The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea. It gathered all kinds of fish.
God’s Kingdom comes always as a free gift that radically changes our perception of this world and equips us to become the spiritual net cast into the community to bring in those for whom Christ died and rose again.
1. The Kingdom of God’s grace comes to us as a free gift
a. Even when we are NOT seeking it
b. When we are on a quest for answers
2. The Kingdom of God’s grace changes our perception of this world
a. Every life is valued differently
b. Every possession has value only in relation to God’s reign
3. God’s Kingdom of grace throws a net into the sea of humanity
a. God’s net of good news thrown into all the world
b. Every child of God becomes a living part of that net
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Throw the Net into the Sea
July 26, 2020 • Pastor Paul Becker
Second Sunday of Easter
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Paul Becker • John 20:21–23
To demonstrate that with God all things are possible, Jesus sends us into the world as He was sent, with divine peace, with the Holy Spirit and with the forgiveness of sins. 1. We are sent into the world with divine peace a. Not a false peace that “heals the wound of My people lightly” b. The Prince of Peace makes us peacemakers in a strife-torn world 2. We are sent into the world with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter a. By saturating in the means of grace, not of ourselves b. By appreciating the fruits and gifts of the Spirit 3. We are sent into the world with the forgiveness of sins a. Daily in the Lord’s Prayer / Luther’s evening prayer b. For our enemies and persecutors, bless those who curse
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Paul Becker • Philippians 2:7–8
As Jesus emptied and humbled Himself, becoming like us in every way except sin, He resisted the devil’s pride, breaking the power of death on the cross. 1. Jesus emptied and humbled Himself for us a. He did not cling to His divine privileges b. He manifests the power of humility 2. Jesus became like us in every way except sin a. The joys and sorrows, trials and temptations b. Being subject to suffering and death 3. Jesus resisted the devil’s pride / broke the power of death a. God resists the proud/gives grace to the humble b. He who keeps My Word shall not see death forever