Living in Grace

You are skeptical. You doubt. You are cynical. I get it. If life has taught you anything, that's it. But, come. Look again. Look again into the empty tomb and see what God longs to fill you with.This sermon based on 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 was preached on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, for the first sermon in a series called, "Look Again."

The Chosen One willing and resolutely rode into Jerusalem to bring justice so that you might be declared just before God.This sermon based on Isaiah 42:1-4 was preached on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The prize of eternal life waits for you through Christ. And in Christ, you also find the strength to press on all the way to the finish line.This sermon based on Philippians 3:8-14, was preached on the Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 7, 2025.

What have you been spiritually procrastinating? Today is the day to stop procrastinating and to live in, and share, the peace of Christ.This sermon based on Isaiah 12:1-6 was preached on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30, 2025, for a sermon series called, "Turn."

How tempting it is to set our minds on earthly things, forgetting that all this is temporary and in the end, meaningless. Be farsighted, and remember that true and meaningful life awaits. Our citizenship is in heaven. This sermon based on Philippians 3:17-4:1 was preached on the Second Sunday in Lent, March 16, 2025.

What do you do when you are faced with temptation? Turn to the Valiant One who fought and overcame every temptation perfectly. Turn to him who can help you in your time of need.This sermon based on Luke 4:1-13 was preached on the First Sunday in Lent, March 9, 2025, for a sermon series called, "Turn."

The world holds out temporary, fleeting, vainglory to us. In Christ can we only find true lasting glory. This glory is not found in what we accomplish, but in what he has accomplished for us and graciously gives us.This sermon based on Luke 9:28-36 was preached for the commemoration of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and for a sermon series called "Upside-Down Kingdom" on March 2, 2025.

Be thankful for the thorns in the flesh - the struggles and suffering we have in this life - for in them God is teaching us that when we realize how weak we are he can fill us with his strength.This sermon based on 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 was preached on February 16, 2025, for a sermon series called, "Upside-Down Kingdom."

The truth matters. We stand on the truth. We defend the truth. We share the truth. God's Word is Truth. This sermon based on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 was preached on February 2, 2025, for a sermon series called "Upside-Down Kingdom."

Jesus invites us go fishing with him. He calls us not to leave behind our jobs and families, but he tells us we can leave behind our fears and excuses. He's in the boat with us and promises to bless us as we fish with him. This sermon based on Luke 5:1-11 was preached on January 26, 2025, for a sermon series called, "New Year, Same Mission."

In our uncertainties and doubts about God's love for us, he comes to bring us absolute certainty in the gift of Holy Baptism. This sermon based on Titus 3:4-7 was preached on January 12, 2025.

So many think our relationship with God is about what he wants from us. The refreshing truth is that it's all about what he wants to give us, which we get to see clearly at Christmas. This sermon based on Hebrews 10:5-10 was preached on the Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22, 2024, for a sermon series called, "A Weary World Rejoices."

There are many voices crying out for your attention. Listen to the one voice that matters more than all - the voice of God that calls out to you, "Repent!" This sermon based on Luke 3:1-6 was preached on the Second Sunday in Advent for a sermon series called, "A Weary World Rejoices."

Our King comes to save us! How can we not sing his praises to all!? This sermon based on Luke 19:28-40 was preached on the First Sunday in Advent for a sermon series called "A Weary World Rejoices."

Everything in this life will pass away - earthly kingdoms rise and fall, earthly wealth is here and gone. But we are citizens of an eternal kingdom that brings us constant peace, unending joy, and certain safety. This sermon based on Daniel 7:13,14 was preached on Christ the King Sunday, November 24, 2024, for a sermon series called "No Fear: Faith in Uncertain Times."

Death and the Last Day do not cause the Christian fear or worry. Because of Christ, they know their names are written in the Book of Life. This sermon based on Daniel 12:1-3 was preached on November 17, 2024 for a sermon series called "No Fear: Faith in Uncertain Times."

When we worry, we are not trusting God to provide. When we don't trust God we can't be truly thankful for what he graciously does provide. When we're not thankful, we are not able to be generous with what he's given us. Lord, remind me that you will always provide all I need for body and soul which can lead to true thankfulness and radical generosity! This sermon based on 1 Kings 17:8-16 was preached on November 10, 2024 for a sermon series called "No Fear: Faith in Uncertain Times."

Heaven is pictured as a feast prepared by God for the saints triumphant. We too, the saints militant, are invited to a feast - Word and Sacraments - which are a foretaste of what we will get to enjoy for eternity through Jesus. This sermon based on Isaiah 25:6-9 was preached on November 3, 2024, for the observation of All Saint's Day and for a sermon series called, "No Fear: Faith in Uncertain Times."

Lord, fill us with faith as we face the fires of this life that would tempt us to hide, compromise, or change your Truth! This sermon based on Daniel 3:16-28 was preached on October 27, 2024, for the Commemoration of the Reformation of the Church and a sermon series called, "No Fear: Faith in Uncertain Times."

We have been saved to serve. We serve in order to share the life-saving message of the Gospel with others. That's loving your neighbor in the greatest way possible! This sermon based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 was preached on October 20, 2024 for a sermon series called "Love Thy Neighbor."

You are encouraged to go into debt - the debt of loving your neighbor as you have been first loved by God. This sermon based on Romans 13:8-14 was preached on October 13, 2024, for a sermon series called "Love Thy Neighbor."

"Love your neighbor" also includes loving the neighbors closest to you - spouses, parents, and children. God's Word gives us very clear directives on what that looks like. Heavenly Father, help us to love our closest neighbors - our families - as you love us! This sermon based on Ephesians 5:21-6:4 was preached on October 6, 2024, for a sermon series called "Love Thy Neighbor."

Loving our neighbor means talking their words and actions in the kindest possible way which requires us to not sinfully judge others and to humble ourselves. Lord, forgive us and help us! This sermon based on James 4:7-12 was preached on September 29, 2024, for a sermon series called "Love Your Neighbor."

Earthly wisdom says serve yourself. Wisdom from above says this life is about humble service. Lord, help us choose what's better and walk your servant way! This sermon based on James 3:13-18 was preached on September 22, 2024, for a sermon series called "Love Thy Neighbor."

God gives us his strength to fight the spiritual battles we face daily. This sermon based on Ephesians 6:10-18 was preached on September 15, 2024, for a sermon series called "Before You Give Up."

Whether God chooses to deliver us from trouble or difficulty or if gives us his strength to endure what we are going through, he always does everything well in his perfect love and care for us. This sermon based on Mark 7:31-37 was preached on September 8, 2024, for a sermon series called "Before You Give Up."

God gives us his law to make us despair of ourselves and look to Christ, and then, to guide us in how to live a life for his glory. For these reasons we love the law! This sermon based on Deuteronomy 4:1,2,6-9 was preached on September 1, 2024, for a sermon series called, "Before You Give Up."

What do your time and your thoughts reveal is most important to you? What, or who, do they show that you are serving? May our lives be ones of serving the LORD. This sermon based on Joshua 24:1-2,14-18 was preached on August 25, 2024, for sermon series called, "Before You Give Up."

We try to fill ourselves and our lives up with so many things that we think will provide us with peace, love, and contentment. But only Jesus can do that. With him, we will never go hungry again. This sermon based on John 6:24-35 was preached on August 11, 2024, for a sermon series called "Before You Give Up."

How easily fear can overtake us. The LORD opens our eyes through his Word to fill us with peace and certainty. This sermon based on 2 Kings 6:8-17 was preached on August 4, 2024, for a sermon series called "The World is Watching."

What have you been grumbling about? Ask God to turn your grumbling into gratitude. This sermon based on Exodus 16:1-15 was preached on July 28, 2024 for a sermon series called "The World is Watching."

We are called to be his witnesses. What might the LORD take you from and call you to sacrifice to carry out this highest of callings to speak on behalf of the almighty God? This sermon based on Amos 7:10-15 was preached on July 14, 2024, for a sermon series called, "The World is Watching."

God convicts of the the truth of his Word that we are then called to proclaim in boldness and in love, no matter the cost or outcome. This sermon based on Ezekiel 2:1-7 was preached on July 7, 2024, for a sermon series called "The World is Watching."

God gives our lives great purpose and meaning, even an eternal purpose. This sermon based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 was preached on June 30, 2024, for a sermon series called "Counterfeits."

How foolishly we often think we have things under control. Instead, concede to the One the wind and waves obey. This sermon based on Mark 4:35-42 was preached on June 23, 2024, for a sermon series called "Counterfeits."

The true message of the Gospel is not your dedication to God but his dedication to you. This sermon based on Colossians 1:3-8 was preached on June 16, 2024, for a sermon series called "Counterfeits."

Do you have what it takes to live a life of discipleship and reach heaven? No, you don't. But God gives you his strength to live your faith, share your faith, and reach the goal of your faith. This sermon based on 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 was preached on June 9, 2024 for a sermon series called "Counterfeits."

How easy it for us to fall into the false and dangerous belief that what we do and how we live get us right with God. But the reality is all is done by Christ for us. The reality is Christ for us! Live in that reality! This sermon based on Colossians 2:13-17 was preached on June 2, 2024 for a sermon series called "Counterfeits."

Remember whose you are: God the Father's who created you and provides for you, God the Son's who redeemed you, and God the Spirit's who bring you to faith and helps you live out your faith in Jesus. You are the triune God's, now and forever! This sermon based on Romans 8:12-17 was preached for Holy Trinity Sunday and Youth Confirmation on May 26, 2024.

The Spirit of Truth has convinced us of the Truth, a Truth we lovingly proclaim to the world: that Jesus is the Truth. For this, we can never be proven wrong. This sermon based on John 15:26,27; 16:4b-11 was preached on May 19, 2024, for the Festival of Pentecost.

What would our lives look like if we fully understood with our minds and believed with our hearts what Jesus has accomplished for us and what it all means? Lord, open our minds! This sermon based on Luke 24:44-53 was preached for the Festival of the Ascension, May 12, 2024.

What will you be remembered for? May we as Christians leave a legacy of love - living in the love of our God and living that love in our lives. This sermon based on Acts 9:36-42 was preached on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 5, 2024, for a sermon series called "Made New."

The resurrection affects why we live and how we live. It causes our relationships with our fellow believers to mean much more and our earthly possessions to mean much less. This sermon based on Acts 4:32-37 was preached on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, April, 28, 2024, for a sermon series called, "Made New."

God provides shepherds to care for his flock. Their task is to care for and watch over his sheep as they point them continually and constantly to their Good Shepherd. This sermon based on Acts 20:28-32 was preached on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, April 21, 2024.

In the light of the resurrection everything we do as the church and as Christians is all about Jesus. This sermon based on Acts 3:11-20 was preached on April 14, 2024, the Third Sunday of Easter, for a sermon series called, "Made New."

The resurrection gives us a new view of death. Jesus has defeated it. And someday he will destroy it. This sermon based on 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 was preached for the Festival of the Resurrection of Our Lord, March 31, 2024.

Jesus willingly and humbly rides into Jerusalem to go to war for you. This sermon based on Zechariah 9:9-12 was preached on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024.

How easily we make this life all about us. But the truth is, God is all about you, which means our lives are all about him and bringing him glory and praise. This sermon based on Isaiah 43:1-7 was preached on March 17, 2024 for the Fifth Sunday in Lent for a sermon series called "The Way to Victory."

You've probably heard it many, many times. But, you need to hear it again. Or maybe for the first time: you have been saved. Saved from sin. Saved by grace through the work of Christ. Saved through the gift of faith. Saved to do good works to thank and glorify God. You have been saved! This sermon based on Ephesians 2:1-10 was preached on March 4, 2024, for the Fourth Sunday in Lent.

We do not preach politics or social justice. We do not preach how to earn God's love by keeping the commandments. We do not preach there's many ways to heaven. We preach Christ crucified - foolishness and weakness to the world but to us, the wisdom and power of God for all who believe. This sermon based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 was preached for the Third Sunday in Lent, March 3, 2024, for a sermon series called "The Way to Victory."