Life for the Dead
In today's Scripture readings, we see two separate accounts of God raising people back to life from the dead. And because that's not something that typically happens, it leads us to ask, "Why them?" Why does God choose to bring these two people back to life? But our hearts also ask, "Why not them?" Why not our loved ones who have died? Watch Pastor Troy's sermon to find out the answers, and to also be reminded of how God's power over death fills us with comfort and peace!
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Mar 26, 2023Life for the DeadLife for the DeadIn today's Scripture readings, we see two separate accounts of God raising people back to life from the dead. And because that's not something that typically happens, it leads us to ask, "Why them?" Why does God choose to bring these two people back to life? But our hearts also ask, "Why not them?" Why not our loved ones who have died? Watch Pastor Troy's sermon to find out the answers, and to also be reminded of how God's power over death fills us with comfort and peace!
- Mar 22, 2023His Final Steps Led to His EnemiesHis Final Steps Led to His EnemiesIf you only had days to live, you probably wouldn't spend those days around your enemies, right? But as we trace Jesus' final steps, we see them taking him to his enemies--for two all-important reasons! By means of the Parable of the Vineyard, Jesus says what needed to be said; for Jesus' enemies, and for us!
- Mar 19, 2023An Eyewitness Account from a Man Born BlindAn Eyewitness Account from a Man Born BlindBlindness to sight. Darkness to light. In the Bible, God often describes the work of God bringing people to faith with this terminology. In today's Gospel, we find Jesus healing a man who was literally blind--both physically and spiritually. And as Pastor Troy preaches the sermon as a first person narrative, speaking as the man born blind, we get to see how Jesus has done the same thing for us!
- Mar 12, 2023Everyone Thirsts, Only One QuenchesEveryone Thirsts, Only One QuenchesWe all know what it's like to thirst for physical water. God has designed our bodies to need water to live and function. But there are lots of other things we thirst for in life, both spiritually and psychologically. That's why it's compelling imagery that Jesus tells us he can give us "living water" that quenches our eternal thirst, and meets our greatest needs!
- Mar 8, 2023A Meal to Remember
- Mar 5, 2023Trust in the PromiseTrust in the PromiseThree different religions claim Abraham as a key founder of their faith, two of which see Abraham as evidence that only an exclusive group of people can belong to the people of God. But in Christianity, Abraham tells us something completely different! In the Bible, we see Abraham as a reminder of God's grace--of the Gift for the World that he gave in Jesus. Find out how in Pastor Troy's sermon, Trust in the Promise.
- Mar 1, 2023His Final Steps Led to a TombHis Final Steps Led to a Tomb
- Mar 1, 2023His Final Steps Led to a TombHis Final Steps Led to a TombRetired Pastor Philip HoyerVictory Lutheran Church--Jacksonville FLMidweek Lent 2 (3/1/23)Sermon Series: His Final Steps ServiceTheme: His Final Steps Led to a TombSermon Text: John 11 (selected verses)
- Feb 26, 2023A Champion for the DefeatedA Champion for the DefeatedIn ancient times, a champion was the greatest warrior their people could produce. Sometimes, as an appetizer for the battle, or sometimes in place of a battle, the two sides would trot out their champions to fight to the death, the hopes of their people resting on their shoulders. In Scripture, we see the most important Champion battle ever fought, between the Prince of Peace and the Prince of Darkness. How did the battle turn out? And what does it mean for us to have Jesus as our Champion?
- Feb 22, 2023Necessary Sorrow (Ash Wednesday)Necessary Sorrow (Ash Wednesday)The message of Ash Wednesday isn't one that people like to hear. To be reminded of our sinfulness and mortality can produce sorrow in our hearts doesn't seem like a positive, does it? And in a world that sees building people up and making them feel good about themselves as the most important thing, Ash Wednesday might seem like something unloving, or that we should skip. And yet, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the message of Ash Wednesday is necessary, because there is such a thing as necessary sorrow. Watch Pastor Troy's sermon to find out more!
