Jan 22, 2017
Mending Our Nets
Series: (All)
January 22, 2017. Today we hear from the Gospel of Matthew. In the beginning of Jesus' ministry, he picks up John the Baptist's message of repentance, going around telling people about a new way to live. He convinces Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, who were suffering under the thumb of the Roman government, to leave their fishing nets and follow him. Pastor Keith reminds us that while government is a gift, our ultimate allegiance is not to government but to our Lord, who comes to us with good news and a new way to order things. *** [Keywords: Andrew Capernaum Gentiles God's benevolent style Greece Herod James Jesus John John the Baptist Joseph Mary Matthew Nazareth Pastor Keith Persia Roman Sea of Galilee Simon called Peter abundance allegiance daily bread democracy disease empire of God fishermen fishing follow me frayed good news government healing healthcare inauguration mending ministry mixed-race nets new economy new way to live politics refugees repentance scarcity separation sickness taxing center trading route wellness wise men]
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
  • Jan 22, 2017Mending Our Nets
    Jan 22, 2017
    Mending Our Nets
    Series: (All)
    January 22, 2017. Today we hear from the Gospel of Matthew. In the beginning of Jesus' ministry, he picks up John the Baptist's message of repentance, going around telling people about a new way to live. He convinces Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, who were suffering under the thumb of the Roman government, to leave their fishing nets and follow him. Pastor Keith reminds us that while government is a gift, our ultimate allegiance is not to government but to our Lord, who comes to us with good news and a new way to order things. *** [Keywords: Andrew Capernaum Gentiles God's benevolent style Greece Herod James Jesus John John the Baptist Joseph Mary Matthew Nazareth Pastor Keith Persia Roman Sea of Galilee Simon called Peter abundance allegiance daily bread democracy disease empire of God fishermen fishing follow me frayed good news government healing healthcare inauguration mending ministry mixed-race nets new economy new way to live politics refugees repentance scarcity separation sickness taxing center trading route wellness wise men]
  • Nov 27, 2016Watching and Waiting
    Nov 27, 2016
    Watching and Waiting
    Series: (All)
    November 27, 2016. During this holiday shopping season, it can be difficult for us to wait for the hot sale. Waiting is hard. Christians have been waiting for the return of Jesus for a long time, even though we've always thought it would be any day now. In the gospel we are commanded to keep watch, for we do not know the hour of Jesus' return. If we do not keep watch, if we allow ourselves to become distracted, we might miss the voice of Jesus even if he calls us by name. In Pastor Keith's sermon today, he asks how can we do this? How can we live in the mean time, and still be ready for the end time? *** [Keywords: Abraham Abram Barabbas Black Friday Egyptians God sightings Hagar King Saul Martin Luther Matthew 24:37-44 Noah Romans Second Coming Side x Side Creative Syrians Thanksgiving asleep community distracted distraction end time impatient instant gratification keep watch mean time one taken one not pairs of people patience remarriage return sale shopping side by side unexpected hour waiting watchful watching]
  • Nov 6, 2016Blessed to Be a Blessing
    Nov 6, 2016
    Blessed to Be a Blessing
    Series: (All)
    November 6, 2016. Pastor Keith preaches on the Beatitudes from Luke 6:20-22, in which Jesus tells us both who is blessed and what is expected of them. God's blessings are meant to be shared and given away, not hoarded. So how can we do this? How can we share our blessings with others when we live in such a divided world? *** [Keywords: A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members African Americans Beatitudes Donald Trump Gandhi Golden Rule Hillary Clinton His representative Jewish Keith Wharton Luke 6:20-22 Roman soldiers SNL Saturday Night Live TV show Times Square Webster Rock Hill Ministries blessed to be a blessing blessings bumper sticker called into relationship candidates country debates defamed demons divided world do to others as you would have them do to you earthly income election excluded family gentile gift given away grocery store hated healed hoarding hungry leaders materially merciful mercy misunderstood not earned but received not hoarded parents poor prosperity gospel rancor reconciliation reputation reviled reward is great in Heaven shared skit spiritually support understand one another vote weep]
  • Oct 16, 2016Persistence and Earnestness
    Oct 16, 2016
    Persistence and Earnestness
    Series: (All)
    October 16, 2016. Pastor Keith preaches on the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge, from Luke 18:3-8. Throughout his ministry, Jesus lifted up those not worthy in the eyes of society: lepers, tax collectors, children, widows. For us, working for advocacy and a more just world is difficult. It can take daily prayer, and persistence like that of the widow in the story. Like Jesus, we know we won't escape all pain, but we also know that our earnestness can get God's attention and make all the difference. *** [Keywords: Argentina Buenos Aires Kingdom of God Luke 18:3-8 Pharisee Plaza de Mayo Roman culture advocacy authorities children dictator disappearance discipline earnestness economic support elected fairness husband impossible for mortals just world justice leper persistence possible for God prayer partner praying protests rallies regular prayer sit-ins tax collector two way street unjust judge where is my child widow women worthy]
  • Sep 25, 2016Closing the Gaps
    Sep 25, 2016
    Closing the Gaps
    Series: (All)
    September 25, 2016. What divides us? Pastor Keith preaches on the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Too often we are slow to see the realities of those around us. Too often we do not act to make changes so that everyone has enough. But Jesus offers us another way we might live. It's not easy. It takes time, patience, and persistence. But if we really get to know the people around us, we can work to close the gaps. *** [Keywords: 9/11 Dallas ELCA Ferguson John Wesley Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 Muslim Rich Man Zacchaeus alarm will sound artificial lines churchwide assembly closing the gaps comfort zone conspicuous consumption divisions doctrine of discovery dogs eyes gain all you can give all you can hell kingdom licked paradise patience persistence privilege remember repudiation revolutionary love save all you can scary scraps shootings slaves strength time turban wealth will wounds]
  • Sep 4, 2016The Choice of Discipleship
    Sep 4, 2016
    The Choice of Discipleship
    Series: (All)
    September 4, 2016. Following Jesus is not a joyride, but rather a new kind of lifestyle. It's a commitment that comes with a cost: potentially being at odds with your family, your community, and the world. But Pastor Keith says that maybe we should stop thinking of it as a "cost" and instead think of it as a "choice." When Jesus suffered and died, he paid the cost. We choose to be in relationship with him and accept the opportunity to receive this gift and follow him. We want to reflect his love and goodness, and the abundant care of God in all our relationships with others. *** [Keywords: Carolyn Lewis Jacob Labor Day Leah Martin Luther New Orleans Onesimus Paul Philemon Rachel abundant care choice commitment cost crowds discipleship fair wages goodness hate identity Jesus joyride king love marriage new kind of lifestyle perpetual polygamy sacrifices second place slave tower unconditional war wedding ring of faith workers]
  • Jul 31, 2016Plenty to Go Around
    Jul 31, 2016
    Plenty to Go Around
    Series: (All)
    July 31, 2016. Pastor Keith preaches on the parable in Luke 12:17-24 of the farmer who plans to store up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God. Money can consume, divert, and distract us, separating us from our true selves and causing our connections with others and with God to go away. Money can lead us to believe that we're in control of our own lives. But when we don't trust in God, it's hard to care for our neighbors and our community. We need to know that we are loved by a generous God. In his plan there is plenty to go around. *** [Keywords: 80 hour weeks Amazon Bible Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom God loves us lavishly God will care for you Jesus feeds 5000 Lord's supper Luke 12:17-24 Old Testament Pastor Keith Holste Zacchaeus all alone all will have what they need anxious underneath banquet table baskets left over care children of the promise community company concern connections consume cycle deceives deluded destructive destructive forces die alone tonight distract divert dividing inheritance early retirement eat drink and be merry family fights farmer fearful of failure fishes generous generous God giving to others higher income ill will caused by fights over money in God we trust in control income joy lifestyles living on treadmill living their life living with others loaves love of money money neighbors not rich toward God our own lives our true selves pattern perpetual concern plenty to go around possessions power proceeds purpose in life pursuit of money rich lives riches sense of self share provisions share with others sharing what we have so prone to wrecking relationships store up treasure take life easy tax man tear down barns this day you will die too much trust what time is left for anyone else worldly abundance worship the golden calves]
  • Jul 10, 2016Changing the System
    Jul 10, 2016
    Changing the System
    Series: (All)
    July 10, 2016. We can talk about love. We can believe in love. We can do lots of loving. But if the systems are unchanged, the problems that cause hurt won't go away. Today, Pastor Keith preaches on the parable of the good Samaritan. How often do we avoid those in need because we don't see them as our neighbors? Jesus embodied mercy to us. But how can we live out this mercy? Working one-on-one, working within organizations, or working to change the system, God gives us the eyes and ears to recognize need. We only need to be willing to do something about it. *** [Keywords: Babylon Black and Blue play Dorothy Day Epworth Gateway 180 Gerizim Hammond, IN Humanitri Jefferson City Jesus Jewish Levite Lord have mercy Luther Seminary Lutheran Family and Children's Services Metro St. Louis Muslim Pastor Keith Holste Philando Castile St. Paul, MN Syrians agency avoid those in need awful people believe bind mercy together burdens change the system cheering community compassion cross democratic process died discern do something about it drawing close dying a very death like ours ears to hear earth education embodied mercy employment ethnicity expectation eyes to see full human beings good Samaritan hate by the Jews healers healing power of God health care heart high school student inn intermarried jeering justice least of these left at the side of the road live out love love our neighbors as ourselves loving mercy mind misery need neighborhoods oil one-on-one open their eyes parable person of mercy persuasion potential threats prayer priest real estate recognize need redemption revolt rich and successful Jew salvation scripture skills for living social workers soul statistics strength suffered sympathy put into action systems are unchanged tends to his wounds the way of mercy those in need unclean underserved uprising upside down vigil vulnerability what must I do to be saved who is my neighbor willingness within organizations]
  • Jun 19, 2016Rosebud
    Jun 19, 2016
    Rosebud
    Series: (All)
    June 19, 2016. Pastor Keith relates the gospel story, of Jesus' encounter with a man possessed by demons on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, to the recent trip to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The annual trip to the reservation over many years has fostered a building up of love and care with the people there, and something tangible has been accomplished, sharing the hope and healing that Jesus provides with the Lakota Sioux people. *** [Keywords: 1890 American taste Christians Emmanuel Episcopal Gentiles Gerasenes Gospel of Luke Habitat for Humanity Jesus Jewish territory Keith Lissant Lakota Sioux people Lutheran MODOT Missouri Mount Rushmore Orlando attack Pastor Keith Holste Rosebud Indian Reservation Sea of Galilee South Dakota Sylvia Rogers Trade Winds Cooperative United States soldiers White Buffalo Calf Women's Center Wounded Knee abuse and misuse of women acceptance act and speak in the name of Jesus annual trip backstop be honest with faith beautiful land bring the Gospel to all nations broken families buffalo built in little ways calms storm cemetary children church attendance circumstances communities can be tagged consistency and reliability conversation cribs to king sized beds culture dads be good example use seatbelt depression difficulties disciples dugouts eastern Nebraska economic emissaries emissary escapes through abuse etsy exorcised express energy factory and showroom faith starts as taught and observed at home fathers lead by example find balance between people and working with hands flooding follow Jesus follow your own callings forced to live in shadows fostered building up of love and care friendship go to where the others are great storm hard situation should be encountered hardware store hopelessness incoming whites intentional trip intolerance joys and sorrows lake lands diminished live among the tombs many demons mass shootings meditate missionaries new person no matter how different northern Kansas parts for project personal peace in midst of chaos personal space planting and painting policy possessed by demons poverty and addiction practice and scrimmage proud and cohesive quality of life and health refuge repair baseball field repressed anger reroute resistance rids him of demons rough waters same place each year sandy soil not good for crops scheduled conversations secondary areas shared space sharing hope and healing shelter small business makes quilts small peace garden something tangible sorrow spending time sports stay home and working within the community storms wherever you go substances teen suicides terrible storm to be avoided transformed uncomfortable violence west side east side of sea wholeness and forgiveness work work of our Lord]
  • May 29, 2016Jesus is For All
    May 29, 2016
    Jesus is For All
    Series: (All)
    May 29, 2016. Pastor Keith preaches on the story of the Roman centurion in whom Jesus found faith even when the Jews had been rejecting him because he forgave sins in the name of God, and healed people even on the Sabbath. But we know Jesus is for all. He brings the kind of world where nations can be seen as one, where all are equal in the eyes of God, and where the spirit can work in all kinds of ways to bring healing to the whole world. *** [Keywords: Acts Americans Capernaum Christ Christians are not to be feared Cyrus Elisha God Sightings God through and in all people God uses all people God's agent Gospel writer Luke Israelites captivity in Bablylon Japanese man at Hiroshima Jesus Jesus is for all Jew nor Greek Jewish slave girl Jews Jews against him Jews can be okay Judaism Matthew Memorial Day weekend Messian in midst already North Israel Not even with the Jews have I found such faith as with this man Original Sin Partnership for a Missional Church Pastor Keith Holste Paul President Obama Roman center Roman centurion Sabbath Sea of Galilee Sermon on the Mount Syrian general Naaman able to be whole able to recognize grace accepting belief accepting of others act out of kindness affection all are equal and one in eyes of God another centurion army ascended to Heaven bomb city book knowledge both Jews and Romans called by God caravans ceremony city with regional center coming to fruition compassion on slave connections with other people crippled devout Jews distance divisions are melting don't come to my house dying on cross economic benefit endears people to him equal on same level examine faith believe properly faith of Roman soldier faith of the Roman centurion fishing village foot of cross foreign leaders foreigner had faith forgive enemy forgiveness gender color ethnic language backgrounds gentler approach great faith heal from wherever you are healed many people healing to world held dear by God help those who have been hurt helping his slave get well hierarchy historian how much God has done for us in charge of peace instead of rejoicing instruments of God keep the rules kindness rather than force law was broken lay on hands live law perfectly love your enemies lowered man through roof magnanimous main characters male nor female messages sent between messed up the law ministry miracle nationality new leader Jesus no account for Jesus no doubt not worthy of ourselves notified families occupation force only God can forgive sins orders of difference gone outlying area paralyzed hand people furious phone it in places in society police in charge postpone coming Messiah prisoners of war killed prohpets prompting collective religious memory of community raised from dead reach out to others reaches out to all ready to forgive receive health bring healing reception in nearby cities recite creed remote healing restored in relationship with God and one another selfish on our own sin was erased sins are forgiven slave is ill slave nor free soldier someone who appreciates healing spirit works in all kinds of ways swords and spears synagogue tax collector theology tough guy approach trade route to Far East truly this was a good man wants slave to be healed wash in river we can be closed to way God is working in world]