Sermons from 2023
1st Sunday after Christmas
Dear people loved by God in Christ: Grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Circumcision and Name of Jesus Often we skip from the shepherds to the wise men in the Christmas story. But that skips over some important things. This reading tells about what Joseph and Mary were very careful to do for Jesus when He was 8 days old. These were laws Joseph and Mary…
Christmas Day -2023
There was no livestream for this service. (Preaching on a Mark series that parallels the Historic Lectionary texts, the Christmas sermons utilize 1 Peter, since there is no Christmas story in Mark and Mark’s gospel was telling what Peter was remembering as eyewitness.) THE WORD MADE FLESH TO REDEEM US Sermon Text, St. John 1:12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-23. Dear people loved by God in Christ: St. John tells us that Jesus Christ is the “Word.” He tells us that this…
Christmas Eve 2023
JOY INEXPRESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY Sermon Text, St. Luke 2:8-20; 1 Peter 1:8-12. 10 And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” 8 Whom, having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible…
4th Sunday in Advent – 2023
WHO IS JESUS? Prayer: O God, give us ears to hear Your Word and believe it, and eyes of faith to see that Jesus truly is Your Son and our Savior from sin and death. Amen. Sermon Text, St. Mark 12:35-37. 35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said…
3rd Sunday in Advent – 2023
Sermon Text: Mark 9:10-13 TREATED WITH CONTEMPT Prayer: Dear Lord: If we’re treated with contempt, mocked or mistreated because of our faithfulness, comfort us in knowing that John the Baptist and the saints endured this, but especially that You endured it for our salvation. Be with us in our suffering. Also let it touch our hearts so we’re more zealous for the salvation of all who do evil, and more serious for our own salvation. Amen! Sermon Text, St. Mark…
2nd Sunday in Advent-2023
JOHN CAME BAPTIZING AND PREACHING Prayer: Dear God of grace: During this season, we struggle to keep our minds on You, that is, on You O Christ, the God-in-human-flesh, and You, God our Father who sent Him. But don’t we also need the Holy Spirit? Isn’t true faith in short supply, and also godly living? Don’t we have pressures, sadnesses, and fears; and we need to be comforted? We need You, Holy Spirit! Show us that Advent is also about…
1st Sunday of Advent – 2023
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we are embarking upon another church year. Help us to know what it’s all about the Gospel. Lord, we of all people should know the Gospel, for to know You is to know the Gospel and to know the Gospel is to know You. Let us know You through repenting of our sins and believing that You save us from these sins. Let this Gospel begin in us, and never end! Amen. The Text, St. Mark…
Last Sunday of the Church Year- 2023
THE END OF THE WORLD Prayer: Praise be to You, Lord, that we do not have to worry about how to answer the scoffers and all who don’t believe in Your coming judgment. You are the answer. Your longsuffering is the answer. It also teaches us not to be dismayed by what others say or do, but show them Your patient love in everything we say and do. We thank You that in the end it won’t be wickedness, torture, persecution…
Thanksgiving, 2023
Prayer: Almighty God, heavenly Father, whose mercies are new to us every morning: You abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul, even though we have in no way deserved Your goodness. We pray You, give us Your Holy Spirit, that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience. For Jesus’ sake we pray. Amen! Sermon Text: Lamentations 3:22-25. Dear fellow redeemed, citizens not only…