The Joshua Victor Theory: Recent Episodes
Joshua Schneider
Sermon on Joshua 3:1-17, for the Baptism of our Lord, about how the crossing of the Jordan foreshadows baptism. How does God show He is “with us in the waters?” See Isaiah 43:1-2. What did this miraculous sign reveal? How does it compare/contrast to other miracles with water? What are our assurances for daily life with Christ Jesus?
Sermon on Luke 2:33-40, for the 1st Sunday after Christmas, about the blessings that aged Simeon and Anna gave to Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, at His presentation and naming in the Temple. How are age and youth portrayed positively side by side? What is the meaning of Simeon’s last prophecy to Mary? What is the significance of Simeon’s prophecy and its fulfillment in the life of Jesus? What particular example does Anna set for us?
Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25, for Christmas Day, about how Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth focuses on how God directed Joseph’s decisions and actions to “follow God’s lead.” Who else benefitted from listening to God’s direction in the Christmas story, and how where they and also us blessed by it? How does our “reason and senses” often misread or misunderstand a situation, or make us doubt that God is really in control, and knows best? How can we benefit by taking all things to God in prayer, and following God’s lead?
Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 and Hebrews 1:1-6, for Christmas Eve, about how angels in the Christmas story and throughout Scripture direct us to Jesus and to worship Him. What glory of Jesus do they reveal to us, and how is His glory and kingship hidden from earthly eyes, but revealed to those who have faith?
Sermon on Psalm 96 for Advent 4 Midweek, preached by Pastor Paul Roschke. A sermon about the unexpected presentation of judgment and joy side by side in this Psalm, about the Advent of our Savior and how He comes and serves us, and about the new song of praise we sing to Jesus.
Sermon on Isaiah 40:1-8, for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, about the Double Comfort spoken by Isaiah the prophet–who receives it, who refuses it, and what the messenger in the wilderness is doing. What are the obstacles to God’s entry? Why is God entering, and what is the significance of the doubling of comfort, punishment, or other doublings in various passages?
Sermon on Psalm 24 for Advent 3 Midweek service, about the questions raised in this Psalm. Who can ascend the Lord’s hill and stand in His holy place? Who is the King of Glory? Who follows in His train? How do we acquire clean hands and a pure heart, and what other blessings come with it?
Sermon on Luke 21:25-36, for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, about Jesus’ last public teaching (as recorded by Luke) about the end times and the Son of Man’s return in glory. How are faithful believers to respond to the fear and foreboding of the signs of the end? Why is their response so different? Why is being on our knees a position of strength, not weakness? How do we have strength to stand?
Sermon on Psalm 103, for Advent Midweek 2, about the goodness and health of praising God, and how God knows us, our frame, and our weakness intimately, and pours out His benefits on us generously.
Sermon on Jeremiah 23:5-8, for the 1st Sunday in Advent, about Jeremiah’s prophecy in dark days, of a coming Righteous and wise king in the line of David–The Rigtheous Branch, and The LORD our Righteousness. What do these titles tell us about the Messiah? What spiritual crisis did the Babylonian Captivity create for Israel? How did God uphold his promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16? What did the crowds on Palm Sunday see, and why does this reading show up every first Advent? How does YHWH’s rigtheousness become ours?
Sermon on Psalm 42, for Advent 1 Midweek, about this Psalm of individual lament, and how it expresses the storms and griefs of the soul, while trusting in God through the dark times. What role had the Psalmist had, and how did that color his present sadness? What is the basis of his hope? What imagery describes the sadness of his heart? How can we weather such storms?
- We had a wonderful service of Evening Prayer, at which I preached this message, and we sang many beautiful variations of Psalm 42 and hymns inspired by it or echoing themes of it. Our sermon hymn was “As the Hart” by Dewey Westra, from the Genevan Psalter, and we also sang “When Peace Like a River” (It is Well with my Soul), and “The Night Will Soon Be Ending”. I wish I had made a recording to share with you the beauty of the singing! Truly stirring, with rich words of Scripture as the foundation.
Sermon on Matthew 25:1-13, for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the Parable of the Virgins. What does this tell us about the waiting for Christ’s return, and how people respond differently to it? Why are some wise, and others foolish? What is the same and what’s different about them both? What does the oil represent? How are we filled with oil to be ready? Why do we normally encourage preparation, but often forget about it in spiritual things?
Two new episodes today! Check out both– other is Thanksgiving sermon on Psalm 95.
Sermon on Psalm 95, for Thanksgiving Eve service. We sang the Venite–the liturgical treasure of the church that is the versification of Psalm 95:1-7, and reflected on why and how we “come into God’s presence with thanksgiving.” How does the historical reference of this Psalm (see Exodus 17 and Hebrews 3-4) contrast the attitude of grumbling and of thanksgiving? How does the Psalm picture God’s control of creation?
Two new episodes today! Check out both!
Sermon on Proverbs 8:11-22, for the 23rd Sunday after Trinity, about how Christ is the Wisdom of God, how Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8, and how the pursuit of earthly, practical wisdom relates to the higher pursuit of Christ as the Wisdom of God. How is Wisdom woven into creation? What did God delight in Wisdom and in His creation?
Sermon on Matthew 18:21-35, for the 22nd Sunday after Trinity (1 YR lectionary), about Peter’s question to Jesus about forgiveness, and the parable of the unforgiving servant. What are the dimensions of forgiveness? Does forgiveness mean ignoring injustice? How can the Christian have a two fold response to injustice and evil committed against them? Our prayers are with the victims of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. How is Christ the model for forgiveness? What must we do if unforgiveness has a root in our hearts? What is Jesus’ response to evil?
Sermon on Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth”, for All Saints’ Day. What does it mean to be meek? Is meekness weakness, or something else? How was Christ meek, and how are we to be meek? What are the promises to the meek, and where are they rooted in the Old Testament? What is indicated about the future “new heavens and new earth?”
Sermon on Romans 3:19-28, for Reformation Day. Soli Deo Gloria–To God Alone Be Glory! A celebration of the blessings of God’s blessings to Emmanuel Lutheran Church at our 50th anniversary, and 500 years of the worldwide ringing out of the joyful Gospel of freedom in Christ Jesus. Why does the Gospel leave us no grounds for boasting? What does some of the theological language of Romans 3 mean, and why was “justification by faith” the issue that Martin Luther said the church stands or falls on? What is the difference in the place that good works have, in Luther’s reading of Scripture, and in what was being taught by the church?
- The book of Romans as a whole, and Romans 3:19-28 in particular, was crucial to Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the Bible, as He immersed Himself in study of the Bible. This passage gives such a clear description of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus, apart from the works of the Law. Nevertheless, it has some theol [...]
Sermon on Matthew 9:1-8, on the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic. What surprises are contained in this encounter with Jesus? What is forgiveness, and what does it mean that our sins are forgiven before God? How has God given such authority to men? How does Jesus read our hearts and minds? What does He see, and how does He address it?
Sermon on Matthew 22:34-46, for the 18th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus’ teaching of the Law and the Gospel in a nutshell–what is the greatest commandment? And who is the Christ? Why is love central to the Law? What does Jesus mean that the Law and the Prophets depend (lit. “hang”) on these two commands? What did the Pharisees refuse to see? What does Psalm 110:1 mean?
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Sermon on Luke 14:1-6, for the 17th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus’ confrontations with the Pharisees about the Sabbath commandment, and what is and isn’t lawful to do on the Sabbath Day. How do we avoid the legalisms of the Pharisees while also obeying the Spirit of the law, and finding physical and spiritual rest? What is the disconnect between the problem Jesus faced with the Pharisees, and our own use of the Sabbath? What changed from Old Testament to New, that we worship on Sunday now? What refreshment does the Lord of the Sabbath bring us?
Sermon on Ephesians 3:13-21, for the 16th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr Lectionary), about Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, and how it illustrates the exceeding grace and love of Christ Jesus. How do we often ignore or pass by glory? How can it be recognized and seen? What is the glory of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus?
Sermon on Matthew 6:24-34, from the Sermon on the Mount, for the 15th Sunday after Trinity (1 YR lectionary), about who is our master–God, or money. What demands does money make, if it is our master? What does it give us? What does it take from us? How does worry factor in? How is Jesus a better master in every way? What does He give us in return? Where is God’s kingdom and righteousness to be found?
Sermon on Luke 17:11-19, for the 14th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus’ healing ten lepers, and the one Samaritan who returned to give thanks. What does Jesus imply about the nature of the healing(s) received when he says, “Rise and go, your faith has made you well?” What makes for our wellness? What do we learn from the darker chapters of history, in seeing both the evils and suffering, but also the shining examples of compassion and sacrifice? Why did Jesus enter human history? How did He change it? What is the nature of worship, and why we do it?
Sermon on Luke 10:23-37 (with references to Galatians 3), for the 13th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr Lectionary), about Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. What was the teacher of the law trying to learn from Jesus? How was he trying to use the law in a way for which it had not been given? What does the parable teach us about who is our neighbor? What characterizes the actions of the Good Samaritan, and who is the best description of that care? How are we enabled to love our neighbor, not for justifying ourselves, but out of a new definition of who we are? How do we inherit eternal life?
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:4-11, for the 12th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr. Lectionary), about how Paul’s ministry to the Corinthians, what it means to be “letters written on human hearts” and the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. Why does the “letter kill” but the “spirit gives life?” Is the law of God a bad thing, since Paul describes it negatively here? What is the difference about the Gospel message? How are we made alive?
Sermon on Genesis 4:1-15, for the 11th Sunday after Trinity, (1 Year Lectionary), about Cain and Abel. Why did he kill his brother? What were some of the “firsts” (good and bad) in Genesis? What “new impulse” did Adam and Eve gain (in Genesis 3)? What is true and false about the idea of being “my brother’s keeper”? What were Adam and Eve hoping for when their son Cain was born? How did Jesus fulfill the role that Cain never did? What is unusual about 4:1?
Sermon on Luke 19:41-48, for the 10th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem after entering on Palm Sunday. What does Jesus mean about them rejecting the “things that make for peace” and not knowing “the time of their visitation?” What is the peace of Jesus? What kind of “visitation” is still to come? How do we show that we don’t know the things that make for peace, and what brings peace even today?
Sermon on 2 Samuel 22:26-34 (Psalm 18:25-33), for the 9th Sunday after Trinity, about how God is merciful, blameless, and pure, and wants us to reflect these qualities in our life, and why God appears “torturous” to the crooked. How does this fit into David’s own life? How did he make his way “crooked” and find God to be “torturous”? How does God rescue us from crooked paths and crooked hearts? Who is, and where can you find a “blameless man” or “upright hero?”
Sermon on Matthew 7:15-23, for the 8th Sunday after Trinity, about false prophets and their deceptions. How does this piece of the Sermon on the Mount fit into the bigger picture, as the “exit” of the sermon? What are the dangers and pitfalls that surround discipleship? How does a false prophet reveal himself? How do disciples learn to know the true Christ, so as not to be taken in by frauds and imposters? Who will enter the kingdom of heaven, and how?
Sermon on Genesis 2:7-17, for the 7th Sunday after Trinity, about the creation of Adam, who we are as humans, and what God’s original good purposes were for mankind. What image do we bear now? (1 Corinthians 15). What does this passage foreshadow about the Fall into sin? What’s the passage illustrate about work? Stewardship? How does the knowledge of evil affect us? What is significant about how it did not affect Jesus? How will we bear the “image of the man of heaven?”
Sermon on the Ten Commandments, for the 6th Sunday after Trinity, 1 Year Lectionary, about how disobeying the commandments goes against our own interest. But what is our greatest problem when we have broken them? What “house” did Israel leave, before God gave them the Ten Commandments? What “house” did God intend for them to live in? Who is the “Father of the house”, and how does He grant entry or reentry? What is the relationship of Jesus to the Ten Commandments, and the relation of the Christian towards the commandments, both before and after salvation?
I have also written a hymn for the Ten Commandments that is a paraphrase of the Small Catechism. It can be sung to a variety of tunes on the meter 87 87 D
God the Lord brought you from Egypt
Text: paraphrase of the Small Catechism by Joshua V. Schneider
Meter: 87 87 D
Suggested Tune: Joyous Light, LSB 932
[...]
Sermon on Luke 5:1-11, for the 5th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr. Lectionary), about the call of Peter, the miracle catch of fish, the call to discipleship, and Peter’s unworthiness. How does Jesus come to us in our sin? What use does He have for our gifts? Why does He ask for our help? How do we react like Peter to the Lord’s commands?
I also have composed a hymn to accompany this passage, printed below:
Into a Net that Christ Prepares
Text: Joshua V. Schneider
Meter: CM (86 86)
Melody: MCKEE (LSB 653 In Christ there is No East or West)
Into a Net that Christ Prepares
A world of sinners swim
His Gospel promises He shares
And whole, encircles them.
Though nets may strain, they will not break
His church, it firm shall stand,
For this confession it shall make:
“Christ is Living God and Man!”
Before His holine [...]
Sermon on Luke 6:36-42, for the 4th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus’ teaching on mercy and forgiveness, and how we are not to judge or condemn. What does the parable about the blind man and the log and the speck mean? What is the hypocrisy we are so prone to? How do we become merciful after the example of our Father and Jesus our Teacher? What is the positive side of our responsibility to help restore and lead others away from sin? How is this different from judging or condemning?
Sermon on Luke 1:39-45, the Visitation (1 Year Lectionary), about the visit of the pregnant Virgin Mary to the pregnant Elizabeth, and the joy and the movement of the Holy Spirit that occurred on that encounter. What does this teach us about preborn infants and their relation to the Holy Spirit? What does it show about the presence of Jesus, as it relates to faith, the Spirit, and joy? In both the people in the story, and in us today? What is the core essence of faith? When do humans become “spiritual vessels”, capable of receiving the Holy Spirit and His action upon us?
A Sermon on Psalm 119:46 & Psalm 46:1-3, 7, which is the Introit for the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (June 25, 1530). This is a sermon about confessing God’s Word and Truth before kings, as the German princes boldly did, and how confession and unity in the church comes from a deep confidence in and love for God’s Word. A brief history of the presentation, and reflection on how they were living out the confidence in God and His Word that is expressed in these Psalm verses. How radical was their trust in God? What did the princes have in common with many before them who confessed the faith at risk to their lives and safety? What is the foundation of the Christian church, and what does that mean over against it’s enemies?
Sermon on 1 John 4:16-21, for the 1st Sunday after Trinity (1 Year lectionary), by guest preacher Pastor Stephen Becker of Greenhaven Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA. A sermon about what it means that God is Love, and His command for us to love one another as He loves us. What is the nature of love? Is it an attitude or feeling? What does it require of us?
Sermon on Isaiah 6:1-7, for Trinity Sunday, 1 Year Lectionary, about Isaiah’s terrifying encounter with the Holiness of the Living God, and how God mercifully intervened to atone for the sins of Isaiah. What existential crisis faced Isaiah, Israel, and faces us? How does God resolve this, in light of His holiness? What does the image of fire relate to us concerning God’s holiness?
Sermon on Genesis 11:1-9 & Acts 2:1-21, for Pentecost, 1 Year Lectionary, about the contrast between the Tower of Babel and the miraculous Pentecost. How are these two accounts, in many ways a reversal of each other? Whose name was exalted? What was God signalling through this miracle?
Sermon on Ezekiel 36:22-28, for the 7th Sunday of Easter (1 Year Lectionary), “Exaudi” Sunday (”Listen!”). A sermon about the grace-filled agenda that God sets in Ezekiel 36 for the restoration of holiness and honor to His Name, after it had been “profaned” by the people of Judah among the nations. What does it mean to vindicate? To profane? How do we bear God’s name for good or ill, honor or dishonor? How are we “sprinkled clean?” Given a new heart and spirit? What does this passage prove about the way that God works for His people by grace, and not for their reward?
Sermon on John 16:23-30, for the 6th Sunday of Easter (1 Yr lectionary), Rogate Sunday (Ask!). A sermon about Jesus’ promise that “whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” What does Jesus promise mean? How do we address our doubts and worries about this? What does it mean to ask in His name? How can we experience the fullness of joy that Jesus promises to deliver? What does it mean to love Jesus, and be loved by Him? Why is this a love worth dying for? Is that how we are saved?
Sermon on John 16:5-15, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Cantate (Sing!), in the 1 Year lectionary. A sermon about Jesus’ farewell discourse, His sending of the Holy Spirit, and what the “convicting” work of the Holy Spirit is about. How does the Spirit convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? Who is the “ruler of this world?” How does the Spirit of Truth speak freedom to us, through the cross of Jesus?
Sermon on Isaiah 40:25-31, for the 4th Sunday of Easter (1 Year Lectionary, Jubilate (Shout for Joy!) Sunday. A sermon about God’s conversation with His people about how He is an incomparable God (starting back in verse 9) and the immeasurable greatness of His creation and our inability to comprehend it all or to judge or advise Him. How many stars are in the universe? Why is this significant, and what does it have to do with God’s care for us? Why is it an ancient thought to think that God has forgotten us? What is His response? How does He lift us up as on eagle’s wings?
Sermon on John 10:11-16, for Misericordias Domini (Mercy of the Lord) Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Easter (1 Year Lectionary), about how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. What does the Shepherd imagery in the Bible tell us about God, us, and bad shepherds? What does it mean to be “known” by Christ as the Father knows Him?
Sermon on John 20:19-31, for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, 1 Year Lectionary, Quasimodo Geniti Sunday (”Like Newborns…”), about the resurrection appearances of Jesus to the apostles and then Thomas, and how seeing the risen Jesus with His scars helped Thomas overcome his doubts and give a great confession of the faith! What doubts and skepticism do people face todaay about the resurrection? What misunderstandings about the nature of Jesus’ resurrection does this help clear up? How do we navigate between the opposite extremes of an unrelenting skepticism (that ultimately can’t be consistently upheld), and a gullibility or naivete about faith? Where is the right middle mark, and how does faith in Jesus fulfill that?
Sermon on Job 19:23-27, for the Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday; about the resurrection faith of Job in the midst of his trials and sufferings. A faith that confessed his hope in the resurrection of the physical body and his Redeemer, who would one day stand upon the earth. What other longings did Job express that are also fulfilled in Christ Jesus? How does the book of Job answer the question of why the righteous serve God, even in the midst of suffering? Why is this sentence: “I Know that my Redeemer Lives” of such great comfort to believers?
Sermon on Philippians 2:5-11, for Palm Sunday, about the “mindset of Christ” as He chose to be a servant for our sakes, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. How do we “have this mind in ourselves, which is ours in Christ Jesus?” What is so amazing about this servant mindset of Jesus, and what He accomplished?
Sermon on John 8:46-59, for the 5th Sunday in Lent Judica (Judge) (1 Year Lectionary), about the heated confrontation between Jesus and the Jews in the temple, during the Feast of Tabernacles–leading to an escalating exchange over hearing, believing, and keeping God’s Word, and Jesus’ identity as the Divine Son of God. Prefiguring the crucifixion, and how God vindicates or judges Jesus to be innocent.
Sermon on the 4th Sunday in Lent, (1 Year lectionary), with readings from Exodus 16:2-21, Galatians 4:21-31, and John 6:1-15. This sermon was preached on Sunday, March 26, 2017, by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, the president of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We were honored to have him bring God’s Word to us, in this 50th year of our congregation’s ministry on Maui, and 500th year of the Lutheran Reformation!
Sermon on Luke 11:14-28, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent (1 year lectionary), about Jesus’ healing the demon possessed man, being accused of being in league with the devil, and how Jesus responds to these false claims. What do the mini-lessons about the strong man, and the house swept clean mean? What is the greater blessing to be sought from God’s Word? What is the “Christus Victor Theory”, and how does it relate to this passage?
Sermon on Matthew 15:21-28 for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about the Canaanite Woman who showed unforgettable faith as she pursued Jesus for the healing of her daughter. Why did Jesus seem cold to her at first? What triple lesson is there for her, the disciples and us? How does this parable influence how we deal with “outsiders” and our prejudices? What made her faith remarkable, and what was Jesus’ final response to her?
If you would like to check out my original hymn composition to go along with this reading, please visit:
http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com/2017/03/crumbs-from-my-masters-table.html
Sermon on Genesis 3:1-21 for the 1st Sunday in Lent (1 Year lectionary), about “The Fall into Sin”, or Adam and Eve’s temptation. How are their actions and response the familiar first motions of the human conscience, as affected under sin? What are the “illicit defenses or remedies” that our conscience springs to, and what is the lawful defense of the conscience that Christ bestows on us? How do we deal with conscience troubles?
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 13, “The Great Love Chapter”, for Quinquagesima Sunday (approximately 50 days till Easter, in the 1 year lectionary). What does this chapter teach us about love? Do we have this love? Who does? How do we get this love in our lives? Is it an abstraction, fantasy, or unattainable ideal, or where does this love exist?
Note: I do not have an audio recording of this week’s sermon available, but if you wish to read the written copy, you can go here: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com/2017/02/sermon-on-luke-84-15-for-sexagesima.html
Sermon on Luke 8:4-15, for Sexagesima (Sixty) Sunday, about the Parable of the Sower, and how the seeds fell on different soils. What are the seeds? What are the soils? How does God grow His kingdom within us, and why does it sometimes grow, and later wither?
Sermon on Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the laborers in the Vineyard, for the Sunday of Septuagesima (”Seventy” in latin–signifying approximately 70 days till Easter in the 1 Year Lectionary). The sermon is about the generosity of the master as a picture of God, and what are the reasons for our jealousy and complaining? What would produce contentment and thanksgiving instead? How generous is God?
Sermon on Matthew 17:1-9 for the Transfiguration of our Lord, about Jesus’ glorification on the mountaintop with Moses and Elijah. What is the key message that we are to take from this miraculous encounter?
Sermon on Matthew 8:23-27, for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany (1 year lectionary), about Jesus’ calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. What do we learn from the disciples’ fear and cry for help, and Jesus’ response? Does God promise us resccue from every dangerous or evil event? What does the lesson teach us about where to find our security? What are the promises that define that security in Jesus?
Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-18, for Life Sunday, about the spiritual battle and taking up the full armor of God to defend life. What is our identity in Christ? What does “the thief” come to do? John 10:10. How do we know the devil has no claim on us? Who does instead, and what does that mean for how we live our life? What equipment do we have for the spiritual battle?
Sermon on Exodus 33:12-23, for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, about how Moses intercedes for Israel, after the Golden Calf incident, that God would still send His presence with them as they went to the Promised Land. How did Moses appeal for assurances of God’s favor? What did Moses pray for God to give him? What request of Moses showed special boldness, but was a request that God could only partially grant? Why was that, and what did Moses see? What do we learn from all this, and our relationship toward God, and finding favor in His eyes?
Sermon on John 1:1-14, especially verse 14, for Christmas Day, about how John explains the incarnation. What is the mystery of the Word made flesh? What deeper meaning is there to the verb in “dwelt” among us?
Sermon on Philippians 4:2-7, for the 4th Sunday in Advent (1 Year Lectionary), about how we can “rejoice in the Lord always.” How does joy exist, even in dark or sad times? What is the Supreme source of joy, and how do we receive it or give it to others? What are some things that joy “survives” in the Bible?
Sermon on Matthew 11:2-10, for the 3rd Sunday in Advent (1 Year Lectionary), about Jesus and John the Baptist, and how Jesus encouraged John at a particularly low point of his life, and reassured him about the coming of Jesus’ kingdom. How do people take offense at Jesus, and what is the blessed of not being offended by Him? What is the shape of Jesus’ kingdom? How do we receive His kingdom rightly? Is there a connection to Matthew 5, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their’s in the kingdom of heaven”?
Sermon on Romans 15:4-13, (esp. vs. 4-5, 13) for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, about God’s qualities of Endurance, Encouragement, and Hope, and how these are characteristics of Scripture, that God conveys to us. Consider the contrast–God is NOT a God of quitting/failure, DIScouragement, or despair. For a great hymn to go along with this, see Lutheran Service Book hymn 664 “Fight the Good Fight” about endurance–or LSB 337 “The Night Will Soon be Ending” for a contrast of how the world brings madness increasing, but God’s Word brings hope increasing.
Sermon on Matthew 21:1-9, for the 1st Sunday in Advent, explaining why Jesus’ Palm Sunday entrance to Jerusalem is read on the first Sunday in Advent. What journey do we join Jesus for? Where are we going? What is unique about the kingship of Jesus, and how does He convey that to the crowd? How does His kingdom grow?
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, for Thanksgiving Eve, about what it means to live generously, or have a “generous spirit.” One way of expressing generosity is by giving, but what are other ways? What is the joy of generosity, and where do we learn this joyful motive from? What is the marvel of the seed, and how God makes this physical world work? How is that amplified and also true in the spiritual world? Who is the ultimate Giver?
Sermon on Luke 23:27-43, for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, about the Kingship of Jesus seen through His cross. What is unique about His reign? How did the thief on the cross recognize this, and what did he desire and receive? What do Jesus’ words of judgment mean? What is the spiritual significance of the green wood/dry wood metaphor? What does it mean to be a part of Jesus’ Kingdom?
Sermon on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Virtue of Work, and how the “Biblical work ethic”. Why do Christians believe in the necessity, value, and reward of hard work? What is the Bible’s theology of work, and how did the Fall into sin affect it? Why can we correctly say that “God is a worker” and that to work is to be like God? What is the difference between God’s work and ours? What has Christ’s work accomplished? This topic just scratches the surface of several inter-related topics of interest, like the teaching of vocation, the place and need for charity and care for the needy, and the relation or balance between work and rest. Unfortunately in the constraints of a single sermon, I was only just able to touch on those.
Sermon on Matthew 5:9, for All Saints’ Day, about the beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Why is peacemaking a characteristic of God? What does this mean, and what is Jesus’ role in making peace? How do we carry on Jesus’ peacemaking mission? What are some challenges of making peace, and some practical advice from the Scripture?
Sermon on John 8:31-36, for Reformation Day. Why is a heritage a good thing? How can it be misused? What is the relationship between the truth and freedom that Jesus proclaims? How is spiritual freedom endangered or lost? How is it preserved and used? What change of status does Jesus grant to His disciples?
Sermon on Luke 18:9-17, for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ teaching on justification. Why is this teaching central to the Christian faith and our salvation? What was wrong about the Pharisee’s prayer, and right about the tax collector’s? How do we make attempts to justify ourselves? How is the term justified related to the term righteous? What is the basis of God’s mercy towards sinners? What is the posture of faith?
Sermon on Genesis 32:22-30, for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, about Jacob wrestling with God, and being renamed Israel. When does it seem like God is “hidden” from us, or far away? How do we respond? What does God desire for us to do, and how has He given us great and certain promises? Who is the revealer of God the Father, and what does He show us about God, when we encounter Him?
Sermon on Luke 17:1-10, for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, about faith and forgiveness. What is one of the hardest things faith is called to do? What was Jesus teaching about faith, the size of a mustard seed? Where does the power lie? How does Jesus teach us about the nature of forgiveness? What’s the only attitude and spirit in which we can rebuke a brother?
Sermon on Luke 16:19-31, for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, about the story of the rich man and Lazarus, and what the story teaches us about compassion and use of our possessions during life on earth, and also how it is a story about eternal life and salvation. How do we come as beggars to a feast?
Sermon on Luke 16:1-15, for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Why was the manager praised? What does Jesus want us to learn from this story, and how we are to steward and use money, wealth, or possessions? What are the positive goals He tells us to aspire to? What wisdom is there here for earthly life, and also eternal life as well? How does Jesus stand as a contrast and counterpart to the dishonest manager? How does He handle our debts?
Sermon on Luke 15:1-10, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, about the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. How do these parables (and also the third in the set–the Lost or Prodigal Son), communicate to us our own lost condition and the love of God the Father and Jesus Christ for the lost? What does it mean to be lost? How does it affect us? How does Jesus want to shape our hearts? How do we share in the joy and celebration of heaven?
Sermon on Luke 14:25-35, for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ statements on the conditions and cost of discipleship. How do we understand Jesus’ call that you cannot be His disciple unless you “hate” your family? What are the uses of the word “hate” in the Bible, and what can this mean? What sort of undertaking is discipleship, and how do we meet with the cost and the resources for such an endeavor? Who supplies all we need, and how?
Sermon on Hebrews 13:1-17, for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, about the list of exhortations or calls to obedience found in that chapter. How does the use of the Law or commands of God compare and contrast from Old Testament to New? What do these commands center in, and how do we get this holiness? How does it place us at odds with the world?
Sermon on Hebrews 12:4-24, for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, about how a Christian faces the discouragement and hardship of discipline, as they continue to train and run the race, with their eyes fixed on Jesus. What are the purposes of God’s discipline? What is the nature of our struggle with sin? What is the “new covenant” mediated by Jesus’ blood? What “better word” does His blood speak?
Sermon on Hebrews 11:1-16, for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, about how Jesus is the center and object of faith, and what faith means. Why is faith necessary to please God? How does Biblical faith differ from the pop-culture use of the term? How does one get God’s commendation?
Sermon on the book of Ecclesiastes (1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26; 12:11-14), for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, about coveting versus contentment, and why the author of Ecclesiastes sees life “under the sun” as meaningless or vanity. How does one find contentment in God? What are the implications of death for everyone? What kind of labor is “not in vain?”
Sermon on Colossians 2:6-15, for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, about the life that we have received, that has been created for us in Christ Jesus. How are we rooted and built up on Christ? What things threaten to bring us into captivity? What is the circumcision of Christ? How has God dealt with our sin debt?
Sermon on Psalm 119 (verses 105, 57-60), for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost. How can a Christian love and delight in the law of the Lord? What tension exists within the Christian as we relate to God’s law? How is that tension resolved? What is the positive view of God’s law?
Sermon on Luke 10:25-37, for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, about the parable of the Good Samaritan, and how Jesus talks to a lawyer about the questions of how to inherit eternal life, and who is my neighbor. What is our Christian duty? How does one enter eternal life? Who is the Good Samaritan a picture of?
Sermon on Luke 9:51-62, for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, about the cost of discipleship and Jesus’ journey to the cross. How does Jesus face rejection? How does the Gospel respond? What are the hindrances and distractions for discipleship? How can one be fit for the kingdom of God?
Sermon on Luke 8:26-39, for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus healing the demon possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. What were the signs of his demon possession, and how was he restored? By what power and authority did Jesus do it? What do we learn from the response of the demons, and also from the fear of the people? What has Jesus done for us, and how does Jesus now use us in our daily lives?
Sermon on Luke 7:36-50, for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, about the meal where Jesus was hosted by Simon the Pharisee, and the woman from the city washes the feet of Jesus with her tears and her hair, and how Jesus speaks to Simon about love and forgiveness and hospitality. What does this teach us about how we look at others? At ourselves? How do we get to see through the “eyes of Jesus”?
Sermon on Luke 7:11-17, for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, about the miracle of Jesus raising the son of the Widow of Nain. How does Jesus enter into our grief? What comfort does He bring, and where and when can we find Him? What comfort does Jesus bring at the funeral of a Christian? What does it mean that God “visited” His people?
Sermon on John 14:23-31, for Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday, about Jesus and the Father making His home with believers, about what the Holy Spirit does in teaching us, how love and obedience are related, and how the gift of Jesus’ peace differs from the peace of this world.
Sermon on Revelation 22:1-6,12-20, for the 7th Sunday of Easter, about the Tree of Life and the river of the water of life in the New Jerusalem. Why does the last chapter of the Bible bring us back to the Tree of Life, recalling the Garden of Eden? How is access to the Tree of Life restored? What does the image of the water of life communicate about Jesus? What is the role of truth and falsehood in relation to access to this Tree of Life?
Sermon on Revelation 21:9-27, for the 6th Sunday of Easter, about St. John’s vision of the New Jerusalem, the city, the bride of Christ, the people of God. How does this imagery draw from many parts of the Bible, and what does it teach us? What is heaven like? How do we enter there? How is God’s presence with His people shown?
Sermon on Revelation 7:9-17, for the 4th Sunday of Easter, about the multitude without number, worshipping before the Throne of God and of the Lamb. Who are they, and where are they from? Who are the 144,000 that come in the verses before? What is the Lutheran understanding of these two groups, and how they fit into the big picture of Revelation, and our own experience of persecution on the earth? What is our confidence in the midst of trial?
Sermon on Revelation 5:1-14, for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, about the heavenly scene of worship at the throne of God, in Revelation 5. What is the relation of God and the Lamb? Why is the Lamb worthy? What does Revelation teach us about who Jesus is and what worship is?
Sermon on Revelation 1, for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, about how the book of Revelation shows the heavenly perspective of Jesus, and what the main theme of the book of Revelation is. How does it speak comfort to Christians in times of trouble and facing persecution?
Sermon on Luke 24:1-12, for Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord. A sermon about what we “see”, perceive, or understand about the facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection. What does it mean for our life? How does it change us and our future?
Sermon on Luke 23, for Palm Sunday or Sunday of the Passion, about how Jesus treated those who mistreated Him, with references to Psalm 103:8-12. How did Jesus’ conduct affect the onlookers of His crucifixion? What response should it create in us?
Sermon on Philippians 3:2-14, for the 5th Sunday in Lent, about Paul counting everything in his life as loss, in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. How do we obsess about counting earthly things? What does knowing Christ equal? How can Paul declare everything in his life to be rubbish? How do we run the race in light of all the struggles and challenges of life?
Sermon on Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, for the 4th Sunday in Lent, about the Parable taught by Jesus, variously known as The Lost Son, The Prodigal Son, The Two Brothers, or as I would title it, the Father’s Love. What two audiences does the parable speak to, and how does it surprise or convict us about God the Father’s love, and move us to receive and show the same? How do the lost find a place in the family? What is the danger of thinking like the older brother? Who is our true brother, who shows divine, fatherly love to us?
Sermon on Luke 13:1-9, with references to Ezekiel 33:7-20, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent. A sermon about measuring the danger of sin, understanding that it leads to death, and why God’s call to repentance is so urgent and insistent. Understanding how God’s parental love for us demands boundaries. What does God do when we transgress those boundaries?
Sermon on Luke 13:31-35, for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem, for rejecting and killing the prophets. How Jesus relates Himself to the Old Testament picture of God spreading out His wings as shelter for His people. Why we foolishly disregard God’s words, and run like chicks from His protection. What God does to bring us back to Him.
Sermon on Luke 4:1-13, for the 1st Sunday in Lent, on the temptation of Jesus’ Christ, and how that speaks to our Christian experience of temptation. How do we find victory? How do we bear our crosses?
Sermon on Luke 9:28-36, for the Transfiguration of our Lord, about how Jesus sets a contrast between glory and the cross, and what Moses and Elijah spoke about with Jesus on the mountaintop.
Guest preacher Rev. Mark Bowditch preaches a Sermon on Mark 13:1-10, 24-37, about the coming birth pains in the end times, and how they will precede the new birth of the kingdom of God in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, about the unity of the body of Christ. How are the members of the body intended to work together? How are they uniquely different? What are the sins that are peculiar to the Christian body, as Paul describes here? What is the goodness of God’s design, and our worth and place in it?
Sermon on Luke 3:15-22, for the Baptism of Our Lord, about the significance of Jesus entering the waters of Baptism, what it meant for His mission and purpose, what it means for us, and what John meant by Jesus will baptize with Spirit and with fire. What is Jesus role in both judgment and salvation? What did the prophet Isaiah say of this in chapters 42-43?
Sermon on Luke 2:40-52, for the 2nd Sunday after Christmas, about the visit of the 12 year old Jesus and Mary and Joseph to the Temple. What do we learn from our limited window into Jesus’ childhood? What does it teach about the value of worship and the study of God’s Word, in raising children? How has Jesus provided for us a family?
Sermon on Luke 1:39-45, for the 4th Sunday in Advent, about Elizabeth and Mary, and their encounter rejoicing about the coming birth of Jesus, the Savior. What does it mean to wait in hope and joy for Jesus? Why is faith not opposed to waiting? What are the blessings of discipleship that Elizabeth and Jesus both proclaimed? How is an infant, still in the womb, and an aged woman, equally seen as vessels of the Holy Spirit, and recipients of His gifts?
Sermon on Philippians 4:4-7, for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, about what the place of joy is in this world of violence, war, and bad news. How can we genuinely rejoice in the Lord always? What is the relationship between Christian joy and peace, and how do we receive them? How do they shape the attitude and spiritual life of disciples? What is the place of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving in the life of the Christian?
Sermon on Luke 19:28-40, for the 1st Sunday in Advent, about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king. What is different/unique about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, from all the kings and generals that entered the city before? What was the goal and outcome of His entrance, both into the world and to the city of Jerusalem? Who were the real enemies? Who did Jesus “disarm?” As part of His kingdom, what is the role of disciples as a “city on a hill?”
Sermon on Deuteronomy 8:1-20, for Thanksgiving, about having an attitude of thankfulness in all circumstances. How do we learn from the example of the Israelites? What does God’s providence show?
Sermon on Isaiah 51:4-6, for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, about how God’s justice would stand as a light for the peoples, and how God brings His justice into the world. What is the difference between human forms of justice and God’s? Why do earthly hopes of peace and justice disappoint us, while God’s will prevail? How did Jesus perfectly display God’s justice?
Sermon on the Book of Daniel, especially 12:1-3, for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost. How Daniel received prophecies about what lay ahead for God’s people, and how he found certainty in anxious times, and what is our one constant in times of chaos and uncertainty? How did Daniel respond to the visions he received? How does chapter 12 expand to a universal vision for all believers, and speak of the resurrection of the body, and the just and the unjust? Who writes our names in the book of life?
Sermon on Mark 12:38-44, for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ teaching about the scribes and the widow’s mites. How does being a religious or spiritual leader, pose particular temptations? Which of those temptations do we all share? How is the widow who brought her small offering to the Temple, a contrast to the pretense and show of others? How do we escape our temptations to self-flattery and ego, and find a humble and sincere trust in God?
Sermon on 1 John 3:1-3, for All Saints’ Day, about how God calls us His children, how He calls us saints, and purifies us. What is a saint, and what are misconceptions about being a saint? What is purity, and how do we get or maintain it? How do we have worth before God?
A sermon on Hebrews 7:23-28, for Reformation Day, about how Jesus is our Forever High Priest, and how and why He is greater than the priesthood and intercession of the Old Testament/Covenant. Why did God swear by oath to make Jesus our High Priest? What does it mean that His priesthood stands forever, and He saves us to the uttermost?
Sermon on Hebrews 4:1-16, for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, about the Living and Active Word of God, sharper than any two-edge sword. What are obstacles to hearing God’s Word? What must be combined with the Word, to benefit from God’s promises?
Sermon on Hebrews 3:12-19, for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, about the danger and deception of sin, why sin must be diagnosed by God so that we might have the cure–what our original hope and confidence is, and how Christ sees our salvation through “to the end.”
Sermon on Hebrews 2:1-13, for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, about how Jesus became incarnate, and why He suffered, what was His crown and glory. How is Jesus’ work totally sufficient for our salvation? What new relationship has He created with us?
Sermon on Mark 9:38-50, for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. Jesus teaches about the deadliness of sin, and the warnings against hell. What does it mean that everyone will be “salted with fire”? How does a Christian “have salt” in themselves?
Sermon on Mark 9:30-37, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection, and the disciple’s argument about greatness. Jesus teaches His servant way of humility, and the reception of children. What does this teach us about the value of children, of parenting, and how we are children in God’s family?
Sermon on Mark 9:14-29, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ healing of a boy who was demon possessed, and what that says to us about the spiritual world, and the devil’s efforts to hurt and harm humanity, and create doubt. What was significant about the plea of the father to Jesus, how Jesus answered, and what it teaches us about prayer and faith? What is the source and power of faith and prayer?
Sermon on Mark 7:31-37, for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ healing of the deaf and mute man, and what it signifies that Jesus sighs or groans for us. How did He bring healing? What was the message about who He was, that couldn’t be kept secret for long?
Sermon on Mark 7:14-23, for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, about how Jesus sees transparently what’s in our heart, and how the heart is the source from within of all the sins and unclean things that defile a person. How does Jesus respond when He sees what’s in our heart?
Sermon on Mark 7:1-13, for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Pharisees’ question to Jesus about handwashing, and the bigger implications of the discussion about traditions of men vs. the commandments of God. What was the core problem of their worship? How is the sinful flesh stopped? What makes for true worship from the heart, that is not empty lip service?
Sermon on John 6:51-69, for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, the final part of Jesus’ Bread of Life sermon, where He talks about how we must “eat His flesh and drink His blood” to have eternal life. What is the food He is talking about? How do we eat it? Why does Jesus pull together so closely the physical and spiritual? Is He talking about the Lord’s Supper here?
Sermon on John 6:35-51, for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, part 2 of Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse, where He disturbs the crowds by teaching that He came down from heaven, only those whom the Father gives Him and draws to Him will believe–and that this is God’s will, for everyone to believe in Jesus and have eternal life. How does the promise of eternal life fill us with joy and peace now, to transform how we live?
Sermon on John 6:22-35, for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse, where Jesus teaches that He is the True Bread come down from heaven. What does it mean to labor for bread that perishes, and how do we work for better bread? How does God draw us to Him?
Sermon on Mark 6:45-56, for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ walking across the water to the disciples in the boat, and the challenge of their hardened and unbelieving hearts. How does God address our unbelief? What is the meaning of the courage and new heart that Jesus gives us?
Sermon on Mark 6:30-44, for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, about the feeding of the 5,000, and the lessons it teaches about rest, God’s provision, our resources, trusting in Christ, and His power to use what He has given us to serve the needy.
Sermon on Mark 6:14-29, for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, about the execution of John the Baptist, and Jesus’ being misidentified by Herod and others as being John, risen from the dead. What is the contrast between kingdoms of men, and the kingdom of God, as represented by Jesus and John? What are the consequences of continued, unrepentant sin, and ignoring conscience? Where does the courage come from to stand and speak the truth when it is unpopular? How are we saved from our sin?
Sermon about the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S., and about how Christian’s respond to a society that is unwelcoming to the Gospel. What is the authority by which the church speaks? What is the identity of a Christian disciple, and what calling does that place on their life? How does the church speak or respond to those outside the church, or who do not receive the teachings of Jesus? Texts from Mark 6:7-13, Psalm 146:3-4, and 1 Corinthians 5 & 6.
Sermon on Mark 5:21-43, for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, about the healing of the woman with a chronic bleeding problem, and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. How do we deal with chronic illness and death? How do we wrestle with God’s answers and timing to our prayers? What is Jesus’ perspective as He enters the situation?
Sermon on Job 38:1-11, for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Father’s Day, about God’s answer to Job’s complaint. God speaks from the whirlwind, in a sort of “Father to son talk”. Why does God humble Job? What does Job long for in God, during his suffering, and how is that longing fulfilled in Christ Jesus? How do we face suffering?
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, about life in this physical body, and the experience of aging, suffering, and death. What is the Christian attitude toward the body? How is it informed by the future hope of the resurrection? What is our purpose and value in the present life and body?
Sermon on the Service of the Sacrament, explaining the parts of the liturgy and worship space and symbolism that surround the Lord’s Supper. Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Benediction. Why worship is a “W” not an “M”.
Sermon on the “Service of the Word”, for Trinity Sunday, explaining what the various parts of the worship mean, and how our understanding of worship is shaped by the Bible. How does God give out His gifts, and what is our response? Worship is centered on God in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15, for Pentecost Sunday, about the giving of the Holy Spirit, and His threefold convicting work of convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. How the Trinity acts in unison to bring people to salvation in Jesus.
Sermon on 1 John 5:9-15, for the 7th Sunday of Easter, Confirmation Sunday, about what it means to testify or give witness to Jesus, and what is the testimony of God. Why is God’s testimony greater than man’s? Jesus’ resurrection as God’s testimony of who He is.
Sermon on 1 John 5:1-8, for the 6th Sunday of Easter and Mother’s Day, about how faith and love are inseparable, and how they are the identity of new believers, who are children in God’s family. How does faith give victory? Why are Jesus’ commandments not burdensome to the new child of God? How does Christianity maintain the importance of the physical world?
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Christianity, Lutheran, Maui, Jesus, cross, resurrection
Sermon on 1 John 4:1-11, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, about how we know what is “of God” or “not of God.” The spiritual warfare between truth and error. Love as a sign we are children of God. God is Love, and what does that love mean or do?
Sermon on Acts 4:1-12, for the 4th Sunday of Easter, about the inclusivity and exclusivity of Christianity and Jesus as the only way to salvation. A sermon about the Name of Jesus, and how it suffers dishonor, persecution, and defamation, but what is the power, the glory, and honor of that Name. How Christians bear that Name.
Sermon on 1 John 1:1-2:2 for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, about walking in light or darkness, about the fact that God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Why are we urged to confess our sins? How does this passage speak against hypocrisy? Where do we find help to face the constant struggle of sin?
Sermon on Psalm 16 and Mark 16:1-8, and the parallels between the Exodus of the Israelites led by Moses, and the new, Second Exodus led by Jesus. A sermon for Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, and how He makes known to us the path of life.
A brief meditation on the Passion of our Lord Jesus, following a narrative reading of the Gospel of Mark, chapters 14-15, about the betrayal, trial, suffering and death of our Lord.
Sermon on Psalm 10 for Life Sunday, about how the abortion industry continues to take the innocent lives of nearly 1 million American babies a year, and what we as Christians can do to respond with the love of Christ and to advocate for the voiceless and fatherless. What is a father’s role, for good or bad, in abortion? How can the church encourage a new generation of parents?
Sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10, for the 4th Sunday in Lent, about sin, our sinful nature, God’s immeasurable love and grace in Christ Jesus, a brief description of grace and faith, and the role of our good works in the Christian walk.
Sermon on John 2:13-22, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent, about the zeal of Jesus when He cleansed the Temple. What does it take to “light a fire” in you? What is the difference between good zeal and bad zeal? What did Jesus aim to do by cleansing the Temple? What happened when He did it a second time? Why did Jesus refer to His own body as a Temple?
Sermon on Mark 8:27-38, for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about the marks of discipleship, and how Jesus calls us to see our life of discipleship to be modeled after His own self-denial and cross-bearing. What does it mean to bear our crosses, and how do we find strength or victory? What does it mean to reject or say no to ourselves?
Sermon on Mark 1:9-15, about the Baptism and temptation of Jesus, and how that relates to our own struggle in bearing our cross and facing temptation, and how we find victory in Jesus. How does the world make light of sin, the devil, and temptation? What is the Bible’s view of the consequences of sin?
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 4:1-6 for the Transfiguration of our Lord. A sermon about how Paul compares the glory of the Old Covenant with the New, and shows how Jesus’ glory is a greater and permanent glory–but also how He chooses to reveal it in humility. How do Christians today experience and encounter the glory of Christ?
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, about the joy and reward that motivated Paul to preach the gospel free of charge to the Corinthians. How is the Christian life a paradox of freedom and service? How has the Christian church misunderstood Paul’s “becoming all things to all people”, and how should we understand this for how we serve and reach the lost? How did Jesus do all of this for us?
Sermon on Deuteronomy 18:15-20, for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, about how Jesus is the Greater Prophet and Mediator that Moses foretold. What does this passage tell us about the responsibilities and dangers of being a prophet? The responsibilities of the people? What happened at Mt. Horeb (Sinai), that caused the people to ask for Moses to be a mediator? Why mediation with God necessary, and how do we find it?
Sermon on Jonah 3:1-5, 10, for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, about the prophet Jonah being sent to Nineveh, and their repentance at God’s Word. How does Jonah foreshadow Jesus? How does the book of Jonah address our attitudes and God’s attitudes toward the lost? How does it demonstrate God’s mission for the lost, and His mercy?
Sermon on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, about the prophet Samuel and his first vision from the Lord. Is the Word of the Lord “rare” in these days? Are we listening? How is God still speaking? How do we respond, and who is the faithful servant of the Lord?
Sermon on Romans 6:1-11, for the Baptism of our Lord, about how we die and rise with Christ in our Baptism, and how we face our life together with Jesus.
Sermon on Matthew 2:1-12 and Isaiah 60:1-6, for Epiphany, the visit of the Wise Men. Why did they come, and what kind of king and kingdom did they discover when they came? Jesus is King for all people.
Sermon on Luke 2:22-40, for the 1st Sunday after Christmas, about the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple, and how Simeon and Anna were waiting for Him. How do Christians fruitfully occupy their time while waiting for the Lord’s return? What does the example of Simeon and Anna, and our own vocations, teach us?
A brief meditation on the celebration of Christ’s birth, and why it is “forever blessed.”
Sermon on 1 John 4:7-16 & Matthew 1:18-25, for Christmas Eve, about how God had to prepare a place for Love to enter the world through the person of His Son Jesus Christ, and how He continues to prepare that place in our hearts.
Sermon on Luke 1:26-38, for the 4th Sunday in Advent, about the universal and eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ, who would be born from the Virgin Mary. How do we share in the blessing that Mary received? How does the establishment of Jesus’ kingdom and its growth come about?
Sermon for Advent 3 Midweek, about fears and worries about losing memory, or wanting to forget hardships but being unable–and the comfort of knowing what God forgets and remembers. The following readings are incorporated into the sermon: Psalms 9 & 25, Isaiah 49:15-16, and Luke 12:4-7.
Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, about how God’s will for us is to lead a joyful, prayerful, and thankful life. How is this possible for the Christian who faces the world’s troubles? Is sanctification my spiritual do-it-yourself project?
Sermon on Hosea 2:6-23, but more broadly the whole book of Hosea, for Advent Midweek 2, part of a series on forgetting and remembering. What did it cost Israel to forget God and His commandments? What did God remember? How was God’s compassion moved to save His people, even when they broke His covenant in unfaithfulness? How does Jesus make the Church His own bride?
Sermon on Mark 1:1-8, for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, about preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming. How is repentance a preparation of our hearts? Who accomplishes this? What is the impact of the Gospel, or good news, of Jesus, the Son of God?
Sermon on forgetting and remembering, a continuation of Sunday’s theme, for Advent 1 midweek services. How God’s people forget about Him, His mighty works and His commands; and how God remembers His people and His covenant, and reminds us.
Sermon on Isaiah 64:1-9 for the 1st Sunday in Advent, about the seeming hiddenness of God at times in our lives, wrestling with the burdens of sin, and finding forgiveness and mercy in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on Psalm 65 and Luke 12:13-21, about a contrast between David and the rich fool, how they each responded to their abundance. What creates an attitude of thankfulness?
Sermon on Matthew 25:31-46, for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, about Jesus’ Final Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats, and what the relationship between faith and good works is. How should we live in anticipation of that judgment, and what deeds mark the life of the Christian. How do we obtain such faith to do these things?
Sermon on Matthew 25:14-30, for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, the Parable of the Ten Talents. A sermon about how we prepare for Christ’s second coming and His judgment. Lessons in stewardship and trusting God, and how we perceive or encounter God.
Sermon on Matthew 25:1-13, for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, about the Parable of the Ten Virgins, or the Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins, and the Wedding Banquet that they were invited to. How does this parable prepare us for Jesus’ second coming, and to be watchful and ready?
Sermon on Revelation 7:9-17, for All Saints’ Day. A sermon about the church triumphant, the saints in glory, who have passed through the great tribulation and are forgiven and made holy by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.
Sermon on Romans 3:19-28, for Reformation Day, about the meaning sin and grace, and how they show our human need and predicament before God, and His merciful response to our situation. What can the analogy of viruses help us to understand about the disease of sin, and God’s cure in Christ Jesus?
Sermon on Matthew 22:15-22, for Reformation 3,the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ teaching of two duties, to Caesar, and to God–or government and God. What are our religious liberties? How should we live as Christian citizens? How is the USA our “Caesar” today?
Sermon on Philippians 4:4-13, for Reformation 2, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, about the source of Paul’s joy, peace, and contentment, and how we can have the same. How is it possible to rejoice in the Lord always? Related to rejoicing and prayer, what reforms did Martin Luther bring to worship?
Sermon on Philippians 3:4b-14, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, about what Paul taught in Philippians and Romans about righteousness; and how that informs our Lutheran understanding of our relationship to God.
Sermon on Ezekiel 18:1-32, for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, about our tendency to “play the victim” and our personal responsibility for sin. How God demonstrates His justice and character toward sinners.
Sermon on Matthew 20:1-16, for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Children’s Sunday, about the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the master’s unusual generosity. What does this parable teach us about God and His ways, and how we respond to them?
The 13th and final sermon in a series on Romans 6-14, entitled, “God’s Greater Story.” A sermon on Romans 13:11-14:12, for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. A sermon about how Christians are tempted to quarrel over opinions or “indifferent things”–things that don’t matter for our salvation. Paul shows how we must not judge or despise our brothers, because we live in the light of Christ’s Eternal rule and the coming judgment to which we are all accountable. r
Part 12 of a 13 part series on the Book of Romans, entitled, “God’s Greater Story.”
This sermon on Romans 13:1-10, for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, is about the role of a Christian living in the dual citizenship of the nations we belong to on earth, as well as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. How do we live out our Christian life at the intersection of these two authorities of church and state, that are both under God’s authority and power?
Sermon on Romans 12:9-21, for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, about the shape and dimensions of the Christian life, as Christ will lead us to as we follow Him and He lives in us. How do we respond to the hatred of enemies? How does love overcome evil?
Sermon on Romans 11:33-12:8, for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. Part 10 of the Romans’ series, “God’s Greater Story.” The message is about the mysterious ways of God and how His mercies in Christ form the basis of our Christian life and the “living sacrifice” we offer.
Sermon on Romans 11:1-2a, 13-32, for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, part 9 of a 13 part series in Romans, “God’s Greater Story.” This sermon addresses the meaning of the “grafting” metaphor of the olive tree and branches, and how it Jew and Gentile relate in the church of Christ.
Sermon on Romans 10:5-17, for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost. A sermon about faith and the Word of God as the Holy Spirit’s tool for creating faith. Part 8 of the series on Romans, “God’s Greater Story.”
Sermon on Romans 9:1-13, for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, on having a passion for the lost, and how God makes us into the people of God who live by His promise and for His greater purposes.
Note: The following sermon is part 7 of a 13 part series on Romans 6-14, adapted from the Series “God’s Greater Story” by Rev. David Schmitt of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. I did not preach sermons 4-7 in the series, if you are following along on the blog. In the beginning of the sermon I allude the difficulty of Romans ch. 9, referring to the passages about election and specifically vs. 13. In this sermon I did not tackle that large and complex issue, which would require a whole sermon in itself. However, for the interested reader, I can commend no better summary of the issue of election and predestination than the summary found here http://www.bookofconcord.org/fc-ep.php#XI.Election[...]
Sermon on Romans 7:14-25, for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, about the struggle we endure as simultaneously saint and sinner, and how we find victory in Christ Jesus.
Note: The following sermon is part 3 of a 13 part series on Romans 6-14, adapted from the Series “God’s Greater Story” by Rev. David Schmitt of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
A sermon on Romans 7:1-13 for the 2nd Sunday of Pentecost, about how the power of the Risen Christ still changes lives, and in particular what it means to live under grace, and not under the law. What is the relationship of the new life of the Christian to God’s good and holy commandment? Note: The following sermon is part 2 of a 13 part series on Romans 6-14, adapted from the Series “God’s Greater Story” by Rev. David Schmitt of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Sermon on Romans 6:1-23, for the 2nd Sunday of Pentecost, about how baptism draws us into God’s salvation story. Adapated from part 1 of a series entitled “God’s Greater Story”, by Rev. David Schmitt, of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Sermon on Genesis 1:1-2:4, for Trinity Sunday, about the Creation of the Universe and what was very good about it, especially focusing on what was good about our relationship as creature to our Creator. A contrast to what went wrong, and how God went about restoring creation to what is and will be good again.
Sermon on Acts 2:1-21 for the Festival of Pentecost, on the theme of harvest. How Pentecost is a harvest, and the harvest language of the prophet Joel and Jesus, and how it relates to judgment and salvation.
Sermon on 1 Peter 4:12-19 & 5:6-11 about how the Christian is on trial together with Christ, in the eyes of the world, and what is our hope in judgment and our strength to carry forward. How God is merciful to us when we’ve endured suffering.
Sermon on 1 Peter 3:13-22, for the 6th Sunday of Easter, about how we have a good conscience, and the appeal to God for good conscience in baptism.
Sermon on 1 Peter 2:2-10, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, about the church as God’s chosen people and Royal Priesthood. What does it mean that Jesus is our Cornerstone, and how does His life reflect in the lives of His royal priesthood?
Sermon on John 10:1-10 for the 4th Sunday of Easter, about Jesus as the Shepherd of the sheep, and why its good to be a sheep in His flock.
Sermon on Luke 24:13-35, about Jesus’ conversation with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how Jesus comforts and cares for discouraged and struggling Christians, and lifts us up with the promise of His resurrection.
Sermon on Acts 5:29-42, for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, about how the joy of Jesus’ resurrection propelled the apostles to defy the Sanhedrin and preach the Gospel, and how Christians can face persecution or other situations where we are called to obey God rather than men.
Sermon on Matthew 28:1-10, for the Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday. A sermon about messengers–the word of the angel to the women, and their role in telling the disciples, and our role in telling others about Jesus. How have we received confirmation of the message?
Sermon on Matthew 5:10-12, the last two beatitudes, for Good Friday. A sermon about the persecution and insults Jesus bore, and how the Christian life is cross-shaped.
Sermon on Matthew 5:9, for Maundy Thursday, about being peacemakers and seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, as God has done for us in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on Isaiah 50:4-9 and Matthew 27:38-54 for Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion, about the manner and circumstances of Jesus’ death, and His victory in life.
Sermon on Matthew 5:8, the 6th Beatitude, for the 6th Midweek Service in Lent, about how can we be pure in heart and see God?
Sermon on Romans 8:1-11 for the 5th Sunday in Lent, about how there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and what it means to stand in God’s heavenly courtroom.
Sermon on Ephesians 5:8-14, for the 4th Sunday in Lent, about the call from darkness into light, and how we are to walk as children of the light.
Sermon on Matthew 5:6, Beatitude 4 for Lent Midweek 4. What are spiritual hunger and thirst, and how is it filled in Christ?
Sermon on John 4:5-26, about Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well about Living Water. What it means to have spiritual thirst. For the 3rd Sunday in Lent.
Sermon on John 3:1-17, for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about the birth from above by water and the Spirit, and entering into the kingdom of God. How do we become children of God?
Sermon on Matthew 5:4, for Lent 2 Midweek, part 2 of the series on the Beatitudes as a Christ-colored lens by which we view our Christian life.
Sermon on Romans 5:12-19, for the 1st Sunday in Lent, about the Fall into sin and the universal impact on mankind, and the seeming unfairness of it, contrasted to the greatness and goodness of God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on Matthew 5:3, for Ash Wednesday. The first in a sermon series on the Beatitudes as “Christ-colored glasses” through which we see the Christian life.
Sermon on Matthew 17:1-9 and 2 Peter 1:16-21, on the Transfiguration of Our Lord. A sermon about the disciple’s eyewitness of Jesus’ glory, and the ground and certainty of our faith.
Sermon on Matthew 5:38-48, for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Preschool Sunday service, about Jesus’ teaching on the commandments, in particular dealing with retribution or revenge, by contrast to loving your enemies and showing mercy.
Sermon on Matthew 5:21-37, for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ teaching on the commandments, and how high the commands really are, compared to our sinful tendency to pull them down. Jesus shows the full height of the law and then fulfills it for us.
A sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, about the Wisdom of the Spirit that points to Christ crucified for us.
Sermon on Luke 2:22-32 for the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord, about how Jesus first came to the Temple, about how God relocates His merciful presence to Jesus, and what the eyes of faith see when they behold the Christ child, along with Simeon.
Sermon on Isaiah 9:1-4 & Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25, for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. A sermon about where Jesus began His ministry, and where we are called to shine the light into the darkness.
Sermon on Isaiah 49:1-7, for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, about the Bible’s view on life in the womb, and what this passage shows about the particular life of Jesus as He developed in His mother’s womb, and what His calling and purpose in God’s design would be.
Sermon on Matthew 3:13-17, for the Baptism of our Lord, about why Jesus underwent baptism, and how our baptism joins us to His death and resurrection and perfect life.
Sermon on 1 Kings 3:4-15, for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas. Following the theme of wisdom from Solomon through to Christ, and what it means to have wisdom.
Sermon on Matthew 2:13-23 for the 1st Sunday after Christmas, about the escape of Jesus and the slaughter of the Innocents of Bethlehem, and where we find good news even in the midst of the worst tragedies and suffering.
Sermon on John 1:1-14 for Christmas Day, the celebration of Jesus, the Word made flesh. A telling of the Christmas story from the perspective of John’s Gospel.
Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25 for the 4th Sunday in Advent, about the coming of Jesus into the world to save us from our sins; the meaning of “Emmanuel”, and how Christ is continually present among us.
Sermon about Psalm 136 for Advent 3 Midweek, about how we prepare for Christ’s coming by thankfulness, and how God involves us in the eternal story of His steadfast love.
A Sermon on Matthew 11:2-15 for the 3rd Sunday in Advent about the expectations for the kingdom of God and how Jesus responds to our doubts. Also with reference to Isaiah 35:1-10; 61:1
Sermon on Matthew 3:1-12 for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, about John the Baptist’s role in preparing us for Christ’s coming by repentance.
Sermon on Romans 13:11-14, for the 1st Sunday in Advent, about the readiness and watchfulness we are called to have during these last days, and how we wear the “armor of light” to guard against works of darkness.
Sermon on Psalm 107, for Thanksgiving Eve, about why the redeemed of the Lord praise and thank their Savior.
Sermon on Luke 23:27-43, about how the crucifixion and love of Jesus won over the heart of the thief on the cross, and moves us to leave our life of sin behind for citizenship in His kingdom. For the Last Sunday of the Church Year.
Sermon on Luke 21:5-28 for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, on the signs of the end times and Jesus’ return, and whether this prophecy is told to instill fear or courage.
Sermon on Matthew 5:1-12, for All Saints’ Day, on the Beatitudes. An overview of the Beatitudes and how they speak of the blessings that are upon believers in Christ Jesus.
Sermon on Romans 3:19-28, for Reformation Day, about how Christ Alone is our salvation, and what Paul means by the two kinds of righteousness he describes in this chapter.
Sermon on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 for the third in a series on the “Reformation solas”. What is the authority and origin of God’s Word? Why do we hold to Scripture above all other authorities? What is the aim and purpose of God’s Word?
Sermon on Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, on the Reformation teaching of “Faith Alone” and the verse from Habakkuk, “the righteous shall live by his faith.” A discussion of how the righteous face the problem of evil and the justice of God.
Sermon teaching on angels, ending with a focus on Revelation 12:7-12, for the Festival of St. Michael and all angels. Who are the angels, and what do they do? What role do they play in God’s service and plan of salvation?
Sermon on Luke 16:1-15, for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, and why he was commended by the master as he was being fired. Also what Jesus wants us to learn from this parable about how we use our wealth/material possessions.
Sermon on 1 Timothy 1:12-17 for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, about how the example of the Apostle Paul magnifies the grace of God for us, and what God’s mercy means for us as well.
Sermon on Philemon 1-21, about Paul’s letter of appeal to his friend Philemon, that he receive back Onesimus, the runaway slave, with forgiveness and love. Also, how Paul’s words and actions on Onesimus’ behalf were Christ-like.
Sermon on Luke 14:7-14 for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, about Jesus’ parables to the guests at a banquet, about how we try to seek honor, and who we associate with or help. How Jesus serves, in contrast to our pride.
A sermon on Hebrews 11:17-31, 12:1-3, for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, about how we run the race of faith, what the challenges are, and how we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Sermon on Genesis 15:1-6 & Hebrews 11:1-16 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, about faith and it’s opposites. What is God’s remedy for weakened or lacking faith? How does God’s supply faith?
Sermon on Colossians 3:1-11, part 4 of 4 in the series on Colossians. A sermon about the Christian’s life being hidden with Christ in God, and what it means to practice Christian spirituality, setting our mind on things above.
Sermon on Colossians 2:6-15 for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. Part 3 of a 4-part sermon series on the book of Colossians. (Part 2 was preached by my associate, and is not available online)
A sermon on Colossians 1:1-14, for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, about how Christ has transferred us into His kingdom and given us new citizenship.
Sermon on Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18, for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Christian’s life of sanctification.
Sermon on Galatians 5:1, 13-25 for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, about sanctification in the Christian life, and how we understand our Christian freedom, and bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be a work of God’s grace within us.
Sermon on Galatians 3:23-4:7 for the 5th Sunday of Pentecost, about how the Law of God imprisoned us because of sin, but how Christ justifies us by faith. A contrast of our self-help efforts at dealing with our spiritual trouble, to God’s total and sufficient work in Christ.
Sermon on Galatians 1:11-24, for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, about Paul’s conversion from a persecutor who had “zeal without knowledge” to a missionary with a holy zeal, and how this demonstrated the grace of God.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- The word “gospel” is used in at least two ways in the Bible. In the broad sense it is used to describe the whole of Jesus’ life and teaching, as in the Four Gospels. In the narrow sense, and as it is contrasted with God’s Word of Law, gospel means the “good news.” In this narrow sense, it encompasses [...]
Part 1 of a 6 part sermon series on the book of Galatians. The text for today is Galatians 1:1-12, Paul’s defense of his Gospel being of Divine Origin.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- At whose initiative was Paul sent, and at whose initiative did he preach the Gospel? How did this shape and inform his ministry? How did it contrast to those who were troubling the Galatians with a false gospel? Galatians 1:1, 6-8, 10-12. Cf. Acts 9.
- Luther comments that the words “grace” and “peace” in Gal. 1:3, contain a summary of all of Christianit [...]
Sermon on John 8:48-59, for Trinity Sunday, about the meaning and relevance of the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation for our Christian lives.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Note on the Athanasian Creed: The end of the creed makes reference to all people rising and giving an account concerning their deeds, and that those who’ve done good will enter into eternal life, and those who have done evil into eternal fire. Examine these Scripture passages that refer to the judgment: Matt. 12:35-37; 25:31-46; John 5:21-29, esp. vs. 24, 29 & John 6:28-29; [...]
Sermon on John 14:23-31 for Pentecost Sunday, at the confirmation of several of our youth. A sermon about the Holy Spirit and His significance to the life of a Christian disciple.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What does the believer’s keeping of God’s Word and commandments show about their attitude toward God? What does God do in return? John 14:15, 21; 8:51; 15:10; 1 John 2:3-4. Does this love for God and obedience toward His commandments begin with us and then receive His response, or the other way around? 1 John 4:10, 19.
Sermon on John 17:20-26, the conclusion of Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, seeking for unity among His followers. What are the implications for the unity of the church today?
Sermon on John 16:23-33, for the 6th Sunday of Easter, about a section of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, speaking about the joy and the peace that will be theirs.
Sermon on Acts 20:17-35 for the 4th Sunday of Easter, about Paul’s farewell speech and commission to the elders (pastors) of the churches of Ephesus. A reflection on the pastor’s duties toward the congregation.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- What instructions does Acts 20:17-35 contain for pastors? What worthy example did St. Paul set in his own conduct of his ministry among the Ephesians? The New Testament uses a variety of descriptive terms for the one preaching office, without any sense of hierarchy or rank in power: Presbyters (elders); shepherds [...]
Sermon on John 21:1-14, for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, about Jesus’ third recorded appearance to the disciples, where He met them on the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias) and they experienced a miraculous catch of fish.
Sermon Talking Points
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What reasons might the disciples have had for going back to an old, familiar activity?
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As the episode unfolds, what “trademark” or “signature action” gave Jesus away, before they first rec [...]
Sermon on John 20:19-31 for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, about Jesus’ resurrection appearance to Thomas, and who and what our faith is directed to.
Sermon Talking Points
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Who was Thomas? What notable things did he say or do in the Gospels? John 11:16; 14:5-6; 21:1-3.
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The other 10 disciples had seen the risen Jesus and believed after His first appearance among them, while Thomas was absent. How did Thomas express his skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection, and what it would take to [...]
Sermon on Luke 24:1-12, for Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. A sermon about Jesus’ faithfulness to His Word and His defeat of death.
Sermon on Psalm 41 for Maundy Thursday, the night Jesus was betrayed and instituted the Lord’s Supper.
Sermon on Luke 23, for Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion), about Jesus’ suffering on the cross, and its transformative power on the thief on the cross, and also for us. How to see the matter aright, of our sins and Jesus’ self-sacrifice.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion) begins Holy Week, and a strange tension or mix of attitudes and emotions. How did Jesus respond to these various forces that pushed or pulled on Him? How does His suffering on the cross have a unique gravity or magnetism that moves us to respond?
Sermon on Psalm 118 for Lent 6 midweek, a reflection on the Messianic Psalm, and how it relates to Jesus’ triumphal entry, passion, death and resurrection.
Sermon on Luke 20:9-20 for the 5th Sunday in Lent, on the parable of the vineyard owner and the tenants, illustrating how God became vulnerable in His merciful appeal to sinful humanity.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What are the most astonishing things that happen in this parable? Who is the parable describing?
- What is the background of the vineyard imagery so common to Jesus’ parables? Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Deut. 6:10-19; John 15. In what way was the vineyard prepared and ready for the people, without their effort? What was expected in retu [...]
Sermon on Psalm 69 for Lent 5 Midweek, on a Psalm that speaks of the crucifixion of Jesus. Reflecting on the prayers for vengeance in the (imprecatory) psalms, and how God’s zeal and love are united in Christ.
Sermon on Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, for the 4th Sunday in Lent, about the parable of the two sons and their loving Father.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What was the great offense that the younger son brought on the Father and family by his request? Follow the astonishing actions of the Father throughout the parable. What is astonishing about His granting the request?
- How did the son’s glamorous dreams fall apart? Why is life empty apart from God our Father’s love? What is our spiritual condition apart from God? Luke 15:32; Ephesians 2:1-6. When [...]
Sermon on Ezekiel 33:7-20, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent, about repentance and sin, and about the contrasting “light” and “heavy” views of sin. Also, a discussion of the “balancing scale” model of salvation.
Sermon on Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7, about Jesus’ role as our great high priest in the order of Melchizedek, in fulfillment of Psalm 110:4. How His “indestructible life” was put to the test and verified.
Sermon on Luke 13:31-35, for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem, and comparing Himself to a hen. The picture of God’s love for us, and Jesus’ sacrificing all for our safety.
Sermon Talking Points
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Why is Jesus’ behavior toward those who warn Him of danger puzzling? What was this King Herod capable of? Luke 3:19-20; 9:7-9. How did Jesus stand His ground?
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What kept Jesus so committed to His course, despite the danger, which turned [...]
Sermon on Psalm 89, for Lent 2 midweek. A Psalm about God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, and his covenant with David, and then the distress of wondering if God’s promises have failed. Looking forward to God’s fulfillment of those promises in the Anointed One, the Messiah.
Sermon on Luke 4:1-13, for the 1st Sunday in Lent, about Jesus’ temptation in the desert, and our temptations.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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Why might the Bible’s “coverage” of spiritual warfare be unexpected for us? What does this hidden “camera angle” reveal to us about life in general? 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:10ff. How does this prepare us to face life and temptation with a new perspective?
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To ear [...]
Sermon on Hebrews 3:1-6 & Luke 9:28-36 for Transfiguration Sunday, about how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, and what glorified Him.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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Transfiguration Sunday is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday when the somber season of Lent begins. How is Lent an annual spiritual journey to the cross?
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Read Hebrews 3:1-6. Look over the first 10 chapters of Hebrews. They argue for Christ’s supremacy over a variety of Old Testament figures and systems. What implic [...]
Sermon on Luke 4:31-44 for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, about Jesus’ miracles and teaching in Capernaum, and various responses to Jesus Christ that illuminate our own response to Him and His Word.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- Read Luke 4:31-44. Why was Jesus such a compelling, and even polarizing figure? Describe the variety of responses to Jesus that you find in this passage, as well as in other places in the Gospels. How do they compare to peoples’ responses to Jesus today?
A sermon from Rev. Dr. James Lamb, Executive director of Lutherans for Life. I preached this sermon for our observance of Life Sunday. The message is about how we as Christians “live with dying”–that is face our mortality with Christian hope and confidence, and how that guides our actions in relation to care for the elderly, ill, or disabled, as well as making decisions near the end of life.
Sermon on John 2:1-11, Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding at Cana, of changing water into wine. For the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Wedding feasts usually lasted for 7 days in ancient Israel (Judges 14:12) and the groom’s family were financially responsible . Apparently the greatest crisis involved in this miracle was the social embarrassment and shame that would be caused to the new couple. How did Jesus bless and honor the estate of marriage with His presence and this first miracle?
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Sermon on Psalm 98 for Christmas Eve, celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth! A reflection on Christmas through the Psalm which is also the basis for the hymn, “Joy to the World.”
Sermon on Micah 5:2-5a, for the 4th Sunday in Advent, about Micah’s prophecy of the Christ, the Shepherd King who would come to deliver His people.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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- The prophet Micah wrote while the nation of Israel was in turmoil. The Northern Kingdom had been exiled to Assyria, and he was warning the Southern Kingdom of Judah that they were headed in the same direction. Read Micah 4 &5. How did Micah bring hope that the exiles would be restored? How did he describe the Deliverer who would come? (5:2-5a).
Sermon on Psalm 146, for Advent Midweek 3, on the series of Psalms for Advent. This sermon continues from Psalm 72 to describe the character of Christ, our Righteous King, and why He is worthy of our praises forever.
Note: This sermon on joy was written with the tragic and senseless events of the recent school shooting in mind. Our prayers and hearts go out to the victims and survivors, that God would sent His peace and the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness of this time. As the Psalmist in Psalm 42 reflects, sometimes joy may seem distant and we may feel only bitterness and grief. Yet he puts his hope in God that there will again be a day of praise and gladness. The Bible’s teaching on joy is a reminder to us that Christian joy does not concede or retreat from evil, or times of grief or loss, but rather that God sends His good news of redeeming love and comfort to us precisely when we are hurting, lonely, and lost. It is the message of Jesus’ victory of good over evil at the cross, that is the only hope for joy in a time of darkness. It is this joy in the Lord that is brighter than the darkness, and tha [...]
Sermon on Psalm 72 for Advent 2 Midweek service, following the sermon series on Psalms for Advent. This Psalm is about the coming reign of the Righteous Messianic King, Jesus.
Sermon on Malachi 3:1-7b, for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, about Jesus as the Messenger of the Covenant, and God’s response to the Israelites that He was leaving the wicked unpunished.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Malachi 3:1-7 (and following) is God’s response to the question posed by the people in 2:17, accusing God of favoring the evil, or allowing them to escape punishment, and asking “Where is the God of justice (judgment)”? How does the “messenger of the covenant” whom God sends, deal with this apparent injustice?
Sermon on Psalm 25 for the first Midweek Advent service, about following God’s path.
This year for Advent Midweek services, I am preaching on “Psalms for Advent”, using selected Psalms that I’ve chosen, reflecting the Advent themes of repentance, waiting, and expectation of the Messiah, the King of Israel. The order will be Psalm 25, 72, 146, and then 98 for Christmas Eve, while also making references to other Psalms throughout.
Sermon on Jeremiah 33:14-16 for the First Sunday in Advent, about the prophecy that “Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely.” How does one find peace and security with God? What is the real danger to our body and soul? How does Jesus fulfill these prophecies?
Sermon Talking Points
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- Compare Jeremiah 23:5-6 with 33:14-16. What similarities and differences appear between the two passages? What is the identity of this king known as the “Righteous Branch” both in prophecy (Isaiah 11:1-10; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12) and fulfillment (Acts 13:22-23; R [...]
Sermon on Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21 about thankfulness, and seeing the Hand of God our Giver, as He places all good things in our hands. We read the Deuteronomy reading responsively, following the flow of the text, and then the sermon concluded with the responsive reading that follows, composed from other Bible passages as a reflection of our own deliverance and blessings received from the hand of the Lord, and modeled after the Deuteronomy recitation. The Deuteronomy passage had been used as a recitation of worshipers on the Day of Pentecost, a harvest festival.
· Pastor: So let’s look up today, refocus our eyes from our hands and our feet, up to the gracious hand of God, our Giver, and remember how He has blessed us.
· Congregation
Sermon on Jude 20-25, for the Last Sunday in the Church Year, about Jude’s warning against false teaching and the call to rescue those trapped by it. How one is preserved for salvation and presented blameless before God.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Read the 25 verses of the Book of Jude. The author of this short letter was the brother of James (cf. Jude 1 & James 1:1) and they both were the half-brothers of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; 1 Corinthians 9:5). The book is very similar to parts of 2 Peter.
Sermon on 1 Kings 17:8-16 for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Widow at Zarephath, and God’s provision in a time of neediness, weakness, or when we are at the “end of our rope.”
Sermon Talking Points
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- Zarephath was not a Jewish town, and God’s sending Elijah there showed God’s love for the Gentiles as well. How was this an offense to the crowds centuries later when Jesus referred to this story in Luke 4:25-26? How did Jesus show them that God came not only for the Jews?
Sermon on Matthew 5:6 for All Saints’ Day, about what it is to be spiritually hungry, and what does and doesn’t satisfy that hunger.
Sermon Talking Points
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Matthew 5:6 says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” How do we experience “hunger pangs” for righteousness? What is missing, that causes us to hunger for it?
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What do we long for in this life? Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 63. How will this hunger be satisfied [...]
Sermon on Mark 10:23-31 for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, on the impossibility of entering the kingdom of God apart from Christ. How riches are a hindrance to entering heaven, and how Jesus does the impossible for us.
Sermon Talking Points
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What typical attitudes have you encountered (inside the church, or outside it) about how or whether one will go to heaven? Do people even think about it at all? Do you agree most people think it’s easy or natural for most people to end up in heaven? On what basis? Good works?
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[...]
Sermon on Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, about the prophet Amos’ warnings against injustice and corruption, and how we are to “establish justice in the gate.”
Sermon Talking Points
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- Amos lived in the mid 700’s BC. Who was he? Amos 7:14-15. What was the primary sin that the prophets of God usually spoke against? How did idolatry overtake the city of Bethel? 1 Kings 12:26-33. How did it originally get that name? Genesis 28:10-22; cf. Hosea 4:15
- Why is it not surprising that sins of idolatry and injustice we [...]
Sermon on Mark 10:2-16, for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, where Jesus gives God’s definition of marriage as a lifelong, faithful union between one man and one woman.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What is the present state of marriage in the society and in the church? What is at work to redefine marriage? What threatens the stability of marriages? Why do not only Christians have an interest in protecting natural marriage between man and woman?
- How was Jesus’ approach to marriage not “from the ground up?” Where did He begin? Mark 10 [...]
Sermon on Mark 9:30-37, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, where Jesus teaches His disciples about His coming death and resurrection, the necessity of humility and obedience in His kingdom, and how children are exemplary of the humility and trust He desires.
Sermon Talking Points
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- How comfortable are we with asking questions? To whom do we usually ask them? What things might keep us from asking (especially the important) questions? What kept the disci [...]
Sermon on Mark 9:14-29 for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, on Jesus’ healing of the demon-possessed boy. How Jesus responds to the plea of a troubled and doubting father, creates faith in him, and the father seeks further strengthening of his faith from Jesus. How this is a lesson for us in times of weak faith.
Sermon Talking Points
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- The account of the boy who Jesus healed of an unclean spirit follows right after the Transfiguration in Matthew 17, Mark, 9, and Luke 9. What scene was developing when Jesus returned from the mountain?
[...]
Sermon on James 2:1-18 for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, about the proper relationship between faith and good works in the Christian life, and understanding James’ teaching in the light of salvation by grace alone. What does the Christian life look like after the Spirit has created faith?
Sermon Talking Points
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How does the apostle James expose hypocrisy in James 2:1-18? Why are words without actions empty? James 2:14-17; 1:22-25; Rom. 2:13.
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How did Jesus show no partiality or favoritism [...]
Sermon on Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9, about God’s purpose for the nation of Israel, and how that purpose was eventually fulfilled not through themselves, but through Jesus. How Christ extends that purpose and calling also to believers in Him as the Church is called to bear Christ’s light in the world.
Sermon Talking Points
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- The title of the book “Deuteronomy” means “second law”—because the bo [...]
Sermon on John 6:51-69 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, on Jesus’ teaching that He is the Bread of Life, and that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life.
Sermon Talking Points
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What do various New Testament passages mean by contrasting milk and solid food? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2-3. Why are we to grow in maturity, and not remain in childish ways? 1 Cor 13:11
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Why is Jesus’ teaching in John 6 an example of “solid food?” How di [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 4:17-5:2, for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, on the contrast between the old way of life we leave behind with its sinful desires, and the new life of the Spirit in which we live. What’s life like, living with this tension?
Sermon Talking Points
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- Although the Ephesians that Paul wrote to were also Gentiles (non-Jews), in what sense were they now different, that Paul calls on them not to walk any longer as the Gentiles do? Eph. 4:17-21
- What is our natural state of being, or our old way of operating, apart fr [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16, for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, on the church as the body of Christ. How does Paul teach about the unity, health, and cooperation of the body of Christ, as concerns its internal and external relations? What does it mean for us that the Church is a work and creation of God, and not man?
Sermon Talking Points
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- Paul urges us in Ephesian 4:1 to “walk in a manner worthy of [your] calling.” What is your calling as a “saint” or “holy one” in the Lord? What is a “worthy manner of life?” Colossians 1:10; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:13-2:3; 4:12-19. [...]
Sermon on Genesis 9:8-17 for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, about the Covenant that God made with Noah, his descendants, and all creation, the covenant that is memorialized by the rainbow. What it means for us that God “remembers His covenant” and how we are “remembered by God.”
Sermon Talking Points
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- What was the reason that God flooded the whole earth in Noah’s day? Genesis 6:1-13; 2 Pet. 2:5. How does it foreshadow the Last Day on earth? Matt. 24:36-39; 2 Pet. 3:1-13.
- Read about God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 8:20-9 [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 2:11-22 for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost on what the church is, and how we find it on earth.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What kind of “structure” does Ephesians 2 say that Christ is building? In what way could you say that it took a lot of “blood, sweat, and tears” to make it? Luke 19:41-44; 22:41-44; John 19:31-37. Read carefully in Ephesians 2:11-22. What does it say His blood and His death accomplished for His people?
- What is this “structure” built on? Eph. 2:20. How is it different from any earthly structures [...]
Sermon on Mark 6:14-29, for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, on the Martyrdom of John the Baptist. A sermon about why God has given us conscience, the dangers of ignoring conscience, and how to receive a clear conscience from God.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Why is it dangerous to go against the voice of conscience? What does God give us a conscience for? Rom. 2:15. What does it do (say)? Why should we strive for a clear conscience? Cf. Acts 24:16
- Who has a conscience? How (or when) is conscience like a prisoner moaning in his cell? How can it’s “alarm [...]
Sermon on Mark 6:1-13 for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost. About Jesus’ homecoming and His rejection in Nazareth. What are the causes of offense against Jesus? How is our heart made receptive to Him?
Sermon Talking Points
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- How was Jesus’ return to His hometown not received with such a warm welcome? Mark 6:1-6. How did Jesus’ own family react to Him during His ministry? Mark 3:21, 33; John 7:5. How did this later change? 1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 1:14. What was the cause of their dishonor toward Jesus?
[...]
Sermon on Lamentations 3:22-33, about patience through suffering, and the confidence that looks to God’s faithfulness.
Sermon Talking Points
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- The Hebrew word hesed is a rich Biblical word, that is hard to express simply in English. It is frequently used to describe God’s loving-kindness, His steadfast and unfailing love. It is said that God abounds in hesed, His steadfast love is not in short supply. See how it is used in Exodus 34:6-7; Neh. 9:16-17; Joel 2:13.
- This great passage of hope (Lam. 3:22-33) canno [...]
Sermon on Luke 1:57-80 on the Nativity of John the Baptist. About John’s birth and Zechariah’s song–how God has visited and redeemed His people.
Sermon Talking Points
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- For examples of Zechariah’s song (sometimes called the Benedictus) used in the living song of the church, see LSB 226, 238, 936.
- How is the remembrance of John the Baptist really about celebrating Jesus, the greater One he came to serve? How does Zechariah’s song proclaim Christ?
- What does it mean to say that we live on a [...]
Sermon on Mark 4:26-34 for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, on the Parable of the Automatic Action of the Seed and the Parable of the Mustard Seed, about the power of God’s Word to grow God’s kingdom.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What is “automatic” about the kingdom of God? Read Mark 4:26-29. What is it that has this power invested in it, to operate by itself in people’s hearts? Re-read the parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-9. How has God invested His power into His Word? Isaiah 45:10-11
- What is the “information” that gives the Word of [...]
Sermon on Mark 3:20-35 about Jesus’ rejection by the scribes and the unforgivable sin. Jesus describes His battle against the kingdom of Satan.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What makes passages like Mark 3 and others about Jesus hard for some to accept? Why is it a dangerous error to try to do our own “editing” of the Bible to get what we like out of it, instead of hearing what it’s saying to us? Rom. 9:20-21; Isaiah 29:16; 45:9. What might we miss out on, if we reduce or reshape the image of Jesus?
- How did Jesus’ family s [...]
Sermon on Acts 2:22-36, for Holy Trinity Sunday, how God is the One in control of all things and carries out our salvation.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Note on the Athanasian Creed: The end of the creed makes reference to all people rising and giving an account concerning their deeds, and that those who’ve done good will enter into eternal life, and those who have done evil into eternal fire. Examine these Scripture passages that refer to the judgment: Matt. 12:35-37; 25:31-46; John 5:21-29, esp. vs. 24, 29 & John 6:28-29; cf. Rom. 8:1. While [...]
Sermon on Acts 2:1-21 for the Festival of Pentecost, Peter’s sermon inviting us to Call on the Lord and be saved.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Pentecost, the “Feast of Weeks” or “Festival of Harvest” is actually an Old Testament celebration. Ex. 34:22; Deut 16:10; Num 28:26; Ex. 23:16a. Pilgrims would gather in Jerusalem, and on Pentecost morning, a flute player would lead the farmers up Mount Zion as they sang the “Song of Ascents” (Psalm 120-36). When they reached the temple, the farmers would present a basket of grain as an offering while r [...]
Sermon on Acts 1:12-26, for the 7th Sunday of Easter on the choosing of a new apostle to replace Judas. Also the contrast of Judas and Peter as it illustrates the difference between “worldly grief” and “godly grief” that leads to repentance.
Sermon Talking Points
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- After Jesus’ Ascension into heaven (Acts 1:1-11), the 11 apostles of Jesus reconvened to choose a replacement for Judas. Describe their unity: what gave them “one accord” (v. 14)? Acts 2:42-47; Phil. 2:1-5
Sermon on Luke 24:44-53, for Ascension Day, celebrating Jesus’ rising into heaven to receive His rightful glory, and what nevertheless filled the disciples with joy.
Sermon on Acts 10:34-48, for the 6th Sunday of Easter, about Peter’s sermon to the Gentile household of Cornelius, the centurion.
Sermon Talking Points
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Read Acts 10:1-33. What were the events that led up to Peter’s sermon in verses 34ff? Who was Cornelius, and how did this encounter happen?
Sermon on Acts 8:26-40 for the 5th Sunday of Easter, about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
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Describe how you or someone you know has been “stuck” in various ways as mentioned in the sermon. While you don’t have solutions, how is telling about Jesus the best gift you can give?
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Did you know that another Ethiopian eunuch performed an act of kindness to a prophet in the OT? Jer. 38:7-13 [...]
Sermon on Acts 4:11-21 for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, on Peter’s second sermon in Acts, after healing the man born lame. How Peter highlights the irony of the denial and death of Jesus, while the crowds asked for a murderer to be set free.
Sermon Talking Points
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- Read Acts 3:1-10 about the healing of the lame man, which precedes today’s reading. What catches your attention? Re-read Acts 3:11-21. Peter and John don’t claim any credit for this miracle. Why? Read Psalm 115:1. How do Peter’ [...]
Sermon on Acts 4:32-35, for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, on what we can learn from the example of the early Christians as they showed “faith in action” after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Sermon Talking Points
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- During the season of Easter, readings from the New Testament book of Acts replace the Old Testament readings. What takes place in this “new history” of the Christian church? What central events at the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry drive forward the action and events of the book of Acts? Why? Luke 24, Acts 1.
< [...]
Sermon on Mark 16:1-8 for Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary and the women report the empty tomb to Peter and the disciples. Why this “news” is unlike any other!
Sermon Talking Points
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- Read Mark 16:1-8, the account of the women’s arrival at Jesus’ tomb. How did the women react to this unprecedented morning news? What makes for the enduring relevance and universal importance of this particular news of Jesus’ death and resurrection? How is this news “delivered” around the world?
The final sermon in the Lenten series adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Sermon for Good Friday, Jonah 4:1-11 about the open-ended question God leaves with Jonah and with us, about how He should have compassion on a sinful world.
The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Sermon on Jonah 4:1-4 for Lent 7, Maundy Thursday. A sermon about Jonah’s reaction to Nineveh’s repentance and God’s grace, and examining our own hearts in relation to God’s love. How was God’s love reflected in Jesus’ Last Supper, betrayal, and death for us?
Sermon on Zechariah 9:9-12 for Palm Sunday, on Jesus’ kingship and how He came to set us free.
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Read Mark 11:1-11 about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. How was this an intentional fulfillment of the words of the prophet Zechariah (520-518 BC), in Zech. 9:9-12? What were the characteristics of the King and His coming reign?
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What were the “kingly” actions that surrounded this event? 1 Kings 1:33-40; 2 Ki. 9:13; Ps. 118:25-26. The sc [...]
The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Sermon on Jonah 3:5-10 for Lent 6, about the repentance of Nineveh, and our repentance.
For Holy Week read Jonah 4:1-11 and ask yourself:
1) Why is Jonah upset?
2) How often has the prosperity of another gotten under your skin? Have you found yourself feeling like Jonah who is “exceedingly displeased” and angry that God relents from bringing disaster upon the Ninevites?
3) How does God’s grace being given to another person assure you of his grace toward you?
Also read Matthew 12:38-42
Ask yourself:
Sermon on Mark 10:35-45 for the 5th Sunday in Lent, for our Children’s Sunday. About James’ and John’s lesson in the values of the world vs. the values of the kingdom of God, and how Jesus ransomed us.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What were James and John seeking from Jesus in Mark 10:35-45? How did their question affect the other 10 disciples? vs. 41 When have we had similar self-seeking, self-promoting thoughts? What is usually the result of “power-plays”, being domineering, arrogant, or self-seeking? What attitude does Jesus direct us to have instead? Vs. 43-45; Philippians 2:1-11. How is this [...]
The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Sermon on Jonah 3:1-5 for Lent 5, about Jonah’s sermon in Nineveh.
For Next Week read Jonah 3:6-10 and ask yourself:
1) How did repentance affect the daily lives of the Ninevites?
2) What effect does repentance have upon my life?
3) What is God’s attitude regarding repentance? (v.10)
Sermon on Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3:14-21, for the 4th Sunday in Lent, about how the story of the bronze serpent ties into Jesus’ cross and John 3:16. How Jesus has delivered us from sin and death, and where His battle standard is raised for God’s victory.
Sermon Talking Points
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- What caused God to send the serpents among the Israelites in Numbers 21:4-9? What did the burning pain of the bites move them to do in v. 7? How did God appoint a solution for their suffering? What is puzzling or even unusual about the solution? Why might they not have wanted to look at it? < [...]
The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
For Next Week read Jonah 3:1-4 and ask yourself:
1) What does it mean for my life that “the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time”?
2) Do you think Jonah willingly went to Nineveh?
3) What do you think of his sermon? Where is the Law? Where is the Gospel?
Sermon on the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:1-17, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent. A prayerful meditation on the various ways in which we have broken God’s commands, a reflection on the goodness of those commands, and the still greater goodness of Jesus who forgave us all our guilt of disobedience.
Sermon Talking Points
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- The Ten Commandments begin with God’s announcement that He is the Lord God who delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. How does God’s deliverance of us form the foundation for our obedience? What slavery have we been delivered from? John 8:31-35
Sermon on Jonah 1:1-17, for Midweek Lent 3. The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
For Next Week read Jonah 2:1-10. Ask yourself:
1) How do times of distress affect my prayer life?
2) How fervent am I in prayer when life is going well?
3) How does distress re-orient my thinking toward God?
4) Is the power of prayer found in my sincerity, my persistence, or God’s grace?
Sermon on Mark 8:27-38 for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, about Jesus teaching about His cross. Disciples learn what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus–learning sacrificial living and love.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What was Peter’s objection to Jesus’ description of His own mission? Cf. Matt. 16:22. What aspect of discipleship (following Jesus) would we like to avoid as well? What does God accomplish in suffering? Rom. 5:1-5
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Sermon on Jonah 1:4-16, for Midweek Lent 2. The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
For Next Week Re-read Jonah 1.
Ask yourself:
1) How is the power of God’s word exhibited in the action of the fish?
2) Why does God stick with Jonah?
3) From your knowledge of the entire book, can you recall the three other times when God provides for Jonah?
4) What do God’s provisions for this prodigal prophet tell you?
Sermon on James 1:12-18, for the 1st Sunday in Lent, about trials and temptations, the path to death and the path to life, and how God sets us on the path of life and gives us the victory over temptation.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- In what way is Jesus both the man who remained steadfast under trial, and also the one who gives us the crown of life? Luke 4:1-13; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15; John 11:25-26. What is the crown of life? 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 2:10
[...]
Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The following Lenten series I will be preaching on is taken from Dr. Reed Lessing’s series on Jonah the prophet. Dr. Lessing is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
For Next Week: Read Jonah 1:4-16 and ask yourself:
1) Even when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels, refusing to hearken to him?
2) How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
3) How was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to as well as different from that of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
Sermon on Mark 9:2-9, for Transfiguration Sunday, about Jesus’ glorification on the mountain.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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The word “transfigured” is a translation of the Greek “metamorphosis.” It describes a change in form or outward appearance. In what way was Jesus transfigured? How was His identity nevertheless unchanged?
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Jesus told His three disciples that this particular miracle was to remain hidden until when? Why? Mark 9:9-13; 2 Cor. 4:3-6 What is sur [...]
Sermon on Mark 1:40-45, for the 6th Sunday after Epiphany, about Jesus’ cleansing of the leper. Jesus wants to cleanse us from our sins and impurities, though so often we are unwilling or unable to come to Him.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- While we may not suffer the uncleanness of leprosy, what are the things that make us unclean? Mark 7:14-23; 2 Cor. 7:1; . What did Jesus declare clean, that had formerly been unclean? What holds many of us (or others) from coming to Christ for cleansing?
Sermon on Isaiah 40:21-31 for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, about reflecting on God’s majesty and power in our time of trouble, and finding our strength and resilience in Him alone.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What did the glory of the heavens move the Psalmist to sing? Psalm 19:1-6; 50:6; 97:6. How does this adjust our sense of size or importance?
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How did God create the stars and the universe? Gen. 1:14-19; [...]
Sermon on Deuteronomy 18:15-20, for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany on Moses’ prophecy of a greater prophet like him who would come after. How the Israelites (and us) encounter God, and what it means to have Jesus as our mediator between God and man.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- The Israelites had been terrified at their direct encounter with God at Mount Horeb (Sinai), and wanted no more. Read about their experience and reaction: Exodus 19:1-20:21; Deuteronomy 5. What was their request instead? Ex. 20:19; Deut. 5:24-27; 18:16
Sermon on Mark 1:14-20 for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, about how Jesus calls the first disciples and makes them fishers of men. What it means to be caught up into the “net” of God’s grace.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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The word “gospel” means “good news.” What makes God’s gospel message so great for us? Romans 1:1-6; 16
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What “time” had arrived when Jesus came? What time is now here fo [...]
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany about God’s design for human sexuality. How Christians are called to a higher view of sexuality and what our value and identity is as forgiven children of God.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- In 1 Corinthians 6:12-13, Paul seems to be addressing some common “slogans” or sayings that were circulating in the Corinthian church, or perhaps on the streets of Corinth. What are the “slogans” that is responding to, and how does he redirect or reshape them to make his point that sexual immoral [...]
Sermon on Numbers 6:22-27 and Luke 2:21 about the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus. What does the name of Jesus mean, and what is God’s name?
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Look up some examples of Biblical names that bore great significance for their bearers. Genesis 2:7, 20; 3:20; 4:1, 25; 5:29; 17:7-8, 15; etc. 1 Samuel 4:21; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23. What do the name and title “Jesus” and “Emmanuel” mean?
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Numbers 6 is sometimes called the “Aaronic benediction” because it [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 40:10-11 for Christmas Eve, on how Jesus is our Good Shepherd, whom the shepherds came to greet at His birth. Merry Christmas!
Sermon on Luke 1:26-38 for the 4th Sunday in Advent, about the Announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would become the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. How Mary and we find favor in God’s eyes, and what it means for Jesus to reign in our lives.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What was the angel Gabriel’s comforting response to Mary, when she was startled and troubled by his unexpected greeting? Luke 1:30. How does this compare to other angels bearing good news to humans about Christ? Luke 1:13; 2:10; Matt. 28:5
Sermon on Isaiah 40:6-9 for midweek Advent 3. Based on the Sermon Series “Savior of the Nations Come” by Dr. Reed Lessing of Concordia Seminary St. Louis. A sermon about the idolatry of our hearts and the exile of sin, and how God returns us with joy to our home, through the promises of His eternal Word.
Sermon on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, for the 3rd Sunday in Advent. About what happens when Jesus, God’s Anointed, arrives on the scene of human history and the scene of our lives.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Who directly fulfills this prophecy from Isaiah 61? See Luke 4:16-30; How did Jesus’ ministry carry out these promises? How does He continue to perform this work today?
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“Anointed” (v. 1) is the translation [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 40:3-5, about preparing the Way for the Lord in our hearts by repentance, for the 2nd midweek Advent service. Based on a sermon series for Advent, “Savior of the Nations Come” by Dr. Reed Lessing.
Sermon on 2 Peter 3:8-14 for the Second Sunday in Advent. About Jesus’ promised second coming, and how we are to learn patience, understand God’s gracious “delay”, learning attachment to God’s Word and not the world, and leading lives of holiness and godliness as we wait for His coming.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Since God is outside time, what does that mean for the charge of scoffers, who mock that God is slow, or delaying, or just doesn’t exist? What is God’s reason for “delaying” (from our perspective) in His return? 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; cf. Ps. 90:4 [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 40:1-2, for the first Wednesday in Advent, from the sermon series “Savior of the Nations Come” by Dr. Reed Lessing of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO.
A sermon about how God comes to us in the pit or tomb of our despair, at our lowest, and speaks comfort to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sermon for Thanksgiving Eve. Reflections on gratitude and thanksgiving, drawn from the Psalms.
Sermon on Isaiah 64:1-9, for the First Sunday in Advent. Isaiah’s prayer anticipating the return of the Lord in power, and his humility and repentance over their sins.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why might we wish, like Isaiah did in Isaiah 64, that God would come down and reveal His power and glory? What miraculous deeds of God did his prayer recall? Exodus 20:18-21.
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Why did Isaiah and the Jews feel as though God was silent towards them? Isaiah 63:17-19; 64:9-12. How do we sometime [...]
A sermon on Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus’ preview of the Final Judgment and the separation of the sheep and the goats. For the Last Sunday in the Church Year.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What thoughts/emotions fill your mind at the thought of Judgment Day? Fear? Dread? Indifference? Doubt? Confidence? Anticipation? Why?
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What separation will take place on that day? What will be taken into consideration in that judgment? Does this mean that we are saved by [...]
Sermon on Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents, about how God wants us to put His gifts to use.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What does the “man going on a journey” represent in this and other parables? Matt. 21:33; 25:5; John 14:1-6; 16:16-33; Acts 1:6-11
- What is the significance of his entrusting his property to the servants? What does he expect them to do until he returns? What has Jesus entrusted us (His servants) with?
- What are the gifts or talents that God has speci [...]
Revelation 7:9-17. A sermon on the comfort and joys of heaven, and how that relates to our suffering and tribulation now. What is the measure of a saint? How do we become saints? Will heaven be boring? The music and joy of heaven.
(note: I am posting two recordings of this sermon preached on the same text, because they varied quite a bit, while on the same topics)
Revelation 7:9-17. A sermon on the comfort and joys of heaven, and how that relates to our suffering and tribulation now. What is the measure of a saint? How do we become saints? Will heaven be boring? The music and joy of heaven.
(note: I am posting two recordings of this sermon preached on the same text, because they varied quite a bit, while on the same topics)
Sermon on John 8:31-36 for Reformation Day, on how Jesus sets us free, and about differing understandings of freedom. Freedom that is turned toward sin or evil always ceases to be freedom.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What is the reason for skepticism toward truth today? Was this skepticism equally present in Jesus’ time? John 18:37-38; Acts 17:21 Is God able to make His truth known, and how did He choose to do so?
- How were the Jews who talked to Jesus blind about their own slavery & the meaning of freedom? Exodus 1:13-14; 24:18; Ezra 9:9. How is blindness [...]
Sermon on Matthew 22:34-46 for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. A sermon about the lawyer’s question to Jesus, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus describes man’s duty to God and neighbor, and goes on to point them to Himself as the Christ, who would fulfill that duty for us.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- When is a question a good question? Is skepticism always harmful? What are types of questions that are bad? What should the goal of a good question be?
- What does it mean to say that the question about [...]
Sermon on Matthew 22:15-22 for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, on what Jesus meant by saying that we are to “render to God what is God’s”. This also was a “Children’s Sunday” service at our church.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What was Jesus’ advice about paying taxes? Matthew 22:20-21; 17:24-27; Romans 13:6-7.
- What was the bigger point that Jesus was making for His hearers? What was the analogy to the coin, for why they also were “due back” to God?
- What does it mean that we are [...]
Sermon on Matthew 22:1-14, the Parable of the Wedding Feast, for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Identify who and what the main characters and events of the parable represent. How does Isaiah 25:6-9 shape the view of God’s “wedding feast?” Where else is this wedding imagery significant in the Bible? Matt. 25:1-13; Eph. 5; Hosea
- Reflect on the incredible honor to be invited to the wedding banquet of the King’s Son, and how foolish it is to despise that invitation for trivial or mundane reaso [...]
Sermon on Matthew 21:33-46, the parable of the Vineyard, teaching about God’s incredible act of sending His Son into the world, and the rejection and death He faced.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What is the background of the vineyard imagery so common to Jesus’ parables? Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Deut. 6:10-19; John 15. In what way was the vineyard prepared and ready for the people, without their effort? What was expected in return? How were God’s servants, the prophets, treated by the Israelites (tenants)? Jer. 26:20-21; 2 Chron 24:20-22; Mt. 23:34-37; Lk 13: [...]
Sermon on Matthew 20:1-16, the Parable of the Compassionate Employer, and a lesson about grace and generosity.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What was the wage the first workers agreed to accept from the master for a day’s work? When the master returned four more times to the marketplace, why were there still workers there? (v.7)
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What is surprising about the master’s trips to the marketplace, in light of the fact that he had an employee (v.8)? What about the order in which he made payment? How much he paid to each?
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What does this parable teach us about the compassion and generosity of our God? What was the protest of the first workers? Were they underpaid? How and when do we show a similar jealousy or resentment? What must we do with sinful feelings of “entitlement?”
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The end of verse 15 could literally be tra [...]
Sermon on Matthew 18:21-35, for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, on Peter’s question of how often we are to forgive, and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What did Peter think was a “generous” amount of forgiveness? How far was he off the mark, according to Jesus? What did Jesus intend to teach Peter when He said to forgive seventy times seven? Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5
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In the parable of the unforgiving servant, how great was his debt to the master? What does this unpayable debt represent for us? How did the master respond to his plea for mercy?
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How much smaller was the debt his fellow servant owed him? What does that debt represent for us? How did he respond to his fellow servant’s plea for mercy? What was naturally expected from the master, as to how he should have responded inst [...]
Sermon on Matthew 18:1-20 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost. Jesus’ plays the role of the Good Shepherd in this passage, teaching and guarding us against many pitfalls to our salvation, including pride, temptations, and unrepentance. He guards us and seeks always to save the lost.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What are the several “pitfalls” that could keep us from salvation, that Jesus teaches about in Matthew 18? What are the spiritual stakes for going astray in the ways Jesus describes?
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What does Jesus teach is the alternative to spiritual pride? What is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven? (18:3). How does Jesus reverse the disciple’s expected paradigm for what is the model of both faith and greatness in the kingdom? Philippians 2:3
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How does Jesus affirm that children believe? Matt. 18:6. Why is it such [...]
Sermon on Matthew 16:21-28 for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, on Jesus’ rebuke of Peter, when Peter tried to turn Jesus away from the path that led to the suffering of cross. Jesus teaches Peter what life under the cross means.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What are two ways in which Christian life is a life lived “Under the Cross?” Why will we be misled if we think that God’s plan for the Christian would be to rescue them from all immediate pain and suffering? Give an example of a “greater good” that might be in store beyond a situation of temporary suffering.
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Why was Peter’s rebuke of Jesus such a shock? Compare Matthew 16:16 and 16:22. What are more subtle ways that we might unconsciously “rebuke” God? How is this an idolatry of self, as well as being supremely arrogant? Cf. Satan’s “M.O.” Gen. 3:1
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A sermon on Isaiah 51:1-6 for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, about how God calls our attention to the fact that the sinful world is broken and failing fast, but the righteousness and salvation of God are forever, and we are called to pursue God’s righteousness by faith.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What events in life might compel us to turn to God’s Word for answers? What things have shaken the whole world recently? What does this tell us about the (im)permanence of the world? Isaiah 51:6; 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:22-25. Where should we put our trust and confidence instead?
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Isaiah 51:4 talks about “a law” going out from God, His justice for the nations. “Law” here is in the original Hebrew “torah” which means more than just laws and commandments. It means “teaching” or “instruction,” inclusive of all of God’s [...]
Sermon on Matthew 15:21-28, the account of the Canaanite woman struggling with Jesus to obtain healing for her daughter, and how she persevered in this test of faith. The sermon explores her confidence in the merciful God, which is our confidence as well, and how God intended to join the foreigners to Him (See. Isaiah 56).
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Describe the tension in the Gospel reading. After the series of apparent rebuffs, how might the disciples have expected the exchange to end? How does God sometimes “wrestle against us” with trials and difficulties? Genesis 32:22-32; 2 Cor. 12:7-10
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How did the Canaanite woman cleverly catch Jesus in His words? How does it become clear that He was willing to be held captive by His own words?
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What is the “mission trajectory” of God, that you can already see in the Old Test [...]
Sermon on Romans 10:5-17 for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost about how faith comes by hearing, and how we participate in the mission of God.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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If we are spiritual beggars, and Christ is the one who has prepared a feast, what is our role in God’s mission? What is it that we have to share with others?
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How do we “enrich ourselves” to be able to share with others? Rom. 10:12; 2 Cor. 8:9; Isaiah 55:1-2.
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Why was it necessary and part of God’s plan that Christianity would become global? Matt. 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Col. 3:11; Joel 2:28-32
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What is God’s method or means to create faith? Rom. 10:14-17. How does that get us involved in the mission of God?
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Have you considered whether God is calling you to serve in the mission and ministry of His church, either as a pastor, [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 55:1-5 for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, on how Jesus satisfies our spiritual emptiness, hunger, and thirst.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Imagine yourself parched from a long trek through the hot desert, and discovering a fountain of cool, refreshing water. How would you feel? Imagine yourself a poor, starving beggar, being offered a feast of rich food for free. How would you react?
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Why would we want to deny the fact that we are beggars? Why might we not want to carry that around as our identity? Who would we rather be seen as? What is the personality or identity that you try to “project” as a person? How do you want people to see you?
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Why does Isaiah 55:2 expose our disguises and posturing as unable to fool God? Why can material things and earthly pleasures not truly satisfy the emptiness within us? [...]
Sermon on Deuteronomy 7:6-9, on God’s choice of Israel as His people, and also God’s choosing of Jew and Gentile believers to be His church, and how God’s love is steadfast.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Deuteronomy comprises Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they entered the land of Canaan. He presents the Law of God a second time; reminds what God did to bring them there; how they were to live faithfully in the land He was giving them; and what would happen if they were unfaithful to God.
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Was God’s choosing of Israel as His chosen nation an example of favoritism? Did it give the children of Israel grounds for pride in themselves? Deut. 7:6-8. What about the expanded calling to all believers in Christ? As God’s chosen children, a “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9-10), do we have grounds to boa [...]
Sermon on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 about Jesus’ teaching of how believers and unbelievers are sown side by side in the field of this world, and how one is gathered into the “barn” or thrown into the fire at the harvest.
Sermon on Acts 2:1-21 for Pentecost, the Festival of the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How powerful is the Name of God to save? Psalm 106:6-10; Matt. 10:22; Acts 4:12; When and why should we call on Him? Psalm 86:1-7; 116:1-2; 145:18; Rom. 10:12-14
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Pentecost, the “Feast of Weeks” or “Festival of Harvest” is actually an Old Testament celebration. Ex. 34:22; Deut 16:10; Num 28:26; Ex. 23:16a. Pilgrims would gather in Jerusalem, and on Pentecost morning, a flute player would lead the farmers up Mount Zion as they sang the “Song of Ascents” (Psalm 120-36). When they reached the temple, the farmers would present a basket of grain as an offering while reciting the words from Deuteronomy 26:5-10a in Hebrew. (The Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1835).
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By the time of this Pentecost, after Jesus’ resurrection, many [...]
Sermon on John 17:1-11, for the 7th Sunday of Easter on Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer for His disciples.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read all of Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” in John 17. It is “priestly” because Jesus prays on behalf of others. How did Jesus pray for His disciples and also for us? What did He ask for?
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What was the “hour” that Jesus said had come? What was going to happen? See John 2:4; 5:25-28; 7:30; 12:23; 13:1; 16:32
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Who gave us to Jesus to be His disciples? John 17:2, 6, 9; 15:16
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What is Jesus’ purpose in the world, as described in John 17:2? How does one get eternal life? See also John 5:24. What did Jesus do to secure eternal life for us?
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Why do Christians need to be watchful of the devils attacks? 1 Peter 5:6-11. Why did Jesus pray for His disciples? What chall [...]
Sermon on Acts 1:1-11 for Ascension Day, Jesus’ ascension into heaven 40 days after Easter, to be seated at God’s Right Hand.
Sermon Outline:
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Day of Triumph—sublime and awesome mystery—Jesus ascends to the place of honor at God’ right hand. Imagine the celebration at the victor returning home! a. Father is spirit, and so what does “the right hand” mean? Not “displaced” from us by infinite distance, but ruling in God’s power and dominion everywhere. Power, authority exercised. Honor. Place of intercession b. Christ alone can rightfully claim this honor. His humbling Himself, incarnation, death, and resurrection earned Him this rightful honor. Redemption necessary for Jesus to become our intercessor. c. Our confidence of our own ascension into heaven (Where the head is, there the members of the body will be also!), resurrection of the body, forgiveness and Jesus’ intercession. God justifies.
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Prepare a place for us. God is wa [...]
Sermon on the work of the Holy Spirit, John 14:15-21 for the 6th Sunday of Easter
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why does a Christian desire to keep Jesus’ commandments? John 14:15, 21; 15:9-12; 1 John 5:1-5. Obedience shows our love of God—John 14:21; 1 John 5:2-3. Reflect on how Adam and Eve first showed their lack of love through disobedience to God. How does our disobedience show lack of love?
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What enables the keeping of the commandments not to be burdensome to the Christian? Colossians 2:14; Romans 7:4-6; 21-25; John 14:16.
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What is the significance of the new identity that is given to us when we are born of water and the Spirit in baptism? How does that new identity affect how we are able to live our lives and love God and neighbor?
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What “departure(s)” was Jesus speaking of to His disciples? John 16:28. [...]
Sermon on John 14:1-14, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, about Jesus’ exclusive claim to be the only way to the Father.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why does believing in God, that is, believing in Jesus, bring peace to the troubled heart? John 16:22-23; Phil. 4:7; 1 Tim. 1:5
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For what reason did Jesus ascend into heaven after rising from the dead? John 13:36; 14:2-3; 16:7. When will He bring us with Him?
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Rather than give “directions” or a checklist to get into heaven, Jesus points Thomas to Himself (Jesus), as the Way. What is significant about the fact that the Way is a person? What does it mean that “without the Way, there is no going?”
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How does Jesus’ message that He is the only Way to the Father run against the grain of our human thinking? How do people today try to change these words of Jesus? Why [...]
Sermon on Acts 2:42-47 for the 4th Sunday of Easter, about the joy of community as it was seen in the earliest Christian church.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What was the earliest pattern of Christian worship, identified in Acts 2:42? How does our Lutheran Service of Word and Sacrament compare to this early outline? What was the foundation of their unity?
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How did the signs and wonders performed by the apostles provide confirmation of their message? Hebrews 2:3-4; John 3:2; 6:30; 11:47; Acts 14:3; 1 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 12:12. Why are miracles no longer needed as confirmation of the apostolic message?
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What prompted the early Christians to adopt the pattern of communal living? What made it work in their case? What made it fail under other circumstances? (cf. Acts 5:1-11; 6:1-2)
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To whom was their generosity turned? Acts 2 [...]
Sermon on Luke 24:13-35, about the Road to Emmaus, and Jesus’ unexpected companionship that brought joy in their grief, and how Jesus also is our unexpected companion.
Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How were the disciples on the road to Emmaus an example of people whose joy had been stolen? Under what circumstances? What had their hopes been (Luke 24:21)? What was so disorienting about the grief they were experiencing?
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What griefs have you endured? Think of a time when your joy was stolen or overshadowed by a loss. What was disorienting about your experience with grief?
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How did the unexpected companionship of Jesus on their way begin to reorient them back to hope and joy? What was it about His presence and conversation that made their hearts “burn within them?” Luke 24:27, 30-35.
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How is [...]
Sermon on John 20:19-31 for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, on Christian joy.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Friedrich Nietzche, the German philosopher said, “You Christians lost the world when you lost your joy.” What did he mean? How does (or would) Christian joy be magnetic to those who don’t believe? What are reasons for losing our joy?
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Look for examples of joy in each of the three readings. Can you create joy by seeking it? Does it work to be told that you should be joyful? Can it be manufactured? Why or why not? Where does true joy come from? How is it discovered or found?
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Explain the difference between joy and happiness. How can joy exist, even in dark times of life? Read Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 1:6-8
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What are the things that specifically make Easter joyous? What is the joy of the resurrection? How does it make a [...]
Sermon on Colossians 3:1-4 for Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Easter News is Life-changing News!
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Were the lives of the women and the disciples who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection changed by it? Matt. 28:8-10; John 20:11-23; Acts 4:7-21. Though resurrection was certainly not a regular human experience, how was it completely understandable and recognizable within human experience? (i.e., how did they know He was really alive?) Luke 24:36-43; John 20:24-29
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Has your life been changed by Jesus’ death and resurrection? Where would you be, or what would be different if you hadn’t believed?
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How have we been raised with Christ? Colossians 2:11-12. How did we die with Him? Galatians 5:24 How do we continue to die to sin?
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How do we grasp our new life? [...]
Sermon on Psalm 22 and Mark 15:34, for Good Friday. The cry of Jesus from the cross, and how Psalm 22 was fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion. Reflections on how Good Friday is not a funeral, but praise to the best life ever lived, and how Jesus accomplished our salvation and will be living and with us to enjoy it one day.
A sermon for Maundy Thursday about Jesus’ last will and testament–the Lord’s Supper. How Jesus fulfilled all the examples of the Old Testament sacrifices in His death on the cross for our forgiveness. Hebrews 9:11-22
Sermon on Matthew 27:11-66, for Palm Sunday. About how we play the “blame game” and how the people at Jesus’ death attempted to excuse, accept, or pass the blame. Contrast to the only way to truly be free of blame.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How do we try to play the “blame game” when it comes to acknowledging or denying our sin? What are our tactics? Why does it ultimately never work? Jeremiah 2:22; Romans 3:3-6; 3:19-20; cf. John 9:41; Romans 6:23
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What various events or statements at Jesus’ trial and death showed Him to be innocent? Who tried to escape blame at His death? Who apparently “accepted” the blame? (Matt. 27:25). How did Jesus maintain His innocence? Who else recognized His innocence?
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How is our guilt like a debt that we could never pay? Matt. 18:21-35. Why is it one of the greatest [...]
A sermon on the 7th Commandment (and by extension the 9th-10th Commandments on Coveting) based on Exodus 20:15, 17, and 1 Kings 21:1-16; Ephesians 4:17-32. How we are commanded not to steal or deprive our neighbor of their property unjustly, and what Jesus teaches us to do with our possessions and property, and how He Himself used His riches.
Sermon on John 11:17-53 for the 5th Sunday in Lent, on Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What motives lurked behind the plot to kill Jesus? Why was He such an offense or threat to the Sanhedrin (Jewish Ruling Council)? John 11:47-53; 5:18; 6:41-42; 7:1-52; etc.
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What was the Old Testament basis for faith in the resurrection of the dead? Exodus 3:6, cf. Matt. 21:32; Job 19:23-27; Psalm 16; Ezekiel 37
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How is this story one of the greatest pictures of Jesus’ humanity? What made His emotion so strong at the death of Lazarus? Hebrews 4:15; Phil. 2:7-8; Luke 19:41-44; Matt. 9:36;
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How do we grieve at funerals? What kind of grief is appropriate? When do we in unbelief silently give death more power than God? 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 11:21-27.
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How is the Christian hope in [...]
Sermon on the 6th and 10th Commandments. Exodus 20:14, 17; Genesis 39:1-23; Matthew 5:27-32; Psalm 127.
Sermon on John 9, the healing of the man born blind. Physical and spiritual blindness, and restoration of sight.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read all of John 9, and see the full “investigation” that was undertaken by the Jews about the healing of this blind man.
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What types of “blindness” are discussed in this passage? Elsewhere in the Bible? Cf. Exodus 4:11; 23:8; Psalm 146:8; Isaiah 6:10; 35:5; Matt. 15:12-14; John 12:35-43; 2 Corinthians 4:4
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What is remarkable and yet also very earthy about how Jesus healed the man? What does this indicate about Christ’s willingness to enter into the brokenness of this sinful world? What does the miracle of the incarnation (that “God became flesh”) teach us about God’s love for mankind and the fallen world? Phil. 2:5-11; John 1:1-18
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The irony of this passage is [...]
Sermon on Romans 5:1-8, about heroes and the Greatest Hero Story Ever!
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Who are your heroes? What was it about those heroes that you wanted to imitate? What made their stories magnetic? What were their virtues, and what is it about their character that was worthy of imitation?
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What happens when our problems/crises are bigger than an earthly hero can handle? Or when our earthly heroes disappoint or are found to be imperfect? Not there to help us when we need it?
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What type of imitation is praised in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 2:7
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How is the story of Jesus the “Greatest Hero Story Ever Told?” What are the “God-sized” problems Jesus came to rescue us from? Romans 5:6-12; Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 3:23-24; 6:23. Why is [...]
Sermon on the proper use of the Supper and how to receive the Sacrament worthily. The text is 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
IV. How to Receive This Sacrament Worthily 299. Why is it important to receive the Sacrament worthily? It is very important because St. Paul clearly teaches: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Cor. 11:27-29).
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Is it necessary to fast before receiving the Sacrament? Fasting can be good training for the will, but God does not command particular times, places, and forms for this. 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Cor. 9:24-27
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When do we receive the Sacrament worthily? We receive it worthily when we have faith in Christ and His words, “Given and shed for you f [...]
The sermon text is Psalm 77 and Luke 13:1-5, and the sermon is about how we as Christians respond to disasters like the one that has just hit Japan with a devastating earthquake and tsunami. At times like this, people might wonder whether God is near, or if He hears our prayers. The Psalm affirms that God is near even when His footprints are unseen, and that the way that we know God is near is through the saving acts of God in history, most clearly seen in the cross of Jesus Christ. That outpouring of God’s love on the cross moves our hearts to mercy and compassion for those who are suffering. May the Lord be with all of our brothers and sisters in Japan!! May the God of all peace grant you consolation in a time of great loss and sadness!
Sermon on Matthew 26:28 about the Spiritual blessings and benefits of the Lord’s Supper.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Questions and Answers about the Sacrament of the Altar
II. The Benefit of the Sacrament of the Altar What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
- What is the benefit offered in the sacrament? A. The chief blessing of the Sacrament is the forgiveness of sins which Christ’s body and blood have won for us on the cross. (The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace.) Matt. 26:28; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Col. 1:22; 1 John 1:7 B. Together with forgiveness, God gives all ot [...]
Sermon on Matthew 6:24-34 about anxiety and worry.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why is worrying and anxiety such a problem? What effects does it have on us? What are the things that you personally worry about?
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Why can’t we serve both God and money? What happens when we try to divide our loyalty? Why are money and material things a poor object for our trust and loyalty? What happens to them?
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Review these five points that Solomon makes about money and greed: The more we have… the more we want (Ecclesiastes 5:10), the more we spend (Eccles. 5:11), the more we worry (Eccles. 5:12), the more we lose (Eccles. 5:13-14), the more we leave behind (Eccles. 5:14-17). How then is it an illusion that money will solve our worries and give us security?
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How does Jesus argue from the “greater to the lesser” to show us that [...]
Part two of a teaching series on the Lord’s Supper, focusing this week on the teaching of the “real presence” of Christ in the Supper. Based on 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.
Questions and Answers about the Lord’s Supper 287. What does Christ give us in this sacrament? In this sacrament Christ gives us His own true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Matt. 26:26, 28.
- How does the Bible make it clear that these words of Christ are not picture language? Christ’s words in the Sacrament must be taken at face value especially because A. these words are the words of a testament, and even an ordinary person’s last will and testament may not be changed once that person has died; 1 Cor. 11:25; Gal. 3:15. Note: Compare also Heb. 9:15-22 B. God’s Word clearly teaches that in the Sacrament the bread and wine are a communion or participation in the body and blood of Christ; 1 Cor. 10:16 C. God’s Word clearly teaches that those who misuse the Sacra [...]
The first sermon in a mini-series about the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, as we introduce the practice of weekly communion at our church. Sermon text: Matthew 26:26-29.
Questions and Answers about the Sacrament of the Altar I. The Nature of the Sacrament of the Altar What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written? The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: ‘Take eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 58:1-14 for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, about the difference between “true and false fasting.” How God wants us to avoid hypocrisy and selfishness, and practice charity and humility.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read Isaiah 58, the whole chapter. What were the examples of hypocrisy in the Israelites’ fasting? Cf. Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18. What selfish reason did they have for fasting? What should be our reason for fasting or acts of charity, service to the church or community?
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How does a hypocritical life discredit a Christian’s witness to Christ? What examples of hypocrisy are there in our own lives? How do we “take off the mask” and return to God?
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How can we “unsay with our lives what we say with our tongues?” How do we get rid of the old, guilty habits of our sinful nature? Romans 6< [...]
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany about the relationship of Christianity, reason, and the cross.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- In what ways does the “wisdom of the world” consider the Christian faith to be foolishness? What Biblical teachings clash with our human reason? What have you wrestled with? Why does our mind and reason rebel against God’s word? 2. Why in particular is the cross of Christ a “stumbling block to the Jews?” Romans 9:30-33; Gal. 5:11; 1 Pet. 2:6-8. Why is it “foolishness to the Gentiles?” Acts 17:18-21, 32; Acts 26:22-29 3. Why is the word of the cross the heart and center of Christianity? 1 Cor. 1:18, 23; Luke 24:25-27, 45-47. How does this message give life and power to Christians? 4. How does our mind become humble and submissive to God? How does this locate reason in its p [...]
A sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. Paul appeals to the Corinthians to end the divisions amongst themselves.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read the letters of 1 & 2 Corinthians. Identify the doctrinal and moral struggles they faced. What similar challenges does the church today face, both in matters of doctrine and morality?
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Despite all their sins and controversies, how does Paul address the people of this church? 1 Cor. 1:2 On what grounds could he call them this? How is the same true for us?
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What kind of factionalism was developing within the Corinthian church? What are examples of the same today?
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What is the ground for Paul’s appeal for unity? What is the strength of this appeal? What greater unity did it call them to recognize? How do we know that the body of Christ is tru [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 49:1-7 for Life Sunday.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Who is the main speaker in the passage, Isaiah 49:1-7? How was He called by God and named before birth? Is. 7:14; 9:1-7; Luke 1:31; 2:21. 2. How does the Eternal Son of God, Christ, reflect on His purpose and ministry in this prophecy? How is this passage an affirmation of life from within the womb? How else does Scripture affirm the life of the unborn? Psalm 139:13-16; Ps. 71:5-6; 22:9-10. How do these verses show that unborn infants can trust in God, and are already spiritual beings? Cf. Luke 1:15; 1:41-44. Why is all human life valuable? Gen. 9:6 3. How can we work to protect the innocent and vulnerable in society, especially those children who are unborn? Why must we never do evil so that good may result? Why doesn’t the end justify the means? Romans 3:8; 12:21. How ca [...]
A story sermon based on Romans 6:1-11, addressing why Paul tells us that we cannot sin so that grace may increase. For the Baptism of Our Lord.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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My sermon attempts to put the question of “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” into a story about salvation, that can help us to see why it’s completely illogical to dive back into sin—as Paul says: “By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
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How is our salvation and rescue from sin truly like being drowned, rescued, and brought back to life? Ephesians 2:1-10, especially vs. 1 & 5
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What are the new clothes of salvation that we wear? Gal. 3:27; Romans 6:1-11; 13:14. What are the old rags that Christ takes off of us? Isaiah 64:6; Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:5-11. Why can we not enter the “Heavenly Harbor” wearing our o [...]
Sermon on Luke 2:40-52 for the 2nd Sunday after Christmas, about the childhood of Jesus and His visit to the Temple at age 12.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- All that we know about Jesus’ childhood, before Jesus began His public ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23), is recorded by Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 in the birth narratives, and then this one incident from Jesus’ childhood at age 12. What important details about Jesus’ youth and maturing do we learn from this story? Why is it dangerous and inadvisable to speculate about the rest of Jesus’ childhood? Why do some wish to do that? 2. What does this story tell us about Jesus’ family and environment? What was required of Jewish males every year? Deut. 16:1-8, 16. What does it show about the faithfulness of Joseph and Mary? 3. Rather than being disobedient or causing trouble, where was Jesu [...]
Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for the 1st Sunday after Christmas on the Birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!
Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25 for the 4th Sunday in Advent.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Does the Christmas story seem distant and disconnected for you, or does it seem alive and present? Why? Do you agree that we live in a “bad-news” world? Why do people prefer to listen to bad news?
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What does the kind of news and media that you pay attention to tell you about yourself? What makes the Gospel of Jesus, the “good news” so “newsworthy” and deserving of our highest attention? Why is it still a significant “news story” 2,000 years later?
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How did Jesus’ birth intersect with a world of real difficulties, danger, and challenges? How did this cause Mary and Joseph to have all the more faith in God? What was Joseph’s solution going to be at first, to this unexplained pregnancy? Matt. 1:19. When has God put you in a c [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 35:1-10 & Matthew 11:2-6 for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, about the desert being turned into salvation, and about Jesus fulfilling the signs of the Messiah.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How was turning the land into a desert or wasteland a divine punishment in the Old Testament? Leviticus 26:14ff, esp. vs. 19-20, 32-33, but also 40-45. Psalm 107:33-34. How is it’s “re-greening” a blessing? Psalm 107:35-38; Isaiah 43:18-21; 58:11. How does this “re-greening” come about? Who arrives on the scene when this happens?
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What signs from Isaiah 35 and 61 became proof to John the Baptist that Jesus was the promised Messiah described in those prophecies, and that He was the God who came to save us? What additional signs did Jesus perform? How did these establish who He was?
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Through that desert that was being [...]
Sermon on Genesis 22:1-18 on the testing of Abraham, and the parallels from Isaac to Jesus. For the second midweek service in Advent.
Sermon on Romans 15:4-13 for the 2nd Sunday in Advent.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How do the New Testament writers use athletic imagery to teach us the importance of endurance? 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 5:7; Phil. 2:16; Heb. 12:1-2. What are the obstacles or “walls” that you face?
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What are the purposes that Paul names here, for why the Scriptures were written? Name at least 3. Are the stories of saints in the Bible merely “character studies” for us to imitate? Why or why not? How does Jesus’ completion of His race help us in a way that a competitor like Lance Armstrong completing a race does not?
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Describe what God-given “harmony” or “like-mindedness” is like. Where does this harmony come from? Philippians 2; John 17. Why are man-made attempts for harmony (in the church) most likely to fail? What is the solid [...]
Sermon on Romans 5:12-21 for Advent 1, the first midweek service. The series of sermons for Advent will be based on Old Testament types of Christ. Advent 1–From Adam to Jesus Advent 2–From Isaac to Jesus Advent 3–From Jacob’s Ladder to Jesus Christmas Eve–From Moses to Jesus
Sermon on Romans 13:11-14 for the First Sunday in Advent
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What kind of time is chronos? See for ex. Matt. 2:16; Luke 1:57. What kind of time is kairos? See for ex. Mark 1:15; Luke 4:13
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So what is the time that Paul speaks of in Rom. 13:11? Cf. Luke 21:28. What significant thing is going to happen? How does Paul picture this?
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How were we “once darkness”? Ephesians 5:8. What does it mean to be in darkness? What are the works of darkness? Eph. 5:1-18; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9. What will happen to the darkness?
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What is sinful and harmful about wild partying and drunkeness? What is a healthy, Christian alternative? In what way is the kingdom of God marked by celebration?
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What is sinful about sexual immorality and sensuality? What are common forms of this today? How does it impa [...]
Sermon on Malachi 3:13-18 about injustice in life. For the Last Sunday in the Church Year.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read what some of the “complaints against God” were from the Jews, in Malachi 1:2; 2:17; 3:8; 3:14-15. Read Psalm 73. How did Asaph envy the wicked, and what brought him back to the truth?
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What injustice or unfairness do you feel you face in life? If you suffer for doing wrong, this is no credit to you (see the whole book of 1 Peter, especially chs. 2-4; verse 2:19-20). But suffering for doing what is good is a “gracious thing.”
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How did Asaph find peace and understanding about the plight of the righteous and the prosperity of the wicked? Psalm 73:16-28. How does this parallel what God says in Malachi 3?
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In what way does the Day of Judgment show the “distinction between the righteous and [...]
Sermon on Luke 21:5-28 for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, based on Jesus’ prophecy of the destruction of the Temple, Jerusalem, and finally the world.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- The Christian Church Year does not follow the calendar year, but begins in early December/late November with the season of Advent, in preparation for Christmas. As we draw to the end of the Church Year, we hear Bible passages that talk about the anticipation of Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead. Reflect on how the yearly cycle of the Church Year draws us into continual remembrance and expectation. 2. In the “end times” that may seem dark and chaotic, how important is it for People of God to be In the Word? Psalm 119:105. How does it give us light in a dark time? Why are Jesus’ words about the end deserving our full attention? 3. One of [...]
Sermon on 1 John 3:1-3 for All Saints’ Day.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Read in Scripture for yourself that living Christians are indeed called saints: Acts 9:41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 8:27; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 9:12; Eph 1:1 How does it make you feel to be called a saint?
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What is the significance of being called children of God? What were we before? Eph. 5:6-8; Rom. 5:6-10. How early did this sinfulness develop? Psalm 51:5; 58:3. How does that make the love of God all the more amazing?
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Why can’t the world believe this truth? 1 John 3:1-2; John 17:14-16. Why must Christians not boast or brag of their status as children of God? Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 3:27-28. What are we permitted to boast about instead? 1 Cor. 1:31; Gal. 6:14; Psalm 115:1
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What does it mean that we will be made like Jesus? 1 Cor. 15:49; 1 Cor. 2:9-10. [...]
Sermon on Romans 3:19-28 for Reformation Day.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
The Reformation of the Christian Church was triggered Oct. 31, 1517 by Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic monk, nailing 95 Theses (statements) onto the cathedral church door in Wittenberg Germany. They drew attention to numerous corruptions that had arisen in the church, particularly the sale of indulgences. The Lutheran Church is the heir of that Reformation. The “slogans” of the reformation included faith alone—that one is saved only by faith in Jesus, not any combination including our works; grace alone—that salvation is a free and undeserved gift of God; Scripture alone—that the Bible is the only infallible (without error) authority for our faith and life; and Christ alone—that Jesus Christ is the only Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6).
- What made the [...]
Sermon on the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, Luke 18:9-17, for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What was the problem that Jesus addressed in this parable? What were some people confident of? Luke 18:9. How did that false confidence affect how they looked at others? How is the same attitude present within us? What thoughts or actions toward others betray this sin in us?
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Why was the prayer of the Pharisee really no prayer at all? Was he an outwardly moral man? What was his failure then? What was the “pedestal” he built up for himself, with which to look down on others? How do we build similar pedestals for ourselves?
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Why is boasting in our own works a futile enterprise? Only other humans can possibly be impressed, not God. Romans 4:1-6; 2 Cor. 10:12, 17-18.
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How do we break [...]
Sermon on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 about the God-breathed (inspired) Scriptures and how “itching ears” want to hear something different. For the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What evidence do you see that we are living in the times that Paul described in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, where people will turn away from the truth and sound teaching, to listen to what their itching ears want to hear? What are the things that your ears itch to hear, even when you know that they are not true or right?
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How can it happen that we become unaware of the sinful influences of our world? How early is it ideal for us to begin instructing children in God’s Word? 2 Tim. 3:15; Psalm 71:5-6
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Why is “sound teaching” or doctrine “healthy”? How is false teaching unhealthy? 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; T [...]
Sermon on Luke 17:11-19, for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost. The healing of the ten leprous men, and the one Samaritan who returned to give thanks.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What do you know about the experience of people with leprosy in recent times, such as those on Kalaupapa? How was it similar or different from Bible times?
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What did the law of Moses require for lepers, in terms of their isolation? Leviticus 13, esp. vs. 45-46. Their cleansing and return to the community? Leviticus 14. How were the priests involved?
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Contrast inhumane and compassionate ways of dealing with those who suffer serious illnesses or are outcasts. What are some ways that people try to hide suffering from their eyes today? How does compassion shape our response to suffering? Matthew 5:7
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Who should cry out “Lord have mercy?” and [...]
Sermon on Luke 17:1-10, for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. Jesus’ teachings on discipleship.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why is “Lord, increase our faith!” a fitting prayer for this section in Luke 17:1-10 on discipleship? How is your faith challenged, stretched, and strengthened by these words?
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Why is temptation so serious? What promise are we given about temptation? 1 Corinthians 10:13. What strong warning against creating temptations does Jesus give? Luke 17:1-2. Who are the “little ones?” Matt. 18:6; cf. 1 Tim. 3:6; Luke 8:13-14.
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What “checks” does Jesus put against sin and its power? What instructions and also cautions are given about rebuking sin? See Rom. 1:32-2:3; Galatians 6:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:1, 20; James 5:19-20; Matt. 18
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Why is forgiveness central to the Christian proclamation? Matt. [...]
Sermon on Luke 16:19-31, for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. Preached for “Children’s Sunday”, the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What are the things that are most important to you? Do you listen to important news? How do you recognize if a message is important? If you realized a message was important, how would you act on it?
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What responses do we have to the flood of information that comes to us, claiming to be “important?” How do we sort them out to know what’s truly important?
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What was the “important news” that the rich man (and his brothers) in the story ignored? “Moses and the Prophets” represented the messengers of God who wrote the Old Testament. They taught of the One True God (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), and what His commands were (Exodus 20:1-21). What did [...]
Sermon on Luke 16:1-15, the parable of the “Dishonest Manager,” for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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How does the Bible warn against learning the ways of the world and adopting them? Jeremiah 10:2; Romans 12:2. Was the dishonest manager actually commended for his dishonesty, or what?
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What kind of action might it have been reasonable and just for the master to take against the dishonest manager, 1) when he found out he wasted his possessions, and 2) when he found out the unauthorized reductions of debt he had made? What about the master’s character made him resist those actions? How is this a picture of our heavenly Father? Mt. 18:21ff
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What was so clever about the dishonest manager’s action? What factor did the success of his plan depend on? What was the result for him? For the ma [...]
Sermon on Luke 15:1-10, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What are the stories of “lost sheep” that you know? Your own? Where is there an opening to share God’s Word with them? In what situation might such a lost sheep need to hear the Word of God’s Law, to reveal to them their sin? In what situation might they need to hear the Word of God’s Gospel, to assure them of God’s forgiveness and a way home?
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What are the traps for lost sheep in this world? What is the call for those who are entangled in them? Eph. 4:22; Hebrews 3:12-13. What will Jesus do for the lost sheep? Ezek. 34:11-16, 23-24.
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What’s the surprise in each of the parables—of the lost sheep and lost coin? What is “impractical” about it? Why is pragmatism a poor bas [...]
Sermon on Luke 14:25-35, on counting the cost. First I discussed our current building project, next I addressed the cost of discipleship.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What are the practical implications of “counting the cost” for us in our building program at Emmanuel? Why is it so important? What sort of things must we take into consideration?
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What is unique about planning our undertaking, that requires a two-fold approach—involving both “business work” and “spiritual work?” Describe each of these and what we should be doing to attend to them.
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What happens when you work at a task without also praying? What happens if you pray but don’t work?
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How does planning our personal giving help us to “count the cost?” How should we take care to be good stewards of what we’ve been given?
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What [...]
Sermon on Hebrews 13:9-16, about the earthly city we leave behind to follow Christ, and the migration to our Heavenly City.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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In what way are Christians called to leave behind their “earthly city?” See Hebrews 13:12-14; Eph. 2:18-19; John 17:14-16; Phil. 3:20
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How were the sacrifices of the Old Testament and the work of the priests, imperfect and incomplete? What couldn’t they accomplish? Hebrews 9:11-28; Col. 2:16-17; What special duty did the High Priest perform once a year on the Day of Atonement? Leviticus 16. Why couldn’t the meat of the sacrifice be eaten on that day? Leviticus 6:30.
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How was Jesus in death, like both the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, and also like the sacrifices burned outside the camp? How was He greater? John 1:29; Heb. 10:12. The entire book of Hebrews.
[...]
A Sermon on Luke 13:22-30, Jesus answering the question: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Hebrews 11:24-26 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost. Also related to the other readings of the Sunday, Jeremiah 23:16-19 and Luke 12:49-53.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Li [...]
Sermon on Luke 12:22-34 for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13-21, and a related passage from Ecclesiastes 2:18-26.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 11:1-13, 9th Sunday after Pentecost. A sermon on the Lord’s Prayer.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- How does praying L [...]
Sermon on Luke 10:38-42 for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Leviticus 19:9-18 and Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What was the flaw in the [...]
Sermon originally preached by Pastor Mike Hintze of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Westminster, Massachusetts, on Father’s Day, June 20, 2004. Given again by Pastor Joshua Schneider at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kahului, HI on Father’s Day, June 20, 2010.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Look in your Small Catechism (starts on pg. 321 in our hymnal if you don’t have one at home…or ask Pastor for a free pamphlet copy). Read the First Article of the Creed, and the explanation. What has God the Father done for you? Also in the Small Catechism, read the Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer and the first question, “What does this mean?” How does the privilege of calling God our Father invite us to pray? See also M [...]
Sermon on Luke 7:36-8:3 for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, on the encounter between Jesus and the sinful woman at the house of Simon the Pharisee.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
[...]
Sermon on 1 Kings 17:17-24 & Luke 7:11-17, the raising of the dead sons of two widows. Sermon for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Revelation 3:14-22, the letter to the church of Laodicea. The seventh and final sermon in the series “Easter Letters.”
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Revelation 3:7-13, the letter to the church of Philadelphia. The 6th part in a sermon series on the 7 churches in Asia.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Revelation 3:1-6, the letter to the church of Sardis. Part 5 of the sermon series “Easter Letters” based on the seven churches in Asia found in the book of Revelation.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at:
Sermon on Revelation 2:18-29, for the 5th Sunday of Easter. This is part four of the sermon series “Easter Letters” and addresses the church of Thyatira.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at:
Sermon on Revelation 2:12-17, the letter to the church of Pergamum. The 3rd in a 7 part series on the letters to the churches of Asia found in the book of Revelation.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
[...]
Sermon on Revelation 2:8-11, to the church of Smyrna. The second part of the seven part series “Easter Letters” to the 7 Churches of Asia in the book of Revelation.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Revelation 2:1-7, the letter to the Church of Ephesus. The first part of a seven-part Easter sermon series based on the letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at:
Sermon on Luke 24:1-12, for Easter Sunday–the Resurrection of our Lord.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Name the greatest failures you can think of in history. What made them remarkable? What personal failures have been most troubling to you? How have other’s failed you?
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What was the great cost of these failures? What was death’s greatest failure? What did that failure cost Jesus? Read John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:17-19; 2:4-6; Luke 23:26-49.
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What was the cost of our sin, for which Jesus paid? Romans 6:23; 5:12-21. Why was He willing to pay this price? Did it cost us?
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What did Jesus’ victory over death look like? What hope did it bring? Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13
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How can [...]
Sermon on John 19:30 for Good Friday, based on the series “Life Together” by Concordia Seminary St. Loius.
Sermon on John 13:1-35, Jesus washing the Disciple’s feet, for Maundy Thursday. Based on the sermon series “Life Together” by Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO.
Sermon on Luke 23, the Passion Narrative for Palm Sunday.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on 1 Peter 4:1-6 for Lent 6, from the sermon series “Life Together” by Concordia Seminary St. Louis.
Sermon on Luke 20:9-20 for the 5th Sunday in Lent.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on 1 Peter 1:6-9, based on the Lenten Sermon series “Life Together” by Concordia Seminary St. Louis.
Sermon on Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, for the 4th Sunday in Lent. The Prodigal Son parable.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on 1 Peter 4:7-11 for Lent 4, based on the sermon series “Life Together” from Concordia Seminary St. Louis.”
Sermon on Luke 13:1-9 for the 3rd Sunday in Lent
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What kinds of speculation have you heard about the cause of recent tragedies? When it’s done by Christians, how do you think it affects our witness to the good news of Jesus?
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A common idea throughout history is that suffering is caused by a one-to-one relation to some sin or evil we’ve done. How did the friends of Job show this view? Job 4:7; 8:4; 22:5. How did the disciples of Jesus? John 9:2-3. How does Jesus counter this idea? Reread Luke 13:1-5; cf. John 9:3; 11:4.
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We cannot trace a particular cause for all suffering or tragedy. Does this mean that we never suffer as the result of our own sins or those of others? Isaiah 64:1-9. Does gr [...]
Sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-5 for Lent 3, based on the sermon series “Life Together” by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Sermon on Romans 5:1-5 for the 2nd Sunday in Lent.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 4:1-13 for the 1st Sunday in Lent
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon for Ash Wednesday on 1 Peter 2:13-25.
Based on a sermon series from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Sermon on Luke 9:28-36 for the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 5:1-11 for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 4:31-44, for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Where should we expect that the devil will be most active? Why does evil flee at Jesus’ Word? Read John 3:16-21. Why were demons fearful of Jesus? Revelation 20:10, 13-15
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How was Jesus’ Word different from what the people were accustomed to? What did it have? See Mark 1:27; 4:39-41; Matt. 7:28-29; (note in Matt. 5 the pattern: “you have heard it said…but I say to you…”)
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For more stories like the man from Korea, go to the website www.persecution.com For information about writing letters of encouragement to Christian prisoners, go to www [...]
Sermon on the Baptism of Jesus by Pastor Scott Benjamin, guest preacher from my home congregation, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI.
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:27
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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Sermon on John 2:1-11 for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany about the Wedding at Cana.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon for Epiphany on Matthew 2:1-12, the visit of the Magi.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 2:22-40 for the 1st Sunday after Christmas.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Why was it essential that Jesus fully keep the Law, even from birth? Gal. 4:4-5; H [...]
Sermon on Luke 1:39-45 for the 4th Sunday in Advent
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at:
Sermon on Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Luke 7:18-28
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Luke 3:1-14 for the 2nd Sunday in Advent.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- What was so unlikely about the way that God announced t [...]
Sermon on Luke 19:28-40 for the First Sunday in Advent
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What themes of Kingship are found in the story of Christ, from birth till death? How does the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem show themes of royalty? Read 1 Kings 1; 2 Kings 9:13; Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 118:25-26
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Why was Israel especially waiting for and expecting a Messianic King? Since the time of the Davidic kings, they had alternately been ruled by the Assyrians (N. Kingdom only), Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and then Romans. What would the Romans have feared about such a demonstration? What reason did the Pharisees fear it? John 12:19
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What indications were there from prophesy and from Jesus’ own life, that He was a King o [...]
Sermon on Mark 13:24-37 for the Last Sunday of the Church Year
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Hebrews 10:11-25 for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Why must we have a pure heart to see God? Ma [...]
Sermon for LWML Sunday on the offering of the widow’s mites on Mark 12:38-44.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Revelation 7:9-17 for All Saints’ Day.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
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Sermon on Romans 3:19-28 for Reformation Day.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Hebrews 4:1-13 for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Mark 10:17-22 for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Facing our mortality brings the inevitable question of “what’s next?” after death. Ecclesiastes 3:11. Have we answered this question for ourselves, and are we prepared for life’s end, whenever it may come?
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What was flawed about the rich young man’s question? What is incompatible about meriting an inheritance? Romans 4:4-5
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Why did the man think that he was basically good, and deserving of eternal life? Why is this not true? Romans 3:10-12, 21-24; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Mark 10:18. What do we need to admit about our own goodness or lack-thereof, and how this affects our relationship to God? 1 John 1:8-10; 4:10, 19
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What are the “two tables” of the 10 Commandments? Mark 12:28-31 How had the rich young man failed to keep the [...]
Sermon On Mark 10:2-12 for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What test did the Pharisees lay for Jesus about the question of divorce? What were the two sides of the debate between Rabbi’s about the reasons for divorce?
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How did Jesus’ answer elevate the discussion above that debate? What did Jesus quote as the basis for understanding marriage? Read Genesis 1:27; 2:23-24.
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Is marriage a “man-made” institution, or divine? Then who sets the terms for what marriage is? Why does Jesus protect this institution of marriage so strongly? What does God have in mind for us to enjoy?
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Jesus acknowledged that because of the hardness of sinful hearts, divorce does happen, even though [...]
Sermon on Matthew 9:1-8, Children’s Sunday.
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Mark 9:30-37 for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What is a paradox? Name some common examples. Why do we have difficulty believing or grasping paradoxes? What are some paradoxes in the Christian faith?
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What is wrong with the disciples’ (and our) pursuit of greatness? Cf. Mark 10:35-45. Matt. 18:1-7
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How is narcissism present in our lives? What are examples of self-centered thoughts and behavior in our own lives? Listen to an interview with Dr. Jean Twenge at: http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/278072209H2S2.mp3 Or the August 2, 2009 episode on www.whitehorseinn.org
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What paradox did Jesus teach about greatness? Cf. Phil. 2:5-11
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Why is a child such a good picture of how God desires us to receive the kingdom of God? Of what kind of posture we have before God?
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How d [...]
Sermon on James 3:1-12 for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
Sermon on Romans 10:5-18 for a Special Mission Sunday, concerning the work to translate and record audio Scriptures in other languages, and how one claims the righteousness of faith.
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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Why is the righteousness of the law inaccessible to us on our own? Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10.
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How is the righteousness of Christ credited to us? Rom. 3:21-4-8. Why does the righteousness of faith enable us to stand before God without shame? Rom. 8:1; 9:33; 10:11
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What is our identity and purpose as a Christian church? What does it tell us or remind us when we call it God’s mission or the mission of God? John 1
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What would you think if you lived in a country were the Bible was not in your language? What would you think about your relationship to this God if you couldn’t hear His Word in your heart langu [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
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What is the source of power for the “armor of God” that we wear? How does the text tell us this?
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Who or what is our real enemy? What kind of battle are we constantly engaged in, even though life may seem calm and peaceful? Who or what is not our real enemy? How do we sometimes mistakenly war against the wrong enemy?
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What are the two opposite errors about the existence of the devil that we can fall into, according to C.S. Lewis?
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How is it to the devil’s advantage when people deny his existence? Or when they’re too fascinated with demons, etc? What are examples of either thing happening?
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Whose armor do we wear, and how does each implement of armor protect us? Why should a Christian never enter battle half-dresse [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 5:22-33 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
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Why are our feelings not a reliable indicator of truth? What is, and why can we be certain? John 17:14-19; John 18:37-38.
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What are examples of how God’s design for sexuality and marriage are being eroded around us? How have we sinned in this way, in words, actions, or in our heart?
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A friend who isn’t aware of the differences between the ELCA or the LCMS asks you, “Hey, didn’t you Lutherans just issue a statement accepting homosexuality and gay marriage?” How would you respond? Mark 10:6-9; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:26-27
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How can we gently but firmly use the compass of God’s Word to guide people back to the truth? Be in prayer!! Eph. 4:14-15
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Why could God’s pattern and design for sexuality and marriage be appealing to our broken world? 1 Cor. 13; Eph. 5:22-33, etc
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How does God describe the interaction between husbands and [...]
Sermon on John 6:51-69 for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points: 1. Read Proverbs 9:1-6. What is meant by eating and drinking in verse 5? What is gained by this eating and drinking?
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What was Jesus’ concern for in John 6? For keeping the truth of God’s Word, or keeping the multitude of followers who didn’t fully accept His teachings? What benefit is there to ourselves or to our hearers, if we sacrifice the truth in order to attract listeners?
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Read Leviticus 17:10-15. Why were the Israelites not permitted to eat/drink blood? What was in the blood, and what was the significance of the blood in sacrifice?
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What teachings of Jesus stretch us (or you personally) beyond your comfort zone? What is the reason? Why must we bring our sinful flesh into submission to faith?
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Read John 6:68. Where in the liturgy do we sing these words, and why?
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There are two ways in which we eat of Christ, spiritually by faith, and th [...]
Sermon on John 6:22-35 for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points: 1. Read John 6:22-35. How did the people assume they could earn the food that endures to eternal life? How did they assume they could do it, or please God?
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What single “work of God” did Jesus name? Is it our work? Read Romans 4:4-6. What goes wrong if it’s our work?
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Describe the sin of discontentment. How does it show itself? What slavery(ies) are you enticed to return to? Possessions & Money: Read Matt. 6:19-24. Food: Matt. 4:1-4. Fear: 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 5:25-34. Sensual pleasures: 1 Cor. 6:9-20. Addictions: Eph. 5:18; Rom. 13:13-14. Amusement: Eccles. 2:1-11. Power: Mark 10:35-45.
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Why is contentment found in Jesus alone? John 6:35. What does Jesus supply that is missing? What is the price for such contentment? How do we receive it?
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Read Matt. 11:25-30. Why is the contentment that Jesus brings incomparable? What price did Jesus pay to bring us t [...]
Sermon on Mark 6:45-56 for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost:
Sermon Talking Points:
- Jesus again takes time alone for prayer. If the Son of God took this time, how much more important is it for us to do so? Do you face the challenges of life with prayer?
- Why did Jesus allow the disciples to struggle so late in the night against the wind? What “driving winds” in your life seem to hold things at a standstill? What challenges leave you discouraged?
- How is fear irrational? How does it lead us into inaction or even superstition? What do you [...]
Sermon on Mark 6:30-44, the feeding of the 5,000, for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points:
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What produces a real spiritual hunger and thirst for Christ? Are we hungry for Him? Why or why not?
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What serves as distractions from our spiritual needs? How do these things “s [...]
Sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points:
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Do you ever have doubts about your salvation? Why or why not? What things can contribute to our complacency about such questions?
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What are harmful ways of thinking about predestination? What focus is lost in them?
Sermon on Mark 6:1-13 for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost.
Sermon Talking Points 1. What kind of rejection did Jesus often experience in His ministry? What did He do when people wouldn’t listen?
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What sort of people rejected Him, and what reasons or excuses did they give? What are some reasons people reject Jesus today? How have they “reduced” or misunderstood Him?
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Why is the Gospel, the “good news,” something very different from “self-help?” If self-help were sufficient, what wouldn’t we need? (cf. John 1:17; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 5:6, 8:3).
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What was Jesus’ real goal as He carried out His ministry?
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In what way can we honor Jesus with our hearts? What will we do and how will the evidence of this be shown in our lives?
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How does the example of the disciples teach us simplicity and contentment? While we aren’t given the same command to leave home and possessions, what does it teach us about what things are important i [...]
Sermon on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15 for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Talking Points:
- What is the surprise of “Divine Arithmetic?” How did in show among the Macedonians? What explains how they “begged” Paul to let them participate in giving even beyond their means?
- What are the struggles and afflictions you face in today’s economy? What are your blessings even in the midst of this? Name them or w [...]
Sermon on Isaiah 6:1-8 for Trinity Sunday
Sermon Talking Points:
- It has been said about the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, that what the Old conceals the New reveals. How is this true of the doctrine of the Trinity? Study these ver [...]
Sermon on John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
Sermon Talking Points:
- In what ways is “spirituality” (in general), popular today? What are some examples? How is this different than Christian spirituality, that has a definitely Christ-centered, cross-focused content?
Sermon on 1 John 5:9-15 for Confirmation Sunday
Sermon Talking Points:
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When were you baptized, as a child or an adult? When did you make profession of your faith, either in confirmation or as an adult? What did this mean for your life as a Christian?
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What is Christian testimony? How is the testimony of man different from the superior testimony of God? Reread 1 John 5
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What does the Scripture say the testimony of God is? What is a martyr? (ex. Acts 7-8)
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Why is the testimony of God (our confession of faith) worth dying for? How have Christians given their lives in the past?
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How does the church pass on this testimony, and how is it like running the race of faith together? What gives us the strength to keep on in this race? 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:6-8
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What is the testimony about Christ, and how does it give life?
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Who is someone you can bring the testimony of God to?
Sermon on John 15:9-17. Note: This sermon was read during our services by my elders, as I was away. I made this recording of myself later, so it isn’t live.
Sermon Talking Points:
- While we have a degree of free will in ordinary, earthly matters that are “below us,” how do Jesus and the Scriptures make it clear that we do not have free will in choosing or seeking after God (heavenly matters, or [...]
Sermon on John 15:1-8, for the 5th Sunday of Easter.
Sermon Talking Points:
- Why is pruning necessary for a fruit-bearing vine? How does that relate to how it’s necessary for us as believers to be pruned by the Father?
- What are some ways that we are pruned? What tests, difficulties, or challenges do you personally face that are pruning you to be a branch that bears more fruit?
Sermon on Luke 24:36-49 for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
Sermon Talking Points:
- What are some ways we express our fears about death, and how does that leave us without peace? How do we try to hide ourselves from death, rather than facing it?
Sermon on 1 John 1:1-2:2 for the 2nd Sunday of Easter
Sermon Talking Points:
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What does propitiation mean, and why is this “cross-word” worth adding to or keeping in our vocabulary? How did Jesus “propitiate” our sins?
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How does sin estrange us from God? (read Psalm 5)
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What is the truthful response to the knowledge of our sin and God’s wrath against sin? How does this response bring us into light and fellowship with Him? (reread 1 John 1)
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What is the false response to knowledge of sin? How does this make God out to be a liar?
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What sins or sinful patterns of life are you hanging on to that you refuse to surrender? What are some deceptions that we tell ourselves to justify sin?
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Why was the eyewitness testimony of the Resurrection so vitally important, in relation to Jesus’ propitiation for our sins?
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How does this knowledge enable our joy and fellowship with God to be complete?
Sermon on Mark 16:1-8 for Easter, the Resurrection of Our Lord.
Sermon Talking Points:
- Why is the Easter message universal?
- Who were the eyewitnesses of the Resurrection? How many were there? (1 Cor. 15:1-11)
- How had death overshadowe [...]
Part 6, the concluding sermon for the series, “Questions about Jesus that they don’t want answered.” Based on Matthew 26:57-68
Sermon on Mark 15:1-47 for Palm Sunday.
Sermon Talking Points:
- How does the change in mood from Lent and Holy Week, all the way through Good Friday, prepare us for Easter?
- What pointed to Jesus’ kingship in the Scriptures, on Palm Sunday? On Good Friday?
- What was the scale of the conflict into which Jesus entered? What w [...]
Sermon on Mark 10:35-45 for the 5th Sunday in Lent
Sermon Talking Points:
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What actions or attitudes in our own lives are examples of self-promotion or self-centeredness? Why are such attitudes unchristian?
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What is the cup that Jesus spoke of drinking? Why was it so terrible? Read Isaiah 51:17-52:3. Jer. 25:15ff.
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Are God’s love and wrath contradictory? Why not? What would be lost if God’s wrath against sin were denied?
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How does God spare us from His righteous wrath without ignoring sin or taking evil lightly?
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In what limited way do Christians partake in Jesus’ cup of suffering? How is the cup of wrath turned into a cup of blessing for us through Jesus’ death?
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How was Jesus a servant and a ransom for many? What does this mean for your life and actions?
Sermon on Matthew 22:41-46 for Lent 5. Part 5 of the Series, “Questions about Jesus they don’t want answered.”
Sermon for the 4th Sunday in Lent, on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21
Sermon Talking Points:
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How did the Israelites show their ungratefulness? How has the sin of ungratefulness been evident in your own heart and life?
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How has the venom of sin plagued your life or relationships? What have been the effects?
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How does God’s Law awaken our need for repentance, or alert us to sin’s deadly effects?
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Why was it so distasteful for them to look at the bronze serpent? Why is it so distasteful for us to look at Jesus crucified? What would God have us learn by this?
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Compare Jesus with Moses’ role as an intercessor. Compare Him to the bronze serpent. How does Jesus’ being “lifted up” draw all people to Himself and bring glory to God? (Read John 12:27-36; 8:25-30) What is that “lifting up”?
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How does Jesus’ lifting up on the cross “draw the venom” from us, and what is the result for us?
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For your own s [...]
Sermon 4 in the series, “Questions about Jesus they Don’t want answered.” Based on the text Matthew 21:23-27