Sandhills Lutheran Ministry Podcast Series

When Our World Ends (Daniel 1:1–7)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

For the next eight weeks, we will delve into the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The series is called -- Thriving No Matter What Hits You. Today’s topic? When Our World Ends! Scripture Readings: The readings are about thriving when our world ends: OT: Daniel 1:1–7; EP: Romans 5:1–5; GO: John 14:1–10. Use the following questions as a guide for further reflection and prayer. Let's remain in God’s Word this summer!

Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer:

Try to imagine what this might have been like for the Jews to be in exile/deported to Babylon. What might this have been like for them? What might they have felt?
If we stubbornly refuse to see that God ends things to protect us, perfect us and direct us, then we add to our suffering. How so?
How can Jesus’ resurrection change the way we look at situations when it might look like the end of our world?

The Theme of the Day: On Earth is not His Equal!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0600

(Job 41:20-34) Job 41 ends with this description of Leviathan. “On earth is not his equal.” These words famously appear in Martin Luther’s hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God. On Palm Sunday Christ was greeted with palm branches—the ancient symbol for victory. Job 41 is also all about victory. God’s victory over that same evil foe who still means deadly woe!

Eyes to See

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0600

(John 9:1-41). Jesus healed the blind man and gave him eyes to see—not only to see the physical world around him but also to see Jesus as the Christ (John 9)—so Jesus heals our sinful blindness and gives us eyes to see the truth. Ultimately, it is the light of Christ that enlightens our vision and reveals who we truly are.

Rejoicing in My Suffering.

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0600

(Romans 5:1-8). Paul doesn’t tell me that suffering is like some spiritual exercise. He speaks of God pouring out a gift into my heart. Suffering is not the cause, but the occasion of God’s gift of love and thus Paul’s occasion for joy.

He Is No Myth!

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700

(II Peter 1:16-21). Peter has seen and touched and heard the Lord of Life speak. Peter’s experience of the One who is the Truth is far more substantive than any myth.

We have received the Spirit who is from God

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0700

(I Corinthians 2:1-12). Paul is trying to get his congregation and us to lose our reliance on the ways of this world. He uses the example of his own preaching, but also notes that it came among them with power and the Spirit of God. It was not because Paul was right, but God was right. Thus, both Paul and the Corinthians need to put aside their own ideas and let the Spirit of God have his way with them.

God Works in Hidden Ways

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700

(Matthew 2:13-23). The slaughter of the innocents may seem like a macabre theme for the Sunday after Christmas. Herod clearly was due for some coal in his Christmas stocking. Can’t we just let the season be and forget all this nasty stuff? It would be nice to continue the sentimentality of Christmas and just leave this story unread. But to do so would be to miss Christmas’ greatest point. In the face of evil, in the face of trauma, in the face of suffering, God works in hidden ways.

Baby Names

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700

(Luke 1:26-38): We contemplate the name Jesus, which was given to him at his birth. It is a reminder to us of his reason for entering into our world: He came to save us. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:31.

Give me life!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Psalm 119:81-88. We conclude the four-week sermon series from the Psalms called, “O Sing to the Lord.” The psalmist helps us to respond to the day when our trust in the Lord will be put to the test. Let’s finish our journey in God’s Word. Other Scripture reading referenced: Hebrews 11:17-31; 12:1-3.

The Lord … Our help and our shield.

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600

(Psalm 33:10-22) The psalmist points us toward living without anxiety about the things of life but rather simply trusting that God who loves is looking out for us. Our Father created us and is watching over this world, always caring for it. This is the third sermon in the sermon series from the book of Psalms called "O Sing to the Lord."

Shout to the Lord!

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0600

(Psalm 100). Jesus warns us of covetousness and calls us to a joyful and living trust (Psalm 100). As God’s people, the sheep of His pasture, together, we praise and give thanks to the Lord and serve Him with gladness. This is the second week in our sermon series from Psalms called, "O Sing to the Lord." During the service we blessed the new Bible Story curriculum, for use in Noah’s Ark Preschool.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0600

(Psalm 138). Prayer is faith/trust in embodied action. But many people have at one time or another found their prayer life unsatisfying. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, calls us to know, trust, and communicate with our Heavenly Father – and He with you! This is the first sermon in the “O Sing to the Lord” sermon series from the Psalms.

There’s A New Lord in Town

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ephesians 1:15-23

Christ is in control, head over all! He has been given all rule, authority, power, dominion. That is why he ascended on high. With the eyes of our hearts so enlightened, with that revelation and spirit of wisdom, let us not lose heart. Our ascended Lord rules and fills all things for us, his Church.

The One Who Conquers

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

(Revelation 21:1-7). The message is one of hope for John’s persecuted people and for us. The person who stands firm, who conquers in his language here, will be in this band of festive-clad people. This sermon was preached on the Fifth Sunday of Easter and on Confirmation Day (May 18, 2025) for our congregation.

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 -0600

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 reveals three reasons why we need this Good Shepherd: He knows our needs, transforms our lives, and brings us home in thankfulness. Today we are celebrating that Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

“I Am Jesus” Changes Everything

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:00:00 -0600

Acts 9:1–22

Saul meets Jesus, and everything changes. We meet Jesus, and everything changes. Meeting Jesus, Risen and Alive, Makes a Difference in Every Area of Life.

The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Jesus

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:00:00 -0600

(Philippians 3:8-14 ). St. Paul had violently opposed God’s Son (Phil 3:6), but now he had discovered that the true inheritance was “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14, emphasis added). What we know our future to be can actually change our present.

Keeping Your Eyes Open

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0600

(Philippians 3:17-4:1). Models of faithful following of Jesus are significant parts of the Holy Spirit’s bringing up God’s children in the way that they are to go. We learn to follow Paul’s example in walking Christ’s way in the family, the congregation of his people.

Lead us not into temptation

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0600

(Luke 4:1-13) The Holy Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness and leads Him into temptation and victory. That same Spirit of God, poured out by Jesus, unites me to His victory. I need to participate in that victory of Christ.

Carrying a Secret

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0700

(Luke 9:28-36) The three “inner circle” disciples witnessed the transfiguration of their Lord, heard God the Father’s voice, looked upon Jesus who was found alone and then we are told that they kept silent. What? Yes! It may be a bit counterintuitive, but we also carry an open secret until an opportune time comes to share it.

God sent me before you

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0700

(Genesis 45:3-15) Joseph embraces his brothers, weeps, and they finally talk. Even in their sinful attempt to murder him, God was saving lives. Relationships can be restored. God is at work even in the most difficult of places right now. How can we see even the worst things of life as occasions when God works for the good of people, often despite the actions of people?

Orientation Flight (Luke 6:17-26)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0700

How can we enjoy the good things of life without turning them into idols? Jesus gives an “orientation flight” to his disciples and to us, so that we remember to keep Him as our top priority, find our way back home to God and give orientation flights also for our children, grandchildren and others.

A God of Surprises

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0700

(Luke 5:1-11) Peter returned to his boats and the fishing he had already once left. Jesus found him there, called him, and gave him a new purpose. Yes, he would follow, but he would also fish for men. If you are going to follow Jesus, just be ready because you are following a God of surprises.

Good News that Matters!

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0700

The Gospel reading for the Baptism of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) is Luke 3:15-22. Because it is Good News that matters, John the Baptist, with exhortations preaches Good News to people. We do the same. We thank God for the power and peace of the Gospel, for it alone creates real and lasting change in our lives!

A Conversation Worth Having

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0700

(Luke 2:40-52). Although Luke gives some interesting details, he doesn’t report the conversations that we might like to hear in today’s Gospel reading. But he does record the conversation worth having between Mary and the young Jesus. This conversation starts with “Son, why have you treated us so?” At times, as humans, we ask of God. “Why, God, are you doing this?” Other readings for the Second Sunday after Christmas: 1 Kings 3:4-15 and Ephesians 1:3-14

My own eyes have seen…

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0700

(Luke 2:22-40) Here are two poor people, two old people, and an infant, standing on the portico of the temple. The world is rushing by, the temple was a busy place. There were many important people busily about doing important things. But here in this little tableau, these marginalized and unimportant people were the only ones who recognized the most important thing in all the universe. Other readings for the First Sunday after Christmas: Old Testament: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15; Psalm 111 and Colossians 3:12-17.

He Shall Be Their Peace

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0700

(Micah 5:2-5a). The Therapist, is a false christ who reduces sadness, unfulfillment, stress and averageness. Who is this false Christ? Do you worship him? The prophet Micah says that the Christ will be our real peace. Today, we turn away from The Therapist Jesus and turn toward the real Jesus who reconciled to himself all things, making peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20). This is the final week of the Advent sermon series called “Promise Fulfilled: Let us See (the Real) Jesus. I would like to acknowledge and recommend to you the book, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up – 12 False Christs,” written by Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard and published by Concordia Publishing House (cph.org).

God in Her Midst

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0700

(Zephaniah 3:14-20). Today we meet the third false christ as seen in American culture: The Good Teacher, who is not the incarnate Divine Lord and nothing more than a wise religious person. However, the knowledge and ways of this false christ are not God’s knowledge and ways (Isaiah 55:8). The real Jesus is indeed so much more. Today God comes to me and you. He is in our midst. “Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word!” (LSB 343 refrain). Readings for Advent 3: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 7:18-28. The example of Mr. Darby is taken from Rev. Matthew Richard’s book, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs” published by Concordia Publishing House. The entire poem “At the Smithville Methodist Church,” by Stephen Dunn can be accessed at https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/sd-smithville.htm.

I Will Refine

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0700

(Malachi 3:1-7b). The promised messiah will be a refiner. God only refines what he values. What needs refining in our lives this season of Advent as we consider the Real Jesus? Repentance is the doorway to freedom from being taken in by the wily charms of the false Christ called “The Mascot.” This is the second week of the Advent sermon series called, “Promise Fulfilled: Let us See (the Real) Jesus.” Readings for Advent 2: Old Testament Malachi 3:1-7b; Epistle: Philippians 1:2-11; Gospel: Luke 3:1-14.

The Lord is Our Righteousness

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0700

(Jeremiah 33:14-16). This is the first week of the 2024 Advent sermon series called, Promise Fulfilled: Let Us See (the Real) Jesus! Today, we meet one of the false christs that is so prominently seen in American culture: “The option among many”. The Old Testament prophets are declaring God’s promised Messiah to come long before he showed up. Christ’s exclusive incarnation, life, death, and resurrection means that every one of God’s promises in Jeremiah are now yours: The Real Jesus is your righteousness. “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12)

Zacchaeus: Money’s Generous Side

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0700

What motivates you to give? Zacchaeus will help us answer this question as he shows money’s generous side. This weekend we wrap up our three-week series called Money Talks and Zacchaeus is our man. The readings are about money’s generous side OT: Proverbs 3:5–10; EP: 1 Timothy 6:17–19; GO: Luke 19:1–10

Money Talks: Money’s Tempting Side

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Money Talks! That’s the name of the three-week sermon series we’re in. Today’s money talk comes from 2 Kings 5. The focus? A greedy man named Gehazi. The sermon and the readings for week 2 are about money’s tempting side: OT: 2 Kings 5:1–27; EP: 1 Timothy 6:11–16; GO: Matthew 6:24–26

Money Talks: Money’s Dark Side

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0700

This Sunday we begin a three-week series called Money Talks and Lot is our focus. Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Lot, whose wife famously became a pillar of salt. Lot, whose life shows us money’s dark side. There is much to learn! Scripture Readings: The readings are about money’s dark side:
OT: Genesis 19:1–11; EP: 1 Timothy 6:6–10; GO: Luke 12:13–21

The Bondage Breaker

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Theme of the Day: Today is the day—the Anniversary of the Reformation! And we do so based upon Christ’s words in John 8:32, “The truth will set you free.” This is our Independence Day! Scripture readings for Reformation Sunday: Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36.

Ready to Serve

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0600

Luke 1:38. On this Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League (LWML) Sunday we are thinking about service. As redeemed children of God, we serve others as we have been served, to proclaim that Jesus is our Lord and that He came for all nations. Readings for LWML Sunday: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 1:26-38. For more information about LWML and its ministry and mission, please see LWML.org. As a practical way of serving as Christian citizens, we are thinking about the competing abortion related initiatives in Nebraska. For more information about these two initiatives (and how churches can engage in government) see nebraskafamilyalliance.org.

Jesus looked at him and loved him.

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0600

Mark 10:17-22. God has looked at our broken lives and our miserable attempts at righteousness, even when we still are in the midst of our deception and he has loved us nonetheless.

Spiritual Conversations Sermon Series: Week 5 -- Everyday Conversations

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0600

(1 Peter 3:13-17). Even amid suffering, when we talk about Jesus in our everyday conversations, we do this with “gentleness and respect.” Learn more about the Spiritual Conversation Curve in a free course offered by Lutheran Hour Ministries called “Prepared to Respond” at lhm.org/curve

Spiritual Conversations Sermon Series: Week 4 --Becoming Eager Conversationalists

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0600

(Ephesians 6:10-20). Becoming more eager to share our faith is something that we all can work toward. Action step: To examine oneself, and work on a piece of Armor of God that we don’t have strapped on tight enough take the online course at lhm.org/learn called “Eager to Share”.

Spiritual Conversations Sermon Series: Week 3 -- Beautiful Conversations (Isaiah 52:7-10)

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Sharing our faith is good, it has utility, and it is beautiful. But often we make assumptions about ourselves and others that get in the way of us faithfully sharing our faith with non-believers. Epistle reading: Romans 10:11-17 and Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-30. This sermon begins and ends with the image of the Great West Window of Winchester Cathedral. You can do an Internet search of the image or click on the link: Wikimedia Commons, CC Licence

Other resources for this sermon series: Lutheran Hour Ministries: www.LHM.org. The Spiritual Conversation Curve Card: https://www.lhm.org/curve/ and the book, “The Reluctant Witness” is available at https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Witness-Discovering-Spiritual-Conversations/dp/0830845674.

Spiritual Conversations Sermon Series: Week 2 -- Why We Stopped Talking

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0600

(Luke 22:54-62) Peter denied Jesus. Before we get too harsh in our thinking of Peter, how often do we find ourselves in similar situations. And through God’s Word, Jesus helps us overcome our fears. Epistle reading cited: 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

Spiritual Conversations Sermon Series: Week 1 --How Will They Hear?

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:00:00 -0600

(Romans 10:13-17). As we consider Paul’s words that people need to hear the story of salvation from God’s people – the Gospel – we need to deeply consider how we are currently doing this. Other readings: Acts 2:42-47 and Luke 24:44-53. Resources: Lutheran Hour Ministries: www.LHM.org. The Spiritual Conversation Curve Card: https://www.lhm.org/curve/ and the book, “The Reluctant Witness” is available at https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Witness-Discovering-Spiritual-Conversations/dp/0830845674.

Nothing Apart from Christ.

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Ecclesiastes 1:1–14 and Mark 7:1-13. As we consider all that we do in this place, all that we desire for our school, our children, and our lives, we proclaim, “Jesus is the one thing needful!” Apart from Him, all is vanity.

Walk in the Way of Wisdom.

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Proverbs 9:1-10 and John 6:51-69. Christ has given us a new path to walk, unlike the ways of the world.

Unexpected Sabbaths

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0600

1 Kings 19:1–8 . The Lord graciously sustains Elijah during his unexpected sabbath. We may tell God, “I’ve had enough,” but Jesus comes to give us more than enough.

He is always near.

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Psalm 145:10-21. The Psalmist declares, “The Lord is near.” The new man whom God has raised up in Baptism will rejoice at the presence of God so near to us. This psalm connects to the Old Testament Reading (Ex 16:2–15), in which God miraculously provides the manna from heaven out of the generosity of his hand. It is the Lord God who provides for the needs of his people. It also connects to the Gospel reading John 6:22–35. Jesus refers to himself as “the bread of life” who has “come down from heaven” (Jn 6:35, 38).

The House Not Made with Hands

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

(II Corinthians 4:13-5:1) The old building looks a little long in the tooth. I am passing away along with everything else. Mortality seems to cling to me heavily these days. Yet, God has made a promise and I turn my faith to things unseen, yet expected.

Lord of the Sabbath – Lord of Me

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0600

Mark 2:23-28 (See also the Old Testament reading for the second Sunday after the Pentecost: Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God gave His people the Sabbath as a time of rest to remember the great

things He has done for us. In receiving Word and Sacrament, we find true Sabbath rest—Jesus Christ.

LORD!

Tue, 28 May 2024 20:00:00 -0600

Acts 2:14a, 22-36. Theme for Holy Trinity Sunday (May 26, 2024): The Father, by raising Jesus from the dead, has revealed Jesus of Nazareth to be the Son of God and the LORD of all and that this same Lord Jesus has poured out the life-giving Spirit on us.

Life in His Son, Life in Us

Sun, 12 May 2024 19:00:00 -0600

I John 5:9-15. John wants to address that fearful person today who has doubts, “I feel like I am an imposter.” John’s answer is to believe the stronger testimony of God.

Living as the Child of God

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

I John 3:1-7
Theme: God has called us His children. And so we are. Our own eyes are still of this world and we struggle to see it ourselves. But the one who believes/hopes in this, is being made like that (purifying self).

Peace with joy and the wounds of Christ in the middle

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0600

John 20:19-31

Theme: The world loves the idea of peace, but most of the solutions which it offers are really just a form of coping with problems. Jesus bestows peace upon his disciples, real peace. And in the middle of that peace are the wounds of Christ and holy joy.

Our Humble Priest

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Hebrews 5:1-10

Theme: Although the connection between God and humanity had been severed by sin, that connection is restored through Jesus, our humble priest.

God’s Workmanship

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Ephesians 2:1-10 (11-22)

Theme: There are good works which are ours to do right now. We are God’s workmanship with a purpose. Jesus wants to do something good right now. That means the Christian community, this Christian community is living and walking in the light of Christ, a different operating principle than the divisiveness, factionalism, or tribalism which is dominating the world in which we live right now.

The Foolishness of God

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0700

I Corinthians 1:18-31
Theme: God is only to be found in His Word made flesh, the one nailed to the cross. “How foolish! How impotent!”, all people, whatever their culture, think. But God’s children are determined to know nothing but Christ crucified.

Reconciled through His Death and Saved through His Life

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Romans 5:1-11 Theme of the Day: Jesus, by losing all, gains all. That is imprinted upon our lives as well. Paul, in this reading, does a deep dive into just what that means. Sermon preached on February 25, 2024.

Tempted

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0700

James 1:12-18 Theme: James says that God tempts no one. James is right.

God may test my faith to show me what He has done, but he never leads me astray. The following readings are also referenced in the sermon:

Old Testament: Genesis 22:1-18 and Gospel: Mark 1:9-15.

We are Very Bold

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0700

2 Corinthians 3:12-18; 4:1-6
Theme of the Day: What inspires us to be bold, showing the face of Christ to everyone?

Other readings for Transfiguration Sunday: Old Testament Reading: Exodus 34:29-35; Holy Gospel: Mark 9:2-9. The Feast of Transfiguration brings the season of Epiphany to a close. Once again, a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be the Son of God, the beloved. Today we see him garbed in light, as he is even now, a brilliant figure whose glory is hard for Peter and the rest to behold. The light is part of this message, an important part.

All Things to All People

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0700

I Corinthians 9:16-27
Theme: If I am all things to all people, do I have any integrity left? Who or what am I? Paul’s integrity and ours is the Gospel itself.

God Knows You

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0700

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Theme of the Day: The one who loves is known by God. That is the knowledge that makes all the difference in the world.

Not Yours to Keep

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0700

I Corinthians 7:29-35 Theme of the Day: I am just so busy! So many things demand my attention. This list never ends. Now Paul wants to extricate me from my anxiety, but who will silence all these demands? God does.

You Are Not Your Own – You Have Been Bought at a Price

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0700

I Corinthians 6:12-20. Theme of the Day: Jesus shed real blood for your real body. Your body today is a means for you to glorify God. He has made it important and sacred by sending his Holy Spirit into it in your baptism.

New Life

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0700

The Epistle reading and sermon text for the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday is Romans 6:1-11. The Gospel reading is Mark 1:4-11. Theme of the Day: Paul believes that sinners can change. We all have been baptized with Christ and that means the power of the Holy Spirit, the new life into which we have been raised, is truly ours. Considering baptism? Talk to a pastor. I recommend a Lutheran pastor serving in one of the nearly 6,000 LCMS churches in the United States of America. Go to https://locator.lcms.org/church and enter in your address to find a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Church near you.

Lord Now Let Your Servant Depart in Peace

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Luke 2:22-40
Theme of the Day: Mary and Joseph bring two turtle doves because they were poor. Simeon is about to die. Anna was widowed for many years. Jesus came for them all. Our eyes have seen God’s salvation!

Jesus Stands Among Them

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0700

John 1:6-8, 19-28 Theme of the Day: John does not bring the Messiah nor do we bring Christ to the nations, but we point out the One who is right there.

The Patience of the Lord

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Sermon text: 2 Peter 3:8-14. Theme of the Day: Peter wants us to know just what a precious thing it is for us that God is patient and not coming today in wrath and power. The Lord is patient with you and me! How does that shape our lives? The texts for the second Sunday in Advent, December 10th are from Isaiah 40:1-11,
Psalm 85, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8.

Enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0700

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Paul wants to bring the Corinthians and us from a language of poverty to one of wealth and plenty. We are enriched in knowledge and speech! Paul is eliciting the response from the Corinthians and from us the primary response which we associate with this season – repentance.

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0700

Matthew 25:31–46

Theme of the Day: Homeless Jesus is a bronze sculpture created in 2013 by Timothy Schmalz. Schmalz’s artwork lays the foundation for Christ’s parable about the sheep and the goats. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeless_Jesus

The Parable of the Talents

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0700

Matthew 25:14-30

Theme of the Day: You Had One Job. That’s a website featuring people who had one job and didn’t do it. In today’s parable, Jesus tells us, “You had one job.” What would that be?

The Parable of the Faithful Servant

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0700

Matthew 24:45–52

“Begin with the end in mind.” Stephen Covey said this. Jesus addresses this. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us live it out!

An Angel Flying Directly Overhead with an Eternal Gospel

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Revelation 14:6-7 Oct. 29th, 2023

John sees this angel flying high – but who is he? It is true, in a dark time Martin Luther’s voice rang clear and true and called many to glorify God, fear Him, and worship Him who made all things. But it is an angel who proclaims this – and the word angel means messenger --someone who is sent. On this Reformation Day we are thinking about the mission of the Church as a whole.

For the Sake of My Chosen Servant

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 45:1-7 October 22, 2023

May the hearer, beset by forces beyond his/her control, trust that God works the events of this world for the blessing of His people!

I rejoice.

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 25:6-9 October 15th, 2023

Other readings for this Sunday: Psalm 23, Philippians 4:4-13 and Matthew 22:1-14. We confront what looks like incontrovertible truth in the death of loved ones and our own death. We see a world which fills us with sorrow and Satan wants us to believe that is the way it is and the way it will always be, that he has won. But it is not so. Jesus has risen, the sheet that covers us all is swallowed up in his Easter truth. On that day, every Sunday, we say that we have waited and now we rejoice.

What More Could He Do?

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 5:1-7

God has filled our lives with blessings but we are quick to say that this is mine and the fruit of my labor. We fight and squabble and drive some away. We do not trust God like the Israelites who went out every morning to gather manna in the wilderness. But God has one more card in his hand which He will play – He will send His Son.

All Life is Mine

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Sunday and Pentecost 18. (The other text prominently cited in the sermon is the Epistle reading from Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18.) Life is not really mine. It is God’s. It has always been His or it is death. He is life, after all. What are the implications of God’s claim that “All life is mine”? God’s divine claim on our life means that He gets to define it (not me), he gives it purpose (I am not the center of this picture), and I am accountable to Him (not to myself). Ezekiel is asserting the divine claim on our life, but if you look closely in this text, he also asserts God’s desire for life. God does not desire death, but life for his creatures.

LWML is the place where each woman is welcomed and encouraged to use her unique God-given gifts as she supports global missions and serves the Lord with gladness. Visit www.lwml.org or download the LWML app in Google play or the App Store to download their free app.

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Thoughts above my thoughts, ways above my ways

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 55:6-9 and Matthew 20:1-16 September 24, 2023)

Too often we let the economy and dynamics of the world enter our relationship with God. There is no free lunch out there, but here, God is gracious, a giver of free gifts to us. How can we simply rest in the grace of God?

Am I In the Place of God? Yes!

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Genesis 50:15-21 and Matthew 18:21-35

September 17, 2023 We want to notice what it is that Joseph does today and has already done in Genesis. Who is it in my life that needs forgiveness? Should I forgive them? I can forgive them, but I can never forget! Forgiving others is hard, so we take our cue from Joseph who becomes an instrument of showing God’s grace. May the hearer forgive the people in his/her life who need forgiveness.

The Watchman

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Ezekiel 33:7-9 9/10/2023
The Gospel reading is Matthew 18:1-20.

Ezekiel is supposed to proclaim a warning: God’s judgment of sin is real. God continues to call “Watchmen” to proclaim the Law and Gospel to us and through us. This sermon wants to remember the purpose of the Law in this process. We have all too often jumped to the Gospel which then becomes no good news. Today, we sing “The Law of God Is Good and Wise” (LSB 579). How is this most certainly true?

For reasons which defy understanding, God has made his appeal through us (II Cor. 4:7-12 and 5:11-21). We are empowered to speak words of divine authority (Mt. 18:18 and Jn 20:23) and by our ministry to make disciples for the kingdom of God (Mt 28:16-20). May the Holy Spirit move the hearer to witness to God’s judgment and forgiveness.

I AM With You

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0600

September 3, 2023 Jeremiah 15:15-21

Disappointment. Does our Christian expression even allow for disappointment in God? Or do we tell people that Christians never feel these things? Are we subtly and not-so-subtly telling them that these feelings are not Christian feelings? Jeremiah experiences rejection from the hearers of his day because of his faithful proclamation of God’s Word. He and God’s message gets rejected. In turn Jeremiah expresses his disappointment in God and God responds to his prophet and to us with his gracious word of promise. – I AM with you.

Assaulting the Gates of Hell

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Matthew 16:13-20 August 27, 2023
Gates are not offensive weapons. They are defensive positions. Jesus is not calling us to hunker down behind the walls of our church here, but he is sending us out on a seek and liberate mission. We are on the offensive here.

May the Holy Spirit embolden and equip the hearer to assault the gates of hell and free, through the power of Christ’s Word, those whom our enemy had claimed.

Pastor Jon concludes the sermon by meditating on the Christ Pantocrator Mosaic from Hagia Sophia. Here is a link to this image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christ_Pantocrator_mosaic_from_Hagia_Sophia_2744_x_2900_pixels_3.1_MB.jpg

A Lesson Learned

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Matthew 15:21-28 August 20, 2023

Old Testament reading for Pentecost 12 is Isaiah 56:1, 6-8. The disciples had been wondering why they were all the way up in Tyre and Sidon. Jesus is about to

demonstrate to them that he is calling people to faith from every tribe, and nation, and people (see Rev 5.) We can still learn more, and we are never done growing into the heart of Jesus. His heart is very large and it has room for everyone, even the folks we find difficult. But he is always teaching his church this lesson. He is here today teaching us today.

God is in the Boat!

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0600

Matthew 14:22-33 August 13th
Jesus tips his hand here by calming the storm and walking on the water. He is God. The disciples recognize that here. They bow down and worship. It is all one can do when in the presence of God. We might feel like the world, worship and life has become disenchanted but this reading helps us to see things anew in the light of the incarnate presence of God…and to act accordingly. May the Spirit of God inspire a holy awe in the hearer so that he/she can tremble before the presence of God and delight in his gracious words to us.

The Table Is Set! We’re Invited. Who’s Inviting?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 55:1-5.

Other readings: Psalm 136:1-9 (23-26); Romans 9:1-5 (6-13) and Matthew 14:13-21. Isaiah 55 is a celebration meal. The Lord’s servant has been victorious. It’s time to feast. The worship theme for this day focuses on food—and all that that connotes in God’s eternal provision. The Psalm is often prayed at dinner tables and is traditional also for Thanksgiving Day (see 136:25). And all are themed by the feeding of the five thousand in the Gospel (Mt 14:15–21). In the Old Testament text, we see how Jesus has set and invited us to a wonderful table of food and drink so that we might invite others. May the hearer more faithfully invite others to God’s table of blessing!

Paradox Maintained – God’s All-Powerful and Resistible Word

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Isaiah 55:10-13 & Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Pastor Jon’s message was originally preached on July 16, 2023 but is being released about the time that he will be attending the LCMS Church Convention this summer. It is also worthwhile noting, just for some context, that Pastor Jon worked in the cornfields for a couple of weeks prior to giving his July 16th message, helping out his father’s family business in southeast Nebraska. He saw firsthand how careful the farmers have to be in planting and harvesting a crop. This gave him some insight into the rather reckless love that the Sower has in Jesus’ parable – a reckless love that God has for this world. May the hearer live faithfully in the tension of the paradox that God has an all-powerful Word that is able to be resisted.

He is Our Rock – We Know No Other

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0600

The text is Isaiah 44:6-8. Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (July 23, 2023). We know the rock that is God, but we first know Him in His incarnate self, as He has made Himself known to us: Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and raised for our justification. May the Holy Spirit build a durable faith in the hearer which is able to withstand the assaults of the devil and this world. Pastor Jon is using an image based sermon structure. The image used is called “God’s Thumb” from the Movie, “Holes.” You can access the image referenced at https://holes.fandom.com/wiki/God%27s_Thumb

The Gospel reading referenced in the sermon is known as the Parable of the Weeds, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

Proclaiming our History, Proclaiming our Future in Christ

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0600

This sermon was preached by Pastor Lonnie (Jake) Jacobsen at the occasion of the 50th Anniversary for Faith Lutheran Church – A big thank you to the members of Faith Lutheran Church (Fawn Lake Rd and Highway 61 in Cherry County, NE) for hosting their 50th anniversary celebration, to all who join us on Sunday June 18th, to everyone who has supported Faith with their financial gifts, encouragement and prayers over the years, and to Pastor Jake and Penny Jacobsen who represented the LCMS NE District. All Glory to God alone!

All the People a Prophet

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The sermon text for the Day of Pentecost ( May 28th, 2023) is from Numbers 11:24-30. May the Holy Spirit of God move all people to speak God’s beautiful words of grace and hope!

I See Jesus! Rich

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0600

On the Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 21st), the sermon is based on Acts 1:12-26. May the hearer be open to the risen Savior’s gifts to fulfill his mandate to be the agents of his love to our community.

The sermon series for the Sundays of Easter will be based on the readings in the Book of Acts, a text of great import which often gets too little attention from God’s people. The point of the initial chapters of Acts seems clear. Jesus is not absent but present, but if you want to see Him, look to His people.

I See Jesus! Flexible

Sun, 28 May 2023 06:00:00 -0600

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 14th), the sermon is based on Acts 17:16-31. May the Holy Spirit teach us the things that matter and those that do not as we “canoe the mountains” of contemporary culture.

I See Jesus! Equal

Mon, 22 May 2023 21:00:00 -0600

On the Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 7th), the sermon is based on Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60. May the Holy Spirit give us to see our fellow human beings as Christ sees us – a redeemed and precious child of God!

I See Jesus! Generous

Mon, 15 May 2023 20:00:00 -0600

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 30th), also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, the sermon is based on Acts 2:42-47. This is also Confirmation Day for two confirmands who publicly confessed their faith in their Good Shepherd. Others readings for this day include Psalm 23 and John 10: 1-10. May the Holy Spirit work in us the gifts which He brings through faith, particularly the life which is lived generously!

I See Jesus! True

Mon, 08 May 2023 19:00:00 -0600

On the Third Sunday of Easter (April 23rd), the sermon is based on Acts 2:14a, 36-41. The Gospel reading for this Sunday is Luke 24:13-35. May the Holy Spirit open the hearts, minds, and ears of the congregation and the hearer to delight in God’s call to them!

I See Jesus! -- Courageous

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The sermon series for the Sundays of Easter will be based on the readings in the Book of Acts, a text of great import which often gets too little attention from God’s people. The sermon series is called "I See Jesus!" The presumption here is that Jesus, risen from the dead, is inhabiting and working through His people today. He is not sitting idly on some heavenly throne listening to celestial top 40. The point of the initial chapters of Acts seems clear. Jesus is not absent but present, but if you want to see Him, look to His people.

Today's sermon entitled, "Courageous" is based on the reading of Acts 5:29-42. The Gospel reading referenced in the sermon is John 20:19-31. May the Spirit of God embolden the hearer to proclaim Jesus!

Again!

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0600

Happy Easter! Christ is risen! The Old Testament reading for Easter this year is Jeremiah 31:1-6. It provides rich insight into the joy of Easter and God's Again for His people. May the hearer rejoice in God’s great reversal – death is undone, sins are forgiven, and devils flee in terror! God has promised his Again to us.

Cross Purposes Philippians 2:5-11 Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600

Pastor Jon focuses on the words of Paul in the Epistle reading to frame or introduce the massive and massively important account of Jesus’ passion and death. The homily on Philippians 2:5-11 is about 10 minutes in duration. After his homily, Pastor Jon keeps the recording going to let the hearer listen meditatively on a reading of the Gospel for Passion Sunday: Matthew 27:11-66. During this Holy Week, may the Spirit of God guide the hearer of this Gospel lesson to a faithful hearing of Christ’s great gift to us!

He puts His Spirit Within Us!

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

This sermon is based on the Old Testament reading from Ezekiel 37 for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent include the following: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:1-11: John 11:1-53 Pastor Jon starts with a central image based on a painting by Edvard Munch entitled, "By the Death Bed." It would probably help to look at this painting prior to listening to the sermon and having it available to look at again at times during the sermon. Here are the details of the painting with its link for viewing online:Munch, Edvard, 1863-1944. At the Deathbed, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57311 [retrieved March 26, 2023]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:'At_the_Deathbed'_by_Edvard_Munch,_1895,_Bergen_Kunstmuseum.JPG.

May the Holy Spirit give the hearer real and Christian hope which will empower the Christian’s Lenten Penitence and Easter Joy!

God’s Unrestrained Goodness Isaiah 42:14-21 Lent 4A

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:00:00 -0600

All human hearts produce idols, that is, false-god substitutes for the one, true God. Idolatry preys on us by blinding us to the unrestrained goodness of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We may think that God is absent. In our text from Isaiah 42:14-21, God makes us aware that He is active in our lives with his goodness (42:13-15). God shows his great goodness by leading the blind because the blind can’t lead themselves (vv. 16-17). Finally, God’s great goodness has taken our death and blindness to Himself, in His Servant Christ, our Lord and Savior Jesus (vv. 18-21). May the hearer acknowledge and rest in the unrestrained goodness of God!

The Lord is Among Us

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0600

The sermon entitled, "The Lord is Among Us," is based on Exodus 17:1-7, which is the Old Testament reading for the Third Sunday in Lent. The Gospel reading for Lent 3 is John 4:5-26. May the hearer confess and marvel at the presence of Christ!

Father Abraham

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0700

This sermon, based on the Old Testament reading (Genesis 12:1-9) for the Second Sunday in Lent, is called, “Father Abraham.” May the Spirit of God conform the hearer to the pattern of Abraham – the man of faith.!

The Epistle reading is Romans 4:1-8, 13-17 and the Gospel reading is John 3:1-17 and both are referenced in the sermon. The sermon outline is a definition of faith and is provided here for your convenience:

Faith is confidence in God ….
A. Trusting His promises
B. And acting on His promises,
C. Looking forward in hope and
D. And depending on God’s faithfulness
E. In relationship with Jesus who saves me

He Crushed Satan’s Head

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0700

This sermon on Genesis 3:1-21 for the First Sunday in Lent will focus on that promise made to Eve and Adam that one day her descendent, a seed, would crush Satan’s head. The New Testament of course identifies that head-crusher: Jesus. May you, dear listener, engage in an earnest battle against sin and temptation since Christ has broken Satan’s final power over us all.

The Fasting Which the Lord Requires

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0700

Isaiah 58:3-9a -- Originally preached on the Fifth Sunday of Epiphany, February 5th, 2023 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hyannis, NE. Pastor Jon is back with the sermon podcast. As we consider this reading from Isaiah, may the Holy Spirit work lives of mercy, justice, and service in the hearer.

Overcoming Through God's Word

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0600

Jeremiah: Overcoming Through God’s Word (March 3): God’s Word is the compass for our hazardous journey called what? Life! What two letters are in the middle of the word “life”? IF! Life is one big IF! Without God’s Word we’re doomed. We turn to Jeremiah 1:1-5 for direction.

Jeremiah: Overcoming Life’s Sorrows

What do you do with your disappointments? Sorrow? Pain? Jeremiah becomes a God-given example of how to overcome. When you wonder where sorrow fits into your faith and belief that God is merciful, just, and kind, Jeremiah points you to Jesus. This sermon series is adapted from Dr. Reed Lessing’s book called, “Overcoming Life’s Sorrows.” Here is the preaching plan:

March 3 – Overcoming Through God’s Word (Jeremiah 1:1-5)

March 10 – Overcoming Through Worship (Jeremiah 7:1-15

March 17 – Overcoming Through Renouncing Idolatry (Jer 10:1-16)

March 24 – Overcoming Through Laments (Jeremiah 11:18-12:4)

March 31 – Overcoming Through Listening (Jeremiah 13:1-11)

April 7 – Overcoming Through Humility (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

He Brings Glory

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0700

He Brings Glory– (February 27th) -- Luke 9:28-36 Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem – Jesus leaves the glory of this sort for the glory of the cross. Here we get the steely resolve of Jesus to see this mission through. In this sort of an approach, the transfiguration would be a last moment of heavenly bliss for Jesus before undertakes his bitter suffering and death. Is it almost a temptation for him to stay on the mountain?

During this season of Epiphany, we are using the idea of unwrapping a gift. Jesus is of course the gift to us, given at Christmas and Epiphany is when we get to unwrap it slowly, marveling at each facet of this gem. But this series is also looking ahead – toward the fulfillment of God’s promises in Holy Week and Easter. This series will ask what this gift means for us.

He Brings Love

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0700

He Brings Love (February 20th, 2022) -- Luke 6:27-38 May the hearer, enabled by the Holy Spirit, to love his/her enemies and foes with the same Love which came down at Christmas, walked the shores of Galilee, died on a cross, and rose from the dead.

He Brings Blessing

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0700

He Brings Blessing – (February 13th) But how shall we preach this? Law and Gospel are the only way. The Law serves the Gospel. The woes are not final judgments, but the instrument by which God calls people to trust in Christ and in Christ alone. May the hearer be crushed by the reality of sin and restored by the reality of Christ. Other helpful readings: Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Psalm 1.

He Brings Purpose

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0700

He Brings Purpose (February 6, 2022) Why am I here? What is your purpose? One of the gifts that Jesus brings is purpose. The miracle of the catch of fish and the call of Peter, first among the 12 disciples, is an occasion for the Holy Spirit to awaken or strengthen a sense of purpose in the hearer – God’s church is His net cast into the sea (Matt. 13:47).

He Brings Rescue from our Foe

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Have we displaced Jesus from his lordly place of being our rescuer and deliverer from all afflictions, the world, our own sin, and the Devil’s schemes? In our meditation on the Gospel reading, Luke 4:31-44, may the Spirit of God expose the vulnerability of the sinner and comfort that sinner with the protection of Christ! Jesus brings rescue from our foe.

He Brings Life

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0700

He Brings Life (January 23rd, 2022): In Exodus 1-2, the unnamed Pharaoh creates his own version of Heartbreak Hotel in three stages: State Slavery, Private Infanticide, and Open Genocide. It’s against this backdrop that Moses is born. Five courageous women align themselves with life instead of death. All for Moses. Someone who will bring Israel out of Pharaoh’s Heartbreak Hotel! We’re all stuck in sin—call it Heartbreak Hotel. Jesus doesn’t recoil, run, or retreat at the sight of our ugly prison. Instead, Jesus sheds His blood for us and for our salvation.

He Brings Joy

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0700

He Brings Joy -- Jesus cares about your joy. John wrote in another place that “your joy will be complete” (Jn 15:11). Jesus brings joy. How does God then make our lives places of joy as a result? How can we view the brokenness of God’s creation? How do we become more Christ-like with this gift of joy?

He Brings the Holy Spirit and Fire

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Introduction to a new Sermon Series for the Season of Epiphany -- Unwrapping the Gift: Having just completed the Christmas season with its gift giving and receiving traditions, we are using the idea of unwrapping a gift. Jesus is of course the gift to us, given at Christmas and Epiphany is when we get to unwrap it slowly, marveling at each facet of this gem. But this series is also looking ahead – toward the fulfillment of God’s promises in Holy Week and Easter. This series will ask what this gift means for us.

He Brings Spirit and Fire – On this observance of the Baptism of Our Lord, may the Lord Jesus set aflame the hearer through baptism. The words and deeds of God’s Baptized people are the way His kingdom comes and His will gets done. Do not undersell yourself as a vessel of the Spirit. Count on and trust in Him!

The Death of Division- Ephesians 1:3-14

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 -0700

Yes, God has redeemed and forgiven us, lavished grace and wisdom upon us, but all this is because God has a purpose, a goal which in fact is not about making me happy or meeting my perceived needs. He is uniting his whole creation, heaven and earth, once more. My forgiveness, my resurrection, all of it, belongs to that purpose.

Redeemed

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Merry Christmas! With a better understanding of the redemptive nature of the Incarnation, it is our prayer that the Spirit of God would push the hearer out of the pew/their chair and into life as a new person, bought back from sin, death, and devil to be a witness to Christ’s love. A sermon for the First Sunday after Christmas based on Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15, Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:22-40.

God's Kingdom

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0700

Luke lets us see this through the eyes of a Jewish peasant girl from a nowhere village called Nazareth. How does God’s kingdom see this world? We see through the eyes of power, money, etc., but is that accurate or the best lens? Mary, visited by an angel, pregnant with a child by the Holy Spirit, greeted by a yet-unborn John the Baptist might just give us a better lens by which to view this world as God sees it. What is more, as Luke notices for us, she was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Hopeful Expectations for God's Advent People

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

The previous two Sundays have given us an opportunity to reflect on watchfulness for the (final) coming of the Son of Man and on the appearance and mission of John the Baptist. This Gospel of the Third Sunday of Advent brings these two figures together and addresses the matter of expectations from a variety of perspectives: John’s expectations of the Messiah, the crowds’ expectations of John, and this generation’s expectations of Jesus.

Glad Repentance, Bearing it's Fruit

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Sermon Outline: To Faith, the Voice That Urges Us to New Life in Christ Is a Glad Sound . . .

I. . . . Even when it calls us “You brood of vipers!”

II. . . . Surely as it commands us to “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.”

III. . . . So that we gladly reply, “What shall we do?”

God is Making Me Blameless

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

The sermon theme for the First Sunday of Advent is God is making me blameless. The Epistle reading invites the hearer to abound in love for one another and for all people. This sermon would connect this life we lead right now with the second coming of Christ.

I Expect

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0700

The text for Christ the King Sunday is Revelation 1:4b-8. Reading and hearing this text gives us the hopeful expectation that the Lord of time and life, Jesus the Christ, comes to save, restore, and reveal the eternal life which belongs to the hearer by baptism. The other readings for this day include Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 and John 18:33-37.

Drawing Near to God

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0700

This text from Hebrews 10:11-25 invites and inspires us to draw near to Him with a holy confidence as we love one another and this world, all of which Christ has rendered holy with his life’s blood.

All Saints Day Sermon

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0700

All Saints Day has this great prayer: “Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” The text starts with this prayer, the assertion that God has knit us together into a great communion of all who live in Christ.

Pastor Jon also unpacks Revelation 7:2-17 for us. The apostle John sees the people of God twice in this section of Revelation. First we have the people described as Israel enumerated. John’s picture of the people in verses 2-8 seem to be a picture of the Church militant. That is contrasted with the next picture where the people are not numbered, but they are simply called innumerable. This is not a picture of the church militant but the church at rest, the church in heaven.

Pastor Jon concludes the sermon by focusing on a picture of a painting by the famous artist of the Reformation, Lucas Cranach: https://www.wikiart.org/en/lucas-cranach-the-elder/the-last-supper-1547. Reflecting on the prayer, Revelation text and the painting, we, who are grieving in the face of this world’s burdens, are invited to be comforted by being united with all God’s people in this Holy Supper.

Reformation Day Sermon

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0600

In thanksgiving we gathered on Reformation Day to celebrate the 10 anniversary of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church worshipping in Hyannis, NE. This church previously worshipped as Swede Valley Lutheran Church located south of Ashby, NE. We also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sandhills Lutheran Ministry now comprised of three congregations: Shepherd of the Hills, Bingham and Faith Lutheran Churches. All three congregations have at least two things in common. First, they are located in the beautiful, rolling Sandhills of Nebraska. Secondly, they are Lutheran Christian congregations. This year marks the 504th anniversary of the Reformation. Reformation Sunday is an occasion for the Church to celebrate with the reformer Martin Luther her possession of the one, true, never-changing Gospel message. Luther’s “Discovery” is shared by us all and not confined to only a specific region or a group of people. Today, we are celebrating not only Church anniversaries but more importantly we are celebrating the complete freedom that is ours through Jesus. The freedom we have is the release from the slavery of our own sin and to be transformed to a new life in Christ.

Lord, Restore My Sight

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Faith sits in the center of our readings today (Jeremiah 31:7-9 And Mark 10:46-52). I suppose faith sits in the center of all the readings every Sunday, but it is far more central and prominent this Sunday than many other Sundays. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of faith for the hearer to see God’s great love for his fallen creation.

Love One Another From a Pure Heart

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0600

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. You can picture today’s sermon by looking at the logo for LWML, “Our Hearts are in His Hand.” You can view the logo at http://www.lwml.org/lwml-sunday. Think about a heart in a hand. The cross comes through Baptism into your heart, into my heart, into each of our hearts. And each new, purified heart is surrounded by a much bigger heart. That’s the church, a big-hearted place, where all our hearts are together in His hand, coming together in worship, God makes us a big hearted Church that extends His hand of love to everyone.

When the Church Seizes the Day

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:00:00 -0600

What happens when the Church “Seizes the Day?” What does that look like? This sermon based on Psalm 90 and Hebrews 3:12-19 is about the Church. Sermons about the Church sometimes can be a difficult topic. But when understood as a sermon about an act of Jesus, a creation of God, and the Holy Spirit, it fits better into our usual ideas about the Church. May the hearer in the Body of Christ take advantage of the time given to them to delight in the fellowship of the Church and be moved to its healthy mutual love.

For the Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0600

Today’s Sermon, “For the Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These” invites us to believe that you are such a person as Jesus takes into his arms today. Not because of some imagined innocence but because God loves his whole creation and every part of it, including you. He hates to see it hurt, broken, dying, or in any way marred.

A Cup of Cool Water

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0600

The title of this sermon based on Mark 9:38-50 is “A Cup of Cool Water.” The text is inviting us to be drawn into the very life of Christ — both as the redeemed child whom Christ has raised from death and as the agent of Christ’s love into this world.

Servant of All: Revealing a Hidden Hope

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Where is true hope revealed? Is true hope revealed in goodness? Is it revealed in success? Society esteems the morally pure and “good people” (as it’s currently and popularly defined in the new morality observed) or the powerful and wealthy and capable people and puts them on the top. However, Jesus reveals the true hope that lies hidden in his suffering, death, and resurrection and in the suffering service of all who follow in his way. A sermon on Mark 9:30-37.

Only By Prayer

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0600

The father in our text prayed, “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief.” Jesus didn’t wait until the father’s faith got stronger, immediately he saved his child. Jesus has conquered all our foes, even our own foolish and wavering hearts, and delivered us into the hands of his and our loving Father. Are you ready to take the “Only by Prayer” adventure with Jesus?

The Frustrated Christ

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Jesus has all the power of God at his disposal. Why does he not get what he wants in today’s text? We have heard these stories so often that we might have forgotten to be shocked at this. Is my Lord unable to get what he wants? Have I just misunderstood this? Do I need to be more cynical or be more realistic? This is a sermon about the inexorable progress and presence of God’s Kingdom in this world and in our lives.

Armed and Safe

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0600

The local police department puts out the dire warning about a fugitive from justice: “Armed and Dangerous.” Paul speaks of arming oneself against the evil one. Members of Christ’s body are best described as “Armed and Safe.” Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians strong, with a powerful martial image of a Christian wearing the armor of a Roman legionary.

Members of His Body

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0600

What shall we do with the opening line of this text? Let's acknowledge that there's a bit of a misinterpretation minefield about submission in the marriage sphere that we need to deal with first, and then we can turn to what holy submission looks like and what it doesn't look like.

Walking as the Children of the Light

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0600

Lurking in every human heart is a problematic lover who loves the darkness. Our culture has defined the best life as the life which always gets to do what it wants-a life lived without limits.

Walking in the Love of Christ

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0600

In today's sermon, Paul continues with the metaphor of life as a walk, but contrasts the Christian walk with another walk- the world exerts a strong pull on us, but the path of worldly success is a cruel and demanding idol.

A Worthy Walk

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Paul makes use of a favorite image here- our life as a walk; a journey from here to there, one step at a time.

Measuring God's Love from the Inside

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0600

How are you doing?

Although we might answer this question with "I'm fine", in our "inner being" we feel beaten down, beaten down by our own sin and by the world.

Living in the Son

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:00:00 -0600

How will I discern the truth from a lie? I'm not able to navigate the simplest aspect of my life without getting made into a fool. How will I navigate heaven itself?