Sermons from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westerville, Ohio

The Holy Spirit is the promised presence of God with us. Jesus breathes into the disciples this gifted Spirit, and because of that Spirit, we are empowered to live out our calling as God's beloved. Jesus forgives, and we are called to do the same.

There are not many people in this world who like to wait around...but we seem to wait around a lot. Studies show that the average person waits an average of 45 minutes a day. It's not surprising as we find ourselves waiting at the doctor's office, at the check out counter, at red lights, and so on and so on. Right now we live in an "in between time." Already but not yet. Jesus has come, lived, died, rose from the grave and now ascended into heaven. Jesus says He's coming again. What are we to do until He does come again? Click play for Pastor Aaron's sermon that has a few suggestions.

Today's sermon is based on a sermon by Barbara Brown Taylor entitled "Good News for Orphans." The message Jesus gives us, his followers, is that we will never be abandoned, never left alone, never orphaned. Not only does Jesus promise to make a place for us in his Father's kingdom, but he also promises to make a home within us. How that all works is beyond our understanding, but what matters is the promise is made, and Jesus has a pretty good record in keeping promises.

Many of us know what it is like to not be chose for something. Perhaps we weren't invited to a party. Maybe we were passed over for that promotion we wanted. Not being chosen in gym class when the P.E. teacher had the two captains pick sides.Today we hear the Word of God saying to us, "...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..." God chooses you. The God who created you, loves you, saves you, and sustains you says that even when you are rejected, keep your chin up, because no matter what, you are chosen. Chosen by God.

Jesus said, "...the sheep follow him because they know his voice." On this Good Shepherd Sunday we see Jesus as the One who calls us, His flock, to follow Him. But with all of the sounds and messages we get a day, through the radio, television, our smart phones, the internet, etc. it can be difficult to know what God's voice sounds like. How do we know or get to know God's voice?

One theologian says these are the saddest words in all the scriptures. The disciples making their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus that first Easter Sunday had hoped Jesus was the one who would be the Messiah. They didn’t recognize Jesus on the road, and they had not understood what had taken place. Jesus opens their hearts and minds to the good news that he had not abandoned them, and their hope is not in vain. We, too, are given the same promises – Jesus is present, he is alive, and our hope can be found in Him.

When we hear the story of "Doubting Thomas" it's easy to wonder why Thomas didn't just have more faith and believe right away that Jesus was alive. We can easily forget just how unbelievable the Easter story is, and that doubt is often a natural response to it. But Jesus Isn't done yet... Jesus does it all, showing Thomas the wounds in his hands and side, and gives to Thomas, and to us, the faith to believe in Easter Sunday!

Sunday's here! Friday, with all of the pain, the loneliness, the appearance that evil had won...is gone. With the dawning of Sunday morning the rock that seemed to seal our fate was rolled away. With the empty tomb we find the fulfillments our hearts have been looking for.

Christ Is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed! The Easter celebration, with all the music, the crowds, the great and glorious worship is what we expect from Easter Sunday. But consider this - those first witnesses of the Resurrection did not expect it at all. What a complete and wonderful surprise - who can explain it? Instead of trying to explain it, let us celebrate, laugh, dance and sing. Let us live our lives as if this Good News matters. Like the first witnesses of the empty tomb, may we Go and Tell, Go and Tell, Go and Tell.

Palm Sunday is a day of celebration and confusion. We celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and hear the shouts of "HOSANNA!" What a great day - what a great parade! But soon the focus shifts from the celebration to the days ahead, as Jesus is betrayed, arrested, beaten and crucified. How does this happen? Why does this happen? Palm Sunday is a great celebration - but Jesus didn't come for Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday may be what we want, but it is definitely not what we need.