Jesus tells a parable that is particularly relevant for us during this strange and unique time. He speaks of ten guests at a wedding where ALL were ready for a wonderful event, but only HALF were ready for the wait that preceded it. The “foolish” (according to Jesus) were prepared for a party, but the “wise” were prepared for unexpected and long…
Paul begs the church to walk worthy of God’s calling by dwelling together in the unity of the Spirit. In order to fulfill this “high calling” it is necessary to cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” at 7:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87901487440 Password is the same for regulars. If you need it, contact…
Jesus warns of the “dark side” of leadership. Leaders who do not practice what they preach, are merciless toward others, flaunt their piety, and crave recognition, honor, and superior standing find themselves at odds with God’s kingdom. Like Jesus, the greatest leader shall be the humble servant. Opening Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Closing Doxology: Praise God from Whom All…
Paul prayers that the believers in Ephesus would come to greater knowledge and experience of God – Father, Son, and Spirit. The Spirit deep within manifests the presence and love of Christ, filling us “with all the fullness of God.” The believer is caught up in the divine embrace of the Triune God. This prayer is a model for us. Join us…
This jam-packed service begins with a special word from our Wisconsin Conference Minister, Franz Rigert, followed by an update concerning the India Gala. In today’s message, Jesus reveals the two commands at the heart of his teaching: Love God supremely, and love others as we love ourselves. All other divine commands are simply a footnote to these two commandments. Opening Hymn: Sun…
From prison, Paul writes of his commission to speak boldly and courageously of the mystery that has been revealed to him that God is drawing all things together in Christ so that the church might participate in God’s eternal plan and be a peace-making instrument of unity and reconciliation. There is no “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” tonight because the…
After experiencing God’s renewed commitment to journey with wayward Israel, Moses asks to see God’s glory. God promises to reveal the divine glory, but warns that Moses cannot see the Divine Face, for such an unmediated gaze on the Divine would be lethal to Moses. God then promises to protect Moses from this direct gaze. Moses then receives a revelation of God’s…
The apostle presents his most elevated teaching concerning the church by speaking of it as a “new humanity” and a “living temple” created by God to manifest God’s will in the world. Tearing down walls and manifesting God’s peace is at the heart of achieving God’s plan to unite all things in Christ. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible”…
Days after entering into covenant with God, the people of God craft an idol while Moses is away on Mount Sinai. God threatens to destroy the people, but Moses intercedes on their behalf and God relents. This story has much to teach us about our proneness to idolatry and about what faithful and faithless leadership looks like. Opening Hymn: For the Beauty…
Christians talk a lot about “being saved” but what are we actually talking about. What is salvation? Why do we need it? And – most importantly – what is it’s purpose? What is it for? In today’s reading, Paul speaks of our desperate need for salvation, of God’s initiative by grace to bring it about, and of what it means to truly…