Grow Deep. Reach Out. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. May this podcast remind you that you are a beloved child of God, and we have a lot of work to do together.
Jesus speaks so harshly to Peter today, right on the heels of Peter making a huge public statement about who God is. What is it that Peter is expecting, and why does it matter for us today?
Scripture: Psalm 116:1-9; Mark 8:27-38
Song: "White Flag" written by C. Tomlin, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
As we kick off our fall season of ministry we pause to consider the gift of God’s Word. We teach it and preach it and study it. We embrace it, ignore it, treasure and fear it. God’s Word is living and active and sharp!
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16
Song: "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" written by J. Houston & J. Myrin; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
[This is a partial recording. We had technical difficulty, so the best way to hear the full sermon is by watching the Facebook Live feed (sermon begins at 23:00). Sorry for the inconvenience.]
So today Jesus tells the disciples that it’s not what you put into yourself that matters, but what comes out. And honestly, that has often been used to tell people to “smile more” or “be happy” or other baloney feel good spirituality. What if this text wasn’t about your emotions, but how you treat others?
Scripture: James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8,14-15, 21-23
Today we wrap up our 7 week series on Ephesians. In this famous passage it may sound like we are sent into the world to do battle. In one long military metaphor, we are told to “put on the armor of God.” As usual however, a closer look reveals a deeper truth, our only weapon brings life, even to our enemies!
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20
Song: "Lead On O King Eternal" written by Ernest Shurtleff (arr. by Stefan Van Voorst); performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
Today’s portion of Ephesians reminds us that the antidote to evil and foolishness and debauchery (what a word!) is to be filled with the Spirit. Instead of the usual comparisons to breath and wind, today’s text reminds us that one way we can be filled with the Spirit is by singing. So let’s sing...
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20
Song: various hymns
Continuing in our series on Ephesians, this fourth chapter is full of practical advice. Is it possible that suggestions made more than 2,000 years ago, in a culture very different from our own, could be considered good advice here and now? Let’s take a look.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Song: "I Will Follow" written by C. Tomlin, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
VIDEO: grocery clerk praised for inviting teen with autism to help him stock shelves
Continuing in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts us all to “live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called” and it feels like an impossible task. How do we do this? Paul gives us a list. How do we know if we’ve done a good job? What happens when we don’t live up to it? This is the universal struggle. The question we all have at some point or another, is: what is “good enough” for God? Or maybe, more honestly, “Am I good enough for God?” Let’s dig into what Paul’s letter has to tell us about this today.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16
Song: "Here We Are" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
The Apostle Paul keeps talking about “power” in this section of Scripture. And the first-century Roman Establishment at Ephesus didn’t want this message getting out: “God’s power” this, “the power of the Spirit” that. He talks about it a lot. So why all this talk of power? Where can you get this power? And what is it for? Let’s dig in and see what this power is doing in us today!
Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
Song: "Bearing Witness" written by Collective Soul; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
Watch this overview video about the book of Ephesians (from The Bible Project)
A few times a year, we depart from our usual preaching schedule and hand over the mic to… you… so you can ask any and all questions pertaining to faith, community, theology… And then we see what happens. We adjust the usual format of our worship service in order to leave as much time as possible for our pastors to respond to our questions—and we are always left wanting more!
Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22
Song: "God of Justice" written by Tim Hughes; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
Today we will kick off our summer series focussing on the book of Ephesians. This little book tucked away in the New Testament is full of practical advice and great wisdom related to living out your faith so we'll spend the summer digging deeper. And boy does it start out with a bang!
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14
Song: "Because of Your Love" written by Phil Wickham; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band
*ARTICLE/VIDEO ABOUT LA SALLE LUTHERAN CHURCH CLOSING AFTER NEARLY 100 YEARS
