Caught By Jesus

Hebrews 10:5-10. How different Jesus sacrifice is! As we celebrate his birth, we see the Son of God with a human body. Only his sacrifice can make us holy. Parts: A. He came as the Sacrifice. B. He fulfilled God's will. Preached on December 23, 2012, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Christ_s-Body-Makes-Us-Holy-Hebrews10_5-10.html

Malachi 3:1-4. Nothing we do is good enough to save us. But Jesus came to purify you and me, cleansing us from all sins. He not only purifies us but also our actions so that we can serve our God, rejoicing that Jesus comes to purify. Parts: A. How much we need to be purified!. B. How blessed we are that Jesus came!. Preached on December 16, 2012, for the Second Sunday of Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at htp://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Jesus-Comes-to-Purify-Malachi3_1-4.html

Jeremiah 33:14-16. Often God's promises seem to be dead stumps. We wonder how it's possible for him to keep them. But look how he kept his impossible promise to send Jesus. Like a branch springing from a dead stump, Jesus came to save you. The righteous Branch brings you hope. Parts: A. He fulfills God's saving promise. B. He is your righteousness. Preached on December 2, 2012, for the First Sunday of Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Righteous-Branch-Brings-You-Hope-Jeremiah33_14-16.html

John 18:33-37. As Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, he appears so weak and foolish. But here is our King and his kingdom is out of the world. Parts: A. It appears weak, but only Jesus is strong to save. B. It appears foolish, but Jesus speaks the absolute truth. Preached on November 25, 2012, for last Sunday of End Times: Christ the King, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Christ_s-Kingdom-Is-Out-of-This-World-John18_33-37.html

2 Kings 5:1-17. As we refelct on the events surrounding Naaman's life, we learn about thanksgiving. Thanksfulness springs up from our hearts. Parts: A. In words. B. In faith. C. In actions. Preached on November 21, 2012, for Thanksgiving Eve, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Thankfulness-Springs-Up-from-Our-Hearts-2Kings5_1-17.html

John 5:25-29. How powerful Jesus' voice! Long ago, his word made the lame to walk. Still today his word brings spiritual life to hearts once dead in sin. And when he returns, his word will call the dead from the graves. Because of his word, you're alive. Parts: A. Raised by the Son's voice. B. Raised to live eternally. Preached on November 18, 2012, for end Times 3: Saints Triumphant, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/You_re-Alive_-John5_25-29.html

Hebrews 9:24-28. Judgment Day stirs up dread and terror. But because of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice, our entire view of that day changes. Through faith in Jesus, we can say, 'I can't wait for Judgment Day!' Parts: A. Because Christ's one sacrifice does away with all sin. B. Because Christ's second coming will bring me salvation. Preached on November 11, 2012, for End Times 2: The Last Judgment, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN.

John 8:36. What's your freedom as a Christian all about? In November 1520, Martin Luther published a tract entitled, 'On the Freedom of a Christian.' This wasn't his reasoned opinions but the conviction God's Word had brought to his heart. Jesus has set us free making us both lords and servants. Parts: A. A Christian is a free lord over all things, subject to no one. B. A Christian is a dutiful servant in all things, subject to everyone. Preached on November 4, 2012, for the First Sunday of End Times: Reformation Sunday, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Your-Freedom-as-a-Christian-John8_36.html

Hebrews 3:1-6. How comforting to know that Jesus alone is our apostle and high priest and that we are his household through faith in him! But the other religions and philosphies in this world do not want to hear that only Jesus saves. Nonetheless, faithfully confess how different Jesus is. Parts: A. He alone is the Apostle and High Priest. B. We are his house only if we hold on to him. Preached on October 21, 2012, for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (wels), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Faithfully-Confess-How-Different-Jesus-Is-Hebrews3_1-6.html

Genesis 2:18-24. Marriage is God's wonderful gift. But we see it under attack more and more. How can we defend and honor his gift of marriage? Parts: A. God established marriage according to his design. B. Marriage is attacked by the world and our own sinfulness. C. Your Bridegroom has given you his wedding gown. Remain faithful to him. D. Uphold marriage by carrying out your god-given roles as Christian, citizen, and family member. Preached on October 14, 2012, for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Honor-God_s-Gift-of-Marriage-Genesis2_18-24.html

Numbers 11:16, 24-29. The Lord intervened in a special way to help Moses lead Israel. He placed his Spirit on seventy elders. The same Lord pours out the Holy Spirit on us through Baptism and his Word. He has placed his Spirit on us so that we can share his word, just as the prophets of old did. Parts: Preached on October 7, 2012, for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Printable copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/The-Lord-Has-Put-His-Spirit-on-You-Numbers11_16,24-29.html

Psalm 91:11, 12. We are not alone in our spiritual warfare. God's angels guard and protect us. They are spiritual warriors guarding God's people. Parts: A. They guard you, who know the Lord in faith. B. They guard you from Satan's snares. Preached on September 30, 2012, for St. Michael and All Angels, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Angels_-Spiritual-Warriors-Guarding-God_s-People-Psalm91_11,12.html

1 Peter 4:12-19. Often as we do what is right in God's sight, we may suffer at the world's hand. But take heart. Your Creator is faithful. Entrust yourself into his care. For when you suffer fiery trial as a Christian: Parts: A. Rejoicing as you share in Christ's sufferings. B. Anticipating the glory at Christ's revelation. Preached on September 23, 2012, for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/In-Fiery-Trials-Commit-Your-Soul-to-Your-Faithful-Creator-1Peter4_12-19.html

Acts 3:1-10. It seems that we often fail to get what we want. But God is at work giving us more than we desire. How much he exceeds our expectations! Parts: A. Much more than the crippled man desired. B. Much more than we desire. Preached on September 16, 2012, for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN.

John 6:60-69. As fearsome as earthly wars are, they cannot compare to the battle the Christian fights. We battle on, not with our own strength, but with the Lord's. With his strength battle on. Parts: A. Knowing your enemy. B. Standing firm with God's armor. C. Staying alert in prayer. Preached on September 9, 2012, for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Battle-on-with-the-Lord_s-Strength-Ephesians6_10-20.html

John 6:60-69. Do you believe in Jesus because someone told you about him? Or does your faith hold on to the words of Scripture as its foundation? When it comes to what to believe, don't take my word for it. Take Jesus' word. Parts: A. How contrary to our human way of thinking! B. How necessary for our life now and forever! Preached on September 2, 2012, for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Don_t-Take-My-Word-for-It.-Take-His-Word.-John6_60-69.html

John 6:51-58. Jesus concludes his Bread of Life sermon with a warning and a promise. Only those who believe in the sacrifice of his flesh and blood for them will be saved. But everyone whose faith feeds on him lives forever. Parts: A. Only his flesh and blood are real food. B. All who feed on him have fellowship with God. Preached on August 26, 2012, for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Everyone-Who-Feeds-on-Jesus_-Flesh-Lives-Forever-John6_51-58.html

Psalm 34:1-22. No matter what the danger, the Lord is our refuge. Now to take refuge in him includes having a new attitude toward him. We see David express this attitude of faith in Psalm 34 as he takes refuge in the Lord. Parts: A. With humility that boasts in the Lord. B. With righteousness that pursues the good. C. With confidence in the Lord's deliverance. Preached on August 19, 2012, for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Take-Refuge-in-the-LORD-Psalm34_1-22.html

2 Timothy 3:14-17. How powerful the Bible is! It saves. It equips us to do good. Do we use its power in our daily life or do we let it just sit around? Let's use this powerful word from our Savior-God. Parts: A. It save you through faith in Jesus. B. It fully equips you for every good work. Preached on July 15, 2012, for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/How-Useful-the-Bible_s-Power-Is_-2Timothy3_14-17.html

1 Timothy 2:1-6. How can we carry out our responsibilities as both a Christian and a citizen without confusing the roles of church and state? Let's listen to what our God says as we pray for the nation. Parts: A. God wants all to be saved by faith in his truth. B. God grants us earthly peace to spread his truth. Preached on July 8, 2012, for a Service of National Thanksgiving, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Pray-for-the-Nations-1Timothy2_1-6.html