Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin

Text: Matthew 18:15-22

Text: Matthew 18:1-14

Text: Matthew 17:22-27

Join us each Wednesday at around 7pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 17:14-21

Text: Matthew 17:1-13

Mt. 16:24-28

Text: Mark 8:1-9

Text: Matthew 16:13-23

Text: Matthew 16:1-12

Text: Matthew 15:32-39

Join us each Wednesday at around 7pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 15:21-31

Text: Matthew 15:1-20

Text: Matthew 14:22-36

You don’t need God to give you more rules or advice. You don’t need a church to be a place of tips for living or full of activities that need doing. You don’t need to make a deal with God as you’d break it anyway. You are baptized, raised from such dead works, to live in the newness of Christ’s life. You live as free people, dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus. You live each day in Christ’s Word, Christ’s baptism, and Christ’s body and blood. You live in the forgiveness of sins. You live in Christ’s righteousness and live forever.

Text: Matthew 14:14-21

Text: Matthew 14:1-13

Join us each Wednesday at around 7pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 13:47-58

Text: Matthew 13:36-46

Text: Mt 13:24-35

Text: Matthew 13:10-23

12. July 2020 Trinity 5 Luke 5:1-11 The direction of your life’s journey and where it will end is completely dependent on who you follow. All roads apart from the narrow path of Christ. Even if paved with gold and diamonds, they still lead to judgment and eternal condemnation. Not all roads are full of Christ’s mercy and lead to His heaven. To be a Christian is to forsake all self-appointed and self-created means of justification and to trust in Christ alone. As a certain scribe said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go” (Matthew 8:19).

The Congregation at Prayer for July 11, 2020

The Congregation at Prayer for July 10, 2020

The Congregation at Prayer for July 9, 2020

The Congregation at Prayer for July 8, 2020

The Congregation at Prayer for July 7, 2020

The Congregation at Prayer for July 6, 2020

Matthew 11:2-19

Text: Matthew 10:32—11:1

Text: Matthew 10:16-31

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 9:35-10:15

Text: Matthew 9:27-34

Text: Matthew 9:14-26

28. June 2020 Trinity 3 Luke 15:1-10 Jesus today speaks three parables in a row of the lost and how He finds them and restores them. Nothing brings Jesus more joy than to bring lost into His loving embrace. When they are found, Jesus rejoices with His friends, neighbors, and holy angels. He welcomes them and gives to them a terrific feast. “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost!” “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”

Text: Matthew 9:9-13

Text: Matthew 9:1-8

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.  Help us upgrade our video production equipment to better serve our homebound members, to produce media resources for the congregation, and for outreach to the Random Lake community. Give today at https://stjohnrandomlake.org/technology.

Text: Matthew 8:28-34

Text: Matthew 8:23-27

Text: Matthew 8:14-22

Text: Matthew 8:5-13

21. June 2020 Trinity 2 Luke 14:16-24 The color for the Trinity season is green, of growth. The holy Christian Church is the tree that has grown from the root of Jesse. The tree is fed with the Word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This lifeblood grants her growth. This growth is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This Trinity season you will be fed with Christ Jesus, that you may grow into Him who is your head. Specifically, today, we learn that the lifeblood of the Word of Jesus is the Word of mercy. St. Luke’s Gospel is focused on mercy particularly for the outcasts, the poor, and the sinners. Jesus feeds us with His mercy so that would grow in a glorious shade tree for all those here in Chicago who need mercy.

Text: Matthew 8:1-4 Help us upgrade our video production equipment to better serve our homebound members, to produce media resources for the congregation, and for outreach to the Random Lake community. Give today at https://stjohnrandomlake.org/technology.

Text: Matthew 7:15-29

Text: Matthew 7:1-14

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm CST live on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 6:19-34

Text: Matthew 6:1-18

Text: Matthew 5:38-48

14. June 2020 Trinity 1 Luke 16:19-31   You are surrounded by disease, chaos, riots, protests, rebellion, oppression, and disorder. It has nearly always been true, as there’s nothing new under the sun. Sometimes the dark reality is hiding under the cover of propriety and decency, but its always there. If you would only look honestly at this world, you’d know it isn’t the paradise you thought. If you made a serious assessment of your life, you’d see the darkness within. If you’d be realistic in your expectations, you’d stop living like you’re going to live forever. But you’re good at ignoring it, looking the other way, and putting all your effort in homes, barns, boats, clothing, food, and fun...

Text: Matthew 5:33-37

Text: Matthew 5:27-32

Text: Matthew 5:21-26

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm CST on Facebook and YouTube.

Text: Matthew 5:13-20

Text: Matthew 5:1-12

Text: Mt 4:12-25

So why should you trust in God? What does He say that you can't hear anywhere else? Why should you trust Him above anyone and anything else? Jesus has a life for Nicodemus and you that is extends out and fills the whole world. He speaks with a word that transforms Nicodemus and you who believe in Him by the breath of His Spirit. There it is! The Gospel of the free forgiveness that is yours in Christ Jesus. All of your vain attempts to make a truth for yourself… all your trust in country, politicians, media, or gurus…and all the hope you have in what you have done, what you have built, and what you have set up for yourself finally won’t amount to anything. That’s because they don’t answer the real question that haunts your every day: who is going to save me from this body of death? How can I live even while I am dying? Who alone has life where all we see is death and decay? That’s who Jesus is. That’s who Jesus was for Nicodemus And that’s who Jesus is for you. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life! God promised from day eight to save His people from their sins. He promised that the offspring of Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah would remove the real enemy, sin; destroy the bonds that hold us, death; and free us from the ruler of this world, the deceiver. And this makes Jesus is unlike anyone else. He makes promises and He keeps them! God promised to save you and in Christ Jesus, He has done it! And more that, He gives you this new life as a free gift, worked from above by the power of His Spirit. As you were washed in Baptism, you were already made clean. You were already given new life. You were already saved. And the Spirit of God keeps blowing on you to keep you with Jesus Christ. God the Trinity works in you trust and gives you life by the trustworthy message that you are saved!

Text: Isaiah 6:1-7

Text: Matthew 4:1-11

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm CST.

Text: Matthew 3:13-17

Text: Matthew 1:1-17

Text: Acts 8:14-25

Text: Acts 10:34-48

Text: Genesis 11:1-9

Text: Genesis 11:1-9

Text: Acts 2:37-47

Text: Acts 2:22-36

Apologies for the glitchy audio.

Text: Joel 2:14:-21

Text: Acts 2:1-13

Romans 8:31-39; Luke 13:1-9

Old Testament: Ezek. 36:22-28 Psalm 51:1-12 (antiphon: v. 10) Epistle: 1 Peter 4:7-11(12-14) Gospel: John 15:26-16:4 The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness to Jesus The Spirit of Truth bears witness to Jesus, who is the truth. But the world does not receive the truth. It loves its own and hates those who are of the truth. Just as Jesus was scorned, so is His Church. "The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God" (John 16:2). Yet it is by Jesus' suffering and death that we are saved. Therefore we rejoice to share in His sufferings, that we may also share in His resurrection glory (1 Pet. 4:7-14). Through the ministry of the Spirit of Truth, we are cleansed from the deceit of our idols and given a new heart and a new spirit, the heart and Spirit of Christ (Ezek. 36:22-28). He now works in us fervent, self-giving love for one another, love which covers a multitude of sins, "that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Pet. 4:11).

24. May 2020 Easter 7 John 15:26–16:4 Where is Jesus? How does the Christian live in the intervenient time between the Ascension and the Day of Judgment? We might follow our doubt and think that He has forgotten this promise. Perhaps having set His church in motion, Jesus has left us to fend for ourselves? That’s what His disciples thought after our Lord’s resurrection. They hid in the upper room or hid in their work, not quite sure if Jesus was a man of His word. They grew impatient. Their prayers faltered. Their mercy ended. They drew into their shells for fear and with doubt.

Ezekiel 36:22-28

Text: Acts 1:12-26

Text: Acts 1:1-14

Text: Luke 24:44-53

Text: Mark 16:9-20

Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Texts: Numbers 21:4-9; James 1:22-27

The Father Answers Our Prayers Because of Jesus “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (John 16:23). To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as one who has been baptized. For it is in the water that He put His name upon you, claiming you as His own, making you a son of God with access to the Father. By His incarnation and crucifixion, our Lord Jesus broke through the barrier of sin which separated us from God, opening a portal to the Father. To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with faith in Him as the one Mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:1–6). Like Moses in the wilderness, Jesus is our go-between and intercessor before the throne of heaven. He was lifted up for us on the cross that we might be saved and restored to fellowship with the Father (Num. 21:4–9). Looking into this perfect teaching of liberty (James 1:22–27) we pray with boldness and confidence as dear children of God.

Text: Numbers 21:1-9

Text: John 15:26—16:4

Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm via Zoom.

Text: John 15:9-25

Text: John 15:1-8

Text: John 14:23-31

Text: John 14:15-24

Old Testament  · Isaiah 12:1-6 Epistle  · Jas. 1:16-21 Gospel  · John 16:5-15

John 16:5-15

Text: Isaiah 12:1-6

Text: John 14:1-14

Text: John 11:45-57

Text: John 11:38-44

Text: John 11:17-37

Text: John 11:1-16

Text: John 16:16-22

Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Rejoice - The people of God are pilgrims and sojourners in this world, looking ahead to a destination yet to come (1 Peter 2:11–20). Though we are now children of God, the fullness of what we shall be has not yet been revealed (1 John 3:1–3). We are those who wait on the Lord. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him” (Lam 3:25). Jesus tells us that the wait is just a little while. “A little while, and you will see me no longer, and again a little while, and you will see me” (John 16:16). Though you must experience sorrow for a time, though you must live as strangers in a world that is at enmity with Christ, yet your sorrow will be turned to joy when He returns. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Is. 40:31). The little while of weeping shall be replaced with an eternity of rejoicing in the presence of Christ the crucified and risen Savior. “And no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).

Text: John 14:1-14

Test: John 10:22-42

Text: John 10:7-21

John 9:35—10:6

Text: John 9:13-34

Text: John 9:1-12

Preached on April 26, 2020.

Easter 3 / Misericordias Domini

Text: Mark 16:14-20

Text: John 20:19-31

Text: Luke 24:33-49

Taught via Zoom on April 22, 2020.

Luke 24:28-35

Text: Luke 24:13-27

The Resurrection according to St. Matthew

Text: John 20:19-31 Based on a sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Norman Nagel

Quasimodo Geneti

Text: Ezekiel 37:1-15

Text: Exodus 15:1-19

Text: Mark 16:8 Preached on April 12, 2020.

Taught via Zoom on April 15, 2020.

Text: John 21:15-25

Text: John 21: 15-25

Text: Luke 24:35-49

Text: Luke 24:13-35

Divine Service Setting Three (Service of the Word only)

Text: Matthew 27:57-66

John 19:11

Office of Vespers

John 19:11

Text: John 15-17

The Chief Service

 Office of Vespers

Text: John 13-14

The Passion according to St. Luke

 The Passion according to St. Mark

Text: John 12:1-43

Text: John 12:13

Test: Matthew 21:1-9

Text: John 19:25-42

Text: John 19:1-24

Text: Matthew 27:32-56

Text: John 18:28-40

Text: John 18:1-27 https://stjohnrandomlake.org/prepare-for-judica-the-sunday-of-the-passion-03-29/

Complete order of service: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/prepare-for-judica-the-sunday-of-the-passion-03-29/

Please support the work of St. John Sherman Center: * Visit our giving portal on our website: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/support/ * Use the Give+ Mobile App: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com * Text GIVE to (920) 843-9323 (standard data and messaging rates apply). * If you would like to contribute by mail to support the work of God in and through St. John, please direct it to: St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, W5406 Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI 53075

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day and each Sunday at 9:30 am and Wednesday @ 7 pm for Divine Service, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  We are located at W5406 Highway SS, Random Lake, Wisconsin (https://goo.gl/maps/YCoyfG5WZMz). For more information and seasonal service times, check our website at https://stjohnrandomlake.org.  Please support the work of St. John Sherman Center:  * Visit our giving portal on our website: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/support/ * Use the Give+ Mobile App: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com * Text GIVE to (920) 843-9323 (standard data and messaging rates apply).  * If you would like to contribute by mail to support the work of God in and through St. John, please direct it to: St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, W5406 Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI 53075

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day and each Sunday at 9:30 am and Wednesday @ 7 pm for Divine Service, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are located at W5406 Highway SS, Random Lake, Wisconsin (https://goo.gl/maps/YCoyfG5WZMz). For more information and seasonal service times, check our website at https://stjohnrandomlake.org. Please support the work of St. John Sherman Center: * Visit our giving portal on our website: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/support/ * Use the Give+ Mobile App: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com * Text GIVE to (920) 843-9323 (standard data and messaging rates apply). * If you would like to contribute by mail to support the work of God in and through St. John, please direct it to: St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, W5406 Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI 53075

The Congregation at Prayer for March 25, 2020 Our Text: Matthew 27:11-31 Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day and each Sunday at 9:30 am and Wednesday @ 7 pm for Divine Service, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are located at W5406 Highway SS, Random Lake, Wisconsin (https://goo.gl/maps/YCoyfG5WZMz). For more information and seasonal service times, check our website at https://stjohnrandomlake.org. Please support the work of St. John Sherman Center: * Visit our giving portal on our website: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/support/ * Use the Give+ Mobile App: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com * Text GIVE to (920) 843-9323 (standard data and messaging rates apply). * If you would like to contribute by mail to support the work of God in and through St. John, please direct it to: St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, W5406 Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI 53075

The text for today: Palm Sunday - John 12:12-26 Join us each Sunday @ 9:30 am and Wednesday @ 7 pm for Divine Service, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are located at W5406 Highway SS, Random Lake, Wisconsin (https://goo.gl/maps/YCoyfG5WZMz). For more information and seasonal service times, check our website at https://stjohnrandomlake.org. Support the work of St. John Sherman Center: * Visit our giving portal on our website. It's secure and easy. No Credit Card or Debit card is required: https://stjohnrandomlake.org/support/ * Or text GIVE to (920) 843-9323 (standard data and messaging rates apply). * If you would like to make a contribution by mail to the work of God in and through St. John, please direct it to: St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, W5406 Hwy SS, Random Lake, WI 53075

March 26, 2020 Laetare (Lent 4) John 6:1-15  We do not know what is in store for our body, our life, or our congregation. We trust that He will preserve His Word and our faith until our end or He comes again. The fact that we here at all is testimony to the miracle of God’s grace and mercy. We give thanks for the multitude of blessings the Father has given our body and life. But we all the more store up the treasures of Jesus Christ, His Word and the holy Sacraments, confident that upon this bread from heaven, the church will remain forever.

15. March 2020 Oculi Luke 11:14-28 Where God’s finger is, there is His kingdom. The finger of God is the Word of Christ. This finger is mighty, active, powerful, and victorious. He is the stronger man, who has attacked and overthrown the strong man. The strong man snapped at His heel but the same heel crushed his head. The Stronger One has come and conquered him and taken from him all his weapons. You cannot be deceived. You are not lost. You are Christ’s today and forever.

Taught on March 15, 2020. The class handout is available here.

Taught on March 12, 2020, at Emmanuel Adell.

08. March 2020 Reminiscere (Lent 2) Matthew 15:21-28 The Lord has promised to have mercy and you catch him in His Word. You hold onto these promises and never let go. He has adopted you In Baptism. He has and continues cast out the demonic afflictions that burden you. He promises to redeem you on the last day and welcome you into his new Israel. You can doggedly hold on to Him and His promises.

Taught on February 8, 2020.

Taught on March 5, 2020, at Emmanuel Adell. 

01. March 2020 Lent 1 - Invocavit Matthew 4:1-11 In your Baptism, you are joined to your Lord, the Conquerer. You are given to share in all He is and has, in all He has done and will do for your salvation. Even His invincible power against temptation is yours. You share in His victory and His power over His and your enemies, including the devil. And joined to Him in Baptism, He is fighting for you. As you are in Him, so you, Arabella, and all the baptized will conquer.

Taught on February 27, 2020 at Emmanuel Adell.

Taught on March 1, 2020.

23. February 2020 Quinquagesima 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Luke 18:31-43 Love is to be delivered over to the Gentiles. Love patiently suffers the scorn and shame of enemies and friends alike. Love is kind to those who persecute you. Love is mocked and shamefully treated. Love is spit upon. Love is flogged and killed. Love is crucified. Love gives His life for His friends. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love obeys the Father even unto death. Love dies for the sins of the whole world. Jesus is love. Whenever you hear love in the Holy Scriptures, you hear Jesus.

Taught on February 23, 2020.

Taught at Emmanuel Adell on Thursday, February 20, 2020.

Preached on February 19, 2020.

15. February 2020 Sexagesima Luke 8:4-15 Take heart, dear Christian! Christ Jesus has again today in your hearing given you ears to hear and tongues to confess His Holy Name. He has tilled your hard heart, crushed your rocky soil, and weeded out every care in you, so that your entire faith, hope, and love is in Christ and His salvation alone. The sower went out to sow, and He has accomplished what He set forth to do for you.

Jesus can do nothing apart from the Father (5:19, 30; 8:28). He does the works the Father sent Him to accomplish (5:36; 4:34). This is a real relationship with real, personal interaction, not just a revealing of the relationship of the divine persons. The presence of “the Jews” is helpful, because they have come to the grave, confident that Lazarus’ death is fact and death is invincible. And then Jesus overcomes what is impossible and gives thanks to the Father in full dependence. He is commanding faith in Him and the Father who sent Him! This has been the purpose and goal since the Prologue (1:14, 51).

Taught on February 12th, 2020 at Emmanuel Adell.

Preached on February 12, 2020.

5. February 2020 Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-9 For Christ turned His face to Jerusalem, suffering all in glory, that you would be glorified in Him. He has forgiven all that would keep you from being in the presence of God. You are given not only to approach Him without terror but are given to be joined to Him. He gives you His glorious flesh and blood, food and drink rich in grace and mercy. Now you pay approach God and live. Now you may approach Him and be with Him. Now you see His face and you have peace.

2. February 2020 Presentation and Purification Luke 2:22-32 Who God is, His relationship to you, and what He has done and continues to do for you, must be revealed to you.“No one has ever seen God; [but] the only God, who is at the Father’s side, He has made him known” (John 1:18). Jesus is the only begotten of the Father, who knows the heart of the Father, and can alone reveal the Father’s thoughts. He alone has seen the Father. And therefore, only He can tell us who God is. “Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Mt 11:27).

Taught on February 2, 2019.

Taught on January 30th, 2020 at Emmanuel Adell.

Preached on January 29, 2020.

26. January 2020 Epiphany 3 Matthew 8:1-13 Power struggle divides us into disputes. You put brother against brother or set yourself against your pastor in an attempt to wrestle control of the situation. In the end, no one wins…except for Satan. Only the evil one benefits when you Christians war with themselves. The faith once delivered to the saints is undermined and destroyed. You will be left either despondent, scandalized, or an apostate. The devil and his demons rejoice over even one sinner who rejects the faith.

Taught on January 26, 2019.

Preached on January 22, 2019.

19. January 2020 Epiphany 2 John 2:1-11 Through the birth of Jesus, the light has gone out into the world. Today, you have occasion to see what this light means in different circumstances, in the church, in the home. God's glory that shines from Christ's face, spreads his light into your lives.

Taught on January 19, 2019.

Preached on January 15, 2019

12. January 2019 Epiphany 1 Luke 2:41-52 Today, you are blessed to hear, learn, and receive the very Son of God, in the flesh, yet hidden under earthly means. Christ Jesus has come to you and made you His own by His shed blood and innocent suffering and death. He may look no more impressive than a twelve-year-old boy as He comes hidden in the words of a book, with water, in an evangelical proclamation, and under bread and wine. Yet, you, by faith still confess that you have entered through His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.

Taught on January 12, 2019

Preached on January 8, 2019.

05. January 2019 Christmas 2 Matthew 2:13-23 Your life is like St. Joseph: a hard road to walk, no doubt. Suffer evil quietly. Serve each other in your vocations. Don’t be ashamed that life is difficult for you. But, just as it is for Joseph, so it is for you. Rejoice now even in suffering. In the end, the glory of what God has done in and through you will be shown. You are blessed while you suffer because God himself is with you as you share in Christ’s sufferings. Your faithful creator will accomplish good according to His will. You may not understand now, but in faith you know it is true as He is true. Everything will work out for your good. On the last day, you’ll be able to look back and rejoice with understanding.

Taught on January 5, 2019.

01. January 2019 Circumcision and Name of Jesus Luke 2:21   "And at the end of eight days, when [Jesus] was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb" (Luke 2:21). Merry Christmas! Today’s Gospel reading is the shortest of the church year. But packed in those few words is the entire proclamation of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ! Everything you need to know about Jesus is right there.

29. December 2019 Christmas 1 Luke 2:32-40 Waiting is not easy. The life of the baptized is full of trial and temptation. As long as we live in this mortal body, the new man in Christ will always be at odds with the old man of death. Waiting with hope needs the assurance of faith. Thus the Holy Spirit brings you to faith by the preaching of the Word, through the new birth of Holy Baptism, through the declaration of sins forgiven, and through the sacred meal of Christ’s own flesh and blood. He does this in His Holy Christian Church where this one baptism is given and received. And He continues to nourish and strengthen your faith that you would be steadfast until Christ brings all His promises to fulfillment.

Taught on December 29, 2019.

25. December 2019 Christmas Day John 1:1-18 Merry Christmas! Today, we celebrate the incarnation of the Son of God and the birth of the Son of Mary. And who doesn’t like a birthday party, especially when the child given is Himself your salvation and the savior of the whole world? Today is truly a day worth celebrating! For unto you is born a savior, Christ the Lord! But there’s another birthday today that we celebrate and that’s yours! For unto you a Savior is born, and in Him you, too, are given new life, a new birth.

24. December 2019 Christmas Midnight Luke 2:1-14 It may be dark and half-spent is the night. But the light has come. Jesus has come. Salvation is yours. And He still comes! His light still pierces the darkness. He still opens heaven wide, as we sing with saints, angels, and the whole host of heaven. We sing the song the angels sang because Jesus still comes! He still shines into the darkness of hearts and lives with His light and life. He forgives, renews, and strengthens by His Word and Spirit. And just as there is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ Jesus, so we learn this night that there is no darkness in you or in this world that can overcome the glory of Jesus, the only-begotten Son. He has and will always shine His light upon you, tonight and always.

24. December 2019 Christmas Eve Matthew 1:18-25 Merry Christmas! When an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream, he spoke three essential truths. When God sends His messengers to you, you best listen. The message this Angel spoke to Joseph was good news for him and it’s good news for you. So, listen!

Preached on December 22, 2019.

Taught on December 22, 2019.

Following after the blessed virgin Mary’s faithfulness in the New Testament are Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, Junia, Sapphira, Lydia, Phoebe, Aquila, and many others. So, too, women have a place in the church, whether they were born outside of faith like Ruth, whether they come from a checkered past like Rahab, whether they laugh at God’s promises like Sarah, whether they listen to temptation’s voice like Eve, and even if their lives are marked by scandal like Bathsheba. As Mary sang, “ [He has] exalted the lowly. And He has filled the hungry with good things.” That’s mercy. That’s forgiveness. That’s Jesus!

15. December 2019 Advent 3 Matthew 11:2-10 John needed forgiveness, life, and salvation. You do, too. If you don’t know this need now, there will come an hour when you will. You’ll hit rock bottom. You’ll be imprisoned by your guilt. You’ll be horrified at what you did or was done to you. You’ll wonder and doubt God’s love for even you. You’ll consider all that you have done and left undone and despair. Just like John, so with you. Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Look to Jesus whose bloody death upon the cross of Calvary forgives your every sin, covers all your guilt and shame, and satisfies the wrath that is to come for you. Look to Jesus who preaches over and over the good news you, the sinner, desperately need.

Taught on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Preached on December 11, 2019.

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

08. December 2019 Advent 2 Luke 21:25-36 Judgment falls only on those who refuse to believe there is no judgment. Judgment is for those who choose to stand before a Judge—who no longer has any record of sin— and make their stand on their life that no longer exists. Redemption comes to “whoever calls on the name of the Lord.” (Romans 10:13; Acts 2:21) Heaven is the gift every one of us already has by the death of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 138). Heaven is the inheritance we have in our baptism into Christ Jesus. The church proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection, especially as we eat His body and drink His blood. Redemption is yours in the forgiveness of Christ, His life, and His heaven. Therefore, “Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” AMEN.

Preached on December 4, 2019.

01. December 2019 Advent 1 Jeremiah 23:5-8 For the last few weeks under the "end of the church year" our theme has been Christ returning in judgment. Now as we enter Advent and the beginning of the church year, our eyes look at judgment through the babe in the manger and through the cross towards the judgment. God’s promise is made manifest, delivered to you just as He said. Through his gracious will, you have eternal rest of Christ. In him, you are safe. In Him, you are secure. In Him, you are named His own. His righteousness is your righteousness. Christ is your Emmanuel. He ransoms captive Israel, saving you from the depths of hell. You see God's gracious action—His promised son sent for you—so that His righteousness is your righteousness.

28. November 2019 Thanksgiving Day Deuteronomy 8:1-10 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It sounds sweet and good until you realize what he means. St. Paul is echoing Moses! Give thanks and in everything? Even under discipline, with hardship, in hunger? Even when things get rough, when they don’t go your way, when you struggle, and even when you face death? Absolutely, because in everything God is working faith for you in His Son Jesus Christ!

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

24. November 2019 Trinity 27 Matthew 25:1-13 "’ll tell you what I see. I see in you the bride of Jesus, His holy Church, waiting and watching. I see in you, lamps lit with the light of Christ who lightens the world. I see in you, the betrothed and beloved of God, trusting in your Baptism into Jesus. I see Christ’s wholly forgiven bride, keeping watch for His coming, listening to His Word, and even now feasting on His body and blood. I see restored Israel, the new Jerusalem, adorned as a bride for her husband. I don’t see anyone sleeping, but every member of Christ’s church and bride awake, praying His Word, singing the faith, recalling all His wonderful works. I see in you, Jesus doing what only He can do: giving wisdom, oil, and wicks for your lamps."

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

God does not need your works to save you. He works everything needed for your salvation himself. The Father gives up His Son unto death for you freely as a gift. By Christ's shed blood all alone are your sins atoned. But your works do matter and they are needed. Your works matter because your neighbor needs them. 17. November 2019 Trinity 26 Matthew 25:31-46

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

10. November 2019 Trinity 25 Matthew 24:15-28 The church isn’t really all that concerned with impressive spectacles and buildings, moving hearts to tears, and stirring up generous gifts from impassioned pleas. The church is concerned with delivering God’s kingdom, because Jesus will have His kingdom. The church is concerned with sitting at Jesus’s feet, listening to Him, and receiving from Him everything needed both now and for eternity. And because you are here now, gathered with fellow baptized children of God, listening to Jesus, you really have nothing to fear, for you are Christ’s and He will preserve you to the end. 

03. November 2019 All Saints’ Day Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes are first and foremost a description of Jesus’ work for you and secondly as blessings that are given to you. These are not commandments but rather descriptions of God’s people with promises attached to them. Let’s not run Jesus’ words today according to the letter but by the Spirit, that is, by way of gift.

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications/. Taught on October 27, 2019.

‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’ 27. October 2019 Reformation Matthew 11:12-19

Preached on October 20, 2019.

Apologies for the sub-standard audio. Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications/. Taught on October 20, 2019. 

Preached on October 13, 2019, by Pr. Larry Myers representing Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Taught on October 13, 2019. Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications/.

06. October 2019 Trinity 20 Matthew 22:1-14

Taught on October 6, 2019. Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications/.

29. September 2019 St. Michael and All Angels Matthew 18:1-11

Taught on September 30, 2019. Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications/. 

22. September 2019 Trinity 14 Luke 17:1-9

Taught on September 22, 2019.

Preached on September 15, 2019.

Taught on September 15, 2019.

Preached on September 8, 2019.

Taught on September 8, 2019.

Taught on Sunday, September 1, 2019. **Audio corrected**

Preached on September 1, 2019.

Taught on Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Preached on August 25, 2019

Taught on August 18, 2019.

18. August 2019 Trinity 9 Luke 16:1-9

Preached on August 14, 2019.

Taught on August 11th, 2019. Notes for this class are available to members in the Publications folder @ https://stjohnrandomlake.org/publications.

Preached on August 4, 2019.

Taught on August 4, 2019.

Preached on July 28, 2019.

Taught on July 28, 2019

Taught on July 21, 2019.

Taught on July 21, 2019.

Preached on July 21, 2019.

Preached on July 14, 2019

Taught on Jul 14, 2019

Taught on July 14, 2019

Taught on July 7, 2019

Taught on July 7, 2019.

Preached on July 7, 2019

Taught on June 30, 2019.

Preached on June 30, 2019.

Taught on June 23, 2019.

Preached on June 23, 2019.

Preached on June 16th, 2019.

Preached on June 16th, 2019.

Taught on June 16th, 2019.

Taught on June 16th, 2019.

Preached on June 9th, 2019.

Taught on June 9th, 2019.

Taught on June 2nd, 2019.

Taught on June 2nd, 2019.

Preached on June 2nd, 2019

Taught on May 26th, 2019.

Taught on May 26th, 2019

Preached on May 26th, 2019.

Preached on May 19, 2019.

Taught on May 19, 2019.

Taught on May 12th, 2019.

Preached on May 12. 2019.

Taught on May 5th, 2019.

Preached on May 5th, 2019.

Taught on April 28th, 2019.

Taught on April 28th, 2019. Handout is available here: https://www.stjohnrandomlake.org/publications.

Preached on April 24. 2019.

Preached on April 21, 2019. Based on the Sermon Series, "Behold the Man."

Taught on April 14, 2019.

Taught on April 14, 2019.

Preached on April 14, 2019.

Taught on April 7, 2019.

Taught on April 7, 2019.

Preached on April 7, 2019.

Taught on March 31, 2019.

Taught on March 31, 2019.

Preached on March 31, 2019.

Taught on March 24, 2019.

Taught on March 24, 2019.

Preached on March 24, 2019.

Taught on March 17, 2019.  The handout is available here: https://www.stjohnrandomlake.org/publications

Preached on March 17, 2019.

Taught on March 10, 2019.

Taught on March 10, 2019. The handout is available here: https://www.stjohnrandomlake.org/publications

Preached on March 10, 2019.

Taught on March 3rd, 2019.

Taught on March 3rd, 2019.

Preached on March 3, 2019.

Preached on March 2, 2019.

Taught on February 24, 2019.

Taught on February 24, 2019.

Preached on February 24, 2019.

Taught on February 17, 2019.

Taught on February 17, 2019.

Preached on February 17th, 2019.

Taught on February 10, 2019. If you need to refer to the whiteboard, you can view it here.

Taught on February 10, 2019.

Preached on February 10, 2019.

Taught on February 3, 2019.

Preached on February 3, 2019.

Taught on January 27, 2019.

Preached on January 27, 2019.

Taught on January 20, 2019.

Preached on January 20, 2019.

Taught on January 13, 2019.

Preached on January 13, 2019.

Taught on January 6, 2019.

Preached on January 6, 2019.

Taught on December 30, 2018.

Preached on December 30, 2018.

Preached on December 25, 2018

Preached on December 24 @ 10pm, 2018.

Preached on December 24 @ 4pm, 2018.