![[Sunday] Loud Lips & Far Hearts - Foolish Wisdom](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1777585193440-H27BJHBXN2C272DK4Q5Z/FW2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Loud Lips & Far Hearts - Foolish Wisdom
We look at Solomon's tragic fall into pride and power, reminding us that true wisdom isn't found in building our own empires, but in the self-emptying love of Jesus.
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Series Context
Sermon series: “Foolish Wisdom,” walking through First and Second Kings by focusing on Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha.
Narrative arc:
Solomon: precipitates the kingdom’s downfall.
Elijah: ministers as the kingdom collapses.
Elisha: serves among the ashes after the fall.
Aim: To expose “foolish wisdom”—the contrast between human displays of power and God’s way of humble service.
Opening Illustration: LCMS History and Power
LCMS congregational identity noted; origin story used as a parallel to Solomon’s trajectory.
Martin Stephan:
Charismatic leader in Germany amid 19th-century nationalization.
Organized migration to America in 1838 on five ships; declared himself bishop en route.
Settled in St. Louis, then directed many settlers to Perry County, MO, to maintain control.
Reports of exploitation emerged—“honoring with lips while heart is far”—used as a modern example of the temptation to power.
Theme introduced: When leaders seek control, honor God outwardly but their hearts drift toward self-glory and domination.
Main Texts and Biblical Context
Focus: Solomon’s fall as the pattern of choosing empire power over covenant faithfulness.
1. Solomon’s Forced Labor
Scripture: First Kings 9:14 (NIV paraphrase noted)
“Here is the account of the forced labor Solomon conscripted to build the Lord’s temple…”
Context and emphasis:
“Forced labor” exposes slavery-like practices reminiscent of Egypt.
God’s identity statement to Israel: “I am the God who brought you out of Egypt”—don’t return to Egypt’s ways.
The author subtly critiques Solomon’s “Egypt-like” rule even while praising his grandeur.
2. Solomon’s Wealth and Throne
Scripture: First Kings 10:14
“The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents…”
Number significance:
“6” symbolizes incompleteness; “666” evokes anti-God patterns of power (cf. Revelation).
Scripture: First Kings 10:18–20
Solomon’s throne: ivory and gold, six steps, twelve lions—hyperbolic claims of unmatched greatness.
Historical illustration:
King Tut’s throne (c. 300 years earlier) shows Solomon is emulating Egyptian grandeur; the “nothing like it” boast mirrors despot rhetoric.
Scripture: First Kings 10:27–29
“Silver as common as stones… Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt… chariots from Egypt for six hundred shekels…”
Application:
The repeated “Egypt” connection highlights Solomon’s desire to be Pharaoh—a pursuit of power antithetical to God’s covenant call.
3. Solomon’s Loves and Idolatry
Scripture: First Kings 11:1–2
“King Solomon… loved many foreign women… [from nations] about which the Lord told the Israelites ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’”
Correction of common misreading:
The sermon challenges the tendency to blame the women.
Deeper cause: Solomon’s heart already set on empire power—wives were a symptom, not the core problem.
Pastoral application:
We scapegoat “weak” or obvious targets to avoid confronting our own worship of power.
Lip-service to God can mask a heart enthralled by glory, dominance, and self-justification.
4. God’s Judgment on Solomon
Scripture: First Kings 11:9–11
“The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away… ‘Since this is your attitude… I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.’”
Theological point:
God judges covenant unfaithfulness, especially when leaders reinstate bondage God already broke.
Solomon’s attempt to be Pharaoh leads to loss—God resists proud rulers and defends the oppressed.
LCMS Case Study Continued: Accountability over Personality
St. Louis pastors feared confronting Stephan; chose the youngest pastor, C. F. W. Walther, to investigate.
Walther:
Rode to Perry County, verified abuses.
Removed Stephan, sent him across the Mississippi.
Established lasting accountability: “No bishops”; authority in the Word and local congregations; pastors accountable to congregation and district president.
Became first LCMS president, seminary professor, and championed “sola deo gloria” (Glory to God alone).
Fruit of humble leadership:
LCMS helped found a historically Black university during Reconstruction to uplift those oppressed by “pharaohs.”
Note of lament: the university closed five years ago; a call to recover mission focus.
Jesus: The Greater-than-Solomon Way
Scripture: Matthew 12 (Queen of the South/Sheba and judgment)
“The queen of the south… will rise at the judgment… for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to all of Solomon’s wisdom; and now one greater than Solomon is here.”
Interpretation:
Jesus contrasts with Solomon’s power model.
Pharisees with long robes and devouring of widows exemplify self-glorification; Jesus confronts them.
Temptation narrative:
The devil offered Jesus “all power, gold, wisdom, greatness”; Jesus refused, embracing humility.
Pastoral assurance:
If salvation were based on our daily performance, we’d be lost.
Jesus “went to the bottom”—His cross and self-emptying place salvation under us, sustaining us amid doubt and failure.
Christ’s Humble Exaltation
Scripture: Philippians 2:5–11 (paraphrased in sermon)
Jesus emptied Himself, became a servant unto death on a cross; therefore God exalted Him, so every knee bows and every tongue confesses Jesus Christ is Lord—to the glory of God the Father.
Revelation image:
In the throne room, John hears glory and power—but when he looks, he sees “a Lamb that is slain.”
God’s throne is the crucified Lamb—power expressed as sacrificial love so God is never out of our grasp.
Who God Is, Who You Are, and How to Live
Who God is:
The Redeemer who brings His people out of Egypt; He opposes oppressive power and judges idolatry.
He exalts the humble Christ, whose throne is the slain Lamb—power as self-giving love.
Who God says you are:
Beloved, upheld by Christ’s salvation “underneath” you; not defined by performance but by grace.
Called away from empire-seeking identity to servant-hearted, covenant faithfulness.
How to live:
Renounce pursuits of power and self-glory; embrace accountability and humble service.
Guard against honoring God with lips while hearts chase influence and status.
Refuse scapegoating; examine the heart’s idols—especially the idol of power.
Live “sola deo gloria”—direct all glory to God alone; organize church life around the Word, communal accountability, and care for the marginalized.
Application and Examples
Biblical application:
Resist building “Egypt” in our homes, churches, and institutions: avoid systems that exploit or dehumanize.
Read First and Second Kings with an eye for the authors’ “truth bombs”—praise of grandeur paired with subtle critiques.
LCMS application:
Build structures that check charismatic personality power.
Recover missional commitments to uplift those historically oppressed.
Personal spiritual practice:
Regularly ask: Are my fruits revealing a heart seeking power?
In seasons of doubt and failure, remember Christ’s salvation is beneath you, ready to lift you.
Pursue servant leadership; seek accountability; give glory to God alone.
Key Points
God rescued Israel from Egypt so His people would not imitate empire power; Solomon tragically re-imported “Egypt” through slavery, wealth, and military alliances.
Blaming “foreign wives” misses the deeper issue: Solomon’s heart loved power and self-glory, turning from God.
God resists proud rulers and tears down oppressive structures; He calls His people to humble accountability.
Jesus is greater than Solomon: He rejected worldly power, embraced the cross, and reigns as the slain Lamb—God’s true throne of love.
Our identity and endurance rest in Christ’s self-emptying grace, not in our performance; therefore, we live “sola deo gloria,” serving rather than dominating.
Scriptures Referenced
First Kings 9:14
First Kings 10:14, 18–20, 27–29
First Kings 11:1–2, 9–11
Matthew 12 (Queen of the South/Sheba and judgment)
Philippians 2:5–11
Revelation (Lamb that is slain in the throne room)
Closing Exhortation
Pursuits of power are frivolous; Christ alone brings you near.
Embrace “foolish wisdom”: humble service, accountability, and glory to God alone.
We look at Solomon's tragic fall into pride and power, reminding us that true wisdom isn't found in building our own empires, but in the self-emptying love of Jesus.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
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[Sunday] Temple Traps - Foolish Wisdom
It’s easy to get distracted by building grand things, forgetting that God's true work is simply rescuing broken people right where they are.
It’s easy to get distracted by building grand things, forgetting that God's true work is simply rescuing broken people right where they are.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
The Great Divorce [Thursday Bible Study]
The Great Divorce is my favorite C.S. Lewis book. It truly forces us to look in the mirror and decide if we are actually willing to lay down our demons and walk toward the light.
The Great Divorce is my favorite C.S. Lewis book. It truly forces us to look in the mirror and decide if we are actually willing to lay down our demons and walk toward the light.
St Lucie Mets Game in April [Photos]
Great time at the St Luice Mets game
It was a great night out at the St. Lucie Mets game. The real winner, though, was the little one. She spent the end of the night happily counting her cash after an absolute masterclass in Moundball. Join us next time!
Foolish Wisdom | Teaching Series
Exploring the stories of Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha in 1st and 2nd Kings, our new "Foolish Wisdom" series reveals that God's truest wisdom is found not in human achievements but in rescuing everyday people right where they are.
Exploring the stories of Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha in 1st and 2nd Kings, our new "Foolish Wisdom" series reveals that God's truest wisdom is found not in human achievements but in rescuing everyday people right where they are.
Reading Plan
Read around the readings for Sunday
2/14/26/26 - Soloman and the Temple
1 Kings 8:12-21
1 Kings 9:1-9
Mark 13:1-10
5/3/26 - Soloman's Downfal
1 Kings 11:1-10
Romans 5:12-19
Mark 12:38-44
5/10/26 - Drought/Fed by Ravens-- Call to repentance Evil Ahab
1 Kings 17:1-7
1 Corinthains 10:1-13
Matthew 4:1-11
5/17/26 - Widow of Zarepath
1 Kings 17:8-24
Galatians 3:6-9
Luke 4:16-26
5/24/26 - Mt Carmel and showdown with Prophets of Baal
1 Kings 18:20-39
Galatians 1:6-10
Luke 7:1-10
5/31/26 - Elijah flees running from Jezebel
1 Kings 19:2-3, 9-18
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
6/7/26 - Elisha takes over as Elijah goes to heaven
2 Kings 2:1-15
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
6/14/26 - Naaman
2 Kings 5:1-14
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
6/21/26 - Elisha annoints Jehu, yet Jehu still does Evil
(2 Kings 9-10)2 Kings 9:1-7
Romans 7:14-20
Matthew 11:1-19
![Mark [Wednesday Bible Study]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/ba6ca3bb-2b74-4e61-a480-be2a15a0af81/Bible+Study+2+%282%29.jpg)
Mark [Wednesday Bible Study]
"While the Gospel of Mark is the shortest, it is the most direct; it reveals that the true Son of God is found not in our desires for power, but in the God who comes in humility to amaze us all."
"While the Gospel of Mark is the shortest, it is the most direct; it reveals that the true Son of God is found not in our desires for power, but in the God who comes in humility to amaze us all."
![[Sunday] Psalm 1 - The Man](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1776218185595-D4UW9T40IGG1I78K2UR4/The+Week+9a.jpg)
[Sunday] Psalm 1 - The Man
The Bible is full of opposites: light/dark, good/evil, life/death, and on and on. To that list we can add saint/sinner. Psalm 1 deals with both the saint and the sinner in each of us while also laying a solid foundation for the entire Psalter. It also introduces us to our Savior.
The Bible is full of opposites: light/dark, good/evil, life/death, and on and on. To that list we can add saint/sinner. Psalm 1 deals with both the saint and the sinner in each of us while also laying a solid foundation for the entire Psalter. It also introduces us to our Savior.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![Tokas Family Baptism [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1775827002242-SVB29FA6R0KMXZUR3IRV/Tokas+Baptism.jpg)
Tokas Family Baptism [Photos]
we’d love to have you join us at Grace Lutheran PSL, or you can catch the live stream at the link above.
Saturday April 11th 4pm
It is will great joy that we will baptizing the Tokas family in to God’s on Saturday at 4pm.
We’d love to have you join us at Grace Lutheran PSL, or you can catch the live stream at the link above.
We’re having a reception with food right after the service. You’re more than welcome to bring a dish if you want, but honestly, just come as you are—we’d love to see you!
![April 2nd Sunday School [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1776271392998-YAGF7CEMVFWZKPE93W7G/PXL_20260412_162844632.jpg)
April 2nd Sunday School [Photos]
Great time at 2nd Sunday school.
Every 2nd Sunday the kids meet after the 10:15 service for Second Sunday School. They had a great time playing superheroes and remembering the resurrection of our Lord.
St Lucie Mets Game - April 23rd
Fun at the mets game
Tons of Fun! Join us for a Mets baseball game on
Thursday, April 23rd, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Doors Open 5:30pm
Clover Park (Mets Stadium). We will have shaded seating upward left as you walk in the main center entrance (3rd Base Side). Playing the Palm Beach Cardnials
Enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 soda, and $2 popcorn as well as $2 draft beer at the concession stands.
Tickets are General Admission.
Just show up and purchase a ticket and meet us at the seats.
Fun Announcement: Mound ball (innings 2-6) - exclusive for GLC patrons only.
![[Sunday] Creation Day 8 - Rest The Week](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1775766340384-5MXXACTZNMYUEFDELPA9/The+Week+8a.jpg)
[Sunday] Creation Day 8 - Rest The Week
When the joy of Easter meets the chaos of daily life, we don't need to panic. Jesus, the true Creator-Gardener, has secured our future, which frees us to plant seeds of hope right in the middle of the mess.
When the joy of Easter meets the chaos of daily life, we don't need to panic. Jesus, the true Creator-Gardener, has secured our future, which frees us to plant seeds of hope right in the middle of the mess.
Questions for the Week: Creation Day 8: Plant
Read John 20:11-18. Where in your life is it currently difficult to see Jesus at work, and how does remembering He is the "Gardener" (gently cultivating and bringing life back to His creation) change your perspective?
Read Revelation 21:1-6. When the "sea" is raging (stress, illness, conflict), we are sometimes tempted to try and save ourselves by taking control, which only creates more chaos. Jesus has handled the sea and saved you by his grace. How does resting in this grace give you peace?
Read Jeremeiah 29:4-14. It’s been said by the church, sometimes attributed to Martin Luther, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” What is one specific “apple tree” you can plant for someone this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Easter 26’ Photos
Easter was amazing time for us at Grace.
Big Thanks to Everyone
Thank you to all who helped set up.
Thanks to all who came to the services.
Thanks to all who participated.
This year’s attendance was higher than in a long time.
247 total in person attendance
50 people on the livestream
![[Easter] Creation Day 7 - Rest The Week](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1775074168095-82WENI1I4DA222SDE8UE/The+Week+7a.jpg)
[Easter] Creation Day 7 - Rest The Week
Jesus' cry of "It is finished" echoes God's seventh-day rest. Because the tomb is empty, the work of putting the world back together is complete. You can stop trying to fix your own brokenness and finally just breathe and rest.
Jesus' cry of "It is finished" echoes God's seventh-day rest. Because the tomb is empty, the work of putting the world back together is complete. You can stop trying to fix your own brokenness and rest.
Questions for the Week: The Week: Day 7 Rest
What is an "unfinished project" (literal or figurative) in your life right now that is robbing you of your peace and rest?
Read Luke 23:50-24:12. The women at the tomb were so focused on their grief and their incomplete tasks that they initially missed the miracle in front of them. The angel asked, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" How do we sometimes act like those women, focusing only on the dark, broken parts of life instead of the hope of Jesus?
It is powerful to realize that Jesus' final cry on the cross uses the same word as God finishing the six days of creation. How does knowing that the work of your salvation is 100% "finished" change the way you view your own daily striving and spiritual performance?
The world says we can only rest when everything is fixed, but the resurrection means we can rest right in the middle of our mess. How can you practically "breathe and rest" this week, even with unresolved circumstances?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Good Friday] Tohu Vavohu The Week](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1774905300678-2BEG2XM429JZK7ZSGKCI/The+Week+GFa.jpg)
[Good Friday] Tohu Vavohu The Week
in the crucifixion of our lord its as if the creation itself is rolled back to the beginning.
Good Friday
Noon & 7PM
Noon Live Stream
in the crucifixion of our lord its as if the creation itself is rolled back to the beginning.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![Seder Meals [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1775225315305-5SV8E94KSW22LKPR02L5/PXL_20260402_223316435.jpg)
Seder Meals [Photos]
This Maundy Thursday, Grace Lutheran PSL went mobile! We had 53 people gather across 6 different homes for Seder meals.
We kicked things off with a host prep session at the Pastor’s house, then headed into the holiday to celebrate the institution of the Lord’s Supper. By walking through a variation of that original meal, we were able to truly lean into what Jesus was saying to His disciples. It was a beautiful night of laughing, sharing stories, and being the Body of Christ in our own living rooms.
Thank you to our incredible hosts and all who joined in!
With apologies to those who attended Ed and Claudette’s house. (I forgot to shoot photos)
Thanks to our hosts
Pam, Bebe, and Kevin.
Paul and Nancy
Vance and Betsy
Kurt and Denise
Ed and Claudette
New Song for Easter, Living Hope
New Song for Easter 2026
Here is Grace’s Recording for Sunday
"As we conclude our 'Week of Creation' sermon series this Easter with a focus on rest, This song beautifully illustrates God’s work of salvation within the world He brought to life."
On April 5th 2026 we are singing
“Living Hope” (CCLI 7106807)
© 2017 Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs;
1.
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain we could not climb
In desperation we turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness Your loving-kindness
Tore through the shadows of our soul
The work is finished the end is written
Jesus Christ our living hope
2.
Who could imagine so great a mercy
What heart could fathom such boundless grace
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear our sin and bear our shame
The cross has spoken we are forgiven
The King of kings calls us His own
Beautiful Savior Your ours forever
Jesus Christ our living hope
(REFRAIN)
Hallelujah praise the One who set us free
Hallelujah death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ our living hope (x2)
3.
Then came the morning, that sealed the promise
Your buried body, began to breathe
Out of the darkness, said the Creator
hold back the sea, so that we may breathe
Jesus, Yours, is the fruitful tree
(REFRAIN)
Ending
Jesus Christ our living hope
You are God are living hope
Listen to the Original
(We Changed Some Lyrics)
![[Sunday] Creation Day 6 - Image of God, The Week](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1774573315831-KRAOI22SKZR6IVVGLBW3/The+Week+6a.jpg)
[Sunday] Creation Day 6 - Image of God, The Week
We shattered God's image by trying to be our own gods. But on the cross, Jesus took our brokenness upon Himself, dying and rising to restore the true image of God within us.
We shattered God's image by trying to be our own gods. But on the cross, Jesus took our brokenness upon Himself, dying and rising to restore the true image of God within us.
Questions for the Week: The Week: Day 6 Image of God
We shatter God's image when we try to be our own gods by serving our own desires rather than reflecting His love. In what areas of your life (work, relationships, finances) are you most tempted to act as your own god?
Read Matthew 27:45-54. On Palm Sunday, Jesus said if the people were silent, the stones would cry out. On Good Friday, as the Creator died, the earth quaked, and the rocks literally split. How does viewing the crucifixion as a cosmic, creation-shaking event change the way you read the Good Friday story?
Read Genesis 1:24-31. God gave mankind dominion on Day 6, but we abused it. Jesus, the true image of God, showed that real divine dominion looks like taking the posture of a servant. How does Jesus' example on the cross challenge the world's definition of power and success?
Because of the cross and the empty tomb, Jesus has breathed His Spirit into us, restoring the image of God in us. What are practical ways you can actively reflect the restored image of God to someone in your life this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Easter 2026 At Grace in Port St Lucie
April 5 -Easter Sunday: 6:30 AM (outside), 8:30 AM & 10:15 AM (10:15 service Live Streamed)
Easter 2026
HOLY WEEK
March 29 - April 5
March 29- Palm Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:15 AM (10:15 AM will be Live Streamed)
April 2 - Maundy Thursday: Seder Meals at Various Homes
April 3 - Good Friday:
12:00 (Noon) and 7:00 PM (Noon service Live Streamed)
April 5 -Easter Sunday:
6:30 AM (Sunrise outside),
8:30 AM & 10:15 AM (10:15 Live Stream)
Easter Breakfast & Fellowship:
After Sunrise Service 7:30 - 10:00 AM
Egg hunt: 9:50 AM
Check out photos from Last year
Job | Lent Wednesday Services
Job | Questioning God’s Wisdom
Wednesday Lent Services
5:30 Dinner
6:30pm Service & Stream
March 25th
Click the Image to Watch Live Stream
Reading Plan
February 25th | Job Chapter 2
March 4th | Job Chapter 3
March 11th | Job Chapter 19
March 18th | Job Chapter 38
March 25th | Job Chapter 42
We look at Solomon's tragic fall into pride and power, reminding us that true wisdom isn't found in building our own empires, but in the self-emptying love of Jesus.