Journey of Life Lutheran Church Podcast

During my sabbatical, I took two weeks off from the Christian faith. Here’s how it went.

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I had a very difficult Sabbath and re-learned some valuable lessons.

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If you are continually frustrated with something in your life, the answer may not be to try harder. You might have to look at it in a different way altogether.

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With a title like this, who needs a description!

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In this sermon, Pastor John begins by talking about how to see loss and change with the eyes of faith. Then he reminds us that we are God’s children. Further, each one of us is actually God’s gift to the world. Doesn’t that change your perspective on who you are and what your’re about??

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We, humans, love our rules. We like to measure and compare. After the 10 Commandments came over 600 other rules. Then came rules about the rules, called the Mishnah. Then came rulings about the rules about the rules, call the Gemarah.

Jesus only used the word “command” once: “Love one another.” We want to tighten things down. Jesus wants to open things up. We want rules for climbing, comparing, and controlling. Jesus directs us toward living beyond rules… beyond what do I have to do and what do you have to do… to what is best to do.

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NOTE: There is no video. But if YouTube is your preferred way to access our material, you can listen to the sermon on this blank YouTube video.

 

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This sermon didn’t get recorded, so I did a Facebook live video in my office and then I posted it as a YouTube video and a  podcast. You’ll hear the switch story about moving into discipline. We’ll talk about what it means to “abide” in Christ. And we’ll spend a little time on meditation or “centering prayer.”

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Jesus said that he is the Good Shepherd. His sheep will hear his voice and follow him. Chew on that for a bit with pastor John. (BTW – This sermon is recorded at a home worship service, so the quality is a bit different.)

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When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, the first thing he said was, “Peace be with you.” This peace is for us, but we must make the choice to trust Jesus. Along the way in this sermon, you will get a new look at the couple walking along the road to Emmaus who met Jesus face to face. Spoiler: they were probably a married couple and may have been walking home.

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Thomas, the apostle, had a very different week than the other apostles following the resurrection of Jesus. The other disciples were full of joy because Jesus was alive. Thomas refused to believe even though Jesus said he would be raised and all his associates gave their eyewitness account of seeing Jesus. Thomas spent a week of unnecessary sorrow and grief because he refused to believe.

When we refuse to trust God’s promises without firsthand evidence, we often waste time in worry and anxiety that could be spent in joy and peace.

 

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