GSLCVA Podcast

Join Pastor Johann as he discusses the Mission (Im)Possible, to "go and tell" the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus's death and resurrection to all people. On our own, we are inadequate, and the mission is impossible. Through God, we can proclaim the gospel to all people, and our mission is truly possible. Through the risen Savior, we are equipped to share the Word as He has given us great peace, proof, purpose, power, and proclamation.

Are you having a hard time praying as much as you need to? Are you afraid of praying incorrectly? Join us today as Pastor James explains how we can look to Jesus as an example. We can pray at any time, about anything, and we are never alone in prayer as Jesus is with us. There is no right way or wrong way to pray, it should be a part of the fabric of our daily lives. In the end, what matters most is that we pray so that we may all be one with our faith and with Jesus.

Do you often look for ways to connect with people? Do you lift up idols or earthly objects to fulfill your deepest desires just to be left unsatisfied? Join us today as Pastor Johann discusses how a life of connection and community, grounded in God, is the key to our desires. As we let go of the idols we chase, we can see our deepest desires fulfilled by God in a lasting way.

Some people have difficulty in recognizing that they have caught what they are chasing or desire. Such individuals, in their extreme forms, are always running but never arriving, always searching but never discovering. While not fair to describe Phillip and the other disciples in this manner, it would be equally unfair to suggest that they were oblivious. Join Pastor James as he focuses on how Jesus answers their question, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied."

In today's world many are looking to make a deal wondering what's behind door #1, #2, or #3. However, as we read in today's gospel lesson the only door that matters is the door with Jesus Christ. Join Pastor James as he reminds us that every human heart has a door that must be opened from the inside to share Christ's love and life eternally.

People often forget that Jesus is always with us and speaks to us every day through the scriptures. Join us as Pastor Johann asks the question: Do we really listen and examine God's holy words? It is through these words that the basis of our faith is formed; they give us all that we need, and move our hearts and open our minds to comprehend the will and love of God.

A woman on her way out of worship on Easter Sunday asks the pastor a truly profound question, "Will Easter make any difference for everyone here in church today, or will their lives tomorrow be the same as they were yesterday? Join us as Pastor James discusses how the Easter experience and the living presence of Christ in our lives, Easter does, can, and will make a difference in our lives.

Easter is a great time for feasting as the family of God. In fact, it is one of the highest feasts of the Church Year. God conquered sin, death, and hell through Christ's resurrection from the dead! We long to be delivered and resurrected from sin, death, anxiety, and pain. Although we are not there yet, God gives us a foretaste of that feast in the Lord's Supper. As you partake of this feast today, may you anxiously await the feast that has no end!

Since the altar is stripped and the paraments are gone, the wood of the altar and pulpit are fully exposed. On this Good Friday, and at Golgotha, all you see is wood! We are reminded of the agony and pain He suffered to remove your sin. Due to the sacrifice He uplifts sinners, raises the dead, and sweetens all agony and pain through the waters of your Baptism. Jesus Christ is your refuge and lifesaver, lightening every load and giving you eternal rest and the promise of peace.

When Jesus died, He was mocked, punched, spit upon, and beaten. Many people could not wait to kill Jesus. When Jesus was pierced by the soldier on Good Friday, John significantly indicates that water and blood poured out of His side. Yet many failed to realize how rich this treasure truly is. His water and blood still pour out today, forgiving all your sins and working for the good of the whole Church. We celebrate and receive again what our Lord inaugurated for you in His Supper.