Abiding Word Lutheran Church: Recent Episodes
Abiding Word Lutheran Church
Heart health is important. We can believe the lie that our heart is spiritually healthy on our own. Jesus makes it clear that we need a new heart that only he can provide. Listen to this sermon based on Mark 7.
What do you do with sin? With all the things that leave you broken and guilty? There are human solutions. Then, there is God’s solution: A Savior to die for you. Listen to this sermon based on Genesis 3.
What are you afraid of? What drives you? Fear often motivates us and motivates us by punishment. God’s perfect love drives out fear so you can live and love in confidence of forgiveness. Listen to this sermon based on 1 John 4:13-21.
How do we bear fruit for God? Where do we find power and meaning for life? Jesus teaches us its all about being connected to him, the True Vine that gives life! Listen to this sermon based on John 15.
What do you lack in life? Maybe the better question to ask is, “What don’t I lack?” There are so many things we want and need to make life better. Jesus, our Shepherd, comes to us and shows us that we lack nothing because we have Him! Listen to this sermon based on Psalm 23.
On Easter, we look ahead to our eternal life. We do so because God has destroyed death and has promised us life in Christ Jesus. Listen to this sermon based on Isaiah 25
Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and everything went just as he said. Throughout Holy Week, everything went just as God had said centuries before. God’s Word does not fail. Jesus’ victory is ours too. Listen to this sermon based on Mark 11.
How do we see Jesus? Where do we see Jesus? Jesus makes it clear where he wants us to see him: At his cross and his commitment to us. Listen to this service based on John 12.
Knowing who you are is vitally important to life. It grounds you and gives you direction. God reveals exactly who we were and even more who we are now in Christ: Alive by God’s grace alone. Alive to serve him. Listen to this sermon based on Ephesians 2.
Jesus cleansed the temple in his zeal for the Father’s house. Jesus refocused what worship was all about: His work of salvation. Jesus cleanses us and our hearts from the distractions and clutter that take us away from worshipping him. Listen to this sermon based on John 2.
Jesus was all in on your salvation. It was all or nothing. Jesus calls his disciples to have that same “all or nothing” attitude toward him as well. The good news: His death and resurrection change our hearts and minds so that we are all in because he was all in for us. Listen to […]
What do you do when God allows trials, temptations, and tests enter into your life? We can get angry and upset or we run around trying to solve every issue but in the end just burn out. Through the life of Abraham and when he was called to sacrifice his son, God teaches Abraham and […]
The world is dark. It is filled with the darkness of sin and death. The Light of the World, Jesus, came into this world to drive away darkness and fill it with the light of life. Listen to this sermon based on 2 Corinthians 4.
So often we run after the wrong things. We go in the opposite direction of where we should. But even then God is there. He is there to show us the danger and to lead us back to the safe path. And God is there to give us the peace of his forgiveness. Through faith and by his power let's keep in mind the things of God!
The church is united. Yes, we know that there are struggles in the church and from forces attacking Christians, but we know that the church that is established on the Word of God is united. It is united in the salvation that God has won for us as well as the mission he has given to us! We are united!
How often have we been like Peter? We realize that our eyes are no longer focused on Jesus and all we see is the terrifying world around us. We cry out, "Jesus, save me!" And he does. Immediately. And he reminds us that we have nothing to fear because he is our God. Trust in him who drives away all of our fears. Matthew 14:22-33
Matthew 14:13-21 tells us about when Jesus found a hungry crowd of people who had needs. First it was their illnesses and sufferings that needed to be healed. Then it was their spiritual needs that only Jesus could fulfill. And then it was their physical hunger. But who could take care of that? Jesus does, in a way that no one expected. God promises that he knows our needs and he takes care of them. Often in ways that we never expected! Trust in him to provide for all of your needs.
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God gives to us. It's easy for us to say, "God didn't answer my prayer" when he doesn't bless us the way we ask, but that doesn't mean he didn't answer. Instead, God always answers our prayers in the way that he knows is best for us: ways that will not hurt us but that will bless us. Ask God for what you need. He will most certainly answer!
How can a person with no love for God become a believer? How can a atheist who resists anything to do with Jesus come to faith? They hear Word of God and through that message God works. It strengthens the faith of believers and creates faith where none existed before. All because God desires it to. Thank be to God!
In this world of rush and struggles we all need a rest. But not even the most relaxing vacation or best nights sleep can give us the rest we really need. For true rest that gives us real peace, we turn to God! Exodus 3:12-33
Our lives are filled with distractions and it's easy to set our hearts on the things of of this world. The truth is, those things will all go away. Instead of running after temporary wants, God reminds us to love what truly matters. Let's set our hearts on the one who first loved us and who has given us an eternity of joy with him!
Our desire to share God's message comes from knowing that he keeps his promises. The one who fulfilled his promise on the cross is returning to bring us to be with him in heaven. We can't help but want to tell others!
God is not some distant and uncaring being. He is our loving Lord who knows us. He understands everything about us, and he cares about us. He is our King who laid down his life to serve us. He is our Savior who goes with us as we tell others about his love. What king is like him? None, because he is our God who truly cares about each and every one of his children.
This week, as we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we thank God that he calls us to be united as he is united. We look to the ministry that God has put before us and ask for his strength and guidance to serve together in his Kingdom.
Stand firm! But how? How can we stand against the temptations of the world, the Devil, and our own sinful natures? How can we stand firm when there are traps and snares everywhere? We don't. We can't. At least, not on our own. That's why God has rescued us and has forgiven our failures. It is by his power and strength we stand firm in the faith he has worked in us! Let's keep our eyes on Jesus and stand firm knowing that it is he who holds onto us!
So often we talk about living for God. We use words like compelled. And we are, but not because it's a requirement. We are compelled to live for God because we see the great love he has for us! We don't have to, we want to. By faith, we desire nothing more than to live for our God who first lived for us!
Where do we turn when the world seems overwhelming? Where do we look when our sins drag us to our knees? Where is the safety when we are frightened? Thank God that we know the way, because HE is the way.
Our Good Shepherd calls us together as a flock. Under his careful and loving care he tells us to serve each other.
The world is filled with empty promises and hollow temptations. But those who run after all of those things will never be satisfied. Thank God that he has redeemed up from emptiness and filled us with his mercy and love!
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Let us listen to God's message from Matthew 28 and be reminded that we have nothing to fear! Jesus Lives!
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people of the city wanted to know: Who is this? The crowds following this man were excited: "This is Jesus!" God bless us with the same excitement to share that message with others!
*Please note: we had some idea problems during the sermon. We have tried to correct levels as much as possible for this service and have since fixed the issue for future sermons. Thank you.Life in the Spirit means new and eternal life. We no longer focus on the temporary pleasures of this world, but the gift of heaven given to us by our Savior.
Jesus walked to his cross without complaint or hesitation. Despite the pain and suffering he didn't refuse, because he knew we needed him. It's too that cross that Jesus brings us. In all of our struggles, sins, failures, and sufferings, Jesus brings us to his cross and reminds us of his victory for us. ":For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
We face off against the world, our sinful nature, and the Devil. We know that we can't possibly defeat them. But we don't have too, because we have our champion: Jesus Christ! And the greatest news is that the battle is already won. The war is over. Our champion has won and saved us. Thank God for our Champion! Matthew 4:1-11
You and I have a "hidden" wisdom that the world needs. This truth gives eternal life to everyone who knows it. Those who reject it will be lost and face death. Let's listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's message from 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 and shows us the joy of this Truth and the importance of sharing it with others.
We are the salt of the earth. That's how Jesus describes us. It's also what God has made us! Made perfect by his perfect life and sacrifice we are now free to live a life of flavor for our Savior! You are, so be.Matthew 5:13-20
Judgement is coming and we will all stand before God. For Christians, we know that we have nothing to be afraid of. Jesus has already taken our guilt on himself. We will stand with joy and thanks before our God knowing that God's verdict for us is "innocent." Don't be afraid. Be still and look to your Savior!
Just as a light brings comfort to the darkest of rooms, Jesus' light comforts in this world darkened by sin. Let's listen to Pastor Schone as he shares God's Word from Isaiah 8:19-:9:4 "A Great LIght Shines in the Land of Darkness"
How does seeing the Lamb of God change us? John the Baptist was in awe and pointed his followers to Jesus. Isn't that what happens for us too? We see Jesus and can't help but point others to Jesus. We do it out of joy. Let's listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's message from John 1:29-41
Just a couple of weeks after Christmas God reminds us why we celebrate it. Not just the birth of a baby in a difficult situation, but the birth of the exact child that we needed. He would grow up to be our Savior, the only one who could save us and rescue us from our sins. Let's listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's message from Matthew 3:13-17 "Jesus Had What It Took to be our Savior"
Our lives are filled with good things. It maybe doesn't always feel that way, especially if we are looking back at a rough year or an unknown future. But despite the struggles and troubles in our lives, as Christians we rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.Let's spend some time in God's Word together as we listen to Pastor Schone share the message from Isaiah 63:7-9. "I Will Tell of the Kindness of the Lord"
This Sunday Pastor Brown shares with us God's Word from Matthew 1:18-25. We are reminded of how God has kept all of his promises. This perfect fulfillment moves us to respond out of love and thanks. Let's listen to God's message."The Christmas Details"I. God's Word is fulfilledII. God's people respond
The world might have a lot of different titles for you, but only the one from Jesus matters. Today we listen to Pastor Schone as he shares God's Word from Matthew 11:2-11. Who are you? You are his healed, made perfect, and beloved child. Just as John the Baptist spread the amazing news of the coming Messiah, we also have that great message to share so that the lost can also know the one and only God.
You have been called to follow God. It doesn't matter where you came from or where our home was. We are God's chosen people and we have been called to glorify him in all that we do. Today we listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's message from ROmans 15:4-13 "Our Savior Enables Us to Glorify God in all Things"
As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, we remember the power and work of Christ. Pastor Brown shares God's Word from Colossians 1:13-20.
Jesus Holds Everything Together With His Redemption and His Rule
As we observe Last Judgment of this Sunday of the church year, we remember what that means. In Malachi 4 we hear of how God is coming to destroy all unbelievers. And yet, for all who believe, we have God's promise of peace and joy. In this sermon, Pastor Schone reminds us that we Wait for Judgment Day with patience, joy, and purpose.
In this weeks sermon from Revelation 22, Pastor Brown shares God's message of Heaven and the amazing and unequaled gift it is. Let's rejoice in the promises of God as we listen to God's Word. Revelation 22:1-5 "Thank you Lord for the Vision of Heaven 1) You alone give it; 2) You keep us focused on it"
What did Jesus come to live and die for? It was for your freedom. A freedom from the power of sin. In this Sermon Pastor Schone shares God's Word from Galatians 5:1-6 and shows us what this freedom for us has given.
Pastor Brown shares Deuteronomy 10:12-22 and how God tells us what our lives as Christians are. Life for the People of God Is: 1. First Commandment Living 2. Repentant Living 3. Thankful Living
God's promises are amazing. In a world full of uncertainty and struggle we can trust that God will do everything he says. Just like Jacob who refused to let go of God during his wrestling match we, through faith, hold onto all that God tells us. Today let's listen to God's message as Pastor Schone shares Genesis 32:22-30 with us. And we continue to cling to the promise of God.
The door of the ark was opened and Noah and his family step out onto dry land. After such a long time being carried along in the safety of the "big boat", these people have every reason to give thanks and not just because they were saved from the flood waters. For that, they were grateful, but far greater was their deliverance from their sins and the power of the Devil. Noah's story is our story. Let's listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's Word from Genesis 8:15-22.
A life in Christ is a life of joyous service. With faith worked in our hearts we are moved to a duty filled life. We do it not to earn anything because God has already done it all. Instead we are motivated out of God's love. What does that look like in our lives? Pastor Brown shares God's Word from Luke 17:1-10 and shows us how Faith Delights in Duty in our lives.
What matters most? Where are our priorities? The world wants us to be focused on this life, our stuff. Social media points tells us that experiences are number one. But are these the things that really matter, or are they just a distraction to the only thing that matters? In this message, Pastor Schone brings us back to God's Word in Luke 16:19-31 to remind us that the things of this world are temporary. Life in Christ is eternal.
In this sermon Pastor Brown reminds us of how God came to rescue us wandering sheep. After he saved us, he points us to the other lost and wandering sheep and rallies us to bring them the saving message of the Gospel.
In Luke 16:1-15, Jesus shares the parable of the "Shrewd Manager" in which he teaches us where our focus should be. It's a message that is in complete contradiction to what the world says. "Think about now. What do you want right now? What can you get for yourself?" Those same thoughts run through our minds as well. But Jesus reminds us that it's not about "now" but living for the "new". In this sermon, Pastor Schone shows how Jesus' teaches us to keep our sights on the things eternal and the sure promise of heaven.
What does it mean to be a disciple? It means giving up everything for service of the Lord. As Pastor Brown shares, it's not that we have to throw away everything in our life, but rather recognizing that nothing in our life comes before our Savior. How can this be? How can I do this? Let's listen to Pastor Brown as he shares God's message and reminds us "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)
When Jesus is invited to eat at the house of an important Pharisee and sees other guests scrambling for the places of "honor", he takes the opportunity to teach us the kind of attitude that a believer will have as they face the world. In this sermon, Pastor Schone shares with us Jesus' teaching from Luke 14:1, 7-14 "The Way of a Christian In the World: 1) A Humble Attitude, 2) Unselfish Actions
When he was asked "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" Jesus taught about the importance of understanding the Narrow Door. In this Sermon, Pastor Brown reminds us of Jesus warnings to us, but also the reminder that the "door" to heaven has already been opened to us and all who believe in Jesus. Let's listen to God's message from Luke 13:22-30
In Luke 12: 13-21 Jesus warns his followers to be careful not to get caught up in the earthly trappings of this world. Greed can distract us from what truly matters, but thanks be to God who rescues us from all failure and points us back to what the true riches are.
Pastor Brown shares the Word with us from Luke 11:1-13 "The Lord Teaches Us to Pray, for What He Wants Us to Have And With Thanks for What We Receive." We pray as the Lord taught us, having the confidence that our God not only hears our prayers, but also responds as he knows best.
When Mary and Martha invited Jesus to their house, Martha was concerned with all of the wrong things. Mary knew what was important. In this sermon we will are reminded of the importance to listen to God's Word.
God doesn’t explain how the trinity works. He wants us to understand him on the basis of his Word and his plan of Salvation. Listen to this sermon based on John 3.
Jesus demonstrates his amazing grace as he teaches and shows his power over the devil. He continues to give you this same amazing grace through his Word and Sacraments.
Is the church just for certain people? Find out through an interaction between Jesus and a Canaanite woman.
We talk a lot about God the Father and God the Son. We don’t talk as much about the Holy Spirit. So, what does the Holy Spirit do? Listen to this sermon based on John 16:5-11.
God has perfect timing for all things, including our lives. Even though we can’t always see or feel his plan, we look up and see God’s great sacrifice of his own Son to redeem us. Despite the unforeseen hardships of today, take joy in knowing we are redeemed children of God. This is God’s ultimate … See What God Wants for His People (Isaiah 63:7-9) Read More »
What do you know about life or death? For most of us, death is scary. We want to avoid it at all costs. As Christians, we know that our death is not the end. We have heaven waiting. The Apostle Paul teaches us how Christ changes our view of life and of death. Listen to … Christians Know About Life and Death (Philippians 1:18b-26): Read More »
Jesus' parents had a scare. They had lost their son. They searched for him everywhere. We, too, can find ourselves searching for Jesus. Listen to this sermon based on Luke 2:42-51 as we search and find our Savior.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Luke 24:13-35
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" 18They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19"What things?" he asked. 20"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
JESUS’ DISCIPLES ARE FREE I. Because of the truth II. Free from real bondage III. Free indeed!