This past Sunday, December 18, 2011, was the Bethany Lutheran Sunday School Christmas program. Pastor Tom's brief sermon, given before the children took the stage, is below. If you wish to see the words and slideshow that comprised the children's program (there is no video of the children performing), please email the church and we will provide a link to the YouTube video.
bethany.lutheran.1@gmailDOTcom
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Stories of the Saints XIII - Moses (Part I)
Today Vicar Todd preached the thirteenth sermon in the "Stories of the Saints" series: the first of the two-part address on Moses. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
A technical note on today's audio file: a portion of the sermon was recorded at a lower volume than the rest of the sermon. This volume change happens 11:20 into the recording. If you have difficulty with the audio quality during the last three minutes of the sermon, you can follow along with the written transcript I've included below the audio player.
Old Testament Reading:
Exodus 3:13-17
Epistle Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Reading:
John 11:17-27
[transcript begins at 10:45]
When you misuse the name of your God He is well within His rights to strike you down right where you stand. The wages of sin are death, and we all deserve it. We’ve not treated God’s name with the honour it deserves, but instead we make it just another dirty word. We’ve taken the name of our holy God and we just throw it into the gutter. It’s shameful. And we should be ashamed of ourselves because of it.
However, there is a rest of this story: to our story too. There is One who came and never blasphemed God’s name. There is One who had the authority to take that name upon Himself and when confronted by the Jews in John chapter nine this sinless One replied: “Truly, truly I say to you: before Abraham was, I AM.”
This is Jesus, the Christ, the only true son of God, the one who we confess as God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God. The one called Immanuel - God with us. In His name there is power. In His name there is forgiveness. Our blasphemous sin makes us deserving of death but Jesus comes with forgiveness, and takes God’s name upon Himself again, and He says “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he died, yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”
You have been baptised into Christ’s death and resurrection. You were baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and Christ has come to you and given you His name. When it comes time for you to stand before God and account for your actions, it will be like there’s a stack of papers with your name on them. And under your name will be your sin. Blasphemer. And it won’t matter if your stack is smaller than everyone else’s: one single paper equals your damnation.
But there beside you stands your advocate, Jesus, who takes every single one of those papers and stamps over your name and puts His holy name over it. He erases your name, He erases your sin; and He places it firmly upon Himself.
It’s not that the law has changed. The punishment for blasphemy is still death. However, Jesus now stands as your advocate and says "I have taken this penalty: My death guarantees your life. My resurrection guarantees your resurrection." This is not so that we can go out and continue to treat His holy name with contempt; but instead He says to you, as He says to the woman who is to be stoned for her sin, "There is no one left to condemn you. Go and sin no more."
When He takes your name upon Himself He writes it in the book of life. In His name you have forgiveness. In His name you have solace. In His name you have eternal life.
Amen.
Now may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Here is the bulletin insert for further study, to which Vicar Todd refers early in his sermon.
Saints 13 Moses
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
A technical note on today's audio file: a portion of the sermon was recorded at a lower volume than the rest of the sermon. This volume change happens 11:20 into the recording. If you have difficulty with the audio quality during the last three minutes of the sermon, you can follow along with the written transcript I've included below the audio player.
Old Testament Reading:
Exodus 3:13-17
Epistle Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Reading:
John 11:17-27
[transcript begins at 10:45]
When you misuse the name of your God He is well within His rights to strike you down right where you stand. The wages of sin are death, and we all deserve it. We’ve not treated God’s name with the honour it deserves, but instead we make it just another dirty word. We’ve taken the name of our holy God and we just throw it into the gutter. It’s shameful. And we should be ashamed of ourselves because of it.
However, there is a rest of this story: to our story too. There is One who came and never blasphemed God’s name. There is One who had the authority to take that name upon Himself and when confronted by the Jews in John chapter nine this sinless One replied: “Truly, truly I say to you: before Abraham was, I AM.”
This is Jesus, the Christ, the only true son of God, the one who we confess as God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God. The one called Immanuel - God with us. In His name there is power. In His name there is forgiveness. Our blasphemous sin makes us deserving of death but Jesus comes with forgiveness, and takes God’s name upon Himself again, and He says “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he died, yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”
You have been baptised into Christ’s death and resurrection. You were baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and Christ has come to you and given you His name. When it comes time for you to stand before God and account for your actions, it will be like there’s a stack of papers with your name on them. And under your name will be your sin. Blasphemer. And it won’t matter if your stack is smaller than everyone else’s: one single paper equals your damnation.
But there beside you stands your advocate, Jesus, who takes every single one of those papers and stamps over your name and puts His holy name over it. He erases your name, He erases your sin; and He places it firmly upon Himself.
It’s not that the law has changed. The punishment for blasphemy is still death. However, Jesus now stands as your advocate and says "I have taken this penalty: My death guarantees your life. My resurrection guarantees your resurrection." This is not so that we can go out and continue to treat His holy name with contempt; but instead He says to you, as He says to the woman who is to be stoned for her sin, "There is no one left to condemn you. Go and sin no more."
When He takes your name upon Himself He writes it in the book of life. In His name you have forgiveness. In His name you have solace. In His name you have eternal life.
Amen.
Now may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
---------------------------------
Here is the bulletin insert for further study, to which Vicar Todd refers early in his sermon.
Saints 13 Moses
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Stories of the Saints XII - Judges (Part II)
Today Vicar Todd preached the twelfth sermon in the "Stories of the Saints" series: the conclusion of the Judges of Israel. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Judges 13:1-7
Epistle Reading:
Romans 6:3-11
Gospel Reading:
John 17:9-19
Below is the bulletin insert for further study.
Saints12-Judges2
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Judges 13:1-7
Epistle Reading:
Romans 6:3-11
Gospel Reading:
John 17:9-19
Below is the bulletin insert for further study.
Saints12-Judges2
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Stories of the Saints XI - Judges (Part I)
Today Pastor Tom preached the eleventh "Stories of the Saints" sermon, on Judges. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Judges 6:1-18
Epistle Reading:
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
Gospel Reading:
Luke 10:1-12
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints11-Judges
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Judges 6:1-18
Epistle Reading:
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
Gospel Reading:
Luke 10:1-12
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints11-Judges
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Stories of the Saints X - the Twelve Tribes of Israel
Today Vicar Todd preached the tenth "Stories of the Saints" sermon, on the twelve tribes of Israel. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 50:22-26, Exodus 1:1-7
Epistle Reading:
Colossians 1:15-26
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 18:15-20
Here is the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints10-TwelveTribes
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 50:22-26, Exodus 1:1-7
Epistle Reading:
Colossians 1:15-26
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 18:15-20
Here is the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints10-TwelveTribes
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Stories of the Saints IX - Joseph (Pt 2)
Today Pastor Tom preached the ninth "Stories of the Saints" sermon, concluding the story of Joseph. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 42:1-17
Epistle Reading:
Romans 3:19-28
Gospel Reading:
John 6:25-40
And the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints9-Joseph2
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 42:1-17
Epistle Reading:
Romans 3:19-28
Gospel Reading:
John 6:25-40
And the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints9-Joseph2
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Stories of the Saints VIII - Joseph (Pt 1)
Today Vicar Todd continued the "Stories of the Saints" sermon series, on the subject of Joseph. The "Stories of the Saints" series presents a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 37:18-28
Epistle Reading:
Acts 7:9-16
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 4:1-11
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints8-Joseph1
To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post, or in the sidebar on the left of your screen.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 37:18-28
Epistle Reading:
Acts 7:9-16
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 4:1-11
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints8-Joseph1
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Stories of the Saints VII - Jacob
Today (the 494th Reformation Sunday) Pastor Tom preached the seventh sermon in the "Stories of the Saints" series. This series is a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ. Today's sermon focuses on Jacob. To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 27:1-10, 18-23
Epistle Reading:
Romans 7:14-25
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 15:1-7
In today's sermon, Pastor Tom refers to a photo which he showed on the overhead projector. Here is the photo:
Here is the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 7
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 27:1-10, 18-23
Epistle Reading:
Romans 7:14-25
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 15:1-7
In today's sermon, Pastor Tom refers to a photo which he showed on the overhead projector. Here is the photo:
Here is the bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 7
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Stories of the Saints VI - Isaac
On Sunday, October 23, Vicar Todd preached the sixth in the "Stories of the Saints" sermon series, on Isaac. This series is a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ. To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 22:1-14
Epistle Lesson:
Romans 9:6-16
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 6:5-13
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 6
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 22:1-14
Epistle Lesson:
Romans 9:6-16
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 6:5-13
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 6
Monday, October 17, 2011
Stories of the Saints V - Abram/Abraham
On Sunday, October 16, Pastor Tom Kruesel preached the fifth in the "Stories of the Saints" sermon series. This series is a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ. To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 12:1-9
Epistle Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-13
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 3:1-9
Sermon 5: Abram/Abraham.
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 5
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 12:1-9
Epistle Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-13
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 3:1-9
Sermon 5: Abram/Abraham.
Bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 5
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Stories of the Saints IV - Sons of Noah/Tower of Babel
On Sunday, October 9, Thanksgiving Sunday, Pastor Tom preached the fourth sermon in the "Stories of the Saints" series. This series is a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ. To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post.
First Reading:
Genesis 11:1-9
Second Reading:
Acts 2:1-12
Sermon 4: Sons of Noah and the Tower of Babel.
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 4
First Reading:
Genesis 11:1-9
Second Reading:
Acts 2:1-12
Sermon 4: Sons of Noah and the Tower of Babel.
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 4
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Stories of the Saints III - Noah
Today Vicar Todd preached the third sermon in the "Stories of the Saints" series, a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ. To find the other sermons in this series, click the post label "Stories of the Saints" at the bottom of this post.
Sermon 3: Noah
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 7:11-24
Epistle Reading:
1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 26:17-29
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 3
Sermon 3: Noah
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 7:11-24
Epistle Reading:
1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 26:17-29
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 3
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Stories of the Saints II - Cain and Abel
Vicar Todd's first sermon at Bethany, on Sunday September 25, 2011 was the second in a series entitled "Stories of the Saints"; a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
Sermon 2: Cain and Abel.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 4:1-16
Epistle Lesson:
1 John 3:11-18
Gospel Lesson:
Matthew 5:21-26
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 2
Sermon 2: Cain and Abel.
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 4:1-16
Epistle Lesson:
1 John 3:11-18
Gospel Lesson:
Matthew 5:21-26
The bulletin insert for further study:
Saints 2
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stories of the Saints I
Special music today was provided by Kirstin, who sang "Hallowed" while accompanying herself on piano.
Pastor Tom's sermon for Sunday September 18, 2011 is the first in a series entitled "Stories of the Saints"; a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
Sermon 1: Adam and Eve.
Old testament Reading:
Genesis 1:27-31
Epistle Lesson:
Galatians 4:1-7
Gospel Lesson:
John 1:1-14
This document is for further study on Adam and Eve.
Saints 1
Pastor Tom's sermon for Sunday September 18, 2011 is the first in a series entitled "Stories of the Saints"; a chronological view of the people of the Bible, showing how all Scripture points to God's plan of salvation in Christ.
Sermon 1: Adam and Eve.
Old testament Reading:
Genesis 1:27-31
Epistle Lesson:
Galatians 4:1-7
Gospel Lesson:
John 1:1-14
This document is for further study on Adam and Eve.
Saints 1
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Matthew 18:21-35-September 11, 2001
The readings for today are as follows:
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 50:15-21
Epistle Reading:
Romans 14:1-12
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 18:21-35
Pastor Tom's sermon for today is taken from the gospel reading: Matthew 18:21-35.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 50:15-21
Epistle Reading:
Romans 14:1-12
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 18:21-35
Pastor Tom's sermon for today is taken from the gospel reading: Matthew 18:21-35.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Friday, September 9, 2011
Matthew 18:1-20 - September 4, 2011
The readings for Sunday, September 4, 2011 are as follows:
Old Testament Reading
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Epistle Reading
Romans 13:1-10
Gospel Reading
Matthew 18:1-20
Pastor Tom's sermon for this Sunday was taken from Matthew 18:1-20.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7 “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Old Testament Reading
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Epistle Reading
Romans 13:1-10
Gospel Reading
Matthew 18:1-20
Pastor Tom's sermon for this Sunday was taken from Matthew 18:1-20.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7 “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Romans 12:9-21 - August 28, 2011
Pastor Tom's sermon for Sunday, August 28, 2011 is from Romans 12:9-21. Pastor Tom reads from "The Message" translation, 2002.
9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Monday, August 22, 2011
My Faith Looks up to Thee -- August 14, 2011
This is a French horn solo based on "My Faith Looks Up to Thee". It's a hymn that reminds us where forgiveness and help come from. It reminds us to trust in God in everything we do. This setting was played with accompaniment on a CD, where you can hear both the piano and organ playing.
Horn soloist: Kristin Schneider
Sunday, August 21, 2011
10th Sunday After Pentecost - A Living Sacrifice
The readings for today, August 21, 2011, are as follows:
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 51:15-21
Epistle Reading: Romans 11:33-12:8
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
The sermon is taken from the Epistle reading, Romans 11:33-12:8.
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 51:15-21
Epistle Reading: Romans 11:33-12:8
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
The sermon is taken from the Epistle reading, Romans 11:33-12:8.
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What Does Pentecost Mean?
Here's my sermon from June 12, 2011, the Day of Pentecost. The text is Acts 2:1-21.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Way to Heaven, The Truth that Brings Life
The sermon from Bethany Lutheran Church on May 22, 2011. The text is John 14:1-12.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Back to the Cross
The sermon for May 15, 2011. The text is John 10:1-10. Sorry it took so long to get it up, my computer has been getting some TLC and I have had it for the week. Enjoy!
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