FIRST READING Genesis 15:1-6 God promises childless and aging Abram that a child of his own will be his heir and that his descendents will number as many as the stars. Abram trusts God’s promise, and through this faith he is considered righteous. 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not…
3900 Winnetka Avenue N., New Hope, MN 55427
3900 Winnetka Avenue N., New Hope, MN 55427
Sermons by Rev. Jason Wahlstrom
FIRST READING Ecclesiastes 1:2,12-14; 2:18-23 The teacher of wisdom who wrote Ecclesiastes sees that working for mere accumulation of wealth turns life into an empty game, a “vanity of vanities.” Nevertheless, he asserts in the next verse, it is good to find enjoyment in one’s work because such enjoyment is a gift…
FIRST READING Genesis 18:20-32 In today’s reading, Abraham undertakes the role of mediator between God and sinful humanity. Appealing to God’s justice, Abraham boldly asks for mercy for the city of Sodom for the sake of the few righteous people there, including Abraham’s nephew. 20Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their…
FIRST READING Genesis 18:1-10a The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. 3He said, “My lord, if…
FIRST READING 1st Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 In the story preceding today’s reading, the prophet Elijah flees for his life to the security of God’s mountain. There God reveals to Elijah that there are still other faithful people in Israel and commissions him to anoint new leaders, including his own successor, Elisha. 15Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to…
FIRST READING Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 In the Bible, wisdom is portrayed in terms sometimes human and sometimes divine. Often, wisdom is personified as feminine. In this passage, Woman Wisdom is depicted not only as the first creation of God, but also as God’s helper, rejoicing in God’s creation, especially in human beings. 1Does not wisdom call,…
FIRST READING Acts 16:9-1 A vision compels Paul to move his ministry into Greece. There he meets Lydia, an important person in the business community, whose heart has been opened by God to receive the gospel. Her conversion and baptism provide the impetus for the founding of the church at Philippi. 9During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a…
FIRST READING Acts 11:1-18 In defense of his earlier baptism of non-Jewish believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. In this way the mission to the Gentiles is officially authorized. 1Now the apostles and the believers…
FIRST READING Acts 9:36-43 Dorcas was a faithful and devoted woman of charity in the community of Joppa. Her kindness and her work with clothing were well-known, especially to the widows in town. When she fell ill and died, Peter raised her back to life through the power of prayer. 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was…
FIRST READING Acts 5:27-32 Peter has been arrested for proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His response to the charges of the high priest summarizes the early church’s proclamation of forgiveness of sin through repentance. 27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you strict orders…