Living Savior Podcast

Today we see what it means to have true peace in the face of real fears. There are a number of dangers that stir up butterflies in the stomach and cause blood pressure to rise. Yet with the Lord by our side we truly have nothing to fear. Each of us can say with St. Paul, “The Lord will rescue me.” We have a Savior who calms the storms; who heals the sick; who says to all of his disciples, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Such faith in the Lord’s firm promises gives us peace that is far greater than our fears.

This weekend we look at how God’s Word collides with the hearts of mankind. Jesus sent out the Twelve to tell their listeners they needed to repent. Amos preached a hard message to a hardened people loved by God. Paul told Titus he must refute those who oppose sound teaching. God’s Word is the ultimate authority, including those times when we may not like to hear what it says as it points out what is lacking or wrong. But those who hear and receive it in repentant faith find grace and every blessing. A message spoken with authority is not a bad thing when it tells us what we need to hear.

July 8, 2018 - Proverbs 29:25 - 26 - “Not Everyone Is A Superman” by Living Savior

July 1, 2018 - Mark 5:21 - 24a, 35 - 43 - “When Death Is At Hand” by Living Savior

Today we see that God has given us power in a seemingly small place — his Word. From a seed that fits in on the tip of your finger God brings forth plants, trees, and food. God’s work through his Word is so great, often times exceeding what we see. Although the world seems to be hardly impacted, God promises to bring happiness and blessedness to all who are rooted in his Word.

This week we see what it means to belong to a strong family. Not only do we have a great connection to our mighty Savior Jesus Christ, but we have a fortress-like protection in him. He is stronger than our greatest enemy, the devil, who only wants us to suffer eternally with him. God's great protection isn't found in bricks or shield, but in the blood and sacrifice of his Son, who came to tie up the devil, set us free, and give us a place in his household.

Today we see what real rest is all about. Finding work is easy. Becoming busy is also easy. Finding rest—real rest—is hard. And yet we know rest is something that we need. That’s true in life and also with our soul. Thus, we need to fight against the need to work and earn. We can’t. Our lesson from Colossians even says that we are dead. Yet, that’s what we were. Having been made alive in Christ, we find true, eternal rest. His gracious and saving work frees us eternally and from any and every earthly, manmade obligation. As a result, the pulse of our lives isn’t based on how much we do, but in living lives of thanks to the Savior who did it all.

Logically the doctrine of the Trinity makes no sense. It defies human reason and is beyond our ability to understand. The only way we could ever believe such a thing is by the working of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of the Word.

On this Festival of the Holy Trinity we recognize that we have a triune (three-in-one) God who is so great and so far above us, we cannot even comprehend his existence. Yet we will also rejoice that this one “holy, holy, holy” Lord God is merciful and gracious, making us his very own people.

It's Pentecost. 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead he kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit. This is a BIG DEAL in the Christian church, and not because Christians say so. It's a big deal because every day and in so many ways God unveils the truth of every promise. The Spirit still works through the word so that we would know of and believe in these promises. What grace! And before this happened, Jesus not only promised the Holy Spirit, he described exactly what the Holy Spirit was going to come to do. He had something to prove. See what that was and what that means for you in Sunday's Pentecost sermon. "From Proven Guilty to Approved by Grace."

This week we celebrate the culmination of Jesus’ time on earth as he then ascended into heaven. From the cross to the tomb to the right hand of the Father, it’s completed.

No doubt, you didn’t receive an “Ascension Card” in the mail this week. It’s the biggest event of Jesus’ work that is most overlooked. And yet, Jesus’ ascension is a huge deal. He goes to heaven not to depart but to prepare a place for you and to intercede for you. He left earth not to get away, but so that he would always be close through his Word, just as he promised. He isn’t seen, not because he’s not in control, but precisely because he is. And all of this for you. Heaven, his promises, and eternal peace that rests in his control are all yours right now. Christ’s ascension gives you that finished life.