The Christmas season often glows with warmth and peace, yet the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of a chilling shadow cast over the manger: the murderous rage of King Herod. We will review "The Holy Innocents," the young boys of Bethlehem who became the first martyrs for Christ. Their story forces us to confront the "Problem of Evil" head-on, asking why an all-powerful God allows such profound suffering to touch the innocent.
We often desire perfect peace while simultaneously tolerating the very sin that destroys it. However, Scripture teaches us that suffering and sin are inextricably linked; the former will only truly vanish when the latter is finally put to death.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael Walther; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #Christmas #problemofevil #Bethlehem #Herod #Christ #cross #judgmentday #Matthew2 #MichaelWalther
The Christmas season often glows with warmth and peace, yet the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of a chilling shadow cast over the manger: the murderous rage of King Herod. We will review "The Holy Innocents," the young boys of Bethlehem who became the first martyrs for Christ. Their story forces us to confront the "Problem of Evil" head-on, asking why an all-powerful God allows such profound suffering to touch the innocent.
We often desire perfect peace while simultaneously tolerating the very sin that destroys it. However, Scripture teaches us that suffering and sin are inextricably linked; the former will only truly vanish when the latter is finally put to death.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael Walther; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #Christmas #problemofevil #Bethlehem #Herod #Christ #cross #judgmentday #Matthew2 #MichaelWalther
The Christmas season often glows with warmth and peace, yet the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of a chilling shadow cast over the manger: the murderous rage of King Herod. We will review "The Holy Innocents," the young boys of Bethlehem who became the first martyrs for Christ. Their story forces us to confront the "Problem of Evil" head-on, asking why an all-powerful God allows such profound suffering to touch the innocent.
We often desire perfect peace while simultaneously tolerating the very sin that destroys it. However, Scripture teaches us that suffering and sin are inextricably linked; the former will only truly vanish when the latter is finally put to death.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael Walther; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #Christmas #problemofevil #Bethlehem #Herod #Christ #cross #judgmentday #Matthew2 #MichaelWalther
True or False: God tells us we should be afraid? What are the first words usually from an angel or messenger of God? Don't be afraid! We will see why some of the characters of the true story of Christmas had every right to be afraid. At the same time, we have reasons to fear as well. But, Jesus comes to change our hearts from fear to peace! Merry Christmas!
Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #Christmas #fear #afraid #peace #Jesus #Luke2 #TonyBoos
You know the story of Christmas well—the manger, the shepherds, and the lack of room in the inn. In fact, you likely didn't come tonight simply to be taught the facts of Christ's birth. So, why are we here? The answer is found in the message of the angels on that first holy night. We gather not just to remember a historical event, but to hear once more the life-altering announcement that changed the course of eternity.
Based on Luke 2:7, we see the humble beginnings of the Savior who had "no place to stay." Yet, this lack of room was the beginning of God making a room for us in His kingdom. We come to hear the message of the angel because it is the announcement of our rescue. The baby in the manger cannot be separated from the man on the cross; the story of Christmas is inextricably linked to the story of Easter.
The real gift of Christmas isn't found under a tree or in a familiar retelling of a childhood story. It is the gift of a Savior who came to dwell in our broken world to rescue us from sin and death. Tonight, we receive the greatest gift imaginable: God’s own Son, born for you, to be your Savior and your King.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #Christmas #angels #gift #savior #theChristchild #incarnation #Jesus'birth #salvationhistory #angelicproclamation #mangerandcross #rescue #thewordmadeflesh #Luke2 #BillEngfehr
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet..." (Matthew 1:22)
In this message, we reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation through the eyes of Joseph. When God’s plan veered sharply from the life Joseph and Mary had envisioned, an angelic promise brought clarity to the chaos: Emmanuel, God with us. Just as Joseph was called to trust God’s Word over his circumstances, we are invited to see how God has already come to us in the person of His Son, Jesus.
Join us as we explore the historical context of Joseph’s dream and the eternal comfort we find in the fulfillment of Isaiah’s ancient prophecy. Whether your life is going according to plan or feels uncertain, we find our peace in the Savior who is with us now and always.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: William Ellington
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #Emmanuel #Joseph #angel #savior #Christianmarriage #faithinuncertainty #Matthew1 #BillEngfehr
This midweek Advent service centers on the powerful message of comfort found in Isaiah 40:1-3. Like the Israelites, we often find ourselves needing true, lasting comfort amidst a world that clearly demonstrates the consequences of sin. The first half of Isaiah delivers a strong reminder of this reality, a message just as necessary for us today as it was for God’s ancient people. We recognize our need for redemption and solace in the face of our failings and the brokenness around us.
Yet, immediately following this message of warning, Isaiah pivots to the glorious proclamation: "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. This is the Advent message—a divine gift of comfort and joy from our heavenly Father. This comfort isn't fleeting or worldly; it is secured entirely by God's saving love and is delivered to us through the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose coming we anticipate at Christmas. This incredible gift of reconciliation and peace is received through faith.
As we receive and are filled with this profound comfort—the knowledge that God has redeemed us through His love—it naturally leads us to rejoice. Our Advent worship becomes an act of joyful preparation, anticipating the arrival of the One who makes the broken paths straight and brings true peace to a weary soul. Join us as we reflect on this message and allow the certainty of God's love to transform our need for comfort into genuine, lasting joy.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #sin #comfort #God'slove #hope #peace #redemption #Isaiah40 #BillEngfehr
Do you remember when God created a garden, a paradise for Adam and Eve to live in peace, comfort, joy, with nothing to worry about or fear? Then sin enters the world through our first parents and what happens? They are banished from that place and put out into the wilderness. Today, in so many ways, we are in a wilderness where there is death and dying. But, God through the prophet Isaiah promises to come, to restore, to redeem those who believe in His promises. And He promises to let us live in a new paradise, a new garden. Praise God!
Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: Nic Schatte
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #wilderness #death #promises #restoration #comfort #weak #feeble #joy #peace #wildernessandgarden #messianicpromise #blindsee #deafhear #lameleap #resurrectionhope #ransomedoftheLord #Isaiah35 #TonyBoos
In Malachi 4:1–2, God speaks to people whose hearts have grown heavy under the weight of sin, fear, and waiting. This week’s sermon reminds us that Malachi’s message is ultimately a cry we still echo today: “Stir up our hearts, O Lord.” The prophet points forward to a day when healing, joy, and righteousness will rise like the sun—God’s promise that darkness will not have the last word.
In the coming of Christ, that promise becomes reality. We live as people who have seen both the Sun of Righteousness and the Son of God. Because of His love revealed at Christmas, we leap for joy, confident that Christ lightens our burdens and renews our hearts with His grace.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #joy #God'slove #stirupourhearts #renewaloftheheart #joyinChrist #burdenslifted #righteousness #prophecy #Malachi4 #BillEngfehr
We often see the Pharisees as the bad guys of the Bible. In fact I've often said thank God I'm not like the Pharisees. However, isn't that statement itself something a Pharisee would say? We'll explore what we all have in common with the Pharisees, what can be done about that and finally what hope there is for Pharisees (and us).
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor John Lukomski; Reader: William Ellington
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #Pharisee #repentance #JohntheBaptist #JohnLukomski #Matthew3
The message, rooted in Isaiah 2:1-5, explores the powerful image of God building His house and drawing the nations to Himself, a theme beautifully set against the modern parallel of the movie Field of Dreams. Isaiah prophesied 700 years before Christ's birth that God would establish the "mountain of the house of the LORD" as the highest of mountains, a beacon to which "all the nations shall flow." This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment not just in the ancient Temple, but in Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate. He is the one who has come, and through Him, the Church—God's true house—is being built, drawing in the Gentiles (the "peoples") from all corners of the earth to learn God's ways and walk in His paths.
Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: Nic Schatte
#sermon #gospel #timeofChristmas #advent #prophecy #build #mountain #house #secondcoming #FieldofDreams #waiting #Isaiah2 #TonyBoos
This week we observe our National Day of Thanksgiving, a tradition that formally traces its roots to President Abraham Lincoln's proclamation 159 years ago, yet reflects a biblical practice as old as the church itself. While we rightly recall the historical context of the American pilgrims, our focus is anchored in Deuteronomy 8:10: "And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you." This passage serves as a divine call to gratitude for the ancient pilgrims of Israel, reminding us that being called to give thanks is the proper response after receiving God's blessings.
As we gather, we join both the historical and spiritual tradition of acknowledging the plenitude of God's blessings—not only the physical food and bounty we enjoy but the spiritual gifts received through Christ. This sermon is a reminder that the Lord has given us not only temporal blessings but the ultimate gift of salvation. Therefore, the giving of thanks is always a response to God's generous hand, whether in moments of great abundance or during hardship.
Ultimately, our observance this week is a powerful call to move beyond a singular National Day of Thanksgiving to a life of Thanksliving. May our praise for all His blessings become a perpetual attitude that colors our every day, acknowledging God's constant faithfulness in every aspect of our lives.
Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #Thanksgiving #blessings #gratitude #givingthanks #pilgrims #Deuteronomy8 #Philippians4 #Luke17 #PastorBillEngfehr
Let's delve into the significance of Judgment Day as revealed through the events of Christ's crucifixion, focusing on the text from Luke 23:32-43. As Jesus approached the end of His earthly ministry, His teachings often centered on the world's end and the final judgment. We begin with an explanation of what Judgment Day means for every believer and unbeliever, recognizing the profound importance of God's perfect justice.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael P Walther; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #judgmentday #justice #salvation #Luke23 #PastorMichaelWalther
When we look at the world today, it is easy to focus on global upheaval, conflict, and disaster. But what is our faith perspective on these difficult events? In this week's message on Luke 21:10-15, Jesus’ answer to His disciples' question about the end of the world is less about predicting dates and more about redefining our purpose. Jesus teaches us that the very turmoil and opposition we face will serve as our opportunity to bear witness to His saving grace.
This powerful charge—to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world—is not a specialized task reserved for a few, but the mission of every disciple. Just as the first apostles were commanded to witness, so too are we called to make the proclamation of the Gospel our highest priority. Join us, for an opportunity to understand, how the chaos of the world becomes a unique stage for Christian witness, and be encouraged to step forward and share the hope that is within you.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Nic Schatte
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #endtimes #witness #secondcomingofchrist #eschatology #witnessingforJesus #persecution #signsoftheend #PastorBillEngfehr #Luke21
We are reminded of the pivotal moment in Exodus 3:1-15, where Moses encounters God at the burning bush. Confronted with a divine call to lead the Israelites out of slavery, Moses responds with a profound question that echoes in our own lives: “Who am I?”
Just like Moses, we often face moments of self-doubt, asking, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" when called to God's service. Moses, a fugitive who had fled Egypt after committing murder, felt utterly unqualified to confront Pharaoh. The sermon emphasizes that God, however, does not directly answer Moses' question of identity. Instead, He reveals something far more profound: His own identity and faithfulness.
Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: David Moldenhauer
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #Yahweh #yhwh #divinename #burningbush #Moses #vocation #thecallofMoses #identityinChrist #redeemedchildofGod #God'spresence #God'spromise #selfdoubt #whoamI #whyamIhere #Jesussaves #Pharaoh #sacrament #baptism #Exodus3
What does it mean to glorify the name of Jesus? In this message from 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12, we see that Christ’s name is glorified when His people live in faith and obedience to His saving work. The Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians—and us—that glorifying Jesus means more than praise with our lips.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael P Walther; Reader: William Ellington
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #glory #glorify #Jesus #faith #persecution #doinggood #idolatry #conversion #endurance #2Thessalonians1
On this Reformation Sunday, we remember what moved Martin Luther to take a stand and post his 95 Theses. It was not pride, rebellion, or a desire to break away from the Church. Rather, it was the clear and urgent message of Scripture—“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Luther recognized that no amount of effort, penance, or good works could put us right with God. A crime had been committed—sin has separated us from our Creator.
And just as in Luther’s time, the world today is still desperate for the message of help and hope.
With Luther we say: “Here we stand. We cannot do otherwise. God help us.”
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #grace #forgiveness #Luther #reformation #justification #Romans3
Have you ever pictured your Christian life as a race? The Apostle Paul certainly did. In his final recorded words to his young friend and fellow minister, Timothy, Paul takes a look back at his own life and declares with confidence: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Nic Schatte
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #faith #righteousness #eternallife #2Timothy4
In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus meets ten men afflicted with leprosy and heals them all. Yet only one—a Samaritan—returns to give thanks and worship. While the physical healing is miraculous, the greater miracle lies beneath the surface: a heart changed by faith.
In this message, The Not-So-Obvious Miracle, we are reminded that the most extraordinary works of God are often not the ones we can see, but the ones taking place within us. The thankful leper experienced both healing of the body and salvation of the soul—a transformation that moved him to worship at Jesus’ feet.
Like him, we, too, are called to see beyond the visible blessings of daily life and recognize the unseen hand of God at work in every gift, every mercy, and every breath. Our gratitude itself is evidence of God’s grace working within us through faith in Christ.
Whether through miraculous healing or the quiet sustaining grace of daily bread, all good things flow from our gracious Lord. In giving thanks, we confess that faith and proclaim to the world that Jesus alone is our healer and Savior—the giver of both physical and eternal life.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Tony Boos; Reader: Joe Rathert
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #miracle #faith #thanksgiving #gratitude #healing #salvation #blessings #Jesus #lepers #grace #worship #Luke17
In Luke 17:1–10, Jesus gives a serious warning about the dangers of being an obstacle to another’s faith. Threats to faith are always present in our world, but Jesus teaches that one of the most dangerous obstacles comes from an unforgiving heart. When we refuse to forgive those who have sinned against us, we not only harden our own hearts but also endanger the faith of others.
This week, Pastor George Gude's sermon calls us to take Christ’s warning seriously, to recognize the ways we may be stumbling blocks, and to embrace the forgiveness that we have received in Him. As forgiven children of God, we are called to forgive freely, building up the faith of others instead of tearing it down.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor George Gude; Reader: William Ellington
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #obstaclestofaith #stumblingblocks #warningofJesus #Christianforgiveness #threatstofaith #discipleship #sinandforgiveness #mercy #repentance #Luke17
This week's sermon challenges us with the stark realities presented in Jesus’ own words: a clear, unflinching look at the life-and-death consequences of our choices in this world.
Using the vivid account of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Pastor Bill Engfehr guides us through the separation that occurs when this earthly life ends. One man is carried by angels to the side of Abraham—a place of comfort and rest. The other is buried in the torment of Hades.
Join us in worship as we look to the Word of God for our certain hope and consider the eternal consequences of what we choose to believe today.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Nic Schatte
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #eternallife #afterlife #faith #salvation #forgiveness #heaven #hell #hades #justification #Luke16
In Luke 16, Jesus reminds us that everything we have—our time, talents, and treasures—ultimately belongs to God. We are not the true owners, but stewards entrusted with His gifts.
True success, Jesus says, is not measured by how much we gather for ourselves, but by faithfulness and trustworthiness in managing what He has placed in our care. God calls us to be wise managers, not careless spenders or selfish hoarders.
As we learn to be faithful in small things, God entrusts us with greater blessings. Out of love and gratitude, we return a portion of what He has given to us, acknowledging Him as the source of every good gift. Wise stewardship is not only a duty but a joyful response to God’s abundant grace.
Join us as we explore how Jesus’ teaching on stewardship shapes our perspective on possessions, success, and generosity in light of His love.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: William Ellington
#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #wisemanagement #stewardship #faithfulness #trustworthiness #God’sgifts #thanksgiving #possessionsandfaith #Luke16