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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 20:19-31
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 20:19-31
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Description
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.
"(Be)Holding Christ" 1st Sun. a. Christmas
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:22-35
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 2:22-35
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As Joseph and Mary brough Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, Simeon beheld this "Consolation of Israel" with his eyes, and held Him in his hands. Now that the Savior has come, in keeping with what the Holy Spirit promised Simeon, he can now depart in peace. The Savior, not just of Israel, but the nations as well has come. We, too can continue to behold Jesus in His Word, and hold him on our lips as we receive His true body and blood given for our forgiveness. Yes, we can still (Be)hold Jesus in His Word and Sacraments.
"A Bellyfull"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 6:22-35
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 6:22-35
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Description
Human beings tend to concentrate only on their physical needs and comforts, and when those are not met to our expectations, we grumble and begin to doubt God's goodness. Yet, instead of rejecting us because of that, He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us and, by feeding our souls on Him through Word and Sacrament, we learn to trust God and be content in our physical circumstances, knowing that as God has forgiven our sins through The Bread of Life (Jesus), so He will provide what is needed by our bodies according to His good and perfect will.
"A Day of Darkness, Unless..."
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Amos 5:18-24
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Amos 5:18-24
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Description
Though the Israelites were going through all the proper motions in their worship, it was devoid of true faith and was a coverup for their idolatry and immorality. Amos warns them that at the Day of the Lord, it will be darkness, not light for them. So today there are those, in both liturgical churches and in so-called "spontaneous worship" churches who also use the church as a coverup for their own unbelief. That Day when Christ returns will also be a day of darkness for them. It is only through faith in Christ, and the forgiveness of our sins by His death and resurrection that makes that Final Day one, not of darkness and judgment, but of light and joy.
"A Fatal Division"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 3:20-30
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 3:20-30
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Description
Divisions have existed among people since the fall into sin. Mankind is divided from God and from each other. The division runs so deep that some cannot recognize the good work of the Holy Spirit through Christ but, instead, attributes that work to the devil. To reject the Holy Spirit's work is to reject the forgiveness of our sins won by Christ and leads to eternal condemnation. For some there is no truning back. But thanks be to God that many reject Christ in ignorance only later to be brought to faith in Him as their Redeemer. The division is now healed and eternal joy is ours.
"A Glimpse of Glory Before the Darkness"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 9:2-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 9:2-8
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Description
As Mardi Gras and "Fat Tuesday" are times of celebration and life before the austere season of Lent, so Transfiguration Day is a Glimpse into the Glory of Christ as true God, before He enters the weeks leading up to the Cross. While Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, it's really not about us, but about Jesus only. He is the Glorious One who was veiled in human flesh and nature come to redeem sinners. The cross was the point of the Old Testament Scriptures, as Moses and Elijah demonstrated on the mountain. It is those twin bookmarks of glory: the Transfiguration and the Resurrection, that sustains us in Christ through our own Lenten times in life.
"A Hard Lesson" 3rd Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
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Description
Even as God's Christians, we often take for granted God's grace and get swept back into the old ways, sins, and lusts of this fallen world. St. Paul uses the example of the history of the Israelites' wandering in the desert to remind us that God takes His Word seriously and, if one forsakes the faith to return to the world, there will be judgment. Yet, even as God gives us these examples from the Old Testament, it is so that we won't give in to those temptations to our downfall but that we might, instead, run to Christ as our Redeemer in repentance and receive His blessings for us.
"A Meal for the Wounded" Holy Thursday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 14:22, 24
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 14:22, 24
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Description
As Jesus prepared for His death on the cross the next day, that Passover Thursday He established His "Last Will and Testament" with His disciples, giving them not earthly treasures, but a meal in which He gives them Himself - His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. This meal is not a symbolic meal of remembrance that Jesus died; it is an actual partaking of Christ's body and blood and the forgivness and life He won for us on the cross. From all His wounds, we find healing for our wounds caused by sin. In partaking of this Holy Supper, we take into our lives the life of Christ for us. In repentance and faith we come to His table, confident of His mercy to us and receiving His life in us.
"A Needed Warning"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 3:12-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Hebrews 3:12-19
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Description
The first generation of those Israelites that God made as His own and brought out of Egypt never made it to the Promised Land because of their rebellion and rejection of God and His gifts. The writer of Hebrews uses that example as a needed warning to God's Christians to be careful to continue to hear and believe God's Word, and not let sin's deceitfulness cause us to fall away from Him and be lost. It is a warning that all Christians should heed.
"A New Vocation" 5th Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:32-45
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Mark 10:32-45
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Description
As Jesus came to serve fallen mankind by giving His life for our redemption, so He gives His Christians a new calling - a new vocation: to serve our neighbor rather than trying to gain power and control over them. Whether or not we hold power and authority in this world, it is to be exercised for the good of others, not just for ourselves. People are not benefitted, and the world is not improved through selfisness, but by service. As Christians, both individually and corporately as the Church, we live under the cross, and are informed by the cross. Forgiven and set free by Jesus, we then are free to look outside of ourselves to the needs and betterment of others.
"A Passing Shower"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ezekiel 2:1-5
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ezekiel 2:1-5
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As Ezekiel was sent to, and was to live among a rebellious people who were living in rejection of God and under His judgment, so the Church today is as well. The message of Ezekiel was to be God's Word, not his own word. The people may listen, and they may not, but Ezekiel was still to be among them and proclaim that Word. So also with us as His Christians. We live among people who are under judgment for sin and unbelief, and we are to be faithful to confessing that Word in our words and lives. Some may, and some may not approve of our message. But like Ezekiel, whether or not the people responded positively to his message, they still had to admit "there was a prophet among us," so may those with whom we come in contact, whether or not they respond positively to us, still have to say: "There was a Christian among us."
"A Song For Those Who Fear" Advent 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Various
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Suddenly confronted by angels, the shepherds were in terror. That's what sin does: makes us afraid of that which is pure and holy and from God. We are afraid because of the judgment we deserve and are afraid we will get. But the angels weren't bringing a message of judgment, but of comfort and joy because God had sent our Savior into the world, Christ the Lord. Jesus' incarnation, life, death and resurrection frees us from fear of death and judgment. The angel's message to the shepherds is also for us: "Fear Not, for a Savior has been born for you, Christ the Lord.
"A Song For Those Who Wait" Advent 1
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Various
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Israel waited, in the midst of its captivity, for their Redeemer to come. God promised through Micah that this Redeemer would be born in Bethlehem and would shepherd His flock. Christ was born in Bethlehem, born of a woman and born under the Law to redeem all of us who were under the curse. Some today believe in Jesus, others are of a divided mind about Him, yet there is no peace with God, no forgiveness of sins apart from the One of whose birthplace we sing: "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
"A Song For Those Who Walk in Darkness" Advent 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Various
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The world naturally, because of sin and unbelief, walks in darkness and dwells in the land of the shadow of death, as Isaiah declares. Yet, into that darkness and death, Christ came, born of the virgin Mary, and has brought us life and we behold the glory of God in the face of Christ. As Jesus humbly was born for us, so He humbled Himself to death on a cross to save us from sin, darkness and death. To you, a Child is born; to you a Son is given: Jesus.
"A Spirited Debate" 5th Sun. of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 John 4:1-11
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
1 John 4:1-11
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Description
There are spiritual forces at work in the world that lead us into truth or away from it. Many claim to have special revelations from God or new insights into the Bible unique to them, and many follow these so-called prophets. How do you know if they are true? What do they say about Jesus? If their prophecies or insights are in opposition to what the Bible says about who Jesus truly is and what He has done to redeem lost and condemned sinners, then they have a spirit of error. We are called to listen to those only who properly present Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, who has given His life for our sins and has been bodily raised for our eternal life.
"A Strange Throne for a King"
Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
Luke 23:32-43
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Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
Luke 23:32-43
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Description
Jesus Christ is, was, and always will be King of kings and Lord of lords. He will return in His glory as King to judge the living and the dead. But before He comes in glory, He first came in humility to save sinners. The cross was His throne then, and by His atoning death, He gives the promise to all who trust in Him: "You will be with Me in paradise."
"A Tale of Two Baptisms" The Baptism of Our Lord
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 3:15-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 3:15-22
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John's Baptism was preparatory. It was for sinners coming in repentance to receive forgiveness. Jesus needed neither, yet submitted to John's Baptism as a consecration for His work to be the Savior of sinners. Having accomplished His work, Jesus now gives us a different Baptism; not hwere we come to Him in repentance and resolving to do better, but where He comes to us, having done all that is necessary for our salvation. Here the Triune God calls us by name and puts His name on us. Here our sins are washed away and, by the word and promise of Jesus, we are connected to His death and resurrection, are giving newness of life, we put on Christ and we are saved. By trusting in Christ and His promises to us, we live out His life in us as His baptized Christians.
"A Wounded Savior for a Wounded People" Ash Wed.
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Selected Verses
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Description
Ash wednesday speaks to our sins and the death we deserve because of them. It is a reminder that "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return." Yet we were not created to return to the dust in death, but we were created for life. In order for us to have life, God's Son Jesus Christ was "wounded for our transgressions - and by His wounds we are healed." In His atoning work, we are forgiven and we have life - life now and eternal life through Him. Though Lent is a time of repentance and reflection, it is also a time where God calls sinners to return to Him for forgiveness, life and salvation in Christ. Indeed, "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful." He proved that in Jesus.
"Active Rest" All Saints' Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 7:9-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 7:9-17
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Description
While engaged in the struggle against sin and death in this world, we still live in the shadow of the resurrection. We, who by faith in the atoning work of Christ for us, are made saints in His sight, we know that when we depart this life we join immediately the "angels, archangels and all the company of heaven" in the presence of our God and Creator, who has redeemed us through Christ to be His own forever. So, even though we sorrow now when a loved one dies, a time is coming when we join all the faithful in heaven where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
"Advent Future" Midweek 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 21:1-5
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Revelation 21:1-5
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Description
We know that with Christ's first Advent, He came into our flesh and nature to redeem us by His death on the cross, and to defeat death for us by His resurrection. We know that at His second Advent, He will return in glory, this present creation will be destroyed, our bodies will be raised from death and the Judgment Day occurs. But what then? What do the Scriptures say God has in store for us and all creation then?
"Advent Past" Midweek 1
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:1-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1:1-14
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Description
As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, we need to consider just who it is we are celebrating. In His first Advent, or appearing, you have the eternal Word, through Whom everything has been created and is sustained, coming into human flesh to bring about the world's redemption. Sadly, even His own did not receive Him, and many today reject Him, preferring to live in the darkness of their own sin. But to all who do believe in Him, Christ gives us His life and light and makes us children born of God.
"Advent Present" Midweek 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 28:16-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Matthew 28:16-20
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Description
We know that Jesus appeared and was with His people in a very tangible way at His first Advent as the "Babe of Bethlehem." We know He will appear and be with His people in a very tangible way at His return in glory at the Last Day. But what about now? Does Jesus come to be with His people in a very tangible way, or are we simply left with a sentimental feeling that He is with us? The truth is, through very tangible means, Jesus continues to appear and be present with us today. Find out how by listening to this sermon.
"Advent Waiting With Comfort" Advent 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 40 & John 1, selected verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 40 & John 1, selected verses
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Description
People don't need to be comforted in the good times, but rather in the bad times of their lives. While Advent is a penitential, reflective Season, it is also one that waits in hope to be comforted. Our sins distress us, yet in Christ, God has had mercy upon us and forgives us our sins and comforts us in our sorrows. As we get closer to celebrating our Savior's incarnation, we wait as those to whom our Lord brings great comfort.
"Advent Waiting With Joy" Advent 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 61; Luke 4 Selected Vs.
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 61; Luke 4 Selected Vs.
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We await the coming of our Lord with prayer, comfort and now with joy. Joy because the One who comes is coming to free us from guilt and condemnation, and will bind up our broken hearts. Though many will reject Him, Christ still comes to give His life for all. We, who trust in Jesus, can have this joy even in troubling times, for we know the ultimate glory we will share with Him.
"Advent Waiting With Prayer" Advent 1 Midweek
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64, Matthew 27
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64, Matthew 27
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Description
Like Isaiah, we would like God to "rend the heavens and come down" to address the troubles and evils in the world and our personal lives. Yet, if He really came down can we, as sinners, face Him? "We have been in our sins a long time, and can we be saved?" Well, God did "come down" to address the sin and evil in the world and our lives in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus died, not the heavens, but the temple curtain and the tombs of the saints were rent, and the earth shook. Sin has been atoned for and Isaiah's question has been answered with a resounding "Yes, we can be saved!"
"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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Description
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."
"Again, Above or What?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 3:1-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 3:1-17
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The Bible speaks of a new birth that is necessary in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Is that 2nd birth something we accomplish in ourselves by our decision, prayer or experience, or is it something that is worked in us by Another? Listen, as the prevailing understanding of being "born again" is challenged by God's Word.
"Against Us?" 5th Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke:20:9-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke:20:9-19
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Description
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants was spoken against the religious leaders in Israel who not only failed in cultivating the fruits of repentance and faith among the people, but also steadfastly rejected Christ. As their fathers did to the prophets God sent beforehand, so they will do to His Son. This parable not only warns them of the coming doom they face should they remain in their unbelief, but it also speaks of the change that is coming where the Church will be built on Christ and on the Apostolic Word, rather than on the Old Testament priesthood and law. But could this parable also be spoken against us? Yes, if we want our "religion" to be about us and how we feel. Yes, if we want a religion devoid of the cross of Christ and our own taking up of the cross to follow Him. Yes, if we want to the be the masters of our lives and not God. Then this parable is against us, too. But, as we are brought to repentance for those things - "broken upon Christ," so to speak - He is rich in mercy to forgive us and make us whole. For this is why Christ came and died, to save sinners. Now then, God is not against us but, in Christ, is for us.
"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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Description
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.
"All For One" Trinity Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:21-33
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:21-33
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Description
The only true God is the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One God in three Persons. This strains human reason and goes counter to every other invention of God that sinful man conceives. The Trinity is to be proclaimed so that it can be believed, not explained so that human reason can be satisfied. The Trinity is God's revelation of Himself and we can rejoice that our God so loved the world that through the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe this and are saved.
