When a Samaritan woman encounters Jesus waiting by a well in the middle of the day, she ends up getting a new life of acceptance, value, and respect. By Pastor Lars Hammar
A Great Light - by Cindy Stein January 22, 2023
Lord of Grace member Cindy Stein sharing the word, Jauary 22, 2023.
Psalm 40 Revisited - sermon Jan 15, 2023
Walk through Psalm 40 part-by-part and pray with it. The Psalms are not intended to always be uplifting, but more like prayer journals showing people's real life struggles and doubts and problems with God. By Pastor Lars Hammar
You Can't Scare People Into Faith - sermon Sept 25, 2022
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we see not a proof of a literal, eternal, physical hell with flames and pitchforks, but, on the contrary, a lesson that fear of punishment after death does not motivate people to change their ways. Instead, Jesus wants us to focus on living in this life, according to the teachings we already have, and promote the Gospel without trying to scare people into faith and good works. Based on Luke 16:19-31. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Letting New People Into Your Life - sermon Aug 28, 2022
Hospitality can mean inviting people over to your house, and in the Bible that’s a high value. Jesus lived off the hospitality of others for years. But it can also mean to simply invite new people into your life, and find opportunities to serve others. Based on Hebrews 13:2 and Luke 14:12-14. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Jesus' Three Tests - sermon March 6, 2022
It's usually referred to as the "temptation of Jesus" in the wilderness, but it's really more of a test of how he will handle power in the face of challenges to his call.
Technical Note: This was the first week of our new livestreaming system, and the audio was really low. We should have that fixed in the next week or two.
Legacies of Faith - November 7th, 2021 (Sermon)
Join us today while we discuss some background on "All Saints Day," a liturgical holiday in which we recognise all of those good and faithful servants that have come before us, paving a way for us to continue in the ways of faith and a deep spiritual life. Often, when we talk about end times, we think of chaos, cinematic scenes filled with drama and billowing smoke. Advertisers love to play on these images and talk about the end times of relationships, states of the economy and social eras as being harkened by horsemen of various sorts. However, when we look at the end times, it can be exceedingly powerful to look toward those who have come before us, and laid the groundwork for us to live lives of faith and stewardship. We can be inspired by the legacies of faith created by the lives of those that came before us.
Reformation Day - October 31st, 2021 (Sermon)
Reformation Day, as it pertains to the Luthern Church, is the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis (a series of criticisms and commentary on 'indulgences'), to the doors of the 'All Saints Church'. Today, Pastor Lars Hammar will attend to some the historical significance of this act by Martin Luther, as well as detailing his own perspective of the beauty and significance of the Luthern Church as it is now. Please join us for this excellent discussion on perspective, gratitude, growth and tradition.
Evangelism and Discipleship - October 17th, 2021 (Sermon)
All of us are drawn to success. We want to see our lives, families, and fortunes multiply. Churches today will often use this desire as a means of attracting people to their congregation, but what does the Bible have to say about discipleship and evangelism? When Jesus is confronted by two of his disciples, and asked to give them the two highest positions that they could occupy, Jesus responds by saying that the outcome is not his to give, but they surely can endure the trial that he will soon endure. Jesus tells us that there may not be any glory in it, but we are given the opportunity to offer hardwork, give, care, stand up for those in need and give our lives in service. This may not be a new car or a beautiful mansion, but it is a way of being that lifts others up and makes the world a better place for everyone.
Thank you for joining us.
Justice at the Gate - October 10th, 2021 (Sermon)
The Bible is full of stories that depict the world in all of its complex colors. We are told to love our neighbor; give of ourselves beyond what we might think is possible; live in truth, honesty and humility; but what does the Bible say of justice? Today we will look at an example from the modern day: The story of Tarmar Biggins.The God illustrated in the Bible is a protector of the poor and oppressed. Mistreating those who are downtrodden, taking advantage of an individual's misfortune, and further oppressing those who are in pain is not only discouraged, but condemned. We are supposed to share in the struggles of our brothers and sisters. We are supposed to always extend a hand to those in need. Part of love is solidarity and share our burdens with God and with each other. We hope you enjoy this beautiful sermon. Thank you for joining us.
Embracing the Struggle: Frustration - September 26th, 2021 (Sermon)
This is the final part of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." In the midst of all of our lives, we must confront expectations that we have of others and the world around us. Without realising it, we walk into situations every day filled with expectations about how we should be treated or interact with each other, but it is an all too familiar feeling that these expectations are not met and then we leave frustrated, not knowing what to do or where to turn. How do we have conversations with each other about our expectations? How do we have conversations with God about our expectations? King David expresses this in the Psalms and we are given clues about how to handle these complex feelings we must all confront.
Psalm 39 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[b] 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath. 12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
Embracing the Struggle: Grief - September 19th, 2021 (Sermon)
This is part three of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." We live in a world that is constantly changing. Walking through life, we want to embrace beauty, love and connection; but what do we do when we must confront loss. This last year has made us all confront loss in a profound way: loss of community, loss of familiarity, loss of comfort, etc. We are mortal and have to confront both our own mortality and the mortality of others. Bringing our grief to God can be cathartic, and his gracious love is with us even if we need to scream it at the top of our lungs with tear filled eyes. Healing will come after we allow ourselves to confront the pain, and God will be by our sides, supporting us with grace and love. Thank you for joining us.
Embracing the Struggle: Guilt - September 12th, 2021 (Sermon)
Our lives are filled with so many things that we would love to do, but with work, and other important demands on our lives, it can be difficult to come to terms with the finitude of our time, energy and resources. When we bring these complex feelings to God, we are met with grace and an intimate friend who's love and acceptance allows us to forge new beginnings. This is part two of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy."
Psalm 25:9-10 "The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth."
Embracing the Struggle: Doubt - September 5th, 2021 (Sermon)
This is part one of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." In this sermon, we will explore the experience of faith, how God's presence is powerful enough to withstand tough questions, and how "The Dark Night of the Soul" can help us embrace the beautiful mystery of God. Thank you for joining us!
The Action of Love - August 29th, 2021 (Sermon)
Our lives are filled with moments that demand us to demonstrate love to one another, but in an increasingly fast-paced, disconnected world it can be difficult to know what to do. Join us as we explore what the Bible says about living in love!
"Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers[...]" James 1:22