At first, John the Baptist's cry for repentance makes one cringe. Is repentance all about making us feel bad about ourselves? And what does this have to do with Christmas anyway? Pastor Russ' message is based on Luke 3:7-18 and is titled: "Repentance is Good News!"
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What does John the Baptist's message "Prepare the way" mean for us today? What did it mean back then, in Jesus' day? This season of Advent is a blessed time to get our homes ready for Christmas and our hearts as well. How can we be a gift to others and to our world as Christ is for us? Pastor Russ shares his thoughts in this sermon.
On the first Sunday of Advent, Guest Pastor Richard Rollefson reads from the Gospel Luke 21:25-36
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In this Sunday's Thanksgiving sermon, Pastor Amy offers an anecdote to anxiety. With Jesus' disciples facing an unknown future, we address our own uncertainties as faithful followers. (We also take a journey to a surprising corner in north LA.) Hear lessons learned from her spiritual care practices on how to respond to chronic worry.
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The Readings from I Kings 17 and Mark 12 each share a story about the faithfulness of a widow. They each had very little to offer and yet, their faithfulness turned into a moving story that still teaches us much, even 2,000 years later! Pastor Russ' sermon is "A Little Goes A Long Way."
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In the Gospel Reading from Mark 12:28-34, Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments: Love for God and love for neighbor. It is almost like they are woven together as one commandment, for Jesus elsewhere reminds us that you cannot do one without the other. Pastor Russ' sermon is entitled "Soli Deo Gloria".
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Why tears? The three Readings for this All Saints Sunday each mention tears...but tears that will be wiped away by God himself as we are invited to a great feast prepared by God. Even Jesus shed tears as he stood before the grave of his friend Lazarus. But God has the last word...and even death is defeated. Pastor Russ' sermon: "Tears in Heaven"
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Knowing our Lutheran history and heritage is important as it reveals our beginnings as well as our current mission and ministry. Pastor Russ shares 6 vignettes on the life of Martin Luther and Katherine Von Bora, central figures in the Reformation movement of the 1500's.
This seemingly simple healing story of a blind man contains several life lessons for us...to help us with better insight when obstacles are in life's way, when we may not think too well of ourselves, and when our worries and stresses overwhelm us. Pastor Russ' sermon from Mark 10:46-52 is entitled "What Would You Have Me Do For You?".
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Do you think Jesus was a little harsh on the rich man? Telling him to sell all he had and give it to the poor? Are we supposed to do the same thing? Jesus actually offers 3 priceless gifts to the rich man even before asking him to do the 'the impossible.'
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As common as it is these days, divorce is still a very emotional and difficult reality for many people. And what Jesus seems to say doesn't, at first, appear to make things any easier. What does Jesus say about divorce? And how are we, as a Christian community, to respond to those who are going through such painful times? Pastor Russ discusses these questions in his message.
All three scripture readings have a common theme which helps us to know what the people of God are called to do and to be. Pastor Russ finds in these readings three qualities of Bethel Lutheran in his sermon entitled "We Are Not Meant to Go It Alone."
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Sometimes, we might feel overwhelmed by all that is going on in our lives and/or in the world. Oh, to be young and innocent once again. Jesus reminded us to welcome the child when he took children into his arms to bless them. We are called to have the faith of a child.
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"Ode to the Tongue" is the title of Pastor Russ' message as he explores James 3:1-12 which reminds us how our words can be like a devastating fire or can be used for good. How can we keep better control over what we say? Listen and learn. A helpful outline accompanies the sermon. Contact the office if you would like one.
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"Love your neighbor as yourself" is the golden rule, the Letter of James reminds us. Some 'neighbors' are easier to love than others. And yet, because God shows no partiality and loves everyone, no matter who they are, we are to do the same. Jesus is the supreme example traveling all the way to Tyre to heal a Gentile woman's sick daughter, dispelling the prejudicial beliefs of his day.
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At first, in the Gospel story from Mark 7, it appears Jesus is against washing hands before one eats. Not so. What Jesus was saying to the leaders of his day was sometimes we can place religious habits and rituals ahead of what is in a person's heart.
Is our life of faith only about trying to always do the right thing? Or is it more than that? Listen to Pastor Russ' sermon entitled "Creeds or Deeds?"
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"Be Strong in the Lord" is the title of Pastor Russ' message, taken from the reading from Ephesians 6:10-20 where St. Paul compares the Christian stance to the uniform a typical Roman soldier would wear. We do battle too, St. Paul reminds us, with powers and principalities, with evil and darkness. And we combat these with respect, honor, kindness and love.
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We continue with our readings from John 6 with Pastor Russ' sermon entitled: "The Eternal Food." What is eternal except love and hope and mercy. Pastor Russ shares the meaning of Holy Communion as the strength for our journey in life.
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In John 6, we hear Jesus' intriguing words about being "manna from heaven". In our life, especially during challenging times, do we not need God's guidance and help? Pastor Russ' sermon is entitled: "Food for the Journey".
Guest Pastor Richard Rollefson preaches from the Gospel of John, chapter 6
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