Sermons from Grace/Bethel

Add, Increase, Grow. These are words Peter uses to encourage us to life-long study of Scripture. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus we will gladly share the good news with everyone.

The writer holds up the Faithfulness of God to inspire us to gather for worship. As we gather, we encourage each other to show love to God and to one another we let our light shine and have opportunities to share the good news about Jesus.

Many examples of how God found ways to make himself known to all.

Nothing the world offers can give true and lasting peace. Simeon found that true and lasting peace comes from seeing the Lord's Salvation. That's our source of peace as well. 

The Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. They Word became flesh. The Word is Jesus. He is the promised seed of the woman who took on flesh and blood so that he could redeem us from sin, death and Satan by his perfect life in our place, his innocent death in our place, and his glorious resurrection from the dead. Through faith in him we are children of God and heirs with him of eternal life.

Mary demonstrated humble faith, but it wasn't blind faith. She knew the prophecies. She trusted that no word of God could ever faith. The same should be true of us. Like Mary we wonder why God would choose us and give us his grace and favor. Like Mary we know that no word of God can faith. Nothing is impossible with God. So no matter what he promises us, no matter how unbelievable it seems, we know it will happed. We say with Mary, "I am the Lord's servant."

Like Israel, we might wonder if we have reasons to rejoice. In Jesus we always have reason to rejoice because he has clothed us in his robe of righteousness and covered us with garments of salvation. He alone gives us everlasting joy.

Prepare for a proper celebration of Christmas by recognizing your need for a savior, recognizing that Jesus is that savior, and remembering your baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus is like the man who went on a journey and gave each servant a job to do until he returned. Jesus has given each of us gifts to use to serve him and our neighbor while he is gone. He hasn't told us when he will return, but he has given us signs so that we might know the time is near. Watch. learn and pay attention to the signs. In the mean time, remember that the wise and faithful servant is the one the Lord finds doing the work he has been given when he returns.

Thanksgiving cancelled? God's mercy endures from everlasting to everlasting. There is always a reason for thanksgiving.

Does it seem that God is King, ruling over all the earth? The evil in the world is not God's fault. He is ruling all the earth in the way that fulfills his promise of salvation. He showed this clearly as he turned the evil actions of the Jewish leaders and the sinful action of Pilate into salvation for all through the death and resurrection of Jesus. No matter what it looks like, trust that God is in control for your eternal good.

Everything we have belongs to God. We are his stewards. Considering the fact that we don't deserve anything from him, yet in his grace he gives us Jesus, and trusts us to use his possessions while we live on earth, we are motivated to use them faithfully. Stewardship is about attitude. Consider the difference in attitude between the two faithful servants and the unfaithful servant.

Believers are plantings in God's vineyard. Considering all the blessings he showers on us he has the right to expect that we will produce good fruit, the we will be a planting for the display of his splendor.

Ever sins Adam and Eve sinned we all have a heart that wants to blame others as they did in the garden. In order to take responsibility for our sins and trust Christ for forgiveness we need a new heart and a new spirit. God creates this new heart and spirit in us through the word and sacraments. As renewed children of God through faith we realize that no one else it to blame for our sins. We realize that each person is accountable to God. He will not punish us for someone else's sins, nor will he save us because of someone else's faith.

God showed Jonah grace upon grace. He rescued him from drowning. He gave him a second chance to obey him and preach in Nineveh. He provided a vine to give him shade. But Jonah struggled to be gracious to the Ninevites and rejoice in their repentance. So God provided a worm to destroy the plant and teach Jonah what it meant to be gracious to others.

Peter wanted to know how he could forgive someone more than 7 times. We wonder how Joseph could forgive his brothers for the terrible things they did to him. How can we forgive those who harm us? Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant brings to life Paul's statement that we forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us. 

God tells Ezekiel and us that we are watchmen responsible for giving his warning to those who are living contrary to God's word and will. God then gives us an example of how such a warning is delivered in love as he pleads with Israel to turn from their sin because he doesn't want them to die in their sins.

After John sees a vision of the last day, the sun turning dark and the mood blood red, the stars falling from the sky, the question is asked "Who can stand?" Who can stand before the judgment throne of God? No one can on their own, by their own power, on the basis of what they have or have not done. All have sinned and deserve the wrath of the Lamb. But God provides John, and us, comfort. He shows him that before the judgment comes, those who belong to God through faith in Jesus are sealed for safety. Are you sealed for safety on the day of judgment? Look to your Baptism, look to the Lord's Supper, look to the objective promises of God that he has redeemed you. You belong to him. He has marked you with is seal.

Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman shows that he came to save all people, Jews and Gentiles. She is one of the two people Jesus holds up as an example of great fatih.

A sermon on Jesus' descent into Hell by Pastor Allen Lindke.

Jesus sailed across the lake to get away from the crowds and to get some rest. But the crowds were waiting for him when he arrived. Instead of getting back in the boat and leaving, Jesus had compassion on them. He healed the sick. He taught them about the kingdom of heaven. And he fed them. Jesus cares for the whole person - body and soul. On the last day our bodies will be reunited with our souls. Yes, Jesus cares for our bodies.

Solomon showed proper, godly priorities when he ask for wisdom, not for himself, but so that he could properly govern God's people to God's glory. Moses showed proper, godly priorities when he chose to identify with God's people instead of enjoying the riches and pleasures of Pharaoh's palace. When we see that Jesus is our priceless treasure, our pearl of inestimable worth, we too will have proper priorities. We will make every decision in life by first asking how it will affect our relationship with Jesus and our eternal life. We won't want anything to be a greater priority than our eternal life in Jesus.

Why is there evil? How will it end? When will it end? Jesus answers these questions for us in his parable of the Weeds among the Wheat.

Sermon by Pastor Edwin Frederich

With a lot of experts saying different things about wearing masks or not wearing masks, about kids going to school or not going to school, it can wear you out trying to find the truth. The situation in which we find ourselves helps us identify with the people of Jesus' day who had to contend with  great Rabbis telling them different things about what they should be doing and what was sinful and what wasn't. They were wear and burdened trying to find the truth. To them, and to us, Jesus says, "Come to me for rest."

Adam and Eve could do nothing to restore their relationship with God. In grace, God took the steps necessary to restore his relationship with them. He gave them a promise. He would send a seed of a woman to crush Satan's head. By paying for sin Jesus, the seed of a woman, the virgin Mary, removed the wall of separation between God and man. Because of Jesus we are called Children of God again.

When Adam and Eve distrusted God and doubted his word they sinned. Sin destroyed their perfect relationship with God and their perfect relationship with each other. Worst of all their sinful nature has been passed down to us so that our relationship with God and with others has been destroyed. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, flesh gives birth to sinful flesh. That's why we need to be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Gospel in word and sacrament. Only then can our relationship with God and others begin to be restored.

Before the fall into sin Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with God and with each other. We look forward to that perfect relationship being restored in heaven. In the mean time, as the image of God is being restored in us through faith, we strive to improve our relationships as we strive to have Christ-like love for others, especially our spouses.

Adam and Eve were placed in Paradise to work it and take care of it. While still in their perfect state they had work to do. God still gives us work to do as opportunities for meaningful service to him and to our neighbor. We often fail to see work in this way. We tend to prefer idleness. Thankfully Jesus  served God and his neighbor perfectly and then paid for our idleness, laziness and discontent by his death in our place on the cross.

God created Adam and Eve as special beings, unique, different from the animals with body and soul. Some equate this with the phrase "Image of God". But when Adam and Eve sinned they lost the image of God, yet remained special, unique beings different from the animals with body and soul.  Paul helps us understand the essence of the image of God as he speak about the New Man being restored in the image of the creator, in righteousness and holiness. We look forward to the day when this image of holiness, righteousness and perfection is completely restored in us.

One of the rock solid foundations of the Christian Faith is that God is the creator of all that exists. He is Eternal, Almighty, All Wise, and loving. He also reveals himself as completely other - three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in one divine being.

The Holy Spirit works through God's Word to convince us about our sin, that Jesus is our Righteousness, and that Satan has been condemned.

The Bible says that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. What is he asking the Father to do for us? Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 gives us some hints. He asks that we be protected from the Evil One, that we are sanctified, and that we are glorified.

What Paul found in Athens is what we find in our world today - Many worship an unknown god. Paul shows us that to proclaim the true God to them we will have to start, not with the Bible they don't know, but with what they do know, the natural knowledge of God.

Jesus is the living stone. He rocks because he lived and died in our place and rose from the dead. In him we are acceptable to the father. Our sins are all washed away. When the Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus and brings us to faith we become living stones. God considers us his chosen people. A holy priesthood, we are able to offer ourselves as living sacrifices and proclaim his praises.

Our Good Shepherd willingly goes after us, his wandering sheep, and brings us back to his fold with changed hearts that want to live for righteousness and live with him forever.

The church isn't a building, it's people. It is people brought to faith in Jesus through the Gospel in word and sacrament. It is people who devote themselves to the word, the sacrament, fellowship and prayer. It is people who let the light of Christ shine in everything they do.

Rejoice- God has given you new birth; an Indestructible Inheritance; You are Shielded by God's Power; Tested for Your Eternal Good; You Believe without Seeing.

Christ is not dead. He is risen just as he said. He will come again in victory to destroy our enemies and take us to be with him in his glorious kingdom forever.

Jesus reminds us that, although everything bad is a result of sin, we shouldn't think it's a punishment for a specific sin. The ultimate punishment for sin is Hell. He promises that everything can be used by God for our good and his glory. 

Jesus models for us how to share the living water of the Gospel with others. Share Living Water · In _______________________ places o Like: · With _____________________ people · Let them know you have ____________________________________________ · Help them recognize their ______________________ · Manage their objections by o Avoiding ________________________ o Focusing on _____________________

It doesn't seem fair that because Adam sinned we die. But remember, it's not fair that because Jesus lived a perfect life and died in our place we get to live with God in glory forever. 

You don't often think of war in connection with Jesus, but Isaiah reminds us that he is a warrior. He left heaven and came to earth on a mission to defeat sin, Satan and death for us. He was victorious over his enemies. In grace, the Father gives his victory to us.

Don't look for glory on earth that doesn't endure. Look forward to the eternal glory Jesus won by his life and death in our place. Jesus endured it all for us by looking forward to the glory he would inherit after his resurrection.

Like Israel, we have many times each day when we have a choice to listen to God or to listen to Satan or the wisdom of the world. Considering all that God has done for us, choose life, listen to his word.

As sons of God through faith in Jesus you ARE salt and light for the world. Share the salt of the Gospel so that others are brought to faith in Jesus and preserved in the judgment. Let the light of your faith and the love of Jesus shine in all you do and say. Don't keep your faith to yourself.

Like Israel, you might feel God has wearied you, but the fact is, you are blessed. Treating God like an idol that you can manipulate is what wearies you. Seeing God as your Savior inspires you to serve God and your neighbor with joy.

All too often Christians major in minors. They focus on buildings and carpets and style of music. They insist on their own personal preferences and end up causing divisions that hinder the mission of proclaiming to gospel to all. Paul encourages us to focus on what matters, the salvation of souls, the proclamation of the gospel. When we do, divisions will disappear.

In the midst of the troubled times of the last days Paul reminds us to keep pointing our children in the right direction, to Jesus and the the Scriptures.

At his baptism Jesus identified with us. He fulfilled all righteousness. He kept God's law as our perfect substitute.

The Magi from the East set an example of what it means to be truly wise - They watched for the signs God gave, they acted in faith, worshiped the infant Jesus as their King and Savior, Gave gifts fit for a King, and obeyed the Lord's instructions not to return to Herod.

The words of the blessing given in Numbers 6 are not just a pious wish. Through them God himself puts his name on us and WILL bless us.

God sent Jesus into the world at just the right time to redeem the world. He sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts at just the right time so that we would be considered heirs with him of eternal life.

God rolled up his sleeves and provided salvation for the world in Jesus.

God loves us. Christmas proves it. He gave his Son to save a world who didn't deserve to be saved.

Joseph was a righteous man. When the Bible calls someone righteous it means that they trust in the one true God and his promise of a Savior. Like Abraham, righteousness is credited to a person through faith. Those who are righteous through faith show that righteousness in their lives, as Joseph did. 

Jesus is the Key of Knowledge. He warns us about things that distract us, or keep us from seeing him as the one who reveals God to us.

Did John have doubts about Jesus? Whether he did, or his disciples did, John knew what to do with doubt. He went to Jesus and Jesus removed doubts by pointing him to the prophecies of Scripture he was fulfilling.

God, the God of Hope, provides hope for that hopeless because he is always faithful to his promises. Most importantly he kept his promise to send a the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

The only way to be truly enlightened is by the Holy Spirit working through the word of God.

Just as Noah did we need to prepare an ark for our family. We do this by making sure everyone in our family knows that Jesus is their ark, their only hope of salvation when the last day comes.

The Psalmist prays for God's blessings so that, through us, his salvation my be known to all.

Jesus or victorious King gives us a glorious eternal kingdom.

God pictures for us what it will be like to live in the new heaven and the new earth.

At home with Jesus you are perfectly safe for all eternity.

Jesus left heaven to save us so that we could call him our brother.

God's law is truth but it can't sett you free  because you break it. Only he Son can set you free by his life and death in your place, and his glorious resurrection from the dead. He has set you free from sin, death and Satan  so that you can serve the Lord without fear and your neighbor in love.

Psalm 2 describes what Jesus faced as the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trap him with difficult questions. When they were finished he asked them a question that made it clear that the Christ was to be both the son of David and the Son of God. Jesus is true God and true man, just  who he needed to be in order to save us. Always take refuge in him.

There is no sacrifice we can make to pay for sin. The only sacrifice that paid for sin was the sacrifice that Jesus made in our place. As we acknowledge our guilt and look to Jesus for forgiveness we will be moved to do what is just and love mercy.

Paul prays with freedom and confidence that we would be strengthened by the Spirit, know the greatness of God's love for us, and be filled with all the fullness of God.

Jesus tells us not to worry and gives us excellent reasons not to - God cares for birds and flowers and we are worth much more than they. Paul reminds us that God sacrificed Jesus to save us and if he did that, why wouldn't he provide for our lesser needs? Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath learned from experience what it means to put God first, trust him and he will provide.

Christians need constant renewal to be enabled to take off the old and put on the new.

The parable of the Good Samaritan tells us that everyone is our neighbor, even our enemy.  Leviticus 19 give us practical examples of how we can show love for our neighbor.

We confess that Jesus does everything well. Because he did he was able to win our eternal salvation. But how often don't we contradict our confession by doing the opposite of what Jesus commands as these people in the Decapolis did?

Paul was a sinner saved by grace. We are just like him, sinners saved by grace in Jesus.

Earthly things can't bring lasting peace. Only forgiveness and the promise of eternal peace in Jesus can bring lasting peace. Earthly Jerusalem was supposed to be a place of peace but it has never lived up to it's name. We look forward to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly one, where there is perfect peace.

"Known by Their Fruit" Test the fruit of a teacher's doctrine. If it agrees with God's word it is good fruit, if it doesn't agree with God's word it is rotten, poisonous fruit. Test the fruit your produce. If the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Such fruit comes as we daily remember our baptism, crucifying our sinful nature by daily contrition and repentance, and rejoicing that, through baptism, God has united us with Jesus in his live and death.

Abraham and Lot experienced consequences for their sinful and selfish choices. But in the midst of those consequences they experienced God's Grace. God's grace to Abraham moved him to be gracious to others.

God is merciful to us who are ungrateful and wicked. While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Having experienced his mercy to us we are moved to be merciful to others.

Be alert and always watching because Satan is like a lion ready to pounce when you are distracted. Trust God's promise to to help, to lift you up when you are humbles, to strengthen and support you no matter what.

God invites us to feast on his word and sacrament, and in his eternal kingdom. Don't ignore or take his invitation for granted.

Focus on what's important - The Lord and his word.

There is no one like our God - One divine being yet three distinct persons.

The Holy Spirit provided everything the disciples needed to preach law and gospel. He does the same for us today.

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be our coach and prepare us to witness about him and to suffer for him.

Our hearts need not be sad or troubled. Jesus is preparing a place for us and we will see him again.

Jesus is our Great High Priest.

Pure Religion - Beliefs and values based on God's word alone. Putting those values and beliefs into action out of gratitude for all God has done for you in Jesus.

Memory and Hope.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the sheep. Therefore, we lack nothing now and have eternal life.

Only Jesus can give us the peace we need - the peace that comes from knowing he is alive and that our sins are forgiven.

Keep on remembering Jesus, true man, descended from David, and true God, risen from the dead. This is the gospel of our salvation that enables us to face  tomorrow and removes all our fears.

It is finished. Every prophecy of Scripture concerning the Messiah has been fulfilled. The work the Father gave Jesus has been accomplished. There's nothing left for us to do or suffer. Thank you Jesus! 

The Lord Is I AM

Sermon presented at Grace Lutheran Church, Seward NE on April 4, 2019 by Pastor Timothy Kemnitz

God shows that he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, most importantly, by sacrificing Jesus so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life.

Jesus lets us know neither He nor Satan are divided. In fact, you can't be neutral about Jesus. You are either with him or against him. 

Lenten Sermon by Pastor Ray Beckmann

Great Faith: Jesus tested the faith of the Canaanite woman so that we would be able to see the great faith she had in her heart. Great faith rests on Jesus alone for help and salvation, and shows itself when tested.

Pastor Fred Berger's sermon from week two of Lent

Jesus defeats the Devil for us 

Jesus is the "I AM", the one true God, the one who offered himself to protect his disciples, to suffer and die to pay for our sins.

The Transfiguration  of Jesus  makes us certain; certain that Jesus is true God, our Savior; certain that the Scriptures are the very word of God; and therefore certain that we have eternal life in Jesus.

God is Merciful and Just. Paul shows how that applies in our lives by the example of Israel in the wilderness, and the fact that he works hard to control his sinful nature so that he doesn't abuse God's mercy and end up being lost.

Even in hopeless situations Jesus asks "Why are you afraid?" He has power over wind, wave and water. Has power even over death. He has rescued you from the most hopeless situation of all - the punishment you deserve for your sins.

The Centurion from Capernaum showed proper humility and great faith. God's law gives us proper humility. Knowing who Jesus is, what he has done, and promised us gives us confident faith.

God gives every Christian gifts. Paul encourages us to use whatever gift God has given us in humble service to him and our neighbor.

Jesus' purpose as Messiah was to proclaim the good news he came to win. Our purpose from God is to be like an oak tree that displays God's glory.

At his Baptism Jesus showed his willingness to take our place, to fulfill all righteousness for us. He added his righteousness to Baptism so that it has the power to wash away all our unrighteousness.

God was at work across the miles and through the ages to help the Wise Men get to know Jesus, and frustrating the evil of Herod. He is still at work through out History making sure we know Jesus and frustrating evil in our day with the goal of bringing us to eternal life with him.

The Gift of Jesus reveals hearts - brings for a reaction of joy or opposition.

Seven Words Full of Meaning: Time, Son, Born, Redemption, Adoption, Heirs, Abba.

Amid all the darkness around us and in us, Jesus alone provides the light we need.

God demonstrates his love by sending  his Son into a dangerous world to save us.

Know your final destiny. In Jesus, it's heaven.

Rejoice in the Lord Always.

Jesus comes bring the gift of Hope. The first Sunday in the Season of Advent.

Thanksgiving Sermon - Don't Forget the Lord Your God

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "Know What Will Happen on the Last Day.

First in the series - Be Prepared for the Last Day - Know the Signs.

Sermon for All Saint's Day - The Souls of believers never die, they go to live and reign with Jesus.