In this sermon, Pastor James Huenink walks through Jesus’ call of the first disciples and shows that repentance is not just feeling sorry for sin or trying harder to be better. Repentance begins with hearing the voice of Christ, continues with turning away from sin, and results in living and serving in the righteousness Christ gives.

Jesus does not wait for qualified applicants. He does not ask for résumés. He comes to sinners, speaks His Word, and creates repentance by His grace through Word and Sacraments. Just as Peter, Andrew, James, and John dropped their nets and followed, Christ still calls His people today—through preaching, Baptism, and the ongoing gift of repentance.

Drawing on Matthew’s Gospel and Martin Luther’s explanation of the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed, this sermon shows how repentance is not a one-time event, but the daily life of the Christian under Christ our Lord.

Key themes include:

Repentance as God’s work, not ours

Christ’s call creating faith and new life

Daily repentance and renewal

Serving Christ in righteousness, not fear

Jesus as Lord who saves before He commands

📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 4:17–22
✝️ Lutheran theology | Word and Sacraments | Daily repentance