Trinity Lutheran Church Sermons

Jerry Gerlach's Funeral Sermon

Trinity 8. Beware of False Prophets: A Call for Discernment

Beloved in Christ, today's sermon focuses on the stern warning from our Savior, Jesus Christ, in his Sermon on the Mount. He cautions us against false prophets who disguise themselves as part of God's flock but inwardly seek to devour it. We are called to be discerning, using the spirit of discernment given by Christ to expose and rid ourselves of these deceptive teachers, thereby persevering in true faith until the end of the age.

Christ's vivid imagery of false prophets as ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing serves as a stark reminder of their danger. Their outward holiness and use of familiar buzzwords mask their perversion of God's word, leading to profound spiritual destruction. Jesus teaches that we can discern the true nature of these prophets by their fruits, much like trees are known by their fruit. A good tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

The episode delves into a biblical example involving the false prophet Hananiah, who contradicted God's true prophet, Jeremiah. Hananiah's false assurance misled the people, but Jeremiah's prophecy proved true, highlighting the dire consequences for those who proclaim falsehood in God's name. This serves as a warning for modern believers to remain vigilant and discerning.

The sermon also addresses contemporary false teachings, particularly those of the Seventh-day Adventists and their prophetess Ellen White. Her teachings, including the concept of Christ's "investigative judgment" in 1844, are shown to contradict the Bible and the completed redemptive work of Christ on the cross. The focus is on the importance of adhering to the liberating truth of the gospel, which is not about bondage to the law but freedom in Christ.

The episode concludes with a call for vigilance and discernment among God's people, emphasizing the responsibility of pastors and the congregation to uphold sound doctrine and moral integrity. A heartfelt prayer is offered for the preservation and flourishing of the church, its leaders, and its members.

Trinity 7 2024. Man Plans but God Provides

In this powerful and dense sermon, the preacher delves into the deep hunger for spiritual nourishment and the importance of trusting in God's providence. Drawing from the miracle of Jesus feeding the 4,000 with seven loaves and a few fish, the message underscores that God delights in providing for His children, even in the most challenging times.

The sermon takes a controversial turn, addressing seven critical societal issues where humanity often tries to take matters into its own hands. These include abortion, euthanasia, marriage and sexuality, gender identity, education, freedom of religion and conscience, and environmental concerns. Through each topic, the preacher emphasizes the need to uphold God's divine order and trust in His ultimate sovereignty.

Ultimately, the message is a call to resist placing trust in created things and to rely wholly on the Creator. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ, who miraculously provided for thousands, continues to nourish and sustain us. The sermon concludes with a powerful affirmation of faith in Christ's eternal provision and love, urging the congregation to trust in His faithfulness and providence.

Trinity 4. Embracing Mercy: A Call to True Christian Living

In this enlightening episode, we delve into Christ's message of mercy, emphasizing the importance of extending the same grace to others that we have received from our Heavenly Father. Using the Pharisees as a cautionary example, we explore the dangers of outward religiosity without true inward transformation.

The sermon challenges us to examine our own lives, urging us to forgive those who repent and to avoid harboring grudges. It underscores the profound truth that withholding forgiveness from others is akin to denying Christ's sacrifice for ourselves.

Furthermore, the episode highlights the role of true Christians in community-building, encouraging active participation in local governance, service, and fellowship. By living out God's word and fostering genuine Christian culture, we can bring about positive change in our neighborhoods and beyond.

Join us as we reflect on the power of forgiveness, the call to serve, and the blessings that come from living a life of true Christian love and mercy.

Embracing Fatherhood and Faith: Lessons from VBS

On this special Father's Day, we honor the role of fathers, drawing inspiration from the Bible. We delve into the Greek term "pater," meaning father, and "patria," meaning family, emphasizing that families are incomplete without fathers. We explore the significance of fathers in reflecting God's love, forgiving sins, and guiding their children.

This episode also recaps a vibrant Vacation Bible School (VBS) week, where children learned about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Each day, the story of their journey paralleled our own struggles and triumphs through faith in Jesus Christ. From the bondage in Egypt to the miraculous Red Sea crossing, and from manna in the wilderness to the bronze serpent, the kids discovered profound biblical truths.

We conclude with reflections on the importance of the cross, both as a symbol in our church and as the essence of our faith. Through Christ crucified, we find forgiveness, healing, and eternal life. Join us as we celebrate the joy of faith and the pivotal role of fathers in our spiritual journey.

The Invitation to the Great Feast

Beloved in Christ, today's message brings to our remembrance the parable from Luke chapter 14, where the kingdom of God is likened to a grand feast. An invitation is sent out, calling all to partake in the feast of victory prepared by our Lord. This feast symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ, given for our salvation and righteousness.

Many invited guests, however, make excuses to reject this invitation. They prioritize earthly possessions and duties over the divine communion. Such excuses are a stark contrast to the stewardship of Christ, who is Lord over all. The parable warns against valuing temporary gifts over the eternal feast offered by God.

The message emphasizes that everything we possess is from the Lord and should be used for the salvation of sinners. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we find wisdom and blessings in our stewardship. The call to share our abundance with others, to furnish a table and invite others to dine, reflects the love and community that God desires for us.

Another excuse comes from a man who prioritizes his oxen over the feast, yet the example of Elisha, who sacrificed his oxen to follow God's call, teaches us to see Jesus as our highest treasure. The message encourages us to sacrifice worldly pleasures for the sake of Christ, who needs nothing from us but uses our offerings to bless others.

The parable also addresses those who prioritize relationships, like marriage, over God's invitation. It highlights that while a spouse is a gift from the Lord, placing them above God's call can lead to ruin. Embracing the Lord's invitation brings blessings to our marriages and households.

When the initial invitees reject the feast, the invitation is extended to the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. This demonstrates God's inclusive love and the danger of rejecting His call. Historical examples from Martin Luther illustrate the consequences of neglecting the gospel, urging us to seize and uphold it.

The message concludes with a call to cherish the gathering of saints, to avoid the pitfalls of rejecting God's invitation, and to embrace the community and blessings found in His feast. It reminds us to share our lives and possessions with others, reflecting the true meaning of life in Christ.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Trinity 1. From Riches to Rags: The Eternal Lesson of Lazarus and the Rich Man

In today's gospel, Jesus presents a powerful parable contrasting the lives and afterlives of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. This episode explores the perils of covetousness and greed, and the call to a Christian life focused on heavenly treasures rather than earthly comforts.

Through the rich man's luxurious yet spiritually empty existence and Lazarus's faith-filled yet impoverished life, Jesus teaches the importance of faith, humility, and love for one's neighbor. Discover how the purple-clad rich man, despite his wealth, ultimately finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who endured suffering with faith, is carried to Abraham's bosom.

Join us as we delve into the true meaning of riches in Christ, the significance of faith over material wealth, and the ultimate reversal of fortunes in the afterlife. Reflect on the eternal message that faith in Jesus Christ brings everlasting life and how this profound parable calls us to live in accordance with God's will.

Pentecost 2024. The Salvation and Unity in Christ

In this transcript, we draw parallels between modern Christianity and the ancient events surrounding Tower of Babel construction and the Great Deluge, the sermon urges us to realize the divine saving grace that transcends time and space.

The primary focus of the sermon revolves around a fellow believer, Johnny, who received Christ and now stands to proclaim his faith before the community. His confessional serves as a testament to the transformative power of swinding faith and how it shapes the individual and the community.

In tracing back to the-time when mankind had built the Tower of Babel, the sermon highlights our inherent disobedience and sinful nature. However, it was through God's divine intervention, mercy, and discipline that human speech was diversified, and mankind was dispersed over the face of the Earth. This incident served as a reminder of human ego and the consequences of disobedience.

The sermon further discusses the significance of God's word that took the form of His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus's self-sacrifice and resurrection were not only pivotal in atoning for mankind's sins but also in upholding the promise of unity and salvation. Through Baptism, believers are invited into this divine truth, embraced by the spiritual cleansing that kills sinful nature and awakens a new life in Christ.

Turning its focus to modern times, the sermon emphasizes the struggle for unity persists, just as division and difference persist. But it posits that the ultimate unity can only be achieved through the acknowledgment and acceptance of Christ as our Savior. It further lays emphasis on the universal call for repentance and salvation that is promised in the name of Jesus to not just a select few but to every individual willing to accept His word.

Rounding off with the blessings and prayers for Johnny, the sermon underscores the importance of proclaiming the Gospel to extend the divine call to others. Believers are urged to spread the wonderful works of God, encouraging others to hear and respond to God's divine call. The sermon concludes by reinforcing the ideal of unity in Christ which adheres us as one body, one spirit, irrespective of our diverse origins and individual differences.

Exaudi, 2024. Our Exemplary, True Mother

In celebration of Mother's Day, this sermon transcript underscores the divine and radiant role of the church as our True Mother. Drawn from Galatians Chapter 4, it highlights the church as a celestial entity, married to Christ, dedicated to cherishing and bringing spiritual enlightenment to all of God's children, and a boundless source of divine love and compassion.

From the moment of spiritual birth towards the journey of mature faith, the church, our True Mother, continues to guide and protect her children, showering them with a nurturing and steadfast divine love. The sermon emphasizes the Church's resemblance to a caring mother as described in Isaiah 66 and Proverbs 31, who feeds, clothes, comforts, and educates her children towards wisdom and righteousness.

The transcript also signifies the transitioning role of the Church as it guides its children from their spiritual infancy to a stage where they can demonstrate their faith, becoming teachers and confessors, cementing their belief in Christ Jesus as was demonstrated through his crucifixion.

The sermon concludes by recognizing the crucial roles and responsibilities of various Church officers who play an integral part in ensuring the continuous spiritual growth of the Church's children. It emphasizes the importance of unity within the Church and the valuable contributions of each member. Lastly, it leaves the congregation with an encouraging note to continue walking in the truth, signifying the pure joy it brings to the Church—their True Mother.

Ascension of our Lord, 2024. ”Ascending to our Ultimate Purpose”

In this insightful dialogue, we explore the profound significance of Christ's ascension and what it teaches us about our place and purpose as followers of Christ. More than an awe-inspiring spectacle, the ascension is an act that instructs, comforts, and sustains us in our Christian journey.

Reflecting on Christian faith, we examine how the ascension reshapes our world view, heralding a new era of humanity where Christ presides over all things. We discuss the symbolism behind extinguishing the Paschal candle, revealing it not as an absence of Christ's presence, but as a transformation of it. Now, Christ resides in our hearts and minds, shaping our identity and staking our deepest roots in our heavenly home.

We challenge the modern notion of freedom as unbridled indulgence in desires and pursuits. Christ's ascension, ascension reveals that true freedom emerges from surrendering to the divine will. We also denounce the pervasive pursuit of self-realization as empty and futile, urging instead to lead lives focused on God and our neighbors.

Our discussion explores how Christ's ascension and reign urge us to live as his faithful disciples, working as ambassadors of his gospel, manifesting his kingdom's virtues on earth, and thereby finding our ultimate purpose. We affirm that our upward calling is to transition from passive recipients of God's blessings to active participants in God's worldly mission.

In closing our reflections on Christ's ascension, we embrace the freedom, meaning, and joy it imparts upon us in this fleeting, superficial world. We recognize our lives as intended for more—filled with purpose, good works, fruitful relationships, and eternal fellowship with God.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.