-
Philippians 1:12-13, 19-30: Suffering, Never Fun, but…
From many a pulpit, a twisted narrative too often resounds. Such preachers clamor to offer people the promise of easy success. How? By peddling God as someone who always rewards faith with material wealth and physical well-being. Can He do this? Yes. Does He pledge to do so? No. Let’s debunk those common fallacies. Struggles, illness, and hardships… [more]
-
Genesis 50:15-21: Forgiveness in Full
Step into an ancient saga woven in time. This tale, spun from the threads of envy and betrayal, centers on Joseph, the favored son, and his older siblings. A colorful coat with many hues drapes Joseph’s shoulders. This striking garment testifies to his father’s affection and preferential treatment. A fire of jealousy sparks inside his brothers.… [more]
-
Romans 13:1-10: God and Government
God erupted with a thunderous roar and cleaved the Red Sea. Fish and seaweed scattered, with the Egyptians trapped in the raging waters. So, God annihilated the enemy chasing after them. Freed from their oppressors and now settled in their new homeland, the former slaves rejoiced. No other god compared to Him. In time, as is the way of corrupted creatures,… [more]
-
Celebrating 50 Years
In 1973, Richard Nixon embarked on his second presidential term, only to be tangled in a web of scandal. Weary of war, our last troops came home from Vietnam, closing a chapter of conflict and strife. An oil embargo sent shockwaves, quaking the economy of our nation. In those winds of change, a sanctuary took shape: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran… [more]
-
Jesus: King, Commander, and Redeemer
Consider, “Who is your God?” This differs from the abstract “Who is God?” Well, doesn’t the capacity to comprehend God transcend our meager knowledge? So how can we answer this question? To understand God is to realize He exceeds the limits of our ability, of our learning and reciting of facts. Ponder trying to portray a sunrise without once… [more]
News
Promised Treasures
Here is our pastor's newsletter article for February 2023, which tells of our Lenten … [Read More...]
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service is Wednesday, November 23th at 7:00 PM–a time to … [Read More...]
The Story of Esther
Our pastor's newsletter article for October, 2022. In history’s long arc, the exilers of … [Read More...]
Sermons

Philippians 1:12-13, 19-30: Suffering, Never Fun, but…
From many a pulpit, a twisted narrative too often resounds. Such preachers clamor to offer … [More...]

Genesis 50:15-21: Forgiveness in Full
Step into an ancient saga woven in time. This tale, spun from the threads of envy and … [More...]
Romans 13:1-10: God and Government
God erupted with a thunderous roar and cleaved the Red Sea. Fish and seaweed scattered, … [More...]
Articles
Family Dysfunction
By Pr. Rich Futrell The family is the basic building block of society, where we experience and learn how to love, trust, and respect another. Yet, where do we first suffer pain, hurt, and betrayal? In the same location—our families! For a home, a place aglow with affection and security, likewise, troubles with defect and dysfunction. The Old Testament swarms with such examples. Try to find a … [More...]
Certainty Amid our Uncertainties
Here is our pastor's article for our church newsletter for November 2021. Rich, poor, man or woman, major and minor setbacks befall each and all. How can they not, since we are crestfallen creatures living in a sin-corrupted world? Whenever these certitudes come, events force us to pick up the pieces and start afresh. Otherwise, we withdraw from life. Of course, we might also lie to ourselves … [More...]

Eyes and Ears, Old and New
“Whatever we ask of you, teacher, we want you to do” (Mark 10:35). So, Jesus must again reorient His twelve toward a kingdom opened by His suffering, which He described as drinking from a cup (Matthew 20:22). In God’s kingdom, greatness comes in lowliness, where God gives His grace to the humble. Almost every Apostle of Jesus will, one day, “drink the cup” of martyrdom, beginning with James. Until … [More...]
Lest the Darkness Define Us
Imperfect copies of imperfect copies are we. The fall into sin introduced not only death but also physical decay and disease. Every Sunday, we admit as much in our Confession of Sin, “We are by nature sinful” (LSB 151, 167). All this means we are in a death spiral. Like “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way, death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans … [More...]
Recent Comments