Posts by PastorKarl (Page 2)

Therefore Peace Lutheran Church Web Site “Since We Have Been Justified” “Therefore.” It’s an adverb of transition from one point to another. Paul uses it in the book of Romans to transition from the objective fact of being justified by grace through faith to what “being justified” means in life. Our Worship @Home message is designed to bring us together in worship to discover, re-discover or be reminded that the crucifixion of Jesus had an unfathomable impact on us –…

“If you want to give God a chuckle, tell him about your future!” I first ran across this non-Biblical, but still-rings-true proverb in Minnesota when I was pastoring Zion, Hopkins. We put that phrase on our outdoor sign and received lots of interesting community feedback. The truth behind the “chuckle” is a conviction that we believe we have power to effect our future – but that’s really a selfish illusion. We have no power over our future. We can’t see…

At least for a moment…be still… I get it – that is much more easily said than done! I get it – a restlessness may pervade your spirit with concerns that grow into fears. I get it – there is no history or historical perspective on which to draw some predictions and conclusions. Still, there is need to be still! It’s in the stillness that we’re most receptive to the direction and comfort of the Holy Spirit. God promises to…

“More than conquerors” is a quote from St Paul’s phenomenal chapter 8 of Romans! “Shout for joy” is a call to worship from Psalm 100. “Hail Jesus You’re my King” is from a song entitled, “Victory Chant.” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” is the title of an old hymn! All of the above – and more – are designed to lift our spirits from where they are to where God’s Spirit can take them (no matter the circumstances).…

It just isn’t natural. It just doesn’t feel right! Social distancing is more than an inconvenience – it’s against the nature of our created nature. We were designed; created to be together; in community. Staying 6 feet apart is not the original design…. So, watch this video as I review a number of Bible passages about God’s Presence! He reaches into our vacuums and brokenness and shares a most powerful gift – His Presence! Please draw comfort from these passages…

Sunday, March 22, is another “Worship from Home” worship experience! I will provide a Hope-Full message that is designed to provide some light for the soul and relief for the weary spirit! It will be based on Romans 15.13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy…” For messages of hope and assurance, go to our website at PeaceNaples.org and click on the “Pastor’s Message” button for a time with God’s Word and assurance of his love, grace…

We will not be meeting in the sanctuary this Sunday – in obvious response to the current pandemic. Following the lead of Collier County Schools that will close next week, Peace worship, our Early Learning Center, and all meetings and Bible studies will be suspended for next week. The Word of the Lord, however, is not, never was and never will be suspended. Follow the link below to St Paul’s imprisoned invitation to God’s surprising gifts. “An Invitation to Power, Love…

“Cast All Your Anxieties on Him for He Cares for You” We will not be meeting in the sanctuary this Sunday – in obvious response to the current pandemic. Following the lead of Collier County Schools that will close next week, Peace worship, our Early Learning Center, and all meetings and Bible studies will be suspended for next week. We will, however, have opportunity to worship at home! Consider this email a starting point and review these Scriptures: Cast all…

St. Paul declares, “I press on…” referring to knowing the power of the resurrection and the chance to share in his sufferings. He perseveres… Jesus tells the story of the persistent neighbor waking up his friend to provide for his guest and instructs us in the explanation of the story to “keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking” and the search will be rewarded… (Luke 11.5f) Jesus tells another story of a lowly persistent widow getting her way with a big…

Who is my neighbor? (Luke 10.25f) “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4.9) In essence, to whom am I responsible to love? To witness? To serve? Breaking through self-focused, self-indulgences may be difficult enough, but is probably more likely when we care for people we love or people like us in race, creed, or color. Chances are we’re more likely to delay or cancel our plans to care for others we like, or who are like us, than if we…

The reflex for fight or flight is strong especially when we are witness to injustice unfairness or even laziness. People who have little vested interest in the mission of the church but are quick to criticize with curmudgeon like zealousness disrupt momentum and ministry. Underhanded neighbors make plans to disrupt HOA meetings. Family members hold grudges that stifle family gatherings with eye-rolling and heavy sighs. And on and on goes the seemingly endless list and examples of (what Jesus would…

What’s your thoughts? Should the Word of God “make sense?” Should it have reasonable, predictable patterns? Or, is the Kingdom of God more about surprises, paradoxes and unpredictability? The pastoral answer is, of course, yes. There are many places in Scripture where clear linear thinking is commended. Luke 14.25f instructs disciples to exercise clear planning and strategic thinking. The parables of Jesus about the mustard seed and leaven, however, are about the small beginnings that lead to astounding growth which produce…