Message based on the Bible Text:  1 John 4:1-11

Remember when you were little and were told time and again, "STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!", as you did things like cross a road or train tracks?  Our parents told us that because they loved us and wanted to protect us.  They knew that real danger existed at those places, and they sought to shelter us from harm.  In this text, John urges us to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN, so that we might avoid spiritual and eternal harm and instead complete the journey to eternal life as God's redeemed people.

Some people believe everything they read or hear.  Unfortunately, many ideas printed and taught are not true.  We are urged in God's Word not to be gullible.  Verify every message you hear, even if the person who brings it says it is from God.  If the message is truly from God, it will be consistent with His Commandments and Christ's teachings.

Two spirits exist in the world:  1. God's Spirit of Truth, who speaks through the inspired Word, and 2. Satan's spirit of error, which teaches lies.  In today's society, this false spirit continues to deny the deity of Christ, referring to Him as a mere man or merely an inspired teacher.  It also teaches moral relativism, where all religions, activities, and lifestyles should be tolerated and even celebrated no matter if they adhere to God's expectations.  STOP!, LOOK!, and LISTEN! as God reminds us that, through Word and Sacrament, each Christian is given the Holy Spirit, who gives us the power to overcome sin, death, false teachings, and Satan.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 John 1:1-2 and 1 John 2

Have you ever witnessed something so beautiful that you wanted to share it immediately with others?  Perhaps it was a sunset along a sandy beach, or a night sky filled with stars.  The Apostle John felt that way regarding Christ's resurrection, and he enthusiastically writes about it in his first letter.

Along with Peter and James, John had a special relationship with Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit.  As an eyewitness of Christ's ministry, he was concerned that people would miss out on the amazing beauty of our crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.  John wrote his first epistle to put believers back on track, to show the difference between light and darkness (truth and error), and to encourage the church to grow in genuine love for God and for one another.

What message does your Christian life communicate to others?  Seek one day, every day, to share the love of Christ with someone in a unique way!

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Easter Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Mark 16:1-8

The unexpected catches each of us at different times.  Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome certainly did not expect to witness the events of Easter morning as they traveled to Jesus' tomb.  In fact, they were discussing the potential obstacles they might encounter when they arrived, such as the Roman soldier guards and an extremely heavy stone to roll away.

As we celebrate Christ's resurrection from the dead, we also encounter the unexpected.  We too face obstacles to our faith, such as secularism, greed, selfishness, and worldly problems and distractions.

Being a follower of Christ is not merely a spectator sport.  God has placed each one of us where we are now to actively spread His Gospel, and He removes obstacles, opens doors, and softens hearts to receive His message of salvation!

"The stone was not rolled away so that Jesus could get out, but so we could get in!"  Take the walk of faith to the tomb, as the women did on Easter morning.  Go inside, and behold the triumph over death that our Lord accomplished!  And finally, as all four Gospels command, GO!!!  MAKE DISCIPLES!!!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  John 3:14-17

Most of us are familiar with the phrase, "Inquiring minds want to know", as this slogan was introduced nearly three decades ago in advertisements for the tabloid magazine The National Enquirer.

Nicodemus had an inquiring mind.  He was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council at the time of Jesus.  Through His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus answered all of His questions, and ours, by revealing the true mind and heart of God.

People often attempt to protect and insulate themselves from their fears by placing their faith in something they do or something they possess:  good ideas, skills, employment, intelligence, money, or possessions.  Such faith in ourselves will only lead to dissatisfaction and failure.  Only faith in God can save us from the one thing that we truly need to fear - eternal condemnation and separation from Him.

Do you have an inquiring mind regarding our Lord and Savior?  Do you want to know?  May God bless you as you discover the light of His salvation that alone can pierce the darkness of sin and unbelief!

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Transfiguration Sunday Message based on the Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Have you ever seen someone whose life has been transformed?  A person's life can be dramatically changed through education, an inheritance, marriage, or by becoming a parent.  But the greatest transformation that can occur within a person is coming to faith in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit working through His Word and Sacraments.  He does this so that we will ultimately be conformed to the image of Our Savior.
 
Transfiguration Sunday provides an opportunity for every Christian to focus upon how Jesus Christ was changed and revealed in His glory to three of His disciples, showing that He is the perfect fulfillment of the Law and the prophecies of the Old Testament.  It is also a perfect time to reflect on how God works change within our lives so that we might live to our full potential as His children.

Through His Word and Sacraments, God the Holy Spirit is constantly at work within us, recreating who we are, reprogramming how we think, and redefining what we value.  The Fruits of the Spirit produced in our lives are the ultimate results of this transformation.  How have you seen this transformation at work in your life and in the lives of fellow believers?

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Mark 1:21-28

Fishing was a major industry around the Sea of Galilee.  Capernaum, largest of the more than thirty fishing towns situated around the sea at that time, became a second home to Jesus.  It was here that He, who had once called His disciples to be "fishers of men", taught and healed with authority, as the true Son of God.

Jesus, who was present at the creation of the waters, was the One who later walked on those waters and who stilled the storms.  He would eventually die on a cross, but He rose again from death to give us victory over the sinful forces that would have led us to perish for an eternity.

Jesus is not bound by our limitations or expectations.  He speaks and acts with authority and wisdom far beyond our comprehension.  With reverence and awe, we are invited daily to reflect upon the words and deeds of Jesus and to look for the transforming touch of His mighty hand in our lives!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 6:1-11

Dr. Martin Luther writes:  "The significance of Baptism [is] that the old man and the sinful...flesh and blood are to be wholly drowned by the grace of God." (WLS 156)

Through Baptism, we are buried with Christ in His death to sin and are resurrected with Him to a new life.  By God's grace, we are given the forgiveness of our sins and the certainty of eternal life.  We are now set free to live this new life given to us by God to His glory.  In doing so, we must cut ourselves off from all worldly things that would infect us and cast off all that would entangle us.

Never overlook the importance of Jesus' Baptism or your own!

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Christmas Day Message based on the Bible Text:  Titus 3:3-7

There is a sign that has been circulating recently.  It contains an illustration of the Christmas manger scene, with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus.  The caption on the sign reads, "The world needs a stable influence." 

How true!  And it is true not only for the world, but for each one of us.  Each one of us needs the "stable influence" of the Christ child.  He is the ultimate Christmas gift.  He is the one who has come into this world to pay the price for sin and to bring us forgiveness, life, and hope.

We worship Him as Our Redeemer.  O come, let us adore Him!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  2 Peter 3:8-14

The Advent reality is that this world's days are numbered.  Its expiration is part of the salvation story, and the end date has already been set by God the Father.  Christ's return is both promised and certain.  When He comes, the waiting will finally be over, and the redeemed will rejoice in the "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Throughout Advent, we all have the opportunity to ask ourselves, "Am I really looking forward to Christ's coming, or am I hoping that it will be delayed to fit my schedule and plans?  Am I using my time wisely and faithfully to prepare myself and others for His coming, or am I wasting these precious moments due to misplaced priorities?"

Jesus desires that we focus our time and energy on always striving to live for God while we patiently and faithfully wait for what Titus 2:13 refers to as the "blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Remember when we were children: before computers, video games, and iPods?  We used to play simple outdoor games, like Hide and Seek.  One of us would cover his or her eyes and count to ten, and then would call out, "Ready or not, here I come!"

God speaks to us through the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.  His message is loud and clear, as he speaks about the coming of the Lord Jesus and its impact upon both believers and unbelievers.

The Apostle reminds us that the unsaved world lives with a false sense of security, like the people before the Flood (Genesis 6) and the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19).  In describing Jesus' return, Paul uses the image of a thief to illustrate the surprise and unpreparedness of those who will be negatively affected.  Believers, however, know God's Word and need not fear.  Rather, they rejoice at Christ's return, as they will be saved by grace!

It is essential that we, as believers in Christ, do everything possible to prepare this sinful world for His return.  Mission outreach is what we are commanded to do, so that all may be spiritually prepared.

Are you ready for Christ's return?  Do you know someone who is not ready?  Then don't just stand with your eyes covered and counting!  When it comes to living and sharing the Gospel, God is sending you and all of His followers to seek the lost and to share the salvation offered through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Reformation Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Matthew 11:12-19

Reformation Sunday doesn't seem quite the same if we don't heartily sing, or at least hear, Dr. Martin Luther's greatest hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God.  Good musicians are those who can spark an emotional reaction from their listeners.  Good music can flood our minds with countless memories and emotions.  In the same way, Jesus wants us to be affected and respond to the "music" of His Word.  That is, He desires that we heed the warning of the "dirge" of the Law and believe and embrace, through faith, the "flute" of the Gospel.

Jesus is frustrated with unbelief.  He is frustrated with the unresponsiveness of those around Him who have rejected the stern call to repentance proclaimed by John the Baptist.  He is saddened by the constant denial of persistent unbelievers to the gentle sound of the Gospel, which He proclaimed.

Dr. Martin Luther felt the same frustration and urgency as he sought to awaken the Church to God's Word during the time of the Reformation.  Is our world any different today when it comes to our need to hear God's call to repentance and His offer of salvation, by grace, in Christ?  Absolutely not!  Let all who have ears, hear!!!

Note:  This sermon audio includes an approximate five minute video dramatization of Luther's inquisition and testimony before the Diet of Worms in 1521.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Philippians 4:1-13

Worry, worry, worry!  Many Christians lose their joy and peace because of worry!  Our English word "worry" is actually derived from an Anglo-Saxon word that means "to strangle."  Worry certainly does strangle people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What causes worry?  Incorrect thinking and unhealthy attitudes toward people, circumstances, and earthly possessions cause this stress and unrest in our lives.  Because of our sinful nature, we often seem to be people who prefer worry over prayer and complaining over thankfulness.

But God in His love has stepped in to speak to us through His servant Paul, providing us with the true antidote for worry.  This message speaks to every believer of every age, offering spiritual insight, peace, strength, and guidance for our daily living.  In every situation he experienced, both positive and negative, Paul learned to put his mind and heart at peace through trust in Jesus Christ.

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Message based on the Bible Text: Isaiah 55:1-11

Several months ago, many in our government began to stress the urgency of balancing our national budget.  Our government to this day is still working toward this goal.  Likewise, Isaiah desired that all of us understand the sense of urgency to repent of sin and walk with God.  Neglecting to do so carries with it severe negative consequences, but doing so in faith brings abundant blessings.

God's salvation in Christ Jesus is freely offered by His gracious invitation, but to nourish our souls we need to be in His Word daily.  How often do you seek the nourishment of God's Word?  Do you grow in His Word in your private life as well as in groups of Christian brothers and sisters?  What can you do to improve your spiritual "diet"?

God's Word urges each of us to examine our lives in His light and to repent of the sin that seeks to separate us from Him and each other.  It reminds us that earthly food costs money, lasts only a short time, and meets only physical needs.  But in a world of ever-inflating prices, God graciously offers us free nourishment to feed our souls through His Son, Jesus Christ, the "Bread of Life".

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 9:1-16

Richard Gilder, the Tenement House Commisioner in New York City, wondered what was causing so many fires.  But he did more than wonder, he showed genuine concern.  Whenever a fire broke out in one of the houses, the alarm sounded and Gilder would rush off to investigate.

Do we have the same degree of concern for the multitudes who, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, will spend eternity separated from God?

The Apostle Paul's strong love and concern for those around him who did not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior ought to cause us to reflect upon our own thoughts and feelings.  Are we willing to sacrifice our time, money, energy, comfort, and safety to see others come to faith in Jesus Christ?

The urgency is great for us to recognize our need and the need of others for the mercy and grace of God available only through His Son, Jesus Christ!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 8:18-27

Larry Crabb, in his book Inside Out, emphasizes that our only hope for complete relief from hardship and suffering is to be with Jesus Christ in heaven.  "Until then", he says, "we either groan or pretend we don't."

Having suffered persecution and prison for his witnessing, the Apostle Paul seeks to encourage our faith, especially in difficult times, as followers of Jesus Christ.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, he teaches us that all creation itself groans, like a woman about to give birth, as it awaits Christ's return and restoration.  Paul continues by stating that believers also groan as we await Christ's return and our resurrection to eternal life.  The Apostle then concludes with encouragement, reminding us that the Holy Spirit continually groans "on our behalf" before the throne of God, seeking to bring about our sanctification and salvation.  As believers, though we will groan at different times during this life, we need not despair, but rather joyfully anticipate the glory that God has in store for us and all believers on account of His grace revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Nothing we suffer in this life, even death itself, can begin to compare to the glory of heaven that awaits God's followers, all because of His marvelous grace in Jesus Christ!!!

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Holy Trinity Sunday and Father's Day Message based on the Bible Text:  Genesis 1:1-3, 26, 31

In Genesis 1:26, Scripture uses the plural form in referring to God: "Let Us make man in Our image."  Plural wording has been often used to denote majesty.  Kings traditionally use the plural form when speaking of themselves.  While our God is undoubtedly majestic and our King, could this also be a reference to the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit?

Hurricane Katrina brought devastation to Louisiana and the Gulf Shores in 2005.  The looting and other crimes that followed this disaster are examples of how mankind's sin has brought disorder and chaos to the very good creation that our Triune God made.  Yet, we also see that God is not content to allow the devil and sin to have the last word.  God has acted throughout history to restore order to His creation, and in doing so has revealed Himself as the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) who alone can save and renew mankind through His creative Word and Sacraments.

As we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday and Father's Day, we have the opportunity to reflect and to give thanks to our Heavenly Father, the Son, and the Spirit, ever one God, who has created, redeemed, and sanctified us through Word and Sacrament.

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Ascension Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  John 17:1-11

The entire chapter of John 17 is a prayer of Jesus.  Some have aptly termed this chapter "The Holy of Holies of John's Gospel", because in reading it we have the privilege of hearing the Son converse directly with the Father.

We learn through this prayer that the world is a tremendous battleground, where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are constanly at war.  Satan and his forces are motivated by bitter hatred for Christ and His followers.  Jesus, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, recognizes this enemy and prays to God the Father on our behalf, so that we might be victorious in Him.

Jesus was praying for all His disciples, including those of us who follow Him today.  He prayed that God would keep His chosen believers safe from Satan's power, set them apart from the world, make them pure and holy, and protect and unite them through His truth.

Jesus' prayer also answers mankind's age-old question: "How do we receive eternal life?"

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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Peter 2:2-10

We have all heard about the efforts to remove public monuments containing the Ten Commandments from public places throughout the United States.  This is truly regrettable, for these monuments celebrate righteousness, and Proverbs 14:34 tells us that "righteousness exalts a nation".

Unfortunately, the movement to remove these important reminders of our God's definition of morality is a reflection of our society's crumbling moral foundations.

But by God's grace, one enduring monument of righteousness exists that can never be removed: the truth of Jesus Christ, which 2 Corinthians 3:3 says is "written not on tablets of stone but on human hearts by the Spirit of God".

What national monuments have you visited or seen?  What do they symbolize?  We need to realize that as Christians we are all living monuments to God's grace!  As such, God desires us to be mature in His Word, firm and steadfast in the Christian walk, and seeking to give Him all the glory as His people.

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Palm Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  John 12:12-19

Jesus began His last week on earth with a procession, by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey under a canopy of palm branches, with crowds hailing Him as their king.  But the people who were praising God for giving them a king had the wrong idea about Jesus.  Many were sure that He would be a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory, and thus, they were deaf to the words of their prophets and blind to Jesus' real mission.  Many would soon be yelling, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!"

When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to fulfill the expectations and hopes of the masses, many people turned against Him.  How have you seen that demonstrated in modern society?  How can a Christian best clarify the misunderstanding and misconceptions that exist regarding Jesus Christ?

Jesus' procession into Jerusalem gives each of us an opportunity to ask ourselves if He is truly engrained within our hearts as Lord and Savior, or if He is merely someone who is there to serve our expectations, wants, needs, and idea of what we are looking for in a Messiah.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Based on the book, THE ME I WANT TO BE, By John Ortberg; becoming "the me I want to be" requires what Dallas Willard calls VIM:  Vision, Intention, and Means.  God's Word invites us to expand our vision for personal transformation and to consider the importance of intention and means/methods.  In other words, when it comes to our faith, think VIM.

God gives a VISION to the Children of Israel through Moses.  Moses goes on to encourage the Israelites to make a decision about their lives and their relationship with God.  Intention is more than wishing or hoping; it is a settled decision.  Today, God speaks to us, revealing His vision for our lives, urging us to be INTENTIONAL in our walk with Him as He uses the MEANS of His Word to communicate through the ages.

The only person who can decide for you is you.  You are not a specator when it comes to your own life.  No one says, "I wonder if I'll learn Spanish?" or "I wonder if I will wake up tomorrow able to speak Spanish?".  Likewise, be intentional in Your relationship with God and His people, as the Holy Spirit works a miracle with Your life through Word and Sacrament.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Isaiah 58:1-9

Because of sin, a persons' tendency is to value outward appearance more than reality!  We pay big money to have the right label and "look", even if the merchandise is not authentic.  This is especially tragic when we allow this to impact our relationship with God. 

Our lives are to be a living witness to His deity, salvation and compassion in thankful response to Him because of Jesus Christ, rather than mere external show. 

Many of the Israelites were merely going through the motions of religion, but had missed the main point of true worship.  They lacked repentent and compassionate hearts molded by God.  God is communicating also to us, through His Prophet Isaiah, that true worship is more than religious ritual, going to church every week, fasting, and listening to Scripture readings.

God is disappointed when sin robs us and others of a true, authentic faith, implanted and fanned by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament and lived out in daily life.  Isaiah knew what works and what doesn't work, when it comes to our salvation.  It is God's grace in Christ, which recreates us to serve Him with thankful and humble hearts.

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Message based on the Bible text from Isaiah 2:1-5.

How has light played an important role in your life in the last 48 hours?

Ancient Judah, when Isaiah was doing his prophetic work, was walking in dark times.  Under the reign of evil kings, idol worship flourished in both Israel and Judah.  Isaiah called them to repent and to walk in the light of the Lord.  Our modern world also walks in spirtual darkness, worshiping it's own idols such as materialism, and would do well to heed Isaiah's call.  Greed and selfishness have ransacked the United States and the rest of the world.  Advent is a time for us to relfect upon Christ's coming into our world as Savior and Judge, and His impact upon our lives.  He alone can free us from spiritual darkness with His radiant light.

What are some examples of spiritual darkness evident in the world today?

Cite some examples of "the Light of Christ," piercing the darkness that you have seen, heard of or read about.

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Message based on Bible text from 2 Corinthians 8:1-6,9,12; 9:6-11

We know that God supplies our every need by the promises that He gives, such as in Matthew 6 where Jesus tells that God will feed and clothe us and He will supply so that we have nothing to worry about.  He states we are to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)  That is our priority to seek God first.  In the power of the Holy Spirit we trust God, who is faithful.

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