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Podcast: FLC Sermons

How Easy is Entry to Heaven?

Both readings this week are tough. Moses gives the newly-freed Israelites dozens and dozens of commandments (some are pretty picky) and tells them that their entire future depends on obedience. Jesus makes Moses look soft compared to the requirements he has to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Does he REALLY mean we have to be perfect? 

Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Matthew 5:21-37 

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How Easy is Entry to Heaven?
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You’re My Kind of Salt

Jesus told his followers, “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world.” (Mt. 5)
Ever considered what kind of salt? What kind of light? How do you flavor creation and the culture around you? Where do you shine? How does faith – and Faith Lutheran Church – spice up and shed light on the world? Jesus didn’t say, “if” or “maybe.” You ALREADY are! We get to be that. Thanks be to God!

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 5:13-20 

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Good News
You're My Kind of Salt
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Blessed and Burned: A Fine Line

Jesus tells his followers that they’re lucky/blessed when they find themselves in trouble. It’s a very blessed/lucky person who can find joy in those times. If you’ve been a friend or needed a friend in times of trouble, you may know that alien sense of joy. Love is always a blessing…especially when it’s need the most.

Accompanying Scripture:
Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12 

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Good News
Blessed and Burned: A Fine Line
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Fishing or Trolling?

Jesus invited his first disciples to “fish for people.” Our culture is better at trolling (attacking) people. Reinhold Neibuhr suggested (in Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Cynic) that people need to be lured – not argued – into righteousness. Jesus did a little cajoling, a little arguing, and a lot of loving people into righteousness.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 9:1-4; Matthew 4:12-23 

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Fishing or Trolling?
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When Questions are More Interesting Than Answers

Two new disciples approach Jesus with a question, “Where?” Instead of answering it with a location fact, Jesus invites them into a relationship. Epiphany (these seven Sundays before Lent starts) is an invitation to “come and see” Jesus by seeing and living with him… and taking a look at where we might need to look at ourselves.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42 

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When Questions are More Interesting Than Answers
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With You God is Well Pleased!

This week we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism. Listen as Guest Preacher Tara Spuhler McCabe explores the state of organized religion in our area and how the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism connects us to each other and the spirit of God’s love, grace and forgiveness.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 42:1-9 ; Matthew 3:13-17 

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Good News
With You God is Well Pleased!
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Traveling Light

Joseph and Mary run for their lives… and the life of their son. King Herod dealt with competition ruthlessly (he had his own son killed) so the threat to the Holy Family was serious. When in life have you wanted to run away? When have you been a safe haven for someone who was afraid? 

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 63:7-9; Matthew 2:13-23

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Traveling Light
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Following Your Dream: Courageous or Crazy?

St. Matthew tells us that Joseph was “a righteous man.” In virtually any situation, Joseph did things “by the book.” This time, he knew exactly what he should do and decided to do something else. Courageous or crazy? Yes. A leap of faith is often scary. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25

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Following Your Dream: Courageous or Crazy?
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The Key to Life is…

John the Baptizer was in prison (for embarrassing King Herod) and wondering if he’d been wrong about Jesus and the kind of reign the Messiah would bring. Jesus says,“Watch what’s been happening and decide if that is God at work in the world.” John announced, “Justice is coming!!!” Jesus acted out mercy. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11

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The Key to Life is...
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Make a Way in the Wilderness

Two prophets with the same message: Make a road! Get ready! Isaiah and John the Baptizer warned people that change was coming and to prepare for it. How do you prepare for when family or guests are arriving? How does God prepare us for the King to come? And, for the Kingdom to come?

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12

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Good News
Make a Way in the Wilderness
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Faith Lutheran Church

3313 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

703.525.9283 (Church)
703.525.1375 (Preschool)

Worship Times

9 am Contemporary Worship

11 am Blended Traditional Worship with Livestream

We invite you to join us this Sunday.