The Advent season... a time of preparation and anticipation, distinct from the celebrations of Christmas. While Christmas focuses on the birth of Jesus, Advent invites us to reflect on why Jesus came into the world and what his mission means for us. It’s a season of looking ahead, much like Lent before Easter, to consider the profound significance of God becoming flesh to dwell among us. During Advent, we remember that Jesus’ life was not only about his birth but also about his ultimate purpose: to bring justice, righteousness, and salvation through his death and resurrection.

Central to this reflection is the concept of God’s name, which represents not merely a title but his character, reputation, and revelation to humanity. Jesus came "in the name of the Lord," fully embodying God’s mercy, justice, and love. Tim explains how believers are called to carry God’s name in their words and actions, living as witnesses to his grace and truth. While humans often fall short in representing God’s character, Jesus’ sacrifice secures our reconciliation with him, making it possible to reflect his love even in our imperfection.

As we begin Advent, the story of Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus as the King who came to fulfill God’s promises and bring salvation. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem foreshadowed the peace and glory he would achieve through his sacrifice. This Advent season challenges us to consider how we share God’s name and reputation with others through our lives, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior who came to give us eternal life and peace.

This Sunday sermon, based on Luke 19:28-40, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on December 1, 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.

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 podcast episode, Tim starts off discussing his in-laws stay at an all-inclusive resort. He provides this example to state, just as guests enjoy endless amenities within the resort's boundaries, so too does God freely provide all we need within His kingdom. Then presented is the challenge for us to remain in God’s love, building our faith, praying in the Spirit, and faithfully fulfilling our callings as we wait for Jesus’ return.

Through God’s Word, we are equipped to address our doubts, rescue others from spiritual danger, and extend mercy to those caught in sin—all while recognizing our shared need for God’s grace. Ultimately, Tim will encourage us to trust in God’s promise to keep us in His love and present us blameless in His presence with great joy. Let’s listen together as Tim unpacks Jude’s powerful message of hope and perseverance.

This Sunday sermon, based on Jude 20-25 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on November 24, 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.

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 sermon based on Mark 10:28-45, Tim reflects on how Jesus' disciples misunderstood his mission and the nature of his kingdom. As they journeyed to Jerusalem, the disciples expected to enter the city with honor and influence, as trusted followers of a victorious leader. They believed their sacrifices for Jesus would earn them special rewards, much like an example stated by Tim: purchasing a first-class ticket expecting certain privileges but being re-assigned to a different class. However, Jesus repeatedly explained that his mission involved suffering, sacrifice, and service, not personal gain or glory. The disciples, like many today, misinterpreted Jesus' promise of receiving "a hundred times" what they had given up, thinking it referred to material rewards rather than the spiritual and communal blessings found in the church.

This sermon warns us against approaching the Christian church with expectations of entitlement or personal benefit. Just as James and John sought positions of honor, many believers today may feel entitled to influence or recognition based on their contributions or involvement in the church. However, the true call of discipleship, as modeled by Jesus, is one of humility, service, and sacrifice. Christ came not to be served but to serve, and the Christian life is meant to follow this example. The church is not a place for seeking personal glory but a community where believers support one another and reflect the selfless love of Christ.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 10 verses 28-45 , was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on October 20, 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.

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.