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This is a great preaching podcast from All Saints Lutheran Church, ELCA. Each week you will hear sermons that inspire you to Show Up, Do Good, and Be Kind. Pastors Jules Erickson and Tanner Howard will uplift your week and give you something to help make the world a better place.

Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson & Rev. Tanner Howard


    • May 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 458 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from ASLC Podcast

    Paraklete (6th Sunday in Easter, May 25th, 2025) Dr Rev Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 13:16


    Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.Scripture Reading: Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5; John 14:23-29

    A Message of Love (5th Sunday In Easter, May 18th, 2025) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 14:58


    Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.Scripture Reading: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; John 13:31-35

    Rocking Chair (4th Sunday in Easter, May 11th, 2025) Rev Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 17:29


    The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

    Our Youth ARE the Church of Today (Third Sunday after Easter, May 4th, 2026) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 11:18


    The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to othersScripture Reading: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; John 21:15-19

    Behind the Locked Door ( Second Sunday in Easter, April 27th, 2025) Rev Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 13:59


    In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus' victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; John 20:19-31

    Christ is risen! (Easter Sunday April 20th 2025)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 8:51


    Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Scripture Reaading:Isaiah 65:17-25; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12

    Thursday, April 17 Maundy Thursday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 12:29


    IntroductionThis evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus' death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ's last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples' feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.Readings and PsalmExodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14The passover of the LordPsalm 116:1-2, 12-19I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116:13)1 Corinthians 11:23-26Proclaim the Lord's death until he comesJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35The service of Christ: footwashing and meal

    Hosannah! Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025 Palm Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 15:15


    We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God's redeeming love.Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-17

    Hope During Injustice (4th Sunday in Lent, March 30th,2025) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 16:46


    The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away ... the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus' sake. Rejoice! Scripture Reading: Psalm 32; Luke 15: 1-32

    Lutheran Camp Ministry (Third Sunday in Lent, March 23rd, 2025)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 16:10


    The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God's invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner's ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener's readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9

    Stones aren't daily bread (First Sunday in Lent, March 9th, 2025) Pr. Wes Kimbell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 11:03


    These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God's grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God's love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13

    Learning How to Have Hope ( Ash Wednesday March 5th,2025) Rev Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 10:23


    On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Lent to return to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world. Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

    Living into Our Baptism (Transfiguation of Our Lord, March 2nd, 2025) Pr. Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 12:23


    Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God's glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God's Spirit.Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2; Luke 9:28-43

    Mercy, mercy, mercy (7th Sunday after Ephipany, February 23rd,2025) Rev Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 11:31


    Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the lifegiving Spirit. It is a reflection of God's glory revealed in Christ.Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11,39-40; Luke 6:27-38

    Light Dawns on the Weary World (6th Sunday After Epiphany, February 16th, 2025) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 11:45


    Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 6:17-26

    Broken Barriers, Abundant Life (5th Sunday After Epiphany, February 9th, 2025) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 11:45


    The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God's glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn't catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13; Psalm 138; Luke 5:1-11

    Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (4th Sunday After Epiphany, February 4th, 2025) Rev. Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 13:10


    The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God's glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30

    Lutheran Dirty Laundry (3rd Sunday After Epiphany, January 26th, 2025) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 12:16


    IntroductionGod's glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God's glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.Scripture Reading: Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Luke 4:14-21

    Be Good Wine (Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 19th, 2025) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 12:13


    The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God's glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan's banks at Jesus' baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God's people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; John 2:1-11

    Baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire (Baptism of our Lord, January 12th, 2025) Rev. Dr. Rebecca Thurman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 13:20


    Today's festival rejoices in God's blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God's children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God's Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Luke 3:15-22

    It's All Greek to Me (Second Sunday of Christmas) Sunday January 5th, 2025 Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 12:38


    IntroductionWithin the gospel reading's profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God's grace and truth.

    Wear Love (Sunday, December 29, First Sunday of Christmas) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 11:59


    On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still.Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

    December 24th, 2025 Christmas Eve Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 18:10


    IntroductionIn winter's deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus' birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

    All Means ALL (Sunday, December 22, fourth Sunday of Advent) Pastor Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 10:44


    Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary's magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ's advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord's death.”Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-45

    Baptism By FIRE AKA the Holy Spirit (Sunday, December 15th, third Sunday of Advent) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 15:18


    IntroductionChrist's presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the thiScripture Reading: Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

    Lift Up Your Head ( First Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1. 2024) Pastor Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 9:00


    Advent is about the “coming days.” God's people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus' contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

    Jesus, Name Above All Name, (Reign of Christ Sunday, November 24th, 2024) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 15:10


    “[T]he solemnity of Christ the King was fairly recently established by Pope Pius the 11th in 1925 in response to the increasing threat of the rise of fascism in Europe leading up to World War II. At the time, authoritarian leaders of fascist regimes were being lifted up as all powerful demigods, and the Roman Catholic Church created this holy day in an attempt to reclaim power for the church. If this feast tells us anything, it's this: Fascism is diametrically opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Reign of Jesus Christ stands in strong opposition to the death-dealing policies of tyrants and fascists.” Rev. Elle Dowd

    Provoked to Love (26th Sunday after Pentecost, November 17th, 2024) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 13:11


    November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ's coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.Scripture Reading: Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-11

    "God will Provide" (25th day after Pentecost) Rev Pr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 13:11


    Widows are visible everywhere in today's readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows' houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn't see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16; Psalm 146; Mark 12:38-44

    We are an offering! November 3rd, 2024 Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 12:08


    On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah's feast to come.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44

    What if RE-formation ( Reformation Sunday Oct 27th, 2024) Rev Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 14:11


    Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be RE-formed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God's grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this lifetransforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

    Iringa, here we come! Oct 13th, 2024, 21st Sunday after Pentecost Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 19:02


    The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark's gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.Scripture Reading: Psalm 90:12-17; 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31

    From Hard Hearted to Tender Hearted Rev Dr. Jules Ericksen ( 20th Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday Oct. 6th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 18:42


    Someone who isn't part of Jesus' own circle is casting out demons in Jesus' name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus' word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn't do it, by people we can't keep tabs on.Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50

    God is for Everyone Wes Kimball (19th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept 29th, 2024)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 12:38


    Someone who isn't part of Jesus' own circle is casting out demons in Jesus' name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus' word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn't do it, by people we can't keep tabs on.Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50

    Power VS Force Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson (18th Sunday After Pentecost Sept 22, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 11:50


    Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly.Scripture Reading: Psalm 54; James 3:13—18; Mark 9:30-37

    Tongue of a Teacher Pastor Wes Kimball ( 17th Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday Sept 15th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 12:39


    Three weeks ago we heard Peter's confession of faith as told in John's gospel. This week we hear Mark's version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus' invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus' words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus' words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of messiah) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38

    Mark 7:24-37 Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson (16th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept 8th, 2024)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 12:46


    James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today's gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don't deserve the goods meant for God's children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.Scripture Reading: Psalm 146; James 2: 1-17; Mark 7:24-37

    Live God's Love , Not Law (15th Sunday of Pentecost, Sunday Sept 1st 2024) Pr. Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 14:19


    Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God's law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts.Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

    You Are What You Eat (14th Sunday of Pentecost, Aug. 25th, 2024) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 13:37


    In today's gospel many people take offense at Jesus' invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus' disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John's gospel for Peter's confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.Scripture Reading:Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; John 6:56-69John 6:51-58 (13th Sunday of Pentecost, August 8 2024)Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson0:08 11:23Download

    John 6:51-58 (13th Sunday of Pentecost) Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 11:23


    Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John's gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John's gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord's supper, but here we can't help hearing Jesus' words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share. Jesus said: In every generation Wisdom enlightens holy souls, Making them friends of God. Making them prophets. For God loves nothing so much As the person who lives with Wisdom.Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

    Bread of Life ( 12th Sunday of Pentecost, Aug. 11th, 2024) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 15:34


    Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other.Scripture Reading:1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35, 41-51

    Bread for All (11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 4th, 2024) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 11:45


    Apparently not satisfied by Jesus' feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John's gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.Scripture Reading:Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35

    I AM with you, DO NOT FEAR (10th Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday July 28th, 2024) Rev Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 9:18


    Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6, the first four of which focus on Jesus as bread of life. Today Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. What we have, what we bring to Jesus' table, seems like it is not nearly enough to meet all the needs we see around us. But it is not the adequacy of our supplies or our skills that finally makes the difference: it is the power of Jesus working in the littlest and least to transform this world into the world God desires, a world where all the hungry are satisfied. Scripture Reading:2 Kings 4:42-44; 145:10-18; John 6:1-21

    Move by Compassion (9th Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday July 21, 2024 Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 11:34


    Mark's gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today's gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn't think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers' need. We are sent from Christ's table to care for others and for ourselves.Scripture Reading:Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

    What Does it Mean to Speak Truth to Power? (8th Sunday after Pentecost, July 14th, 2024 Rev Dr Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 11:34


    John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod's fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God's saving love.Scripture Reading:Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

    The spirit always operates in the "In between" (7th Sunday after Pentecost, July 7th, 2024 Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 15:51


    Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.Scripture Reading:Psalm 123; Ezekiel 2:1-5; Mark 6:1-13

    All Together (5th Sunday after Pentecost June 30th, 2024) Rev Dr Rebecca Thurman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 14:31


    Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! When we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; Jesus is here. When we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as their creator. We also listen and are called to believe in the power of God's word, a power greater than all that we fear.Scripture Reading:;Job 38:1-11 Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; Mark 4:35-41

    Who feels for you? ( 5th Sunday after Pentecost, June 23, 2024) Pastor Wes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 14:13


    A woman finds healing by touching Jesus' cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus' time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark's gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector's house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our “uncleanness” and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider.Scripture Reading:Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30; Mark 5:21-43

    Forgiveness 101 ( 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 16th, 2024) Rev Dr Jules Ericksen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 15:53


    The mustard seed becomes a great shrub that shelters the birds, recalling ancient images of the tree of life. We'd expect a cedar or a sequoia, but Jesus finds the power of God better imaged in a tiny, no-account seed. It's not the way we expect divine activity to look. Yet the tree of life is here, in the cross around which we gather, the tree into which we are grafted through baptism, the true vine that nourishes us with its fruit in the cup we share. It may not appear all that impressive, but while nobody's looking it grows with a power beyond our understanding.Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-20; Mark 4:26-34

    Loyalty (3rd Sunday after Pentecost, June 9th, 2024 Pr Steve Biedermann, Zion Lutheran Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 12:59


    A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ's death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are Jesus' family. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God.Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 130; Mark 3:20-35

    Spirit of the Law ( 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, June 2, 2024) Pr Wes Kimball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 13:23


    Deuteronomy makes clear that sabbath-keeping is meant for the welfare of all. God delivered the Israelites out of slavery, so they should observe this freedom with a day of rest. No one should work seven days a week; even slaves and foreigners should be able to rest. Yet human beings can turn even the most liberating religious practice into a life-destroying rule. Jesus does not reject sabbath-keeping, but defends its original life-enhancing meaning. Our worship and our religious way of life are to lead to restoration: the hungry being fed and the sick being healedScripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 81:1-10; Mark 2:23—3:6

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