As John the Baptist arrives on the scene, he proclaims God's Word of repentance and remission of sins, preparing the hearts of all who hear for the coming Messiah. May the Word of God also rightly prepare our own hearts for coming of the Lord! Pastor's sermon, "Prepare the Way of the Lord!" is based on Luke 3:1-6.
The season of Advent teaches us to watch and prepare for Christ's coming--and not just to celebrate His first coming at Christmas, but also to be ready for His seond coming at the last day. The hope that Christ's coming gives us enables us to lift up our heads in joyful anticipation and to open our eyes to watch our lives and pray that He would find us ready to meet Him. Pastor's sermon, "Christ's Coming Fills Us with Hope," is based on Luke 21:25-36.
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving in America at Plymouth Rock! The pilgrims endured a difficult year of misery, hardship and death. Yet after their first year in the new world, they didn't complain or grumble. They rejoiced and gave thanks! We too can give thanks to God, rejoicing in His grace, with the confidence that He pours into our hearts by His Word. Pastor's sermon, "Rejoice in the Gracious Lord," is based on Habakkuk 3:17-19.
In this world our Lord Jesus' kingdom often doesn't look like much. So often evil and suffering seem to reign here on earth, causing us to question Christ's kingship. God's Word reminds us that Christ's kingdom is different--it's not just a kingdom of power, but a kingdom of grace and mercy, for which we can give thanks every day. Pastor's sermon, "We Follow a Different King," is based on John 18:33-37.
In Jesus, we already know the end of the story. Having died for our sins, He now sits at God's right hand, reigning until the day He comes again to raise us from the dead and take us to sit with Him in heavenly glory. Pastor's sermon, "We Get to Sit with Jesus," is based on Hebrews 10:11-18.
For the heart of the Christian, news of God's judgment brings cheerful confidence! The Father has handed all judgment over to His Son, who offered up His own life so that we are now declared "not guilty" before God. So, we eagerly wait for our Savior's glorious return! Pastor's sermon, "Eagerly Expect the Savior's Appearance," is based on Hebrews 9:24-28.
On Reformation Day we give thanks to God for saving us by grace alone, on account of Christ's saving work alone, and through His powerful Word alone. Through the faithful witness of His people, the Lord preserves His precious gospel and continually reforms His Church. Pastor's sermon, "Remain Steadfast in God's Word," is based on Daniel 3:16-28.