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The Lutheran Sermon Podcast From Bethany

The Lutheran Sermon Podcast From Bethany

By Bethany Lutheran

Audio Sermons from Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach California
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March 24, 2024 -- "Get Off Your Donkey, Too/2!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

The Lutheran Sermon Podcast From BethanyMar 25, 2024

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13:51
March 24, 2024 -- "Get Off Your Donkey, Too/2!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

March 24, 2024 -- "Get Off Your Donkey, Too/2!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

March 24, 2024 -- "Get Off Your Donkey, Too/2!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible text Mark 11: 1-11

11 When they came near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead of him. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there. No one has ever sat on it. Untie it, and bring it. 3 If anyone asks you what you are doing, say that the Lord needs it. That person will send it here at once.” 4 The disciples found the young donkey in the street. It was tied to the door of a house. As they were untying it, 5 some men standing there asked them, “Why are you untying that donkey?” 6 The disciples answered them as Jesus had told them. So the men let them go. 7 They brought the donkey to Jesus, put their coats on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many spread their coats on the road. Others cut leafy branches in the fields and spread them on the road. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed him were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is our ancestor David’s kingdom that is coming! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus came into Jerusalem and went into the temple courtyard, where he looked around at everything. Since it was already late, he went out with the twelve apostles to Bethany. --GW

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Mar 25, 202413:51
March 17, 2024 -- "Connected To The Cross" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

March 17, 2024 -- "Connected To The Cross" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

March 17, 2024 -- "Connected To The Cross" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text Mark 10:32-45

32 Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus was walking ahead of them. His disciples were shocked that he was going to Jerusalem. The others who followed were afraid. Once again he took the twelve apostles aside. He began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We’re going to Jerusalem. There the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the experts in Moses’ Teachings. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to foreigners. 34 They will make fun of him, spit on him, whip him, and kill him. But after three days he will come back to life.” 35 James and John, sons of Zebedee, went to Jesus. They said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do us a favor.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them. 37 They said to him, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 Jesus said, “You don’t realize what you’re asking. Can you drink the cup that I’m going to drink? Can you be baptized with the baptism that I’m going to receive?” 39 “We can,” they told him. Jesus told them, “You will drink the cup that I’m going to drink. You will be baptized with the baptism that I’m going to receive. 40 But I don’t have the authority to grant you a seat at my right or left. Those positions have already been prepared for certain people.” 41 When the other ten apostles heard about it, they were irritated with James and John. 42 Jesus called the apostles and said, “You know that the acknowledged rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. 43 But that’s not the way it’s going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. 44 Whoever wants to be most important among you will be a slave for everyone. 45 It’s the same way with the Son of Man. He didn’t come so that others could serve him. He came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many people.”

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Mar 17, 202415:30
March 10, 2023 -- "Connected To Those On The Margins" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

March 10, 2023 -- "Connected To Those On The Margins" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

March 10, 2023 -- "Connected To Those On The Margins" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Mark 5:1-20,

(5) They arrived in the territory of the Gerasenes on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 2 As Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man came out of the tombs and met him. The man was controlled by an evil spirit 3 and lived among the tombs. No one could restrain him any longer, not even with a chain. 4 He had often been chained hand and foot. However, he snapped the chains off his hands and broke the chains from his feet. No one could control him. 5 Night and day he was among the tombs and on the mountainsides screaming and cutting himself with stones. 6 The man saw Jesus at a distance. So he ran to Jesus, bowed down in front of him, 7 and shouted, “Why are you bothering me now, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me.” 8 He shouted this because Jesus said, “You evil spirit, come out of the man.” 9 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He told Jesus, “My name is Legion [Six Thousand], because there are many of us.” 10 He begged Jesus not to send them out of the territory. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on a mountainside nearby. 12 The demons begged him, “Send us into the pigs! Let us enter them!” 13 Jesus let them do this. The evil spirits came out of the man and went into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea and drowned. 14 Those who took care of the pigs ran away. In the city and countryside they reported everything that had happened. So the people came to see what had happened. 15 They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. The man was sitting there dressed and in his right mind. The people were frightened. 16 Those who saw this told what had happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their territory. 18 As Jesus stepped into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him, “Let me stay with you.” 19 But Jesus would not allow it. Instead, he told the man, “Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been to you.” 20 So the man left. He began to tell how much Jesus had done for him in the Ten Cities. Everyone was amazed.

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Mar 10, 202415:23
March 3, 2024 -- "Connected to Community" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

March 3, 2024 -- "Connected to Community" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

March 3, 2024 -- "Connected to Community" -- Pastor Mark Siegert, Bible Text: Mark 2:1-12

(2) Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. 2 Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them. 3 Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. 4 Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, 7 “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?” 8 At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 9 Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? 10 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!” 12 The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” --GW

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Mar 04, 202419:15
February 25, 2024 -- "Connected to Generations Past" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

February 25, 2024 -- "Connected to Generations Past" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

February 25, 2024 -- "Connected to Generations Past" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Mark 8: 27-38

27 Then Jesus and his disciples went to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They answered him, “Some say you are John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah!” 30 He ordered them not to tell anyone about him. 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man would have to suffer a lot. He taught them that he would be rejected by the leaders, the chief priests, and the experts in Moses’ Teachings. He would be killed, but after three days he would come back to life. 32 He told them very clearly what he meant. Peter took him aside and objected to this. 33 Jesus turned, looked at his disciples, and objected to what Peter said. Jesus said, “Get out of my way, Satan! You aren’t thinking the way God thinks but the way humans think.” 34 Then Jesus called the crowd to himself along with his disciples. He said to them, “Those who want to follow me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. 35 Those who want to save their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for me and for the Good News will save them. 36 What good does it do for people to win the whole world yet lose their lives? 37 Or what should a person give in exchange for life? 38 If people are ashamed of me and what I say in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of those people when he comes with the holy angels in his Father’s glory.”

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Feb 26, 202423:00
February 18, 2024 -- "Connected With Temptation" -- Pastor Kyle Blake
Feb 19, 202419:60
February 11, 2024 -- "Cup Overflows: Transfiguration" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

February 11, 2024 -- "Cup Overflows: Transfiguration" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

February 11, 2024 -- "Cup Overflows: Transfiguration" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Mark 9:2-9

2 After six days Jesus took only Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. Jesus’ appearance changed in front of them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared to them and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s put up three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 (Peter didn’t know how to respond. He and the others were terrified.) 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them. A voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, as they looked around, they saw no one with them but Jesus. 9 On their way down the mountain, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen. They were to wait until the Son of Man had come back to life.

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Feb 11, 202417:40
February 4, 2024 -- Our Generous God-You Have His!" --Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Feb 06, 202414:22
January 28, 2024 -- "Generous God--Offering Plate Too Small!" - Pastor Mark Siegert

January 28, 2024 -- "Generous God--Offering Plate Too Small!" - Pastor Mark Siegert

January 28, 2024 -- "Generous God--Offering Plate Too Small!" - Pastor Mark Siegert, Bible Text: Genesis 3:9-17

9 The Lord God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden. I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 God asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat fruit from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man answered, “That woman, the one you gave me, gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The snake deceived me, and I ate,” the woman answered. 14 So the Lord God said to the snake, “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all the wild or domestic animals. You will crawl on your belly. You will be the lowest of animals as long as you live. 15 I will make you and the woman hostile toward each other. I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.” 16 He said to the woman, “I will increase your pain and your labor when you give birth to children. Yet, you will long for your husband, and he will rule you.” 17 Then he said to the man, “You listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree, although I commanded you, ‘You must never eat its fruit.’ The ground is cursed because of you. Through hard work you will eat food that comes from it every day of your life.

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Jan 28, 202418:16
January 21, 2024 - "Cup Runneth Over--Does It Really?" - Pastor Kyle Blake

January 21, 2024 - "Cup Runneth Over--Does It Really?" - Pastor Kyle Blake

January 21, 2024 - "Cup Runneth Over--Does It Really?" - Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Genesis 3:1-7

(3) The snake was more clever than all the wild animals the Lord God had made. He asked the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman answered the snake, “We’re allowed to eat the fruit from any tree in the garden 3 except the tree in the middle of the garden. God said, ‘You must never eat it or touch it. If you do, you will die!’ ” 4 “You certainly won’t die!” the snake told the woman. 5 “God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree had fruit that was good to eat, nice to look at, and desirable for making someone wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves. --GW

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Jan 21, 202415:24
January 14, 2023 -- "Cup Runneth Over-Christmas Every Day!" -- Pr. Kevin Kritzer
Jan 15, 202412:24
January 7, 2024 -- "Wringing Wet!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

January 7, 2024 -- "Wringing Wet!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

January 7, 2024 -- "Wringing Wet!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 6:1-11

(6) What should we say then? Should we continue to sin so that God’s kindness [a] will increase? 2 That’s unthinkable! As far as sin is concerned, we have died. So how can we still live under sin’s influence? 3 Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 When we were baptized into his death, we were placed into the tomb with him. As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. 5 If we’ve become united with him in a death like his, certainly we will also be united with him when we come back to life as he did. 6 We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin. 7 The person who has died has been freed from sin. 8 If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, who was brought back to life, will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once and for all to sin’s power. But now he lives, and he lives for God. 11 So consider yourselves dead to sin’s power but living for God in the power Christ Jesus gives you. --GW

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Jan 07, 202412:26
December 31, 2023 -- "Adopted!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert
Jan 02, 202421:48
December 24, 2023 -- (Advent 4) "Delivering What Really Matters" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Dec 24, 202309:08
December 3, 2023 -- "And...You're Done!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

December 3, 2023 -- "And...You're Done!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

December 3, 2023 -- "And...You're Done!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Isaiah 64:1-9

(64) If only you would split open the heavens and come down! The mountains would quake at your presence. 2 Be like the fire that kindles brushwood and makes water boil. Come down to make your name known to your enemies. The nations will tremble in your presence. 3 When you did awe-inspiring things that we didn’t expect, you came down and the mountains quaked in your presence. 4 No one has ever heard, no one has paid attention, and no one has seen any god except you. You help those who wait for you. 5 You greeted the one who gladly does right and remembers your ways. You showed your anger, because we’ve sinned. We’ve continued to sin for a long time. Can we still be saved? 6 We’ve all become unclean, and all our righteous acts are like permanently stained rags. All of us shrivel like leaves, and our sins carry us away like the wind. 7 No one calls on your name or tries to hold on to you. You have hidden your face from us. You have let us be ruined by our sins. 8 But now, Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands. 9 Don’t be too angry, Lord. Don’t remember our sin forever. Now look, we are all your people. --GW

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Dec 18, 202310:53
December 17, 2023 -- "Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Or Gloom of Night!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

December 17, 2023 -- "Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Or Gloom of Night!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

December 17, 2023 -- "Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Or Gloom of Night!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

(61) The Spirit of the Almighty Lord is with me because the Lord has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people. 2 He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that captives will be set free and prisoners will be released. He has sent me to announce the year of the Lord’s good will and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all those who grieve. 3 He has sent me to provide for all those who grieve in Zion, to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of tears of grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, the Plantings of the Lord, so that he might display his glory. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins. They will restore the places destroyed long ago.... 8 I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people’s work. I will make an everlasting promise [a] to them. 9 Then their offspring will be known among the nations and their descendants among the people. Everyone who sees them will recognize that they are the descendants whom the Lord has blessed. 10 I will find joy in the Lord. I will delight in my God. He has dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He has wrapped me in the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with a priest’s turban, like a bride with her jewels. 11 Like the ground that brings forth its crops and like a garden that makes the seed in it grow, so the Almighty Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up in front of all nations. --GW

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Dec 18, 202313:31
December 10, 2023 -- When It Absotively Posilutely Needs to Be There!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

December 10, 2023 -- When It Absotively Posilutely Needs to Be There!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

December 10, 2023 -- When It Absotively Posilutely Needs to Be There!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Isaiah 40:1-11

(40) “Comfort my people! Comfort them!” says your God. 2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and announce to it that its time of hard labor is over and its wrongs have been paid for. It has received from the Lord double for all its sins.” 3 A voice cries out in the desert: “Clear a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway in the wilderness for our God. 4 Every valley will be raised. Every mountain and hill will be lowered. Steep places will be made level. Rough places will be made smooth. 5 Then the Lord’s glory will be revealed and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice called, “Call out!” I asked, “What should I call out?” Call out: All people are like grass, and all their beauty is like a flower in the field. 7 Grass dries up, and flowers wither when the Lord’s breath blows on them. Yes, people are like grass. 8 Grass dries up, and flowers wither, but our God’s word will last forever.” 9 Go up a high mountain, Zion. Tell the good news! Call out with a loud voice, Jerusalem. Tell the good news! Raise your voice without fear. Tell the cities of Judah: “Here is your God!” 10 The Almighty Lord is coming with power to rule with authority. His reward is with him, and the people he has won arrive ahead of him. 11 Like a shepherd he takes care of his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them in his arms. He gently helps the sheep and their lambs. -GW

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Dec 15, 202312:46
November 26, 2023 -- "No Surprises Here!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

November 26, 2023 -- "No Surprises Here!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

November 26, 2023 -- "No Surprises Here!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Matthew 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 The people of every nation will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left. 34 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. 36 I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then the people who have God’s approval will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and take you into our homes or see you in need of clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant ⌞they seemed⌟, you did for me.’ 41 “Then the king will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me! God has cursed you! Go into everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me into your homes. I needed clothes, and you didn’t give me anything to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t take care of me.’ 44 “They, too, will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn’t help you? 45 “He will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you failed to do for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant ⌞they seemed⌟, you failed to do for me.’ -GW

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Nov 26, 202316:27
November 19, 2023 -- "No Ostriches Among Us!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

November 19, 2023 -- "No Ostriches Among Us!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

November 19, 2023 -- "No Ostriches Among Us!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake; Bible Text: Matthew 25:14-30

14 “The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a trip. He called his servants and entrusted some money to them. 15 He gave one man ten thousand dollars, another four thousand dollars, and another two thousand dollars. Each was given money based on his ability. Then the man went on his trip. 16 “The one who received ten thousand dollars invested the money at once and doubled his money. 17 The one who had four thousand dollars did the same and also doubled his money. 18 But the one who received two thousand dollars went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who received ten thousand dollars brought the additional ten thousand. He said, ‘Sir, you gave me ten thousand dollars. I’ve doubled the amount.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s happiness.’ 22 “The one who received four thousand dollars came and said, ‘Sir, you gave me four thousand dollars. I’ve doubled the amount.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s happiness.’ 24 “Then the one who received two thousand dollars came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you are a hard person to please. You harvest where you haven’t planted and gather where you haven’t scattered any seeds. 25 I was afraid. So I hid your two thousand dollars in the ground. Here’s your money!’ 26 “His master responded, ‘You evil and lazy servant! If you knew that I harvest where I haven’t planted and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have invested my money with the bankers. When I returned, I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Take the two thousand dollars away from him! Give it to the one who has the ten thousand! 29 To all who have, more will be given, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken away from those who don’t have much. 30 Throw this useless servant outside into the darkness. People will cry and be in extreme pain there.’ --GW

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Nov 19, 202326:20
November 12, 2023 -- "Kingdom Come! Go - Ready!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

November 12, 2023 -- "Kingdom Come! Go - Ready!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

November 12, 2023 -- "Kingdom Come! Go - Ready!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert; Bible Text: Matthew 25:1-13

25 “When the end comes, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids. They took their oil lamps and went to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The foolish bridesmaids took their lamps, but they didn’t take any extra oil. 4 The wise bridesmaids, however, took along extra oil for their lamps. 5 Since the groom was late, all the bridesmaids became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight someone shouted, ‘The groom is here! Come to meet him!’ 7 Then all the bridesmaids woke up and got their lamps ready. 8 “The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘We can’t do that. There won’t be enough for both of us. Go! Find someone to sell you some oil.’ 10 “While they were buying oil, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went with him into the wedding hall, and the door was shut. 11 “Later the other bridesmaids arrived and said, ‘Sir, sir, open the door for us!’ 12 “But he answered them, ‘I don’t even know who you are!’ 13 “So stay awake, because you don’t know the day or the hour. -GW

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Nov 12, 202320:57
November 5, 2023 -- "Lavished!" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Nov 05, 202311:26
October 29, 2023 -- "But God"  --  Pastor Kevin Kritzer

October 29, 2023 -- "But God" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

October 29, 2023 -- "But God" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 3:19-28:

19 We know that whatever the Scriptures say applies to everyone under their influence, and no one can say a thing. The whole world is brought under the judgment of God. 20 Not one person can have God’s approval by any effort to follow the laws in the Scriptures. These laws show what sin is. 21 Now, the way to receive God’s approval has been made plain in a way other than the laws in the Scriptures. Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. 22 Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. 23 Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. 24 They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness [a] through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free ⌞from sin⌟. 25 God showed that Christ is the throne of mercy where God’s approval is given through faith in Christ’s blood. In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. 26 He waited so that he could display his approval at the present time. This shows that he is a God of justice, a God who approves of people who believe in Jesus. 27 So, do we have anything to brag about? Bragging has been eliminated. On what basis was it eliminated? On the basis of our own efforts? No, indeed! Rather, it is eliminated on the basis of faith. 28 We conclude that a person has God’s approval by faith, not by his own efforts.

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Oct 31, 202312:55
October 22, 2023 -- "Sent! From God In The Spirit's Power!" --Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Oct 22, 202313:31
October 15,2023 -- "Sent! The Holy Spirit's Power!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

October 15,2023 -- "Sent! The Holy Spirit's Power!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

October 15,2023 -- "Sent! The Holy Spirit's Power!" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Philippians 4:1-19:

(4) So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm! 2 I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. 3 Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! 5 Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. 6 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. 9 Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you. 10 The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it. 11 I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. 12 I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. 13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles. 15 You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. 16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. 17 It’s not that I’m looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I’m looking for your resources to increase. 18 You have paid me in full, and I have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. 19 My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.

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Oct 22, 202316:24
October 8, 2023 -- "Connecting Neighbors to Christ" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

October 8, 2023 -- "Connecting Neighbors to Christ" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

October 8, 2023 -- "Connecting Neighbors to Christ" -- Pastor Kyle Blake; Bible Text: Philippians 3:7-11; 17-21--

7 These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. 8 It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ 9 and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith 10 that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, 11 with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead.... 17 Brothers and sisters, imitate me, and pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you. 18 I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. 20 We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior. 21 Through his power to bring everything under his authority, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified body.

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Oct 08, 202316:27
October 1, 2023 -- "Connected" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Oct 07, 202313:47
September 24, 2023 -- "Called to Gather" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

September 24, 2023 -- "Called to Gather" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

September 24, 2023 --"Called to Gather"--Pastor Mark Siegert, Bible Text, Philippians 1:19-30:

19 ...I know that I will be set free through your prayers and through the help that comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of. I will speak very boldly and honor Christ in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Christ means everything to me in this life, and when I die I’ll have even more. 22 If I continue to live in this life, my work will produce more results. I don’t know which I would prefer. 23 I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That’s by far the better choice. 24 But for your sake it’s better that I remain in this life. 25 Since I’m convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you. This will help you to grow and be joyful in your faith. 26 So by coming to you again, I want to give you even more reason to have pride in Christ Jesus with me. 27 Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I’ll hear all about you. I’ll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. 28 So don’t let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God’s way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. 29 God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him. 30 You are involved in the same struggle that you saw me having. Now you hear that I’m still involved in it. --GW.

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Sep 25, 202317:31
September 17, 2023 -- "Gathered" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Sep 17, 202311:39
September 10, 2023 -- "Everything I Ever Needed to Know! -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

September 10, 2023 -- "Everything I Ever Needed to Know! -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

September 10, 2023 -- "Everything I Ever Needed to Know! -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 14:

(14) Welcome people who are weak in faith, but don’t get into an argument over differences of opinion. 2 Some people believe that they can eat all kinds of food. Other people with weak faith believe that they can eat only vegetables. 3 People who eat all foods should not despise people who eat only vegetables. In the same way, the vegetarians should not criticize people who eat all foods, because God has accepted those people. 4 Who are you to criticize someone else’s servant? The Lord will determine whether his servant has been successful. The servant will be successful because the Lord makes him successful. 5 One person decides that one day is holier than another. Another person decides that all days are the same. Every person must make his own decision. 6 When people observe a special day, they observe it to honor the Lord. When people eat all kinds of foods, they honor the Lord as they eat, since they give thanks to God. Vegetarians also honor the Lord when they eat, and they, too, give thanks to God. 7 It’s clear that we don’t live to honor ourselves, and we don’t die to honor ourselves. 8 If we live, we honor the Lord, and if we die, we honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this reason Christ died and came back to life so that he would be the Lord of both the living and the dead. 10 Why do you criticize or despise other Christians? Everyone will stand in front of God to be judged. 11 Scripture says, “As certainly as I live, says the Lord, everyone will worship me, and everyone will praise God.” 12 All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. 13 So let’s stop criticizing each other. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith. 14 The Lord Jesus has given me the knowledge and conviction that no food is unacceptable in and of itself. But it is unacceptable to a person who thinks it is. 15 So if what you eat hurts another Christian, you are no longer living by love. Don’t destroy anyone by what you eat. Christ died for that person. 16 Don’t allow anyone to say that what you consider good is evil. 17 God’s kingdom does not consist of what a person eats or drinks. Rather, God’s kingdom consists of God’s approval and peace, as well as the joy that the Holy Spirit gives. 18 The person who serves Christ with this in mind is pleasing to God and respected by people. 19 So let’s pursue those things which bring peace and which are good for each other. 20 Don’t ruin God’s work because of what you eat. All food is acceptable, but it’s wrong for a person to eat something if it causes someone else to have doubts. 21 The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that causes another Christian to have doubts. 22 So whatever you believe about these things, keep it between yourself and God. The person who does what he knows is right shouldn’t feel guilty. He is blessed. 23 But if a person has doubts and still eats, he is condemned because he didn’t act in faith. Anything that is not done in faith is sin.

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Sep 10, 202314:51
September 3, 2023 -- "Red Light (Yellow Light) Green Light" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

September 3, 2023 -- "Red Light (Yellow Light) Green Light" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

September 3, 2023 -- "Red Light (Yellow Light) Green Light" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 12:9-21

9 Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. 11 Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. 12 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. 13 Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are. 17 Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. 18 As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. 19 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good. (GW)

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Sep 03, 202312:35
August 27, 2023 -- "In View of All We Have" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

August 27, 2023 -- "In View of All We Have" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

August 27, 2023 -- "In View of All We Have" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, Bible Text: Romans 12:1-8:


(12) Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God’s compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. 2 Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. 3 Because of the kindness [a] that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. 4 Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don’t all do the same thing. 5 In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. 6 God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking what God has revealed, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith. 7 If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. 8 If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully. (GW)

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Aug 29, 202314:40
August 20, 2023 -- "Good News for All" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

August 20, 2023 -- "Good News for All" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

August 20, 2023 -- "Good News for All" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Romans 10:5-17:

5 Moses writes about receiving God’s approval by following his laws. He says, “The person who obeys these laws will live because he obeys them.” 6 However, Scripture says about God’s approval which is based on faith, “Don’t ask yourself who will go up to heaven,” (that is, to bring Christ down). 7 “Don’t ask who will go down into the depths,” (that is, to bring Christ back from the dead). 8 However, what else does it say? “This message is near you. It’s in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the message of faith that we spread. 9 If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. 10 By believing you receive God’s approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved. 11 Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be ashamed.” 12 There is no difference between Jews and Greeks. They all have the same Lord, who gives his riches to everyone who calls on him. 13 So then, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells ⌞the Good News⌟? 15 How can people tell the Good News if no one sends them? As Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of the messengers who announce the Good News.” 16 But not everyone has believed the Good News. Isaiah asks, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing the message, and the message that is heard is what Christ spoke. (GW)

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Aug 22, 202320:14
August 13, 2023 -- "More Than" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

August 13, 2023 -- "More Than" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

August 13, 2023 -- "More Than" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 8-28-39:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. 29 This is true because he already knew his people and had already appointed them to have the same form as the image of his Son. Therefore, his Son is the firstborn among many children. 30 He also called those whom he had already appointed. He approved of those whom he had called, and he gave glory to those whom he had approved of. 31 What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 God didn’t spare his own Son but handed him over ⌞to death⌟ for all of us. So he will also give us everything along with him. 33 Who will accuse those whom God has chosen? God has approved of them. 34 Who will condemn them? Christ has died, and more importantly, he was brought back to life. Christ is in the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. Christ also intercedes for us. 35 What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love? 36 As Scripture says: “We are being killed all day long because of you. We are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. 38 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.[a] We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces 39 or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. (GW)

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Aug 14, 202312:18
August 6, 2023 -- "F.A.T.H.E.R." -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

August 6, 2023 -- "F.A.T.H.E.R." -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

August 6, 2023 -- "F.A.T.H.E.R." -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 8:18-27

18 I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us. 19 All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration but not by its own choice. The one who subjected it to frustration did so in the hope 21 that it would also be set free from slavery to decay in order to share the glorious freedom that the children of God will have. 22 We know that all creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time. 23 However, not only creation groans. We, who have the Spirit as the first of God’s gifts, also groan inwardly. We groan as we eagerly wait for our adoption, the freeing of our bodies ⌞from sin⌟. 24 We were saved with this hope in mind. If we hope for something we already see, it’s not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don’t know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words. 27 The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for God’s people the way God wants him to. (GW)

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Aug 08, 202311:52
July 30. 2023 -- "F.A.T.H.E.R." -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer
Jul 30, 202315:22
July 23, 2023 -- "The Law and 'I' " -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

July 23, 2023 -- "The Law and 'I' " -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

July 23, 2023 -- "The Law and 'I' " -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, Bible Text: Romans 7:14-25

14 I know that God’s standards in Moses’ Teachings are spiritual, but I have a corrupt nature, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I don’t realize what I’m doing. I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 I don’t do what I want to do, but I agree that God’s standards are good. 17 So I am no longer the one who is doing the things I hate, but sin that lives in me is doing them. 18 I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don’t do it. 19 I don’t do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I don’t want to do. 20 Now, when I do what I don’t want to do, I am no longer the one who is doing it. Sin that lives in me is doing it. 21 So I’ve discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God’s standards say is good. 22 I take pleasure in God’s standards in my inner being. 23 However, I see a different standard ⌞at work⌟ throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin’s standards which still exist throughout my body. 24 What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? 25 I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! So I am obedient to God’s standards with my mind, but I am obedient to sin’s standards with my corrupt nature. (GW)

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Jul 23, 202317:21
July 16, 2023 -- "How Do You React When God Tells You What To Do?" -- Rev. Dr. Mike MIddendorf

July 16, 2023 -- "How Do You React When God Tells You What To Do?" -- Rev. Dr. Mike MIddendorf

July 16, 2023 -- "How Do You React When God Tells You What To Do?" -- Rev. Dr. Mike MIddendorf, Bible Text: Romans Chapter 7

(7) Don’t you realize, brothers and sisters, that laws have power over people only as long as they are alive? (I’m speaking to people who are familiar with Moses’ Teachings.) 2 For example, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he is alive. But if her husband dies, that marriage law is no longer in effect for her. 3 So if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she will be called an adulterer. But if her husband dies, she is free from this law, so she is not committing adultery if she marries another man. 4 In the same way, brothers and sisters, you have died to the laws in Moses’ Teachings through Christ’s body. You belong to someone else, the one who was brought back to life. As a result, we can do what God wants. 5 While we were living under the influence of our corrupt nature, sinful passions were at work throughout our bodies. Stirred up by the laws in Moses’ Teachings, our sinful passions did things that result in death. 6 But now we have died to those laws that bound us. God has broken their effect on us so that we are serving in a new spiritual way, not in an old way dictated by written words. 7 What should we say, then? Are the laws in Moses’ Teachings sinful? That’s unthinkable! In fact, I wouldn’t have recognized sin if those laws hadn’t shown it to me. For example, I wouldn’t have known that some desires are sinful if Moses’ Teachings hadn’t said, “Never have wrong desires.” 8 But sin took the opportunity provided by this commandment and made me have all kinds of wrong desires. Clearly, without laws sin is dead. 9 At one time I was alive without any laws. But when this commandment came, sin became alive 10 and I died. I found that the commandment which was intended to bring me life actually brought me death. 11 Sin, taking the opportunity provided by this commandment, deceived me and then killed me. 12 So the laws in Moses’ Teachings are holy, and the commandment is holy, right, and good. 13 Now, did something good cause my death? That’s unthinkable! Rather, my death was caused by sin so that sin would be recognized for what it is. Through a commandment sin became more sinful than ever. 14 I know that God’s standards in Moses’ Teachings are spiritual, but I have a corrupt nature, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I don’t realize what I’m doing. I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 I don’t do what I want to do, but I agree that God’s standards are good. 17 So I am no longer the one who is doing the things I hate, but sin that lives in me is doing them. 18 I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don’t do it. 19 I don’t do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I don’t want to do. 20 Now, when I do what I don’t want to do, I am no longer the one who is doing it. Sin that lives in me is doing it. 21 So I’ve discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God’s standards say is good. 22 I take pleasure in God’s standards in my inner being. 23 However, I see a different standard ⌞at work⌟ throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin’s standards which still exist throughout my body. 24 What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? 25 I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! So I am obedient to God’s standards with my mind, but I am obedient to sin’s standards with my corrupt nature. (GW)


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Jul 16, 202316:45
July 9, 2023 -- "By No Means" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

July 9, 2023 -- "By No Means" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

July 9, 2023 -- "By No Means" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: Romans 6:12-23

12 Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires. 13 Never offer any part of your body to sin’s power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of. 14 Certainly, sin shouldn’t have power over you because you’re not controlled by God’s laws, but by God’s favor. 15 Then what is the implication? Should we sin because we are not controlled by God’s laws but by God’s favor? That’s unthinkable! 16 Don’t you know that if you offer to be someone’s slave, you must obey that master? Either your master is sin, or your master is obedience. Letting sin be your master leads to death. Letting obedience be your master leads to God’s approval. 17 You were slaves to sin. But I thank God that you have become wholeheartedly obedient to the teachings which you were given. 18 Freed from sin, you were made slaves who do what God approves of. 19 I’m speaking in a human way because of the weakness of your corrupt nature. Clearly, you once offered all the parts of your body as slaves to sexual perversion and disobedience. This led you to live disobedient lives. Now, in the same way, offer all the parts of your body as slaves that do what God approves of. This leads you to live holy lives. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from doing what God approves of. 21 What did you gain by doing those things? You’re ashamed of what you used to do because it ended in death. 22 Now you have been freed from sin and have become God’s slaves. This results in a holy life and, finally, in everlasting life. 23 The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. (GW)

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Jul 09, 202319:21
July 2, 2023 -- "At The Right Time" -- Pastor Mark Siegert
Jul 02, 202322:32
June 25, 2023 -- "You Gotta Have Faith" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

June 25, 2023 -- "You Gotta Have Faith" -- Pastor Kyle Blake

June 25, 2023 -- "You Gotta Have Faith" -- Pastor Kyle Blake, Bible Text: Romans 4:13-25:

13 So it was not by obeying the laws in Moses’ Teachings that Abraham or his descendants received the promise that he would inherit the world. Rather, he received this promise through God’s approval that comes by faith. 14 If those who obey Moses’ Teachings are the heirs, then faith is useless and the promise is worthless. 15 The laws in Moses’ Teachings bring about anger. But where those laws don’t exist, they can’t be broken. 16 Therefore, the promise is based on faith so that it can be a gift.[a] Consequently, the promise is guaranteed for every descendant, not only for those who are descendants by obeying Moses’ Teachings but also for those who are descendants by believing as Abraham did. He is the father of all of us, 17 as Scripture says: “I have made you a father of many nations." Abraham believed when he stood in the presence of the God who gives life to dead people and calls into existence things that don’t even exist. 18 When there was nothing left to hope for, Abraham still hoped and believed. As a result, he became a father of many nations, as he had been told: “That is how many descendants you will have.” 19 Abraham didn’t weaken. Through faith he regarded the facts: His body was already as good as dead now that he was about a hundred years old, and Sarah was unable to have children. 20 He didn’t doubt God’s promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honor to God ⌞for the promise⌟, he became strong because of faith 21 and was absolutely confident that God would do what he promised. 22 That is why Abraham’s faith was regarded as the basis of his approval by God. 23 But the words “his faith was regarded as the basis of his approval by God” were written not only for him 24 but also for us. Our faith will be regarded as the basis of our approval by God—each of us who believe in the one who brought Jesus, our Lord, back to life. 25 Jesus, our Lord, was handed over to death because of our failures and was brought back to life so that we could receive God’s approval. (GW)

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Jun 25, 202310:47
June 18, 2023 -- "Father Abraham, Father God" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

June 18, 2023 -- "Father Abraham, Father God" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf

June 18, 2023 -- "Father Abraham, Father God" -- Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, Bible Text: Romans 3:21 - 4:8:

21 Now, the way to receive God’s approval has been made plain in a way other than the laws in the Scriptures. Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. 22 Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. 23 Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. 24 They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness [a] through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free ⌞from sin⌟. 25 God showed that Christ is the throne of mercy where God’s approval is given through faith in Christ’s blood. In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. 26 He waited so that he could display his approval at the present time. This shows that he is a God of justice, a God who approves of people who believe in Jesus. 27 So, do we have anything to brag about? Bragging has been eliminated. On what basis was it eliminated? On the basis of our own efforts? No, indeed! Rather, it is eliminated on the basis of faith. 28 We conclude that a person has God’s approval by faith, not by his own efforts. 29 Is God only the God of the Jews? Isn’t he also the God of people who are not Jewish? Certainly, he is, 30 since it is the same God who approves circumcised people by faith and uncircumcised people through this same faith. 31 Are we abolishing the laws in the Scriptures by this faith? That’s unthinkable! Rather, we are supporting these laws.

(4) What can we say that we have discovered about our ancestor Abraham? 2 If Abraham had God’s approval because of something he did, he would have had a reason to brag. But he could not brag to God about it. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and that faith was regarded as the basis of Abraham’s approval by God.” 4 When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned. 5 However, when people don’t work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as the basis of God’s approval. 6 David says the same thing about those who are blessed: God approves of people without their earning it. David said, 7 “Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned. 8 Blessed is the person whom the Lord no longer considers sinful.” (GW)


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Jun 18, 202312:55
June 11, 2023 -- "Good News" -- Pastor Kyle Blake
Jun 11, 202314:15
June 4, 2023 -- "Festival of the Holy Trinity" -- Featuring Guest Composer, Dr. Carol McDaniel
Jun 04, 202340:22
May 28, 2023 -- Pastor Nader Hanna -- "The Unknown God of the Church"

May 28, 2023 -- Pastor Nader Hanna -- "The Unknown God of the Church"

May 28, 2023 -- Pastor Nader Hanna -- "The Unknown God of the Church" Bible Text: Acts 2: 2-21 & John 7:37-39:

2 When Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover, came, all the believers were together in one place. 2 Suddenly, a sound like a violently blowing wind came from the sky and filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 Tongues that looked like fire appeared to them. The tongues arranged themselves so that one came to rest on each believer. 4 All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 5 Devout Jewish men from every nation were living in Jerusalem. 6 They gathered when they heard the wind. Each person was startled to recognize his own dialect when the disciples spoke. 7 Stunned and amazed, the people in the crowd said, “All of these men who are speaking are Galileans. 8 Why do we hear them speaking in our native dialects? 9 We’re Parthians, Medes, and Elamites. We’re people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the country near Cyrene in Libya. We’re Jewish people, converts to Judaism, and visitors from Rome, 11 Crete, and Arabia. We hear these men in our own languages as they tell about the miracles that God has done.” 12 All of these devout men were stunned and puzzled. They asked each other, “What can this mean?” 13 Others said jokingly, “They’re drunk on sweet wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the eleven apostles. In a loud voice he said to them, “Men of Judea and everyone living in Jerusalem! You must understand this, so pay attention to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning. 16 Rather, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: 17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour my Spirit on my servants, on both men and women. They will speak what God has revealed. 19 I will work miracles in the sky and give signs on the earth: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will become as red as blood before the terrifying day of the Lord comes. 21 Then whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (GW)

...

37 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus was standing in the temple courtyard. He said loudly, “Whoever is thirsty must come to me to drink. 38 As Scripture says, ‘Streams of living water will flow from deep within the person who believes in me.’ ” 39 Jesus said this about the Spirit, whom his believers would receive. The Spirit was not yet evident, as it would be after Jesus had been glorified. (GW)

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May 28, 202333:57
May 21, 2023 -- "He Is Coming For You" -- Pastor Kyle Blake
May 23, 202311:07
May 14, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Clear Conscience" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

May 14, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Clear Conscience" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

May 14, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Clear Conscience" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22

13 Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what God approves, you are blessed. Don’t be afraid of those who want to harm you. Don’t get upset. 15 But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence ⌞in God⌟ when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect. 16 Keep your conscience clear. Then those who treat the good Christian life you live with contempt will feel ashamed that they have ridiculed you. 17 After all, if it is God’s will, it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. 18 This is true because Christ suffered for our sins once. He was an innocent person, but he suffered for guilty people so that he could bring you to God. His body was put to death, but he was brought to life through his spirit. 19 In it he also went to proclaim his victory to the spirits kept in prison. 20 They are like those who disobeyed long ago in the days of Noah when God waited patiently while Noah built the ship. In this ship a few people—eight in all—were saved by water. 21 Baptism, which is like that water, now saves you. Baptism doesn’t save by removing dirt from the body. Rather, baptism is a request to God for a clear conscience. It saves you through Jesus Christ, who came back from death to life. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven where he holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the throne. Angels, rulers, and powers have been placed under his authority. (GW)


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May 14, 202317:49
May 7, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Belonging" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

May 7, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Belonging" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

May 7, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Belonging" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: 1 Peter 2:2-10:

2 Desire God’s pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. 3 Certainly you have tasted that the Lord is good! 4 You are coming to Christ, the living stone who was rejected by humans but was chosen as precious by God. 5 You come to him as living stones, a spiritual house that is being built into a holy priesthood. So offer spiritual sacrifices that God accepts through Jesus Christ. 6 That is why Scripture says, “I am laying a chosen and precious cornerstone in Zion, and the person who believes in him will never be ashamed.” 7 This honor belongs to those who believe. But to those who don’t believe: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 a stone that people trip over, a large rock that people find offensive.” The people tripped over the word because they refused to believe it. Therefore, this is how they ended up. 9 However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not God’s people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. (GW)

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May 07, 202316:00
April 30, 2023 -- "Easter Eggs: Healing" -- Pastor Kyle Blake
Apr 30, 202315:17
April 23, 2023 -- "Hope!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

April 23, 2023 -- "Hope!" -- Pastor Mark Siegert

Apr 24, 202319:36
April 16, 2023 -- "The Importance of Community" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

April 16, 2023 -- "The Importance of Community" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer

April 16, 2023 -- "The Importance of Community" -- Pastor Kevin Kritzer, Bible Text: John 20:19-31:

19 That Sunday evening, the disciples were together behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jews. Jesus stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20 When he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were glad to see the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 After he had said this, he breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whenever you forgive sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you don’t forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, who was called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord.” Thomas told them, “I refuse to believe this unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my fingers into them, and put my hand into his side. 26 A week later Jesus’ disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Take your hand, and put it into my side. Stop doubting, and believe.” 28 Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you’ve seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me but believe.” 30 Jesus performed many other miracles that his disciples saw. Those miracles are not written in this book. 31 But these miracles have been written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in him.

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Apr 16, 202317:27