STILL THIRSTY: MARCH 8, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
She came to the well with a jar. She left without it. Not because it was filled, it never was. Because somewhere in that conversation she understood something that changed everything. Water in a jar is not living water. Readings: John 4:5-42 | Romans 5:1-11 | Exodus 17:1-7
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GRACE FOR SALE: MARCH 1, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
In a world dominated by markets, winners and losers, earning our keep, it seems like earning God’s love would be our chief spiritual pursuit. This is true for many, if not the majority. That makes God’s grace a product to be bought, bargained for, or earned. It means grace is for sale. But it's not. To think this way is to live by the law, which, as Paul says, can only bring wrath. So, how do we stand before God? Grace upon grace.
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We Know Who You Are: February 22, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The Grand Inquisitor looks at Jesus and says: I know exactly who you are. And we are going to have to kill you anyway. Not because he is confused. Not because he lacks evidence. Because he understands Jesus perfectly — and finds him unmanageable. This Lent, we are confronted with a question. Do we actually want the kind of Savior Jesus is? Matthew 4:1-11
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LOVE'S PURE LIGHT: FEBRUARY 15, 2025
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is a challenge. On the mountain, three disciples witness Jesus shing with the light of heaven. It is a deeply spiritual moment, full of mystery. Maybe that is why it is a challenge. We tend to be materialistic people. If something can’t be touched, measured or possessed it is not real. Spiritual things are just wishful thinking. This story, however, declares that Jesus Christ is both spiritual and material, both divine and human. Heaven and earth are united in Christ. That is the core of the gospel. In Christ, God united all things including our...
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LIGHT, SHINE: FEBRUARY 8, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
We're exhausted. We pray, we give, we show up, and the world is still on fire. What if God isn't asking us to try harder? What if the light we're struggling to shine is already in us? Matthew 5:13-20 | 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 | Isaiah 58:1-9a
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FOR WHOM IS THE GOOD NEWS GOOD? FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The Beatitudes are among the most familiar teachings of Jesus. These verses proclaim blessedness - good news - to people we may not think are very blessed. That is good news for us.
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THE KINGDOM DRAWS NEAR: JANUARY 25, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The kingdom shows up in Galilee, not Jerusalem. Among fishermen, not scholars. On a cross, not a throne. We keep looking for God’s power in the wrong places and missing the God who draws near in weakness, bleeds on a cross, and rises. Readings: Matthew 4:12-23 | Isaiah 9:1-4 | 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
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COME & SEE: JANUARY 18, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The world will tell you that “seeing is believing.” People seek “proof” before they commit to anything, especially matters of faith. Oddly enough, Jesus takes the opposite path. In John’s gospel, Jesus invites people to “Come and see.” The “seeing” (knowing, trusting, understanding) will come after we have followed. The relationship with Jesus will reveal the truth of Jesus that already is all around us. Come and see!
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HIS BAPTISM AND OURS: JANUARY 11, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Baptism has come to mean lots of different things to different people. Maybe that is why it seems like baptism has no real impact on the world. If we really look at the Baptism of Jesus, however, we find an event that signifies a new age dawning. It is an age of peace instead of war, kindness instead of violence, order instead of chaos. We also learn that Baptism of Jesus is, in fact, our baptism too. Jesus gives it as a gift so that the world might be saved.
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ANOTHER WAY HOME: JANUARY 4, 2026
Holy Trinity Ankeny
What do you do when you're troubled? Herod plots. Jesus raises the dead. The magi lay down their treasures and worship. Matthew's Epiphany story reveals two kingdoms: one that protects itself through fear, and one that gives itself away in love. Matthew 2:1-12 | Isaiah 60:1-6 | Ephesians 3:1-12
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