Sermons from Ascension Lutheran Church, RPV

In this week’s message, we step into the Babylonian exile and the story of Daniel to wrestle with what it truly means to be God’s people in a world that pulls us toward power, comfort, and compromise. Rather than blending in, we’re challenged to embrace a different calling—living as a distinct, even “strange,” community that speaks truth, practices radical forgiveness, and resists the lure of control. Join us as we explore how the ...

In this week’s message, guest Pastor Mike Jobst explores the consequences of pride and misplaced authority through the stories of Israel’s unfaithful kings and the rejection of Jesus as the true Messiah. As human leaders grasp for power and resist God’s will, we’re reminded that real life is found not in control, but in surrender. Join us as we reflect on what it means to recognize Christ as King and live daily in humble submission...

In this week’s message, we confront the reality of our wandering hearts and our constant search for something to worship. Through the story of Israel’s kings and relatable everyday examples, we’re reminded how easily we add “and” to our faith—looking to other things for satisfaction that only God can provide. Join us as we rediscover a God who is not jealous out of need, but out of love—calling us back to the one place where our he...

In this week’s message, we explore the fall of Israel’s kingdom and the deeper issues behind it—idolatry and the failure to care for the vulnerable. Through the powerful image of clay in the potter’s hands, we’re reminded that even when everything seems shattered, God is still at work, breaking and remaking for the sake of redemption. Join us as we discover the hope that no life is too broken for God to restore—and that, filled wit...

In this Easter message, we’re invited to move beyond the pressure of “you only live once” and into the life-changing truth of the resurrection. Through humor, modern culture, and Scripture, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t come to help us maximize a short life—but to give us eternal, abundant life that transforms everything. Join us as we celebrate the empty tomb and discover the freedom, hope, and lasting perspective that comes fr...

In this Palm Sunday message, we contrast the long line of flawed earthly kings with Jesus—the unexpected King who enters not with power and armies, but with humility and peace. As the crowd longs for a conqueror, Jesus reveals a radically different kingdom, one built not on force, but on sacrifice and the cross. Join us as we reflect on where we place our trust—and discover why true security is found not in power, but in the name o...

In this week’s Q&A message, we explore some of Scripture’s most intriguing questions—from unseen spiritual battles and the purpose of miracles to how we discern truth in a world full of competing voices. Along the way, we’re reminded that God’s reality extends beyond what we can see, and that faith, prayer, and trust in His truth are essential in navigating both the visible and invisible parts of life. Join us as we wrestle wit...

This week, we dive into the story of Jonah—not as a children’s tale, but as a powerful confrontation between human will and God’s boundless compassion. As Jonah resists God’s call to love his enemies, we’re challenged to examine our own struggles with forgiveness, pride, and surrender when our will collides with God’s. Join us as we explore what it means to move through that “wall,” let go of control, and embrace a simpler, deeper ...

In this week’s message, we explore the powerful story of Hosea and the painful reality of unfaithfulness—both in Israel’s history and in our own lives. Through themes of forgotten promises, chasing novelty, and the subtle “and” idols we attach to God, we’re confronted with how easily our hearts wander. Yet in the midst of it all, we encounter a God who never stops pursuing us—faithfully, relentlessly, and with a love that continual...

In this week’s message, we explore the stories of Elijah and Elisha and the purpose behind the miracles performed by God’s prophets. These miraculous signs were never about spectacle—they were meant to point people to the glory of God and call them back to faith. Join us as we reflect on how all these roles—prophet, priest, and king—are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the one who speaks truth, stands in our place, and reigns ...

In this week’s Q&A message, we tackle challenging questions from Scripture—from the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah to mysterious passages that hint at a spiritual realm beyond what we can see. As we explore these texts, we’re reminded that the Bible presents a world where spiritual forces are active and where our deepest conflicts are often more than just human disagreements. Join us as we reflect on the call to recognize...

In this week’s message, we step into the dramatic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal—and the surprising collapse that follows his greatest victory. Through Elijah’s fear, exhaustion, and despair, we see a mirror of our own fickle faith and tendency to forget God’s power as soon as trouble comes. Join us as we’re reminded that while we are inconsistent and quick to lose heart, God is relentlessly faithful—meeting us in...

In this week’s Q&A Sunday, Pastor Scott tackles some of the Bible’s most challenging questions—from the meaning of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, to mysteries surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, the divided kingdom, and even the provocative poetry of Song of Songs. Along the way, we’re reminded that Scripture points us toward a God who desires relationship over ritual, unity over division, and intimacy over distance. Join ...

In this week’s message, Pastor Scott traces the rise and division of Israel’s kingdom—from Solomon’s compromises to Rehoboam’s pride—and confront the hard truth that we, too, are prone to go our own way. Yet in the middle of human failure and divided hearts, we’re pointed to Christ, the one King who perfectly fulfilled the law and never strayed from the Father’s will. Join us as we discover the freeing power of grace—learning to st...

As we begin the season of Lent, Pastor Scott invites us to rethink repentance—not as striving harder, but as learning to rest in the finished work of God. Drawing on the powerful image that God’s seventh day was Adam’s first, we’re reminded that the Christian life starts not with effort, but with rest. Join us as we discover the freedom of letting go, trusting that God has already done the work, and entering into the peace of His c...

In this week’s message, guest preacher Sarah shares her powerful testimony of coming to faith and reflects on what it means to “go our own way” instead of trusting God’s path. Through stories of David, the Israelites, and the Prodigal Son, we’re reminded that even when we stray, God never abandons His promises or stops pursuing us. Join us as we hear the hope-filled truth that no matter how far we wander, God is always ready to res...

In this week’s Q&A sermon, we explore deep questions about God’s character, wisdom, and grace—from why God’s complete knowledge comforts rather than terrifies, to how Christ fulfills wisdom without turning faith into a rulebook. Through stories of David, Solomon, Proverbs, and the sons of Korah, we’re reminded that God saves, restores, and invites us into praise, not performance. Join us as we reflect on a God who holds us fast...

In this week’s message, we wrestle honestly with Ecclesiastes’ unsettling claim that “everything is meaningless” and the frustration of living in endless cycles of effort and toil. Rather than despair, the sermon invites us to hold Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in tension—learning wisdom while releasing control and performance. Join us as we discover how meaning is ultimately found not in outcomes, but in relationship: loving God, lovi...