St. Matthew Lutheran Church Sonora

Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressionsit is by grace you have been saved. How have you felt the mercy of God in your own life?

When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul

How the Devil Attacks us Spiritually Sunday Message: "The Devil Targets" Matthew 4:1-11 Pastor Tom Sharpe 2021/02/21

Does everyone actually have a religion? In this 2 minute For the Curious video, Pastor Tom explores what religion really is - a place or thing that gives us purpose, that we make our highest priority. So then, everyone has a religion. What do you think? What have you seen people set as their religion, and how does that end? ... If you were challenged by this FTC video, like it and share it with a friend! Want to dig deeper into this idea? Explore the complete study guide here: https://www.stmatthewchurchsonora.org/grow/for-the-curious

How does unbelief show up in our relationships? In this 2-minute For the Curious video, Pastor Tom discusses how our relationship with God affects our relationships with others. When we believe that we are loved and forgiven by God, those things will naturally flow into our relationships! If you enjoyed this FTC video, be sure to like it and share it with a friend! Want to dig deeper into this idea? Checkout the study guide here: https://www.stmatthewchurchsonora.org/grow/for-the-curious

God works in our lives. Share a time when you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. #TestimonyTuesday #UpliftingStories #Testify

Do you know that God doesn't want a single one of us to perish? His desire is for all to come to repentance. God, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, has made a way for us to have a true relationship with God the Father. And God is a good, good father whose desire is to gather His children in His loving arms and welcome them home! So if you feel like God wants nothing to do with you or that He is against you, remember that He is a loving father who just wants you to come home to Him!

Galatians 2:20 paints a beautiful picture of what believing in Jesus means: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This scripture shows us that when we believe in Jesus, our old life is dead and gone. Christ lives in us which means we no longer need to be the person we were before, but we can be different and have the love of Jesus! Share this to encourage someone today that they can indeed be different because of who Jesus calls them to be! Different, Micah Tyler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUT4trsrBCw

Connection between Christian legalism and racism. I am not sure there is such a thing as Christian legalism. It may not be Christian at all.

Holy Spirit’s work on earth

Why is it important to get beyond people in a church? In this short For the Curious video, Pastor Tom talks about how the key issue is not necessarily people in church, but the issue is the belief & confession of the church and how those beliefs influence them. If you enjoyed this FTC video, be sure to like it and share it with a friend! Want to dig deeper into this idea? Checkout the study guide here: https://www.stmatthewchurchsonora.org/grow/for-the-curious

Sunday Message: "Freedom's Road?" Romans 3:19-28 Pastor Tom Sharpe 2020/10/25

Being a Christian in our current cultural climate can be extraordinarily difficult. We face ridicule and can even be undermined for our devotion to Jesus. But when we face any sort of attack for our faith, we do not need to lose heart. We must remember our reward is in heaven! The things do we in the name of Christ, here on earth, are not in vain. They are for a greater purpose that we cannot even imagine! Rejoice and celebrate this truth today!

Have you taken a moment to simply praise God for who He is lately? Take just a few moments today to sing these words in worship of the One who is worthy of all praise! Holy God, We Praise Your Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ytf_TIujPw

What exactly is the relationship between Christian legalism and race relations? In this 2 minute For the Curious video, Pastor Tom talks about the propensity for us as humans to gather together with those who think, act, and look like us. But what God wants to do is restore our hearts and, by the power of His grace, transform us from the inside out. If you enjoyed this FTC, be sure to like it and share it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyMTJORcqlE Want to dig deeper into this idea? Checkout the study guide here: https://www.stmatthewchurchsonora.org...

What is the Holy Spirit? In this short For the Curious video, Pastor Tom Pastor Tom talks about the Comforter and Advocate that Jesus gave to us: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is so important because He convicts us of the truth of Who God is, works to change our lives, and speaks to us on a daily basis. If you enjoyed this FTC video, be sure to like it and share it with a friend! Want to dig deeper into this idea? Checkout the study guide here: https://www.stmatthewchurchsonora.org/grow/for-the-curious

God works in our lives. Share a time God worked in your child’s life. #TestimonyTuesday #UpliftingStories #Testify