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"Many 'Gods,' Only One True" Trinity Sunday
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:32-33
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 2:32-33
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There is only one Elvis Presley; all others who look and sound like him are imposters. There is only one True God; all other "gods" are imposters. This true God reveals Himself in the Bible as Triune, i.e. one God and yet in three distinct Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Human minds cannot comprehend this, but only accept it by faith. And unlike the false gods who demand obedience to earn our way to heaven, this God gives His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for sinners that they may have heaven and eternal life. As each Person if the Trinity is fully God, so each Person of the Trinity was and is committed to your salvation so that you can live with Him forever. There are many so-called "gods" that people worship, but there is only one that is real and can save.
"Eye Witness News" 3rd Sun. in Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 3:11-21
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 3:11-21
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"You killed Jesus!" That is the charge Peter laid at the feet of those in the temple. "You killed the Author of life and asked for a murderer." But the same charge can, and is leveled at all humanity including us. We also, because of our sins denied and killed Jesus. It is our fault. Yet that was how God would redeem us and all humanity. We killed Him and God raised Him from the dead. He calls us to repentance so that the Christ would come to us, blot out our sins and bring to us times of refreshing from God. Peter and John were eyewitness of those things and, through their writings, we can also witness the grace of God to us in Christ and share that witness with others.
"Man Up!" 4th Sun. of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 4:1-13
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 4:1-13
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God's Christians all too often operate from a position of weakness and fear. We prefer the easy road that gains the approval of the world and our own fallen flesh, rather that exhibiting the virtues of honor, duty, integrity, courage and sacrifice. Why? What are we afraid of? Peter and John were hauled before the same religious leaders that condemned Jesus to be crucified. But because of the death and resurrection of Christ, now they stood boldly to confess this Truth, and let the chips fall where they may. Having God's Word, the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak with courage and willingness to sacrifice because "they had been with Jesus." It is no different for us. We have that same word of Jesus, and we have the same Holy Spirit who will use that word that has become ours. Rather than caving to the pressures of the cynics, skeptics and unbelievers, it's time to Man Up, spend time with Jesus in His Word, by partaking of His Supper, and praying that the Holy Spirit would give us those virtues of duty, honor, integrity, courage and sacrifice so that we, too, "can give an answer to those who ask us for the reason of the hope that is in us." And that we can do so gladly because Jesus Lives, the Victory's Won.
"In Word and Deed" 2nd Sun. of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:12-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:12-20
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In spite of their imprisonment due to the hatred of the religious leaders in Israel, the Apostles went right back to the temple to proclaim "the words of this Life." In other words, to proclaim the death of Christ for sins and His resurrection. They were to preach repentance in Christ and the forgiveness of sins. This is still the (true) church's message. As we, who are baptized into Christ and by faith members of His Temple, we too are to proclaim, not just in our words, but also in our deeds these "words this Life." Sure, the world may be just as hostile to Christianity now as it was in the days of the Apostles, but that doesn't change what we are given to do. By being regular hearers of God's Word, we are them being empowered by the Holy Spirit through that Word to proclaim in our words and deeds this Life that is in Jesus.
"Released for Life"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:17-32
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:17-32
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In spite of all the works of mercy done by the Apostles, the religious leaders were opposed to their message of Christ's death and resurrection for sinners. They wanted the Apostles to shut up and disappear. Nothing has changed in 2000 years. The culture still wants the Church to shut up and go away. But because we have been given "the full message of this new life" that we are to proclaim, more than ever the Church needs to be visible and heard in the public square, no matter what opposition we may encounter.
"What Happened?" 2nd Sunday of Easter
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:29 ff.
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:29 ff.
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What happened that would cause the disciples of Jesus who were scared rabbits after Good Friday to become bold proclaimers of Christ, no natter the danger? Christ's resurrection is what happened. Because He rose from the dead, the disciples now could live, suffer, and if necessary, die for Christ because they will live again. It's no different for us who live "post-resurrection." We, too, may be called upon to suffer and, perhaps, die to be faithful to Christ. But we can do so knowing that because He lives, so shall we.
"For the Name of Jesus"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:29ff
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Acts 5:29ff
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The Apostles rejoiced at being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Do we? God's Christians often face opposition, if not outright persecution because they belong to Christ. If we try to handle this by our own reason and strength, we will deny Him. But, strengthened by, and connected to God's Word and Sacraments that impart to us the forgiveness Christ won for us, we are more willing (though imperfectly) to endure ridicule and rejection from others for the sake of Him who has not rejected us because of our sins, but died for us that we may live in Him.
"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.
"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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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.
"Because of Sin"
Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
Amos 6:1-3
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Pastor Kenneth D. Lueke
Amos 6:1-3
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It is because of sin that God's judgments come upon nations and individuals. It is because of sin that Christ gave His life to save us from ultimate judgment.
"Continuing Christmas"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Colossians 3:12-17
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Colossians 3:12-17
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People look for the "Christmas Spirit" of kindness, generosity and humanity as we approach Christmas Day. But the day after Christmas, it seems like the world forgets that there is a Christmas Spirit. But can this spirit of Christmas be continued throughout the year? How? Colossians Three shows how this spirit is enlivened and empowered in the lives of God's people through Christ.
"The King's Books" Last Sun of the Church Year
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
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When the End of All Things comes, there will be no more second chances; no more proclamation of grace. For those who live without Christ, that is a day of terror as their sins will convict them to an eternity apart from God. For those in Christ through faith, that will be a day of joy as God rewards those who are His for that which Christ did through them. At that Day, God will make all things new and we will live in a new creation. In the meantime, we are to be watchful so that the devil, the world and our own sinful selves do not steal faith away from us. We live in repentant faith trusting in Christ our Redeemer. And we know the promise of God that "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved."
"Life By God's Word"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deut. 30:15-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deut. 30:15-20
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As we live in this life and world, we are subject to the same temptations to disregard God's Word and engage in an idolatry that trusts in things and people more than the True God. We are challenged in this text, as people who have received great mercy and blessing from God through Christ, so that we are His own dear children, to truly think through our commitment to Him. Will we follow the Lord, or will we follow the idols of this world. One gives life, the other doesn't.
"In Place of the Fire"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 18:14-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 18:14-20
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The Israelites would be entering the Promised Land, but that land was filled with many spiritual dangers from the pagan "gods" and prophets around them. Moses would not be with them, but he promises that God will send the the ultimate Prophet who will not only bring them God's Word, but be the embodiment of God's Word. That Prophet would be Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of sinners. To listen to the errors of the false teachers within and with out the church is to put us in grave danger. But to listen to and believe in the Truth of God's Word as found in our Redeemer Jesus, is to have forgiveness and life.
"The One Greater Than Moses"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
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Because of their fear of God's judgment for their sin, they begged Moses to intercede for them, which he did. But he promised that a greater prophet than he would come to whom the people should listen. That was the prophecy about Jesus, our greatest and final intermediator with God. As Jesus bore our sins, we now can face God without fear. We should, though, diligently continue to hear His Word and not the words of false regligous or social prophets. They can only lead us astray.
"To Life!"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses reviewed their history and how God brought them out of slavery in Egypt and made them His own people. Moses warned them that to remain faithful to God will bring life and good, but to turn away from God would bring death and evil. The same is true for God's Christians today. Like the Israelites, we are surrounded by pagan peoples and cultures that practice gross idolatry and immorality that, frankly, can be alluring to our sinful nature. To let ourselves be drawn away from the true God to worship false gods is death. The only way to remain faithful to God is to stay connected to His Word and by receiving His gifts to us in Christ. When we stumble, we repent, confess our sins, and trust in the forgiveness and life that Christ won for us at the cross. To choose life is simply to live out Christ's life in us as we head toward our Promised Land - Heaven.
"Heart Trouble"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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Who is your God? The answer to that question will mean life and blessing or death and curses. God's people, surrounded by a pagan culture with its idolatry and immorality, often are drawn into embracing the idols of this world and our hearts. Money, power, sports, sex, partying and more can be idols who promise pleasure and fulfillment, but cannot save. As such, God calls us to choose that which is right and good in Christ, who died for our sins and lives His life out in us.
"Lest You Forget"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:1-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:1-9
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"We Forgot to Remember"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:6-9
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 4:6-9
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When the Israelites forsook God's Word and Covenant with them and embraced the paganism of the nations around them, their nation suffered and fell under God's judgment. The decline usually didn't happen immediately, but over generations, while God continued to call them to repentance before it was too late. While there were always those who remained faithful, there was a "tipping point" when judgment on the nation had to happen. So it is with all nations. When the majority of people are faithful to God and heed His Word, the nation experiences great blessings. But as His people become fewer and less committed to His Word, then sinful passions and actions occur bringing greater division, violence and discord. When the tipping point happens, the nation falls. Yet in God's grace, He uses even tumultuous times to call people to repentance and receive forgiveness for their sins in Christ. While a particular nation may never rise again, those who are in Christ are raised to newness of life now, and will be raised to eternal life at the Last Day.
"The 'Rest' of the Story"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
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God gave Israel the command to observe the Sabbath Day and keep it holy expressly for their benefit, not His. The Sabbath was to provide physical and spiritual rest for them weekly, and to be a sign differentialting them from the unbelieving world. While Christians are no longer bound by a specific day we must take "sabbath," we are to regularly gather around the gifts that God gives us in Christ. We have plenty of opportunities to relaxe and recreate our bodies; gathering around the forgiveness and life of Christ in His Word and Sacrament is the only way to find true rest for our souls. Whatever day of the week we have our "sabbath," for the day is a matter of Christian freedom, we need to take this time out regularly with each other and "hod preaching sacred, and gladly hear and learn it." For it is in the presence and grace of Jesus that we find rest for our souls.
"So That's Why" Thanksgiving Eve
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 8:1-10
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Deuteronomy 8:1-10
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Wiith all the disruption surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many are having a hard time being thankful this year. We wonder why God is allowing all this to happen. But as God led Israel through the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land, He was doing that to humble them, showing their hearts for what they were so they would depend on Him and hear His Word. So also this time of discipline for us is a time to grow closer to God and that His Word would take root in our hearts. God has not abandoned us during this time, but we can see more clearly what He has done for us in Christ. Because Jesus died for our sins, we are God's children being led to our own Promised Land in heaven. Indeed, there is truly much to be thankful for.
"In Vexation or in Joy"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
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"The Grace Full Kingdom" Advent 2
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1 & 2 Selected Verses
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1 & 2 Selected Verses
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God's Kingdom of Grace is The Church, which is the body of Christ. It is not made of bricks and stones, but of flesh and blood. It is in this Kingdom that God's word is proclaimed, calling sinners to repentance so they can receive the healing of their souls through the Gospel. It is the grace of God that saves people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. He draws us into this Kingdom by His grace and has mercy on us. He also gives us a place to receive His gifts in Christ, forgive our sins, unite us with one another and gives us a true purpose. We pray that God would continue to expand His Grace Full Kingom, drawing many more into it to share with us the blessings we have in Christ.
"Far Above All, Yet Very Near" Ascension Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Paul prays that his fellow Christians would be strenghtned in a fuller knowledge of God, the inheritance in Christ that is ours, and the power at work in our lives that God demonstrated in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand above all others in creation. Because Christ has ascended back to the Father, He now rules over all things, including His Church. Though Jesus is no longer present among us in the way He was with His disciples two thousand years ago He is, through His ascension into heaven, present with us now in an even closer way: through His Word and Sacraments. Though He "far above all things," because He now "fills all in all," He is very near to all who confess His name in faith.
"It's Good That He Went" Ascension Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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While Ascension Day may not register as a noteworthy celebration, like Christmas or Easter is, it is nevertheless hugely important for us. Without Christ's ascension, all that He had done for our salvation would be useless because no one would ever hear about it. But because He has ascended to heaven and is at God's Right Hand (Which is everywhere), then Christ is with us always through His Word and Sacraments, which the Holy Spirit uses to bring us to faith in Christ. Now Jesus is over all things, and fills all things, and we are never alone.
"Rise and Shine" Ascension Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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For those who feel isolated and discouraged, Christ's Ascension back to heaven, poseessing all power and authority in heaven and on earth, and where He now fills all things and is Head of His body, the Church, is great news. That means that He is not only with us individually, but He also connects us to all who confess Him by faith. That's right. He has saved us from our sins by His sacrifice on the cross, but He has also saved us for the purpose of joining us together as His Church. We share together in the blessings of His Word and Sacraments. We are empowered by His Holy Spirit working through the Word. And we share together the hope of our calling in Christ, and the possession of our eternal inheritance with Him. What a great reason to be encouraged and join together with one another to receive, and live out, His gifts.
"Lifted Up With Christ" Ascension Day
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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The Ascension of our Lord, though not often appreciated today, is a signal moment in salvation history. As Christ accomplished our salvation by His death on the cross, and defeated death by His resurrection, so with His ascension into heaven, He now fills and rules all things. Thus, we who are His Christians have Jesus present with us everywhere, especially in His Word and Sacraments. Now we are part of His body, the Church, and connected to one another as "the communion of saints."
"Far Above All" The Ascension of Our Lord
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:15-23
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When God the Father exercised His great power to raise Jesus from the dead and then seat Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, God did not take Jesus away from us. Instead, by His ascension, Jesus is nearer to all His Christians of every time and place than if He were still here on earth as He had been two thousand years ago. Now being far above all things with the name that is above every name, Jesus comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. He rules over His whole church and fills all things. The Ascension of Christ does not mean He is far away from us, but is very near to all of us always.
"Chosen to be God's Children"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:3-14
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 1:3-14
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Having entered a new year, we bring with us joys, hopes, anxieties and fears. But, as those baptized into Christ, we also bring with us all of the spiritual blessings of God given to us through His Son. We who have been redeemed by Christ are children of God, dearly loved by Him. Our circumstances in 2016 do not change that. And all of the things St. Paul says are ours by God's glorious grace will be that which sustains us throughout this year, and our whole lives. "God's own child I gladly say it; I am baptized into Christ!"
"Part of Something Bigger"
Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 2:11-22
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Pastor Kenneth Lueke
Ephesians 2:11-22
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There was a huge gap between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were near to God, and the Gentiles, because they were pagans, were far from God. Yet Christ died for all and, through the Spirit's power, Gentiles who believed in Him were now one with those Jews who also believed in Him. The natural divide and hostility between those groups was broken down in Christ. The same can be true for us, who are divided by many things today: race, politics and even sex. Yet where natural divisions may be present in the world, those divisions should be overcome by our common faith in Christ as our Redeemer. Now being His Christians, we have a unity with each other that supercedes that which divides us. And if we can truly appreciate our connection by faith to one another, then our hostility toward each other based on lesser things can be mitigated and we can begin to appreciate our common humanity.
