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"Time to Wait" New Year's Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 30:15-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 30:15-18
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What a year 2020 has been! All that was lacking were the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse riding in the skies. With all the shutdowns and people staying at home, the last thing people might want to hear is "wait." Yet this is exactly what our Lord calls us to do: not rush around like chickens with our heads cut off, but waiting calmly for Him to come to our rescue. These world events are a call to all to repent of our individual and national sins. But it's also a call to find our rest in Christ. When we are rushing madly about in panic, we lose sight of what God has done for us. But when our souls are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that none of the things we are experiencing can separate us from His love for us in Christ. We don't know what 2021 will bring, but we do know Who is with us as we enter it.
"What child Is This?" 2nd Sun. After Christmas
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:40-52
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:40-52
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For three days, Josheph and Mary searched for their lost twelve year old son. They found Jesus in the temple where he had been the whole time. All those with whom Jesus had been conversing for those three days were amazed at his understanding of the Scriptures and the things he said. His parents were astonished to find him there. None of them got it. But even at age twelve, Jesus knew fully who he was, the Son of God, and so he had to be "in my Father's house." Everything in his life centered on Jerusalem and what he would do there as he bore the sins of the world on himself and would die on the cross and be raised again the third day. People are still puzzled about Jesus today. Many don't get it yet, for those who do have faith in him, we know him to be our Savior and Redeemer.
"The Hard Questions" Epiphany
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 2:1-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 2:1-12
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The political turmoil our country has been experiencing is not new. Throughout history, nations rise and fall; kings come and go. At the time of Jesus' birth, Herod was king and times were tough. Yet the Savior of the world was manifested and God drew even pagan Gentiles to this Savior. God was at work behind the scenes to accomplish His plan for our salvation. No political machinations or turmoil could frustrate that plan. So today, God is still at work, and His Gospel still shines forth in us and all His Christians. While we may be distressed at what is going on in our country, we are not dispondent. Because ultimately we know where our true citizenship is - in heaven - and we know that Christ is still at work in this world drawing many to Him and reconciling those divided from one another through the Gospel.
"Drowned, Yet Truly Alive" Baptism of Our Lord
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 6:1-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 6:1-11
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Is it possible to be drowned and yet truly alive? Yes. That happens in Baptism. Our Lord, who submitted to John's Baptism to fully identify with those He came to save, gave His church an objective act, filled with His promises to us, as well as a power to kill us and make us alive again. In the Baptism Jesus gave His Church, we are buried with Christ and fully connected to all the blessings His death has obtained, and we are raised with Him to walk in newness of life. We are still afflicted by sin, but we are no longer to be slaves of it. when guilt assais us, and Satan accuses us, we do not look to our feelings or the world's opinions. We look to the promises of God's Word connected to our Baptism, and we trust Him who died for us and lives forevermore - Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
"It's Time" 3rd Sun. After the Epiphany
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 1:14-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 1:14-20
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As Jesus began to preach, it clearly was time for the people to repent of their sins and believe in the forgiveness that Jesus came to bring to the world. It is in repentance and faith that we escape the coming judgment. But repentance should be an ongoing thing, for we sin daily. But it is trust in the Gospel that gives us power to be God's Christians in this world even as we look forward to "the life of the world to come." It's time now for the Church (God's Christians, each of us) to be serious about our faith, the hearing of God's Word and the living out of the faith in our discipleship with Jesus.
"Rights, and Wrongs" 4th Sun. After the Epiphany
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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Many aspects of life that were restricted under the Old Testament have been opened to us as Christ fulfilled the Law for us and brought about our redemption. So certain foods, for example, forbidden to Israel of old we have the right to eat of with thanksgiving. But not all Christians are fully knowledgable about that freedom we have in Christ and may stumble over the eating of certain foods. So there are times when, in Christian love for a "weaker" brother, we would refrain from utilizing that right so we don't cause conscience issues with another or even drive them away from Christ. This applies to other areas of life where we have certain rights, given by God, the state or our own consciences that if engaged in to another's harm, we should instead put aside for a time until they reach the same level of knowledge as us. The key to keeping Rights from becoming Wrongs is Christ's love for us that in turn makes us act in love toward our neighbor.
"For the Sake of the Gospel" 5th Sun. After the Epiphany
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 9:16-27
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 9:16-27
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While Christians have the right in Christ to do or enjoy many things that may be forbidden to others, out of love for them and for the sake of opening doors for the Gospel, we may set aside the exercise of those rights for a time. We do this to avoid putting up barriers that would keep others from hearing the Gospel and by the Spirit's power, believing it. We do this out of love for our neighbor, not out of a desire to get something from them or to be approved by them. Though in Christ we are perfectly free and beholden to no man, we are also in Christ to be servants of all that, if possible, the Lord though us might win many and we can share together with them in the blessings of the Gospel.
"The Transformer" The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2Corinthians 3:12-4:6
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2Corinthians 3:12-4:6
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As an assurance to His disciples as Jesus had set His face toward Jerusalem and the cross, He was transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John. His true divinity hidden beneath His true humanity, briefly burst forth. As we begin our Lenten journey to our Savior's cross, we also are being transformed by Word and Sacrament to have a glory that comes from our connection to Christ. Human eyes can't see that glory, hidden as it is beneath our own ordinariness, yet it is still there and will be revealed fully in heaven. Christ, through the Holy Spirit is transforming us day by day into His image to share in His glory.
"Is It I?" Ash Wednesday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 26:20-25
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 26:20-25
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Jesus' statement that one of the twelve disciples would betray Him sent shock waves among them. Each asked the question, "Is it I?" In reality we are all betrayers of Jesus. We are all the reason why He was crucified. For our sins He willingly went to the cross to reclaim us and make us His own. Though through our sins we continue to betray Him, yet through His crucifixion and resurrection He continues to forgive us and pour His life into us. Though we are "dust, and to dust we shall return," He will raise us up again, glorified forever with Him.
"Symbol/Reality" 1st Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Genesis 22:1-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Genesis 22:1-8
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The account of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac is indeed a demonstration of remarkable faith in God's Word and promise, demonstrated by both Abraham and Isaac, it really points to God the Father and His Son, Jesus. God did provide the lamb for the sacrifice in place of Isaac. God did provide the Lamb for the sacrifice in our place - Jesus. What God asked of Abraham as a test symbolized what The Father actually did for us in sacrificing His own Son on the cross. The account of Abraham and Isaac is a symbol of the greater reality of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
"Our Hope in Christ" 2nd Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 5:1-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 5:1-11
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Hope is always an uncertain thing in this world. It is like wishful thinking. Especially when it comes to suffering, we hope never to suffer or, if it should come to us, that it would quickly pass. Yet St. Paul helps us understand that suffering for the Christian is never senseless, but that our dear Lord is using it according to His purposes and for our ultimate good. From suffering in Christ comes endurance which develops our character and gives our hope a solid foundation on the Word and promise of Christ. Here hope is a confidence in these truths that in Christ, "God is for us," so even if the times are uncertain, we are not uncertain regarding our Redeemer and His love for us.
"I Am He" Lent 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 18:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 18:1-9
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Led by the traitor Judas, the soldiers sought out Jesus to arrest Him. Yet Jesus met them head on, not to resist them, but to give Himself into their hands to bring about our salvation when He is taken to the cross. In answer to His question of whom were they looking, He answered them "I am He!" His very divinity blasted forth in that statement employing the name of God, and all before Him could not help but drop to the ground. Yet though true God, He came as true Man to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Indeed, it is He, Jesus, who is the only Savior of the world.
"Love One Another" Lent 1
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 13:31-35
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 13:31-35
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God's Christians in the Church are called upon to love one another. Love, in this context, means more than just an emotional attachment or affection, though that is always desireable. But love here is the willing care of, and sacrifice for others, especially fellow members of the Body of Christ. It is by this kind of love that the world sees something different in the people of God. But because we are still sinners, that kind of love is difficult if not impossible for us. Yet, as Jesus loved us, so we are to love one another. Jesus is the motivation and the power for this kind of love. It is a reflection of His life in ours. Though our love for others may be imperfect, we still strive to do so for the One who has loved us enough to die for us, and to raise us up on the last day.
"Serious Jesus" 3rd Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 2:13-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 2:13-22
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In His cleansing of the temple, Jesus was serious that the house of His Father would be treated reverently, and not like a marketplace. In driving out the sacraficial animals and those who sold them, Jesus was overthrowing the old system. He was "The Lamb of God" who would die for the sins of the world. After Him, there would be no more need for sacrifices. This is also a call to repentance when we too often come to the House of God irreverently, seeking only that which will profit us rather than joining with all the heavenly host to receive the gifts of Christ. Jesus is serious about how we come into God's presence - just as He was serious about achieving our salvation.
"What is Truth?" Lent 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 18:33-39
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 18:33-39
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Absolute Truth is a rare commodity these days as the world is awash in competing "truths" that are in conflict with each other. When truth claims are advanced, they are often met with skepticism. Pontius Pilate was no different, having become jaded with the culture and world in which he lived. Confronted by Jesus' statement that "everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice," Pilate simply said, "what is truth?" The answer then and now is Jesus. He is the "way, the truth and the life." He is the only One who died for the sins of others that they could be forgiven. He is the only One to conquer death permanently and make us "more than conquerors through Him who loved us." He is the only One who will be the Judge at that final Day of history. He is the only One who can give you eternal life. That's the truth!
"Believe It!" 4th Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 3:14-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 3:14-18
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Who would think that looking to an object that brings death can give life? It was true in Moses' day when the poinonous serpants were killing the Israelites and God instructed Moses to put a bronze serpant on a pole so whoever was bitten who looks at it will live. It was also true in Jesus' day, and throughout history, that those poisoned by sin and dying in it can look in faith at Jesus who hung upon the cross and have eternal life. To all burdened by guilt, sin and regret, real forgiveness, life and hope can be found only in the Savior who died for all so that, "whoever believes in Him has eternal life."
"Away With Him!" Lent 4
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 19:7-16
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 19:7-16
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Convinced of their own righteousness, and despising Jesus and everything He stood for, the religious leaders had Him handed over to Pilate for death. Yet Pilate, pagan though he was, understood Jesus' innocence. Yet the crowds, when offered a chance to save Jesus crid out "Away with Him!" Indeed, that is how our sinful nature operates. When confronted with the holy righteousness of Jesus, we say "away with Him!" Yet, Jesus came to bear our sins and die for them. Through His forgiveness for us, and as the Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Christ as our Redeemer, at that Day of Judgment, He will never say to those who belong to Him: "Away with them!" Thank God for His grace to us in Christ.
"The Perfect Son" 5th Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 5:1-10
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 5:1-10
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Obedience when it is comfortable or in keeping with our own desires is easy. But we truly lean the nature of being obedient to another when it entails challenge and sacrifice. In His humanity, Jesus submitted to His heavenly Father's will for our salvation even though it was extremely costly to Him. Because Jesus went to the cross and accomplished everything, He is the perfect source of eternal salvation to all who "obey" Him, which simply is the obedience of faith that trusts in Christ alone and follows in His way. The Perfect Son makes us children of God by faith.
"It is Finished" Lent 5
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 19:28-30
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 19:28-30
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"It is finished" did not mean that Jesus' life was ended and He could no longer escape death. His cry was one of victory: He had made full atonement for the sins of the world. He achieved all that was necessary to reconcile the Holy God to us fallen sinners. All who still believe they must do something toward their salvation rob themselves of the comfort all that Christ has done. When we finally reach the point of dispair that we will ever be allowed into heaven, we see Jesus upon the cross again saying "It is Finished!" For you. You are forgiven. Believe it,
"Alone in the Crowd" Palm Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 12:12-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 12:12-19
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The crowds thronged around Jesus believing their Messiah-King had come and would set up His throne in Jerusalem. But Jesus wept over the city, knowing what would happen to it in judgment because of all those who didn't recognize who He really was and what He came to do. Likewise many Christians today are so self-focused in their worship, wanting entertainment, convenience, comfort and a little spiritual jolt, that they also don't recognize the One who comes among them humbly through the means of His Word and Sacraments. He came to Jerusalem to die for our sins. He comes to us having acheived our forgiveness. Indeed, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" - who is Himself the Lord, and our Redeemer - Jesus Christ.
"Eating and Drinking With God" Holy Thursday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Exodus 24:3-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Exodus 24:3-11
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God came to Israel to establish His covenant with them by means of His Word, which they pledged to follow and keep, and God and the people were committed to each other through the sacrificial blood of the covenant. All the sacrificial blood over the centuries never took away sins, but pointed to both the immensity of sin and its deadly consequences, and to the perfect sacrifice for sin that would be made by the Son of God, Jesus Christ. When Jesus established His "new covenant," it was also by His Word and sealed with His blood. The meal He gave us - The Lord's Supper - is more than just remembering what He did; He gives us His very body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Indeed, like Israel of old, in the Lord's Supper we behold God and we eat and drink, and He doesn't lift up His hand against us because we eat and drink forgiveness.
"For Us" Good Friday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 53 Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 53 Selected Verses
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In the narcissistic age we live in, people think everything is "about them." But when it comes to Jesus, everything He suffered and endured was "for us." There's a difference. "About us" is an entitlement. "For us" is a gift. We are entitled to be judged and die eternally for our sins. But Christ suffered our judgment and died our death for us that we can have forgiveness and life in Him. So the Scriptures inform us that it's all about Jesus - for us.
"Open Tomb; Open Minds" Easter Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 24:36-49
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 24:36-49
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The open tomb and the bodily resurrection of Christ is a glorious thing. Yet, because of the deadness of our human natures, our minds remain closed to this miracle of our salvation. Even if Jesus walked among us today, we would not believe it. Yet, working through the Scriptures, God opens minds to embrace by faith this work Jesus has done for us. Apart from the Word of God, none of it makes sense. But with His Word, it all makes sense to us and we can joyfully proclaim: "Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 20:19-31
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 20:19-31
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Thomas wanted proof that Jesus was alive before he would believe the testimony of the other disciples. The problem wasn't his desire to see the risen Lord; it was his demand for proof before he would believe. Jesus gave him that proof, yet Thomas, seeing and hearing his Lord, didn't need to place his finger in the nail marks any longer. Jesus pronounces a blessing on all those throughout the ages who are brought to faith in Him even though they haven't seen Him. To trust in the word of those who saw Jesus accomplish His saving work for mankind and His resurrection is indeed a great blessing.
"That's a Fact!" 3rd Sun. of Easter
Pastor Lee Wenskay
Luke 24:36-49
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
Luke 24:36-49
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Many people believing in things as fact even though they are only based on opinions or feelings. Yet when it comes to the resurrection of Christ, many think that it is a belief as opposed to facts or "science." The reality is that the bodily resurrection of Christ is a Fact of history, not an opinion or a feeling. The Scriptures testified to Christ even before His incarnation. You have eyewitness accounts that His resurrection appearances were really, and not a vision or a ghost. The Holy Spirit testifies to the fact of the resurrection. The evidence is in: Jesus, who was crucified for the sins of the world, is risen from the dead. That's a fact to be believed and proclaimed.
"Holy God; Wholly God" Trinity Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:29-33
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:29-33
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God did not create us because He was lonely in eternity and incomplete. As a Trinity; one God in three distinct, equal Persons, complete in perfect love and communion, each Person with the others. We were created to have fellowship with God and participate in this love and fellowship with the Trinity. Of course, understanding the nature of the Trinity - that there is only one God, yet "the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God, yet there are not three Gods but one God" is being human comprehension. It can't be explained to the satisfaction of fallen man. Yet this truth is not to be explained, but proclaimed. And this Triune God was invested not only in our creation and preservation, but also in our salvation. As the 2nd Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, became true Man, he suffered for our salvation and brought about forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who believe in him. Though now we can't comprehend God fully, we can proclaim him joyfully and know that, when we see him face to face, it will all make perfect sense.
"What the World Needs Now" 4th Sun. of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 John 3:16-24
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 John 3:16-24
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In a world full of rancor, violence, hatred and death, many long for love. But what kind of love can truly make a difference? John says" This is how we know love, He [Christ] laid down His life for us." The willfull, sacrificial love Christ has for fallen sinners is what can truly change the world, especially as that love is lived out toward others by His Christians.
"Connected to Christ" 5th Sun. of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 15:1-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 15:1-8
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Jesus makes a strong analogy a branch that is severed from the vine being powerless to produce fruit and a person who lacks connection to Christ being equally powerless to produce spiritual fruit. The fruit of a branch only comes from the life flowing into it from the vine. So Christ's life must flow into us by our connection to Him through His Word and Sacraments. To be severed from these things while claiming to still be connected to Christ is a contradiction. A living, fruitful faith must come from a lving connection to the life of Christ flowing into us, otherwise we remain unfruitful, fit only to be cast off into the fire.
"Friends of Jesus" 6th Sun. of Easter
Pastor Lee Wenskay
John 15:9-17
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
John 15:9-17
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Jesus constantly and completely abides in His Father's love. He constantly and completely loves us, to even die for us. His command to us who are His friends is to abide in His love and to love one another.
"Far Above All" The Ascension of Our Lord
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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When God the Father exercised His great power to raise Jesus from the dead and then seat Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, God did not take Jesus away from us. Instead, by His ascension, Jesus is nearer to all His Christians of every time and place than if He were still here on earth as He had been two thousand years ago. Now being far above all things with the name that is above every name, Jesus comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. He rules over His whole church and fills all things. The Ascension of Christ does not mean He is far away from us, but is very near to all of us always.
