Sin disarmed

What is to be a Christian’s attitude towards sin? While most would agree that becoming a Christian involves an acknowledgement of and change in attitude towards sin (called repentance), there is less agreement about a Christian’s disposition towards sin as they...

The unexpected road to joy

Ecclesiastes takes us on a quest to figure out the key to life: What is life about? What are we doing here? Where can satisfaction be found? And one of the conclusions of the book is that mankind cannot figure out the key to life! It is a quest we are all on, and yet...

State of the church 2022

I used to do a “state of the church address” each January. I haven’t been as consistent with these recently, but wanted to share some reflections on the church as we enter a new year, especially given the unique challenges of the past two years. To make it simple,...

God’s providence and human responsibility

In light of last week’s sermon on God’s providence (from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15), I’ve written a couple of blog posts this week unpacking this massive and important topic. In the first, I argued that the claim that God is providentially working, ordaining, bringing about...

God’s providence: a source of unending comfort

This past Sunday, our text of Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 had us consider the topic of God’s providence. Verse 11 states, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” The word translated “beautiful” means “appropriate, fitting, lovely.” And in context, it refers back to...

Christmas House gift drive

We are always looking for opportunities to be involved with our community, live out our obedience to God’s Word and be mission minded. With that being said, the Christmas/Caring House, in partnership with Stanwood Food bank and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, would love...

The lost key to life

Yesterday, we began a sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes, which notoriously begins: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” The book is a journey to find meaning in life. It leads us to ask: Is there any point to this life? Is there any way to live a life that is...

Saying yes and no

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. –James 5:12 This past Sunday, a man came up to me after the service and asked...