My Christmas Sermon

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I wrote a short Christmas sermon and decided to post it here for your consideration. I enjoyed writing it and hope you find it a good read. Christmas Sermon 2016.pdf

A Christmas Mentality

This is a Christmas message that might catch you off guard. I encourage you to read the text before listening.

A Chirstmas Mentality Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 2:13-18 - English Standard Version

Merry Christmas!

Here is a little surprise for Christmas! May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas as you celebrate the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In your Flesh Bible Gateway passage: John 1:1-14 - English Standard Version

Merry Christmas!

All Scripture Is God Breathed

This is an excellent sermon and teaching on inspiration, authority, meaning, and purpose of scripture. I hope you enjoy it and are encouraged!

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God - 2 Tim. 3:14-4:5 - Sermons - Faith Free Lutheran Bible Gateway passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - English Standard Version

Do Not Be Afraid Joseph

A short sermon on the person of Joseph and the message of the angels. Christmas is almost here!

Do not be afraid, Joseph - saint benedict's table Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 1:18-25 - English Standard Version

Wolves with Rotten Fruit

Does it matter what we believe? Is the message of the Bible clear? Are we like the believers Luke commends in Acts: "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 Below is a good sermon that discusses these issues. I'd enjoy hearing what you think!

Wolves with Rotten Fruit Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 7:15-20 - English Standard Version

Jesus Is Ready For You!

Enjoy this short podcast that encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus's return during the Advent season. Following that is a short, interesting, and entertaining Advent sermon that shares a complementary message. Below that is the biblical text for the sermon. As always, I appreciate your comments. Enjoy!

I Hate The Mall | episode 3 in our series of Advent podcasts - saint benedict's table Don't Get Ready for Christmas, Get Ready for Jesus - Sarah Condon - The Mockingpulpit Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 24:36-44 - English Standard Version

Ten Commandment Diagnostic Questions

Below is the list of self-diagnostic questions discussed in the video. I find them to be a good tool for evaluating my love for God and neighbor and a reminder to daily repent of my sin.

1.  What am I afraid of?
2.  How are my prayers?
3.  What is my attitude toward worship?
4.  What is my attitude toward authority?
5.  Am I angry?
6.  Am I chaste/content with my spouse?
7.  Am I greedy/lazy?
8.  Am I bitter?
9 & 10. Am I content/happy?

If you like this video, you can find more here. There are videos on each commandment and many other Biblical texts. Grappling with the Text Videos Enjoy!

A Difficult But Necessary Advent Gift

Enjoy this advent message on John The Baptist!

A Difficult But Necessary Advent Gift - For You - The Podcast Page of Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard Bible Gateway passage: Mark 1:1-8 - English Standard Version
Below is a Advent hymn interspersed with poetry by Malcolm Guite that highlights the biblical themes expressed in the song. If you enjoy his poetry, you can find more here.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel | episode 2 in our series of Advent podcasts - saint benedict's table

Words that Will Not Pass Away

It's time for an Advent season sermon. Advent is the beginning of the church calendar/year and is the season we reflect on what it means to be the people of God as we wait for Christ's return. Here is an article that explains the Advent season.

Words that Will Not Pass Away - Luke 21:25-36 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast Bible Gateway passage: Luke 21:25-36 - English Standard Version You might notice that I am playing around with the blog post formating and also using a new podcast streaming website. I'd enjoy your feedback!

Introducing Advent

If you grew up like me, attending an evangelical church, you might not know anything about the season of Advent. Advent begins four weeks before Christmas, which means this year it begins on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Advent is a time of preparation and expectation leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth. It also has themes that look forward with hope and anticipation to Christ's second coming. For churches that follow the liturgical calendar, Christmas season doesn't begin until Christmas Eve and continues for 12 days until Epiphany.

I have enjoyed learning about Advent and other seasons/celebrations of the liturgical church calendar. It reminds me that the Church isn't something we invented yesterday. The seasons and celebrations (feasts) of the Church are rich in theology, worship, and practical application.

This blog post includes links to two podcasts. The first is a short (5 minute) podcast that highlights a song written for Advent season. It is a beautiful song that focuses on the themes of promise, waiting, and hope. There are five more of these short podcasts, and I will post them over the next few weeks. The second link is a fourteen minute Christmas Eve message that does a good job of introducing the season of Advent and is a heart warming story as well. Both podcasts are from St. Benedict's Table in Manitoba, Canada.

Come Lord | Episode 5 in our series of Advent podcasts

A bit of holy mischief | A sermon for Christmas Eve

Over the next four weeks, I will be posting sermons that fit into the Advent theme. Thank you to those of you who are listening. I would appreciate hearing from you in the form of a blog comment or an email if you are enjoying this blog. Have a wonderful Advent season as we anticipate the coming of our Lord Jesus the Christ!

Thanksgiving

Below is a link to a thanksgiving sermon. Sorry for the broken link in the email share. Happy Thanksgiving!

Merciful Thanks 11/23/16 - Sermons

Christ: The Final Word

Is everyone ready for another good sermon? This sermon was preached by Timothy Keller in 2005, and is part of series on the book of Hebrews. The text from Hebrews is read aloud by an unnamed reader before the sermon and is worth the price of the entire sermon. If I ever write a book, I want him to read the audio version.

Christ: The Final Word

Rev. Timothy Keller / Redeemer Presbyterian Church

February 6, 2005 / Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4

From Death's Pale Brow Forever

It's time for another sermon. I love this church because on their website "About Us" page, it says: "It's not about us. It's about Christ crucified for our sin. But if you really want to know about us, we're a bunch of sinners and we'd love to tell you about Christ's forgiveness." This is the first sermon I've ever heard on the theme of death except at a funeral. If you can survive the first 5 minutes and 20 seconds you are in for a big surprise!

From Death's Pale Brow Forever

Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 7:9-17 - English Standard Version

A Great Multitude from Every Nation - After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

Theology as Child's Play

Here is an excellent sermon that highlights a game Martin Luther suggested parents and teachers play with children to teach the great themes of the Bible. Here is what Luther said about the game:

And let no man think himself too wise for such child’s play. Christ, to train men, had to become man himself. If we wish to train children, we must become children with them. Would to God such child’s play were widely practiced. In a short time we would have a wealth of Christian people whose souls would be so enriched in Scripture and in the knowledge of God that of their own accord they would add more pockets.

Enjoy the sermon and listen for the game! I have become fond of playing the game in my head when reading scripture and listening to sermons. Here is the text: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Not Surprised by Sufferiong - 1 Peter 4:12-19

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller / Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO

January 3, 2016 / 1 Peter 4:12-19

You Are The Body Of Christ

It's time for another great sermon. This one focuses on the Church as the Body of Christ. The text is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Enjoy!

You Are The Body of Christ

Jamie Howison / St. Benedict's Table Winnipeg, Canada

Date: January 24, 2016 / Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

A Man Named Martin

Ready for some reformation history?

Below is a link to playlist of eight videos. I am currently in the process of watching them, so if you find anything "interesting" please comment!

A Man Named Martin

These videos are published by Lutheran Hour Ministries. The first five were produced in 2015, and focus on Martin Luther. The details of Luther's life including his childhood, education, decision to become a monk, protest of Catholic practices, his voluminous writings, his life in hiding, and his roles as husband and father are all considered in these videos.

The final three videos were produced in 2016, and focus on teachings of the late Medieval Church including purgatory, penance, celibacy, prayers for the dead, transubstantiation, the treasury of merits of Christ, devotion to Mary and the rosary, the institution of the papacy, and the one most often linked to the Reformation: the sale of indulgences.

Reformation Day 2016

Happy Reformation Day! Monday, October 31 is the 499th year of reformation, and to celebrate I'm sharing a link to a sermon preached in 2013, by Pastor William Cwirla. The text is Romans 3:17-28. Next year is the 500th year of the reformation, so I've got a whole year to plan! :) 

Reformation Sermon

Pastor William Cwirla / Holy Trinity Lutheran Church-Hacienda Heights, CA

Preached: October 27, 2013 Text: Romans 3:17-28

Later this week, I'll be posting a link to a six part series of short videos on Martin Luther and the Reformation. Three cheers for Youtube! If you are enjoying the blog and want to share it with someone else, please share a link. Some of the sermons are being listened to over 100 times! 

Dying to Self

Below is a link to something I found helpful in thinking about justification, sanctification and what it means to die to self. It's not an easy read, but I recommend it for your consideration. Happy reading!

Dying To Self by Gerhard O Forde

Jesus, Transfiguration, and the Bible

Click to learn about this image.

It's time for another great sermon! What I appreciate about this message is the quality of his exegesis, how he explains the meaning of the texts in the broader context of scripture, and the focus on the Bible as God's Word to us. I am impressed with Pastor Wolfmueller's ability to preach an articulate, engaging, and thoughtful sermon while staying close to the text. What do you hear? I'd love for you to share your thoughts. Here are the texts for the sermon: Matthew 17:1-13 and 2 Peter 1:16-21. 

Jesus, Transfiguration, and the Bible

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller / Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO

Sermon date: January 17, 2016 / Sermon text: Matthew 17:1-13 & 2 Peter 1:16-21

Interview with Eylse Fitzpatrick

This post is late, but since the message is about grace, I guess you'll just have to forgive me. This is not a sermon, but a podcast interview from Christ Hold Fast Cast. The podcast hosts are two pastors and this episode is an interview with author and conference speaker Eylse Fitpatrick. This isn't my favorite podcast, but this particular episode is interesting and helpful because we hear the testimony of someone discovering the Gospel and the impact it has on her life. This episode is long: one hour and sixteen minutes, but it is worth the time and is generally light enough to listen to while multitasking. I would enjoy hearing your comments on this podcast episode. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed!

Interview With Eylse Fitzpatrick

Law, Gospel, Books, Games and Loving Legalists with Eylse Fitzpatrick

Christ Hold Fast Cast Podcast

April 1, 2015

Washing Water To Wedding Wine

This is the first sermon I heard by William Cwirla. After listening to it several times, Eva and I came up with this phrase: "We've been Cwirla'd!" I will post additional sermons by Cwirla, but this one is an excellent introduction to his preaching. Lutherans divide scripture into two broad categories: law and gospel. You will hear the distinction between law and gospel in this sermon and how this distinction is helpful in understanding the Bible. I also keep these categories in mind when I listen to other sermons. Here is the text for the sermon: John 2:1-11. As always, I suggest you read the text and take a minute to reflect on it before listening to the sermon. Enjoy!

Pastor William Cwirla

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church-Hacienda Heights, CA

Preached: January 17, 2010

Text: John 2:1–11

Sermon Manuscript

I would love to hear your feedback on the sermon. What did you hear? What did you like or dislike? What is missing? For anyone interested in learning more about law and gospel, here is an excellent book. I have read it and found it very helpful! If you read the book, let me know what you think.

Danger Will Robinson, Danger!

Warning...this blog post might make you think, or get mad, or set you free. Feel free to comment!

"Not Feeling It"-The Gospel for Everyone Else

An Offering Of Spilled Purfume

Thank you to everyone who subscribed to the blog or visited from Facebook or Twitter. This week I'm excited to share another great sermon. In a few weeks, I plan to share more about what makes a sermon "great." But first I want to have a few examples for us to consider. Using the metaphor of cooking: before we study the recipe, lets simply enjoy some great food together. I pray these sermons create faith and love in your hearts.

An Offering of Spilled Perfume | a sermon for the 5th Sunday in Lent - saint benedict's table

This sermon is preached by an Anglican minister in Canada. I listened to many of his sermons as I hiked this summer and found this one to be especially thoughtful and passionate. He has a great Christmas message I can't wait to share! The text for this sermon is: John 12:1-8. I encourage you to read the text before listening to the sermon.

Jamie Howison / St. Benedict's Table Winnipeg, Canada

Preached: March 18, 2013 / Text: John 12:1-8

WHO Is The Bible About?

 

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. John 5:39

If we are going to understand how to read the Bible, a crucial question that we must answer is: Who is the Bible about? Jesus says the scriptures are about him. In the passage below, Jesus teaches us how to read the Bible.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”  

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”  

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  Luke 24:13-27

We miss the point of the Bible if we read the Bible as if it is about us.

Here is a short video to consider:

Here are two brief articles that also makes the case that the Bible is about Jesus: 

The Bible Is Not About You by Byron Yawn

How Luther Taught Me to Read the Bible by Donavon Riley

I encourage your questions and comments!

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Fighting the Pharisee

This is an excellent sermon on the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. Here is a link to the Biblical text. Enjoy the sermon and let me know what you think by leaving a comment! (I won't tell anyone if you listen to it more than once...it will be our little secret.)

Fighting the Pharisee - Lk 18:9-14

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller / Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO 

Sermon date: 08/16/2015 / Sermon text: Luke 18:9-14

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Beggars Sharing Bread

The purpose of Beggars Sharing Bread is to promote a Christ centered conversation about the Bible. I am learning to read, study, and hear the Bible from the prospective that it is about Jesus and not about me. I am also learning to distinguish between God's two words in scripture: law and gospel. I invite you to join me on this journey. I will be posting various resources that I have found helpful, as well as some of my own thoughts. Please join the conversation by posting questions and comments.

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” Martin Luther

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