Category: Sunday
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The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Readings: Exodus 34:29-35 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Matthew 17:1-9 Text: Matthew 17:1-9 I. The Transfiguration can best be understood in light of the cross, comparing the different features. Our desire is to stay at the Transfiguration because we’ve “arrived.” a. Immediately before, six days before, Jesus told His disciples, “Truly, I say to you,…
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The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
Readings: Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38 | Titus 3:4-7 | John 1:1-18 Text: Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38 Focus: The difference between the tabernacle erected by men’s hands (even according to God’s command) is far surpassed by the tabernacle not made with hands by which the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. Function: That my hearers would better…
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Fourth Sunday in Advent
~ Rorate Coeli ~ Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 1:39-56 Text: Philippians 4:4-7 “The Lord is at Hand For You” Intro: It formed the theme for last Sunday, and now here it is again: Rejoice in the Lord always. Today focuses heavily on the reason for rejoicing in all circumstances: The Lord…
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Third Sunday in Advent
~ Gaudete ~ Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 | Matthew 11:2-11 Text: Isaiah 40:1-8 It’s been said that Isaiah is a reflection of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The first 39 chapters speak of God’s judgment against His wayward people and the nations of the earth. The 40th chapter begins the proclamation…
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Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: Malachi 4:1-6 | Romans 15:4-13 | Luke 21:25-36 Text: Malachi 4:1-6 Every day, we are reminded that the godless enjoy prosperity and ease. They are the ones getting their way in the senate, gaining favor in school and society. The boastful sneer at the Christians and speak evil of them falsely (calling them bigots…
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First Sunday in Advent
~ Ad Te Levavi ~ Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8 | Romans 13:8-14 | Matthew 21:1-9 Text: Matthew 21:1-9 “Your King Comes to You” This is the beginning of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas. This word, Advent, is handed down to us from generations of Christians before us. It means, “to come to” (ad +…
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The Feast of All Saints (observed)
Readings: Revelation 7:2-19 | 1 John 3:1-3 | Matthew 5:1-12 Text: Revelation 7:2-19 Theme: The victory and salvation of the Church of all time belongs to the Lamb, which He has given to you. I. Reading the Book of Revelation is kind of like diving into the Old Testament. It seems to be full of…
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Reformation Sunday
Readings: Revelation 14:6-7 | Romans 3:19-28 | Matthew 11:12-19 Text: Matthew 11:12-19 Theme: The Reformation is about the natural beauty of hearing the Word of Christ in faith. They’re on the side of your head, but they don’t often get much attention (unless something is wrong with them). But on this commemoration of the Reformation,…
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The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem
Readings: Acts 15:12–22a | James 1:1-12 | Matthew 13:54–58 Text: James 1:1-12 Theme: The Lord rescued James from relying on his own understanding, and gave him heavenly wisdom to lead the Church after the Ascension. I. The followers of Jesus after the Ascension have become a mess. Conflict over circumcision (Acts 15:1-5), being driven away…
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Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
Readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-21 | 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 | Matthew 22:34-46 Text: Matthew 22:34-46 Theme: Knowing the Lord our God, Jesus Christ, is a gift which He gives, not the fruit of our efforts to know Him. I. I remember trying to explain the Trinity to my friend, who was a young Christian. It wasn’t an…