Author: Bethlehem Lutheran

  • Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:25-30)

    Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:25-30)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Fifth Sunday after Pentecost + July 9, 2017 Text: Matthew 11:25-30 It’s natural to think that those who strive are the ones who achieve their goals.  After all, that’s what we experience in our lives.  Initiative, determination, and dedication are all qualities that benefit you in daily life.   Yet,…

  • Fourth Sunday after Pentecost(Matthew 10:34-42)

    Fourth Sunday after Pentecost(Matthew 10:34-42)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Bethel Lutheran Church, Sweet Home, OR Fourth Sunday after Pentecost + July 2, 2017 Text: Matthew 10:34-42 Jesus tells us in the Gospel today that He brings three things to those who follow Him: a sword, a cross, and a life.  This is in the context of what Jesus told…

  • Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (Mark 13:3-13)

    Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (Mark 13:3-13)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Bethel Lutheran Church, Sweet Home, OR Presentation of the Augsburg Confession – June 25, 2017 Text: Mark 13:3-13 We live in the end times.   This is clear from the signs which we see around us.  Just look around and see that it’s only getting worse each year.  In these last…

  • 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6A)( Matthew 9:35-10:8)

    3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6A)( Matthew 9:35-10:8)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Bethel Lutheran Church, Sweet Home, OR 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6A) + June 18, 2017 Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8 Common themes The Lord’s care for His people by sending the elders with His Word The message: “You are my treasured possession”/”The Kingdom of heaven is at hand…Heal the sick, cast…

  • The Day of Pentecost (Numbers 11:24-30)

    The Day of Pentecost (Numbers 11:24-30)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR The Day of Pentecost + June 4, 2017 Text: Numbers 11:24-30 At this point in history, the Church needs to spend a lot of time straightening up the public office of the ministry—the preaching office.  In previous generations, it was never challenged that congregations need pastors, and of course those…

  • Sunday after the Ascension (1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11)

    Sunday after the Ascension (1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Sunday after the Ascension + May 28, 2017 Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11 Just imagine that you are hearing this as a first century Christian, who has witnessed the horror of crucifixion.  It’s how the world knows that criminals are punished.  Now apply that to your faith, that you believe…

  • Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21)

    Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Sixth Sunday of Easter + May 21, 2017 Text: John 14:15-21 As we approach Ascension Day (this year, May 25), we continue to hear powerfully encouraging words from our Lord about how He continues to be with us, even though hidden from our sight.   This time, our Lord tells…

  • Fifth Sunday of Easter (John 14:1-14)

    Fifth Sunday of Easter (John 14:1-14)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Fifth Sunday of Easter + May 14, 2017 Text: John 14:1-14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”  The only reason Jesus says this to His disciples is because He knows their hearts are troubled.  You don’t say “I am the Life” unless there’s…

  • Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1-10)

    Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1-10)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Fourth Sunday of Easter + May 7, 2017 Text: John 10:1-10 Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd in this section of John’s Gospel.  Typically, we picture the Shepherd standing in endless green hills, leading His sheep.  However, right from the top of this discussion, Jesus describes a sheepfold.  The…

  • Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:13-35)

    Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:13-35)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR Third Sunday of Easter + April 30, 2017 Text: Luke 24:13-35   On the road to Emmaus is another scene after the Resurrection.  It’s another way that Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples that their hope is not in vain and that all He said during His previous ministry is…