Preaching and Teaching from St. John Ev. Lutheran Church (Sherman Center), Random Lake, Wisconsin

Preached on December 22, 2019.

Taught on December 22, 2019.

Following after the blessed virgin Mary’s faithfulness in the New Testament are Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, Junia, Sapphira, Lydia, Phoebe, Aquila, and many others. So, too, women have a place in the church, whether they were born outside of faith like Ruth, whether they come from a checkered past like Rahab, whether they laugh at God’s promises like Sarah, whether they listen to temptation’s voice like Eve, and even if their lives are marked by scandal like Bathsheba. As Mary sang, “ [He has] exalted the lowly. And He has filled the hungry with good things.” That’s mercy. That’s forgiveness. That’s Jesus!

15. December 2019

John needed forgiveness, life, and salvation. You do, too. If you don’t know this need now, there will come an hour when you will. You’ll hit rock bottom. You’ll be imprisoned by your guilt. You’ll be horrified at what you did or was done to you. You’ll wonder and doubt God’s love for even you. You’ll consider all that you have done and left undone and despair.

Just like John, so with you. Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Look to Jesus whose bloody death upon the cross of Calvary forgives your every sin, covers all your guilt and shame, and satisfies the wrath that is to come for you. Look to Jesus who preaches over and over the good news you, the sinner, desperately need.

Taught on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Preached on December 11, 2019.

Class handouts are available at http://stjohnrandomlake.org/church/publications

08. December 2019

Judgment falls only on those who refuse to believe there is no judgment. Judgment is for those who choose to stand before a Judge—who no longer has any record of sin— and make their stand on their life that no longer exists. Redemption comes to “whoever calls on the name of the Lord.” (Romans 10:13; Acts 2:21) Heaven is the gift every one of us already has by the death of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 138). Heaven is the inheritance we have in our baptism into Christ Jesus. The church proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection, especially as we eat His body and drink His blood. Redemption is yours in the forgiveness of Christ, His life, and His heaven. Therefore, “Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” AMEN.

01. December 2019

Advent 1

Jeremiah 23:5-8

For the last few weeks under the "end of the church year" our theme has been Christ returning in judgment. Now as we enter Advent and the beginning of the church year, our eyes look at judgment through the babe in the manger and through the cross towards the judgment. God’s promise is made manifest, delivered to you just as He said. Through his gracious will, you have eternal rest of Christ. In him, you are safe. In Him, you are secure. In Him, you are named His own. His righteousness is your righteousness. Christ is your Emmanuel. He ransoms captive Israel, saving you from the depths of hell. You see God's gracious action—His promised son sent for you—so that His righteousness is your righteousness.