Author: Bethlehem Lutheran

  • Advent 3 Midweek (Isaiah 40:1-8)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Advent 3 Midweek – December 20, 2017 Text: Isaiah 40:1-8   Who doesn’t like to feel comfortable?  It sure is nice to not be annoyed, or hungry, or sleepy.  Your favorite chair, your favorite room in the house, your favorite food and the people around you. That’s what we’re all…

  • Third Sunday in Advent (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)

    Third Sunday in Advent (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Bethel Lutheran Church, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete) + December 17, 2017 Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5   John the Baptist was that voice foretold long before—one crying in the wilderness, a messenger before the Lord’s face, and him who was to come in the spirit and…

  • Advent Midweek 2 (Malachi 4:1-6)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Wednesday of Advent 2 + December 12, 2017 Text: Malachi 4:1-6   THERE’S NOTHING HOTTER THAN HELL, BUT THERE’S NOTHING MORE REJUVENATING THAN THE GRACE OF GOD.   Is it hot in here?  Yes, I do believe it’s hotter than hell in here.  We hear that phrase thrown around thoughtlessly. …

  • Fear Not, The Kingdom of God is At Hand (Luke 21:25-36)

    Fear Not, The Kingdom of God is At Hand (Luke 21:25-36)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Bethel Lutheran Church, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR Second Sunday in Advent + December 10, 2017 Text: Luke 21:25-36 Let’s be honest, the things described in the end times are scary!  They make even the worst terrorist attack seem like a hiccup, because it’s not just going to be in one…

  • Advent Midweek I (Jeremiah 23:5-8)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Advent Midweek I – December 6, 2017 Text: Jeremiah 23:5-8   True salvation vs. counterfeit hope   In the days of Jeremiah, every true Israelite was in expectation.  The nation was severely broken—ruled by kings who had more interest in feasts and fertility gods than the spiritual welfare of God’s…

  • The King of Kings Comes for You (Matthew 21:1-9)

    The King of Kings Comes for You (Matthew 21:1-9)

    Bethlehem Lutheran & Bethel Lutheran Churches, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR First Sunday in Advent (Ad Te Levavi) + December 3, 2017 Text: Matthew 21:1-9 “Your King Comes to You”   This is the beginning of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas.  Advent comes to us from Latin, meaning “to come to” (ad +…

  • The Great Day When Faith Turns to Sight (Matthew 25:31-46)

    The Great Day When Faith Turns to Sight (Matthew 25:31-46)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Bethel Lutheran Church, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR Last Sunday of the Church Year + November 26, 2017 Text: Matthew 25:31-46 We are Christians living in the Last Days.  As such, it is our calling not to measure the frequency of wars, famines, and earthquakes, but to wait patiently for the…

  • Giving Thanks, No Matter Circumstances (Philippians 4:6-13)

    Giving Thanks, No Matter Circumstances (Philippians 4:6-13)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Service of Thanksgiving – November 22, 2017 Text: Philippians 4:6-13 St. Paul’s words sound preposterous: Do not be anxious about anything.  Whatever is true, honorable, just, etc…think about these things.  I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  What…

  • Clarifying the Last Day (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

    Clarifying the Last Day (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Bethel Lutheran Church, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR 2nd to Last Sunday of the Church Year + November 19, 2017 Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Adapted from a sermon by Pastor Alexander Lange   13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you…

  • A Wise Virgin is Ready for the Long Run (Matthew 25:1-13)

    A Wise Virgin is Ready for the Long Run (Matthew 25:1-13)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Bethel Lutheran Church, Lebanon & Sweet Home, OR Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost + November 12, 2017 Text: Matthew 25:1-13 We can all agree that preparation is an important thing to do.  If you are prepared for something, it will be easier to meet when it comes.  This is true of…