Sermon on Job 19:23-27, for the Resurrection of our Lord, Easter Sunday, about Job's great confession of faith in the bodily resurrection and his trust in his Redeemer. What does his example show us about the conviction we have, even in the midst of suffering? What is the source of that conviction? 

Note: this sermon is revised and expanded by myself, from an original sermon by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, part of a purchased series of Lent and Easter sermons titled "Job: Blessed Be the Name of the Lord." The entire series is available for purchase through the Concordia Seminary Store as an inexpensive download. Our congregation has greatly appreciated the study of Job in both Sunday Bible class and midweek services, concluding with this message. 

A meditation on Mark 14:27-31; 37-38, 66-72, for Palm Sunday/The Sunday of the Passion. We did a narrative reading of Mark chapters 14-15 in worship, and the meditation focuses on the theme of Peter's promised loyalty and subsequent denial, and how Jesus pegs our human nature with the statement: "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." How does all this tie into repentance and salvation? 

Sermon on Hebrews 9:11-15, for the 5th Sunday in Lent (1 Yr lectionary), about the contrast between the Old and New Covenants. What is the role of Jesus' blood in our cleansing, and what sort of cleansing does it give? What is the difference between the covenants? What role does the "tent" play? Sacrifices and priests? What kind of covenant was made at the Last Supper and Jesus' death? 

Sermon on John 6:1-15, for the 4th Sunday in Lent (1 Yr lectionary), about the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. How did Jesus ask for the disciples' help, and what was the nature of His "test"? What do we learn from this test, and what God has both given us and called us to do? Why did the crowds want to make Jesus king, and why did He refuse? Where would He take the title of king, but in an unexpected way? How do we still give out the "bread of life" to the world? 

Sermon on Ephesians 5:1-9, for the 3rd Sunday in Lent (1 Year Lectionary), about how we are imitate God, what characteristic sins of the flesh are not fitting for the saints, and how we are to use our body, heart, and mouths instead. What powerful identity transformation is described in this passage? How do we have the power to become imitators of God, and what reality is that rooted in? 

Sermon on Romans 5:1-5, for the 2nd Sunday in Lent 2018 (1 Yr Lectionary), about the way that a Christian endures suffering in life. What is the "chain reaction" described in this reading? Who is a good example of growing through suffering? What three responses to suffering can we have, and which is God's intent? What is the difference between an "earthly hope" and the "biblical hope" described here? How do we know God's plans are always good? 

Sermon on Matthew 4:1-11, for the 1st Sunday in Lent (1 Yr lectionary), about the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Who is the devil, and what is his "m.o."? What is Jesus' "m.o."? Why should we be aware of the schemes of the devil? 

Sermon on Isaiah 55:10-13 & Luke 8:4-15, for Sexagesima "Sixty" (1 Yr Lectionary), about the power and effectiveness of God's Word to accomplish His intended purpose. What truth from nature does Isaiah use to make his point? How does God's Word work, and why does it never return empty? What kind of growth does God desire and produce in us? 

Sermon on 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5, for Septuagesima ("Seventy"), (1 YR lectionary), about Paul's two images of the Christian life/discipleship. How is the Christian life like a race, and what is required of us to finish the race to obtain the prize? What is self-control, and how do we "exercise" it? How is the journey of Israel through the desert a lesson for our Christian life? How does one finish the race with Christ? What does it mean that Christ is the "spiritual Rock that followed them?"