We were joined by renowned organist and former WELS pastor Charles Bonow for a festival of Word and song! Each of our Scripture readings and hymns today emphasize the various aspects of Our Life in Christ. Join us in making "a joyful noise unto the Lord our God", as we "sing forth the honor of His name," and "make His praise glorious!"
As Jesus began to preach to the people of His hometown of Nazareth, He read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and then proclaimed, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." He reveals Himself as the fulfillment of the healing and freedom, restoration and righteousness promised by God long ago. Pastor's sermon, "Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures in Our Hearing," is based on Luke 4:14-21.
As the invited guest to a small-town wedding, Jesus performed the first of His many miraculous signs by turning water into wine. In doing so He revealed His glory: the glory of His almighty power, and also the glory of His grace and love! We can put our faith in Christ, knowing that He shares the same gracious love toward each of us. Pastor's sermon, "Jesus' Gifts Reveal His Glory" is based on John 2:1-11.
When Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John, He was anointed as our Savior with the Father's voice and the Holy Spirit's presence. We are reminded of God's grace in our own salvation--grace seen in our own baptism, that God saved us through the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. Pastor's sermon, "He Saved Us," is based on Titus 3:4-7.
At the Epiphany of Our Lord, we continue to celebrate the birth of the Savior of Nations! The dawning of God's Son is so bright and glorious that His light reaches to the ends of the earth! Pastor's sermon, "Rise And Shine--the Light Has Come!" is based on Isaiah 60:1-6.
As we mark the end of one year and the beginning of another, the Word of God assures us that our past and our future are in the hands of a loving God. With souls purified in the truth of Christ, and with lives born again by His enduring Word, let us resolve in the new year to love one another fervently, from the heart! Pastor's sermon, "Resolve to Love One Another" is based on 1 Peter 1:22-25.
What Child is this? Our perfect Savior and Substitute! The joys of the Christmas season go on and on as we visit Jesus in His boyhood. Already as a child, we see Jesus serving as our substitute, perfectly obeying God's law in our place. He does this so that one day He could lay down His sinless life as the sacrifice for our sins. Pastor's sermon, "Already About His Father's Business," is based on Luke 2:41-52.