2012 Lenten Journey, April 1 Palm Sunday Holy Week 2012

Mark 15:21-47

The Crucifixion of Jesus
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

The Burial of Jesus

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

Take a moment to go back and look at the crucifixion scene through the eyes of the different people there: Simon of Cyrene; the Roman soldiers; the other criminals; the Roman centurion; the women; Joseph of Arimathea. While they were witnesses to the same event, some saw it differently than others. Consider how that remains true for people today.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

As Christ entered Jerusalem he was greeted as King and Messiah,
Let us adore him, and joyfully praise him:
_Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Savior of mankind, you came to save sinners,
- bring into your kingdom all who have faith, hope, and love.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 31

Mark 15:1-20
Jesus Before Pilate

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”

5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.

14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

In the Apostles’ Creed, we recite that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.” However, in reading Mark’s account, it seems like Pilate had the greatest sympathy toward Jesus. How do you think Pilate felt when the crowd called for the release of Barabbas rather than Jesus? How do you think he felt when he consented to having Jesus be crucified?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, clothe us with compassion, kindness and humility,
- make us want to be patient with everyone.
Teach us to be true neighbors to all in trouble and distress,
- and so imitate you, the Holy One.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 30

Mark 14:32-65
Gethsemane

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Of the things that happened to Jesus in today’s lesson, which do you think was the most difficult for him: 1) the three disciples falling asleep while Jesus was in Gethsemane; 2) being betrayed by Judas; 3) having all of his disciples desert him at the time of the arrest; 4) the false testimony given against him during his trial; 5) being beaten and spat upon by Council and Temple guards?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Jesus carried our sins in his own body on the cross
so that we could die to sin and live in holiness;
by his wounds we have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 29

1 Peter 1:13-23

Be Holy
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Tonight’s worship service will focus on HOLY hands. What do you think it means to be “holy” from a Christian perspective? How does one become “holy”? (For answers, come to the service this evening!)

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Christ is the mediator of a new covenant so that since he has died,
those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance promised to them.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 28

Philippians 2:5-11

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

In describing Jesus, Paul uses the following words: one of “no reputation,” “form of a servant,” “he humbled himself.” In what ways do they describe you, as one who is a follower of Christ?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message
and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned.
They have already gone from death to life.
John 5:24

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 27

Isaiah 50:4-9

4 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears;
I have not been rebellious,
I have not turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!
9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will eat them up.

Imagine what how your life would change if you woke up “morning by morning” listening for instructions from the Lord. How might you begin to do that more faithfully on a daily basis?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Come to the waters, all who thirst;
though you have no money,
come and drink with joy.
Isaiah 55:1

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 26

Mark 11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus’ final week began in triumph. As he entered into Jerusalem, there was excitement in the air, as people received Jesus with great fanfare. How does the joy of Jesus’ initial entry into Jerusalem only add to the drama as the events of Holy Week unfold?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to life with you,
- may we walk today in newness of life.
Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind,
- bring us to share your concern for the good of all.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 25

Jeremiah 31:34

34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
What does it mean to you to know that God no longer remembers your sins? Do you think God desires for you to have amnesia when it comes to the sins of others against you?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Lo, I am about to create
new heavens and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:17

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 24

Jeremiah 31:31-33

31 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to[a] them,[b]”
declares the LORD.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

In essence, a covenant is a solemn agreement between God and humans, in which God makes certain promises, and we do in return. What “covenants” have you entered into with God during your lifetime? Have you remained faithful, or have you broken them (as the Israelite's did)? Live in the confidence that even when we fall short of our promises, God never does, and he is always willing to give us another chance to live faithfully.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Pour your grace into our hearts, we pray, O Lord,
that we may be constantly hold our covenant with you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.


Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 23

Hebrews 5:5-10

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.”

6 And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The author of Hebrews indicates that Jesus learned obedience to his heavenly Father through his suffering. Describe a time in your life when suffering drew your closer to God and taught you something you may not have learned otherwise.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

My soul is thirsting for the living God:
when shall I see God face to face?
Psalm 42

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 22

Matthew 14:13-21

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Tonight’s worship service will focus on our FEEDING hands. How does God use your hands to feed others? What else can we do to ensure that all people get their daily bread?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Let your word be a lamp to guide us,
- that we may live the truth and grow always in your love.
Teach us to be faithful in seeking the common good for your sake,
- that your light may shine on the whole human family by means of your Church.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 21

John 12:27-33

27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.


John informs us that at this particular point, Jesus’ “soul is troubled.” What do you do when your soul is troubled? What gives you strength and courage when you are facing a daunting task?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper for
"for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. "
John 17:21

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 20

John 12:20-26

Jesus Predicts His Death

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.


As Jesus entered Jerusalem on “Palm Sunday,” in advance of the Passover, John informs us that some who wanted to see him were “Greeks,” or Gentiles. Jesus’ mission was not simply for the benefit of the Jews; it was for all people. Jesus’ death was not simply for the benefit of the Jews, but all people. (see John 12:33) How can we expand our ministry to benefit all people, not simply the ones who already belong to our congregation?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray,
but make us dedicated to your holy service
and at all times obtain for us your help.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.


Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Devotion March 19

Psalm 51

    For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
 1 Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.

 3 For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
   and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
   and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
   sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
   you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
   wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
   let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
   and blot out all my iniquity.

 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
   so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
   you who are God my Savior,
   and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
   and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
   you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart
   you, God, will not despise.

 18 May it please you to prosper Zion,
   to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
   in burnt offerings offered whole;
   then bulls will be offered on your altar.

It has been said that we do not confess in order to be forgiven by God; rather, we confess because we know that God already forgives us. In today’s psalm, however, it appears that David is confessing his sins in the hopes that God will forgive him his transgressions and then transform him. When you confess, what is your main reason for doing so?

Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Blessed be God the Father for his gift of this sacrifice of praise.
In the spirit of this Lenten season, let us pray:
Instruct us, Lord, in the ways of your kingdom.


Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 18

Numbers 21:4-9

The Bronze Snake

4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea,[a] to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

The Israelites were quick to complain against God and Moses about how bad things were in the desert, despite the fact that they were no longer slaves in Egypt. In what ways are you quick to complain against God or others if things are not the way you want? How can the exercise you did on Wednesday be a remedy to chronic complaining?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!


Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 17

John 3:19-21

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John states that people prefer “darkness” to the “light.” Do you agree with his assessment, and how is that true (or untrue) in your own life?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Keep me from any deadly sin.
Only you can save me!
Then I will shout and sing about your power to save.
Psalm 51:14

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 16

John 3:14-18

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.


Believing in Jesus plays an important role in these verses, as John references them on five separate occasions. What do you think he means by “believing in him,” and what is it about believing that leads to eternal life?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit,
- and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace.
Free us from all negligence and sloth,
- and give us joy in your gifts of grace.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 15

Luke 5:12-15

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.


Tonight’s worship service will focus on our HEALING hands. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God bringing special healing to you (physical, emotional, spiritual). In what ways do you think God uses you to bring healing to those around you?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

We are at the half-way point in our Lenten journey today.
There is so much yet to learn, to examine, to heal, to renew.
We have a sense of the ways God is working in us.
We want to be ready and our Lord wants us to be confident.
So we keep asking and we keep giving thanks, throughout our days.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 14

Psalms 107
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.” Sometime today, take time to write a list of things for which you are grateful to God. Don’t forget to count the blessings you have come to take for granted.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper :
"for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. "
John 17:21

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 13

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Paul’s words here are pure gospel --- and ones that get to the core of our Lutheran theology. What do you make of Paul’s understanding that we were created for God works (2:10), but that our salvation is not at all based on them? (2:8-9)

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Give us a perfect heart to receive your word,
- that we may bring forth fruit in patience.
Make us eager to work with you in building a better world,
- so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 12

Ephesians 2

Made Alive in Christ

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Do you agree with Paul that “you were dead through the sins and trespasses in which you once lived”? What does it mean to you that you have been made alive with Christ, and how does that impact your daily life?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

My soul is thirsting for the living God:
when shall I see God face to face?
Psalm 42

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 11

Psalm 19:7-14

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In the second half of the Psalm, it is God’s teachings that declare his greatness. In fact, the Psalmist states that the God’s Law is perfect, sure, right, clear, pure, and true. He also says that it is to be desired more than even fine gold. How is that assessment true in your own life? In what ways do God’s teachings instruct you and guide you?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Loving Father,
So many times we turn away from you and always you welcome us back. Thank you for the invitation to share, fast and pray so that you can form a new heart within us.
Amen

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 10

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

In the first half of this Psalm, it is the heavens and the firmament (sky) that declare God’s glory.
In what ways do you experience creation proclaiming the message of God’s love?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

The Lord is loving and merciful,
slow to anger, and full of love;
the Lord is kind to all, and compassionate
to all his creatures.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 9

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Given the fact that Paul calls the message of the cross both “foolishness” and “a stumbling block,” it is not surprising that people reject it. It is also not surprising that, at times, the Church is tempted to water down or alter the message. How would you respond to someone who told you that they thought Christianity was sheer foolishness?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Jesus said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life!
Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die.
And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die.
Do you believe this?"
John 11

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 8

James 1:22-25

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Tonight’s worship service will focus on our UNFURLED hands (as in Jesus’ unfurling the scroll of Isaiah when reading in the synagogue). What passages of Scripture cause you the greatest discomfort? Also, how would you categorize yourself: a hearer of the word OR a hearer and a doer of the word?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Jesus then said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life!
Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die.
And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die.
Do you believe this?"
John 11

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 7

John 2:13-22

Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”[a]
18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

When Jesus entered into the Temple courts, he became upset that they had turned sacred space into a marketplace. If Jesus came into our church today, would there be anything he would see that would make him angry?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Lord, on the day I called for help,
you answered me.
Psalm 138

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 6

Exodus 20:12-17

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

The final seven commandments deal with our relationship with other humans. Besides the fourth commandment, the other commandments are stated in the negative (i.e. You shall not…) To expand your understanding of what these commandments are saying, take time to rewrite the last six, making them positive instead. (For example, one way to rewrite the second commandment to put it in the positive would be “You shall use God’s name in ways that are respectful, giving him the honor he deserves.”)

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

God in heaven,
guide us and protect us.
We so often believe we can save ourselves
and we always end in failure.
Lead us with your love away from harm
and guide us on the right path.
May your Spirit inspire the Church
and make us an instrument of your love and guidance.
Thank you for your care for us today and always.
Amen

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 5

Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments

1 And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The first three commandments deal specifically with our relationship with God. In what ways do honoring God’s name and keeping the Sabbath holy help you to have no other gods but the one, true God?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Lord,
your commandment of love is so simple
and so challenging.
Help us to let go of our pride,
to be humble in this journey.
We ask this through your son, Jesus,
who stands at our side
today and always.
Amen

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

2012 Lenten Journey March 4

Psalm 22:22-31

22 I will declare your name to my people;
in the assembly I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.

25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you[a] I will fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!

Psalm 22 is often read on Good Friday, as it begins with words Jesus shared on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” However, by the time we get to verse 22, the lament has turned to a vow to praise the Lord, and one that encourages others to do the same. How is it possible to still praise God in the midst of a time of suffering?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

It is wonderful to begin this week
acknowledging that we need God's help in listening and hearing.
This is our God, who can give each of us
the change of heart we ask for.

O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant;
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116

2012 Lenten Journey March 3

Mark 8:34-38

The Way of the Cross

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Since you likely consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, in what ways do you deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

God loved the world so much,
he gave us his only Son,
that all who believe in him
might have eternal life.
John 3:16

2012 Lenten Journey March 2

Mark 8:31-33

Jesus Predicts His Death

31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Why do you think Jesus referred to Peter as “Satan” here? How do you think you could more effectively set you mind on divine things rather than human things?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!

Our Lenten practices help us to
experience the renewing love of God,
and they prepare us for our journey to Easter
to celebrate the mystery of our death to self
and rebirth in the new life Jesus won for us.

I do not wish the sinner to die, says the Lord,
but to turn to me and live.
Ezekiel 33