Jesus' offer of hope to sinners; the Pharisees' approach offered hope only to the righteous. The fundamental conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees wasn't about specific laws but rather about who deserved hope and salvation.

Jesus encounters Levi (Matthew), a tax collector despised for his perceived betrayal and exploitation of fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus calls Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job to do so. Levi's immediate and unquestioning response highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' call.

Levi then hosts a gathering at his home with other tax collectors and sinners, causing the Pharisees to criticize Jesus for associating with such people. Jesus responds by saying that he came not for the righteous but for sinners, comparing his role to that of a doctor who is needed by the sick, not the healthy.

The Pharisees' refusal to see their own sinfulness and need for Jesus' message is likened to patients denying a critical diagnosis. In contrast, sinners who acknowledge their brokenness find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Tim emphasizes that Jesus' call to follow him extends to all sinners, and that righteousness is found not in self-perceived purity but in trusting in Jesus. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as sinners redeemed by Christ, who offers true hope and reconciliation with God.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 13-17, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 9,2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

Lets explore the concept of Sabbath and what God desires from us on this holy day. It begins by recounting the Old Testament story from Numbers 15, where a man was executed for gathering wood on the Sabbath, highlighting the serious nature of breaking this commandment. This punishment, however, seems harsh and raises questions about God's intentions.

The sermon explains that the Sabbath commandment was given to remind the Israelites of their freedom from slavery in Egypt and to ensure rest for everyone, including servants and animals. It was about trusting God's provision rather than self-reliance.

Tim then compares this with the New Testament account where Jesus and his disciples picked grain on the Sabbath, and Jesus defended their actions, emphasizing mercy and the intent behind the Sabbath.

The true issue, as the sermon outlines, is the hardness of heart. Both the disobedient man in Numbers and the Pharisees in the Gospels displayed stubborn hearts—one through disregard for the law and the others through rigid enforcement without compassion.

Ultimately, Tim concludes that the Sabbath is not about strict adherence to rules but about trusting God and finding rest in gis provision. This rest is not limited to one day but is a continuous, spiritual rest in Christ. The apostle Paul's teachings in Colossians are referenced to illustrate that all laws, including the Sabbath, are fulfilled in Christ. Therefore, God desires us to rest in Him daily, trusting in His care and provision.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 23 - 3:6, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 2, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.

What is the meaning of baptism? In this episode we learn how baptism is not about just fulfilling a command but is a gift from God that makes one a child of God. Through baptism, individuals receive salvation and are adopted into God's family, as illustrated by biblical passages and teachings of Jesus and Paul.

Baptism is described as an act of God’s grace, where the Holy Spirit works to bring believers into the kingdom of God. In conclusion, Tim highlights the loving and transformative relationship believers have with God, as their heavenly Father, through baptism.

This Sunday sermon, based on Romans 8 verses 12-17, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on May 26, 2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

Support the Show.

Find out more about our church and support Grace of God's ministry at linktr.ee/graceofgodlongisland

Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.