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:  John 10:19-21

It may surprise you to learn that Jesus had a difficult family life as He was growing up in Nazareth.  One minute, Jesus was the hometown hero.  The next minute, the folks in Nazareth are attempting to take His life! 

Jesus was no stranger to conflict.  How did He respond?

Christ never defined His mission as pleasing other people.  Instead, He obeyed His Father's will perfectly, even unto death.  Likewise, our task is not to get along with and be absorbed into this world, but to step out in faith and make disciples for our Savior!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Luke 24:36-49

Sin always breaks out into the open rebellion that leads to slavery.  As human beings, our perennial question is WHY???

Both Testaments of the Scriptures point to Jesus as the predicted Servant who suffered on purpose on our behalf.

Although Christ's resurrection proves that God is our friend, not even Jesus' physical presence guarantees a saving faith!  That only occurs when the Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
 
This sermon is also the launching pad into a journey through a "cast of characters" who encounter the living God!  This self-paced Bible study will examine Max Lucado's newest book, Cast of Characters, one chapter per week.

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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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Palm Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Mark 1:1-11

"Jesus is either who He says He is, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, or He is one of the greatest imposters who ever lived." - Larry W. Wilson (paraphrase of C.S. Lewis)

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was greeted and proclaimed as King.  Was He really, or was it all just a big hoax?  Was Jesus just an imposter?  If He was, what difference would that make for the world and for each one of us?  In the end, are we really the imposters???

Jesus was on His way to His coronation as King of all peoples, but that way was barred by a cross and His crown was a crown of thorns.  Come along on His royal journey to the cross and on to the empty tomb, and discover again the unconditional love that Jesus has for us.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Mark 10:45 and Matthew 20:28

Anyone who has visited the coastal areas of our country or the island of Hawaii has most likely witnessed the power of water through waves.  The life and work of Jesus Christ created "rogue waves" throughout the Jewish society.  His teachings often went against the "wisdom" being offered by the religious leaders of that time.  As seen throughout the New Testament, these waves soon grew to a tsunami that continued to our present day!

Jesus provides us an active and perfect model for a Christian lifestyle.  Instead of being concerned about honor, status, or how well we are being served, our motivation should be to humble ourselves and ask God to put us into the mission field to serve others while spreading His Gospel.

The greatest challenge to the American churches throughout our history is that we have become a nation of constant consumers.  Since Jesus was a suffering servant on our behalf who willingly laid down His own life, what should be our response???!!!

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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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Message based on the Bible Text:  John 2:13-25

Where is God in all of this confusion?

Jesus replaced the OLD Temple in Jerusalem with a NEW Temple:  His resurrected body.

Today, Christ is omnipresent and may be worshipped ANYWHERE in the universe!!!

"Do you not know that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19

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

Does life really go better for a Christian?

There are those who will tell you that when you become a follower of Jesus, all sorts of good things will begin happening to you.  All of your problems will become successful opportunities, all of your heartaches will transform into joys, and all of your bad times will fade into the past and disappear.  Is that really true?

The life of a Christian is not necessarily a life marked by glory and comfort, but by submission to the cross of Christ.  Saint Paul says, "We rejoice in our sufferings."  Really?  Yes, really!  Following Jesus may not mean an earthly life of ease, but it does mean a life of joy and fulfillment, especially considering the heavenly rewards offered to us through Jesus following this earthly life.

Listen, and discover that it really is great to be a Christian!!!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  James 1:12-18

Great fishermen and hunters are masters of deception.

• Satan is the great imposter, the ultimate master of deception.  He and his minions are constanly "hunting" for our souls through temptation.
• Jesus successfully navigated through temptation His entire life on our behalf.
• Holy Spirit, when I'm faced with temptation, help me to make the right choice!

"Expect temptation with your last breath."  Saint Anthony of Padua, Italy (1195-1231)

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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 1:40-45

In ancient times, the disease of leprosy was a symbol of isolation and hopelessness.  In modern times, many people similarly feel like outcasts from mainstream society.

The leper healed by Jesus in this story became a one man whirlwind in witness to the saving power of God!

Christ's motive is a compassion for us so great and costly that He will die for our sins and the sins of all mankind on purpose!

Are we "wet blankets" when it comes to spreading Christ's message?  Are we quenching the Spirit by remaining sinfully silent for whatever excuse we can rationalize?

Each of us who has been touched by the love of Jesus has the opportunity and responsibility to affirm and expand his compassionate Kingdom by reaching out to those in spiritual and physical need!!!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Corinthians 9:16-23

What do you do with Good News?

Jesus, as He traveled from town to town, constantly preached Good News to the people.  This same Good News comes to us as well through the reading and studying of the Scriptures.  But once you have heard the Good News, what do you do next?  Do you keep it to yourself?  Is it possible to keep Good News to yourself???

Listen and receive the precious gift of God's Good News, which is given freely to each of us.  Then, share that Good News with others, and watch and see the miracles it can accomplish in their hearts and lives!!!

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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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Life Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Luke 4:14-30

Jesus taught the Word of God through the power of the Spirit, and He always spoke the truth in love.  The truth may make people uncomfortable, the truth may hurt, the truth may bite, the truth may burn, but the truth must be told!

It is not necessarily sinning that keeps people from eternal life.  It is the lack of knowledge of salvation through Christ and unrepentance of sin that threaten to separate us from our God.

When a womb becomes a tomb, Jesus desires us to proclaim to these women, as He does to each and every one of us, "You were always My favorite!  Repent and be forgiven!"

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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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Epiphany Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Matthew 2:1-12

The Lord makes another FRESH beginning!
 
The Holy Spirit constantly challenges our natural prejudice against OUTSIDERS.  The Apostle Matthew, once known as Levi the tax collector, included this magnificent story about the visiting Magi because he was once on the "outside" of society looking in as well.

Today's title can be read two ways, depending upon perspective.  The athiest or secularist sees GOD IS NOWHERE, while the believer sees GOD IS NOW HERE!

Are we taking our Lord Jesus Christ and His message of salvation for granted???

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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:  Romans 16:25-27

"It has never been done before!"  Is that your excuse?  Or, is that your challenge?
 
God's mystery is a secret that is hidden from human understanding and is never revealed apart from the Holy Spirit of Truth!
 
Rather than trying to "think outside of the box", why not live according to the lofty perspective of a loving Father?!

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Message based on the Bible Texts:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Isaiah 61:1-3

What do you really want for Christmas???

The Third Sunday of Advent is called "Joy Sunday" to remind us of the wonderful gift of joy, which Jesus brings to us.  The Apostle Paul calls upon us to be "joyful always."  Is that possible when there is so much in this world that seeks to rob us of our joy?

There is a difference between joy and happiness.  Happiness refers to specific circumstances or situations, while joy describes something much deeper.  Joy is what we as Christians have because of our relationship with Jesus Christ.  He is the One who brings us joy, and He is the One who enables us to live joy-filled lives.  Listen and journey to Bethlehem to rediscover the greatest Christmas gift of all - the gift of joy!

Note:  This sermon is presented in a "Word and Song" format, where the message is divided into three parts and the musical arrangements of "Come, Emmanuel" and "Celtic Advent Carol" are sung in between.

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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:  Isaiah 56:6-8

Guest Pastor Dr. Carl Rockrohr from Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Missions (and a 1976 ORLS alumnus) blesses us with his message.

What (or Who) calls you to do something?  What has captured your heart?

As we begin a new Church year and the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts and minds not only for the remembrance of Christ's first coming to earth, but also for the triumphant second coming He foretold.  The prediction of Jesus regarding the spreading of the Gospel message to all ends of the earth before His return is happening now!

God's Word will not go forth void.  It will always bear fruit.  Mainstream media outlets focus primarily on the negative events occurring in Africa, but they neglect to report on the positive miracles God has worked and continues to work throughout this continent:

• In 1900, the estimated Christian population in Africa was 8.5 million.
• In 2000, this Christian population had grown to an estimated 357 million.
• Today, the Christian population is estimated to be 474 million!
• This increase amounts to approximately 34,000 new Christians per day!!!

We need to realize that we were once spiritual "foreigners", just like the people in foreign lands receiving the Gospel message today.  Now, we have been made members of Christ's earthly and eternal Kingdom, and we should strive to stay informed of what is happening in this Kingdom!  Through our prayers and gifts, we must support the men and women who are currently engaged in mission work both at home and overseas.  Finally, we must seek to find our individual missions to advance Christ's Kingdom until He returns.

This Advent, know that you are a member of Christ's Kingdom!  Joyfully receive the Lord Jesus!  Rejoice in Him and serve Him!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Matthew 25:40

When Christ returns, He will divide all people into two groups: those who will inherit eternal life and those who will experience the second death.  Which group will you be in?  If Jesus would ask you, "Why should I let you into My Father's heaven?", what would you say?

We are indeed saved by grace through faith alone.  But until the day we meet our Savior, we are called upon to live as God's sheep: people who respond to the love of Christ in very real, tangible ways.  One important example of this is what we give in response to Him so that His saving work can go forward.  The question everyone needs to prayerfully ask is, "As a Child of God, what percentage of my income should I give to Christ, my King, to thank Him for all He has given me?"

Christ the King is coming soon to judge the world.  What is the purpose of your life before He comes???

Listen and celebrate the blessings that God gives us as His redeemed children!

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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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All Saint's Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Revelation 13:7-10

The mission of the confessing disciple of Jesus Christ is to witness and sacrifice, to suffer and die for Christ.

At the end of life, we are either thrown into the lake of fire, or we are invited into God's Holy City.

The comforting message of John's Revelation is to assure all true believers that, in the end, Jesus' disciples will share forever in His VICTORY!!!

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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:  Matthew 22:38-39

It is one thing to say that we love God.  It is quite another to live lives that demonstrate that God comes first in all things.  In truth, all of us would have to admit that loving God is much easier to say than to do.

We fail in truly loving God.  We fail to put Him first in all things.  But God never fails us.  Instead of simply demanding our love, God truly loves us.  He puts us first and sacrifices all so that we can know the joy of living in a personal relationship with Him, both now and in eternity.

Do you love God?  Really?  Do you love Him "with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind???"

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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Who do you want to be like?

• Faith produces action.
• Love produces choices.
• Hope produces endurance.

We stand convicted by God's truth!  Christ's Gospel is the only power that can change lives!!!

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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:  Philippians 3:4b-14

The beauty of the Gospel of Christ Jesus is that damaged men and women can be restored!

The Holy Spirit offers:

• Freedom from the evil forced upon you.
• Freedom from the sins that you have committed.
• Power to focus upon your goal.

Be free!  Refocus!  Receive these gifts from the Holy Spirit, your Second Wind!!!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Exodus 17:8-16

Guest Pastor William Palmer from Emmanuel Lutheran Church for the Deaf in West Allis, WI and Holy Cross Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Delavan, WI blesses us with his message.

The story of the Israelites' battle with the Amalekites offers a comparison for us of our own spiritual conflicts.  It also illustrates the difference between spiritual and earthly hands.

Just as Moses raised his hands toward Heaven for God's strength, we must also raise our hands to God for His help in our battles.

Nearly everyone is familiar with Moses and Aaron, but without the help of an ordinary man named Hur helping to lift Moses' hands, the Israelites may not have won this battle, and history would have been forever changed.  Everyday ordinary people's hands can always make a difference!

God and His Mission Field need all of our hands!!!

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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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Patriot Day Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 14:1-12

What does it take for people to get along?

No matter what the relationship: be it family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers, conflicts and difficulties arise because we are not all alike.  What one person considers acceptable, another thinks is wrong.  A solution one person thinks is good, another is sure to criticize.  The end result is usually an argument and the breaking of a relationship.  Is there another way?

Sunday, September 11, 2011 marked the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country.  With those terrible incidents as a backdrop, we go to God and seek His grace and guidance so that we can live lives of forgiveness and love.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 13:1-10

Do you ever wonder why we human beings have this nasty spirit of disobedience?

God is the source of all human authority.  Even Christians do not fully understand what God can and will accomplish through civil, state, and national authorities.

God wants His chosen people to be DEAD to sin while ALIVE to SERVE!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32

Can rejection and failure be blessings?  Saint Paul says they can.  The Jews rejected Jesus, and so the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles.  Those who believe in Him inherit eternal salvation, not because they are "good enough", but because they are failures.

How can a rejection by one group be a blessing for others?  How can human failure be a good thing in the hands of God?  As we continue down The Roman Road, Scripture explains to us that Jesus Christ came to earth only for failures.  He came for all of those who have failed to live up to God's commands, who have failed to be "good enough".  If you believe this to be true, then the Good News for you and for all is that Jesus Christ came and died to save you and all mankind!!!

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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 8:28-39

There are very real questions regarding human suffering:

• Why do BAD things happen?
• What POWER does a dead and bruised rabbi have?

If God is really for us, WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE HISTORY!!!

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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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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 8:12-17

What do you believe God can do for you?

Paul assures us that, through the saving grace of God in Christ, we have been made the children of God.  If that is true, what do we believe our heavenly Father will do for us?  Do we really believe that He will help us in our struggles?  And if we do really believe that He will help, how is that reflected in our day-to-day lives?

Remember...

• Romans 8:1 assures us there is no condemnation for those who have faith in Christ Jesus.
• Through Christ, we have been adopted into God's family.
• As a child of God, we are heirs of all that God has for us.
• While suffering still exists in our world, our heavenly Father is always with us to provide all the help we need.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 7:1-13

Sin is like a crocodile that slowly tears me to shreds!

Motivation for growth in the NEW LIFE does not come from being terrified of God, the Father.  Rather, it is the Holy Spirit working in us, making us truly grateful and thankful for what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Listen and follow Paul, the Apostle, down the Roman Road as a righteous disciple of Jesus.

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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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Pentecost Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Acts 2:1-21

Why did the disciples never express their love for Jesus or for each other?

The dynamics of the Pentecost miracle reveal our own greatest need:  We all wander about looking for love.

As He did with the disciples on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit can use you to love people in the name of Jesus!

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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 3:13-17

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?  Is the highest priority in your life your own desires or God's holy purposes?

A life of faith in Jesus Christ requires true humility, not negativity.

When we successfully undergo suffering for our faith in Jesus Christ, our lives can actually be made fresh and new.

In the end, the resurrection of Jesus is the only life preserver that saves you!

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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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Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Peter 2:21 and 25

Suffering cannot destroy us!

Jesus set an example that we cannot duplicate.  Jesus provides the pattern we want to follow.  Jesus supplies the power for a life of imitation.

Suffering will make us stronger because it reveals Christ's love for us!

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Mother's Day Message based on the Bible Text:  1 Peter 1:17-21

"You're worth it!", we hear the advertisements tell us.  Are we?  How much are we worth?  How do you measure a person's value?  Is it your wealth?  Is it your accomplishments?  Or is it measured by someone else?

What if God were asking the question?  How much are you worth to God?  Does a cross and an empty tomb give us any answers?

The world measures a person's worth on the basis of what they have done or how much they have accumulated.  Not so with God.  God tells us how valuable we are when he sends his only Son to be our Savior.

If God so loves us, how then should we respond?  How do we help others know how much they are valued by God?

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Easter Sunday Message based on the Bible Text:  Colossians 3:1-4

The further that you stray away from God's pathway, the more confused you will be.

"You have been raised with Christ."  The Lord wants you to receive a free gift, a new life.

"Eagerly seek the the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God."  Disciples will never be alone again, for they have been adopted and belong to a new family.

"Keep your mind on things above, not on earthly things."  Our ambitions should no longer be earthbound.

"You have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."  The profound changes that take place in our lives are never seen by the people infatuated with this world.

"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."  The new life in Christ is not just a simple improvement in my old lifestyle.  It is a fresh start that will last forever.

Jesus is the only leader who can be trusted!  Christ rescues us from a life going the wrong way.

IF GOD CAN GIVE NEW LIFE TO JESUS, GOD CAN GIVE NEW LIFE TO YOU!!!

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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:  John 11:38-53

Are you taking the easy way out?

Jesus' person always causes a reaction.  Jesus' divinity always demands a decision.

Jesus promises that when you know the truth, the truth will set you free!

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Message based on the Bible Text:  John 9:24-25 and Romans 5:8

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be blind?  Can you imagine how frightening that might be?  As frightening as physical blindness is, what about spiritual blindness?  This message looks at a fascinating story of Jesus healing a physically blind man, and in the process demonstrating how many others were spiritually blind.  They could not see Jesus for who He really was.

If you are a believer, God has healed you from your spiritual blindness!  Yet, so many seem to live as if they are still blind.  Listen and discover again what it means to live with the spiritual sight that Jesus gives us.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Romans 5:12-19

On this first Sunday in Lent, we are encouraged in our Lenten journey of repentance by hearing of the first thing Jesus did for us after His Baptism by John; He confronted Satan's darkness, desert, and death - and bound him until His untimate victory in His own death and resurrection.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Matthew 20:28

What's your job?  A teacher; a fireman; a factory worker; a therapist.  How do you think Jesus would have answered the question?

Why did God put you here?  To be a mason or a carpenter or a plumber or some other vocation?  Is that our calling?  What if the answer was "yes" - how would that change the way we look at our work?

We often distinguish between "sacred" and "secular".  Does scripture make that kind of distinction?  We invite you to listen to the message as we expolore what it means to be God's called servants in all that we do.

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Matthew 6:33 and Isaiah 40:15-16

What is most important to to you in your life?  A good job?  A beautiful home?  That fancy car you have always wanted?  Beautiful clothes?  Or is there more to this life than having the right things?

In his book, "The Me I Want to Be", John Ortberg claims that the most important thing in our life are our relationships.  In fact, he claims relationships can actually help you live longer.

Maybe that is why, when we come into this world, God puts us into a family - the most basic of all relationships.  Andy maybe that is why He seeks to have a relationship with us as well - a relationship where His love can flow in us and through us to touch the lives of others.

Have you thanked God for the relationships you have - even the difficult ones? 

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Message based on the Bible Text:  Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

Bearing fruit in God's garden means dying!

Be pure, since God is Holy!  Behave, since Christ is our Redeemer.

Do not EXTINGUISH (the fire of) the Spirit.

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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:   Matthew 2:1-12

How do you worship the Christ-child?  What do you do?  Do you just give him some gifts and walk away?

The wise-men came to worship the new-born king.  And they did by offering him gifts.  There were others who wanted to worship the new-born King as well.  At least, that is what King Herod said.  But he was willing to wait and let others do the searching for him.  What about us?  Is Jesus our King?  If He is, then what do you do to worship him?  Give him gifts?  Is that something you have to do?  Or can we just let others do the worshiping for us?

As you make your New Year's resolutions, do you have a resolution on worshipping Jesus?  If we call him Savior - if we call Him King -  how will we show that in the way we live our lives?

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Message based on the Bible text Isaiah 35:1-10

Preparing for Christmas - Is this a time of joy or a time of misery?

Preparing for Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and laughter, right?  But when you get right down to it, this time of the year often can be very depressing for a lot of people.  But why?  Is Christmas the culprit?  Is it all the activities that crowd for our attention?  Or maybe, the culprit is love.  Or is that the solution? 

The light of Christmas shines into the dark corners of our sin and pain, not just to expose it, but to bring the healing power of his forgiving love.  Christ is coming - with love.

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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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Pastor Gary Rohwer from POBLO International Ministries shares an outreach message.

People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) is an independent mission society of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  On behalf of the LCMS, POBLO is preaching Christ in those hard to reach places where Hindus, Muslims and others are hearing of God's grace for the first time in their lives.  It is POBLO's joy to partner with God's people so that new members may be added to the body of Christ.  Temples and mosques are being built all around us.  Millions have never heard the story of John 3:16 before.  It is by His grace that Muslims and others are coming to faith in Christ.  That is why more missionaries need to be sent so that the lost might hear the Gospel.  Let's open our hearts to give so that these miracles of faith may continue!  For more informaiton on Lutheran Muslim outreach, please contact:

POBLO International Ministries- 922 N. Beech Daly Road - Dearborn Heights, MI  48217 - Phone:  313-563-2051

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Message based on Bible text John 6:1-13

How do you feed 5000 people?  With a couple of fish, a few loaves of bread?  But what are they among so many?  Can't be done, right?  But what can happen if you place that in the hands of Jesus?  What can He do with it?

Many times the Church faces huge challenges that seem like insurmountable obstacles.  But are they?  Not if we place ourselves and our gifts in the hands of Jesus.

Join us as we explore the miracle of the feeding of the 5000.  If Jesus can do that with the gift of one boy, what can He do with our gifts?

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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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Pastor Schroeder examines whether we take sin and Christ's forgiveness seriously enough.

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Pastor Mueller speaks to us on John 17:20-26.

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Pastor Schroeder's Mother's Day sermon. The text was John 16:23-24.

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Pastor Schroeder speaks about John 10:22-30.

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Pastor Mueller speaks to us about John 21:1-19.

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Pastor Schroeder explains why we need to tell others about the risen Savior.

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Easter Sunday Message from Pastor Wayne Schroeder.

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Easter Sunday Message from Pastor Mark Allen Mueller.

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Pastor Mueller speaks to us about Phillippians 2:5-11.

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Pastor Mueller continues the Lenten series

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Pastor Mueller speaks to us about the daily struggle.

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Pastor Schroeder ties together Valentines day with Transfiguration Sunday.

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The theme for this Advent season is "Taking the Word to the World". Pastor Mueller's sermon "The Disciples' Only Hope At The Very End" is based on Luke 21:25-26. "Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will never pass away."

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Pastor Schroeder speaks to the children and then the adults in his sermon "Christ Our King" based upon John 18:36-37.

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Pastor Mueller speaks to the congregation about Growth:Going Through The Doors as it relates to the conclusion of our 10 week, Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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On Consecration Sunday, Guest Pastor, Randy Raasch, speaks to the congregation about Giving as it relates to the Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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Pastor Schroeder speaks to the congregation about service as it relates to the Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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Pastor Mueller speaks to the congregation about Bible Study as it relates to the Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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Pastor Schroeder speaks to the congregation about prayer as it relates to the Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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 Pastor Mueller speaks to the congregation about Connections as it relates to the Church wide Bible study, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

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Pastor Mueller speaks about worship as it relates the congregational Bible study "The Best is Yet to Come".

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Pastor Schroeder provides a sermon that parallels the congregation wide Bible study "The Best is Yet To Come". 

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Pastor Mueller provides members at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church a sermon that Parallels the 1st chapter of "The Best Is Yet To Come" a 10 week congregational Bible Study. 

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Pastor Schroeder introduces the sermon series to parallel a congregation wide Bible study.  The Doors that we will go through in life and how Christians can approach them. 

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A question of Faith arises when Jesus arrives late to help a sick girl because he is healing a sick woman.  The girl passes away and Jesus uses this as an opportunity to guide people on the matter of faith.

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