Journey Of Life Lutheran Church

In this edition of Dig Deeper Pastor John explores a trio of parables that Jesus told to the Pharisees who were grumbling about the kinds of people he welcomed: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son. The central figure in this whole set of parables is really the older brother in the Prodigal Son who refuses to welcome his wayward brother home. Hear more in this episode of Dig Deeper, a weekly teaching series that explores the sermon topic more deeply.

We're all saved by grace and we all have a place. This core truth of Christianity will free you from comparison with others, a prime source of dissatisfaction in many people's lives. Jesus wants you to be free to life an abundant life. Learn the joy and freedom of humility in this encouraging message from Pastor John. The sermon handout also contains a printable sheet with a few humility quotes that you might want to stick on your fridge or your bathroom mirror.

Imagine never comparing yourself to anyone again. Jesus came that we might have life in abundance, that that sounds like part of it! In this lesson, we cover a bit of teaching regarding the Sabbath. Then the bulk of the time is spent on humility and how humility frees us for a joyful life. C. S. Lewis provides a great definition: humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. As always, there are two parts in this handout. The first two pages are a small group handout with Bible verses and discussion questions. On page three starts a full transcript of the teaching audio for those who like to read.

Part of the point behind the Old Testament sacrificial system is keeping a right relationship with God. God is creator; we are creature. God is giver; we are receiver. Keeping this relationship right keeps us in the habit of gratitude, one of the most healthy habits one can have. In this message, learn to practice gratitude to stay joyful and to keep things right with God. The message handout includes a two-week gratitude journal you can use to cultivate the habit of gratitude.

Psalm 50 speaks to people who are willing to outwardly fulfill their religious duties, but their hearts to not reach up in thankfulness to God. It's a good reminder for all of us. Dig Deeper is 45-60 minutes of deeper level audio teaching on the subject of the Sunday sermon. A small group handout is also available in this record.

The writer to the Hebrews gives us a litany of biblical bigwigs noting that each of them acted "by faith." What does this mean? Pastor John reviews the past five weeks and offers five decisions that need to be made, five habits to be developed, to live by faith.

The writer to the Hebrews gives us a litany of biblical bigwigs noting that each of them acted "by faith." What does this mean? Pastor John reviews the past five weeks and offers five decisions that need to be made, five habits to be developed, to live by faith.

Consider the ravens. Consider the lillies. Fear not, little flock. Jesus does not want us to live with anxiety and worry. The Father, Jesus says, is pleased to give us the kingdom. What is that kingdom? It is being right with God and others, having internal peace regardless of external circumstances, and living in joy. What a great gift! Watch this encouraging sermon from Pastor John. Invest in your permanent future -- the heavenly kingdom -- by loving people instead of storing up treasure on earth where your treasure is insecure and temporary.

Consider the ravens. Consider the lillies. Fear not, little flock. Jesus does not want us to live with anxiety and worry. Explore Luke 12:22-34 in this session of Dig Deeper.

Storing up earthly wealth is foolish because it's all perishable. You are perishable, with a limited shelf-life on Earth. Hoarding your wealth is like hoarding bananas. Who cares if you gathered 732 bananas over the weekend. They will all be gone by Thursday. What can you do with bananas and wealth if you have them? Use them in love. Show your love for God by using whatever worldly wealth you have to love for the ones God loves: people.

A man asked Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute with his brother. In response, Jesus told us to be on our guard against all covetousness because life doesn't consist in one's possessions. Then he told the parable of the Rich Fool, a man who had plenty, got more, kept it for himself, and died on the very night he felt secure.

One time a disciple asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus' response was what we now call the Lord's Prayer (the Luke version is shorter), followed by a story about a guy who needed bread at midnight and a reminder that even an earthly father won't give his child a serpent if he asks for a fish. The biggest news in the Lord's Prayer is wrapped up in the first word: "Father." It's a huge word, loaded with meaning. Enjoy this encouraging message from Pastor John.

In this passage, Jesus offer simple teaching in prayer, but the biggest lesson is think of God as a loving Father.

When Jesus visits Mary and Martha, Martha gets upset that Mary isn't helping and asks Jesus to tell her to help. Jesus says that Mary has chosen the good portion and it won't be taken away. There's nothing wrong with Martha trying to be an excellent host. But Martha has not recognized that when the Bread of Life (Jesus) is present, bread for the body can take a back seat.

This is the Dig Deeper material that accompanies the sermon each week. This episode examines, in detail, the episode of Mary & Martha, where Martha is busy and Mary is sitting. The included PDF includes a small group handout and a full teaching transcript.

This is the Dig Deeper material for the Good Samaritan. Dig Deeper is a deeper look at the text from Sunday's sermon. The material includes audio teaching and a small group handout. New this week, the printed material also includes a transcript of the audio teaching, for those who like to read.

Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan to teach us to be compassionate right? Wrong! Jesus told this parable to someone who wanted to justify himself. Of course, it does teach us how to live, but it first drives us to God's mercy by posing an impossible standard for inheriting the kingdom of heaven.

In this lesson, we examine an episode wherein a village rejects the coming of Jesus and a vignette where Jesus answers questions about what others have to give up to follow himi.

This is an in-depth audio study on Jesus Healing the Man with Many Demons found in Luke 8:26-39. There is an accompanying small group handout you can download.

This is an in-depth Bible study on Luke 7:26-50, which is the Gospel reading for Sunday, June 16, 2013. The audio can be listened to stand-alone or used with the accompanying small group handout.