Sermons from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westerville, Ohio

Sometimes we embarrass ourselves. Sometimes we stick our foot in our mouth. Sometimes we do those things because we are too busy putting ourselves first and others and God later in line. In this Gospel text Peter tells Jesus that he can't go to the cross. But we know there can't be a ressurection without the cross. Click play for Pastor Aaron's sermon!

Who do YOU say Jesus is? Simon Peter's response to that question is a bold confession of faith that defines not only who JESUS is, but Peter's relationship with him as well. On this confession we build the church - all other ground is sinking sand!

We are all beggars. That is the truth. These are the last words Martin Luther was known to write. His words hold the key to our relationship with God - we come with nothing to offer, empty hands and eager hearts. God fills the emptiness with an abundance of love, forgiveness and hope. Come to the Lord with open hands, ready to receive.

In this sermon inspired by the book by Pastor John Ortberg If you want to walk on water you gotta get out of the boat, Pastor Aaron talks about how we get down on Peter about walking on water and sinking. But remember, Peter did something the 11 other disciples never even attempted...he got out of the boat. What is your boat? What will it take for you to get out of the boat and walk with Christ?

Jesus tells us the Kingdom of Heaven is a great value. We are called to treasure it and share it!

In the business of life, it is easy to become consumed with self. The current popular technology doesn't help: iPad, iPod, iTunes, and so on and so on. We even spell "WE" W-i-i. What does Jesus have to say about this? Click play and find out!

On this Sunday at St. Paul, we dedicated our expanded Shelter House. We have set apart this space for God's service, and have declared it to be Holy Ground. In the sermon, Pastor Charlie Woodward gives an overview of the history of St. Paul, and shares Jesus invitation to be good soil, open to the Word of God in our lives and in our mission and ministry as the church.

Rest is essential to life. So why is it that we never seem to get enough rest? Rest is so important that Jesus speaks of a special kind that only He can give. It's not like a rest you get from sleeping in on a Saturday morning. It's more than that...much more.

Have you ever noticed someithing wrong in the world? Have you ever done something about it? The world's problems are large and complex, but like a teacher once said, "Want to change the world for the better? First take care and make your little corner of the world better. If all of us did that, the world would be a better place. The need is the call."Jesus calls us to go out and make a postitve difference in His name. It doesn't have to be big. Even the simple act of giving someone a cup of cold water can make a difference for someone...in the name of Christ.

We know God through our relationship with God. It is not so much about a title as it is the relationship. As we celebrate Father's Day, we give thanks for the love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit - the God who created us, desires to be with us, forgive us and empower us.