Faith Lutheran Markesan Sermons: Recent Episodes
Pastor Matthew Ude
Which is more important, the size of the diamond ring your husband gave you, or the size of the love that ring was meant to represent? Hopefully you all answered correctly. If not, you’d better see me after class. The ring is only a copy or shadow only an imitation of the greater thing, the
Every morning, we get up and put on different articles of clothing. This clothing serves numerous functions. It hides our nakedness. It keeps us warm. It can make us look professional or it can be practical. In some ways the clothing we choose to wear says something to others about who we are and what
In our text Paul talks about the revealing of the righteousness of God. But why did it need to be revealed? Why was it hidden? Who was it hidden from? Who did the hiding? Scripture makes it clear that although God veiled his glory, it is not God but man who attempts to hide it,
If you continue in my word . . . We often translate this as “if you abide (or live) in my word.” It could also be translated, “if you continue in my word.” This is what the original King James has here. Jesus is speaking to “those Jews who [had so far] believed in Him.”
I.N.I. Summer Sermon 2024 Isaiah 44:6-8 In Christ Jesus, our Rock in whom we trust, Dear Fellow Redeemed, How safe do you feel in this world full of turmoil and change? Well a term that is used when people feel very save and secure is “rock-solid.” If you have a rock-solid friend, you can
The Cross Marks The Spot 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
I am perhaps not the person to be telling you this as I don’t do it well, but I am going to tell you anyway. Stand up straight. I don’t do a good job at it. I am often hunched over looking at the ground and with terrible posture. I am told that you should
This entire miracle is one that speaks to us about faith. In life we meet obstacles. Sometimes these obstacles are small, sometimes they are large, and sometimes they seem large at the time but later we find that they weren’t really that big of deal. These obstacles might sometimes tempt us to just give up.
Genoa Peak is a mountain top that stands on the western border of Nevada. If you climb up to it, you can get two good views. To the west is the verdant valley, which is Lake Tahoe and beyond it California. To the east is the dry parched desert which is most of Nevada. Now
Ephesians 6:10-12 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
In the name of Jesus, who died for us that we might live for Him, Dear Fellow Redeemed, Anyone who has ever gone golfing knows how frustrating that game can be at times. It is a difficult game to play properly, and even professional golfers often have poor rounds; they lose their concentration, they don’t
In Christ Jesus, who dearly loves and cares for His bride, the Church, dear fellow Christians: “Will you take this woman here present to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish
Our text tells us that the word of the Lord was rare. Why? Because Eli and his sons had failed in their duty to serve the Lord. Eli’s sons Hophni and Phineas failed through a blatantly sinful lifestyle which was an open despising of God’s word. Eli failed because he did not deal with this
Numerous times throughout my life I’ve heard the rule that you should not wear white sneakers in Europe because people will instantly know your American. My response is always why I should care if people know I’m American. I am American. Why would I want to hide it? In our text this morning Paul speaks
We celebrate our Savior the free gift from God. There is a story of a man who went as a missionary to the far east. Shortly after his arrival he was a given a very expensive gift from a wealthy local. Unaware of the local customs he accepted the gift. Later he found out that
In our sinfulness we often believe freedom to be a thing that we deserve. God’s word teaches us that freedom is the gift of God though Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. The Old Testament paints
Mark 5:21-23 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him
Some people can fall asleep anywhere, plane, train, car, church pew. Others have trouble falling asleep even at night in a comfortable bed. In our text today Jesus takes sleeping on the go to a whole new level. He is peacefully sleeping on a boat, in a storm, while waves are crashing over his head.
In this parable Jesus teaches us that those who make use of his word grow strong in faith. Those who do not wither and die. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; We often speak about heroes of faith, but Jesus speaks here about the opposite, anti-heroes. He speaks
36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” Its Sunday. The people are gathered. Jesus is in their midst. He gives them his peace. He sends them out into the world. What am I describing? Am I describing our text or
Last week we heard how the women come to the tomb early in the darkness. They leave in the glorious light of his resurrection. They come bearing the accoutrements of death. They leave with the promises of life. Similarly in our text today the disciples begin hiding in fear but in the end, leave filled
Last year I was reading a book and came across a quote that surprised me. It was a quote from a second century Roman general who referred to the Jewish nation and their “tribal god.” It’s not surprising that an ancient roman would view the Lord God in such a way. Yet, it was one
At Marah the Israelites found water but they could not drink it because it was bitter. The Lord showed Moses a particular tree. This wasn’t just any tree, but one in particular which God chose. Moses cut it down and when he put it in the water, the water became sweet. Today God has shown
The words of institution to the Lord’s Supper are filled with the sacrificial language of the Old Testament. Words like body, blood, given, shed, poured out, and remission, call to mind the offerings and sacrifices of the Old Testament. Jesus makes it clear that his supper is to be an offering. Not an offering from
It always takes me a while to pick out a Christmas tree. I want to find the perfect one. You may know how it goes. One is too high, one too short, another too thin, too fat, crooked, or lopsided. When you think you have found the prefect one you walk around and on the
Introduction: Leading up to our text today, something very prominent and shocking from Bible History had just taken place. The people of Israel had gotten disgruntled and impatient with the fact that Moses had not yet come down from the Mountain. (He was up on Mt. Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God) Just one
Imagine driving through the Arizona desert. On your way through the desert, you see a pile of dry bones. Imagine someone in the car stepped out and started preaching to the dry bones. What would you think? You would probably think him a complete nut. This is exactly what God told Ezekiel the prophet to
The Battle Is Difficult There are seven petitions in the Lord’s prayer, seven things that we ask for. Which of these is the hardest to pray? The fifth can be difficult. We ask that we learn to be as forgiving to others as God is to us. When we are filled with anger and resentment
There was one professor in particular at ILC who always made you show your work. Even if you got the answer right, if you didn’t get there the right way you still got it wrong. Similarly, some teachers want you to explain why on the true or false questions. Its not good enough to mark
Our midweek Lenten series this year is all about battles. Battles that the Lord fights for us in our lives and battles that Christ fought when He secured our redemption. Our series is appropriately named after the same confession of David when he declared before Goliath – “The Battle is the Lord’s.” We are reminded
Back in the early 80s three students wrote the SAT board to point out that there was a mistake on the SAT. The board reviewed the test and realized they were right. They removed that question from the test and adjusted all the scores accordingly. For some people this was a good thing, their score
Betrayal – it makes for a great movie. There is nothing more suspenseful than a good betrayal. Whenever you hear “this show/movie has it all,” it almost always includes the word betrayal. In real life betrayal destroys relationships and is a seed for serious sins in the lives of both the betrayed and the betrayer.
I’ve been up and down a lot of mountains in my life, the Appalachians, The Rockies, the Sierra Navada, Cascades, Himalayan, Nilgiris, and others. This last summer we were driving up and down the mountains in Olympic National Park. It is a lot of work getting up to the top. Even if you are driving
In the gospel of John, Jesus opens his ministry with the miracle of water into wine at the wedding of Cana. The kids and I talked on Tuesday about how this miracle reminds us that Jesus came to bless. This first miracle of Jesus mirrors Genesis chapter two. Just as God freely gave Adam and
A made the star in the back of church for Advent. It is a simple woodworking project and even as simple as that is the angles are off. The one at the back of the church is much better. This chair, however, shows a far greater proficiency with woodworking. This was made by an India
God’s kingdom is like the energizer bunny, or an avalanche, or that boulder that chases Indianna Jones out of the temple, it just keeps going. God himself describes it that way in Daniel 2:34. He calls the kingdom of God a rock cut without hands. It rolls down and smashes the statue representing the kingdoms
Jesus’ ministry begins and end with baptism and preaching. John came preaching and baptism. Jesus was baptized then began his ministry. When Jesus ascends into heaven, he told his disciples “Go teach, baptize.” In acts on the day of Pentecost, the apostles preached the word, and the people were baptized. In our sinfulness we often
When my brother David was in college, we drove together to Austin, Texas without stopping. We drove all night and all day. When we arrived, we were there for maybe twenty minutes, turned around and drove all the way back. About twenty-four hours one way and the same back. Why would we do that? All
Happy is the man who has a warm coat and hot beverage. Considering the weather outside, such a phrase would not normally surprise you. However, if we were on a Caribbean beach, or if it were the middle of August, such a phrase probably would surprise you very much. If I were to say such
What is the easiest and quickest way to get your homework done? Answer: trick your parents or teachers into doing it for you. Here’s a tip for any students. Ask your parents for help when they are busy or tired and they are more likely to just give you the answer, rather than try to
It’s comforting to know where something is. Packing for a trip can be hectic but once everything is in the car and you are on your way there is peace knowing everything is in the car. When you finally get through the airport and on the plane, you can relax, you made it. Everything is
Luke 1:26-30 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,
Let’s start this evening by agreeing that I am right. Think of all the time we could save at meetings if I just made all the decisions. Think how peaceful everything would be if everyone just agreed with me all the time. The only problem is that I’m not always right and I don’t always
Our kids usually learn at a young age how to identify Jesus in any given picture. Even if the physical depiction of Jesus is different from the classic European with a beard and long hair, still there are certain clues they pick up on. Jesus is the one holding the lamb. Jesus is the one
Last week we saw how two lines come together in the point of the star. This reminds us how God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, man and God made one, to bring us peace. Tonight, our text moves us down to the arms of the star. These arms can be seen
Verses 1-2 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. 2 “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’S hand Double for all her sins.” God speaks comfort or rather tenderness to his people. God knows how
You need two lines to make a point of a star. Each line by itself would continue forever. Here at the point of a star the two lines come together. We need earthly things to live. We need food and clothing. We need money and friends and family. We need to know that people care
Isaiah 64 is a prayer by the prophet Isaiah. The prophet desires that God would remove those barriers which keep him hidden from us and come and make his home in our hearts. He prays that the Lord would shake us and shape us until we are God’s people. Isaiah 64:1-3 Oh, that You would
When Israel first entered the land of Canaan, God made them a promise. He would be their king. Fast forward four hundred years, the people are sick of Judges and demand an earthly king. God warned the people that it is not a good thing they asked. He warned them that kings would be selfish,
There are many things in this world which even if I don’t like them, I can see why they are good. Onions are a good example. They are not my favorite food, but they are a source of many good things. There are other things which don’t seem to have any good qualities. Mosquitoes, poison
Verse 14 There are a number of these parables which begin with a master or a landowner, or a king leaving. These parables come near the end of Jesus ministry. Our current parable is spoken by Jesus after his entry into Jerusalem during the last week of before his death. Such parables anticipate Jesus’s ascension.
Some of you know we’ve been having problems with our van. Joe Brown helped us take it down to the Kia dealership. While I was talking to the guy at the service desk, I admitted that we sometimes go a couple hundred miles over before getting our oil changed. The man replied saying that was
God granted Elisha this gift. He saw the end. Through all the difficulties of his life Elisha knew that victory that would someday be his. God has granted us this same vision. We see the victory that will be ours through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:12 12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 1903 is considered the first successful flight of a powered airplane by the Wright brothers. Wilbur Wright died nine years later in 1912. Orville Wright lived another 45 years.
The Jews hated Rome and because they hated Rome they despised the tax-collectors who served Rome. Throughout the Gospels we see evidence of this hatred in passages like Matthew 9:10.Matthew 9:10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; Vanessa and I were in a bit of a bind this week. Both cars ended up in the shop. However, Lillo’s were kind enough
Matthew 21:33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. You are God’s vineyard. This parable begins with a detailed description of God’s love
2 Corinthians 4:6 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Because Christ is our light, therefore our text reminds us to always be mindful
November 23, 2001, the day after thanksgiving. I was home from college trying to sleep in when my mother woke me up at 7am. She wanted me to go to Best Buy to get a TV that was on sale. I tried to tell her that by the time I got there they would all
Greetings dear friends in Christ! His grace and peace be with you all! As you know, Jesus’ had many fans and followers at the Palm Sunday parade. But they began to disappear as His cross drew near. Mark tells us in chapter 14 that none of Jesus’ closest disciples chose to follow Him. Mark
When the children of Israel were trapped between the Egyptian army and the red sea God delivered them by removing the obstacle that stood in their way, namely the red sea. The sea was parted, and the people walked through. When obstacles large or small stand in our way, we often wish that God would
Four years ago, this fall, Elijah started confirmation class. After two years we made it through the catechism. At the end of that second year, Elijah asked me, “Does that mean we are done?” The answer of course was “No.” Two years later and the answer is still, no. Your done meeting with me but
Jesus’ ascension assures us that the same man who died for our sins now rules over all things for the good of His church. We can confidently leave all things in His hands knowing that He is in control.
In our reading from Acts we heard Paul’s famous sermon at the Areopagus which is sometimes also called Mars Hill. This is a famous sermon. There was even a church named after this incident. This church and many others Paul’s sermon here is certainly powerful, but there is really no secret as to why it
Because of our sinfulness our eyes are often closed to the truth that Jesus walks with us every day. Through the scriptures Jesus opens our eyes to see Him, to know Him and to walk with Him.
Love caused Jesus to weep at the tomb of Lazarus. Love sent Him to that tomb to give life. In love God weeps over our sin. In love God came to give us life.
Everyday without realizing it we breath in the sin of this world. Here we receive that which is pure.
Jesus rides to death. He rides with authority to serve. He rides with symbols to salvation. He rides with power to reconcile.
In the last weeks we have seen how Jesus takes advantage of every opportunity. In the death of Lazarus there is another opportunity for Jesus to personally battle death. Despite the threat from the leaders of the Jews Jesus goes to call the dead to life. His fight is with death both physical and spiritual.
Jesus opens the eyes of a man physically blind, but far more important is the spiritual sight He gives to us all. When we look at things from a legalistic view we think we can see but we are blind. When we view the world through the grace of God in Christ Jesus we truly see.
Jesus came to give rest not to receive it. This rest is ours when we lay down our sins and receive Jesus.
The disciples see the glory that is always with them although it is normally hidden from their sight. We too are reminded of the glory that is always present with us even if we can't always see it.
In God’s Presence - In God’s Coming - In God’s LoveIn death Joseph displayed the same faith by which he lived. In particular he learned to grasp three of God’s most important promises. These are the same three promises we not only need to know but need to trust.
Because we fail to trust God's providence, we spend many fruitless hours in worry. The people in our text this morning trust God’s control even when there is no evidence.
Joseph lived by faith. Herod lived in fear. Jesus is the difference. Jesus is the Son of God. When we know this and trust Him we live in His blessing.
It can be hard to wait and trust that the Lord has a plan. It is in waiting that we receive rest. When we fail to wait on Him, He waits for us.
Gideon lived in a time of great trouble. The Midianite raiders were stealing everything the Israelites had. In their trouble Gideon and many others complained about God. They claimed that God had forsaken them. But God had not forsaken them, they had forsaken God. Gideon himself had an altar to Baal in his own backyard.
He is our banner to lead us when we are lost. He is our banner to bless us. He is our banner to give us hope.
The Sunday school kids are going to be learning today about the crossing of the red sea. That account begins with a real problem. Two million Israelites stuck between the red sea and the armies of Pharoah. No way out. No escape. It’s the kind of cliff hanger that what make Hollywood proud. What is
Verbs to avoid hubris and receive holiness before Christ: Stand with sinners. Accept discipline. Ask for mercy. Christ has come to heal the sick. When we come to Christ we come for healing.
Because of our sin the word around us is filled with death traps. We pray that we would not be the cause of offense to others, and that God would forgive those who offend us. Our victory is in the name of Christ Jesus.
Exchange your earthly treasure for heavenly. Risk your whole life on God’s mercy. You will not lose.
By nature we are only able to produce a false humility before God. Only Jesus displays true humility. By His great love and mercy that humility is given to us and because of His humility we will be exalted by God in the resurrection of the just.
Our fears and worries distract us from the focus we should have on Christ and His word. Rather than using the law and condemnations, Jesus removes our fears with multitudes of His gracious promises.
The problem - The symptoms - The solution Earthly riches are a problem when grasping them means that we let go of Christ. Jesus presents us with symptoms of greed to watch out for. The solution is the riches of God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
It is God's desire not only to bring us to the trees of life, but it is also His good and gracious desire to bless us along the path. The Lord’s strength is made known in the lives of those who put their trust in Him.
David and Goliath not a story to inspire us to believe the little guy can win it’s an account to teach us that the victory is ours through Christ.
Chosen by God; What does this mean? It means that God will meddle in your life It means that God will bring about His purpose It means that God has given you a part
Satan is crafty but God speaks the truth. Satan’s word is more appealing but God’s word last forever. Satan sells us death but God gives us life.
God’s word is valuable in and of itself but it is all the more precious because it is a gift from Jesus who died for our sins.
Let all those who desire to walk in the forest of life, come, and receive healing in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the three of you, today marks an end. It is the end of meeting with me every Wednesday night, the end of sermon summaries, the end of reciting memory work. Today marks the end of one thing but is it complete? There is a difference between an end and a completion. Catechism has ended
This vision reveals Christ’s ascension from the other side. It is give to those who are weary so that they may be strengthened to continue.
Why does the book of Revelations matter? The book of Revelation is one that can be confusing. For example, just in our reading today “the Alpha and the Omega” is that a reference to the Father or to the Son? Or this reference to the seven spirits, what does that mean? Verse, one also tells
Easter is not over yet. Jesus still lives. He still seeks the lost. He still walks with us. He still reveals Himself in word and sacrament.
Barasheth Bara Elohym – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He created ALL the heavens, all the vastness of space. Light can travel 186,000 miles in a second. In a year light can travel 5.8 trillion miles. That is a number that is too big even to mean anything. If I
The Father’s will is that Jesus die for our sins, that we join Jesus at the cross, and that through His death we are drawn up to heaven.
Pilate tries so hard to put Jesus aside, to make no decision about him. He tires to let him go. He sends him to Herod. He gives them the choice of Barabbas or Jesus thinking they will surely pick Barabbas. He scourges him. He washes his hands pretending it is not his guilt. Yet no
This parable is an excellent reminder to us of how we often misuse God’s name and therefore what we are praying for when we pray, “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” It also portrays to what great extent the Lord goes to forgive us and make us His children.
Sometimes your following instructions and things happen as they should. For example, the instructions say hold down the button 15 sec until the light blinks twice. It is a relief to see that light blink, you know that you are doing it correctly. Or the recipe says bake 15 minutes until golden brown, after 15
The address of the Lord's prayer is a simple statement. On the surface all that we have done is to state to whom we are offering the prayer. Yet it is the most important part of the prayer, since it is God's greatest desire and joy that we return to Him, as this son did, and receive from Him without attempting to earn or deserve it that unconditional love by which He calls us sons of God and becomes again our true Father.
Is Jesus the Son of God? Jesus says yes, the Jews say no. What do you say? With Peter we confess, “Yes you are the Christ the Son of the living God.” Of course, it is easy to write yes in the bulletin and go home but Jesus wants more from us than a verbal
Repentance is the fruit that Jesus is looking for. The Judeans try to make it about politics, religion and merit. All catastrophes remind us of our need to repent. Jesus waits for repentance and when He does not find it He cultivates the tree.
Jesus disciples are confused, at least Peter is. In that confusion they react. They react quickly, decisively. They react to protect Jesus, at least Peter does. But that reaction is contrary to the Father’s will. That reaction is not in accordance with God’s kingdom. That reaction is sinful. Peter allows his fear to take control
Jesus’ kingdom comes through the cross. We pray that Jesus would oppose all those who block His cross. We pray that Jesus would complete His work within us. We pray that Jesus would gather us to Himself.
There is a rather important distinction here in the Greek which is completely lost in the English translation. When Jesus calls Judas “friend” He uses the word, “aetaire.” It doesn’t really mean “friend” its more like that person who sits next to me at work but whom I never speak to and is a little
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness teaches us what it truly means to pray the sixth petition. God chose to test Jesus in our place. Jesus resisted all temptation without any sin. Therefore when we are tempted it is merely a practice test. Salvation is already ours through Jesus Christ.
“Can you not watch and pray with me for one hour?” I think most of us would have to answer, “No. I can’t watch and pray for one hour.” We have trouble watching and praying for five minutes, much less an hour. When we were in Sem I remember hearing Martin Luther’s advice for preaching.
Have you ever climbed a mountain to find a miracle? We climb mountains for lots of reasons. We might climb a mountain for the view. These days we might climb a mountain so that we can sled down it. One famous mountain climb reportedly said that he climbed it because it was there. In India
These beatitudes are gifts that Jesus brings to us. We are poor, hungry, sorrowful and persecuted. Jesus comes to bring us riches, fullness, and joy. These gifts are ours through Jesus. They are ours fully. They are spiritual.
These beatitudes are gifts that Jesus brings to us. We are poor, hungry, sorrowful and persecuted. Jesus comes to bring us riches, fullness, and joy. These gifts are ours through Jesus. They are ours fully. They are spiritual.
What is the name of this room in which you are now sitting and hearing the word of God? Often, we call it the sanctuary, which means a place of rest and safety from the troubles of the world like a bird sanctuary. This place is a sanctuary for sinners to hear their sins are
Jesus must preach the Gospel of the kingdom everywhere because it is that Gospel which has the authority. It has the authority to cast out our demons. It has the authority to heal our diseases. It has the authority to change our lives through the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus came to “preach the good news” that is the Gospel. What is the Gospel? The Gospel Is NOT Miracles The crowd rejects Jesus not because he claims to be the Messiah, but because He tells them that He will not do miracles. This is all they want, to see the miraculous works that He
Jesus restores our fellowship with the Father and with one another. Jesus blesses us so that one comes later is better than what came before. Jesus directs us so that we do not crash.
Jesus stands at the bank of the Jordan ready to wash away our sins. He stands ready with the Holy Spirit to create a new life within us, a life which is already complete even as it continues to grow daily. Jesus stands ready to give us new life.
It is through Jesus that we are redeemed. It is through word, sacrament and prayer that we are strengthened.
Where a couple weeks ago our upcoming events was full of stuff, now there are only a couple things left. One of those that is still to come is the snow tubing. It’s not just for kids, your never too old to get on a snow tube and slide down a hill. One of the
Supposedly the genetic difference between chimps and humans is 1.2%. That doesn’t sound like much. But it makes a big difference. The difference between a c and a c sharp is only half a step but it makes a big difference. Come home from work and tell your spouse you appreciate them. It is a
If you include today, there are seven days left, seven days to fulfill our joy, seven days till the presents and the food, and the songs, and the festival, seven more days of waiting. But is it worth the wait? There is a famous child psychology experiment where a single marshmallow is set in front
Mary is in a bit of a pickle. She is not married but is pregnant, of course no one is going to believe her about what is really happening. If she tries to tell anyone (except Elizabeth) she will be in a worst condition. We know from the gospel of Matthew that Joseph is going
NKJ Proverbs 29:4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. When the true king reigns, the people rejoice. It seems like for the past 15 years the news is constantly talking about refuges. Libya, Sudan, Syria, south America, eastern Europe, half the world is trying to get away
All that God is, Jesus is and more. All the God did, Jesus did and more. He is the one who was and is and will be.
Why are the shepherds afraid? The simple answer is that all of a sudden, the glory of the Lord shone around them. But there is a deeper truth than that. They would not have feared the angels unless the fear was already there in their hearts. The reason that I can jump out of the
Moses and the burning bush are a picture of Jesus. If Moses turned aside to see the bush we have something greater to see. As the bush was not burned in the fire so we are not consumed in the Lord’s wrath.
There is a lot in these few verses. Much of it can be hard to understand. We might have a lot of questions about this text. What is this tribulation? What is this shortening of days? What is He talking about when He says this generation will be no means pass away? Back in March
All the signs remind us, Jesus is coming. Through wars, earthquakes and pandemics, Jesus is coming. Despite all our sins, Jesus is Coming.
You look like you could use some rest! If that’s true about you, you’ve come to the right place. Sunday morning service is a good place to get some rest. Sometimes because you can nod off and take a quick nap while no one is looking. But hopefully Christ can offer you better rest than
By God’s grace Peter walked on the water and neither storm nor waves could touch him. By his own strength Peter sank and both wave and wind overwhelmed him. The grace of God is strong enough to bring us through this life our strength is not. Philippians 4:13 13 I can do all things through
By faith the blind man stood against the crowd. By faith the blind received his sight. By faith he followed Christ. By faith we too can stand confident in Christ.
We always want just one more thing. We think we need just a little more. The one more thing we need is Christ.
Moses desired not to be a preacher of the Law but a hearer and searer of the Gospel. We have seen the work of God’s hand and the beauty of the Lord does shine upon us, here in the cross of Jesus. He is our refuge in all the troubles of this life but especially from the condemnation of the law and the wrath of God.
Man can not build anything that lasts. God builds to last. He has given us his word and his promises which endure. He can build a marriage for us that endures.
To always rejoice when Jesus is preached, but to always fear and avoid that which is an offense, a death trap, this is truly wisdom from above. For our salvation rests in Christ alone.
This is a simple sentence yet something that must be taught and defended. Jesus died for our sins we have no part in our salvation. Jesus died to pay for our sins not to be an example of holy living. Jesus died for sinners not for those who are worthy.
Last week we read from James chapter two. In that chapter James talks about not playing favorites. He talks about if a rich man in nice robes and a poor man in rags comes into the church the it would be wrong to give the rich man the attention and the best seat etc. Now
Why go to a Christian school? Why spend our time and money supporting a Christian school? Why strive for this goal? What is it that get from the school after all that time and money? Some will certainly say, you have the church for religion and the public school for learning math and language, why
Water fights would always end the same way when I was kid. They would start with water balloons or water guns, and they would end with one person holding the hose and everyone else trying to get it away from them. Often we would try to get behind the person with the hose and kink
Things that are hard: The fundamental theorem of calculus is hard for a lot of people to understand. It describes the relationship between differentiation and integration. There is a rock known as Jacob’s pillow in Becket, Massachusetts. It is not the actual rock that Jacob slept on but it would be hard to sleep on.
Some twisty things are good, like rope and twizzlers others are not so good. In our text everything that Jesus says the Jews attempt to twist it back to earthly things. Every time the Jews try to twist it back to the earthly, Jesus attempts to call them on to the heavenly. Jesus wants us
I’ve read somewhere that Europeans tourists to the United States often make the same mistake. They often make the mistake of thinking they can come over here and see all of America in a couple weeks or a month. They fail to really comprehend how vast America is. They are used to nations that are
If we aren’t listening carefully, it is easy to misunderstand expectations. A wife might remark that we are low on bread and butter but have plenty of eggs, and the husband comes home with eggs and beer. In our text this morning Jacob certainly is not listening and does misunderstand God’s intention. “I will go
We are impressed when people do the impossible not the mundane. It is not that impressive when an adult rides a bike. It is impressive if he were to ride it along a tight rope stretched between the top of two skyscrapers. That would be something to see. The things that God has done for
It is enough that we can stand before God in His forgiveness. It is enough that our nation stands by His grace. It is enough that we know that His word is preached.
Sarah Laughed At God We are privileged to live in a nation in which we have the right of free speech. We can ridicule and make fun of our leaders. There are not many times in history when this was true. We are privileged to laugh at those in power without getting our heads chopped
Our hearts are often filled with storms. At such times it seems as if Jesus doesn’t care. Yet He gives peace to our hearts.
Those who walk by sight receive only the result of their own plans. Those who walk by faith receive the promises of God.
Most of us are probably familiar with the fact that there are two types of people when it comes to swimming. There are those who tip toe in and those who run and dive in. I prefer to dive in often without looking. This who I ended up with a face full of sand about
Christ has given you a foundation for your life. It is the only foundation upon which you can build a life here and hereafter. Having begun this work in you Christ will also finish it.
Christ is victorious but we still have to live in this world. Yet we have this promise from Christ that the Father will keep us.
Christ reigns above all things. We must learn to sing his song not try to teach him ours. His song is the joy of for-giveness.
This entire miracle is one that speaks to us about faith. In life we meet obstacles. Sometimes these obstacles are small, sometimes they are large, and sometimes they seem large at the time but later we find that they weren’t really that big of deal. These obstacles might sometimes tempt us to just give up.
I am the good shepherd, the one who alone is able to watch and guard and keep. He is the good shepherd because he has done it all for us. “You are with me,” even when we pass through fire and trials.
In the first verse of the twentieth chapter of the gospel of John, John tells us that Mary went to the tomb, “while it was still dark.” This reference is one that those who would like to discredit God’s word refer to often. They claim that it is at odds with the other gospel accounts