The Last Sunday in the Church Year (November 21, 2021)
Looking at the leaves off the trees, we know that the season of fall has come to a close.  So, too, in looking at the signs in the world and the gospel of Christ being distributed to all nations, we know that the season of salvation is also drawing to a close.  So we place our trust in Jesus as we live in His forgiveness and love our neighbor until the last day comes.
​The Second-Last Sunday in the Church Year (November 14, 2021)
The temple of Jerusalem historically was the marker of the presence of God with His people -- that is, until the Son of God became incarnate.  Jesus is the dwelling of God with His people and we look forward to dwelling in His glorious presence at the ever-nearing end of time.
The Observance of All Saints' Day" (November 7, 2021)
​The saints above and those below but one communion make" says the hymn.  On the observance of All Saints', we give thanks to God that He has saved completely those who have died with faith in Jesus Christ.  By extension, we give thanks to Him for giving us the gift of salvation also, for continuing to forgive us and strengthen us, and for holding out the hope to us of joining the great throng of heaven as we await with them the Day of Resurrection!
Reformation Day (October 31, 2021)
​Many assume that the Christian church is a ranking system for do-gooders to outdo one another.  But it is really a sanctuary for sinners who cannot do anything good without first receiving the righteousness of Jesus Christ in His word and sacraments.  Christ's righteousness received as a gift by God's grace through faith is the good news the church has for all sinners.
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (October 24, 2021)
God has no grandchildren.  Jesus is a font overflowing with mercy. ​
The Twentieth
​Sunday after Pentecost 
(October 10, 2021)
The Twenty-first
​Sunday after Pentecost 
(October 17, 2021)
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost & LWML Sunday(October 3)
​In Genesis 2, God details how He formed the first woman from the rib of the man and brought her to him to be a helpmeet suitable for him.  As the crowning jewel of His creation, God placed woman alongside man that they might together rejoice in His goodness to both of them in complimentary fashion. ​
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 26, 2021)
​​Moses wished that all the Lord's people would be able to speak His word truly and possess His Spirit.  Post-Pentecost, the baptized believers of Christ's church have been gifted just that (Acts 2:38), that they might be capable Christians to serve Him and one another.
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 19, 2021)
​We like to think good things of ourselves and of our neighbors.  But when we honestly look at our hearts, there is a lot that is not good -- and the same can be said of our neighbor.  Our God gives a wisdom which the world cannot impart, one of loving service to others, rather than selfish and sinful ambition for ourselves.
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 12, 2021)
Jesus is more patient than we deserve.  He is patient because He loves us and knows that we need it. ​
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 5, 2021)
​​Life in this broken world has much about which to be anxious.  But Jesus promises us peace in the midst of our uncertainty, shelter in the midst of life's storms, and joy in His strength both in the present and for the future.  Our Savior shows Himself the one who can reverse the curse of sin in our lives and spare us from worrying ourselves away from Him.
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (August 29, 2021)
The Holy Spirit would have us be intentional about guarding and preserving our Christian faith against the frequent and damaging attacks of the devil, the world/culture, and our sinful nature.  Christ is our champion, who fights for us and equips the Christian to persevere and finally win the fight!
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (August 22, 2021)
​God loves individuals.  He loves people who are getting married.  He designed marriage for healthy relationships long-term, for the blessing of families, for the stability of our society.  Why is marriage then so messed up today?  What does Jesus have to do with it?
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (August 15, 2021)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Knowing the Bible is knowing the mind and heart of God, revealed reliably by the Holy Spirit.  Gain a knowledge of the God who loves you, who died for you, and who lives for you, and you have an appreciation and respect for all that God has done, is doing, and will do for those who trust Jesus Christ.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (August 8, 2021)
​Elijah was afraid, ashamed, and exhausted.  But he had a God bigger than his fears, troubles, and struggles who provided for him and strengthened him for the journey.  Christ does so today for weary souls through His church, as the Living Bread from heaven.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (August 1, 2021)
Our discontent can dwarf the goodness and generosity of our God in our estimation.  The devil would have us preoccupied with the temporal things of this world rather than those things of God which are eternal in Jesus Christ.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (July 25, 2021)
Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples in a new way in our Gospel reading -- as the almighty Son of God who brings peace to those exhausted from the struggle and anxious from fear. ​
​The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (July 18, 2021)
The foundation upon which our faith rests is important.  If we build on our own character, convictions, or commitment, these things will be shaky and fail when hardships come.  But being built by the Holy Spirit on Christ, the chief Cornerstone, with the prophets and apostles as the foundation (for they reveal Him to us), we have a solid foundation which will stand the test of time and endure to eternity.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 11, 2021)
The prophet Amos, the prophet John, the greater Prophet Jesus, and the prophets of Jesus all faced rejection for their words of truth and love, calling sinners to repentance and to live a life of righteousness.
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost/Independence Day (July 4, 2021)
On Independence Day we celebrate our nation's birthday and the freedoms proclaimed in our country's constitution, including the freedom of religion.  But the freedom of religion is not a freedom from religion.  Having been freed from the oppression of sin, death, and the power of the devil, we have a duty within our Christian freedom to live as those set free by Christ.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (June 27, 2021)
​Waiting is a fact of life.  Sometimes waiting is enjoyable but other times it can be frustrating.  God is patient with us, even when we are impatient with Him.  He is good and gracious, absolutely faithful and loving toward His creation.  He has shown this to be His nature over time, and especially in the ministry of Jesus Christ our Savior, who delivers us in accordance with His powerful word.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (June 20, 2021)
​There are many storms which brew in our daily lives which threaten our ability to keep our heads above water.  Jesus cares.  He stills the wind and sea both in Galilee and in your life, forgiving your sins and powerfully bring about peace by His authoritative word.
The Third Sunday of Pentecost (June 13, 2021)
The kingdom of God has much that is unseen and known only to God.  What seems as though it is small, like a mustard seed, may become great and all-encompassing. ​
The Second Sunday of Pentecost   (June 6, 2021)
His family thought Jesus was certifiably crazy; the religious scholars thought He was demon-possessed.  But Jesus was freeing and forgiving sinners, undoing the curse of sin from the time of the fall of Adam and Eve.  He still does that today in His Church for the children of men who are stuck in, or struggle with, their sins.
The Holy Trinity / Memorial Day weekend
​(May 30, 2021)
​We all have an identity -- part of which we inherited and part we make our own.  God's identity as three-in-one (Triune) would be a mystery had He not revealed it in Holy Scripture.  He gives us a new identity in Christ so that we might see, and know, the kingdom of God in Holy Baptism.
The Day of Pentecost (May 23, 2021)
​Easter is all about the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Prior to His ascension, Jesus promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to His Church.  On the Day of Pentecost, both in the tongues of fire and the baptisms, Jesus fulfilled His promise to the Church and sends God the Holy Spirit to abide with His people of faith.