Emanuel Lutheran Tiger Talk

Most would agree with Jesus’ teaching that “Few things are needed” (Luke 10:42). We understand that people often confuse their wants with needs. However, Jesus said more. “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Now we might object. There seems to be more than one true need. Yet, what Jesus said is true. Because only one thing—the gospel—can create and sustain the faith that makes one God’s dear child and an heir of the everlasting kingdom. We literally need the gospel more than water or oxygen. So, let us listen to Jesus speak, giving him our undivided attention. Want to hear more? See you this weekend: Saturday at 5:15 p.m. • Sunday at 8 a.m. • Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

We tend to think of distraction and focus as opposites. If someone is focused, they are not easily distracted by random events and encounters. If someone is focused, every decision about how to spend time and resources is calculated. Apart from Christ, that type of focus spells disaster for our neighbor. We may dismiss the needs of our neighbor, thinking, “If I spend time helping him, that will distract me from other things that need my attention.” Jesus teaches us that he has set us free to live a life of such distraction. We are free to give our neighbor our undivided attention, even if that seems senseless. Want to hear more? See you this weekend: Saturday at 5:15 p.m. • Sunday at 8 a.m. • Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  

Parents spend a lot of time teaching their children a simple phrase to say when someone gives them something: "Thank you!" Those two words go a long way in showing appreciation for what someone else has done. Do we always lead a thankful life as we get older? Do we pause to acknowledge where all our blessings come from? Join us in this 8-week study on Biblical Stewardship starting July 20, as we recognize and give God thanks for all his blessings. 

 

In recent weeks, we learned that everyone who has seen the grace of God will, whenever the opportunity arises, serve as a witness for Christ. However, Scripture teaches that there is also a need for individuals for whom gospel proclamation is their full-time focus. These workers are called by God himself through the Church to proclaim law and gospel in some public capacity. Jesus taught that there will always be a want for such workers. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2). So, this is a topic worthy of our undivided attention. Want to hear more? See you this weekend: Saturday at 5:15 p.m. • Sunday at 8 a.m. • Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

There is the type of fan who follows his team if they make the playoffs. Then there is the type of fan who, regardless of his team’s record, watches every game and knows the stats for every player. There are different types of followers: the half-hearted versus the committed. Jesus wants followers who are all in. We simply do not have it inside us to produce that level of commitment. But in the gospel, we see how Jesus went all in for our salvation. As we witness the way Jesus made our eternal happiness the focus of his undivided attention, the Spirit creates within us the very commitment that Christ seeks. Want to hear more? See you this weekend: Saturday at 5:15 p.m. • Sunday at 8 a.m. • Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Before Jesus ascended, He gave His church a powerful mission. At Emanuel, we embrace this calling with our mission statement: "Gather! Grow! Go!" Are you ready to explore what these words mean for your spiritual journey? Want to understand how God's "marching orders" apply to your daily life and our shared life as a congregation? Come join our 3-week Bible Class , kicking off on June 29 ! We'll examine our Mission Statement and unpack how it helps us fulfill God's direct commands for us all. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith!