Sure Foundation Lutheran Church: Recent Episodes
Sure Foundation Lutheran Church
On this special Pentecost Sunday, we reflect on the incredible blessings God has poured out on this church family—from humble beginnings in an apartment gathering to this beautiful new space. But today’s message asks a crucial question: “Whose accomplishment is it?”Pastor shares a powerful personal story about his dad running an ultra-marathon—a reminder of the hard-earned sense of accomplishment we feel after doing something difficult. But in moments of visible success, we’re warned to be on guard against the subtle temptation of pride. The truth is: every victory, every step forward, every act of faith—we owe it all to God.🔥 Pentecost reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit—not our clever strategies or personal efforts—who builds the Church, who strengthens faith, and who works through Word and Sacrament just as God promised.This sermon is a call to gratitude, not pride. A call to give glory where it is due—to our Triune God who saved us, blesses us, and works through us. The mission isn’t done. The Holy Spirit is still at work… through you.🙌 Join us in celebrating what God has done—and continues to do—through His people and His promises.📖 Scripture Focus: John 14:25–27 | Acts 2:1–21📍 Recorded at Sure Foundation Lutheran Church, Brandon, SD🕊️ Pentecost Sunday | Church Grand Opening Service
“Scripture was written for you, but not to you.” This powerful phrase anchors our exploration of Revelation and helps us faithfully interpret its message in context. In this sermon, we dive deep into one of the most vivid and hope-filled visions in Scripture: the Rider on the White Horse from Revelation 19.We begin by unpacking the importance of genre and historical context—understanding apocalyptic literature and the persecution of early Christians. Then, we walk verse-by-verse through John’s vision to uncover what it tells us about Jesus: His justice, His omniscience, His authority, His name, and His ultimate victory.👑 Jesus is the King of Kings.🔥 His eyes are flames of fire—He knows all things.⚔️ He judges with righteousness and strikes down evil with His Word.And most importantly—what does this mean for you? If you’ve ever wrestled with your own sin, feared God's judgment, or struggled to understand the powerful imagery in Revelation, this message will bring comfort and clarity. You will be reminded that your sin has already been judged—on the cross—and you now live in the freedom and victory of Christ.
About six months ago, a simple puzzle activity with my daughter sparked a deep reflection: life doesn’t make much sense when you only see a few pieces. And that’s exactly how the disciples must have felt during Holy Week. They knew Jesus was the Messiah, but they didn’t yet have the full picture.In this sermon from John 16, we explore Jesus' words to His disciples in the Upper Room—the night before His crucifixion—where He says, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” Their confusion mirrors our own when we face grief, uncertainty, or even death.But here’s the hope: Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. Like the image on a puzzle box, it gives us clarity, context, and joy. What once looked like tragedy becomes triumph. Through Jesus’ victory over the grave, we are given a perspective that transforms sorrow into joy and despair into confidence.And when the pieces still don’t seem to fit, Jesus gives us something else—prayer. We can turn to our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name, trusting that He sees the full picture of our lives and is working all things for our good.🙏 Watch now and be reminded that your joy is complete in Christ.🔔 Subscribe for more sermons and reflections that help you see life through the lens of God’s promises.
Have you ever known someone who’s all talk and no action? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus was accused of just that—people wanted Him to “say it plainly” that He was the Messiah. But Jesus’ actions, miracles, and teachings spoke louder than words. He didn’t just claim to be the Savior—He proved it.Dive into John 10:22-30 as we unpack what it means to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. From miraculous healings to divine teaching, Jesus gave overwhelming testimony to His identity as the promised Messiah. Still, unbelief persisted—not from lack of evidence, but from the blindness of sinful hearts.Discover how the voice of Jesus breaks through the noise of the world, leading us to faith, peace, and the promise of eternal life. In a world filled with distractions, whose voice are you really listening to?🔔 Subscribe for more Christ-centered messages📖 Scripture Focus: John 10:22-30🎵 Inspired by the idea of a “Spotify Wrapped” for your soul—where does the Shepherd's voice rank in your life?
Some things you don’t want to see clearly—like your high school hairdo or a dirty floor in sunlight. Clarity can be uncomfortable. But when it comes to our spiritual lives, clarity is essential—even if it reveals things we’d rather not face.This sermon walks through the powerful moment of Saul’s conversion and how his encounter with the risen Jesus gave him true clarity—about who Jesus is, who Saul was, and what God had truly called him to. Saul thought he was serving God by persecuting Christians, but he was spiritually blind. Only the grace of Jesus could open his eyes.Just like Saul, we too can live in a blurry, self-deceived view of life. But in Christ, we are given the clarity of truth, perspective, and purpose. This message explores:How clarity can both expose and healWhy God’s grace—not our efforts—makes us right with HimHow faith gives us spiritual vision to live with confidence, joy, and directionWhether you're new to faith or a lifelong Christian, this sermon will help you reflect on the miracle of spiritual sight and the ongoing journey of learning to truly see with the eyes of faith.📖 Key Scripture: Acts 9 🕊️ Subscribe for more Christ-centered messages of grace and truth.
24 years ago, Shrek reminded us that "ogres are like onions"—they have layers. We do too. Emotions like shattered expectations, guilt, sadness, and fear often swirl together in us, just as they did for Jesus' disciples between Good Friday and Easter morning. But when Jesus appeared to them, everything changed with one powerful greeting: "Peace be with you."In this sermon, we discuss the layers of human emotion and the peace that the risen Christ brings to our hearts. We'll see how Jesus' resurrection changes not just our spiritual status, but the way we face fear, guilt, sadness, and danger today. And we'll be reminded that the peace we have with God compels us to share the good news boldly.Join us as we explore the transforming, peace-giving power of the risen Savior—and what that means for your life today.📖 Key Text: John 20:19-23
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known in the Bible, and it has even made its way into pop culture—used to describe underdog victories in sports, business, and life. But what if we’ve been misapplying this story all along?This battle was not just about courage, strength, or overcoming life’s obstacles. It was about God’s victory—not David’s. David couldn’t defeat Goliath by his own power, but God could and did.And just like David couldn’t defeat Goliath on his own, we cannot defeat sin, death, and the devil on our own. But the descendant of David—Jesus Christ—did. Through His humble life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus won the battle we never could.Join us as we explore the real meaning of David vs. Goliath and how it points us to the ultimate victory in Christ.📖 Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57🙌 Main Theme: The battle belongs to the Lord—He has already won!
Some things in life are irreversible. Once an egg is broken, it can’t be put back together. Once time has passed, you can’t get it back. And once words are spoken, they can’t be unsaid.King David learned this painful truth when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated her husband Uriah’s death. He couldn’t undo his sins. He couldn’t erase his guilt. He could only try to cope—until God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him.But here’s the good news: while we can’t reverse the past, God can reverse the irreversible. Through Jesus Christ, sin is forgiven, guilt is erased, and even death is conquered. Jesus took on our guilt, suffered in our place, and rose again so that we could hear the powerful words: "You are forgiven."📖 Key Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 32🎧 Listen and be reminded that Jesus has reversed the irreversible!🔔 Subscribe for more sermons and encouragement!👍 Like, comment, and share to encourage others.
Moses and Elijah were two of the greatest figures in the Old Testament—Moses, the great lawgiver, and Elijah, the fearless prophet. Their lives were unique, filled with miraculous events and powerful encounters with God. But as great as they were, they were not the end of the story.In this sermon, we explore how the Old Covenant was glorious, yet fading—pointing ahead to something greater. The Law given to Moses revealed God’s holiness but also our inability to keep it. The ministry of Elijah displayed God’s power but also showed the people’s deep need for redemption.When Jesus appeared in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, standing between Moses and Elijah, it was a declaration: He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is the New Covenant. A covenant not based on our ability to uphold it, but on God’s grace alone.Join us as we dive into this powerful truth—how the Old Covenant pointed to the New, how Jesus transforms our lives by His grace, and how this New Covenant gives us life, hope, and everlasting glory.📖 Key Scriptures: Exodus 19, 2 Corinthians 3, Galatians 3, Matthew 17✝️ Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises!
How do you love those who make your life difficult? How do you bless those who mistreat you? Jesus’ words in Luke 6:27-36 call us to a radical love—one that goes beyond fairness and justice to reflect God’s mercy.Imagine hearing these words as a Jewish person living under Roman rule—facing oppression, heavy taxes, and the constant threat of violence. Loving your enemies wasn’t just hard; it felt impossible. But Jesus wasn’t asking for passive tolerance—He was calling for active love, blessing, and prayer even for those who wrong us.Join us as we explore what it truly means to love like Jesus—not just when it’s easy, but when it costs us something. Can we really forgive? Can we really love like this? Only through the power of the One who first loved us.🔹 Key Topics:✔️ The historical context of Jesus’ command✔️ Real-life examples of radical forgiveness✔️ How God empowers us to love our enemies📖 Scripture Reference: Luke 6:27-36🙏 Let’s wrestle with this challenge together. Watch now!This sermon was preached on February 23, 2025 by Pastor Craig Wilke.
In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore the them of resilience through life's challenges, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings and modern experiences. Pastor Mark Birkholz delves into 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10, examining Paul's thorn in the flesh as a metaphor for personal struggles. Church attendance in Sioux Falls has been declining. Perhaps there are many reasons for this like disappointment and misconceptions about Christian life. However the Bible speaks a lot about the challenges of life, showing big examples in the lives of Paul, Job, and David. There are parallels between biblical wisdom and social science research, for example many who endured the Korean and Vietnam War were able to find meaning in their difficult experiences. The Bible provides a fresh perspective on how adversity can shape and strengthen us, encouraging viewers to persevere through their own "school of hard knocks." Join us as we explore the transformative power of faith and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Have you ever felt unqualified for a big task? Maybe it was your first time staying home alone, driving a car, or starting a new job. That feeling of doubt—Am I really ready for this?—is something we all experience.In this sermon, we look at the calling of Simon Peter and the disciples in Luke 5. Jesus asks them to follow Him and become "fishers of men." Peter, recognizing his own sinfulness, falls at Jesus’ feet, overwhelmed by his inadequacy. But Jesus doesn’t call the perfect—He qualifies the called.God uses weak vessels like us to share His Word, not because we are capable on our own, but because He works through us. You may doubt your ability to share the gospel, but Christ qualifies you. Join us as we explore how God calls ordinary, imperfect people to do extraordinary work for His kingdom.🔔 Subscribe for more messages of hope and encouragement!📖 Scripture Reference: Luke 5:1-11
History is filled with examples of people who ignored what they needed to hear in favor of what they wanted to hear - with devastating consequences. Napoleon Bonaparte believed his army was unstoppable, yet he ignored the warnings about invading Russia in winter. Blockbuster was at the top of the at-home entertainment industry but dismissed the rise of streaming. Both refused to hear the truth, and both faced ruin. But this isn't just a lesson from history - it's a spiritual reality. The Israelites in Jeremiah's time rejected God's warning and suffered exile. Jonah ran from God's command, prioritizing his desires over obedience. Even today, we are tempted to rationalize, minimize, or reject God's Word when it conflicts with what we want. Yet, in contrast to all who have chosen themselves over God's Word, Jesus showed perfect obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done," submitting to the Father's plan to save us. Jesus did this his entire life - on our behalf, for us. So that he could give us his perfect obedience as a gift. 📖 What voices are you listening to? Are you following what you want to hear or what God says you need to hear? This sermon challenges us to submit to God's Word, trusting that His will leads to true life and blessing.🔔 Subscribe for more biblical truth and share this message with someone who needs it!
In this sermon, we explore the surprising truth that grace can offend. Jesus' hometown of Nazareth was initially excited to hear him proclaim himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah 61, but their joy quickly turned to anger. Why? Because the grace of God extended beyond their expectations—beyond their nationality, their status, and their assumptions of who "deserved" it.Grace, God's undeserved love for us, is free and unearned. It forgives the sinner, redeems the broken, and reaches those we often think unworthy. Yet, like the people of Nazareth, we can struggle with grace when it's extended to others we deem less deserving.In this message, you'll learn:The true meaning of grace.Why grace offended the people of Nazareth.How God's grace is for all, including the "real sinners."The challenge of showing grace to others as we've received it.Reflect on the depth of God's forgiveness and the call to share his grace with the world—even when it’s uncomfortable.
What if you could glimpse into the childhood of Jesus? Imagine Him as a toddler, a boy, and a teenager—growing, learning, and experiencing life just like us, yet without sin. In this week’s sermon, we reflect on the account from Luke 2, where 12-year-old Jesus stays behind in the temple, astonishing the teachers with His wisdom. Through this story, we see the profound mystery of Jesus’ dual nature—fully God and fully man—perfectly obedient from birth, yet relatable in His humanity.This account isn’t just a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood—it’s a reminder of the perfection He lived for us. From the moment He became flesh, Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s law, living a life of obedience that we never could. Whether helping in Joseph’s carpentry shop or amazing the teachers at the temple, every moment of His life was part of His saving work. Jesus didn’t just grow up—He grew into the role of our substitute, living and dying to secure our salvation.This story of young Jesus in the temple challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with God’s Word. If even Jesus prioritized time in Scripture, how much more should we? "Christ for you" is not just a message of salvation—it’s an invitation to respond with gratitude, seeking God through His Word and living it out daily. As we enter the New Year, let this truth inspire you to grow in faith, live in love, and become a person rooted in God’s Word.If you are built up by this content, please SUBSCRIBE! This helps us to be seen by more people, so that more people might hear about Jesus! Thank you!
Awe is a difficult thing to describe, but you know it when you experience it. Awe is great and it is an experience that doesn't come around all the time. In fact, because awe can be killed by familiarity, awe is very rare. Our familiarity with anything can dull our sense of awe for things that are so beautiful or so vast or so important or so meaningful. How many times have you heard the Christmas account? It is a pretty familiar account. Has its familiarity dulled how awe-some this account is? There are some amazing details in this Christmas story!Tune in to this Christmas Eve sermon to hear some of these awe-inspiring details and more. And if you haven't already, please subscribe to our YouTube channel - this helps us to be seen by more people more often so that more people will hear about Jesus as their Savior. Thank you!
The Ark of the Covenant was cherished by the people, but also feared, because this was where the Holy God promised his presence. And the holy and the unholy just don't mix. That's a truth that Old Testament believer knew well. It was built into their worship life. And this is still true today. We have no right to stand before a perfectly holy God, nor could we. God made a plan to solve this and this plan is embedded in a conversation that God has with David (through the prophet Nathan) in 2 Samuel 7. In this conversation, we hear the promise of the Savior, who would be God in the flesh, who would come to save us from our sins. Jesus made his home with us to make us holy. The Holy Spirit makes his home in us through faith. And one day, we will be at home with Jesus forever in heaven, where we will be perfectly holy. If you are built up by this content, please SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation. This also helps us to be seen by more people, more often, so that more people may hear about Jesus as their Savior! Thank you!
There is a hopeless despair that comes when you are too far behind that you can't catch up. That is our state before the Lord, although many times we need convincing. We need convincing that our sins are serious and God takes them seriously. Jeremiah did his best to preach to the people and get them to take their sins seriously, but they did not repent. God wants us to take our sins seriously and when we do, we will realize that we are in the depths like the Psalmist says. We cry out to the Lord. He hears your cry for mercy and he freely gives us forgiveness through the work of Jesus, his Son. This gives us hope - real, true, certain hope. Hope that we will be with Jesus one day in heaven. Hope that when we stand before our Judge one day, we will do so with confidence and peace. The hope from God never fails. If you enjoy this gospel content from Sure Foundation, please SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
The evil that we perceive in this world can be overwhelming - natural disasters, wars, diseases, and the evil we do to one another. And that's just the evil that we can perceive. All of this is enough to leave us desperate for help. This Psalm calls us into that situation where we ask - "Where does my help come from?" The answer is quick and comforting - "My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth." Our great helper has helped us in the greatest way and continues to help us. He is all-powerful, attentive, diligent, present, and he cares for all of you - body and soul. May we continue to come to worship to receive from the Lord what he has promised. And may we continue to be reminded of the promises that the Lord always keeps. If you are built up by these sermons, please SUBSCRIBE. This help us to be seen by more people, more often, so that more people might hear about Jesus as their Savior. Thank you!
It is a nice feeling that we get when we earn something, when we accomplish something. There is a certain sense of pride that we feel in using our gifts and abilities in this way. Yet, this pride can (all too often) get out of control. The Israelites were looking ahead to a time that was much different from the experience of their ancestors. Their ancestors experienced famines, suffering, and slavery, but this generation and those after would experience times of greater prosperity and abundance. Looking ahead to these times, Moses had a warning for the Israelites - Don't forget the Lord!Why is it that it is easier to remember the Lord when you are suffering than when you are blessed with abundance? Well, there is a certain pride that can well up in us when times are good. We begin to think that we are the cause of this good life and these many blessings. Yet, what the Lord graciously reminds us is that he is the one who provides for us. He even gives us our talents and abilities. The fact that we can produce an income is a gift from him. And what we learn from the Lord is that he saves us. These two truths give us every reason to give thanks!If you enjoy this content from Sure Foundation, be sure to hit the subscribe button so that you never miss a devotion or sermon! God's blessings!
All of us have an aversion to judgment. We don't like the thought of being judged by other people, so we typically don't go looking for it. In fact, we do everything that we can to avoid being judged by others. If we are that averse to judgment from classmates, co-workers, or family members, than how much more fear ought we have of Judgment Day, when God will judge the living and the dead? The Bible reveals to us a little bit about Judgment Day, enough that we can picture it - standing before Jesus, who has authority to judge. So, a worthwhile question to ask is: How does my Judge view me? Should I be terrified of this? On our own... Yes! Absolutely! But, you are not on your own. God sent his Son Jesus for this very purpose. Through faith in Jesus, you will be judged not on the basis of your own works, but on what Jesus has done FOR YOU! Knowing this allows us to say and mean, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" If you enjoy these sermons, please SUBSCRIBE! This causes others to have the opportunity to see this content. Thank you!
Humans are naturally drawn to what looks good on the outside. That, in and of itself, is not an issue. However, it can lead to a certain set of misconceptions because outward appearances tend to not be a great litmus test for what is true and what is false. Outward appearances only tell part of the story. Jesus warns about this in Mark. People in that day were drawn to the teaching of the teachers of the law, but more so because of how they dressed and acted and how they were perceived by the community. The warning was needed because although they looked good, their teaching was false and their actions toward the poorest in society reflected poor teaching. In today's sermon, we will dig into the applications from Jesus' warning and also why this is important for us today. We will also make the connection between part one of this text and part two which includes the widow's offering.
There is a shroud that hangs over all of mankind. It is this heavy blanket that casts darkness and obscures the glory and splendor of our God. This shroud is the shroud of death and it is there on account of sin. God sent his One and Only Son to suffer the result of sin - death - on our behalf. That through his death and through his resurrection, we may have life - eternal life, in heaven. Heaven... a place where the shroud of death has been removed. Heaven... a place where there is no more tears and no more pain. Heaven... a place where we will see God with our own eyes and we will join believers of all time in praising God. Heaven will be amazing!The belief in heaven doesn't just mean we are waiting around here on earth to enter heaven. The belief in heaven has a direct impact on your life here and now. Tune in to the sermon to hear how!If you enjoy this content from Sure Foundation, be sure to click the SUBSCRIBE button, so that you never miss any gospel content from Sure Foundation! Thank you!
The stories of fearless faith of others are powerful. But it is interesting that as you dig into the stories, that it is not something special about the person that allowed them to be fearless, it is what God has given them that equips them to be fearless. God, through the saving work of Jesus and through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, gives fearless faith to people, who are then emboldened to stand firm in the face of difficult trials. Faith like this is desirable and faith like this comes from God's powerful Word - which creates/strengthens faith. Join us as we dig into the story of the first Lutheran Martyrs - Jan Van Essen and Hendrick Voes, as well as the well-known story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
If you have the right and if you have the freedom, why wouldn't you use it? That's an interesting question to ask. It seems sensible to use the rights and enjoy the freedoms given to us. But is there a situation where it would be wise to NOT use those rights and freedoms? The Apostle Paul says, "Yes!" If foregoing the use of your rights and freedoms allows other people to hear the gospel message, then this is the loving thing to do. The gospel message is that important! So, the question that we want to ask ourselves is this: how do you love others when their faith is on the line? We want to love someone in such a way that they are built up in their faith and grow in their connection to Christ. And we will be willing to serve and sacrifice in whatever way possible to love in this way. That is something that only the gospel can motivate. The gospel overcomes our inborn selfishness and the gospel forgives it. Thanks be to Jesus who saves us, who teaches us, and who continues to work in our hearts to love the gospel message enough to care about the faith of others. If you enjoy this gospel content, could you hit the SUBSCRIBE button? This allows us to be seen by more people, more often, that more people might hear about Jesus as their Savior. Thank you!
God cares about your companionship. He wants you to not experience loneliness. What a beautiful thing to know about God!From the very beginning, he made that clear. When he created Adam, he said that it was not a good thing for man to be alone. And after he created Eve, Adam responded in incredible thankfulness. This account is the last account we have of perfection. After this, sin entered into the world and sin has had massive effects on relationships. Yet, God, in his love, sent his one and only Son to restore our relationship with our Father. And also in his love, he provides companionship for us when we are lonely. For some that's a spouse, for others that's a friend, for still others that is the family of believers. What a blessing from God!If you enjoy this content, please subscribe so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
"Idol" - that's a word that you'll here from the Bible and in church from time to time, but what does it mean? When we think of "idols," we tend to think about images made out of wood or stone that people treated as if they were gods. But an idol, is more than just a constructed image. An idol can be anything that takes the #1 spot in your heart. God wants that spot, but if you supplant God with someone or something, that person or thing becomes your idol. We see a man in our gospel reading that had an idol that is very common for mankind - money. He loved his wealth, more than he loved Jesus and Jesus exposed this in his heart - not to embarrass the man or berate him, but because he loved him. Jesus wants to be #1 in our hearts, not because he's vain, but because he deeply wants to save us and bless us. Join us as we dive into Mark 10:17-27. And if you enjoy the gospel content from Sure Foundation, be sure to subscribe so that you never miss any gospel content! Thank you!
There is a war happening and you don’t even see it. This war is over your soul… you are wanted – by God and by the devil. You are important to both of them, but for different reasons. God fights for your soul because he loves you immensely and unconditionally. He fights for you because he is full of grace and mercy, because he desires your eternal good. The devil wants your soul for different purposes. You see the devil despises God and therefore, he despises everything and everyone that God loves. God loves you and God wants you to be in heaven, so the devil and his evil angels work tirelessly for your soul. The devil is the enemy, who only plots for destruction. Revelation 12 speaks about this war and it gives Christians immense comfort as well as a sober warning. If you enjoy this content from Sure Foundation, please SUBSCRIBE wherever you are listening to this. Thank you!
Is it wrong to have ambition? Is it wrong to want to be great? The disciples were arguing on the road to Capernaum about who was the greatest and Jesus asked them about it. But, it is interesting that Jesus doesn't rebuke the disciples for their ambition, for their desire to be great. Jesus does direct the disciples to where their ambition ought to be directed - in humble service. That's a difficult thing for any of us to grasp. We want to be great, we want to be first, we have ambition - but, by what means, for what purpose, and what motivates this ambition? Many times for us, it is selfish ambition and it is ambition for earthly things. Jesus saves us from our selfish ambition. He saved us by selflessly humbling himself to save us. Jesus ambition was for us! If you enjoy this content, could you please subscribe? This really helps us to get the Word of God in other people's ears. Thank you!
There is a battle going on around you that you can't see, but the Bible clues us in. The Bible tells us that the devil and his demons are on the attack. Yet, many don't believe this to be the truth proving the famous quote from Charles Boudelaire true, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince us that he doesn't exist." The Bible warns us about this very real enemy. He is a liar; he is a tempter; he is an accuser. Do we know enough about him to prepare for battle against him? If we train and train and train, perhaps we can develop the discipline and strength to stand firm. But, we don't have that in us. The good news is - God doesn't expect us to. We are to put on the armor of GOD. He provides strength - truth, righteousness, gospel peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.Jesus showed that strength throughout his life. He perfectly withstood temptation, he remained obedient to the Father, and he fulfilled his work of saving us. If you enjoy this content please hit SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss any gospel content from Sure Foundation.
Grit, mental toughness, self-sufficiency - these are all seen as incredibly useful, positive things for our life. Different things are thrown at us all the time and the people with grit seem to handle it. We aspire to that because, if we are honest, a lot of things affect us. Well, Jesus has a message that goes against our self-sufficient culture. You cannot be spiritually self-sufficient. You can have the most intellect in the world, but you can't reason your way to God. You can be the strongest person to ever live, but you can't carry the burden of sin on your shoulders. It is impossible. You need someone to carry it for you. Jesus carried that weight. Not only that, Jesus invites you to cast all your burdens on him - to trust in him for salvation, preservation, and grace. And Jesus always delivers!If you are built up by this sermon, please SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss any gospel content from Sure Foundation.
What makes someone clean or unclean? That's the question at the center of the discussion in Mark 7. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law believed that their cleanliness was on the basis of the law. If they kept the law, this would make them clean in God's eyes. That's what they thought. Jesus said differently. He said that nothing outside of a person can defile a person by going into a person. This was a shocking statement for the Pharisees and the teachers of the law to hear. But Jesus made it clear that it is what comes from within you that defiles you. That is what the law reveals. It doesn't show anyone to be clean, it shows us to be defiled in God's eyes. But Jesus made us clean. He was righteous, perfect, and clean on our behalf. Through faith in him, we are clean!
Jesus spoke plainly to the people and an argument ensued. The Jewish people were arguing and we get this question as context: "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" But, Jesus isn't done yet. In verses 53-59, Jesus points more explicitly to himself as the Bread of Life, as the one who has been sent from God. The things that Jesus said were impossible to accept without eyes of faith. Eyes of faith are only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. But the pushback on Jesus' statements isn't just from unbelievers, but even from his disciples. They recognized that this was a difficult statement that would be tough for people in that culture to accept. Can you relate? Aren't there plenty things from Scripture where you might think: this is a tough teaching, who can accept it? The truth is too important and Jesus doesn't shy away from it. It is the truth that saves - the truth that Jesus gave up his flesh on the cross, the truth that Jesus spilled his blood on the cross - so that we would be saved. So, what happens when God's Word, the truth, comes in conflict with my perception of the world or my perception of myself? Will I walk away from Jesus? Many did, many still do. Will I seek a watered-down Jesus that I can stomach? Many did, many still do. When the truth comes in conflict with my perception of the world or my perception of myself, the believe has an opportunity - an opportunity to approach the Father and the Word with humility; an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to shape and mold me. If you are built up by this content, could you do us a favor? Could you subscribe to our channel? This makes sure that you don't miss any content from Sure Foundation and it allows more people to access this gospel content. Thank you!
Jesus has just made a beautiful promise - those in him will never be hungry or thirsty again. But the lingering question from Jesus' statement in verse 35 is this: How do you come to Jesus? How do you believe in Jesus? Some believe that it takes a definitive act of your own will. Scripture rejects this again and again (1 Corinthians 2, John 6:44). So, how do we come to believe in Jesus? Jesus says that the Father needs to draw them. The Father draws people to believe through the Spirit that proceeds from him. The Spirit, doing the work of the Father, brings people to faith - not through a miraculous show, but through simple means of grace - his Word and Sacraments. The Holy Spirit brings people to faith in Jesus, who gave his life to save the world. Jesus accomplished this salvation by giving up his body on the cross, that those who believe in him (partake of him) will live eternally. If you enjoy this gospel content from Sure Foundation, hit the subscribe button so that 1) you never miss any content from Sure Foundation and 2) so that more people might engage with this content and hear about Jesus as their Savior from sin!
The buzzword of the year in 2020 was "authentic" or "authenticity." People gravitated toward this word because they were disillusioned by people that were superficial or insincere. People wanted what was real, true, and authentic - and they still do. In this section of Scripture a group of people come to Jesus following the Feeding of the Five Thousand. They are looking for bread from Jesus, but Jesus has a rebuke for this crowd. Don't come to me for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life. Join us in this sermon as we examine the difference between what is temporary and what is eternal; and as we find that what truly satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger is the bread that God has sent from heaven - Jesus, the Bread of Life. If you enjoy this gospel content from Sure Foundation, hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to this podcast. This ensures that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation and it allows more people to connect with the vital message of the gospel. Thank you!
In this sermon, we dive into a lesser-known but powerful section of Scripture, exploring the conflict between Israel and the Arameans. Despite the Aramean King’s efforts to capture Israel, they always seem one step ahead—leading him to believe there’s a traitor in his ranks. However, the real source of Israel's success is the prophet Elisha, who can see beyond the physical realm.We discuss how the King of Aram, blinded to the true nature of his situation, mistakenly believes in treachery rather than recognizing God’s intervention. This blindness is a metaphor for our own limited perceptions and the unseen spiritual forces at play in our lives.Elisha’s servant, terrified when surrounded by the Aramean army, learns that there are more on their side than the enemy’s. Elisha’s confidence in God’s protection is a lesson for us. If we could see all the spiritual battles and protections around us, we might be overwhelmed. But, just as Elisha trusted in God's unseen army, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s protection is far greater than any threat we face. Join us as we uncover these profound truths and how they offer us confidence and peace in our own lives.
Our world is full of complex problems, so is our lives. Sometimes there is no clear solution to a complex problem. Other times the solution to the problem is just as complicated as the problem. But there has to be problems that have simple solutions. Elisha and his fellow prophets had a complex problem - famine. How were they going to find food? Well, a servant of Elisha's found food, but it wasn't any good. In fact, it was described as "death in the pot." But God through Elisha provided a solution. He cured the death in the pot with just some flour. Complicated problems have simple solutions with the Almighty God. God provided a simple solution to our complex problem - sin. The solution was Jesus. Jesus made the sacrifice for sin with his perfect life and innocent death. And the Apostle Peter says it simply... "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." There is so much power, even in a little Jesus. But don't let that make you want Jesus little. You have a source of unending love and goodness, fill up! If you were built up by this message, hit "subscribe" wherever you are listening to this podcast, this ensures that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
We are helpless without a clean water supply. We need that water. It is essential. In fact, most people will say that you can only last about 3 day without water. Water sustains life and without it we are helpless. That's how the people of Jericho felt. They were under a curse - a curse that God placed on Jericho at the time of Joshua. That curse seemed to extend to their water - it was bad. And the people of Jericho were helpless to fix this curse, instead they were condemned to live under it. As hopeless as the people of Jericho felt, the curse they were living under was nothing compared to the curse that sin had cast over us all. The curse of sin was over all people of many generations and it led to death (Genesis 5 testifying to that truth). How helpless!But, just as the Lord cleansed the water supply in Jericho, so also has he cleansed us by his blood. His own Son, Jesus took the contamination of sin on his shoulders and suffered and died. He reversed the curse and purified us from all sin.
After all of the amazing things that God had done through Elijah, imagine being Elisha and thinking that you were going to follow Elijah as a prophet. How terrifying it must have been thinking that you would have to fill Elijah's shoes. Elijah would soon be leaving Elisha and Elisha was not fond of that thought. He loved and respected Elijah. And more than that, how could he possibly replace Elijah? Elijah held such a prominent place in Elisha's heart and mind. There is a danger in elevating the messenger above the message, loving the messenger more than the message. It can be easy to fall into this with pastors. To love a preaching style or a personality more than the message. This is dangerous for hearts. But, God teaches us that the power of the prophet and the power of the pastor is not the man, but the Holy Spirit that empowers them. It is this Spirit, working through the Word that creates and strengthens faith, moves you from death to life, and opens eternal life to you. So, give thanks for the messengers that God puts in your life. But always love the message more than the messenger. If you've been edified by Sure Foundation's content, please hit "subscribe" so that you never miss any gospel content from Sure Foundation.
Peter made a bold claim when speaking to Jesus, "I will even go to death for you." Not long after that statement, Peter denies Jesus three times. When faced with real threats, he succumbed to the fear of men. Would we be bolder and more courageous than Peter? Would we confess Christ if there was real danger facing us? We'd like to think so, but we also have sinful flesh. Sinful flesh that regularly gives into the temptations of the devil. Sinful flesh that is consumed with self, not with Christ. The truth is, our intentions may be as sincere as Peter's were, but our flesh is weak. In our stead stands the courageous one - Jesus. Jesus was perfectly courageous FOR US! Now, he acknowledges you before the Father saying, "That's my guy!" or "That's my girl!" "I washed them in my blood." That's the gospel. That's the truth. That's what Peter ended up dying for. That's what those courageous men in Augsburg were standing on. Give thanks for the confessions of the past that have preserved the truth of God's Word. May God continue to preserve the truth of his Word as we continue to confess Christ. If you enjoy this content, please hit the subscribe button so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation. Come back next week for another sermon!
Helicopter parenting and snowplow parenting both have something in common - control. Parents that parent this way want to have control, specifically of how their kids turn out. Ultimately, what is at the root of that is a distrust that what their kids have been taught will bear fruit. When it comes to the Word of God, we can always trust that it will grow faith and produce fruit. Even if we cannot see it in the way that we expect to see it, we have a promise from God. God always keeps his promises. This gives us freedom from our desire for control because we can attend to the Word of God and then trust. We trust God's promise that God's Word is powerful and effective, as is the Holy Spirit that works through the Word. If you have been built up by this sermon, please hit "subscribe." This helps us in two ways: 1) it makes sure that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation 2) it helps more people hear the message of the gospel. Thank you!
The Book of Revelation is written in picture language. When you understand the context in which this was written, you begin to grasp just how comforting these pictures would have been for people at that time. The original recipients of this letter were heavily persecuted. Living in that environment, it may have been really easy to think that evil was winning and that the devil was getting his way. But, appearances are deceiving. These pictures in Revelation gave amazing comfort to the persecuted, suffering, or lonely Christian. God has not lost. Jesus was victorious. He chained the devil and one day, that devil would be thrown into a lake of sulphur. Despite how things look in our world, despite the persecutions that you may face, God never wants you to forget, he has been victorious. And his promises are true. You have been saved from hell and you will be with Jesus forever in heaven. This gives us strength to endure and this gives us hope. If you have grown in your faith on account of this content would you do us a favor? Could you hit the subscribe button, so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
How should we view the Law? That is the question at the heart of this section from Mark 2. The Pharisees had a fundamentally different view of the law than what God intended. The Pharisees saw the law as a way to get to God, as ladder of sorts. So, when it came to the laws surrounding the Sabbath Day, they viewed this as a way to prove their holiness. They even took it further - they added laws on top of the laws. However, God's law never was meant to serve this purpose. God's law was meant to be a blessing to his people. For the Sabbath, it was a command, but it also brought blessing into peoples' lives - physical rest, spiritual nourishment. How does this apply to us today? Tune in to this week's sermon to hear how God gives his grace and blessing to his people. If this sermon built you up and grew your faith, please subscribe so that you never miss any gospel content from Sure Foundation!
On confirmation day, you make a promise before God and in front of a group of people. You make a confession of faith. You promise to remain faithful to God and his Word. After learning all that God has done for you, the promise is an easy one to make - the gospel motivates it. However, keeping that promise proves to be more difficult primarily because of three key factors: ❌ The influence of the world❌ The temptations of the devil and his demons❌ The weakness of our sinful fleshThese enemies existed at the time of Joshua and they still exist today. These three enemies fight to nullify the promise that you made to God. The world doesn't care about God. The devil hates God. Our sinful nature desires to walk the path of the world and temptation. But, even when we are faithless, God is faithful. He is always faithful to his promises. He has promised forgiveness and life through his only Son, Jesus and he delivered. God will continue to make good on his promises to us throughout our lifetimes. God is ALWAYS faithful. If you have grown in your faith through this sermon, don't keep it a secret - share it with a friend! We want more people to grow in their faith and/or come to a knowledge of the truth for the first time. Thank you for your help in this effort.
One of the promises that we receive from Scripture is that if you seek to follow Jesus, you will face persecutions. Those persecutions may come in various shapes and forms. Just as God has warned us of these persecutions, he also promises that he is with us through them. Not only that, but he has left us his Word to cling onto during life's toughest times. God is so good that he doesn't even stop there. He assures us that through the power of his Word, those persecutions will be overcome - if not in this life, certainly in the next. Join Pastor David Maertz from Great Plains Lutheran High School as he shares this worthwhile and timely message.
When you want to share comfort with someone who is going through a tough time, how do you formulate your thoughts? You might think about the content of your message - what are you going to say? You might think about the emotion that you want to convey - how will you say it? But those situations are rarely easy. And really, the comfort that you can give is limited. Tragedies cannot be undone. Losses cannot be reversed. We are inadequate to provide real, true comfort. But the Resurrection Message is a message that provides real and true comfort because what we couldn't do, Jesus did. Jesus reversed death by his resurrection. Jesus made you whole in him.If you are built up by these messages, could you do us a favor? Could you hit "like" and "subscribe" wherever you are listening to this podcast? This helps us get the gospel message to more people so that more people hear about Jesus.
Doubts are common (even among believers). They are common because we have a sinful human flesh that is weak, we are assaulted with doubts by the devil, and the sinful world that we live in rejects the message of Scripture. If you have had doubts, you are not alone. And God cares deeply about those doubts because he cares about you. He wants you to have certainty, so he comes to you through his Word to speak to those doubts and even more than that, to call you by his powerful gospel. When you have doubts, run to his Word and let the Lord speak to those doubts. If you have enjoyed these sermons, hit "like" and "subscribe" so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
There are plenty of things in life where the meaning matters... big time! If you don't know the meaning, you may think something to be impractical or irrelevant. But, once the meaning becomes clear, so does the relevance and so does the importance. Such is the case with the resurrection. So, in this sermon, let's look at the impact of the Risen Jesus on Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John, because that impact is still the impact of the Risen Jesus today. The Risen Jesus means: ✅ Jesus was who he said he was✅ Jesus did what he said he'd do✅ Everything Jesus has said was true✅ Forgiveness has been won and death has been defeatedThanks for join us for this Easter sermon! If you grew in your faith because of this sermon, please share it with a friend! This is a really easy way to share the gospel with others. Lord's blessings to you!
With so much bad news in world, why take time to hear about a brutal execution? Add to that thought this: why would you come and listen about a execution that was your fault? Despite the answers to both of those questions, it is called Good Friday for a reason. The Son of God sacrificed himself for the sins of the whole world. He wasn't a victim of circumstances, but he orchestrated circumstances to save you. Take a few moments to focus your heart on the sacrifice of our Lord. And remember, Easter Sunday is coming!If you enjoy these messages, please hit the subscribe button so that you never miss a message from Sure Foundation!
The Passover was a big part of the life of the all the Israelites. It was a yearly celebration, where they remembered the great deliverance that God had worked for them from slavery in Egypt. This celebration was also a great opportunity to remember the Deliverer - the One True God. It is not coincidence that THE Passover Lamb, Jesus was sacrificed during the Passover festival. He was given as the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Through this Passover Lamb, an even greater deliverance was worked. The night before Jesus made the sacrifice, he instituted a meal called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. In this meal, the earthly elements of the bread and wine are joined together with the body and blood of Jesus in a miraculous way. These elements, when taken with a repentant heart, give the forgiveness of sins. What are some of the connections between the Passover and Lord's Supper? What is the relevance for us today? What encouragements can we walk away with? If you were built up by this sermon, please "like" and "subscribe." This makes sure that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation. It also helps more people hear the gospel message more often.
What sort of king were the people of Israel waiting for? It is pretty safe to say that they wanted a king to save them from the Romans, a king who would restore the kingdom of Israel to its former glory. That's likely the king that they believed that they were cheering on as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. However, Jesus came to be the king that humanity needed - a king who would humble himself and go to cross. Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday fully committed to what would happen that week. He did that all FOR YOU - so that you would be saved!If you grew in your faith this sermon, please comeback and hear more. Hit like and subscribe so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
What are the requirements? That's a question that we find ourselves asking in different contexts. But what about the context of becoming a follower of Jesus? What are the requirements of becoming a Christ-follower? In this sermon we will dive into two lies that people believe about what it takes to become a follower of Jesus. Although these lies can be a little obvious, they have real application in our lives. What we find is that there is one thing necessary to becoming a follower of Jesus - you must die and rise. But how does one do that? In this sermon, you'll find that becoming a disciple of Jesus is always more about Jesus than it is about us. Thanks for checking out this week's sermon! If you were built up by this sermon, please like and subscribe so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
Have you ever been audited before? There is some vulnerability involved with an audit because you have to open up your finances to someone else's scrutiny. There is the potential of punishment or penalties or fines even for just a mistake. Imagine having an audit done on your life... would that be pleasant? Certainly not! There are just some things in your life that you want to remain hidden. In this section from John 3:14-21, Jesus says that people like to stay away from the light because the light reveals what is hidden in the darkness. The light shows us who we are and what we've done. But the light that Jesus brought wasn't just an exposing light, but a healing light. Through his death and resurrection, he has made us to be light. Because we trust this about Jesus and his work, we no longer need to hide anything. We can freely confess it before God and trust that he has forgiven all of our sins. If this sermon has built you up, please hit the "like" button and also share it with a friend. And if you want to make sure that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation, hit "subscribe." Thanks for listening to this week's sermon!
Distractions are easy to come by, especially when it comes to worship. Jesus is not okay with those distractions! He doesn't want the focus shifted away from the whole reason that worshippers gather in the first place - to worship!Join us as we dig into John 2:13-22, where Jesus cleanses the temple. When Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Passover, instead of finding reverent, thoughtful worship, he found a marketplace in his Father's house. He was not okay with that. Jesus still is passionate about his Father's house, but are we? Do we eagerly await Sunday mornings? Do we have a passion for the gospel that is evident to those around us? Or has worship become a chore or obligation? Jesus wants focused worship, not distractions. How do we do on that front? When we are present in the worship space, is our mind focused and present too? Or do we start to daydream? When we are present in the worship space, is our heart in it? Or are we there because your wife forced you to come? Jesus doesn't want you there because you owe him something, he wants you there because he wants to bless you! There are amazing blessings that God gives in worship as His Word is read, preached, heard, and believed. There are amazing blessings that God gives in worship in Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He wants to bless you!If this sermon built you up and helped you grow in your faith, please share it with someone. This is a very easy way to reach out to someone with the gospel! And be sure that you hit "subscribe" wherever you are listening to this sermon so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation!
In this sermon, we dive into the timeless account of Job, a man who seeming had it all until tragedy struck in the most unimaginable ways. Job, described in the Bible as blameless and upright, faced a series of devastating losses - from the plundering of his possessions to the tragic deaths of his beloved children. How did Job respond to such immense suffering? And what can we learn from his unwavering faith? Drawing parallels to modern-day challenges, we contemplate what it means to face adversity with a spirit akin to Job's. Imagine receiving consecutive phone calls bearing news of financial ruin, the loss of your home, livelihood, and even the unthinkable loss of loved ones, The depth of mourning and pain would be incomprehensible. As Job grappled with the "why?" behind the suffering, we are prompted to ponder a different question: What does God owe us? Do we harbor expectations of blessings, contingent on our perceived righteousness or deserving nature? This introspection leads us to the heart of the gospel - the unmerited grace of God exemplified through the sacrificial love of Christ. Through Job's story, we are reminded that God's blessings are not transactional; they are bestowed upon us out of his boundless grace and love. Even amidst profound loss and suffering, Job found solace in praising the name of the Lord, acknowledging his sovereignty and unwavering presence. While Job's journey was marked by anguish and wrestling with sorrow, his faith remained steadfast. Likewise, we are encouraged to embrace our own struggles, clinging to the faith that produces praise and gratitude even in the midst of life's darkest moments. Join us as we explore the profound lessons of resilience, faith, and gratitude found within the pages of Job's story, discovering a deeper understanding of God's unwavering love and grace. If you have enjoyed this sermon, please subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, so that more people might hear the gospel! Thank you!
When someone comes up with a battle plan, they study their enemy and the tactics that they may use in battle. After they've learned enough about their enemy, they come up with their plan and think through possible contingencies. But as the famous boxer Mike Tyson once said, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." For a long time, Christians have looked at the Temptation of Jesus in order to formulate their plan for when Satan comes to tempt them. The problem is that no one has it in them to defeat Satan on their own. Satan has taken down man after man, woman after woman for just about as long as time has existed. The best battle plan is Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus. Jesus squared off with Satan and won! He never sinned, not once! And because Jesus took that perfect life and sacrificed it on the cross for you... his victory is your victory!If you have enjoyed this content, we'd love if you hit "like" and/or "subscribe." This helps more people hear this gospel message and it also ensures that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
Breaking news alert! You are mortal. Hopefully that is not news to you, but if you are the average person, you don't think about that if you don't have to. It is not a pleasant thought, so you avoid the thought. But, at different times, you experience something that reminds you of your mortality. Ash Wednesday is one of those reminders... as these words are spoken again and again - "Dust you are and to dust you will return." In this sermon, we look at a parable that Jesus told to people who "were confident in their own righteousness." This parable had two men - one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. They both approached God differently. Jesus uses this parable to teach how every mortal human ought to approach the immortal God - with humility. Every human ought to approach the immortal God this way, because all mortal humans are sinful. God loves sinners. In fact, he loved sinners so much that he sent his own Son to live and die for the sins of the world. So that when a sinner comes to him and says, "God have mercy on me a sinner", God will forgive that sinner. The Apostle Paul's words rings true: "This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10)If you have enjoyed this content, we'd love if you hit "like" and/or "subscribe." This helps more people hear this gospel message and it also ensures that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation.
Don't you wish that you could see more glory? As you hear different accounts from Scripture, you can't help but think - how come Elisha got to see that kind of glory? How come Peter, James, and John got to see that glory? You may think... "I come to church, but God's glory is not visibly evident to me there." You are not alone. But to think about this, put yourselves in the shoes of the disciples. Prior to the Mount of Transfiguration, when the disciples looked at Jesus, they saw a regular human. Sure, they knew that he was God, but he didn't look any different from anyone else. Do you think that there were times when they wished that they could see his glory? Do you think the devil tempted them to doubt who Jesus was? The devil still works like that today. God has promised his glory through various means (the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper). However, these means look ordinary and the devil would love you to start taking these means for granted. The devil would love to throw a veil over the gospel so that you can't see the brightness of the gospel again. God wants you to see the brightness of the gospel. So, in his grace, he works through the Holy Spirit to create and strengthen faith in your heart. The Holy Spirit was the one who unveiled the gospel for you. And now, through eyes of faith, you can see the glory of the gospel and the glory of the means through which God delivers you his grace. Cling to the gospel. Cling to those means. If you learned something during this sermon, put it in the comments below. And be sure to like and subscribe so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation!For more information about Sure Foundation Lutheran Church or to plan your first visit, visit www.surechurch.com.
Join us for this sermon on 1 Peter 5:6-11, where we delve into a scene painted by Peter that feels as intense as watching a predator stalk its prey on Animal Planet. Picture a lion, the prowling, roaring devil, targeting a pack of gazelles – an image not just from nature but a metaphor for the challenges faced by early Christians in Asia Minor.In a time of persecution and suffering, Peter commands these believers to "humble yourselves." It seems counterintuitive, as sufferers are often seen as victims, needing gentle treatment. However, Peter challenges them to confront their natural inclination to turn inward during hardship. This inward focus can lead to either pride in one's strength or attempting self-sufficiency in facing challenges.The imperative to "humble yourselves" is followed by a profound gospel message. "Under God's mighty hand" is not a threat of judgment but a reminder of deliverance. God's mighty hand has saved believers from sin, death, and the devil through Jesus. Peter encourages them to stop trying to face challenges alone and submit to God's power and peace.The sermon then addresses the question of anxiety, emphasizing that it is not a lack of faith. Instead, believers are invited to cast their anxieties on God, who cares for them. The danger of the devil and the importance of prayer are highlighted, echoing Luther's insight about the unseen spiritual arrows aimed at believers.The sermon concludes with a powerful testimony of Christy, a woman who faced immense suffering but found comfort in the promise of verse 10: "And the God of all grace… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." As with Christy, believers are reminded of the enduring promises of God, calling them to humble themselves under His delivering hand.Join us for this insightful journey through 1 Peter 5:6-11, exploring the challenges of suffering, the call to humility, and the enduring grace of God.
You can just tell when you are listening to a good teacher. You get the sense for it quickly. Some teachers are just gifted with the talent of teaching. Yet, when you read Mark 1:21-28, the people are amazed at Jesus teaching, but not just because he is talented. Jesus teaches with authority. In this section from Mark 1:21-28, Jesus goes to the synagogue and is invited to teach the people. The people are amazed at what they hear from Jesus. But, this begs the question... what teaching did they hear? Although Mark 1:21-28 doesn't tell us, this sermon discusses what Jesus' teaching sounded like at this point in his ministry. His teaching differentiated him from all the other teachers at that time. AND his teaching had power. Jesus shows this power as he drives out an impure spirit. Jesus still speaks authoritatively today and when he speaks, it happens. What does he say to you in his Word? What does he deliver to you through Baptism? What does he gift you in the Lord's Supper? Listen into this sermon to hear. If this sermon builds you up, please like and subscribe so that you never miss any content from Sure Foundation!
Join us for a sermon that begins with the profound story of Val Jones, a figure skater whose identity was shattered by an unexpected injury that left her reeling. Her story is not unique. It is one that we can learn from. In a world grappling with the question of identity, this sermon explores ✅ the pitfalls of self-discovery ✅ the unreliability of defining oneself through others 🙌🏼Discover the ultimate source of a secure and unshakeable identity as we explore the transformative power of Baptism and how it connects us to the righteous and eternal identity found in Jesus. Embrace the freedom that comes from understanding your new identity and live a life anchored in the truth of who you are in Christ. Don't miss this inspiring message that reveals the key to a truly fulfilling identity. 💭 If you are built up by the Word preached in this sermon, please share this with a friend that may need to hear this message. Also hit like and subscribe so that you never miss the content that Sure Foundation produces.
Join us in this sermon, "Two Stories: Matthew 2:13-18," as we delve into the profound narrative that reveals God's plan for salvation. 📖 In Matthew 2:13-18, we witness a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, where God orchestrates a rescue mission, setting the stage for the ultimate salvation of the world.The escape of Jesus and his family to Egypt, guided by God's intervention, marks the beginning of a redemptive journey that unfolds with purpose and significance. Explore with us the intricate tapestry of God's plan, where the salvation of one leads to the salvation of many.🔍 Key Themes Explored:✨ The providence of God in protecting Jesus from earthly threats✨ The parallel between Jesus' rescue and his later mission of salvation✨ The profound connection between God's plan and our redemption🙏 This sermon invites you to reflect on the intricacies of God's plan and the profound love that orchestrated the salvation of Jesus for the ultimate redemption of humanity.If you find peace, hope, or joy in exploring the depths of Scripture and the redemptive narrative of Jesus, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Hit the notification bell to stay connected with our community as we continue to unravel the timeless truths found in God's Word.
🎄 Step into the wonder of the Christmas story with our latest sermon podcast, "The Reactions of the Shepherds Luke 2:1-20." 🌟 Join us as we journey through the timeless narrative that encapsulates the essence of the season and reveals the extraordinary gift bestowed upon the world.📖 In Luke 2:1-20, we witness the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as shepherds receive the angelic proclamation of good news and make their way to the manger. This sermon delves into the layers of meaning behind each verse, uncovering the profound truths that make Christmas a season of joy, hope, and salvation.🔍 Key Themes Explored:✨ The significance of the Bethlehem setting and its connection to prophecy✨ The angelic announcement and its message of joy for all people✨ The shepherds as unlikely recipients of divine revelation✨ The importance of the manger and its implications for humanity🙏 Whether you're a seasoned believer or someone seeking the heart of Christmas, this sermon provides fresh insights into the age-old story that continues to captivate hearts around the world.🎁 Tune in, reflect, and share in the joy of the Christmas season. Subscribe to our podcast for more uplifting sermons and insightful discussions on the timeless truths found in Scripture.
How does God prepare us for Jesus' coming? God has promised to work through his Word and his Sacraments. He is also God over all. He isn't responsible for evil or suffering. However, God can use suffering to bring blessing into people's lives. After all, the greatest suffering that anyone ever suffered (Jesus) brought about the greatest blessing.
How do you prayer yourself for Jesus' coming? The preparation of the heart happens through the work of the Spirit. This work happens through the Word and the Sacraments. Yet, as you wait, depend on the Lord. Talk to him. Jesus has opened the lines of communication for you to your Father. So pray with the confidence that we have through Jesus.
Ignorance is bliss is rarely a good strategy. It definitely is not a good strategy with life's biggest questions like: What happens when someone dies? Or what will happen on the Last Day? With questions like these, God wants you to be informed, comforted, and confident.
Thankfulness is always a response to someone or something. The Christian has every reason to be thankful because 1) you know what you were 2) you know what God has made you and 3) you know the LORD.
You've heard the encouragement, "be present" or "live in the present." Maybe you've even said it. It can be a good encouragement to remove distractions and focus on the situation that you are in. However, it can create a burden. Am I being present enough? Am I really soaking up each moment? We can also become consumed with the present and forget completely about the past and the future. Yet the Bible provides a better way, your grip of the past and your picture of the future directly impact how you live in the present.
Stories have power. They have power because they allow us to see life through someone else's eyes. In this sermon, put yourself in Daniel's shoes and Martin Luther's shoes. What would you do? What would you say? If you are unsure... just know, faith comes from God. God creates it, God cultivates it, God strengthens it, and God preserves it. The faith that God gives is steadfast faith. Connect to us and more Biblical, Lutheran content at www.surechurch.com
Matthew identifies himself in his gospel as a "tax collector." When you learn about how tax collectors were perceived in that day, that is surprising. However, Matthew was about to meet Jesus, get to know him, and believe in him. That would change everything for Matthew! Matthew was forgiven and when Matthew was forgiven, he was given a way to live with his past. He could live with his past because he knew that God's grace covered over it. It was evidence of just how much God did for him!
Non-verbal communication is incredibly important. It sometimes communicates more than words do. Non-verbals cue you in to what is going on in someone's mind and heart. The non-verbals of Luke 18 are interesting to picture because the two men, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector, were about as opposite as they could be. One took a correct posture toward God, the other did not. One went home justified, the other didn't. How can we be sure that we have an appropriate posture as we approach God?
We need to stop expecting God to be fair. God is not fair. He does not give us what we deserve, and that's called mercy. In fact, he gives us what we don't deserve, and that's called grace. No, God is not fair. He is breathtakingly generous.
We like the concept of forgiveness in general, but when things become personal and emotional, that's when it becomes difficult. Yet, the Christian has a clear command from God - forgive your brother or sister from the heart. How can we do that? Where do we get the strength to do that? Let's look at The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant to dig into these questions.The intro and outro music are covered under OneLicense license A-736105.
Creation is groaning... can you hear it? It's groaning because it is frustrated. It's frustrated because it has been subjected. And we now live through a groaning world, as we ourselves groan. Yet, the Lord hold his people up with his gospel promises. He gives his people strength to endure with the sure hope of a bright future. In this hope we were saved!
Jesus is both Lord and Savior, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This truth is the core of saving faith. It is the central message God has called our church to proclaim. What does God want in a church? He wants a church that really knows Jesus.
How do you know that you are going to heaven? Many people have answered that question. Unfortunately, a lot of those answers revolved around a person's behavior or their good works. Even people who claim to be Christians will answer that way. But if that's how you answer that question, you are not a Christian. A Christian believes that Jesus and only Jesus is the way that we'll get to heaven.
It is not uncommon that, in times of aversity, doubt rears its ugly head—doubts about God’s care, God’s promises, God’s providence. In those times, the true answer to doubt is not found in some great miracle that removes adversity, but in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through that Word Christ reaches out to us with nail- scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, “Why did you doubt?” Our faith is restored. The Christian answers doubt with faith because Jesus makes it so.
Many see a difference between how God is presented in the Old Testament versus how Jesus is presented in the New Testament. How can we reconcile this apparent difference? The answer is in the cross of Christ. In the cross of Christ we see the fullness of God's justice and we also see the fullness of this love.
The rise of anxiety and depression has been well documented over the last 5-10 years. Of course, this isn't a new thing. On Sunday, we will see Elijah suffering with these very things and we will see a God who cares deeply about Elijah.
When you bring your needs to God, you know that he will hear you, you even trust that he may grant you what you are asking. And as you are praying, you may have subtle expectations of how he may bring that prayer about. Elijah may have had the same thoughts, but he never would've expected that God would provide for him with ravens! From this great account from 1 Kings, we learn that God provides, in his way, not ours.
The Holy Spirit was alive and active in the beginning as he hovered over the waters of the deep. The Holy Spirit was active when he brought about the conception of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was active when he appeared on the disciples at Pentecost. Is the Holy Spirit still active and working today?
Expectations play a major role in your life, whether you realize it or not. And those expectations can be a heavy burden; they can wear you down. However, Christ offers rest and relief in what he has done. He lifts that burden off of your shoulders.
There are so many voices in this world and they all have different motives and agendas. How do you know which of these voices to listen to? That's an important question because you are influenced by the voices that you listen to. Jesus wants you to listen to him, your Good Shepherd. You know that you can trust your Good Shepherd's voice because your Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep, just like he said he would. He will always tell you the truth and he cares deeply about you.
The Apostle Paul does two things in this text - he gives thanks and he encourages. We can all do exactly as the Apostle Paul did. We can give thanks for the faith of our fellow believers. We can find the encouragement that their faith brings us. And we can take the Apostle Paul's words seriously when he says "stand firm and hold fast."
The truths of Scripture provide lasting comfort. The comfort that God had for Joshua and the Israelites is a comfort that he still has for his people - God goes before you and God goes with you. Join guest preacher, President David Maertz from Great Plains Lutheran High School, as he walks us through a text from Deuteronomy.
Thomas doubted what the disciples had told him - they had seen the Risen Jesus! But Thomas wasn't going to believe unless he saw. Well, Jesus gave him the opportunity, he showed him his hands and his side. After seeing this, Thomas believed. In some ways, we may envy Thomas, he got to see. But Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed."
The Risen Jesus makes all the difference in life and as you face death. Without Jesus, death still has a sting. But because Jesus has been raised, death has lost its sting.
Could you do what God had asked Abraham to do? God asked Abraham to give up his only son. Does that sound familiar? How come when it comes to God, we assume it was somehow easier for him to give up his one and only Son? Yet, God gave up his Son and he did it willingly, without a second thought. You know why? He loves you!
In Matthew's account of the Last Supper, he references the past, he talks about the present, and includes Jesus' quote about the future. Just like there is a past, present, and future to this text, there is a past, present, and future to your life. Listen in to find out!
Jesus does a wonderful miracle for a man who was congenitally blind. He did what no one else could do, what only the eternal God could do. As obvious as that should have been, the Pharisees couldn't see it. They were spiritually blind. But Jesus doesn't just have the power to open the eyes of a man born blind, he has the power to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind.
People in the United States are lonelier than ever before. There are likely many contributing factors. Loneliness is a complex issue. It's complex because someone could be surrounded by people, but still feel alone. They may feel that way because people know facts about them, but they don't really know them. The lack of being known might lead to loneliness. However, some things you just don't want anyone to know. Today, Jesus shows us that he knows everything about us, and while that might seem like a scary thing, it is actually the best news ever. Jesus knows you.
Being a skeptic is not always a bad thing. Skeptics tend to be listeners. Skeptics think through things and ask thoughtful questions. But there are some things in life that God doesn't want you to be skeptical about, like your salvation. So, he gives you two huge assurances 1) Jesus died for the world, which means you 2) baptism that marks you as his own.
When the devil attacks, he'll try anything - anything that will lure you away from Christ and the truth of Scripture. He is a predator, a manipulator, and a liar. The sad truth is: he often wins. If you can define someone by what they do or what they have done, you may surmise that the devil is a winner. But he is not. Jesus is the winner. Jesus is the champion. He defeated the devil by never falling into temptation. He defeated the devil by offering himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. His victory is our victory. So, you are not defined by what you do or what you have done, you are defined by what Jesus has done for you!
Jesus had just predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection to his disciples. They had to have been stunned. For 6 days, they stewed over that information. Then Jesus took 3 of his disciples up a mountain to pray. There he was transfigured before them. They saw his full glory. Yet, even in his glory - his eyes were fixed on his work, on his cross.
In this section of Matthew, Jesus piles on the law. With each word of law, listeners are thoroughly buried under the constraints and demands. After the hearing of this, a person is left with no other possible way, but Jesus. Jesus is the only one who could possibly save. It is only through his righteousness that we too are called "righteous."
Imagine a beautiful guitar, carefully crafted out of the finest mahogany and steel strings. Now imagine that fine instrument is never played. It is placed atop a bookshelf and never touched. It just collects dust. Tragic, right? What a thing is finds fulfillment when that thing does what it was made to do. Of what use is a guitar that makes no music? What would be the point of turning on a lamp and then throwing a heavy blanket over it. It might still be a lamp, but it provides no light. (It only serves as a fire hazard!) Form and function are intimately connected.In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that the same is true of discipleship. He wants us to see that being a disciple and acting as a disciple are intimately connected. When God called us to faith, he declared that we were something new: light, salt, his children. Jesus now encourages us to be what God says we are, so that God might bless the world through us. As Jesus speaks to us, he means to mold our will to his own.One License for podcasting and streaming (A-736105)CCLI for podcasting and streaming (21567200)
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings. “Blessed are...” Jesus says, again and again. In the Latin Vulgate, these all begin with the word “beati” which translates as “blessed” or “happy.” Thus, this portion of the sermon is often called “The Beatitudes.” It had to give Jesus’ listeners pause. For what Jesus calls blessed, the world never would. The world praises the strong and the self-sufficient. Jesus calls blessed what others would see as weak or stupid. But, like any good preacher, Jesus is trying to drive home one crucial point. The weaker you are, the more ready you are to rely on God’s strength. The more difficult your present circumstances, the likelier you are to yearn for future reward.We have no real strength or wisdom of our own. But we don’t need it. Because God’s strength is enough to give the kingdom of heaven to the humble and poor in spirit.
The prophet Isaiah vividly described humanity as “people walking in darkness.” We are completely enveloped by sin and suffering and death. Worse, when we honestly assess the content of our minds and hearts, we find darkness there too. However, the prophet also foretold that within this deep darkness, a light would shine. The light would be so brilliant that it would be impossible to miss. As Jesus began his teaching and preaching ministry, that prophecy was fulfilled.Today Jesus continues to shine his light by preaching repentance and the good news of the nearing kingdom. He invites us to live a life that is illuminated by him. He calls us to walk in the light of love for God and for the brothers and sisters around us. Our Savior is the Light of the world, and so we shine his reflected light onto everyone around us.
For centuries the priests of Israel offered sacrifices to God for sin. Over and over blood flowed, testifying that the penalty of sin was death. But over and over a substitute stood in the place of the sinner. Countless animals died under the priestly knife as generations of the faithful brought lamb after lamb to the temple.This week we see the Lamb that God himself was bringing to the temple. This was the Lamb that God himself would sacrifice. In the great act that would remove our condemnation, the Messiah took our sins, stood in our place, and died as the substitute for sinful mankind. This was the fulfillment of the entire sacrificial system. Every lamb and goat and bird pointed to God’s Lamb who takes away our sin.The heart that sees his Savior willingly becoming the Lamb cannot help but take this news of salvation to the ends of the earth.
All people, no matter how they look or how they talk, have the same spiritual realities. All people are conceived and born sinners, in deep need of God's saving. But, God sent his Son, Jesus, to saved all people from their sins. This is an obvious truth of the Bible, as we can see even at the beginning of Jesus' earthly life. It is a truth that all people need to be reminded of.
The Apostle John records for us the theological significance of Christmas, yet it is not just a theology student's exercise. It is an exercise that brings amazing comfort to every person that ponders the Word of God as written by John. Jesus took on flesh and tented among us, so that one day, we would tent with him forever.
The Christmas story may be a story that you have heard many, many times. Yet, to fully understand the gravity of that day is more than anyone could ever fully grasp. So, again we ponder and through the work of the Holy Spirit, we treasure. We treasure the peace that came to earth through this little child that was the very Son of God.
John the Baptist came in a miraculous way – he was born to a woman who was said to be barren. He grew up and became a great preacher. Crowds of people came to listen to John the Baptist. They even wondered: was this the promised Messiah? John made it clear to the people, he was not the Messiah. He was merely the forerunner to the Messiah – the forerunner who was promised in Isaiah. He would come to announce the coming of the Messiah. This Messiah would be greater than him. He wouldn’t just announce the way to salvation, but he would become the way to salvation.
A greater prophet than Moses would come. A greater leader than Moses would come. This leader wouldn't have a life complicated by sin, but this leader would be perfect. This leader wouldn't just deliver people from slavery, but would deliver people from sin, death, and the devil. This leader would lead people to heaven. This was the leader born on Christmas, in humility - a leader born for real greatness.
God made the first promise of the Savior immediately after the Fall into Sin. He would send a head-crusher to destroy the devil. What would this head-crusher be like? All that Adam and Eve knew was that this head-crusher would be the offspring of the woman. So, when Cain was born, what might Adam and Eve have expected? They would soon find out the head-crusher would be one who was better than Cain, one who was perfect. The head-crusher would be Jesus, who would be perfect and would destroy the devil.
How thankful have you been this past year? Do you have reasons to be thankful? Here's something about thankfulness, thankfulness and unthankfulness both flow from the heart. So, in a sense, your thankfulness or lack thereof reveals your heart. A truly thankful heart is a heart that knows the love of Jesus. Love that is too wide to get your arms around, too long to get to the end of, too high to reach, and too deep to get to the bottom of.
Happy Reformation Day!In today's sermon, we discuss what the truth is, how we handle the truth, and what the truth accomplishes for us. Jesus says, "Those that the Son sets free will be free indeed."
When the disciples said to Jesus, "Teach us to pray," they received the Lord's Prayer. And thus, 2000 years of Christians learned how to pray. But what if they weren't just after the content of the prayer, but the passion that Jesus had for prayer? Perhaps you want the same. But the key to a rich prayer life does not come from your own effort, but growing to know Jesus more and more. That sort of knowledge is built over a lifetime of listening to God in his Word and speaking to him in prayer.
Gratitude is the appreciation and thankfulness we feel when someone does something kind to us or for us. There are two key factors that influence the intensity of gratitude. First, there is the deservedness factor. Say you do a favor for your neighbor, picking up his mail when he is out of town. A month later he does a favor for you, giving you a ride to the airport. You are grateful for his help, but not overwhelmingly so. You feel by doing a favor for him, you deserved his help to some degree. Second, there is the generosity factor. Say you do that favor for your neighbor, picking up his mail when he is out of town. When he gets back, he gives you a hundred-dollar bill. You’re stunned. “I can’t accept. This is too generous.” Apply this to God. Consider the deservedness factor. What does God owe us? How deserving are we of his blessing? Consider the generosity factor. What has he done for us? What blessings has he given us now? What blessings has he promised us in eternity? As Jesus increases our faith, so that we accurately answer all those questions, we become more than grateful. We overflow with gratitude.
Look up “duty” in the dictionary. It's defined as “something that one is expected or required to do.” Look up “duty” in a thesaurus. Some of its synonyms: chore, burden, obligation, work. “Duty” can carry some strong negative connotations. Now, consider this. In the world, as you rise through the ranks, you are able to leave many duties behind. For example, if you are high-up on the corporate ladder, you can delegate things you don’t want to do to someone else. In Christ’s kingdom it works just the opposite. An increase in faith does not lessen duties at all. It increases opportunities to serve God and others. Increased faith means increased obligations and work. But here’s the good news. The same faith that increases our duties leads us to delight in them. For through faith we know that we serve the one who first came to serve us. We consider it a privilege to imitate Christ in our service to others. Just as his service to us brought him great joy, so does our service to others.
Jesus tells an immediately impactful story of a rich man and Lazarus. It is through this telling that Jesus works the law and the gospel. It is through this telling that we evaluate our own lives and see the important things that Jesus did for us. God gives us a full life.
There are more than 2300 Bible passages that speak about money. Why? Money is a master Satan frequently tempts us to serve. And that evil foe knows how successful his efforts with money can be. Money provides us with a false comfort and a sense of security. It serves as a source of pride. It serves as a wonderful tool for a favorite pastime: justifying ourselves in our own eyes and the eyes of others. Jesus knows that serving money makes it impossible to serve God. The human heart is not big enough for both. As a result, Jesus does all he can to expose the futility of serving money. He also helps us see that the only one truly worth serving is our gracious, loving God. When we serve God, money is put in its proper place. Instead of money being a lord to serve, it becomes a resource for serving the Lord. This is the hard truth. There is no way for us to serve both God and money. But we can serve God with our money.
Many people at Jesus' time had thoughts about Jesus' purpose, but here Jesus makes his purpose clear. Jesus came to save those who were lost. But what does it mean to be lost? Lostness isn't a matter of moral bankruptcy. Lostness is the spiritual bankruptcy of unrepentance. Jesus wants us to admit our spiritual lostness, because Jesus is in search of the lost. When he finds us, he carries us, and celebrates that someone who used to be lost is now found!
Jesus gives what seems like the worst sales pitch ever to be his disciple. Jesus is upfront and honest. Life following Jesus won't be easy. It may cost you things that are important to you. But life with Jesus is better by far.
The Bible certainly proclaims a clear message, but that doesn't mean that every message from the Bible will be easy to hear or understand. Jesus spoke the truth and sometimes it was a difficult truth. The difficult truth from this text - the gospel of Jesus will divide. We would love to believe that true unity, peace, and harmony are achievable in this world. That thought sounds nice, even optimistic, but Jesus says that it is not a true thought. The truth is that people will be divided over the gospel. Some will believe it, others will refuse to believe it. This truth is a hard one to swallow, but a vital one for many reasons. Take a listen to this week's sermon to hear more!
Why is it that sometimes it is easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves? In answer to that, we have to talk about guilt. Let's look into the conclusion of the Joseph story to see what God has to say to us.
Anger, bitterness, and resentment cause a person to always live in the past. The past can very quickly and very easily negatively effect that person's future. But forgiveness allows a person to move forward with their life. But how is that forgiveness possible? Take a listen to this week's sermon to hear the answer to that question.
There is a difference between forgiveness and trust. There is also a connection, but the specifics are important. Trust is NOT needed for forgiveness, but forgiveness is absolutely needed for trust. Today, we will look at the Joseph account and see this very thing come to life.
God worked through Joseph to care for those around him and accomplish his grand purposes. God has also given each of us different skills and abilities and he has given us different vocations in which to use them. How can we take what we learn from Joseph and apply this to our life? Where is Jesus in this whole picture? Take a listen and find out!
Joseph ended up in a place that he never dreamed of, but God was with him. Joseph was blessed in Potiphar's house, but he also faced intense temptation. This sermon explores Joseph's time in Potiphar's house and brings takeaways into our lives as well.
Did you know that in the Bible the devil is also called the king of this world? This certainly doesn't mean that his power supersedes God in this world, but it means that the devil is restricted to this realm. The devil wants the same for you, he wants to restrict you to this world. He doesn't want you to enjoy the spiritual, heavenly, eternal blessings that Jesus has secured for you. But Jesus does. He wants you to know what it means that he ascended his throne. It gives us comfort in this life and the next. It also gives us a wonderful purpose to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
There is a huge difference between happiness and joy. Where happiness is completely tied to your circumstances, joy is something much deeper than that. The kind of joy that comes from God's Word is a joy that endures despite circumstances.
There are plenty of people that think of Jesus as a nice idea or a pleasant thought. But, they don't trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. God, help us to always hold onto the faith that you gave us at our baptism. God, help us to grow in that faith through the Word and the Sacrament. God, continue to teach us the truth and set us free.
The world is a chaotic place and so life can be as well. Amidst all this chaos it's easy and even natural to doubt your Shepherd. Is he in control? Is he going to keep his promises? God continues to speak into this chaos. He continues to shepherd his people with his Word. He continues to shepherd people by bringing people into your life to share his Word. It is this Word that provides green pastures and quiet waters. It is this Word that covers over the chaos with the Shepherd's peace.
Are there people that just intimidate you? You are afraid to speak with them, let alone share Jesus with them. Yet, this account of Saul changes things. If God can change the heart of Saul, then God can change your heart and the person that intimidates you! Don't underestimate Jesus, join him on his mission!
Why do you look for the living among the dead? Look for life where life is found. Life is found in Jesus, the only one who has ever conquered death.
There is a gruesomeness to the cross. The pain that Jesus went through was gruesome (to say the least). It is gruesome for us to see what our sins did to Jesus, to see what our sins deserved. But there is also a beauty to the cross. At the cross we see just how much Jesus loves us and we see just what he was willing to do to save us!
When Jesus says something is, it is. It's not a variation, it is just as he says. He is the God of the Universe, he is all-knowing and all-powerful. He was the one who spoke the universe into existence. So, on Palm Sunday, when Jesus tells the disciples that they will find a donkey in a village that has never been ridden before, they find it, just as he said. Same happens when Jesus is looking for a room to celebrate the Passover. Take these as minor proofs, minor proofs that when Jesus says that the bread is his body and the wine is his blood, it actually is. When Jesus says that you receive forgiveness in this meal, you actually do. We praise the Lord for this glorious sacrament.
There is a difference between a house and a home. You can buy a house, but that won't make it a home. Home is home because of the safety we feel when we are there, because of the personal touch that we can give it, because of the family that is there. God has made for you a home. It is a home of grace. It is the greatest home ever! We pray that we always seek to live in that home and never depart from it!
We all play detective at one point or another in our lives. We see the end result of something and we try to get to the bottom of what happened, how it happened, and even more importantly, why it happened. We may even wonder why God allowed something to happen. Although God doesn't always give us the answers, he lets us know how we might personally interpret tragedies - as an encouragement to repent. Repent because there is forgiveness waiting for you in the cross of Christ. Forgiveness that makes sure that one day when you die your death will not be tragic eternally because you will with Jesus forever in heaven.
Many times what is easy is set in direct contradiction to what pleases God. Many times it is easy to do what is easy. Following God means picking up your cross and following him. That means a life of self-denial. Whre we fail at that, Jesus didn't. He picked up his cross and went to Jerusalem. Jesus' cross saved us. Jesus' cross strengthen us to carry ours.
Here's the concept - one person wins, the collective wins. We see that as true when we watch the Olympics and other sporting events. In a much deeper and profound sense, Jesus is your champion. Because he won, you win.
Jesus crushes our self-righteousness and pride with the law. We have failed him. However, when we are crushed, then we are ready to hear the gospel.
It's Transfiguration Sunday where we get a glimpse at the Glory of the Lord. However this glimpse was a quick one because soon Jesus would come down from the mountain and would head toward the cross. Although it wouldn't look like glory, it is at the cross that we see Christ's glory shine the brightest. At the cross we see the culmination of the New Covenant; at the cross we see the gospel. This is the message of surpassing, all-encompassing glory!
What is it like to be a believer when it seems like God lost? That is what the people at Jeremiah's time were wrestling with. Certain temptations may creep into your heart during these trying times. Yet, Jeremiah encourages us to let our trust rely in the Lord, even when it looks like he is defeated. Because God is faithful and we can trust in him. And because God operates differently than we think. What appears to be cursed is blessed!
Do you feel qualified or worthy to share God's Word with others? The truth is: we aren't worthy or qualified. Neither was Peter or the disciples. But it was Jesus who can to make us holy, make us worthy, and qualify us to take part in the message of his son, Jesus.
When one proclaims God's Word, typically the intentions are good. We want others to know the joy of salvation and the love of Chirst. Therefore, it can be surprising to us when God's Word is met with apathy or rejection by those who hear it. It's easy to conclude that when the Word of God offends human minds and hearts (including our own), something has gone wrong. The truth that is uncovered this week is that rejection of Jesus' words is not the exception but the rule. Jesus' words will always offend. However, we will see that God can use even the rejection of his Word for good.
There are things in God's Word that our world and our culture don't want to hear. They aren't popular. Those are the things that can be difficult to share. Those are the things that can be difficult to hear. But the message of the Bible is necessary. We need to hear that we are sinners. We need to hear that we have a Savior.
People tend to trust what they see. Spiritually this is problematic because there are so many things that we can't see. There are also so many things that we don't know. Add to this that sometimes what we see is not reliable and we have troubles. But we have God's Word that is always reliable and sure. As a special gift of his grace, he has also given us his sacraments, which we can see and touch and taste.
Your identity governs everything about you. It governs what you think, what you say, and what you do. That makes your identity very important. One thing that we learn from Scripture is that if your identity is found in someone or something other than Christ, you will have identity issues. Another thing that we learn from Scripture is that God gives you the gift of an identity... You are a child of God.
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When a child is born, your imagination reels. You wonder what that child will be like. You also have expectations for the child. Mary and all those who heard about the birth of the Messiah had expectations too. Some of their expectations were small and unbilblical. But Jesus came to exceed expectations.
When you have thought about Mary, have you ever asked, "Why her?" Why did God choose Mary to the be the mother of the Savior? There was nothing special about Mary in an earthly sense. Mary had no special holiness that made her "better." Yet, when we ask that question, we find that God choosing Mary was far more about God than it was about Mary.
Preparation is a large part of most peoples' lives. We learn to prepare for things pretty early in life. However, do we often think about preparing our hearts? And more specifically, do we think about preparing our hearts for Jesus' coming? John the Baptist came and preached a message of preparation. He came to prepare hearts for the Savior. He did so by urging people to repent. That same message stands today. Jesus is coming back and we need our hearts to be prepared, so we too, need to repent.
How long would you bear with something before you gave up on it? How long would bear with someone before you gave up on them? That would be an interesting question to consider from God's perspective. How long should God have bore with his people before giving up on them? The reality is that we have given God every reason to give up on us, but years worth of disobedience could not negate the grace of God. God's grace is unshakeable!
If you lived at the time of Jesus, what would your first impression of Jesus have been? It likely would not have been that Jesus was a king. He didn't look like what a typical earthly king would look like. But Jesus didn't come to be an earthly king, he came to be the Messiah-King. He came to be a heavenly king. His purpose was to do big things like defeat death, crush the devil, and save you. Because Jesus was successful he now sits on his heavenly throne and he deserves all praise an honor as the king of kings.
One of the things that makes a Christian different than a non-Christian is how they approach death. A non-Christian may have theories of what will happen after death, but they don't know. The Christian has a confidence that comes from God's promises. That doesn't mean that the Christian will never doubt, but the Word will always bring comfort to a Christian that those in Christ will rise to be with him forever. We give thanks for that confidence and we praise God for all the blessed Christians that he has taken before us.
The Christian does not need to pretend that judgment does not exist. The Christian also does not need to fear judgment. Jesus has taken God's judgment on our behalf by dying on the cross for our forgiveness and our salvation. Therefore, instead of judgment the Christian receives JOY!
Historically speaking, there have been times where the truth and the gospel had almost disappeared altogether. Yet, God preserves the truth, preserves the faith, and preserves gospel comfort. He gave us his Word to show us what the truth is. He gives us pastors to teach us his Word. Through the preaching, teaching, and application of the gospel, we pray that the gospel may never be lost again.
Jesus' definition of "great" and the world's definiton of "great" are completely different. The desire for greatness in this life tends to be about personal glory and recognition. Jesus definition of "great" is service of others. Jesus came into this world to serve not to be served by others. He did that in the most wonderful way ever. He died on the cross for the sins of the world. It is this sacrifice that motivates us to serve.
Whether we want to think about it or not, we will all, one day, face death. Therefore, we are all faced with a similar question, what is going to happen to me after I die? What must I do to inherit eternal life? However, Jesus makes it clear that this question has a false premise - it assumes that there is something that you need to do to enter eternal life. Jesus and the Bible teaches otherwise. There is nothing to do, because it has already been done! Praise be to Jesus!
God's picture of marriage has always been counter-cultural because God's picture of marriage is perfect. Our culture, on the other hand, is not perfect, but infected with sin. That sin makes marriage a difficult subject to talk about sometimes, but we need to talk about marriage. We need to hear God's picture for marriage, we need to hear that we are forgiven, and we need to have our thoughts about marriage formed by God.
The two main teachings of the Bible are Law and Gospel. In both of these teachings we can see God's deep love and concern for our souls. With his Law, he wants us to wake up to the seriousness of our sin and finally address it. With his Gospel, he wants us to feel the real, everlasting comfort that comes from knowing the Jesus died and rose for us!
Joshua speaks to the people of Israel and he encourages them to serve the Lord. However, we know our hearts, we know that we have failed. We have been unfaithful like the Israelites, but God has always been faithful and he always will be faithful.
There are walls in your life that separate you from someone. These walls, spiritually speaking, are harmful to your soul. The wall between you and God and the wall between you and others. However, Jesus tore down both of those walls with what he did for you on the cross.
A Doxology is a short hymn of praise to God. So if we say that our lives are a doxology to God, that's a pretty great way to look at our lives! We live are lives to the praise of God and to his glory.
The Bible teaches that there is always more going on than meets our eyes. There is a constant spiritual battle that surrounds us. But we are not left without a defense. Jesus has conquered sin and Satan. Therefore, the believer relies on Jesus and his protection and prays with confidence, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
When we ask for God to forgive us our sins, we are asking God to see Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. God forgives our sins; he cancels our debt. It is this forgiveness that gives us peace and this forgiveness that encourages us to forgive others.
What is God's will? That's a question that a lot of people ask. God tells us what his will is in his Word. He wants all people to be saved, he wants his Word preached and taught in truth and purity, and he wants his people to grow in faith and Godly living. This is God's revealed will. For the rest of his will, we humbly submit and trust that God's will is always better than ours.
Death is the great equalizer. No matter who you are or what you've done, everyone, one day, dies. With Jesus, we rely on one who is greater than death!
There is a deep correlation between the trust that you have in God as your Father and in Jesus as your Savior and your life of generosity. Giving is not easy for someone, whose trust in God is weak. However, as trust is built in God by His Word, my heart of generosity can grow.
God inspires in us a different way to look at money and possessions. The framework is vital to living out your calling as a steward of God's gifts. This perspective starts with a very basic, but all-encompassing truth - The Universe is the Lord's.
God has placed you in your specific corner of the world. On top of that he places opportunities before you for you to be the best neighbor a neighbor has ever had. Often we fail, but Jesus didn't fail. He was always the perfect neighbor and he did that on our behalf, as our substitute!
Pentecost was a big deal for the disciples and all Christians in the Early Christian Church. It meant that God had fulfilled another promise and it meant that God was with them and helping them. Pentecost still has effects today!
Jesus has ascended! Alleluia! Come and listen to a sermon based on the very closing words of Luke's gospel. This is where we learn that Jesus' ascension means that he has fulfilled his promises and he has given our life a grand purpose.
Christians have it all! God has forgiven all of your sins. He has restored your fellowship with him through Jesus. And he has even given you a deep and profound fellowship with other believers.
Love is more than just an abstract concept or some ethereal thing that you can't quite understand. Love is put into action. So it is great to see love as a characteristic and quality of God, but that is not enough. God's love would be of no practical value had he not put that love into action. His love would be of no value if there was no direct object of his love. Yet, we know that God's love is of the greatest value because he did put it into action through his Son and we are the direct objects of his love.
Hope has 2 parts - 1) it needs to be based in fact or certainty 2) it needs to promise a brighter future. In Scripture we find that Jesus' resurrection fulfills both of those parts of hope. Because Jesus lives... Hope lives!
Calling it "Good Friday" seems like a great contradiction. There doesn't seem to be much good that happens on Golgotha as Jesus dies. However, on this Good Friday we see the Greatest Contradiction. On a day where I should feel sad, I feel relief, because Jesus saved me from my sins.
Why do we focus on the specific aspects of Jesus' pain and torture in his final days? It is not for pity, but it shows us the depth of love your Savior has for us. He was willing to pay the cost for us to live.
Sin is serious even if we try to convince ourselves that it isn't. The Israelites complained and complained about God and his blessings. This was a serious matter. God sent snakes as a punishment for the Israelites and you can bet, that got their attention. Just like the Israelites, God wants your full attention.
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul writes these beautiful words. How clean is your temple? Is it free from impurity or blemish? We'd like to think so. However, we know that there are things that God needs to cleanse from our lives as well. Just as Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, so he cleanses our temples from impurity and makes us holy.
What happens when my perception of what is happening doesn't seem to match up with God's promises? Often that is the case. We know that God's promises are true, but our experience seems to tell an opposite story. Jacob had this very experience. We can learn from Jacob's story that God's promises are true and certain regardless of our perception.
Spiritually speaking, you are weak. Most people don't like hearing that. We want to be strong; we want to be self-sufficient. But the reality is - we are weak. We give into temptation instead of remaining strong. But where we are weak, Jesus is strong. He was perfectly obedient on our behalf. This gives us confidence in our forgiveness and in heaven.
We love it when life is good, when we are on the mountain-top. We cherish those moments because we know what happens when we come down from the mountain - deep valleys. In these deep valleys of life, it can be hard to see that Jesus is God, it can be hard to see Jesus' glory. However, Jesus gives you things in your life to strengthen you through the valleys of life.
In our world, in our culture, in our way of thinking, freedom is something to be taken thankfully, not something to be given up willingly. However, Jesus inspires and motivates us to do just that - to give up our freedom in order that more people might know about Jesus and His Word. This is all motivated by Jesus, who gave up freedom in heaven and confined himself to human flesh. This is all motivated by Jesus, who set aside his power to set captives free and save sinners.
Samuel and Eli didn't get it at first. This was God calling. But that's not God's fault. It's not like he mumbled. It's their fault -- our fault -- when we can't recognize the Word of the Lord. He doesn't work through feelings or urges or inclinations or a warm feeling in my stomach or a voice that sounds like my own. God speaks. It's always his Word. He speaks in a way to make it clear that it is the Lord speaking, just as it will be clear when Jesus has come on Judgment Day. And when he speaks, we listen, because he has something incredible to tell us. Sermon preached by Pastor Benjamin Tomczak.
The Kingdom of God is the greatest kingdom ever. It operates differently from the kingdom of the world... and that's a good thing! Being apart of the kingdom of God elicits 2 reactions. LIsten to the sermon to find out what those 2 reactions are.
Our sinful nature wants nothing to do with God. If it had its way, we'd completely shell ourselves off from God and his Word. God knows this. So, he sent Jesus to invade our space, and we are happy for it. Listen to Pastor Birkholz preach on John 1:43-51.
Jesus came to be the light for all people! People from all over the world, with all kinds of differences have come to the light, Jesus. The Old Testament prophets foretold it and the New Testament confirms it, Jesus came to be the light for all people.
Have you ever wished that you could see Jesus with your own eyes and hear him preach and teach? That would a special time for us. Perhaps that is why we become a little frustrated with people who had opportunities to see and listen to Jesus, yet didn't believe. However, we have everything that we need written in the Bible, and we often fail to pick it up and read it. The Bible has the knowledge that you need.
We love a good comeback story. Jesus came to bring about the greatest comeback of all-time, but it may not be the comeback that you were looking for.
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There is a difference between saying, "That's it?" and saying "That's it!" When you see Jesus in the manger, which one do you say? This Christmas, let's say, "That's it! That's what we need!"
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What do you expect from the Messiah? Since the Messiah was such a big deal, perhaps you'd expect a little more than what the angel Gabriel announced to Mary. Yet, the announcement of Jesus was a HUGE deal. It reveals to us that Jesus is the Savior and that Jesus is the Son of God. Both of those mean that you have been saved! Praise God!
God sent a great forerunner in John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Savior. The hearts of the people needed obstacles removed and they needed preparation. The same is true today. God gives you forerunners to help you to remove obstacles and prepare your hearts for Jesus' coming.
Jesus could come back at any moment? How does that make you feel... anxious? or excited? The sinful nature in us gets anxious and nervous for Jesus' return, but the faith that the Holy Spirit cultivates, finds amazing comfort in the return of the Savior.
During Covid-19 especially, it may be difficult to find reasons to give thanks. Yet, every time you read Scripture, God gives you another reason to give thanks in your life.
How many paths are there to God? Answer: One. To many that seems restrictive or unloving. But here's the truth. There was only one solution to sin and the problems in this dark world and his name is Jesus. Anyone who is saved is saved by Christ alone. That brings us great comfort and it also fires us up to tell people about Jesus!
This sermon is based on Acts 4:1-22
There is a lot of noise out there and there are a lot of voices that want you to listen to them. You want to listen to someone who you can trust, someone in whom you can have confidence. Paul gives you the answer... the God-breathed Word. This Word will make you wise for salvation and is always useful! Take in the Word and let the Word shape your life.
How do you know that you have faith? Maybe it is not a question that you have pondered before. But the more you think about it... are there times in your life where you have felt your faith is strong? And are there other times in your life that your faith feels weak? Faith that is based in works is always uncertain and has no solid ground. But faith that looks to Jesus is strong. Faith that looks to Jesus saves.
Some things are best communicated in pictures. Grace may just be one of those things. Grace is not something that we understand on our own, because grace is completely contrary to the way we are wired. Yet, in the Bible we see grace. We see the grace of our Father who always forgives and who welcomes us back with open arms. This sermon is based on Luke 15:11-32.
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How many times would you have to reject someone for them to give up on you? Maybe 1 or 2 times? The Israelites consistently rejected God, yet God continued to send them his Word through prophets and he eventually sent his Son. We can find our own hearts in the hearts of the Israelites, we are sinners just like them. But we can also give thanks for Jesus flipping the script, rejection turned to salvation. That is yours through Christ!
Our world works a certain way, where work merits pay and the pay is equal to the value of the work. The kingdom of heaven is different. Check out this sermon from Matthew 20:1-16.
How you ever felt like your weren't forgiven? No matter how many times someone assured you of forgiveness, you still couldn't shake feelings of guilt. This is not how it is supposed to be. Jesus has words to say about forgiveness in our lives! Take a listen!
We have a "love-hate" relationship with the cross of Christ, which is really the battle between my sinful nature and my renewed heart. We also have this relationship with our own cross.
The cross is necessary for Jesus and for you. Listen to Jesus say this in Matthew 16 and what this means for your life.
The Christian community, specifically the church, is not a perfect community. Jesus is under no illusions about that and we shouldn't be either. In Matthew 18, Jesus gives the disciples incredibly practical instructions on dealing with sin in the church. All the while, he also shows them the true beauty of Christian community.
Outrage Culture is a thing nowadays. Yet, outrage reveals something in people's hearts, something that only God can change. The Canaanite woman from this section of Scripture is evidence of a beautiful, changed heart of faith.
There are a lot of passages in Scripture about hope and joy and peace. These are great passages! But with a lot of passages like that, it makes you wonder how a Christian deals with depression. Listen to this week's sermon to hear about a great prophet in the Old Testament that suffered with depression.
We have plenty of needs in life. There are some needs that can only be filled by Jesus. In this sermon on Matthew 14, we will talk about a few of those needs.
Money and the church. These two things seem like a bad combo to our American culture. But did you know that the Bible talks about money A LOT. God has a lot to say and to teach about money. Listen to what God says through Paul in 1 Timothy.
Is God in control of what is going on in the world? Is God in control of my future? These are all natural questions, that most everyone thinks about. We will find this answer in our reading from Matthew. Take a listen!
There are a lot of ways that we describe God, yet typically, one of those adjectives doesn't include reckless. But he is. Take a listen to this sermon to find out how!
Americans value self-sufficiency. We prefer to handle things on our own and we avoid showing or sharing weakness. Jesus gives us a different message. Jesus' message brings peace and rest. Check it out!
God blesses his people. But are his blessings something we demand for our belief in him? If all earthly blessings were stripped away, would we remain committed to our Savior? In this week's sermon, we will talk about all these things!
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Where do you find your self-worth? Is self-worth even a good thing? Listen to this sermon on Exodus 19:2-8 to find some answers!