Trinity Lutheran Church Sermons

Advent 1. The Lord Still Comes in Humility

The episode reflects on the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Advent season. The narrative captures the essence of His ministry, emphasizing the love and sacrifice Jesus demonstrated as He embarked on His destined path to the cross.

Listeners are invited to meditate on the historic event, acknowledging its profound impact that continues to resonate today. The sermon draws parallels between the humble appearance of Christ on Palm Sunday and His enduring presence in our lives, illustrating that His love and salvation remain accessible and transformative.

The message calls for a personal connection with Jesus, recognizing His sacrifice and enduring love, encouraging listeners to honor God through righteous living. It highlights the hope, comfort, and unwavering love found in Jesus, offering an embrace of peace and encouragement as the Advent season unfolds.

Thanksgiving 2024. Give us this Day our Daily Bread

In this episode, we consider the remarkable ways our Lord provides for us in both natural and supernatural manners. Through the seldom-heard gospel lesson of Jesus and Peter paying the temple tax, we are reminded of how God supplies our needs beyond our expectations.

This reflection encourages us to meditate on the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread," as we consider all aspects of our lives—from food and shelter to companionship and governance, and ultimately to the supreme gift of Christ's sacrifice and the promise of eternal life.

Join us in this contemplative journey to deepen our gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, uplifted by the guidance of scripture and prayer.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Lessons of Repentance and Faith

Explore the spiritual journey of repentance and faith as we delve into the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This episode examines the symbolic representation of the lamps and oil, illustrating the essential Christian virtues necessary to await the final judgment day.

Discover how the call to "Come, Lord Jesus" echoes in the life of every believer, and understand the distinction between the wise and foolish as they await the bridegroom. Reflect on the implications of this parable for personal faith and prepare your heart and soul for the coming of Christ.

Join us in this thoughtful exploration of how daily repentance, faith, and trust in the Lord's promises ensure readiness for when the final trumpet sounds. Experience the encouragement to remain watchful, vigilant, and steadfast in faith until our Lord returns.

Trinity 25. Finding Refuge in Christ Crucified: A Call to Repentance and Communion

In this compelling episode, we explore the profound message of our Lord as He vividly describes the age of turmoil, spiritual deception, and rebellion against God. Through the Gospel reading, we are reminded of the historical and ongoing reality of abandoning our Creator for worldly desires and the harlot of lies. With references to Proverbs and Revelation, the episode delves into the seductive allure of power, luxury, and idolatry that leads to spiritual death and destruction.

Despite the grim portrayal of the world's descent, the message of Christ is not one of despair but of hope and repentance. We are called to recognize our own sins and turn to God for mercy. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of acknowledging our guilt and finding true refuge in the crucified body of Christ. It is here, at the cross, that we discover forgiveness, cleansing, and peace.

Join us as we uncover the significance of communion in the Christian faith, where believers gather around the word, font, and altar to partake in the body and blood of Christ. This sacred fellowship, or koinonia, offers strength and unity in the face of life's storms. As we navigate the trials of this age, we find solace in the presence of our risen Lord, who calls us to be a people of hope, justified through faith, and assured of eternal glory. Let us stand together, watchful yet unafraid, as we lift our voices in praise and prepare to meet our Deliverer.

The Enduring Word: Sola Scriptura and the Power of Scripture

In this enlightening episode, we explore the profound miracles recorded in Matthew chapter 9, where Jesus heals a woman with a flow of blood and raises the ruler's daughter from the dead. These miraculous accounts are not just ancient stories; they are the living Word of God, preserved across generations to inspire belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and to offer eternal life in His name.

Our discussion delves into the enduring power of Scripture, encapsulated in the phrase "Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum"—the Word of the Lord endures forever. We emphasize the principle of Sola Scriptura, asserting that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for Christian teaching and practice, as affirmed by the reformers.

Join us as we challenge the elevation of human traditions, new revelations, and personal interpretations that diverge from the Bible's teachings. We reaffirm that the Bible is clear, harmonious, and accessible to all, a guiding light for our faith and lives. Let us stand firm on the foundation of Christ and His apostles, rejecting false teachings and embracing the clarity and truth of God's Word.

This episode calls us to discern the voice of our Good Shepherd through Scripture alone, equipping us to live holy lives and guiding us toward the way of peace. In the spirit of the Reformation, we celebrate our heritage of faith, grace, and Scripture, singing praises to God alone for His glory.

All Saints' Day. Faith Alone. Reformation sermon part 2

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Reformation's central themes, focusing on the concept of "Sola Fide"—faith alone.

We revisit the notion of grace alone, highlighting how it is a gift from God, independent of our works or worthiness. Today, we turn our attention to how this grace saves us through faith alone. This faith, as urged by Jesus and the apostles, is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust that binds us to Christ, receiving His righteousness and clinging to Him for salvation.

As we navigate different Protestant perspectives, we address the challenges and doubts that arise when faith is seen as a human decision or an uncertain hope. We emphasize the importance of trusting in Christ's promises and the assurance found in His word and sacraments, rather than relying on our efforts or hidden decrees.

The episode also explores the distinction between "fides qua," the personal faith that believes, and "fides quae," the faith that is believed. This objective faith, delivered to the saints, is the unchanging message of salvation through Christ, preserved and entrusted to the church.

We reflect on the faith embodied in the life of the church, uniting us with Christ and all the saints. This faith, more than a collection of teachings, is the living reality binding us to Christ and one another. In Christ, we find the content of our faith and the one who creates faith in our hearts, connecting us to the communion of saints across time and space.

Join us as we conclude our reflection on "Sola Fide," and prepare to explore "Sola Scriptura" in our next episode, continuing the song of Reformation. Amen.

Reformation Sunday. Grace Alone.

In this sermon we give thanks to God for the simplicity and fullness of His grace which pierces through the darkness of human traditions and misconceptions. We reflect on the historical figures like Martin Luther, who valiantly defended the apostolic faith and restored the radiant glory of Christ's true gospel through the Reformation.

The discussion centers around "Sola Gratia," or Grace Alone, emphasizing that salvation is a pure gift from God, not something to be earned through works or purchased with indulgences. The episode critiques historical and modern misconceptions about grace, including those of the Roman Catholic Church and Calvinist teachings, urging a return to the truth that God's grace is full, complete, and available to all through Jesus Christ.

Join us as we affirm the timeless truths of the Reformation, celebrating the peace and assurance found in God's unconditional love and mercy, and prepare to continue exploring the pillars of faith with "Sola Fide" and "Sola Scriptura" in the coming weeks.

Trinity 21. Signs and Wonders

In this episode, we consider a nobleman's encounter with Jesus, as recounted in the sacred gospel. The nobleman, driven by desperation, seeks Jesus to heal his ailing son. Despite initially expressing doubt, Jesus uses this moment to teach a powerful lesson on faith that transcends the need for signs and wonders.

Through the nobleman's journey, we explore the symbolism of moving from reliance on worldly securities to complete dependence on God's mercy. The episode highlights the transformative power of Christ's word, as Jesus heals the nobleman's son from a distance, illustrating that His divine authority is not bound by time or space.

Furthermore, we reflect on the greatest miracle of all: the miracle of faith, which arises from hearing and believing in Jesus' word. This faith is celebrated in the sacraments of baptism and communion, where simple elements become conduits of divine grace, uniting believers as one body in Christ.

Join us as we uncover the significance of these sacred signs and wonders, reminding us of the enduring presence and salvation that Jesus brings to our lives. Through His word and the church's sacred rites, we are called to be a living testimony of Christ's kingdom on earth.

Trinity 20. The King's Invitation: A Feast of Holy Love

In this enlightening episode, we explore the profound parable of the wedding feast, where a king extends an invitation to a magnificent celebration in honor of his son. This parable serves as a powerful metaphor for the gospel of Christ, depicting God the Father's invitation to partake in the eternal joy of union with Jesus Christ.

The narrative delves into the responses to this divine invitation, highlighting the grave consequences of rejection and the profound grace extended to those who accept. The episode examines the historical and spiritual implications of the parable, reflecting on the fate of those who opposed the messengers of God's love and the expansive reach of God's mercy.

Listeners are called to recognize the royal feast as a symbol of God's kingdom, where all are invited to partake in the riches of grace, mercy, and eternal life. Emphasizing the necessity of faith and the transformative power of Christ's righteousness, the episode encourages believers to clothe themselves in the wedding garment of Christ's love and to live in gratitude for their assured place in the heavenly feast.

Join us as we uncover the depth of God's love, the assurance of salvation, and the call to live as part of the bride of Christ, united in holy bliss with our bridegroom forever.

Trinity 19. Unwavering Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Bring Others to Christ

In this powerful sermon, we delve into the Gospel's parallel account from Luke chapter 5, where Jesus finds himself teaching in a crowded house, surrounded by skeptical Pharisees and teachers of the law. Despite their scrutiny, the Lord's power is with Jesus, allowing him to heal and forgive. Witness the extraordinary faith of a group of men who, undeterred by the obstacles, bring a paralyzed friend to Jesus by lowering him through a roof. Their actions exemplify a steadfast faith that does whatever it takes to bring people to Christ.

The sermon explores the profound message of faith and forgiveness, highlighting how Jesus addresses the root of human suffering—sin—by proclaiming forgiveness. As the Pharisees question his authority, Jesus demonstrates that his power to forgive is backed by his ultimate sacrifice, paving the way for true healing and redemption. This message resonates with the congregation, inspiring members to bring others to Christ through prayers, acts of mercy, and unwavering faith.

Through vivid storytelling and reflection, the sermon encourages believers to overcome barriers and embrace a faith that glorifies God. As Jesus continues to work among us, his authority to forgive remains, offering healing and restoration to all who seek him. Join us in witnessing the ongoing work of Christ, as we gather in his name, celebrating the extraordinary things he continues to do in our midst.