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"Thinking Outside of the Box"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 11:1-24
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 11:1-24
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Are the Jewish people still God's "Chosen People" in the same sense as they were in the Old Testament, so that we have to support present-day Israel in everything it does, otherwise we will be cursed by God? Can present day Jews be saved under the Old Covenant without faith in Christ? Are the Jews, who as a whole, rejected Christ by having Him crucified and then persecuted the Church now completely rejected by God and beyond salvation? The answer to all those questions is a resounding "NO!" Christians will not be cursed by God for not supporting everything modern Israel does, and Jews absolutely can be saved through faith in Christ. Christ died for all, so that "WHOEVER" believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Indeed, the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes; first for the Jew and then for the Gentile.
"His Body, Ourselves"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 12:1-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Romans 12:1-8
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We live in an age that believes we are completely in charge of ourselves, and what we do with our bodies is our business. But, as God's Christians, we do not "own" our bodies anymore, to use them in service to sin. In Baptism, we are now members of Christ's body and, in view of God's mercies to us in Christ, we gladly present our bodies to Him as living sacrifices used in service to Christ in church and society.
"His Cross Carries Ours"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 15:15-21
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 15:15-21
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To remain faithful to God and His Word invites persecution. The prophet Jeremiah suffered greatly for his message and, in weaker moments, doubted God's goodness. Yet, the Lord sustained Jeremiah and enabled him to bear up under the stress of persecution. Christians today, in over 60 countries around the world, are being persecuted and martyred for belonging to Christ. We Christians in the West need to be praying for them and assisting them in every way possible, while preparing ourselves should persecution come our way. Now is the time to make God's Word our own, and live repentant lives that trust in the forgiveness of our sins in Christ. He bore the cross for us, and His cross is what carries ours.
"That Not One Be Lost"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 18:1-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 18:1-19
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God takes sin seriously. He commands His preachers and church to warn the wicked to repent. He has established government to protect the innocent and punish evildoers. He commands His Christians to love one another and not become a stumbling block causing others to sin. The ultimate way He takes sin seriously is by sending His Son into our flesh and nature to redeem us from all sins. As God's baptized children, we humbly trust His Word and promise to us in Christ, fight against the sin that so easily ensnares us, and endeavor to love our neighbor enough to call them to repentance and faith in Christ so "that not one be lost."
"Receiving, But Not Giving?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 18:21-35
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 18:21-35
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How often do we have to forgive? "Old Adam" likes to keep score, and to do the minimum required, and no more. But our forgiveness of others finds its origin first in Christ's forgiveness of us. He doesn't keep score. He did not shed His blood for this many sins and, after that, we're toast! Because Christ continues to forgive us, no matter how many times we sin the same sin, so we are to forgive our neighbor this way as well. Recognizing how unable we are to do this on our own, we continue to return to the font of our forgiveness and life: Jesus Christ.
"Equal Mercy"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 20:1-16
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 20:1-16
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God's grace is not earned by the amount of time we are a Christian, nor is less grace given to those who are brought to faith in Christ at the end of their earthly lives. Christ died for all, and the same salvation, forgiveness and heaven are ours, no matter when the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts. To think it unfair that God grants the same salvation to the "11th hour" Christian as He does to us life long Christians is to miss the point. We have a lifetime of knowing the blessings of Christ and His Word that the one brought to faith at the last does not, but we all have the same blessed eternity by the equal mercy and grace of God through Jesus Christ.
:Having a Change of Mind"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 21:23-32
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 21:23-32
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Today's "Post-Modern" culture denies that there is absolute truth. Thus, many are suspicious of organized religion and its doctrines and forms, preferring to call themselves "spiritual, not religious." But that's just the same old "Do It Yourself" religion that believes in its own righteousness and worthiness before God, no matter what lifestyle one chooses. But the truth is that we are all sinners: the religious, the spiritual, the secularist, and we are all saved from sin, death and hell only through the atoning sacrifice of Christ for us sinners. As such, God welcomes all who come to repentance and faith in Christ, no matter what their lives have been up to that point. To embrace an alternate "truth" than Jesus Christ and Him crucified is only to embrace the Big Lie that kills.
"Not Appreciated Until It's Gone"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 21:33-46
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 21:33-46
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There are many things we take for granted: health, home, even church. But when we lose these things, we really miss them. The religious leaders of Israel were trying to preserve for themselves a nation and church, while rejecting the very One who came to save all people according to God's promise. As such, they would lose everything. We, too, are often indifferent to God's Word, and live our lives according to our sinful natures. Yet, as God sent prophet after prophet to Israel, calling them to repentance and faith, even sending His own Son for all, so as God's Law and Gospel continues to come to us, He is calling us to believe what Christ has done for us, and to never take for granted that it was for our sins He died, that we might be His own forever.
"Speechless"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 22:1-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 22:1-14
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The Parable of the Wedding Banquet reminds us of the great gift we have in Christ, and the eternal celebration in which all who believe in Him will share. But there are those who are indifferent or antagonistic toward God's invitation to come. And there are those who reject the "garments of salvation" that God gives in Christ in favor of their own. At that Last Day when The Feast begins, those self-righteous rejecters of God's grace in Christ will be cast out forever. But all who are "clothed in Christ," both good and bad (as the world sees it) will enter into the Feast to celebrate the Son wedding to His Bride, the Church.
"God's Left and Right Hands"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 22:15-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 22:15-22
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God has established both the Church and Civil Authority for our good. We are citizens of both, and have responsibilities to both. Under God's "Left Hand Kingdom," we pay taxes, pray for those in authority, obey the laws and serve our communities. Under the "Right Hand Kingdom," we follow God's Word, uphold the Truth, proclaim the Gospel and live repentant lives that trust in Christ above all things. Should the State encroach upon this, ordering us to deny God's Word, we must resist for, ultimately, we must obey God rather than men. Still, insofar as we are citizens under earthly rulers (as God has established for our good) we do our best to be good citizens, even as we understand that our eternal citizenship is in heaven.
"Every Storm Runs Out of Rain"
Pastor Joseph Liss
Psalm 46
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Life is full of storms, be they personal trials, national crises or even natural disasters. These storms of life leave us wondering when they will run out of rain and the sun will shine upon us again. Psalm 46 helps us navigate these storms of life as we are called upon to look to God, our refuge and strength, who sent His Son to redeem us by His blood and to conquer the storms in our lives and bring us peace. Whatever we are going through that causes us distress, God, who is our Mighty Fortress in Christ, will cause these storms to pass and bring us His peace again.
"Alive With Christ"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 7:9-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 7:9-17
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Our earthly existence can convince us that this is the only reality. But there is another reality, a heavenly reality that exists at the same time. This world's reality, with all of its tribulations and sorrows, including death, is temporary. The heavenly reality that we presently do not see, is eternal. Those who die in Christ here are alive with Christ in heaven. The Apostle John gives us a heavenly view, and what is occurring there even as we live out our lives here.
"Repent! The End is Near"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Amos 5:18-24
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Amos 5:18-24
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As God created this world, so He will bring it to an end. In this 3rd Last Sunday of the Church Year, we consider the prophet Amos' admonition to repentance and true faith in God, instead of refashioning God and His Word to our particular likes and dislikes. Those remaining in unrepentance and unbelief will have only darkness and rejection at that Last Day. Those who have true repentant faith in Christ will have Light and Life for all eternity.
"Not For Wrath"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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We should understand and prepare, not only for the End of Time, but also for the time in which we presently live, with an eye on Christ's return. As God's Christians, we live in the "daylight" of God's Truth and His forgiveness for our sins in Christ. We should not return to the darkness of spiritual apathy and unbelief so that Final Day comes upon us suddenly with destruction. Now we live in Christ by faith; then we will live with Him by sight.
"The Difference is Faith"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 25:31-46
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 25:31-46
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At the the Judgment Day, there will be only two groups: Those who are Christ's by faith, and those who are not. For His Christians, their sins will never be spoken of on that Day, as they have been forgiven in Christ. Only their good works through faith will be shown. The unbeliever will hear no words of commendation for their good works in this life; they will only be confronted with their sins, and God's righteous judgment on them. The difference is faith. The believers are sinners who are forgiven in Christ. The unbelievers are sinners who are forgiven in Christ, but refuse to believe they need His salvation, so they are left with the judgment for their sins that they deserve. But those in Christ will be given the Kingdom that their Savior has prepared for them, and purchased for them through His blood.
"Don't Forget to Give Thanks"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 17:11-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 17:11-19
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Whatever our circumstance in life are this Thanksgiving Day, there is still much for which to be thankful. But, if we focus only on earthly benefits, it is easy to become frustrated for what we don't have, or to be unthankful for what we do have, because of a sense of entitlement that believes that these blessings are simply our due. But if, like the one leper in Luke 17, we realize that we rely on the mercy of God, who not only blesses us physically, but through His Son, Jesus Christ, has had mercy on us through the forgiveness of our sins, we cannot help to respond with a profound sense of thankfulness. And this thankfulness doesn't change with our earthly circumstances, but continues to trust in Christ and to thank Him for His mercies to us, which are new every morning. Happy Thanksgiving!
"Coming Down to Save"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64:1-9
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There are times we would like God to "perform" as He did in the Old Testament, shaking the mountains and showing great power. But if He did that, we might be destroyed because of our sins. Yet, God did "rend the heavens and come down," not in power and glory, but in weakness and humility in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came down, not to destroy, but to save us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
"I Believe - God Created Everything"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1st Article Apostles' Creed
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1st Article Apostles' Creed
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There are two errors people have regarding the physical creation: One, that God had nothing to do with the existence of this physical universe; that it is a product of random chance and evolution. The second, and opposite error is that God wants nothing to do with the physical creation, but is only interested in the "spiritual realms." In reality, matter "matters" to God, so much so that His Son entered into the creation as true Man in order to redeem us, and eventually the creation itself, to be His own forever.
"Living For His Arrival"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2 Peter 3:8-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2 Peter 3:8-14
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Advent is a season of reflection and repentance, as we live between two "poles:" Christ's first coming as the one "born of the virgin Mary who would suffer and died for the sins of the world; and Christ's glorious return at the Last Day. The Apostle Peter reminds us not to be caught in the skepticism of our times regarding Christ's delay in returning, but to see it as His mercy, giving more opportunity for folks to repent and embrace the Gospel. But the Day is coming when this present creation will be no more, but God will create a "new heaven and a new earth - the home of righteousness." As such, we should live out our lives in Christ, knowing that these things will come, as He has promised.
"I Believe - That Christ Redeemed Me"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2nd Article of the Creed
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
2nd Article of the Creed
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The "Who" is Jesus, true God and true Man. The "What" is all He did to redeem us. The "Why" is what moved Him to do this for us "poor, miserable sinners." This sermon looks at Luther's Explanation to the 2nd Article of the Apostles' Creed in the Small Catechism, and explores some of the Scriptural support for the things we believe, teach and confess about our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
"Reflecting Christ's Light in Our Lives"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:6-8, 19-28
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:6-8, 19-28
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It's not about us; it's about Christ. John the Baptist came to direct people to Jesus. We, who have been redeemed by Christ don't point to ourselves - our feelings or opinions about Christ. We point others to what He has done for all. By our words and by our actions, we can reflect either the darkness of this fallen world, or the light of Christ to those around us.
"I Believe - The Holy Spirit Calls and Gathers"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed
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The Father has finished His work of creation. The Son has finished His work of redemption. But the Holy Spirit's work is ongoing this side of heaven. He calls the Church into being through faith in Christ. He uses the means of Word and Sacrament to bring us to faith, and to sustain faith in us until the resurrection. To separate ourselves from God's Church is to separate ourselves from the means the Holy Spirit uses to continue faith in us. What the Holy Spirit does for us personally, He does for all Christians, and thus we are connected to each other, and need each other.
"The Forever Throne"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:26-38
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:26-38
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Many think that The Annunciation is all about the Virgin Mary, but it's not. It's all about the Baby; it's all about Jesus. Rather than being a "dispenser of Grace," Mary receives the gracious work of God for her, and for all sinners, as she would be privileged to be the one who would bear the Savior of all. Her baby is The Son of God who would humble Himself to death on the cross for the salvation of all. And now that He has accomplished the salvation of all who believe in Him, He now sits on the forever throne of glory ruling over all. And by grace, we will share in that eternal Kingdom one day.
"Merry (Offensive) Christmas"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Titus 2:11-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Titus 2:11-14
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It seems like people are perpetually offended about something this time of year. Nativity displays, Merry Christmas greetings, and so many other sentiments of the season (or lack thereof) offends someone. But as God's Christians, we need to remember what Christmas is about: The birth of the Savior of the world. Rather than being offended at others, we need to recall that, as Christ bore our sins upon the cross, so He bore the sins of all; even those who presently are offended with Christ. Now is the time we continue to reach out with the Gospel, not in haughtiness, but in humility, with the prayer that God would turn the hearts of those antagonized by the Message of Christmas, and they instead are brought to faith in the One who came for all - Jesus Christ.
"Beholding Our Salvation in the Flesh"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:22-32
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:22-32
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From the start, Jesus was completely obedient to the Law of God for us and, at His Presentation, "The Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to His temple." Simeon recognized Him, and sang of the Savior, whom he held in his arms, who would enable him to depart this life in peace. We sing the Song of Simeon in our liturgy after Holy Communion. We, too, hidden under the earthly elements of bread and wine, behold (or partake) of the very body and blood of Christ. Because He has forgiven our sins and reconciled us to God the Father, we also can depart from the Divine Service, and this life in peace
"No More Illusions"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 30:18-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 30:18-22
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Israel of old is not different that our present generation. They were mired in idolatry and disregard of God's Word, and judgment was upon them. Yet, even as God deals with their sin, He hold out the hope of forgiveness and reconciliation. So to us entering this New Year: Though our rebelliousness and sin brings us misery, God holds out His love and forgiveness through Christ. As we now enter 2015, it is time to put away former idols in our hearts, and receive His mercy and grace through His Word in Christ, That will sustain us in this New Year, come what may.
"Fit For a King"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 2:1-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 2:1-11
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We tend to concentrate on the gifts of Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh that the Magi brought to Jesus. Though they were gifts "fit for a King," that isn't what God is looking for. The reality is that as they were drawn by God through His Word, and guided by a star to Jesus, they were really giving themselves to Him. Christ isn't interested in our material things; He's interested in us. That is why He gives even a greater gift to us: Himself! By His holy life, His innocent suffering and death for our sins, and His glorious resurrection, we have the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation, because of the King who loved us with His very life.
"Bringing Order Out of Chaos"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 1:4-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 1:4-11
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At the beginning, through Water, Word and Spirit, God made a new creation. Through Water, Word and Spirit, Jesus's Baptism shows that He is the Son of God who, through His atoning death on the cross for sinners, would make us New Creations. And in our own Baptisms, through Water, Word and Spirit, we now are children of God by faith, and dearly loved. Baptism is not our work for God, but His work for us, and in us. By clinging to His Word and promise in Holy Baptism, we have this objective assurance that we are His dear children because of Christ, no matter what the world throws at us.
"Following Christ, Body and Soul"
Pastor Eric Kilmer
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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Pastor Eric Kilmer
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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Following Christ is not a matter of mere intellectual agreement with what Scripture teaches about Christ. It is also endeavoring to live in Christ and be willing to suffer for Him. That suffering often occurs as we battle against our own fallen natures that would "give us permission" to sin with the excuse we are forgiven. Living this way empties our lives of the power available to us in Christ to live spiritually fruitful lives. In repentance, pray that God would give you strength, by His Word and Spirit, to take up the cross to follow Him, whatever the cost may be.
"In Undivided Devotion"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 7:29-35
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 7:29-35
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St. Paul's concern for God's Christians is that their devotion to the Lord who redeemed them is unhindered, especially in times of tribulation. The things of this life, whether relationships or circumstances, are temporary and are passing away. We should let none of these things pull us away from Christ. In the issue of being married verses being single, married people have certain challenges that singles do not. Both vocations are pleasing to the Lord but, by necessity, married people must devote themselves to the Lord and to each other, whereas singles have that "luxury" of full devotion to God and His service in whatever vocations they have.
