Bethel Lutheran Church Sermons

Follow Through

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Luke 9:57–58

Following Jesus was a complete commitment.
The disciples left their jobs, families, and homes.
In many cases, they traveled with Jesus for three years, going from place to place, sharing the good news and healing people.
This was not a call for everyone and Sunday’s gospel shares examples of would be followers who could not quite be all in on following Jesus.
For us, being all in on following Jesus make look different, but the call to discipleship is challenging and transformational.
Join us Sunday as we consider the call to be a disciple of Jesus.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Set Free

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, shouting, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
I beg you, do not torment me,” for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.
(For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.)
Luke 8:28–29

Sunday features one of the most powerful healing stories in scripture.
A man is severely afflicted with demons, living among the tombs and shackled.
One can only imagine the pain and anguish life must have been.
And while most people avoided any contact with the man, Jesus makes a special trip to meet him and restore his mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Jesus sets him free from his bondage and he then shares with everyone all that Jesus did for him.
Join us Sunday as we consider this story and how Jesus sets us free.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Spirit Power

Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Acts 2:3–4

Sunday is Pentecost, a day we celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit and remember how the disciples were given the ability to speak the gospel in every language.
I have often wondered whether Pentecost was a miracle of hearing or a miracle of speaking.
But perhaps it is both!
It is a miracle when people share the good news of Jesus Christ and also when people truly receive the message of God’s amazing love and grace.
Join us Sunday as we hear from the Spirit.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

One Prayer

I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.
As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:20–21

In Jesus’ farewell discourse (chapters 14-17 in John) Jesus offers his wisdom, insight, and encouragement with the disciples on their last night together.
Chapter 17 concludes with Jesus praying for unity for the church.
In a time of fragmentation, division, and entrenchment, this prayer continues to be a prophetic call to faithfulness.
Unity, however, does not mean uniformity.
Jesus’ prayer for unity does not mean we all have to agree.
Instead it calls for us to see one another as brothers and sisters, all part of the same divine family.
Join us Sunday as we consider Jesus farewell prayer for us.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

The Advocate

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.
John 14:26

As Jesus was preparing to go to the cross he was also preparing the disciples to carry on the ministry and mission of the church.
He promises them that even though he is leaving, he will not leave them orphaned
(14:18)
and will send the Advocate to lead and guide them.
The Advocate is the Holy Spirit which will continue to teach the disciples (and us) all the ways of God and remind us of the important things about God we already know.
We all need this!
Join us Sunday as we explore the role of the Advocate and Jesus’ ongoing presence in our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Real Love

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35

Real love is demonstrated not merely in the words we speak.
Jesus commands the disciples to “love one another” in such a way that others would know from their actions they were followers of Jesus.
This is a high bar to clear.
I hope others see in me the love of Jesus, but some days it would be probably hard to tell.
And yet, this is Jesus’ call to us.
To love like Jesus is the best evangelism tool we can employ.
Holy Spirit empower us to love like Jesus!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Gatekeeping

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

Jesus said “I AM the good shepherd.”
How fitting that on the Sunday after the new pope was elected we hear these words once again.
Because Jesus is a good shepherd, he protects the sheep and leads them to green pastures and still waters.
By contrast, the thief seeks to kill and destroy, thinking only of himself.
Jesus told the disciples to listen for his voice and follow him.
Easy to say but hard to do.
Join us Sunday as we consider this and more.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

What Now?

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
John 21:15–16

In the gospel of John, Jesus’ final recorded appearance occurs after Peter and other disciples decide to go fishing.
After being skunked (technical fishing term), and following Jesus’ words of instruction which leads to an abundant haul,
they gather around the charcoal fire for breakfast.
Jesus then asks Peter three times “do you love me?”
With each affirmative response from Peter, Jesus tells him to “feed my sheep.”
This same calling is for all in the church.
Jesus calls us to meet the basic human needs of all people, particularly the most vulnerable.
Join us Sunday as we follow Jesus where he leads.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Go in Peace

After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
John 20:20–21

When Jesus appeared to the disciples on Easter evening they were filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear.
Jesus shares God’s peace with them and they are moved with joy.
They are also given a mission and being sent into the world to share God’s peace and forgiveness.
Join us Sunday as we continue our Easter journey.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Christ is Risen!

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
Luke 24:1–2

Easter morning (as we know it) was filled with more fear than joy.
When the tomb is found empty the women who came to anoint Jesus were filled with more questions than answers.
What happened to Jesus' body?
And yet these women shared their experience and from there the church was born.
Join us Sunday as we celebrate the risen Christ and ponder anew what it means for our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Palm Sunday

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples,
saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden.
Untie it and bring it here.
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Luke 19:29–31

Palm Sunday begins our Holy Week journey.
Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a modest colt.
He does this to fulfill the Messianic prophesy but also to demonstrate his humility.
Jesus is hailed with triumphant hosannas as came into Jerusalem, but by the end the week dies on the cross.
Join us Sunday as we begin this most holy week.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Extravagant Blessing

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
There they gave a dinner for him.
Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.
The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
John 12:1–3

Mary offered an extravagant blessing to Jesus, by anointing his feet with a very expensive perfume.
This was an act of love and discipleship by Mary, who was filled with affection
and gratefulness toward Jesus after he brought her brother Lazarus back from the dead.
Mary models for us the devotion and love we should have for Jesus.
Join us Sunday as we explore God’s amazing love and how to live our life in response.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Father and Sons

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons.
The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’
So he divided his property between them…
Luke 15:1–3,11–12

The parable of the Prodigal Son is among the most well known scriptures.
Jesus tells this parable in the midst of sharing two shorter parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin.
Chapter 15 taken as a whole reminds us that with God we are never truly lost and God’s great joy when people return to God.
The prodigal story has many other layers that you will have to join us Sunday for!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Fruit Bearing

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard;
and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.
So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree,
and still I find none.
Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’
He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it.
If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Luke 13:6–9

Early in the gospel of Luke (3:8-9)
John the Baptist exhorts the crowd to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
The parable for Sunday talks about when is the right time to cut down a tree that bears no fruit.
The gardener pleads for more time and care (grace) for the tree with the hope that it could still bear fruit in the future.
On the one hand, this seems like a great articulation of God’s grace and mercy.
We are given more time and nurturing in order to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
On the other hand, we should not mistake not being cut down as a sure sign we are bearing fruit.
Jesus urges us to continually repent and renew our lives because we recognize how fragile and delicate life really is.
Join us Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Jerusalem Prophet

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!
How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
Luke 13:34

Jesus had a deep love, like most Jewish people, for Jerusalem.
His parents regularly brought him to the city for religious festivals and observances
(cf. Luke 2:41 ) so he was very familiar with it.
His love for Jerusalem is evident in his lament that the beloved people have not embraced his ministry or God’s way of living.
Instead Jesus experiences rejection from those whom he cares for the most and yet he persists in following the call God has on his life.
Join us Sunday as we explore Jesus’ unceasing love for God’s people.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Tested and Ready

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.
Luke 4:1–2

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday and Sunday’s gospel features the story of Jesus’ temptation for forty days in the wilderness.
It has always struck me that the Spirit of God leads
(or drives cf. Mark 1:12 )
Jesus into this time of temptation or testing.
The same Spirit that descends upon Jesus at his baptism ushers him into a very challenging time.
Our own faith journeys feature times of testing and temptation.
We can learn from Jesus how to weather these times by relying upon our faith and growing in our trust of God.
See you Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Judge Not

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31

I learned the “golden rule” as a child.
Treat others as you wish to be treated is simple yet profound.
It requires empathic imagination to pause before taking an action and wonder
“how would I feel if someone did this to me?”
Imagine a world where people actually did this!
Like many of Jesus’ teachings, it is straightforward but very challenging.
Join us Sunday as we explore this instruction and others that are even more difficult.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Blessings and Woes

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Luke 6:20–21

The beatitudes of Jesus convey the moral vision of God.
God calls blessed those the world would not.
The poor, the hungry, the mourning, those who struggle are those who are blessed in God’s eyes.
To the rich, the powerful, the contented, he offers a warning.
“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”
This reversal brings to mind the question:
is Jesus saying the world needs to be turned upside down or right side up?
Join us Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Called Out

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”
When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:10–11

The call stories of the disciples are profound.
Jesus approaches ordinary people because he sees in them something they cannot see in themselves.
Simon Peter, after witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, begs to “go away” from him because of his sin.
Jesus sees Simon differently. He sees his faith, his gifts, his leadership, and his potential.
So it is with us.
God sees and knows everything about us and seeks to call us into relationship so that we might be a blessing to others.
Jesus believes in us, perhaps we should too.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Love Actually

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Last week we heard from chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians.
In that chapter, Paul encourages the church to see the value of all gifts within a congregation.
In chapter 13, he continues the encouragement by highlighting the importance of love.
In humility and love, we see in one another that we are all beloved children of God.
It is not about being the richest, the strongest, or even the most faithful.
The church is called to be a place where we love each other even when it is hard.
Where we love our enemies, forgive one another, and work for peace and justice in the world,
all for the sake of, and in the name of, the one who have his life for us.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Job Description

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18–19

This Sunday our gospel text features Jesus returning to his hometown and reading from the prophet Isaiah.
The passage he chose reads like the job description of the Messiah: bring good news to the poor, release the captive, heal the blind, etc.
All is fine and good until Jesus proclaims that this scripture is being fulfilled in him.
Next week we will hear more about how the crowd responded to Jesus, this week we will focus on the how Jesus understands his ministry and how it informs the work of the church today.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Wedding Feast

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?
My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:1–5

Everyone’s favorite miracle story: water into wine!
What might seem like a frivolous party trick actually has deeper and more important meaning.
Not only were weddings very important gathering for the community (lasting several days) but scripture consistently uses the image of a wedding feast to depict heaven.
Through Jesus, we will have the ultimate celebration, the celebration of the promise of salvation.
The best is yet to come!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Beloved

The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:22

But now thus says the Lord , he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1

These scriptures, to be read on Sunday, offer a powerful reminder of our intimate connection to our creator.
God knows our name, God’s love is for us, and we are beloved.
We need to hear these words because the challenges of life and darkness of this world often drowns out everything else.
You are loved, you are a child of God, with whom God is well pleased.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Song of Mary

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
Luke 1:41–42

In the days leading up to the birth of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the angel Gabriel were working overtime.
Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin) and Zechariah could not have children
and were told by Gabriel that they would have a son John who will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then the angel comes to Mary and tells her that even though she is a virgin she will,
by the power of the Holy Spirit, bear a child who will be Jesus, Son of God.
In our gospel for Sunday, Mary visits Elizabeth (6 months pregnant)
and the Holy Spirit within her recognizes what God is up to with Mary.
We will ponder all this and more on Sunday,
when we will also have special presentations from our Confirmation youth and Kid Connection children.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Bearing Fruit

Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees;
every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Luke 3:9

This Sunday we will hear part two of the Lukan version of the John the Baptist story.
John speaks a prophetic word that calls people to repent and prepare for the coming Messiah,
instructing them to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
In other words, repentance is not merely an internal change of heart,
but an outward change in behavior that becomes a blessing to others.
Join us Sunday as dig into more depth as we seek to bear good fruit.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Prepare the Way

He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 3:3

John the Baptist played a key role in the story of Jesus.
Through his ministry of baptism and message of repentance, people’s hearts and minds were being prepared for Jesus.
Advent is a time of spiritual renewal, a time for us to be prepared for Jesus.
Let’s follow John’s lead and prepare the way!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Heads Up

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:27–28

On Sunday we begin our Advent journey.
Advent is a time of beginnings but also a time of waiting.
The gospel text this week features apocalyptic images from Jesus predicting the Second Coming.
This will include power and dangerous signs but also the Son of Man coming in power and glory and bringing redemption and wholeness.
Jesus tells his followers to raise their heads, be on guard, and to stay alert.
Let us look for signs of God all around us, with the promise of redemption and God’s grace.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Alpha and Omega

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8

Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, the final Sunday of the church year.
We celebrate that Jesus is the King of kings, Lord of lords, and how God’s reign is eternal.
We also know that we live between the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end) and in this in-between time things are not always as God would intend.
We know God’s reign will bring an end to evil, injustice, sin, and death while we also acknowledge things are not yet there.
Join us Sunday as we celebrate the reign of Christ and live into the hope we have in the one who is, was, and is to come.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Temple Body

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him,
“Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”
Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings?
Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
Mark 13:1–2

The Temple in Jerusalem was the most sacred place for the Jewish people.
It was a place of worship, reverence, and pride.
When Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple it would have provoked a big reaction, both among the disciples and his adversaries.
His prophesy is more than a prediction but a theological reframing of God’s presence in the world.
Join us Sunday for more!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Widow's Mite

For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.
Mark 12:44

The story of the widow’s “mite” (a very small denomination of money) is a story of faith in God’s provisions.
Jesus is at the Temple watching people make financial gifts, with some wealthy people giving large sums.
Jesus sees the widow place two small copper coins in the collection and he sees her great faith.
She gave all that she had, trusting God would provide for her needs.
Jesus too gave all he had for our sakes, an act of generous love and sacrifice.
Join us Sunday as we consider God’s abundance and our invitation to live in response.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

God's Promise

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.
John 11:32–33

On Sunday we will remember all the saints who gone to heaven before us, particularly those who have died in the past year.
As we remember these beloved children of God, we are grounded in God’s promise of eternal life and reminded of God’s presence in our struggles.
The gospel text features the interaction that Mary and Martha have with Jesus after their brother Lazarus has died.
Jesus is deeply moved by their grief and begins to weep.
Jesus shows God’s heart for the hurting and reminds us we never walk alone.
Join us Sunday as we remember our loved ones.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

God's Word

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples;
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:31–32

On Sunday we will celebrate and remember the Reformation.
One of Martin Luther’s great contributions to the church was a renewed emphasis on studying scripture.
Jesus tells would be followers to “continue in my word” to understand the truth about God and life.
This same invitation is given to us, to study, learn, and live out the Word of God.
Join us Sunday as we highlight the importance of the Word for the church and our world today.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Childlike Faith

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them;
and the disciples spoke sternly to them.
But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them,
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Mark 10:13–15

In the past few weeks, our gospel texts have featured Jesus interacting with children in positive ways.
This may seem natural to us, but in the ancient world children held a very low social status.
This explains why the disciples were trying to keep the children away from Jesus.
Following custom, they felt children were not worthy of Jesus’ time.
Jesus corrects them and points to the faith of a child being integral to receiving the Kingdom of God.
Join us Sunday as we consider Jesus’ teachings.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Us and Them

Whoever is not against us is for us.
Mark 9:40

These words of Jesus are spoken to the disciples who heard of someone, not following Jesus, who was healing people in Jesus’ name.
Their instinct was to stop this man because he was not part of their group.
This “us v. them” mentality is pervasive in our world now and in Jesus’ time.
We love to make distinctions of who is in and who is out, and we can become very precise about how these lines are drawn.
Jesus teaches us to consider things differently.
Join us Sunday as we consider how following Jesus leads us to include rather than exclude.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

First Serve

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?”
But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”
Mark 9:33–35

I have a confession to make: I am competitive.
I like to compete and I like to win.
Over the years, I have learned to temper my impulses but sometimes it doesn’t work.
The disciples were humans just like us who at times got things right and other times not so much.
In our gospel for Sunday the disciples are arguing among themselves which of them was the greatest.
Presumably they were nominating themselves as the best disciple, rather than seeing greatness in each other.
Jesus reminds them the best way to follow him is to serve others, not to look good or be noticed, but because it is the right thing to do.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Power of Speech

But no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.
James 3:8–9

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
This childhood saying comes so easily to me and yet we know it is definitely not true.
In many cases, we carry with us the unkind words spoken to us our whole lifetime, particularly when those words were shared by a loved one.
James encourages the church to watch what we say and how we say it.
With our speech we have the power to raise people up, praise the Lord, and show kindness and love.
We also have the capacity to tear people down, spew lies and hate, and blaspheme God.
Let us welcome the Spirit to lead us in the power of our speech.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Without Distinction

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?
For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in,
and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”
have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:1–4

Over the next few weeks, our first lesson will come the letter of James.
Martin Luther did not care for James, and believed it focused too much on individual action rather than God’s grace.
I believe James is written like a pastor to a congregation, rather than a like a theologian to the academy.
If the church treats people better based on wealth or prestige this is not good.
James argues there should be no distinctions in the church, but if one group should get preferential treatment, it should be the poor not the rich.
Join us Sunday as we consider this challenge and hear an amazing healing story.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.