Sermon Audio
As Christians we face persecution every day as we tell people about Jesus. Most likely it’s not the threats of pain or death that the early church—or even some Christians in other parts of the world today—face, but still persecution. Whether it’s insults at work, a cold-shoulder from neighbors, or friends who no longer want to talk to us, we find that sharing the Gospel causes hardships. Out of fear of how people might react we are tempted to keep quiet about our Lord. It’s easier to not say anything. Yet Jesus tells us to proclaim him to all people. He reminds us of his goodness and love. Share the Gospel with all people. Don’t Be Afraid, you have a powerful God on your side. Read Matthew 10:24-33
The first requirement for a Christian pastor is to listen to God speak before talking to God’s people. The same principle applies to all Christians. This week’s message for Pastor Joshua Bodden’s ordination/installation is based on I Samuel 3:1-10. Pastor Daniel Schmidt, St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, delivers this sermon for Pastor Bodden’s ordination/installation.
You most appreciate forgiveness when you realize how much you need it. You most appreciate freedom when you have experienced slavery. This may sound too simple, but it is at the center of our relationship with Jesus. Sunday’s guest preacher is seminary student, Brian Wrobel. Brian is a member of St. Paul’s and son of Steve and Beth Wrobel. Read Matthew 9:9-13.
Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus
This brings to mind the familiar and rousing hymn of the Christian Church we will sing in our services again. But there’s a PROBLEM. This is never an easy thing to do in our day-to-day life. Thankfully our Savior also gives us a PROMISE in his words in Matthew’s Gospel. WE can and we will stand in our Lord’s strength alone! Read Matthew 10:32
We know the Holy Trinity is far more than mental visualizations of an embattled idea. It is the one and only true God—real and powerful, wanting all people to be saved, expecting you and me to proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins throughout the world. He is our constant companion and comfort. To his church, to dearly loved people like you and me, he has given the supreme task: MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS! He’s authorized each of us to do this grand work and given us the most powerful tools as well. Truly, we are all honored partners in the blessed work of “disciple –making.” Join us this week to be re-energized in that work! Read Matthew 28:16-20
How does future glory affect present suffering? How does the promise of a bright future affect how you deal with the present? Find the answers this Sunday. Read I Samuel 1:21-28.
In our timely message Paul preached to a people enamored with spirituality, but ignorant of the true God. To a people who thought they had all the answers, Paul offers real knowledge of the true God unknown to them. He told them and reminds us all in our time of worship this week, JESUS IS LORD! He is the ONLY ONE who can bring us to God. And he also is the ONLY ONE who can make life worthwhile! Read Acts 17:29-31
We all build our lives on someone or something. We are tempted to think that Jesus isn’t worth building on. The Apostle Peter disagrees. Jesus is the “living Stone” and “cornerstone” of our lives. He’ll never let us down.
Read I Peter 2:4-10.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, May 15, we turn our attention to the “Shepherd Psalm” namely, Psalm 23. We would like to get to know our Good Shepherd better of whom we sing: THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS! Let us come to the “green pastures” and “still waters” of his holy Word to review what it means to KNOW the Shepherd of shepherds and to be his honored GUESTS.
How does Easter excitement continue? What keeps bringing people back to hear about Jesus? Read Acts 2:14, 36-47





