St. Luke Cabot Sermon & Devotion Feed

Devotion: Lenten Path of Stewardship: Custodian of Time

The Bible tells us that we gain a heart of wisdom when we number our days. Yet, how often do we intentionally steward our time? Welcome back to our Lenten devotional series where we are examine what stewardship is and how we practice it.
 
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Sermon: We The Fruitbearers | Pastor Jared Townley | Lutheran Schools Week & Fifth Sunday of Lent

 
 
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Sermon: God's Promise in Difficulty | Pastor Ben Berteau | Fourth Sunday of Lent

This week's worship begins with a poll & a discussion about  preferences for vacations and accommodations. This leads into a reflection on the Old Testament reading from Numbers 21, where the Israelites grumble against God in the wilderness when their expectations of a prosperous life with God is not going the way the Israelites' anticipated due to a series of challenges. In response to their grumbling, God responds by sending poisonous snakes as punishment.
Much like the Israelites' situation, we also experience challenges throughout life despite our faith. The key is that God doesn't always remove our difficulties, but instead uses them to shape us. Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane illustrates this, as he prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away but ultimately accepted God's will.
The central message is that while God may not remove our struggles, He promises to give us the faith and endurance to overcome them. The image of Jesus lifted up on the cross is presented as a source of hope and strength in times of difficulty. Pastor Ben encourages those listening to ask for more faith and to look to Jesus for peace and endurance, even when facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Remember, God's promise is not the removal of obstacles, but that He will provide us with the faith to navigate through them.
 
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Devotion: Lenten Path of Stewardship: Opportunities for Skill

You have been given unique skills and abilities by God. Yet, at times we forget to look for opportunities to put those skills to use. Join Pastor Jared as he explores the way the scriptures talk of skills and abilities and how spiritual gifts might get in the way of us being used by God. Find your place at stlukecabot.org 

Sermon: Injustice? Anger? Cleansing? | Pastor Jared Townley | Third Sunday in Lent

This week, we explore different perceptions of Jesus and his actions, particularly focusing on the story of Jesus cleansing the temple in John 2. Pastor Jared challenges the notion of fitting Jesus into a comfortable box, highlighting his complexity and the discomfort some people may feel with certain aspects of his character. He discusses the misconception that Jesus' actions in the temple were fueled by righteous anger and instead emphasizes his mission to remove barriers between humanity and God. In John 2, it isn't that Jesus views those selling animals and other wears in the temple as scammers; however, he did view them as a distraction that got in the way of the worshippers relationship with God the Father and told them to take their sales elsewhere. The sermon concludes with a call to introspection and prayer, asking Jesus to cleanse our hearts and help us to identify and remove obstacles in our own lives that are hindering our relationship with God and distracting us from Him.
 
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Devotion: Lenten Path of Stewardship: Tending Our Relationship Garden

Like a gardener tends their garden, we are called by God to steward the relationships that we have for the benefit and good of others. It is a gift that our God uses the big moments and the small moments for His purposes in our life together with our family, friends, and neighbors. Find your place at stlukecabot.org

Sermon: Three Promises for a Troubled Heart | Pastor Barry Keurulainen | Second Sunday in Lent

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Devotion: Lenten Path of Stewardship: Open Hands of Faith

What is the greatest gift from God that you are a steward of? One of the last places that most of us would answer, is our faith. Yet, the Apostle Paul talks about the gift of faith that he has been given by God to be a steward of. Join us as we explore how to be good stewards of our faith.
 
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Sermon: What Do You See? | Pastor Ben Berteau | First Sunday in Lent

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The sermon slide for this week compelled Pastor Ben to begin by directly addressing the audience to express the somber and unsettling feelings evoked by it. He likens it to the discomfort and grief experienced when reading certain passages of Scripture, specifically Genesis 22. There are a range of emotions elicited by reading the Bible, including the ability of passages to bring comfort, excitement, or introspection.
Diving deeper, we walk through the distressing nature of Genesis 22, focusing on the intense emotional response it provokes, particularly for parents. While reading the chapter, one may experience feelings of disbelief and discomfort with Abraham's actions and God's apparent command to sacrifice Isaac. Pastor Ben challenges the conventional interpretation of the passage, suggesting a nuanced understanding of God's test of faith rather than a literal demand for sacrifice.
The sermon emphasizes the profound love and sacrifice demonstrated by God through Jesus Christ, and we're encouraged to reflect on the true meaning of Lent and to re-direct our focus toward Christ's redemptive work on the cross. It concludes with a prayer for clarity and understanding of God's love during the Lenten season.

Sermon: With Unveiled Faces | Pastor Brian Bocian | Transfiguration Sunday

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This week, Pastor Brian reflects on an unlikely topic, wedding veils, and how understanding their significance sheds light on our relationship with God. He traces the veil's history for us from ancient customs to its symbolism in Christian ceremonies, emphasizing its role in signifying intimacy and oneness.
Similarly, sin acts as a barrier between humanity and God, necessitating veils both in ancient practices and in the Old Testament. However, with Jesus' sacrifice, the veil in the temple is torn, symbolizing the removal of barriers between humanity and God. Through Christ, believers can now approach God freely and intimately, transforming into his likeness. There is freedom in Christ and the privilege of shining with his light without veils, ultimately attributing glory to God.