For a little while, the disciples did not see the Lord. When they saw Him again on that first day of the week, they rejoiced with a joy the world could not take away. Their joy is ours on this day. We also cannot see the Lord as we see each other, for we see Him even more clearly! In the proclamation of His Word and the breaking of the bread, He makes Himself known to us with crystal clarity as the font of all mercy and kindness for sinners, welcoming them into the kingdom of God.
For This Is the Will of God
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • Isaiah 40:25–31, Psalm 147:1–11, 1 Peter 2:11–20, John 16:16–22
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Speaking Plainly
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • James 1:22–27, John 16:23–30, Numbers 21:4–9, Psalm 107:1–9
A common response to Jesus’ presence and teaching was that of misunderstanding. Jesus prepared his apostles for this: “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). The apostles were no strangers to misunderstanding their Lord as well, hence their delight at Jesus speaking “plainly” (John 16:29). Even though they hear Jesus “speak plainly” to them, they still are missing something. The resurrection, ascension, and Holy Spirit will make it clear!
A Convicting Helper
April 28, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • Isaiah 12, Psalm 66:1–8, James 1:16–21, John 16:5–15
With Pentecost Sunday on the horizon, just a few weeks away, we get a foretaste of the Spirit’s role and work from the lips of Jesus in John 16. Almost always Jesus explains why He does what He does and why He says what He says, a sign of a good teacher (Mark 10:51; Luke 7:40; John 1:38). Jesus, our Good Teacher, teaches us about the Spirit who will help in such teaching, taking what is Jesus’ and declaring it to “you,” the apostles and His Church today. What lessons concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment are in store?
Sheep in Wolve's Clothing
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • Ezekiel 34:11–16, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:21–25, John 10:11–16
Who are the “other sheep” to which Jesus refers in today’s Gospel? We know that Jesus had previously warned about false prophets, men who were likened to “ferocious wolves” in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). And prior to sending out the Twelve Apostles, a foretaste of later missionary ventures, Jesus likened their calling as being sent out “like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). If Jesus has come to reconcile all sinners to the Father by his blood and resurrection, could some of those very “wolves,” in fact, be “sheep”?