Paradise Valley Lutheran Sermoncast

Jesus' victory over death is a central pillar of the Christian faith. It's also a hard one for us to really grasp, because there nothing about death that looks 'victorious.' But the promises of Gospel help dry our tears and give us joy in those darkest moments, because Jesus conquered sin and beat death, securing us a place at the heavenly banquet.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

Jesus' difficult parable about the wicked tenants confronts us with our own spiritual apathy - we take God's grace for granted, and when we do, we allow ourselves to drift our focus from what matters to what doesn't. But that's why God resets us on our cornerstone, Christ. Rather than take it for granted, we find peace in the promise of Christ crucfied for our sins.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

The devil and his demons can be frightening to think about, especially since they are no Halloween horror story. They're real and they're dangerous. But we don't need to fear them because Jesus has conquered them and he commands his angels concerning us. That doesn't mean we get to be careless and reckless - but fearlessness comes from trust in God and his grace.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

We love God's grace. That is, as long as it's being shown to people we think deserve it. When God is gracious to those who we think aren't we complain. That was Jonah's problem. But God shows us that his mercy is big enough for all of us, and it's that mercy that changes us from complainers to celebrators.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

Of all the seasons of the year, fall might be the one where things change around us the most. "Change" is also going to be our theme over the next several weeks, starting with how God changes our hearts from ones that want to hold onto grudges and refuse forgiveness into ones that are eager to forgive.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

People can fiercely loyal - things, brands, sports teams, friends; it doesn't matter. But our loyalty has limits. As soon as something fails to meet our expecations, we're out. And we do it with God too. But God is not like us. Despite our unfaithfulness to him, God remains faithful to us - and he always will.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

Doing what is good and right under normal circumstances can be hard. But what about when there's risk? When doing what God says is good could put me in harm's way? But we don't need to afraid to do what is good, becuase our good God promises to be good to us no matter what.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

It's pretty jarring when you think about just how unkind people can be. And are - especially toward those who think differently, act differently, and live differently. We're selective with who we show kindness too. But thank the Lord is not. In kindness, he sent his Son to forgive the sins of the world, and that includes our unkindness too!

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

People are more anxious than ever. And when anxiety comes, we have to deal with somehow. There are good ways, unhealthy ways, and downright sinful ways. And we'll try just about anything to regain a sense of peace. But real peace can't be found apart from Christ - and praise God that we have real peace that lasts in him.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org

Joy is one of our favorite feelings. We spend so much of our time finding things to fill us with more joy. But when life is hard and bad times come, joy can be hard to come by. Yet James tells us we can consider those moments to be pure joy. How? The joy James is talking about runs deeper than emotions. It lives within us and is connected to Christ, and that means joy is ours even when we don't feel joyful.

To learn more about Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, visit www.pvlutheran.org