The Gospel reading for the Baptism of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) is Luke 3:15-22. Because it is Good News that matters, John the Baptist, with exhortations preaches Good News to people. We do the same. We thank God for the power and peace of the Gospel, for it alone creates real and lasting change in our lives!

(Luke 2:40-52). Although Luke gives some interesting details, he doesn’t report the conversations that we might like to hear in today’s Gospel reading. But he does record the conversation worth having between Mary and the young Jesus. This conversation starts with “Son, why have you treated us so?” At times, as humans, we ask of God. “Why, God, are you doing this?” Other readings for the Second Sunday after Christmas: 1 Kings 3:4-15 and Ephesians 1:3-14

(Luke 2:22-40) Here are two poor people, two old people, and an infant, standing on the portico of the temple. The world is rushing by, the temple was a busy place. There were many important people busily about doing important things. But here in this little tableau, these marginalized and unimportant people were the only ones who recognized the most important thing in all the universe. Other readings for the First Sunday after Christmas: Old Testament: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15; Psalm 111 and Colossians 3:12-17.

(Micah 5:2-5a).  The Therapist, is a false christ who reduces sadness, unfulfillment, stress and averageness. Who is this false Christ? Do you worship him? The prophet Micah says that the Christ will be our real peace. Today, we turn away from The Therapist Jesus and turn toward the real Jesus who reconciled to himself all things, making peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20). This is the final week of the Advent sermon series called “Promise Fulfilled: Let us See (the Real) Jesus. I would like to acknowledge and recommend to you the book, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up – 12 False Christs,” written by Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard and published by Concordia Publishing House (cph.org). 

(Zephaniah 3:14-20). Today we meet the third false christ as seen in American culture: The Good Teacher, who is not the incarnate Divine Lord and nothing more than a wise religious person. However, the knowledge and ways of this false christ are not God’s knowledge and ways (Isaiah 55:8). The real Jesus is indeed so much more. Today God comes to me and you. He is in our midst. “Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word!” (LSB 343 refrain). Readings for Advent 3: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 7:18-28. The example of Mr. Darby is taken from Rev. Matthew Richard’s book, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs” published by Concordia Publishing House. The entire poem “At the Smithville Methodist Church,” by Stephen Dunn can be accessed at https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/sd-smithville.htm.

(Malachi 3:1-7b). The promised messiah will be a refiner. God only refines what he values. What needs refining in our lives this season of Advent as we consider the Real Jesus? Repentance is the doorway to freedom from being taken in by the wily charms of the false Christ called “The Mascot.” This is the second week of the Advent sermon series called, “Promise Fulfilled: Let us See (the Real) Jesus.” Readings for Advent 2: Old Testament Malachi 3:1-7b; Epistle: Philippians 1:2-11; Gospel: Luke 3:1-14.

(Jeremiah 33:14-16). This is the first week of the 2024 Advent sermon series called, Promise Fulfilled: Let Us See (the Real) Jesus! Today, we meet one of the false christs that is so prominently seen in American culture: “The option among many”. The Old Testament prophets are declaring God’s promised Messiah to come long before he showed up. Christ’s exclusive incarnation, life, death, and resurrection means  that every one of God’s promises in Jeremiah are now yours: The Real Jesus is your righteousness. “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12)

What motivates you to give? Zacchaeus will help us answer this question as he shows money’s generous side. This weekend we wrap up our three-week series called Money Talks and Zacchaeus is our man. The readings are about money’s generous side OT: Proverbs 3:5–10; EP: 1 Timothy 6:17–19; GO: Luke 19:1–10

Money Talks! That’s the name of the three-week sermon series we’re in. Today’s money talk comes from 2 Kings 5. The focus? A greedy man named Gehazi. The sermon and the readings for week 2 are about money’s tempting side: OT: 2 Kings 5:1–27; EP: 1 Timothy 6:11–16; GO: Matthew 6:24–26

This Sunday we begin a three-week series called Money Talks and Lot is our focus. Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Lot, whose wife famously became a pillar of salt. Lot, whose life shows us money’s dark side. There is much to learn! Scripture Readings: The readings are about money’s dark side:
OT: Genesis 19:1–11; EP: 1 Timothy 6:6–10; GO: Luke 12:13–21