Palos Lutheran Church: Recent Episodes
Colin Rieke
Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to march victorious around the world! Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. This raises an important question. If God now reveals himself by his Spirit, where is the Holy Spirit found? God has not left the answer to that question in doubt. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, he indicated that his work would be connected to words, specifically God's Word. As a result, we need never wonder where we can find the Spirit. He marches victorious through the Word.
When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ's ascension. The words "He ascended into heaven" are found in all three ecumenical creeds which we use to confess our faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year on which this event takes center stage. This is for good reason. Jesus' ascension marked the fact that his work was complete. Never again will a sacrifice for sin need to be made. However, Jesus' ascension also marks that his work is just beginning. Through the Church Jesus now proclaims forgiveness throughout the world. The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than a product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers us a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance; it's a product of Easter. Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus' tomb. Forgiveness, life, and glory came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life's highs and the lowest of life's lows. It is a joy that can never be taken from us
The disciples argued among themselves about who was "greatest" (Luke 22:24). We are not immune from such hubris. Sinful man is entirely self-focused. We often try and prove our goodness by comparing ourselves to others. You see this sense of superiority in the way we prioritize life, typically putting our wants ahead of others. Easter ends this focus on self. Right now, we know we have value, not because of the greatness of our actions, but because of the great things Christ did to save. We also know a resurrection to glory is in our future. Easter helps us avoid the trap of self-glorification and opens our eyes to a more excellent way: selfless love. Christ did not glorify himself, but selflessly did everything for the benefit of others. This week, he promises to be our inexhaustible power supply that we might also put selfless love into practice.
The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in his Word that he cares for you dearly... that he would do anything for you. How do you know you can trust him? Jesus followed up his words with works. Jesus said he would suffer and die for you, so that you might enter Paradise. He fulfilled that promise. Jesus words are followed by works. He once illustrated that point in a striking metaphor, that of the Good Shepherd. All shepherds use words, calling to the sheep hoping they will follow. What sets the Good Shepherd apart is the fact that his words are followed by his works, including his willingness to lay down his life. Every word our Good Shepherd speaks to us is trustworthy!
The good news of the risen Christ is bigger than a single day. The Easter gospel will continue to march across centuries and continents. However, there will always be forces that try to slow that march. Those forces could be self-inflected fears and doubts. They could be various types of persecutions. Whatever the case, the good news of Easter will not be restrained. For it is not some myth or fable, not a hoax or conspiracy. The reality of Easter rests on the testimony of eyewitnesses. Therefore, the gospel cannot be boxed in any more than Christ could be put back in a tomb. Many may try and restrain the good news of Christ. But the march of the Church's witness will never slow down.
Easter Sunday sermon at Palos Lutheran Church, Palos Heights, IL. Sermon message on 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.
God the Father sent his Son into the world knowing that the world would reject the Son. The cornerstone of the Church would be the One the religious experts rejected.
We assume people get what they deserve. We assume what goes around comes around. We assume God helps those who helps themselves. And all those assumptions must be crushed. Got does not operate on the principle of merit but of grace. Like gravity, grace is a constant force at work in how God deals with us and how he wants us to deal with others. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace. God never turns it off. When the weight of our sin makes us fearful of God's condemnation, he reveals his grace yet again.
Where is God? This is one of human beings' most frequently-asked and incorrectly-answered questions. We are tempted to believe that evidence of God's presence is found in outward circumstances. We equate good fortune with God's favor and bad fortune with his judgment. So, as long as nothing terrible is happening, God must not be too angry with us, right? We are free to go on sinning. Such foolish assumptions must be crushed. Therefore, God must constantly remind us where he intends to be found—in the gospel. He makes himself present in Word and sacraments. Because he is always present, we realize the urgent need to turn away from the sin he despises. Because his presence is graciously hidden, we are drawn to him for forgiveness rather than driven away from him in fear
Last week we talked about temptation. This week we see what is at the center of every temptation: a promise of a shortcut to glory. Even in a world as sharply divided as ours, there is near universal agreement that the preferred path to glory is the shortest and easiest. To walk the path our Savior puts us on, one on which the cross comes before the crown, puts us out of step with the world. Thankfully, the determination required to walk this path starts with our Savior and not with us. Because of his determination, we are offered a glory far superior to anything the world can offer.
It was a custom known as "battle by champion." Two opposing armies would each send out their best warrior to fight each other. That is what we see this week. The demons send their champion: Satan. Humanity's best warrior, Jesus Christ, steps forward to meet him. In this fight he does not use his divine power. He uses the same weapon we have, God's Word. Because Christ fought the battle against Satan as one of us, he won that battle for all of us. Jesus is our perfect substitute. Even as the devil still seethes in rage against us, we can face him and his temptations unafraid, confident that our champion has already won the victory.
This Lent, our life in Christ will be strengthened as we hear the witness of those who were present as part of Jesus' journey to the cross. Along the way, we'll meet villains, such as Barabbas, and Pontius Pilate; sinners, such as Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Judas Iscariot; as well as others. We begin our Lenten journey with our attention focused on John the Baptist.
Throughout Epiphany, we have seen that God must uncover for us the truths that could not be discovered by us. As this season ends, we are presented with a twist. For God's glory to be revealed, it actually must be covered. God's glory needed to be hidden in Christ. It is hidden in the gospel. This is how God enables sinful human beings to see his glory and, rather than turning away in fear, stare at it in wonder for as long as they want. The truth God uncovers for us today: when his glory is hidden, it is most on display.
Last week we saw that the governing principles of Christ's kingdom initially seem upside down. This week we see that truth in how Christ would have us react to those who wrong us or oppose us. Jesus asks us to befriend our enemies, to love those who hate us, and to repay evil with good. Logic would say that is a recipe for being walked all over. Yet, have we not seen this tactic work? When we were Christ's enemies, he loved us to the point of death. He repays our daily evil with the daily goodness of his mercy. In doing so, he has won us for himself. Following the strategy Jesus lays out today is not a capitulation to evil. It is a means of conquering it.
When someone is new to something, there is a period of orientation. For example, when someone takes up a new game or sport, they need to first learn the rules. Likewise, when someone is a new disciple of Jesus, a period of orientation follows. It's necessary, because by nature we assume that Jesus' kingdom works the same way the world works. The truth that is uncovered this week is that the principles on which Jesus' kingdom runs are the exact opposite of the principles of the world. That which the world considers to be a blessing can often be a curse. And that which the world calls bad, God always uses for the good of those he loves
It does not surprise us that from the beginning of his ministry Jesus demonstrated his commitment to proclaiming good news of the kingdom of God, regardless of whether people rejected his message or embraced it. That was Christ's agenda, and he was committed to it. What is surprising is that, also from the beginning, Jesus demonstrated his plan to carry out this proclamation by sending others to speak on his behalf. More surprising is whom he sends, not angels, but mere human beings. In many cases, it was individuals who seemed to lack the qualifications to speak on Christ's behalf. Yet, Christ equipped and prepared them. Do you feel unqualified to tell others the good news? Then be assured, Jesus plans to use you exactly for that purpose.
Pastor Evan Chartrand guest preaching.
Last week we saw that there can be a temptation to alter the message we proclaim to avoid apparent failure and rejection. This week we see that there is also a temptation to alter the message we proclaim because of apparent success. If a church makes its central focus things like personal improvement, healing for the sick, or social justice, that church may draw a crowd. It just fails to carry out the agenda Christ has given his Church. The gospel of forgiveness is to be the center of all our preaching and teaching. The agenda for Christ's Church is set. It's the same agenda that was followed by the Church's Christ.
Is the pursuit of God and the pursuit of pleasure two separate paths? Many make that assumption—that life with Jesus is a boring, sterile experience. They are dead wrong. Jesus came to undo everything that is wrong with our world as a result of sin's curse. He also came to multiply our joy and deliver delight beyond our wildest dreams. Note that when Jesus begins to reveal his glory, it isn't by going to a hospital to cure every ailment. Instead, he starts at a local wedding, one of the greatest sources of joy in this life. The truth uncovered for us this week is that life with Jesus is not a life with less delight, but infinitely more.
When one proclaims God's Word, typically the intentions are good. We want others to know the joy of salvation and the love of Christ. Therefore, it can be surprising to us when God's Word is met with apathy or rejection by those who hear it. It's easy to conclude that when the Word of God offends human minds and hearts (including our own), something has gone wrong. The truth that is uncovered this week is that rejection of Jesus' words is not the exception but the rule. Jesus' words will always offend. However, we will see that God can use even the rejection of his Word for good.
Our sight tends to be the sense we trust most. We say we will believe something when we see it. That presents a problem when it comes to the work of God. So often what our eye sees differs from what God decrees. This is true of the life of Jesus. In the eyes of the world, he was nothing special. This is also true in the life of the Christian. To the world, the believer does not look more blessed than the unbeliever. In fact, the believer may appear to have more hardships as the devil and his allies attempt to destroy him. So, to assure his children, God connects his grace, power, and blessing to something we can see—a visible sign: the anointing of baptism.
The twelve days of Christmas are over. Likewise, our worship series—What Child Is This—comes to an end today with the Festival of the Epiphany, a celebration of the first time non-Jewish believers worshiped the newborn Savior. They were guided by a special light in the sky to a child who would be a light for all people. We live in a world where sin can divide people along so many lines: ethnicity and race, rich and poor, red states and blue states, etc. The only dividing line Jesus cares about is the one that separated sinful mankind from a holy God. By his death and resurrection, he removed that line and united all believers into one kingdom. For that, we offer him our finest gifts
The Lord had told Moses, "No one may see me and live." If sinners cannot even bear to look upon the glory of God, then they certainly could not hope to live with God in the glory of heaven. So, on that first Christmas, God chose to hide his glory under flesh. What child is this? It is God and man in one person, exactly what the human race needed to deliver it from its enemies of sin, death, and Satan. Christmas Day serves up the deep stuff of Christmas: the miracle and mystery of the incarnation.
This Christmas Eve, an angel answers that question. "A savior has been born to you." It is a stunning statement, for two reasons. First, this child looks nothing like what we would expect in a hero-savior. This child is weak, helpless, and mired in poverty. Second, he has come to bring salvation "to you." It is a salvation we all need desperately. It was God's gift to us, given on that first Christmas Eve.
Last week we saw that the Lord sends mesengers to call us to repentance. This week we learn that those who refuse to heed that call to humble themselves will be humbled anyway. The Lord who once came near in flesh and now comes near in Word and sacrament will one day come near with consuming fire and judgment. The Lord will humble his enemies. This truth does two important things. First, it adds urgency to God's Advent call to repentance. Second, it gives us comfort when we, as God's people, experience opposition from the world. Those who oppress and harm God's people will face justice.
People tend to feel a lot of pressure this time of year. We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with the thoughfulness of our gifts. What a welcome relief, therefore, to hear what is required to meet the Lord: only repentance. You see, Jesus is not someone we need to impress with our good works. Indeed, repentance is the opposite of work. Repentance is the humble admission of our sin combined with the joyful trust that everything needed to bring us close to God has already been done by him. Sermon is from Luke 3:1-6
What would it be like to meet God? We know he is almighty and holy. He loathes sin. No wonder that when God appears to his Old Testament people, their first response is typically terror. But when Jesus Christ came into our world, he hid his glory and power. He humbled himself so that sinners would be drawn to him rather than driven away in fear.
Sometimes it's hard to be thankful. We know we can be thankful for the blessings in our life, but what about the sorrows? Sometimes it's hard to be thankful. Tonight, we hear the Apostle Paul's secret to being thankful in all circumstances. The sermon is taken from Philippians 4:10-13.
What do Ramesses II, Alexander the Great, & Genghis Kahn have in common? Besides being great rulers in their time, all of them are dead. The same can be said for every other ruler out there...except one. The one we call Christ the King. Listen to Pastor Rieke remind us what Christ accomplished as king, and why that can give us grace and peace. The sermon is taken from Revelation 1:4-8.
Ben Franklin once said, the only sure things in life are death and taxes. Today in our sermon, Pastor Rieke reminds us of not one, not two, but four certainties there are in this life. These certainties don't come from our observations of the world around us, but from the absolutely reliable Word of God. The sermon message is from Hebrews 9:24-28.
504 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis (or discussion points) on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, which was the spark that started the Lutheran Reformation. But the Reformation is more than a splitting of Christian denominations, but a reminder of the reformation that needs to go on in our hearts daily. Using a pottery object lesson from Jeremiah 18, Pastor Rieke reminds us of the potter's greatest desire.
Jesus says that the way of a Christian is different. It's not that Christians should act different, it's that Christians do act different. Listen to Pastor Rieke's sermon describing this difference in how we view the world when it comes to glory and when it comes to service. Sermon is taken from Mark 10:35-45.
Why does the Bible talk so much about money? It's not because God needs your money. It's not because the Church needs your money. It's because God knows how easily money can become an idol in our life. In Pastor Rieke's sermon from 2 Kings 5, he shows us God's power to transform a greed for material wealth into a greed for spiritual wealth.
Why think about other's before yourself? Why should wives submit to their husbands? Why should husbands love their wives like Christ loved the church? Why should children obey their parents? Why should parents not exasperate their children? We see the reason why in Ephesians 5. Because Christ gave himself up for us.
God's gifts are so generous to people. Yet, how often do we rejoice in the blessings of others, compared to envying those blessings? In Pastor Rieke's sermon this week, he reminds us that envy has been around a long time, and he also reminds us of God's solution to envy. This sermon is taken from Mark 9:38-50)
There's a little part of every one of us that wants to be great, and not only great, but greater than others, perhaps even the best. Pastor Rieke in his sermon calls out this flawed view of greatness, and encourages us to focus on the greatness that Jesus has in mind. Greatness that he himself demonstrated for us. This sermon is based on Mark 9:30-37.
This sermon was recorded on Monday due to the technical difficulties Pastor Rieke mentioned at the beginning of the video.
Pastor Turriff guest preaches for our 75th Anniversary on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Sermon is based on Deuteronomy 11.
So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.” It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls. We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world. And in Jesus we get all of those things.
So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.” It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls. We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world. And in Jesus we get all of those things. In the month of August we will hear about how Jesus satisfies every need as our Bread of Life.
So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.” It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls. We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world. And in Jesus we get all of those things. In the month of August we will hear about how Jesus satisfies every need as our Bread of Life.
So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.” It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls.
We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world. In Jesus we get all of those things.
In the month of August we will hear about how Jesus satisfies every need as our Bread of Life.
So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.”
It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls. We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world. And in Jesus we get all of those things. In the month of August we will hear about how Jesus satisfies every need as our Bread of Life.
What would it be like to see God with your own eyes? We’re told in the Bible, that as sinful people, we cannot look upon the face of the holy God and live. But we are given several instances in the Bible of God showing off a tiny bit of his glory. This is aptly called the glory of God. Starting this weekend, we will look at five instances of God showing us a tiny glimpse of who he is. Be sure to join us as we get a glimpse at the face of God. Sermon is taken from Revelation 19:11-16
What would it be like to see God with your own eyes? We’re told in the Bible, that as sinful people, we cannot look upon the face of the holy God and live. But we are given several instances in the Bible of God showing off a tiny bit of his glory. This is aptly called the glory of God. Starting this weekend, we will look at five instances of God showing us a tiny glimpse of who he is. Be sure to join us as we get a glimpse at the face of God. Sermon is taken from Acts 2:1-12.
What would it be like to see God with your own eyes? We’re told in the Bible, that as sinful people, we cannot look upon the face of the holy God and live. But we are given several instances in the Bible of God showing off a tiny bit of his glory. This is aptly called the glory of God. Starting this weekend, we will look at five instances of God showing us a tiny glimpse of who he is. Be sure to join us as we get a glimpse at the face of God. Sermon is taken from 1 Kings 8:1-11.
What would it be like to see God with your own eyes? We’re told in the Bible, that as sinful people, we cannot look upon the face of the holy God and live. But we are given several instances in the Bible of God showing off a tiny bit of his glory. This is aptly called the glory of God. Starting this weekend, we will look at five instances of God showing us a tiny glimpse of who he is. Be sure to join us as we get a glimpse at the face of God. Sermon is from Exodus 3:1-15
What would it be like to see God with your own eyes? We’re told in the Bible, that as sinful people, we cannot look upon the face of the holy God and live. But we are given several instances in the Bible of God showing off a tiny bit of his glory. This is aptly called the glory of God. Starting this weekend, we will look at five instances of God showing us a tiny glimpse of who he is. Be sure to join us as we get a glimpse at the face of God.
"Where are you?" Would you be afraid if God asked you that question? Listen to Pastor Rieke's sermon about the first time God asked that question to Adam and Eve. Pastor Rieke reminds us how our sinful nature wants to hide from God, but because of God's promise, we no longer need to be afraid. Sermon is based on Genesis 3:8-15.
We all know the value of a good night's rest. But what about a good spiritual rest? In some of Moses' final words to the Israelites, he reminds them of the rest they have as they gather among God's people around his Word. That same rest is ours when we come to worship. This sermon is taken from Deuteronomy 5:12-15.
How many times do we see the Trinity in our worship services? It's quite frequently. The reason for that is important. The better we know God, the better we can share God. One of God's characteristics that is clear throughout the Bible is his holiness. Listen to Pastor Rieke share what God's holiness means for us. This sermon is taken from Isaiah 6:1-8.
On the day we celebrate Pentecost, we turn to the book of Ezekiel to see what Pentecost was all about - bringing life from death. Ezekiel's trip through a valley of dry bones is a good reminder of what we all are by nature, and what God can do - bring to life what was dead. Sermon is taken from Ezekiel 37:1-14.
When was the last time you walked into church and thought: "Wow, I'm in a powerful place, with powerful people, doing powerful things?" But that's exactly what the church is - because of Jesus & his ascension. Listen to Pastor Rieke talk about the unfathomable power of Jesus, and as a result also of his church.
There are many definitions of love in this world. There are many different places people look for love. But there is only one genuine love. John tells us "God Is Love." Listen to Pastor Rieke explain what it means to know all you need is love. Sermon is taken from 1 John 4.13-21.
We continue our series in 1 John and are reminded that God is greater. God is greater than our sins, than our problems, than our worries, than our feelings. God is greater than all of these, because his love is greater. If you have been blessed by this ministry, please consider giving an offering through our website: paloslutheran.org/online-giving.
The 4th Sunday of Easter is typically called Good Shepherd Sunday, where we remember not only our need for a Good Shepherd, but also how Jesus fulfills that need. Today, Pastor Terry Schultz fills in for Pastor Rieke and reminds us of the Good Shepherd's love with the retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal (or Lost) Son.
This weekend is a little bit different than most, after Pastor Rieke tested positive for Covid-19. But he was feeling well enough to record a sermon from 1 John 1:1-2:2 about what it means to have complete joy.
It’s been said the distance between your head and your heart is the longest distance you can travel. It’s the difference between knowing something and believing something. It’s the difference between heaven and hell. The demons know there is a God and shudder.
This Easter season, by the grace of God, we will make that longest journey from what we know in our heads, to what we believe in our hearts. To not only know what the Bible says, but to know by experience what the Bible says is true. So That You May Know…that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Did God raise Jesus from the dead? It's the all important question that we answer on Easter. Thanks be to God that he did raise Jesus from the dead. This is not only good for Jesus, but good for us as well, as we have God's promise that we will rise from the dead too. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
What about this day makes it be called "good?" It was our Savior taking our place under God's wrath. In our Good Friday service, we are reminded of Jesus' nail-pierced hands, and his words from the cross.
On Maundy Thursday, we remember when Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. But before he did that, he gave his disciples a new command. The command to love in the way he loved them. He demonstrated this with hands of humility when he washed his disciples' feet. This sermon is taken from John 13.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He did this despite of the religious leader's warrant for his arrest. He did it despite his disciples' concern for his safety. He came to Jerusalem on his own terms. Because his own terms were the only terms that could remove the punishment of sin, and the condemnation of death. Sermon is taken from Mark 11:1-10.
Did you know that Jesus was troubled? As Jesus was steeling himself for everything that was to come during Holy Week, he was troubled. But he didn't let this trouble overwhelm him, instead he turned to God. He remembered his purpose - us. Because of this, we know it's OK to be troubled, but it's not OK to worry. God loves us, and walks with us through our troubles.
What can a snake teach us about suffering and salvation. This is what Jesus talked to a Pharisee named Nicodemus. This is the background of the most famous verse of the Bible (John 3:16). Sermon is taken from John 3:14-21.
In our Lenten service today, we see a clear distinction between God's Law and God's gospel. God's law has the power to change actions, but not hearts. It's only God's gospel that can change hearts. God's law makes us aware of our sins, God's gospel makes us aware of God's forgiveness.
The season of Lent is a focus on the sufferings of Jesus. Jesus suffered on the cross to save us. Today, we also focus on the suffering that Jesus calls for Christians to go through as a result of being a Christian. Hear Pastor Rieke explain what it means to be part of Crosses Incorporated. The sermon message is based on Mark 8:31-38.
When we consider Jesus and the people around him in his Passion, we can’t help but think of their hands – the hands that beat their breast, accepted money for betrayal, petulantly swung swords, pointed in accusation, beat and disavowed, praise, washed, were pierced, and offered eternal life. In short, we can’t help but think about how we sinners have had the same sinful hands of those who surrounded Jesus in his Passion, and how Jesus our Savior has touched us with his hands of grace.
For over 1,000 years, Christians have been hearing about the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness on the first Sunday in Lent. This is one way that God suffers with and for us. He makes our temptations, his temptations, and he makes his victory, our victory. Sermon text is Mark 1:12-15
When we consider Jesus and the people around him in his Passion, we can’t help but think of their hands – the hands that beat their breast, accepted money for betrayal, petulantly swung swords, pointed in accusation, beat and disavowed, praise, washed, were pierced, and offered eternal life. In short, we can’t help but think about how we sinners have had the same sinful hands of those who surrounded Jesus in his Passion, and how Jesus our Savior has touched us with his hands of grace.
February 14, 2021 is not only Valentine's Day, but it is also Transfiguration Sunday. It was on this day that we remember when Jesus was Transfigured (or changed) before the eyes of the disciples. It was an amazing sight that we see how eager Christ is to save us, and how eager he is for us to follow him. Sermon message is from Mark 9:2-9
Jesus is not just the Savior of the world, he is my Savior personally. Jesus shows this in how he cares for people individually. Sometimes I may not always understand why he allows certain things to happen in my life, but I can trust him that he is ultimately caring about my spiritual health. Sermon message is taken from Mark 1:29-39.
We live in a world that is craving for attention. Who do we follow and why? Why should we follow Jesus, especially if it's a message that's like any other message? Listen to Pastor Rieke share how Jesus and his message are not like any other message, and he IS worth following. This message is taken from Mark 1:21-28.
Pastor Bergemann from Good Shepherd in Downer's Grove shares a message from God's Word this morning (John 1:43-51)
When Jesus called his first disciples, he didn't call the best and the brightest students. But that was done purposely. God would use those disciples, warts and all, to spread the gospel. Jesus has called us too, warts and all, to follow him, not just one day a week, but throughout our lives. The sermon is taken from Mark 1:14-20.
What is important? People answer that question any number of ways. There are some things that are important to individuals, and there are some things that are important regardless of what people think. Sometimes the only way we know something is important is by being told it is important. Listen to Pastor Rieke explain why Jesus' baptism is important, even though it happened 2,000 years ago. This sermon was preached on January 10, 2021 at Palos Lutheran Church.
How strange would it sound to say, "Jesus is only the American Savior." The festival of Epiphany (officially on January 6), reminds us how strange that sounds. Jesus is not just the Savior of a particular race, nation or people group. He's the Savior of the World. This is revealed in the Wise Men coming to worship Jesus.
There were two miracles that happened with Christmas. First - God became man to be our Savior, Second - God revealed this miracle to us so we could live with him as lord over our life. This is what makes our God different than worthless idols.
2020 might be seen by many as a disappointment. But when we look in the manger, we don't need to be disappointed. Because in the manger, God has given us not just a baby - but his own Son. He gave up his Son for you! Listen to Pastor Rieke describe why this is the greatest gift. This sermon is based on Romans 8:32.
How much do you like being in control? Whether it's controlling your kids, controlling the vehicle you drive, or controlling the image you display to the world, we quickly realize that we can't control everything. Listen to Pastor Rieke explain why we need to let go of control, and why we can trust God to be in control. This message is taken from Proverbs 3:5-6.
We all know what it's like to work, hang out, or be family to a bitter person. A person that constantly gripes and complains about everything. But this service is not for them. It's for you. Because bitterness is a sin that is so difficult to recognize in ourselves. Listen to Pastor Rieke explain why we have no reason to be bitter.
It's easy to become distracted, especially at this time of year. Sometimes we even welcome these distractions. But what would happen if you could let go of your distractions? Why would you want to let go of your distractions? Hear Pastor Rieke share why it's important to let go of your distractions in this sermon from Proverbs 4:25-27 preached on December 6, 2020.
Do you have too much stuff? Whether it be physical, emotional, or even spiritual, Pastor Rieke reminds us to practice "one handful living." Better is one hand with tranquility, than two hands with turmoil (Ecclesiastes 4:6). This is the first in our series of Traveling Light, as we prepare for Christmas.