pastoraaronkalbas

The Weird Ways of Forgiveness

In Luke 6:27-38, Jesus outlines beautifully, yet weirdly, that a Christian, when hated, responds with love. When cursed, a Christian responds with blessing. A Christian, when abused, responds with prayer. When encountering someone in need, a Christian blesses generously. When things are stolen, a Christian, does not seek repayment. Like I said, this is weirdContinueContinue reading “The Weird Ways of Forgiveness”

It’s Complicated: A Parable about Shame & Grace

Sermon based on Luke 15:11-32 A Shameful Request. An Unexpected Response A respected man was blessed with two sons. One day, his younger son says to him, “Father, give me the share of the family property coming to me.” Saying this was as good as telling your father he’s worth more to you dead thanContinueContinue reading “It’s Complicated: A Parable about Shame & Grace”

A Sermon for when Evil Things Happen as did in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, 2025–“Senseless Suffering, Unstoppable Salvation”

“Senseless suffering. Unstoppable Salvation.” Sermon Text: Matthew 2:13-23 Over the past many weeks, we have rejoiced in the miraculous birth of our Lord, Immanuel, God with us. We’ve reflected on the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, who submitted to the will of God and raised this child and named Him Jesus. We’ve reflected on theContinueContinue reading “A Sermon for when Evil Things Happen as did in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, 2025–“Senseless Suffering, Unstoppable Salvation””

Reformation Reflections: The Power of a Single voice

2024 Sermon | By Pastor Aaron Kalbas What was the Protestant Reformation, and who was Martin Luther? Obviously, the answers to these fundamental questions reveal much about our history and faith. I encourage you to read more about the Reformation and Luther this week, but today, let’s reflect on one pivotal thing about the Reformation:ContinueContinue reading “Reformation Reflections: The Power of a Single voice”

Voting with Faith: Christian Responsibilities Explained

No church or pastor should ever endorse outright a particular candidate for office. The Church’s only endorsement is Jesus Christ. After all, Jesus has never flip-flopped on key issues, used race-based identity politics, or had a questionable haircut. No. Indeed, the Church preaches Christ crucified and Christ risen for the sake of sinners. This, andContinueContinue reading “Voting with Faith: Christian Responsibilities Explained”

The Suffering Servant and the Serum Relay: A Call to Endure

Text: Isaiah 50:4-10 The Winter of 1925 was terrifying for the residents of Nome, Alaska. After treating four cases of what appeared to be tonsillitis, the only doctor in town, Dr. Curtis Welch, came to a horrifying conclusion. It wasn’t tonsillitis, it was the extremely contagious and deadly diphtheria. And without an antitoxin, the wholeContinueContinue reading “The Suffering Servant and the Serum Relay: A Call to Endure”

Trading Blessings for Sin: Lessons from Mark 6:14-29

You know, it’s beyond frightening to think about how easily we can trade incredible blessings in life in order to accomplish sin’s bidding. First, just think about how much peace God offers us in the gospel through His word, yet we so often choose chaos, instead. Sinners that we are, if onlyw we could forContinueContinue reading “Trading Blessings for Sin: Lessons from Mark 6:14-29”

Forgiveness is Awkward

Our Lord was at home, just trying to get a little rest and relaxation. But the people just kept coming. According to Mark 2:1-12, Jesus’ house was full, standing room only, everyone hanging on His every word. Suddenly a hole is torn-out in the roof, debris comes raining down. People squint looking up into the sunlight nowContinueContinue reading “Forgiveness is Awkward”

Ashes & Valentines: The Connection between Ash Wednesday & Valentine’s Day

What connection is there between Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day? Well, “today” for starters. This hasn’t happened since 2018. It has happened three times in the last century – 1923, 1934 and 1945 – and will happen again in 2029 for the final time this century! At my church, we’ll be reflecting on some powerful connectionsContinueContinue reading “Ashes & Valentines: The Connection between Ash Wednesday & Valentine’s Day”

What if God was One of Us?

Jesus consistently defied the normal way of doing things. This is most espeically true in regards to anything involving forgiveness and reconciliation. Because the world is pretty screwed up when it comes to such things–we are pretty screwed up, too. Most of the time, when reconciliation is necessary, we expect the person who did the wrong—whoContinueContinue reading “What if God was One of Us?”