Trinity is the time of year we dig into a specific faith topic. This year our study will focus on lessons about God testing our faith. The sermon series is intended to dig into scripture for a deeper understanding of how God uses tests of faith to provide opportunities for us to exercise our faith. While the Means of Grace (Gospel & Sacraments) are used by God to strengthen our faith, tests serve the very different purpose of helping us to practice putting our faith into action. When we do so we can see for ourselves exactly where we are at on our faith journey.
Even when that attitude of gratitude has been missing in our heads and hearts, we have a God who still looks at us and says, "I love you."
When tests have been coming at you from every direction, are you thankful for everything? James 1:2-4 can change the way you answer that question, filling you with perspective and encouragement whenever a test comes your way!
This special collection of sermonettes takes you through the life of Christ!
When the challenges of life meet the big story of God, encouragement and hope can actually come from those moments where we're reminded of "What Your Life is Missing."
Sometimes help is...painful. Help may not always come like you ask, but help will come.
As we anticipate future events in our lives, whether positive or negative, one of the biggest challenges we face is the waiting.
What if the answer God wants to give us is bigger than the question we're asking? Dig into John 20:24-25 and transform those moments when you ask, "Are You Sure?"
Jesus gave us the proof of His love, that no matter what challenge we face & what demon we might be running from, there's one enemy we can conquer, even if it is ourselves.
A heavy dose of reality and incredibly encouraging truth, that's the behind the scene glimpse we get when we take a hold of this "Backstage Pass."
We don't move an inch without our Savior running out in front of us!
Some places & paths in life seem pretty dark and scary and yet they are exactly where God is calling us to go. As we dig into John 11:8, Jesus shines a light on every time we find ourselves questioning, "Go There?"
Not only did our Savior conquer evil for us, He taught us how to stand up to it!
You're walking out into a world where you are going to suffer, but what do we know? We have Gospel conclusions that we don't just hear, but believe and live!
You might be older. You might be wiser but you are certainly not better.
When life is just a lot and things get complicated, bring the pieces to Jesus. He makes it so we can be beautifully "Puzzled."
At first glance it looked like the big miracle was giving a blind man his sight, but the bigger miracle was to give the man his spiritual eyes!
From love and with faith let's speak some very positive "Dangerous Words."
It's one thing to know that God can do anything. It's another thing to live it. No matter where we've been in our faith, we have a God who has done and continues to do the seemingly im possible.
So you're exhausted and it's not just because life is crazy, it's been rough. You may even be wondering why God has been relating to you the way He has. Jesus may not answer your questions the way you want, but He does give you what you need to "Never Lose Heart."
In the middle of the chaos, where are you looking? Jesus is right there with you, do you see Him?
There will be moments where you hear Jesus say, "Come."
When you do, may you let go, step out of the boat and walk on water!
Red Light or Green Light Faith?
The call of Jesus is not primarily about saying no to things but about saying yes to the life He has for us. Dig into Matthew 14:29a and hear Jesus say, "Let's Go!"
Jesus doesn't just teach us about help, about hope, about peace, about new life, Jesus delivers it. Guest Preacher, Prof. Joel Russow, shares a message from Mark 9:14-27.
Life is hard. But are we making it harder than it needs to be? Jesus has made it so we don't need to live "Miserably Saved."
Sometimes God lets us reach the end of our rope so we reach for the end of His. There we find both help and healing in the wings of our Savior!
What's been holding you back from God and others has been healed. Jesus has transformed how we answer the question, "Who Do You Think You Are?"
When we hit these multilayered, confusing, challenging tests of faith, it's not about our doubts, it's about what we believe.
God's Word is filled with His promises. He has redeemed us, summoned us by name, we are His!
Worry has many problems. Thankfully, God has given us the one and only solution!
Pastor Joel Russow's puts the well-known verse "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15, into context as we, by faith, follow Jesus - even in this fallen, broken world.