18.6K
Downloads
893
Episodes
Weekly messages from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista Inc
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 24, 2019
Tuesday Dec 24, 2019
This week, we’ll be looking at both patience and promise. What does it mean for we who wait for the Return of the King (Messiah) in an increasingly difficult world that seems to be burning right before our eyes? Where do we see the Messiah and how do we wrestle with doubt and questions of God’s care and providence? How do we trust Jesus in what seems to be a cosmic absence?
In essence, how do we wait?
Luke 2:25-35
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
This week we look at how things worked out for John the Baptist. I wonder what his expectations were of Jesus. Did he expect the promised Messiah to evict the Romans from the land and establish perfect justice and peace throughout Israel? Did John expect to one day hang up his preaching boots and live in quite retirement until one night he would die in his sleep and join the children of Abraham in God’s glory? While languishing in prison, John reaches out with a question to Jesus. This Sunday we’ll explore his question – along with Jesus’ answer.
Matthew 11:2-11
Monday Dec 09, 2019
Monday Dec 09, 2019
When God’s chosen King comes on the scene, will he find us so occupied with our own plans that we have little or no interest in him? Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Jesus. Repentance is about getting rid of the junk in our hearts, and receiving the gifts of Jesus’ forgiveness and leadership over our lives.
How are you and I preparing room in our hearts for King Jesus in the days ahead?
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11. Matthew 3:1-6
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Imagine the struggle and impatience of the Israelites in exile hundreds of years before the birth of the king. Imagine being told that your salvation is coming, but then having to wait fourteen generations for it to occur. Could you remain faithful? As you wait in exile, away from your home, and your comfort and the peace that comes with God being with us, does faith come easy?
This week as we delve into both Matthew and the book of Isaiah, walk with me through the comfort that comes knowing that God always keeps his promises. Even if it takes a very long time.
Isaiah 40:1-10
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Even in the midst of heartbreak, suffering, and grief, believers find joy in the Lord Jesus. How on earth is this possible? Because through Jesus we have come into God’s story of restoration and hope for his world – including us!
Luke 12:22-26 NLT, Philippians 4:4-9 NLT
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Happiness is circumstantial. When life is good and things are turning out well, we are happy. When things go ‘pear shaped’ or ‘belly up’, we are “not happy Jan!” Joy is the fruit of knowing God’s love for us in Jesus. Nothing that you and I experience can change God’s heart towards us, or cancel out his promises to us in Jesus!
Grace is the key to joy. The two words go together and have the same root in Greek (grace = charis; joy = chara). Our joy comes from the fact that God has made us right with himself through the work of Jesus Christ, which is given to us as a free gift (grace).
Philippians 3:1 – 4:1 New Living Translation
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
How do we find joy while experiencing loneliness? How do we connect with people when we are not near them? How does God call us to retain our spiritual partnerships in increasingly busy lives?
Philippians 1:1-11
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Monday Nov 04, 2019
In the book of Philippians, this word, ‘joy,’ is used sixteen times. How did Paul make it through with his joy intact? How do we experience joy while living in difficulties of our own?
Philippians 1:12-26
Monday Oct 28, 2019
Monday Oct 28, 2019
What do the words ‘authentic Christian culture’ mean to you? Is Good Shepherd an authentic Christian culture?’ If not, what would make it so?
John 3:14-21
Friday Oct 25, 2019
Friday Oct 25, 2019
This week, we’re taking a peek at the joy of open-handed sharing. Because God’s hands are open to us, always overflowing with whatever need there is, we can find a template for the sacrificial life.
What surprises you about God’s desire for tithing? What is the benefit of open handed giving? What do you feel when you read/hear the word ‘tithe?’ Can you think of one time when you have been open handed, sharing your gifts without thought of repayment, that brought you great joy?
Deuteronomy 15:7-11