God With Us | A Sermon on Isaiah 7:10–14

Emmanuel is an important person. “Emmanuel” means “God with us.” It was a special name given to Jesus already 700 years before he was born. Who is with us when Jesus is with us? God himself. God became a human being in a special way, becoming truly human but remaining God. God is still with us. We encounter him in a special way when we gather with two or three others in worship. He is so near to us that the thrill of anticipation is almost unbearable. Let it wash over you as you celebrate Christmas this week.

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Patience from Christ: Patience for His Imminence. Patience for our Eminence. | A Sermon on James 5:7–11

Patience is a virtue—but not just because it helps us deal with traffic or toddlers. True Christian patience is rooted in Christ. As James 5 and the season of Advent remind us, Jesus is near – coming soon in glory, and already present with compassion and mercy. When our circumstances don’t match God’s promises, we grow restless. Yet Christ’s patient endurance—for us and with us—strengthens our hearts. He teaches us to wait with hope for His return (His imminence) and to live now with quiet greatness (our eminence) in love, humility, and perseverance. Like farmers waiting for rain and prophets enduring trial, we learn to wait with confidence, knowing the Judge who is near is also our Savior. And as we receive patience from Christ, we reflect it—especially with those who test us most.

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Anxiety, Meet the Coming King! | A Sermon on Philippians 4:4-7

In week two of “A Not So Silent Night,” God’s Word speaks directly to the noise of December and the anxiety it stirs up. Our calendars, family tensions, and spiritual expectations get loud, and when life doesn’t match the Christmas we imagined, we don’t just suffer—we suffer that we’re suffering. Into this swirl, Philippians 4:4–7 calls us to honest repentance that results in, yes, rejoicing! and a deeper peace. How can this be? “The Lord is near.” In Christ’s three Advents—Bethlehem, Word and Sacrament, and his coming again—God guards our restless hearts with a joy and silence no anxiety can overcome.

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Prepare for the Coming King | A Sermon on Matthew 3:1–12

Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace, joy, and quiet wonder—but for most of us, it feels far more like chaos than “Silent Night.” Between packed calendars, strained relationships, unmet expectations, and all the noise that fills our hearts, the Christmas we long for often slips through our fingers. But what if the problem isn’t just what’s happening around us, but what’s happening within us? Today, as we look at the ministry of John the Baptist, we’ll discover that the path to a truly silent night doesn’t begin with fixing our circumstances—it begins with preparing our hearts. John’s call to repentance isn’t a harsh interruption to Christmas cheer; it’s an invitation to make room for the only King who can true lasting hope to our souls.

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Vitality is Saintly | A Sermon on Hebrews 11:32-12:3

As we conclude our Vital Signs series, we see that true spiritual vitality is “saintly”— but not in the way we often imagine. The saints in Hebrews 11 are not flawless spiritual superheroes; they are forgiven sinners whose weakness was turned to strength by God’s grace. In the Creed we confess “the communion of saints.” That is we state, with united hearts, that all believers whom the Holy Spirit has made holy in Christ are saints…not just some spiritual elite. Throughout this series we’ve asked, “What are the vital signs of a living faith?” This week we learn that saintly vitality is not moral perfection, but Spirit-given durability—the courage to keep trusting, loving, and serving through hardship. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, whose enduring love keeps us from growing weary or losing heart and animates every other vital sign in our life of discipleship.

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Growing Stronger and Higher | A Sermon on Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1-4, 3:17-19

This week in our Vital Signs series we focus on GROW—growing as disciples by being rooted in God’s Word together. Habakkuk shows us that spiritual growth rarely happens in easy seasons. First, he looks around and cries out over violence, injustice, and God’s seeming silence (1:1–4). Then, like a watchman on the wall, he takes his questions to the Lord and waits on God’s promise (2:1–4), where he hears the heartbeat of the whole Bible: “the righteous will live by faith.” Finally, even when the fields are empty and the fig tree does not bud, Habakkuk can rejoice in the LORD who makes his feet sure and strong (3:17–19).God grows Christians through enduring difficulty, which drives us deeper into His Word, and then strengthens us to walk by faith through any circumstance. Luke 12 calls us to stay awake and ready for our returning Master, and Revelation 22 reminds us that His words are “trustworthy and true.” To GROW is not just to know more Bible facts, but to let those trustworthy words form a resilient, watchful, rejoicing faith in Christ.

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The Rich Life | A Sermon on Luke 16:1-13

There are more than 2,300 Bible passages that speak about money. Why? Money is a master Satan frequently tempts us to serve. In fact, out of all the masters competing for our service besides God, money is probably at the top of the list. Money provides us with a false comfort and sense of security. Money serves as a source of pride. This week, Jesus’ sharp words identify the impossibility of serving more than one master. More, Jesus teaches that if we dedicate our lives in service to money, money will always let us down. In contrast, God has proven that he is a master worth serving. When we serve God, money is put in its proper place. Instead of it being a master to serve, it becomes a tool in our service of our true Master.

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Why Worship? | A Sermon on Luke 17:11–19

Why do we worship? The story of Jesus and the ten lepers gives us the answer. Worship begins not with our performance but with God’s presence. Like those lepers standing at a distance, we come before Jesus in our need, our sin, our unworthiness—and He draws near with mercy. Worship is where God serves us first: cleansing us by His Word, forgiving our sins, and restoring us to life. One healed man returned to give thanks, falling at Jesus’ feet in joyful praise. That is worship’s rhythm—receiving and returning, coming and going, being served by Christ and then sent to serve in His name. True worship flows from the Gospel: the story of Jesus’ mercy becoming the story of our lives. This week in our Vital Signs series, we celebrate the WORSHIP vital sign—the heart of our discipleship pathway. In worship we hear, see, and taste the Gospel. We join with God’s people in praise, proclamation, and prayer. We are reminded that the object of worship is not us, but Christ, who meets us here, cleanses us, and sends us out to live lives of worship in the world.

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Connect | A Sermon on Matthew 10:16–23

When Jesus sends His disciples out, He doesn’t sugarcoat the mission. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves,” Jesus says. Sharing the Gospel has never been safe, but it has always been vital. This week in our Vital Signs series, we focus on the sign of Connection – bearing witness to Christ in word and life. The Prophet Daniel knelt and prayed, even when it could cost him his life. The apostles preached, even when it meant persecution. The Reformation reminds us that the just live by faith, and that faith speaks. Our world still needs that voice today. Jesus calls us to share His Gospel with both shrewdness and innocence – wise in how we reach others, yet pure in why we do it. We use our heads and follow Christ’s heart. Evangelism isn’t a task for experts but a sign of spiritual vitality, a natural outflow of faith that trusts God’s grace and wants others to know it. Like Daniel, Martin Luther, and countless believers before us, we connect others to Jesus not by power or persuasion, but by steadfast confidence in the Gospel – the only message that saves and gives life eternal.

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Unconditional Love | A Sermon on Deuteronomy 6:1–9

When people think of Christianity, they might picture church buildings, crosses, or familiar routines of faith. But beyond the symbols, what do we want people to see when they think of followers of Jesus? What should define us—not just in words, but in the way we live? This week in our Vital Signs series, we’re focusing on what it means to live out God’s love in everyday life. From Moses’ words to God’s people in Deuteronomy, we’re reminded that love for God and love for others flow from the same source—His love for us. The more deeply we grasp how unconditionally God loves us, the more that love shapes our thoughts, actions, and relationships. True vitality in faith is found not in striving to earn God’s favor, but in letting His love transform how we live and how others see Him through us.

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Service in the Church | A Sermon on Luke 17:1–10

In the world, serving often comes with a price—long hours, little recognition, and sometimes a feeling of being taken for granted. It’s easy to think that serving others should earn us something in return. But in God’s kingdom, service works differently. Jesus teaches that when we serve, we’re not climbing a ladder to impress God or others; we’re simply living out the life He has already given us.

This week in our Vital Signs series, we focus on service to our brothers and sisters in Christ—one of the essential marks of spiritual vitality. True service flows from faith, not obligation. The more we experience Christ’s love and forgiveness, the more freely we pour ourselves out for others. In Luke 17, Jesus reminds His disciples that faith and service are inseparable: those who belong to Him naturally serve, because He first served us. Our joy is not found in being recognized but in reflecting the heart of the One who said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” As faith grows, so does the desire to serve—and with that, the deep delight of knowing Christ lives and works through us.

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Vitality in Eternity vs Vitality in Modernity | A Sermon on Luke 16:19–31

What do John D. Rockefeller, King Solomon, Henry Ford, and Joseph Stalin have in common? By modern standards, they embodied vitality—wealth, power, and achievement. Yet today, they share the same end: dust in the ground. Vitality in modernity measures life by riches, success, and comfort. But Jesus warns that those signs fade at death. The rich man in Luke 16 had everything the world applauds, yet he lacked the one thing needful. His “life” was already dying.

Vitality in eternity looks different. God calls true life what the world often mocks—listening to His Word, receiving His gifts, worshiping Him, serving neighbors, giving generously, and sharing faith. Lazarus seemed weak and insignificant in the world’s eyes, yet he was alive with God forever. Here is the clash: modern vitality dies with us, but eternal vitality in Christ never ends. Jesus invites us to check our spiritual vital signs—because in Him, what looks weak now is everlasting strength.


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Real Friends | A Sermon on John 1:35–51 There is nothing more valuable than a genuine friend. But what do real friends do? Sometimes it is easier to know what friends don’t do. In a world that suffers from loneliness and relational brokenness, God’s Word offers a clear and compelling picture for what real friendship truly looks like. Real friends are pointing friends to Jesus. Why? Because people’s eternity matters more than present comfort. People cannot believe unless they hear, and they cannot hear unless someone tells them. And that’s where friends come in. Real friends care enough to say, “Come and see Jesus.” Yes, it may feel awkward. Yes, we may wonder what good could come from “going to church.” But Jesus knows us, sees us, and cares for us. Friendship Sunday isn’t just about filling pews – it’s about real friendship, the kind that points beyond ourselves to the Friend who laid down His life for us. Jesus, the Lamb of God, gives us forgiveness, a new name, and eternal life. And because He is the Friend who cares for us most, we joyfully tell others: “Come and see.” Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!

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Wounds That Heal: Count the Cost | A Sermon on Luke 14:1–14

This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loathe. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses —a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following him. He wants us to do that now, ahead of time, rather than waiting until we are in the heat of the moment and emotions are running high. However, our calculations must not only consider what we might give up for Jesus. They also entail calculating what we get through him! When we perceive the infinite blessings we find in Christ, the decisions we just make, while difficult, will be clear. Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.

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Wounds That Heal: How to be Humble | A Sermon on Luke 14:1–14

Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we still helplessly fall into the trap of pride. We all desire acclaim, recognition, and praise. So, how do you become humble? Jesus’ sharp words this week teach us that seeking exaltation in futile and fleeing ways will only result in receiving the opposite. Those who attempt to exalt themselves will eventually be humbled by God. In contrast, Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life. Our exaltation does not need to be our responsibility, because Jesus has already made it his.

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Wounds That Heal: The Narrow Door | A Sermon on Luke 13:22–30

When it comes to the uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to direct our attention to more theoretical questions. “What is heaven like?” “How old will we be there?” Today someone asks, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” Jesus brushes all such questions aside. Instead, he answers the question we should be asking. “How might I be saved?” Jesus explains there is only one way—entering through a very narrow door. Jesus’ words cut deep! For he teaches that it is very easy to develop a false sense of security about our standing before God based on some superficial familiarity we have with him. Jesus warns that many who think they are on the path to heaven will end up shut out. These wounding words of Jesus provide healing, pushing us toward that narrow door: faith in him.

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Wounds That Heal: God’s Word Divides | A Sermon on Luke 12:49–53

We often divide humanity into groupings that are not really significant: this ethnic group versus that one, men versus women, wealthy versus poor. Yet, every ethnic group is under God’s law. That law equally convicts men and women of sin. Because of sin, both the wealthy and poor will die. Only through faith in Christ is sin forgiven and the sting of death removed. God’s Word creates that saving faith, but not in everyone who hears it. Fallen mankind retains the awful power to reject the Word and God’s gift of faith. Therefore, God’s Word produces the only people distinction that matters—believers and unbelievers. We desire to live in peace with other people. But Jesus teaches, this side of heaven, that desire is a pipe dream. Those who embrace the gospel in faith will inevitably face hostility. Following Jesus will come at a price. Yet he promises that our perseverance will be rewarded.

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Undivided Attention: On the Antidote to Worry | A Sermon on Luke 12:22-34

Last week Jesus warned us against overvaluing earthly wealth. This week Jesus warns against undervaluing heavenly treasure. Last week, Jesus exposed the folly of greed. This week, Jesus exposes the folly of worry, even when faced with the prospect of having a seeming shortage of resources. This week might be the bigger challenge! When it seems we lack providence or protection for our daily lives, it can be hard to avoid worry. So, Jesus asks us to give our undivided attention to him, that he might take our worries away. Jesus points to creatures that do not labor or toil yet eat every day. Even more, Jesus points to our Father who promises to give us the heavenly treasures of his kingdom. Jesus assures us that our Father will throw in any needed earthly possessions as well. We can rest from our worries, confident that our loving Father knows all we need.

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Undivided Attention: The One Thing Needed | A Sermon on Luke 10:38–42

Most would agree with Jesus’ teaching that “Few things are needed” (Luke 10:42). We understand that people often confuse their wants with needs. We might want many things; but in reality, we only need a few things. So, we would agree with Jesus. “Few things are needed.” However, Jesus said more. “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Now we might object. There seems to be more than one true need. We need water, food, clothing, shelter, friendship, etc. Yet, what Jesus said is true. Because only one thing—the gospel—can create and sustain the faith that makes one God’s dear child and an heir of the everlasting kingdom. If you didn’t have water, you would die in a few days; without oxygen, in a few minutes. But without Jesus speaking to us through his Word, there is no hope for eternal life in heaven. We literally need the gospel more than water or oxygen. So, let us listen to Jesus speak, giving him our undivided attention.

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Undivided Attention: The One Thing Needed | A Sermon on Luke 10:38–42

Most would agree with Jesus’ teaching that “Few things are needed” (Luke 10:42). We understand that people often confuse their wants with needs. We might want many things; but in reality, we only need a few things. So, we would agree with Jesus. “Few things are needed.” However, Jesus said more. “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Now we might object. There seems to be more than one true need. We need water, food, clothing, shelter, friendship, etc. Yet, what Jesus said is true. Because only one thing—the gospel—can create and sustain the faith that makes one God’s dear child and an heir of the everlasting kingdom. If you didn’t have water, you would die in a few days; without oxygen, in a few minutes. But without Jesus speaking to us through his Word, there is no hope for eternal life in heaven. We literally need the gospel more than water or oxygen. So, let us listen to Jesus speak, giving him our undivided attention.

Visit TheWayChurchVA.com to learn more about The Way Church in Fredericksburg, VA!

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