This sermon for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost is based on the Gospel lesson: Luke 20:27-40. When the Sadducees tested Jesus regarding the resurrection, they were trying to trap Him, but He was prepared to blow their trap apart by proclaiming that the resurrection was real - a matter He would prove by His own resurrection ... and ours!

This is the first session of Pastor Tritten's study on St. Paul's letter to the Colossians. For the handout from the session go to https://lotrittens.blogspot.com/ and look for November 9 - Colossians

Joining Jesus on His Mission - 6 by Pastor Eric Tritten

This sermon is based on Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus; particularly how Jesus' salvation came to him. Pastor Tritten's message points us to the salvation that has come to us in Christ and the hope we have with the saints who have gone before us. Jesus has won the victory and we are holy in God's sight because of him!

Joining Jesus on His Mission - 5 by Pastor Eric Tritten

This sermon is based on Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. This parable is an excellent text for Reformation Day since it points to justification by grace through faith as the heart of our relationship with God.

Pastor Tritten continues the study of Greg Finke's Joining Jesus on His Mission. In this session he talks about five missional practices.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus told a parable to the effect that his followers ought always to pray and not lose heart, which is a struggle we all face. He tells of an unrighteous judge who ends up doing the right thing because of a widow's persistence, and he reminds us that we are not dealing with an unrighteous judge, but a loving Father who created and saves us. In that we love, we are bold to pray!

In this sermon, Pastor Tritten tells the story of Naomi, which you can read about in the Old Testament Book of Ruth. Naomi experienced great sorrow and bitterness in her life, and while that challenged her faith in God, God remained faithful to her, used her life, blessed her and her daughter-in-law so greatly that they became essential to the birth of our savior.

This session includes a Bible Study on Ephesians 5:15-16, which says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Pastor Tritten talks about the unique opportunities we are facing at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hudson. In addition, congregational president, Mike Korba presents the suggested budget for 2026 and takes questions.

Mike refers to Pastor's A Weekly Word series called, "If I Had $1,000,000." You can see those videos here:

God Doesn't Need Anything - https://youtu.be/L0gH744pfUA?si=htd_rb39vN2A5_qw

Beyond Blessed - https://youtu.be/bHWwK1l-JW4?si=YXuweIlshbZaE221

What Would Your Church Do With $1,000,000? - https://youtu.be/fMdAyaoFEDI?si=w1vNr6CsO4i-zpvK