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"The Light Behind the Shadow" Christmas Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 9:2-6
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 9:2-6
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The world lays in darkness and the shadow of death because of sin. But behind that shadow is the light of Christ, who has atoned for sin and defeated death for us. His light came into the world at His incarnation and continues to push back against darkness and death through His Word and Sacraments. It is through Jesus, this Child born of Mary; this Son of the Most High God who is The Prince of Peace that we can be at peace with God and at peace within ourselves. This glorious message, spoken by angels to the shepherds, and captured in the hymns and carols of Christmas still resounds to this day: "Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled." That gives us every reason to have a Merry Christmas.
"Blessed Faith" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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The events surrounding the conception and birth of Jesus are certainly miraculous and blessed. Mary is blessed by being chosen to be the mother of the world's Redeemer - the very Son of God. But she is also blessed in that she was enabled to believe that these things were true for her. Many would have a hard time believing that they would conceive a child without a man's involvement, or that this child would be God's Son.Yet Mary did believe and was blessed. God still miraculously causes His Word to go forth today into the hearts of people enabling them to believe that all these things are true and that Christ came to give them forgiveness and life. And because we do believe in Jesus as our Redeemer, we are very much blessed indeed.
"The Kingdom of Glory" Advent 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 21 & 22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 21 & 22
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As glorious as this world and universe are, they are broken and marred because of man's sin. While we are in awe of the beauty of the creation, we grieve at the death and tragedy found in it. We long for things to be as they were supposed to be. God has promised that as He sent His Son to bear man's sin and judgment on Himself, that He will return to make all things new. It is to this Kingdom of Glory that we look, and that fills us with hope and joy, even in the midst of this broken creation. Even it, though, points us to that which will be restored when Christ returns. God makes us His people through The Kingdom of Grace - the Church where we are given the gifts of Christ. He provides and protects His people through His Kingdom of Power as He works in this world. And He will bring us into His Kingdom of Glory - heaven, when He calls us out of this life, or when He returns again in glory. Amen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
"See For Yourself" 3rd Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 7:18-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 7:18-23
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John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus, not only as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world, but also as the coming judge. He understood that this would happen in his lifetime but, when he sat in a dungeon cell, he wasn't seeing Jesus bringing the Judgment Day and the downfall of Israel's enemies. Thus, he wondered if Jesus was really The One or not. Jesus demonstrated to John's disciples through His miracles that He was fulfilling the Scriptures about Messiah - that He first comes as a Redeemer of sinners before He comes back as the Judge of the living and the dead. Thus, even in the darkness, John could rejoice that Jesus has come. So we, even in the darkness of this life, can rejoice because Jesus has come as OUR Redeemer and at the End, when He makes all things new, by faith we will be with Him always. Rejoice!
"The Grace Full Kingdom" Advent 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1 & 2 Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1 & 2 Selected Verses
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God's Kingdom of Grace is The Church, which is the body of Christ. It is not made of bricks and stones, but of flesh and blood. It is in this Kingdom that God's word is proclaimed, calling sinners to repentance so they can receive the healing of their souls through the Gospel. It is the grace of God that saves people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. He draws us into this Kingdom by His grace and has mercy on us. He also gives us a place to receive His gifts in Christ, forgive our sins, unite us with one another and gives us a true purpose. We pray that God would continue to expand His Grace Full Kingom, drawing many more into it to share with us the blessings we have in Christ.
"Who Can Endure?" 2nd Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Malachi 3:1-7
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Malachi 3:1-7
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As in Malachi's day, so in ours. People want God to leave them alone until they get in a jam. Then they cry out for help and are offended if that help doesn't come when and how they want it. They accuse God of injustice and wonder where He is. Well, God did promise He would act and bring about full justice. But when that Day of His appearing occurs, who can possibly stand before Him? Left to ourselves, none of us can. But because of Christ's first appearing in humility to bear the sins of the world, those who trust in Him will be able to stand and endure at His coming again, because we stand, not on ourselves, but on Christ.
"The Kingdom of Power" Advent 1
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 12:10-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 12:10-12
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The Kingdom of Power is God's work in creating and preserving this world and the whole universe. Each of us, believer or not, operates within this Kingdom, and depends on the poer of God to sustain our lives. It is into this creation that God sent His Son, Jesus, to bring about redemption for the world. Because of sin, God has subjected the creation to futility yet, along with God's Christians, creation itself looks forward to its perfect restoration. But even now, we can live as God's redeemed and forgiven children, trusting in Christ and knowing that God's power will sustain us in this present life and bring us into everlasting life.
"Promises Made; Promises Kept" 1st Sun. in Advent
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Jeremiah was sent to a people that weren't in the mood for sermons, especially one's calling them to repentance, or else! Because of their rebelliousness, the nation would go into captivity, and even God's faithful would be part of the suffering. Yet, God held out a promise of One who would deliver them and carry out justice and righteousness. That was a promise of hope. That was the promise of Christ's coming. We also are in times of great upheaval, sin and unbelief. We don't know what lies ahead, or what we as God's Christians may have to face in this world. Yet we also cling to the hope of God's promises to us in Christ. That He came and died for us and we are forgiven in Him. And that He is coming again in glory to take us to our true homeland.
"Thanks Be To God" Thanksgiving Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Psalm 107 Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Psalm 107 Selected Verses
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Israel's history, and God's redemptive acts are ample encouragment for us to give thanks to God as well. In their various afflictions, some outside of their control and some due to their own sin and error, when they cried out to the Lord, He brought about His deliverance. So we in our time. God remains faithful to His Word. In our adversities and trouble, we can cry out to Him through our Savior Jesus Christ and He will bring about our deliverance. It will be in His own time and way, but for all who are in Christ, it will be for our ultimate good. Thanks be to God!
"Stay Awake" Last Sun. of the Church Year
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 13:24-37
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 13:24-37
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It's sad to be asleep in the deer blind and miss the big buck. It's a tragedy to be spiritually asleep and unprepared for Christ's return. Jesus first came to be our Redeemer. He is coming again as the Judge. So Jesus urges His Christians to stay awake and recognize the signs in this world that we are getting closer: wars, famines, earthquakes and false christs. Though we see these things throughout history, they are reminders that this world is passing away and getting closer to The End. Thus, we are to remain awake looking for His return. But also to receive Him as He now comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. Meeting Him now where He comes to us will make us prepared when He returns in glory.
"Blessed Above and Below" All Saints' Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 5:1-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 5:1-12
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We understand that those faithful Christians who have departed this life and have gone to be with Christ are the blessed ones. Yet, Jesus also assures us who remain involved in the fight in this life as blessed also. Thoough we have times of mourning, humbling and even persecution, we are still in a favorable position (blessed) because of Christ. He who humbled Himself to death on a cross for us has assured us of the blessedness we possess now in Him and will have in all eternity. We are "all saints," i.e. holy ones because we are forgiven and belong to Christ.
"The Eternal Gospel" Reformation Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 14:6-7
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 14:6-7
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The Reformation did not introduce a new Gospel to the world but, rather, allowed the "Eternal Gospel" of salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ to come again to the forefront. Yet this was opposed by many inside and outside of the Church. The devil and the world will fight to destroy this Gospel, and the lives of the Reformers were in great danger. Yet, because of this eternal Gospel of Christ, they persevered, even writing hymns of power and comfort for the persecuted that continue to encourage us today. Hymns like: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and "O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe." Tho devils all the world should fill all eager to devour us, we today can still stand firm in confidence because we, too, have and believe in the eternal Gospel of the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ.
"Jesus, Son of David, Have Mercy on Me"
Pastor Lee Wenskay
Mark 10:46-52
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
Mark 10:46-52
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The simple prayer of blind Bartemaeus, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me," is a prayer of faith. It is the prayer of one who is utterly dependent on another to help. It is the prayer that Jesus hears and responds to. For the Christian, even when all other prayers are forgotten, this simple prayer can still be said, and the Lord, in His love, will respond and come to our aid, for His mercy was shown to us and to the world at the cross.
"Counter-Intuitive"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:23-27
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:23-27
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The Bible has many things that are "counter-intuitive" to the way fallen human being think, not the least of which is regarding salvation, or who deserves to be saved. The idea that our good works do not save us or, at least, contribute toward our salvation is counter-intuitive. Yet, entering the kingdom of heaven by our efforts is an impossibility. We cannot save ourselves. Yet, what is impossible for man to accomplish, Christ accomplished for us. Through His life, death and resurrection, now even "the chief of sinners" can be saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus. Even those who are wracked with guilt for their sin and think that it's impossible for God to forgive them need to hear the Gospel for themselves - that God did the impossible and has forgiven them in Christ. It may be counter-intuitive to our hearts, but it is absolutely the truth.
"Don't Fall For It"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 3:12-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 3:12-19
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Many of the Israelites who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt never entered God's rest in the Promised Land. It was because of their unbelief and rebellion. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews uses that as an example to us to make sure we are not hiding "evil, unbelieving hearts" which would allow sin's deceitfulness to harden us to God and His Word to the point where we, too, will not enter God's eternal rest.
"Original Intent"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:2-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:2-12
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When dealing with situations we presently face, we look to the Scriptures to understand what God originally intended and whether or not we are following that intent or being driven to make choices out of our sinful hearts and desires. Divorce is one example. God's original intent for man and woman is that they, through marriage, become a "one flesh union" that is not to be separated by anyone, and can bring forth new life through our children. But because of sin, concessions were made to protect people whose marriages are desintigrating. Divorce is the final step of a series of sins and failures that cause the death of this relationship that God meant should be permanent, and a reflection of His relationship to His Bride, the Church. Yet, forgiveness and healing can still be found in Christ, who calls us once more to follow Him as male or female, and to respect His original intent for the sexes, and for His institution of the "one flesh" union only in marriage.
"At Wits' End"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Numbers 11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Numbers 11
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Many things in life can bring us to our wits' end, not the least of which is ingratitude and entitlement. Israel in the wilderness succumbed to the complaints of the "rabble," who wanted to go back to Egypt where "everything was great. Israel, too, complained and Moses was overwhelmed to the point of wishing to die.We, likewise, are led astray by today's rabble that complains, demands, and is never satisfied. We cry against God and demand He give us what we think we are entitled to. Thank God He doesn't. We're "entitled" judgment and death for our sins and rebellion, but He instead gives us His Son to forgive our sins and bring us into everlasting life. In Christ, we can learn contentment and gratitude for the gifts He does give to us. And maybe, just maybe, when we do find ourselves overwhelmed and at our wits' end, we will more clearly be able to see Jesus, our Redeemer.
"Higher Wisdom"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
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Wisdom is a good thing to have. Unfortunately, the so-called wisdom of this world often rejects the things of God and tends to be self-centered and self-elevating even at the cost of others. While this world may consider that kind of wisdom desirable, it is a fiction and will pass as=way. But wisdom from God is that which is wholesome and good, benefitting not just the one who has it, but especially others who come in contact with those who have it. This "Higher Wisdom" comes through the Holy Spirit working through God's Word. It changes us and humbles us as we receive forgiveness through Christ and seek to live as His people. Jesus is the embodiment of this Higher Wisdom and imparts that to us.
"Sticks and Stones ..."
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:1-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:1-12
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It's hard to believe that such a small organ of the body can do such great damage, but as James points out, the unbridled tongue does just that. It can wound people, destroy reputations and even cause others to do great acts of evil. The tongue doesn't do that by itself; it is simply the vehicle for what is present in the heart. And since "we all stumble in many ways," all of us have said hurtful things to others. This is why in repentant trust in Christ, and being filled with His Word and Spirit, our hearts are changed and our tongues will speak fewer words that tear others down and more words of grace to build others up.
"Put Up Or ..."
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:14-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:14-18
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Good works do not save us or even contribute toward our salvation. Faith alone in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer saves (and even that faith is a gift of God to us). Good works are the evidence of a living faith. Without that evidence, any professed faith is really dead and cannot save. A living faith will produce good fruit, or works, however imperfect they may be. Yet, the Christian lives by God's grace and forgiveness, and desires to do those things pleasing in His sight and that benefits our neighbor. As faith is made stronger through connection to God's Word and Gifts, the evidence of that living faith becomes more apparent in our lives so that it is clear to others that we belong to Jesus.
"We Forgot to Remember"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:6-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:6-9
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When the Israelites forsook God's Word and Covenant with them and embraced the paganism of the nations around them, their nation suffered and fell under God's judgment. The decline usually didn't happen immediately, but over generations, while God continued to call them to repentance before it was too late. While there were always those who remained faithful, there was a "tipping point" when judgment on the nation had to happen. So it is with all nations. When the majority of people are faithful to God and heed His Word, the nation experiences great blessings. But as His people become fewer and less committed to His Word, then sinful passions and actions occur bringing greater division, violence and discord. When the tipping point happens, the nation falls. Yet in God's grace, He uses even tumultuous times to call people to repentance and receive forgiveness for their sins in Christ. While a particular nation may never rise again, those who are in Christ are raised to newness of life now, and will be raised to eternal life at the Last Day.
"When Words Collide"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 7:1-13
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 7:1-13
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Traditions can be good when they unite people and give continuity to life. Religious traditions are good when they uphold God's Word and help people to clearly see all that Jesus has done for us. But when traditions contradict or hide God's Word, and make us think that we are right before God by carrying out those traditions, then those traditions become bad. Jesus tears into the Pharisees precisely because they are using the traditions of the elders as a way of justifying themselves and condemning others. Those traditions were hindering them from repentance for their sins and a trust in Christ for forgiveness. Even today we are prone to judging others by whether or not they do what we do and think that we are better than they because we follow our traditions. This requires repentance on our part as well. Traditions are necessary, but hey must never collide with God's Word, either in our practice or in our hearts.
"No More Fence Sitting"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joshua 24:14-15
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joshua 24:14-15
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The tendency of God's people to be fence sitters is strong. We want to be faithful to God, yet the "idols" of this world are attractive to us. Periodically we need to be reminded of the importance of remaining in the true faith and not giving in to the lures of this world. Joshua told the Israelites that it's time to take a stand, one way or another. Either remain faithful in serving the true God who chose them to be His own people, or pick what gods they will serve. Just be honest about it and stop sitting on the fence. So for us. We who have been redeemed by Christ and are nourished on the gifts of God even as we are moving toward our heavenly home, we need to determine to take our stand on Christ and His Word, even if the whole world rejects Him. None of the idols of this world can meet our true need, nor give us true life. Only Christ can do that.
"Keep Building" 75th Anniversary
Pastor Galan Walther
1 Corinthians 3:11
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Pastor Galan Walther
1 Corinthians 3:11
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Anniversaries are a time for remembering. A lot has transpired in the 75 years since three congregations joined together to become Our Savior Lutheran Church. But while many things have changed over the years, the foundation upon which Our Savior was built - Jesus Christ and Him crucified to save sinners - remains the same. Even as we remember God's blessings in the past, we look ahead to the continued proclamation of the Gospel and to continue building on that solid foundation of Christ.
"Food for the Soul"
Pastor Lee Wenskay
John 6:22-35
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
John 6:22-35
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The crowds listened to Jesus, but they were more interested in getting their bellies filled. The sign they wanted from Jesus was along the lines of the Israelites recieving the manna in the wilderness. Yet, Jesus pointed them to a greater food that lasts into eternity: Himself, the bread of life. They were to believe in Him, and even that belief wasn't a work they would do for God, but rather God's work in them. Forgiveness, life, salvation, and even faith isn't something we accomplish for ourselves, but it is a gift of God for us in Christ.
"Still?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:45-52
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:45-52
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After all Jesus did to that point, the disciples still didn't get it when Jesus walked to them on water and calmed the storm. In the miraculous feeding of the 5000, they didn't connect that Jesus has control over nature and, thus, they are safe with Him. Before we get too hard on the disciples, we often still don't get it, either. Adversities cause us to doubt, and griefs make us question the goodness of God or the love of Christ for us. Though we don't always "get Him," He still gets us and in dying and rising for us, will continue to forgive and help to unharden our hearts so we become confident that "neither death, nor life ... nor anything in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
"Part of Something Bigger"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 2:11-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 2:11-22
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There was a huge gap between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were near to God, and the Gentiles, because they were pagans, were far from God. Yet Christ died for all and, through the Spirit's power, Gentiles who believed in Him were now one with those Jews who also believed in Him. The natural divide and hostility between those groups was broken down in Christ. The same can be true for us, who are divided by many things today: race, politics and even sex. Yet where natural divisions may be present in the world, those divisions should be overcome by our common faith in Christ as our Redeemer. Now being His Christians, we have a unity with each other that supercedes that which divides us. And if we can truly appreciate our connection by faith to one another, then our hostility toward each other based on lesser things can be mitigated and we can begin to appreciate our common humanity.
"Compromised; Uncompromising"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:14-29
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:14-29
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Sin can be denied or ignored and the guilt stuffed down deep inside of us, but there will be something that triggers the guilt to come rushing to the forefront again. In the meantime, unresolved guilt can lead to many self destructive behaviors. King Herod had been compromised so badly in his moral, spiritual and ethical life that his reputation was more important than saving the life of John the Baptist. Then, hearing about Jesus' miracles, wrongly thought John had come back from the dead for revenge. Even today, many are compromised by sin and try to suppress their guilt through alcohol, drugs, sex, work and any number of other things that eventually lead to destruction. It's only whenone is brought to repentance and trust in the atoning death of Jesus on the cross for them that the guilt can be truly released and healing can take place. It is in the uncompromising Gospel that we find peace.
"Unbelieving Believers?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:1-13
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 6:1-13
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Even though they went to "church," those of His hometown rejected Jesus because they thought they knew Him and were offended as He preached God's Word and was the fulfillment of that Word. They could not, or would not connect Jesus with that Word. Many today think they know who Jesus is and, while claiming to be believers, live as unbelievers instead. They reject the things He said or did in the Bible because they think they are so much smarter than those who wrote the Scriptures. Yet, you can only know Jesus and believe in Him when you believe what the Bible reveals about Him. There is no other way.
"Affliction's Training Ground"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lamentations 3:21-33
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lamentations 3:21-33
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When undergoing affliciton or suffering, especially long term, one could conclude that God is unloving and unmerciful. Yet the opposite is true, in spite of what our senses may tell us. Affliciton and suffering are part of a fallen world, and our own sins, or the sins of others. Yet the Scriptures assure us that God's steadfast love and mercies to His people never end. Even the afflictions we experience may be God's way of bringing us back to Him, or closer to Him. It is often through long term afflcition that we learn to wait for Him and trust in Him in hope. Christ Himself was afflicted for us, and suffered at the hands of sinful men, though He was completely sinless. Because He did that for us, there is every reason to have hope in the goodness of God that we will understand one day, as the hymnwriter states: "The hand that sends me sadness will turn my tears to gladness."
