December 31, 2017: The ability to restore each other in the Lord

This week, as we wrap up 2017, we also wrap up Pastor Hodge's series in the book of James. We turn to the two last passages, James 5:19-20. We see that James tells those in the church who stray from the truth are in trouble. They need to turn back, and James tells the church to do so gently but firmly. By doing this, the soul of that person may be saved, and cover a multitude of sins.

We also had Dale Vesta sing our special music, and Mark Fagerstrom did the children's sermon on
"shoes" today. We present these recordings as well, and we pray they are a blessing to you.

You can hear them all by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeTheabilitytorestoreeachotherintheLord

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 24-25, 2017: Merry Christmas!

We pray that you were blessed by the reminder of love that came down at Christmas, to save our souls from the wrath of God, and to bring peace between him and us through Jesus Christ.

I am fully aware that many were out of town for one or both services, and want to hear them. And, some might want to hear them again. For those who do, please listen copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/GraceFreeLutheranDeKalbChristmasEveDayservice

And have a Spirit-filled, blessed 2018!

December 17, 2017: We have been visited by the Redeemer

This week, Pastor Hodge expounds on Luke 1:67-75. As Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, praises God, he sees that God has visited us, and his son Jesus will accomplish redemption for His people. There are three aspects of redemption. What are they, and what is our challenge in this Scripture? Please listen to his sermon and find out!

We also had special music with Kaelynn Clark singing, Dale and Leanne lighting our Advent candle, Diane Lizer's children's sermon on Jesus second coming, and more. We hope you are blessed by all of these service elements.

You can listen to all of them here:

https://archive.org/details/06PastorMichaelHodgeWehavebeenvisitedbytheredeemer

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 10, 2017: The gift of the King revealed

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues his Christmas series in Luke 1:26-35. We see how the angel Gabriel visits Mary with a special message from God. That she has found favor with God, and God's offspring will come through her. But Mary has a big question. What is that question, and what does it mean for us today? Listen and find out!

We also had Mariam and Carol Rumpf light our Advent candles, some very special music, and Mark Fagerstrom had his children's sermon on candles today. You can listen to all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/06PastorMichaelHodgeTheGiftoftheKingrevealed

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 3, 2017: The gift of salvation revealed to Joseph

This week, we begin our Advent series with Matthew 1:18-25. We begin with Joseph's dilemma: Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they married, Mary was found to be with a child. But Joseph was a Godly man, and wanted to divorce her quietly. But...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, and changed the course of what would happen next. Listen to Pastor Hodge as he talks about what happens next, and what we can do in response to this.

We also had the lighting of one of our first Advent candles today. Both of these recordings can be found here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeThegiftofsalvationrevealedtoJoseph

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 12, 19, 26: playing catch up with 3 sermons

This week, we have 3 sermons as we play catch up here. We have Pastor Hodge continuing hiss series in the book of James, and we hope you find this a blessing. Open your Bible to the book of James, and start in chapter 5, where we will begin, as he talks about why taking oaths is a bad idea, suffering,
and freedom.

We also have special music and children's sermons, and a special message from Micah Fagerstrom.
We hope you find all of these helpful.

You can find them all here:

https://archive.org/details/05PastorMichaelHodgeJames5seriescontinued

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 5, 2017: Jim Mistry trip to Ethiopia, and expository preaching

This week, we had two sermons, but due to a bit of confusion on my part, a shortened  sermon by Pastor Hodge wasn't recorded (sorry!). Jim Mistry, however, presented on what he did in Ethiopia, and how he taught expository preaching...and then gave a sermon on the Word of God. This is recorded here:

https://archive.org/details/02JimMistryEthiopiaandExpositorypreaching

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 29, 2017: Reformation Sunday, the 5 Biblical pillars of the Reformation

This week is the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation. Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis on the wall of his Catholic church, showing where the church had gone awry. What are these 5 pillars, and what is our challenge today? Listen to find out!

Also, we had the men's quartet sing our special music today. We hope you are blessed by both of these recordings, which you can find here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorHodgeReformationSunday

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 22, 2017: Growing in the fruit of patience

I want patience, and I want it NOW! Hmmm, this sounds like me. So, this sermon from Pastor Michael Hodge this weekend was very timely! He expounded on James 5:7-9. First and foremost, we are to be patient until the coming of the Lord, and don't lose patience until then! How do we do this? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon and find out!

Also, we had Diane Lizer do our children's sermon on "leaves" today. We hope you are blessed by it.

You can hear these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeGrowinginthefruitofpatience

And we pray you have a good week in Christ Jesus!

October 15, 2017: Beware of the control of riches

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on James 5:1-6, in his continuing series in that book. This week, he talks about the challenges and responsibilities of riches, and also the misuse that causes great judgment. In all of this, what are the Biblical view of riches? Listen to his sermon and find out!

Carmen Osland explained the changes with the Operation Christmas Child and their Shoebox gifts this year. We also had Diane do our children's sermon on candy corn, and special music with Connie Storey. We hope you are blessed by all of these service elements. You can hear them here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorHodgeBewareofthecontrolofriches

And we pray you have a blessed week in Christ Jesus!

October 8, 2017: Do not speak against other Christians

This week, Pastor Hodge continued in his book of James with these difficult but familiar passages. We are not to speak against each other, harshly criticize or condemn. What are we to do? We can let God speak through His Word. But what else must we do? Listen to his sermon and find out!

We also had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon this week on apples, and we also had the Seldals do our special music. We hope you are blessed by all of these elements.

You can hear all of them here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorHodgeDoNotSpeakAgainstOtherChristians

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 1, 2017: Seeking God's will

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continued in the book of James, specifically in James 4:13-17. First, we must beware of the fallacy of relying on our own plans; instead, we must make plans with God. But how do we know God's will and plan? Listen to his sermon and find out!

We also had Jim Mistry get commissioned by our Deacons as he heads to Ethiopia on a mission trip to teach pastors the Word of God. We provide audio for that as well.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeSeekingGodsWill

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 24, 2017: Choose this day whom you will serve

This week, Pastor Hodge continues into the book of James, specifically James 4:1-4. Postor Hodge references how this week many people in our society, and some in the church, seek nothing but pleasure in their lives. The evil we choose, though, is clearly seen in James 4:1-4. What is the source of our quarrels and conflicts? What sinful pleasures are produced by lust and envy? And what, most importantly, consider this to be?

Pastor Hodge then talks about the work God chooses us to do, and the good we need to choose. Listen to his sermon today to hear the details.

We also had Molly Blobaum do our children's sermon today, and on "building blocks", and how we can build each other up, or tear each other down.

You can find these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeChooseThisDayWhomYouWillServe

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 17. 2017: Raising a banner

This week was Rally Sunday, and Pastor Hodge's sermon was about to Whom we rally for and to Whom we raise our banner: the one of Jesus Christ, Him Crucified, and Risen on the third day for our sins, for those who believe. Listen how we can do that in his sermon.

We also had Mike from the Gideons speak on what they do. Yes, they put Bibles in hotels, but they are so much more than that. Learn about this history, and what God is doing through them today.

We also had the kids do their song from the day before, "Big Steps, Little Feet" and "Hippopotamus". We hope you enjoy these recordings.

You can hear these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/Raisingabanner

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 10, 2017: The good news of the wisdom from above

This week, Pastor Hodge continues his series in the book of James; this week, he expounds on James 3:13-18. This week, he looks at the wisdom of God, versus our wisdom. First, we must be on a quest for true wisdom: that which only comes from God. Those that do are exemplified by Godly behavior and deeds of gentleness. Earthly wisdom, on the other hand, from people, frequently contains nothing but bad advice and "wisdom". Ultimately, it produces disorder and evil.

Spiritual wisdom, wisdom from God, on the other hand, is pure, gentle, full of mercy, even to those we strongly disagree with, and much more. Listen to his sermon today on how we can get this wisdom, and how to apply it in our lives.

We also had the Seldals do our special music, and Diane Lizer talked about blocks. We pray these are a blessing to you as well.

You can hear these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeThegoodnewsofthewisdomfromabove

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 3, 2017: The challenge of the tongue

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on James 3:1-12. First, it issues a challenge to Bible teachers, and then issues a personal challenge to each of us. But first, some bad news: we can tame the wildest of animals, but we cannot tame our own tongues (James 3:5-6). But, we can by the power of God! And Pastor Hodge teaches us that God calls us to be consistent in the ways of God. You can listen to his sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgetamingthetongue

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 27, 2017: True faith proved by good works

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge expounded on James 2:14-26. We must be very careful here to note that good works are the result of faith, and NOT the other way around. Works cannot lead to faith; that is not the Gospel. But, there is a close connection between faith and works. People can say they have faith, and they can say that they do good works. But, true saving faith RESULTS in good works. Even demons believe in God! So, as believers, we are motivated to good works because of what Christ has done for us, loving us when we deserve no love.

Regrettably, a CD recording failed this morning due to a bad CD, which didn't give us a warning about it until after about 95% of the service was done. Hopefully, we encountered the last batch of bad CD's.

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 20, 2017: Fulfilling the royal law of impartiality by loving our neighbors as ourselves

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge expounded on James 2:5-13. First, there are no social distinctions for salvation. Rich or poor, and no matter who you are. However, God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith, and you also have to be wary of what the rich can do to you and how they can blaspheme God if they are not careful. It is sinful to practice spiritual partiality. All of this is dealt with, and a challenge for all of us is given in today's sermon. We hope you are blessed by it.

We also had Mark Fagerstrom have an announcement about our air conditioning upgrade, and .he also did our children's sermon. Finally, Emma, Josiah and Karen did our special music. You can find all of these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/05PastorMichaelHodgeImpartialityLoveyourneighborasyourself

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 13, 2017: God shows no favoritism, and neither must we

This sermon comes less than 24 hours after an incident occurred in Charlottesville, VA where one woman died and 26 people were injured after a car plowed into a crowd of counter-protestors. They were protesting a white nationalist/supremacist rally at a University there. This week, Pastor Hodge was going to do a sermon on James 2:1-4, not knowing all of this was going to happen, so this was not intended to be topical. In these verses, Christians are commanded to have an impartial faith, showing full faith in our glorious Lord, and that does not hold to favoritism or partiality. What are the three outcomes of partiality? Listen to his sermon and find out!

We also had Dale and Karen do our special music today. You can listen to both of these recordings by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeFavoritism

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 6, 2017: Mark 1:1-4 by Jim Mistry

This week, while Pastor Hodge is on vacation, we had Jim Mistry expound on Mark 1:1-4 this week. Here we see that authority is established, by God, through John...proclaiming that the Messiah is here to save our sins.

We also had Amy Taylor play the flute for "Here I am to worship". We hope you will be blessed by it.

Both of these service elements can be found here, and can be accessed by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/02JimMistryMark114

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 30, 2017: Blessed by being doers of the Word

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on James 1:22-27. In his sermon today, Pastor Hodge tells us why we need to not just to be hearers of the Word, but doers, and the blessings we get by doing so, along with three how-to's, with guidance from the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus.

Pastor Hodge also did our children's sermon, and you can hear both of these recordings by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodge3howtos

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 26, 2017: 2017 AFLC Illinois District Bible Camp sessions

Hello everyone,

The 2017 AFLC Illinois District Bible Camp sessions are now online for you to be blessed with. Please listen and enjoy them by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/AFLC2017IllinoisDistrictBibleCampSessions

July 23, 2017: In the trials of life: be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continue his series on the trials of life, and this one hits close to home. Even when things are going wrong---and then the next level of horribly wrong---Pastor Hodge reveals how it shows us our heart if we are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Pastor Hodge tells us how important patient qualities are, and also how we are to remove evil and grow in the humility of truth.

We also had special music multiple times for our service today, in honor of Leonard Osland, who turned 100 years old this week! We honored him with some of our favorite hymns, and we included them in our recordings today. Finally, Molly Blobaum talked about shoes...and being in someone else's shoes, and what that means...and how we can honor God by trying to understand what others are going through.

You can hear all of these recordings by cutting and pasting this link into your Web browser:

https://archive.org/details/07PastorMichaelHodgeMatureinPatience

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 16, 2017:Being faithful in the midst of persecution, trials and temptation

This week, Pastor Hodge continued his series in the book of James on how we are to be faithful. In this week's series, Pastor Hodge expounds upon John 1:12-18. We are to never give up, but what is the reward for standing firm? What are the challenges we may face, and how can God lead us through those trials and temptations? Listen to find out!

We also had our young adults come up and give their testimony, the Seldals sang "I'll fly away", and Diane Lizer did our children's sermon called "Flower or weed?". You cannot see the pictures she is showing, but listen to the end, the point is well worth it!

You can hear all of these sermon elements here by cutting and pasting this into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/05PastorMichaelHodgeTrialsbeingfaithfulinthemidstofpersecution

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 9, 2017: Even though we may be poor, the trials of life don't take away from our heavenly riches

We had some technical difficulties recording the service, but in summary, Pastor Hodge's sermon was on James 1:9-11. Even though we can be poor, the trials of life don't take away our high position of eternal wealth! Poor Christians going through trials can find glory in their high position. Of course,rich people face many trials; their wealth withers away, both believers and unbelievers. But, spiritual riches are eternal, in trusting in and obeying Christ's commands, repenting of our sins and trusting Christ for everything.

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 3, 2017: FLY conference live streaming!

The evening sessions of this year's youth  FLY conference will be live-streamed from July 3-7, 2017, starting at 8 PM CT. Copy and paste this into your browser, here:

http://www.flyconvention.org/live

We hope you are blessed by the teachings!

July 2, 2017: The paradox of trials and spiritual growth, part 2: While going through trials, confidence in God means stability

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on James 1:5-8; this week, I've included the sermon notes along with the church bulletin, so feel free to follow along there). In his series, "The paradox of trials and spiritual growth", this week his title says it all: "While going through trials, confidence in God means stability". Indeed, as we walk with God through trials, we must ask of God (what must we ask? Listen to find out! :-) ), and God will give generously, and without reproach. And we must ask in faith, or else we will be double-minded.

We also included the prelude this week, in addition to our special music from the Seldals and the pastor's sermon, which you can listen to, as you copy the following into your Web browser:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorHodgeWhilegoingthroughtrialsconfidenceinGodmeansstability

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 25, 2017: The paradox of trials and spiritual growth

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on James 1:1-4, some of the harder verses of the Bible. In the start of his new sermon series, "The paradox of trials and spiritual growth",hiss first installment is "Trials of life produce endurance". In verses 1-2, we see that trials should bring us "great joy", and that trials produce endurance. How can we have that joy? In God's word, we see that in a mature believer, this is not only possible, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can draw on God to still have joy in times of trouble.

Molly Blobaum's children sermon, our Sunday School children's choir, and Pastor Hodge's sermon can be found at the following link; we hope you are blessed by them:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorHodgeTheletterofJamespart1

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 18, 2017: Father's day

This Sunday is celebrated as Father's Day across our country. The importance of fathers cannot be understated in a family, but there is a much greater Father who is perfect, holy, and is the Father of all. Listen to Pastor Hodge as he expounds on the importance of earthly fathers...and our Heavenly Father as well.

We also had Connie Storey do our special music today; we hope you enjoy it.  You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeFathersDay

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 11: Roger Scott sermon

Hello everyone,

This week, while our pastor is out of town for our Sunday service, Roger Scott did our sermon today, and presented insights from God's Word that I think you'll be blessed to hear. Please listen to it today, and be blessed.

We also had special music with the Seldals this week; we hope you are blessed by this as well.

You can hear these service elements by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/02RogerScottSermon

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 4, 2017: The Apostle's Creed, a wrap-up

This week, Pastor Hodge wraps up his series on The Apostle's Creed with an overview, and what the related Scriptures should mean to us in our lives. Listen to his sermon to find out!

We also had one of our old pastors return for a visit and give us an update as well. You can hear all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/TheApostlesCreedAWrapup

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 28, 2017: Our new bodies

This week, Pastor Hodge talks about what happens to our bodies and souls after we die, and, if we are saved by Jesus, are in heaven. Now, we aren't provided a lot of specifics, but there are some things which we know are absolutely true: our bodies will be perfect, and our souls will be pure! Listen to his sermon and be encouraged.

We also had Molly Blobaum do her sermon on Memorial Day, and how not only remember those who fought and died for us on earth, but the one who fought and died and saved our souls, Jesus!

Finally, we had special music with the "Hallelujah" song. We are including the prelude here for sound analysis, as our audio engineer is struggling to make it sound really good.

You can hear all of these sermons by cutting and pasting this URL into your browser:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeournewbody

And, we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 21, 2017: I believe in the forgiveness of sins

This week, Pastor Hodge continues his series in the Apostle's Creed with the phrase "we believe in the forgiveness of sins". What are the four important words in dealing with the forgiveness of sin? Does *our* effort to be clean before God really matter? And how does God do his work of atonement in us? Listen to his sermon today to find out!

Also, we had Josiah Fagerstrom give us an update on the AFLC choir, and Molly Blobaum did her sermon on  summertime.

We believe we have cleaned up our act...on the battery front, at least. They should stop dying during the children's sermons now. :-) We hope you are blessed by these service elements.

You can find them here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeWeBelieveintheforgivenessofoursins

And, we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 14, 2017: I believe in the holy Christian Church

Hello everyone,

This week, Pastor Hodge expounds on his Apostle's Creed series with "I believe in the holy Christian Church". What does that really mean, and what in the Bible supports that claim? Listen here to find out!

Also, we had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermons on Mother's Day, and the Biblical importance of mothers.

You will find these service elements here:

This week, Pastor Hodge expounds on his Apostle's Creed series with "I believe in the holy Christian Church". What does that really mean, and what in the Bible supports that claim? Listen here to find out!

Also, we had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermons on Mother's Day, and the Biblical importance of mothers.

You will find these service elements here.

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeIbelieveintheholyChristianChurch

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 6, 2017: I believe in the Holy Spirit

This week, Pastor Hodge continued in his series on the Apostle's Creed with the sentence "I believe in the Holy Spirit". Pastor Hodge shows us the power and the personage of the Holy Spirit, the promised purpose of the Spirit, and the practical aspects of the Holy Spirit on our lives, and also the holiness we need to have in our church, including our facilities.

You can listen to his sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorHodgeIBelieveintheHolySpirit

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 2, 2017: Special meetings, part 3: Is the rreformation still relevant?

Patrick Lohse completes his series here on Martin Luther and the Reformation, as he talks about justification by faith alone. You can hear this sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/01PatrickLohsePart3

Copy and paste that URL into your browser to hear this sermon. Thank you,


and may you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 1, 2017: Special meetings, part 2: Is the Reformation still relevant?

This is the second in a two-part series during our 2017 Special Meetings from Pastor Patrick Lohse on the Reformation: is it still relevant? Here, Martin Luther faces the Diet of Worms, which pronounces him a heretic. Listen how God transforms him and spares his life as he translates the Bible to German.

You can hear his sermon by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser:

https://archive.org/details/01PastorLohseReformationpart2

And we hope you have a great day in Christ Jesus!

April 30, 2017: Special meetings, part 1: Is the Reformation still relevant?

As part of our special meetings that we have each year, Grace Free Lutheran Church invited Pastor Patrick Lohse, pastor of Bethlehem Church in Morris, IL, to do a sermon series on the Reformation, and the 500th anniversary of that is coming up. The first one in the series here is titled "Is the Reformation still relevant?". The answer to that, and the history of Martin Luther and how God uses him, is here. We hope you are blessed by it! To hear his sermon, click here:

https://archive.org/details/PatrickLohseReformationpart1

And we hope you have a great day in Christ Jesus!

April 30, 2017: Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead

This week, Pastor Hodge continued to look at the Apostle's Creed by examining the phrase "Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead". First, the Bible is clear on future judgment: we will ALL face it, as seen in 2nd Corinthians 5:10, and Hebrews 9:22, after Jesus' second coming. What happens after that? Lots of things. Satan's reign will end, and we will have a great separation at the final judgment. All those who believe in Jesus, and those who shouldn't, must take Christ's words very seriously.  Pastor Hodge unpacks them here using the Scriptures as a reference for what will happen.

We also had Diane Lizer do our children's sermon today on disobedience. Who does it hurt? Why do we do it? And, we had the Seldals do our special music. We hope you are blessed by all of these sermon elements. And you can here them all here:

https://archive.org/details/05PastorMichaelHodgeJesuswillcomeagaintojudgethelivingandthedead

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 23, 2017: Jesus is seated at the right hand of God

This week, Pastor Hodge expounds on this concept as we continue through the Apostle's Creed. Yes, Jesus does sit there, but what that means is so much! Listen to Pastor Hodge as he unpacks that portion of the Creed using Scripture that is referenced.

We also had Dr. Mistry talk about the LightHouse ministry in Rockford. Located in a tough area of the city, it helps to bring hope to those who have none by and through the Word of God, while also providing meals for the poor in the city. Listen to what the ministry does every day to bring love to a very broken population.

We also had Molly Blobaum talk about Band-Aids(tm), but what does that have to do with God? Listen and find out!

You can hear all of these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeJesusSitsattherighthandOfGod

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 16, 2017: He is Risen! Why that matters so much to Christians, and should to everyone

This Sunday was Easter, of course, and Pastor Hodge concluded his series on the Creeds with "And on the third day He arose again from the dead".  This is the linchpin moment in all of Christianity that separates us from every other so-called "god": Jesus rose from the dead, with hundreds of witnesses who saw him alive after he was clearly dead. The importance of the Resurrection cannot be understated. Listen to Pastor's sermon today to understand why.

We also had Molly Blobaum do our children's sermon today, and Dale and Karen did our special music for this Easter Sunday. I hope you are blessed by all of these service elements.

Speaking of which, you can hear them here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeEastersermon

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 9, 2017: We believe that Jesus descended into Hell (or: wow, how can that be?)

This week, on Palm Sunday, Pastor Hodge delivered a message on how Jesus descended into Hell and rose again. How is this possible? If Jesus is the Holy Son of God, how is this true? Some churches see the Nicene Creed as optional, and not even say that he descended into Hell. Some say it was Jesus coming to Earth, or suffering on Earth. In this message, we unpack and get a better understanding by looking at the Biblical concepts of Hell. We hope you listen to this very important message on how Jesus did descend into Hell, and then rose again.

We also had the Storeys and the Seldals do special music together. We hope you enjoy it! You can hear these recordings by copying and pasting this link to it in your browser:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeWebelieveJesusdescendedintohell

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 2, 2017: AFLBS Choir concert

The Association Free Lutheran Bible School Choir (AFLBS) came to sing to our church today. While there was a short sermon, we did not record it, so that we may fully enjoy the concert and the fellowship that followed. We'll see you next week!

March 26, 2017: We believe Jesus suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. Or: did Jesus really die?

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continued on his series of the Apostle's Creed by examining the portion that reads we believe that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. Some scholars think that Jesus didn't really die on the cross, or other things that annul what the Bible teaches. But what does the Bible have to say about it? And why is the crucifixion such a horrific event? Was Jesus really dead and buried? Listen to Pastor Hodge as he expounds on the Biblical truths including the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

We apologize for the lack of children's sermons lately; we have been having battery issues. We are looking to correct those in the weeks to come. Thanks for your patience. In any case, you can listen to our pastor's sermon, here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeDidJesusReallyDie

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 19, 2017: I believe in Jesus Christ...who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, or, oh boy, Christmas in March

This week, Pastor Hodge looks at two extremely important concepts that build on the message from last week: Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and conceived by the Holy Spirit. These two things are critical in the Christian faith. Without them, Jesus did not die for our sins, and we are helpless to face the wrath of God in eternity. But, because of these things, we can be confident Christ is the Son of God. But what else does it mean? Listen to find out!

We also had Diane Lizer do our children's sermon on maps this week, and our Sunday School kids did our special music. We hope you are blessed by all of these recordings.

You can hear all of them here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeWeBelieveinJesusChrist/01+Childrensssermonmaps.mp3

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 12, 2017: We believe in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord

This week, Pastor Hodge continued his series on the Creeds with "I believe in Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord". We learn why this is so important, and how, since Jesus' day, scholars and others have tried to pervert that, and that we are to watch out for false teachers who twist the most important portions of Scripture to say and mean something else.

You can listen to these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorHodgeWeBelieveinJesusChristHisSonOurLord/01+Specialmusic.mp3

We also had special music, and we hope you are blessed by it. And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 5, 2017: We believe in Jesus Christ

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on this concept. Unfortunately, due to a disk failure, we were unable to record his sermon this week. We hope you will join us next week for the continuation of his series. And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 26, 2017: I believe in God the Father Almighty, part 2: See the wonders I have made

This week, Pastor Hodge continues in his series on the Apostle's Creed with the second part of "I believe in God the Father Almighty". Here, we see how God created both the visible, and the invisible, and that Heaven and Earth declare God's glory. We also see how God made us in His image, and what are we to do when we recognize this? Listen to his message today to find out.

We also had Connie Storey and friends do our special music today. We hope you are blessed by it.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeIBelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty/01+ConnieStoreyspecialmusic.mp3

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 19, 2017: I believe in God the Father Almighty, part 1

This week, Pastor Hodge expounds on various Scriptures as they pertain to Petition 1 of the Apostle's Creed. He introduces the restlessness of mankind and his/her search for purpose, value and direction. It starts with believing in God, believing in God the Father, and then God the Father Almighty. See how this ties into the Apostle's Creed by listening to his message today.

Also, we had special music by Randy and Kim Schott, and our children's sermon today by Diane Lizer. We hope you are blessed by all of these service elements, recorded for you, here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeIBelieveinGodTheFatherAlmighty/02+DianeLizerchildrenssermon.mp3

And we pray you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 12, 2017: As we confess our faith

This week, Pastor Hodge looks at various Scriptures under the sermon title "As we confess our faith". Or...did the apostles really say that? First, it is extremely important to know about what we believe, and why we believe. We look at the Apostle's Creed, and the theology of it all. Listen to his sermon today as we learn about the proclamation of the Godhead/Trinity.

And, Molly Blobaum did her sermon on love, with Valentine's Day as the backdrop, and what true love really is.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaleHodgeAsWeConfessOurFaith/01+MollyBlobaumlove.mp3

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 5th, 2017: Christianity 101: The impact of Jesus on our lives

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge talks about the basic, yet profound impacts of the Gospel. To do this, he looks at Titus 3:3-8, and unpacks each part of the verse. It isn't pretty: we are disobedient, deceived, running away from what is the truth. God enters to rescue us from our sin and evil that we do, and saves us and preserves us when we repent and believe. Listen to this important sermon which tells us who we are, and what God wants us to be.

You can listen to his message here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeChristianity101

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 29, 2017: The 10 commandments:

This week, Pastor Hodge concluded his series on the 10 Commandments. Due to a technical issue, we are unable to upload the sermon to you this week. But join us next week as we delve into a new series starting February 5. However, we did get a recording of Molly Blobaum's children sermon, and our special music from the Seldals today. You can hear them here:

https://archive.org/details/01ChildrenssermonMollyBlobaum

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 22, 2017: You shall not covet

This week, Pastor Hodge looks at the Commandment that says a little and yet so much: you shall not covet. What is coveting? It's a condition of the heart that desires what someone else has, instead of being content with what you have. What does it do to us? What does it take away our focus of? And what is brought by being satisfied from the heart? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today to find out.

We also had Diane Lizer do our children's sermon on "Twister". Our sound guy is a weather man and chases twisters, but what does this have to do with the Bible? Listen to her sermon and find out.

And you can listen to both these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeYoushallnotcovet

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 15, 2016: Truth or consequences

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge focuses in on the 9th commandment:you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. We are not to lie, and must not justify it. Practically applying this and unpacking it, we see how devastating it is to our credibility, and even more importantly, the Gospel. Listen to his sermon today on why we should not lie, and what happens when we hear one.

Also, we had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon. Sorry for the 20 seconds of dead audio at the beginning; bear with us as the microphone comes on.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeTruthorconsequences

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 8, 2017: You shall not steal, or: do I have to own up to it?

This week, Pastor Hodge looks at the 8th Commandment, you shall not steal. Stealing is obvious, right? Or is it much more than robbing a bank, or taking something from someone that is not yours?
In his message today, Pastor Hodge expounds on this commandment, and some of the original language behind it. This allows us to go deeper, and realize it's more than just possessions. Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today to see what the Bible teaches about stealing...and it goes beyond possessions!

We also had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon on new year resolutions, and our church Chairman Tim Struthers has a message about changes to our membership that you need to be aware of.

You can listen to all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeYouShallNotSteal

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 1, 2017: Happy new year!

Hello everyone,

Happy new year! Due to a technical issue, our pastor's sermon did not get recorded today. The offending issue has been corrected, and we look forward to serving you with our Pastor's sermons in 2017, Lord willing.

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 25, 2016: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Today, we celebrate our Savior being born on this day. Our pastor's Christmas message and our special music is at the link below, and we hope you are blessed by it.

https://archive.org/details/Christmas2016GraceFreeLutheranDeKalb

And may you have a great week in Christ Jesus!