This world pulls our loyalties in all kinds of directions. Jesus knows this, and He calls us to choose the better Master and to rest from anxious striving. The comfort of Matthew 6:24–34 is that we can seek the kingdom of God first, because we have a good Father who cares for us and provides our needs.

Key Takeaways:

• You cannot maintain split loyalties. Jesus calls you to the better Master who gives peace, not anxiety.
• "Do not be anxious" is repeated 3x in this passage because the Father truly does provide; worry only multiplies itself.
• Seeking the kingdom first is about the priority and pursuit of our lives in light of our salvation; it's not about earning or discovering our salvation.
• You can start small: make the sign of the cross, confess the Creed, pray the Lord's Prayer, and open Scripture before turning to social media.
• Your eternity is secure, so take the long view and rest in the Father's care today.

Scripture References:

1. Matthew 6:24–34 — Jesus declares we cannot serve God and money and urges us three times, “Do not be anxious.” He directs our hearts to the Father’s care and calls us to seek first His kingdom.
2. 1 Kings 17:8–16 — The widow of Zarephath trusts the Lord’s word through Elijah; her flour and oil do not run out, a sign of God’s faithful provision.
3. John 14:6, 9 — Jesus is the Way, and to see Him is to see the Father; therefore, the Father’s care for your daily needs is sure.
4. Acts 11:26 (alluded to) — In Antioch the disciples are called “Christians,” a name believers bear with joy amid trials.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

On the Feast of St. Matthew, we hear how Jesus sees a despised tax collector, speaks “Follow me,” and creates a whole new allegiance by grace. From the booth no one wanted to sit in, Matthew is brought to a table no one expected to share, where “tax collectors and sinners” recline with Jesus.

Jesus answers the Pharisees’ objections with Hosea’s word, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” and with His mission: not to affirm the already-arrived, but to call sinners. He is the Good Physician for the truly sick, who brings us from hiding to hope, from self-justifying rituals to His mercy that seats us together.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus initiates the call; sinners don’t find Him—He finds us.
• Grace raises us from our “tax booths” and leaves sin behind to follow Jesus.
• Christ’s mercy seats unlikely people together at His table of grace.
• God desires mercy from hearts He has forgiven, not performance religion.
• The Good Physician came to call sinners; bring Him your need.

Scripture References:

1. Matthew 9:9–13 — Jesus calls Matthew, dines with “tax collectors and sinners,” and declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” revealing His heart for the lost and His authority to call.
2. Hosea 6:6 — The Lord desires steadfast love and mercy, not bare sacrifice; rituals serve love, not the other way around.
3. Hebrews 9:22 (alluded to) — Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness; Christ’s blood fulfills what sacrifices pointed to.
4. Romans 6:23 (alluded to) — The wages of sin is death, but God gives life in Christ.
5. Luke 19:10 (alluded to) — The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

When the world demands spectacle or sophistication, God gives the cross. In this Holy Cross Day sermon, we hear how Christ crucified is the true display of God’s power and wisdom. God's saving power and wisdom remain steady when our feelings fluctuate and they remain sufficient amid grief, outrage, and evil.

The Church bears the Word; civil authority bears the sword — so Christians pray, confess, and receive Christ’s gifts as we love our neighbors in our vocations.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith rests on God’s means of grace (the preached Word and the Sacraments) not on our feelings or experiences.
• The cross looks like weakness to the world, yet it is omnipotent love accomplishing salvation.
• The Church’s mission is Law and Gospel proclamation; the government’s calling is temporal justice (Romans 13).
• Resist outrage cycles; pray for enemies and entrust vengeance to the Lord.
• Boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14); Christ is God’s power and wisdom for the called.
• Jesus delivers His victory to you personally in Baptism, preaching, and His true body and blood.

Scripture References:

1. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — The Word of the Cross: folly to the perishing, power of God to the saved; Christ the wisdom and power of God.
2. Galatians 6:14 — Boasting only in the cross, the world crucified to us and we to the world.
3. Romans 13:1–4 — Civil authority as God’s servant for good; distinct from the Church’s mission.
4. John 12:31–33 — The ruler of this world cast out; the crucified Christ drawing all to Himself.
5. Acts 17:18–32; Luke 23:35–37 — The cross judged “babble” and “weakness,” yet it is God’s saving wisdom.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship