BSLC Antioch Sermons

Risen Indeed

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:22:01 GMT

Faith is rooted in the power of God’s Word rather than physical sight. While the human heart often seeks tangible proof, the greatest blessing belongs to those who believe without seeing. The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate truth that dispels all doubt, confirming that sins are forgiven and death is overcome. This reality transforms every aspect of life, making the challenges of faith and service profoundly worthwhile. Today, though the risen Lord is not seen physically, His presence is clearly evidenced through the work of the Holy Spirit and the enduring growth of His Church.

One Who Is Risen (Easter Sunday)

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:57:22 GMT

Jesus' resurrection redefines life from a temporary struggle into an eternal journey. Rather than a "consolation prize" or a ghostly afterlife, the resurrection is the restoration of true, physical life—purified of sin, suffering, and the fear of death. Because the victory over the grave is already won, the urgency of "bucket lists" and the fear of missing out are replaced by lasting peace. This eternal perspective allows believers to face earthly trials, loss, and illness with the certain hope that all things will be made whole and perfect forever.

One Whose Wounds Heal (Good Friday)

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:52:53 GMT

Good Friday isn't a day to feel sorry for Jesus — He doesn't need your sympathy; you need His. This sermon walks through Isaiah's ancient portrait of the suffering Servant intertwined with the hymn, "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted" and shows why the wounds of Christ are the only wounds in history that heal.

One Who Gives A New Covenant (Maundy Thursday)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:21:00 GMT

The Lord's Supper isn't a funeral luncheon where we fondly remember a dead Jesus. In Hebrews 9, Pastor Jonathan shows how Jesus' blood does three things: it ratifies a new covenant, proves the inheritance is in effect, and delivers forgiveness directly to you. Come to the Table and receive what Christ has promised.

One Who Is Obedient

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:37:14 GMT

What is life actually for? In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Jonathan contrasts Elon Musk's vision of AI-delivered paradise with the portrait Isaiah paints of Jesus—the obedient Servant who sustains the weary with a word, sets His face like flint toward the cross, and wins the verdict that sets us free. Because He is obedient in our place, we are freed to live the life He modeled: not escaping suffering, but finding its meaning in Him.

One Who Makes Dry Bones Live

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:59:52 GMT

What kind of Savior do we need? One who can make dry bones live. This sermon reveals how Ezekiel's vision of resurrection points us to Jesus—the Word made flesh who creates life where there is only death, and who works that same resurrection power in us through His Spirit.

One Who Opens Eyes

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:26:37 GMT

We navigate life by our circumstances, our instincts, and the voices we trust — and most of the time we don't realize how blind we actually are. Isaiah 42 names this honestly, and then points to the One who doesn't wait for us to find our way to the light. Jesus is the Servant who comes into the dark, opens blind eyes, and leads His people in paths they never could have chosen for themselves.

One Who Is Living Water

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:16:03 GMT

Israel's thirst in the wilderness reveals our own: we test God, demand He prove Himself, and treat Him like a cosmic vending machine. But God responds with grace—striking the Rock (Christ) to give living water that satisfies every thirst and makes us people of joy and hope even in the desert.

One Who Blesses

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:33:57 GMT

In a world that constantly tempts us to secure blessing on our own terms — through performance, despite our failures, or in spite of our circumstances — God interrupts with an audacious promise: blessing that is guaranteed. This sermon traces how God called an undeserving idolater named Abraham and made him a promise that he would be a blessing for all nations, delivered through Abraham's offspring, Jesus. In Christ, the blessings promised to Abraham — belonging, significance, and an inheritance that cannot be squandered — are yours, not by your striving or your track record, but by grace through faith, sealed in your baptism.

One Who Crushes the Serpent

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:09:16 GMT

We all have things we wish we could undo — and so did Adam and Eve. But Genesis 3 is not just the story of the Fall; it's the first glimpse of a Savior who crushes the serpent's head and gives us a new life to live, not by undoing the past, but by trusting the promise.

One Who Relents (Ash Wednesday)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:05:38 GMT

This Ash Wednesday, we begin a Lenten journey through Old Testament snapshots of the Savior we need. Tonight's snapshot from Joel 2: a God who sends an unstoppable army of judgment — and then redirects it to the cross so that we can dare to return to Him.

The Power of the Word

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:58:21 GMT

We'd all love a mountaintop experience where God shows up dramatically and settles our doubts. But Peter had exactly that—and still says you have something better: God's Word as a lamp shining in dark places. Join us as we explore the power of Scripture to sustain faith, reveal Christ, and light your path until the Day dawns.

Salt and Light

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:04:57 GMT

Jesus declares that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world—not because of what you've done, but because of what He has accomplished. Your everyday life in your home, workplace, and neighborhood is exactly where Jesus works through you to bring His kingdom to the world.

Preaching Christ Crucified

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:58:43 GMT

What does it mean to preach Christ crucified? It means admitting you don't get to pay for your sins, overcome them yourself, or boast in your accomplishments because Jesus did it all. And that "foolish" message is the most true and powerful reality in your life.

The Kingdom's Light

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:29:00 GMT

Matthew 4 introduces Jesus' ministry as a cosmic victory of Christ’s light over darkness. Jesus is God’s "light switch," instantly chasing away the darkness of death, sin, and disorder. His light works repentance—not to condemn, but to offer a refuge of healing and forgiveness. He creates disciples through His powerful Word, calling us out of spiritual death into resurrection life, transforming our everyday roles into holy callings. Finally, His light restores life, offering a preview of the new creation where all affliction is healed. In Christ, darkness is defeated, and we are forgiven, called, and eternally restored.

Come and See

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:02:20 GMT

True discipleship begins with recognizing that our life's purpose is not found in wealth, status, or even family, but in being united to the Lamb of God. Like John the Baptist, we must point away from ourselves and toward Jesus, the only one who takes away the sin of the world. When we ask, "Where are you staying?" we discover that Jesus abides in His Word and sacraments. Following Him means moving from seeking self-affirmation to receiving His redemption. In Christ, our purpose is renewed and our security is eternal, as He transforms every earthly blessing from a false god into a gift.

In His Shoes

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:06:48 GMT

The baptism of Jesus is a critical event that fulfills all righteousness by uniting Christ with sinful humanity. Though perfect, Jesus underwent a baptism of repentance to confess our sins as His own, choosing to stand with the broken and the "wimps" of the world. By stepping into our shoes, He takes our sin and suffering to the cross, burying them forever. In exchange, through our own baptism, we are invited to walk in His shoes, receiving His holiness, eternal life, and the status of God’s beloved children. Now, Christ lives His perfect life through us, making every ordinary act holy.

A Christmas Miracle

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:22:47 GMT

The greatest Christmas miracle is the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. As Scripture declares, when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son—born of a woman and under the law—to redeem those enslaved by the law. This divine act grants us adoption as children and heirs of God, allowing us to cry out, "Abba, Father." This miracle of grace empowers lives of faith and persistence, enabling ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things for God’s glory. Our identity is no longer as slaves to sin, but as beloved children transformed by the Spirit of Christ.

Do You See The Glory? (Christmas Day)

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:19:56 GMT

The central message of Christmas is the visible revelation of God’s glory through the Incarnation. When the "Word became flesh," the eternal God entered our messy, human reality to be seen and known by all. This glory is most powerfully displayed in Christ's humble birth and His sacrificial death on the cross, where He used His "fingers and toes" to overcome sin and death. Through faith and baptism, this divine glory is gifted to us, making us children of God. Christmas is not temporary; it is the moment God moved in permanently to dwell with us forever.

'Twas The Night Before… (Christmas Midnight)

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:14:56 GMT

The appearance of Jesus Christ marks the dawn of God's grace, bringing salvation to all humanity. This grace is not merely a historical event but an active force, training believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions while living self-controlled, upright lives. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ redeems and purifies a people for His own possession. As believers wait in joyful anticipation, their lives are marked by a "blessed hope"—the certain promise of His second appearing. This faith transforms them, allowing them to reflect His light in a dark world until the eternal Christmas begins.

This Is Why (Christmas Eve)

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:08:32 GMT

The central message of Christmas addresses the fundamental "why" of human existence: God's love made manifest in a broken world. Because life is often marked by suffering, loss, and the weight of sin, humanity requires more than well-wishes or instructions; it requires a Savior. God sent His Son as a baby in a manger to be the "propitiation" for sins, living a perfect life in our place and overcoming death through His resurrection. This gift promises an eternal, perfect life, proving that God does not settle for mediocrity but intervenes to remake us through His unconditional, sacrificial love.

Prepare: for God to Work

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:30:56 GMT

The message of Advent culminates in preparing for God to work through the scandalous and unexpected coming of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, we are called not to be the heroes of our own stories but to be "hearers" who receive God's revealed Word with faith. Jesus is the true hero who re-dignifies humanity by living a perfect life in our place and offering a completely sufficient salvation. His name, "Immanuel," reminds us that God is with us, doing everything necessary for our redemption. Preparing for God to work means banking entirely on Jesus to fix everything, trusting His promises over our circumstances.

Prepare: with Patience

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:02:44 GMT

The key spiritual truth for Advent is to prepare with patience, which is defined as faith stretched out over time in a world where the kingdom is real but hidden. This Christian patience involves a holy dissatisfaction with the world as it is, paired with confidence in God's plan. We practice this patience by embracing two pillars: maintaining Christian optimism that everything is ultimately going according to God's plan, even when circumstances contradict it (like the cross); and developing perception to recognize that Jesus brings His kingdom in quiet, small, and hidden ways. We must remain faithful to our callings, yearn for His return, and be patient with others.

Prepare: with Repentance

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:12:08 GMT

Repentance is the preparation for the King's coming. It is not merely a one-time emotional event, a moralistic attempt to stop sinning, or penance to fix our lives. True repentance is fundamentally faith in Jesus Christ, where He is the main character. It is a daily reality rooted in Baptism, where we are joined to Christ, and our sins are forgiven. Because we already live in His kingdom, repentance is the act of aligning our lives to the gracious reign of Jesus, trusting that He is in control of our destiny and has done everything necessary for us.

Prepare: For A King

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:29:44 GMT

"Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). The season of Advent is one of preparation for the coming of our King. Zechariah's message is a dual announcement: the King is coming to us, and He does so humbly—as a baby, on a donkey (Matthew 21), and on the cross—to usher in the kingdom of God, which is His saving reign over creation. We prepare for His final Advent by receiving our King in the humble ways He comes to us now: in His Word, in Baptism, and in the Sacrament of the Altar. We align our lives to our King by receiving His forgiveness and sharing His generosity, living with a stubborn Advent hope as we await His return in power and glory.

The Stomach's Sermon (Thanksgiving Eve)

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:49:03 GMT

The stomach's growling is a "sermon" from God, reminding us of four spiritual truths. First, it preaches dependence, showing we are creatures who rely on a dependable God, not a distant deity, for every meal. Second, it reminds us of God's goodness and generosity, proven by the fact He gave us the enjoyment of taste buds, delighting in giving us good things. Third, our hunger points to our responsibility toward others, mirroring God's care by feeding and serving those around us. Finally, the threat of starvation makes us hunger for eternal sustenance, which is found only in Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

With The King (Last Sunday of The Church Year)

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:36:31 GMT

Jesus is a crucified King who brings us into His kingdom through the forgiveness of sins. His death on the cross, proclaimed in the Sacrament, offers the happily ever after of paradise to all sinners, as promised to the thief on the cross: "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). In Baptism, we are crucified and resurrected with Him, uniting us with the King. This relationship means we never die alone, and we live now under His reign, which is defined by the redemption and forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

Endure to The End

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:49:34 GMT

We live in the end times, which began with Christ's cross and resurrection. Jesus instructs us to perk up at the signs of global distress, knowing they signal our redemption and the restoration of all things are drawing near. We must also check ourselves against the temptation to get "drunk with distraction" (Luke 21:34), which leads to a frail faith and makes us stop yearning for Christ's return. Finally, we must stay awake through constant prayer, depending on Jesus, who has already endured the end of the world for us. He is our "end-times survival kit", equipping us to endure to the end.

The God of The Living

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 20:25:45 GMT

God is the God of the living, and His eternal nature guarantees the resurrection of all who are His people. God reveals Himself not by abstract ideas, but by His actions: "I will be who I will be", meaning we know Him by what He does for us. Through Baptism, God calls us by name and puts His eternal name upon us (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, attaching His presence and eternity to our lives. Therefore, we are eternal and must live not for the finite concerns of this world, but in anticipation of the eternal life to come, which gives everything we do lasting spiritual value.

Sought and Saved (All Saints' Day)

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 19:02:25 GMT

Jesus seeks and saves the lost, demonstrated by His pursuit of Zacchaeus, who was a notorious sinner and outcast. The greatest privilege of a Christian's funeral is not in personal accomplishments, but in being a final witness to the work of Jesus, who knows each of us by name and includes us in His book of life. By accepting a sinner like Zacchaeus, Jesus took on the status of a sinner, foreshadowing His work on the cross where He took on our sins. As a community of saints, we are called to be a beacon of hope, remembering those who have died with both sadness over the enemy, death, and hope in the resurrection and the life of the world to come.

Free Indeed (Reformation)

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:58:27 GMT

In this sermon for Reformation Sunday, true freedom comes only from Jesus Christ; all alternatives are slavery to sin. True freedom is found in abiding in His Word (John 8:31) and being made like Him, which is the realization of true humanity (1 John 3:2). This freedom is a gift, not an earned reward, and it is experienced right now, not just in the future. By His sacrifice on the cross, Christ has rid us of the sin that makes us slaves, allowing us to find our true identity as saints—holy and completely forgiven. This freedom brings the certainty of salvation and the comfort of eternal life and reunion with family (John 8:36).

Faith That Wrestles

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 19:58:41 GMT

The Christian life requires a tenacious, wrestling faith that refuses to lose heart and continues always to pray. We are to be persistent in prayer, knowing that if even an unrighteous judge yields to persistence, our righteous and loving God will certainly give justice to His children. This faith wrestles with God not as an enemy, but by gripping His Word and holding Him to His divine promises. Our confidence rests in the truth that God is better than any earthly authority; He loves unconditionally, forgives our sins, and has the power to provide what is truly needed. Jesus wants to find this stubborn, durable faith on earth when He returns to fulfill every promise and bring eternal blessing.

What Faith Does

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:20:30 GMT

True faith is the Lord's connection to the believer, and its power does not come from human effort or the amount of belief, but from the Holy Spirit. The primary work of faith is not just to make one "well," but to save them for eternity. Faith provides direct access to God, eliminating the need for any go-between. It is the sole requirement for a relationship with Him, granting full, unconditional forgiveness of all sins and making the believer part of His people. Through faith alone, believers are tied to Christ's journey—dying to sin and being raised—ensuring that their faith will blossom into eternal life.

Mustard Seed Faith

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 18:08:36 GMT

True faith, even as small as a mustard seed, is not for performing worldly miracles but for the miracle of forgiveness. Forgiving sin, especially deep hurt, feels impossible, yet it is the profound work of Christ's cross. The cross validates that the sin was grievous but declares it paid for, demonstrating the surpassing power of God. Jesus has commanded and authorized believers to wield this power. We forgive in His name, relying solely on the strength of His sacrifice, not our own emotional or physical strength. The Christian life is marked by continuous, uninterrupted forgiveness of sin, both received from God and offered to others, modeling our own need for the Savior's infinite pardon.

Crossing The Chasm

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:13:34 GMT

Jesus is the one who crosses the chasm between heaven and humanity, rescuing sinners from hell. In Jesus' parable, the rich man's inability to show mercy to Lazarus on earth created a great chasm between them in the afterlife. However, the ultimate truth is that God's Word (Moses and the prophets) is sufficient to bridge the chasm between Jesus and others. The Word has the power to work daily repentance in believers and bridge the gap between Jesus and non-believers. Believers now have the advantage of seeing the risen Jesus through the fulfillment of Scripture, and they are forgiven through the Word, enabling them to stand without fear at the final judgment.

The Reckoning Is Coming

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:50:35 GMT

The "reckoning is coming," yet Jesus invites us to stake everything on His mercy. Drawing insight from the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus teaches us to be eternally shrewd, not by dishonesty, but by banking on God's abundant grace. Jesus absorbed our judgment on the cross, transforming death into a gateway to eternal life. Therefore, believers should hold this world loosely, using its resources to invest in eternal dwellings rather than temporary comfort. Our spiritual investments, like baptism, engaging with God's Word, and partaking in sacraments, enable us to stand fearlessly before Christ's judgment, witnessing to a world that desperately needs hope.

Heaven's Joy

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 18:06:29 GMT

Heaven's joy is revealed in the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus, the Good Shepherd, actively seeks out the one who is lost. Salvation is not a human effort but a gift from the Shepherd, who patiently seeks sinners and has already carried the burden of all sin on the cross. Repentance is a gift—an acknowledgment of one's waywardness and a belief that Jesus has already paid the price. The Church's role is to reflect this heavenly joy by celebrating every repentant sinner and welcoming them into the flock.

High Cost, Higher Reward

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:22:24 GMT

True discipleship requires a high cost but yields an even greater reward. Being a disciple means prioritizing Jesus above all else, even family, and expecting sacrifice and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. The cost of following Christ is worth it because He has already paid the ultimate price on the cross. Therefore, believers are not saved by their own goodness but by the goodness of their Savior, and their perseverance in faith is a witness to the world.

The Reign of Reversal

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:53:37 GMT

Jesus is a king who challenges worldly notions of honor and status. The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a time for things to be made right, which Jesus demonstrates through his healing. Jesus, the true Host, took the lowest place on the cross to invite sinners to "move up higher" and receive his righteousness. The church is a "Sabbath banquet" where all are invited to receive forgiveness and healing.

Why Do You Want To Know?

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 18:30:49 GMT

Salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through good deeds or pride. The "narrow door" to heaven that Jesus teaches about is not for those who feel entitled but for those who approach with humility, acknowledging their need for grace. God's door has always been open through the promise of a Savior. This message calls us to give up our own self-righteousness and simply trust in Jesus, who did everything for our salvation.

The Gospel Is Made for Mess

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:31:29 GMT

The Gospel brings both peace and division. True, lasting peace comes only through the disruptive love of the cross, which takes on the mess and sin of the world. The Gospel is designed to address human brokenness, and living by its truths will create division with the world's ways. This is a purposeful division that ultimately leads to eternal life, as Jesus is coming back to make all things new and clean up the mess once and for all.

Don't Worry about A Thing

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:51:48 GMT

Don't worry about a thing! Jesus contrasts the world's anxious view with God's loving reign. Jesus's command not to worry is rooted in God's "good pleasure" to give His kingdom to His people. Our salvation is not based on our works but on God's joyous provision, which is more reliable than our worries. By receiving God's Word and forgiveness, and participating in the church community, we can live without worry, trusting that our Father knows our needs and reigns over all things.

How to Get Rich

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:07:44 GMT

Jesus offers a spiritual redefinition of wealth, drawing from the parable of the rich fool. True riches are not found in worldly possessions, which are temporary, but in a lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus is our ultimate inheritance, having paid the price for our sins to grant us riches beyond measure for eternity. By receiving Christ's forgiveness and engaging with His Word, believers can live a truly "rich" life now, with hope tied to eternity rather than to temporary circumstances.

What God Thinks of You

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:02:24 GMT

This sermon explores how our perception of what God thinks of us profoundly impacts our faith. It highlights the challenge of truly believing the Gospel—that God loves and forgives us despite our shortcomings. In Luke 11, Jesus emphasizes God as a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts and invites us into a relationship with Him through Jesus. We are the "joy" for which Jesus endured the cross, empowering us to pray boldly and live with trust and joy, knowing we are God's beloved.

The Secret Revealed

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:27:17 GMT

This sermon explores God's profound secret, now unveiled through Jesus Christ: humanity's reconciliation with Him. It emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, not by works or adherence to rules. This hope for glory is universally accessible, challenging the notion of exclusive paths to God. The message urges believers to firmly acknowledge this revealed secret, stand steadfast in their faith in Christ as the sole hope for glory, and share this transformative truth with all.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:35:00 GMT

This sermon explores the Parable of the Good Samaritan, starting with Mr. Rogers' iconic question. It first examines the surface meaning of loving all people, even enemies, as the Samaritan did for the injured man. Deeper, it reveals Jesus's interaction with the lawyer, positioning humanity as the "half-dead man" needing salvation. Jesus is presented as the ultimate Good Samaritan, who delivers and forgives. The sermon concludes by highlighting the church's role as "innkeepers," entrusted with Christ's tools to care for others, emphasizing that our love for neighbors flows from the salvation we've received.

The Kingdom Is Near

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:32:00 GMT

This sermon on Luke 10:1-20 focuses on Jesus's proclamation that the Kingdom of God is near. It explores how disciples, then and now, are sent as representatives to declare this truth, bringing God's reign and power through the Word. Evangelism is a continuous, holistic process for both believers and non-believers, delivered through various "words of peace"—be it hard truths, forgiveness, hope, encouragement, and prayer. Ultimately, the power rests not in the speaker, but in the transformative Word of God itself.

It's Urgent!

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:42:36 GMT

This sermon underscores the profound urgency of the cross in a Christian's journey, drawing insights from Luke 9:51-62. Jesus's unwavering focus is His mission to Jerusalem, where His ultimate sacrifice would bring forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of resurrection. The message highlights Jesus's correction of His disciples, who initially failed to grasp the universal scope of His mission, extending even to the Samaritans. It further explores the various challenges encountered by those who expressed a desire to follow Jesus but hesitated due to worldly attachments or family obligations, emphasizing that the cross demands immediate and unwavering priority. The cross represents a transformative tension, calling believers to live counter to worldly values while actively engaging with the world, ultimately shaping every aspect of their lives—from relationships and work to attitudes and church participation—through its redemptive power.

Eucatastrophe!

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:53:59 GMT

This sermon unpacks the concept of "eucatastrophe," a sudden, good catastrophe, as a lens to understand God's redemptive work. Drawing from J.R.R. Tolkien's idea, it illustrates how even in the darkest moments, God brings about unexpected deliverance. The message centers on the biblical narrative of the demon-possessed man, showcasing Jesus's sovereign power to confront and overcome evil, transforming utter despair into divine restoration. It highlights Christ as the ultimate eucatastrophe, who by His life, death, and resurrection, has decisively conquered sin and death, making all things right. The sermon extends this gospel truth, calling believers to embrace and proclaim this powerful message of God's victorious intervention in a broken world.

He Is I AM (Trinity Sunday)

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 19:17:00 GMT

Trinity Sunday reminds us that knowing who God is shapes how we see ourselves and the world. When we don’t know God rightly, we may be left afraid—unsure what He thinks of us or what He might do. But in Jesus, the great I Am, God makes Himself known as good and gracious, even though He is almighty and fearsome. Pastor Jonathan explores how our beliefs about God and ourselves are deeply connected, and how Jesus alone reveals the true God—the One who saves, forgives, and calls us His own.

The Beginning of the End (Pentecost)

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 15:30:47 GMT

Have you ever felt dissatisfied with the ordinary, or wondered why, as a Christian, your life might still feel mundane? Pastor Jonathan explores how the Holy Spirit works through the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives, transforming them into something extraordinary. Delve into the connection between the Tower of Babel and Pentecost, and understand how the Holy Spirit empowers you to bring God's Word into your everyday world. Discover how God uses your ordinary life, even its struggles, to make you holy.

What Jesus Is Up To (Ascension)

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:50:00 GMT

What is Jesus up to after His Ascension? More than you might think. In this sermon on Revelation 22, Pastor Jonathan reflects on how Jesus’ reign is not a retreat from the world but a deep, life-giving presence in it. We explore how the Ascended Christ is already preparing a new creation, beginning not with landscaping but with us. If you've ever wondered why Jesus left or where He is now, this sermon offers comfort, clarity, and a glimpse of Eden restored through the Lamb who reigns. The paradise He prepares starts now, and it starts with you.

The Wife of The Lamb

Sun, 25 May 2025 16:33:05 GMT

When life feels small, dull, or irrelevant, Revelation invites us to see what’s really real. “Come, let me show you the Bride,” the angel says—not some future fantasy, but a radiant vision of the Church right now: built on the apostles, adorned in Christ’s glory, precious to the Lamb who gave everything for her. Your ordinary faithfulness, hidden struggles, and small acts of love are not forgotten—they are the very bricks of the New Jerusalem. This is who you are in Christ: the Bride of the Lamb. Glorious, redeemed, radiant—even now. Come, see the Bride. See yourself in her.

All Things New

Sun, 18 May 2025 16:56:12 GMT

This sermon explores the biblical theme of God making all things new, focusing on Revelation 21 and Acts 11. It emphasizes how God’s presence transforms creation into a renewed, kainos reality—a garden city where death, sorrow, and pain are no more. It highlights how this new creation includes both Jews and Gentiles, brought into God’s family through Word, Sacrament, and Baptism. The sermon encourages listeners to see themselves and others through the lens of God’s redeeming work, grounded in the promise that the old has passed away and everything has been made new in Christ.

The Shepherd Lamb

Sun, 11 May 2025 17:51:17 GMT

This sermon vividly describes the multitude in white robes before God's throne, emphasizing that their presence is not due to any human merit—be it good deeds, intelligence, wealth, family status, societal standing, or religious achievement. The core message is that no one earns their place through personal virtue or merit. Instead, every single person in white is there for one reason: their robes have been "washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb." Jesus, the crucified Lamb, is their Shepherd, leading them through His sacrificial death and resurrection, offering complete forgiveness and new life. Salvation belongs entirely to God and the Lamb, extended solely by grace.

Easter's Sequels

Sun, 04 May 2025 18:49:02 GMT

The sermon presents Easter as the pivotal event that begins a new narrative, unfolding in subsequent "sequels." Revelation reveals the heavenly sequel, depicting Jesus' absolute reign and the unfolding of God's plan. Acts shows the immediate earthly sequel, highlighting Jesus' ongoing work through the early church and His power to transform even the chief of sinners like Saul. The church itself is also a continuing sequel, through which Jesus' ministry extends into the world. Every believer is personally a sequel, living out the resurrection life. The final sequel is the resurrection of all believers, assuring that Jesus is in control of history and our lives.

Risen Indeed!

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:54:37 GMT

Pastor Jonathan explores the Emmaus road story, highlighting how the disciples, despite knowing the facts and seeing Jesus, didn't recognize him until he opened the scriptures and was revealed in the breaking of the bread. Sight is not the primary way we encounter the risen Christ. Instead, like the disciples, we see and receive Jesus today through the hearing and receiving of God's Word in scripture and through participation in the Supper (Communion). This encounter transforms us and allows us to confidently proclaim, "Christ is risen indeed!" even without seeing him physically.

But! (Easter)

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 18:45:35 GMT

The simple word "but" in Luke's Gospel powerfully conveys the Easter message. It highlights how Easter disrupts our expectation that death always wins, revealing that Christ's resurrection means death is not the end of our story. The sermon contrasts the disciples' initial disbelief with the historical evidence and eyewitness accounts of Jesus rising from the dead. Ultimately, it emphasizes that our faith is grounded in Jesus's trustworthy Word, which connects the reality of the resurrection to our present lives and the promise of a new creation already begun.

What Gives Us Confidence (Maundy Thursday)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:20:11 GMT

This sermon explores feelings of embarrassment, imposter syndrome, shame, and comparison, contrasting them with standing in God's holy presence. It emphasizes that through Jesus' blood and sacrifice, believers can have confidence to approach God despite their sins. Exploring Hebrews 10, the sermon highlights that God purposefully chooses to forget the sins of those in Christ. It connects this to Old Testament rituals and the Lord's Supper, explaining that in Communion, believers receive Christ's forgiveness and holiness, uniting them with God and the Church. The sermon concludes by urging believers to come to God with their need, finding confidence not in themselves, but in Christ's sufficient sacrifice and continuous forgiveness.

The One Who is Marvelous in Our Eyes (Palm Sunday)

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:53:14 GMT

Palm Sunday is the moment Psalm 118's prophecy unfolds. Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is the "gate of righteousness" opening, his rejection the "cornerstone" laid. Jesus, not human effort, is the source of righteousness. The day marks the start of God's visible salvation plan, culminating in Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Palm Sunday is a triumphant arrival, where Jesus, the Savior, initiates his saving work, fulfilling prophecy and revealing God's "marvelous" mercy.

Lead Us Not into Temptation, But Deliver Us from Evil

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:54:07 GMT

This sermon on the 6th and 7th Petitions of the Lord's Prayer portrays our world as a warzone invaded by the Kingdom of Darkness, making Christians targets in a spiritual battle against Satan. His tactics involve lies, tempting us to prioritize self over God, and fear, aiming to make us doubt God's power. Despite our inevitable struggles with temptation, Jesus' victory and the gift of the Holy Spirit provide strength. Forgiveness through the cross is our ultimate weapon. The church offers support and hope, reinforcing the promise that Jesus will ultimately deliver us from evil, making the Lord's Prayer a powerful declaration of this assurance.

Tears Are Seeds of Hope

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:17:49 GMT

This sermon, based on Psalm 126, portrays tears as "seeds of hope." It suggests that mourning acknowledges the world's imperfections and expresses a desire for divine intervention. These tears are not merely sadness but also point towards God's promise of restoration through Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes God's promise to rectify all things, transforming desolate places into flourishing gardens. It encourages listeners to find hope in God's promises and to have faith in His plan for a renewed world.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:36:43 GMT

This sermon explores the concept of "trespasses" or sins, likening them to ignoring "No Trespassing" signs and straying from God's path. It explains that praying for forgiveness means acknowledging we aren't who God intended us to be. While Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fully paid our debt, freeing us from sin's consequence, we still sin daily. Therefore, we need ongoing forgiveness, like daily bread, received through God's Word and Sacraments. Crucially, receiving God's forgiveness is tied to forgiving others who trespass against us, preventing spiritual bitterness and fostering peace, looking toward a future where sin is remembered no more.

Confession Is A Blessing

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:46:59 GMT

This sermon emphasizes that confession is a blessing, not a burden. Unconfessed sin leads to spiritual, physical, and relational distress. While we confess imperfectly, acknowledging Jesus as our only hope, God forgives our sins through Christ's sacrifice. This forgiveness is continually available through regular confession, a vital practice for Christians. We are also invited to receive private confession and to extend forgiveness to others on Jesus' behalf, recognizing the power of spoken forgiveness in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, confession is an invitation to believe in the reality of our forgiveness in Christ.

Give Us Our Daily Bread

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:24:12 GMT

This sermon on the 4th petition of the Lord's Prayer, focuses on our dependence on God. It argues that all daily provisions, not just extraordinary miracles, are gifts from God, urging humility and gratitude. Praying for "daily bread" is an antidote to worry by trusting in God's provision, even in hardship. It emphasizes that earthly struggles are temporary, contrasting them with the eternal abundance promised in the resurrection. The sermon encourages persistent prayer, like how a cat meows to be fed every morning, and advocates living with the understanding that even the ordinary is a divine "treat," while anticipating the ultimate, eternal reward.

Let God Have It!

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:03:33 GMT

This sermon explores Psalm 85, emphasizing the importance of lamenting to God. It acknowledges the world's problems, personal failings, and doubts, encouraging honest prayer. Lament psalms, though seemingly disrespectful, are acts of faith, giving God our worst. God responds with his best, the gospel, through Jesus. He speaks peace, hope, and forgiveness. Jesus is the answer to all prayers, promising a future of restoration and perfection. The sermon urges listeners to express their true feelings to God, holding him to his promises, and finding hope in Jesus.

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:35:10 GMT

This sermon focuses on the Lord's Prayer, specifically "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done." It emphasizes that God's kingdom is his active reign, not a static place, and comes through his word, sacraments, and the Holy Spirit. True prayer aligns our will with God's, not our desires, as demonstrated by Jesus in Gethsemane. The gospel, where God's justice and mercy meet on the cross, is central. Jesus' sacrifice pays for our sins, enabling us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as in heaven, anticipating its full realization.

Give It to The Lord

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:38:00 GMT

Pastor Jonathan explores Psalm 4 as a guide to prayer, emphasizing boldness and trust. It encourages bringing all distress to God, invoking His righteousness and past faithfulness. The world's despair and pursuit of fleeting pleasures are contrasted with the joy found in a right relationship with God. Repentance is presented as a path to this joy, which transcends worldly happiness. The sermon highlights the security and peace found in God, even amidst suffering, allowing for restful sleep. It concludes by connecting the Psalm to Jesus's own experience, emphasizing that in Christ, prayers are heard and answered.

Our Father, Hallowed be Thy Name

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:30:15 GMT

This sermon explores the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing "Our Father" and "Hallowed be thy name." "Our Father" highlights God's tender invitation to be seen as a true father, thanks to Jesus' sacrifice, making prayer a shared act with Christ. "Hallowed be thy name" delves into the power of God's name, representing His story, reputation, presence, and holiness. Holiness, defined as God's powerful presence and goodness, is invoked in prayer. Baptism signifies God placing His holy name upon us, granting us holiness and a relationship with Him. We are called to pray for God's holiness to permeate our lives and the world, combating unholiness and anticipating a future where God's name makes all things holy.

Pray to The Almighty

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:50:02 GMT

Pastor Petzold explores Psalm 91 as a model for prayer, acknowledging common struggles: feeling inadequate, unheard, or burdened. Psalm 91 emphasizes God's power and personal care, encouraging us to bring all troubles to Him. Psalm 91, initially a soldier's prayer, metaphorically addresses life's "traps," "nightmares," and "arrows." While God may not always remove trials, He promises ultimate deliverance, like the Israelites entering the Promised Land. The sermon warns against misinterpreting Psalm 91 as a guarantee of a trouble-free life, referencing Satan's temptation of Jesus. Instead, it highlights Jesus' own prayerful reliance on God, even amidst suffering. God's "Yes" to Jesus' resurrection assures our own ultimate victory, even if we face hardship now. We're called to trust God's promises, knowing every prayer for deliverance is "Yes" in Christ.

Die to Live (Ash Wednesday)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:55:33 GMT

Based on Matthew 6:16-21, this Ash Wednesday sermon centers on the paradoxical way of Christians: die to live--rooted in the Genesis curse: "dust you are, to dust you shall return." Pastor Petzold critiques our denial of mortality, our pursuit of fleeting "glitter" – material possessions and earthly validation – which ultimately fail to satisfy. The sermon calls for repentance, acknowledging our fragility and dependence on God, not worldly treasures. Fasting is presented as a spiritual discipline, a way to "die" to distractions and indulge in God, the true life-giver. The ashes, shaped as a cross, symbolize this paradox: our mortality redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. We die to self, to sin, and to fleeting pleasures, to embrace the eternal life offered through Jesus, storing up heavenly treasures. True treasure is found in Jesus’ forgiveness and righteousness, a gift, not earned. Ultimately, Christ promises to undo death itself, resurrecting us from the dust.

The Chosen One (Transfiguration Day)

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:07:00 GMT

This sermon on Hebrews 3:1-6 and Luke 9:28–36 draws a powerful parallel between the Israelites' desert wanderings and our own life struggles. It acknowledges the weariness of enduring trials, the feeling of endless waiting for a "Promised Land." The Transfiguration offers a crucial shift in perspective: hope isn't just about escaping the wilderness, but encountering Christ within it. Jesus, both divine and human, understands our burdens. He's not just a distant promise, but a present companion. We're called to "listen to Him," to find strength in His forgiveness and presence. True hope embraces the cross, knowing Christ leads the way, transforming us into God's dwelling place, even amidst the desert's harshness, as we wait for the Promised Land.

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Life Anew

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 23:11:24 GMT

Based on 1 Corinthians 15:21-42, we explore the concept of the resurrection of the body, drawing parallels between a seed and its transformation into a plant. While baptism grants Christians spiritual life now, it also promises a future bodily resurrection. The Corinthians misbelieved that resurrection is solely a spiritual event. Paul teaches the importance of both present spiritual life and future bodily resurrection. The sermon concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing that death is not the end but a temporary separation, and that the best is yet to come for those who believe in Christ.

Words Matter

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 20:51:26 GMT

Based on 1 Corinthians 14:12-20, we explore the power of our words, drawing parallels between the Tower of Babel and the Pentecost event. Christians are called to use our words to build up the church, just as the Holy Spirit did at Pentecost. This includes speaking kindly to ourselves and others, even when it is difficult. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we are part of the priesthood of all believers and that our words have the power to bring others closer to Christ.

Assurance

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 21:35:03 GMT

Based on 1 Samuel 1:21–28 and Luke 2:22–40, we explore the complex emotions of parenthood, from the elation of birth to the grief of loss. We look at Hannah and Simeon, finding strength in their faith amidst uncertainty. Where do we find true hope when life feels fragile? In the assurance of salvation through Jesus who comes as a child for all. Join me as we delve into these stories, discovering how to share this hope with others, just as Anna did. Because in Jesus, we find the redemption and healing our hearts long for.

Blood Relatives

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:49:04 GMT

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, we explore the concept of Christian community as a family bound together by the blood of Christ. Baptism unites believers, making them members of Christ's body. Just as the human body functions as a whole, Christians are called to support and care for one another. The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to deepen their relationships within the church family through acts of friendship, service, and support.

Pastor Hesham Shehab

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 22:19:49 GMT

Pastor Hesham Shehab shares his personal testimony of his journey to Christianity. He recounts his experiences growing up in Lebanon during the civil war, his initial exploration of other faiths like Islam and Buddhism, and his eventual conversion to Lutheranism through a series of unexpected encounters. Pastor Shehab emphasizes the importance of the Great Commission and encourages Christians to actively share their faith with others, regardless of their background or ethnicity. He highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and shares several anecdotes of individuals who have come to faith in Christ through his ministry.