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Turn Towards, Not Away
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Turn Towards, Not Away

    Turn Towards, Not Away

    “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

    What trials and tests are you facing right now?

    When life’s trials come at us, it can be easy to get mad at God for causing it or letting it happen. We focus on what hurts and offends us. We forget our sin and its consequences and we forget the great mercy and grace God has shown us. As we get angry, we turn away from Him.

    With each attack on our faith, we are called to endure, to turn to God rather than away from Him.

    I’m reminded of Peter in John 6:68. Jesus had been teaching and some of His teachings offended the people. They walked away saying Jesus’ teachings were too hard. Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave, too.

    “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,”

    Between the economy, the virus, and politics, you are likely feeling under attack right now. What better time to turn to God? What better time to lean into His arms and seek His strength and peace? He will strengthen you and raise you up on wings like an eagle. He will not leave you. He will carry you through.

    Read Psalm 91:1-16.

    He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
        will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
    2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
        my God, in whom I trust.”

    3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
        and from the deadly pestilence.
    4 He will cover you with his pinions,
        and under his wings you will find refuge;
        his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
    5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
        nor the arrow that flies by day,
    6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
        nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

    7 A thousand may fall at your side,
        ten thousand at your right hand,
        but it will not come near you.
    8 You will only look with your eyes
        and see the recompense of the wicked.

    9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
        the Most High, who is my refuge—
    10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
        no plague come near your tent.

    11 For he will command his angels concerning you
        to guard you in all your ways.
    12 On their hands they will bear you up,
        lest you strike your foot against a stone.
    13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
        the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

    14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
        I will protect him, because he knows my name.
    15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
        I will be with him in trouble;
        I will rescue him and honor him.
    16 With long life I will satisfy him
        and show him my salvation.”

    In Christ’s Service,

    Pastor Kurt

    Are You A Little Baby?
    Kurt Steinbrueck
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    Are You A Little Baby?

      are you a little baby?

      “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:5-8

      Are you growing in your faith-life?

      For anyone who has kids or knows kids, one of the exciting things of watching them grow up is seeing them discover new things and become more knowledgeable and capable. They learn to count, then read, and soon they are discovering how the world works around them. They learn to feed themselves, get dressed, and do different kinds of work.

      Your life in Christ is similar, you grow!

      You are saved by grace through faith. No doubt about that. No works needed for your salvation. Once you receive faith, you are alive in Christ just like a child is alive once they are conceived and born. However, also like a child, you should be growing in knowledge and actions.

      This comes by studying the Bible, praying, meeting with other Christians, and putting what you learn into practice. 2 Peter describes this growth as supplementing your faith so that you are effective and fruitful in your knowledge of the Lord.

      In other words, 

      “Great! You know Jesus as Lord and Savior. You are saved. Now, put that knowledge into practice so you see a lot of fruit for the Kingdom of God.”

      It’s good to examine ourselves from time to time to see if we are thriving or just surviving. To be clear, this isn’t a matter of checking our life to see if we are saved. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. It’s seeing if we are growing in our knowledge of the Lord and putting those things into practice as people made alive in Christ.

      Note: Putting what we learn about God into practice includes being repentant. We’ll never perfectly follow Jesus, but we can learn to come to Him regularly in confession and repentance. That’s a big part of living out our faith!

      Take a few minutes and examine yourself.

      What are some areas where you could be growing?

      Heavenly Father,

      Thank You for saving me solely by Your mercy and grace. I could never earn it. Thank You for the new life You have given me in Jesus. Help me to always seek to know You more, put Your commands into practice, and live a life of repentance.

      Amen.

      In Christ’s Service,

      Pastor Kurt

      Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel
      Kurt Steinbrueck
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      Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel

        light at the end of a dark tunnel

        “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – 2 Peter 1:4

        How’s your life going?

        Is it perfect or are there some things that aren’t going well, maybe many things which are seriously wrong?

        We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin and that leads to all kinds of sin, suffering, and pain. We suffer through abuse, disease, loneliness, financial uncertainty, addiction, sin, and more. Even outside our own lives, we look at the state of our nation or world and it can be scary. At times it may feel like you are in a dark tunnel with no end. However…

        There is hope.

        Christ has overcome this world. He will not let this go on forever. There is hope in the world around us. Moreover, He makes us His children by faith. There is hope in our own lives. He is the light of the world and He is the light in that dark tunnel.

        When we suffer through the corruption of this sinful world, it can be easy to get lost in it, but God reminds us that through Christ we also overcome this world. We may suffer for a while now, but we will be with him in a new heaven and new earth one day with no such corruption and suffering.

        Even in the midst of the darkness of this world, God shines His light here and now through His Word and through His people, the church.

        In our suffering and the craziness of the world around us, let us remember who we are in Christ and keep our eyes focused on Him and His promises. Let us look to the one who gives peace in the storm. Let us set our hope in Jesus.

        Dear Jesus,

        This world can be pretty scary at times and seems to be falling further and further away from You. My own life has times of hardship and suffering that can take me to a dark place. Please lift me out of the darkness. Set my eyes on You. Remind me of Your promises and help me to trust them. My hope is in You, Lord.

        Amen.

        In Christ’s Service,

        Pastor Kurt

        Do You Like Tests?
        Kurt Steinbrueck
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        Do You Like Tests?

          Do you like tests?

          “But he knows the way that I take;
          when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
          My feet have closely followed his steps;
          I have kept to his way without turning aside.” – Job 23:10-11

          Do you like tests?

          Do you like being tested?

          Most people don’t like tests. Sure some tests, like the one that tells you which Marvel Superhero you are can be fun, but when we take real tests, they can cause nervousness and stress.

          Does God test us?

          The Bible tells us that God will never tempt us to sin, but He does test us. There’s a big difference!

          Think of Abraham and Isaac (Gen 22). Abraham had no children, but God had promised to give him many descendants. Finally, long after he and his wife, Sara, should have been able to conceive, they had a son, Isaac. Then God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son. That’s a test!

          Why?

          Job says that God knows the way He takes because God tested him. It’s not that God didn’t know before the test. It’s that the test allowed Job and God to experience what would happen. Job grows through these tests. He’s gone through a difficult time or had to make a difficult decision and come through it faithfully. He’s more prepared for what will happen in the future.

          They may not be fun to go through, but tests strengthen us. They teach us about God’s faithfulness. They help us trust.

          Next time you are going through a difficult time or have a hard choice to make (maybe you are right now), rather than getting frustrated or accusing God, seek Him and His wisdom and trust that He will work through it. It may be a test. You can grow through it.

          Heavenly Father,

          Tests aren’t easy, but I know You work through them. I also know I need to grow. Help me to faithfully go through any tests You give. Help me to turn to You at all times, but especially when things are difficult.

          Amen.

          In Christ’s Service,

          Pastor Kurt

          He Chose You
          Kurt Steinbrueck
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          He Chose You

            he chose you

            “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:4-5

            When did you come to Jesus?

            Sorry, it’s a trick question. You didn’t come to Jesus. Jesus came to you.

            This is a tricky subject in Christianity. Many good Christian people talk about coming to faith or making a decision for Jesus. I understand. That’s what it feels like. However, the Bible describes something different.

            We are dead in our transgressions until God makes us alive in Christ. Dead people don’t do anything. I once heard a pastor describe salvation as us being in the ocean drowning and Jesus is the lifeguard. We just need to call out to Him. This pastor’s heart was in the right place. He was trying to get people to believe.

            Unfortunately, before Christ we aren’t drowning in our sin, we have drowned. It’s done. They are dead. We can’t call out. Like a great lifeguard, however, Jesus still goes out and saves us. He sees our spiritually dead corpse and gives us life. He gives us Faith. Then we call out, not in desperation as one drowning, but in thanksgiving as one saved!

            Why does this matter?

            Aside from being true to the Word, if I had to come to Jesus, I may start to wonder if I meant it or did enough. My salvation becomes, at least in part, my work. This isn’t just an assumption on my part. I have spoken with several people over the years who have expressed this very thought to me. It’s scary.

            Anything to do with me is unsure. If it’s God’s work, on the other hand, it’s sure. Thankfully, it is God’s work and, thus, we can be sure of our salvation. You don’t have to doubt your faith or salvation because God worked it in you. There is great peace and rest in this.

            Praise the Lord!

            Heavenly Father,

            You have given me faith and given me life. My salvation is 100% a gift from You out of Your great love and grace. Thank you. Help me to rest in Your work.

            Amen.

            In Christ’s Service,

            Pastor Kurt

            The Secret to Being Content
            Kimberly
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            The Secret to Being Content

            The Secret to Being Content

            Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL
            Sermon for November 24, 2019
            Pastor Kurt Steinbrueck
            Visit us at https://faithwesleychapel.com/
            Follow us at facebook.com/FaithWesleyChapel/

            Join us for worship this Sunday at 4 pm.

            We use the dance studio at Song and Dance to hold worship services.

            Song and Dance, Inc.
            27221 Foamflower Blvd.
            Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

            See you Sunday and God bless!

            For more sermon videos please visit our Service Archive.

            Service Archive
            Service Archive
              21 Days of Prayer – Day 19
              Kurt Steinbrueck
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              21 Days of Prayer – Day 19

                21 Days of Prayer - Day 19

                Heavenly Father,

                You are the all powerful and ever-living God. You make us holy men and women through the blood of Jesus Christ. You make us Your children and fill us with Your Spirit. Thank You for Your love and Your grace.

                I confess that I sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. I have not loved You with my whole heart and I have not loved my neighbor as myself.

                 

                (take a moment to reflect on the past day and confess your sins.)

                 

                I am sorry for my sins and pray for Your great mercy. For the sake of Jesus Christ, please forgive me of all my sins.

                Amen.

                The Lord’s Prayer:

                Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
                Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
                Give us this day our daily bread;
                And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
                And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
                For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

                Amen

                Prayer of the Day:

                Heavenly Father,

                You cause the sun to rise on the evil and the good and send rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. You hold off the day of judgment so that more might be saved. You love all people.

                I pray for the people of Wesley Chapel and the surrounding areas. Bless them and care for them. The people of Wesley Chapel have great needs as all people do. Wesley Chapel has no downtown or central hub. Rather, it is a collection of disparate neighborhoods. I pray for a sense of community within Wesley Chapel, that all its residents may feel at home and work together for the good of all.

                I pray for those who struggle with the rapid change that is happening in Wesley Chapel. For some, their small, rural town is quickly transforming into a bustling suburbia. Provide for them and give them a sense of peace.

                Most importantly, I pray for the people of Wesley Chapel to come to know You as their Lord and Savior. In the 2010 census only 22% said they have a church home. I pray that Your Word would be proclaimed that all may hear it and receive faith.

                Be with Faith Lutheran Church. You have placed our congregation in Wesley Chapel for a purpose. Help us to be a light to the community. May we foster community and deep relationships. May we comfort those who struggle and care for them. May we share Your love and Your Gospel with those who have no church home.

                Amen.

                The Psalms:

                The Psalms have long been considered the prayer book of the Bible and have been used as prayers by countless Christians over the centuries. So, we join them in this practice and pray a Psalm.

                Psalm 4

                1 Answer me when I call to you,
                my righteous God.
                Give me relief from my distress;
                have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

                2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
                How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
                3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
                the Lord hears when I call to him.

                4 Tremble and do not sin;
                when you are on your beds,
                search your hearts and be silent.
                5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
                and trust in the Lord.

                6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
                Let the light of your face shine on us.
                7 Fill my heart with joy
                when their grain and new wine abound.

                8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
                for you alone, Lord,
                make me dwell in safety.

                (Take a few minutes to add your personal prayers, now.)

                Conclude your time of prayer with either Luther’s morning or evening prayer, depending on what time of day it is.

                Luther’s Morning Prayer:

                I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

                Luther’s Evening Prayer:

                I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray You to forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

                In Christ’s Service,

                Pastor Kurt

                Going the Distance
                Kimberly
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                Going the Distance

                Going the Distance

                  Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL
                  Sermon for October 20, 2019
                  Pastor Kurt Steinbrueck
                  Visit us at https://faithwesleychapel.com/
                  Follow us at facebook.com/FaithWesleyChapel/

                  Join us for worship this Sunday at 4 pm

                  We use the dance studio at Song and Dance to hold worship services.

                  Song and Dance, Inc.
                  27221 Foamflower Blvd.
                  Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

                  See you Sunday and God bless!

                  For more sermon videos please visit our Service Archive.

                  Service Archive
                  Growing in Faith
                  Kimberly
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                  Growing in Faith

                  Growing in Faith

                  Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL
                  Sermon for September 22, 2019
                  Pastor Kurt Steinbrueck
                  Visit us at https://faithwesleychapel.com/
                  Follow us at facebook.com/FaithWesleyChapel/

                  Join us for worship this Sunday at 4 pm

                  We use the dance studio at Song and Dance to hold worship services.

                  Song and Dance, Inc.
                  27221 Foamflower Blvd.
                  Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

                  See you Sunday and God bless!

                  For more sermon videos please visit our Service Archive.

                  Service Archive
                  By Faith You Rest in Christ
                  Kimberly
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                  0

                  By Faith You Rest in Christ

                  By Faith You Rest in Christ

                  Sermon for August 11, 2019

                  Join us for worship this Sunday at 4 pm.

                  We use the dance studio at Song and Dance to hold worship services.

                  Song and Dance, Inc.
                  27221 Foamflower Blvd.
                  Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

                  Follow us at facebook.com/FaithWesleyChapel/

                  See you Sunday and God bless!

                  Pastor Kurt Steinbrueck

                  For more sermon videos please visit our Service Archive.

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                    Visit Faith This Week
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                    27221 Foamflower Blvd.
                    Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
                    Ph: ‪(813) 602-1104‬
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