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 256 posts filed in Sermons (this is page 39 of 86).

Lenten Catechesis IV 2012 – Holy Baptism

Psalm 4 (antiphon: v. 8)
Office Hymn: 423 Jesus, Refuge of the Weary
OT: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Ep: Acts 2:36-47; Gos: Mt 28:16-20
Catechetical Hymn: 596 All Christians Who Have Been Baptized

Summary: It is necessary that we be instructed not just in the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles’ Creed, but also in the holy Sacraments and the Office of the Keys. Why? The Sacraments are the means of grace by which God creates and sustains faith in His Word. He does this by His Word and in His Name. Especially with Holy Baptism, Jesus and the Apostles clearly teach that the baptism is necessary for salvation. Without receiving the holy sacraments in faith, we cannot be consider ourselves Christian. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Yet, Baptism is not just about God’s command but also about His word of promise. Great promises are attached to Baptism, making it a wonderful treasure for every Christian.

Oculi ’12 – Luke 11:14-28

Summary: The Word of God always works to drive out the devil. This Word exorcised you from Satan’s grasp at your baptism. This Word keeps casting him out in the forgiveness of sins. The Word of the Lord’s Supper fights the battle again, driving him away. The believer receives this great gift with awe and thanks. Others piously mock these means of grace. Some piously doubt that Word, preached, declared, washed, and fed can do such great things. There is a battle afoot for your soul. Receive the gift of the Word and so escape the clutches of the Wicked One.

Lenten Catechesis III 2012 – The Lord’s Prayer

Psalm 121 (antiphon: vv. 1-2)
Office Hymn: 421 Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing
OT: 1 Kings 8:22-30; Ep: Eph 3:14-21; Gos: Mt 6:5-15
Catechetical Hymn: 766 Our Father, Who from Heaven Above

Summary: Prayer is not optional in the life of the Christian. First, God has commanded us to pray in the Second Commandment. Second, Christian prayer is a repetion of God’s Word back to Him. He has promised to hear prayer in His name and by His Word. Thus, prayer is both our duty and a gift from our heavenly Father. “Call upon me in the day of trouble… I will deliver you.” “Ask, and it will be given to you.”

Some would also accuse frequent prayer by the Lord’s Prayer as mindless or unthinking repetition. It is not, for it is given by Jesus himself and is His Word. Jesus teaches us why to pray, how to pray, and what to pray for. You can rest assured that this Word of prayer is pleasing to Him and will be heard by Him.