Author: admin

November 6, 2026

Broadcast

                  All Saints' - Part 5
                      1 John 3:1-3
                       11/06/2026


 1    See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
 2    Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
 3    And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.  (ESV)

 This week the Church prayed that we may be worthy to be numbered with the faithful departed who even now are in the presence of God awaiting the final resurrection.
 Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.


 Saint John summarized Jesus' teaching about the saints, the children of God.
 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.


 As members of the Church Militant, the Church on earth, we eagerly await our Lord's coming in glory to judge both the living and the dead.  We desire to come into His presence at His invitation to receive His good gifts of grace and mercy.  Our help is in the Name of the Lord, our only redemption is in Him.

 Please join us this Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church to hear more about God's love for you.

 May our Lord grant us faith to hear His Word, and to trust in Him alone.  Amen.

November 5, 2026

Broadcast

                  All Saints' - Part 4
                     Matthew 5:10-12
                       11/05/2026


 10   Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 11   Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
 12   Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  (ESV)

 The saints of God are not of this world.  Certainly, Christians live in this world, but their priorities are different.  Because the goal of a Christian is to love God by serving his neighbor, he is often at odds with society.  Our prayer this week reflects that our goal is to be part of Christ's body, the Church.
 Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.


 Because Christians don't fit in to the mold of the world, they may be outcasts or persecuted for their faith.  Jesus told His disciples:
 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


 Thus we should not be surprised when we are shunned in the workplace, or when we are excluded from those things which may not bring glory to God.  We also should not be amazed that Christians are held to a higher standard by the world, even though Christians are at the same time saint and sinner.  Can we expect anything less in a world which rejects the truth of God's grace?

 May our Lord strengthen us in our faith when we are marginalized for our beliefs.  Amen.

November 4, 2026

Broadcast

                  All Saints - Part 3
                      Matthew 5:7-9
                       11/04/2026


 7    Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
 8    Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 9    Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  (ESV)

 Our prayer this week, as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, is that our lives may reflect the love of God as we serve Him by serving our neighbors.  All good works flow from our being redeemed from sin and death by the grace and love of God alone, as found in Christ Jesus alone.
 Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.


 Jesus told His disciples:
 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.


 Christians, those who have faith in Jesus as their redeemer, have already received mercy.  They continue to show mercy, not to gain God's favor, but in response to His love.  They are declared holy and righteous, pure in heart, because of the death and resurrection of their Savior.  They desire the unity of spirit, the joy of sharing eternal life with all people, so they strive to be reconciled even to their enemies.

 These are the fruits of faith, the mark of those who are saved by God's grace, who are saints in God's eyes.

 May our Lord grant that our lives reflect His love.  Amen.

November 3, 2026

Broadcast

                  All Saints - Part 2
                      Matthew 5:3-5
                       11/03/2026


 3    Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 4    Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 5    Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
 6    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  (ESV)

 As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, we ask, ``Who are the cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews?  Who are the countless saints robed in white as seen by Saint John as he was shown a vision of the last times?''  Our prayer this week speaks of all Christians being part of the one body of Christ.  The Church on earth and the Church in heaven are one in the same, built of the grace of God as found in Jesus.
 Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.


 Being a Christian is a matter of faith and confession, not a matter of works.  Redemption from sin and death brings forth a response, the good works which flow from being forgiven by God's rich grace and favor alone.  Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, spoke of the faith of those who are redeemed from the clutches of sin.
 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.


 These are not people of heroic faith, but those who plead before God, ``Be merciful to me, the sinner.''  They know they do not deserve the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  With humble hearts they receive God's mercy, and desire to serve Him in thought, word, and deed.

 May our Lord grant us faith which accepts His love even though we know we are unworthy.  Amen.

November 2, 2026

Broadcast

                  All Saints - Part 1
                      Hebrew 12:1-2
                       11/02/2026


 1    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
 2    looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  (ESV)

 Yesterday, the first of November, the Church celebrated the Feast of All Saints' Day.  This ancient commemoration brings to mind all that the martyrs and faithful followers of Jesus Christ believed, confessed, taught, and lived.  Those who are saved from sin, death, and the power of the devil by God's rich love alone are counted among the saints.  Being a Christian is not a matter of works, but a matter of faith.

 The author of Hebrews wrote:
 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.


 The prayer of the Church, the Collect, for this Feast builds on this theme.
 Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


 This week we will explore the faith of the saints who now are part of the Church triumphant, who rest from their labors, and await the resurrection.

 May our Lord give us comfort and peace as we trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation.  Amen.

October 30, 2026

Broadcast

               Knowing the Truth - Part 5
                     Romans 3:23-24
                       10/30/2026


 23   For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
 24   and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.  (ESV)

 We have been summarizing the truth which Martin Luther rediscovered and taught as he desired to reform the Church.  Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone, for the sake of Christ Jesus alone.

 Saint Paul reminds us:
 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.


 Because we have sinned, because we cannot save ourselves from eternal punishment, God sent Jesus to pay the price of our sin.  Without Him, we have no hope.  With Him, we are assured that our sins are forgiven and that we have the promise of life everlasting in His name.

 This week we have prayed:
 Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people.  Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace.


 Please join us this Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church as we gather around the Word of God and the Sacraments.  The Divine Service begins at 9:00 a.m.  Come and receive God's rich gifts of grace and mercy.

 May our Lord grant you the peace of knowing your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ Jesus.  Amen.

October 29, 2026

Broadcast

               Knowing the Truth - Part 4
                      John 8:31-32
                       10/29/2026


 31   So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ``If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
 32   and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.''  (ESV)

 This week we are summarizing the teaching of the Reformation.  Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone.

 We believe, teach, and confess that the only proper source of doctrine and teaching in the Church is the Word of God, the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures alone.  The Bible is the Word of God, complete and inerrant.  All Scripture is written for our learning and for our blessing.  Every other book, every other teaching in the Church, must conform with the clear Word of God.

 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ``If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.''


 Jesus, the Word made flesh, points His disciples, and all who have faith in Him, to the Bible.  Both the Old and New Testaments witness to the truth of salvation by grace through faith for the sake of Christ.

 Therefore we pray:
 Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people.  Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace.


 May our Lord grant us willing hearts to hear and trust in His Word.  Amen.

October 28, 2026

Broadcast

               Knowing the Truth - Part 3
                     Romans 3:27-28
                       10/28/2026


 27   Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded.  By what kind of law?  By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
 28   For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.  (ESV)

 This morning we continue to look at the heart of the message of the Reformation.  Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by God's grace alone, through faith alone.

 Saint Paul wrote:
 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law?  By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.  For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.


 Faith is not a positive feeling that everything will turn out well, or that we should be optimistic.  Faith is the means by which we receive Christ Jesus and His gifts.  It is not our work, but a gift given by the Holy Spirit as He comes to use in both God's holy Word and the Sacraments.  Faith is trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation.  The content of faith is not me and my work, but Jesus.

 When we say that someone has faith, we truly confess that they have Jesus.  When I ask to share my faith with you, I am asking you to hear about Jesus.  The truth is simple, Jesus is our only hope, our only comfort, and our only help in time of need.

 Therefore we pray:
 Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people.  Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace.


 May our Lord grant you faith in Christ Jesus so that you may receive all of God's gracious gifts of peace and comfort.  Amen.

October 27, 2026

Broadcast

               Knowing the Truth - Part 2
                     Romans 3:21-24
                       10/27/2026


 21   But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it --
 22   the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction:
 23   for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
 24   and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (ESV)

 This week we are studying the teaching of the Reformation.  This morning's focus is on God's undeserved love.  Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by God's grace alone.

 Saint Paul wrote:
 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,


 We believe, teach, and confess that we are redeemed because of God's love alone, which is found in Christ Jesus.  Our good works do not add anything to our salvation, they are the result of God's mercy which is given to us.  Christ Jesus, in His crucifixion and resurrection, bore not only the guilt of our sin, but the punishment as well.  His righteousness is credited to us, not because of our works, but because of God's grace.

 Therefore we pray:
 Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people.  Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace.


 May our Lord grant us His grace and mercy so that we are assured of our redemption from sin and eternal death.  Amen.

October 26, 2026

Broadcast

               Knowing the Truth - Part 1
                      John 8:31-32
                       10/26/2026


 31   So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ``If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
 32   and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.''  (ESV)

 This coming Saturday, the eve of All Saints' Day, the Lutheran Church celebrates the Reformation.  This is the day, in 1517, that Luther posted his 95 Theses concerning salvation and doctrine upon the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.  He desired not to create a new church body, but to rid the Roman Catholic Church of false doctrine and practice.

 We can summarize the Reformation in several simple statements.  Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone, for the sake of Christ Jesus alone.

 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ``If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.''


 The Reformation is about rediscovering the truth of the Bible without adding other sources such as tradition or human logic.  This week we will look at the Reformation teachings to discover the truth of God's undeserved love.

 Therefore we pray:
 Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people.  Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


 May our Lord grant you the peace of knowing your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ Jesus.  Amen.