How do you go about “winning” in today’s cultural climate? If a win is getting ahead in work, relationships, and in our home, how do you go about accomplishing that? Is it by finding affirmation from the people closest to us? Is it by proving our worth in our work or in our abilities? Such exalting of one’s self is the way of this world. And into that failing social norm Jesus says, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Our greatest win and worth is found in the grace of God. Without any merit of our own God, who reached us with his gospel, and leads us to reach others in the same way. We have nothing to gain for ourselves as we approach life with others. Rather, we have every reason to live as witnesses of God’s grace alone.

October 4 - 2020 (Pastor Zell)Matthew 22:1-14 - "Called and Clothed by the Gospel!" by Living Savior

If you believe in anything of substance, your faith will be challenged by other denominations, religions, and cultural norms. The heart of Christianity has always been attacked from all sides. But our faith rests upon the only one who outlasts every power struggle, no matter what. Throughout the month of October we will see that the very things that set Christianity apart are what make it stand alone.

This past Sunday's Focus:

Are you enjoying the sumptuous banquet provided by your heavenly King, feasting on blessings that will delight you forever? Today Jesus demonstrates that what we have through faith in him is entirely God’s doing, so that each of us can praise God along with Martin Luther: “The Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with gifts, sanctified and kept me in the one true faith!”

September 27, 2020 -(Pastor Kurbis) 2 Kings 6:8-17 - "God's Protection Exceeds What We Can(not) See" by Living Savior

September 27, 2020 - (Pastor Zell) 2 Kings 6:8-17 - "Those Who Are With Us Are More..." by Living Savior

September 20, 2020 (Pastor Kurbis) Matthew 21:23-32 - "You Can Tell A Lot By What They Do" by Living Savior

September 13, 2020 (Pastor Kurbis) - Genesis 50:15-21 - "Forgiveness Means Knowing the God's Place" by Living Savior

September 6, 2020 - (Vicar Tommy Welch) - Matthew 18:15-20 - "Regain Your Brother or Sister" by Living Savior

September 6, 2020 - Jonah 3:10-4:11 - (Pastor Zell) "He's So Generous, He Wants All to be Saved!" by Living Savior

If you love God’s Word and gobble it up eagerly, what should you expect will happen to you? That everyone will applaud your devotion and welcome what you have to say? If you follow Jesus wholeheartedly; if you serve him with willing obedience; if you honor him with your behavior, what rewards should you anticipate? Wealth, privilege, an easy path through your life?

Jesus tells you to expect what he experienced himself: rejection, disappointment, sorrow, even pain. “Whoever wants to be my disciple,” Jesus says, “must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Yet for all of the hardships that may press upon you, the Lord promises to grant you the strength that you need and, in the end, deliverance unto eternal life.

Now, the cross. Then, the crown.