922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran

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.

An average shepherd feeds the sheep, but only a true good shepherd risks/ gives his life for the sheep. This is what makes Jesus so good in comparison with other teachers and religions.

An average shepherd feeds the sheep, but only a true good shepherd risks/gives his life for the sheep. This is what makes Jesus so good in comparison with other teachers and religions. Only he lays down his life for the sake of sinners who have wandered from the ways of God. This is why we know, love, and trust his voice.

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.

The difference between darkness and light is the difference between danger and safety, clarity and confusion, death and life. Jesus’ claim to be “the light” for the entire world was a bold, daring statement of the safety, clarity, and life that can only be found in following him.

The difference between darkness and light is the difference between danger and safety, clarity and confusion, death and life. Jesus’ claim to be “the light” for the entire world was a bold, daring statement of the safety, clarity, and life that can only be found in following him

Jesus’ bold claim that he is as necessary for our souls as bread is for our bodies shocked, confused, and offended most in the massive crowd, but those who “feed on” him, who totally depend on him for life, will be satisfied, now and into eternity. Pastor Mike Novotny brings this message to you.

Jesus’ bold claim that he is as necessary for our souls as bread is for our bodies shocked, confused, and offended most in the massive crowd, but those who “feed on” him, who totally depend on him for life, will be satisfied, now and into eternity. Pastor Tim Glende brings this message to you.

Too many of us ask too few questions about the Bible. Sadly, however, it is impossible for us to enjoy and to apply what we don’t understand. In this message, Pastor Mike Novotny shows why asking for understanding is essential to our spiritual growth.

Too many of us ask too few questions about the Bible. Sadly, however, it is impossible for us to enjoy and to apply what we don’t understand. In this message, Pastor TIm Glende shows why asking for understanding is essential to our spiritual growth.

When we see someone doing something wrong, we are so terrified of saying something, that we will do almost anything apart from confronting it. But God calls us to be courageous. Pastor Mike Novotny's message is that the goal is peace, both the peace of addressing issues and the peace of mind knowing that you did something to address the sin in your midst.

When we see someone doing something wrong, we are so terrified of saying something, that we will do almost anything apart from confronting it. But God calls us to be courageous. Pastor Tim Glende's message is that the goal is peace, both the peace of addressing issues and the peace of mind knowing that you did something to address the sin in your midst.

Most of us have a sin (or two) that we never confess, at least not to our fellow believers. It is way too awkward to talk about that struggle, so we keep it between us and God, hoping that somehow, in some way, things will change. Sadly, they don’t (and instead get worse). But what if we said it? What if we confessed our sins to one another? Would our worst fears come true? Or would we find freedom in allowing our Christian friends to pray, encourage, and forgive us in Jesus’ name?

Most of us have a sin (or two) that we never confess, at least not to our fellow believers. It is way too awkward to talk about that struggle, so we keep it between us and God, hoping that somehow, in some way, things will change. Sadly, they don’t (and instead get worse). But what if we said it? What if we confessed our sins to one another? Would our worst fears come true? Or would we find freedom in allowing our Christian friends to pray, encourage, and forgive us in Jesus’ name?

Unlike God, you are unable to have countless meaningful relationships. Strong families and quality friendships require quantity time, a resource that is limited every day, every week, and every year. Those who successfully battle burnout believe in these limits and make meaningful connections with some (not all) life-giving people.

Unlike God, you are unable to have countless meaningful relationships. Strong families and quality friendships require quantity time, a resource that is limited every day, every week, and every year. Those who successfully battle burnout believe in these limits and make meaningful connections with some (not all) life-giving people.

Your thoughts can be exhausting. Even a vacation can be highjacked by a busy, anxious, racing mind, which gets in the way of our ability to recharge. Being aware of what we think and feel, taking those emotions captive, and making them obedient to the truth of Jesus is essential to guarding our heart and experiencing the peace that goes beyond understanding.

Your thoughts can be exhausting. Even a vacation can be highjacked by a busy, anxious, racing mind, which gets in the way of our ability to recharge. Being aware of what we think and feel, taking those emotions captive, and making them obedient to the truth of Jesus is essential to guarding our heart and experiencing the peace that goes beyond understanding.

Just like our bodies need food and rest to avoid crashing and burning, our souls need the rest of Jesus and the food of his Word. By fixing our eyes on the invisible gospel and the glory that is ours through Jesus, we are inwardly renewed day by day, the spiritual fuel that we need to thrive in the year to come.

Just like our bodies need food and rest to avoid crashing and burning, our souls need the rest of Jesus and the food of his Word. By fixing our eyes on the invisible gospel and the glory that is ours through Jesus, we are inwardly renewed day by day, the spiritual fuel that we need to thrive in the year to come.

You are not an angel. You are not a spiritual being who has no need to eat, move, or sleep. We humans are human, body-and-soul beings that God created to function in specific ways. Fighting burnout often begins with recognizing this reality and organizing our lives according to it, which might require the painful work of doing less so that our bodies have energy for what matters most.

You are not an angel. You are not a spiritual being who has no need to eat, move, or sleep. We humans are human, body-and-soul beings that God created to function in specific ways. Fighting burnout often begins with recognizing this reality and organizing our lives according to it, which might require the painful work of doing less so that our bodies have energy for what matters most.

Do you have questions about God? Or about faith? Or about different religions, different churches, and different ideas? We all do, but often we are scared to ask them. That is why The CORE’s Q&A Sunday started. In place of a regular message, we will take time to anonymously ask questions and find the passages with Jesus’ answers. We hope you can join us for Q&A Sunday. Worship director Jonathan Favorite will be bringing up questions from the congregation to discuss a wide range of topics.