Sermons

What is preaching? St. Paul writes in Romans: “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14-15)

Therefore our Lutheran Confessions state: “It is also taught among us that one holy Christian church will be and remain forever. This is the assembly of all believers among whom the Gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered according to the Gospel.” (Augsburg Confession VII:1-3)

There are 257 posts filed in Sermons (this is page 38 of 86).

Lenten Catechesis VI 2012 – Sacrament of the Altar

Psalm 43 (antiphon: v. 5)
Office Hymn: 435 Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain
OT: Exod 24:1-11
Ep: 1 Cor 11:17-34
Gos: Mt: 26:17-29
Catechetical Reading: The Sacrament of the Altar (hymnal p. 326-7)
Catechetical Hymn: 617 O Lord, We Praise Thee

Summary: As with Baptism and Confession, Luther compels us to ask three questions regarding the Sacrament of the Altar. What is it? What benefits does it give? Who should receive it? The answer to all three is found in the Verba, the Words of Institution. While we would hope that these words would be enough, some would still despise them or fail to discern what Jesus says of the Sacrament. This is the Devil’s workmanship. He hates the Christ and he hates Christ’s body and blood. He would lead us into unbelief, error, and neglect, so that we would starve ourselves and our children from this life-giving food for souls. May it not be so!

Judica ’12 – John 8:46-59

Old Testament: Gen. 22:1-14
Epistle:Heb. 9:11-15
Holy Gospel:John 8:46-59

Summary: Jesus tells us that whoever hears the Word of God is of God. Those who refuse to hear are not of God. This is a harsh lesson but true. In the example of the Jews of today’s Gospel, we learn how initially stopping ones ears to the Word leads to name calling, blasphemy, and even intent to murder. This shouldn’t shock us. The same is true in our world. The same is true with our children. What begins as a simple act of disobedience, if not reprimanded by God’s Word, will lead to further disobedience and eventual hardness to God’s Word. Let us heed God’s Word and gladly hear and do it. Continue reading →

Lenten Catechesis V 2012 – Confession

Psalm 132 (antiphon: v. 13)
Office Hymn:  426 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
OT: 2 Sam 11:2-5,14-17,26-12:7,13-14
Ep: James 5:13-20
Gospel: Jn 20:19-23
Catechetical Hymn: 610 Lord Jesus, Think On Me

Summary: Confession is perhaps the simplest of the six chief parts of our faith. One, we confess and two, we are absolved. Yet, it is still a mystery. God reconciles us to Himself by the shedding of the blood of His very Son. Indeed, the Holy Trinity is responsible for confession from start to finish. The Spirit grants faith to trust the Word, the Word works contrition and repentance, Christ’s does the work of atoning, and the Word of Absolution forgives.

In the Lutheranism of today, individual confession between penitent and pastor has all but disappeared, despite nearly 500 years of catechesis from Luther teaching young and old to receive this gift. Why? Is the general confession before the Divine Service a suitable replacement? Is it the fear of being too Roman Catholic? Is it pride? Is it fear? Or is through lack of knowledge or experience? In most cases, it is a little bit of each.

Despite our disuse, personal, private, or individual confession and absolution is a tremendous blessing for the Christian. It is all about God calling you to repentance and God forgiving you. It is all about receiving salvation and life. It is all about Christ’s blood absolving you again of every sin. Confession is all about Jesus forgiving you.