Sermon - Exaudi 2026 - 1 Peter 4:7-14

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Gossip , Eugene de Blaas, 1903 Covering One-Anothers’ Faults Jesus not only overlooks our sins, but forgives them and covers us up We glorify Christ by forgiving one another, and covering up their shame Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! “ Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. ” Strife is all too common among us and it’s hard to get along with others. Some people are really mean, some are really annoying, and some people are both. Sometimes this comes out after just brief interactions, other times it’s with people you are around all the time. Perhaps this happens most often with those whom we love a lot. So today St. Peter instructs us: “ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ” When considering our sins and the sins of one another, it’s important for us to establish our love for one another in Christ. Jesus teaches us: “ Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ” St. Paul says: “ Wal...
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Male and Female - Emmetsburg Newspaper Article 4/22/21

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 “From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’” According to God’s ordering, He formed Adam from the dust of the earth and Eve from Adam’s side. For all the generations which have followed, God created us according to this same beautiful pattern: man and woman, husband and wife, male and female, XY and XX. The differences between men and women God has established in nature; differences in genetics, physiology, abilities, vocations, and personalities.

Men and women, while similar in many respects (and equal in regards to salvation and value), are not the same. God designed the sexes to be unequal to each other in order that they may complement one another. The differences between the two is what gives each their strength. The fact that men are to be men and that women are to be women is what gives our lives such vibrancy and vigor.

One very significant aspect of this is that only men can be husbands and fathers, and only women can be their wives and be mothers to their children. This simple, yet vital, pattern was set by God through Adam and Eve, through whom we all are their children. This vital pattern was made manifest in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus is the Groom, and the church is Christ’s bride. Jesus, the groom, laid down His life for His bride. The Church, the bride of Christ, is made holy and saved by the sacrificial death of her Groom.

This is the natural and holy ordering of this world, and it is good. Through this ordering of men and women, God blesses our world to be fruitful and joyful. Through this ordering of men and women, God the Father sent forth His Son Jesus to be born of His mother Mary, so that we, the bride of Christ, would be saved by the death of Christ our Groom.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Rev. John H. Koopman

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