Pastor Samiec presents Lutheran Radio UKs weekly devotion. Inspiring messages that draw the listener close to the cross of Jesus where God comes to meet his people and to lead them in the way of truth.
Mondays: 06:00, 14:00, 22:00
Tuesdays: 02:00, 10:00, 18:00
Wednesdays: 06:00, 14:00, 22:00
Thursdays: 02:00, 10:00, 18:00
Fridays: 06:00, 14:00, 22:00
Sundays: 02:00, 10:00, 18:00
We cannot. Death takes our life. In Christ, Christians trust that death does not have the final say. That is the message at every Christian funeral. (Why not help your loved ones grieve at the funeral by writing down the Bible verses and hymns you would like at the service?)
Christians always live in intersections of faith and action, church, and state – or in Two Kingdoms as Lutherans sometimes say. Nevertheless, being aware of the intersections helps us remember the essence of the Church and gives us freedom in how we live our faith.
We need rules and regulations to live safely and well but we also need to enact them so that they are just. Often Christians can believe that living with God means that the Gospel is in service of the Law. Jesus is not a new Law Giver! But it is hard not to abuse God`s grace! Keeping Law and Gospel correctly discerned is what discipleship and ministry are all about.
Despite what we see or think, the Church is really one and dynamic. That truth is a hidden reality. The truth of the Church is found in Jesus – in what Jesus uses to come to us, in the people who gather to meet him, and in the words used to explain what is going on!
We have routines for all sort of things in our life. Discipleship involves incorporating encounters with Jesus into our life – daily, routinely even – not out of fear or self-promotion before God – but because the relationship with God who loves us so enriches everything in our life.
Learning to walk is marked by joy and frustration whether we`re talking about it physically or in terms of discipleship. Our footsteps can reveal our identity, mood, and intention. Only when following Jesus do we truly learn about ourselves and, more importantly, about our God who wants us to live and walk with joy.
When we have something in common – DNA, place of birth, or occupation – we make alliances because to be alone is to be vulnerable and fodder. Jesus came along and revealed that we all have something in common – that he loves each one of us and rescued us to live with him. That new perspective has reshaped the world but there is so much more to do.
Whichever way it is, hopefully we make the best decision we can each time. Knowing that Jesus is with us is good and supportive, but he is not the puppet master, or a heavenly sat-nav. Rather Jesus guides us through his Word. Which way we turn is up to...
Whether it is the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time, we live in specific places all the time – and Jesus is with his people wherever they are because he is united with them in Baptism – and so wherever we are, we are...
We are either growing or declining; getting healthy or unwell, living is about movement. Since faith is living, we can always do things to help or hinder it. It is important to remember that God is faithful and Jesus doesn't change.
'Long grief' is being discussed because of the COVID-19 context. All who grieve are in pain – and yes, it is long-term. Even longer, though, is the comfort and hope that Jesus brings since he is with people for the 'long haul' –...
There's always so much to learn in our wonderful world – and that includes paradoxes. The more we learn there is more to learn! And that includes the story of Jesus and Advent where the God we don't see or hear keeps coming to us to help and...
Any history of a group of Christians reveals both the local and also the historical – a past which reminds us that we never 'create' Christianity or the Faith – we only receive it – to be lived and to be passed on faithfully.
God goes to great lengths to reveal Himself through the Word made flesh. Jesus points us to the Father – and together they send the Holy Spirit. Thus God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – don't share this personal information for ego but...
Baptism – being joined to Jesus' death and resurrection and in a new birth and new life – is critical for everyone because our journey is either being drawn to Jesus in Baptism or returning daily to Jesus and Baptism. That's what living by...
There are two realities. The main one is that Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The second one, not unimportant, involves why you are being told that Jesus is alive? If speakers want something for themselves by this message, then be on alert....
It is unnerving to contemplate when you put God and violence together. How would we survive against an angry God? And it seems we can't escape either topic in this life. That is why the violence of the cross needs to be contemplated. What is it all...
We want things to make sense and be understandable. It is good that we do to live safely and well. But when things don't fit into our world, does that mean they are not true? Christmas can only be understood by what happens 33 years later.
Sometimes we see it coming and at other times we don’t. Death is something we’d prefer ‘over the horizon’ and out of sight. But it is always lurking. It can shrivel life and make people very afraid. However Jesus can help us deal with death when...
While we would like to control things so that problems, hassles, and suffering are avoided, life is not like that. A lot of living is responding to what is happening and for Christians, they do so never alone, for Jesus is with them.
For those baptised in Christ, they look to Jesus’ death and resurrection where we are joined to him and his new life. A daily return to our baptism is a daily putting on (like clothes) of Christ where we are reminded that our identity has been given to...
Entertaining stories and scenarios in our lives can tend to aptly demonstrate Biblical truths which Christ taught, also by vivid examples. This one fortifies the willing response of our Heavenly Father, who is eager to hear the prayers of His children...
A review of the psychology in the motives which drive our modern society shows a striking contrast to the perspective of Biblical times. The people and culture of that period were much more reliant on natural cycles, responsibility in the community, and...
We ought to consider what seems to be a tragedy in the recent terrorist attack against Christians in Sri Lanka, in fact, as a great example of committed faith. For the victims who lost their mortal life maintained more confidence in the promise of...
The nature of our human being, with its intellect and reasoning, tends to think too largely of himself: failing to acknowledge the great majesty and mercy of God, as our only Saviour. It is only because we are so small and insignificant that He loved us...
This comparison between Psalm 93 with texts from Revelation offers enlightening similarities to help us see the great majesty of Jesus Christ as our King. Both identify His strength as a warrior to establish His reign - Everlasting. The greatest triumph...
Christ tells the disciples about the purpose of His parables: as a unique means of conveying the great mysteries of God’s Kingdom to those eager to learn His Word – at ALL levels of understanding. Likewise, we must listen and ponder these teachings,...
Just as Christ warned of the false teachings of the Pharisees, so also we must be aware of this as a risk amongst many religious leaders today. By seeking out the pastors and churches who clearly profess the truth from God’s Word, we can be certain to...
An opportunity to consider the coded language by which Jesus is confirmed as the Messiah who was prophesied to come and save His people. By use of extraordinary Biblical illusions which are clearly inscribed in the ancient text, Jesus verifies His...
Consider what is most important about the Christmas tree. Certainly it seems impressive and stunning as it stands tall and glorious, with star and lights. Yet the most vital is the firm stand that keeps it centred and upright. Likewise, Christ is the...
A worthy cause for meaningful meditation, as we prepare for Christ’s coming during Advent season: Note how prominent is Scriptural reference describing the lifeline of Christ in our Lutheran liturgy. This account pledges faithful reminder of how His...
Here is an interesting correlation describing a link between the origin of woman – formed as a new creation from Adam – and the birth of the Church – coming to life upon Christ’s death. It captivates the significance of the sacraments derived...
The Gospel of Mark delivers a message that clearly affirms the identity of Jesus Christ. While his contemporaries were posing valid questions, such as how Christ can defy the traditions of the Jews, Mark concludes with the truth that Jesus is the Son of...
A review of various instances where specific declarations from Christ caused for the people to respond with offence, anger, or confusion: e.g. claiming to have divine authority and being the Son of God. Indeed, so that it led to His death. Yet we must...
This reflection offers a double account of the supreme joy of being reunited with the Lord. As we honour Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, we can but try to fathom this extraordinary experience of the ladies meeting their Risen Lord while on the...
The Book of Joshua describes the Cities of Refuge as a gracious resource for protection and strength, to sustain those in need. The elements attributed to these shelters demonstrate a striking parallel to the security Christ offers to us. He is open and...
Here is example of the statue of Christ with His arms outstretched and welcoming us during the course of our travels through life. We are summoned to pause at his feet and duly respect both his authority and embrace, although too many passers-by offer no...
This episode narrates an incident describing how we, as Christians, are called to lend a hand of support to those whom we see heedlessly falling. Yet to maintain our balance while offering assistance, we can rely upon the strength of Christ as a Rock of...
This poetic homily reminds us the prime reason for celebrating this Christmas season. Special reference to Luke’s narrative of the birth of Christ reminds us of the great choral tradition of praise in the Bible (such as Mary’s Magnificat). In the...
Here is a reflection upon the birth of John the Baptist: himself being a miracle conceived, and elected to prepare the way of the Lord. John deemed as ‘Son of Promise’, we see many related prophesies from the Old Testament come to be, which is...
How do we translate the recent flurry of activities into long term opportunities to get the Word of God out to our communities? Real Reformation begins with confession, followed by reading, marking and inwardly digesting God’s Word, praying and...
Here is a helpful review reminding us the enduring creed of Lutheran theology. ‘The Four Solas’ are central, founded on Luther’s prime principle that we are saved by faith alone. Focus on Scripture recounts the mission of Christ in all He did, all...
False idols are like burdens that people carry around. But these idols will never carry people through the tough times of life. The people of God are encouraged to place their trust in Him who seeks, saves and carries us upon His own shoulders.
Church celebrations such as Christmas and Easter are signs that God worked mightily in history to fulfil His promise and save His people. They remind us of God’s trustworthiness and serve as tools to teach future generations that God is with us and has...
Humans want to be happy but they are unwilling to do what they know will bring them happiness. This is true even of those who long to do God’s will. Trapped in a hell of our own making we often aren’t “living the dream” but the nightmare....
The glory of God was fully revealed when His Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people unto Himself. He took all your sins into His body and was forsaken by His Holy Father so that you would never experience the eternal forsakenness of Almighty...
Don’t just read books about the Bible and spirituality. Don’t settle for the polluted and contaminated water that the world offers. Instead, read the Bible, the source of fresh and living water that wells up to eternal life.
False prophets mistake their own thoughts for the word of God. They may deceive and lead many people away from the truth. They are often full of grandiose promises of blessings and riches but say almost nothing about the disastrous effects sin has upon...