Caught By Jesus

2 Kings 4:8-37. This woman from Shunem leads us to examine our attitude toward motherhood. In Christ we have forgiveness for our sins against motherhood and his strength for the crises motherhood can bring. Parts: A. His wondrous gift of motherhood. B. His strength in a mother's crisis. Preached on May 9, 2010, for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Lord-Blesses-a-Shunammite-Woman-and-Mothers-Today-2Kings4_8-37.html

David and Jonathan illustrate key traits of friendship. But this is more than a how-to lesson on friendship, for their friendship reflects the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Parts: A. The characteristics of friendship. B. The failures of earthly friendship. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Friendship-Excelling-in-Love_-A-Case-Study-of-Jonathan-and-David-1Samuel20_12-17.html

Even after the disciples had abandoned Jesus in his suffering, he still has a mission for them. And he still has a mission for you, his forgiven child. Parts: A. A night of waiting. B. A repeated miracle. C. A promise and blessing. Preached on April 18, 2010, for the Third Sunday of Easter, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Pictures-of-Easter-SelectedTexts.html

Jesus has risen! His Easter victory is yours through faith. How can we keep Easter in front of us each day of our lives? Here are some pictures that bring Jesus' resurrection home to our hearts. Parts: A. Sea Shells. B. Easter Lily. C. Easter Trophy. D. Easter Eggs. Preached on April 4, 2010, for Easter: The Resurrection of our Lord, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Order of service available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Pictures-of-Easter-SelectedTexts.html

In quiet meditation we reflect on what Jesus suffered to pay for our sins. By his wounds we are healed. Preached on April 2, 2010, for Good Friday: Service of Darkness, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Good-Friday_-Service-of-Darkness-JesusWordsFromTheCross.html

What a marvelous inheritance Jesus has left us in the Lord's Supper, his last will and testament! Let's reflect on it as guided by Jesus' words which Martin Luther used in the Small Catechism. Parts: The Setting for the Supper. Part One: What is the Sacrament of Holy Communion?. Part Two: What blessings do we receive through this eating and drinking?. Part Three: How can eating and drinking do such great things?. Part Four: Who, then, is properly prepared to receive this sacrament?. Preached on April 1, 2010, for maundy Thursday, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Reflections-on-the-Lord_s-Supper-from-Luther_s-Small-Catechism-SelectedText.html

How dare we lift up our heads, sinners that we are? Jesus answers that as he rides into Jerusalem. Parts: A. How can we dare to? Only because his blood washes us clean. B. How do we? By seeking him as our mighty Hero. Preached on March 28, 2010, for the Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Lift-Up-Your-Heads_-See-the-King-of-Glory_-Psalm24_1-10.html

Our own doings can not make us right before God. For only Christ's righteousness, which is yours by faith alone, stands in God's courtroom. Parts: A. All other gains are garbage. B. Your faith knows the power of Christ's resurrection. C. You strain forward toward your resurrection sharing in Christ's suffering. Preached on March 21, 2010, for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/In-Losing-Everything,-You_ve-Gained-Christ_s-Righteousness-Philippians3_8-14.html

As we submit to God and come near to him through his Word and Sacraments, he lifts us up in victory over the devil and washes us clean. Parts: A. The devil will flee. B. Your hearts will be clean. Preached on March 14, 2010, for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN.Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Submit-to-God,-For-He-Lifts-Up-the-Lowly-James4_7-10.html

What can we learn for our lives today from what happened to Israel when they left Egypt and journeyed through the desert? Parts: A. Christ lavishes his spiritual blessings on all of us. B. Warning! Don't arrogantly abuse his goodness. C. Only his faithfulness sustains us. Preached on March 7, 2010, for the Third Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Divine-Lessons-From-Israel_s-History-1Corinthians10_1-13.html

In our Christian warfare on earth, imitate the example of those like Paul who look only to the cross of Christ, anticipating heaven. Parts: A. Imitating those who, like Paul, are allies of the cross of Christ. B. Anticipating our true country. Preached on February 28, 2010, for the Second Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Stand-Firm-With-Your-Fellow-Citizens-Philippians3_17-4_1.html

Greed brought trouble to Achan. What hope do we have in the grasp of greed's temptation? Parts: A. Greed grabs at our hearts. B. Jesus is greater than our greed. Preached on February 21, 2010, for the First Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Greed-Isn_t-just-for-the-Rich-Joshua7_16-26.html

Why did the wicked prosper and the faithful suffer? Through Psalm 73 our God brings us comfort and strength as we struggle with this question. Parts: Preached on February 14, 2010, for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany: Transfiguration, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN.Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Remember-What_s-Ahead-Psalm73_1-28.html

The Good News of Jesus has saved us. How precious it is! Now we can continue the chain and pass it on to others. Parts: A. Cherish it in faith. B. Share it with others. Preached on February 7, 2010, for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Only-the-Message-of-Christ-Saves-Romans10_13-17.html

God's promises made the difference for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. His promises overcome our worries. He cares for you as your Father. For through faith in Jesus, you are his dear child. Parts: A. The widow's worries. B. Our God is in command. C. Trust your Father's promises and act accordingly. Preached on January 31, 2010, for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Our-Father_s-Promises-Trump-our-Worries-1Kings17_7-16.html

How do you deal with guilt? People try many different ways, but only Jesus can truly cut away guilt's chains. Parts: A. From the chains of guilt. B. By forgiveness from Jesus. Preached on January 24, 2010, for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Released_-Luke4_14-21.html

Jesus turned water into wine. What does this miraculous sign point us to? How does it affect our faith? Parts: A. Jesus cares about all my concerns. B. Jesus blesses my earthly lot. C. Jesus reveals his divine glory. Preached on January 17, 2010, for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Faith-Celebrates-What-the-Sign-Points-To-John2_1-11.html

How can we have a heart like David's rather than like King Saul's? Let's learn what the Holy Spirit does as he works in our hearts through Baptism and God's promises. Parts: A. The Lord's not fooled by outward appearance. B. The Lord's Spirit changes us at the core. Preached on January 10, 2010, for the First Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/God-Knows-Your-Heart-1Samuel16_1-13.html

Praise to our God! He replaces fear with joy, changes doubt to faith, and welcomes our service that flows from faith in Jesus. Parts: A. The Lord has ransomed you from fear. B. The Lord drives out your doubts with his word. C. The Lord enables you to serve him with joy. Preached on January 3, 2010, for the Second Sunday after Christmas, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Join-Zechariah_s-Praise-to-the-Lord-Luke1_68-75.html

Although God's way can seem must unusual, trust him with patient hope. Parts: A. His way amazes. B. His way brings hope. C. His way prevails. Preached on December 27, 2009, for the First Sunday after Christmas, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/God_s-Way-Does-Not-Fail-Numbers24_17.html