Confusion...befuddlement...thinking the worst...These states of being are all very much a part of the Easter story, when Jesus' disciples were unprepared for the reality of resurrection. In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Julie McCain of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, talks about those "messy" parts of the story, and about how Jesus comes to them -- and us -- even in the midst of such times. There are new ways to see. Find out how.

Solid Food

SOLID FOOD 04192020: The Messiness of the Resurrection

Find out why the Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp says "I don't want normal; I want Easter" in this sermon on Easter Sunday during the pandemic.

SOLID FOOD 04122020: I Don't Want Normal; I Want Easter

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases..." So the Bible says in Lamentations Chapter 3, and so notes Pastor Steve Herder in this comforting and energizing sermon at the beginning of Holy Week. "The church is not a building" declares Pastor Steve. It's people, and faith, and people of faith helping others in their communities near and far. It's worship, in ways familiar and in new ways. It's God's love in the midst of scary times. Find out more by listening to Pastor Steve of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California. 

SOLID FOOD 04052020: No Pandemic Can Change the Truth

We all know the story of Lazarus -- and how Jesus brought him back to life. But have you taken time to understand the deeper meaning of this story? Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California talks about caves -- not only Lazarus' cave, but the metaphorical caves of those around him, the darkness meaning death. Today, we find ourselves in a cave of sorts. But hope is bright. Listen and understand. 

SOLID FOOD 03292020: Lessons from the Cave

Early Christians were certainly no strangers to plagues. In this powerful and inspiring sermon, Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, finds guidance for these times in the Christian answer to from Paul and others. 

SOLID FOOD 03222020: Christians in These Times

You might have heard it before. It is just a story about some guys that go from “fishers of fish” to becoming “fishers of people.” But there is so much more. Why do we need to know that it happens in the land of Zebulon and Naphtali? What exactly is a “fisher of people?” And… here is the real kicker: can we really be expected to believe that they just dropped their nets and immediately followed? Somehow it all works, and very importantly, God is trying to speak to us through this story. Learn about it in this inspiring sermon from Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp, senior pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California.

SOLID FOOD 01262020: The Cost of Following Jesus

You are blessed. Even if you don't think you are. Even if you don't feel like you are. Even if your circumstances might indicate that you are not. This was an important message of Jesus that is conveyed so beautifully and clearly in the "beatitudes" section of his "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew Chapter 5 that Pastor Steve Herder of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California preaches about in this sermon.

SOLID FOOD 2022022: Blessed Are You

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus Christ. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." What does it mean to abide in Jesus? It means joy. It means to spend some deep, relationship-building time with Him. And it means sharing the Good News of his resurrection. In this sermon, Pastor Julie McCain of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, talks about what it means to be a "come and see" kind of person. What does it mean to share our faith? To experience what we have as people who abide in him, and his words in us? Come and see.

SOLID FOOD 01192020: Being a 'Come and See' Christian

Are you yearning for something? Empty? In need of comfort? What do you turn to in times of need, asks the Reverend Dr. Timothy Delkeskamp in this thought-provoking sermon. People try to fill that space inside with everything from wealth and power to sports, but what we really, really want and need is a deep connection with the Almighty.  French author, mathematician, physicist, author and theologian Blaise Pascal said that there is a God-shaped hole inside each of us that nothing else will satisfy. Here, Pastor Tim gets to the heart of our hearts' deepest desire.

SOLID FOOD 01122020: The God Shaped Hole in You

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." These words from the Gospel of John bring comfort to a struggling world. In this sermon, Pastor Steve Herder of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, talks about God's gifts of love and hope and the abundant evidence thereof. God came down...God always comes down, he says. Hear more.

SOLID FOOD 01052020: God Always Comes Down

SOLID FOOD 122919: Amanda Berg

Here is Pastor Julie McCain's sermon from the 5 PM Christmas Eve worship service with a special emphasis for families with children.

SOLID FOOD 122419: Christmas Eve

Our Bishop talks about God giving the growth, whether garden seeds or bringing help to those in need near and far.

SOLID FOOD 120819: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Are you free? According to Jesus, if we “continue in His word” we will “know the truth” and “the truth will set us free.” Martin Luther was set free from his paralyzing guilt and it led to the Lutheran Reformation. The Apostle Paul was set free from his need to be perfect and most of the New Testament was written. Pastor Tim Delkeskamp of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California says he knows people who have been freed from addictions, shame, bad habits, etc. and they received new life. So what do you need to be set free from? And what will you do with your freedom?  In this sermon, Pastor Tim talks about all these important questions.

SOLID FOOD 10272019: Are You Free?

When is the last time God surprised you? Pastor Julie McCain of Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, shows in this sermon how God works in surprising ways. It reminds us to keep our eyes open and be looking for God all around us. God can use anyone and anything. God can be anywhere, even where we least expect him to be.  

SOLID FOOD 10132019: God's Surprising Ways

A dynamic weekly exploration of faith and hope from Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California.

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