Para Vista Lutheran Church

Like most of us, I like to think I'm basically a “good guy”. I try and do the right thing by people most of the time in my own mind. And this is pretty common for all of us in 21 st century life; we assume that all people are basically good, that our kids are naturally good, even our pets! But something hit earlier in the year as I prepared for Good Shepherd Chapel - something profound that stretches all the way back to the Protestant Reformation - life is like an arcade game… Pastor Stephen Abraham Bible Reading: Psalm 51.1-5 (NLT) and Romans 7.14-25 (NLT)

An audio message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our King who equips us for battle. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are living in a spiritual battle, whether we recognise it or not. He also tells us that our King equips us with the armour we need to stand strong in these battles.

A video message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our King who equips us for battle. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are living in a spiritual battle, whether we recognise it or not. He also tells us that our King equips us with the armour we need to stand strong in these battles.

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our guide, who shows us the way. We don't need to ask him to guide us – rather to recognise how he is already at work in our lives. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 16:12-15 (NLT)

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our guide, who shows us the way. We don't need to ask him to guide us – rather to recognise how he is already at work in our lives. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 16:12-15 (NLT)

An audio message from Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us.  This Sunday we will look at how  God relates to us as our empowerer, who enables us.  How would you describe the life of faith?  One definition is “Being called to do, what I cannot do, unless God enables me.”

A video message from Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us.  This Sunday we will look at how  God relates to us as our empowerer, who enables us.  How would you describe the life of faith?  One definition is “Being called to do, what I cannot do, unless God enables me.”

An audio message from Pastor Michael Dutschke, There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the diffrent dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as a friend who is alongside of us, helping carry our burdens.

A video message from Pastor Michael Dutschke, There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the diffrent dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as a friend who is alongside of us, helping carry our burdens.

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us.  This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our saviour, on an ongoing rescue mission. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Romans 7:14-25 (NLT)

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us.  This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our saviour, on an ongoing rescue mission. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Romans 7:14-25 (NLT)

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our beloved, who wants to be pursued by us. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NLT)

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as our beloved, who wants to be pursued by us. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NLT)

An audio message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as a lover pursuing his beloved

A video message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us – different images to describe the different dimensions of how God relates to us, and desires to relate to us. This Sunday we will look at how God relates to us as a lover pursuing his beloved  

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us - a potter and a piece of clay, a shepherd and a sheep, a master and a servant, a friend and a friend. Which image reflects how God desires to relate to us? One of them or all of them? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 15: 9-17 (NLT)

There are many images in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and us - a potter and a piece of clay, a shepherd and a sheep, a master and a servant, a friend and a friend. Which image reflects how God desires to relate to us? One of them or all of them? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 15: 9-17 (NLT)

A message from Pastor Paul Fielke. Why does Jesus call Matthew the tax collector to “Follow me”, and why did Matthew do just that? It's certainly not because Matthew was worthy, prepared, or already righteous. Christ's call actually creates. This story highlights Jesus' call to Matthew, and to us, brings faith and new life. Our following is God's gift to us in Jesus Christ. The gift that gives us life. Title photo by magnezis magnestic on Unsplash

A message from Pastor Paul Fielke. Why does Jesus call Matthew the tax collector to “Follow me”, and why did Matthew do just that? It's certainly not because Matthew was worthy, prepared, or already righteous. Christ's call actually creates. This story highlights Jesus' call to Matthew, and to us, brings faith and new life. Our following is God's gift to us in Jesus Christ. The gift that gives us life. Title photo by magnezis magnestic on Unsplash

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, no one was expecting him to start building his church the way he did. In fact, on the day of Pentecost, we read that everyone there were “amazed and marvelled” at what they saw. When Jesus builds his church today, amazement and wonderment still accompany his church building activity. This is the final week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Mark 1:21-28 and Acts 2: 1-21 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, no one was expecting him to start building his church the way he did. In fact, on the day of Pentecost, we read that everyone there were “amazed and marvelled” at what they saw. When Jesus builds his church today, amazement and wonderment still accompany his church building activity. This is the final week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Mark 1:21-28 and Acts 2: 1-21 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, and told his followers that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, and to the ends of the earth, I wonder how his first follower imagined that would happen. Maybe they even had a strategic plan. The disciples soon discovered that they needed to let go of their ideas and agendas, because Jesus had a better plan. Bible Readings: Acts 1: 1-11 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, and told his followers that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, and to the ends of the earth, I wonder how his first follower imagined that would happen. Maybe they even had a strategic plan. The disciples soon discovered that they needed to let go of their ideas and agendas, because Jesus had a better plan. Bible Readings: Acts 1: 1-11 (NLT) Cover photo by Hope House Press - Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash    

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, he was immersed in the Jewish religion where there were those who were “in” and those who were “out”. The Jews were “in”, and the Gentiles (non-Jews) were “out”. There were those who belonged to God, and those who didn't belong. During His time on earth, and especially after the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Jesus didn't maintain those fences or put up new ones – He pulled them down. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 10: 44-48 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, he was immersed in the Jewish religion where there were those who were “in” and those who were “out”. The Jews were “in”, and the Gentiles (non-Jews) were “out”. There were those who belonged to God, and those who didn't belong. During His time on earth, and especially after the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Jesus didn't maintain those fences or put up new ones – He pulled them down. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 10: 44-48 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church” it would be safe to say that His followers at the time didn't know how he would build his church. After Pentecost they soon found out Jesus' strategy. One word to describe Jesus' strategy of building his church was (and still is) through “adventure”. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 8:26-40 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church” it would be safe to say that His followers at the time didn't know how he would build his church. After Pentecost they soon found out Jesus' strategy. One word to describe Jesus' strategy of building his church was (and still is) through “adventure”. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.”  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 8:26-40 (NLT)

When Jesus (who was perfect) said, “I will build my church” was he saying he was going to build the perfect church? I'm sure that finding (or becoming) Jesus' “perfect church” would be easy, if it wasn't for the fact that every expression of Jesus' church is filled with imperfect people! Today is the third week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.” Today's theme is, “When Jesus builds his church – there is true generosity.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 4:32-37 (NLT)

When Jesus (who was perfect) said, “I will build my church” was he saying he was going to build the perfect church? I'm sure that finding (or becoming) Jesus' “perfect church” would be easy, if it wasn't for the fact that every expression of Jesus' church is filled with imperfect people! Today is the third week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.” Today's theme is, “When Jesus builds his church – there is true generosity.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 4:32-37 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, I wonder what his first followers imagined his ‘church' would look like. After Pentecost they didn't have to imagine what Jesus' ‘church' would look like – they got to experience it first-hand! Today is the second week of a series of sermons titled, ‘When Jesus builds his church.'   Pastor Michael Dutschke   Bible Readings: Act 2:42-47 (NLT)  

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, I wonder what his first followers imagined his ‘church' would look like. After Pentecost they didn't have to imagine what Jesus' ‘church' would look like – they got to experience it first-hand! Today is the second week of a series of sermons titled, ‘When Jesus builds his church.'   Pastor Michael Dutschke   Bible Readings: Act 2:42-47 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, did he have a design in mind? Jesus called his followers to follow him, to love one another, and to make disciples, but he didn't call us to build his church for him. Apparently, that is what He was do himself! Today is the first week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church”. Today's theme is, “When Jesus builds his church – there is true humility.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Matthew 16:13-15 (NLT) and Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (NLT)

When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, did he have a design in mind? Jesus called his followers to follow him, to love one another, and to make disciples, but he didn't call us to build his church for him. Apparently, that is what He was do himself! Today is the first week of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church”. Today's theme is, “When Jesus builds his church – there is true humility.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Matthew 16:13-15 (NLT) and Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (NLT)

A audio message from Pastor Stephen Schultz. The call to discipleship - what is your response? Cover photo: "An empty road in the middle of the desert" by Casey Horner on unsplash.

A video message from Pastor Stephen Schultz. The call to discipleship - what is your response? Cover photo: "An empty road in the middle of the desert" by Casey Horner on unsplash.

What would you do if you came out of a very long stint in the desert with a promise of a new place to live? Spiritual change is an exciting yet challenging place to be. How can we make the transition better and more effective? Come along on Sunday to find out as we, as a church, move from one place to another. Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Readings: Psalm 95:1-5, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8, Romans 12:2 (NLT)

What would you do if you came out of a very long stint in the desert with a promise of a new place to live? Spiritual change is an exciting yet challenging place to be. How can we make the transition better and more effective? Come along on Sunday to find out as we, as a church, move from one place to another. Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Readings: Psalm 95:1-5, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8, Romans 12:2 (NLT)

A message from Pastor Stephen Abraham. Every morning and evening for a few thousand years, God's people of old have said the words of Deuteronomy 6:4–9. They are a prayer, a creed and a meditation all wrapped up in a few verses called "The Shema" (Hebrew for "listen/act upon"). These are words that Jesus himself grew up reciting - and then quoting in his interaction with the Jewish teacher in Mark 12:28-30. On Sunday, I want to share with you the Shema, Jesus' addition to it, and a way to meditate on it day and night. Link to meditation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmLAIQtM92A

A message from Pastor Stephen Abraham. Every morning and evening for a few thousand years, God's people of old have said the words of Deuteronomy 6:4–9. They are a prayer, a creed and a meditation all wrapped up in a few verses called "The Shema" (Hebrew for "listen/act upon"). These are words that Jesus himself grew up reciting - and then quoting in his interaction with the Jewish teacher in Mark 12:28-30. On Sunday, I want to share with you the Shema, Jesus' addition to it, and a way to meditate on it day and night. Link to meditation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmLAIQtM92A

“Bringing the majesty of God down to earth” will explore how God can seem distant and out of reach (and how we can contribute to that) but how he is revealed in ‘down to earth' ways. Pastor Stephen Schultz Bible Reading: Psalm 8 (NLT)

“Bringing the majesty of God down to earth” will explore how God can seem distant and out of reach (and how we can contribute to that) but how he is revealed in ‘down to earth' ways. Pastor Stephen Schultz Bible Reading: Psalm 8 (NLT)

There are many misconceptions about what it means to live in this world as a Christian—one of those is what it means to be a truly “Spirit-filled” Christian. This teaching says that if you are really “Spirit-filled,” you will have a faith that never wavers, that your problems will be few, and even when they come, no matter what happens in your life, you will be steadfast and able to overcome it all. For many that's called living a “victorious Christian life.” But if that is what living in this world as a Christian means, I'm afraid I will never achieve it. Are you like me? Are you often weak, tired, struggling, doubting, wondering? If so, today is for you—Pentecost is for you—for Pentecost teaches what “a victorious Christian life” really looks like, and, best of all, to give that life and victory to you. Living a victorious Christian life is not something you can do at all—the victory has already been won! The victory is what we have been celebrating the entire Easter season—that Jesus' death and resurrection is our victory over sin, death, and the devil. Pentecost is about Holy Spirit “taking Jesus' victory and giving it to you”—it's about living “a victorious Christian life” not apart from but in the glory of the cross. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Acts 2: 1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (NLT)

There are many misconceptions about what it means to live in this world as a Christian—one of those is what it means to be a truly “Spirit-filled” Christian. This teaching says that if you are really “Spirit-filled,” you will have a faith that never wavers, that your problems will be few, and even when they come, no matter what happens in your life, you will be steadfast and able to overcome it all. For many that's called living a “victorious Christian life.” But if that is what living in this world as a Christian means, I'm afraid I will never achieve it. Are you like me? Are you often weak, tired, struggling, doubting, wondering? If so, today is for you—Pentecost is for you—for Pentecost teaches what “a victorious Christian life” really looks like, and, best of all, to give that life and victory to you. Living a victorious Christian life is not something you can do at all—the victory has already been won! The victory is what we have been celebrating the entire Easter season—that Jesus' death and resurrection is our victory over sin, death, and the devil. Pentecost is about Holy Spirit “taking Jesus' victory and giving it to you”—it's about living “a victorious Christian life” not apart from but in the glory of the cross. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Acts 2: 1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (NLT)

Have you ever been invited for a meal with someone important? I mean, really important. A normal human being would RSVP without question, get very excited, get well dressed and be early with a large appetite and wide eyes. In this message you will receive such an invitation. Listen carefully for the invitation and conditions and be ready to RSVP. Your host is imminently important, and only “RSVP'ers” will be permitted. It's an opportunity not to be missed, with ongoing contact.  

Have you ever been invited for a meal with someone important? I mean, really important. A normal human being would RSVP without question, get very excited, get well dressed and be early with a large appetite and wide eyes. In this message you will receive such an invitation. Listen carefully for the invitation and conditions and be ready to RSVP. Your host is imminently important, and only “RSVP'ers” will be permitted. It's an opportunity not to be missed, with ongoing contact.

The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us so that we might have life in all its fullness. But as Jesus said, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Therefore, we are called to join the Good Shepherd in his mission to his world. He sends us out with good news to people in whom he is already at work, so that we may speak with them, and they may hear our Good Shepherd's voice, not just ours. It doesn't depend on us. Jesus is already engaged in his mission to his world. He graciously calls us and invites us to join him. Pastor Steen Olsen Bible Reading: John 10:11-18 (NLT)

The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us so that we might have life in all its fullness. But as Jesus said, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Therefore, we are called to join the Good Shepherd in his mission to his world. He sends us out with good news to people in whom he is already at work, so that we may speak with them, and they may hear our Good Shepherd's voice, not just ours. It doesn't depend on us. Jesus is already engaged in his mission to his world. He graciously calls us and invites us to join him. Pastor Steen Olsen Bible Reading: John 10:11-18 (NLT)

This week we hear from Ben Rowe, founder of Streetlight Community. Explore how God calls us to meet people where they are at and the blessings which flow - both to those being ministered to and those sharing God's love as we have been called to do. Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

This week we hear from Ben Rowe, founder of Streetlight Community. Explore how God calls us to meet people where they are at and the blessings which flow - both to those being ministered to and those sharing God's love as we have been called to do. Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

The central message of the miracle of Jesus walking on the water is to show that Jesus is truly God. Jesus is further revealing his divinity to the disciples and instead of calming their fears it increases them. Together we will explore: • How Jesus sees us in our struggles even when we may not be aware of it. • How we can miss who Jesus is and what he is up to in lives, especially when we are struggling to make headway. • How Jesus doesn't rescue us from our struggles but promises to be with us to get us through them. Pastor Noel Kluge Bible Readings: Exodus 33:12-20; 34:5-8 and Mark 6:45-56 (NIV)

The central message of the miracle of Jesus walking on the water is to show that Jesus is truly God. Jesus is further revealing his divinity to the disciples and instead of calming their fears it increases them. Together we will explore: • How Jesus sees us in our struggles even when we may not be aware of it. • How we can miss who Jesus is and what he is up to in lives, especially when we are struggling to make headway. • How Jesus doesn't rescue us from our struggles but promises to be with us to get us through them. Pastor Noel Kluge Bible Readings: Exodus 33:12-20; 34:5-8 and Mark 6:45-56 (NIV)