Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Sermon | "Suffering and the Church" | April 6

When one becomes a follower of Jesus, whether in infancy or later in life, their life doesn’t immediately change for the good, but they immediately come into a family of faith. This community of believers is a community that journeys together through all of life’s mountains and valleys. As we walk through suffering, the community of faith has a role - a very important though often overlooked role - to play. In fact, it should be the first and last thing we do.

Bible Study | March 30

Sermon | "Suffering and Purpose" | March 30

We should be careful not to call a bad thing good. Suffering - of body, mind or soul - is bad. Yet, it is true that God can work even through the bad. God can use instances or seasons of suffering to lead us toward His good purposes. Is suffering good? No. Is God’s work in and through that suffering good? Yes. But, in order to see that good, we’ll need to learn to cling to something outside of ourselves.

Bible Study | March 23

Sermon | "Suffering and Sitting" | March 23

Suffering is a human constant and yet, most of us are uncomfortable around the suffering of others; we don’t know what to say, how to act, or what to do. Rather than sit with others in their suffering, we offer quick and pithy sayings that are often hurtful rather than helpful. But what if the greatest gift we can offer others is nothing more than our presence…our willingness to sit in their suffering?

Bible Study | March 16

Sermon | "Suffering and the Enemy" | March 16

Perhaps one of the greatest detriments to Western Christianity is our disregard of the spiritual world. When we neglect or flat-out ignore the spiritual world - we empower the enemy to wield his influence. If we’re going to walk through suffering, then we must confront our ignorance of the spiritual realm and the power of the devil. AND - if we’re going to walk through suffering, we must learn to use the tools and weapons which we possess.

Bible Study | March 9

Sermon | "The Journey of Suffering" | March 9

The season of Lent is a 40-day journey toward the world-changing events of Holy Week. It’s a season for reflection, meditation, and fasting as we ponder what it takes to save the world. When Jesus sets out to save the world, he embraces the journey before him; a journey which is marked by suffering. Salvation and suffering are intimately tied together. While most of us would prefer to avoid suffering, its constancy must be confronted. So, in this season we walk with Jesus through suffering.

Sermon | "Weak" | March 2

Most people avoid weakness at all cost. To admit weakness is to admit failure, some say. But is that true? Admitting weakness means relying on the strength of others. But is that bad? Admitting weakness is honest and freeing. In fact, the abundant life we have in Jesus - was won - and nobody saw this coming - through weakness. As we live in Christ’s Kingdom, we need to learn to admit and own…weakness.