922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran

Why do millions of people—from the devoutly committed to the deeply skeptical—show up for Easter Sunday? In this message, we explore how Easter is much like Super Bowl Sunday: a massive cultural moment where people gather for vastly different reasons.Whether you are here out of curiosity, kindness to a loved one, or a deep commitment to your faith, there is a seat for you at this table. This sermon dives into the historical reality and life-changing power of the resurrection, proving that no matter who you are or what your story is, Easter is for you.In this message, we explore three unique paths to the empty tomb:* For the Curious: Are you searching for something solid in a world that feels uncertain? We look at the "lack of love" problem we all face and how Jesus came not with a list of commandments, but with a sacrifice of unconditional love to fix what we couldn't fix ourselves.* For the Unsure: Do you feel like the resurrection sounds like "nonsense"? We "pull a Peter" and investigate the evidence. From debunking the "wrong tomb" and "swoon" theories to examining why the apostles were willing to die for this message, we see that belief in Jesus doesn't require you to turn off your brain.* For the Experienced: If you’ve celebrated 50 Easters, what is left to learn? We look at how even Jesus’ closest friends forgot the promise of Easter. We rediscover how the resurrection provides daily freedom from guilt, hope in the face of grief, and the power to face life’s hardest challenges."He is risen indeed!" Death is not the period at the end of our story; because of Jesus, it is only a comma.

Explore why the resurrection of Jesus is not just a philosophy or a collection of religious beliefs, but a life-altering historic event that changes everything for everyone. Whether you are stepping into a church for the first time, wrestling with deep-seated doubts, or have celebrated Easter for decades, this message is for you.In this sermon, we look at the Easter story through three lenses:* For the Curious: Discover why Easter is rooted in history. We dive into the research of Luke, a doctor and historian, who documented the empty tomb not as a myth, but as a factual account of sin being forgiven and death being defeated.* For the Unsure: Do you feel like the resurrection sounds like "nonsense"? You’re in good company. We follow the journey of Peter—a man who went from denying Jesus to running toward the empty tomb. We explore the evidence that moved the early disciples from being unsure to being unshakable.* For the Experienced: If this is your 50th Easter, what is left to hear? Pastor Jared discusses the vital difference between knowing the story and remembering what it means for your daily life. Learn how the resurrection provides an anchor against anxiety and a certain hope for your future.The Power of Redemption: Through a moving story about "buying back" lost treasures at a thrift store, we see the heart of Jesus as our Redeemer. He didn’t stay distant; He came into our mess and our death to pay the price and bring us home

In this Good Friday message, we journey through the final 20 hours of Jesus’ life—from the agony of Gethsemane to the finality of the tomb. While we often focus on what Jesus did, this sermon explores the profound significance of what Jesus refused to do.Jesus was not a victim. He was a King setting aside His authority and refusing to use His power so that the mission of our salvation could be completed.In this message, we explore:* The Refusal to Run: In the Garden of Gethsemane, despite being "overwhelmed to the point of death," Jesus refused to walk away from the cup of God’s wrath.* The Refusal to be Rescued: Jesus could have called upon 12 legions of angels—over 72,000—to wipe out His enemies in a moment, but He chose to stay for our sake.* The Refusal to be Silent: When the High Priest asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus boldly declared "I AM," accepting a guilty verdict of blasphemy so that a guilty verdict would never be pronounced over you.* The Great Exchange: Like Barabbas, we are the ones who deserve the chains, yet Jesus refused to set Himself free so that we could walk free.* The Refusal to Save Himself: Even as He was mocked on the cross, Jesus refused to come down. He knew that if He saved Himself, He could not save us."It is finished.". When Jesus spoke those final words, He wasn't giving up; He was declaring that the debt of our sin was paid in full. Your debt, your shame, and your past have been absorbed by the one who loved you too much to let you go.

In this unique Good Friday service, we gather to contemplate the "Seven Words" spoken by Jesus from the cross. Each word serves a divine purpose: to lift the specific burdens that weigh down our souls—burdens of guilt, despair, loneliness, abandonment, emptiness, striving, and even death.In this message, we explore the Seven Words of Jesus:* Word 1: The Burden of Guilt – "Father, forgive them..." (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness is a treasure we must not take for granted; at the cross, we see what it cost God to free us from our shame.* Word 2: The Burden of Despair – "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Jesus offers restoration for broken relationships and hope for even the most "irreparable" damage.* Word 3: The Burden of Loneliness – "Woman, here is your son..." (John 19:26-27). At the cross, Jesus redefines family, ensuring that no one who gathers before Him ever has to be alone.* Word 4: The Burden of Abandonment – "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Jesus stepped into the breach and took our judgment so that God could promise us: "Never will I leave you".* Word 5: The Burden of Emptiness – "I thirst" (John 19:28). Jesus experienced the ultimate spiritual thirst so that He could become the "living water" that fills our restless hearts.* Word 6: The Burden of Striving – "It is finished" (John 19:30). Our greatest debt has been paid in full. We can stop trying to earn our way to God, because Jesus has already "got you covered".* Word 7: The Burden of Death – "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, death is no longer a finality but a "safe passage" home to the Father.

What would you choose to eat to commemorate the greatest thing that has ever happened in human history?. While our holiday traditions often involve specific foods like Easter ham or St. Patrick’s Day corned beef to tell a story of our culture or history, the meal we celebrate on Maundy Thursday was divinely instituted to tell God's story of redemption. In this sermon, we explore why Holy Communion is a "supper that spans the ages," connecting our past, present, and future through the grace of Jesus Christ. Key Themes: *Pointing to the Past: We look back to the Passover in Egypt, where God’s people were spared not by their own merits, but by the blood of the lamb. Jesus identifies Himself as the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. *Blessing the Present: Jesus instituted a "supper for sinners". He looked into the eyes of imperfect disciples like Peter and Thomas—and He looks at us today—offering His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. *Foreshadowing the Future: This meal is a "foretaste of the heavenly banquet". It is a vow from Jesus that we will one day feast with Him in a kingdom where sin, guilt, and death are defeated forever. Join us as we take shelter under the blood of the Lamb and rejoice in the mercy that is poured out for you.

Does your faith depend on your circumstances, or is it built to last?In this Palm Sunday message, we explore the stark contrast between the joyful "Hosannas" of Sunday and the "Crucify him!" of Friday. Why did the same crowd that climbed trees and laid down cloaks for Jesus abandon Him just five days later?The answer lies in the "Palm Sunday Problem": the crowd focused on what Jesus could do for their bodies, while Jesus came to save their souls. When the miracles stopped and the "earthly prosperity" didn't arrive, their commitment withered.In this sermon, you will learn:* The Marriage vs. Wedding Faith: Why starting a journey with joy is easy, but finishing it requires a different kind of endurance.* The Miracle-Free Reality: How to navigate the seasons of life where prayers seem unanswered and pain remains unresolved.* The Three Great Miracles of Holy Week: Discover why the forgiveness of Thursday, the debt paid on Friday, and the empty tomb of Sunday are infinitely greater than any physical healing.* The Secret of "Palms Up": A challenge to praise God not just for the gifts He gives, but for who He is—even in the valley and the desert."Jesus never promised an easy life, but He did promise it would be worth it." Whether you are walking through a season of comfort or a season of trauma, learn how to keep your palms up for the King who refused to come down from the cross for you.

Are you waiting to get "around the corner" to finally find peace?In this Palm Sunday message, we explore the historical journey of the Jewish people—from the promises made to Abraham and the leadership of Moses to the golden age of King David and the long years of Roman occupation.When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah, the crowds were shouting "Hosanna!" because they were desperate for Shalom. They hoped for a political king who would remove the weight of Rome and fix their immediate circumstances. We often do the same today, believing that peace is just one house, one job, or one clean bill of health away.In this sermon, you will discover:* The Historical Timeline: A walk through the 2,000 years leading up to Jesus and why the context of the "lost tribes" and Greek influence matters.* The Problem with "Circumstantial Peace": Why the things we can control—like our finances or our fitness—cannot fix the thing ultimately stealing our peace.* The Lamb of God: How Jesus arrived during Passover week to be the perfect sacrifice, defeating our true enemies: sin, death, and the lies of the devil.* Jesus’ Heart for You: Why Jesus wept over Jerusalem and what it means for us when we miss the peace that is standing right in front of us.Jesus didn't come to handle our temporary, day-to-day problems; He came to handle our eternal ones. If you are tired of chasing peace, join us as we look at the King who marched straight to the cross to give us a peace that is already complete."Your peace has a name. That name is Jesus."

Is grace actually fair? If we are honest, there is a part of us that bristles at the idea of a lifelong criminal receiving the same heavenly reward as a faithful, lifelong believer. In this midweek message, we explore the "offensive" nature of God’s grace through the lens of the criminal hanging on the cross next to Jesus. In this message, we unpack: The Irony of the Cross: While the religious leaders and soldiers mocked Jesus, telling Him to "save Himself," Jesus chose not to save Himself so that He could save you. What Real Faith Looks Like: Proximity to Jesus isn't faith, and mere knowledge isn't faith. True faith is seeing Jesus for who He really is—the King who bleeds for His servants. The Definition of Grace: Grace isn't about justice or getting what we deserve. If we got what we deserved, none of us would reach paradise. Grace is "getting the one thing you need and the last thing you deserve". The Promise of Paradise: Discover what Jesus meant when He told a dying man, "Today you will be with me in paradise," and how He is currently undoing the curse of sin for all who believe. When you look at the cross, who do you see? Do you see a king dying for you, or are you still trying to bring your own "good works" to the table?. If this message encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the radical truth of God's grace today.

Have you ever experienced a moment where you just missed out—on tickets, a sale, or even a "gold medal" moment in life? In this sermon, Pastor Jared Oldenberg explores the deep, often messy emotion of desperation and how it serves as the starting point for true faith.Drawing from Mark 5:21-43, Pastor Jared looks at two people at the end of their ropes: Jairus, a respected leader whose daughter was dying, and a woman who had suffered for 12 years with no relief from doctors. Their stories remind us that when we lose control of our circumstances, we are invited to put our trust in the one who is in control of everything.Key Takeaways from this Message:* Faith often begins when our control ends. We don’t need much faith when things are going our way, but in desperate times, we learn to truly let go and trust God.* Hope has a name. For those facing difficult diagnoses, broken relationships, or grief, your hope is not just a concept—it is a person: Jesus.* Jesus is never late. Even when it feels like our prayers aren’t answered instantly or death has entered the picture, Jesus remains on time. As long as He is in the picture, death never gets the last word.

In the fifth week of the "Truth Bombs" sermon series, we explore the explosive power of Jesus over our two greatest enemies: sickness and death. This message examines two intertwining stories from Luke chapter 8 that demonstrate Jesus' deep care for everyone, from the prominent leader to the forgotten "no one".In this sermon, you will discover:* The Unstoppable Power of Jesus: A woman who suffered for 12 years and spent everything on failed medical treatments finds instant healing just by touching the edge of Jesus’ cloak.* Why a Delay is Not a Denial: We follow the story of Jairus, a synagogue leader whose 12-year-old daughter was dying. Even when Jesus' response seemed delayed by the crowds, He proved that He is never late.* The Truth About Death: While death often feels like a finality, Jesus reveals that for the believer, it is nothing more than a sleep from which He will one day wake us.* A Personal God: Whether you feel like a "no one" or are a person of high status, Jesus calls you His child and invites you to "Don't be afraid. Just believe".Jesus wants death to know that its days are numbered. If you are facing a situation that feels like a "final resting place," let this message remind you that Jesus always gets the final word.