Are You Ready for the King’s Return?
The Sunday of Last Judgment November 10, 2019 Luke 19:11-27 Are You Ready for the King’s Return? While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants…
Thank God for Our Lutheran Heritage!
Reformation Sunday November 3, 2019 Romans 3:19-28 Thank God for Our Lutheran Heritage! Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has…
Consider the Consequences!
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost October 20, 2019 Luke 16:19-31 Consider the Consequences! “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The…
It’s All About the Bottom Line!
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost October 13, 2019 Luke 16:1-13 It’s All About the Bottom Line! Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m…
From Chaos to Charis!
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost October 6, 2019 1 Timothy 1:12-17 From Chaos to Charis! I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that…
Wisdom 101!
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 29, 2019 Proverbs 9:10-12 Wisdom 101! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. (NIV1984) Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Most of us here today would…
Be Thankful for Your God-Given Status!
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 22, 2019 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Be Thankful for Your God-given Status! One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have…
Life is a Journey!
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 15, 2019 Hebrews 12:18-24 Life Is a Journey! You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be…
Let Him Speak My Word– Carefully!
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 8, 2019 Jeremiah 23:23-29 Let Him Speak My Word— Faithfully! “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ …
What is Faith?
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost September 1, 2019 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 What is Faith? Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive…