God is perfect and reliable and urges believers to take refuge in Him. We live in a world with increasingly prevalent paganism. The Olympic opening ceremony this past week included a float exhibit that mocked Christian beliefs regarding the Lord's Supper, linking to a broader spiritual battle driven by hatred for God. Holy Communion is a precious gift and a source of spiritual power for Christians. Jesus' words about the bread and wine being His body and blood should be taken literally, not symbolically. Communion unites believers with Christ and is hated by Satan, who fears its power.

John Chrysostom highlights the transformative and powerful nature of Communion, stating that it makes believers more formidable to the devil because of the forgiveness, strength, and joy received. Taking refuge in God alone and trusting in His covenant and Christ as our Savior, rather than in worldly things, is foundational to our Christian life.

There are severe dangers posed by false prophets and their teachings. The serpent in the Garden of Eden was the first false prophet. His deception led to the fall of humanity and the inversion of God's created order. As warned by Paul and Jesus, false prophets will continue to threaten the Church. They often appear as wolves in sheep's clothing. False prophets act without being sent by God. This is in contrast to the faithful men, called by Jesus into the divinely instituted pastoral office to preach, convict of sin, and convey the gospel message through the power of the Holy Spirit. The pastoral office is a profound gift from God, meant to bring His Word and forgiveness to all people. If a Christian is questioned by Jesus at the gates of heaven, they can confidently reference the absolution received from their pastor.

Christ's presence today in our congregation brings complete forgiveness, erasing sins entirely and purifying individuals.

God provides essential gifts: food, drink, purpose, and breath, which symbolize and sustain life. Breath, a fundamental gift from God, links to spiritual life. God breathed life into Adam, and Jesus breathes from his own dying breath on the cross, giving the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

Breath is both involuntary and voluntary, paralleling the Christian life, where we cooperate with the Holy Spirit daily.

The life-giving breath of Jesus sustains us eternally. Let us praise God, knowing everything, including our breath, is a gift from Him.

The relevance of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds in Christian life is examined, particularly their first article, which affirms belief in God the Father as Creator. Both creeds encapsulate biblical teachings and are foundational to Christian belief. Both are divided into three confessional articles focusing on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each article plays a critical role in Christian theology: the first article affirms God as the Creator, the second emphasizes the atonement through Christ, and the third highlights the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Rhode then pivots to address cultural and philosophical challenges to these creedal confessions, including contemporary issues like communism, feminism, and certain government practices, which depart from the acknowledgment of God as Creator. He critiques the influence of evolutionary theory on Christian doctrine and calls for a return to a biblically grounded understanding of creation and worship.

Jesus instructs Simon Peter to let down his nets after a night of unsuccessful fishing. Despite Peter's initial doubt, he obeys Jesus' command and is rewarded with an overwhelming catch of fish. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the Church's mission. The Church, like Peter, must persist in its efforts, even when they seem futile. The Church's "nets" are the teachings of God's Word and the sacraments, which, although repetitive, are blessed by God and ultimately fruitful. Congregations are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and labors, trusting in God's wisdom and power, which may seem foolish to the world but are indeed the true source of salvation and blessings. Endure in faith, even though it seems foolish to the perishing world.

Life experiences prepare us for the beatific vision, the ultimate encounter with God. The life of Joseph, from the book of Genesis, illustrates how his greatest accomplishment was forgiving his brothers, mirroring Christ's forgiveness of humanity. Joseph's story, marked by betrayal, hardship, and ultimate forgiveness, reflects God's mercy and the importance of showing mercy to others. We are to live our lives trusting in God's goodness and mercy, believing that He will work all things, even evil, for the good of those who love Him.

Jesus is concerned for the lost. He showcases His willingness to seek and save those who stray, regardless of the dangers or the sinner's state. There is boundless joy and celebration in heaven and the church when a lost sinner returns. Two parables from Luke 15 are highlighted: the lost sheep and the lost coin. Two groups are contrasted: sinners and tax collectors who listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes who criticize Him. The dangers of wandering from Christ are underscored. Repentance, regular church attendance, and receiving the sacraments give certain hope to Christians.

Our mortality inevitably results in death. Using the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, Pastor Rhode emphasizes that life ends in one of two eternal destinies. He reminds the congregation that God desires everyone to be saved and to know the truth, symbolized by the man inviting guests to a great banquet.

The importance of the "fear of the Lord" as the foundation of wisdom provides strength even in the face of death. The modern emphasis on self-reliance is criticized, advocating instead for complete trust in God. Proverbs 9 personifies wisdom as a woman who invites the simple to her feast, representing the call to forsake worldly values and embrace divine wisdom.

The Christian life is one of living in the fear of the Lord, gaining wisdom and insight as we walk fearlessly toward our ultimate reunion with God.

Vicar Groh's sermon on the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16 contrasts their lives and destinies, emphasizing lessons on mercy, faith, and the eternal consequences of our choices. The rich man is depicted as living in luxury and indifference to Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores, who longs for mere scraps from the rich man's table. Upon death, their situations are dramatically reversed: the rich man finds himself in torment, while Lazarus rests in comfort with Abraham. This story of Lazarus reflects our own spiritual journey and points to Christ, who offers mercy and forgiveness to all who repent.

Trinity Sunday emphasizes the central role of the Holy Trinity -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- in Christian life and worship. Biblical passages that reveal the Trinity are mentioned, including Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Jesus indicated to Nicodemus that one must be born again through water and Spirit, in order to see the Kingdom of God. The Trinity is the foundation of Christian faith and life and believers are encouraged to live their lives starting and ending each day in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.