St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church

In this March 10 sermon, Pastor Buegler reflects on the stories of the
feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on the water. However, the focus is
shifted to the verses preceding these miracles, where Jesus shows
compassion towards a large crowd. Pastor Buegler highlights three lessons
in Christian compassion from Jesus: opening our eyes to see the lost sheep
around us, caring about them as Jesus does, and taking action to help them.
He emphasizes that Christian compassion should be at the heart of
everything done in Christ's Church and that followers of Jesus need
unusually large hearts to care for the lost.

In his February 25th sermon, Pastor Smith discusses the peculiar nature of
Jesus in Mark's Gospel, portraying Him as a figure who defies conventional
expectations. He highlights the tension between Jesus' divine power and
human limitations, and how His actions and teachings often seem strange
within the context of a broken and sinful world. Pastor Smith emphasizes
the importance of taking Jesus at His word, even when it contradicts our
natural inclinations or the world's logic. Through the story of Jesus
calming the storm, he illustrates the disciples' struggle with faith and
Jesus' role as both an example and object of faith. The sermon encourages
listeners to trust in Jesus' reliable word, which has the power to calm
chaos, forgive sins, and ultimately, lead to eternal life.

In his February 18th sermon, Pastor Josh delves into the theme of authority
in the Gospel of Mark, examining the story of Jesus healing a paralytic
man. He emphasizes the significance of faith, community, and acknowledging
Jesus' authority over all life aspects. Pastor Josh urges the congregation
to trust in Jesus' authority, approach Him confidently with their prayers,
and remember that He orchestrates all things for our benefit.

In his February 11th sermon, Pastor Smith explores the overwhelming nature
of our lives and the importance of discerning which voices to listen to
amidst the noise. He encourages the congregation to prioritize listening to
Jesus' voice above all others, as it is the purest and most reliable source
of truth. Pastor Smith emphasizes that while other voices may offer some
wisdom, only Jesus' words provide the foundation for a life rooted in grace
and truth. As we enter the season of Lent, he challenges us to read the
Gospel of Mark weekly, allowing us to immerse ourselves in Jesus' teachings
and align our lives with His voice.

In his February 4th sermon, Pastor Buegler focuses on the theme of
connecting with others and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the story of Jesus and his disciples, Pastor Buegler
illustrated how even Jesus grew weary from his ministry but found strength
in prayer. Using this, and other passages of Scripture, Pastor Buegler
encouraged the congregation to stay strong and not grow weary in their
faith, drawing parallels to the weariness of modern life. Additionally, he
shares strategies for dealing with weariness, such as meditation and
focusing on one task at a time.

Pastor Smith's sermon on January 28, 2024 explores the concept of
authority, using examples from everyday life and biblical teachings. He
emphasizes that while authority can sometimes evoke negative feelings, it
is ultimately a gift from God when wielded correctly. Drawing from Mark 1,
Pastor Smith highlights Jesus' authority in teaching and exorcising demons,
showing that Jesus uses his authority for good and to bring order to chaos.
He also explains that Jesus' ultimate authority extends over sin and death,
offering hope and salvation to all. The sermon concludes with a call to
spread the news of Jesus' authority and lordship, encouraging listeners to
connect with their neighbors and share the good news.