Sermons from Ascension Lutheran Church, RPV

June 7, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 37

In this week’s message, we journey through the story of Jacob and Esau, the prophecy of Obadiah, and the parable of the Good Samaritan to discover a surprising truth: God continually works through the unexpected. As we wrestle with boundaries, favoritism, and who deserves our love, we’re challenged to trust a God who constantly extends grace farther than we imagine. Join us as we explore how God shows up in surprising places—and calls us to love beyond our comfort zones.  Primary Sermon Texts * Obadiah 1: 18 — “Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble…” This verse anchors the sermon’s discussion of the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and God’s judgment on those who rejoiced over Israel’s downfall.  * Genesis 25: 21–26 — Rebecca’s pregnancy with Jacob and Esau, including the prophecy that “the older will serve the younger.” Used to frame the recurring biblical theme of God choosing the unexpected.  Genesis Narrative References (discussed, not fully quoted) * Genesis 25: 29–34 — Esau selling his birthright for stew.  * Genesis 27 — Jacob deceiving Isaac and stealing Esau’s blessing.  * Genesis 32–33 — Jacob wrestling with God, being renamed Israel, and reconciling with Esau.  New Testament Gospel Text * The Gospel According to Luke 10: 25–37 — The parable of the Good Samaritan, including:  * “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” * “Love the Lord your God…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (quoting the law)  * “Who is my neighbor?” and Jesus’ parable of radical mercy across boundaries.  * “Go and do likewise.” Additional Biblical Themes / Allusions * Genesis Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) — briefly referenced in relation to God repeatedly choosing the “lesser” or unexpected person.  * The Gospel According to Matthew 2: 1–18 — King Herod and the massacre of infants, connected to Herod’s Edomite lineage.  The sermon’s main biblical arc was: Obadiah → Jacob & Esau (Genesis) → the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), all pointing to the idea that God continually works through the unexpected and calls us to love beyond our boundaries. Pastor Scott also referenced: * Maccabean history / the Maccabean Revolt (167 BC) — historical background explaining the lead-up to Roman rule and the rise of Herod.  * King Herod’s Edomite (Idumean) lineage — historical context tying Matthew’s nativity story back to Esau and Edom.

May 31, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 36

In this week’s message, we step into the raw honesty of Lamentations and explore what it means to grieve, complain, and wrestle honestly with pain before God. Through reflections on revenge, forgiveness, and the surprising freedom of lament, we’re reminded that while hurt can tempt us toward bitterness, God invites us to bring every grievance to Him and rediscover His faithfulness. Join us as we learn how honest lament can become a pathway to healing, hope, and grace. Primary Sermon Texts * Lamentations 3: 10–20 — The vivid imagery of suffering and lament (“like a bear lying in wait,” “broken my teeth with gravel,” “my splendor is gone”). This is the sermon’s main emotional anchor. * Lamentations 3: 21–26 — “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope… because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… great is your faithfulness.” The sermon’s movement from lament to hope centers on this passage. New Testament References * Romans 12: 19 — “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath… ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Used to frame the discussion on revenge, grievance, and surrendering vengeance to God. * Hebrews 4: 14–16 — Jesus as the High Priest who sympathizes with our weakness and invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Used to emphasize that Christ understands suffering and lament personally. Main Book Reference * The Science of Revenge (https://a.co/d/00OLEf1q) — discussed extensively as a framework for understanding revenge and grievance as a kind of addiction driven by dopamine and repetitive mental “trials” against those who hurt us. Pastor Scott used it to connect the themes of lament, vengeance, and forgiveness in Lamentations to modern psychology. Additional Resource Mentioned * The Miracle Court (app/resource by James Kimmel Jr.: https://www.miraclecourt.com/app-1) — mentioned near the end of the sermon as a practical tool to work through grievances, forgiveness, and the temptation toward revenge by reframing how we process conflict.

May 24, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 35

In this Pentecost message, we reflect on the heartbreak of exile, the ways we wander toward idols and self-interest, and the surprising hope God plants in the middle of brokenness. Through the image of a tender shoot growing into a mighty cedar, we’re reminded that even when hope feels lost, God is still at work—bringing life, shelter, and renewal through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we celebrate a God who never stops restoring, breathing new life into weary hearts and calling us home.  Forevergreen film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4EPW7JUMTM Primary Sermon Texts: * Jeremiah 17:1–4 — Judah’s sin engraved on their hearts; exile as judgment for idolatry and unfaithfulness.  * Ezekiel 17:22–24 — The image of God taking a tender shoot from a cedar and planting it so it grows into a great tree where birds find shelter (the sermon’s central metaphor, interpreted christologically).

May 17, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 34

In this week’s message, we wrestle with one of Scripture’s hardest passages and the sobering reality that God takes sin seriously—but we also discover the surprising thread of mercy woven through the story. From Ezekiel’s mark to the Passover lamb and the cross of Christ, we’re reminded that God’s deepest desire is not destruction, but redemption and rescue. Join us as we explore what it means to be marked by grace, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and held securely in the hands of a God who never lets go.

May 10, 2026 - Bible in a Year - Week 33

In this week’s message, we step into the heartbreak of the Babylonian exile and hear God’s surprising call to His people: build homes, plant gardens, raise families, and learn to rest even in the middle of uncertainty. Through Jeremiah’s words and the promise of Christ, we’re reminded that God does not abandon His people in suffering—He remains faithful, even when life feels shattered beyond repair. Join us as we reflect on the hope of resurrection, the patience of waiting, and the simple, powerful prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.”