Sermons, reflections, and conversations from Lord of Grace Lutheran Church.
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Peace is found in connections with others and the earth, by allowing ourselves to be open to experiencing their pain and joys. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Pastor Lars in the woods at McCarthy Beach State Park
Diagram 1 - “The Buffered Self” - the self that is protected from outside influences, and limited in experience
Diagram 2 - “The Spiritual Self” - the self open to experience, being affected, and more connected and at peace than the Buffered Self
One wonders, with Jesus being such a peaceful person who never used violence against people, how he could have become a justification for so many wars. Much lies in one line of one passage where he says, “I come not to bring peace but a sword” (Or “division” in one version). But is Jesus really saying he came to start wars of conquest? Or is he saying much the opposite, that being a loving, compassionate, follower of God who speaks up for justice and the weak will cause division and violence by those who benefit from the cruelty of the system? Sermon by Pastor Lars Hammar, August 14, 2022
We agonize in relationships whether we should stay or go, whether it's better to work with what you have, or seek something new. Jesus provides a different way of thinking, one where we start at the beginning seeking out a person who puts us at peace, not thrills, and staying there. Based on Luke 10. By Pastor Lars Hammar
