“How do you do it? How do you stay so positive with so much negativity in the world?” “How can you go on? How can you find joy in life when you’ve dealt with so much pain and loss?” Those questions have been asked of God’s people since sin entered the world.
Our theme tonight is from Garden to Garden, specifically looking at the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. The closer you look, an incredible symmetry is revealed between Eden and Gethsemane. Listen to how God reverses things, how Jesus redeems the past from Garden to Garden.
Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing, you’re doing everything the right way, and you’re still struggling?
I think that I’d always gotten the impression that it was sinful for the Israelites to ask for a king. We certainly get that impression from 1 Samuel chapter 8.
We grasp the story of the Passover and then trace the lamb which spans the entire Bible. We begin our journey on the road to redemption this Lenten season by traveling from lamb to Lamb.
There’s just something about mountains that inspires awe. I don’t know if it’s the height or the way they lift our eyes to the sky, but there’s something about mountains.
How long is your rope? Where do your wits end? How high is it, “up to here?” How far down is your rock bottom? No matter who you are, you’ve felt frustrated from time to time.
Your heart drives your behavior, but what drives the heart? The answer: Habit. A sermon based on Psalm 1.
Of all the miracles recorded in the Bible, which one is the greatest? That’s kind of an unanswerable question, isn’t it? It’s like debating the greatest world leader of all time or the greatest invention of all time. There’s really not a right answer. Some could argue the day when the sun “stood still,” others when Moses parted the Red Sea, still others the raising of Lazarus from the dead. We could keep listing miracles until the cows come home, but we’re never going to get a definitive answer.
Remember the love of Christ which has given you ears to hear. May we always respond like Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
2310 Independence Lane
Madison, WI 53704
