"...we may be despising and rebelling against a divine ordering of things..." Below is an essay I wrote back in 2014, with one very slight edit of word order. Because a dear brother in Christ fondly recalled it and asked if he might use it in his Intro to Pastoral Theology course at Concordia Theological … Continue reading These Pleasant Places
God Seated US with Him in the Heavenly Places
The Lord made us ALIVE in Christ Jesus--certainly not so you should dwell mired in misery, but be raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly places! Take the seat prepared for you here in God's presence. Sit next to Him who wields all authority in heaven and on earth for your own deliverance … Continue reading God Seated US with Him in the Heavenly Places
For the Common Good
“For The Common good,” the apostle says, for your good and theirs God has given His gifts “to each,” a manifestation of the Spirit given to them for you. It was given to you, for them, too. They need you here. You need them. I need you in my life, too. God declares no less … Continue reading For the Common Good
We Must Help The Weak
"In this way--in this way--we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus." That way is not ours to choose and define. This way is commended to us, by the Word of His grace. Hear the full audio of "We Must Help The Weak" A sermon on Acts 20:27-38 (ESV) Eighth … Continue reading We Must Help The Weak
Keeping It Holy For You
Racing the clock or running out of time? Here God makes and gives His plenty for you! Hear the full audio of "Keeping It Holy For You" A sermon on Exodus 20:1-17 8 July 2018 / Sixth Sunday after Trinity Exodus 20:1-17 (ESV) And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your … Continue reading Keeping It Holy For You
A Brief Meditation on Our Lord’s High Priestley Prayer
True, Jesus prays for the unity of His Church, but He surely isn't praying to us... Hear the sermon audio "A Brief Meditation on Our Lord's High Priestley Prayer" Download the PDF digital bulletin for A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving. Download full service audio, with hymns, prayers, and congregational presenters. Scripture readings from A … Continue reading A Brief Meditation on Our Lord’s High Priestley Prayer
The Master’s House Filled
Of course, Jesus wants us all to be welcoming and inviting. But more importantly, know that your God invites the guests least able or likely to return His favor... Hear the full audio of "The Master's House Filled" A sermon on Luke 14:15-24 (ESV) From Luther's Small Catechism, consider The Third Commandment Remember the Sabbath … Continue reading The Master’s House Filled
Do We Make Disciples Who Take, Eat and Drink?
Baptizing and Teaching is how Christ's disciples are made. Their Lord's Supper sustains them... Hear the full audio of "Do We Make Disciples Who Take, Eat and Drink?" A sermon on 1 Corinthians 11:27-31; 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) Holy Thursday / Maundy Thursday / 29 March 2018 Exodus 24:3-11 (ESV) Moses came and told the … Continue reading Do We Make Disciples Who Take, Eat and Drink?
Gathering Together Day by Day
The Teaching, The Fellowship, The Breaking of Bread and The Prayers matter far more than our sin or our stuff... Hear the full audio of "Gathering Together Day by Day" A sermon on Acts 2:41-47 (ESV) 3rd Sunday in Lent / 4 March 2018 Acts 2:41-47(ESV) 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and … Continue reading Gathering Together Day by Day
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