922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran

What do you expect from your church? Your pastors? And what do they expect from you? As Moses (and Jesus and the Apostles) experienced, the answer must depend on the size of the group that you serve. Moses needed to change his church expectations in order to serve God’s people well and avoid his own burnout. This message looks at how churches of various sizes function, the blessings and challenges of each size, and how your church’s size must affect everyone’s expectations.

“The Spirit was really moving in church today.” “The Spirit moved me to go up and talk to him.” “I felt moved by the Spirit when you were speaking.” What does that mean? That you felt emotional? That you thought about doing something? That you had a strong desire to say something or go somewhere?

“The Spirit was really moving in church today.” “The Spirit moved me to go up and talk to him.” “I felt moved by the Spirit when you were speaking.” What does that mean? That you felt emotional? That you thought about doing something? That you had a strong desire to say something or go somewhere?

This seems to make sense until you see Christians judging, warning, and threatening sinners with the fires of hell. What does it mean to love a sinner? Should they feel loved? And who decides what love is anyway?

This seems to make sense until you see Christians judging, warning, and threatening sinners with the fires of hell. What does it mean to love a sinner? Should they feel loved? And who decides what love is anyway?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how do it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how do it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“Join us for fellowship after church.” “I need some fellowship in my life.” “We had some great fellowship before the service.” What is fellowship? Just people? People and food? People and food connected to a church service?

“Join us for fellowship after church.” “I need some fellowship in my life.” “We had some great fellowship before the service.” What is fellowship? Just people? People and food? People and food connected to a church service?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how does it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

“How’s your walk?” “I’m struggling in my walk with God?” “He started walking with God.” For an invisible being, God sure does do a lot of walking! What does that phrase imply? And how does it apply to our lives? Why do some people say that nothing matters more than “your walk”?

Even an intelligent, religious man from Jesus’ day was confused when Christ said, “You must be born again.” What does that mean? What does that mean for us? Are you born again? Is so, when? And how? And how do you know?

Even an intelligent, religious man from Jesus’ day was confused when Christ said, “You must be born again.” What does that mean? What does that mean for us? Are you born again? Is so, when? And how? And how do you know?

Who would expect a man to be mad about a mission accomplished? But mad Jonah became, mad enough to die. This message examines the scandal of grace, our human instinct to judge God, and the forked road that stretches ahead of us all—Will you accept grace or not?

Who would expect a man to be mad about a mission accomplished? But mad Jonah became, mad enough to die. This message examines the scandal of grace, our human instinct to judge God, and the forked road that stretches ahead of us all—Will you accept grace or not?

God gave Jonah a second chance at his calling, which ended in the most unexpected blessing, the repentance of the wicked people of Nineveh. God does the same thing in our lives, offering us a chance to be different people who choose a different path now that we have a new knowledge of God’s power and love.

God gave Jonah a second chance at his calling, which ended in the most unexpected blessing, the repentance of the wicked people of Nineveh. God does the same thing in our lives, offering us a chance to be different people who choose a different path now that we have a new knowledge of God’s power and love.

Jonah’s best moment happened in the worst place. Surrounded by God knows-what-digestive fluids, he confessed his desperation and praised the Lord’s salvation. The same thing happens to us. Sometimes we have to hit bottom to realize our constant need for God and the grace that reaches us in our lowest places.

Jonah’s best moment happened in the worst place. Surrounded by God knows-what-digestive fluids, he confessed his desperation and praised the Lord’s salvation. The same thing happens to us. Sometimes we have to hit bottom to realize our constant need for God and the grace that reaches us in our lowest places.

Jonah, when given a clear mission from heaven, ran from God, a foolish idea. But we often do the same thing, running from a truth that challenges us to change. This message confronts spiritual “runners” and refuses to let them run too far without hearing the voice of God.

Jonah, when given a clear mission from heaven, ran from God, a foolish idea. But we often do the same thing, running from a truth that challenges us to change. This message confronts spiritual “runners” and refuses to let them run too far without hearing the voice of God.

The thrilling story of Boaz and Ruth ends with a marriage and a Messiah hinting genealogy, proof that God was up to something good in the midst of the mess. Those who call Christ their spiritual husband hold on to that same hope, that God is working out all things for the good of his people, even if the greatest good is generations into the future.

The thrilling story of Boaz and Ruth ends with a marriage and a Messiah hinting genealogy, proof that God was up to something good in the midst of the mess. Those who call Christ their spiritual husband hold on to that same hope, that God is working out all things for the good of his people, even if the greatest good is generations into the future.

Naomi and Ruth took a huge risk that night when the young Moabite snuck close to the threshing floor, but that is where her true connection happened with her “redeemer.” By God’s grace, we have those moments too, when we give up the world, deny ourselves, and take the risk of following our Redeemer. Thankfully, he doesn’t turn us away but instead “does not rest” until we are rescued and resting in God’s presence.

Naomi and Ruth took a huge risk that night when the young Moabite snuck close to the threshing floor, but that is where her true connection happened with her “redeemer.” By God’s grace, we have those moments too, when we give up the world, deny ourselves, and take the risk of following our Redeemer. Thankfully, he doesn’t turn us away but instead “does not rest” until we are rescued and resting in God’s presence.

Everything changed for Ruth’s story when she met the man, the one who would show her favor and give her comfort. Remind you of Anyone you know/worship? Jesus is the better Boaz, the “man of standing” who sees us and saves us in our greatest time of need. Staying close to him, as Ruth did with Boaz, is the best way to find peace in the midst of the mess.

Everything changed for Ruth’s story when she met the man, the one who would show her favor and give her comfort. Remind you of Anyone you know/worship? Jesus is the better Boaz, the “man of standing” who sees us and saves us in our greatest time of need. Staying close to him, as Ruth did with Boaz, is the best way to find peace in the midst of the mess.

A famine, 3 deaths, a bitter woman, and the chaos of the judges comprise the 1st chapter of the book of Ruth. Yet this first chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, the familiar name of Bethlehem, a hint of blessings to come. Our world can feel like a mess too. Natural disasters, school shootings, shrinking churches, personal tragedy, bitter and broken families, and more. Yet the God who works all things for the good is working in our time too. Believe that and you will, like Ruth, be blessed.

A famine, 3 deaths, a bitter woman, and the chaos of the judges comprise the 1st chapter of the book of Ruth. Yet this first chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, the familiar name of Bethlehem, a hint of blessings to come. Our world can feel like a mess too. Natural disasters, school shootings, shrinking churches, personal tragedy, bitter and broken families, and more. Yet the God who works all things for the good is working in our time too. Believe that and you will, like Ruth, be blessed.

A name is a claim of ownership. When your name is on the car title, it’s yours, you care for it & protect it from danger. God does the same thing with us. Through the blessing of baptism, he puts his name upon us, claiming us as his own and filling us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

A name is a claim of ownership. When your name is on the car title, it’s yours, you care for it & protect it from danger. God does the same thing with us. Through the blessing of baptism, he puts his name upon us, claiming us as his own and filling us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

You can find a lot of blessings in someone’s face. The smile of a mother. The proud eyes of a father. The grin of a friend. The nod of her acceptance. The love in his expression. This is why the face of God is a massive blessing. Because he is gracious to us and looks upon us with favor, he turns his shining, smiling, accepting, love face towards us. No wonder King David’s heart only wanted to see God’s face! No matter how people look at us in this world, every believer can close their eyes and see grace in God’s face. That’s why we are #blessed

You can find a lot of blessings in someone’s face. The smile of a mother. The proud eyes of a father. The grin of a friend. The nod of her acceptance. The love in his expression. This is why the face of God is a massive blessing. Because he is gracious to us and looks upon us with favor, he turns his shining, smiling, accepting, love face towards us. No wonder King David’s heart only wanted to see God’s face! No matter how people look at us in this world, every believer can close their eyes and see grace in God’s face. That’s why we are #blessed

One of the best blessings from God is one that we often overlook, namely, the fact that he “kept” us as Christians for another day. Despite the Devil’s lies, the world’s ways, and the desires of our flesh, God kept us as his repentant, believing children. That is no small gift. That’s why we are #blessed.

One of the best blessings from God is one that we often overlook, namely, the fact that he “kept” us as Christians for another day. Despite the Devil’s lies, the world’s ways, and the desires of our flesh, God kept us as his repentant, believing children. That is no small gift. That’s why we are #blessed.

Hell is a relic from a fear-based, fire-and-brimstone age, a cruel tool used by church authorities to maintain power and control. So why did Jesus himself mention it so much? Why is he the #1 user of “hell” in the entire Bible? Why was he unembarrassed to talk about fire, darkness, and eternal death? Modern Christians needs to know Christ’s answers.

Hell is a relic from a fear-based, fire-and-brimstone age, a cruel tool used by church authorities to maintain power and control. So why did Jesus himself mention it so much? Why is he the #1 user of “hell” in the entire Bible? Why was he unembarrassed to talk about fire, darkness, and eternal death? Modern Christians needs to know Christ’s answers.

Say “damn” in mixed company and few will blink. Say “doctrine” and most will stare. Doctrine sounds archaic, oppressive, and unhealthy for our souls, according to today's culture. God didn’t apologize for condemning “false doctrine”, encouraging “sound doctrine,” and urging believers to watch their “life and doctrine” closely.

Say “damn” in mixed company and few will blink. Say “doctrine” and most will stare. Doctrine sounds archaic, oppressive, and unhealthy for our souls, according to today's culture. God didn’t apologize for condemning “false doctrine”, encouraging “sound doctrine,” and urging believers to watch their “life and doctrine” closely.

Submission is anathema in our times. Add to that submission to political power, the “head of the household,” or organized religion and you have the dirtiest, most offensive idea of our day. But the God of love, law, and order disagrees. In this message, Pastor Mike Novotny discusses God calling all of us to submit to Him & others he places in authority.

Submission is anathema in our times. Add to that submission to political power, the “head of the household,” or organized religion and you have the dirtiest, most offensive idea of our day. But the God of love, law, and order disagrees. In this message, Pastor Tim Glende discusses God calling all of us to submit to Him & others he places in authority.

Forgiveness might not seem like an offensive word until you think about what it actually means, namely, the freely-given grace to people who deserve only punishment. Culture would prefer to cancel, label, and dismiss the guilty, but God’s f-word interrupts our system of justice and offers the grace of sending sins away.

Forgiveness might not seem like an offensive word until you think about what it actually means, namely, the freely-given grace to people who deserve only punishment. Culture would prefer to cancel, label, and dismiss the guilty, but God’s f-word interrupts our system of justice and offers the grace of sending sins away.

Jesus shows up in the middle of our sadness and sickness and brings the power of a promise that conquers death. We need not fear death because our Jesus is alive.

Jesus shows up in the middle of our sadness and sickness and brings the power of a promise that conquers death. We need not fear death because our Jesus is alive.

When Jesus’ friends were scared and feared that they didn’t know the way to the Father’s house, Jesus spoke the classic words of John 14:6. We do know the way when we know Jesus. He is the way to the Father, the truth of his Word, and the path to eternal life.

When Jesus’ friends were scared and feared that they didn’t know the way to the Father’s house, Jesus spoke the classic words of John 14:6. We do know the way when we know Jesus. He is the way to the Father, the truth of his Word, and the path to eternal life.

Vines are, by their very nature, dependent. Everything they need to live and produce fruit flows through the branch to which they are connected. The same is true with our souls and Jesus. In this message, Pastor Mike Novotny shows without Jesus, we are dead and bound for the fire of hell. With him, we are alive and bear fruit to God’s glory.

Vines are, by their very nature, dependent. Everything they need to live and produce fruit flows through the branch to which they are connected. The same is true with our souls and Jesus. In this message, Pastor Tim Glende, shows without Jesus, we are dead and bound for the fire of hell. With him, we are alive and bear fruit to God’s glory.

Although a sheep pen might have a circumference of dozens, if not hundreds, of feet, the door into it is small and exclusive. Jesus’ image reminds us that he is the exclusive way to find life to the full, and all other options will steal, kill, and destroy us spiritually.