GSLCVA Podcast

Sometimes in our faith walk, we give up something intentionally, as a homage to the Lord's suffering. We try to create a desert-like experience, highlighting our mortality and the fragility of life. This desert wilderness is a place of loss and grief, where we face our lack of power. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how the wilderness is where we discover who we are, whose we are, and what matters…being filled with gratitude and appreciation for today, and being fully alive in Christ.

God calls us into relationships with Him and with other Christians, people who walk the path with us and share their blessings. Join us as Pastor Johann sets the stage for Lent, a path where we learn from our brothers and sisters in the faith, and where their stories illuminate and direct our own stories. God's call is a call to join Jesus on a path of pain and suffering. But, it is a call that leads to everything but destruction; it leads to blessings from God and eternal life in Christ.

The Transfiguration describes a mountaintop experience, where the disciples wanted to worship and stay with Christ. Today we often want a similar experience, striving for highpoints, shunning the low points. Join us today as Pastor James discusses how life is about coming down from the mountaintop into the sinful world, with low points and not just highpoints. The Transfiguration reminds us who gives us true glory, forgiveness, and eternal life, which has little to do with our highs and lows.

Scripture speaks of a Father, and a Son, and a Holy Spirit, each member of the Trinity being coequal, inseparable, interpenetrating, and causing no division. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we need healing, as we are beset by many problems. Jesus represents more than physical healing, He represents eternal healing, as He is the truth and the way to true peace. Jesus is intent on bringing us around to the life we are intended to live, where the greatest are the servants of all.

When we hear the words "because I said so," we recognize that that person speaks with authority. Join Pastor James as he walks through today's gospel text seeking an understanding that because Jesus said so, His authority came not from rank or position. Instead, His wisdom came from His competence in interpreting God's Word, so that we will understand His desire that all His children enjoy health and life.

Jesus says to the disciples and to you "follow me." This is not just an invitation to go; it's also an invitation to leave behind earthly pursuits. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we accept Jesus' invitation to follow, not by packing up, but by letting go. By letting go, where we hear the call to a new life, where we are changed and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. "Follow me" is Jesus' call to participate with God in God's own saving work by discovering God's divinity within us.

There is a lot of "finding" in John's quirky account on the calling of Jesus' disciples. Join Pastor James as he shares our calling as Christians, to share the gospel with others. It is through our inviting, going, and showing that those "found" may also take part in finding and sharing in God's grace-given promise through faith to be with him in eternity.

Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how we are recreated in baptism just like the image of creation in Genesis, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Mark's gospel makes it clear that it is the Spirit's movement that distinguishes Jesus' baptism from John's. The Spirit has come upon us like Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God's beloved children. Through baptism, we are set on Jesus' mission to recreate the world in the image of God's vision of justice and peace.

Christmas has come and gone and the New Year lays directly ahead. Join Pastor James as he shares carrying Christmas beyond December 25 and into everyday of our lives, shining the light and living the God-given promises seen through the manger and on the cross.

During this season of giving, we often look for examples of goodwill through Saint Nicholas giving his presents, Luke's Christmas account, and the message of world peace. Humanity achieves peace with God through Jesus Christ filling our hearts with generosity and compassion, so that others may experience the same. When peace is present, goodwill abounds. Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses the meaning of peace and goodwill, how it is God's will, and a message of God's undying love for all.