http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast en-us ℗ & © 2009 Faith Lutheran Church & Pastor Greg Walton & Pastor Robert Strickert Sunday Sermon at Faith Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA Sunday Sermon at Faith Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA Pastor Greg Walton & Pastor Robert Strickert At Faith Lutheran Church & School, in Marietta, GA, our mission is to connect people to Jesus! We want to serve our community and display the love of Jesus through our Worship, Bible Studies, School, programs, and in all we do. Faith Lutheran School (K-8th grade) is committed to excellence in its curriculum and in all its programs. We have a highly qualified and competent staff and a wonderful Christ centered program. Faith Lutheran Church has a newly remodeled sanctuary that offers both traditional and contemporary styles of worship. For more information, please visit http://www.faithlcms.org. Faith Lutheran Church & Pastor Greg Walton & Pastor Robert Strickert webmaster@krazykaren.com (David) Religion webmaster@krazykaren.com (David) webmaster@krazykaren.com (David) http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/photologo_144.jpg Faith Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA 144 133 worship, fellowship, sermon, lutheran, jesus, savior, faith, faith lutheran, christian, christianity, religion, god, holy, heaven, marietta, georgia, cobb, kennesaw, woodstock, smyrna, churches, church, school, love, prayer, hope, 2009 clean http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Oct-25-09.mp3 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert explains how to gain true freedom. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert explains how to gain true freedom. Today we remember the Reformation that began on October 31, 1517 when a Roman Catholic monk, Martin Luther, posted 95 statements for debate on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. What began as an attempt to change the church from within resulted in Luther's being excommunicated from the church. After struggling for years trying to earn God's love and forgiveness, Luther realized that there was nothing he could do to earn them and he didn't have to, because God had given them for free. Luther's three main thoughts were: We are saved by God's Grace Alone, through Faith in Jesus Christ Alone. Scripture Alone(God's Word) is the ultimate authority on God and our life with Him. 18:21 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, olympic, name, luther, freedom, elutheria, reformation, truth, halloween, slave http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/youth-skit-Oct-18-09.mp3 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT DCE Jamie Bass A skit performed by our youth during worship. There is no sermon, as our youth led the service for this Sunday. A skit performed by our youth during worship. There is no sermon, as our youth led the service for this Sunday. Martin Luther describes sin's mark as being curved in on ourselves. The modern world puts it much simpler: It's all about ME! Today we hear St. Peter confront Jesus with amazement: We have left everything for You. But Jesus points not to what they have lost but what He has gained for them. In the same way we are comforted in our struggles with the promise that Jesus has obtained for us the true treasure of His grace; and this will not be taken from us. If it is about me, then all is lost and I am without hope. But if it is all about Jesus, then all of us have cause for hope. For what is impossible for us is possible in Christ. 10:02 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, youth, donut, doughnut, pushup, skit http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Oct-11-09.mp3 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert describes the role of Jesus in our life. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert describes the role of Jesus in our life. 23:59 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, reign, religion, rule, ruler, tresspass, debt, sin, lwml, purple, lydia http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Sep-27-09.mp3 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EDT Lay Minister Bill Patrick Lay Minister Bill Patrick tells us to remain passionate about Jesus. Lay Minister Bill Patrick tells us to remain passionate about Jesus. "Be patient, brothers," counsels the Epistle today. But we do not want to hear it. The Israelites in the desert grew tired of even the miraculous manna as they wandered and waited to get to the Promised Land. God gives us time, each day in which we may confess our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds and receive forgiveness, each day in which we may serve those around us in His name. When we are about the Lord's business, our patience is kept busy waiting for what tomorrow might bring, by the grace of God. 15:21 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, salt, salty, pure, patient, farmer, passion, spice, spicy http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Sep-20-09.mp3 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert reminds us to be humble, not prideful. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert reminds us to be humble, not prideful. God's people rarely have it easy. In today's Old Testament reading Jeremiah has discovered that there are plots against him. In the psalm David realizes that he has been betrayed while in hiding. But the greatest risk comes from our own sinful nature, as James reminds us in the Epistle, and as the disciples show us in their argumentative pride. O Lord, have mercy! The Good News is that God does! True greatness comes from relying on God in every circumstance and serving Him and His people each day. 19:47 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, red, carpet, knees, serve, servant, ego, humble, pride http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Sep-13-09.mp3 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert tells us to be encouraged by the Word and rely on God. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert tells us to be encouraged by the Word and rely on God. Today's Scripture readings teach us about the nature of faith. Isaiah's words of confidence were echoed by our Lord centuries later as He put his total trust in God. James reminds us that true faith will show itself in a controlled lifestyle. And a man with a possessed son exclaims, "I believe. Help my unbelief." We pray that our worship will strengthen the confident faith which the Holy Spirit has given us by grace. 20:53 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, trouble, problem, obey, obedience, word, servant, suffer, listen, believe, trust, rely http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Sep-06-09.mp3 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert reminds us to serve. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert reminds us to serve. In the Divine Service, as found in many Lutheran hymnals, the Post-Communion canticle has us sing the words, "Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell everyone what He has done." But how often have we done what we sing, namely, telling everyone what God has done? If not often, is it because we take what God has done for granted? Or is it that we ourselves have missed what God is doing and has done over against maybe what we were busy doing or have done? When Jesus opened the ears and loosed the tongue of the deaf man, not only the formerly deaf man himself but also the people who witnessed the miracle proclaimed it to everyone who would listen. Jesus opens our ears so we can hear, really hear and perceive how great is His love and salvation. He will also open and bless our tongues to tell those with whom we come into contact the wonderful things God has done for us, for them and for the whole world! 19:58 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, serve, faith, works, miracle, labor, holiday, gospel http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Aug-23-09.mp3 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT Guest Preacher, Rev. Stephen Wiggins Guest Preacher, Rev. Stephen Wiggins tells us to go outside the church and proclaim Christ. Guest Preacher, Rev. Stephen Wiggins tells us to go outside the church and proclaim Christ. The temptation is always there, the temptation to rely on our outward works and appearances all the while allowing other things to occupy our mind or the desires of our hearts. Hypocrisy can take many forms from purposeful deception to mere sleepy carelessness. Either way it is spiritual false advertising when our profession of faith does not match what is truly motivating the heart. True repentance turns back to God for help where we see His true heart of love in the sacrifice Jesus made for us. By His cross we find forgiveness. In Christ God claims us and gives us hearts of tenderness that belong to Him. 26:01 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, temptation, mission, urban, hypocrisy, plan, phillip, samaria, proclaim http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Aug-16-09.mp3 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT Interim Pastor Robert Strickert Interim Pastor Robert Strickert introduces himself at Faith. Interim Pastor Robert Strickert introduces himself at Faith. As hard as it is for many to believe, for those of us who have been drawn to God the Father by faith in His Son, these are among the most comforting words we could ever hear: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh" (John 6:51). There are only two ways to respond to these words: with thankful faith or with skeptical offense and unbelief. It is a great mystery why some believe and others do not. All we know is that faith is itself the gift and working of God the Holy Spirit, when and where He wills it in those who hear the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8-9; Augsburg Confession Article V). It is as St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.... The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:12, 14). May we abide in Christ that we may live in Him. 22:09 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, serve, pastor, joshua, pan, self, selfish, trust, interim, loyal http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Aug-09-09.mp3 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Pastor Walton's final sermon as Pastor at Faith Lutheran. Pastor Walton's final sermon as Pastor at Faith Lutheran. Our Lord's "Bread of Life" discourse in John chapter 6 challenges us to reflect. Christians cannot hear these words without thinking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Eating is essential to life and, nourishment; a lack of eating brings hunger or death. Sin and the resulting separation from God began with the decision to take the bite of a fruit forbidden by God's design. The forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God are received by faith, receiving Jesus who calls Himself the Bread of Life. The "spiritual eating is nothing other than faith" (Formula of Concord, SD, VII: 62). Through faith we receive Him with our ears in His Word. We receive Him in His body and blood with our mouths in the Holy Communion. In all our troubles or temptations we rely on Christ and know that we have a gracious God and eternal salvation because of Him. 24:05 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pastor, Walton, final, supper, hunger, thirst, parting, thoughts, roast http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Aug-02-09.mp3 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton God has great blessings for His people. God has great blessings for His people. When God provided something He called "bread" to His grumbling, complaining people in the wilderness, they asked, "Manna?" "What is it?" It didn't look like regular bread. But it filled their stomachs and stopped their bellyaching. When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," we, too, acknowledge that we receive more than just food for our bodies. As the psalm says it, the Lord "satisfies the desires of every living thing." Those desires include the deepest ones, the desire for deliverance from death and its cause, namely, sin. Even when we are all upset about the little things and don't see our greatest need, the God who saves us knows our need. His Son became the true bread that satisfies our true need for life. 18:39 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, call, provide, Moses, manna, bread, food, committee, promise http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jul-26-09.mp3 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT Guest Speaker, Ward Irvin Guest Speaker Ward Irvin asks us to help spread the Word of God. Guest Speaker Ward Irvin asks us to help spread the Word of God. Green is the color that dominates the season of Pentecost, a visual reminder of the growth God desires for His Church and for each of us as individual members of His Church. Though on earth we are assaulted by many enemies and hindered by our own weakness, God is with us. He provides us with strength in temptation, with courage under trial, and with gifts that build and equip us with all we need. Though it sometimes appears that the world is strong and His Church is weak, it is just the opposite. Today we pray for courage and strength, individually as Christians and as the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may accomplish His purpose in our daily lives. We are missionaries, called to connect people to Jesus. As we hear several mission presentations today, may we be inspired to be strengthened in our own call to serve Jesus. 9:48 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, gideon, gideons, mission, missionary, walk, water, bible, gospel, hotel, ministry http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jul-19-09.mp3 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT Lay Minister Bill Patrick Lay Minister Bill Patrick reminds us to show compassion to others. Lay Minister Bill Patrick reminds us to show compassion to others. Throughout the Sundays in Pentecost we focus on our nurture and growth by God's grace. God not only supplies what we need for our bodies and for this life, but the spiritual provisions for our souls. Today Jesus demonstrates this two-fold provision when He teaches a crowd about the Kingdom of God and feeds thousands in a miracle of loaves and fish. In the Lord's Prayer we pray, "Give us today our daily bread." Today we see how Jesus answers all our needs as a shepherd cares for His sheep. This is not only our hope, but it is our confidence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 15:28 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, food, loaves, fish, feed, miracle, compassion, pantry, hungry, bread http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jul-12-09.mp3 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT Guest Preacher, Rev. Stephen Wiggins Guest Preacher Rev. Stephen Wiggins tells us that many are called, but few are chosen. Guest Preacher Rev. Stephen Wiggins tells us that many are called, but few are chosen. We all have regrets, things in our past that bother us so much yet we can't let go of them, including the times when we could have spoken up in witness to Christ and didn't. Many of these things we drag with us week in and week out. Yet, as we come to this place today, we are reminded that there is One who wants to take away our regrets, mistakes, sin, and shame. He is the One who calls us here. He is the One who enters into the troubled places of our lives and transforms them with His love and His life-giving Word. He is JESUS, our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend, the very One whom we can seek to confess in our lives and neighborhoods. 27:27 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, regret, called, chosen, mission, mercy, encourage, warn, false, behavior, act, conduct, grace http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jul-05-09.mp3 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton We owe a debt of allegiance to the Lord. We owe a debt of allegiance to the Lord. We face challenges, struggles, and hardships on a regular basis. Sometimes, we even face these challenges with family and friends. We are not alone. Our Savior faced these same challenges and promises to give us eternal relief as He welcomes us into His family, giving us comfort and assurance that He is walking with us no matter where life takes us. 18:39 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, citizen, rights, fireworks, patriot, flag, heritage, values, founder, peachtree, allegiance http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jun-28-09.mp3 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton A man reaps what he sows. A man reaps what he sows. Today our worship focuses on God's providing all we need for life on all levels and His restoring us when hard times have befallen us. Jesus heals a woman and raises Jairus' daughter. Paul encourages us to share our physical resources in Christ's name with less fortunate people. Even in the reading from Lamentations the author recognizes the goodness of the Lord, who brings relief and renewal of life. 24:02 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, giving, share, stewardship, youth, mission, ministry, time, joy http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jun-21-09.mp3 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Place your concerns in the Father's hands. Place your concerns in the Father's hands. Today's Scripture readings and psalm provide a nautical theme for our worship; most fitting for a Father's Day celebration. God asks Job rhetorically where he was when the sea was put in its place. Jesus, in a boat with the disciples, stills the storm on the Sea of Galilee. And the psalm talks about our enemies as if they were a flood ready to sweep us away. Rejoice! Our gracious God provides calming peace over all His creation, including us! As our Heavenly Father cares for all our needs, so He has charged earthly fathers to care and protect the family. When men rise to this challenge it is indeed a blessed thing! 17:38 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, father, calm, storm, galilee, elect, president, district, pastor, plan, gift, afraid, faith http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jun-14-09.mp3 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT Lay Minister Bill Patrick Lay Minister Bill Patrick: Because Christ's love urges us. Lay Minister Bill Patrick: Because Christ's love urges us. This morning we enter into the long season of Pentecost, with the festive half of the church behind us. The color is green, and it is the color of growth. During these weeks of Pentecost, we seek to grow in discipleship. In fact, the love of Christ compels us to do so! This is the theme of the Florida-Georgia District Convention, which concludes this morning in Orlando. We pray that as our District moves into the future, it will continue to be compelled by the love of Jesus and make disciples for Him! 16:55 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, green, district, convention, orlando, ablaze, missionary, purpose http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jun-07-09.mp3 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton It is faith in Jesus that saves us. It is faith in Jesus that saves us. Scripture teaches that there is one God. It also reveals that God is three Persons in His one being. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity maintains the tension of confessing these truths while we, as part of God's good creation, cannot fully comprehend Him. It is an exercise of faith to sing our praises to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are one Lord. This service also exercises us physically. Because most hymns end with a doxological stanza (one giving praise and glory to the Holy Trinity), it is traditional, for all who are able, to stand when we sing a doxology, out of respect for the Holy Trinity. 20:54 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, sanctified, trinity, god, understand, father, son, spirit, baptism, grace, works, service http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-May-31-09.mp3 Sun, 31 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton The Holy Spirit brings new life. The Holy Spirit brings new life. On the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost Day, the Gospel calls us to struggle between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross. It would seem logical that, if the first, "Lord's half" of the Church Year is in the telling of the story of Jesus' earthly ministry, then the second, the "Church's half" of the year is the story of the Church. Is the Acts of the Apostles about the activities of the Apostles or the continued acts of the Spirit of Jesus through the Apostles? Many people fall in the error of thinking of "the victorious Christian life" primarily in terms of "me," my changed life, my "victories" over sin and worry and poverty and sadness. We need to remember, however, that the second half of the Church Year is about the same Person as the first, namely, Jesus, and our victory is always and only His victory for us and in us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus! It's all about Him!! 17:29 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, pentecost, bones, spirit, disciple, fruit, wind, fire, tongues, languages, ezekiel, prophesy, army http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-May-24-09.mp3 Sun, 24 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Give thanks for our freedom and for our Savior. Give thanks for our freedom and for our Savior. We are in the world, but not of the world; and although we live in the world, what is more important is that we are in Christ. We have His Word, and that will keep us as we are sent into the world, sanctified in His truth. We also celebrate the freedom we have because of the truth of God's Word; a Word made flesh in Jesus. This weekend is a great time to also celebrate the freedom we have because of the men and women who have given their lives in service of our country. May we always remember the blessings that belong to us, in Jesus, and as citizens of this Nation! 22:59 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, memorial, freedom, citizen, veteran http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-May-17-09.mp3 Sun, 17 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Could you be mistaken for Jesus? Could you be mistaken for Jesus? When Jesus instituted Holy Communion, He said, "A new command I give you: Love one another." Having lived our lives in the "love talk" of the Christian faith, it may not seem all that new; yet, this new command is vastly different from the way of the world, and it can only be followed when we "overcome the world". With this new commandment Jesus intends to move beyond easy words of "I love you" to living acts of love in Christian service to one another. Through the forgiving work of Jesus in our lives we can truly love one another. 21:32 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, love, service, command http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-May-10-09.mp3 Sun, 10 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Mothers, tell your children about God's love. Mothers, tell your children about God's love. Today we honor and celebrate God's gift to us all of mothers. At His crucifixion Jesus honored His own mother, commending her to the care of His disciple, John. This same John would later tell us that Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches. This graphic illustration reminds us of our need to remain connected to Jesus, even as we carry out the ministry of connecting others to Jesus. His call on our lives is to bear fruit that would draw others to Him for life and salvation. As we continue our celebrations of Easter on this Mother's Day, we celebrate all of God's gifts and especially for our Living Lord Jesus, who keeps us all connected in His holy family, the Church! 20:35 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, easter, mother, love, lesson http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-May-03-09.mp3 Sun, 03 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT Guest Preacher, Rev. Edgar Trinklein Guest Preacher Rev. Edgar Trinklein reminds us of our identity as our Father's children. Guest Preacher Rev. Edgar Trinklein reminds us of our identity as our Father's children. What's in it for me? That is often the world's question and ours too. Jesus comes as the Good Shepherd to battle the enemies of sin and death and to protect and defend us, His sheep. He does this all not for Himself but for us. For us He lives, for us He dies, and for us He rises again. He took on our flesh and blood not for gain or glory but in order to battle our enemies and win for us the victory only He could win. Now we hear His voice, respond with joy, and in gratitude follow His lead to eternal life. What's in it for me? Jesus answers, "Your salvation." 22:19 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, easter, shepherd, sheep, identity, anniversary, school, 50, education, amnesia, duty http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Apr-26-09.mp3 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Jesus came to refresh you with His love. Jesus came to refresh you with His love. If our minds are closed to the voice of God, it does not matter for us that Jesus' tomb is open. The Lord opened the tomb and now death is overcome but the Spirit must open our minds or the message will just be words to us. This open mind is the work of the Spirit giving us faith. In faith we hear and believe what God has done and by faith we appropriate this truth to us. Faith adds the "for me" to what Jesus has done. All the clutter of the world and its distractions must give way to the word and work of the Spirit. He fills us with the grace and gifts of Jesus' death and resurrection so the dead may rise to new life now and to eternal life to come. 17:22 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, easter, anniversary, school, hungry, alive, past, present, future, witness, 50 http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Apr-19-09.mp3 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton You are set apart from those who have no hope. You are set apart from those who have no hope. To touch and be touched in the right way is a very important part of human life. From the prophets we hear the promise of God to come near, to touch human life by becoming flesh and blood. In the Gospels we meet the God who comes to touch His people with hope and life. Jesus was always touching; children, the sick, and the fearful. Today Thomas comes to Jesus with his doubts and fears and Jesus invites him to touch His wounds. Still Jesus comes to us with just the right touch; the touch of water to cleanse and give new birth, the touch of forgiveness to restore and set free, and the touch of food that feeds us to eternal life. Through His touch we become Easter People, people of the Resurrection. May His holy touch be among us again this morning! 20:42 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, easter, people, celebrate, apart, death, sin, share http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Apr-12-09.mp3 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Strength is for service, not status. Strength is for service, not status. Each bandwagon we encounter seems to have its own theme, such as "Country First," "Family First," and even "Me First." On this Easter morning the apostle Paul points us to what really is first. What is of first importance is the truth of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. His resurrection gives purpose to our lives. Let's jump on that bandwagon! Let's rejoice and celebrate Jesus. He is Risen; He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! 19:46 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, easter, purpose, resurrection, history, risen, tomb, fellowship http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Apr-05-09.mp3 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Life is not about you, it's all about God. Life is not about you, it's all about God. Those who accompanied Jesus into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday were people who wanted a king in the style of their hopes and dreams. Instead they got a King who was determined to go to the cross and conquer our foes of sin, death, and the devil. Because He was obedient to death, the Father highly exalted Him, at whose name "every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:10). Although the praises of Palm Sunday seem to be in contrast to the sorrow of Jesus' Passion, it is by His suffering that He became the King worthy of eternal praise. Today's worship focuses on the servant nature of our King. It's a time to celebrate. God's purpose is fulfilled in us and through us! 25:30 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, palm, king, sacrifice, donkey, holy, week, forty, 40, purpose, life, miracles, preparation, eternity http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Apr-01-09.mp3 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton A relationship without forgiveness is impossible. A relationship without forgiveness is impossible. Christianity is about relationships: Our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Follow Christ along his Lenten way and discover how He reclaims us and all our relationships. Tonight we consider The Secret of Forgiveness and Absolution as seen in Jesus' opening of paradise to a sinner. 23:01 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, relationship, forgiveness, absolution, secret, confess, sinner, help http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-29-09.mp3 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton You have a mission to share the good news with unbelievers. You have a mission to share the good news with unbelievers. As we come closer to the goal of our Lenten journey, this Fifth Sunday has us pause and consider the basis of our real purpose in life. Our God has given us great hope in our Lord Jesus, but that's not where it ends. He not only calls us and claims us in the waters of baptism, but now He sends us out on a mission: to connect people to Jesus! You see, you were made for a mission. God has always had that in mind for you. What joy we find, even as we do in the resurrection, when we share the love and peace of Jesus with a sinful world, sharing the hope we have within. Recognizing God's grace and favor, may we reach out to others along our Lenten journey, and even beyond, with the good news of Jesus! 25:48 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, mission, purpose, evangelism http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-25-09.mp3 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Discussing the "You Owe Me" Disease. Discussing the "You Owe Me" Disease. Christianity is about relationships: Our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Follow Christ along His Lenten way and discover how He reclaims us and all our relationships. Tonight we consider The Secret of Not Having Unrealistic Expectations as seen in Jesus' willing sacrifice. 20:04 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, relationship, job, employment, entitlement, expect, prayer, fair http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-22-09.mp3 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Are you fulfilling your purpose? Are you fulfilling your purpose? The season of Lent is a time when many will "give things up" for a season. For many that amounts to dieting or not eating foods that we probably shouldn't over indulge on anyway! Lent is a time to get in shape, at least spiritually. God has given each of us a unique shape so that we might serve Him. God sent us Jesus to enable our service to Him. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we not only find salvation and new life, but we also find in His death and resurrection the power to serve our God. May He empower us again today! 39:01 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, shape, elvis, works, purpose, serve http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-18-09.mp3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Your relationship with God affects your relationships with others. Your relationship with God affects your relationships with others. Christianity is about relationships: Our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Follow Christ along His Lenten way and discover how He reclaims us and all our relationships. Tonight we consider "The Destructive Pattern of Withdrawal" as seen in Peter's denial of his Lord. 38:51 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, men, mars, women, venus, avoid, withdraw, deny, relationship http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-15-09.mp3 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton God wants you to reflect His values. God wants you to reflect His values. Sundays are not counted among the forty days of Lent. They are always "little Easters," a sort of weekly rest stop on our way to Holy Week. In today's Gospel Jesus clears space in the temple, as if making room for God, calling people to God's invitation of grace. In fact, He's calling us to holiness, to become like He is! We were created to become like Jesus: in our speaking and doing, and even in our worship, and our respect for His house of Worship! In our Old Testament lesson we hear the command, "Remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy." To "remember" means to see God at work bringing His grace and blessing. "Sabbath" means to stop: everything, it is a "stop day." Holiness means being alive; whereas sin means separation and death. May God, through Word and Sacrament, make us stop, make us holy, and make us more like Jesus! 26:53 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, sabbath, holiness, sin, purpose, values http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-11-09.mp3 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton Healing wounded relationships. Healing wounded relationships. Christianity is all about relationships. Our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Follow Jesus along His Lenten way and discover how He reclaims us and all our relationships. Tonight we consider "The Destructive Pattern of Negative Interpretation" as seen in the High Priest's reaction to the claims of the Christ. 22:00 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, negative, interpret, conclusion, pattern, hopelessness http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-08-09.mp3 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT Pastor Greg Walton God created us for fellowship. God created us for fellowship. Sundays are not included in the numbering of the forty days of Lent. So you've made it through the first ten days since Ash Wednesday to this day of rest and gladness, our regular, weekly, slightly subdued celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. So how are you doing? Or did you not know that Lent would be a challenge, a time for change, conversion, and renewal? The truth is, we need each other for encouragement, accountability, and support as we daily live out our faith in Jesus. God created each of us to be in community. His highest goal is for us to love Him and love each other. As we live together in unity, it is not a call to uniformity. God loves our diversity. In fact, He created each of us as unique individuals who compliment one another as we live in His grace. Jesus bore the cross in order to remove any of the obstacles that we often allow to stand in the way of our fellowship. This morning we explore another of God's purposes for us: fellowship. You were formed for God's family! 25:04 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, purpose, focus, family http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Mar-01-09.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton Life is about our relationship with God. Life is about our relationship with God. We are now officially in the season of Lent. It's a 40 day journey that makes us face the horribly cruel death of Jesus for the sins of all humanity. It's a time for us to learn and grow as disciples, which coincides nicely with our celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week. As we make this Lenten journey, it's a time to be introspective and consider what our faith is really all about. This morning, as we consider the temptation that Jesus faced in the wilderness, our theme focuses on the heart of worship. It's not about any of us or what we often think worship is. Worship is really about focusing on Jesus and bringing glory to Him, doing whatever it takes to praise Him, remaining steadfast in faith. As we worship, may it help you fix your eyes on Jesus, and really worship Him. 23:16 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, habit, purpose, school, love, sacrifice, response, relationship http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Feb-25-09.mp3 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Today, on Ash Wednesday, we begin the forty-day journey of Lent. Our focus in this season will be on personal spiritual growth, as well as on how relationships are healed through Jesus Christ, our Lord. In these next weeks we will see God's creation come back alive as the weather warms and the days begin to lengthen, from where we get the word, "Lent." But it is also an opportunity for us to come back alive to our faith, and the hope and truth we have in Jesus. May the Ashes remind us of our mortality, and may our mortality remind us of our eternity in Jesus! We come to receive those ashes tonight, but we do so knowing they aren't a permanent judgment, for we have been washed clean in Jesus, who, by His death, has given us life forever! May our journey over these next 40 days draw us closer to Him! 19:23 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, ash, wednesday http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Feb-22-09.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton God has a purpose and a plan for you. God has a purpose and a plan for you. Today is the Transfiguration of our Lord, the culmination of the Epiphany season, where Jesus' face shone with the radiant light of God's glory, that His disciples might face the days ahead, where they would witness Jesus' suffering and death strengthened and supported by this glorious vision. God's face still shines on us, as we make the transition to the season of Lent in the coming week. Over the next 40 days we will together take a spiritual journey that will lead us all the way to the cross. During the upcoming season of Lent we will revisit the 40 Days of Purpose. As we explore the purposes for our lives, may God strengthen and increase our faith and our devotion to Jesus. 26:39 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, lent, transfiguration, epiphany, purpose, 40 http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Feb-15-09.mp3 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton Jesus touches our hearts and our lives with His love. Jesus touches our hearts and our lives with His love. As we think about St. Valentine's Day, it's important to remember that our emotional, physical, and spiritual lives are intertwined. In both the Old Testament and Gospel readings a leper is healed and God is praised. In the Epistle Paul links our physical actions with the consciences of those who might watch us. In His mercy, God has cleansed us on every level; we are free to proclaim that thorough healing for time and eternity to all we meet. His love is powerful and renewing. Let us seek to live in the power of His love! 29:37 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, valentine, leper, love, naman, elijah http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Feb-08-09.mp3 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Lay Minister Bill Patrick Lay Minister Bill Patrick reminds us of what it means to be a Christian. Lay Minister Bill Patrick reminds us of what it means to be a Christian. Our gracious God remembers His people. When they are downtrodden, He rescues them; when humbled in their sinfulness, He forgives them. He not only lifts us up as on eagle's wings (Old Testament reading), but using Word and Sacrament, He will resurrect us, lifting us up eternally from sin and death. Today our faith soars! 15:24 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, duty, resurrect, smith, scout, citizen, fisher, tool, gift, love http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Feb-01-09.mp3 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton Jesus speaks with authority. Jesus speaks with authority. At the end of Moses' life, to fearful people God promised to send a prophet like Moses. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy in more ways than anyone expected. He spoke with authority and even cast out demons. In today's Divine Service we move from confession of our weaknesses in our flesh to confidence in God's protection, thanks to the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament. 19:28 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, prophet, hutton, authority, evil, unclean, spiritual, warfare, confront http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jan-18-09.mp3 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton We are called to share the Good News. We are called to share the Good News. As we enter into this season of Epiphany, we continue to celebrate the spread of the Gospel. The early darkness of winter in the northern hemisphere is a potent reminder that even though the light of Jesus has come, the darkness is still there. The life of faith in this world is a constant struggle between the darkness of sin and the light of our new life in Jesus. Fortunately we are not left powerless for the struggle. "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Joined to Jesus in baptism, we become a new person in Him and are given the new family name: Christian, for we are now "in Christ." On this historic weekend, when our nation prepares to inaugurate a new president, and we celebrate our freedom as Americans, it is good to remember that our true freedom is in Jesus, the Light of Life, who sees our lives, and comes to us still! 25:36 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, epiphany, president, inauguration, sanctity, dream, 44 http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jan-11-09.mp3 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton Pastor Walton talks about the newness of life. Pastor Walton talks about the newness of life. Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River marked the beginning of our Lord's active, earthly ministry. His beginning recalls the beginning of everything at creation and our beginning as Christians at our Baptism. At creation God called forth into existence everything by the power of His Word; and everything was good. Sin turned everything sour, diseased, and dying. In and because of Christ God claims His world and recreates it to be even more beautiful than the original. So in our Baptism God is at work restoring us in Christ by the power of His mighty Word. Only now, because the Son of God took on our human nature, so in Christ we are raised to the most blessed fellowship with God. 23:26 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, baptism, epiphany, gift, sin, new, life, resolution, repentance, humility, assessment, reflect, promise http://www.krazykaren.com/podcast/sermon-Jan-04-09.mp3 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Pastor Greg Walton God has a plan for you this year. God has a plan for you this year. This morning we look forward with great anticipation to the arrival of the Magi, who found the baby Jesus and His parents, and shared some wonderful gifts with them. These were part of God's provision and plan for His people. Those Magi brought trinkets to the Almighty God, but they were offered with true hearts and minds. What they received was of far greater value. So it is for all who approach the Christ Child in faith; we receive more than we could ever imagine! As we continue our Christmas celebration and prepare our hearts for Epiphany, may the joy of God's grace, and how it has appeared all around us, fill our new year with a deep and abiding peace. May this new year be a time for us to come before our Lord, offering Him all we have, that He might respond in His gracious love. We begin our worship by celebrating the Second Sunday after Christmas, but conclude the service by celebrating the Epiphany. Wise people still seek Him. May our hearts be filled with such wisdom as we begin a new year and gather to worship the King of kings! 20:17 worship, sermon, lutheran, Jesus, savior, epiphany, magi, new