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.
Human Sexuality Study part 1 - varied views of the Bible
A conversation and study of how ELCA Lutherans understand human sexuality, both in the Bible, and in the 2009 Social Statements on Human Sexuality. Part one of four classes, focusing on a selection of Old Testament texts in this episode.
To download and read the official statement click here.
Pricked in Heart - Psalm 73.21-26
Things can make us bitter and resentful, keeping scores and feeling like we have gotten the short end of the stick in life. This anger can make us less capable of rational, and spiritual thought. In spite of all that, God continues to be present with us in our grumpiness, give us guidance, and welcome us into his presence with honor.
Envy of the wicked - Psalm 73:1-14
While we would like to believe that the world rewards the kind and pure-hearted with prosperity and success, and punishes the arrogant and cruel, we all know that, too often, the exact opposite is how it works. Why are we so drawn to people who are mean, cruel, arrogant – jerks? Why do we envy them, instead of standing against them? Why do we make them popular and try to emulate them? It’s not God’s will. It’s our human nature. In this Psalm the writer reflects on the inherent injustice of how people are, and confesses to almost falling into envying the wicked as well.
God’s Love Has No Conditions – sermon Sept. 11, 2022
God’s love for us is unconditional. There are no strings. It cannot be earned, and has nothing to do with what other people say about us. In a world where our value is determined by the desire of the crowd and the “likes” on our posts, God’s love just is.
The Good King - Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14
When the Psalmist asks God to make the king not a great conqueror, not a wealthy empire-builder, not beautiful and popular, but a champion of the needs of the poor, and a defender of justice for them. It’s the job of the one in power to be on the same side as God – the side of the poor against those who oppress them.
You Made Me See Troubles - Psalm 71:19-21
Is it only God's job to show us the comforting things, the things that make us feel good about ourselves and our beliefs? Or is it also God's job to push us to see things we don't want to, things that are painful and difficult, to push us out of our apathy towards being more loving and conscientious people? Reflection on Psalm 71:19-21 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
Blessings - sermon Aug 21, 2022
God promises that his people will receive blessings when they have done the things, as a community, that God requires. These are collective, community-wide expectations, granted by God as a choice, not as a reward that one is entitled to for doing certain kinds of work. I am blessed when you are blessed, when we are blessed, together. By Pastor Lars Hammar
From My Youth You Have Taught Me - Psalm 71:17-18
For long-time and life-long believers, the walk of faith is the walk of life, and that walk is often full of struggles with both God and the church. But through it all we remain faithful to the God who loves us, and have a great treasure in wisdom to share with those new or unfamiliar with the faith by witnessing to that struggle. Meditation on Psalm 71:17-18 by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church of Marana, Arizona.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. Your power
Psalms 71:17-18
Praying the Ultimate Questions - When Have I Experienced God?
A guided prayer meditation to help you bring your ultimate questions to God in prayer. You don't have to either feel the need to hide your questions from God, or walk from faith because of them. Bring them to God in prayer and own them to God in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our big question is: When have I experienced God?
By Pastor Lars Hammar
Original music by Stuart Oliver: https://www.oldbisbeerecords.com
Based on the book "50 Ways to Pray" by Teresa Blythe. https://teresablythe.net/50-ways-to-pray/
Sitting in the Not Knowing - A guided meditation
We approach faith at Lord of Grace with an open mind, acknowledging that we are following God into an unknown future, that we don't have all the answers, and that that is OK because God is with us in this journey. Take some time to relax, clear your mind, and just sit in a place where you own up to now knowing the answers, and let God fill your heart in that space.
By Pastor Lars Hammar
Original music by Stuart Oliver: https://www.oldbisbeerecords.com/
Praying the Ultimate Questions - Where is Your Faith Now?
A guided prayer meditation to help you bring your ultimate questions to God in prayer. You don't have to either feel the need to hide your questions from God, or walk from faith because of them. Bring them to God in prayer and own them to God in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our big question is: Where is your faith now?
By Pastor Lars Hammar
Original music by Stuart Oliver: https://www.oldbisbeerecords.com
Based on the book "50 Ways to Pray" by Teresa Blythe. https://teresablythe.net/50-ways-to-pray/
Not Peace but Division - sermon Aug 14
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
I Have Been A Portent - Psalm 71:7-11
What do you do when you become for others the personification of what they fear, the image of the change that they perceive as a threat? It's not your doing, just who you are in their minds? The Psalm prays through keeping faith while being the object of scorn and attack. Meditation on Psalm 71:7-11 by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Marana, Arizona.
7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
10 For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together.
11 They say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver."
Psalms 71:7-11
God is My Rock - Psalm 71:1-3
When things are forever changing, and life feels out of control, God is the one unchanging, and forever loving, relationship that anchors us through it all, giving us confidence and peace of mind to deal with new things without fear. Meditation on Psalm 71:1-3 by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church.
n you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Psalms 71:1-3
Faith is a Journey into Things Not Seen
When we look into the universe, and are filled with awe and wonder at how beautiful and complex it is, and how little we know, we should be motivated, as Christians, to seek more, learn more, and dig deeper into the mysteries of the universe that God made. Faith is not about having immutable rules and truths, but about a journey with God, into the unknown. It's about the things we don't see, as it says in Hebrews 11:3. Sermon by Pastor Lars Hammar. August 7th, 2022
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible
God Hears the Needy - Psalm 69:30-36
God is the God of the oppressed, the downtrodden, the ones who did not inherit wealth, and have been forced to suffer under systems they cannot control. Instead of shaming the oppressed, God stands by their side. Meditation on Psalm 69:30-36 by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church of Marana, Arizona.
32 Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For the LORD hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds.
34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.
35 For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah; and his servants shall live there and possess it;
36 the children of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall live in it.
Psalms 69:32-36
Praying the Ultimate Questions - What do I care most about?
A guided prayer meditation to help you bring your ultimate questions to God in prayer. You don't have to either feel the need to hide your questions from God, or walk from faith because of them. Bring them to God in prayer and own them to God in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
By Pastor Lars Hammar
Original music by Stuart Oliver
Based on the book "50 Ways to Pray" by Teresa Blythe. https://teresablythe.net/50-ways-to-pray/
Your Legacy Is Out Of Your Hands - sermon July 31
Try as hard as we may, we cannot extend ourselves past our time on this earth. All the things we accumulate - the buildings and dishes and collections and investments - will be out of our hands, and may mean nothing to those who inherit them. You can't spend your life trying to control the future after it. Instead, enjoy the life you have with family and church and community, and extend the fruits of your work with giving. Based on Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 by Pastor Lars Hammar.