lord’s Supper, and His new commandment to love one another. In this sermon, Pastor Johann shows that these events are linked by the theme of God’s love, dedication, and service. Maundy Thursday reminds us that all of Scripture narrates one sacred story: Jesus as the Christ of God is the climax of, and in most ways the whole point of, the entire narrative of life.

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

Mixed motives and varied expectations fill the Palm Sunday story. As we enter Jerusalem with Jesus, we move closer to His death on Good Friday. In today’s message, Pastor Johann says that the events of Palm Sunday can be thought of in terms of regime change from many perspectives – but the only lasting regime change is the one that occurs in the heart. As you follow Christ to His crucifixion, consider these questions: Who rules over you? Whom do you truly follow? Lord Jesus, reign in my heart.

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

Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that Lydia followed the will of God by responding in faith and hospitality when the Gospel message of Christ’s sacrifice was preached to her. We follow the will of God by responding in love and service to one another in return for what Christ has done for us.

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

Often we look for the quick-fix, one-step, easy solution to our problems. This same approach can creep into our desire for how our faith journey should go. But as we see in today’s Gospel, Jesus describes the cost of Christian living as anything but easy. In his message Pastor James challenges us not to be deceived by watered down, “cake mix” gospels, but instead to be drawn to Jesus, lifted-up on the cross, where we can truly experience the love of Christ and our faith can take root.

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

Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that, on the road to Damascus, Paul had his worldview turned upside down when God called him to preach the name of the Christ he had been persecuting. We follow God’s will by putting the crucified Christ at the center of our worldview.

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

Today we hear a staggering truth from scripture: Salvation is a gift you receive, not a paycheck you earn. This unmerited gift from God given to unworthy sinners is what we call “grace.” It is a love that makes no sense to us. In this message, Pastor Johann urges us not to underestimate grace. God’s grace is not motivated by anything He sees in us. Instead, the compelling reasons are found in God Himself. He is abounding with empathy and unconditional love – for you.

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

Our Lenten Wednesday messages this year feature monologues given by various biblical figures. In this service, we remember that, in humility, Mary dutifully accepted the role God had given her to become the mother of our Savior. That Son, Jesus, would faithfully follow the path his Father had in mind for him to save us all.

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

We usually think of Jesus as gentle and calm. But in today’s Gospel, Jesus is angry and throws people and animals out of the temple. Why? In this message, Pastor James notes that Jesus’ anger was fueled by the way the religious leaders of the day mistreated people who were at the temple to offer sacrifices and to worship. Jesus took action and rid the temple of the hucksters and cheats. Come hear about God’s great love for you, me, and everyone and how it was shown on Jesus' journey to the cross.

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