Coming Home – Part 5

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 5
                              Luke 15:24
                              07/11/2025


        24   `` `For this my son was dead, and is alive again;
             he was lost, and is found.'  And they began to
             celebrate.''  (ESV)

        The parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of Law and
   Gospel, of sin and redemption.  Saint Paul wrote, ``For the wages
   of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in
   Christ Jesus our Lord.''[1]

        In this parable, the Father of the story certainly is our
   heavenly Father.  The son who wasted the Father's gifts is each
   sinner, each person who has strayed from God's love.

        As the young son saw the poverty of sin and the lack of hope
   and comfort given by the world, he longed for the grace of God.
   You and I, without knowing the Father's love, seek our peace in
   all sorts of destructive ways.  It could be substance abuse, or
   reckless behavior, or seeking peace through hard work and having
   lots of toys.  In the end, however, the things of this world do
   not satisfy.

        We were dead in the trespass of our sins, as we learned from
   the mirror of God's Law.  Repenting, we throw ourselves on the
   Lord's mercy and grace, finding there full redemption and pardon.
   Forgiven, we are alive in Christ.

        The Father told His servents, `` `For this my son was dead,
   and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'  And they began
   to celebrate.''

        Please come home, the Father is waiting and desires to
   restore you to His family.  Come hear the word of hope, receive
   the comfort of the Gospel, as you are invited to join us each
   Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church.  May our
   Lord grant you the peace of knowing your sins are forgiven and
   that you are part of the Father's family.  Amen.

Coming Home – Part 4

July 10, 2025

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 4
                             Luke 15:20-23
                              07/10/2025


        20   ``And he arose and came to his father. But while
             he was still a long way off, his father saw him
             and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and
             kissed him.
        21   And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned
             against heaven and before you.  I am no longer
             worthy to be called your son.'
        22   But the father said to his servants, `Bring
             quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put
             a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
        23   And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let
             us eat and celebrate.' '' (ESV)

        In this week's study we are reading the parable of the
   Prodigal Son.  We've come to the point in the story where the
   young man, who had wasted his father's money with worthless
   things, came to his senses.  He returned to his Father, repentant
   and willing to simple be a servant.

        The Law of God, which shows us our sin, leads to the Gospel,
   which shows us our Savior.  Jesus continued:
        ``And he arose and came to his father. But while he was
        still a long way off, his father saw him and felt
        compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
        And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against
        heaven and before you.  I am no longer worthy to be
        called your son.'  But the father said to his servants,
        `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and
        put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  And
        bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and
        celebrate.' ''


        Our heavenly Father longs and waits for our return to Him.
   Even before the young man finished confessing his sin, even
   before begging to be allowed the most menial job in the Father's
   household, the Father restored him in his position as son of the
   family.  The forgiveness is complete, given out of love and not
   our works.

        This is the Gospel, that Jesus Christ died on the cross and
   rose from the dead so that you and I can be restored fully to the
   household of faith.

        May our Lord grant that, as we are condemned by the Law, we
   know that we are redeemed and saved by the Gospel.  Amen.

Coming Home – Part 3

July 9, 2025

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 3
                             Luke 15:17-19
                              07/09/2025


        17   ``But when he came to himself, he said, `How many
             of my father's hired servants have more than
             enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
        18   I will arise and go to my father, and I will say
             to him, ``Father, I have sinned against heaven and
             before you.
        19   I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat
             me as one of your hired servants.'' ' '' (ESV)

        Yesterday, in reading the parable of the Prodigal Son, we
   saw that the young man had reached the bottom.  Accused by the
   Law, he was living with the pigs, longing for the comfort of
   knowing he was important to someone, yet finding no hope.

        Jesus continued:
        ``But when he came to himself, he said, `How many of my
        father's hired servants have more than enough bread,
        but I perish here with hunger!  I will arise and go to
        my father, and I will say to him, ``Father, I have
        sinned against heaven and before you.  I am no longer
        worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your
        hired servants.'' ' ''


        The Law, a mirror which shows us our sin, did its proper
   work.  What we do when confronted with our transgressions against
   God and neighbor determines our future.  We can continue to
   wallow with the pigs, hoping for some resolution which the world
   cannot give, or we can return to our home with God.

        Repenting of our sin means suffering the embarrassment when
   we realize we are not in control, we are not God, we have done
   foolish and hurtful things.  We don't deserve God's love, yet
   know that God has compassion.  Thus, confronted with our
   inability to overcome the guilt of our sin, we throw ourselves on
   God's mercy.

        May our Lord give us the strength to repent of our sin, to
   return to our Father's house, and to receive His love.  Amen.

Coming Home – Part 2

July 8, 2025

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 2
                             Luke 15:14-16
                              07/08/2025


        14   ``And when he had spent everything, a severe
             famine arose in that country, and he began to be
             in need.
        15   So he went and hired himself out to one of the
             citizens of that country, who sent him into his
             fields to feed pigs.
        16   And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
             the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''
             (ESV)

        This week we are reviewing the parable of the Prodigal Son.
   As you recall, the younger of two sons selfishly asked his father
   to give him his inheritance.  Shortly after receiving the money,
   the young man left home.  Jesus continued the story:
        ``And when he had spent everything, a severe famine
        arose in that country, and he began to be in need.  So
        he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of
        that country, who sent him into his fields to feed
        pigs.  And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
        the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''


        Frequently, we find that when we leave the teachings of the
   church behind, we start to experience an inner longing for peace.
   The world cannot give the comfort of knowing our sins are
   forgiven.  Therefore we look elsewhere, such as substance abuse
   or reckless living or in the pursuit of power and wealth.
   Nothing satisfies us, however.

        There are two main teachings in the Bible.  The first is the
   Law, which not only keeps us from sinning because of our fear of
   the consequences, but also shows us our sin.  In the parable, the
   young man eventually comes to understand the effect of living
   apart from his father, the loneliness and deprivation which
   cannot be filled by things or self-help philosophies.

        We each stand accused by the Law.  We look to the world for
   help, but find nothing.  Those things which we hope will ease our
   inner pain and sorrow simply cause more problems.  We are like
   the young man, wallowing in the mud with the pigs, longing to
   find some sort of comfort.

        May our Lord use His Law to convict us of sin, that we see
   our lost condition for our eternal good.  Amen.

Coming Home – Part 1

July 7, 2025

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 1
                             Luke 15:11-13
                              07/07/2025


        11   And [Jesus] said, ``There was a man who had two
             sons.
        12   And the younger of them said to his father,
             `Father, give me the share of property that is
             coming to me.' And he divided his property between
             them.
        13   Not many days later, the younger son gathered all
             he had and took a journey into a far country, and
             there he squandered his property in reckless
             living.''  (ESV)

        In these early weeks of the second half of the Church Year,
   we look at the fundamental teachings of the Church.  Most basic
   is the forgiveness of our sins because of God's rich grace and
   love alone.  The parable of the Prodigal Son tells us of our
   sinful nature and of God's mercy.

        And [Jesus] said, ``There was a man who had two sons.
        And the younger of them said to his father, `Father,
        give me the share of property that is coming to me.'
        And he divided his property between them.  Not many
        days later, the younger son gathered all he had and
        took a journey into a far country, and there he
        squandered his property in reckless living.''


        The situation is simple.  We have been raised in God's
   presence, probably going to worship services each Sunday morning.
   American society is built on Christian principles, although we
   are certainly not all Christians.  We hold to the Ten
   Commandments and have at least a passing idea of who Jesus is,
   the One born to die and rise again to redeem us from eternal
   death.

        But, thinking that we know better than God, we leave the
   church, we turn our backs on His love, and misuse all His
   blessing.  This is the effect of original sin, the desire to be
   like God, the desire to replace God, the desire to serve our own
   selfish wants and whims.

        This week we will see the result of leaving God's home and
   the joy of knowing the Father's love.

        May our Lord grant you His richest blessings this coming
   week.  Amen.

Prayer for the Nation

July 4, 2025

Broadcast

                         Prayer for the Nation
                            1 Timothy 2:1-2
                              07/04/2025


        1    First of all, then, I urge that supplications,
             prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
             for all people,
        2    for kings and all who are in high positions, that
             we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
             dignified in every way.  (ESV)

        Saint Paul wrote:
        First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
        intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all
        people, for kings and all who are in high positions,
        that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
        dignified in every way.


        On this Independence Day, it is fitting, therefore, to offer
   the prayer once delivered by George Washington:
        Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt
        keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that
        Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to
        cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
        government, and entertain a brotherly affection and
        love for one another and for their fellow citizens of
        the United States at large.

             And Finally that Thou wilt most graciously be
        pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy,
        and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility,
        and pacific temper of mind which were the
        characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed
        religion, and without an humble imitation of whose
        example in these things, we can never hope to be a
        happy nation.

             Grant our supplication, be beseech Thee, through
        Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.[1]
   ____________________

   1. Written at Newburg, June 8, 1783, and sent to the Governors of
      all the States.  From 1942 Armed Forces hymnal.

Confessing the Faith – Part 4

July 3, 2025

Broadcast

                     Confessing the Faith - Part 4
                           Matthew 16:18-19
                              07/03/2025


        18   ``And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock
             I will build my church, and the gates of hell
             shall not prevail against it.
        19   I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
             and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
             heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be
             loosed in heaven.''  (ESV)

        Jesus asked His disciples, ``But who do you say that I am?''
   Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son of the living
   God.''

        Saint Peter's great confession is the confession of the
   Church.  Jesus said:
        ``And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I
        will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not
        prevail against it.  I will give you the keys of the
        kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall
        be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
        shall be loosed in heaven.''


        Peter, whose name means ``Rock,'' is not the one upon whom
   the Church is built.  His rock-like confession, however, is the
   foundation of all we believe, teach, and confess.  The entire Old
   Testament proclaims God's mercy that the Messiah, the Christ, the
   Anointed One, will pay the price of the sins of iniquities of all
   people.  Peter's confession declares Jesus as our only hope of
   salvation, the One who defeats sin, death, and the power of the
   devil.  As Jesus lived, died, and rose again, so we too shall
   rise from the dead.

        The Church exists to proclaim that message to all people, to
   you and your family.  It is in the Church where you will be told
   of the forgiveness of your sins, and be declared holy and
   righteous before God.  There is nowhere else to turn for the
   comfort of God's grace.

        May our Lord grant you the desire to learn more, to hear the
   good news of the Gospel as proclaimed at 9:00 each Sunday morning
   at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Amen.

Confessing the Faith – Part 3

July 2, 2025

Broadcast

                     Confessing the Faith - Part 3
                             Matthew 16:17
                              07/02/2025


        17   And Jesus answered him, ``Blessed are you, Simon
             Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed
             this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.''
             (ESV)

        Jesus asked His disciples, ``But who do you say that I am?''
   Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son of the living
   God.''

        This is the proper confession of faith made by the Christian
   Church.  How can we make such a bold confession?  Is this the
   result of human logic, academic study, or scientific exploration?
   Can we, who are by nature sinful and unclean, who fearfully run
   from the mere mention of God, come to know the truth by our own
   wisdom?  If, in my sinful, selfish ways, I desire to be like God,
   to replace God, how can I come to the conclusion confessed by
   Peter?

        ``And Jesus answered him, `Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!
   For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father
   who is in heaven.'''

        The Holy Spirit works through the proclaimed Word of God to
   create the faith which believes and confesses Jesus Christ as our
   Redeemer from sin and death.  Even something as simple as 120
   seconds of air time on a small radio station in rural Minnesota
   can proclaim to you the truth of Jesus.  If this two minutes
   causes you to ask questions, or if it causes you to call the
   church to complain about the witness of the truth, the Holy
   Spirit is causing you to learn of God's rich love, grace, and
   mercy.

        Our prayer is simple, that the Holy Spirit brings you the
   comfort of knowing your sins are forgiven for the sake of the
   holy, precious blood and innocent suffering and death of our
   Savior.

        May our Lord grant us faith to believe the Gospel, and to
   confess the truth with Saint Peter, ``You are the Christ, the Son
   of the living God.''  Amen.

Confessing the Faith – Part 2

July 1, 2025

Broadcast

                     Confessing the Faith - Part 2
                           Matthew 16:15-16
                              07/01/2025


        15   He said to them, ``But who do you say that I am?''
        16   Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son
             of the living God.''  (ESV)

        Jesus asked the disciples, ``Who do people say that the Son
   of Man is?''  The title, ``Son of Man,'' refers to a prophecy in
   the book of Daniel[1] where we read:
        I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds
        of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came
        to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
        And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
        that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve
        him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which
        shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not
        be destroyed.


        Jesus, in applying this title to Himself, confesses both His
   divinity and His humanity.  Although the crowds saw Jesus as a
   prophet, the same question must be asked of the disciples.  ``He
   said to them, `But who do you say that I am?'  Simon Peter
   replied, `You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'''

        This is the proper confession of faith made by the Christian
   Church.  Jesus is true God, begotten of His Father before all
   worlds, and true man, born of the virgin Mary.  He is the one
   promised by God who takes upon Himself our sins, bearing our
   guilt, and giving to us His righteousness.

        Like Peter, we boldly proclaim the truth.  It does not
   matter what popular opinion may be, the truth remains.

        May our Lord make us bold to believe that Jesus is the
   Christ, and confidently speak of His love, grace, and mercy.
   Amen.
   ____________________

   1. Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)

Confessing the Faith – Part 1

June 30, 2025

Broadcast

                     Confessing the Faith - Part 1
                           Matthew 16:13-14
                              06/30/2025


        13   Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea
             Philippi, he asked his disciples, ``Who do people
             say that the Son of Man is?''
        14   And they said, ``Some say John the Baptist, others
             say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the
             prophets.''  (ESV)

        Last Sunday was the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.  At one
   time, this feast was considered the most important feast after
   Easter and Christmas.  Both Peter and Paul brought the good news
   of salvation by God's rich love alone to both Jew and gentile.
   These are the preeminent Apostles, the ones to whom the church
   has looked for the truth of God's mercy.

        How fitting that the Gospel for this past Sunday is Saint
   Peter's great confession of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the
   Son of the living God.  For several weeks we have been looking at
   the marks of the Church, the God we worship, the necessity of
   hearing His holy Word.  Now we begin to answer the question that
   Jesus posed to His disciples.

        Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea
        Philippi, he asked his disciples, ``Who do people say
        that the Son of Man is?''  And they said, ``Some say
        John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others
        Jeremiah or one of the prophets.''


        Everyone has an opinion about Jesus.  Some say He was a good
   teacher, but not the Son of God.  Others suggest He is the
   example for morality and service, but is not the Son of God.  You
   may even hear people suggest he is a myth, somewhat like King
   Arthur, whose story may have an element of truth, but certainly
   not as elaborate as the books about Him may suggest.

        How do you answer this question?  Who is Jesus?  That is the
   question for the week.

        May our Lord grant us wisdom to see, recognize, and properly
   confess Jesus.  Amen.