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"Do Something!" 1st Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 64:1-9
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During Israel's Babylonian Captivity, Isaiah prayed that God would do something for His people and punish the evil doers. But as He prayed, he became mindful of his own and the people's sins that God was justly judging. Yet, in faith, he still prayed that God would forgive their sins and rescue them. And God acted on their behalf in His time. So we often cry out to God to do something about the evil and misery in the world and in our own lives. We fear that He's not listening, but He is, and has not stopped acting on our behalf. In Christ, our sins are forgiven and we have been reconciled to God. He still comes to us in Word and Sacrament to heal, comfort, strengthen and preserve us. And at the right time, in His time, Christ will come again and make all things new.
"The Passing Gospel"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 65:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 65:1-9
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When God's Word and Grace come to a nation, it experiences great blessings, not only for those who embrace the Faith, but even for those outside of the Faith. But when people treat that Word and Grace with ingratitude and indifference, God's Word will go elsewhere, to those who will embrace it, leaving judgment and darkness behind. But even when God's Word and blessings depart from a nation, He still preserves His "remnant" of believers who still experience His blessings even in hard times. This text is a call for God's people to repent of their ingratitude and indifference to God's Word, and recommit to it before it departs from them, leaving only judgment in its place.
"The Sign Has Come" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 7:1-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 7:1-17
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Unwilling to alter his course of action, King Ahaz rejected God's gracious invitation to ask for a sign that would uphold his faith, yet God gave him one anyway; and it wasn't just for Ahaz but for the world. The sign would be the virgin conceiving by the Holy Spirit to bring Emmanuel, God with us, into this world to save lost mankind. The sign has come: the virgin conceived; Jesus was lifted up on the cross for our salvation; the tomb is empty after His resurrection. The sign of forgivness and life is the sign that is Jesus.
"Pay Attention to the Sign" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 7:10-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 7:10-14
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Signs are important to our lives. They give us information, direction and protection. We ignore the signs to our peril. God has also given signs of His presence, love and protection. He especially gave the sign of the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer. It is in Christ's life, death and resureection that we obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life. To ignore those signs is also to our eternal peril. He continues to give His signs to us today in what we call "The Marks of the Church," Word and Sacrament. Through these we encounter the risen Christ, know God's love, are empowered to live as His Christians and are assured, by them, that God is With Us. Pay attention to the signs.
"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.
"Christmas Is" Christmas Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 9:6
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Isaiah 9:6
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Contrary to the popular media, Christmas cannot be lost, stolen or saved, because Christmas is not about traditions or sentiments. It's about Jesus. Even if all the church bells were silenced, and the hymns and carols of the Season were no longer sung, Christmas would still remain, because Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary to save sinners. While there are still those in this world who confess Him by faith, Christmas remains.
"Who is the Judge?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:1-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:1-8
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"Faith Demonstrated in Action"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:14-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 2:14-18
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Some believe that James advocated that faith plus works save us. The reality is that James discusses the difference between a living faith that saves and a dead faith that does not. Just as the body demonstrates life by external signs (breating, heartbeat, movement, etc.), so a living faith has outward signs (repentance, desire to hear God's Word, charitableness toward one's neighbor, etc.). A so-called "Faith" that has no fruit or works isn't really faith and cannot save. LSB #555 vs. 9 illustrates the point James makes: "Faith clings to Jesus' cross alone and rests in Him unceasing: And by its fruits true faith is known, with love and hope increasing. For faith alone can justify; works serve our neighbor and supply the proof that faith is living."
"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.
"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.
"The Politics of Sin"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
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James describes two types of wisdom: that which is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic." This is the wisdom that seeks to advance oneself at the expense of others; that is willing to do whatever it takes to acheive power over others. It is oppressive, unreasonable and destructive. This wisdom of the world is all too often the kind of wisdom by which we govern our lives. But the wisdom that comes from above does not boast about itself or seek to dominate others. It is truthful and kind. It always seeks the good of others. This wisdom is embodied in Christ, who humbled Himself to bring about our redemption from sin, death and hell. This wisdom He imparts by His Spirit through Word and Sacrament. When we see that we have been living by the wisdom of this world, we repent and trust in the forgiveness and life of Christ, and pray that He would work in us that true wisdom that comes from above.
"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.
"Wise Guys"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 3:13-18
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"Avoiding the Tongue-lashing"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 31-12
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 31-12
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"Why Would You Want To?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 4:1-5
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 4:1-5
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So, you are forgiven all your sins because Jesus died for you, so that means you can do whatever you want, right? But why would you want to? As Christians, we struggle between the old, sinful nature and its desires, and the new nature that is ours in Christ. As God's forgiven Christians, why would we want to give in to those things that caused Jesus to go to the cross to save us? Recognize the battle we are in, and strive to live according to the wisdom that comes from above.
"The Sanctified Tongue"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 5:13-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
James 5:13-20
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"Courage"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 1:4-10
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 1:4-10
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Jeremiah's call to be God's prophet left him uneasy as he concentrated on his own youthfulness and lack of experience. Yet God assured him that the words he would speak would be God's Words, and that God would protect and deliver him. Likewise, as God's Christians we, too, are uneasy when situations call us to "give answer to the hope we have within us." We look at our lack of knowledge or inexperience sharing the faith. God overcomes this in us as we gather around His Word and Sacraments regularly, become more fimly convince of the truth of Christ's death and resurrection for all, live in repentance and faith that Christ also died for us, and that, finally, those we speak to are only mortal. While they can make our lives uncomfortable, our lives "are hidden with Christ in God," and that He is on our side to protect and deliver us, ultimately at the Last Day. So take courage: "If God be for us, who can be against us."
"Courageous Times"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 1:4-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 1:4-19
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God called Jeremiah to speak His Word to a nation that had gone astray and was coming under judgment. Yet, Jeremiah was not to be afraid of them, for God will protect and keep him through it. Today, the Church (God's Christians) are the ones who bring His Word to those around us. We point to God's judgment for sins, but also to His mercy for sinners in Christ. We are not to be afraid of the culture, nor seduced by it, but we stand fast on Christ, knowing He is with us always.
"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.
"In ? We Trust"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 17:5-8
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 17:5-8
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One can see what is really important to someone by how much effort, devotion and trust they put towards it. The problem becomes when that devotion and trust given to a person or thing turns our hearts away from the Lord. The spiritual condition of that one is described as a dead shrub in the desert that sees no good thing and is cursed. There is nothing but death and judgment awaiting. But the person who trusts in the Lord is blessed and is described as a flourishing tree rooted in an ongoing stream that keeps it alive and fruitful during times of heat and draught. As we put our ultimate trust, not in people or things, but in Christ's redemptive work for us and in His Word, we are blessed, no matter what life throws at us, and we have the life of Christ flowing into our lives to make us truly alive.
"When Earthly Leaders Fail Us"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 23:1-6
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All earthly leaders, whether in the Church or the State, will disappoint and fail us at times. They are sinners just like us, so that will happen. God does pronounce judgment upon those who abuse their authority and harm the people they are supposed to serve and protect. As God's people, though, rather than giving in to despair because of their failures, we are to remember that God is still in control; there will be an accounting of those who abuse their offices, and our ultimate King and Shepherd who will never fail us is Christ.
"Don't Listen!"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 23:16-29
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 23:16-29
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People are often attracted to those who claim they have a direct line to God, and that He speaks to them directly, or in visions and dreams. Many a TV ministry or Mega-Church has been built on these "vision-caster" types. But they are not speaking for, or from God, but only their own delusions and desires. As Jeremiah told the people not to listen to the lying prophets of old, so we are not to listen to them today, no matter how attractive or powerful their message may be. If what they are proclaiming is anything but "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" for sinners, Don't Listen!
"Innocent Blood" 2nd Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 26:1-15
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 26:1-15
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Jeremiah stood alone against a mob angry at him condemning them for their sin and warning of God's coming judgment. He was only speaking what God sent him to speak. Yet, they wanted to murder him - to wipe out his words and continue in their sin. That's the way mobs work. Today we face the "Politically Correct" mobs that verbally and physically attack anyone who doesn't call good evil and evil good. The religious in general, and especially traditional Christians are labeled with the worst invectives and evilest of motivations by the mob. Yet, we must stand firm on the Truth for the sake even of those in the mob, that perhaps they may finally repent and be saved. Had the mob succeded in murdering Jeremiah, they would have shed "innocent blood." Because of our sins, all of us are part of the mob that shed the innocent blood of Christ. Yet He willingly put Himself into our hands so that His blood would cleanse us from all sins. As God has brought us to repentance, so He now has mercy on us for the sake of Christ and, by faith, we receive all the blessings of forgiveness and life in Him. May the mob come to that same blessedness, that their bigoted hatred of all that is good may be changed to love instead - love for their Redeemer, for us, and for the Truth.
"Innocent Blood" 2nd Sun. in Lent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 26:8-15
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Jeremiah 26:8-15
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The reaction to Jeremiah's messages by the priest and prophets of Israel was to want him dead. They saw no need of repentance and saw his message as an affront that needed to be done away with. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was not accepted by many who should have known better. The rejected His word and they rejected Him. But Jeremiah was innocent of wrongdoing in the message he brought Israel from the Lord, and Jesus was ultimately guiltless as the sinless Son of God. Yet, Jesus shed His innocent blood for the sins of all that all who believe in Him would have forgiveness. To reject God's word and seek to "cancel" it leaves one destitute and under judgement. To receive His word by faith gives one true life and peace in Christ.
"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.
"They Are Written" Easter Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Job 19:23-27
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Job 19:23-27
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In the midst of his pain and misery, Job had confidence that his Redeemer lives and would one day appear and raise Job up from death. He was so convince of that truth that he wished his words could be written down and preserved forever. But Job's confidence would amount to nothing if that Redeemer did not come to stand upon the earth or, if he did come and die, remained dead. Then Job, and all of us would still be in our sins. But our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, did come to die for our sins and rise again bodily as the One who is "The Resurrection and the Life." He fulfilled all the Scriptures concerning our salvation and He will come again to raise us up bodily so we will see Him with our own eyes, and He will not be a stranger to us. Indeed, Job's words are written for all posterity, and embodied in Jesus, our Redeemer.
"He Lives!" Easter Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Job 19:23-27
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Job 19:23-27
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Job had lost everything, yet his confidence was that the One who would redeem him lived, and that death itself would be defeated by that Redeemer who would raise Job up bodily at the Last Day. We know that Redeemer more clearly in the person of God's Son, Jesus Christ, who lost everything for our sakes, suffered and died for our sins, and then defeated death by His bodily resurrection. Because our Redeemer lives, whose name is Jesus, though death comes to us, we will see Him with our own eyes in the resurrection when all is made new. Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
"Yet Even Now..." Ash Wednesday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joel 2:12-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joel 2:12-17
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Physical and spiritual fasting is important, not just during Lent, but throughout our live. By this we discipline ourselves and don;t allow our fleshly desires to rule over us. Fasting can also serve as a way of showing our repentance and utter reliance on God. Though His judgments are sure, and the end of all things is coming, yet even now, through Christ, God has mercy on us and gives us hope.
"It's Time" Ash Wednesday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joel 2:12-19
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Joel 2:12-19
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Great devastation had come upon Israel in the form of a massive locust infestation that was destroying everything. It was a judgment of God upon the nation's sin and idolatry. But Joel held out hope for deliverance: "Yet even now,' delares the Lord," with a promis and hope that as the people repent and return to God that, because He is merciful and gracious, they can be restored. In the midst of the great judgments befalling our nation and the world because of its sin and idolatry, that same hope is held out, especially to the Church. It's time to repent of our sins and indifference to God's Word. It's time for the Church to return to Christ, the Redeemer and only Savior of sinners. It's time for the Church to be the "salt and light" of Christ to those around us so that, hopefully, they also will be drawn to repentance and faith in Christ. And who knows? God may yet have mercy and restore our nation once more.
"Witness" Advent 1
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1 Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
John 1 Selected Verses
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In following the Synod's theme of "Mercy, Witness, Life Together," we see John the Baptist as the premier Advent witness of Christ. He embodies in his Law and Gospel preaching the primary purpose of the Church: to be a witness to the world testifying about sin, and the Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. Our desire is that, through the proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit would bring all to faith. If we substitute our programs, opinions and works for the Gospel proclamation, we cease doing what we are called to do. As long as this world exists, the Church must continue to witness to the truth of Christ.
