Living Hope

Mark 12:38-44

Knowing that you have eternal life with Christ will deeply impact that way you use your resources right now. Because you’ll live forever, you can give generously to God and your neighbor today. For us it’s not “let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” We can say, “Let us give and be generous today, for tomorrow, we live!”

Isaiah 25:6-9

Since the seventh century, Christians have marked a day to celebrate those who have died in faith and now realize the perfect joys of heaven. It is called “All Saints’ Day.” We thank God for bringing our Christian loved ones out of the troubles and turmoil of this world and into eternal bliss and glory. And we ask God to preserve us in our faith so that we might one day join the

saints in that place where life is far more than better.

Revelation 14:6,7

“Here I stand!” That’s one of the rallying cries of the Reformation. Luther chose to stand on the

truth of God’s Word instead of cave into the demands of popes and emperors. And since the

Reformation, “Here we stand” has been a cry we still echo today. However, the Reformation is not just about standing on the pure gospel message – but proclaiming it! The whole point of

the Reformation and the truth Luther stood firmly upon is that we could GO out into the world with it! “Here we stand and here we go!”

1 Corinthians 9:7-12, 19-23

Guest Pastor Jared Natsis from Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Nashville shares a message that centers on ways we

can be selfless in order to reach many with the love of Christ.

2 John 6-13

Who determines the truth? Is it God? Or mankind? When we come to realize the answer to that question can only be God, then we will want to protect that truth at all costs. The apostle John also warns his listeners, and us, to watch out for those who deceive and lead astray. At the same time, he reminds us of the rewards and the joy that comes when God's gospel truth is protected and preserved among us.

2 John 1-6

Truth and love are a package deal. Where you find one, there you will find the other. Another way of telling someone to “walk in love” is to say “practice the truth!” That’s what happens when you put God’s truth into practice – you will walk in love. And this is the most basic command God has given us. Love God. Love your neighbor. Since God surrounds us with his environment of truth and love, we too can walk in truth and love.

Luke 13:10-17

For the Christian, obeying the Third Commandment (Remember the Sabbath Day) is not something we have to do. It’s also not about simply doing nothing. It’s a day to remember and enjoy Jesus’ wonderful works of healing that leads us to glorify God. When we take the time to pause and be in God’s Word, Jesus will break into our routine and he will not hesitate to give us relief and rest with his promises and his wondrous works for us.

Mark 1:29-39

Jesus’ ministry had a plan. He needed to heal, teach, pray, then move so he could heal and teach in other places. He did this to save us! And now his plan for you is to live a life of service and to enjoy spiritual health from him!

Galatians 6:7-10

Our life is like a seed-sowing project. We will reap what we sow. We don’t live for the moment. We sow in the Spirit to reap eternal life from the Spirit—and that fruit will come at the appointed time. So, as we have opportunity, as we have time, we do good to all! Because we already know Jesus has sown a harvest of eternal life for us.

Joshua 24:14-24

Joshua challenges God’s people, the Israelites, to consider whom they will fear and serve. Will they fear and serve God alone? Or will they choose false gods and idols? Following the Lord means going all in. There’s no room for a divided heart.

As we look at this account from Joshua today it’s also a time for us to prioritize God in our lives. To say along with Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!”