“God’s Testimony: Eternal Life in His Son” (1 John 5:9-15) This week the Epistle reading once again is from First John. This has been the Epistle featured throughout this Easter season, and for good reason. The author, St. John, was … Continue reading
“The Spirit and the Water and the Blood” (1 John 5:1-8) Our Epistle today from First John includes a section that at first glance may seem a little puzzling. But when we look at it a little more closely, we’ll … Continue reading
Tune: Rendez à Dieu 1. Sing to the Lord a song of gladness – Christ is arisen from the dead! All sin and death with all its sadness Is conquered by our Lord and Head! His risen body shows salvation … Continue reading
“Abide in the Vine” (John 15:1-8) “Stay where you are!” “Don’t move!” These commands sound rather restrictive. These imperatives can sound oppressive and limiting, like we’re being told what to do, and it’s to not do anything. The idea of … Continue reading
“The Love That Lays Down Its Life” (1 John 3:16-24) “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.” What a beautiful hymn to sing on this day in the church year known as “Good Shepherd Sunday”! How we need a good … Continue reading
“What We Are Now and What We Will Be” (1 John 3:1-7) Last week we began a series of six straight weeks of Epistle readings from 1 John. Our theme last week was “Fellowship through the Word of Life”: We … Continue reading
“Fellowship through the Word of Life” (1 John 1:1 – 2:2) Today on this Second Sunday of Easter, we begin six straight weeks of Epistle readings from First John. This is quite appropriate for the Easter season, since First John … Continue reading
“He Is Risen: No Fooling!” (Mark 16:1-8) Alleluia! Christ is risen! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia!) Yes, it’s true! This is no April Fools’ joke. Jesus really is risen from the dead! Just like he said he would. Just like … Continue reading
“The Lord’s Prayer in the Lord’s Passion” is the theme of the Lenten devotion that Steadfast Lutherans has put together this year. The following sermon addresses the Conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer. For further reflection, read The Large Catechism, III. … Continue reading
Lambs at Pasture for the Resurrection of our Lord and its Answer Key are now available for download. English Version English Answer Key The repetitive nature of Lambs at Pasture aids in familiarity and memorization of key passages. This is especially true … Continue reading
“Our Anxieties and God’s Care” (1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11) What are your anxieties? What are you worried about? Anxiety is really another way to say worry. They pretty much mean the same thing. To be anxious, to be … Continue reading
“A Living, Loving Family” (John 14:15-21) Christ establishes his church to be “A Living, Loving Family.” And you are a part of it. A living, loving family. Now how do you hear that? Do you hear it as heavy demand, … Continue reading
“Hope for the Future and a Present Priesthood” (John 14:1-14; 1 Peter 2:2-10) You gotta have hope. Hope is faith facing the future. You and I, we need something to look forward to. Otherwise, we lose heart, we get depressed, … Continue reading
“The Good Shepherd for Straying and Suffering Sheep” (1 Peter 2:19-25) I’m guessing by now you’ve picked up on the theme of the day. You’ve heard it throughout the service so far. For example, in the Introit, the words of … Continue reading
“Opening the Scriptures, Breaking the Bread” (Luke 24:13-35) One of my favorite paintings is one we happen to have hanging in the hallway here at St. Matthew’s. I’ve brought it forward this morning, because it goes with the Gospel reading … Continue reading
“Easter Joy Continues!” (John 20:19-31; Acts 5:29-42; 1 Peter 1:3-9) Alleluia! Christ is risen! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia!) Yes, he is risen indeed! And guess what? He is still risen! Christ didn’t stop being risen once Easter Day was … Continue reading
“Raised with Our Risen Lord” (Colossians 3:1-4) Alleluia! Christ is risen! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia!) Yes, indeed Christ is risen! And because he is, guess what? You are risen too! That’s our message this morning on this beautiful Easter … Continue reading
Lambs at Pasture for The Resurrection of Our Lord and its Answer Key are now available for download. The repetitive nature of Lambs at Pasture aids familiarity and memorization of key passages. This is especially true when used in conjunction with the … Continue reading
This hymn is offered here freely for you to use in holy worship. If you do choose to use it, please be kind enough to let Pastor Thoma know. He would appreciate it. … Continue reading
“Behold, I Am Coming Soon” (Acts 1:1-11; Revelation 22:1-6, 12-20) Take a look at the picture over our altar. Of course, it’s a painting of the Ascension of Our Lord, that time when Jesus ascended into heaven. But if you … Continue reading
“Tribulation and Peace, Guaranteed” (John 16:23-33) There are very few guarantees in life, very few things you can be sure of. For instance, there are no guarantees about the success of your baseball team. The Chicago Cubs were riding high … Continue reading
“A Whole New World” (Revelation 21:1-7) “A Whole New World”: Aladdin may sing about it, but God will deliver it. Are you looking forward to it? You should be, and today I’ll tell you why. Yes, a whole new world. … Continue reading
“Our Guiding, Guarding Good Shepherd” (John 10:22-30; Acts 20:17-35; Revelation 7:9-17) Today is “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Every year on this Sunday in the Easter season we focus our attention on Jesus as our good shepherd. On this day every year … Continue reading
“Worthy Is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:1-14) In this presidential election year, we look around at the various candidates in both parties, and we ask ourselves, “Who is worthy? Who is worthy of holding the highest office in the land?” And … Continue reading
“If Christ Has Not Been Raised” (1 Corinthians 15:1-26) Alleluia! Christ is risen! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia!) Yes, he is risen indeed! Risen from the dead! Risen bodily. And everything depends on this. Your faith, your forgiveness, your future. … Continue reading