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"Christian Responsibility"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Leviticus 19:9-18
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Leviticus 19:9-18
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God calls people to be His own purley out of His mercy and not according to our works. We are saved only by faith in Christ our Redeemer. But as the saved, we are to live out that salvation in concrete ways that show love to our neighbor.
"Thanksgiving For Christ, Our Mighty Savior"
Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
LSB #881
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Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
LSB #881
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This sermon for Thanksgiving Eve is based on the evening hymn, "Christ, Mighty Savior," #881 from Lutheran Service Book. The hymn begins and ends with Christ, and points us to the creation that, together with His people, praises His goodness and grace.
Credit to Pastors Will Weedon and Todd Wilken from Issues, Etc. for the idea.
"teaching Us to Pray"
Pastor Lee Wenskay
Lueke 11:1-13
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
Lueke 11:1-13
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As God's Christians, we all wish our prayer life was better. Jesus doesn't give us simply words to pray, but He actually brings people into our lives for which we are to pray. And in a very real sense, our prayers are not necessarily to change others, but that we ourselves would be changed.
"Tidings of Peace" Advent 3
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke 2:22-32
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke 2:22-32
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Many look for peace in the world through politically correct control of words and actions. Others think world peace can be achieved through beet education or redistribution of wealth. The reality is, while there are sinful people in the world there will always be some level of discord. And then comes Death, the greatest "Peace Disturber" ever. Yet, through the Incarnation of Christ and His atning death on the cross, God has been reconciled to sinful humanity so that those who believe in Christ are at peace with God. As Simeon could depart this life in peace because of God fulfilling His promise to Simeon that he would see the Savior, so we can depart in peace, having held our Lord in His Word, and in His body and blood "given and shed for the forgiveness of sins. God's Word brings us Tidings of Peace in Him who is our peace, Jesus Christ.
"Fruitful Repentance" 2nd Sun. of Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke 3:1-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Lueke 3:1-14
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As John the Baptist prepared people for the Coming of Christ, he called them to be baptized in true repentance to receive the forgiveness of their sins. But, their repentance needed to be genuine, showing forth good fruit in their lives as evidence of faith in the forgiveness of their sins. Likewise, we are called by the Law to repent of our sins, and the Gospel comforts us that, in Christ, we are truly forgiven. It is the Gospel that changes minds and hearts to then be guided by the Law as to how the fruits of repentance and faith are lived out in our daily lives.
"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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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.
"The Real Good Samaritan"
Pastor Eric Kilmer
Luke 1):25-37
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Pastor Eric Kilmer
Luke 1):25-37
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Like the lawyer "putting Jesus to the test," we believe that we love God sufficiently, and our neighbor so that we can justify ourselves and deserve heaven. In reality, we can do neither. It is God who does the justifying and saving through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Good Samaritan is not primarily about us doing good for others, but about Jesus saving us. We are all, because of our sins, that man left beaten and half dead. Jesus is the Good Samaritan who has compassion on us, cares for us, and pays the price to bring us back to life. It's all about Him, and it's all about His life being lived out in ours.
"Entitled?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1-10
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Many live life feeling that they are entitled to certain things, or deserve to get what they want. Some also believe that God "owes" them heaven because of their good works. The reality is, if God gives us what we "deserve," we get death and hell because of our sins. But through faith in Jesus, and His Word and Promise, we receive what we don't deserve: Forgiveness, life and salvation. The Centurion in today's text understood his own unworthiness to ask anything of Jesus, yet trusted that Jesus would be merciful to him. He was not disappointed.
"From Throne to Throne" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:26-38
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:26-38
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The world still is in awe when it comes to royal families. If there is a wedding or a birth within royalty, the world is flooded with news coverage and an adoring public. All this for something that is only temporary, for all kings, queens, and kingdoms will come to an end - except one. God promised King David that he would have a descendant who would sit on his throne and have an everlasting kingdom. The fulfilment of that promise began in Nazareth when the angel announced to Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit one who would be "Son of the Most High." Jesus is the very Son of God who bore our sins on the throne of the cross, defeated death and is ascended to His glorious heavenly throne. He now rules over all things and, at that Last Day, we will see Him as He truly is and, by faith in Him, we will live in His kingdom in righteousness, innocence and blessedness forever.
"His Name, For Us" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:26-38
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:26-38
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As the angel announces to Mary that she is going to give birth to the Son of the Most High, she was instructed to give Him the name, Jesus for, as Matthew records, "He will save His people from their sins." Jesus was given that name for us. For it is for us sinners that He was born, lived, died and rose again. His name means our salvation in His finished work on the cross. All who believe in Him receive the blessings He gives: Forgiveness, Life and Salvation.
"The Impossible Dream Possible" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:36-48
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:36-48
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Many long for someone to come and right all the wrongs in this world; to come and set us free. Yet, with evil all around us, it seems like an impossible dream. But in truth, that dream was not only made possible, but a reality. Christ came, born of the virgin Mary, to redeem those to whom it was impossible to redeem themselves. Through Christ's atoning work for us, the message now is not one of condemnation, but of "Good News of Great Joy."
"Blessed Faith" 4th Sun. in Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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The events surrounding the conception and birth of Jesus are certainly miraculous and blessed. Mary is blessed by being chosen to be the mother of the world's Redeemer - the very Son of God. But she is also blessed in that she was enabled to believe that these things were true for her. Many would have a hard time believing that they would conceive a child without a man's involvement, or that this child would be God's Son.Yet Mary did believe and was blessed. God still miraculously causes His Word to go forth today into the hearts of people enabling them to believe that all these things are true and that Christ came to give them forgiveness and life. And because we do believe in Jesus as our Redeemer, we are very much blessed indeed.
"Womb Service" 4th Sun. In Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-45
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Even while John the Baptist was in his mother's womb, when he came into the presence of his unborn Lord in Mary's womb, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped for joy. Elizabeth recognized, again by the Holy Spirit, that Mary was carrying the Lord, the promised Savior of the world and she could not help but rejoice. So we are blessed when we believe the Word and Promise of God has been fulfilled in Jesus for us. By His death and resurrection, we have eternal life.
"Magnificent!" 4th Sun. of Advent
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-56
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 1:39-56
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Just as we sing hymns and carols that marvel at the birth of Christ for our redemption, so the Scripture has hymns doing the same thing. Mary's "Magnificat," sung in response to the great things the Mighty One is doing for, and in her as she is to be the mother of the world's Savior, can also be our song. God, the Mighty One has done great things for us also. Through Christ, He has overcome our enemies of sin, death and hell. He has forgiven our sins and given to us an eternal home. He is with us always to the end of the age, and He will come again in glory to make all things new. Indeed, because this Good News of Christ is so magnificent, we have plenty of reason to sing.
"Live So They Will Know"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:1-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:1-20
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As Jesus sent the Seventy-two out to the various towns and villages to prepare them to receive Jesus and His Word and gifts, they were to conduct themselves in such a way that there was no doubt about whom they followed and represented. Even those towns that rejected those disciples would still have to acknowledge "that the kingdom of God has come near them." So we as His Christians today: We are to live in such a way that, in our words and actions, those around us will know that a Christian has been among them.
"To Whom Will You Listen?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:1-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:1-20
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Jesus sent His representatives to the towns and villages to prepare them for His arrival and His Word. But to those places that rejected them they were, in reality, rejecting Jesus and would be under judgment. Many who claim to be Christians today also reject those who bring Jesus' Word to them. They either don't have time for that, or they are openly antagonistic to those who come in Jesus' name. They are, whether they know it or not, rejecting Jesus and, if they continue in that condition, may end up under judgment. Yet, as long as Jesus' Word continues to be proclaimed, Jesus is calling us to repentance and faith. He disires to bring us salvation , not judgment; life, not death. But the world calls out to us to ignore that voice of Jesus. But ... to whom will you listen?
"Our Good Samaritan"
Pastor Lee Wenskay
Luke 10:25-37
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Pastor Lee Wenskay
Luke 10:25-37
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The Parable of The Good Samaritan shows us the requirements we must meet if we would be saved by the Law, and how far short we fall of those requirements. According to the Law, we are to love God with our whole being and our neighbor as ourselves. We do not do that. Instead of being The Good Samaritan, we are the man laying in the road - mugged by the devil, the world and our own sins - and completely helpless. It is Jesus who comes to our aid and rescue. He is The Good Samaritan who gives His life for all who are dead in their tresspasses and sins. He is the one who pays the price for our healing and care. And as we can never fully love God and our neighbor as we should, we must entrust our salvation solely to Him who loves us beyond all measure - Jesus Christ our Good Samaritan.
"God's Word Remains"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:38-42
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:38-42
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Martha was so busy trying to serve Jesus that she missed out hearing His Word. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and received what would never be taken away from her. God's Christians today are often so busy, either with life or in the church that they fail to take time to have Jesus serve them - through His Word preached and read, and in His Holy Sacrament. Maybe it's time to reorder your priorities so that the business of life doesn't keep you from hearing "the one thing needful" for your soul.
"Distracted Hospitality"
Pastor Larry Loree, Jr.
Luke 10:38-42
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Pastor Larry Loree, Jr.
Luke 10:38-42
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Our good intentions can actually produce bad results. When we focus more on how we can serve Christ than receiving first His service to us, we become frustrated and judgmental toward those who are not working as hard as us. And we miss the blessings of simply receiving Christ's gifts for us. Our service is important, but we should not become distracted by that so as to miss what Jesus first gives to us.
"Too Busy?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:38-42
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 10:38-42
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Mary and Martha were both busy: Martha busy with preparations for a dinner for Jesus, and Mary busy sitting at the feet of Jesus being fed by Him. Martha was "too busy" at the moment for Jesus that she didn't take time to be with Jesus. While both women's actions were out of love for the Lord, only Mary was doing "the most needful thing" ultimately. Many of us are busy with life: shuttling kids to sporting events, being on Social Media, working to provide for our families, etc. All of these things, in their proper place, are good. But when we become "too busy" with thse things that we have no time to sit at Jesus' feet, then there is a problem. Jesus comes to serve us through His Word and Sacraments. We receive these things with our fellow Christians in Church. We supplement that with daily devotions and Bible reading. To be too busy for that means that our priorities are out of whack and we are starving ourselves spiritually. By all means, be busy with life, but not too busy for being with Jesus.
"Rich in Possessions or Rich in God"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:13-21
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:13-21
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The Rich Fool in Jesus' parable must have served as the template for the Dicken's character, Ebeneezer Scrooge. Both men were rich misers. Both were friendless and alone. Both would have no mourners when they died; all their possession that they greedily gained for themselves would be lost to them and go to someone else. And both received a "visitation" showing their sad, pitiful end. But unlike Scrooge, who had a change of heart and became a new man who would use his possessions to help others, the Rich Fool was visited by God who that night took back the life He had given to him. The Rich Fool was a fool because he made his possessions his god instead of the Lord. St. Paul describes covetessness as idolatry. When we are "rich" toward the things of this world and are not "rich in faith" toward God, then we will lose everything. But Christ gave Himself for us and for all. He is the One who changes our greedy hearts to those who love God and Neighbor. We now regard all our possessions as gifts from God to us rather than that which is "Mine, mine. All mine!" We who are in Christ know that, when He comes to receive our souls, our possessions may be left to others, but all that done through faith in Christ for others will follow us into eternity with our Redeemer.
"What Are You Striving For?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:13-21
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:13-21
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Are that we have and are are gifts from God. Too often, though, we make those things our gods instead. We invest our lives in acquiring more and more things, while ignoring the Giver of those things. Then, when the Giver calls us to account, everything we have worked for is taken away and the judgment is handed down: "You fool!" Only through faith in Christ, the Redeemer of our bodies and souls, can we find true contentment and happiness in this life, and a proper attitude toward our possessions. Though we must leave all this behind at death, Christ gives us an eternal treasure that will never be taken away.
"The Treasure You Seek" Thanksgiving Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:22-23, 29-34
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:22-23, 29-34
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Many people restrict what the seek to the treasures of this world, that which brings comfort and fulfilment to the body. And as such, many are filled with worry and fear that they may lack something they want/need, or will lose what they do have. God reassures us that He knows our physical needs and can provide for them so, as we set our hearts on seeking our true treasure in Christ and His Word, our fears and anxieties over the things of this life will settle down. As we realize everything for the body and soul God provides as gifts to us, especially the forgivness of our sins and eternal life in His Kingdom, we can't help but be thankful in all things.
"Thankful There's No Need to Worry" Thanksgiving Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:22-34
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:22-34
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Because we are so prone to look "earthward," we often gauge our thankfulness on what we do or don't have. When our eyes are fixed heavenward, seeing all that we have in Christ, we can be thankful in plenty or in little. Our Lord knows what we need, first and foremost the forgiveness and life that Jesus won for us on the cross. He knows our bodily needs as well, and provides for them in many ways. Faith trusts in the goodness of God because of what Christ has done, and can be thankful in all things, again, because of Christ.
"What Kind of Peace?"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:49-53
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:49-53
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Jesus didn't come to bring peace to the earth or to establish a "Millennial Kingdom" of peace where He rules over the world. The peace He brings is to sinners through His atoning death for sin and by His resurrection. The peace of Jesus is the reconciliation between God and lost mankind. He desires this peace for all, but sadly, many reject Him which then brings division between even close family members. If we are aware of that fact, we won't be surprised when such things occur, but we will continue to entrust ourselves to Him who died for us and lives forever more.
"The Great Divide"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:49-53
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 12:49-53
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Jesus died for the sins of all, yet no all want to believe that. Jesus is the Prince of Peace yet, because of sin, division often follows. When Jesus warns us that there will be division over Jesus, He is not stating His will, but the reality of sin and this fallen world. He gives us this warning so, when we face blowback for our faith, that we ourselves don't fall from the faith in disillusionment. Rather, we continue to faithfully confess Christ, and love even our enemies and pray that the Holy Spirit will bridge that great divide and bring them to faith in Christ and fellowship with us.
"The 'Badness' Question"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:1-9
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When tragedy strikes, we're always looking for a cause or reason for it. Too often, when tragedy strikes others, we believe God is punishing them for doing wrong. When Jesus is brought news of a slaughter of Jewish pilgrims by Pontius Pilate, Jesus asks them if they think those people were worse than all the others to suffer in this way. His answer is "No. But unless you repent, you will likewise all perish." And that's the key. When we look at others and try to assess why they suffer as such, we are not then looking at ourselves and realize that we, too, deserve death and hell because of our sins. But repentant hearts then can trust in, and give thanks for God's mercy to us "poor, miserable sinners" through Jesus Christ taking those sins on Himself and giving us forgiveness and life in Him. And because "God is for us," we can trust that, should tragedy strike us, God has not forsaken us for our sins, but is bringing us closer to Him while calling others to repentance.
"The Closing Door"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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When one looks at salvation in a detatched way, we tend to consider the actions of others - whether or not they are saved. But Jesus directs us back to considering our own situation first. Are we part of those who are saved, and why. The only way to eternal life is a Spirit-generated lving faith in the only Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. He is that narrow door; no other way is possible. And if we delay entering by faith until the door of grace closes, it will be too late. No amount of pleading or pointing to external connections will matter. Yet, as long as the Gospel is still being proclaimed to us, that door is open; Jesus' invitation to the Great Wedding Feast in Eternity is still being extended to us.
"Don't Miss Out"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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The Parable of the Narrow Door that Jesus tells is meant to urge people not to delay coming to Him in faith, for He is the only way to Eternal Life. The warning of the parable is that a time will come when that narrow door will be closed and locked and then no amount of pleading will gain them entrance into heaven. If they would not know Jesus in this life, He will deny them in eternity. The good news, though, will be all those who have entered through the narrow door by faith and are with Him in the eternal, heavenly banquet. May we be among them through faith in Christ.
"The Narrow Lord"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Luke 13:22-30
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Many approach salvation only as a matter of indifference or speculation. But because the stakes are for the eternal wellbeing of our souls, we need to personal take this very seriously. Will I be among those entering eternal life? What makes it possible for me to enter eternal life? Through faith alone in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will we "enter through the narrow door" into eternal life. When that door of grace closes, there will be no second chance. If one has no fellowship with Jesus in this life, He will have no fellowship with them in the next. But for now, as the Gospel continues to be proclaimed, Christ is calling you to be His own.
