Shepherd of the Hills - Winchester VA

Matthew 10:34-42What happens when following Jesus costs more than expected? A backflip, a poker table, and Jesus’ startling words about peace and a sword all point toward the same uncomfortable question: What are we willing to lose in order to hold on to what is true?When God's Word creates tension with family, friendships, comfort, or the approval of the world, silence can feel safer than speaking. But the peace Jesus brings is deeper than avoiding conflict, and the life he promises is greater than anything we may fear giving up.

2 Timothy 4:1-8When the world doesn’t want to hear the truth, why keep speaking it? 2 Timothy 4:1–8 answers with Paul’s charge to Timothy and to Christ’s church: Preach the Word. Even under pressure, even when silence feels safer, Christians are called to confess Christ with courage—because his truth is still needed, and his final verdict is better than the world’s.

1 Timothy 1:12-17Paul gives us a trustworthy saying: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." "God loves sinners" seems easy to say until you think about what it means...It means if we want God's love, we have to admit we're really sinners!Paul does not minimize sin. He calls himself a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. But his story is not finally about how great his sin was. It is about how much greater Christ’s mercy is. If Jesus showed patience to Paul, then no sinner is beyond the reach of his grace.

Matthew 28:16-20We begin worship “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” But those familiar words are more than a formal way to start a service. They remind us who God is and whose we are.On Holy Trinity Sunday, Jesus shows us the blessing of belonging to the one true Triune God. He gives us his name, gives us his mission, and promises us his presence. Because we belong to him, we have truths worth saying out loud.

John 7:37-39

1 Peter 4:12-17, 5:6-11What does suffering for Christ say about you? It may feel like proof that something has gone wrong—that Christianity does not work, that God has forgotten you, or that following Jesus is not worth the cost. Peter teaches us to read suffering differently. Suffering for Christ connects us to Christ. And because Jesus lives, his story is ours: first the cross, then the crown; first suffering, then glory.The risen Savior gives meaning to our suffering, invites us to cast every anxiety on him, and promises that the God of all grace will restore, strengthen, and keep us steadfast.

Acts 4:8-12

John 10:1-10Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to choose my own direction in life. I would be terrible at it, because, like a sheep, I can generally see only what’s in front of me at the moment, and I get myself into trouble. It is especially difficult for me to look far into my future as planned by Jesus. If he had not risen from the dead, I would be on my own. But he lives, and it makes a difference. I have the reliable direction of the Good Shepherd. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from the roaring lion, Satan. He is leading us into the green pastures of eternal life. For centuries, the Church has observed this Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd.

Luke 24:13-35Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have little hope for the future. That’s how the disciples felt after his death. “We hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:19). Their hope for a better life had died along with Jesus.But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! And it makes a difference. My hope for the future is restored. I have victory over the feeling of hopelessness, because the one who heals me and gives me a better life is himself alive. He lives to restore my hope.

John 20:1-18What do you feel when you take a walk through a cemetery where loved ones are buried? Sadness as you think about their departure? Loneliness as you miss them? Fear that you’ll soon join them? Without the resurrection of Jesus, a cemetery is a terrible place full of tears and fear.But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! And it makes a difference! Jesus is the resurrection first fruits–the sign that more will rise after him. Dead isn’t dead forever. Death isn’t final at all! Your Christian loved ones aren’t gone forever. You will see them again! Jesus will do what he promised! He dries our tears. He takes away our fears.

Zechariah 3On Good Friday we see how much can change in a single day. The prophet Zechariah had a vision of filthy garments exchanged, sin removed, and Satan’s accusations silenced for good. That vision was fulfilled in a single afternoon at the cross. As we listen to our suffering Savior speak his final words, we see our sin taken away completely: gone in a single day. 

Zechariah 13:1-3Long ago, God promised his people “a fountain… to cleanse from sin and impurity.” Centuries later, Jesus showed his love as he fulfilled that promise. We cannot wash ourselves clean, but Jesus, who humbly washed his disciples’ feet, offers us his body and blood for our cleansing. Through his sacrifice and the sacrament, Jesus makes us truly clean!

Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled on Palm Sunday as our King rides in to bring us peace!Listen to the entire Passion History from the gospel of Matthew as we begin Holy Week.Zechariah 9:9-10Matthew 21:1-11Matthew 26-27

2 Kings 4:17-37

Isaiah 42:14-21Exactly What I Need - SightHave you ever been on spiritual autopilot—going through the motions, doing the “right things,” and still missing what really matters? That kind of drift is its own kind of blindness: eyes open, heart unawake, trust quietly sliding toward whatever feels safe and familiar, but ultimately empty.God doesn’t abandon the blind in the dark. He promises to lead them on unfamiliar paths, turn darkness into light, and never forsake them. In this sermon, hear how Jesus fulfills that promise for you—giving real spiritual sight through his gospel, shining light into your darkness, and keeping you from being caught spiritually unaware.

John 4:5-26Thirsty is a meme… until it’s you.A midday trip to a well turns into a conversation no one saw coming—layered with old grudges, guarded hearts, and the kind of longing that doesn’t go away just because life looks fine on the outside. Why do we keep returning to the same wells—attention, control, success, relationships—only to feel empty again? And what happens when someone sees straight through the deflection and still stays in the conversation?

Genesis 12:1-8When God calls us into action, it can feel unsettling—especially when you can’t see what’s next. When God called Abram to give up everything he knew and move across the world, he didn't hesitate. He boldly went into the unknown on nothing but a promise. The harder question is why we hesitate over far smaller obediences. The good news: God doesn’t wait for us to become brave, obedient people on our own. He gives us exactly what we need to answer his call.

Romans 5:12-19The Winter Olympics remind us what it means to have a champion. The best of the best step onto the ice or snow wearing their nation’s colors. When they win, we say, “We won.” Their victory feels like ours.But what happens when the medal is silver instead of gold? If you watched the medal ceremonies this week, you saw it — the tight smiles, the fixed stares, the unmistakable disappointment. Second place, even on the podium, still feels like loss.Romans 5 tells a far more serious story. Humanity already had a representative — and he fell. Adam’s defeat became ours. Sin spread. Death reigned. The scoreboard of history leaves no room for denial.But God did not leave us on the losing side.A second Adam entered the arena. A true Champion stood where the first failed. His obedience counts for us. His righteousness is credited to us. His victory over sin and death is not silver — he is our perfect gold-medal Champion!And that is exactly what we need.

Zechariah 1:1-6

1 Corinthians 1:26-31What kind of people make up the Church?The impressive? The successful? The strong?The Apostle Paul says… not really.God doesn’t choose the wise, powerful, or influential by human standards. He chooses the weak, the lowly, and the overlooked—and then gives them everything in Christ. Our wisdom. Our righteousness. Our holiness. Our redemption.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “enough” for God, there's good news: your identity doesn’t rest on you at all. It rests completely on Jesus!

Matthew 4:12-23Worship at Shepherd of the Hills on January 25, 2026 was canceled due to severe winter weather.That doesn't mean we can't worship! This week's podcast is a video devotional service, including the week's readings and sermon for use at home.A service folder can be found here.

Colossians 2:6-15When John the Baptist pointed at Jesus and called him “the Lamb of God,” he was drawing on a story that began centuries earlier—on a night in Egypt when families waited behind closed doors, trusting that the blood of a lamb would be enough to save them.That question—Is this Lamb enough?—still presses on us today. We know the pull to add something to Jesus: effort, certainty, spiritual progress. But Colossians 2 answers that deeper question by revealing who Jesus really is and what he has done.The Lamb of God is fully God. His sacrifice is complete. And because of him, accusation ends and freedom begins.

Matthew 3:13-17“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.

Matthew 2:1-12Christmas isn’t over just yet! Matthew 2 shows how God’s love doesn’t stay hidden in Bethlehem. It shines outward, drawing unlikely visitors from far away and revealing very different reactions along the way.As the magi follow the star to Jesus, God’s saving love is revealed not just for Israel, but for the whole world. While Herod resists and the religious leaders remain indifferent, the outsiders rejoice and worship. Their joy reminds us that God’s love is for people who don’t seem to belong—and that includes us.In Christ, love’s pure light has shone for all, and it still shines today.

Matthew 2:13-23

Titus 2:11-14On the first Christmas night, the angels of the heavenly host filled the sky with alleluia songs of praise. But what does that mean for us, 2,000 years later?The grace of God that appeared in Bethlehem didn’t fade when the angels finished singing. Christ came to redeem and purify a people for himself—bringing us into his heavenly host. Living between Christ’s first coming in grace and his return in glory, believers learn to sing alleluia not only with their voices, but with their lives.Because Christ the Savior is born, heaven still sings—and by God’s grace, so do we.

Isaiah 7:10-14Isaiah 7 confronts fear, unbelief, and an astonishing promise. King Ahaz refuses to trust God—even when invited to ask for a sign. Yet God acts anyway, giving a sign no one would have dared to request: Immanuel, God with us.God does not stay at a distance from fearful sinners. As Advent gives way to Christmas, the comfort is clear: our confidence rests not in the strength of our faith, but in the faithfulness of our God. Immanuel has come. Immanuel is with us. And Immanuel will come again.

Matthew 11:2-11Waiting is hard—especially when God’s promises don’t seem to match what we see around us. From a prison cell, John the Baptist asks an honest question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”Jesus responds by revealing his identity through fulfilled promises: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear good news. Mercy comes before glory, and faith is invited not to stumble over what is hidden. On Gaudete Sunday, joy is grounded not in circumstances, but in Christ himself—the promised Messiah who has already come and will come again in glory.

Matthew 3:1-12Like a courtroom bailiff calling people to rise for the entrance of a judge, John the Baptist stands in salvation history, calling all people to attention with a single urgent word: "Repent!" As the Judge draws near, John exposes false confidences, shatters self-reliance, and points us to the only secure place to stand: the coming Savior who took our judgment on himself.Advent urges us to explore what true repentance looks like, why relying on our spiritual résumé is so dangerous, and, finally, how the imminent arrival of the Judge is not a threat for believers, but a source of deep peace. When Christ comes to separate wheat from chaff, those washed in his forgiveness will stand tall—not in fear, but in joy.

Romans 10:10-18As Advent begins, we’re reminded that the last thing any of us wants is to be caught unprepared—especially for Christ’s return. In this week’s message from Romans 10:10–18, we discover that being ready for Jesus’ arrival is far simpler than we imagine: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”But if salvation is that simple, why doesn’t everyone know it? Paul tells us plainly—people can’t believe in a Savior they’ve never heard about. That’s where God uses ordinary believers to share extraordinary news.This year the First Sunday in Advent also happens to be the Festival of St. Andrew. We look at the apostle Andrew’s story as a living example of how the gospel spreads: someone announced, Andrew heard, Jesus invited, Andrew believed… and then he invited someone he loved.

James 1:16-18Thanksgiving invites us to take a break from the fast pace of everyday life and look with fresh eyes at the gifts that surround us. However, even on a holiday focused on gratitude, our hearts can drift toward confusion about where our blessings come from, what they mean, and what they’re for.  James warns us: “Do not be deceived!” God wants more for us than vague feelings of thankfulness. He wants to clear our vision so that we can see the true source of every good gift, trust in the character of the Giver, and find peace and rest in the greatest gift of all.

Revelation 22:6-13As another Church Year comes to a close, Christians hear the same promise Jesus spoke to John at the end of Revelation: “Look, I am coming soon." But after centuries of waiting, that promise can start to feel more like distant information than eager anticipation. Why does our excitement fade—and what renews it?

Hebrews 11:32-40Ever feel like the word saint couldn’t possibly apply to you? You struggle, you doubt, you get tired — and halos don’t exactly follow you around. But God doesn’t call you a saint because you feel holy or look impressive. He calls you a saint because Christ made you his own. And that identity doesn’t just comfort you — it strengthens you. Saints don’t stand by their own power; they stand because Christ stands for them. And that’s why you can face today — and tomorrow — with courage, endurance, and hope.

John 8:31-36We live in an age obsessed with truth—and yet, somehow, we’re more confused than ever. As we celebrate the Reformation, we examine Jesus' famous words, “The truth will set you free.” What does that really mean? From the crowds who first heard Jesus, to Martin Luther rediscovering the Gospel, to our modern search for meaning, the cause and effect remain the same—where God’s truth is proclaimed, freedom follows. Discover how Christ’s truth still sets hearts free from guilt, fear, and the slavery of self!

Luke 17:11-19Why doesn’t generosity always lead to gratitude? Through the Samaritan leper’s thankful heart, we see how our sense of deservedness and spiritual numbness can block true thankfulness—and how Christ’s generosity at the cross restores it. When we see God's generosity through our eyes of faith, gratitude will always be the result.

Luke 18:1-8This week is a special edition of the Shepherd of the Hills Podcast. Pastor Wilde is out of town, guest preaching at Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Mississauga, Ontario.Former Shepherd of the Hills pastor (and friend and classmate of Pastor Wilde), Pastor Paul Krueger preached on Luke 18 here at Shepherd of the Hills on October 16, 2016. He graciously has allowed us to use his sermon in worship again this weekend.As we look at cause and effect in God's kingdom, one of the greatest comforts we see is how knowing our God's mercy leads us to take advantage of his gift of prayer!

Luke 17:1-10Growing in faith is kind of like getting a promotion at work. Sure, there are more blessings as you grow closer to God, but at the same time, you become increasingly aware of the duties you have as a believer to take sin seriously, to confront and forgive one another, to trust in God even with mustard-seed faith, and to live out our calling in simple, humble service. Far from being a burden, however, these duties become a delight because they flow from the Savior who first served us.

Luke 16:19-31This week we're listening to Jesus’ sobering story of the rich man and Lazarus. At first glance, it looks like a tale of two very different lives — one filled with daily luxury, the other with daily misery. But Jesus presses us deeper. What we rely on in life, what seems to help us day after day, cannot carry us through death. Not wealth, not comfort, not our own strength. However, there is still hope! In Christ, what looks weak and powerless is the only sure help we have, both in life and in death.

Luke 16:1-13Jesus tells one of his most puzzling parables: a dishonest manager who earns his master’s praise. Why would Jesus hold up such a figure? We wrestle with the sting of Jesus’ words—that unbelievers often act with more urgency and wisdom than believers do. Yet that sting drives us to the healing truth: Christ was perfectly faithful for us, and in him we are free. Free to master our wealth instead of being mastered by it. Free to use God’s gifts boldly and wisely for his kingdom, because our eternal future is already secure.

Luke 15:1-10The idea of being lost and then found is one of the most comforting thoughts in all of Scripture–but only when we realize what it really meant that we were lost do we begin to grasp the depth of God's grace. In two simple yet vivid parables, Jesus reveals the hard truth that we were utterly helpless, hopeless, and lost, and comforts us by showing how eager he is to seek the lost, and the joy in heaven when even one lost person is brought to him in faith.Shepherd of the Hills has begun streaming our services live on YouTube. Follow Shepherd of the Hills by using the link below:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMemh0v6m7BkflAA5y3jdfg

Luke 14:1,7-14Jesus says, “All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Today we see how pride drives us to chase recognition, but how Christ humbled Himself to the cross so that God could say to us, “Friend, move up to a better place.”

Luke 13:22-30Jesus’ words cut straight to the heart: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.” This week we wrestle with what it means that the door is very narrow. Jesus’ warning shatters our false securities and calls us to focus on him. We also find gospel comfort: the door may be narrow, but in Christ it is wide open. He went to the cross to open the way for people from east and west, north and south—including you!

Luke 12:49-53Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet in Luke 12 He says He came to bring not peace but division! What does that mean for us? Today we explore how Christ’s mission to bring peace with God also results in painful division—even within families. These wounds hurt, but they are purposeful, like the cuts of a skilled surgeon. They burn away false hopes and leave us with the lasting peace of forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Luke 12:22-34Worry can feel unavoidable—almost like it’s part of being human. Yet Jesus points us to some of the simplest teachers in all creation: birds and flowers. They don’t have the capacity to worry, yet they are cared for every day. This week, we explore why worry is ultimately powerless, how it reveals a lack of trust, and how the Father’s proven care frees us to live generously and without fear. Discover the deep comfort in Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid, little flock,” and the life-changing truth that your Father has already given you the kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 1:1,2, 12-14; 2:18-26What do you do when everything you’ve worked so hard for… still leaves you feeling empty? Solomon's wisdom makes us confront the harsh truth that chasing meaning “under the sun” will always come up short. But in Christ, we’re given something far better than what we could ever earn—true purpose, lasting joy, and the freedom to live with open hands. Whether you’re feeling burned out, restless, or just wondering if it’s all worth it, this message will help you look in the right place—and give your undivided attention to the One who gives all things.

1 Timothy 2:1-7Prayer often feels natural, like walking—until we stop and realize how powerful and purposeful it truly is. Today, we explore how God calls us to pray for all people, including those in authority, not just for our own comfort but so that his gospel can flourish. While our prayer life can be clumsy at best, and certainly not somethign we deserve, Jesus, our mediator and ransom, gives us access to God our Heavenly Father with confidence!

Luke 10:38-42What do you have in common with a Mars orbiter? Missing one thing might mean disaster. Missing crucial details in calculation can cause a total mission failure for a spacecraft. Missing the "one thing needful" spells total disaster for our lives. Today, Jesus focuses us on the one thing that we need in life and eternity!

Ruth 1:1-19aIn a time of famine and grief, Naomi believed God had turned against her. But God was quietly at work—through the loyalty of an unlikely daughter-in-law named Ruth. God’s steadfast love opens our eyes to others, even in our own sorrow. Ruth’s devotion points us to an even greater Redeemer, Jesus, who refused to walk away from us. Because he gave us his undivided attention, we are now free to do the same—for a neighbor in need.

Luke 10:1-12,16-20The spiritual needs around us are urgent and immense, like an emergency room overflowing with patients but lacking medical staff. Thankfully, Jesus not only highlights this pressing need but graciously sends gospel workers, promising his authority, provision, and eternal success. This week, we explore Jesus' urgent call for gospel workers and how each of us can confidently respond, assured that our names are written in heaven.

1 Kings 19:19-21When Elijah cast his cloak of Elisha, the farmer responded immediately. He slaughtered his oxen and burned his plowing equipment, leaving now possibility to return. This unwavering, no looking back, kind of commitment is what Christ looks for in all believers. Do you have what it takes to answer Christ's call for your commitment?