Posts

Showing posts from May, 2026

Sermon - Trinity I, 2026 - Luke 16:19-31

-
Image
Parable of Lazarus and the Story of Job , Erhard Altdorfer, circa 1520 Two Rich Men and Lazarus The rich men of this age who are lovers of money justify themselves by their earthly riches Jesus is the Rich Man who loves mankind, and justifies others by means His heavenly riches, namely His precious blood Lazarus, the poor sick beggar, is all who desire to be fed with the crumbs that fall from Jesus’ table. Earlier in Luke 16 Jesus famously says: “ You cannot serve God and mammon.” Then shortly before telling today’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus, He explains: “ The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. ” Thus, the issue of money and earthly wealth, and how we Christians are meant to treat our earthly riches, is most certainly at the forefront of today’s text. But today...
Post a Comment
Read more

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

-
Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sermon - Cantate 2026 - John 16:5-15

-
Image
Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles , Duccio di Buoninsegna 1308 The Spirit Guides us into the Truth The Spirit of Truth inspired the prophets and apostles to preach and write the scriptures The Spirit of Truth implants the Word into our hearts Alleluia! Christ is risen! How do you know the truth of Jesus’ teachings? This is confirmation Sunday today, so how do we know that the confirmands actually know the truth and believe the right things? How do we know that the Lutheran Church speaks the truth? How do we know that Christians, broadly speaking, even know that Jesus is real and that He is true God and true man and was crucified and risen for the forgiveness of our sins?  These are questions that the church has had to ask since the beginning of time. The devil questioned Adam and Eve if God actually said those things about the forbidden fruit. Korah rebelled against Moses asserting that the whole congregation is holy and therefore they shouldn’t trust that God is speaking through...
Post a Comment
Read more