In this episode guest preacher Mark Birkholz, a WELS Mission Counselor from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, delivers a sermon discussing Mark 6:1-6, where Jesus visits his hometown with his disciples and teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The locals are astonished by his wisdom and miracles but are skeptical due to their familiarity with his background as a carpenter and his family. They take offense at him, leading Jesus to remark that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his own town and among his relatives.

Mark explains that Jesus, being human and obedient to his parents, faced skepticism from those who knew him. Despite this, he was a legitimate speaker in the Jewish community according to their customs, being 30 years old, the same age as when he was baptized. The skepticism stemmed from the locals' perception of him as just a regular person, not divine. Jesus confronted skepticism and tough situations without resorting to violence. His perfect life and sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins emphasizes that he lived a human life but ultimately provided salvation, offering his perfect life to us as he calls us his children.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 6 verses 1-6, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on July 8, 2024. This sermon is preached by guest preacher Reverend Mark Birkholz, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) serving as a Mission Counselor. Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

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Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this episode Tim delivers a sermon discussing Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms a storm, astonishing his disciples. Despite their experience as sailors, the disciples are overwhelmed by the storm’s intensity and question if Jesus cares about their safety. When they wake him, Jesus rebukes them for their fear and calms the storm, leaving the disciples terrified of his power.

Tim explores the nature of fear and faith, distinguishing between fear of danger, which leads to fleeing or freezing, and fear of God, which entails trusting in His power and love. He explains that the disciples' fear revealed their lack of trust in Jesus’ care. True fear of God, Tim emphasizes, involves faith and trust in His love, even amidst life’s storms. He highlights that the disciples did the right thing by turning to Jesus in their fear, and encourages us to do the same, trusting that Jesus is with us through all trials.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 4 verses 35-41, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 23, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

God emphasizes the importance of keeping promises, regardless of whether the other party deserves it. Breaking promises, leads to severe consequences. This principle applies to various aspects of life, such as marriage and employment, where loyalty and commitment are paramount.

The parable concludes with God’s promise of restoration through Jesus, a descendant of David. Jesus, by humbling himself and remaining obedient, fulfilled God’s promises and achieved his rightful place on the throne. This highlights that God keeps has promises and values loyalty.

In our lives, keeping promises reflects God’s character. Though promises might seem insignificant, they are opportunities to demonstrate faith and integrity. As Christians, let us be known for our loyalty and trustworthiness, embodying God’s unwavering faithfulness.

This Sunday sermon, based on Ezekiel 17 verses 22-24, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 16,2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

Jesus' offer of hope to sinners; the Pharisees' approach offered hope only to the righteous. The fundamental conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees wasn't about specific laws but rather about who deserved hope and salvation.

Jesus encounters Levi (Matthew), a tax collector despised for his perceived betrayal and exploitation of fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus calls Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job to do so. Levi's immediate and unquestioning response highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' call.

Levi then hosts a gathering at his home with other tax collectors and sinners, causing the Pharisees to criticize Jesus for associating with such people. Jesus responds by saying that he came not for the righteous but for sinners, comparing his role to that of a doctor who is needed by the sick, not the healthy.

The Pharisees' refusal to see their own sinfulness and need for Jesus' message is likened to patients denying a critical diagnosis. In contrast, sinners who acknowledge their brokenness find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Tim emphasizes that Jesus' call to follow him extends to all sinners, and that righteousness is found not in self-perceived purity but in trusting in Jesus. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as sinners redeemed by Christ, who offers true hope and reconciliation with God.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 13-17, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 9,2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

Lets explore the concept of Sabbath and what God desires from us on this holy day. It begins by recounting the Old Testament story from Numbers 15, where a man was executed for gathering wood on the Sabbath, highlighting the serious nature of breaking this commandment. This punishment, however, seems harsh and raises questions about God's intentions.

The sermon explains that the Sabbath commandment was given to remind the Israelites of their freedom from slavery in Egypt and to ensure rest for everyone, including servants and animals. It was about trusting God's provision rather than self-reliance.

Tim then compares this with the New Testament account where Jesus and his disciples picked grain on the Sabbath, and Jesus defended their actions, emphasizing mercy and the intent behind the Sabbath.

The true issue, as the sermon outlines, is the hardness of heart. Both the disobedient man in Numbers and the Pharisees in the Gospels displayed stubborn hearts—one through disregard for the law and the others through rigid enforcement without compassion.

Ultimately, Tim concludes that the Sabbath is not about strict adherence to rules but about trusting God and finding rest in gis provision. This rest is not limited to one day but is a continuous, spiritual rest in Christ. The apostle Paul's teachings in Colossians are referenced to illustrate that all laws, including the Sabbath, are fulfilled in Christ. Therefore, God desires us to rest in Him daily, trusting in His care and provision.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 23 - 3:6, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 2, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

What is the meaning of baptism? In this episode we learn how baptism is not about just fulfilling a command but is a gift from God that makes one a child of God. Through baptism, individuals receive salvation and are adopted into God's family, as illustrated by biblical passages and teachings of Jesus and Paul.

Baptism is described as an act of God’s grace, where the Holy Spirit works to bring believers into the kingdom of God. In conclusion, Tim highlights the loving and transformative relationship believers have with God, as their heavenly Father, through baptism.

This Sunday sermon, based on Romans 8 verses 12-17, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on May 26, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

Ezekiel 37 presents, the vision of dry bones, where God shows Ezekiel a valley of bones, representing the spiritual death of the Israelites. These people were killed by God as a punishment for their sins, including idolatry and oppression. The vision is a metaphor for the spiritual desolation of the exiled Israelites, who felt abandoned and without hope.

God's punishment for sin is death, which can seem harsh, but it stems from human rejection of God. This rejection leads to various sins, from gossip to mass murder, showing how sin escalates from disregarding God’s commands. Tim underscores that God’s ultimate answer to sin is death, but not just physical death. It points to the death of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of humanity.

The vision also highlights God’s mercy, as he allows the spiritually dead to live, aiming to raise them back to life through repentance and faith. This message presents that the Holy Spirit revives believers through God's Word, bringing them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The ultimate hope is the promise of eternal life and the end of death and suffering, as revealed in the book of Revelation.

This Sunday sermon, based on Ezekiel 37 verses 1-14, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on May 19, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

In this episode Tim discusses the various encounters Jesus had, while highlighting his refusal to fulfill selfish desires in encouragement of spiritual growth. After his resurrection, Jesus spends time with his disciples, explaining Scripture and explains his ongoing presence despite his future physical absence.

Jesus' voluntary human life and his role in salvation, stresses the importance of having dependence on God. Jesus' ascension presents well-being reasoning for spiritual maturity while still providing our needs through the church.

This Sunday sermon, based on Acts 1 verses 1-11, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on May 12, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.