To Seek and To Save

Ready for the Harvest Series: WATCHFUL | Matthew 25:1-13 Sermon

On to Maturity: About God’s Word | Matthew 10:16-23 Sermon

On to Maturity Series | About Love: 2 John 1-6

On To Maturity Series | About Government: Daniel 1:3-21 sermon

Grow Up Into Him Series | Fixed On Fruits: Matthew 21:33-43 Sermon

Grow Up Into Him Series | Grow Down to Grow Up: Matthew 21:23-32

Grow Up Into Him Series | Serving God’s Way: Matthew 20:1-16 Sermon

A Time of Testing 5 | Stuck in Samaria, 2 Kings 6-7

A pressure cooker unlike any other: Samaria, the northern kingdom’s capital city, is under an excruciating siege. But God is not sought after or trusted, but rather blamed. So God sends a miracle through the Word of his prophet to demonstrate once again that he knows how to deliver, no matter the odds.

Grow Up Into Him Series | Forgive Like God Forgives: Genesis 50:15-21

As we grow up into Jesus spiritually, we are also putting death and growing out of ourselves. One huge application is in our relationships with others who have hurt us. Jesus doesn’t just point us in his new direction, he empowers us by his forgiveness to say our thanks to him by forgiving others as … Grow Up Into Him Series | Forgive Like God Forgives: Genesis 50:15-21 Read More »

Grow Up Into Him Series: Your Brother’s Keeper | Ezekiel 33:7-11 Sermon

Last month we learn from Scripture about life like a plant with God himself as our perfect and gracious Gardener. Great. Now what? It’s time to grow. As little kids, we long to grow up, to dress up in mom’s jewels or put on dad’s shoes. We just can’t wait to get bigger. Growing up … Grow Up Into Him Series: Your Brother’s Keeper | Ezekiel 33:7-11 Sermon Read More »

Grow Up Into Him Series | Take Up Your Cross: Matthew 16:21-26 Sermon

Last month we learn from Scripture about life like a plant with God himself as our perfect and gracious Gardener. Great. Now what? It’s time to grow. As little kids, we long to grow up, to dress up in mom’s jewels or put on dad’s shoes. We just can’t wait to get bigger. Growing up … Grow Up Into Him Series | Take Up Your Cross: Matthew 16:21-26 Sermon Read More »

Trust Your Gardener Series: He is the Christ | Matthew 16:13-20

Bonus: The last few minutes of this podcast feature a new setting of Psalm 138 by Pastor Bondow called “Do Not Let Go”, using metrical lyrics for the verses from the 2021 New Hymnal Project.

A Time of Testing 4 | With the Arameans in 2 Kings 6

Who knew a prophet could be a military’s secret weapon? Until the secret is out and a head-hunt is on… The Arameans will stop at nothing to get the W, but even then they find themselves as captives in the capital city of their enemies. When do you think they might finally realize you can’t … A Time of Testing 4 | With the Arameans in 2 Kings 6 Read More »

Trust Your Gardener Series: God is a Guardian | Matthew 14:22-33

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2. Scriptures abound that describe us as plants and highlight our reliance upon God and … Trust Your Gardener Series: God is a Guardian | Matthew 14:22-33 Read More »

Heart Song Series: Stirred Soul | Isaiah 44:6-11

Read through Isaiah 40-48 some time and see if you can sense a mood. God is stirred, as usual, and zealous for you. He can’t stand to see you hanging out with idols, heart after the wrong helpers, misplaced trust in what ultimately does nothing for you. The Lord is so different and he wants … Heart Song Series: Stirred Soul | Isaiah 44:6-11 Read More »

A Time of Testing 3: With Naaman | 2 Kings 5

People say the Lord works in mysterious ways. But maybe that’s not how the Lord would say it himself. In this account with Naaman, take a look at how God uses a variety of people in Naaman’s life to demonstrate his power and mercy. Naaman will never be the same – will you? =)

A Time of Testing 2: The Shunammite | With 2 Kings 4

What to do with a believing woman who demonstrates her God’s love with active faith? God tested it to make her stronger. He gave her a son – “don’t get my hopes up!” – and then her son died young. Listen in and be encouraged to let God be God and do his seeking and … A Time of Testing 2: The Shunammite | With 2 Kings 4 Read More »

Resting Place | Romans 7:15-25

Week Two of our “Heart Song” Worship Series For a heart to sing, it must be stilled and calmed from all its troubles. With so much unrest and unsettled aspects of our lives, we get tired and weary. The worst offender, though, remains the pain and burden of our own sinfulness. With deep gratitude, we … Resting Place | Romans 7:15-25 Read More »

A Time of Testing: Just What You Needed, Right?

Stories of Scripture always speak to the varied circumstances of our lives, especially the hardest ones, if only to demonstrate the way of the Lord through suffering. Let’s put our fear of hard times behind us and grow in the way we talk about the most weak and embarrassing parts of our story. Let yours … A Time of Testing: Just What You Needed, Right? Read More »

New Eyes – Matthew 6:24-34 | All Things NEW Series

“Don’t worry!” Your heavenly Father’s steadfast love is constant, and he wants to give you peace based not on an abundance of possessions but on the contentment that comes from living out of his hand. He teaches us to trust him and to be content with our Father’s care.

Worse Than Horrible, But You Must See It – Part Two | With Judges 20-21

These podcast conversations are a must. Today. Now. God is definitely not aloof to the pain of any horrific tragedy or crime we see in our world. He put many of those stories in Scripture for a reason. Because he knows what evil is and expresses a great lament. Yet he remains the One with heaven’s wisdom and strength to seek and save us from it all. Judges 20-21 | 6-11-2020 …

Worse Than Horrible, But You Must See It – Part One | Judges 19-20:7

These podcast conversations are a must. Today. Now. God is definitely not aloof to the pain of any horrific tragedy or crime we see in our world. He put many of those stories in Scripture for a reason. Because he knows what evil is and expresses a great lament. Yet he remains the One with heaven’s wisdom and strength to seek and save us from it all. So wrestle with the hard topics and conversations we must see and face today. Get engaged, but all the while let’s consider the path to buildin...

All Things New: A New Spirit | John 7:37-39

All Things New: Exploring Your New Life By Word & Spirit We didn’t need COVID-19 to teach us that life never stays the same. We didn’t need racism and murder to teach us that life can’t stay the same. This is exactly why Jesus promised us all along to make all things new. And his work has already begun. The Spirit of our God is ever at work to make us new. So we’re going to see what God’s Word says that we might enter each new day renewed in faith, hope and love. John 7:37-39 | 5-31-2020 …

What do you mean, “To Seek and To Save”? With Zacchaeus in Luke 19

This podcast got its start because of Jesus’ own purpose statement and mission – “for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” – in Luke 19. Clint joins in as we discuss the story and statement that brings sinners like us to the saving words of the Son who came from heaven. More podcasts to come will explore stories of how God seeks us and connects us to his saving love in Jesus. Explore this with us and be challenged by the God who never ceases to desire and work that we might be...

Victory No Matter What | Acts 1:12-26 Sermon

The ministry Jesus set into motion was one to proclaim his Word and drive believers forward to the day they would see him with their own eyes again. It was a ministry that proclaimed the resurrection through the mouths of sinners and to a world of sinners. Listen closely – this Word is for you – no matter what! And this word of God’s loving grace through Jesus brings you forgiveness and eternal life – no matter what! Acts 1:12-26 | 5-24-2020 …

Victory in Daily Life | Acts 17:22-31

Life is full of little victories, they say. The only problem is, they don’t last. In that sense, they will always remain little victories. But it’s time for you to know a different kind of victory. One that is permanent with enduring strength and unchanging no matter the challenger. That’s the type of victory God has given all people through his Son. Explore this daily victory in Jesus with us and leave life’s little victories behind. 5-17-2020 …

The Only Victory to Heaven | Acts 4:8-12

Do you see where the battle is? It’s not a battle over MRI results or needing a good ACT score or college application acceptance, or job opening or skill recognition or pregnancy test response or particular retirement savings put away – none of these are crucial to peace of mind and living life untroubled. But so often that’s where we fight the hardest! Wherever your worry is, there you are fighting. But you fight with worry and fear – really useless weapons – and those battles are already...

Victory Over Bad Choices -Living A Shepherded Life | Acts 2:42-47

The service theme for this was “Victory Over Bad Choices” on a Sunday also called Good Shepherd Sunday. The picture of Jesus as our shepherd is filled with powerful statements and promises that speak to his great care for our lives. Listen to his voice – turning from all others – that you may have life…and have it to the full! Acts 2:42-27 | 5-3-2020 …

Victory Over Despair | Acts 2:32-41

No one enjoys the feeling of despair, when every last bit of hope is gone. But the key to what conquers despair is a hope that can never disappoint or fail. That’s how Jesus’ resurrection changes the way we hope in God. Listen in as Peter helps us leave the “house” that is doomed to perish and pushes us into Jesus’ everlasting arms. Acts 2:32-41 | 4-26-2020 …

Victory Over Skepticism | Acts 2:22-32

Fact-checking, asking questions to investigate a topic and inquiry are tools we use – being human – in order to gain a clearer perspective on what is real and true. The Word of God is filled with truth statements and claims. At the same time, though, it assumes the reality of God and the operation of his wonders and miracles – doing the impossible before our eyes – throughout time. You can’t investigate it all, but that doesn’t mean God hasn’t given us good reasons to view his telling of hi...

Living Savior – Name that Says It All | Matthew 28:1-10 Easter Sunday Sermon

It’s the perfect name for our church, a great two-word summary of what we believe and why it matters. “Living Savior” says it all and may it never be the same for us again! Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Matthew 28:1-10 | 4-12-2020 …

Come Closer | Isaiah 52-53 Sermon for Good Friday

Isaiah helps us learn just how closely we are connected to the cross of Christ on Good Friday. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 | 4-10-2020 …

As I Have Loved You | John 13:1-15, 34 Sermon for Maundy Thursday

Jesus’ service to us has no comparison. His love is not matched, his ministry no parallel. Let this love serve you that you might know it and use it in service to others. John 13:1-15, 34 | 4-9-2020 …

Every.Barrier.Down. | Palm Sunday Crew of One

Jesus is our Crew of One to the cross, our King of grace and gentleness, who alone is worthy of all pomp and praise. Come, listen to his invitation and lift your palm branch and raise your voice at his lowly coming, dying, and rising for you! Matthew 21:1-11 | 4-5-2020 …

Love – So Amazing, So Divine: In the Tomb

This is our final midweek sermon on the Passion History of our Lord Jesus for this year. We close with his burial and the sealing of his tomb as the Word of God is made sure for us. We can live boldly, confess our creed in the One crucified, died and buried, and live in the confident new life of Christ. Intro hymn: Were You There, stanza 3 Matthew 27:57-66 | 4-1-2020 …

Every.Barrier.Down. The Barrier of Death and the Grave

If Jesus defeats even death, then what? As we grieve the changes in our lives and face fears for the greatest change brought to all by death, we see Jesus in perfect grace and glory to do what he came to do – flip death on its head and be resurrection and life for us. We know we are not home as long as we are in this world, but Jesus helps us remember that in him we are fully bound to a life that will never end. Sermon on John 11:17-27, 38-45 (but consider reading the whole chapter). John 1...

On the Cross: Our Silent Savior Says So Much

A beam, a drink refused, the lots cast for his clothes and the mocking shouts from all parties around him…as so much happens to Jesus, we still get to learn of the particular strength he is bringing us by his weakness. Look to him when you suffer and fall, look to him for warm grace to minister to your own sinful mockery. He suffers and stays silent just for you. Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Matthew 27:32-44 | 3-25-2020 …

The Barrier of Spiritual Blindness – Yet How Jesus Makes Day and Night Alike

The trouble we feel each day seems amplified. Don’t give up. Don’t give in to worry and fear with a need to control every detail of your life – for those are the tools of spiritual blindness. Jesus takes down such barriers between you and a life of peace and victory with God. Tune in and find out how Night and Day are both alike with our Lord. Sermon on John 9, selected verses. John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39 | 3-22-2020 …

This is the Day | Exodus 14:21-31 family devotion

This the day of deliverance as the people of God walk miraculously on dry ground through the Red Sea and the entire Egyptian army is defeated. In other words, “it is finished!” – the same smell of victory we have in Jesus. With the changes and challenges of the coronavirus, here is something like a devotion from our family to yours that together we may be a “living family” in the Lord and in the eternal life he gives us. FYI, this is the last time a family devotion will be posted to “To Se...

Before Pilate: Slow Down for Strength in Suffering

The Spirit guided each Gospel writer to slow down for the stories that comprise Jesus’ suffering and death for us. Matthew’s Gospel features 141 verses of betrayal, injustice, mockery and death before spending 20 verses on Jesus’ resurrection and glory. Take the strength and life this Jesus is giving you that you too may be strong when life is dark and hard. Sermon based on Matthew 27:11-26. Background music is a musical setting of Psalm 14 from Christian Worship Supplement by Northwestern ...

God shields us from harm | Exodus 14:15-20

With the changes and challenges of the coronavirus, here is something like a devotion from our family to yours that together we may be a “living family” in the Lord and in the eternal life he gives us. God shield your hearts with the peace of his presence and promises just as he has always done. Music: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Stanza 1 …

Living Family | Devotion on Exodus 14:1-14

With the changes and challenges of the coronavirus, here is “something like a devotion” from our family to yours that together we may be a forever family in the Lord. God fill your hearts with the peace of his presence and promises just as he has always done. Song: “Oh the Lord is Good To Me” – also a good meal prayer! Exodus 14:1-14 | 3-18-2020 …

Living Family | Devotion on Exodus 13:17-21

With the changes and challenges of the coronavirus, here is “something like a devotion” from our family to yours that together we may be a forever family in the Lord. God fill your hearts with the peace of his presence and promises just as he has always done. Exodus 13:17-21 Devotion | 3-17-2020 …

Rise and Shine, Lord Jesus, to Make Us Salt and Light

Tune in and hear from Jesus about the way the grace and love of God impact our lives immediately. The Lord turns our hearts toward others to share the light of his goodness that we might all join to glorify our heavenly Father. Based on Matthew 5:13-20. Delivered at Living Savior on February 9, 2020, by Pastor Daniel Bondow. …

Rise and Shine, Lord Jesus, to Teach Us the Blessed Life

Jesus is full of surprises when he begins his great Sermon to his disciples. Turns out that those who would inherit the earth and possess the kingdom of heaven are the most spiritually poor and mournful people of all. To be honest, he is reaching out to each one of us in the raw space of our terrible sinfulness and handing over the splendors of his gifts of grace, forgiveness and eternal life. Sermon on Matthew 5:1-12. Delivered at Living Savior Lutheran Church on February 2, 2020, by Pastor...