Emanuel Lutheran Tiger Talk

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!  

We tend to think of mission work as being “over there,” something done in a far-away place. Something is off if we allow our appreciation for “over there” mission work to take our eyes off the mission that is right before us. Here is the two-fold reality worthy of our undivided attention this week. First, if we have seen the grace of God, we will serve as witnesses for Christ. Second, we need not cross the ocean to share the gospel. We can simply cross the street. God will provide one opportunity after another to serve as the witnesses Jesus has made us to be. Let us continue to pray for and support “over there” mission work. But let us also give our undivided attention to the mission that God has placed right before each of us. 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.

At the top of the list of things worthy of our undivided attention: God. That does not mean if we focus long and hard, we will understand all there is to know about God. But there is plenty about God’s majesty that we can understand. We can understand that God provides for us as a loving Father. We can understand how much God loves us, for that was proven in the sacrifice of God the Son. We can understand that every time we gather in the name of our Triune God, the Holy Spirit grants us the greatest of blessings. These truths are 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.  

 JAM! in the Sand! is the perfect way for your young children, their grown-ups, and siblings to gather around Jesus at Hatten Park near the pavilion. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith together, enjoying a Bible lesson, a captivating story, and fun outdoor play with toys for the sand. You'll connect with other families while focusing on Jesus. We can't wait to see your family there!

Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to spread around the world. For Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, he indicated that the Spirit’s work would be connected to words, specifically to God’s Word. As a result, we need never wonder where we can find the Spirit or how he comes to us. Where the Word is proclaimed, there you will find the Holy Spirit’s presence and blessing. 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.