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Easter is the high point in the Christian year. Why? Why does the Resurrection matter anymore? Pastor Luke teaches from Mark 16:1-11 in "Reinvigorated," the first message in a new series, "Reinvigorated."
Palm Sunday isn't really about palms. It isn't even about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. What it is is the hinge between the darkness of the world and God's answer to the darkness. Pastor Luke teaches from Mark 11:1-11 in "The Day of His Coming."
Has God permanently abandoned his people? That is the question that concludes the book of Lamentations. Maybe you've wondered sometimes if God has deserted you, or if he hasn't, why it feels like that? When God is silent, what can Lamentations teach us? Pastor Luke teaches from Lamentations 5:1-22 in "Deserted," the concluding message in his series, "Lamentations."
Lamentations describes the aftermath of Judah's conquest by Babylon. One result of the conquest was clarity about the things that could be trusted and those that couldn't. It can teach us a lot about the things we put our trust in, too. Pastor Luke teaches from Lamentations 1:1-22 in "Fire in Zion," part 4 of his 5-part series, "Lamentations."
If we believe the reason we're suffering is because of God did it, or or allowed it to happen, then how can we turn to God for help? Pastor Luke looks at Lamentations 3:18-32 in "New Every Morning," part 3 of his 5-part series, "Lamentations."
When bad things happen, we look for explanations. But more than that, we want to know what to do about the problem. The book of Lamentations says that God is responsible. And if that isn't bothersome enough, it also says God is also where to turn for help. Pastor Luke preaches from Lamentations 2:1-22 in "Who Can Heal You?," part 2 of his 5-part series, "Lamentations."
When tragedy strikes, we're often tempted to shrug or to offer an explanation. The book of Lamentations offers a better way to respond. Pastor Luke preaches from Lamentations 1:1-22 in "Learning to Lament," the first message in a new series, "Lamentations."
The Transfiguration of Jesus is difficult to understand, but the voice that speaks from a cloud is perfectly clear. Pastor Luke looks at Mark 9:2-13 in "Summit Conference."
We've been looking at how people can change. Christians believe that God is conforming us to the image of his Son. We can construct systems and habits that help us to lean into that process, but even better than systems is knowing that other people are waiting for us. Pastor Luke looks at Hebrews 10:19-25 in "Provocateurs," the concluding message in his series, "Redirection."
Christians believe that God is making them like Christ, one small decision at a time. But what if we're tired, or lazy, or impatient when the time comes, and don't feel like making the right decision? Pastor Luke teaches from 1 Timothy 4:7-16 in "Today's Gym Day," part 4 of his 5-part series, "Redirection."
Christians believe that change is not only possible, but essential. But they also believe that change doesn't happen all at once. When does it happen, and what should people do in the meantime? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 3:7-14 in "Children of Light," part 3 of his 5-part series, "Redirection."
Christians believe that God is making them more like Christ. But that's the work of a lifetime, and we won't really see what we have become until the Resurrection. But what about today, or tomorrow? What about the parts of our life we need to change right now? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 3:7-14 in "Racecourse," part 3 of his 5-part series, "Redirection."
Christians believe that change is not only possible, but essential. But they also believe that change doesn't happen all at once. When does it happen, and what should people do in the meantime? Pastor Luke preaches from Philippians 3:9-21 in "Racecourse," part 2 of his 5-part series, "Redirection."
New Years' Resolutions are evidence of two things. First, a lot of people make them, so a lot of people want to change something in their lives. Second, people mostly fail at adhering to their resolutions. What does Christianity have to say about life change? Is it possible? If so, how? Pastor Luke teaches from Colossians 3:1-17 in "Redirection," the first message in a new series, "Redirection."
In this installment of “Ask Me Anything,” Pastor Luke addressed four questions. This message was delivered in gathered worship on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Jewel Lake Parish in Anchorage, Alaska. TIMESTAMPS 00:30 Can a Christian be demon-possessed? 08:53 In Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus says the Law will not pass away. 14:32 Did Jesus have a sense of humor? 19:45 In Genesis 1:28, what does does the word "subdue" mean? What does it mean for us now? Pastor Luke preaches from Matthew 5:17-19 in "Ask Me Anything."
Although it is well-attested in the New Testament and the early church, people have long challenged the doctrine of the virgin birth. Does it matter if it's true? Is it really all that important how Jesus came to be born? How does it affect us today, either way? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 1:26-39 in "Impossible," part 3 of his 5-part series, "Holiday Travelers."
The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas originated in the story of the Magi who brought gifts when they came to see Jesus. But gift-giving isn't the center of the story. The heart of this story deeper and older, but like gift-giving, it applies to both Christians and non-Christians. Pastor Luke preaches from Matthew 2:1-12 in "Frequent Flyers," part 2 of his 5-part series, "Holiday Travelers."
How would you respond if an angel showed up in your life? Because it might happen someday. That's what we see in the Christmas stories. What do you think an angel might say to you? There's a story in the New Testament that gives us some ideas about angelic visitation. Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 1:5-20 in "Frequent Flyers," the first message in a new series, "Holiday Travelers."
Four hundred years ago, King James authorized the publication of the King James Bible. But he had trouble with Christians, especially the Puritans who ended up going to Massachusetts to get away from him. What was their concern? Were they right? What can we learn from his example? Pastor Luke preaches from Ezekiel 34:11-16,20-24 in "A Single Shepherd."
Why is there so much trouble in the world? Why is there terrorism and war and oppression? Why is there sickness and death? And (more importantly) can anything be done about it? Does Christianity have anything to say to these questions? Pastor Luke looks at Romans 8:18-30 in "Groaning."
The church -- the congregation and its facilities -- is one of the things we can support with our generosity. The other thing we can support is the church's mission. What is a mission, and what happens when we support it? Pastor Luke looks at Ephesians 2:10-22 in "True Devotion," the concluding message in his series, "Church Shopping."
We've seen how being generous is the best way to be good stewards of what God has given us. There are lots of ways to be generous, though. Should we point some of our generosity at the church, and if so why? Pastor Luke teaches from Colossians 3:9-17 in "Ensemble," part 2 of his 3-part series, "Church Shopping."
"Stewardship" is sometimes a coded way to say people should give money to the church. (Or give money and volunteer time.) But really it means that everything we have belongs to God and we only manage it. So how can we do that well? What does good stewardship look like? Pastor Luke looks at Deuteronomy 8:2-10 in "Church Shopping," the first message in a new series, "Church Shopping."
Things change. Everything changes, except for God. That includes the church. How should the church respond to changes that take place in society? When should the church change, and how? Pastor Luke preaches from 2 Kings 2:1-12 in "Next Steps," the concluding message in his series, "Elijah."
What does our faith say about depression? What does it say to depressed people? Pastor Luke teaches from 1 Kings 19:1-18 in "Horeb," part 5 of his 6-part series, "Elijah."
How can we tell the difference between trusting God and testing him? God makes a lot of promises, but if we don't trust him, we can miss the benefit. We can learn a lot about trusting God from the story of Elijah at Mt. Carmel. Pastor Luke preaches from 1 Kings 18:16-46 in "Title Fight," part 4 of his 6-part series, "Elijah."
"Why am I here?" People were asking that question a long time ago, and we're still asking it today. Christianity has an answer in the idea of calling, or vocation. We find a good example of vocation in a story about Elijah. Pastor Luke looks at 1 Kings 18:1-15 in "Obadiah," part 3 of his 6-part series, "Elijah."
When we have trouble in our lives, it's easy to see that as God punishing us for some sin. But is that an accurate view? Is it Biblical? How can we understand the troubles that occur in our lives? Pastor Luke preaches from 1 Kings 17:8-24 in "Elijah," part 2 of his 6-part series, "Elijah."
When should you try to change things? When should you try to take on the mess in the world? Or the messy stuff in your job, or your family? When is the right time to change the messy parts of your own life? The story of Elijah helps us answer that question. Pastor Luke looks at 1 Kings 16:29-17:7 in "Elijah," the first message in a new series, "Elijah."
The Apostle Paul argues in his letter to the Galatian churches that Christians have been set free. If that's true, does it mean we're on our own? What if there are parts of us we don't like? Don't we need some kind of Law to deal with those parts? Pastor Luke looks at Galatians 5:13-26 in "Biting and Devouring," part 9 of his 10-part series, "Galatians."
