Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Few people want to look back on their life and think, "Well, that was a waste.” So we spend a lifetime filling our lives with activities, people, and experiences that we hope delivers “fullness.” But like disciples who have worked all night for no return, we find ourselves coming up empty. If we want to experience the surprisingly better life, if we want to discover our full humanity, we must heed the call to follow Jesus.

In the ancient world, children held little value in the eyes of the culture. Yet, Jesus would use those same children to teach adults. There's something about the faith of children that we must learn from if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven. Not only should we learn this child-like faith, but Jesus calls us to guard it at all costs.

We spend enormous energy trying to hold everything together and build a life that feels secure...afraid of what might happen if we don't. Jesus gives His life to secure the life we could never secure for ourselves. So, we're free to receive our lives from Him instead of endlessly trying to secure them ourselves. Secure in Christ, we can care wisely for the life God has given us and freely give our lives in love for others.

We are tempted to find our best life in the things of this world. Advertisements, social media, even our own hopes and dreams promise us a fulfilling life. Paul, however, reminds us that true life is only found in Christ's death and resurrection - not in our pursuit of the law.

In a world shouting for your attention, carving out a regular rhythm for faith at home can feel nearly impossible. Join us this Sunday to discover three simple, life-shaping prayers that can cut through the noise and transform your family's relationship with the Good Shepherd.

Have you ever seen an adult act like a toddler? There are moments in our lives (perhaps more than one wants to count) where we simply don't want to do what's asked of us. We stomp the feet of our heart and say "I don't want to." But we're reminded, in the parable of the prodigal son, of the Father's reckless giving in spite of our reckless living.

There are big, hairy, theological questions that have been asked for generations. As the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, "there is nothing new under the sun." One of the biggest, perhaps, is the question WHY? Why is there suffering...and why am I suffering? The best response comes in two unequivocal truths: the world is broken AND it will one day be redeemed. Simple. And hard.

Jesus invites us to join Him on the adventure of living the Great Commission life! We know the “what” and the “why” of the Great Commission Jesus gave us, but the “how” is often missed, mistaken, and made far too complicated. Discover the “how” to disciple like Jesus from two powerful examples in the Bible: the Old Testament prophet Elijah and Jesus Himself. Let's say "no" to a great omission life and "go" to a Great Commission life.

We live in a world that rewards productivity, praises busyness, and quietly teaches us that rest must be earned. But Jesus offers something radically different: rest not as a reward for finishing your work, but as a gift for weary souls. In Him, we discover a surprisingly better way to carry the weight of life.