This sermon reflects on Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana. The significance of marriage is emphasized, drawing a parallel between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the union of the couple at the wedding. A seemingly harsh response from Jesus about Mary's concern over the wine shortage serves as a reminder to focus on Christ rather than Mary. The transformation of water into wine indicates the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law by Christ, bringing joy and blessing to believers. Mary's final words in Scripture are recorded in this passage. She speaks to the wedding servants and says, "Do whatever he tells you". These are wise words for us today. KEY THEMES: Cana wedding miracle; Marriage significance; Mary's request; Mary's profound last words; Fulfillment of the Law; Joy and blessing to Believers; Lord's Supper invitation

THEMES IN THIS SERMON: Nations raging against Christ; Biblical origins of nations; Christ's universal reign; Selflessness of Christ's kingship; Earthly rulers in contrast to Christ; Christ's sacrificial death; Encouragement for believers; Call to rulers to serve the Lord; Blessing for those who take refuge in Christ; The separation of church and state; Prayer for Christ's reign in both kingdoms; Biblical prophecy of Christ's kingship; Heavenly Jerusalem on earth; Nations bringing wealth to Christ

Genesis 3:1-21 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Matthew 4:1-11

Genesis 3:1-21 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Matthew 4:1-11

In the parable of The Sower, our Lord speaks of four different "kinds" of people who hear. First, are those people who hear the gospel and do not believe at all (the path). Second, are those people who hear the gospel and believe, but only until persecution comes and they fall away from Christ entirely (the rocky ground). Third, are those people who hear the gospel and believe, but only until the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world finally smother their faith and they fall away from Christ entirely (the thorny ground). Fourth, are those who hear the gospel and believe, holding it firm, and with great patience bear fruit (the good soil). The one who is "good soil" is the one who hears the gospel of Christ crucified for sinners, believes he has that forgiveness, and holds this word of Christ firm (no matter what persecution or prosperity may come). In so doing, he bears much fruit. The purpose of Christ's teaching in this section of Luke's gospel is that we, as His disciples, would "take care" to not be like those "kinds" of hearers who reject Him outright, or end-up falling away from Him later on. He would have us "take care" to hear His word and hold it fast no matter what may come. By cling to His word with great patience and endurance, we will eventually be fruitful --- which, after all, is what any good sower (or farmer) wants. In this parable, Christ is that blessed Sower who loves us despite our many failings as His disciples. Christ daily and richly forgives our sins and will soon bring to completion that which he has begun within us.

In the parable of The Sower, our Lord speaks of four different "kinds" of people who hear. First, are those people who hear the gospel and do not believe at all (the path). Second, are those people who hear the gospel and believe, but only until persecution comes and they fall away from Christ entirely (the rocky ground). Third, are those people who hear the gospel and believe, but only until the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world finally smother their faith and they fall away from Christ entirely (the thorny ground). Fourth, are those who hear the gospel and believe, holding it firm, and with great patience bear fruit (the good soil). The one who is "good soil" is the one who hears the gospel of Christ crucified for sinners, believes he has that forgiveness, and holds this word of Christ firm (no matter what persecution or prosperity may come). In so doing, he bears much fruit. The purpose of Christ's teaching in this section of Luke's gospel is that we, as His disciples, would "take care" to not be like those "kinds" of hearers who reject Him outright, or end-up falling away from Him later on. He would have us "take care" to hear His word and hold it fast no matter what may come. By cling to His word with great patience and endurance, we will eventually be fruitful --- which, after all, is what any good sower (or farmer) wants. In this parable, Christ is that blessed Sower who loves us despite our many failings as His disciples. Christ daily and richly forgives our sins and will soon bring to completion that which he has begun within us.

In the burning bush, God revealed himself to Moses. He said I AM who I AM. Jesus, the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, speaks to us today. Jesus is the God who was, who is, who will be, and who causes all things to be. And, He causes you and me to be his own. Jesus speaks to us today in his Word, scripture. His Word comes to us to forgive our sins, and to make us his own. Advent is the Christian life in miniature. It is listening to the words of the Lord and learning that we are his holy children.

In the burning bush, God revealed himself to Moses. He said I AM who I AM. Jesus, the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, speaks to us today. Jesus is the God who was, who is, who will be, and who causes all things to be. And, He causes you and me to be his own. Jesus speaks to us today in his Word, scripture. His Word comes to us to forgive our sins, and to make us his own. Advent is the Christian life in miniature. It is listening to the words of the Lord and learning that we are his holy children.

Sermon notes: Christ is the only way out! There is no other escape. All other paths and ways lead to a dead-end, and that is death. Our Lord Jesus promises, if we are faithful to Him unto death, we shall receive the crown of everlasting life. In Christ is light and no darkness, truth and nothing false -- in Him we have an escape, resulting in salvation and life eternal.

Sermon notes: Christ is the only way out! There is no other escape. All other paths and ways lead to a dead-end, and that is death. Our Lord Jesus promises, if we are faithful to Him unto death, we shall receive the crown of everlasting life. In Christ is light and no darkness, truth and nothing false -- in Him we have an escape, resulting in salvation and life eternal.

Sermon is titled: Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy.

Sermon is titled: Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy.

"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" - George Frideric Handel (Solo by Jessica Bell) at 50:30 of this video.

"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" - George Frideric Handel (Solo by Jessica Bell) at 50:30 of this video.

Exodus 17:1-7 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5 Matthew 20:1-16

Exodus 17:1-7 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5 Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus grew up as part of a church-going family. The primary vocation of parents is to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Parents should do everything in their power to bias their children toward God and the church which God himself has established. When Jesus was 12 years old his family brought him to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. This foreshadows Jesus' death as the firstborn, of the death of the Passover lamb. God saved us with his own son, with his own unblemished lamb. Jesus was perplexed at his parents' distress, much as he was perplexed at his disciple's fear. Jesus is genuinely perplexed by us as well: by our worries, and our fears. Are you not his? Has ne not purchased you with his own blood? Has he who made you not also redeemed you? Has he who elected you before the foundation of the world now forgotten you? Is not his God and Father now not your God and Father? Why are you so anxious, so distressed? Like Jesus' parents in the temple, like Martha in the kitchen, we are all anxious and troubled about many things. Why? Because we are sinners. If there can be no good works apart from faith then is not also a lack of faith that is at the root of every sin? Our father knows our every weakness, our doubts, our regrets, our disordered desires. Yet our heavenly father absolves us. "I forgive you all your sins."We fell in the garden because we did not believe God's word. We have fallen countless sins since because we have not believed Gods word. So God has arranged that all shall be restored precisely when we do believe his word. And that word is as simple as it is profound: "I forgive you", he says, "for the sake of Jesus. And I reckon you to be righteous, clothed and covered with righteousness simply because you have believed what I said." God justifies the ungodly, and he counts our faith in his word as righteousness, as if we had never sinned at all. So God is not ashamed of you. Let us then with Mary treasure these things in our hearts.

Jesus grew up as part of a church-going family. The primary vocation of parents is to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Parents should do everything in their power to bias their children toward God and the church which God himself has established. When Jesus was 12 years old his family brought him to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. This foreshadows Jesus' death as the firstborn, of the death of the Passover lamb. God saved us with his own son, with his own unblemished lamb. Jesus was perplexed at his parents' distress, much as he was perplexed at his disciple's fear. Jesus is genuinely perplexed by us as well: by our worries, and our fears. Are you not his? Has ne not purchased you with his own blood? Has he who made you not also redeemed you? Has he who elected you before the foundation of the world now forgotten you? Is not his God and Father now not your God and Father? Why are you so anxious, so distressed? Like Jesus' parents in the temple, like Martha in the kitchen, we are all anxious and troubled about many things. Why? Because we are sinners. If there can be no good works apart from faith then is not also a lack of faith that is at the root of every sin? Our father knows our every weakness, our doubts, our regrets, our disordered desires. Yet our heavenly father absolves us. "I forgive you all your sins."We fell in the garden because we did not believe God's word. We have fallen countless sins since because we have not believed Gods word. So God has arranged that all shall be restored precisely when we do believe his word. And that word is as simple as it is profound: "I forgive you", he says, "for the sake of Jesus. And I reckon you to be righteous, clothed and covered with righteousness simply because you have believed what I said." God justifies the ungodly, and he counts our faith in his word as righteousness, as if we had never sinned at all. So God is not ashamed of you. Let us then with Mary treasure these things in our hearts.

It is easy to fall into the trap of viewing the Christmas story as some kind of fairy tale, but it is actually historical fact. Luke makes it clear that he intended to write an historical account, and he relied on eyewitnesses�including Mary. Mary was surprised by the visitation of the angel and his telling of how the Messiah would be born to her though she was a virgin. She simply received this in humility. The incarnation is a mystery that is impossible to describe. God�s Word is delightfully ambiguous in places so that we may ponder it and get more and more out of it. Mary is enveloped not in the desire of a man for her, or of God for her, but love of the Father for the Son which overshadows her. The child was not born as the result of any kind of lust, but rather from the love of God for man�that he might save man by making an atonement for sinful man and bring immortality to light. The child was not born as the result of any kind of lust, but rather from the love of God for man�that he might save man by making an atonement for sinful man and bring immortality to light. There is value in keeping the things of God in our hearts to ponder, marvel, and rejoice in them. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the holy spirit. It is the by Holy Spirit that Jesus is conceived within us and dwells within us. He is the true �Christmas Spirit�. The only Christmas spirit worth anything at all is the Holy Spirit.

It is easy to fall into the trap of viewing the Christmas story as some kind of fairy tale, but it is actually historical fact. Luke makes it clear that he intended to write an historical account, and he relied on eyewitnesses�including Mary. Mary was surprised by the visitation of the angel and his telling of how the Messiah would be born to her though she was a virgin. She simply received this in humility. The incarnation is a mystery that is impossible to describe. God�s Word is delightfully ambiguous in places so that we may ponder it and get more and more out of it. Mary is enveloped not in the desire of a man for her, or of God for her, but love of the Father for the Son which overshadows her. The child was not born as the result of any kind of lust, but rather from the love of God for man�that he might save man by making an atonement for sinful man and bring immortality to light. The child was not born as the result of any kind of lust, but rather from the love of God for man�that he might save man by making an atonement for sinful man and bring immortality to light. There is value in keeping the things of God in our hearts to ponder, marvel, and rejoice in them. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the holy spirit. It is the by Holy Spirit that Jesus is conceived within us and dwells within us. He is the true �Christmas Spirit�. The only Christmas spirit worth anything at all is the Holy Spirit.

The man who does not know Christ does not know his own life. Many think that the fullness of life can be grasped by one�s own effort and determination. People who think this way would not recognize true life if it were standing right in front of them. John says, �That which was from the beginning�the life was made manifest, and we have seen it.� The 2nd person of the trinity has united himself with His own handiwork. The infinite is united with the finite, and life took on the weakness of the human form. The incarnation of our Lord is the manifestation of life itself. In the body and blood of Jesus the Life of God is made known to us tangibly. We have come into eternal life by water and the Word and are thus incorporated into the divine life of God. We live by faith in Christ. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins. How can we not make it our sacred desire to be drawn to the Lord of life? To study the scriptures and see how Life permeates each page? To reflect and ponder the Light of God? Pray that the Holy Spirit would enlighten us, to transform us from one degree of glory to another.

The man who does not know Christ does not know his own life. Many think that the fullness of life can be grasped by one�s own effort and determination. People who think this way would not recognize true life if it were standing right in front of them. John says, �That which was from the beginning�the life was made manifest, and we have seen it.� The 2nd person of the trinity has united himself with His own handiwork. The infinite is united with the finite, and life took on the weakness of the human form. The incarnation of our Lord is the manifestation of life itself. In the body and blood of Jesus the Life of God is made known to us tangibly. We have come into eternal life by water and the Word and are thus incorporated into the divine life of God. We live by faith in Christ. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins. How can we not make it our sacred desire to be drawn to the Lord of life? To study the scriptures and see how Life permeates each page? To reflect and ponder the Light of God? Pray that the Holy Spirit would enlighten us, to transform us from one degree of glory to another.

Can we look forward to the end of the world with the same joy with which we look to Christmas? The American church has often persisted in end-times mania with wild speculation and false teachings and has seemed to be more interested in the antichrist than in the True Christ. But really, the judgement is eminent in every generation: do people love Jesus or hate Jesus? We see the signs of the end times: war, lawlessness, apostacy, and more. These things should not cause us to be morose or gloomy but should cause us to lift up our heads because our Lord's redemption is drawing near. The end times is literally nothing other than the return of the king, that he may issue in the new heavens and the new earth. No speculation is needed, no Blackhawk helicopters are involved. If you want to be prepared for the end times, repent. Confess your sins. To be prepared to meet Jesus on the last day, then meet him here, at this alter. The same Jesus you meet here is the same Jesus that is coming with your salvation.

Can we look forward to the end of the world with the same joy with which we look to Christmas? The American church has often persisted in end-times mania with wild speculation and false teachings and has seemed to be more interested in the antichrist than in the True Christ. But really, the judgement is eminent in every generation: do people love Jesus or hate Jesus? We see the signs of the end times: war, lawlessness, apostacy, and more. These things should not cause us to be morose or gloomy but should cause us to lift up our heads because our Lord's redemption is drawing near. The end times is literally nothing other than the return of the king, that he may issue in the new heavens and the new earth. No speculation is needed, no Blackhawk helicopters are involved. If you want to be prepared for the end times, repent. Confess your sins. To be prepared to meet Jesus on the last day, then meet him here, at this alter. The same Jesus you meet here is the same Jesus that is coming with your salvation.

When the official asked Jesus to heal his son, why did Jesus say, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe."? It doesn't seem to fit that Jesus said this to criticize the father who was seeking healing. Instead we see a clue in John 20:30-31, "Now Jesus did many other signs...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Jesus' first sign at Cana in John was turning water into wine...and when it was his time, turning wine into blood. Jesus' second sign was healing the son of the official and giving him life...and when it was his time, healing our spiritual illness and raising us from death to life. All around us are signs of death: illness, unrest, violence, strife and physical death. It is actually through these signs of death that Jesus is at work to destroy death and the devil. Jesus gives us signs of his life that we may believe, and have life in him.

When the official asked Jesus to heal his son, why did Jesus say, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe."? It doesn't seem to fit that Jesus said this to criticize the father who was seeking healing. Instead we see a clue in John 20:30-31, "Now Jesus did many other signs...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Jesus' first sign at Cana in John was turning water into wine...and when it was his time, turning wine into blood. Jesus' second sign was healing the son of the official and giving him life...and when it was his time, healing our spiritual illness and raising us from death to life. All around us are signs of death: illness, unrest, violence, strife and physical death. It is actually through these signs of death that Jesus is at work to destroy death and the devil. Jesus gives us signs of his life that we may believe, and have life in him.

God calls himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Who were these men? They were sinners. God is the God of sinners. He gathers us into his family through the cross.

God calls himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Who were these men? They were sinners. God is the God of sinners. He gathers us into his family through the cross.

Do not be anxious about your life. Counter-cultural words indeed. Because it is almost as if the world these days is designed to keep us in a perpetual state of anxiety, worry, and fear. It is almost as though media, companies, the government, and even some churches want us in a constant state of anxiety. Interestingly, our Teacher himself points us to nature. To our Heavenly Father's glorious creation and his ongoing provision within it. We are not nearly as in control of the span of our lives as we might like to think. And our Lord reminds us of this. In fact it is a comfort: our lives are already in the hands of our gracious Father. All we need to do is to consider the birds of the air to see that God is benevolent and merciful. If life indeed is more than food and drink, if indeed the body is more than clothing, would it not also be true that life is more than a vaccine? And the body is more than a mask? Of what value then is your life? Of what value is your body? Look to the cross of Jesus: He died for you. He rose for you too.

Do not be anxious about your life. Counter-cultural words indeed. Because it is almost as if the world these days is designed to keep us in a perpetual state of anxiety, worry, and fear. It is almost as though media, companies, the government, and even some churches want us in a constant state of anxiety. Interestingly, our Teacher himself points us to nature. To our Heavenly Father's glorious creation and his ongoing provision within it. We are not nearly as in control of the span of our lives as we might like to think. And our Lord reminds us of this. In fact it is a comfort: our lives are already in the hands of our gracious Father. All we need to do is to consider the birds of the air to see that God is benevolent and merciful. If life indeed is more than food and drink, if indeed the body is more than clothing, would it not also be true that life is more than a vaccine? And the body is more than a mask? Of what value then is your life? Of what value is your body? Look to the cross of Jesus: He died for you. He rose for you too.

Sermon title: God's Own Slave, I Gladly Claim It

Sermon title: God's Own Slave, I Gladly Claim It

Sermon title: God at Work

Sermon title: God at Work

Sermon: The Lord' Supper is God's banquet where His Body and Blood are veiled under simple bread and wine. Why do some reject His invitation?

Sermon: The Lord' Supper is God's banquet where His Body and Blood are veiled under simple bread and wine. Why do some reject His invitation?

Rev. Dr. Tom Park is a guest pastor tonight

Rev. Dr. Tom Park is our guest pastor for this mid-week Advent service.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Do all things without grumbling or questioning. This sets Christians apart. Bondage of the will means we are bound to our own sinful will. Christ comes to set us free from our sins and changing our will to be obedient to God's will. Christ alone is our boss! May He fill you with joy.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning. This sets Christians apart. Bondage of the will means we are bound to our own sinful will. Christ comes to set us free from our sins and changing our will to be obedient to God's will. Christ alone is our boss! May He fill you with joy.

Final sermon of Vicar Josef Muench

Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the crowd shouting words from Psalm 118, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." After entering town, Jesus declares that the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. If Jesus were to give a Palm Sunday sermon, he would likely use this text from John 12:20-43. May we be with the great multitude standing before the throne of God on that day crying out with a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb."

Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). What does Jesus means by this statement to Martha and how does it apply to us today? What is the glory of God?

Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). What does Jesus means by this statement to Martha and how does it apply to us today? What is the glory of God?

We won't know what we have until it is gone. The prophesy of Amos is applicable to us today.

We won't know what we have until it is gone. The prophesy of Amos is applicable to us today.

Who is blind from birth? Was it only the man on the side of the road? In the scripture passage today, all were blind to the works of God: neighbors, disciples, parents, and Pharisees. The blind man was given physical sight by Jesus, as well as spiritual sight to believe. Jesus is in our midst to grant all spiritual sight. To be baptized is to see Jesus and be raised in death to new life. Jesus says "Whoever comes to me will not be cast out." He makes all things new. Don't shut your eyes to Jesus which is self-imposed darkness. Jesus lights the way back home for each of us who come to Him.

Who is blind from birth? Was it only the man on the side of the road? In the scripture passage today, all were blind to the works of God: neighbors, disciples, parents, and Pharisees. The blind man was given physical sight by Jesus, as well as spiritual sight to believe. Jesus is in our midst to grant all spiritual sight. To be baptized is to see Jesus and be raised in death to new life. Jesus says "Whoever comes to me will not be cast out." He makes all things new. Don't shut your eyes to Jesus which is self-imposed darkness. Jesus lights the way back home for each of us who come to Him.

The prophet Amos depicts God as a lion who roars against this wicked world because he would have us remember who he is, and have us repent. The lion from whom we wish to flee, is the very one to whom we must draw near. Too long in the church have we given and been given that Christianity is a set of ideas to be believed rather than a life to be lived. What we believe we must live. Seek God, and seek good, for God is good. He is gracious, he is merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. He hates evil, loves good. He forgives, he brings justice, he speaks peace, and fulfills his own law for us and toward us. How should we be? Like father, like son...for God has declared us to be his sons now and forever in the waters of holy baptism. God is both just, and the justifier of the one who has no hope but Jesus. Let us seek God, and seek good, especially the good of our neighbors around us. For our God has sought us first and has loved us first so that we might also love others and seek them. God's love for us in Christ Jesus anchored in the cross holds us strong and steadfast in all the storms of life that we might remember that with his roar he not only destroys, but also restores. He roars and we are changed from fallen and forsaken to found and forgiven and forever his.

The prophet Amos depicts God as a lion who roars against this wicked world because he would have us remember who he is, and have us repent. The lion from whom we wish to flee, is the very one to whom we must draw near. Too long in the church have we given and been given that Christianity is a set of ideas to be believed rather than a life to be lived. What we believe we must live. Seek God, and seek good, for God is good. He is gracious, he is merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. He hates evil, loves good. He forgives, he brings justice, he speaks peace, and fulfills his own law for us and toward us. How should we be? Like father, like son...for God has declared us to be his sons now and forever in the waters of holy baptism. God is both just, and the justifier of the one who has no hope but Jesus. Let us seek God, and seek good, especially the good of our neighbors around us. For our God has sought us first and has loved us first so that we might also love others and seek them. God's love for us in Christ Jesus anchored in the cross holds us strong and steadfast in all the storms of life that we might remember that with his roar he not only destroys, but also restores. He roars and we are changed from fallen and forsaken to found and forgiven and forever his.

Jesus Christ lifted up on the cross presents the world with a crisis, just as the bronze serpent did for Israel in the wilderness. You can either reject the Crucified One and remain as you are - flesh born of flesh, and destined for death - or, by trusting that the Crucified is the manifestation of God's love, you can receive the life that is from above. The new life in Christ Crucified isn't just a better life from the same source, but it comes from a new source: God himself. Through the begetting of water and the Spirit - that is, by receiving Holy Baptism - we have received the Spirit of God and the new life that He gives, and we now walk according to that Spirit as we follow Christ our Lord.

The Devil is our greatest enemy. Science says there are many causes of our suffering, but when we look through to the ultimate cause, Satan causes all evil. The Devil led us into rebellion, sin, suffering, death and separation from God. The small"g" god- Satan - hinders us from all that we have from God. Our vocation is to wage war against the Devil and his kingdom. We must not be apathetic! It matters what we do. We are the baptized, the holy Christian church fighting against he powers of this world by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need not fear death and Satan. We walk in newness of life and have the Holy Spirit to defeat Satan. The kingdom is ours forever.

The Devil is our greatest enemy. Science says there are many causes of our suffering, but when we look through to the ultimate cause, Satan causes all evil. The Devil led us into rebellion, sin, suffering, death and separation from God. The small"g" god- Satan - hinders us from all that we have from God. Our vocation is to wage war against the Devil and his kingdom. We must not be apathetic! It matters what we do. We are the baptized, the holy Christian church fighting against he powers of this world by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need not fear death and Satan. We walk in newness of life and have the Holy Spirit to defeat Satan. The kingdom is ours forever.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return. Our Lenten journey is a gift --- a season to slow down and direct ourselves to spiritual things and focus on God's truth. Ashes in the form of a holy cross on our forehead remind us of our Baptism and our identity as a redeemed child of God and a freedom that comes with eternal life. Alms-giving, prayer and fasting are highlighted as challenging disciplines that we can accomplish. All are modeled by Jesus and He invites us to join in His Son-ship. We are safe in our Baptism.

What is this "other-world" vision, the transfiguration of Jesus, intending to reveal to us? Primarily, the glory of the resurrection... what we are destined for in eternity. This is the day we are joined with God in perfect love. The reality of our Baptism shows the fullness we are destined for. God wants to dwell with us forever. Jesus says, "Resurrect and have no fear." Learn more about the transfiguration of Jesus.

Who is great in the Kingdom of Heaven? What is the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees? Can their righteousness be exceeded? Can we relax the commandments of God? Can we attain the righteousness of God? If so, how does this happen? These questions are answered by Jesus.

Who is great in the Kingdom of Heaven? What is the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees? Can their righteousness be exceeded? Can we relax the commandments of God? Can we attain the righteousness of God? If so, how does this happen? These questions are answered by Jesus.

Christians have an identity; it is what God has made us to be in Christ, and a purpose to live out what we are. Matthew 5:13-14 declares us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As salt, we are to preserve the truth of God's Word, and as light, we are to give the light of understanding to the world. We do these good works by God working in us. God says that our righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees. It is to be a new kind of righteousness, a spiritual righteousness given and sustained by the Holy Spirit. This is in contrast to that of the Pharisees whose righteousness was only external.

Adam said no thank you for the gifts of God and chose death. God's remedy was Jesus as the Lamb of God, dripping with blood, as a sacrifice to atone for sin. The Old Testament sacrificial methods prefigured the New Testament Paschal Lamb. Now, we celebrate our forgiveness at the altar in the Lord's Supper. Jesus is the scapegoat for our sins. Don't ever try to take them back.

Genesis 1 tells us that water and Spirit were present in the old creation. Baptism is the dawn of a new creation. In our baptism we become righteous in God's sight and walk in newness of life as His child. Learn much more about baptism in this sermon.

Genesis 1 tells us that water and Spirit were present in the old creation. Baptism is the dawn of a new creation. In our baptism we become righteous in God's sight and walk in newness of life as His child. Learn much more about baptism in this sermon.

We start a new year with wise men following a star. They are seeking God's epiphany light, Jesus. What's ahead for you this year? Being faithful to God and doing the work He has given us is a good path. We do this by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the true King of the universe and trusting His leading for the future. Jesus will pick us up and carry us when we falter. Where ever we go, we cannot be separated from Christ. Jesus returns us to our baptism and leads us out of Satan's control. We are never alone. Let us offer faith and praise to God, much better than the gifts the wise men gave Jesus.

Why did Matthew record this tragic and evil event of Herod killing babies in Bethlehem just after the glorious birth of the Messiah, the promised Savior of the world? Evil, pain and suffering still remained in a fallen world. That has not changed, yet because of the Incarnation, the world has been given God's gift for everyone. Our Redeemer has come to begin His work of making everything new, including you and I. Sin, death and the Devil will be defeated, but not yet! As we wait for this promise of God to be realized, we cling to Christ now. We have His assurance that on some future day, Christ will judge everything and make all things right.

Why did Matthew record this tragic and evil event of Herod killing babies in Bethlehem just after the glorious birth of the Messiah, the promised Savior of the world? Evil, pain and suffering still remained in a fallen world. That has not changed, yet because of the Incarnation, the world has been given God's gift for everyone. Our Redeemer has come to begin His work of making everything new, including you and I. Sin, death and the Devil will be defeated, but not yet! As we wait for this promise of God to be realized, we cling to Christ now. We have His assurance that on some future day, Christ will judge everything and make all things right.

This thought-provoking sermon compares the Christmas story of Revelation 12, as viewed in heaven, with the familiar Christmas story, recorded in Luke 2. Same story, different views. What Christmas looks like in heaven is much different than how it appears on earth. On earth, evil is as strong as ever, but in heaven, what is seen is only the last thrashings of a serpent/dragon with its head crushed in. On earth we perceive by faith that the poison of both sin and death has been undone. Though you die on earth, yet shall you live! And on the Last Day, believers in Jesus Christ will rise to new life, just as Jesus has risen. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The great, red dragon looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus wasn't afraid.

This thought-provoking sermon compares the Christmas story of Revelation 12, as viewed in heaven, with the familiar Christmas story, recorded in Luke 2. Same story, different views. What Christmas looks like in heaven is much different than how it appears on earth. On earth, evil is as strong as ever, but in heaven, what is seen is only the last thrashings of a serpent/dragon with its head crushed in. On earth we perceive by faith that the poison of both sin and death has been undone. Though you die on earth, yet shall you live! And on the Last Day, believers in Jesus Christ will rise to new life, just as Jesus has risen. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The great, red dragon looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus wasn't afraid.

As the end of Advent approaches, and our souls beckon us to the birth of the promised Messiah, we hear Saint Matthew say: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way." Matthew clearly intends more for us than an historical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. This event is not a myth or a fairy tale, but it is history. It happened in the way Matthew records it, in a real place, with real people. But he clearly intends more for us and wants us to see and contemplate that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, His chosen people. And as we listen to this sermon, may we be drawn to give heartfelt praise and thanksgiving, as we deepen our understanding of this miracle, the birth of the Son of God in human flesh.

"Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me." These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:6 in response to John the Baptist. John had sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was �the one who was to come, or shall we look for another?� Life was going very differently for John than he had expected, as he sat in Herod�s prison for denouncing Herod�s choice of a wife. In John's mind, life isn't supposed to go this way, bringing sorrow, pain and things being "off-track." Like John, we respond at times with despair and anger, asking God, "Why are things so wrong? Do You not care?" God's timing and ways are not ours. Life doesn't always go in a way we like. Yet God doesn't forsake us. He remains faithful. Both the good AND bad lead us to Jesus. -- In Him is a joy that runs deeper than our sorrows. In Jesus, what is wrong is being made right. He has forgiven our sins, born our sorrows, and by His wounds we are healed and receive everlasting life as His child. Rejoice! Always.

"Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me." These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:6 in response to John the Baptist. John had sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether He was �the one who was to come, or shall we look for another?� Life was going very differently for John than he had expected, as he sat in Herod�s prison for denouncing Herod�s choice of a wife. In John's mind, life isn't supposed to go this way, bringing sorrow, pain and things being "off-track." Like John, we respond at times with despair and anger, asking God, "Why are things so wrong? Do You not care?" God's timing and ways are not ours. Life doesn't always go in a way we like. Yet God doesn't forsake us. He remains faithful. Both the good AND bad lead us to Jesus. -- In Him is a joy that runs deeper than our sorrows. In Jesus, what is wrong is being made right. He has forgiven our sins, born our sorrows, and by His wounds we are healed and receive everlasting life as His child. Rejoice! Always.

Without light, it's impossible to see. Therefore, God made light His first creation and gave human beings eyes to see all that He made. But when our eyes failed to see their Creator through His creation, God sent His Son into our flesh to illumine our darkness with His uncreated Light, Jesus Christ. God dwells in unapproachable light, but He came to us in the human flesh of Jesus so that in Him we might see with our eyes the invisible God. Simeon is our example, for when He desired to see God with his own eyes, He didn't try to look into the heights of heaven, but took the child Jesus up in his arms, in Whose flesh he saw the salvation of God himself. So, we also look to Jesus to see the face of God. Although He comes to us now in words of Holy Scripture and hidden under bread and wine, there will come a day when we will see His unveiled glory face to face with our created and resurrected eyes.

This sermon speaks to both unbelievers and secure Christians. If you listen closely, you can still hear the voice of John the Baptist calling out from the wilderness. He shouts, �The King of Kings is near. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Do you hear it? Do you hear it NOW? It is a call to recognize that this man, Jesus, is in fact God in the flesh, Immanuel. Jesus is God with us. John does not point ahead to a distant and future kingdom but instead he points behind himself to the One coming after him, right on his heels. He is announcing that the kingdom of heaven has come down to earth. John's call is a warning against complacency. Now is not the time to put repentance off to another day. The King is coming. He's looking for repentant hearts in both unbelievers and His children. John shouts, �The King of Kings is near.� Do you hear it?

Eve was deceived by the serpent and sinned -- yet Adam was not deceived and still sinned by eating the fruit of death from the Woman's hand. Adam made a conscious choice, a deliberate decision to listen to the woman rather than God. Scripture tells us how the role of Woman is wonderfully reversed. From the womb of Woman, we now receive the Fruit of eternal life. Learn more in this insightful Advent sermon.

Eve was deceived by the serpent and sinned -- yet Adam was not deceived and still sinned by eating the fruit of death from the Woman's hand. Adam made a conscious choice, a deliberate decision to listen to the woman rather than God. Scripture tells us how the role of Woman is wonderfully reversed. From the womb of Woman, we now receive the Fruit of eternal life. Learn more in this insightful Advent sermon.

If you believe that you have to be a good person in order to get into heaven, you won't be going there. Would you like to know more?

If you believe that you have to be a good person in order to get into heaven, you won't be going there. Would you like to know more?

Jesus loves us so much He gives us pastors! He gives us an office dedicated to this one all-important task: preaching the gospel of Jesus and administering the sacraments of Jesus so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, that by His death He has truly made satisfaction for all our sins. When Jesus sends the seventy-two, we see a foreshadowing of this pastoral office. When the seventy-two return, Jesus teaches them and us the real reason why we should rejoice!

Jesus loves us so much He gives us pastors! He gives us an office dedicated to this one all-important task: preaching the gospel of Jesus and administering the sacraments of Jesus so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, that by His death He has truly made satisfaction for all our sins. When Jesus sends the seventy-two, we see a foreshadowing of this pastoral office. When the seventy-two return, Jesus teaches them and us the real reason why we should rejoice!

Being a Christian means having an easy life. You'll be popular. Money will come pouring in. Everything you touch will prosper. All your family troubles will disappear. You'll lose weight, look better, and have perfect health. Being a Christian means winning at the game of life. Or ... maybe it's something closer to the opposite. How do our expectations and ideas of "what life should be like" differ from the words and promises of God? And why is this good news?

Being a Christian means having an easy life. You'll be popular. Money will come pouring in. Everything you touch will prosper. All your family troubles will disappear. You'll lose weight, look better, and have perfect health. Being a Christian means winning at the game of life. Or ... maybe it's something closer to the opposite. How do our expectations and ideas of "what life should be like" differ from the words and promises of God? And why is this good news?

After Jesus had cast demons out of a man, the man begged that he might remain with Jesus. But Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home and declare how much God has done for you." What can we learn from this?

After Jesus had cast demons out of a man, the man begged that he might remain with Jesus. But Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home and declare how much God has done for you." What can we learn from this?

What is the Athanasian Creed? Why do Christians confess it?

What is the Athanasian Creed? Why do Christians confess it?

"They may be fine Easter preachers, but they are very poor Pentecost preachers, for they do not preach about the sanctification by the Holy Spirit, but solely about the redemption of Jesus Christ, although Christ (whom they extol highly, and rightly so) is Christ, that is, He has purchased redemption from sin and death so that the Holy Spirit might transform us out of the Old Adam and into new men - we die unto sin and live unto righteousness, beginning and growing here on earth and perfecting it beyond, as St. Paul teaches. Christ did not only earn gratia, 'grace' for us, but also donum, 'the gift of the Holy Spirit,' so that we may have not only forgiveness of, but also cessation of, sin." - Martin Luther, 1539 (see AE:41:114-116)

"They may be fine Easter preachers, but they are very poor Pentecost preachers, for they do not preach about the sanctification by the Holy Spirit, but solely about the redemption of Jesus Christ, although Christ (whom they extol highly, and rightly so) is Christ, that is, He has purchased redemption from sin and death so that the Holy Spirit might transform us out of the Old Adam and into new men - we die unto sin and live unto righteousness, beginning and growing here on earth and perfecting it beyond, as St. Paul teaches. Christ did not only earn gratia, 'grace' for us, but also donum, 'the gift of the Holy Spirit,' so that we may have not only forgiveness of, but also cessation of, sin." - Martin Luther, 1539 (see AE:41:114-116)

We know the importance of Jesus' resurrection and pull out all the stops for Easter, but the Ascension is barely a blip on our theological radar. The truth is that the Ascension changes everything. In this sermon, Pastor Rhode shows us three different ways the Scriptures describe the Ascension. It is: 1) the New Exodus, 2) Jesus' Coronation, and 3) Christ the Crucified filling all-in-all. So, too, the Ascension of Jesus is not the going away of Jesus. He remains with us, and He reveals Himself to us exactly where He promises to be.

We know the importance of Jesus' resurrection and pull out all the stops for Easter, but the Ascension is barely a blip on our theological radar. The truth is that the Ascension changes everything. In this sermon, Pastor Rhode shows us three different ways the Scriptures describe the Ascension. It is: 1) the New Exodus, 2) Jesus' Coronation, and 3) Christ the Crucified filling all-in-all. So, too, the Ascension of Jesus is not the going away of Jesus. He remains with us, and He reveals Himself to us exactly where He promises to be.

Do you want to be healed? That's the question Jesus asks a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years (from John 5:1-9). Jesus asks us this same question today, "Do you want to be healed?" Our salvation involves the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. Jesus died to reconcile us to the Father. Our "Bethesda" is right here, now. Because of Jesus making Himself present, we also can rise and walk, on the Last Day.

Do you want to be healed? That's the question Jesus asks a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years (from John 5:1-9). Jesus asks us this same question today, "Do you want to be healed?" Our salvation involves the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. Jesus died to reconcile us to the Father. Our "Bethesda" is right here, now. Because of Jesus making Himself present, we also can rise and walk, on the Last Day.

How does John show us a new way to think about glory? What does Jesus mean when He says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another"? What does this mean for our lives? Listen and contemplate on the love that God has for us in Christ Jesus. It is this love of His for us that gives forgiveness of sins, healing in our hearts, and the capacity to love others in a way that reflects His love for us.

How does John show us a new way to think about glory? What does Jesus mean when He says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another"? What does this mean for our lives? Listen and contemplate on the love that God has for us in Christ Jesus. It is this love of His for us that gives forgiveness of sins, healing in our hearts, and the capacity to love others in a way that reflects His love for us.

Jesus did not rise from the dead only to disappear and have nothing more to do with us! Jesus rose from the dead to be our living Shepherd, our Good Pastor! Listen to Jesus Himself, as He stands in the Colonnade of Solomon, surrounded by those who sought to stone Him to death. He tells them plainly who He is, then He preaches both Law and Gospel to them. He does the same for us. He desires that none should perish, but that all should hear His voice, become His sheep, and receive eternal life from His hand. Yes, including you!

Jesus did not rise from the dead only to disappear and have nothing more to do with us! Jesus rose from the dead to be our living Shepherd, our Good Pastor! Listen to Jesus Himself, as He stands in the Colonnade of Solomon, surrounded by those who sought to stone Him to death. He tells them plainly who He is, then He preaches both Law and Gospel to them. He does the same for us. He desires that none should perish, but that all should hear His voice, become His sheep, and receive eternal life from His hand. Yes, including you!

Fishing can be a microcosm of life, especially when you come up empty. All too often our lives are lived with a frustrating sense of futility and meaninglessness. Can Jesus remedy this? Can He change what is meaningless into what is meaningful? Can He turn our futile efforts into an eternal weight of glory? Can He fill our empty nets?

Fishing can be a microcosm of life, especially when you come up empty. All too often our lives are lived with a frustrating sense of futility and meaninglessness. Can Jesus remedy this? Can He change what is meaningless into what is meaningful? Can He turn our futile efforts into an eternal weight of glory? Can He fill our empty nets?

Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Sunday) and that evening He came to His disciples. The first words He spoke to them were, "Peace be with you." Why did He speak these words to them? What does He mean by peace? Jesus also showed them His hands that had been pierced by the Roman nails and His side that had been pierced by the Roman spear. He was no doubt proving to them that He had truly been raised from the dead, but was He also doing something more? Our risen Lord continues to come to His disciples - including you - so that we may receive His peace.

Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Sunday) and that evening He came to His disciples. The first words He spoke to them were, "Peace be with you." Why did He speak these words to them? What does He mean by peace? Jesus also showed them His hands that had been pierced by the Roman nails and His side that had been pierced by the Roman spear. He was no doubt proving to them that He had truly been raised from the dead, but was He also doing something more? Our risen Lord continues to come to His disciples - including you - so that we may receive His peace.

Jesus is risen! This simple truth has changed everything. It means that this world is not what most people think it is. It means that death and the power of death are illusions. It also means that the gospel is true. Jesus says, "Whoever comes to Me, I will never cast out." Instead of counting our sins against us, our Lord Jesus counts our sins as His own and "bears them in His body on the tree." He is risen to be Pastor and Bishop of our souls, to forgive our sins, to create in us clean hearts and renew in us right spirits through His almighty word and holy sacraments.

Jesus is risen! This simple truth has changed everything. It means that this world is not what most people think it is. It means that death and the power of death are illusions. It also means that the gospel is true. Jesus says, "Whoever comes to Me, I will never cast out." Instead of counting our sins against us, our Lord Jesus counts our sins as His own and "bears them in His body on the tree." He is risen to be Pastor and Bishop of our souls, to forgive our sins, to create in us clean hearts and renew in us right spirits through His almighty word and holy sacraments.

A series of homilies on the seven words of Christ from the cross.

A series of homilies on the seven words of Christ from the cross.

The first-century Jewish historian, Josephus, who was also a Jewish priest, gives us an idea of what the Passover would have been like at the time of Jesus. According to Josephus' calculations there would have been around 2.7 million Jews celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, and over 256,000 Passover lambs slain. The blood of the Passover lambs was poured over the altar in the Temple. The amount of blood is hard to fathom. As the author of Hebrews says, "without blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins." The Jewish Mishnah and the second-century church father, Justin Martyr, both report that the Passover lambs were then roasted on sticks, one vertical and the other horizontal, giving the appearance that the Passover lambs were "crucified" while roasted over the fire. All of these things help us better understand what Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed."

The first-century Jewish historian, Josephus, who was also a Jewish priest, gives us an idea of what the Passover would have been like at the time of Jesus. According to Josephus' calculations there would have been around 2.7 million Jews celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, and over 256,000 Passover lambs slain. The blood of the Passover lambs was poured over the altar in the Temple. The amount of blood is hard to fathom. As the author of Hebrews says, "without blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins." The Jewish Mishnah and the second-century church father, Justin Martyr, both report that the Passover lambs were then roasted on sticks, one vertical and the other horizontal, giving the appearance that the Passover lambs were "crucified" while roasted over the fire. All of these things help us better understand what Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed."

As is the custom at Faith Lutheran Church, Pastor Rhode has written a letter to the confirmands. "Confirmands" are young students, usually 8th-graders, who have finished a two-year course on Luther's Small Catechism that is taught by the pastor. This year, pastor's letter (and sermon) is based on Philippians chapter 2. What does it mean to "count equality with God a thing to be grasped"? What is likely the greatest threat to the faith of our youth? How can a young person find his way?

As is the custom at Faith Lutheran Church, Pastor Rhode has written a letter to the confirmands. "Confirmands" are young students, usually 8th-graders, who have finished a two-year course on Luther's Small Catechism that is taught by the pastor. This year, pastor's letter (and sermon) is based on Philippians chapter 2. What does it mean to "count equality with God a thing to be grasped"? What is likely the greatest threat to the faith of our youth? How can a young person find his way?

"My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue sticks to My jaws; You lay Me down in the dust of death." On the cross, our Lord Jesus experienced unspeakable thirst. Find out why. Find out what this means for us.

"My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue sticks to My jaws; You lay Me down in the dust of death." On the cross, our Lord Jesus experienced unspeakable thirst. Find out why. Find out what this means for us.

After weeping over Jerusalem and after cleansing the Temple, Jesus spent His last days before the cross teaching the people and preaching the gospel. Not everyone liked what He had to say. The chief priests, scribes, and elders of Jerusalem sought to silence Jesus and His message of God's grace and forgiveness for all. So Jesus preached a sermon against them: the parable of the wicked tenants. While the parable was indeed against them, Jesus was telling them precisely what they needed to hear. In rejecting Jesus, they were choosing destruction. Jesus did not want this for them. He desired that they too would come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. The most astonishing thing about Jesus' sermon, however, was neither the wickedness of the tenants nor the fact that they finally get what they deserve. The most astonishing thing is the "foolish" grace and mercy of the vineyard owner and our God.

After weeping over Jerusalem and after cleansing the Temple, Jesus spent His last days before the cross teaching the people and preaching the gospel. Not everyone liked what He had to say. The chief priests, scribes, and elders of Jerusalem sought to silence Jesus and His message of God's grace and forgiveness for all. So Jesus preached a sermon against them: the parable of the wicked tenants. While the parable was indeed against them, Jesus was telling them precisely what they needed to hear. In rejecting Jesus, they were choosing destruction. Jesus did not want this for them. He desired that they too would come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. The most astonishing thing about Jesus' sermon, however, was neither the wickedness of the tenants nor the fact that they finally get what they deserve. The most astonishing thing is the "foolish" grace and mercy of the vineyard owner and our God.

Lutherans have always insisted that "Mother of God" is an appropriate title for Mary. This sermon explains why, and gives insight into the important role that Mary played in the life and death of her Son and our Savior. We see, too, that even when Jesus was on the cross, He cared not for Himself but for others - His mother included. As Jesus gives Mary as a mother to John, and John as a son to Mary, we see also a picture of the new family that Jesus gives to each one of us.

Lutherans have always insisted that "Mother of God" is an appropriate title for Mary. This sermon explains why, and gives insight into the important role that Mary played in the life and death of her Son and our Savior. We see, too, that even when Jesus was on the cross, He cared not for Himself but for others - His mother included. As Jesus gives Mary as a mother to John, and John as a son to Mary, we see also a picture of the new family that Jesus gives to each one of us.

The parable of the lost sheep, isn't about the lost sheep. The parable of the lost coin, isn't about the lost coin. So, too, the parable of the lost son, isn't really about the lost son. What are these parables about? In one sense, they're all about Jesus. But how so? And how is the parable of the lost son often misinterpreted in our own context? Take a listen and rediscover the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents!

The parable of the lost sheep, isn't about the lost sheep. The parable of the lost coin, isn't about the lost coin. So, too, the parable of the lost son, isn't really about the lost son. What are these parables about? In one sense, they're all about Jesus. But how so? And how is the parable of the lost son often misinterpreted in our own context? Take a listen and rediscover the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents!

The self-consciousness, embarrassment, and shame connected with nakedness are reminders of our direct connection to Adam and Eve. When they sinned against God they realized, for the first time, that they were naked. They were ashamed and sewed fig-leaves together, but God clothed them instead with the skins of an animal. The same God now clothes us in Christ. On the cross, Christ was stripped naked, that we who are naked in our sins might be covered by the seamless robe of His righteousness.

The self-consciousness, embarrassment, and shame connected with nakedness are reminders of our direct connection to Adam and Eve. When they sinned against God they realized, for the first time, that they were naked. They were ashamed and sewed fig-leaves together, but God clothed them instead with the skins of an animal. The same God now clothes us in Christ. On the cross, Christ was stripped naked, that we who are naked in our sins might be covered by the seamless robe of His righteousness.

What did Jesus have to say about the headlines of His own time? And what does that mean for the headlines of our own? Does the imminent threat of violence or disaster merely fill us with anxiety, or is there something more?

What did Jesus have to say about the headlines of His own time? And what does that mean for the headlines of our own? Does the imminent threat of violence or disaster merely fill us with anxiety, or is there something more?

Looking into Jesus' death on the cross is looking into the very heart of God. One cannot even conceive of the goodness one finds. Man beats and murders God, and God uses this greatest of all evils for our greatest good. By the very wounds that we inflicted upon Him, He would have us healed.

Looking into Jesus' death on the cross is looking into the very heart of God. One cannot even conceive of the goodness one finds. Man beats and murders God, and God uses this greatest of all evils for our greatest good. By the very wounds that we inflicted upon Him, He would have us healed.

What things make you fear to be a Christian? What things make you fear to be more boldly Christian in all that you say and do? Perhaps it is fear of being ridiculed. Perhaps it is the fear of being labeled a religious fanatic, or a Bible-thumper, or - in Lutheran circles - a pietist. Fear and intimidation are the devil's tactics. Our Lord Jesus teaches us how to live and how to die without fear. The Psalmist says to God, "With You there is forgiveness that You may be feared." Fear of God destroys all other fears. For God is the One who destroys the power of sin by bearing it Himself on the cross. God is the One who destroys the power of death by rising from the dead, and by promising that all who believe in Him will also rise. If God is for us, who can be against us? We need not be afraid when the world taunts us or persecutes us. As our Lord Jesus says, "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." You have been purchased with the blood of Christ! You are a Christian!

What things make you fear to be a Christian? What things make you fear to be more boldly Christian in all that you say and do? Perhaps it is fear of being ridiculed. Perhaps it is the fear of being labeled a religious fanatic, or a Bible-thumper, or - in Lutheran circles - a pietist. Fear and intimidation are the devil's tactics. Our Lord Jesus teaches us how to live and how to die without fear. The Psalmist says to God, "With You there is forgiveness that You may be feared." Fear of God destroys all other fears. For God is the One who destroys the power of sin by bearing it Himself on the cross. God is the One who destroys the power of death by rising from the dead, and by promising that all who believe in Him will also rise. If God is for us, who can be against us? We need not be afraid when the world taunts us or persecutes us. As our Lord Jesus says, "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." You have been purchased with the blood of Christ! You are a Christian!

The ordination of the first High Priest, Aaron, was a bloody affair. God so ordered this Old Testament rite for us also, that we would be pointed to the One who is our great High Priest: Jesus Christ. By His bloody death on the cross, He shows Himself to be our great High Priest and the sole Mediator between God and Man. Having made atonement for us with His blood, our High Priest rose from the dead and stands before God making intercession for us. In Jesus, who is both true God and true Man, we have a God who prays.

The ordination of the first High Priest, Aaron, was a bloody affair. God so ordered this Old Testament rite for us also, that we would be pointed to the One who is our great High Priest: Jesus Christ. By His bloody death on the cross, He shows Himself to be our great High Priest and the sole Mediator between God and Man. Having made atonement for us with His blood, our High Priest rose from the dead and stands before God making intercession for us. In Jesus, who is both true God and true Man, we have a God who prays.

God tempts no one. Our temptation comes from the Devil. The Devil's goal is to lead you and all others into more temptation. He does this by destroying our faith using self-righteousness and despair. He does this to us, even though He knows our sins are forgiven. We must look to the Cross to sustain our faith. The Cross is where our sins are laid on Jesus and He gives us his righteousness as a gift. Jesus stood against and conquered the Devil, once and for all by crushing him under His foot. God "leads us out of temptation" by sending His Son to do it for us.

God tempts no one. Our temptation comes from the Devil. The Devil's goal is to lead you and all others into more temptation. He does this by destroying our faith using self-righteousness and despair. He does this to us, even though He knows our sins are forgiven. We must look to the Cross to sustain our faith. The Cross is where our sins are laid on Jesus and He gives us his righteousness as a gift. Jesus stood against and conquered the Devil, once and for all by crushing him under His foot. God "leads us out of temptation" by sending His Son to do it for us.

Our sins cut us off from God. Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. The ashes on our foreheads today are meant to jog you into reality. They are in the shape of a cross. The cross of Jesus gives life from death. The ashes on your forehead mark you both for death and life. Rend your hearts, not your garments. God is the mercy we need. God is a light to lighten our dark hearts. Why is God so gracious and merciful? It is all for the sake of Jesus. When you pray, when you give to the needy, when you fast, do it in secret. To know and be known by God is our goal and what we are to practice quietly before God. We rend our hearts in order to see more of the heart of Jesus.

Our sins cut us off from God. Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. The ashes on our foreheads today are meant to jog you into reality. They are in the shape of a cross. The cross of Jesus gives life from death. The ashes on your forehead mark you both for death and life. Rend your hearts, not your garments. God is the mercy we need. God is a light to lighten our dark hearts. Why is God so gracious and merciful? It is all for the sake of Jesus. When you pray, when you give to the needy, when you fast, do it in secret. To know and be known by God is our goal and what we are to practice quietly before God. We rend our hearts in order to see more of the heart of Jesus.

The greatest thing about the Transfiguration is that it actually happened. Peter, James, and John were eyewitnesses. We should marvel, wonder and ponder this so that we might believe and have life in Jesus. The Transfiguration shows Jesus is God of God and Light of Light. We will see this on the Last Day when He comes in glory to judge the living and the dead. The blood of Jesus cleanses us all. The Cross is the exodus of Jesus, leading us out of our sin to the Promised Land. Our lives are part of his story because we take part in His exodus. We go through death with Him. We need not be afraid of the coming judgment. We follow the Son of God. God is well pleased with Jesus, His Son, and because we are part of Him, God is pleased with us.

The greatest thing about the Transfiguration is that it actually happened. Peter, James, and John were eyewitnesses. We should marvel, wonder and ponder this so that we might believe and have life in Jesus. The Transfiguration shows Jesus is God of God and Light of Light. We will see this on the Last Day when He comes in glory to judge the living and the dead. The blood of Jesus cleanses us all. The Cross is the exodus of Jesus, leading us out of our sin to the Promised Land. Our lives are part of his story because we take part in His exodus. We go through death with Him. We need not be afraid of the coming judgment. We follow the Son of God. God is well pleased with Jesus, His Son, and because we are part of Him, God is pleased with us.

The Lord of the universe became a lowly embryo, coming into the world in the form of you and me. The world despises weakness, yet Jesus, the creator of the world, came to be Lord of the lowly. Baptism seems like nothing to this world, yet God's strength is made perfect in what seems to be weakness. God uses Baptism as His means of grace to wash away our sin so that when God sees you, He sees none of your inadequacies. They are all blotted out by the blood of Christ. And, when God commands us to love our enemies, those who hate Christ, and not judge them, the world scoffs at this apparent weakness and foolishness. Yet the weakness of God is stronger than the power of sin. In this command to love and not judge another, Jesus gives us another way to break the power of sin -- the weakness of love and the foolishness of forgiveness. The day is coming when you will see that His weakness is stronger than any strength. On that day, you will know that His foolishness was wiser than all the wisdom in the world, when you, with nothing but your baptism, are gathered around His throne with other forgiven sinners.

The Lord of the universe became a lowly embryo, coming into the world in the form of you and me. The world despises weakness, yet Jesus, the creator of the world, came to be Lord of the lowly. Baptism seems like nothing to this world, yet God's strength is made perfect in what seems to be weakness. God uses Baptism as His means of grace to wash away our sin so that when God sees you, He sees none of your inadequacies. They are all blotted out by the blood of Christ. And, when God commands us to love our enemies, those who hate Christ, and not judge them, the world scoffs at this apparent weakness and foolishness. Yet the weakness of God is stronger than the power of sin. In this command to love and not judge another, Jesus gives us another way to break the power of sin -- the weakness of love and the foolishness of forgiveness. The day is coming when you will see that His weakness is stronger than any strength. On that day, you will know that His foolishness was wiser than all the wisdom in the world, when you, with nothing but your baptism, are gathered around His throne with other forgiven sinners.

What is the highest honor, greatest goal for life? Whoever your god or God is will determine it. The greatest honor in life is to be conformed into the image of God. We need to know the God who gathers in our midst to serve us. Wherever His word and sacraments are, He is present, truly and bodily. Our present sufferings cannot compare to the glory to come. Good Friday now, Easter to come. All who share in God's Good Friday will share in His Easter.

What is the highest honor, greatest goal for life? Whoever your god or God is will determine it. The greatest honor in life is to be conformed into the image of God. We need to know the God who gathers in our midst to serve us. Wherever His word and sacraments are, He is present, truly and bodily. Our present sufferings cannot compare to the glory to come. Good Friday now, Easter to come. All who share in God's Good Friday will share in His Easter.

Our sermon text today is more than a fishing story. Jesus was speaking for God, about God, because He was God. Peter says, "At your word, I will drop the net." Too much of a good thing happens. This was a living parable. The fish represent men, the net is the Gospel, the boat is the Church. The boat fills because of the word of Jesus. Don't judge churches by their crowds. Growing the church is not the priority. Preaching Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins is the priority. Human reason won't fill our boat. Only fish with the net of the pure Gospel. This is what Jesus, the greatest fisherman, says to do. Only then, on the shore on the last day, do we see the good fish separated from the bad fish. Let's drop our nets only at the word and only in the manner Jesus tells us.

Our sermon text today is more than a fishing story. Jesus was speaking for God, about God, because He was God. Peter says, "At your word, I will drop the net." Too much of a good thing happens. This was a living parable. The fish represent men, the net is the Gospel, the boat is the Church. The boat fills because of the word of Jesus. Don't judge churches by their crowds. Growing the church is not the priority. Preaching Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins is the priority. Human reason won't fill our boat. Only fish with the net of the pure Gospel. This is what Jesus, the greatest fisherman, says to do. Only then, on the shore on the last day, do we see the good fish separated from the bad fish. Let's drop our nets only at the word and only in the manner Jesus tells us.

The word of God is greater than all other powers. It doesn't depend on the messenger. The power is not in the speaker but in God's own divine word. Christians are called to stand against darkness because we are light, and God's word is sufficient to do so. Those who trample God's word will be brought down to death. The Word of God (Jesus) silences and casts out demons, sickness and death. Jesus was not sent for miracles, but for preaching God's word. He was sent to set an "upside-down church" right again. Why is there demon possession, sickness, and death in this world? The answer is sin. Sin cuts us off from the One who is light and life. Jesus must take all our sin on Himself. Christ�s death is the price required for God to buy us back and set us free. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. But the blood of Christ has been shed and we are forgiven!

The word of God is greater than all other powers. It doesn't depend on the messenger. The power is not in the speaker but in God's own divine word. Christians are called to stand against darkness because we are light, and God's word is sufficient to do so. Those who trample God's word will be brought down to death. The Word of God (Jesus) silences and casts out demons, sickness and death. Jesus was not sent for miracles, but for preaching God's word. He was sent to set an "upside-down church" right again. Why is there demon possession, sickness, and death in this world? The answer is sin. Sin cuts us off from the One who is light and life. Jesus must take all our sin on Himself. Christ�s death is the price required for God to buy us back and set us free. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. But the blood of Christ has been shed and we are forgiven!

Pastor Hodel says farewell after serving 37 years in the ministry. He asks us to cherish the Benediction, because in it, God, for Christ's sake, grants us peace. He reminds us that we are sinners together. We should absolve one another when we fail each other, and be real with one another. His sermon message for today covers Jesus' first Messianic appearance in His hometown. Jesus preaches from Isaiah about the Messiah and says "I am He". The people wanted Him to perform a miracle, not realizing they were hearing the word, spoken by the Word. For them and for us, what more do we need? We do not need any more miracles. The only miracle we need to see is the incarnation and the work of Calvary. The cross is eternal and is for everyone, without exception. All we need is God's Word to sustain our faith. Let us fight to hear it. All God has is ours, by pure grace, just receive it.

In the account of the wedding at Cana, John 2:1-11, there is more than meets the eye. In this, His first miracle, Jesus changes water into wine for wedding guests. In His last miracle, Jesus changes His blood into wine for us. We lack wine because we have sinned. Our Savior gives us His wine to cleanse us from all our sin. It is the wine of immortality that we receive in the Lord's Supper, and it is free for us. But it cost Jesus everything. Now we can be included in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

In the account of the wedding at Cana, John 2:1-11, there is more than meets the eye. In this, His first miracle, Jesus changes water into wine for wedding guests. In His last miracle, Jesus changes His blood into wine for us. We lack wine because we have sinned. Our Savior gives us His wine to cleanse us from all our sin. It is the wine of immortality that we receive in the Lord's Supper, and it is free for us. But it cost Jesus everything. Now we can be included in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

All you ever need to know about baptism and its power is given in this message. There are great differences between the baptized and unbaptized. Jesus was baptized to give you gifts. Let nothing take them away.

All you ever need to know about baptism and its power is given in this message. There are great differences between the baptized and unbaptized. Jesus was baptized to give you gifts. Let nothing take them away.

Epiphany is the Gentile Christmas. Jesus came to the Jews through the Word. He came to the Gentiles through a star. Christ is the Messiah for both the Jews and the Gentiles. The Gentile astrologers, after meeting Jesus and receiving the gift of faith, went home another way. After we meet Jesus and receive the gift of faith, we go back to our vocations in another way. We become God's hands and feet to shine as stars in the darkness in the ways of Jesus.

Are you ready to die? Most people avoid this question. But learn from Simeon how to die. You can die in peace because you, like Simeon, have seen the Lord's Christ. Christ has baptized you into His death and resurrection, and He feeds you with His body and blood in the Lord's Supper. You are totally forgiven because Jesus has worked peace between you and the Father. So you can die in peace, just like Simeon.

Sin can't stand in the presence of God. Light and darkness can't mix. So we hide from God because of our sin. But at Christmas, God now hides Himself in man. Christmas is a proclamation of good news! God is beginning His work of salvation. The baby in the manger is the Messiah, God's Son, coming to be a light for us in the darkness and to show us the way to salvation. Christmas reminds us that God has given to us the greatest gift of all time, His Son, wrapped in human flesh. We can now become children of God and heirs of His kingdom. We need not hide anymore!

Marvel, marvel, marvel. If you don't marvel at Christmas, there is something wrong. Marvel at the birth of Christ because He saves us from our greatest problem, sin. This is what Christmas is all about. Jesus makes us a new creation and changes death into new life. The maker of the stars is making all things new. Even you!

Marvel, marvel, marvel. If you don't marvel at Christmas, there is something wrong. Marvel at the birth of Christ because He saves us from our greatest problem, sin. This is what Christmas is all about. Jesus makes us a new creation and changes death into new life. The maker of the stars is making all things new. Even you!

You're too little! We hear it all our lives, at many times and in many places. We will always be "too little" spiritually, no matter how hard we try. We feel we must pay up, but we never can pay enough, even for the smallest sin. But Bethlehem was not too little. She would be the birthplace for the Son of God. Any Mary was not too little for God. She would be the mother of the Messiah. And John the Baptist showed he was not too little to proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world. And "too little" Jesus came to be the final sacrifice to God to pay for the sin of all men. And we are not too little, if we are in Christ. We are the Children of God, and all that is His, is ours. Merry Christmas.

It was a joyous scene when the ark of God drew near to Jerusalem in King David's day. The ark of the covenant was such a gift of grace and mercy, David did something that adults�especially kings�never do. He leapt for joy before the ark. But it was an even more joyous scene when John the Baptist, the forerunner, met Jesus, the Savior, for the first time, while they were both still in their mother's wombs. John, in the womb of an elderly, formerly barren woman, leapt for joy at the voice of Mary, the Virgin carrying God's Son in her womb. God's special presence on earth would no longer be tied to a gold-covered box but rather to the incarnate Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts have every reason to leap for joy as John the Baptist leapt. God's presence is among us as Christ draws near to us in His Word and Sacraments, and He has promised to be near to us forever when He comes again on the Last Day.

All of life is meant to draw you to Jesus, to be forgiven and conformed to Him. Rejoice in the Lord always, in both good and bad times. Life is not something we possess, only Jesus is life. "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus removes the curse of sin and death, but first He must come under it, carrying our griefs and sorrows and atoning for them on the cross. Rejoice in the Lord always. The true joy of Advent and Christmas is knowing all things will be made new. In death we have life. Only by losing our bodies in death do we get them back, restored.

All of life is meant to draw you to Jesus, to be forgiven and conformed to Him. Rejoice in the Lord always, in both good and bad times. Life is not something we possess, only Jesus is life. "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus removes the curse of sin and death, but first He must come under it, carrying our griefs and sorrows and atoning for them on the cross. Rejoice in the Lord always. The true joy of Advent and Christmas is knowing all things will be made new. In death we have life. Only by losing our bodies in death do we get them back, restored.

Throughout Holy Scripture, God brought forth important men from the wombs of barren women. One such woman was the wife of Manoah. Through her, God gave oppressed Israel a great deliverer named Samson. But the greatest son to come from an unlikely mother was the Child born of the Virgin Mary. He was the greatest gift this oppressed world will ever receive. Samson's greatness was evident in feats of incredible strength, but the greatest of Mary's Son was seen in His willingness to set aside His power to deliver us from sin, death, and the devil.

A bulldozer with your name on the blade is coming! Yes, Jesus is coming to destroy sin and sinners. So how are we to prepare? The bottom line, we can't do it. But Christ came from heaven above to give us grace and to show us mercy. He shifted the wrath of God from you and me to Himself. We must recognize our sin, confess it and acknowledge our need to be saved from ourselves. Let us cry out from the pit of our despair and a repentant heart, asking God for mercy and healing of our sinfulness. Prepare to meet the Lord by returning to your baptism and the promises God gives in baptism. We can't stand up and heal ourselves. We need the mercy of God. "God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." "Take eat, and drink in the Lord's Supper." Jesus has come, "Your sins are forgiven.�

Zechariah's problem was that he expected too little of God. Our God gives like the God He is! He gives us exceedingly great promises -- forgiveness in this life and a new heaven and earth in the next life. Do you think God is stingy? Let us confess this and open our hearts in faith anew to Him. If God did not spare His Son, he will not withhold any good thing from us. Listen and believe. Take care in how we hear. What Child is this? God was remembering and acting on the greatest promise ever made. Zechariah had forgotten this when he was told his own son would be God's forerunner. Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

God came to die as a ransom to purchase us. We have been bought by the precious blood of God. We cannot see our greatest need. We forget that our sin cuts us off from the One who gives us life and peace with God. Christ gives us this peace. Let us keep Jesus at the center of how we do Christmas. His shed blood is our peace.

God came to die as a ransom to purchase us. We have been bought by the precious blood of God. We cannot see our greatest need. We forget that our sin cuts us off from the One who gives us life and peace with God. Christ gives us this peace. Let us keep Jesus at the center of how we do Christmas. His shed blood is our peace.

The ten lepers were beggars and labeled unclean, but Jesus healed them. We are lepers and in our sin condition, Jesus has forgiven us. All that we need, we receive from Christ, for now, and forever.

Sub Contrario means under the opposite appearance. How often God hides things under their opposite! For example, eating caused our race to fall, yet eating gives life and forgiveness. Things are not as they seem. Let us go to the "hated one" on the cross. Knowing we don't escape death, the question for each of us is, "are we going to be faithful to the end?" Your sins are Christ's. He has taken them all from you. Despite all that appears to the contrary, Christ reigns.

Sub Contrario means under the opposite appearance. How often God hides things under their opposite! For example, eating caused our race to fall, yet eating gives life and forgiveness. Things are not as they seem. Let us go to the "hated one" on the cross. Knowing we don't escape death, the question for each of us is, "are we going to be faithful to the end?" Your sins are Christ's. He has taken them all from you. Despite all that appears to the contrary, Christ reigns.

Widows seem to have a special place in the heart of God and this seems to be the theme of this sermon. But there is more. God's mercies show no boundaries. The One who hears, hears the widow's faith and your faith, and supplies all needs in this life and for eternity. We have nothing to offer God except our faith. In the midst of our famine, God provides all we need, especially our greatest need. For in the Name of Jesus, all your sins have been forgiven.

In this sermon, we get a glimpse into heaven as recorded in Revelation 7, and we see all those "who art in heaven." The ending of life on earth is only a blessed beginning for those who are in Christ. So how shall we enter God's presence and enter without shame? It is only through Jesus. Jesus is the Lamb of God, our good shepherd in heaven, who has taken all our sins away. He will be there to heal us, to wipe away every tear from our eyes and transform our mourning and sorrow into endless joy. See what kind of Love The Father has given us, you and me, that we should be called the Children of God. And so we are! And so we pray, "Our Father who art in heaven." Amen.

In this sermon, we get a glimpse into heaven as recorded in Revelation 7, and we see all those "who art in heaven." The ending of life on earth is only a blessed beginning for those who are in Christ. So how shall we enter God's presence and enter without shame? It is only through Jesus. Jesus is the Lamb of God, our good shepherd in heaven, who has taken all our sins away. He will be there to heal us, to wipe away every tear from our eyes and transform our mourning and sorrow into endless joy. See what kind of Love The Father has given us, you and me, that we should be called the Children of God. And so we are! And so we pray, "Our Father who art in heaven." Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 46, On this Reformation Sunday, let us consider the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, written by Martin Luther, the great reformer. This hymn, based on Psalm 46, is so rich in theology that even if you were born on a desert island and you had never seen a Bible if you came across this hymn, in its ten verses, you would have it all. As Martin Luther was dying, he was asked, "Brother Martin, are you willing to die in the faith which you have proclaimed all your life?" Luther spoke up so that everybody could hear. "Yes, yes," he said. A little bit later he fell asleep. In other words, he fell into the hands of the God who always had been his refuge and strength, a God who was a very present help in trouble. Martin did not fear death. Sooner or later each of us will cross the threshold of death and face our God. Thanks to God we all have been given a Savior who says, "I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine." There is no other God than the Lord God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is no other Savior than Jesus, our Redeemer to whom the Spirit of God points us. And rest assured that Jesus stands by us in this life and forever.

Scripture: Mark 10:23-31, Do good works count? God doesn't need our works but He wants them! God wants us to realize the joys of doing heavenly works because we are part of His family. Our good works help give Christ victory over the Devil -- even the smallest most private, most humble works are truly divine works because of Jesus. He cleanses our works and gives them meaning and purpose. We will receive one hundred fold in rewards for our works, now and in the age to come.

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22, In this exceptional teaching by our Lord Jesus, we come to understand how impossible it is to a work our way to eternal life. Jesus states what is impossible for mankind is possible, and a reality, for God. We hear that for both the rich and poor, eternal life is only possible thru God�s work! Pastor Hodel goes on to examine the human condition of anxiety, a pandemic diagnosis of humanity in our culture. Listen for a cryptic definition of anxiety given in this exceptional law and gospel sermon.

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16, As humans, freedom is very appealing to us, and Satan tempts us with "apparent freedom" that is really bondage to sin and Satan. The family is especially under attack now. Witness the wide-spread use of no-fault divorce, same-sex marriage, gender freedom and evolution that lets us be free of God, or to have a god of our own choosing. These choices say "the Bible must be wrong". Self-rule leads to abandoning God, and humanity becomes enslaved to sin. Christians have a better way. Christ kept ALL of the Law for us, and His perfect righteousness covers us. In Christ, we have perfect forgiveness of our sin. Christ loves you and I a better way than Satan! Abide in Christ and His Word.

Scripture: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Moses told Pharoah to let God's firstborn son (i.e. Israel) go. Pharaoh found out too late the God he challenged was the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Almighty. Israel experienced God's mighty power. God called Israel "my son". Israel experienced God's mighty power, living through the journey from Egypt to the Red Sea and into the desert to Mt. Sinai. What if all your disasters were wiped out in the span of one year. Would you remember God's power or would you be blinded to what God had done and yearned for the good old days back in "your Egypt." Yes, the story of Israel is our story too. Listen to hear our story in this sermon about God's one and only Son.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15,

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-10, God suffers (unlike other gods) because of the people, God suffers with his people, and God suffers for the people. In this third Servant's Song in Isaiah, Jesus himself speaks of the people's sin and their self-righteousness. He speaks of their closed ears to the true God and their choosing fleeting pleasure that leads to their destruction. We must look outside ourselves to the true Suffering Servant and Savior, Jesus. He gives us all His righteousness. He is enough.

Scripture: Mark 7:31-37 Genesis 2:18, Loneliness is an epidemic, it is social isolation -- and technology doesn't help. God said: "It is not good for man to be alone." We are created for relationship - to love and care for one another. Loneliness "sucks" the life out of us. Loneliness began when Adam cut himself from God when he sinned. Sin continues to cut us off from God and one another today. Jesus brings us out of isolation, darkness, and death. Jesus is there through everything we will experience, even death. God has placed Christians in the Church where we experience relationship with God and one another.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, Is hell real, does God exist? Satan wants us to think not. Satan has no fear. His art is perfected to deceive us. We can do nothing to fight him. We must be strong in the Lord and His strength. Only Jesus wins the battle. We put on God's armor that we received in Baptism and stand against the schemes of the Devil. Satan's last gasp is now, to terrorize the earth. False teachers target us and we must stand, otherwise Satan will lead us into hell. The battleground is everywhere, at home and at work. We are to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel boldly and pray for our pastors and the saints, then we will have the victory.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33, Marriage should be the next best thing on earth to Christ's relationship to the Church. As husbands and wives, we don't take this challenge seriously enough. There is a perfect order to the marriage relationship that we don't often understand or try to emulate. Christ and the Church is the most beautiful picture of love. As people view a Christian marriage, they should see a picture of Christ and His Church. This picture of perfect love will be realized for all Christians when we meet Christ in heaven and are finally in His presence. The husband, by sacrificial love, is to make his wife holy by ensuring she knows the Word of God, just as Christ, after demonstrating His sacrificial love on the cross, is making the Church holy.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:6-21, God is our good father. Good fathers often have to speak words of warning, admonishment, and exhortation--not because they hate their children, but because they actually want what is best for them and want them to do what is right.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-5:2, Bad habits are hard to break. Paul says in Romans 7, "I have the desire to do what is right but not the ability to carry it out." Talking about the word "habits" is just another way to speak about the word "walk" in today's passage. Our walk becomes a part of us. We do it over and over again. It means our behaviors and demonstrates a way of life that coincides with who we are as God's people. Listen to this sermon to gain a greater understanding of how we "walk" as Christians.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16, Christ's perfect righteousness atones and pays for our sins. This righteousness is imputed to us by grace and credited to us as a result of faith given to us. This justification by faith alone, and not the result of works, was the essence of the "genuine" Lutheran reformation over 500 years ago. At that time, a "radical" reformation was occurring also, that was focused on anti-Rome Catholicism. Recently, versions of pietism and American Evangelical Christianity have risen emphasizing "what you do for Christ", not "what Christ has done for you". The "genuine" Lutheran reformation confesses against these recent movements that have little mention of Christ alone. Within American Evangelicalism, the Christ-centered faith has morphed into a "works righteousness" faith. In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul urges Christians to walk in a manner to which we have been called, in a unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace where forgiveness flows from God through us to one another, one Lord, one faith, one baptism--- not different faiths. Christ ascends to heaven, leading us as His captives and giving us gifts. We truly have a "friend in high places", Christ, who fills all in all. Unity of faith is what we must strive to attain while we grow from children into full manhood. We are to grow up in every way into Christ who is our head. This process is our sanctification. Let us build one another up in love, seeking Godly cooperation. This life is no longer amassing wealth for us and our projects. It is no longer about the fleeting pursuits of pleasures. It is not about squeezing the last moments out of this life that we can nor is it about a life of a "golden" retirement. The essence of this life is that we would build one another up, first and foremost in the unity of faith, as taught in the Scriptures, then build one another up in the knowledge of God and His Son, all done in truth and in love.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7, Dr. Cameron Mackenzie, history professor at Ft. Wayne Theological Seminary, was a guest pastor in our pulpit today. His message focused on leaders who spoke the Word of God to us, Hebrews 13:7, and challenged us to imitate their faith and how they lived their lives, and especially how they died. He used Martin Luther as an example.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 Jude 5, What does it mean to be a Gentile? It means belonging to a nation apart from God's chosen people. Gentiles were outsiders and strangers from the work of Christ among His chosen people Israel. But now Christ reconciles both Jew and Gentile to God, in one body, thereby killing the hostility between the two peoples. Peace with God is now available to both Jew and Gentile who now, both in Christ, are being built into a dwelling place for God by the Holy Spirit. Our lives are not meaningless because God is patiently working, one by one, in the Church for His eternal glory. So remember who you were, and remember who you are now in Christ Jesus.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14, As adopted children of God, God has chosen us and revealed His purpose and will in the person of Jesus Christ.Unbelievers have this chapter missing in their life. The purpose of life is a mystery to them. For believers in Jesus, when the Holy Spirit reveals that mysterious chapter to them, life is seen differently. It is no longer a mystery. Christians are filled with hope for the future and love for the present. This perspective on life causes an outflow of thanks and praise to our glorious God, today and forever.

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13, Who is Jesus? Is He the judgment guy, the grace guy or the law and gospel guy? Let us increasingly know the Lord Jesus as He truly is. Jesus is the Son of God leading us in an exodus out of this earth through the very heart of death, into the resurrection of our bodies, and out into the new heavens and the new earth. Jesus did this on the cross, removing your sins and all the sins of the whole world, once and for all.

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43, Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue came to Jesus begging him to come and lay hands on his daughter so that she may be made well and live. Separately, a woman who had a discharge of blood for 12 years comes to Jesus. For both, Jesus says the words for "made well". And the active voice Jesus uses clearly means more than a physical healing. After being made well, Jesus says to the woman, your faith has saved you. Go in peace. The day is coming when Jesus will say those words to each and every one of us, "arise". And up out of our graves we will come and we shall see God in the face of Jesus. Remember God's timing is not our timing. So for that woman with the blood disorder, twelve years was far too long to wait to be healed. For Jairus, the death of his 12-year-old daughter had come too soon. Her life was far too short. But these two twelve's remind us that in the fullness of time, not in our time, God will save through Jesus. What Jesus said to Jairus, we must also keep in our ears: "Do not fear, only believe".

Scripture: Mark 3:35-41, God is not like us. We don't understand God. We are helpless in the "wind and waves" but God brings us to this point so that we might repent and see Him as He is. Jesus asks the disciples why they are so afraid. Yet after He displays the power of God, they become more afraid, asking, "who is this that even the wind and sea obey"? It is the One who has the power over the Devil, over sin and death and the power to give life. Jesus is that One. He is not like us, but He loves us, even though we have a faithless kind of faith. And that is very, very good!

Scripture: Mark 3:26-34, I am God. I have spoken. I will do it. --- I will build my church. But don't you quit praying, don't quit sharing, don't quit caring. Remember, dry Good Friday became green Easter Sunday. God is planting a new tree of life for the life of the world. Trust and rest in the branches of the Cross.

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days without any food or drink, he spoke to demons, and he healed people, and then demanded them to keep quiet. The people in the world viewed Jesus as insane. The truth, of course, is that it's not Jesus who is insane, but we who are insane. We are spiritually out of our minds because of our sin. How on earth can a husband and wife say the things that we say to one another unless we are by nature spiritually insane? How can parents raise their children, measuring world success more important than the children's eternal salvation? How can we neglect the Word of God, our powerful weapon, when we are surrounded by so many evil forces? Yes, we are the insane ones, not Jesus. Jesus has broken into this world, bound Satan, and one-by-one is pillaging and plundering Satan's household, stealing us back. The spiritual warfare to accomplish this began at the baptism of Jesus and continues until His return.

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28, The Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of violating the Sabbath and say the Sabbath should be set apart and be kept holy. Jesus uses the opportunity to claim divine authority and assert His Messianic status. He clarifies God's purpose in establishing the Sabbath. This day of rest was primarily intended to restore people, not make them slaves of rules and regulations. May we all hear what Jesus has to say. He is now our Sabbath rest, our sins have been forgiven.

Scripture: John 3:1-17, Sinful men must be reborn before they can see the kingdom of God. We are so broken we can't be fixed. Water and Spirt combine for us to be born again from above. This is what Jesus told Nicodemus.Nicodemus first saw Jesus as a miracle worker and a great teacher and knew he was from God. He did not know that he was talking to the Second Person of the Trinity, God Himself. Eventually, water and the Spirit of God came onto Nicodemus and he was born from above. He became a new creation. He came to see Jesus as his Savior and his sins were forgiven. Nicodemus now had the certain hope of eternal life. The Triune nature of God is incomprehensible, but it is good we don't need to understand God and the mystery of the Holy Trinity in order to be forgiven through Jesus.

Scripture: John 15:26-27, 16:1-15, On Pentecost the Spirit was poured out on the apostles and the church. And their word has gone forth to the ends of the earth. And we also have the Holy Spirit given to us in the Word of God. The Spirit is our helper and Spirit of truth. He convicts the world concerning sin and calls us by the gospel. He also creates and sustains living faith in us. The Holy Spirit bears witness about Jesus, so if Jesus is there, then the Holy Spirit is there.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Scripture: John 15:9-17, Jesus says, "Love one another as I have loved you." How can we do this? Jesus gives us the answer when He says that the Trinitarian love He receives from God the Father is the same love He gives us, and we in turn are to love each other with this same Trinitarian love. Jesus says this is only possible if we abide in Him. Godly love begins in the heart of the Father, flows down through the Cross of Jesus to us, and then is past to others through us naturally, ONLY IF we are abiding in Him. We rest in Christ, and God sends His love through us to over-flowing. The result of this love for others brings pure joy for us.

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Life can only come from the true vine. All too often, we have attached ourselves to false vines. Frustration and bitterness result. False vines cannot give life. Jesus said I am the only one that can give you rest from this restless world. The things in life that cause pain and suffering cause us to grow. Our pain and suffering, given by our heavenly vinedresser, is given so we can bear more fruit. The fruit is faith, faith to believe that Jesus is the Christ and that He died for my sin. In our pain and suffering we are to know that God loves us. Abide, remain, endure, stay in Christ. When we abide in Christ, He will abide in us.

Scripture: Psalm 23, When did David write the 23rd Psalm? There were many events in his life that could have prompted him. And, as we look back on our own lives, we can identify many times that we have been protected in challenging circumstances. Because we are in Christ and have His name from our Baptism, we can claim the 23rd Psalm, all of it. Our Shepherd hides us in God and we have confidence that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Scripture: Luke 24:36-49, Repentance and forgiveness of sin should be pronounced through all the earth and those who believe will have eternal life. God wants you to be saved. God wants the whole world to be saved. That is the gospel. The Crucified One, Jesus Christ, heals us by his wounds.

Scripture: John 20:19-31 Job 19:25, Seven days of tribulation, then an 8th day of eternal bliss. There are a number of references in scripture to an 8th day of salvation, but the most important is on the day of our glorification, the day we shall be glorified and see the Lord face to face. "I know that my redeemer lives, and I will stand with Him on that day."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Christ defeated death in His resurrection. Those who believe this will also defeat death and be raised bodily when Christ returns. Christ has won the victory over our greatest fear and has opened wide an eternal future for us. Praise God!

Scripture: John 19:31-42, This is a day of burdens. It is black Friday that we call Good Friday. We feel the burden of our sin. Our Savior, the Son of God, hangs upon a tree, and His lifeblood drains down the wood and stains the ground. His blood instead of ours - this is a day of burdens. Jesus, carries our sins and pays our price and gives His life for ours. On this Good Friday we look upon the tree and see our sins laid upon the Holy One and we see our salvation. The apostle John saw first hand, an eye-witness at the cross and testified to this fact.

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14, The salvation journey of God's people leads from slavery, sin and death to a new sacrament and a new covenant. We are the people of the New Covenant of God, called out of exile. We are the people for whom the blood of the Lamb was poured out at Calvary. We are rescued and redeemed and returned from exile to a beautiful relationship with God. Once we were no people, but now we are God's people -- again. Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the new last will and testament of God. He writes it with you as the beneficiary, and it is put into effect by His Good Friday dying. Jesus is our Passover Lamb. His blood shields us from the angel of death. His blood gives full and complete forgiveness and eternal life.

Scripture: Mark 11:1-10, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, "Hosanna". There is only one perfect lamb and he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to give the sacrifice of his own body to pay for the sins of the world. He does this because he loves us. He was everything and made himself nothing, dying on a cross to bear all our grief, carry all our sorrow, heal our wounds and forgive all our sin. It is only by faith in the Lamb, riding the donkey, that we are saved.

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-6, Matthew 3:13, 4:1-2, What would the new homeland be like? God's people were terrified. They refused to believe God's faithfulness and they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Their wilderness was a land of sin and death. God does not want us in the wilderness but in His promised land of heaven. The Israelites went through the River Jordan, from a wilderness of death and were led by God to the Promised Land. Our wilderness is this world, where we are given God's promises of eternal life. From the baptismal waters, we are led by Christ to our prepared rooms and the heavenly feast. As for now, we get to spy out our promised land in the Divine Service.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45, What does true glory really look like? Jesus tells us, but do we understand? It's a glory we can't even imagine. It's a glory shown on the cross, as Jesus, gives His life to forgive sinners. That is true glory.

Scripture: Genesis 2:15, 3:22-24, This sermon compares the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden to the Cross of Christ. Two different trees, two different results. Now we have a new life and a New Adam. Jesus is leading us forward to God and a new Eden. God and Paradise soon to be restored.

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-21, God provides a solution to the Israelite's sin in the desert -- look upon the serpent raised on a pole. This is His Word attached to an object. We call this a Sacrament. For us today, the solution for our sin is to hear God's Word and look to Jesus on the Cross. God doesn't take away the sin, He provides a solution.

Scripture: Exodus 14:13-31, Mark 1:9-11, Water is one of the code words in the Bible along with mountain, tree, etc. Water is usually associated with deliverance, healing and saving. Think Red Sea, Noah and Jonah. We are in bondage to our sin and need deliverance. Jesus goes into the waters of the Jordan river to absorb all the world's sin. In the living waters of our baptism, we come out a new creation and can journey through this land of slavery into the arms of Jesus for eternity. Thanks be to God.

Scripture: John 2:13-22, Wherever you go you are in the presence of Jesus for He has taken up residence in you. There is nowhere you can go, no brokenness that has come upon you, no despair so deep, no failure so great -- that the fractures that make up your life force you out of the presence of the Lamb who loves you. Jesus tells you, "Lo I am with you to the end of the age" -- wherever you go. What a comfort it is to know this.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-8 Psalm 118:22-29, Abraham held God to His promise. He had faith. Likewise Lord, give us the faith to trust your promises.

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11, God's wrath is the real deal. The Day is coming when God sets this miserable world right. As a Christian, the living Christ stands between God's wrath and you. Christ lives as your advocate, so that in the moment of your death, you can trust the Father and His promise, the promise that you have been justified through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of Christ's death, we have peace with God, now and forever.

Scripture: Genesis 3:22-24, The Garden of Eden was made beautiful and perfect by God. God and man were in perfect relationship. Doubt (i.e.sin) entered that relationship, and mankind believed Satan's lie. Man was exiled from the Garden and cut off from the Tree of Life. Eternal immortality was exchanged for everlasting death. The Messiah, promised by God, would accomplish what man cannot achieve. He would remove the dividing wall of hostility and reopen Paradise for us today.

Scripture: Mark 1:9-15, And there's no way Jesus will abandon you in your time of need. You are not alone in your wilderness, you are not alone when you suffer, you're not alone when you're crying, you're not alone when this world just becomes too much to bear and you want out.Jesus goes with you to bring you through temptation, to bring you through whatever wilderness you find yourself in. Jesus brings you through to the other side to be with him forever. When you come to think about it, whenever you are with Jesus, you are back in Eden, for good.

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19, Revelation 7:9-14, 1 Corinthians 2:9, This Lent we will be meditating on the idea of journey, an idea frequently co-opted by the world. As the saying goes, life is a journey not a destination and yet overlooked is that this so-called journey of life always leads to the grave. Death is the end of the journey, or is it? Christianity tells of a way through death. In the words of of Jesus who lives, death is now gate of life. Our Lord Jesus died and yet lives. He has made death not an end but a portal, a doorway for all who trust in Him, a doorway that leads to marvels and mysteries so great the Scriptures simply say "Eye has not see it, ear has not heard .. the things which God has prepared for those who love Him".

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, 2 Corinthians 3:2-13, Just as Moses and Elijah were transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration, we too are transfigured by Jesus in our holy baptism. In our baptism, Jesus joins us with other believers on the journey to the promised new heavens and new earth. You might not see it with your physical eyes but through your spiritual ears, the Holy Spirit is regenerating you and creating faith. By faith you "see" the face of Jesus Christ who has mercy on you. May we keep our eyes upon Jesus, as we wait for His certain return.

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39, Jesus doesn't want acceptance of men and women nor does he want their praise. He doesn't want to be crowned king. So why did Jesus come? All he wants to do is heal you--- forever. If you are not sure you need to ask yourself this one question. Are you going to die some day? Because, if you are, you just might consider going to see the only one who can save you.

Scripture: Corinthians 8:1-13, We first ask: what does food, offered to idols, have to do with us? As Christians, we are free to eat anything. This is correct, but we must take care that this new freedom does not become a stumbling block to another who is weak. Our newly acquired knowledge and freedom must serve others, not ourselves. Our desire should be for others to see Christ in us. In our Christian freedom we must remain the servant of our fellow man and not hurt our brothers. The Corinthian's knowledge is correct but they used it in a wrong way.

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, The remarkable event in the story of Jonah is not how he was preserved in the belly of a fish for three days, but that the Ninevites believed God's seven word "sermon" delivered to them by Jonah. Jonah calls them to repent from their evil ways, and when they did, Jonah became angry and wanted to die. Jonah wants the Ninevites dead, but God wants them to live. Jonah resented that the Ninevites received the same grace of God that he received.

Scripture: John 1:43-51, In Genesis 28:10-17, we read about Jacob and a dream he experienced. Jacob had spent some time running from his past. He had sinned and he had deceived. He deserved to be tormented by his conscience by his wrongdoing, as he closed his eyes, Jacob dreamed of a ladder. And what he saw was the Son of Man in an image of undeserved mercy. What he heard was a voice speaking undeserved love. The God whom he had sinned against, absolved him and said: "I am with you and I will keep you wherever you go." For you and I this morning, we have come into the presence of Jacob's Ladder, the ladder from heaven to earth. It comes down to this baptismal font and here to this pulpit and here to this altar. We have come to what Jacob dreamed of and to what is at the foot of Jacob's ladder. You have come into the gracious presence of Jesus Christ Himself, whether you believe it or not. Here, heaven pours out its mercies for and to you. Here heavenly beings ascend and descend. Angels and archangels serve God by serving you here. God speaks his absolution to you again, once more calling you His friend. Here Jesus says, "I am with you and I will keep you wherever you go", just as He promised Jacob.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, Imagine the puzzled expressions on the faces of the three wise men when they arrived all dressed up for the party with gifts in hand only to find out the king wasn't throwing a party. These rich visitors were in town seeking the new king of the Jews. Instead, they found that King Herod was more than troubled and all Jerusalem with him. The coming of God in flesh and blood is trouble to him. And God in the flesh means trouble for everyone who wants to be king themselves and for everyone who wants to have the final say over his life. May we listen to this message of the wise men and be wise ourselves, not according to the wisdom of this age, but wise with the wisdom of God in Christ Jesus. For the light of God's Word has arisen and shined on us too. Let us come to worship Him and receive his gifts.

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39, If God is for us, who can be against us, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? As people of God, nothing is the answer! This promise of God provides us a great deal of comfort and confidence, so that whatever may come, we are safe in Christ. Nothing can steal us away --- but it doesn't always seem this way, does it? The world can take our life at best, but this is no threat at all. The end of this life is the continuation of eternal life that began the moment you were baptized. Our biggest threat in this life is sin. Sin can separate us from God on earth as well as separate us from God for eternity. This is why the church takes sin so seriously because of what sin does to us -- it separates us from God. To know we are forgiven our sins is very good news indeed. Being forgiven our sin, is to know we are safe and secure, with Christ, in God. Because of Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Cling to God's Word and His promises.

Scripture: John 1:1-14 Hebrews 1:1-6, What child is this who is laid to rest on Mary's lap? The Gospel of John and the book of Hebrews gives us a cosmic answer. We are told this little child is the Word, and we learn that from the beginning of all things, this Word was with God and was God. Through this Word, all things were made, including you and me, and in this Word is light and life. Picture it, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, in this little child. Hail the incarnate deity. While Mary holds Him in her lap, he controls the universe. Why did He come, this Word, through whom all things were made? Why did he come, this light that pierces the darkness? The cosmic answer is not what we might expect. He has come for war! In this war, that began back in Genesis, Jesus has the last word. "Your sins are forgiven" he says. Our Lord is risen, and we shall rise too. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under His feet. Look now at this Christmas a little more deeply, look through t

Scripture: Luke 2, When Christ was born the whole city of Jerusalem should have crawled on their hands and knees out to Bethlehem to see him. God came down from heaven to earth and the whole earth should bend their knee in adoration. Every living creature should have been ready to examine themselves and ask: "Am I ready to meet my maker?" The fullness of time arrived in Bethlehem the day the Lord was born. The pivotal event in the history of the universe happened! The fulfillment of all the hopes of all the years, that all of creation has been groaning for, came to pass that night in Bethlehem. The offspring of the woman entered the world to crush the head of the serpent. May we stand at attention, so to speak, for our Lord comes down to us to prepare our hearts and minds with repentance and faith in order to meet our Maker. Let all ignorance be lifted so that we may hear the "good news of great joy" that shall be for all people. The One who is able to save you and raise you from the wa

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, The angel told a virgin that she would become pregnant while remaining a virgin. This seemingly impossible news to Mary is especially good news for us, especially in these bitter days of skepticism and cynicism. Christmas is a thunderbolt that shatters modern man's arrogance and pride, certainty regarding what is, and what is not. Christmas ought to shatter our skepticism and cynicism too. When God calls us to faith, he creates a light in darkness, He sends good news forth and where there was only death and eternal death, there is life and eternal life. No matter what our circumstances, we should simply say to God, "Dear Father, Your will be done," or as Mary says, "Let it be unto me as you have said." The things God works in the cold hard reality of this world are better than any myth or fairy tale. With God, the impossible happens every day and will continue to happen. The dead will rise, the world will be made new and the people of God will be gathered into one eternal fami

Scripture: Ephesians 3:8-12, We remember December 7 to commemorate the day Saint Ambrose of Milan was consecrated bishop. Ambrose was trained in law and literature, not theology. He had not been baptized, and before his consecration as bishop of Milan, he conceded to the crowd's request, against his will, to be baptized. After his consecration, he didn't want the job and ran away, hiding in a friend's house. But God used Ambrose to keep the church focused on the full deity of Christ during a long tenure of church leadership.

Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28, John the Baptist pointed those he baptized to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Following the Lamb of God just might lead you to a "cross" of your own. That's what Jesus said, but thanks be to God there's a resurrection on the other side of that cross, His resurrection and yours. As believers, we are the sheep of the Almighty Lamb of God. Our pastors are nothing more than a voice crying in the wilderness doing what John the Baptist did, pointing you to Jesus, who tells you the most important words you can ever hear, "your sins are forgiven by My life, death and resurrection".

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-11 Luke 1:46-55, Mary is an icon of the holy church, the symbol of all believers, for she believed the Word of God --- the God who humbles the exalted and exalts the humble, who heals the sick, who gives sight to the blind, who causes the lame to walk, who raises the dead, who reverses the curse. The God who took a lowly hand maiden and made her into a heavenly queen is what Revelation 12 is depicting. The humble teenage girl, who believed the Word and bore the shame of being pregnant apart from Joseph. Mary, the mother of God. Not bad for a small town Jewish girl born in first-century Judea. May we be found faithful and join with her now and for all eternity, our souls magnifying the Lord and our spirits rejoicing in God our Savior.

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8, God creates through water. God recreates through water. God saves through water. So it is no surprise that the heart and center of the Old Testament finds God creating and recreating and saving through the waters of the Red Sea. For there, in those waters, God recreated his people from a nation of slaves to a nation of priests. Through baptism God washes you of every sin and every stain. In baptism He saves you, he pours out his Holy Spirit upon you. He makes you a new creature and a new creation. God gives you newness of life. The catechism says, "for now we are only half pure and holy", so the Holy Spirit continues His work in us through His Word. God daily forgives us until we reach the life to come. In that time there will be no more forgiveness but only perfectly pure and holy people. May God grant this to us all.

Happy feast day the feast day of St Nicholas of Myra! That's right, good old Saint Nicholas' Feast Day, it's on the church calendar. He's the patron saint the patron saint of children. He lived, even before Christmas became what it is today. The real thing Nicholas wasn't a Santa Claus taking attention away from Jesus he was a preacher drawing people's attention to Jesus. He wasn't one making a list and checking it twice to see who's been naughty and who's been nice. He knew that all people, bishops included, were both sinners and saints at the same time and all desperately in need of Christ's forgiveness and mercy. He gave gifts to others not to earn any favor with God but because God had been so good to him. That taught him, and us, to be charitable as well. Saint Nicholas lives forever because, just like you, he was baptized and he believed in Jesus, true God and true man, of one substance with the Father, who was born, who died and who rose for us all.

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9, In our text today, Isaiah does some reminiscing as he thinks back to the good old days when God would rescue his people in very dramatic ways. Isaiah was feeling like it was time for God to come down, break into His creation and flex his muscles again. We are like Isaiah as we see attacks on Christ and His Body, the Church, coming from all directions. We are tempted to move, but there's really no place to move to. Oh, we want the heavens to open like they did in the good old days and set some fires, boil some water, shake rock-solid mountains, establish justice, crush the evil doers and show them who's boss -- the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Rattle some cages God, it's time. But our Lord Jesus is coming again! You have nothing to fear, for he has forgiven you all your sins. Let us look forward to that day, a day and time even better than all the "good old days" Isaiah wished for.

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46, All humanity will be judged on the Last Day by Jesus, not by their works on earth, but upon whether or not they believe in Christ as the Son of God and their Savior. This incredible event, as described by Christ himself, will place all humanity in one of two categories. To the Sheep on his right, he will say not a single word of condemnation. They are judged by the Gospel and their works are cleansed by His blood, so their works are only good. To the Goats on his left, Jesus will say not a single word of praise. They have rejected the gospel of mercy, and so they are judged by the strictness of the Law. The Goats are declared to be evil and will be eternally damned. Listen as Pastor Rhode unpacks the meaning of this important parable of Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 Revelation 7:9-17

Scripture: Romans 3:19-28

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Scripture: Mathew 22:1-14

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27, From where did John's baptism for the forgiveness of sins come, from heaven or from man? Jesus didn't answer because the Gospel is not for secure sinners such as the chief priests and elders who asked the question. It is for repentant sinners. Only God can forgive, so John's baptism is from heaven. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is baptism by God himself, and we who are baptized as such are united with Christ,buried with Christ and will be raised to newnewss of life, just as Christ was. In baptism, man is joined with Christ for eternity.

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 Isaiah 55:6-9, We have our own ideas about what is good and evil, what is fair and what's not. Sometimes our fairness is even okay with us -- getting more and others getting less, but fair is not what God came to do. He didn't want the world to be fair again, he wanted to bring grace into the world. "The last will be first and the first last. The dead in sin will be raised and the righteous in the law will be made low."

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21, It is easy to look around and see the vast injustice and wickedness of the world and ask God, "why?". Even brother to brother, as in the tale of Joseph, men work for evil. However, the will of mankind cannot overthrow the work and will of God. What man meant for evil in crucifying Christ, God meant for good, so that he might save the ungodly to be one with his creation again.

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9, God speaks to his people in two ways, through his Law and through his Gospel. The Law of God always condemns, always accuses, and always brings low. The Gospel is the word of promise that God gives to us to comfort us and give us hope after being crushed by the Law. The Law is what condemns to hell and the Gospel which raises us up. To say otherwise, is a gross confusion of the Word of God. God visits Ezekiel through a vision to commission him to go to the Israelites in exile to convict them of their sin. God commissions us today, speaking through Christ and His Word, to do the same.

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28, The claims of Jesus seem insane to the followers of Jesus. He says that he is going to die, and then of all things, rise again! How absurd! It is, especially since it came true. Christ does not come to fulfill our expectations, but to save the world from their sin. He's not the God we expected, but the God we need.

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20, Rocks? Rocks are everywhere in the Old and New Testament for all manner of purposes. This time Peter's statement of faith is a rock and one upon which Jesus is going to build his church. Peter was loyal, strong, outspoken, zealous, yet he also denies Jesus before his death and rebukes Jesus' teachings at times. Rock? Indeed, not made by human hands, but crafted and refined by the craftsman for salvation. We too have been named by Christ in Baptism and thus also experience the same blessing.

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28, Faith is a weak and feeble vessel, but it is through the weak and feeble vessels of the world that God chooses to work the greatest miracles. The miracle of conquering sin through humiliation and pain. The miracle of sonship to God through plain water and the miracle of forgiveness through cheap wine and bread. Great things, through the lowliest things.

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, It isn't a stretch to imagine our lives as parallel to the storm that the disciples face. Uncertainty, peril, conflict, division, etc. Our lives are never certain on our own terms. But Jesus comes to us, calmly walking out in the storm to give us comfort and lift us up when we are drowning. It is Christ who calms the storm and who already has. We don't need a stronger boat, we just need Christ.

Scripture: Romans 9:1-13, Our use of reason must never lord over our faith. The divine mystery of election need not give offense, but it does only offend stubborn hearts who wish to be God themselves. Faith receives the gifts of God and does not question God's goodness. God's goodness was made manifest on a cross for the sins of the whole world. There is no greater good than a man laying down his life for those who hate him most. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-52, What must we do to inherit eternal life? The truth is, even though we ask the question, whatever is said, we don't want to do it and we won't do it. Sell everything? Absolutely not! Our nature won't allow it, which is why Christ is the one who had to sell everything, lay down his own life, that he might redeem us. Purchased and won from evil, we are transformed into God's treasured possession.

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, The very life and salvation of the world is contained in the weakness of words. These fragile words so often become bent by Satan, weeds are sown amongst wheat, so that many are lost. Therefore, let us hold fast to the truth of God incarnate, dead, and raised. Righteousness has been imputed to us perfectly so that we may walk in the light, free of Satan and his hell.

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Wherever the Gospel is spread across the world there will always be places where the promises of God fall upon, stubborn and deaf hearts. Truth be told, we cannot come to believe in the promise. God is the one who gives us the faith to receive him and it is also God who sustains and preserves us. He's the one we need to make our dead soil alive again and so we pray that God would till us, water us, and allow Faith to grow abundantly.

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30, All things are in the Lord's hands. This is sometimes hard to trust when we see the Church dwindling like the followers of Jesus. What needs to happen is not for us to save the Church of Christ, but for Christ to come among us and save his Church. We lowly few entrust our lives into our Savior's hands so that the lowly in heart may be blessed.

Scripture: Romans 7:1-5, One of the perks of being dead is that you are freed from a lot of obligations. There are no more speeding tickets when you're dead, nor do your credit card bills follow you when you're dead. You are freed from the Law. In the same way, Christ has freed us from the Law by death. In baptism, we are united to his death and as dead people the Law no longer has a hold on us. The same life that Christ lives we also now live, not as a bride to the Law, but a bride of Christ.

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Romans 6:12-23, It seems odd to say that true faithfulness to the Gospel can bring about a crisis of faith. The truth is not a popular thing. It's much more pleasing to the ear to consume lies, but the Bible is clear; you are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. There is no middle ground. The world's idea of freedom is slavery to yourself, but freedom in Christ frees you to live in goodness and truth and purity. It empowers you to live your life the way it was intended: for others.

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50, Father is more than just a title, it's a divine office. A father serves as the Lord's instrument for giving his children 1st article blessings and much more. A father brings his children to the fount, to prayer, and to divine service even when it's easier to push off to next week. More importantly, a father shows humility and compassion. Giving forgiveness and asking for it just as much. This is what a true man of God looks like. A father after the Father's own heart.

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20, The true blessing of Baptism is that we are unified to the trinity through the Word attached to the Water. Though we were once strangers we now get to see God face to face as the prophet says, "I myself will see him with my own eyes. I and not another". God baptizes our eyes so that we might see Christ in all things and be satisfied by his righteousness.

Scripture: Numbers 11, Acts 2, John 7, On Sinai God promised his presence and that he would provide for all their needs. Time and time again, God made good on his promise so the people of Israel celebrate God's goodness with the Feast of Booths where they live in tents to remind themselves of their wandering in the desert and God providing. Jesus steps into this feast and proclaims the bold truth that whoever thirsts should come to their Lord and savior: Him. Jesus was there with the people in the desert and he continues to pour his spirit on his people, despite their rebellion and forgetfulness.

Scripture: Luke 24: 44-53, Jesus' ascension doesn't provoke the same reaction we would expect. Instead of being sad that Jesus went away, the disciples leave with joy. There was a promise attached to Jesus' visible presence leaving and that is the same promise from the beginning of the book. Just as God was present in the cloud on Mount Sinai, God would be with the disciples and continue to bless them through water and the word. Through common bread and cheap wine.

Scripture: John 14:15-21, The unholy spirit is alive and well in the world today. It thrives on uncertainty and falsehood and seeks to distort and destroy the holy truth of the Gospel. So in these uncertain times, how do we know truth from the lies? The Holy Spirit intercedes in our anxiety and brings peace and sureness that is objectively founded in the Word of God which is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This word brings hope and life eternal, even as the world passes away.

Scripture: Proverbs 31:29, Today we celebrate mothers and for good reason. Mothers are God's chosen ambassadors of life to us. God has richly blessed us with mothers to teach us, feed us, guide us, pray for us, and bless us. Our ultimate mother, the Church, gives us life by showing us the father and our full family tree through which we receive life that does not fade.

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, In the early church, it is said that Christians devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, to breaking of bread, and to fellowship with one another. They had all things in common. Left to ourselves we naturallyoppose devotion to these things, but the Holy Spirit is among us. The Shepherd of our Soul, Jesus Christ defends us daily and is interceding for us to the Father. He has called us and keeps us.

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35, After Jesus is raised from the dead he chooses some very specific moments to reveal himself to his disciples. Specifically, he reveals himself at the dinner table; over bread and wine with family and friends. With simple food and words, Jesus announces his presence to his people with the gifts of salvation in tow.

Scripture: The Bible

Scripture: John 20:1-18, There can be mixed feelings about being called by name. Joy, hope, anticipation, fear, dread, shame. When the perfect God calls our name, guilt is inevitable because we are blind, dead, enemies of God. However, Christ takes our shame and pins them to the cross so that our father might call us by name as sons and daughters, beloved in Christ.