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  • Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity | Luke 19:41-48

    Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity | Luke 19:41-48
    2026/08/11

    The 10th Sunday after Trinity — August 2, 2026

    Why do some hear the Word of God and believe, while others hear the same Word and reject it? In this sermon, we consider the danger of a hardened heart through Israel’s rejection of Christ and the example of Pharaoh. Persistent resistance to God’s Word is not spiritually neutral; the heart can become increasingly hardened against the very Word given to save us. Yet Christ continues to come to sinners in mercy, calling us to repentance and faith and giving us His righteousness as a gift rather than something we establish for ourselves.
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    19 分
  • Midweek Bible Study, Roman 12:9-13, August 6, 2026

    Midweek Bible Study, Roman 12:9-13, August 6, 2026
    2026/08/06
    9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Verses 9-13: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” The hating (abhor) and clinging (hold fast) describe how genuine love operates. Authentic love necessitates hate. Apathetic indifference is the opposite, the denial of love. Holding fast to Good - The verb is κολλώμενοι “ko-la-o-mai.” It is typically used elsewhere in Scripture to refer to the intimacy of sexual intercourse (1 Corinthians 6:16,17; Matthew 19:5). Authentic love necessitates an absolute rejection of evil and an unwavering commitment to that which is good. Next follows a series of nine cautions which further define and apply the concept of genuine love. “Love one another with brotherly affection. ” - The verb φιλόστοργοι “philo-storgo-i” (“to be devoted to”) is linked to the noun Φιλαδέλφεια “philadelphia” (“the love of family members for one another”). The church is the family, the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15), and thus its members should conduct themselves toward one another as members of an extended family who care about and are concerned for one another. John Chrysostom (5th Century): “You should love one another because you are brothers and have been born from the same spiritual womb.” “Outdo one another in showing honor.” - In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul offers this advice: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Here is very similar - a literal translation of the phrase might read: “And in respect to honor, lead the way for each other.” Reflects the typical meaning of the verb προηγούμενοι “pro-ego-u-menoi” which normally means to go before or to lead - to set an example. Paraphrase meaning: “In other words, don’t wait around for people to recognize your contributions and praise you. Instead, be alert to what they are contributing and honor them.” We should eagerly seek to outdo one another in bestowing honor and recognition upon one another. “Do not be slothful in zeal” - The noun “zeal” (Greek σπουδῇ “spo-u-de”) means eagerness, earnestness, zeal, or diligence. It conveys the sense of vitality and energy. The contrast is laziness (Matthew 25:26). The phrase literally reads - “In regard to diligence, don’t be lazy.” “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Meaning: It is all too easy to grow weary and discouraged as we struggle day after day against the weakness of our own sinful nature and the relentless opposition of the devil and the world around us. “be fervent in spirit,” (literally - “as regards the spirit be set on fire”). The same phrase is used in Acts 18:25 in reference to Apollos: “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and he spoke with the fervor of the Spirit...” Most commentators understand the “spirit” in this phrase as a reference to the Holy Spirit rather than the spirits of men. Meaning: The antidote to the slothfulness (laziness) of sinful human beings is the mighty power of the Spirit of God whose presence was demonstrated at Pentecost in the tongues of fire which appeared over the apostles. “Fervor” (Greek ζέω - “zay-o”) means to bubble, to boil, or to burn. “serve the Lord.” This is linked to “zeal” as an objective standard by which to assess and direct spiritual manifestations (1 Corinthians 12:3; 14:29-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). This phrase literally (“as to the Lord, be a slave”) balances and establishes the context for the preceding phrase (“as to the Spirit, be set on fire”). The Greek text (δουλεύοντες “dou-le-uon-tes” literally meaning “slaving” or “being a slave”). Much stronger than the English translation. The implication of slavery in the Biblical world was not so much that of very hard work, as in our English usage, but of absolute submission to the will and control of the master. Meaning: The Christian is one whose no longer possesses an independent will. He is completely subject to the will of the Lord as that divine will is expressed in the Word of God. “Rejoice in hope.” - “Hope” in Scripture is never a mere sense of expectation but confident trust. That is because Biblical hope deals with that which God has promised but that we have not yet seen or received. Our expectation is ...
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    57 分
  • Sermon for Ninth Sunday after Trinity | Luke 16:1-13

    Sermon for Ninth Sunday after Trinity | Luke 16:1-13
    2026/08/04

    Podcast Summary

    Many Christians think the Parable of the Dishonest Manager is simply about money or stewardship. But what if Jesus' primary concern is something much deeper?

    In this sermon for the Ninth Sunday after Trinity, we discover that the turning point of the parable is not the steward's dishonesty, but the moment he learns that an accounting is coming. His entire life changes because he knows he must soon stand before his master.

    Jesus uses that surprising story to ask a searching question of His disciples: Are the children of light living with the same awareness that they, too, will one day stand before their Lord?

    Drawing together Luke 16:1–13 and 1 Corinthians 10:6–13, this sermon explores faithful stewardship in light of the Last Judgment, the danger of serving Mammon instead of God, and the comfort of the Gospel: our hope on that Day rests not in the account we give, but in the account Christ has already given on our behalf. Because He has prepared an eternal home for His people, Christians are free to live wisely, faithfully, and generously as they await His return.
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    16 分
  • Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:7-13, July 30, 2026

    Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:7-13, July 30, 2026
    2026/07/30
    4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Verses 6-8: The rich diversity of gifts is a gracious blessing of God to His church. Described as χαρίσματα “charismata” Romans 12 includes seven grace gifts. The consistent emphasis in the New Testament discussion of the “charismata” is upon function or office, not upon personal attributes which every individual must search out and identify often with the assistance of a so-called “spiritual gift inventory.” Prophecy Serving Teaching “Exhorting” (Greek παρακαλῶν - “para-kalon”) or sometimes called “encouraging” This term occurs 107 times in the New Testament. In John 14, Jesus uses the word as a title for the Holy Spirit (John 14:15,26).In that context the English translations render the noun as “Comforter” or “Counselor.” At times the term is simply transliterated as the English title “Paraclete.” The word literally means “one who is called alongside of another for the purpose of rendering aid or assistance.”Its Latin counterpart is “advocatus.” In this context “encouraging” is closely linked to teaching (1 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:13). It serves to emphasize the pastoral application of the gospel and focuses on its concrete applications for everyday life...Teaching concentrates more on the content of the tradition, while exhortation summons others to action and stirs them from laziness. “Contributing to the needs of others.” Or “Giving” (Greek ὁ μεταδιδοὺς - “ho meta-di-dous”). The emphasis here appears to be on one who shares his or her own resources with those less fortunate.Those who have been given this gift are urged to exercise it with cheerful generosity. The text does not imply great personal wealth on the part of the giver for the most generous and joyful givers are often those who have the least (2 Corinthians 8). “Leadership” or “Leading” (Greek ὁ προϊστάμενος - “ho pro-is-ta-menos”). The etymology of the word refers to “he that is placed in front” much like the traditional German title for an elder - (for-SHTAY-er)This word is used elsewhere to denote the leaders of the local congregation (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17) and should probably be associated here with the office of elder/overseer.Supports case against the “gift as personal attribute” It would be absurd to imagine St. Paul meaning something like this: “If you have the ability to preside or rule, then be eager to organize somebody to preside over!”What he obviously means is this: “If you have been appointed to preside or rule (perhaps as pastor/bishop, or as president at the eucharistic assembly), then put your heart into it”Paul is not asking the question - “Do you enjoy teaching, or ruling, or giving. Do you then have these gift abilities? What office in the church should you try to get in order to put these abilities to use?” - The proper question is: “How can I serve the common good best and most faithfully in the responsibility or office with which I have been entrusted?” The Paul’s caution here is - “let him govern diligently.” The term denotes an eagerness to carry out the assigned responsibility. The word means “haste” in the good sense; prompt efficiency, no delay, no excuses. “showing mercy” (Greek ἐλεῶν “e-le-on”). The reference should be understood broadly as ministry in general including any act of mercy toward others, such as visiting the sick, caring for the elderly or disabled, and providing for the poor.The attitude in which such activities are to be carried out is to be one of cheerfulness.The Greek word is ἱλαρότητι “hila-ro-tay-ti” from which the English word hilarity (cheerfulness) is derived. Verses 9-13: 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be ...
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    52 分
  • Sermon for Eighth Sunday after Trinity | Romans 8:12-17 & Matthew 7:15-23

    Sermon for Eighth Sunday after Trinity | Romans 8:12-17 & Matthew 7:15-23
    2026/07/29

    Sermon preached at Faith Lutheran Church (LCMS), Sullivan, Illinois, for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity. Drawing from Jeremiah 23:16–29, Romans 8:12–17, and Matthew 7:15–23, this sermon contrasts the empty words of false prophets with the sure voice of the Holy Spirit speaking through God's Word. By the Gospel and Sacraments, the Holy Spirit makes sinners holy, sets captives free, assures us that we are God's children through Christ, and keeps us in the faith until the resurrection.
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    17 分
  • Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:6-8, July 23, 2026

    Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:6-8, July 23, 2026
    2026/07/23
    Midweek Bible Study – Romans 12 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Verses 6-8: The rich diversity of gifts is a gracious blessing of God to His church. Those blessings are described as χαρίσματα “charismata” - from the Greek noun χαρίσ “charis” which means “undeserved or unearned love,” “grace.” The term occurs 17 times in the New Testament, almost always (16 times) in the writings of Paul.The χαρίσματα “charismata” are literally the “things of grace.” All believers are the recipients of God’s grace - without God’s grace they would not be believers.All those who have become believers by God’s grace are recipients of the richly varied “things” or “gifts” of grace, the “charismata.” The dual emphasis of unity and diversity comes through this. Every Christian is in this sense “charismatic,” that is, “grace gifted.” (These gifts are also called πνευματικῶν pneuma-ti-kōn - “spiritual gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12:1) - for they are graciously bestowed through the Holy Spirit. Lists of spiritual gifts are given five times in the New Testament (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11). There is no standard or complete list. Overall, nineteen gifts are mentioned. But each of the five is unique and the terminology used moves back and forth between functions and offices. The language also appears to overlap as different words describe the same activity or position.None of the lists are exhaustive nor should a compilation of their 19 gifts be regarded as complete. Romans 12 includes seven grace gifts. The consistent emphasis in the New Testament discussion of the “charismata” is upon function or office, not upon personal attributes which every individual must search out and identify often with the assistance of a so-called “spiritual gift inventory.” This misunderstanding is an unfortunate innovation of the modern church. Prophecy προφητεία. The Greek word for “prophet” literally refers to one who stands in front of another and speaks on his behalf. This is exactly the sense of Exodus 7:1 where God says to Moses: “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.”In Scripture a prophet is one who speaks for God, who proclaims the Word of God.A prophet, in the strictest sense of the term, is one who speaks or writes by plenary verbal inspiration. Each and every word he speaks or writes are the words of God Himself. The term is also used more generally at times to describe proclamation that is based upon the Word of God but is not verbally inspired. It takes the form of the speaker’s own words but is completely consistent with the truth of Scripture. The gift of prophecy was prevalent in the Christian Church of the first generation (writing of the New Testament Scriptures) until the end of the apostolic era and the completion of the New Testament.Paul’s caution here is that any man who has received the gift of prophecy ought to make use of that gift “in proportion to our faith.” “Faith” in this context is not the subjective act of believing, but the objective content of faith, that which is believed (Latin - “fides quae creditur” - “the faith that one believes”).The phrase “in proportion to” might be literally translated “in accordance with the analogy of faith” (Greek - τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως “ten analogia tes pistos”). The Greek noun ἀναλογίαν “analogia” refers to a standard or rule.The sense of the phrase is that those who prophesy must not deviate from apostolic doctrine.Their words must measure up to the standard of divine revelation. Phillip Melancthon : “Now he teaches that the interpretation of the Word of God should be analogous, that is, in agreement with the faith. It should not depart from the articles of faith, nor extinguish the true knowledge of Christ or faith in Christ.” Any claimed revelation from God, or any proposed ...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Seventh Sunday after Trinity | Mark 8:1-9

    Seventh Sunday after Trinity | Mark 8:1-9
    2026/07/20

    The Seventh Sunday after Trinity reminds us that our Lord is the God who provides. Just as Jesus fed the four thousand in the wilderness, He continues to feed His people today—not only with daily bread, but with the Bread of Life, His own Body and Blood given for the forgiveness of sins. This sermon traces the biblical theme of meals from Eden to the wilderness, to the Lord's Supper, showing that where Adam's meal brought death, Christ's meal brings life.
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    18 分
  • Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:3-13, July 16, 2026

    Midweek Bible Study, Romans 12:3-13, July 16, 2026
    2026/07/16
    Midweek Bible Study – Romans 12 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Verse 3: For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Harmony within the community originates in accurate self-assessment by each member of the community. Pious pride is the nastiest form of pride there is. So Paul addresses the individual in order to overcome individualism, with its self-will and pride. The temptation in individuality of faith is that the individual endowment given to the believer means his or her greatness consists in being greater than others, in exercising authority over and lording it over others (Matthew 20:25).The world’s pride invades the church and its worship in Christian form, as pious pride, the nastiest kind of pride.Meaning: All men are soloist by nature and inclination; they must learn the art of playing in God’s orchestra. The key word in this phrase is the Greek verb φρονεῖν “phro-neo” which means “to think” or “to make an accurate assessment.” This word does not refer so much to the act of thinking in itself, but to the direction of one’s thinking, the way in which a person considers or thinks about something.The Greek here could be literally translated: “You should not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think of yourself but you should think of yourself in such a way as to have sensible thoughts about yourself.” Paul urges the rejection of ὑπερφρονεῖν “hyper-phro-nein” (“to think proudly or highly”) in favor of σωφρονεῖν “so-phro-nein” (“to think wisely or sensibly”). Humility is a foundational Christian virtue. Paul warns elsewhere “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” (Galatians 6:3)Inclination of fallen humanity to self-absorption is not merely a modern problem, but has characterized fallen mankind since the days of the New Testament. In New Testament times, some churches were characterized by members who desired to have more showy and spectacular gifts, the church at Corinth being the chief offender. “according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” - The standard by which such sober sensible self-assessment is to be made is “that God has assigned.” The phrase “measure of faith” is unique to this verse, it occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The noun “faith” (Greek πίστις - “pistis”) ordinarily refers to that which we call “saving” or “justifying” faith, the personal trust bestowed upon the believer by God, through which the saving merit of Christ’s death in our place is appropriated.That does not appear to be the meaning of the term in this context. Nowhere in Scripture is it taught that God has measured out justifying and saving faith in varying measures among men. If a Christian is weak in faith, of little faith, that is his own fault, and not the result of a deficiency in the grace of God. Regarding faith in the customary sense of the word Scripture only says that it is worked by God (Ephesians 1:19; Colossians 2:12) or given by God (Philippians 1:29).So the faith (πίστις) of which Paul speaks here is not the faith that makes a Christian a Christian, but something that is measured out to believing Christians after they have become believers or Christians. The “faith” in question here refers to saving faith at work within the community of believers in the variety of gifts which God richly bestows upon all believers. Can be described as a “practical faith,” that is the trusting confidence to use the particular gift with which the individual has been blessed by God. As the gifts are each and all different from one another, so ...
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    57 分