Sunday, December 4, 2011 What is the definition of freedom? What does it truly mean to be free? In America, we link freedom to our inalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Is that true freedom, or does the Bible present us with an even greater freedom? Readings: Isaiah 49:5-10, Romans 6:13-23, John 8:31-36 … Read more
The Gospel of John 9 This story is all about the question of sin. “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” Or was it Jesus who sinned by healing on the Sabbath? Or do the parents sin by denying knowledge of the healer? Or do the Pharisees sin by claiming that they don’t sin? Let’s … Read more
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Look! The President of the United States! Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! Perhaps the two statements are more similar than we think! Dr. Robert Holst leads our Wednesday Advent worship with an intriguing look at Jesus, the Lamb of God and John 7. … Read more
Sunday, November 27, 2011 Ever play hide and seek with a two year old? It’s more likely you played hide and seek while the two year old played hide and reveal! Jesus also has a knack for playing hide and reveal… especially while everyone else plays hide and seek. Readings: Psalm 27, Ephesians 3:1-12, John 7:25-52 … Read more
The Gospel of John 8 Have you ever had a conversation that seemed to cascade out of control? It didn’t matter what you said, whatever came out of your mouth next seemed to be the next thing used against you. Chapter 8 seems to be this kind of cascading conversation. Things seem to be going … Read more
Thanksgiving Eve, November 23, 2011 What are we looking for on Thanksgiving? Is it just Black Friday Eve? Are we seeking a full belly? What are we looking for? How do we know when we’ve found it? Listen to Pastor Seabaugh speak on how the Kingdom of God has come to us and how seeking … Read more
The Gospel of John 7 “No, he deceives people.” “You are demon-possessed…” “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?” Suddenly the language about Jesus has turned nasty. How does Jesus respond? Weekly Memory Verse: John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within … Read more
Stewardship Sunday, November 13, 2011 It was remarkable. Jesus had just fed about 20,000 people and there were 12 baskets left over. Jesus turns to his disciples and lets them know that they should, “Let nothing be wasted.” But what’s in the basket? Bread and fish? Or is it the only thing that will ever … Read more
The Gospel of John 6:25-70 As if it wasn’t enough to see 5 loaves and 2 fish feed thousands of people, now Jesus is using that experience to talk about who he is and what he has come to do. Things get a little offensive as Jesus’ example turns gruesome. Is Jesus being offensive or … Read more
All Saints Sunday, November 6, 2011 This Sunday at Bethel, all the names of those who have died as members of Bethel Lutheran Church in our 80 year history were represented as cards hanging all around the sanctuary. It was a meaningful reminder of the cloud of witnesses that have gone before us in faith. … Read more