Christ the King Free Lutheran: Recent Episodes
Sam Wellumson
The Scripture readings are 1 Chronicles 29:10-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Your hands were created to be open to freely receive from God and freely give to others. Sadly, the Fall closed them. Jesus came with open hands to unclench our fists and make them generous.
The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 7:15-23.
Most wolves are dangerous because of their teeth. The ones Jesus warns about are dangerous because of their clothing. As Christians, we always need to be on the alert for false teaching.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:17-26.
On Sinai, God claims His people, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of slavery.” In Christ, you are already claimed by His blood and filled with His perfect righteousness. Live as the people you truly are!
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Peter 3:8-17; and Luke 5:1-11.
A Christian’s hope speaks loudly. The world is going to ask you, believer, why you hope the way you do. However, this question will often be indirect, so be ready to point others to Jesus.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 12:14-21; Luke 6:36-42.
Jesus’ statement, “Judge not,” isn’t a blanket prohibition. Christians are called to make judgments in certain courtrooms. But in the heavenly courtroom, we can never usurp Christ’s merciful seat.
The Scripture readings are Micah 7:18-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; and Luke 15:1-10.
The parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin aren’t about conversion, they are about repentance. Repentance isn’t a thing of the past. Every day Jesus seeks us with joy, carries us home, and heaven celebrates our return.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 15:1-6; 1 John 4:16-21; Luke 16:19-31.
After deliverance, new struggles often arrive. Abraham knew this “after” where doubt crept in despite God’s promises. Yet, the same God meets you in every “after” as your Shield and great Reward in Christ.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 11:33-36; and John 3:1-17.
The Trinity isn’t just a doctrine, it’s who God is. Remember that you are known, loved, and sent by the God who has been in conversation about you and your salvation from before the world began.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; and John 14:23-31.
When Jesus is proclaimed as the Savior who died for your sins, rose for your justification, and is ascended to rule over creation for your benefit, you can be certain the Holy Spirit is at work.
The Scripture readings are Daniel 7:1, 9-10, 13-14; Acts 1:1-11; and Luke 24:44-53.
Jesus doesn’t ascend to the throne of creation simply because His work is done here. He ascends to rule and reign over all things from the eternal throne of grace for your benefit (Heb. 4:16).
The Scripture readings are Numbers 21:4-9; James 1:22-27; and John 16:23-33.
Christianity is a religion, not a relationship. James teaches us that the only right religion gives us every true relationship with God and makes us joyful doers of His Word.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
In a world that looks like the devil is winning, Jesus declares the ruler of this world has already been judged. The Holy Spirit convinces us of Jesus’ victory so we live forgiven, at peace with God, and free from fear.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:25-31; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
Christian, you are God’s child now. Don’t be surprised when the world doesn’t see that because it didn’t recognize the Son of God when He came. Live in the purifying hope of becoming like Jesus when He appears.
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-16.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean performing miracles but tracing His steps through suffering with patient endurance. The Good Shepherd has suffered for you, healed you by His wounds, and never loses one of His sheep.
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
The evening of the first Easter, the risen Jesus didn’t knock. He simply appeared not with words of judgment or disappointment, but His with absolution, “Peace be with you.” That same peace is for you today.
The Scripture readings are Job 19 23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
On this very day—1,993 years ago—Christ rose from the grave. Imagine being there, watching the events of that morning. One day, you won’t have to imagine. You’ll see your resurrection with your own eyes.
The sermon will use the accounts of the four Gospels (Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-18) to see what happened that morning in the garden.
A .pdf with references depicting all the events can be found here.
Sermon for the Vigil of Easter on Exodus 14:10-15:1; and Matthew 28:1-7.
The Lord has fought for you, and He fights for you still. In Christ you are already through the sea which swallows your enemies. So, go in peace. Go with joy. Go singing.
Sermon for Good Friday on John 11:17-27.
Even though death is a powerful enemy, it is not possible for death to hold Christ (Act. 2:24). Jesus’ death has caused death itself to die. By Christ’s death, death itself is forever swallowed up in Resurrection victory (1 Co. 15:54).
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 111:1-6; Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 6:35-51.
Jesus doesn’t just give daily bread. He came to give more. He gives Himself as the Bread of Life and the new Tree of Life. Believe. Eat of Him and you will never die.
The Scripture readings are John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
From a human standpoint, the crucifixion is utterly unjust, but in the cosmic view of things, God accomplishes the greatest act of justice ever. Justice is Jesus redeeming and claiming what belongs to Him. That’s you.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 92:12-15; Isaiah 5:1-7; Galatians 5:16-26; and John 15:1-8.
Jesus is the True Vine; His Father is the Vinedresser; we are the branches. Being pruned hurts, but every cut is purposeful, and Christ feels it with us. Abide in Him and bear fruit that lasts.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59.
You don’t keep Jesus’ Word by never falling into sin - that isn't possible. You keep His Word by confessing your sin and believing His promises. Believer, Jesus promises, “If you keep My Word, you will never see death.”
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 25:4-10; Isaiah 30:19-23a; Colossians 2:6-10; and John 14:1-7.
What if Jesus’ saying, “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” offends you because, deep down, You know it’s true?
Jesus isn’t closing doors. He’s flinging the only One wide open.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 49:8-13; Acts 2:41-47; John 6:1-15.
The same living Lord who Baptized those 3,000 souls in May of 33 AD in Jerusalem is the same Savior who gathers us today in 2026. Christ’s work in them and among us is the same.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 100; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Hebrews 13:20-21; and John 10:11-18.
When Jesus declares, “I AM the Good Shepherd,” it isn’t simply gentle comfort. It’s fierce rescue, which still comforts His sheep. Christ lays down His life for scattered wounded sheep like us.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 7:7-13, 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Our thanks to Rev. Andy Coyle, director of the AFLC’s Home Missions Department, for preaching today’s sermon.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 118:19-24, 28-29; Isaiah 26:1-3; Hebrews 10:19-22; and John 10:1-10.
Believer, you know the voice of your Shepherd. He softly, tenderly, and kindly calls to you in the Scriptures. Enter through Him and you will be saved. He calls you by name, and He has called you to abundant, eternal life in Him.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:27-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7; Matthew 15:21-28.
Wait for the Lord. Christ has you in His timing and in His strength. He knows how best to rescue you. So, keep praying to Him, move closer to Him, and keep patiently and faithfully waiting.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 27:1-4; Isaiah 42:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; and John 9:1-7.
Jesus slams the door on guilt and blame. Instead, the Light of the World (Jn. 9:5) creates new sight and faith. Jesus, the Light, continues to create sight and faith, and He sends us to shine.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
The devil attacks you with words. He wants to create space between you and God’s promises. Counter those attacks with God’s unfailing Word. Know and speak God's Word boldly. The serpent is crushed and your victory is secure.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 53:1-3; Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; Matthew 6:1, 16-21.
Fasting trains your body and mind and brings them into alignment with your redeemed soul. You gain self-control and learn that you have the strength to fight when you face desires that are actually sinful.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; Hebrews 4:9-13; and Luke 8:4-15.
From the rest Christ gives, you are strengthened to go back your vocations celebrating the fact that God is at work completing the good work that He began in you (Php. 1:6).
The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
When you wake up every morning, you are to see a track, a race, a finish line, and a prize. That prize is the imperishable crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8) and life with your Savior. Get up and run that you may obtain it.
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 1:4-5, 25-28; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
od’s timing is always good. Jesus promises that the day is coming when you who are righteous by grace through faith will also shine like the sun in the kingdom of your Father (Mt. 13:43).
The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Ephesians 5:22-33; and John 2:1-11.
The greatest mystery of marriage is that it is one of the ways that God manifests Himself. You, the Church, are His Bride. He gives Himself up, sanctifies, cleanses, and presents you to Himself unblemished.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 42:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 3:13-17.
God has called and chosen you even though you are completely unattractive to the world. He has placed you firmly in Christ (1 Co. 1:30) through the waters of your Baptism (Gal. 3:27).
Sermon on Matthew 2:13-23 for the Second Sunday after Christmas. Thanks to Pr. John Rieth for preaching.
Sermon for the first Sunday after Christmas on December 28, 2025. Thanks to Pr. John Rieth for preaching.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 93:1-2, 5; Isaiah 9:2-7; 1 John 4:7-16; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5,9-14, 16-18.
The Eternal Word became flesh and is eternally with you. Change your routines to make room for Him. Every moment He guides you and fills your life with greater purpose and holiness because He has come to save you.
The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:19-29.
God’s peace guards you like a watchtower over your soul until the glorious day of Christ’s return when anxiety is banished forever. Then, you will feast in eternal peace in His presence.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service Psalm 98:1-3; Exodus 33:18-34:8; Philippians 2:5-11; and John 1:1-18.
Jesus makes God known. He reveals what God thinks of you. He gives you His grace, and on top of that, He gives more grace. From the fullness of Christ, you receive grace on top of grace.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-10, 11.
God knows the full debt of your sin down to the last penny. And when Jesus pours out His forgiveness, mercy, and salvation on you, it is in double measure of your debt.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 130; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; and John 1:6-13.
As Christ’s Light shines on you now, receive it again. Let it expose and scatter the shadows in and around you. Always cling to the sonship that you have been given. You, believer, are God’s child.
The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
All of Scripture – every book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word – all of it is for your encouragement. God has laid everything out on the table. Everything He wants you to know, He has told you in His Word. He holds nothing back.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 97; Proverbs 8:22-31; Revelation 21:22-22:5; and John 1:1-5.
Use John 1:5 to constantly remind yourself, “Jesus is my Life and Light. No darkness will ever overcome Him, so no darkness will overcome me. The darkness simply isn’t strong enough.”
The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:5-8; Romans 13:11-14; and Matthew 21:1-9.
Sermon from Pr. John Rieth.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:1-13.
When it comes to the Last Day, Scripture doesn’t answer every question. But you do know the, Who: Christ is returning, and He is returning for you. You know the Why: Jesus is returning to give you eternal life in the world to come. And that’s enough.
The Scripture readings are Micah 6:6-8; Philippians 1:3-11; and Matthew 18:21-35.
God gives His mercy to you. It’s yours, but it is not something that you can keep for yourself and withhold from others. As soon as you try to hold on to God’s mercy and keep it only for yourself, you lose it.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 1:1-2:3; Ephesians 6:10-20; and John 4:46-54.
Christian, you are a sentry who guards God’s kingdom. God has placed you in a particular spot – where no one else is stationed. Stay in your post, and pray. With that prayer, you call in the reinforcements of the Lord’s army.
The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
To live by grace through faith is to be a saint. Faith in Christ continually purifies you as Jesus Himself is pure (1 Jn. 3:3).
The Scripture readings are Habakkuk 2:1-4; Romans 3:19-28; and Matthew 11:12-19.
When this world is filled with wickedness, violence, and opposition, remember what Jesus says to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 6:4-14; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
God came to you. He took on your flesh. He lived a perfect life and died an atoning death. Your Savior is David's Son and David's Lord. He is your Lord and King, and yet He is your Brother.
The Scripture readings are Proverbs 25:6-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Luke 14:1-11.
Only the Gospel moves you up. So, walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. You’ve been called God’s friend. God’s saints. God’s children. The work God gives you is worthy and holy.
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
What happened at the gate of Nain is a microcosm of what has happened for you, believer. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, the gates to Eden, to paradise, and to eternal life are now open for you.
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
God created us to be trusting creatures. If we aren’t giving that trust to God, it goes to the wrong things. That’s the idolatry of worry. Don’t worry; go outside. See God’s provision for creation, and go outside of yourself to hear God’s promises.
The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
Through faith can you give thanks in all circumstances (1 Th. 5:18). You can always give thanks – even if God takes His gifts from you. Because through faith, you know His goodness does not change.
The Scripture readings are 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Jesus is your Good Samaritan who moved away from comfort toward your need. You, go and do likewise (Lk. 10:37). Move away from comfort and toward the needs of your neighbor – especially those who have believed the devil’s lies.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 29:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; and Mark 7:31-37.
The Holy Spirit abides in and is with you. He accompanies you and makes you worthy to be a worker in His kingdom. Anyone who questions that worthiness insults Him directly and isn’t worth listening to. God Himself has made you sufficient and enough.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 4:1-15; Ephesians 2:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14.
You have been raised from your deadness in sin to be living men who walk in the love for both God and your neighbor that He created you to have. God has made you His ‘workmanship,’ His work of art, shining His light in a dark, evil, lonely world.
The Scripture readings are Ezra 3:8-11; Romans 9:30-10:4; and Luke 19:41-48.
Jesus’ visitation delivers you to the new, true Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22-24) where God dwells with you and your enemies cannot touch you. In this tower, the only danger, the only threat you face is if you would leave its protection (Ps. 48:12-14).
The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Christ is returning to bring you to the new creation. The end of the ages and the resurrection of the body is the ultimate escape from temptation. So, press on in your fight against temptation and sin.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
Open your hands wide to receive God’s good and perfect gifts (Ps. 81:10). Always continue to receive the implanted Word which saves your soul and delivers the righteousness of God to you now and always.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:25-31; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
Waiting on the Lord isn’t simply marking off time and watching the minutes and seconds tick by. It is living in a confident expectation of God’s action on our behalf and simply resting in God’s mercy which lifts us up to heaven (Ro. 4:5).
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-16.
Your Good Shepherd fully knows that you need to be fed, found, brought back, bound up, and strengthened. In other words, He knows how to do the dirty work that you, His sheep, need. He also calls you to be His under-shepherds.
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
Believe, Blessed, Christ, Easter2, God, Life, More, Name, Resurrection, Seen, Signs, SonofGod, UnseenThe signs John writes down to strengthen and encourage your faith weren’t tricks. They aren’t fables or nice stories. They’re evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who gives life – abundant, eternal life.
The Scripture readings are Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
The dark, evil, and wicked complexities of this life, they're all fading away, because the light is coming. The sun is rising. Your Redeemer lives. And at the last, so will you.
Sermon for the Vigil of Easter on Luke 24:1-11.
What first sounded like an idle tale and a bunch of nonsense to the apostles slowly became an undeniable certainty. Jesus died but lives. And now, because He lives, death would have no hold on them because it had no hold on Jesus.
Sermon for Good Friday on Mark 15:33-35.
Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” You know the answer. He was forsaken by God so that you will be accepted for all eternity.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; and John 13:1-15, 34-35.
The medicine Christ gives in the Lord’s Supper fights the infection of sin and strengthens your love for others. Whenever you feel your sin, receive this medicine. Whenever your love grows cold, receive this medicine.
The Scripture readings are John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
Follow Jesus out of the tomb, out of all that we deserve because of our sins. Follow Jesus, having His mind and extending His sacrificial love to others until that great day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 111:10, 73:24-26, 19:14; Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; and John 6:28-29.
Through faith in God’s goodness, fully and freely given to you in Jesus, you reach your telos. Through faith in Christ, you are exactly what God intended you to be, rightly oriented toward your Creator and toward the rest of creation.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:46-59.
In the coming days, you’ll hear all that Christ did. Yes, it’s sad and somber, but the greatest response to it all is that you would be glad and happy. Receive it all with a thankful and joyful heart. God loves you, so He loves to do this for you.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 32:1-5, 11; Ecclesiastes 9:1-10a; Titus 3:3-7; and John 10:7-10.
God-given joy comes from being given a merry heart, which could be translated as a ‘clean’ or ‘good conscience,’ and comes only from your Savior, Jesus Christ. In Christ, God already approves your works because He approves of and delights in you.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 49:8-13; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
Money is useless by itself. The only reason money has ever helped you is that God gave it as a tool. Jesus asks Philip about money to knock that idol out of Philip’s hand. But Jesus doesn’t leave Philip with empty hands He puts bread and fish into Philip’s hands.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 31:14-15; 145:17-19; 16:7-8; Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, 22; 1 Timothy 6:6-11; and Mark 12:41-44.
The past is for thanks. The future is for hope. The present is for joy. Let the beauty and the joy that God gives in each moment give you a hunger and a hope for the eternal joy that God has promised to give you.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Scripture gives you several ways to fight against the devil and the darkness. But this text gives you one simple, specific weapon to fight back against the forces of evil, and that is thanksgiving. As you give thanks, the darkness flees.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 127:1-2, 104:24-25, 29-30; Ecclesiastes 2:18-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; and Matthew 11:25-30.
The God-given rhythm of your life is to work and to eat and drink. To work and to have leisure and enjoy God’s gifts. This might sound simple or even naive, but this is what the Bible teaches (Ecc. 2:24-26). It is a gift of God.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 32:22-32; Romans 5:1-5; and Matthew 15:21-28.
Dear saints, when you face difficult things and are struggling to even limp along, lean on God. Trust His promises. Jesus is there with you in your limping.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 37:1-9; Ecclesiastes 1:1-18; Romans 12:1-3; and Luke 12:22-32.
God has not called you to fix this broken world. Instead, God has given to His own, dear Son the office of being the Savior of the world. As the Savior, Jesus has and will fix all of the world’s problems by His death and resurrection.
The Scripture readings are 1 Samuel 17:40-51; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Christ has won the victory, and you follow Him on the field of victory. You know who has concurred and gives you the victory. And you also know the promises He has made to you – promises that He will fulfill. Believe those promises, and act and live accordingly.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; and Matthew 6:16-21.
Faith grounds you in Christ. Virtue and knowledge refine how that faith is expressed. Self-control and endurance fortify and guard that faith. Godliness and kindness direct that faith toward others. And love crowns faith and shows to the world that God’s very nature is alive and working in you.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Whether you understand what God is up to or not, no matter how much you understand what God is doing, no matter how much you need from God, no matter how much God has already given you, the conclusion is the same. Follow Jesus to the cross.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:26-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Life in God’s kingdom is to live where work is done, but that work culminates in joy and feasting. The whole point of your work and labor and toil in God’s kingdom is to join God in producing joy.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
God doesn’t want to be distant. He wants to come near and give you His peace. That peace is yours through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christ, you see God’s glory, full of grace and truth.
Link for today's service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgn2tNVeMg
The Scripture readings are 1 Samuel 1:21-28; Hebrews 2:14-18; and Luke 2:22-40.
Like Simeon, you wait having been declared and made righteous through faith. You wait as the Holy Spirit gives you His comfort and consolation. And as you wait, you eagerly rush to be where Christ promises to meet you.
The Scripture readings are 2 Kings 5:1-15a; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.
The only way to overcome evil with good is to let the goodness of Christ overcome both you and the evil within you. When evil things happen to you, remember that evil person is one for whom Christ died. Let Christ’s love fill you so that it spills out to others as well.
The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11:15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
Get to know the different parts of Christ’s Body well enough so you know how to weep with them when they weep. If they’re already weeping, just be there for them. Join them in their sorrow. But when they aren’t weeping, make the effort to get to know them well enough so that, when they are weeping, you have a better idea of how to console them.
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 8:6-13; Romans 12:1-5; and Luke 2:41-52.
Discerning God’s will is a life-long process. It takes work. But don’t forget that this is good work. God isn’t treating you like a blob of Silly Putty. He’s sculpting you, or, even better, He’s metamorphosizing you.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 7:10-14; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 5-14, 16-18.
The one thing you should learn from Christmas is that God’s greatest, most earnest desire and purpose is to be with you. The birth of Jesus proves that God doesn’t want to be far away or disconnected from you. He wants to be with you. Each day. Every day. God wants to be with you, as close as possible.
The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:19-29.
Your sin, my sin, all sin, has a place, a location. Sin is either on you, and you have to bear and carry its guilt for all eternity, or that sin is on Christ, the Lamb of God, who has already borne it for you. Believe that, and be unburdened. Through faith, your sin is on Christ, and you are saved.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 11:1-5; Romans 1:1-7; and Luke 4:16-21.
When God comes, He comes to restore. They day is soon coming when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Until then, be humble. Be quick to repent. Be quick to believe all that God says to you.
The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
God wants you to be uncertain about your success as a steward because He wants you to be certain of only one thing. And that is the certainty of your position in Christ. You are justified, forgiven, blameless, and holy because of Him.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 9:2-7; 1 John 2:7-14; and Matthew 4:12-17.
It doesn’t matter how great, mighty, and powerful this world appears. It is nothing compared to the dominion of justice and righteousness that Christ brings to you.
The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
Even as the powers of the heavens are shaken, we pray that God would stir up our hearts to be ready for Jesus’ coming. The cares of this life are certainly real, but they are nothing compared to the redemption that is coming and drawing near.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 7:10-14; Galatians 4:4-7; and Luke 1:26-38.
Because God has already given you what is most precious to Him and most needful for you, you can believe that He won’t go back on any of His other promises to you. All of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).
Our apologies for the audio quality of this recording.
The Scripture readings are Job 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and Matthew 24:15-28.
Your God can bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing. He brings life out of death. He restores and forgives. No matter what you suffer in this life, God still and always loves you because of what Christ has done on the cross for you.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 51:9-16; Colossians 1:9-14; and Matthew 9:18-26.
You are God’s children. You can confidently place everything about yourself and all the things around you into God’s hands. Because God is your loving Father, He’ll take care of it all. Return to Him because He is the one who comforts you.
The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12.
You, believer, are part of this host. Jesus has made you His saint. He has and will make everything sad come untrue. Everything that has been broken will be even more beautiful because it has been redeemed and made new by the blood of Christ.
The Scripture readings are Habakkuk 2:1-4; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Christ’s work. His life. His death. His resurrection. His ascension. His victory over sin, death, and the devil is all yours through faith in Him. Through faith, God delivers His righteousness to you.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 1:1-2:3; Ephesians 6:10-17; and John 4:46-54.
Pastor Micah Hjermstad, AFLC President, is preaching this week.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:1-9; Ephesians 5:15-21; and Matthew 22:1-14.
We can buy back, purchase, and reclaim the time from the forces of evil (Eph. 5:16). Evil spreads, but it doesn’t own our days. God calls us to redeem and reclaim the time back from darkness and evil through our good works.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:22-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
The paralytic's friends help him by bringing him to Jesus. As Christians we do the same. We eternally help others by bringing them to Jesus at church, by praying for them, and by forgiving them as Christ has forgiven us.
The Scripture readings are Daniel 10:10-14, 12:1-3; Revelation 12:7-12; and Luke 10:17-20.
The battle has been raging ever since the Fall into sin. When it appears as though the devil and his angels are gaining ground, remember they are a defeated enemy. Jesus is on the throne, and He will never be removed. God calls you to be faithful.
The Scripture readings are Proverbs 25:6-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 14:1-11.
Only God can elevate us. When we sinners repent, abandon our own good works, and turn to God for our righteousness and holiness, then – and only then – we become God’s friend. And He calls us higher. He lifts us up.
The Scripture readings are Job 1:1-22; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
God's answer to suffering is that He sends Jesus, not to bring an end to the sufferer, but to defeat suffering through His suffering (1 Co. 15:54). In your suffering you find your Savior, who has died and risen again for you, to deliver you.
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Christ never grew weary of you and your burdens. Not once. Instead, He has borne your burdens and carried your sorrows (Is. 53:4). Keep in step with the Spirit because that keeps you in step with Jesus (Mt. 11:29-30).
The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
The works of the flesh are evident, plain, visible. The same thing isn’t said about the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If you don’t see them, continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to nourish all these things in you.
The Scripture readings are 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Jesus has neighbored you and come to your rescue. He binds up your wounds, pours on the medicine of immortality, and sets up an all-expenses paid account for you in the inn of the Church. Let the mercy He has given you spill over to others.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 29:17-24; Romans 10:9-17; and Mark 7:31-37.
Christian, Jesus has opened your deaf ears and broken the bonds of your tongue to speak what is right, good, and true. Do that. Do it boldly. Do it lovingly. Do it with conviction.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14.
The location of your sin matches where you look. If you look to yourself, your sin is on you. If you look to Christ, your sin is gone, defeated, eternally removed.
The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 7:1-11; Romans 9:30-10:4; and Luke 19:41-48.
Much of Scripture follows a pattern – creation, defilement, cleansing, and filling. But there is a danger. We can too easily become complacent, indifferent, and unconcerned about our sins. Repent, believe, and receive God’s cleansing now (Ps. 95:7-8).
The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Jesus wants you to be shrewd like the manager. Recognize who you are. Recognize what you have that will not last. And recognize ways to use things that are slipping away to secure eternal treasure. Invest in Christ’s kingdom which will never fail.
The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; and Matthew 7:15-23.
As God’s adopted sons, Christians have an inheritance. Don’t let the suffering you encounter in this world discourage you so that you give up on what lies ahead. Keep going. Keep pressing on. Your inheritance is just around the corner. Christ is coming.
Sermon for Trinity 7. The Scripture readings are Genesis 2:7-17; Romans 6:19-23; and Mark 8:1-9.
Thanks to Pr. John Rieth for preaching today.
The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:17-26.
Jesus completes the Commands in another way than just explaining them. Jesus also keeps all of God’s Law, perfectly and completely – for you. Every aspect of every command was perfectly kept by Jesus. And His obedience is yours through faith in Him.
The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Peter 3:8-15; and Luke 5:1-11.
We praise God for the fishers of men who have become pastors and proclaimed God’s Word, and we pray that God would call more men to answer that calling. But that doesn’t happen without the Zebedees, who are equally important.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; Luke 6:36-42.
You have had a forest of logs removed from your eye because of Christ. Christ will continually teach us through His Word. May we be humble enough to continually learn from Him as we are made to be merciful and giving like He is.
The Scripture readings are Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 John 3:13-18; and Luke 14:15-24.
God, who is Wisdom itself, calls you to His feast. We might think that banquet is only for those who have attained wisdom on their own. Not true. God invites us who are simple and lack sense, “Leave your simple ways and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
The Scripture readings are Genesis 15:1-6; 1 John 4:16-21; and Luke 16:19-31.
Because He is the Creator of all things, God has an infinite supply of gifts to give. He gives you everything freely and desires that you receive it as a gift. You, dear saints, are a conduit that receives from God and passes His bounty on to others (Pro. 19:17).
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 6:1-7; Romans 11:33-36; John 3:1-17.
Trinity Sunday is a fitting time to pause, step back, and simply praise God for all He has done, accomplished, and delivered to us. “From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.”
The Scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21, 36; John 14:23-31.
Pentecost is about the sounds, not the sights. It’s about the audible rather than the visible. The work of the Holy Spirit is not in what is seen but in what is heard.
The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 36:22-28; 1 Peter 4:7-11; John 15:26-16:4.
It is extremely easy for us to put assign horrible motives on people who sin against us. But you know what is just as easy? To put the most charitable construction on their actions. Covering up of sin through love is a distinct virtue of Christians.
The Scripture readings are Numbers 21:4-9; James 1:22-27; John 16:23-33.
God’s sovereignty and the power of prayer seem to be incompatible. But they aren’t. The reason you ask and God responds is His love for you. Jesus says, “Ask in My name. I don’t need to ask the Father for you because the Father Himself loves you.”
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
The Holy Spirit’s work is to guide you into these truths and convictions. The Spirit will convince you of your sin so you will believe in Jesus, convince you of the righteousness you have been given, and convince you of the judgment of the devil.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:25-31; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
It can be dangerous to look to the past and troubling to think about the future. Let your past, present, and future be seen through the lens of God’s love which has made you His beloved child.
Sermon for Easter 3. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-18.
Jesus’ voice, which calls to you from the Scriptures, is how you recognize Him. Jesus, your Good Shepherd, leads and what follows you? His goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in His house forever (Ps. 23:6).
Sermon for Easter 2. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
Jesus is way better at forgiving than you are at sinning. The absolution is a great gift that Jesus has given to the Church. That is the message Jesus has sent us into the world to announce (Jn. 20:21).
Sermon for the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
Whatever plans, worries, or anxieties you have, they now matter a whole lot less. Because of Christ’s Resurrection, you can now look at everything–all the sin, evil, sickness, and wickedness of this world–through a different lens, the lens of Christ’s Resurrection.
Sermon for the Vigil of Easter.
The God of the living brings life to every corner of creation where we bring sin and death. The God of the living took on flesh and blood to take your place on Golgotha, the Place of the Skull (Mt. 27:33). He willingly went to death to utterly defeat it.
Sermon for Good Friday on John 19:25-27.
As Jesus accomplishes the salvation of the world, He also makes sure that His mom won’t be alone to fend for herself in the world. Just as Jesus cared for Mary and John in this way, He also cares for you in every way.
This sermon was adapted from a sermon by Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Exodus 24:3-11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; and John 13:1-15, 34-35.
We were not created to live in isolation. We are created for others (Gen. 2:18). In the Lord’s Supper, God makes us a united community, a holy and forgiven people. We are bonded to Jesus and united with one another as His Body to love and serve others (Jn. 13:34-35).
Sermon for Palm Sunday. The Scripture readings are John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
Jesus’ silence amidst all these accusations isn’t weakness. It’s powerful. This is how God powerfully removes your sins from you as far as the east is from the west. Death will have no power over Jesus. Easter is coming.
The fifth and final in our Lenten series "A Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering." The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 119:65-72; Job 1:6-22; 1 Peter 4:12-19; and John 15:18-16:4.
You have a suffering God (Is. 53:3). So, when you suffer – no matter the reason – don’t look for escape in asking, “Why?” Instead, look for comfort in asking, “Who else suffers?” because right next to you in your suffering, you find your Savior who has and will deliver you.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:46-59.
Jesus has offered the sacrifice of Himself that redeems you from all your sin. Christ has opened the greater tent which is not of this creation. You have been purified with the Blood of God. Jesus has washed your conscience clean.
The fourth in our Lenten series "A Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering." The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 85; Hosea 14:1-2; 1 John 4:17-21; and John 15:1-17.
When you return to God, you are to return with the words, “Take away all iniquity” (Hos. 14:2). You point God back to the suffering and death of Jesus, your Savior because there you have been given full, undeniable proof of God’s love for you.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 16:2-21; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
Jesus did not let the crowds take Him by force and make Him king that day, but He did later. He was nailed to a cross, shed His blood, and gave His for you. Receive that gift with thanks and watch how God multiplies it and makes you a blessing to others.
The third in our Lenten series "A Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering." The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are portions of Psalm 22; Zechariah 13:1, 7-9; and Mark 14:32-41.
Out of love for you God the Father punished Jesus on the cross. Christ willingly took all of God’s wrath against your sin. He was punished so that you would be restored and forgiven, brought back to your proper place as a child of God.
Sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Demons still want to silence you – especially when it comes to making distinctions between what is right and wrong, good and evil, righteous and what is sinful. But blessed are those who are continually hearing the Word of God and keeping it and confessing it.
Second in our Lenten series "A Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering." The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 103:1-5, 8-14; Isaiah 53:10-12; Galatians 3:10-14; and John. 3:13-21.
If we want to be in God’s holy presence, we need to be changed. Through His suffering, Christ changes us – not God – in such a way that we are cleansed from the pollution of sin, granted forgiveness and mercy, and invited into God’s holy presence.
Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 32:22-32; Romans 5:1-5; and Matthew 15:21-28.
Great faith trusts that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind. Great faith is bold and consistent in prayer. And great faith recognizes that God’s crumbs are more than enough.
The first in our Lenten series "A Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering." The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 16; Isaiah 50:5-10; and John 6:35-40.
Obeying God’s will wasn’t what caused Jesus to suffer, but that obedience led Him through suffering. Yet, that suffering was Jesus’ delight. It was for the joy that was set before Jesus that He endured the cross despising its shame (Heb. 12:2).
Sermon for the First Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Satan is going to work to harden your conscience, but you need to fight to soften your conscience. Remember, the One who will rescue you is your Great High Priest. He can sympathize with your weakness because He was tempted in every way as you are, yet without sin.
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s Ash Wednesday service are Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; and Matthew 6:16-21.
Jesus has destroyed sin and fixed everything that we, by our sin, have broken. And the day of Christ’s return is coming. Then all creation will be put back together.
Sermon for Quinquagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Normally, when sinners hear about vengeance, they are afraid. But notice what this vengeance accomplishes – God comes to save you. He pays the debt that you owe. He avenges your sin upon His only-begotten Son. The payment has been made; your sin is atoned for.
Sermon for Sexagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9; and Luke 8:4-15.
You are right to long for your suffering to come to an end. Jesus came to rescue you from it. But in your suffering, know that God is at work. Christ is right there beside you with His strength in every affliction and weakness you have.
Sermon for Septuagesima. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Christian life is work and labor in the vineyard (not a factory). The work you do in Christ’s kingdom brings joy, peace, and feasting to the world. May we all be diligent and joyful as we live out our faith in the life of the vineyard.
Sermon for Epiphany 2. The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Ephesians 5:22-33; and John 2:1-11.
Human marriage is defined by Christ’s relationship to the church. Marriage doesn’t give us a picture of the Church’s relationship to Christ. Christ’s relation to the Church gives us a picture of what our marriages should look like (Eph. 5:31-32).
Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 42:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 3:13-17.
Whenever you do what God gives you to do in the different offices He places you in, you are serving God by loving your neighbor. You are working with Jesus to fulfill all righteousness as you walk in the good works God prepared for you beforehand (Eph. 2:10).
Sermon for the First Sunday of Christmas. The Scripture Readings are 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Galatians 4:1-7; and Luke 2:22-40.
Pr. John Rieth is preaching.
Sermon for Christmas Eve. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 96; Isaiah 7:10-14; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18.
It doesn’t matter how old the story of God’s birth is, it is wonderful. Treasure this great and mighty wonder. Jesus has come. Ponder in your heart that unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:19-29.
Celebrating the birth of Jesus helps to prepare us for His second coming. Believer, He came meek and humble when He was born in Bethlehem in a stable to show and reassure you that He had come to be the Lamb of God who takes away your sin.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s Advent service are Psalm 33; Jeremiah 1:4-19; and Revelation 19:6-16.
The opinions of sinful men do not change the truth of what God says. Don’t ever be ashamed of confessing what God has said in His Word (Ps. 119:46). God is with you and will strengthen you like forged metal upon which the forces of this world will break.
Sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
Jesus is coming, and He is not just coming sometime in the future. He is the constantly coming One. He has come, He is coming now, and He will come again in the future. Be bold and confident that the coming One is still active in His creation.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s Advent service are Psalm 113; Exodus 34:1-10; and Philippians 2:5-11.
God has come to pardon your iniquity and sin. Jesus, Yahweh in the flesh, has come to claim you as His inheritance.
Sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
All the distressing things that surround you are signs that this world can not and will not endure. But don’t get caught up in the cares of this life. All those signs point you to Christ’s return. The sun is rising, and your redemption draws near.
The Scripture readings for tonight’s Advent service are Psalm 34; Exodus 3:1-15; and Hebrews 1:1-14
Jesus “the angel of Yahweh” encamps around [you] who fear Him, and delivers [you]” (Ps. 34:7) In Him, you have no lack. He delivers you from all your troubles because He redeems your life. You find your refuge in Him.
Sermon for the 1st Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:6-8; Romans 13:11-14; and Matthew 21:1-9.
In a sense, it’s always Advent. Until Jesus returns, we are always looking, waiting, and watching for His coming even as we have the fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11) of His coming to us now in His Word and Sacrament.
Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:1-13.
This world is ending. Good riddance. You have Christ. Your redemption is secure and your eternity certain. Stay awake. Keep eagerly looking for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Sermon for Trinity 24. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 51:9-16; Colossians 1:9-14; and Matthew 9:18-26.
Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the devil comes to touch you and drive away all your uncleanness and death with His purity and life. He comes to you who still live in the domain of darkness to transfer you into His eternal kingdom (Col. 1:13).
Sermon for Trinity 23. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 8:11-22; Philippians 3:17-21; Matthew 22:15-22.
Your driver’s license might say “Minnesota,” and your passport “United States of America.” But, Christian, you are not home here. You have a better home. Remember the glory that is yours because you are, right now, a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon for All Saints' Day (Observed). The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus lets you know that things are going to be difficult in this life. People will persecute you when you do righteous things. But Christ wants you to endure all of that with rejoicing because He will pay you. And He will pay you well.
Sermon for Reformation Sunday. The Scripture readings are Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Christian, you are simultaneously sons of God and slaves to sin. It isn’t your obedience, consistency, or the fact that you feel bad about being a sinner that sets you free. Jesus, the Son, sets you free and makes you free.
Sermon for Trinity 20. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:1-9; Ephesians 5:15-21; and Matthew 22:1-14.
When we look at the state of this world, we are tempted to think that God doesn’t care, but we are wrong. God is King. He rules and reigns over all things. God is being patient. He wants as many as possible at His feast; He wants His banquet to be filled.
Sermon for Trnity 19. The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:17-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
Dear saints, you stand before God righteous, holy, and blameless. Live that way. Continue to be truth-tellers, beat back your anger, and be generous. God has put off your old man and put on the new Man, Christ.
Sermon for Trinity 18. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
Your Savior’s love for you was fully shaped by the Ten Commandments. His vocation was to be the Savior because that was your need. He was gifted with everything necessary to be the Savior. And loved you by taking your sin to the cross.
Sermon for Trinity 17. The Scripture readings are Esther 4:7-16; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Luke 14:1-11.
Use your brain, but have the confidence to love your neighbor in a way that seems risky because God loves you. And He loves it when you step out in faith to love and serve your neighbor.
Sermon for Trinity 16. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
Jesus knows how to get out of the grave, and He is your Good Shepherd who visits you and says to you who sit in and among death, “Arise. Get up.” Then, He leads you to life now and life eternal.
Sermon for Trinity. 15. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Rather than wasting your time and energy by worrying and living in the unknown future, you can work diligently in the present knowing that God promises to give what you need. Live your life in the present knowing that God holds your future in His omnipotent hand.
Sermon for Trinity 14. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
When Scripture points out your sin, be wise and righteous. Confess. Receive God’s mercy and forgiveness freely given to you because it has been bought and paid for by Jesus’ holy and precious blood. Confess that sin and be filled with Christ’s righteousness.
Sermon for Trinity 12. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 29:17-24; Romans 10:9-17; and Mark 7:31-37.
What you say and communicate and how you say and communicate it, has great power to both tear down and destroy, to build up and edify. Guard your mouth, your pen, and, yes, your typing in such a way that you declare God’s praise because faith comes by hearing.
Sermon for Trinity 10. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 8:4-12; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and Luke 19:41-48.
Constantly let your vocation shape your prayers for the spiritual gifts you need in that moment, and watch God act. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will equip and empower you as He freely gives you the gifts you need to love and serve your neighbor.
Sermon for Trinity 9. The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:28-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
The reason you can be generous, Christian, is that you have the true riches that will never fade fail or diminish. You have God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and holiness freely given to you because of Christ has done.
Sermon for Trinity 8. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 7:15-27.
Jesus says that everyone must evaluate theology. When you stand before God, you don’t get to claim ignorance for following wrong theology. Eve didn’t get a pass in the Garden of Eden just because the serpent deceived her.
Sermon for Trinity 7. The Scripture readings are Genesis 2:7-17; Romans 6:19-23; Mark 8:1-9.
Through faith in Christ, you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His Own possession. As Christ’s people, you are called to be His priests and kings and queens, guarding the sacred spaces of this congregation and your family.
Sermon for Trinity 6. The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:17-26.
Believe the Ten Words. “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Ro. 14:23). As you believe the Ten Words, you see that God demands that you avoid sin and do good works. But you also see that God is accomplishing these things in you through faith.
Sermon for Trinity 4. The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; and Luke 6:36-42.
Sermon for the 493rd anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession. The Scripture readings are Nehemiah 8:1-2, 5-6, 9-12; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; and Matthew 10:26-33.
We might wish that God would send revival, reformation, or another Luther, but God hasn’t – not yet. But God has placed you in your family; in this congregation; in your workplace; in this city, state, and country to confess His Word, and you will not be put to shame.
Sermon for Trinity 1. The Scripture readings are Genesis 15:1-6; 1 John 4:16-21; and Luke 16:19-31.
The point of the parable is not for you to make yourself poor like Lazarus was, and the point is certainly not to make yourself like the rich man. The point of the parable is to get you to take your eyes off of the earthly things you either have or don’t have and focus on the eternal things that God gives you in His mercy which cannot be taken away. Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mt. 6:21).
Whatever blessings you might lose in this life pale in comparison to the eternal blessings and treasures God has in store for you. Your eternal inheritance cannot be taken from you. So, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and every other blessing will be added unto you (Mt. 6:33).
Sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 6:1-7; Romans 11:33-36; and John 3:1-17.
God loved the world in this way, that He gave His only-begotten Son to utterly defeat sin and the origin of sin on the cross. Now, you who believe in Him will not ever perish, but have everlasting life.
Sermon for the Day of Pentecost. The Scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21, 36; and John 14:23-31.
Jesus says the almighty, all-powerful, holy God makes His home in you. He is perfectly comfortable dwelling in you because He has washed you, cleansed you, forgiven you, and filled you with the righteousness of Jesus, your Savior. Happy Pentecost.
Sermon for Easter 7 and Confirmation Sunday. The Scripture readings are 1 Peter 4:7-14 and John 15:26-16:4.
The Christian life is a race that requires endurance (Heb. 12:1-2). You run with endurance by looking to and remembering Jesus as you proclaim, confess, read, learn, and study His Word.
Sermon for Easter 6. The Scripture readings are Numbers 21:4-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; and John 16:23-33.
Through your prayers for the authorities, God reminds you that they are not the ones who are ultimately in control. God is. Even though you will have tribulation in this world, Jesus has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). May that fact give you eternal peace.
Sermon for Easter 5. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
Like the disciples, we can’t bear everything Jesus has to teach us, so the Holy Spirit continually guides us and brings all the truth to light through the Bible. This is why the Scriptures always have more to teach us.
Sermon for Easter 4. The Scripture readings are Lamentations 3:22-33; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
Your sorrows and sufferings in this life are not trivial, but neither are they eternal. Jesus says, “You have sorrow, but your sorrow will turn into joy. And you will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (Jn. 16:20, 22). That’s Jesus’ promise.
Sermon for Easter 3. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-18.
You have a good and proper place and function within creation because you, as Jesus’ sheep, have been redeemed and restored to that proper place by the Good Shepherd. In a world full of evil wicked hirelings, faithfully do what God puts in front of you to do.
Sermon for Easter 2. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
You have no good reason to disbelieve. To you, Jesus says what He said to Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Get over yourself and believe what is obviously true. Jesus is risen. He has forgiven you of your sins and will return.
Sermon for the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Matthew 28:1-10.
Rejoice! The Crucified and Living One is your Brother and He is not ashamed to have you as part of His family. Not now, not ever (Heb. 2:10-11).
Sermon for the Vigil of Easter.
Everyone has a price, even God. He sent Jesus to pay the price for every sin you have committed. Your God and Lord has paid the debt you owed to Him. And because the price has been paid, you are now Jesus’ brothers and children of God.
Sermon for Good Friday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are the seven last words of Christ: Luke 23:33-38; Luke 23:39-43; John 19:25-27; Mark 15:25-35; John 19:28-29; John 19:30; Luke 23:44-47.
Because Jesus committed Himself into His Father’s hands, at the end of every day, you can take up these words, “Almighty God, my heavenly Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit, for You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God” (Ps. 31:5).
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Exodus 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; and John 13:1-15, 34-35.
When you come to the Sacrament, you come as royal children of Christ the King and are serving the world. The world benefits from you receiving Holy Communion because in this meal, you proclaim Jesus’ death in the place of sinners (1 Cor. 11:26).
Sermon for Palm Sunday. The Scripture readings are John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
The answer to all sin and despair is in the innocent Blood of Jesus which has been shed for you. Whenever you recognize your guilt and sin, bring it to Christ. Let Him deal with them because He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29).
Sermon for Midweek Lent 5. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 50:1-6, 12-15; John 6:47-58; and 1 Corinthians 11:27-34.
Scripture does give warnings about receiving the Sacrament in an unworthy manner, but it is done in a way to encourage us to receive it regularly and rightly. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the Bread and drink of the Cup” (1 Cor. 11:28).
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59.
To the one who keeps Jesus’ Word, to anyone who believes the Gospel, in other words you, Christian, Jesus promises that you will never see death. You won’t die.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 4. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 34; John 6:28-35; and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Even though what you receive in Holy Communion doesn’t look like much – and by itself it isn’t much – but when Jesus attaches His promises to it, it is everything.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 16:2-21; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
When God brings tests and trials your way, remember that He is with you. And because He is with you, it doesn’t matter what you have or don’t have. Ps. 34:10 says, “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
Sermon for Midweek Lent 3. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 116; Acts 2:42-47; and Luke 22:19-20.
When Jesus comes to you in the Lord’s Supper He brings forgiveness, life, and salvation. He says, “Here. Take, eat. Take, drink. This is for the forgiveness of your sins.” Jesus is with you to forgive you so you can taste and see that He is good (Ps. 34:8).
Sermon for the third Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Jesus is the stronger man who has defeated Satan and all of the demons. And because Christ has won the victory over them, we can easily defeat them too. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Sermon for Midweek Lent 2. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 111; Exodus 12:43-51; and Mark 14:22-25.
“As often as you eat this Bread and drink the Cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:28) Dear saints, receiving the Lord’s Supper is how you proclaim, preach, and confess Jesus’ death and resurrection to a fallen and darkened world.
Sermon for the second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 32:22-32; Romans 5:1-5; and Matthew 15:21-28.
God’s mercy is of such a nature that it never falls in crumbs. God’s mercy is directly and precisely delivered to give exactly what is needed in every situation.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 1. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; and Matthew 26:26-29.
God says, “the life is in the blood” (Lev. 17:14). That means in the Lord’s Supper Jesus, the Son of God, gives you His Blood, God’s Blood, and God’s life – a life that that has conquered death and is eternal.
Sermon for the first Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
The one play in the devil’s playbook is to get you to question God’s Word and start speculating that God is holding out on you. Dear saints, God does not and will not ever deny you anything that is good for you (Ps. 84:11).
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; and Matthew 6:16-21.
As we begin the season of Lent, you have something better than the preaching of Jonah. You have God’s sure and certain promise forever etched in the Scriptures, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Unlike the king of Nineveh, you have no question whatsoever about how God will respond when you confess and cry out to Him for mercy. The answer is the cross and the empty grave. Because of what Christ has done, you, sinner, are forgiven (1 Jn. 2:2).
Sermon for Quinquagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
In our Gospel text, it is almost as if Jesus is going to walk around Jericho. Our text says that He is passing by (Lk. 18:36), but this this blind man keeps crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Instead of quietly marching around Jericho, Jesus stops. It’s like Christ can’t help Himself. Even in the cursed city of Jericho, Jesus doesn’t ignore cries for mercy because He is mercy embodied.
He stops, stands still, and asks for the blind man to be brought to Him. There, in the wicked city, King Jesus, the Son of David, makes a kingly offer, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Think of all the times throughout the Scriptures, a king will be pleased with someone and make an offer, “Ask me for anything, up to half my kingdom, and I will give it to you.” Here Jesus doesn’t put any limit on the request, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answers, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus says to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well (lit. ‘saved you’).” Not only does the man get the sight he asks for, he gets more. Christ gives this resident of wicked Jericho life and salvation. And the man's response is to follow Jesus to Jerusalem where He will be mocked, shamefully treated, spit upon, flogged, and killed and where He will rise again on the third day.
As we begin Lent this Wednesday, let us abandon our wickedness and follow King Jesus to Jerusalem this Lent. He leads, and we follow with grateful hearts to Jerusalem, to the cross, and to the empty tomb on Easter.
Sermon for Sexagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; Hebrews 4:9-13; and Luke 8:4-15.
Through His Word, God gives you an honest and good heart. Yes, you are attacked by the devil, threatened by temptation, and seduced by the cares of this world. But by God’s grace, He will sustain you and continue to work on you through that same Word.
Sermon for Septugesima. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is not about companies and businesses who have limited assets. This parable is about the kingdom of your God who has unlimited resources, and His vast resources are only outmatched by His incalculable mercy. There is only one vineyard and one master who is fair and just as well as being merciful and gracious like this. You can certainly return to the marketplace if you want, but there you will only find justice and no mercy.
In the end, there is only One who has worked a full day’s shift – Jesus, the eternal Son of God. Jesus has borne the heat of the day. He has come and done the work you could not ever do. He has fully kept God’s Law and was perfectly obedient to God’s Commands. He willingly went to the cross got the wrath and punishment of sins that you deserve. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2) for you, and you get His wages. And this is Jesus’ full delight.
Because of the mercy and grace of God, you are no longer an overpaid worker. You are a member of the kingdom, a child of God, and a brother or sister of Christ. Not only do you get paid generously, you also remain in the vineyard.
Sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
Christian, you are being transfigured (2 Cor. 3:18) into the same glory that Jesus had on the mountain. And God promises to bring about that transfiguration through His Word (2 Pet. 1:16-31).
Sermon for the third Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are 2 Kings 5:1-15a; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.
Sin ruins things. It throws things off in the world makes the entire universe off-kilter. This is clear because it was only the one sin in the Garden that brought pain, strife, and death to all creation. Now, we’ve only known what it is to live in a world that is filled with the chaos of sin. But it is important for us to remember that when we sin and when we are sinned against, it is an injustice that brings further chaos and disorder to creation.
When we see sin and injustice, we want to fix it. Since we are made in the image of God, we are like God and want to bring back the order and justice which has been disturbed because of that sin. That is what vengeance is. Vengeance isn’t a bad thing. We’ve gotten so used to vengeance being used in a negative way that we think vengeance is always evil. It can be, but look, God Himself here says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Throughout the Scriptures, both in the Old and New Testament, we hear that God will execute vengeance on the wicked and restore justice.
When you are sinned against, it can seem like everything in creation is against you – depending on the nature, gravity, and seriousness of the sin. But you are instructed here to not avenge yourself because bringing vengeance is not your job. Instead, you are commanded to leave it to the wrath of God. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,” and then Paul uses a very important word – ‘for.’ Here is why you are not to avenge yourself, “for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Bringing order back to the broken creation is not on you. Vengeance belongs to God.
Christian, you are not to avenge yourself. Yes, you have enemies who sin against you, but you are not to repay their evil with your own evil. By returning evil for evil, you become as evil as the person who sinned against you. Repent. As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone. If you really want to hurt the person who hurt you, care for them. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink,” doing that will be like heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
On the cross, God poured out His justice and mercy upon all sin – not upon you, but upon Jesus, your Savior. There on the cross, Christ drank the cup of God’s wrath against you. Every ounce of God’s righteous anger against you was placed upon Jesus. Know that when you confess your sins God mercifully forgives you because of Christ. God’s mercy does not negate or cancel His justice. When you confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all your unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). For that, God be praised.
Sermon for the second Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
The way John records this miracle, the groom is a necessary character, but he’s almost invisible. The groom doesn’t say or do anything except listen to the master of the feast call him an idiot for serving the good wine to guests who can’t appreciate it. He goes stumbling through the wedding feast unaware of what is happening behind the scenes and completely dependent on the prayers of others who interceded for him. The groom simply benefits from Jesus’ miraculous provision because of someone else stepping in bringing our problems to Jesus.
I don’t think you and I can even begin to imagine how many millions of people have stepped in and prayed for us, maybe not by name, but with a general prayer that God has answered in a way that blesses you. If we could see how God answers those prayers through governing all of creation; commanding His angel armies to protect and defend us; and using His infinite power, wisdom, and might to cause all things to work together for good (Ro. 8:28), we would fall on our faces in humility and praise.
Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord.
The Scripture readings are Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 3:13-17.
Sermon for Christmas Day 2022. The Scripture readings are Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38; Titus 3:4-7; and John 1:1-18.
“When the goodness and loving kindness of our God and Savior appeared, He saved us” (Tit. 3:4-7). The loving-kindness in Greek is philanthropia, where we get our word ‘philanthropy’ – lover of man. God Himself is the ultimate philanthropist. He has appeared in the flesh of Jesus to love you by saving you.
You aren’t saved by doing all sorts of good, righteous works. You are saved by God’s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. And God pours His Holy Spirit out on you richly through Jesus Christ, your Savior.
God has come to earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14) – literally, He tabernacled among us. And by His tabernacling with us, He is made known.
In Jesus God, makes Himself known as your Savior, your King, your Deliverer.
Sermon for Christmas Eve. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 7:10-14; 1 John 4:7-16; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18.
The message of the angel that first Christmas night is for those shepherds. A Savior has been born to them. But that good news will spread over the days, years, and centuries. This good news of great joy will be for allpeople. This good news is for all people, but please know that it is for you specifically, in the same way it was for the shepherds that night.
If that angel was here tonight, he would say directly to you, “I bring you good news of great joy… unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Don’t get lost in the broad scope this announcement. It isn’t as though this Savior is born for all people, and since you’re part of ‘all people,’ I guess, you’re included. No! Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Maybe some Christmas Eve, I’ll just preach to each of you individually. But the sermon would be the same for everyone. “Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”
The only difference between you and those shepherds is that you cannot go to see Him in the manger. Jesus didn’t stay there. Yes, His arms were tucked tightly into that manger as an infant so those same arms could be stretched out upon the cross. His head is surrounded by hay in a feeding trough to later be crowned with thorns. His body was swaddled and laid in a manger so that same body could eventually be wrapped in linen cloths and laid in a tomb. But just as He did not remain the manger, neither did He remain in the grave.
Even if you went to Bethlehem right now, you wouldn’t behold Jesus there. Instead, you have something better. You have His presence right now. The Savior born unto you this day says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Mt. 18:20).
You who have gathered here in Jesus’ name, come and behold Him. You never have to wonder if God loves you. He has shown you His great love for you and reveals that love in His Word. If you want to know what God thinks of you, first, look down into the manger, then look up to the cross. There is your answer. Merry Christmas!
Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-29.
“Let your reasonableness (the Greek word there is pronounced epieikēs) be known to everyone” (Php. 4:5). There really isn’t a good English word for epieikēs, which is utterly unfortunate. Other translations will use words like gentleness, graciousness, and moderation, but they only convey part of the word’s meaning. The ‘reasonableness’ – the epieikēs – refers to strength that doesn’t have a need to prove anything to other people because that strength is accompanied with a gentleness and meekness. We could compare it to a football player scoring a touchdown, calmly handing the ball to the ref, and heading to the sidelines to get ready for the next play because the player is confident and humble enough to know that he has the strength and ability to find his way back in the endzone again.
Because of what Christ has done for us in His death and resurrection we can, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Php. 4:4). Jesus has fully forgiven you and given you His perfect righteousness. When God looks at you, He sees His holy, beloved Son (Gal. 3:27). Nothing can take that away from you. Not sickness, not financial troubles, not pesky relatives, not greedy politicians. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro. 8:38-39). Now, that is reason to rejoice.
In your rejoicing, let that epieikēs – that confident, humble, gentle strength – be evident to everyone you encounter because Jesus, your Lord and Savior, is at hand.
The almighty, all-powerful God and Creator of all things is also your Redeemer. Rejoice! He freely gives you His salvation. In Isaiah 30:15, God makes a promise to you; He says, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
In Jesus, you are sons and daughters of God and have the victory over every evil because His death on the cross has delivered you (1 Cor. 15:57). “Christ’s resurrection guarantees the victory of [you,] His brothers and sisters. Christ’s second coming brings the final fulfillment. And Christ, [your] Lord, is at hand” (Rev. Dr. Norman Nagel).
Sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
John longed for reassurance, “Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for another?” The question is on the edge of being rude. Basically, John is complaining that Jesus is taking too long and isn’t being the Messiah that John imagined He would be. We could almost translate John’s words, “If You’re the Coming One, hurry up and get going, or we’re going to look for another.”
Jesus is patient with His answer. He doesn’t say, “Yes, I am the Coming One. Just give Me a minute.” Instead, Jesus tells John how He is coming. “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.”
Jesus knows what He is doing. He will work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Ro. 8:28). Christ comforts John with the only comfort there is for those who wait either patiently or impatiently. And that comfort comes solely from the Word of God.
In this life, we often have to face tribulation, sickness, instability, and uncertainty. We are imprisoned in a world where the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Pet. 5:8). We pray that God would remove the trials we face, but there are times when the only answer we get is, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
Rejoice and remember what God has promised, “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Ro. 8:18). As painful as your sufferings are, they are temporary. Have patience. Your Savior knows what He is doing. And as you wait for Him, arm yourself now with the Word of God and His promises which stands forever.
Sermon for Midweek Advent 2 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings for tonight are Psalm 121; Proverbs 3:1-8; and John 1:43-51.
Like Philip, you too have found the Messiah, the Savior and Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Well, probably more accurately you have been found by Him. Jesus came and found you lost and dead in your sin. He has raised you to new life, given you the forgiveness of all your sins, and gifted you with the Holy Spirit so that you are now God’s temple (1 Cor. 6:19).
Philip wants nothing more than to share this good news with his friend Nathanael, but Nathanael doesn’t jump on board right away. He’s more interested to stay in the shade of his fig tree than meeting someone from Nazareth. But Philip doesn’t give up. He doesn’t argue with Nathanael. Philip simply says, “Come and see.” And Nathanael saw.
Without any pleasantries exchanged between them, Jesus knows Nathanael and who he is. As Nathanael walks up to Him, Jesus says, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” In other words, Nathanael is a straight-shooter and doesn’t mince words, not when he expresses his thoughts about Nazareth or anything else. Nathanael is dumbfounded and maybe a little convicted, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” That’s all it took. “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Nathanael believed.
Maybe you know people who are skeptical and even have animosity toward God. You might think that nothing will ever get through to them. Take heart. Jesus works through His Word to do things far beyond our imagination. Two sentences from Jesus changed Nathanael’s heart toward this carpenter’s Son from backwards Nazareth.
Now, I can’t say that Jesus will convert your skeptical friends or family as quickly, but Jesus will work on them through His Word. As surely as rain and snow make the ground wet, God will use His Word to accomplish the purpose for which He sends it (Is. 55:10-11).
Luther (supposedly) once said, “Christians are simply beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.” Maybe when you invite people to come here to God’s house, they will be skeptical like Nathanael was at first. Don’t worry about it. Keep telling them. Keep inviting them. At least those beggars will have heard where the bread is. You don’t need to be eloquent. Simply invite those whom you love to, “Come and see.”
Sermon for 2nd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
Of all the passages of Scripture describing Christ’s return, this one (Lk. 21:25-36) might be the most encouraging and reassuring because it puts perspective on all the evil that surrounds you. The signs Jesus mentions are signs for you to straighten up. In other words, while the world and all creation crumbles around you, you are to raise up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.
This fallen, sinful world is walking straight into a trap that will devour them and be their end. But not you. For you, Christian, you who have been redeemed by Christ, Jesus’ return is no trap. It is your great hope and expectation. It is your liberation. It is the day of your deliverance and eternal freedom.
We don’t like it when the world seems to be coming apart at the seams. Our fear probably lies in the fact that this world is all we have experienced and known. So, when we see it falling apart at an alarming rate, we get anxious. Repent. This world is not all there is.
This world is ending. Good riddance. Every sign pointing to the end of this world is a sign of your rescue. Those signs are pointing you to the return of your Deliverer, your King, your Savior. Come quickly, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20).
Sermon for Midweek Advent 1 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings are Psalm 139:1-12; Romans 10:8b-18; and John 1:35-42a.
Evangelizing others doesn’t need to be super organized, flashy, or gimmicky. In fact, it probably works better when it isn’t. Evangelizing is simply having our eyes opened by Jesus, sitting under His teaching, and inviting others to come and see for themselves who this Jesus is. You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again: Eighty-six percent of Christians started attending church because a friend invited them. In other words, invite your friends to come here. Get them in the door and in the seats. Then let Jesus do His work on them through His Word. That’s it!
Andrew followed Jesus because he heard the Baptizer say, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” But Jesus is the One who sought and saved Andrew by His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is the God who comes to us. He brings us into His fold with His invitation, “Come and see.” And Christ teaches us giving us eyes to see. Then we, in turn, joyfully invite others to join us to be where Jesus promises to meet with us and save us.
We have found the Messiah, the Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Come and see.
Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ; and Matthew 25:1-13.
Why did all ten virgins need to have lit lamps? Was it really that important? Apparently, yes. In the parable, not having oil to keep a lamp lit makes the difference between being in the feast and being left out. In fact, according to Jesus, having oil makes a person wise, and not having oil makes a person a moron. That’s literally the word Jesus uses; the word translated ‘foolish’ in our text is the Greek word μωρός where we get our word ‘moron.’
Now is the time to fill your flasks with oil! You do not know how much oil you will need. The five morons realized their foolishness and knew they needed oil as soon as the cry went out. They weren’t surprised at the necessity of oil. Everyone knows they need it. So, get it now. Why, why would you ever think you have enough oil?
The oil isn’t expensive – in fact it’s free! But you don’t have eternity to get the oil. There is a deadline, and you do not know when that deadline will come. Don’t procrastinate. Receive the gift of faith through the ways God has promised to get it. Hoard it. Why would you become complacent and think you don’t need more of God’s Word, God’s mercy, God’s grace, and God’s Sacraments?
Yes, this parable is a warning. Yes, it is a call to endure and persevere because being left outside would be horrific. But. But at the same time let’s all take a deep breath and laugh because we are waiting for a party where there is bliss, gladness, peace, and joy.
When Jesus warns about His coming, He doesn’t tell a parable about ten soldiers – five wise who always kept their swords within reach and five morons who couldn’t remember where they set their weapons down. Then, the enemy attacked, and the five morons were utterly defeated. No. It’s the parable of the ten virgins waiting for a party.
Jesus is coming, and we wait for that day with expectation, hope, and joy.
Sermon for Trinity 22. The Scripture readings are Micah 6:6-8; Philippians 1:3-11; and Matthew 18:21-35.
Jesus said to Peter, “No, forgiving seven times isn’t enough. Instead, seventy-seven (or it could also be translated ‘seventy multiplied by seven’) times.” Now, Jesus doesn’t mean that you forgive and forgive and forgive, but when you get either to 76 or 489 forgivings (sic) you warn the other person, “Listen, you’ve only got one forgiveness left.” Nope, let the forgiveness flow freely.
God wants to be known for His goodness. God wants to be known by His mercy. God wants to be known for His willingness to freely forgive. And if you refuse to forgive those who have sinned against you, what does that say about your God and King?
The cure for our unforgiveness is to have a right understanding the massive debt that each of us owe to God. When we wrongly think that have only a little debt of sin, we can only have a little Savior.
Sin – all sin – is against God (Ps. 51:4; 1 Cor. 8:12). Every day, you rack up an unimaginable, incalculable debt of sin. And when God calls you in to settle accounts what does He do? Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, God simply wipes it out. Because of Jesus, as far as God is concerned, your debt of sin never existed. Jesus came to erase your debt and fill your account with His righteousness. His mercy is complete.
Forgiving others is not the same as approving what they have done. Forgiveness literally means ‘to send away.’ The only way to be freed from the pain and hurt of sin that others commit against you is to forgive it, release it, and send it away.
The biggest lie the devil will ever tell you is that forgiving someone will just encourage them keep sinning against you, taking advantage of you, and making you a doormat. That satanic lie is a sneaky attack on God’s forgiveness. Is God worried about His forgiveness encouraging you to sin? Nope! Absolutely not. He forgives you fully and freely.
Sermon for All Saints' Day (Observed). The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
Our translation of each of the Beatitudes, begins with the word ‘blessed.’ It’s a good translation, but it might leave us with a superficial and limited understanding because people speak about being ‘blessed’ in very shallow ways. Today, when people talk about being blessed, they are typically saying that good things are happening to them, and those good things are obvious to everyone. But the status of those whom Jesus declares to be ‘blessed’ are not things that we usually consider to be blessings.
The word Jesus uses that gets translated as ‘blessed’ refers a state of being that is happy (in fact the word Jesus uses here is how the Greek translation of the Bible translates the Hebrew word ‘happy’). But even the word happy falls short because the word Jesus uses also means joyful, at peace with God and the world, and content. This blessedness ultimately refers to being what you are meant to be because you are reconciled to God.
The Beatitudes are Jesus putting everything into perspective and telling you that the evil and sorrowful things you see and experience in this world are not a danger to the kingdom because the war has already been won and the kingdom is fully secured by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Satan is defeated. The devilish head of the serpent has been crushed. The light of Christ will always drive away the darkness.
Sermon for Reformation Sunday (Observed). The Scripture readings are Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
The hymn “Salvation unto Us Has Come” offers a full-throated theology of the redemption we have in Christ. Today, we let it preach to us.
Sermon for Trinity 19. The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:22-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
Jesus is a Pastor – in fact Jesus is the Pastor. The word ‘pastor’ simply means ‘shepherd.’ Jesus is the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11), the Good Pastor. Christ knows when His sheep need to be fed by green pastures or led beside still waters, and He knows when His sheep need to have their soul restored with forgiveness and mercy (Ps. 23:1-3). Jesus doesn’t need to run a bunch of diagnostic tests to figure out what His sheep need. He always knows and gives the perfect treatment. And He always perfectly gives what His sheep need in any and every given moment. Jesus, the Good Pastor, so intimately knows you and all your actions, thoughts, and ways that you are always diagnosed and receive the care you need.
The reason Jesus forgives this paralytic before healing his paralysis is that is what the man needed. The man’s friends – maybe even the man himself – figured what he needed most was to be able to use his limbs again. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd and Pastor, knows best. So, Christ forgives the man. “Take heart, My son; your sins are forgiven.” And those words deliver to the paralytic everything he needed.
Notice how Christ is always perfectly in tune with His sheep. Jesus sees the faith of the people who brought the paralytic to Him, so He immediately applies the Gospel of forgiveness. He knows the grumbling of the scribes after He absolves the paralytic and applies the Law to them. And notice how Jesus’ perfect diagnosing and shepherding results in the crowds glorifying God.
Those crowds glorify God because God had given authority to forgive sins to men (Mt. 9:8). Notice, it’s plural – to men, not to ‘a man,’ not just to Jesus, but to men. Dear saints, as those who have been redeemed, restored, and forgiven by Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus, who has the authority to forgive sins, has given you the authority to forgive the sins of others. Jesus says in Jn. 20:23, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.”
My fellow Christians, Jesus invites you to join with Him in proclaiming the forgiveness and eternal life He has won to a broken creation. May we carry that treatment and soul-saving medicine to a hurting world.
Sermon for Trinity 18. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
The God of gods and Lord of lords is your God. He has chosen you. He could have chosen anyone, but He chose you. He has not chosen you because you were bigger, stronger, smarter, more obedient, or more faithful than others. He has not chosen you because of anything you have said, done, or thought. You, dear saints, are, according to 1 Pet. 2:9, His chosen people, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, and a people for His own possession. You are these things because the LORD God of heaven and earth has chosen you and set His heart in love on you. He is your God because He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. And the LORD your God has done all of this because of what Jesus has done for you.
Jesus, your Savior, lived a perfect life. He was perfectly obedient to God. He took all your sin to the cross (1 Pet. 2:24) where God poured out all His wrath and punishment upon your sin. Now, not one bit of that wrath is left for you. Jesus paid it all, and He paid it all for you. Your sin had left a crimson stain, but Jesus has now washed you white as snow. Jesus has restored you to your proper place both your place before God and your place in creation.
When this text lays out all the things that the LORD your God requires of you, it is nothing more than a call for you to be like Him and follow after His image. In other words, it is a call for you to be the steward He has created you to be.
You, as God’s creature, are still a steward of God’s creation. Even though you daily and regularly fail in this role, it is still yours. Even though your hands turn over to reach out and take what is not yours, Jesus has come to redeem you and forgive you for all your sins. On the cross, your debt was paid. The empty tomb on Easter is the receipt (Ro. 4:25).
Dear saints, the gifts, offerings, and tithes you give to God are turned back to you as gifts from the LORD your God (Dt. 14:22-26). Those gifts bless you as you come here and receive God’s mercy, and they also bless your neighbor who also needs to receive that mercy and love.
Sermon for Trinity 17. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 25:6-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Luke 14:1-11.
Our text today, when it talks about unity and being one, refers to the unity that exists between Christians. This unity between Christians is twofold.
First, there is a unity that all Christians simply have. We could call this a ‘vertical unity’ and consists of how sinners are united with God. Christians are nothing more than sinners who were by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3). Christians of all time and in all places are united by the one faith in Jesus who is our Savior, the only Savior. Because Jesus is the only Savior, we are united in Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and the only access we have to God the Father (Jn. 14:6). When the Holy Spirit works faith in us, this unity simply exists.
The second unity is the unity that all Christians are to strive for. We can call this a horizontal unity and how we as Christians are united with one another. This unity is of conviction and true confession.
The silver lining in the doctrinal differences that exist between Christians is that the various denominations are trying to be true to what the Bible teaches. In other words, we are taking what Jesus teaches in the Scriptures seriously. That is why we, with humility, gentleness, and patience point those who believe differently than we do to what Jesus has said. We don’t pridefully lambast them saying, “You aren’t a Christian if you don’t believe just like I do.” No!
Instead, we work to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The unity of the one holy Christian Church is a gift given by God Himself through faith in Christ. We can’t maintain or keep the unity of the Spirit unless it already exists, and it does.
The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, the oneness that God has given all Christians is a precious thing. We hold on to this unity as we hold onto Christ and His Word in humility.
Sermon for the feast of St. Michael & All Angels [observed]. The Scripture readings are Daniel 10:10-14, 12:1-3; Revelation 12:7-12; and Luke 10:17-20.
We consider what the Scriptures have to teach us about angels, but most importantly, we see the defeat of the chief fallen angel, Satan, the accuser.
Jesus’ proclamation of seeing Satan falling like lightening to the seventy-two (Lk. 10:18) and what is taught in Rev. 12:7-12 as confirmation that the shedding of Christ’s blood and the preaching of the Gospel of the reign of Christ was what cast Satan down from heaven. Satan is no longer able to accuse you before God which is what he was constantly doing day and night before God in heaven (Rev. 12:10). He has now been conquered.
Satan is no longer able to accuse you before God because he has been defeated and expelled from God’s presence, but that doesn’t mean he is done accusing. The devil can’t accuse you before God anymore, but he can and does try to accuse you in your conscience, and he is very good at that. Satan will come to you here on earth and say that your sins are too many or too great to be forgiven. The accuser now roams about like a roaring lion seeking to devour you (1 Pet. 5:8), constantly whispering in your ear, “Did God really say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’?”
Dear saints, when the devil does this, he needs to be expelled from your conscience. How can you do this? How can you conquer the devil as he attacks you now? You conquer with the same weapons that Michael and the angels used - the blood of the Lamb, and the word of your testimony (Rev. 12:11).
Sermon for Trinity 15. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:256:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Jesus draws a line. After telling us not to worry about food, drink, or clothing or anything else we need for this life, Jesus adds, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Last week, we considered how thankfulness looks back to the good gifts of God in the past. Well, worry does the opposite and looks at the unknown, bad things in the future.
Tomorrow is clouded in the unknown, but tomorrow is also clothed with the promises of God to be with us, to never leave or forsake us, to provide all that we need, and to protect us with His power and might. God will care for us. But that doesn’t mean that we should be lazy or idle.
That is why Jesus draws a line for us. The things that God sets before us today are the things that should have our attention. We are to do everything God gives us to do to confront and combat those evils each day God gives us. Jesus wants us to go about our business and exert our efforts as God gives us the strength we need for every moment of today. But when Jesus says, “Do not worry about tomorrow,” He draws a line at the end of today. Anything past that line, we leave in His gracious hands.
Sermon for Trinity 14. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
The account of the ten lepers is about thankfulness, but more broadly, this text is about worship. Worship is always about turning back. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” So, one act of worship is repentance which is nothing more than turning back, turning back from a life filled with sin and the consequences of sin and turning toward God. Another act of worship is thankfulness. Thankfulness is receiving God’s gifts and not just going on to the next thing but turning back to give thanks to the God who gave the gift.
To be thankful, this healed Samaritan leper has to literally turn back to Jesus. And it is the same for us. To offer God worship is to first receive God’s gifts and turn back in thanks.
You can’t thank God for things in the future because God hasn’t given them yet. Yes, we can look to the future with hope, but that hope only comes by looking back to the promises God has given us. Worry and anxiety come by looking at the unknown, bad things in the future. The worship of thankfulness turns back to the good, giving God who has been faithful to us and given us good things.
Dear saints, you have a giving God. God’s love language is gift-giving. So, the best way to worship a giving God is to receive more of His gifts.
Sermon for Trinity 13. The Scripture readings are 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Jesus is the Good Samaritan who saves us. It is true that Jesus calls us to go and do likewise (Lk. 10:37). We are to be like Jesus. Christians are to be little Christs who have compassion on their neighbor because Christ has had mercy upon us. Because we have been rescued by Jesus’ mercy and compassion, we have been made to be inheritors of eternal life and children of God. This means Jesus’ call to, “Go and do likewise,” is an invitation for us to imitate Him because children are like their father.
God shapes our love through two things: first, through the Ten Commandments, and second, by our relationship to the neighbor that God puts in our life in at any given moment.
The English word ‘neighbor’ comes from the old word ‘nigh’ or modernized, ‘near.’ And it’s the same Greek word used here. It means the one who is near to you. So when God puts someone near to you, that is your neighbor. The priest and Levite in the parable come across the guy in the ditch and they un-neighbor him by crossing by on the other side of the road. They think, “God has put this guy in my life, but I don’t want to serve him. Everybody is my neighbor, so I’m going to go serve them.” That’s sinful. Your neighbor is the person that God puts in your life – whether you like it or not.
So, serve the one God has drawn nigh to you. Let God’s Commands and God’s placing of people in your life shape your love.
Again, Jesus is the Good Samaritan who proved to be a neighbor to you. Your desperate need shaped His love for you. Because He is God, you weren’t His neighbor, but He chose to become your neighbor. The eternal, infinite Son of God took on your flesh to be ‘nigh’ to you. Out of pure compassion, He saw you in the ditch, dead in sin. He chose to become your neighbor, and your sinful condition shaped His love for you.
That love took the shape of Him going to the cross. He was stripped, beaten, and under the wrath of God that you deserved because of your sin. His love was shaped so that He died for you and was buried in a grave. And now, He lives and reigns to all eternity. And you, raised with Him, live as well.
The Scripture readings are Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14.
Adam and Eve fell into sin, but they fell by trying to go upward. They rose up in pride. They exalted themselves. Believed in themselves. Trusted in themselves. They desired to rise high, up to godly and divine status. Ever since that moment, everyone who has ever been born has the same desire to exalt themselves.
The Pharisee exalts himself, his holy living and good works. The tax collector, on the other hand, sees only two things: the just demands of a holy God and his own sinfulness and depravity. He looks at himself where there is no hope and to God where the only hope lies. He sees the gap and cries out for mercy (lit. ‘propitiation’ or that God would be made to be the atoning sacrifice for him).
The tax collector leaves the Temple with God having become the propitiation for his sins, so he goes down to his house justified. And that is an important point to keep in mind.
The tax collector goes home declared by God to be holy and just no matter how despicable he was. He goes home a changed man. He now goes down to his house to live out a holy life. God could have forgiven him and swept him immediately up into heaven like Jesus did with the thief on the cross. But God doesn’t. And God hasn’t done that for you – not yet anyway.
The tax collector goes home justified and that makes a difference for him, his family, his neighbors, and for the entire world. By God’s grace freely given through Jesus, the tax collector is made to be a lamp. Christ lights that lamp and Jesus’ mercy shines in and through the tax collector. He has been enlightened by Christ which means that God sends him down to his house justified and placed on a lampstand to give light to the whole house (Mt. 5:14-16).
Sermon for Trinity 10. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 8:4-12; Romans 9:30-10:4; and Luke 19:41-48.
Do not think that you can find another righteousness. There is no other cure. When you sin, and sin you will, repent and return. Learn and know and grow in God’s Word. When God’s Word tells you that you have slid back into your old ways of sin and pain, come back to Jesus for the cure. When the Scriptures reveal the evil you have in your heart, ask, “What have I done?” and flee to Christ.
When there is pain and chaos all around you because of this fallen and broken world, don’t listen to the voices that say, “Peace, peace,” because Jesus is the only true peace. When you recognize the pain and evil of the abominations of sin surrounding you and within you, blush. But don’t stop there. Return to the Savior whose blood gives you the cure for all the evil, pain, and suffering in this world.
Come back to the brightness and glory of Christ’s eternal medicine and grace.
Sermon for Trinity 9. The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-9.
What you believe about God is how God will appear to you – in short, as you believe, so it is (Mt. 8:13, 9:29). If you believe God is merciful, and He is, you have no trouble seeing God’s mercy. If you believe God is blameless, and He is, His blamelessness is apparent. If you believe God is pure, and He is, you will see and receive His purity. But if you believe God isn’t those things, God will always seem to be out to get you.
God has given you His mercy by sending His blameless Son to redeem you and make you pure. Believe that, and watch how God’s mercy, blamelessness, and purity flow freely to you. He will always be your rock, your strong refuge, and your shield as you take refuge in Him.
Sermon for Trinity 7. The Scripture readings are Genesis 2:7-17; Romans 6:19-23; and Mark 8:1-9.
When we understand Ro. 6:23 apart from its context – especially the phrase, “the wages of sin is death” – we most often take it to mean that when we sin, the check we cash or the payment we get is death. In other words, we do sinful works and get paid with death. Now, I want to be clear. This interpretation is true, but it can lead to some serious and dangerous drawbacks. It can feed the false notion that some sins aren’t as bad as others. “Well, I only did this little sin, so I won’t get paid as much death as that other guy who did that big sin.”
What Paul is saying here, in this context, is that sin isn’t just the works we do; instead, sin is the master, the employer, the boss who pays with the currency of death. Talk about a bad economy. Sinners live in the worst economy where the only employer is sin, and sin pays with death. Sin is your employer, your boss, your master, and even your owner.
“But now you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God.” Yes, the slave wages of Master Sin is death, but the free gift, the free gift, of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Consider your new Master and how Christ is toward you. What does He pay? He doesn’t. He doesn’t pay anything.
God can't pay you wages, but He can and does give you gifts. And the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus your Lord. With Christ as your master, you leave the worst economy enter a radically new economy. Ephesians 2:6-7 says, “[Christ] raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” You think you like God’s grace now? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. None of us have.
Sermon for Trinity 6. The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:17-26.
It is easy to think that legalism and antinomianism are opposite errors because legalism leads to a strict keeping of the Law and antinomianism leads to ignoring or belittling the Law. But these two errors are not opposites. The two share the same basic problem. Both legalism and antinomianism lower the standard of God’s Law.
Legalism lowers the standard by saying that the Law is doable, followable, attainable, and achievable. Antinomianism lowers the standard by saying that the Law doesn’t matter, that the Law doesn’t actually demand what it demands. And, again, we fall into both of these errors. Sometimes, it is in our attitude to the whole Law. Or, we might fall into legalism when it comes to certain Commandments and into antinomianism when it comes to other commandments.
Dear saints, when it comes to the Law, God doesn’t ever lower the standard. God doesn’t smile and wink at antinomians. God’s grace and mercy does not mean that God doesn’t care about sin. Yes, Jesus welcomed sinners, but not because He overlooked their sin. He welcomed them because He forgave their sin.
And your Pharisaic, legalistic good works and piety don’t impress God. God doesn’t watch your good works and respond. “Great job. I owe you for that.” No, His standards are higher than yours. Your righteousness must, it absolutely must, exceed the best of the best, or you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Where does this righteousness come from? It only comes through Christ. The righteous do not live by the Law; the righteous live by faith (Ro. 1:17). Romans 10:4 says, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Sermon for Trinity 5. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Peter 3:8-15; and Luke 5:1-11.
A lot of sermons on this text will end up in the wrong place challenging you to be like Peter and leave everything to follow Jesus. Dear saints, God in His infinite wisdom hasn’t given you that calling, and that is totally fine. Maybe God will call you into the office of ministry one day. But for now, God has called you into the vocations He has put before you. Col. 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Your work, your calling, your vocations are never wasted, never in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
Everything you have and everything you do is made sacred by the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim. 4:4-5).
So, hear God’s Word. Be forgiven of all your sins. Then, go and do your work. Fulfill the callings God has given to you because your work isn’t done for the paycheck or your boss. The work and calling God gives you to do has goodness because God uses that work to help and serve your neighbor.
God puts you in the stations and vocations where He has placed you. Jesus knows how He can use you best in the kingdom of God. Jesus knew what He was doing when He placed you into your family, into this congregation, in your job, in your neighborhood. He has placed you there to be a faithful husband, wife, child, employer, worker, and neighbor. You don’t need to leave that in order to serve God more faithfully. God has placed you there to serve Him by serving those neighbors He has given you. Even if you think Jesus made a mistake by putting you there, just trust that Jesus knows what He is doing and that He will use you in the way that He sees fit.
All your earthly work and calling has something of eternity in it because it is done in service to God. And God will use that work to bring about His purposes.
Sermon for Trinity 4. The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; and Luke 6:36-42. Apologies for the sub-par audio quality this week. It is a known issue that will, hopefully, be resolved next week.
What is Jesus teaching us when He says, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned”? It all hangs and hinges on what Jesus says both before and after. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Notice, to be merciful and forgiving, there has to be a judgment – that sin is sin. But that judgment isn’t your judgment, it’s God’s judgment. You are simply confessing and saying the same thing as God says about sin.
It is clear from a variety of Scripture passages that Jesus isn’t condemning all judgments here. Basically, Jesus is teaching us the second great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:19, Mt. 22:39). Every one of us has sinned, and we desperately desire that our sin would be covered up by mercy. So, if you desire mercy from someone when you sin against them, you should also extend that mercy to them when you are sinned against.
Christ came down to be placed on the log of the cross. And from that splintered timber, Jesus shed His holy and precious blood that covers your sin and the sin of others. Go, be merciful knowing that God’s mercy is sufficient for you.
Sermon for Trinity 3. The Scripture readings are Micah 7:18-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; and Luke 15:1-32.
What is repentance? The word translated ‘repent’ or ‘repentance’ simply means “a change of mind,” but throughout the New Testament, you will find that repentance refers to a complete spiritual change. In fact, a many of the times you come across the word ‘repent’ in Scripture it carries the whole idea of conversion. The Bible does not teach that repentance is one step in some twelve-step salvation program. Salvation is always God’s gift. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). The Bible does teach that repentance is necessary for salvation, but if we see repentance as something we do, as our little contribution, then salvation is no longer a free gift. It would be dependent upon you.
A sheep gets lost, the sheep gets found, and the shepherd throws a party. A coin gets lost, the coin gets found, and the woman throws a party. Just looking at the stories, we would probably conclude that Jesus isn’t teaching anything about repentance. He’s just talking about salvation. But Jesus concludes both of those sections by talking about heaven’s joy over repentance, so repentance has to be in there somewhere. Repentance is nothing more than the lost being found and restored by the owner. Then, the owner shares with everyone the joy of restoration.
We wrongly think God is happy when we are doing everything we are supposed to. We think God is happy with us when we are consistent, strong, and can show all the things we’ve accomplished. That isn’t the case. Your heavenly Father is only happy when His children are forgiven and together with him.
Sermon for Trinity 2. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 John 3:13-18; and Luke 14:15-24.
Love is not simply what makes you or someone else feel good. The world wants you to think that love can be defined in all sorts of different ways. The world’s attempts at love are only empty words and talk.
The only way we can know what love is, is to look to Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross. “By this we know love, that [Jesus] laid down His life for us” (1 Jn. 3:16). We know love only in knowing Jesus crucified for us. You can’t find this love anywhere else, and you can’t produce this love apart from fellowship with God through faith in Christ.
The Holy Spirit works faith into our hearts and pours the love of God into us. In doing this, the Holy Spirit also enables us to love others. The love of God that we receive through faith is the very love we show our neighbor by our deeds while living in the truth.
Sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 6:1-7; Romans 11:33-36; and John 3:1-17.
What God did for Isaiah, He does for you as well. It wasn’t the coal that removed Isaiah’s sin. It was God’s promise. Now, yes. God attached that promise to the coal, so the coal was the instrument that delivered that promise to Isaiah. But God’s promise is attached to more things than that one coal that touched Isaiah’s lips and burned up millennia ago. God has attached His promise of mercy and forgiveness to the water of your Baptism. When those waters touched your body, your guilt was taken away, and your sin atoned for. When you heard the absolution earlier, those words entered your ear, and your guilt was taken away, and your sin atoned for. When you eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ, your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is here today to bring you His mercy and grace freely given because of Christ. You are clean, and God sends you from here back out into the world with a free, spotless conscience (Heb. 10:19-25).
Sermon for the Day of Pentecost. The Scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; and John 14:23-31.
Any attempt to bring about a unity that isn’t centered around the forgiveness of sins in Christ is going to turn evil quickly. The Holy Spirit brings something better. He unites people from every tribe under heaven in the faith. He brings us together to hear the Gospel, receive forgiveness for all our sins, and places us in the holy Christian Church.
Sermon for the observation of the Ascension of our Lord. The Scripture readings are Daniel 7:9-14; Acts 1:1-11; and Luke 24:44-53.
Even though your doubt and sorrow scream otherwise, and even though the devil pushes you to discontentment and nudges you toward the cliff of unbelief, you wouldn’t be any better off if Jesus were standing right here in front of your eyes. And that is why Jesus ascended into heaven and went to His coronation. That is why He is even now enthroned over all things.
Jesus has ascended and brought His human flesh into God’s presence. Through faith, you are a co-heir of His glory and a brother to the King Himself. Jesus has promised that everyone who believes in Him has a place in His kingdom. Christ is seated at God’s right and is speaking and advocating for you. Jesus is telling His Father that you are worthy of eternal life because by His death and resurrection He has buried every sin you could ever commit. You are just as holy and righteous as Christ is. You are no longer under the power of the devil. Jesus has fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit, and whenever you hear His Word, the Holy Spirit is present with you. And, as Christians, you bring evidence of the saving power of Jesus wherever you go, tearing lost souls out of Satan’s grip.
Sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Numbers 21:4-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; and John 16:23-33.
Whenever you pray and ask God for something, you’re going to the right Source! You are asking your merciful, loving, generous, and kind heavenly Father for what you need and want. And He never looks down on you for it.
So, pray. Prayer is your ultimate weapon and defense spiritually and physically. Your prayers spring God into action with His divine power. Be people of prayer.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
Scripture teaches that singing is powerful against the devil and the demons. So, it isn’t surprising that Satan tries all sorts of tricks to keep all of us from singing. If Satan tries to get you embarrassed of your voice or ability to sing, get over it. God doesn’t care how good of a singer you are. He gave you the voice and ability you have.
Sing! Sing of Jesus. Sing of His victory. Sing of His deliverance and forgiveness. Sing how His right hand and holy arm have rescued you. Sing because the battle belongs to the LORD, and He has won the victory over Satan, sin, and death. Sing and watch the devils flee.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
The only rescue from God’s wrath against sin is found in the very nature of God Himself. That is why there is hope throughout the book of Lamentations. The reason for this hope is that God’s steadfast love never ceases, and His mercies never – never ever – come to an end. They are new each and every morning. Great is His faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23).
Our apologies for the quality of the recording but to connectivity issues in some places.
Sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter and Confirmation Sunday. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-18.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He lays down His life for the sheep. By any reasonable standards, we wouldn’t consider a shepherd who does that ‘good.’ But Jesus knows our needs, meets them, and brings us into His flock.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
You do not see Jesus in His resurrected flesh, but you hear the same proclamation of Jesus, “Peace be with you.” That peace is yours because Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from all eternity was crucified, died, and was buried. He is risen again to give you His peace and the forgiveness of all your sins now and for all eternity. And He speaks His blessing to you.
Sermon for the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and John 20:1-18.
Your risen Savior calls you by name.He will never leave you or forsake you. He died for you and has forgiven all your sin. He leads you through this life – even through your grave – to the resurrection.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Exodus 12:1-13 and Mark 14:12-28.
Instead of the Passover meal, you are to eat the bread, which Jesus says is His body, and you are to drink the cup, which Jesus says is His blood. And you do this as a remembrance of what Christ has done for you. Yes, there is remembrance in this meal, but it also delivers exactly what Christ promises it delivers. Jesus promises that in this little meal, you receive the forgiveness of your sins. And unlike the Passover meal, which was an annual thing, Jesus says to do this often in remembrance of Him (1 Cor. 11:25).
Sermon for Palm Sunday. The Scripture readings are John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
Jesus rides into Jerusalem and is welcomed as King. But His triumphal entry isn’t like any other king. Christ comes humble and lowly, riding on a donkey. Jesus has not come to conquer kingdoms and empires. He comes to conquer sin and your death.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 5. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 126; Joshua 3:1-6; and Matthew 3:13, 4:1-2.
Sermon for the fifth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 4. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 25; Genesis 2:15, 3:22-24; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 3:14-15.
Sermon for the fourth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 16:2-21; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 3. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 66; Exodus 14:13-31; and Mark 1:9-13.
Sermon for the third Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 2. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 118:24-29; Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:22, 11:17-19; and John 3:16.
Sermon for the second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 32:22-32; Romans 5:1-5; and Matthew 15:21-28.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 1. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 137:1-6; Genesis 3:22-24; Revelation 22:1-5; and Luke 13:10-17.
Sermon for the first Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Sermon for Ash Wednesday 2022. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service were Psalm 39; Joel 2:12-19; Revelation 7:9-14; and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.
Sermon for Quinquagesima Sunday. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Sermon for Sexagesima Sunday. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; Hebrews 4:9-13; and Luke 8:4-15.
Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Sermon for the Transfiguration of our Lord. The Scripture readings are Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
Sermon for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are Jonah 1:1-17; Romans 13:8-10; and Matthew 8:23-27.
Sermon for the second Sunday after Epiphany and Life Sunday. The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
Sermon for the first Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 8:6-13; Romans 12:1-5; and Luke 2:41-52.
Sermon for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18.
Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-29.
Sermon for Midweek Advent 3 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 98:1-6; 2 Samuel 6:12-23; Philippians 4:4-7; and Luke 1:39-45.
Sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
Sermon for Midweek Advent 1 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 25:1-7; Isaiah 40:1-5; Romans 5:1-5; and Luke 1:5-25.
Sermon for the 1st Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:5-8; Romans 13:8-14; and Matthew 21:1-9.
Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:1-13.
Sermon for the 24th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 51:9-16; Colossians 1:9-14; and Matthew 9:18-26.
Sermon for the observation of All Saints' Day. The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
Sermon for Reformation Sunday. The Scripture readings are Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Sermon for the 21st Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 1:1-2:3; Ephesians 6:10-17; and John 4:46-54.
Sermon for the 20th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:1-9; Ephesians 5:15-21; and Matthew 22:1-14.
Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:22-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
Sermon for the 18th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
Sermon for the 17th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 25:6-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Luke 14:1-11.
Sermon for the 16th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:17-4; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
Sermon for the 15th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Sermon for the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
Sermon for the 13th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Sermon for the 12th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 29:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:4-19; and Mark 7:31-37.
Sermon for the 11th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Ephesians 2:1-10 and Luke 18:9-14.
This sermon was preached at East Grand Forks' Heritage Days community church service which Pastor Sam was invited to lead. Because the service was outdoors, the audio quality is sub-par.
Sermon for the 9th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Sermon for the 8th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; and Matthew 7:15-23.
Sermon for the 7th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 2:7-25; Romans 6:19-23; and Mark 8:1-9.
Sermon for the 6th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:20-26.
Sermon for the 5th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; and Luke 5:1-11.
Sermon for the 4th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; and Luke 6:36-42.
Sermon for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 John 3:13-18; and Luke 14:15-23.
Sermon for the 1st Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 15:1-6; 1 John 4:16-21; and Luke 16:19-31.
Sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 6:1-7; Romans 11:33-36; and John 3:1-17.
Sermon for Pentecost Sunday. The Scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; and John 14:23-31.
Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Psalm 27; Ezekiel 36:22-28; 1 Peter 4:7-14; and John 15:26-16:4.
Today is also Confirmation Sunday. The Confirmands’ verses are Joshua 1:9; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 4:8; and Deuteronomy 31:8.
Sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Numbers 21:4-91-6; James 1:22-27; and John 16:23-33.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; and John 16:5-15.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:25-31; 1 John 3:1-3; and John 16:16-22.
Sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-16.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
Sermon for the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Exodus 12:1-14 and John 13:1-15, 34-35.
Sermon for Palm Sunday. The Scripture readings are Matthew 21:1-9; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66.
The full reading of the Passion was omitted from the recording so only the introduction and sermon remain.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 5. The Scripture readings for tonight's service are Psalm 51:1-6, 10-17; Acts 2:37-41; and Mark 10:13-16.
A sheet covering "Infant Faith in the Scriptures" can be found here.
https://www.christthekingaflc.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120318245/infant_faith_in_the_scriptures.pdf
Sermon for the fifth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 4. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Romans 6:1-14; and Matthew 16:24-48.
Sermon for the fourth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 16:2-21; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 3. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 29; Titus 3:1-8; and John 3:1-17.
Sermon for the third Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 2. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 85; 1 Peter 3:13-22; and Mark 16:9-16.
Sermon for the second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 32:22-32; Romans 5:1-5; and Matthew 15:21-28.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 1. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 138; Matthew 3:4-17; and Matthew 28:16-20.
Sermon for the first Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Jonah 3:1-10; 1 John 1:5-10; & Matthew 6:16-21. Our apologies for the poor quality of the audio recording.
Sermon for Quinquagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Sermon for Sexagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; Hebrews 4:9-13; and Luke 8:4-15.
Sermon for Septuagesima. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Sermon for the Transfiguration of our Lord. The Scripture readings are Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
Sermon for the First Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 8:6-13; Romans 12:1-5; and Luke 2:41-52.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Christmas. The Scripture readings are Genesis 46:1-7; 1 Peter 4:12-19; and Matthew 2:13-23.
Christmas Eve sermon. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 110:1-4; Isaiah 7:10-14; 1 John 4:7-16; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:19-29.
Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
Sermon for the 22nd Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Micah 6:6-8; Philippians 1:3-11; and Matthew 18:21-35.
Sermon for All Saints' Day. The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
Sermon for Reformation Sunday. The Scripture readings are Revelation 14:6-7; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:22-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
Sermon for the 18th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
Sermon for the 17th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 25:6-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; and Luke 14:1-11.
Sermon for the 16th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
Sermon for the 15th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Sermon for the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
Sermon for the 13th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Sermon for the 12th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 28:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; and Mark 7:31-37.
Sermon for the 11th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-15; and Luke 18:9-14.
Sermon for the 9th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Sermon for the 7th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Genesis 2:7-17; Romans 6:19-23; and Mark 8:1-9.
Sermon for the 6th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:20-26.
Sermon for the 5th Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Peter 3:8-15; and Luke 5:1-11.
Sermon for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Micah 7:18-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; and Luke 15:1-10.
Sermon for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings are Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 John 3:13-18; and Luke 14:15-23.
Sermon for the 1st Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Genesis 15:1-6; 1 John 4:16-21; and Luke 16:19-31.
Sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 6:1-7; Romans 11:33-35; and John 3:1-17.
Sermon for Pentecost Sunday 5/31/2020. The Scripture readings were Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; and John 14:23-31.
The service was our first held after the COVID shutdown and took place outdoors. Because of that, the audio quality is not optimal. Our apologies.
Sermon for the observation of the Ascension of our Lord. The Scripture readings were 2 Kings 2:5-15; Acts 1:1-11; and Luke 24:44-53.
Sermon for the sixth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Numbers 21:4-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; and John 16:22-23.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:13-21; and John 16:5-15.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Lamentations 3:22-33; 1 Peter 2:11-20; and John 16:16-22.
Sermon for the third Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-16.
Sermon for the second Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31.
Sermon for the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
Sermon for the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed for Midweek Lent 5. The Scripture readings used for tonight's service were Psalm 50; Acts 2:22-47; and John 17:17-26.
Sermon for the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed for Midweek Lent 4. The Scripture readings used during tonight's service were Psalm 51; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; and John 14:15-21. Another important text is John 16:8-11.
Sermon for the fifth Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59. The audio quality will be slightly poorer while we move our services to an online format.
Sermon for the fourth Sunday of Lent. The Scripture reading were Exodus 16:2-21; Acts 2:41-47; and John 6:1-15.
The audio quality will be slightly poorer while we move our services to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Lord, have mercy. Protect the sick and the weak. Bring this outbreak to a swift end. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Sermon for the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed for Midweek Lent 3. The Scripture readings used during tonight's service were Psalm 8; Hebrews 2:5-18; and Luke 24:44-53.
Sermon for the third Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28. The sermon also has some pastoral comments regarding COVID-19.
Sermon for the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed for Midweek Lent 2. The Scripture readings used during tonights service were Psalm 71; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; and Philippians 2:1-11.
Sermon on the First Article of the Apostles' Creed for Midweek Lent 1. The Scripture readings used during tonight's service were Psalm 104; Genesis 1:1-2:3; and Matthew 6:22-34.
Sermon for the first Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight were Jonah 3:1-10; 1 John 1:5-10; and Matthew 6:16-21.
Sermon for Quinquagesima. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Sermon for Septuagesima. The Scripture readings were Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
Sermon for the Third Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings were 2 Kings 5:1-15; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.
Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings were Exodus 33:12-23; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
Sermon for the observation of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 42:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 3:13-17.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Christmas. The Scripture readings were Genesis 46:1-7; 1 Peter 4:12-19; and Matthew 2:13-23.
Sermon for Christmas Eve 2019. The Scripture reading were Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; and Luke 2:1-20.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings were Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:18-29.
Sacred (pt. 3): Sermon for Midweek Advent 3. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 60:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:6-12; and John 1:1-14. The first few sentences of this sermon were not recorded. My apologies. The content of that first 30 seconds was mainly a summary of the first sermon in this series.
Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
Sacred (pt. 2): Sermon for Midweek Advent 2. The Scripture readings were Numbers 6:22-27; Ephesians 1:3-14; and Matthew 28:16-20.
Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings were Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
Sacred (pt. 1): Sermon for Midweek Advent 1. The Scripture readings were Exodus 3:1-5; 1 Timothy 4:10; and John 15:1-5.
Beginning with our Midweek Advent Services, we are going to spend the 2019-2020 Church Year considering how God's holiness comes to us and makes our entire lives holy and sacred.
Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent. The Scripture readings were Jeremiah 23:5-8; Romans 13:8-14; and Matthew 21:1-9. Because of a winter storm, we did not hold services this week. This recording includes a very abbreviated service for families to use at home.
Sermon for the Last Sunday of the church Year. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:1-13.
Sermon for the Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were Psalm 130:1-4, 7-8; Micah 6:6-8; Philippians 1:3-11; and Matthew 18:21-35.
Sermon for the Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were Genesis 1:1-2:3; Ephesians 6:10-20; and John 4:46-54.
Sermon for the observation of All Saints. The Scripture lessons were Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
Sermon for Reformation Sunday. The Scripture lessons were Habakkuk 2:1-4; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36.
Sermon for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
Sermon for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
Sermon for St. Michael & All Angels. The Scripture lessons were Daniel 10:10-14 and 12:1-3; Revelation 12:7-12; and Luke 10:17-20.
Sermon for the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were Proverbs 4:10-23; Galatians 5:16-24; and Luke 17:11-19.
Sermon for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture lessons were 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Also today, we had a focus on Stewardship as we launched our online giving option through our website.
Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 29:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; and Mark 7:31-37.
Sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14.
Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Jeremiah 7:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and Luke 19:41-48.
Sermon for the Ninth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were 2 Samuel 22:26-34; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.
Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Jeremiah 23:16-29; Romans 8:12-17; and Matthew 7:15-23. The sermon included a statement on the recent mass shootings in our country in light of Luke 13:1-5.
Sermon for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Genesis 2:7-17; Romans 6:19-23; and Mark 8:1-9
Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 6:1-11; and Matthew 5:17-26.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were 1 Kings 19:11-21; 1 Peter 3:8-15; and Luke 5:1-11.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:18-23; and Luke 6:36-42.
Sermon for the Third Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Micah 7:18-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; and Luke 15:1-32.
Sermon for the Second Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 John 3:13-18; and Luke 14:15-24.
Sermon for the First Sunday after Trinity. The Scripture readings were Genesis 15:1-5; 1 John 4:16-21; and Luke 16:19-31.
Sermon for Pentecost Sunday. The Scripture readings were Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; and John 14:23-31.
Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Easter and Confirmation Sunday. The sermon was based on all the assigned Scripture readings for the week: Ezekiel 36:22-28; 1 Peter 4:7-14; and John 15:26-16:4.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 12:1-6; James 1:16-21; John 16:5-15. Other important texts are Zephaniah 3:17; 2 Chronicles 20:1-23; and Acts 16:16-34.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Peter 2:11-20; and John 16:16-22.
Sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Ezekiel 34:11-16; 1 Peter 2:21-25; and John 10:11-16.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter. The Scripture readings were Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 John 5:4-10; and John 20:19-31. Also 1 Peter 2:2 from the Introit.
Sermon for the Sunday of the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Job 19:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; and Mark 16:1-8.
Sermon for the Vigil of Easter. I am thankful for a sermon by Pr. Ralph Tausz as inspiration fo this sermon. Tonight's readings were: The Creation; The Flood; Israel's Deliverance at the Red Sea; Isaiah's Prophecy of Christ's Coming Kingdom; The Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace; and The Resurrection from Matthew.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. The Scripture readings were Exodus 12:1-14 and John 13:1-15.
Sermon for Palm Sunday. The Scripture readings were Matthew 21:1-9; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; and Matthew 26:1-27:66. This recording was done after the service as the original sermon was sent to the digital abyss when the recording program failed.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 5 on the Ten Commandments. The Scripture readings were 1 Kings 21:1-29 and Mark 14:53-72.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 9:11-15; and John 8:42-59.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 4 on the Ten Commandments. The Scripture lessons were 2 Samuel 11:1-27 and Luke 19:1-10.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Exodus 16:2-21; Galatians 4:21-31; and John 6:1-15.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 3 on the Ten Commandments. The Scripture lessons were Psalm 139; 2 Samuel 15:1-14: and Luke 10:25-37.
Sermon for the Third Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Exodus 8:16-24; Ephesians 5:1-9; and Luke 11:14-28. Apologies for the poor quality of this recording; we had known technical issues.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 2 on the Ten Commandments. The Scripture lessons were 1 Kings 18:20-40 and John 5:1-18.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Genesis 32:22-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7; and Matthew 15:21-28.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 1 on the Ten Commandments. The Scripture lessons were Exodus 32:1-35 and John 8:48-59.
Sermon for the First Sunday of Lent. The Scripture readings were Genesis 3:1-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Sermon for Quinquagesima Sunday. The Scripture readings were 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.
Sermon and service for Sexagesima Sunday. We were under a blizzard, so the service was cancelled for this date. A brief service with Scripture readings is included here. The Scripture readings were from Psalm 44; Isaiah 55:10-13; 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9; and Luke 8:4-15.
Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday. The Scripture readings were Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.
Sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany. The Scripture readings were Jonah 1:1-17; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 8:23-27; and Psalm 107:1, 8, 24-25, 28-29.
Sermon for the Third Sunday of Epiphany. The Scripture readings were 2 Kings 5:1-15; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.
Sermon for the Second Sunday of Epiphany. The Scripture readings were Amos 9:11-15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.
Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord. The Scripture readings were Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 3:13-17. John 1:29, 32-34 is also important for this sermon.
Sermon for Epiphany. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; and Matthew 2:1-12.
Sermon for the First Sunday of Christmas. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 11:1-5; Galatians 4:1-7; and Luke 2:22-40. Hebrews 4:12 also played an important role in today's sermon.
Sermon for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-3, 9-14, 16-17.
Sermon for Advent 4. The Scripture readings were Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; and John 1:19-28.
Sermon for Advent 3, Gaudete! The Scripture readings were Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.
Sermon for Advent 2. The Scripture readings were Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
Sermon for 2018 Advent 1 Midweek. The Scripture readings were Jeremiah 23:5-8 and Matthew 21:1-9.
Sermon for Advent 1. The Scripture readings were Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 21:1-9; and Romans 13:8-14.
Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:1-13.
Sermon for Trinity 25. The Scripture readings were Exodus 32:1-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and Matthew 24:15-28.
Apologies for the poor quality of the recording.
Sermon for Trinity 24. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 51:9-16; Colossians 1:9-14; and Matthew 9:18-26.
Sermon for All Saints' Day [Observed]. The Scripture readings were Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12; and Hebrews 11:39-12:2.
Sermon for Reformation Day [Observed]. The Scripture readings were Revelation 14:6-7 and Romans 3:19-28.
Sermon for Trinity 21. The Scripture readings were Genesis 1:1-2:3; John 4:46-54; and Ephesians 6:10-20.
Sermon for Trinity 20. The Scripture readings were Isaiah 55:1-9; Ephesians 5:15-21; and Matthew 22:1-14.
Sermon for Trinity 19. The Scripture readings were Genesis 28:10-17; Ephesians 4:22-28; and Matthew 9:1-8.
Sermon for Trinity 18. The Scripture readings were Deuteronomy 10:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and Matthew 22:34-46.
Pr. Andrew Olson was with us today to share the work he will be doing with Lutheran Bible Translators in Tanzania Africa. If you would like to learn more about Pr. Olson's work, please see his website https://www.theyneedthebible.org.
Sermon for Trinity 16. The Scripture readings were 1 Kings 17:17-24; Ephesians 3:13-21; and Luke 7:11-17.
Sermon for Trinity 15. The Lectionary readings were 1 Kings 17:8-16; Galatians 5:25-6:10; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Sermon for Trinity 13. The Scripture readings were 2 Chronicles 28:8-15; Galatians 3:15-22; and Luke 10:23-37.
Sermon for Trinity 12. The Lectionary readings were Isaiah 29:17-24, 2 Corinthians 3:4-11, and Mark 7:31-37.
Sermon for Trinity 11 on Genesis 4:1-15. The lectionary readings were Genesis 4:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; and Luke 18:9-14.
Sermon for Trinity 10. The lectionary readings were Jeremiah 8:4-12; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and Luke 19:41-48.
Sermon for Good Friday. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons have gone through the Lord's Prayer. Tonight's message completes the series. My apologies, but the brief introduction of the sermon was not recorded. The whole main body of the sermon was.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go though the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for tonight's service were Exodus 12:1-12 and John 13:1-15.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 5. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for tonight's service were Psalm 51 and Luke 23:26-49.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 4. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for the service were Romans 8:31-39 and John 19:16b-30. Apologies for the poor quality of the audio.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 3. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for the service were Romans 1:18-26a, 28 and Luke 22:39-46.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 2. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for the service were Daniel 7:13-14 and John 18:33-36.
Sermon for Midweek Lent 1. This year, our Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for the service were Exodus 34:5-8 and John 17:1-12a.
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. This year, Lenten Midweek sermons will go through the Lord's Prayer. The Scripture texts for the service were Joel 2:12-19; 2 Peter 1:2-11; & Matthew 6:16-21.