From Luther's Large CatechismHoly Baptism (par. 1-10) 1] We have now finished the three chief parts of the common Christian doctrine. Besides these we have yet to speak of our two Sacraments instituted by Christ, of which also every Christian ought to have at least an ordinary, brief instruction, because without them there can be … Continue reading “Here stand God’s Word and command…”
Sunday Bible Study Notes from 2.11.18
Throughout Lent 2018, our 9am Sunday Bible Classes take up in greater detail the passages we will hear during the following Wednesday Midweek service. Our series begins this Wednesday with the Baptism question Jesus raised in Matthew 21:23-27 "Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, … Continue reading Sunday Bible Study Notes from 2.11.18
Preface to the 2018 Lent Series
Read the origin story of this 2018 Lent sermon series about a small town wrestling with big questions about Baptism… The chapel at that southern Illinois State Correctional Center was quiet except for the distant whir and hum of the prison porter's vacuum cleaner. New Inmate Orientation was over. Chapel rules, activities and services were … Continue reading Preface to the 2018 Lent Series
Running Aimless or Fighting the Air
Hear the full audio of "Running Aimless or Fighting the Air" A sermon on 1 Corinthians 9:22-10:5 (ESV) Septuagesima / 28 January 2018 We run with a purpose, a clear destination ahead--though not for a perishable crown or personal gain. Christians run for the win of sharing in the blessings of Christ with others. Together … Continue reading Running Aimless or Fighting the Air
Grace Given to You for Them
Hear the full audio of "Grace Given to You for Them" A sermon on Ephesians 3:1-12 (ESV) Baptism of our Lord / Epiphany on 7 January 2018 (A second sermon on this text, adapted to the celebration of the Baptism of our Lord the following day.) (Baptism - Ethiopian Biblical Manuscript U.Oregon Museum Shelf Mark … Continue reading Grace Given to You for Them
Children of the Day: The Sermon
Hear the full audio of "Children of the Day" A sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5 Midweek Advent Service IV, 20 December 2017 By Baptism, God our Father gives us the life and new birth of water and the Spirit. We are called His "Children of the Day." That glorious title is given by grace to … Continue reading Children of the Day: The Sermon
It’s Time to Wake Up: The Sermon
Hear the full audio of "Time to Wake Up" A sermon on Romans 13:8-14 (ESV) First Sunday in Advent, 3 December 2017 In Gesthemane, we behold that Christ who calls sleepy disciples to follow him. He found that time and again, His disciples needed him to wake them up. His voice rings out through St. … Continue reading It’s Time to Wake Up: The Sermon
Watchful and Prepared
Hear the full audio of "Watchful and Prepared" A sermon on Matthew 25:1-13 Last Sunday of the Church Year, 26 November 2017 Lamps need oil to give light. Such "common sense" seems to escape half of those who were chosen to accompany this Bridegroom into the wedding feast. All were chosen, each called to the … Continue reading Watchful and Prepared
On Christian Unity: The Sermon
Hear the full audio of "On Christian Unity" (Click HERE to listen...having plugin problems...) A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV) Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, 8 October 2017 The "one, holy, Christian and apostolic Church," we believe, is indivisible. Unity in the Church is not ours to accomplish, the result of human effort or wisdom. Rather, … Continue reading On Christian Unity: The Sermon
On Christian Unity: The Passage
A few weeks back, I was teaching a Bible Study on Church History for students at Wayne State College. We've been tracing events in world history, including the good and the bad of Christian responses. Sometimes the Church was on the receiving end of violence and government coercion. Such hardship brought people together around what … Continue reading On Christian Unity: The Passage
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 