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

28. November 2019

Thanksgiving Day

Deuteronomy 8:1-10

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It sounds sweet and good until you realize what he means. St. Paul is echoing Moses! Give thanks and in everything? Even under discipline, with hardship, in hunger? Even when things get rough, when they don’t go your way, when you struggle, and even when you face death? Absolutely, because in everything God is working faith for you in His Son Jesus Christ!

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

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

24. November 2019

Trinity 27

Matthew 25:1-13

"’ll tell you what I see. I see in you the bride of Jesus, His holy Church, waiting and watching. I see in you, lamps lit with the light of Christ who lightens the world. I see in you, the betrothed and beloved of God, trusting in your Baptism into Jesus. I see Christ’s wholly forgiven bride, keeping watch for His coming, listening to His Word, and even now feasting on His body and blood. I see restored Israel, the new Jerusalem, adorned as a bride for her husband. I don’t see anyone sleeping, but every member of Christ’s church and bride awake, praying His Word, singing the faith, recalling all His wonderful works. I see in you, Jesus doing what only He can do: giving wisdom, oil, and wicks for your lamps."

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

God does not need your works to save you. He works everything needed for your salvation himself. The Father gives up His Son unto death for you freely as a gift. By Christ's shed blood all alone are your sins atoned. But your works do matter and they are needed. Your works matter because your neighbor needs them.

17. November 2019

Trinity 26

Matthew 25:31-46

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

10. November 2019

Trinity 25

Matthew 24:15-28

The church isn’t really all that concerned with impressive spectacles and buildings, moving hearts to tears, and stirring up generous gifts from impassioned pleas. The church is concerned with delivering God’s kingdom, because Jesus will have His kingdom. The church is concerned with sitting at Jesus’s feet, listening to Him, and receiving from Him everything needed both now and for eternity. And because you are here now, gathered with fellow baptized children of God, listening to Jesus, you really have nothing to fear, for you are Christ’s and He will preserve you to the end. 

03. November 2019

All Saints’ Day

Matthew 5:1-12

The Beatitudes are first and foremost a description of Jesus’ work for you and secondly as blessings that are given to you. These are not commandments but rather descriptions of God’s people with promises attached to them. Let’s not run Jesus’ words today according to the letter but by the Spirit, that is, by way of gift.

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