Holy Cross Lutheran Church

People have lots of different communities they are part of: work, hobbies, sports, etc. But there is something distinct about the Christian community; namely, that it’s founded on the confession that Jesus is the Christ — that He is the Savior and King. The Christian community is one in which we are known and know others with the explicit purpose of following Jesus — or, as we say here, with the purpose of walking with others toward the surprisingly better life. If we want to discover what it means to be human, then we must do it in Christian community.

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.