Benediction Lutheran Church

 This is always an interesting day in the church year because it is the Sunday between the Ascension and Pentecost. It was a time of uncertainty for the disciples. That fits very well with our present situation. The answer to that uncertainty is found in 1 Peter 4 and 5. We commend our suffering to our creator in the following ways. We humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, and He will lift us up. We cast our cares on HIm for He cares for us. We are to be alert for all the tricks of the devil and stand in the strength of the Lord. I pray that our services will be a blessing to you.

Today we celebrate the triumphant ascension of our Savior to the right hand of the Father. Our dear friend, Rev. Mark Wangerin, pastor emeritus from Mt. Olive will share the reasons why Christ's ascension is important for us

When Paul preached the Gospel in various places, he was generally abused in some way. In spite of that many people repented and believed the Gospel. Athens was different. The people also grabbed him and brought him to Mars Hill where they politely listened to Him. Paul proclaimed that God does not dwell in the images that we make, but in the heavens. He has sent His Son to redeem us from our sins, and proved that Jesus is Lord by His resurrection. Now He calls on all people to repent and believe the Gospel. The Athenians politely said that they would consider it, but few came to faith. Are we today so open minded, that we politely hear the Gospel, but don't take it to heart. Today the world is searching for truth. It can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

"Let not your hearts be troubled." It sounds like something that our moms would say, but in this case, these are the words of Jesus. Like our moms, He reminds us of the big picture by reminding us of the goal of our faith - our eternal life with Him, the way to that goal - which is faith in Him, and  His great power for all who trust in Him.  Today we celebrate the calm that Christ brings to our hearts and also the great love and care that God has given to us through our mothers. Happy mother's day to all of our dear mothers. God bless you all.

In the beginning of John 10 Jesus calls Himself 'the gate." When we go through Him, we have life to the full, now and for eternity.  He warns us against those who promise the good life apart from Him, and tells us to run from them. In fact, He calls them thieves and robbers, who come to steal, kill, and destroy. As Christians we know that when we hear the Gospel that Christ died and rose for the forgiveness of our sins, we are being led through the gate to the best life of all.

The Good News of Easter is that Christ is risen. The even better news is that He is with us. So often like Mary Magdalene at the tomb or the Emmaus disciples, we forget that He is with us always. However, He reminds us of His presence in HIs Word and in His Supper.  It gives us real Easter joy and peace to know that our Savior is not far away, but near to all who call upon HIs name.

In a world that is filled with worry and fear, Christ comes and proclaims peace. He shows us His hands and side and reminds us of the redemption that He won for us on the cross. In His forgiveness we find the peace that passes all understanding. Christ fill our hearts with peace, knowing that nothing can ever separate us from His love.

"See the place where His body lay." The angel told the women these words. While the grave cloths and an angel were in Jesus' tomb, His body was not there. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! That gives us a sure confidence that He has defeated sin, death, and all the power of the devil. The victory is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. May God grant us such confident hearts every day of our lives.

In this difficult time, it is tempting to focus on our worries, fears and sins, but the message of Good Friday is that we look to Jesus, who loved us so much that He died and rose for the forgiveness of our sins. He will set our hearts at rest and give us a sure confidence in His grace and mercy for us.

Jesus knelt in prayer in great anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed that the cup of God's wrath might pass from Him, but that in the end God's will would be done. He submitted to God's will and accomplished our salvation. He also teaches us to find a solitary place at times to pray, to pray that God would deliver us from evil, and to pray that God's will is also done in our lives.

When we lose control, we can feel frustrated and angry as the Pharisees were as they watched the crowds singing their Hosanna's to Jesus. But in times like these, it is so comforting to know that Jesus is in control to bring salvation to us.  Text: John 12:12-19

When Pilate looked at Jesus, he asked whether Jesus was the King of the Jews. He was looking at the King, but a King like no other, who would suffer and die in order to redeem His people.

Outside of our Lord's Passion , there is no story that shows both the compassion and power of our Lord more than the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Our Lord has that same compassion and power for us as we walk through life with Him until He receives us into His glory.

This is our 4th Lenten service. In this devotion we contrast the difference between how Nicodemus and Caiaphas looked at Jesus when He claimed to be the Son of God.

Benediction Lutheran Church is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church located in Milwaukee, WI.

Benediction Lutheran Church is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church located in Milwaukee, WI.

Benediction Lutheran Church is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church located in Milwaukee, WI.