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”
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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”
PODCASTS AVAILABLE
Hey followers, this is just a friendly notice that if you’d like to get content from this blog via podcate, Pastor Aaron’s posts are now available on Spotify. You can search for “Aaron Kalbas” or just click on the link below. Soon every episode of the devotional series on Matthew will be available via podcast.ContinueContinue reading “PODCASTS AVAILABLE”
Devotion #6
Maybe it was the late hour of the night when I was reading and writing, but Matthew’s description of Jesus’ baptism made me think of a YouTube video I watched years ago. It was a clip from a TV show called “Britain’s Got Talent.” (I’ve included a video link at the bottom of this post.)ContinueContinue reading “Devotion #6”
Devotion #5
John was a strange guy. He ate locusts and wild honey, dressed in camel’s hair, and lived out in the wilderness. He stuck out like sore thumb, uncomfortable and strange. John was a constant reminder to sinners that something’s gotta change. But John seems strange for other reasons, also. His preaching is strange. He says,ContinueContinue reading “Devotion #5”
O Lord, open my lips... 