In this sermon based on Mark 10:28-45, Tim reflects on how Jesus' disciples misunderstood his mission and the nature of his kingdom. As they journeyed to Jerusalem, the disciples expected to enter the city with honor and influence, as trusted followers of a victorious leader. They believed their sacrifices for Jesus would earn them special rewards, much like an example stated by Tim: purchasing a first-class ticket expecting certain privileges but being re-assigned to a different class. However, Jesus repeatedly explained that his mission involved suffering, sacrifice, and service, not personal gain or glory. The disciples, like many today, misinterpreted Jesus' promise of receiving "a hundred times" what they had given up, thinking it referred to material rewards rather than the spiritual and communal blessings found in the church.

This sermon warns us against approaching the Christian church with expectations of entitlement or personal benefit. Just as James and John sought positions of honor, many believers today may feel entitled to influence or recognition based on their contributions or involvement in the church. However, the true call of discipleship, as modeled by Jesus, is one of humility, service, and sacrifice. Christ came not to be served but to serve, and the Christian life is meant to follow this example. The church is not a place for seeking personal glory but a community where believers support one another and reflect the selfless love of Christ.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 10 verses 28-45 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on October 20, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this sermon based on Ephesians 5:21-6:4, Tim reflects on how our beliefs about family life can be shaped by experiences and media, comparing that to biblical teachings. This sermon emphasizes key biblical principles: husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church, wives should submit to their husbands, and parents, especially fathers, should lead their children's spiritual growth.

Tim then addresses the issue of divorce, highlighting that God does not approve of it except in a specific context of sin, and stresses the importance of forgiveness and grace through baptism. Ultimately, the message encourages following God's design for family life, rooted in love, forgiveness, and mutual respect.

This Sunday sermon, based on Ephesians 5 verses 21-6:4 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on October 6, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this sermon, Tim reflects on the complexity of human nature, especially in the context of faith; using the Latin word "simul" (meaning "at the same time") to explore how Christians are simultaneously sinners and saints. Through faith in Jesus, believers are declared saints, holy in God's sight, despite their ongoing battle with sin. This dual reality of being a sinner and a saint creates tension but also provides hope through God's grace, as exemplified by biblical figures like Miriam and Aaron, who despite their sins, were still chosen as God's leaders.

True wisdom, as described by James in the New Testament, comes from God and leads to actions that reflect love, peace, and humility. This divine wisdom does not justify means through ends but calls for pure, peace-loving conduct. Leaders in the church, though sinner-saints themselves, are called to exemplify this wisdom, living lives that reflect God's grace and love.

This Sunday sermon, based on James 3 verses 13-18, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on September 22, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the show

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.