Caught By Jesus

1 Kings 17:17-24. Tragedy strikes even good Christian people. Why? When we're caught up in the emotional confusion of our own troubles, we seldom can see any good outcome. But as we take to heart what the Lord did for the widow at Zarephath, we learn that he works strength through tragedy. Parts: A. A widow's faith grows stronger. B. A prophet's example emboldens us. Preached on June 9, 2013, for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-LORD-Works-Strength-through-Tragedy-1Kings17_17-24.html

1 Kings 8:22-23. Solomon humbly prayed to the LORD at the dedication of the temple. The temple wasn't for his glory but for the LORD's. So Solomon relies on the Lord's faithfulness and mercy. He approaches the Lord in prayer as a servant, saying: 'Lord, hear your servant's prayer, A. Because you are faithful. B. Because you are merciful.' Preached on June 2, 2013, for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/_Lord,-Hear-Your-Servant_s-Prayer_-1Kings8_22-23.html

Numbers 6:24-26. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each one fully God. Each one distinct from the other. Yet they are ONE God. Although the mystery of who our God is goes far beyond our comprehension, what Good News that he makes his works known to us! For he is the only God who blesses. Parts: A. The Father keeps us under his care. B. The Son shines on us with his grace. C. The Spirit grants us peace. Preached on May 26, 2013, for Festival of the Holy Trinity, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Only-God-Who-Blesses-Numbers6_24-26.html

John 15:26, 27. So much in this world troubles us because we follow Jesus! But Jesus has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has sent God the Holy Spirit as our Counselor. The Spirit testifies about Jesus. Parts: A. To comfort us with Christ's forgiveness. B. To assure us with God’s truth. Preached on May 19, 2013, for Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Counselor-Testifies-about-Jesus-John15_26,27.html

Psalm 139:13-18. How marvelously our God brings new life into this world! What honor he gives to mothers! And he takes care of his people throughout life. How wonderfully our God works! Parts: A. He knitted each of us. B. He knows all our days. Preached on May 12, 2013, for Mother’s Day, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/How-wonderfully-Our-God-Works_-Psalm139_13-18.html

Revelation 19:11-16. How can we keep going when life wears us down? Remember that Jesus has ascended in glory. He reigns over all. With his strength we persevere. Parts: A. He has defeated our enemies, just as he said. B. He will trample them in final victory. Preached on May 5, 2013, for the Ascension of our Lord, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Persevere_-Your-Ascended-Lord-Reigns_-Revelation19_11-16.html

Revelation 7:9-17. A person's dreams and hopes can motivate them to press forward. But human dreams often end in disappointment. Rather, for real strength and courage to face the troubles and tribulations of life, dream of where the Lamb, Jesus Christ, leads us. Parts: A. Delivered from tribulation. B. Dressed in blood-washed robes. Preached on April 21, 2013, for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Dream-of-Where-the-Lamb-Leads-Us-Revelation7_9-17.html

Joshua 1:1, 6-9. As he did for Joshua, so also the Lord encourages us to hold on to his promises so that we stand strong with the Lord. Parts: A. Filled with his word. B. Filled with his courage. Preached on April 14, 2013, for the Third Sunday of Easter: Confirmation, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Stand-Strong-with-the-Lord-Joshua1_1,6-9.html

Revelation 1:5, 6. Easter changes us. It brought us over from death into new life in Christ. What hope, purpose, and strength Easter gives because it makes us a kingdom of priests! Parts: A. Freed by Christ's blood. B. Convinced by Christ's testimony. Preached on April 7, 2013, for the Second Sunday of Easter, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Easter-Makes-Us-a-Kingdom-of-Priests-Revelation1_5,6.html

Luke 19:37-40. Jesus will be praised, even if the stones have to do it. Let's shout with the stones. Parts: A. What are these stones?. B. How do we shout out?. Preached on March 24, 2013, for the Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Shout-with-the-Stones-Luke19_37-40.html

Luke 15:11-32. Our heavenly Father's heart goes out to us. What uncompromising compassion he shows! His compassion welcomes you. Parts: A. Beware of rejecting his compassion. B. Rejoice in his words of welcome. Preached on March 17, 2013, for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Your-Heavenly-Father_s-Uncompromising-Compassion-Welcomes-You-Luke15_11-32.html

Philippians 3:8-11. So many things in life seem important. But when it comes to our standing before God, it's all loss, except for Christ and his righteousness. What gain to know him! Parts: A. In him we have the righteousness from God. B. In him we endure all because of his resurrection. Preached on March 10, 2013, for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/What-Gain-to-Know-Christ_-Philippians3_8-11.html

Luke 13:1-9. Jesus longs to gather us to himself. Hear his patience calling you to repentance. Parts: A. How terrifying my own sin is!. B. How fruitful Jesus wants your faith to be!. Preached on March 3, 2013, for the Third Sunday in Lent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Hear-Christ_s-Patience-Calling-You-to-Repentance-Luke13_1-9.html

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13. The world speaks so much about love, especially as Valentine Day approaches. But what is the love that the Holy Spirit works in our hearts? Why does love make the difference? Parts: A. Without love gifts are nothing. B. Real love imitates God's love. Preached on February 3, 2013, for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Love-Makes-the-Difference-1Corinthians12_27-13_13.html

1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 26, 27. The body has many parts (eyes, ears, hands, feet), but it's one body. So also Christ. What a marvelous union this is! We are members of Christ's body. How are we using the abilities God has given and the roles he has placed us in as members of his body? Let's consider that, as we ponder the words the Holy Spirit gave the Apostle to write, focusing on the theme: As Christ's members, we care for each other. Parts: A. United in Christ by Baptism. B. Serving one another as God has arranged. Preached on January 27, 2013, for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/As-Christ_s-Members,-We-Care-for-Each-Other-1Corinthians12_12-21,26,27.html

1 Corinthians 12:1-11. How many Christmas gifts don't leave up to our expectations and are soon forgotten? How different is the Holy Spirit and the gifts he distributes! You, dear Christians, are God's gifted people. Parts: A. You have the gift of the Holy Spirit. B. He distributes other gifts to you as he knows best. Preached on January 20, 2013, for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/You-Are-God_s-Gifted-People-1Corinthians12_1-11.html

Psalm 2:1-12. So much evil in this world rages against Jesus and conspires against us his follows. But take heart, dear Christian, the Lord's anointed reigns. Parts: A. He shatters all opposition. B. He offers you refuge. Preached on January 13, 2013, for the First Sunday after Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Lord_s-Anointed-Reigns-Psalm2_1-12.html

Isaiah 60:1-6. What darkness we were born into! But your Light has come. So shine out of the darkness. Parts: A. Because the Light has risen for you. B. So that others are drawn to him. Preached on January 6, 2013, for the Epiphany of our Lord, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Shine-out-of-the-Darkness-Isaiah60_1-6.html

Luke 2:29-32. Simeon longed to see the promised Messiah. What peace when he held the baby in his arms! By faith he knew that this Child was the Son of God, his Savior. By faith we, too, have seen our salvation. Parts: A. What peace he brings! B. What light he gives! Preached on December 30, 2012, for the First Sunday after Christmas, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/We_ve-Seen-Our-Salvation-Luke2_29-32.html

John 3:16. Little children love to ask an endless chains of 'Why?' What happens when we ask 'Why Christmas?' Preached on December 24, 2012, for christmas Eve -- December 24, 2012, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Why-Christmas_-John3_16.html