One thing have I desired of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Psalm 27:4
Reflecting on the prophecy from Micah and the Beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew, Pastor Russ helps us to discern the “what” of following Jesus. While our culture celebrates the strong and the mighty, God leads us to restore justice to the lowly.
Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez
This week Pastor Russ takes us on a fishing trip! Well, really it’s Jesus that calls us out to “fish for people.” Pastor Russ explores how the first disciples knew their trade well, understood how fish live, and were willing to go to any lengths to find them. What does this mean for Jesus’s calling to us today?
Photo credit: Chris Hardy @chrishardyphotography
This week we return to the prophet John the Baptist and hear his introduction of Jesus, the Lamb of God. What exactly is the role of a prophet, and what does it mean that the Lamb of God “takes away the sin of the world?” Intern Monica Holman discusses how Jesus invites us to follow him and see what vision God has for us and for the world.
Photo credit: Jerónimo Bernot @jerobernot1991
This week we’re celebrating “Baptism of Our Lord” Sunday, and it’s appropriate that it comes during a week when a river of rain is flowing across our skies. Imagine your baptism as more than a one-time event, but as a perpetual shower of God’s unconditional love.
We welcome back Interim Pastor Russ Gordon, an old friend of Bethel Lutheran Church. He reminds us of God’s never-ending and never-changing love.
Photo credit: Oliver Schwendener on unsplash.com
Happy new year and a continued merry Christmas! As we stand on the doorstep of 2023, Intern Monica Holman walks us through the names that were given to Jesus before, during, and after his earthly ministry, and invites us to ask ourselves what names and labels we carry; which ones were given to us, and which ones fit who God created us to be. As we hear in the story of Simeon and Anna, the church is the perfect place to be welcomed and celebrated for who we are.
Dear Online Family: We are in a digital ministry transition. Thank you for your patience as we post Simply the Sermon during this time. We will keep you updated on upcoming developments. Thank you to all of you for gathering faithfully in this virtual space.
Image credit: Photo by Monica Holman