We human beings disagree on most everything, but there is one subject about which we are unanimous – there should not be so much pain, suffering and evil in the world. We express our feelings with a heavy sigh and the all too familiar words, “Life shouldn’t be this way.”
Of course, that statement leads to questions such as, “Was there ever a time when life was less difficult? Did something happen to change things? Is there even the possibility that life could be better?” For many, the answers to those questions are summed up this way: “It is what it is. Suck it up and make the best of the life you have.” Others are even more pessimistic. Their view is described by the popular bumper sticker, “Life stinks and then you die.” Cynicism is not a very effective way to deal with difficult times.
Genesis, the first book of the Bible provides the information we need to not only face the pain and suffering we all must confront, but also the ability to overcome it – to be victorious. For the last several weeks we’ve been talking about the foundational truths on which we can build our lives. This week is essential because there is no one who escapes the painful trials of life. You will face them. The question is, “How?” The book of Genesis gives us some rock solid pillars to build on.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Friday, August 30, 2019
Friday, August 23, 2019
“How Can Something So Good Cause So Much Pain?”
There is no more beautiful scene than a couple looking into each other’s eyes, repeating their wedding vows. There is little more tragic than to see those same two people months or years later screaming at each other with looks of hate. Marriage is one of the mysterious ironies of life. It can bring the greatest of joys, it can also rip apart our hearts.
Some have become so cynical about marriage that they have openly declared it a thing of the past, an antiquated ritual of history which should give way to an open view of family and sexual relationships for which there are no moral regulations other than mutual consent.
It is essential for Christians in these times of changing morality to go back to the basics of what God has revealed about human relationships. And he is not silent. Already in the second chapter of the first book of the Bible we learn about God’s intention for marriage. What we find is clear, specific and most of all, for our ultimate happiness. Contrary to what some may propose, happiness is not getting or doing what we want. No, it is becoming what God created us to be, to fulfill our purpose for existing. When we see God’s instructions on marriage from that perspective, our eyes begin to be open to the blessings God intends for us.
If you are confused by what you’re hearing about sexuality and marriage, the wisest thing you can do is go back to the One who started both. What was meant to be so good doesn’t have to also include so much pain. God offers you that incredible option.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Some have become so cynical about marriage that they have openly declared it a thing of the past, an antiquated ritual of history which should give way to an open view of family and sexual relationships for which there are no moral regulations other than mutual consent.
It is essential for Christians in these times of changing morality to go back to the basics of what God has revealed about human relationships. And he is not silent. Already in the second chapter of the first book of the Bible we learn about God’s intention for marriage. What we find is clear, specific and most of all, for our ultimate happiness. Contrary to what some may propose, happiness is not getting or doing what we want. No, it is becoming what God created us to be, to fulfill our purpose for existing. When we see God’s instructions on marriage from that perspective, our eyes begin to be open to the blessings God intends for us.
If you are confused by what you’re hearing about sexuality and marriage, the wisest thing you can do is go back to the One who started both. What was meant to be so good doesn’t have to also include so much pain. God offers you that incredible option.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Friday, August 16, 2019
“I Only Wanted to Be Happy”
Have you ever said, “I only wanted to be happy” after having made a bad decision which blew up in your face? It’s a pretty common experience for most of us. Wanting to be happy seems like such a good reason for doing things. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Ironically, however, wanting to be happy frequently causes us to be extremely unhappy.
Last week we began a new sermon series called “Foundations”. We’re studying the first chapters of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In it we encounter foundational principles for living – pillars on which we can solidly build our lives day after day after day. These teachings enable us to navigate the rough waters of life by providing a clear path to know and do God’s will. And in the end, that will make us happy the way God intends.
Join us for one of our weekend services. Regardless of what has happened in the past, now is the time to start building a life foundation that will stand…no matter what.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Last week we began a new sermon series called “Foundations”. We’re studying the first chapters of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In it we encounter foundational principles for living – pillars on which we can solidly build our lives day after day after day. These teachings enable us to navigate the rough waters of life by providing a clear path to know and do God’s will. And in the end, that will make us happy the way God intends.
Join us for one of our weekend services. Regardless of what has happened in the past, now is the time to start building a life foundation that will stand…no matter what.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Friday, August 9, 2019
Foundations
If there is any part of a building one doesn’t want to cut corners on, it’s the foundation. The walls, roof and interior can be of the highest quality materials and workmanship, but if the foundation is compromised, the structure is going to fall apart, probably sooner rather than later.
Jesus once told a story about foundations. His account though, had to do with the beliefs or values which serve as the foundation of our lives. What he basically said was: if a person’s beliefs about what is important in life are not right, no matter how much success they might have, things are going to fall apart for them.
Some of the foundational beliefs on which we build our lives are based on how we answer the questions, “Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What is right and wrong? What happens when I die?” There is heated debate in our society if there are even answers to those questions much less one correct response. The result is a great deal of confusion on the part of many people concerning the whole reason for their existence.
While the first three chapters of the opening book of the Bible, Genesis, have been relegated by some to the dust heap of antiquated mythology, for Christians, this portion of the Bible is one of the cornerstones of our understanding of human life. One could say that Genesis 1-3 is a huge part of our life foundation.
If you’ve been struggling for answers to the big questions of life recently, join us for one of our weekend services. You might get some “extreme makeover” ideas for your life foundation.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Jesus once told a story about foundations. His account though, had to do with the beliefs or values which serve as the foundation of our lives. What he basically said was: if a person’s beliefs about what is important in life are not right, no matter how much success they might have, things are going to fall apart for them.
Some of the foundational beliefs on which we build our lives are based on how we answer the questions, “Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What is right and wrong? What happens when I die?” There is heated debate in our society if there are even answers to those questions much less one correct response. The result is a great deal of confusion on the part of many people concerning the whole reason for their existence.
While the first three chapters of the opening book of the Bible, Genesis, have been relegated by some to the dust heap of antiquated mythology, for Christians, this portion of the Bible is one of the cornerstones of our understanding of human life. One could say that Genesis 1-3 is a huge part of our life foundation.
If you’ve been struggling for answers to the big questions of life recently, join us for one of our weekend services. You might get some “extreme makeover” ideas for your life foundation.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Friday, August 2, 2019
Maybe Our Problem with Heaven is Us
It can be uncomfortable talking about heaven with some people because of their rather condescending attitude towards life after death.
“So, if you say the right words when you die you get to go to the big amusement park in the sky and ride the roller coaster forever!”
“If there aren’t cigars and whiskey in heaven, I don’t want to be there.”
“Are you saying everybody is going to play harps, sit on clouds and be nice to each other all the time? Come on. Get real!”
Even Christians sometimes wonder, “Is heaven too good to be true?”
But wait a minute. Maybe the problem is we’re so jaded by our self-centered, me first life and culture that we sell God short. Let’s be honest, if God is more than a souped up Avenger, he’s in a league of his own. He is all powerful. He is perfectly good. He can do what we would never imagine. And that is exactly the kind of God we both need and want. We don’t want some hybrid Hercules type who is pretty much like ourselves!
Now if God is so great, so good and so powerful, and then he tells us he’s got a really great place for us, do you think you’re going to find drug dealers there? Will you expect serial killers, power hungry dictators or even typical husbands and wives viciously attacking each other over dinner because of something one of them said three years earlier? Do you think people in God’s heaven will be bored, hopeless and depressed? That doesn’t seem to fit!
When talking about heaven God could have just said, “All I’m going to say is that this place I’ve got for you is really cool.” That would have been enough. But to whet our appetite for eternity he described cities with streets of gold and buildings with gem-studded walls to get us out of our narrow-minded ideas that this life is the end all and eternal life is just an afterthought.
If you’ve ever wondered about life after death and whether it’s all that important, join us for one of our weekend services. It might give you a new appreciation for the phrase, “The best is yet to come.”
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
“So, if you say the right words when you die you get to go to the big amusement park in the sky and ride the roller coaster forever!”
“If there aren’t cigars and whiskey in heaven, I don’t want to be there.”
“Are you saying everybody is going to play harps, sit on clouds and be nice to each other all the time? Come on. Get real!”
Even Christians sometimes wonder, “Is heaven too good to be true?”
But wait a minute. Maybe the problem is we’re so jaded by our self-centered, me first life and culture that we sell God short. Let’s be honest, if God is more than a souped up Avenger, he’s in a league of his own. He is all powerful. He is perfectly good. He can do what we would never imagine. And that is exactly the kind of God we both need and want. We don’t want some hybrid Hercules type who is pretty much like ourselves!
Now if God is so great, so good and so powerful, and then he tells us he’s got a really great place for us, do you think you’re going to find drug dealers there? Will you expect serial killers, power hungry dictators or even typical husbands and wives viciously attacking each other over dinner because of something one of them said three years earlier? Do you think people in God’s heaven will be bored, hopeless and depressed? That doesn’t seem to fit!
When talking about heaven God could have just said, “All I’m going to say is that this place I’ve got for you is really cool.” That would have been enough. But to whet our appetite for eternity he described cities with streets of gold and buildings with gem-studded walls to get us out of our narrow-minded ideas that this life is the end all and eternal life is just an afterthought.
If you’ve ever wondered about life after death and whether it’s all that important, join us for one of our weekend services. It might give you a new appreciation for the phrase, “The best is yet to come.”
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
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Hawaii Lutheran Church (WELS)
- Community Lutheran Church
- Honolulu, HI
- Community Lutheran Church holds protestant chapel services in Honolulu, Hawaii near Pearl Harbor, HI. We are next to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and Fort Shafter Hawaii. Look for us directly behind the Salt Lake, Hawaii, Target.