November 25, 2007 -- "Truly, A Powerful King"

Christ the King Sunday is the time set aside for the Church to lift up our Lord Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This week we focus on the cross to help us find the true source of power. This week Pastor Janine Olson helps us focus on the cross to help us find the true source of power.

Texts:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43

Sermon Audio

November 18, 2007 -- "By God's Grace, Together We Have What We Need"

On Bethlehem's "Generously Living" Stewardship Commitment Weekend, the worship area was filled with quilts that will be sent to people both here in St. Cloud, and around the world through Lutheran World Relief. The quilts are a reminder of how Jesus does miraculous things with the gifts we generously offer because in Christ, we are connected to others. In the readings, Jesus feeds 5,000 through the generosity of a little boy who shared 5 loaves and 2 fish. In the reading from Acts, Barnabas gives encouragement to the other early Christians through his generously and sacrificial giving. Today, people of Bethlehem offer their commitments because we want to live what we believe: "By God's grace, together we have what we need." (SW MN Synod Mission Statement.)

Texts:
Acts 4:32-37
John 6:1-13

Sermon Audio

November 11, 2007 -- "The Day Love Came Home"

Grace is a funny thing. When sinners get a gift instead of what they deserve it is both funny and life changing. This week's sermon is a glimpse of the aftermath of one such grace filled moment. Zach Zacchaeus - the most hated man in town - explains to his wife the life change that will happen because Jesus invited himself to their home for the night. It is in the form of a chancel drama, 'The Day Salvation Came Home' written by Pastor Steve Cook, based on Luke 19:1-10, and performed by Ed & Solveig Krafnick.

Text:
Luke 19:1-10

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November 4, 2007 -- "When Duty Becomes Delight"

On All Saints Sunday Pastor Steve Cook asks who have been the examples of faith for us? These are the ones who have let the duty they owe to God and to their neighbors become their delight to do.

Texts:
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 17:11-19

Sermon Audio