What remains of faith when the big celebrations are over? The sermon series in July confronts the challenges—honestly, clearly, and without making light of things.
Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost—all of these events are over now, and Advent is still a long way off. Liturgically speaking, a rather quiet phase has now begun in the church calendar. Without these festive highlights in the year, all we find remaining is what lies between the major events—namely, daily life. This period of time invites us to examine our own faith in everyday life and to live consciously. In the absence of these external highlights, our focus shifts to our own personal routines, decisions, and attitudes, but the activity of the Holy Spirit is also revealed in ordinary life—not just in the extraordinary moments.
These weeks pose a challenge, not to the “spectators”, but to those who actively work with their faith. The Bible also acknowledges such everyday moments: Mary of Bethany listens. Ruth remains faithful. Both seem unspectacular—yet remain significant to this day. The services in July are likewise configured with this in mind. They address central themes of the Christian faith without grand staging, but with substance. They invite us to listen carefully—and to take action ourselves.
How far does my faith reach—can it even transcend death?
The message of the service for the departed on the first Sunday of the month focuses on the central promise of the gospel: salvation in Jesus Christ is available to all human beings, both living and dead. The divine service calls upon us to reflect upon our own lives in light of this hope. It makes clear that those who recognise their own imperfection will open their hearts to the activity of God and seek fellowship with their neighbour. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ has created access to redemption. The sermon calls upon its listeners to not only think about salvation in terms of their own benefit, but also to apply it to the benefit of others, namely by praying for them, interceding on their behalf, and trusting God.
Is Christ really in charge—or am I?
The second Sunday service of the month kicks off a three-part theme series entitled “The kingdom of God”. First stop: its manifestation in the present. The sermon emphasises that the kingdom of God is not merely an event of the distant future, but that it is already present and active today—wherever human beings allow Christ to rule their lives. Those who take Jesus’ words seriously and live in accordance with His values already make the kingdom of God visible today. Gratitude, willingness to sacrifice, selflessness, and love are not merely abstract ideals, but concrete attitudes of heart that can transform our fellowship and interactions with one another. The sermon encourages us to conscientiously create space for these attitudes—in daily life, in the family, and in the congregation
Am I part of the problem—or part of the solution?
Peace is more than merely the absence of conflict. The sermon on the third Sunday highlights divine peace as a fundamental element of the kingdom of God. This peace creates fellowship, promotes spiritual growth, and gives hope in the return of Christ. The sermon not only inquires as to whether peace exists, but also explores how it comes about—namely through repentance, adherence to the doctrine, and reciprocal support and encouragement. The divine service invites us to seek both inner and outer peace—as an expression of faith in practice and as a space in which the kingdom of God can visibly grow.
Do I really want to belong to God’s kingdom—or just stay where I am?
The last Sunday of July gives us a look ahead—and back to the very start of Jesus’ preaching. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”—that is His message. Jesus calls upon us to repent, to decide for our faith, to be obedient to God. The sermon reminds us that the kingdom of God is not just a promised future, but already a concrete invitation for today. Those who do repent, open their hearts to the word, and believe in Christ already experience the coming kingdom today. The divine service focuses on this call—not as a threat, but as an opportunity!
The sermons in July are not merely meant for our consumption—they call upon us to reflect and act. They provide space for insight, decision, and development. Those who listen will not only hear words, but find inspiration for a credible life of faith.