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Messages

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  • Do you have a Shepherd?

    Do you have a Shepherd?

    Mark Koonz   22 April 2018
    First read Psalm 23; John 10:11-18, and 1 John 3:16-24
    First read Psalm 23; John 10:11-18, and 1 John 3:16-24
  • Memorial Homily for Eunice Hansens

    Memorial Homily for Eunice Hansens

    Mark Koonz   20 April 2018
    Short reflections on gratitude for the gift of life - a central characteristic of Eunice, our sister in Christ
    Short reflections on gratitude for the gift of life - a central characteristic of Eunice, our sister in Christ
  • Things We Cannot Share:  Dreams and Hallucinations and the Resurrection Appearances

    Things We Cannot Share: Dreams and Hallucinations and the Resurrection Appearances

    Mark Koonz   15 April 2018
    Read first Luke 24:36-49. This concerns the risen Jesus' appearance to groups of people, not just individuals, and reflections on what this... [more]
    Read first Luke 24:36-49. This concerns the risen Jesus' appearance to groups of people, not just individuals, and reflections on what this means.    [less]
  • Mary Magdalene

    Mary Magdalene

    Mark Koonz   8 April 2018
    First witness to the resurrection; first person commissioned and sent by Jesus to tell the disciples and others.
    First witness to the resurrection; first person commissioned and sent by Jesus to tell the disciples and others.
  • The Resurrection Invasion

    The Resurrection Invasion

    Mark Koonz   1st April 2018
    With John 20:1-18, and a recounting of what happened to soften the harshness of the Roman Empire. The Easter Sunday 2018 message.
    With John 20:1-18, and a recounting of what happened to soften the harshness of the Roman Empire. The Easter Sunday 2018 message.
  • If Only We Had Known In Time

    If Only We Had Known In Time

    Mark Koonz   25 March 2018
    A message for Palm Sunday with Matthew 21:1-11, asking the question, "Where were the people who praised Jesus when he stood before Pilate?"
    A message for Palm Sunday with Matthew 21:1-11, asking the question, "Where were the people who praised Jesus when he stood before Pilate?"
  • Did they Benefit when God spoke?

    Did they Benefit when God spoke?

    Mark Koonz   18 March 2018
    John 12:20-33
    John 12:20-33
  • Noah Lived a Long Time Ago

    Noah Lived a Long Time Ago

    Mark Koonz   18 February 2018
    With Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15.
    With Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15.
  • The Second Half of Repentance

    The Second Half of Repentance

    Mark Koonz   14 February 2018
    For Ash Wednesday 2018
    For Ash Wednesday 2018
  • Transfiguration Questions

    Transfiguration Questions

    Mark Koonz   11 February 2018
    Mistake: Pastor read a typo that said Mark 1:2 rather than Mark 9:2, and mis-spoke . . . otherwise jump in and explore this fascinating eve... [more]
    Mistake: Pastor read a typo that said Mark 1:2 rather than Mark 9:2, and mis-spoke . . . otherwise jump in and explore this fascinating event    [less]
  • The Second Moses did more than Moses

    The Second Moses did more than Moses

    Mark Koonz   28 January 2018
    the Ways in which Jesus fulfilled the ancient promise of a second Moses, but went far beyond expectations. Mark 1:21-28, and Deuteronomy 18:... [more]
    the Ways in which Jesus fulfilled the ancient promise of a second Moses, but went far beyond expectations. Mark 1:21-28, and Deuteronomy 18:15-20 with John 1:21.    [less]
  • Jonah and God's Love for the World

    Jonah and God's Love for the World

    Mark Koonz   21 January 2018
    Jonah 3:1-5, 10; with Mark 1:14-20.
    Jonah 3:1-5, 10; with Mark 1:14-20.
  • Completely Known and Still Loved

    Completely Known and Still Loved

    Mark Koonz   14 January 2018
    We use 3 texts together: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; and John 1:43-51.
    We use 3 texts together: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; and John 1:43-51.
  • Wisdom and Flexibility for Re-Routing the Journey

    Wisdom and Flexibility for Re-Routing the Journey

    Mark Koonz   7 January 2018
    With Matthew 2:1-12, the Wise Men or Magi of the Medes and their journey to Bethlehem
    With Matthew 2:1-12, the Wise Men or Magi of the Medes and their journey to Bethlehem
  • Two People Mary and Joseph Needed

    Two People Mary and Joseph Needed

    Mark Koonz   31 December 2017
    With Luke 2:22-39, about the divine appointment with Simeon and Anna.
    With Luke 2:22-39, about the divine appointment with Simeon and Anna.
  • What's in a Name? Christmas Eve 2017

    What's in a Name? Christmas Eve 2017

    Mark Koonz   24 December 2017
    Jesus's name meant "God saves" and he was born to live out the meaning of this name.
    Jesus's name meant "God saves" and he was born to live out the meaning of this name.
  • Guest Preacher

    Guest Preacher

    Dr. Amy Schifrin   3 December 2017
  • Christ the King Wears Scars

    Christ the King Wears Scars

    Mark Koonz   26 November 2017
    With Ephesians 1:15-23, then John 14:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.
    With Ephesians 1:15-23, then John 14:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.
  • Memorial Service for Margaret McDonald

    Memorial Service for Margaret McDonald

    Mark Koonz   25 November 2017
    The end of her long life is a milestone for Emmanuel Lutheran Church. This message goes with Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18; also John 14:1-3.
    The end of her long life is a milestone for Emmanuel Lutheran Church. This message goes with Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18; also John 14:1-3.
  • Faithful Servants

    Faithful Servants

    Mark Koonz   19 November 2017
    With Matthew 25:14-30, commonly known as the Parable of the Talents.
    With Matthew 25:14-30, commonly known as the Parable of the Talents.
  • All Souls 2017

    All Souls 2017

    Mark Koonz   5 November 2017
    The people of God are made up of the living and the dead. Hebrews 11 and 12:1-2 may be read before listening, as well as Revelation 7:9.
    The people of God are made up of the living and the dead. Hebrews 11 and 12:1-2 may be read before listening, as well as Revelation 7:9.
  • The Reformation 500 Years Ago - Reflections

    The Reformation 500 Years Ago - Reflections

    Mark Koonz   29 October 2017
    Some highlights of the Reformation and the need for living by grace today.
    Some highlights of the Reformation and the need for living by grace today.
  • God Tends Large and Small Vineyards

    God Tends Large and Small Vineyards

    Mark Koonz   8 October 2017
    With Isaiah 5:1-7; also Matthew 21:33-43, but emphasis on God's work in and among ancient Israel; also referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 and Ephesi... [more]
    With Isaiah 5:1-7; also Matthew 21:33-43, but emphasis on God's work in and among ancient Israel; also referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 and Ephesians 5:16 following Las Vegas massacre.     [less]
  • Romans Overview and Junia, outstanding Apostle

    Romans Overview and Junia, outstanding Apostle

    Mark Koonz   1st October 2017
    A summary of Paul's themes in Romans, with a special look at Romans 16:7 and the controversy over Paul's statement that a woman was an apost... [more]
    A summary of Paul's themes in Romans, with a special look at Romans 16:7 and the controversy over Paul's statement that a woman was an apostle.    [less]
  • Romans 13 - When to Submit (or not) to Government

    Romans 13 - When to Submit (or not) to Government

    Mark Koonz   24 September 2017
    Read Romans 13:1-8. In my second message (unrecorded) I gave examples from Soviet Russia in the 1930s and Occupied France in World War Two ... [more]
    Read Romans 13:1-8. In my second message (unrecorded) I gave examples from Soviet Russia in the 1930s and Occupied France in World War Two where Christians recognized a responsibility to disobey human decrees in order to obey God.    [less]
  • Romans 12:1-2 Mind Renewal for Transformation

    Romans 12:1-2 Mind Renewal for Transformation

    Mark Koonz   10 September 2017
    A focus on Romans 12:1-2, asking "What is the extent of worship?" and discussing conformity to Christ rather than the world.
    A focus on Romans 12:1-2, asking "What is the extent of worship?" and discussing conformity to Christ rather than the world.
  • All Israel will be saved - Romans 11

    All Israel will be saved - Romans 11

    Mark Koonz   3 September 2017
    Looking at the Apostle Paul's statements about Israel, election, and grafting new branches onto the tree
    Looking at the Apostle Paul's statements about Israel, election, and grafting new branches onto the tree
  • Romans 9 - God did not stack the decks against us

    Romans 9 - God did not stack the decks against us

    Mark Koonz   27 August 2017
    An examination of the biblical concept of election in relationship to "Jacob" and "Esau."
    An examination of the biblical concept of election in relationship to "Jacob" and "Esau."
  • Romans 8 Part Two - God Works for Good

    Romans 8 Part Two - God Works for Good

    Mark Koonz   20 August 2017
    An exploration of the meaning of Romans 8:28 in the context of Romans 8:22-39. We look at what this verse means for the church and for indi... [more]
    An exploration of the meaning of Romans 8:28 in the context of Romans 8:22-39. We look at what this verse means for the church and for individuals.    [less]
  • The Prayer Ministry of the Holy Spirit - Romans 8 Part One

    The Prayer Ministry of the Holy Spirit - Romans 8 Part One

    Mark Koonz   13 August 2017
    Romans 8 is rich. Our focus is on the intercessions of the Holy Spirit which accompany our prayers. Special reference to James B. Torrance... [more]
    Romans 8 is rich. Our focus is on the intercessions of the Holy Spirit which accompany our prayers. Special reference to James B. Torrance's book "Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace" - used with permission granted by Dr. Mary Torrance.    [less]
  • Romans 7 - Strange Problems Within

    Romans 7 - Strange Problems Within

    Mark Koonz   6 August 2017
    Sanctification follows our justification, leading to new concerns and God's assistance. With reference to Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustrat... [more]
    Sanctification follows our justification, leading to new concerns and God's assistance. With reference to Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustration.    [less]
  • Romans 6

    Romans 6

    Mark Koonz   30 July 2017
  • Romans 5

    Romans 5

    Mark Koonz   23 June 2017
    On Paul's comparison of Adam and Jesus Christ (with reference to 1st Corinthians 15:45-49).
    On Paul's comparison of Adam and Jesus Christ (with reference to 1st Corinthians 15:45-49).
  • Romans 4:  Abraham's Children

    Romans 4: Abraham's Children

    Mark Koonz   16 July 2017
    An exploration of Romans 4 and Paul's focus on Abraham becoming righteous through faith. He gazed on the glory of God, not his own weakness... [more]
    An exploration of Romans 4 and Paul's focus on Abraham becoming righteous through faith. He gazed on the glory of God, not his own weakness.    [less]
  • Romans 3:  God's gift

    Romans 3: God's gift

    Mark Koonz   9 July 2017
    Looking at some central verses in Romans 3
    Looking at some central verses in Romans 3
  • Romans 2

    Romans 2

    Mark Koonz   2 July 2017
    An overview of chapter 2.
    An overview of chapter 2.
  • Who Is In Trouble? Romans 1

    Who Is In Trouble? Romans 1

    Mark Koonz   25 June 2017
    An overall look at the underlying reason for God's wrath against sin, as presented in Romans 1; with reference to Richard Hays' "The Moral V... [more]
    An overall look at the underlying reason for God's wrath against sin, as presented in Romans 1; with reference to Richard Hays' "The Moral Vision of the New Testament" and Paul Minear's "The Obedience of Faith."    [less]
  • Introduction to Romans

    Introduction to Romans

    Mark Koonz   18 June 2017
    Giving the context (from the final chapters of Romans) in order to review what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1-17.
    Giving the context (from the final chapters of Romans) in order to review what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1-17.
  • Thinking about God's Trinitarian Life:  Harmony that Produces a World with the Hope of Salvation

    Thinking about God's Trinitarian Life: Harmony that Produces a World with the Hope of Salvation

    Mark Koonz   11 June 2017
    With John 17:1-7 and Matthew 28:19-20. This is not an explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, so much as reflections on God and th... [more]
    With John 17:1-7 and Matthew 28:19-20. This is not an explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, so much as reflections on God and the offer of participating in God's triune joy and peace and love.    [less]
  • Something the Holy Spirit Does

    Something the Holy Spirit Does

    Mark Koonz   4 June 2017
    A message for Pentecost Sunday, with reference to John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:3-13.
    A message for Pentecost Sunday, with reference to John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:3-13.
  • Putting an End to Dating the End

    Putting an End to Dating the End

    Mark Koonz   28 May 2017
    The Ascension of Jesus and questions on our mind: a focus on Acts 1:1-11, particularly on verses 6-7.
    The Ascension of Jesus and questions on our mind: a focus on Acts 1:1-11, particularly on verses 6-7.
  • Since the Days of Noah

    Since the Days of Noah

    Mark Koonz   21 May 2017
    Thoughts on 1 Peter 3:18-22, a closed mystery full of hints, with reference to Ephesians and Genesis.
    Thoughts on 1 Peter 3:18-22, a closed mystery full of hints, with reference to Ephesians and Genesis.
  • Will the Lord be My Shepherd Too?

    Will the Lord be My Shepherd Too?

    Mark Koonz   7 May 2017
    Reflections on 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-18; and Psalm 23.
    Reflections on 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-18; and Psalm 23.
  • A Walk with Jesus through the Bible

    A Walk with Jesus through the Bible

    Mark Koonz   30 April 2017
    Luke 24:13-35; on a walk to Emmaus Jesus indicated that the Church must be guided by the Scriptures more than by personal experiences.
    Luke 24:13-35; on a walk to Emmaus Jesus indicated that the Church must be guided by the Scriptures more than by personal experiences.
  • Thomas' Second Blessing

    Thomas' Second Blessing

    Mark Koonz   23 April 2017
    John 20:24-30. Why Thomas got to see people come to faith in Jesus who never saw the resurrected Lord.
    John 20:24-30. Why Thomas got to see people come to faith in Jesus who never saw the resurrected Lord.
  • Forgiveness Actualized

    Forgiveness Actualized

    Mark Koonz   16 April 2017 Easter Sunday
    The meaning of the Cross and Resurrection together.
    The meaning of the Cross and Resurrection together.
  • "God With Us" means "We With God"

    "God With Us" means "We With God"

    Mark Koonz   14 April 2017
    A short Good Friday meditation to go with our Stations of the Cross program. A brief reference to Thomas F. Torrance's book "Atonement," wh... [more]
    A short Good Friday meditation to go with our Stations of the Cross program. A brief reference to Thomas F. Torrance's book "Atonement," which is worth its weight in gold.    [less]
  • Love One Another is a costly command

    Love One Another is a costly command

    Mark Koonz   13 April 2017
    A Maundy Thursday message with John 13:34-35, with historical information borrowed from Larry Hurtado's "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become a Ch... [more]
    A Maundy Thursday message with John 13:34-35, with historical information borrowed from Larry Hurtado's "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the First Three Centuries" and Alvin J. Schmidt's "How Christianity Changed the World," both of which ar    [less]
  • You or Me?  The Day Jesus Made Israel Choose

    You or Me? The Day Jesus Made Israel Choose

    Mark Koonz   9 April 2017
    The triumphal entry of Jesus and his hard action in the temple, a commentary on Matthew 21:5-13.
    The triumphal entry of Jesus and his hard action in the temple, a commentary on Matthew 21:5-13.
  • The Unrecorded Prayer

    The Unrecorded Prayer

    Mark Koonz   2 April 2017
    About being guided by God's Spirit in prayer and action for other people. An examination of John 11:41 within the story of John 11:1-54, the... [more]
    About being guided by God's Spirit in prayer and action for other people. An examination of John 11:41 within the story of John 11:1-54, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.    [less]
  • Providential Intervention and Priestly Prayer for the Present and Future

    Providential Intervention and Priestly Prayer for the Present and Future

    Mark Koonz   19 March 2017
    A reflection on Exodus 17:1-7, Moses's earnest prayer and the provision of water. We cannot always know where God intervened in the past, b... [more]
    A reflection on Exodus 17:1-7, Moses's earnest prayer and the provision of water. We cannot always know where God intervened in the past, but must pray for this to happen in the present and future.    [less]
  • God Loves to Give the Gift of Life Twice

    God Loves to Give the Gift of Life Twice

    Mark Koonz   12 March 2017
    John 3, Nicodemus, and Jesus's words about being "born again" or "born twice."
    John 3, Nicodemus, and Jesus's words about being "born again" or "born twice."
  • True Humility

    True Humility

    Rev. Albert Gillin, Pastor of Walla Walla Presbyterian Church   8 March 2017
    Pastor Gillin's text was Matthew 18:1-4. Ancient people did not think humility was a virtue, but from Moses to Jesus humility was highlighte... [more]
    Pastor Gillin's text was Matthew 18:1-4. Ancient people did not think humility was a virtue, but from Moses to Jesus humility was highlighted as a virtue.    [less]
  • They Are Not Identical Twins:  Comparing the First and Last Adam

    They Are Not Identical Twins: Comparing the First and Last Adam

    Mark Koonz   5 March 2017
    We are looking at the pattern shared between Genesis 3 and Matthew 4:1-11, together with Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-49. This is... [more]
    We are looking at the pattern shared between Genesis 3 and Matthew 4:1-11, together with Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-49. This is one of Pastor Mark's more controversial sermons, but it is important.    [less]
  • The Hardest Form of Discipleship:  Forgiving an Enemy

    The Hardest Form of Discipleship: Forgiving an Enemy

    Mark Koonz   19 February 2017
    Some things are humanly impossible. Jesus talks about impossible things becoming possible in his Kingdom where the Holy Spirit operates for... [more]
    Some things are humanly impossible. Jesus talks about impossible things becoming possible in his Kingdom where the Holy Spirit operates for good.    [less]
  • Words for People Comfortable with the Ten Commandments

    Words for People Comfortable with the Ten Commandments

    Mark Koonz   12 February 2017
    This goes together with Matthew 5:21-30, with a focus on the inner life of mind and heart.
    This goes together with Matthew 5:21-30, with a focus on the inner life of mind and heart.
  • Was the Cross a Mistake in Strategy?  Something about the Jewish Apocalyptic Worldview

    Was the Cross a Mistake in Strategy? Something about the Jewish Apocalyptic Worldview

    Mark Koonz   5 February 2017
    An examination of the Apostle Paul's strange use of language in 1 Corinthians 2:8, in the context of 1 Cor. 2:1-11.
    An examination of the Apostle Paul's strange use of language in 1 Corinthians 2:8, in the context of 1 Cor. 2:1-11.
  • Looking for a Beatitude

    Looking for a Beatitude

    Mark Koonz   29 January 2017
    With Matthew 5:1-12, asking the question "Who Can Be Blessed?"
    With Matthew 5:1-12, asking the question "Who Can Be Blessed?"
  • Something about the Twelve

    Something about the Twelve

    Mark Koonz   22 January 2017
    Jesus's selection of his disciples included all variety, and the door is still open for people like you and me to be included in service.
    Jesus's selection of his disciples included all variety, and the door is still open for people like you and me to be included in service.
  • Something about Andrew

    Something about Andrew

    Mark Koonz   15 January 2017
    A reflection on the disciple Andrew, beginning with John 1:29-42, and with reference to James S. Stewart.
    A reflection on the disciple Andrew, beginning with John 1:29-42, and with reference to James S. Stewart.
  • Ancient Promises and God's Options

    Ancient Promises and God's Options

    Mark Koonz   8 January 2017
    With Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17; God has more than one way to surprise us when fulfilling ancient promises and predictions.
    With Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17; God has more than one way to surprise us when fulfilling ancient promises and predictions.
  • God Wove a Pattern in spite of Herod's Design

    God Wove a Pattern in spite of Herod's Design

    Mark Koonz   1 January 2017
    Where was God at work when the Messiah was born and King Herod attempted to kill him? Can we see any pattern superimposed over human events... [more]
    Where was God at work when the Messiah was born and King Herod attempted to kill him? Can we see any pattern superimposed over human events?    [less]
  • Christmas Eve - One Gift the Same but Always More Under the Tree

    Christmas Eve - One Gift the Same but Always More Under the Tree

    Mark Koonz   24 December 2016
    What comes after forgiveness? The giftings of the Holy Spirit.
    What comes after forgiveness? The giftings of the Holy Spirit.
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