PLEASE NOTE: We are currently in the process of updating our on-line sermons. Recent sermons from the past few months will be added to our website in the coming weeks.

Sermons from the past year are available for you to read and review, to study and share with family and friends. Sermons are listed in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. A brief description of the sermon follows each link.

A New and Improved Covenant
April 8, 2004
Amidst all of the events that took place on the night before Jesus' death, the one highlight that stands out from the rest is our Lord's institution of Holy Communion.  Jesus called Holy Communion, "the new covenant in my blood."  Learn more about this new and improved covenant that Jesus graciously gives us in this Maundy Thursday sermon based on Luke 22:14-20.

The Passover Lamb Enters Jerusalem
April 4, 2004
The Christian celebration of Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday.  As this annual celebration begins, it's natural for Christians to "relive" these events in their services and preaching.  That is the goal of this Palm Sunday sermon.  Consider the events and significance of the first day of Holy Week in this sermon based on the Palm Sunday Gospel, Luke 19:28-40.

A Prophet's Portrait of the Passion (#5)
March 31, 2004
Seven hundred years before Jesus came into this world, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded an amazingly accurate prophecy about Jesus' Passion. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 records this prophetic portrait of the Passion. This sermon, based on Isaiah 53:4, is the fifth in a series of five sermons preached during the special Wednesday evening services offered at Gloria Dei during the season of Lent.

A Prophet's Portrait of the Passion (#4)
March 24, 2004
Seven hundred years before Jesus came into this world, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded an amazingly accurate prophecy about Jesus' Passion. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 records this prophetic portrait of the Passion. This sermon, based on Isaiah 53:3, is the fourth in a series of five sermons preached during the special Wednesday evening services offered at Gloria Dei during the season of Lent.

There's a Better Way
March 21, 2004
Just about everything in life can be done more than one way, but that doesn't mean every way is the best way. We can apply this concept to the spiritual realm. Many people think that all roads lead to heaven, just pick your preferred religious path, and in the end we'll meet you there. But there is a better way. In fact, there is really only one way to connect with God, and only one road that leads to heaven. The apostle Paul reminds us that there's a better way as we study his words recorded in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

A Prophet's Portrait of the Passion (#3)
March 17, 2004
Seven hundred years before Jesus came into this world, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded an amazingly accurate prophecy about Jesus' Passion. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 records this prophetic portrait of the Passion. This sermon, based on Isaiah 52:14, is the third in a series of five sermons preached during the special Wednesday evening services offered at Gloria Dei during the season of Lent.

Lord, Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner
March 14, 2004
An important feature of our Lutheran worship service is confession and absolution. We begin the vast majority of our services with an acknowledgement of our sinfulness, followed by the announcement of Jesus' forgiveness. This practice is quite different from many other churches, but we do it because we believe it is important. In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus himself shows us three reasons why confession and absolution are important elements in the Christian's worship life.

A Prophet's Portrait of the Passion (#2)
March 10, 2004
Seven hundred years before Jesus came into this world, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded an amazingly accurate prophecy about Jesus' Passion. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 records this prophetic portrait of the Passion. This sermon, based on Isaiah 53:6, is the second in a series of five sermons preached during the special Wednesday evening services offered at Gloria Dei during the season of Lent.

Consider the Source
March 7, 2004
Do you believe everything you read in the paper? You might be a little more inclined to believe something you read in the New York Times versus the National Enquirer. The reason is obvious: you've considered the source. When people hear the Word of God proclaimed today, some act as if it has the credibility of the National Enquirer. Some fail to recognize its source. In Jeremiah 26:8-15, we are asked to consider the source of discontentment when someone rejects God's Word, and we're also asked to consider the divine Source behind the message of Scripture.

A Prophet's Portrait of the Passion (#1)
March 3, 2004
Seven hundred years before Jesus came into this world, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded an amazingly accurate prophecy about Jesus' Passion. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 record this prophetic portrait of the Passion. This sermon, based on Isaiah 53:2, is the first in a series of five sermons preached during the special Wednesday evening services offered at Gloria Dei during the season of Lent.

Why Would We Want to Go Back?
February 29, 2004
"He was in prison for theft. Finally, the day came when his sentence was completed, and he was released - a free man at last! So what did he do now that he was free again? He attempted another theft, was caught in the act, arrested, found guilty, and put back behind bars." That illustration describes what people do when they abuse the freedom Christ has given us and try to turn it into a license to sin. Now that Christ has set us free, why would we want go back into sinful slavery and death? The answer is obvious - we don't! That's what the apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 6:15-23.

Taking Sin Seriously
February 25, 2004
Sin doesn't seem to be taken very seriously anymore, even in the church. But that complaint is nothing new. It's the same probelm that the church on earth has dealt with for centuries, even in Jesus' day. It's the same problem our Lord addresses in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14. See how seriously our Lord takes sin, and how he took our sin upon himself, in this Ash Wednesday sermon.

A Glimpse of Jesus' Glory Prepares Us for Christ's Passion
February 22, 2004
Lent is about to begin. We will soon hear the story of Jesus' crucifixion and death. As we stand on the doorstep of the Lenten season, we need to be strengthened for the emotional journey ahead. That's what the account of Jesus' Transfiguration, six months before Holy Week, does for us. The account of Jesus' Transfiguration from Luke 9:28-36 will help to prepare us for Jesus' Passion and the approaching Lenten season.

Get a Life!
February 15, 2004
"Get a life!" Those usually aren't complimentary words. If someone tells you, "Get a life," they're telling to not to major in minors, not to focus on the same old thing over and over again. "Get a life!" That's what our Lord says to us this morning. In Luke 6:20-26, Jesus encourages his people not to major in spiritual minors, not to focus on the same old earthly things that have no lasting value. Instead, get a life that comes with spiritual riches, spiritual satisfaction, spiritual joy, and spiritual acceptance.

Pursue Godliness with Contentment!
February 8, 2004
The New Man, that is, the Christian nature inside each believer, does not operate under the threats of God's law: "Do this" and "Don't do that." Our New Man operates under the gospel and responds not to threats, but encouragements. So it should come as no surprise to us that when we turn to a portion of the Bible that talks about Christian stewardship, the Bible writers do not come up with a laundry list of financial do's and don'ts. Instead, the Word of God simply encourages us to practice godly stewardship. That's the truth we learn in this stewardship Sunday sermon based on 1 Timothy 6:6-12.

The Hometown Prophet - Rejected
February 1, 2004
Many pastors would not accept a call to serve as the pastor of the church at which they grew up. It would be hard for such a congregation to think of that man as their pastor, rather than the little boy who grew up in thier midst. That was the problem that Jesus faced when he served as the Sabbath Day guest preacher in his hometown. Jesus may have been rejected by Nazareth, but by God's grace, we have come to know him as our one and only Savior. Learn more in this sermon based on Mark 6:1-6.

Boldly Share the Blessings of Salvation!
January 25, 2004
The believers of the early Christian church were bold, courageous people. They boldly proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ to all who would hear. They boldly lived their faith, letting their Christian light shine brightly for all to see. What's amazing about this is that they had many reasons not to be bold. But the good news of the gospel for all people led them to boldly share the blessings of salvation with the world. The gospel message also leads us to boldly share Christ with others. Find out how that takes place in this Mission Festival sermon based on Acts 4:18-31.

Now It's Clear to Me
January 18, 2004
There are so many aspects of life that are uncertain and unclear. Will gas prices go up or down? Which political candidate will take the lead? Is the stock market stable again? Will my job be here next month? Will the weatherman get the forecast wrong again? With all this instability and uncertainty, isn't it nice that the most important aspect of our life is crystal clear? We know who Jesus is, and we know why he inspires our trust. The story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana in John 2:1-11 makes these Epiphany truths clear to us.

God Reveals His Kindness and Love
January 11, 2004
Some people think that God is kind and loving because he treats us like a kindly old grandpa who laughs when we sin and forgets our mistakes. But this reveals a mistaken concept about God. God shows us his kindness and love not because he forgets, but because he forgives. Learn more about God's forgiving kindness and merciful love in this sermon based on Titus 3:4-7.

Christmas Is for Everyone!
January 4, 2004
It used to be that people greeted you with "Merry Christmas" in December, but now "Happy Holidays" has become the common greeting. Some assume that Christmas is an ethnic celebration, and that people from different ethnicities will celebrate another holiday at the end of the year. But this sermon based on the story of the Magi visiting the boy Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12 show us that Christmas is not for a select group of people, but it is a holiday for everyone! Everyone is invited, and everyone can participate.

Christmas Joy that Surpasses Sadness
December 28, 2003
Christmas is one of those holidays that are filled with joy and happiness. Well, at least, that's how it's supposed to be. But then reality sets in. If you're feeling the post-holiday blues, you are neither alone nor forgotten. You have plenty of other people in the world who deal with problems similar to yours, but more importantly, you have a heavenly Father who has not forgotten about you and who wants to give you real Christmas joy that will withstand, overcome and surpass every sadness you may experience. Find out how God gives you that joy in this sermon based on Matthew 2:13-18, preached on the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents.

The Song of the Angels
December 25, 2003
So many hymns and songs and carols and anthems have been written about Christmas, and in the years to come there will probably be many more. But never will there be a song so beautiful, so meaningful, so divine as the song sung by God's angelic messengers and sung for our benefit. Listen to and study the Christmas anthem of the angels in this sermon based on the angels' song in Luke 2:14.

We Have a Real Reason to Rejoice!
December 14, 2003
The weeks surrounding Christmas are some of the most joyful and memorable days of the year. But even the best Christmas celebration doesn't change the fact that life moves on, that we still have to go to work, still have to deal with daily headaches, family squabbles, personal uncertainties, and unanswered questions. And sometimes that can really dampen our celebration. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a source of joy and happiness that could trump all of our troubles? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a real reason to rejoice this season? We do! It's an absolute fact, and in Zephaniah 3:14-17 we find out why we have a real reason to rejoice.

God's Messengers Are Coming
December 7, 2003
Someone says to you, "I have good news and bad news. What do you want to hear first?" Which do you pick? Many people choose to hear the bad news first, hoping the good news will trump that bad news. The Bible also has a "good news, bad news" message. But don't worry -- the good news far surpasses the bad news. John the Baptist pointed us to the good news, and Jesus Christ is the good news. Learn more from this sermon based on Malachi 3:1-4.

It's Time to Get Ready for Christmas
November 30, 2003
Stores and shopping malls tell people that it is time to get ready for Christmas by playing Christmas music and displaying Christmas decorations. Christian Churches also have a way to tell people that it is time to get ready for Christmas. We call it the Advent season, the first season of the Church Year, which begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. The prophet Jeremiah's Advent message in chapter 33 of his book will help us to prepare our hearts for the coming Christmas celebration.

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
November 26, 2003
On Thanksgiving Day, many of us enjoy time with family and friends, preparing food, eating our Thanksgiving meal, watching football, and trying to stuff one more bite of pie into our bursting-at-the-seams-full stomachs. We may enjoy all of these blessings, but we dont get the credit for them. Our Thanksgiving sermon based on Deuteronomy 8:10-18 helps us to remember that we want to give credit where credit is due on Thanksgiving Day and every day.

There's More than Meets the Eye
November 23, 2003
Theres more than meets the eye. That saying is true about so many aspects of our lives, and it is especially true when it comes to the life of our Savior. In John 18:33-37 we read the story about a man who was weak and helpless by all outward appearances. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Jesus Christ. And that is exactly what we will discover as we study this selection from John's Gospel. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to Christs kingdom, and also when it comes to Christ himself.

A City Worth Singing About
November 16, 2003
"I left my heart in San Francisco." "Hooray for Hollywood!" "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York." There are all sorts of songs about famous cities in America. In this sermon, we'll find out about another city that's worth singing about in Revelation 22:10-14,22-23. Saint John tells us about this song-worthy city: the New Jerusalem, heaven. John does not actually break out into song about this place, but many Christian hymn writers have composed songs about heaven. Read this sermon to learn why heaven is a city worth singing about.

The Sun of Righteousness Will Dawn
November 9, 2003
The Bible writers often use different word pictures to talk about the last day, Jesus' return, and the final judgment. The apostle Paul compares these things to "labor pains" in his first letter to the Thessalonians. In his second letter, the apostle Peter compares these events to a thief who comes unexpectedly. The Old Testament prophet Malachi compares the last day to the rising sun, an image that is explored further in this sermon based on Malachi 4:1-2. Jesus, the sun of righteousness, will dawn on the last day to burn, but also to bring healing.

Reformation Sunday Sermon
November 2, 2003
Gloria Dei celebrated the Lutheran Reformation of the church in its service on November 2, 2003. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a significant document on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This document was titled, "Disputation on the Power and Efficasy of Indulgences." Today it is often called the "Ninety-Five Theses." This was the first in a long series of events by which our Lord used Luther and the early Lutheran reformers to restore the pure preaching of the gospel and proper administration of the sacraments in the church. Each year we celebrate this event on or near October 31. The order of service we use on Reformation Sunday is Luther's "German Mass," the order of service he prepared for the German-speaking congregations of his day (translated into English, of course!). The sermon for the day is also a sermon originally preached by Luther. The edited sermon is available through the above link. It is based on Matthew 11:25-30.

We're on the Same Team!
October 19, 2003
Steve Bartman became famous (or infamous!) last week when he reached for a foul ball that Chicago Cubs outfielder Moises Alou had jumped up to catch as it fell just over the outfield fence. Instead of getting out number two, the Cubs went on to have eight runs scored against them, they lost the game, then the series, and all Cubs fans are angry at Steve Bartman. But Steve is a Cubs fan; he didn't mean to interfere or change the outcome of the game for his team. People sometimes view the ministry in the same way. Instead of recognizing that we're all working together on the same team, the church pits pastor against principal against parishioner. But the ministry is not a competition. Those who serve in the ministry and those who are served by the ministry are on the same team. That's the truth we learn from this sermon based on Numbers 11:16,24-29.

Humble Service
October 12, 2003
"Help wanted. Looking for loyal followers and faithful disciples. A persistent, unyielding personality is necessary. Must be willing to take a lot of heat from those who do not like your message. No benefits, small salary. Candidate must be willing to suffer loss of popularity and strong vocal opposition." The job description for a Christian might not sound all that appealing, and it certainly will not attract someone seeking fame and fortune. But the humble service of our forgiving and life-giving Savior makes our humble Chrisitan service more than bearable; it makes our lives rewarding in a way like no other, because the pension plan is out of this world! Find out more from this sermon based on Jeremiah 11:18-20.

Live in the Shadow of the Cross
October 5, 2003
There is a growing trend in some Christian circles to remove the cross from churches. Christians are beginning to recognize that the cross is offensive to some people, and some churches are now hiding thier crosses. If that's the trend, then our church is as backwards as you can get, because we have been adding crosses to our sanctuary, not taking them away! But a cross-less Christianity is really an oxymoron. The cross is the most fitting symbol for both our faith and life. In Mark 8:31-35, Jesus teaches us this truth and encourages us to live in the shadow of the cross.

Wisdom that Saves
September 28, 2003
Education has historically been a major focus in the Lutheran Church: Sunday Schools for children, Vacation Bible School, adult Bible Classes, Bible Information Classes, elementary schools, high schools, colleges, seminaries, and more. That strong educational focus is no surprise when we consider Bible verses like 2 Timothy 3:15 and others which teach us that the wisdom of the Scriptures is wisdom that saves. This sermon was preached for a special "Christian Education Sunday" held at Gloria Dei on September 28, 2003.

You Can't Be a Saint Unless You're a Sinner
September 21, 2003
What qualifies you to be a member of Christs church? Forget the unreasonable demands some churches place on their people; forget the unbearable burden that some people drag with them wherever they go. Forget all the assumptions and presuppositions. As we listen to one of Jesus' disciples recall his call to apostleship in Matthew 9:9-13, we will also learn that you cant be a saint unless youre a sinner a sinner whom Jesus has called to sainthood, and a sinner who relies solely on Jesus for sainthood.

Whose Disciple Are You?
September 14, 2003
Christians are often tempted to hide behind their name. Someone calls himself "Roman Catholic" because they were baptized in a Roman Catholic Church. Someone calls herself "Lutheran" because that's what her parents were. Someone else calls himself "Baptist" because he went to Sunday School at a Baptist Church. But Christianity is more than a label. The real question that matters, the question that our Lord Jesus asks in John 6:60-69, is "Whose disciple are you?"

You are what you eat
September 7, 2003
That saying is as true spiritually as it is physically. If you eat spiritual junk food, if your souls diet consists of ecclesiastical potato chips and whipped cream, dont expect to have a living, thriving faith in your heart. Eat the right spiritual diet, the food that our Lord Jesus sets before us, and it will be a different story. Find out about the spiritual food, the bread of life, that Jesus provides for your soul in this sermon based on John 6:51-58.

God Gets All the Credit
August 31, 2003
There are literally dozens of religions out there, and each one is trying to find the right way to access God. But the Christian faith is the only faith that gives God all the credit for the relationship we have with him through his Son, Jesus Christ. God gets all the credit for bringing us to faith, for keeping us in the faith, and for completing our faith. Learn why this is true from this sermon based on Jesus' words in John 6:44-51.

Eat the Bread of Life
August 24, 2003
Every few weeks there seems to be another news story released about some common food item that is suspected to be the cause or cure of some health concern. Many people want to eat the right kind of diet that will give them long and healthy lives, but even the best diet will only go so far, because no food will allow you to live forever. Nothing, that is, except the special kind of spiritual food that Jesus gives our souls to eat. Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the one and only spiritual food that will sustain us forever. That's what we learn from this sermon based on John 6:24-35, an excerpt from the "bread of life" chapter of the Bible.

You Don't Stand a Chance!
August 17, 2003
The Bible is filled with stories about people who overcame insurmoutable odds when it seemed like they didn't stand a chance. But the main point of these stories is not that we should pull ourselves up by the bootstraps when the odds are against us. The real lesson is that without God on our side, these people wouldn't have stood a chance. The same is true in our lives. Had God not intervened by sending his Son into our world, we would have never stood a chance before him. Thank God that he did intervene! Find out how he intervened from this sermon based on Exodus 24:3-11.

Spiritual Nourishment Is not Fast Food!
August 10, 2003
We live in a culture and an area where time is money, "multitasking" is a way of life, and the faster you can get the job done, the better. But our filled-to-the-brim schedules often crowd out time for the spiritual nourishment that our souls desperately need. Slow down and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life in order to receive the proper spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers in Mark 6:30-34.

Because of the Lord's Great Love
July 20, 2003
"If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently." Have you or someone you know ever said that? People often change their perspective or adjust their priorities after they've gained a little life experience. If we could speak to the Christians who have gone before us to heaven, they might say something similar. Better yet, God speaks to us in his Word and gives us a glimpse of heavenly hindsight that will help us understand that because of his great love, our earthly problems will never overwhelm us. That's what we learn from this sermon based on Lamentations 3:22-33.

Has God Forgotten Me?
July 13, 2003
She's ridiculed by her college classmates because she believes in creation. He's lost his job and can't find work because the economy has gone south. His retirement and life are about to be cut short because of cancer. People in these situations certainly might wonder to themselves if God has forgotten about them. This sermon based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-12 will show us that God doesn't forget us when life is difficult, but he works through those tough times to keep our focus on him and on the gospel.

God's Kingdom Grows
July 6, 2003
What makes the church grow? Are energetic sermons, enthusiastic leaders, excellent music the key to the kingdom's growth? In two parables found in Matthew 4:26-32, Jesus reminds us that God's kingdom grows without our help, but with God's own blessing.

Sainthood Centers in the Savior
June 29, 2003
What makes a saint a saint? Is it someone who stands out from the rest, who is always ready to help another, or who lives his faith to the fullest? Church calendars designate June 29 as a day to remember two great saints from the past - the apostles Peter and Paul. In this sermon based on Mark 8:27-35, we not only remember these two great apostles, but we also learn what makes a saint a saint. Being a saint does not depend on what we do or how we live, but in whom we believe. In other words, sainthood centers in the Savior -- Jesus Christ.

Worship as the Lord Intended
June 22, 2003
There are pastors who are convinced that the church's historic order of service called the Liturgy is the best and finest way to worship the Lord. There are also pastors who are convinced that musical styles as diverse as Gregorian chant and African American Gospel are fitting and useful for worship. What is appropriate in worship? Are some ways of worship more appropriate than others? A simple Sabbath Day incident in our Savior's life provides answers to these questions. Find out more in this sermon based on Mark 2:23-28.

A Threefold Gift from our Triune God
June 15, 2003
If Memorial Day is moved from the last Monday of May to whatever day of the week May 30 happens to occur, will people appreciate the sacrifices that America's servicemen have given even more? That remains to be seen. Now that the Christian Church has celebrated "Holy Trinity Sunday" on the First Sunday after Pentecost for the last 670 years, have Christians learned to appreciate their Triune God even more? Find out from Romans 5:1-5.

Our Pentecost Present
June 8, 2003
If you're looking to give someone a wedding anniversary gift, there are traditional suggestions ranging from paper for the first anniversary to gold for the fiftieth. On Pentecost Day, the anniversary for the Holy Christian Church, God gives us an anniversary gift, but it's the same gift he gives us every anniversary. Don't worry - it's not a "white elephant" gift. Our Pentecost present from the Lord is a gift that lasts through eternity. Learn more from Jesus' words recorded in John 14:25-27.

Jesus Stands out from the Rest!
June 1, 2003
Some might argue that Christianity is no different than the other religions of the world, and that Jesus is no different that Mohammad, Socrates, Joseph Smith, or Mary Baker Eddy. But Jesus does stand out from the rest of the crowd! Christianity is so much more than an ancient moral code, and Jesus is so much more than an ancient moral preacher. Find out why Jesus stands out from the rest in this sermon based on Hebrews 7:23-27.

How Should We Celebrate the Ascension?
May 29, 2003
Memorial Day is worth a day off work, and our church anniversary celebration will be worth a special service and dinner, but what is the festival of our Lord's Ascension worth? Jesus' Ascension to heaven 40 days after Easter may seem like an unimportant and neglected Christian holiday, but the apostle Paul helps us understand the value of Ascension and encourages us to celebrate this momentous event in Ephesians 1:16-23.

Stay in Love with Your Lord!
May 25, 2003
What does it mean to be "in love" with Jesus? Should we always feel "on fire" for the Lord? Are high emotions the sign of a solid faith? Our Lord shows us that what is most important is not being "in love" with him in an emotional sense, but being "in his love" -- members of his church and recipients of his grace. Learn more about how we stay in the Lord's love from this sermon based on John 15:9-17.

Confirmation Is Not Graduation!
May 18, 2003
It is an unfortunate reality that many young Christians who are confirmed will fall away from the Christian faith later in life. Confirmation is often thought of as graduation from studying the Word of God, but Jesus has a different thought in mind in John 15:1-8. Jesus has words for all Christians, not just members of this year's confirmation class. He reminds us that we need to stay connected to him through Word and Sacrament, and not to graduate from him.

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
May 11, 2003
Psalm 23 is a favorite section of Scripture for many people. However, the picture of our Lord as a shepherd may be a difficult concept for 21st century American Christians to fully understand. As we dig through the cultural barriers and time warp that exists between us and this Psalm, we will find a treasure of comfort that God gives his people for this life and the next.

Your Life Will Never Be the Same!
April 27, 2003
Many people say that when you become a Christian, your life will never be the same. They claim that you will cease to have fun, and that you will be loaded down with guilt as a follower of Jesus Christ. They’re right when they say that your life will never be the same, but it’s not a bad change. It's the greatest change we could ever hope to experience. Your life will never be the same, because in Christ you have been freed from doubt, filled with understanding, and sent forth to witness. Find out more about the life-changing Easter message from Luke 24:36-39.

Something’s Missing Here!
April 20, 2003
The women who went to Jesus' tomb early on Easter morning were expecting to find a corpse. Instead, they discovered an angel. Jesus was missing from the tomb because he had risen from the dead, and because of his resurrection, fear is now missing from our hearts and lives. Learn about the connection to Jesus' resurrection and our peace with God in Mark 16:1-8. The second of two Easter Sunday sermons.

Christian, Dry Your Flowing Tears
April 20, 2003
Every person has something that may take the joy out of life: the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a diagnosis of a disease, the uncertainty of the future. David, the Old Testament King of Israel, had plenty of sadnesses in his own life, but the knowledge of the coming Savior's resurrection caused David to find a joy that surpassed all sorrow. Find out more in this sermon based on Psalm 30:11-12. The first of two Easter Sunday sermons.

Golgotha: A Place of Suffering
April 18, 2003
There could be no suffering greater than the suffering Jesus endured on the cross. But the suffering he endured has released us from Satan's regime of fear, and has set us free from the suffering we deserved because of our sin. This Good Friday sermon is based on selected verses from John 19.

The Lord's Supper: A Place to Gather
April 17, 2003
Have you ever wondered why the Lord's Supper is sometimes called Holy Communion? There are two communions (co-unions) that take place in the Lord's Supper. We gather for a sacred meal in which the bread and wine are the very body and blood of Christ. We gather to express a special bond that we share with each other. This Maundy Thursday sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. The text from a brochure about our communion practice is also included after the sermon in this link.

Different Words, Same Message
April 13, 2003
The crowds that surrounded Jesus on Palm Sunday and Good Friday may have seemed completely different from one another, but their messages were actually quite similar. "Hosanna" means "Save us, please," and when the crowds later that week demanded Jesus' crucifixion, the result was that he saved them from sin and hell by his death for all people. This Palm Sunday sermon is based on Mark 11:8-10 and 15:11-14.

Mission Accomplished
April 6, 2003
Pastors and church workers might feel overwhelmed the next two weeks, because there's plenty of work to do between now and Easter. Many Americans might feel overwhelmed during the next nine days, because they have plenty of work to do between now and the deadline for filing their taxes. You might be overwhelmed by personal work, but there's no need to be overwhelmed with the work of securing your status with God. The work is already done! That is the mission which Jesus accomplished and about which we learn in Hebrews 5:7-9.

Look to the Cross for the Cure
March 30, 2003
When the people of Israel were plagued by poisonous snakes in the desert, God offered a very unusual cure. Moses constructed a bronze snake, put it up on a pole, and when people looked at the bronze snake, they lived. You and I are plagued by the poisonous venom of sin, and God also offers us a seemingly unusual cure. He allowed his only Son, Jesus, to be nailed to and raised up on a cross, and when we look at the cross with the eyes of faith, trusting that the cross is God's solution for sin, we are given new life. Learn more from this account recorded in Numbers 21:4-9. Some additional related quotes from Martin Luther are also included after the text of this sermon.

Clean up God's Temple!
March 16, 2003
Does it seem like the church has lost its purpose? Is it really the church's responsibility to tell people what kind of car to drive? Have social activities taken over the church's purpose? What is the real purpose of the church? Jesus shows us as he cleanses God's temple from a faulty purpose with his faithful message in John 2:13-22.