Mosaic Church Podcast (Maple Grove, MN‪)‬ mymosaicchurch.com

Pastor Erik dives into Luke 6 as we kick off a new series!

In the sermon "Jesus vs Tradition," Pastor Jeremy Bratcher addresses the issue of tradition hindering compassion, using Jesus's encounters with the Pharisees as an example.

Coming from Luke chapter six, Pastor Bratcher shares the instances where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for truly neglecting loving acts in the name of preserving their stringent religious laws.

The Pharisees, as temple leaders, had created a vast number of additional Sabbath laws, focusing more on legalism and tradition than compassion. Pastor Bratcher explains how their preference for rigid traditions over benevolence led to exclusion and stagnancy, and consequently, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

The sermon underlines the risk of prioritizing tradition over compassion and love, arguing for a balance between firm convictions and flexibility in relationships. It calls for advocacy for marginalized groups, emphasizing that love and compassion should be considered paramount, even above strict religious protocols. It compels Christians to emulate Jesus's compassionate outlook, reject restrictive traditions, and adopt the law of love when interacting with people of differing views and backgrounds. Finally, the sermon advises Christians to remember that all commandments are fulfilled through the law of love.

A Living Hope | Easter 2024 | Pastor Erik Lindeen by mymosaicchurch.com

Love is not only what God DOES but love is who God IS.

3 reflections on how God shows his love to us through the cross of Christ
1. Love SERVES
2. Love FORGIVES
3. Love WELCOMES

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Erik Lindeen draws from personal stories to encourage cultivating a childlike faith in Jesus. He reflects on Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey during Palm Sunday, noting how Jesus's mission was not only to free the Jewish people but to liberate all humanity from the curse of sin.

He reminds us that Jesus is more attractive than religion. Erik advises his listeners not to strive for immediate understanding but to wrestle with questions, doubts, and gradually seek wisdom. It's ok to not understand right away. He compares this process to the disciples' experience, as they, too, did not comprehend Jesus's teachings instantly.

Erik encourages us to embrace wonder and playfulness as avenues of worship, particularly during the Easter season, suggesting that embracing awe can enrich one's relationship with God.

This sermon aims to reorient focus towards Jesus over empty religious rituals, advocating instead for true connection, obedience, and awe-filled worship.

In this sermon by Pastor Erik Lindeen, he highlights the importance of unity in faith against all divisions manifested by politics, underscoring this being an election year. He focuses his message on the biblical passage found in Luke 5 about the healing miracles of Jesus, urging his congregation to choose friends wisely who support their faith and spiritual journey.

Pastor Erik also emphasizes the critical role of forgiveness for our sins, which he describes as our most significant need, and encourages letting go of all hindrances and fully trusting Jesus who knows our needs better than ourselves.

In addition, he passionately discusses the task of sharing Jesus with others, with a keen desire to lead more people to Jesus. He urges the congregation to extend invitations for others to attend the Easter service, and to pray actively, interceding for the wellbeing and salvation of their neighbors.

In the concluding part of the sermon, he calls on the attendees to share their personal experiences of Jesus and the church. He further encourages the congregation to keep exploring innovative ways to aid people in finding hope and healing through Jesus. The sermon finishes with a powerful call to action as congregation members are encouraged to sing together symbolizing unity, and emphasizing the importance of building life upon God's love.

The core message of this sermon is thus the importance of unity, trusting God, forgiveness, friendship, and active evangelism. The congregation is urged to be a supportive community that encourages prayer and be bold in sharing their faith.