16
Aug
2017
Sermon on 2 Samuel 22:26-34 (Psalm 18:25-33), for the 9th Sunday after Trinity, about how God is merciful, blameless, and pure, and wants us to reflect these qualities in our life, and why God appears "torturous" to the crooked. How does this fit into David's own life? How did he make his way "crooked" and find God to be "torturous"? How does God rescue us from crooked paths and crooked hearts? Who is, and where can you find a "blameless man" or "upright hero?"
7
Aug
2017
Sermon on Matthew 7:15-23, for the 8th Sunday after Trinity, about false prophets and their deceptions. How does this piece of the Sermon on the Mount fit into the bigger picture, as the "exit" of the sermon? What are the dangers and pitfalls that surround discipleship? How does a false prophet reveal himself? How do disciples learn to know the true Christ, so as not to be taken in by frauds and imposters? Who will enter the kingdom of heaven, and how?
31
Jul
2017
Sermon on Genesis 2:7-17, for the 7th Sunday after Trinity, about the creation of Adam, who we are as humans, and what God's original good purposes were for mankind. What image do we bear now? (1 Corinthians 15). What does this passage foreshadow about the Fall into sin? What's the passage illustrate about work? Stewardship? How does the knowledge of evil affect us? What is significant about how it did not affect Jesus? How will we bear the "image of the man of heaven?"
24
Jul
2017
Sermon on the Ten Commandments, for the 6th Sunday after Trinity, 1 Year Lectionary, about how disobeying the commandments goes against our own interest. But what is our greatest problem when we have broken them? What "house" did Israel leave, before God gave them the Ten Commandments? What "house" did God intend for them to live in? Who is the "Father of the house", and how does He grant entry or reentry? What is the relationship of Jesus to the Ten Commandments, and the relation of the Christian towards the commandments, both before and after salvation?
I have also written a hymn for the Ten Commandments that is a paraphrase of the Small Catechism. It can be sung to a variety of tunes on the meter 87 87 D
God the Lord brought you from Egypt
Text: paraphrase of the Small Catechism by Joshua V. Schneider
Meter: 87 87 D
Suggested Tune: Joyous Light, LSB 932
- God the Lord brought you from Egypt
- From the land of slavery
- Him alone you then must worship
- “Have no other gods but me”
- Carve no image, make no idol,
- Place no other on His throne;
- Let your fear, love, trust and reverence
- Rise to One True God alone.
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- Never take God’s Name but lightly
- Teaching falsely, lies or hate
- Never use God’s Name for cursing
- For His Holy Name is great.
- Take His Name for pray’r and praising
- Teaching truly, and in love
- Bear His Name, the Christian’s honor,
- His the Highest Name above!
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- Always keep the Sabbath holy,
- ‘Tis a day of peace and rest,
- Set aside your toilsome labors
- By the Word of God be blest.
- Gladly hear God’s Word and teaching
- Let His Word into your heart,
- For six days for work He’s given,
- Set the seventh day apart.
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- Honor father and your mother,
- Anger and despise them not
- Leaders, by our God are given
- So respect them as you ought.
- Honor them, serve and obey them,
- Loved and cherished from His hand,
- So the generations after,
- Will live long within the land.
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- God’s Word says: “You shall not murder”
- Life is good, a precious gift
- We are made in God’s own image,
- No fist ‘gainst your neighbor lift.
- Do not hurt or harm his body,
- Help, support his every need;
- Guard the weak and the defenseless
- Who are loved by God indeed.
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- You shall not commit adultery,
- Lead a chaste and decent life,
- Let not your eyes lusting, wander
- From your husband or your wife.
- Keep the marriage union holy
- Let not sin drive it apart,
- Bless what God has joined together
- Love and honor in your heart.
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- God’s Word says: “You shall not ste—al”
- Any neighbor’s property
- Do not take his goods or get them
- any way dishonestly.
- Help him to improve and keep them,
- Do as you would, unto you;
- Gain your goods by honest labor
- Work and give with your hands true.
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- Bear no witness ‘gainst your neighbor,
- Using tongue to lash or lie
- Do not slander or betray him,
- Spreading rumors falsely by.
- But defend his reputation
- Use your tongue to bless and pray
- And whenever you are doubtful,
- Speak it in the kindest way.
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- God’s Word says, “You shall not covet”
- That means want it sinfully.
- Covet no man’s wife or workers
- Not his home, or property.
- Do not scheme, allure or take them
- Help them always to be true;
- Content, faithful in their duty,
- Just as God desires of you.
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- God the Lord says, “I am jealous”;
- Punish those who disobey,
- But a thousand generations
- I bless all who will obey.
- I give grace and every blessing
- If you love all my commands.
- So do not relax or weaken
- Even one of my demands.
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- I confess, Lord, I have broken
- Your most holy, just commands.
- I can make no claim of merit
- That before your justice stands.
- But before your throne of mercy,
- I am pleading by your Son;
- Pour on me His grace and favor,
- That upon the cross was won.
-
- Jesus Christ obeyed and honored
- Every law of God for us.
- Though His law is good and holy,
- It can give no righteousness.
- But by faith it has been given
- To all who believe and trust
- It’s the righteousness of Jesus,
- Praise and thank His Name so Just.
16
Jul
2017
Sermon on Luke 5:1-11, for the 5th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr. Lectionary), about the call of Peter, the miracle catch of fish, the call to discipleship, and Peter's unworthiness. How does Jesus come to us in our sin? What use does He have for our gifts? Why does He ask for our help? How do we react like Peter to the Lord's commands?
I also have composed a hymn to accompany this passage, printed below:
Into a Net that Christ Prepares
Text: Joshua V. Schneider
Meter: CM (86 86)
Melody: MCKEE (LSB 653 In Christ there is No East or West)
Into a Net that Christ Prepares
A world of sinners swim
His Gospel promises He shares
And whole, encircles them.
Though nets may strain, they will not break
His church, it firm shall stand,
For this confession it shall make:
“Christ is Living God and Man!”
Before His holiness we cry:
“Have mercy, Lord, on me!”
And on our knees hear His reply,
“From all your sins be free!”
“Caught live for purposes my own,
Gifts I bestow on you;
Are to be used as I have shown,
Serve them as I have you.”
Beholding Christ with unveiled face,
His image we will take;
Drawn on our service He will trace,
To live for other’s sake.
Into the world the Gospel casts
The joy of Christ’s new life!
Releases us from dreadful blasts,
Of sin and bitter strife.
God’s kingdom prospers by His grace
We’re sent by His command
Catch men and women, every race
Drawn by His nail-marked hand.
10
Jul
2017
Sermon on Luke 6:36-42, for the 4th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus' teaching on mercy and forgiveness, and how we are not to judge or condemn. What does the parable about the blind man and the log and the speck mean? What is the hypocrisy we are so prone to? How do we become merciful after the example of our Father and Jesus our Teacher? What is the positive side of our responsibility to help restore and lead others away from sin? How is this different from judging or condemning?
3
Jul
2017
Sermon on Luke 1:39-45, the Visitation (1 Year Lectionary), about the visit of the pregnant Virgin Mary to the pregnant Elizabeth, and the joy and the movement of the Holy Spirit that occurred on that encounter. What does this teach us about preborn infants and their relation to the Holy Spirit? What does it show about the presence of Jesus, as it relates to faith, the Spirit, and joy? In both the people in the story, and in us today? What is the core essence of faith? When do humans become "spiritual vessels", capable of receiving the Holy Spirit and His action upon us?
26
Jun
2017
A Sermon on Psalm 119:46 & Psalm 46:1-3, 7, which is the Introit for the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (June 25, 1530). This is a sermon about confessing God's Word and Truth before kings, as the German princes boldly did, and how confession and unity in the church comes from a deep confidence in and love for God's Word. A brief history of the presentation, and reflection on how they were living out the confidence in God and His Word that is expressed in these Psalm verses. How radical was their trust in God? What did the princes have in common with many before them who confessed the faith at risk to their lives and safety? What is the foundation of the Christian church, and what does that mean over against it's enemies?
19
Jun
2017
Sermon on 1 John 4:16-21, for the 1st Sunday after Trinity (1 Year lectionary), by guest preacher Pastor Stephen Becker of Greenhaven Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA. A sermon about what it means that God is Love, and His command for us to love one another as He loves us. What is the nature of love? Is it an attitude or feeling? What does it require of us?
16
Jun
2017
Sermon on Isaiah 6:1-7, for Trinity Sunday, 1 Year Lectionary, about Isaiah's terrifying encounter with the Holiness of the Living God, and how God mercifully intervened to atone for the sins of Isaiah. What existential crisis faced Isaiah, Israel, and faces us? How does God resolve this, in light of His holiness? What does the image of fire relate to us concerning God's holiness?
5
Jun
2017
Sermon on Genesis 11:1-9 & Acts 2:1-21, for Pentecost, 1 Year Lectionary, about the contrast between the Tower of Babel and the miraculous Pentecost. How are these two accounts, in many ways a reversal of each other? Whose name was exalted? What was God signalling through this miracle?
31
May
2017
Sermon on Ezekiel 36:22-28, for the 7th Sunday of Easter (1 Year Lectionary), "Exaudi" Sunday ("Listen!"). A sermon about the grace-filled agenda that God sets in Ezekiel 36 for the restoration of holiness and honor to His Name, after it had been "profaned" by the people of Judah among the nations. What does it mean to vindicate? To profane? How do we bear God's name for good or ill, honor or dishonor? How are we "sprinkled clean?" Given a new heart and spirit? What does this passage prove about the way that God works for His people by grace, and not for their reward?
22
May
2017
Sermon on John 16:23-30, for the 6th Sunday of Easter (1 Yr lectionary), Rogate Sunday (Ask!). A sermon about Jesus' promise that "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." What does Jesus promise mean? How do we address our doubts and worries about this? What does it mean to ask in His name? How can we experience the fullness of joy that Jesus promises to deliver? What does it mean to love Jesus, and be loved by Him? Why is this a love worth dying for? Is that how we are saved?
15
May
2017
Sermon on John 16:5-15, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Cantate (Sing!), in the 1 Year lectionary. A sermon about Jesus' farewell discourse, His sending of the Holy Spirit, and what the "convicting" work of the Holy Spirit is about. How does the Spirit convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? Who is the "ruler of this world?" How does the Spirit of Truth speak freedom to us, through the cross of Jesus?
8
May
2017
Sermon on Isaiah 40:25-31, for the 4th Sunday of Easter (1 Year Lectionary, Jubilate (Shout for Joy!) Sunday. A sermon about God's conversation with His people about how He is an incomparable God (starting back in verse 9) and the immeasurable greatness of His creation and our inability to comprehend it all or to judge or advise Him. How many stars are in the universe? Why is this significant, and what does it have to do with God's care for us? Why is it an ancient thought to think that God has forgotten us? What is His response? How does He lift us up as on eagle's wings?
