Pastor Steve Herder of Ascension Lutehran Church in Thousand Oaks, California speaks of the restorative power of taking time away from the busy-ness of life in this sermon based on the Gospel of Mark, the 6th chapter. Americans, who put such a high value on hard work, can become vacation-starved. And starved for solitude with God. As Jesus bade his apostles, come away with me and rest for awhile. The fruit of quiet time with God is always compassion. 

In this moving sermon, Pastor Ken Caudill talks about the gospel story of Mary anointing Jesus' feet at Bethany -- and how each of us knows what is meant by "The Language of Love is Sacrifice." Parents, you sacrifice for your children. You sacrifice for your spouse, for your friends. Jesus is the quintessential model of this love.  

In this uplifting sermon, Pastor Larry Wagner (an admitted Journey fan) of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about the power of believing. For example, the founding of Ascension 67 years ago, and the original members who saw fit not to quit even when the going got tough. In the Gospel story from Mark, Jesus called on his apostles to go out in faith as well: He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. Trust in the power of faith. Don't stop believing.

In this warm-hearted sermon, Pastor Larry Wagner of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about the love of fathers and the love of our father in heaven.

Jesus' parable of the mustard seed gets a fresh reading in this energizing sermon by Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California. The Kingdom of God shows up in unexpected places, unexpected ways.

3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” What does this key passage of scripture mean? This powerful sermon by Pastor Tim Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutherna Church in Thousand Oaks, California provides the wondrous answer. 

Be inspired! In this Pentecost Sunday sermon, Pastor Steve Herder talks about the Apostles being sent out to preach the Gospel to all nations -- and about the missions we share today, locally and globally. Regardless of your gift, the Holy Spirit will help you find a place to use it in service of the Lord. 

In this inspiring Confirmation Sunday sermon, Pastor Larry Wagner of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about Jesus sending the 12 (including the last appointed Apostle, Matthias) out into the world -- and draws parallels for today's young people. 

John 15:1 "I am the true vine." What does Jesus mean in this, the eighth of his "I am" statements? Pastor Tim Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about the root of this reference in the Old Testament, and about Christ as the True Vine. As gardeners know very well, oftentimes plants need to be pruned, to be cut back, in order to flourish and bear the most fruit. 

Giving as an act of faith and trust, as a means to a sense of well-being, as a route to fulfillment -- Pastor Larry Wagner of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about the ways that giving enriches our lives.