Studies, Sermons and Service

Sermon: Thanksgivings for Everyone

Pastor — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 02:35:33 +0000

A sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Sermon: We Are Destined to Obtain Salvation

Pastor — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 18:27:05 +0000

A sermon on 1 Thess. 5:1-11

Sermon: I AM He Who Comforts You

Pastor — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:14:22 +0000

A sermon on Isaiah 57:12 and Matthew 9

Sermon: Coming Out of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:14)

Pastor — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A Sermon on Revelation 7:14

Sermon: Saved by Grace, As A Gift

Pastor — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A Sermon on Romans 3:24

Sermon: God Blessed the Seventh Day for you

Pastor — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Genesis 2:1-3

Sermon: Return, for He will Abundantly Pardon

Pastor — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 20:47:16 +0000

A sermon on Isaiah 55:1-9

Sermon: Friends of Good Faith

Pastor — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Matthew 9:1-9

Sermon: A Thanksgiving for 5 Years as Pastor and People

Pastor Goodman — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 20:58:58 +0000

A Sermon on Deuteronomy 10:12-21

Sermon: If He Falls in, Pull Him Out

Pastor — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 16:29:09 +0000

A sermon on Luke 14:1-11

Sermon: I Ask You not to Lose Heart

Pastor — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 16:56:49 +0000

A sermon on Eph. 3:13

Sermon: First Things Must Come First

Pastor — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 17:45:11 +0000

A sermon on Matthew 6:24-34

Sermon: Word Hiders and the Wholehearted Seeker

Pastor — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:22:56 +0000

A sermon on Psalm 119:9-16

Sermon: Don’t Want to Lose Your Head

Pastor — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 18:08:13 +0000

A sermon on Mark 6:14ff

Our Sufficiency is from God

Pastor — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:39:54 +0000

A sermon on 2 Cor. 3:5

Blessed art Thou among Women

Pastor — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 17:32:16 +0000

A sermon on Luke 1:39-45

The Problem with Lightly Healed Wounds (Jer. 8:11)

Pastor — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Jeremiah 8:11 and the Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

A Little Faithfulness with His Possessions

Pastor — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A Sermon on the Unfaithful Steward of Luke 16:10-12

His Life as Your Ransom

Pastor — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A Sermon on Mark 10:45

The Fruit You Get

Pastor — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Romans 6:22

Find Your Obedience in Christ

Pastor — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Matthew 5:20

Bless, for to This You Were Called

Pastor — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on 1 Peter 3:9

Live Peaceably with All

Pastor — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Romans 12:18

He Lays it on His Shoulders

Pastor — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Luke 15:5

The Household of God

Pastor — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Ephesians 2:19

God's Love is for Our Confidence

Pastor — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on 1 John 4:16-21

You Hear Its Sound; So with Everyone

Pastor — Sun, 30 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on John 3:8

We Will Make Our Home With Him

Pastor — Sun, 23 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on John 14:23

You Also Will Bear Witness

Pastor — Sun, 16 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on John 15:27

Let The Redeemed of the Lord Say So

Pastor — Sun, 09 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Psalm 107:2

Pastoral Care Plan and Update 5/6/2020

Pastor Jeff Warner and Church Board — Wed, 06 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Here is a silent slide show detailing our plan to carefully resume services this Sunday, May 10th in compliance with State of Nebraska and local Cedar / Dixon / Thurston / Wayne County directed health measures. Services will continue to be live-streamed and electronic resources provided for participants at home. If you have questions, please email, text or call Pastor to discuss them. Each slide is 15 seconds or so. You may wish to press pause and such as needed.

A Brief Meditative Matins for Tuesday, May 5

Pastor Jeff Warner — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Sometimes sin rears it’s ugly head in an unholy “Us vs. Them” sort of way. Our Gospel reading from Luke 9 exposes such sin among the disciples, bickering about who is the greatest and suspecting others as enemies—though they are found powerless against an unclean spirit. Christ here teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us to trust in His righteousness in coming to save all the world.

Sermon: Subject for the Lord's Sake

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 03 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Sermon and Encouragement for Fourth Sunday of Easter Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS), Laurel, NE 3 May 2020 1 Peter 2:11-20 Had enough of the governing authorities? Think they’re failing to do enough or going way too far? Regardless, the Word of the Lord stands to remind you, you are strangers and sojourners in this land—royal priests just passing through. “Be subject” for a little while, “for your Lord’s sake.” For Christ is risen and not so far removed from all this as we sometimes suppose.

"I Must Bring Them"

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Third Sunday of Easter 26 April 2020 The sheep have scattered and strayed. There are wolves in the vicinity. Hirelings flee the scene. What shall become of the flock? In most uncertain times, Christ lays down His life for the sheep. Our Lord Himself rises to secure the future of each member of the flock as He seeks out and gathers in His people. “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.” (Ezekiel 34:16)

“More Than a Wish...Peace is Given!” (John 20:19-31)

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Easter Wednesday Devotion 4/15

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39) Don’t do the things that invite fear. Be about the things that give and preserve our confidence in Christ!

Alleluia! Immanuel, Our High Priest is With Us!

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Easter 2020 Alleluia, Immanuel! Christ, Our High Priest is With Us! Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord! The Paschal Lamb has been sacrificed! It’s His joy now to declutter our lives, that His joy may be in you and made Complete! Online Participant Bulletin at https://docs.google.com/document/d/17MLqjV9nCyfkwK30_XeEgEeVcp0ccMlnoP9xATxZp1o

As High Priest, Christ Offers Himself for You

Pastor Jeff Warner — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Good Friday Vespers with Passion reading from Matthew 27 And the Bidding Prayer “As High Priest, Christ Offers His Blood for You” (Hebrews 9:14-28) Participants Bulletin online at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gC2JwqcbvCqWWF0E4JIrf4z7jpkKiweqaKSsjy9oxfM

Christ's Priests are Made Clean by Holy Meals

Pastor Jeff Warner — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Viruses aren’t the only contagious things in this world. God’s own love, righteousness are communicable too! The Lord uses tangible stuff to impart His own intangible character to you! Online Participants’ Bulletin at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NyaAJGjiUE6OP3uMfZQt7Rw1r_jbYP2Bpk_S6qlSOhM Find more at: www.isaiah504blues.com www.immanuellutheranlaurelne.com

Our High Priest Remains Faithful to His Calling (Palm Sunday)

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Confirmation vows are spoken, but Christ's blood-oath for you comforts and saves! Broken promises litter the earth like twigs. Some of them are ours. None of them belong to Jesus. His promise to serve and preserve you stands firm even through the grave. We missed the pomp of palm leaves and loud crowds singing praises due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, Jesus gathers His few and welcomes their own pledges of fealty, confirming His New Testament for them evermore.

You are Priests Made Wise by the Foolishness of the Cross

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000

"...the world desperately needs your living sacrifice and spiritual intercessions, your holy work of consolation and declaring the praises of Him who “called YOU out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Feeling unprepared or inadequate to the task? Feel foolish even trying to go about it? Good! You’re exactly the sort that “God chose!” (1 Cor. 1:18-31) to name “priest” for these days. That Wisdom you need, you are given to share… it’s found outside of you, eager now to enter in and fill you with sacred purpose, in Christ!"

Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 09:06:52 +0000

A Service of the Word with sermon on Hebrews 9:11-15, considering our Lord's work as the one Mediator between God and man. A Google Docs bulletin is prepared and available for participation at home from the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10mu1TnC5aJ0Sw2eQ4ytwdzaVzv3S89-b8J0Y2PvESAM/

Priests Look to the Lamb's Lawful Direction

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Priests aren't the best role models throughout the Gospels and Acts. Most of them antagonize Jesus and the disciples with their fierce focus on the Law. Legalism and self-righteous contempt for others helps no one. On the other hand, Jesus sternly warns against "lawlessness." As "royal priests" (1 Peter 2:9) in the kingdom of God, we must find a better helper in the person and work of Jesus, our "great High Priest." He alone sets right our relationship with the Law.

One Boy, Two Fish, Five Loaves and Jesus

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

An Encouraging Service of Prayer and Preaching With thousands in need, the disciples troubleshooot the situation and come up empty. One offers everything at hand. In the midst of uncertainty, Jesus makes satisfying use of it all. Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church wwww.immanuellutheranlaurelne.com

You are Godly Priests for a Godless World

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Part four of our Lent series "Offer Yourself, O Priest!" This service explores the priestly distinction between what is godly and what is godlessness. Godlessness is found in unexpected places, even among religious people. Our Great High Priest Jesus sharpens our focus on this fact: "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly." (Rom. 5) Sermon starts at approx. 17 min mark.

Prayer: Immanuel Church Board Prays the Litany

Church Board — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:21:31 +0000

These are days made for Intercession. Join us in prayer.

Sermon: Gathered with the Stronger Man

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:30:37 +0000

The world is afflicted, suspicious and afraid of more trouble to come. In Jesus, the kingdom of God comes upon us with deliverance from sin, death and the Devil. He is the Stronger Man who overcomes internal burdens and external evils--even disease, death and the grave. The battle is joined as He gathers the afflicted one by one to be and remain safely His own.

Sermon: Christ Consecrates You as Priests for Service

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Do your flaws and faults keep you from sacred service? The Lamb without blemish consecrates Himself for you, that you may be consecrated in Christ and serve God without defect by faith.

Revelation Session 21: Seven Trumpet Angels (part one)

Pastor Jeff Warner — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 04:33:08 +0000

The Heavenly Interlude concluded, we behold the Lamb initiating the vision of the Seven Trumpet Angels. Disasters befall the earth, as the prayers of God's people ascend and the Lamb preserves His people.

Sermon: Sent Only to the Lost Sheep...

Pastor Jeff Warner — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 04:22:38 +0000

Jesus withdraws from bickering Israel and finds a great faith that clings to Israel's promises --and to Him--beyond the border among the Canaanites. Tradition might not be on this woman's side, yet Jesus honors her faith and frees her family from evil's grasp.

Sermon: Christ Blessed You to be Blessing Priests

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

St. James says that blessing and cursing should not be coming out of the same mouth. So why do so many of us opt to omit the blessing? Behold how generously, recklessly our High Priest blesses you and learn from Him what to do with your lips.

Sermon: Shall You Serve Him Only?

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

We often pray "lead us out of temptation." Today, we reflect on God's means for doing just that...and explore when the Law is helpful in dealing with temptation--and when it's actually NOT helpful at all, once we've fallen into temptation. Then, only the Gospel will help!

Revelation Session 20: Heavenly Interlude Part Two

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble (tribulation), but be of good cheer--I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33) Behold here the host arrayed in white, and how Christ encourages his struggling saints with the vision of heavenly triumph!

Sermon: Our Good High Priest Makes His Priests Good

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

God establishes the priesthood of His people from the beginning. Priests are God's good gift in the world, but not all priests prove to be good. Are you a good priest? Jesus is a very good priest, and our great High Priest. His goodness alone satisfies the Father. Let Christ feast your soul with abundance, such that you are satisfied with His goodness.

Sermon: Written About the Son of Man

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:25:31 +0000

Not only is it possible to read the Word of God and miss its major message, but very common and likely. The disciples hear Jesus. Yet, not until they live out the fulfillment of the Word with Him do they really grasp what He teaches them. Some of God's Word cannot be learned until we experience it fully with Christ!

Revelation Session 19: Heavenly Interlude (part one)

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:14:10 +0000

The angels bring about a pause in the fall of God's wrath, so that His people are marked with His seal. This will keep them secure through the suffering to come, so they will not be consumed!

Revelation Session 18: Vision of the Seven Seals (Rev. 6)

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In Rev. 5, the Lamb alone is worthy to hold the scroll and open its seals. Today they are opened one by one revealing the wrath of God and the Lamb, until the number of His faithful witnesses on the earth is fulfilled.

Sermon: A Crowd Gathering from Town to Town

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The Word of God meets mixed responses. One thing these crowds have in common is they hear God's Word preached and scattered into their ears only in close proximity to Jesus! Some who gather believe and persevere to the end.

Sermon: Whatever God Does Endures Forever

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The time we are given is full of God's purpose. His purpose is to save us through Christ and bring to completion the good work begun in us at Baptism.

Sermon: The Same Spiritual Food and Drink

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Taste and see that the Lord is good! Christ gives true spiritual food and drink to His people throughout the ages, even to the ungrateful and evil who grumble against Him. That's a good thing!

Done For You as You Believe

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:11:53 +0000

Christ grants us confident faith far beyond any mere "Maybe?" This Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. And This Faith goes wherever Jesus tells it to go. Faith trusts Him and finds everything "Done for You as You Believe!"

Revelation Session 17: The Scroll and The Lamb

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:07:29 +0000

Heaven's worship falls silent as the search for one worthy to make known the will and word of God ensues. The Lamb lays hold of God's Testament, worthy to open the seals and make His will known for all!

Sermon: Husband, Wife, Christ and the Church

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

When our Lord's Apostle speaks of marriage, it's to illustrate the sacred bond between Christ and His Church. Should not the Church obey her Bridegroom and submit to Him? The more She seems to refuse to hear and to heed Him, the worse the damage done to our marriages between human husbands and wives in this world. Christ continues to baptize and lavish Her by water and His word. This Bridegroom's singular aim: that His Bride arise cleansed, entirely confident in Her true beauty before Him--and intimately know His selfless, true love for every little part and member of Her body. Behold Christ and the Church!

Revelation Session 16: Worship in Heaven and on Earth

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

In this study of Revelation 4:1-11, we discover heavenly worship and consider how it is echoed and manifest on earth among the saints today.

I Need to be Baptized by You

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

John's heart is in the right place, but pointed in the wrong direction. Sometimes misguided notions of propriety and humility cause us to hinder Jesus. Jesus is more persistent than our feelings of unworthiness, so that nothing gets in the way of our Lord's Baptism.

Sermon: Conformed to the Image of His Son

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Uncertainty is difficult to bear, especially when what has been most constant in our lives is not there. Yet God remains constant in blessing His people, calling them to sacred purpose of loving and serving others around them. Also constant and certain is His promise that "neither things present, nor things to come" will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Sermon: God's Righteousness Revealed from Faith to Faith

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

We don't get upset with an unlit candle as the flame draws near. Nor ought we be irritated at a person who has more to learn, even as an apostolic teacher draws near. God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, by the enlightening Word as it is preached and taught.

Revelation Seven Letters Workshop: Jesus Delights in His Church

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for the same things Jesus looks for in His church? We explore the qualities the Lord delights in and desires for His Church.

Sermon: God's Wisdom Made Known Through the Church

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Because we believe in family, we set aside time, money, and expend effort to enjoy and preserve those bonds. Ephesians sets before us a glorious church, the one we confess as we say "I believe in the one, holy, Christian and apostolic Church." That church is real, and it is you!

Sermon: I Will Bear, Carry and Save You

Pastor Jeff Warner — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 23:22:59 +0000

The Lord comforts His heavily burdened people. Christ carries us all the way from the womb to His empty tomb. We find freedom and safety at last in our Father's house.

Sermon: Put My Name on Them!

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 21:40:05 +0000

"So shall you put My Name on the people of Israel, and I **will** bless them." Find out what God's doing for you by this benediction. It's the only Biblical blessing divinely designed and explicitly commanded to be given to His people.

Revelation Session 15: Letter to Laodicea

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

When Jesus writes His name on someone, good things follow. Also, the Lord addresses Laodicea, a church blind to their own poverty and needs...

Sermon: Give Thanks and Speak of Him

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

With Jesus in their arms, Mary and Joseph still need to hear the Word that Simeon joyfully proclaims and Anna speaks in great grattitude. You may have Jesus already, but this word is meant to help you rejoice in Him and speak of Him too!

Sermon: To All Who Received Him

Pastor Jeff Warner — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 16:41:49 +0000

God knows no better gift for you than His Son--and true sonship by faith in His name...

Sermon: A Voice of One Crying Out

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

John the Baptist knows who he is before the Lord. Better still, he knows who he is NOT. Do you?

Revelation Session 14: Letter to Philadelphia

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

The door is open to Philadelphia, but the congregation is weak. Holiness and Truth hold the key.

Sermon: Anxious to Hear Him Speak Peace

Pastor Jeff Warner — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:25:09 +0000

The voice to still our anxiety and bring peace comes from outside of us. Look for God's peace where He speaks it--in Christ!

Revelation Session 13: Letter to Sardis

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:36:31 +0000

They've got a grand reputation for being a lively and strong church. Problem is, Christ declares they are dead. All should see what's happening at Sardis, and guard against it in their own hearts. Rather than making a name for themselves, Christians here learn to delight in their white garment and new name written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Sermon: Big Deal or Small Thing?

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:30:44 +0000

People-pleasers come in all shapes and sizes, even when the the one person you're trying to please is you. Christ enters in to call us to yield to his judgment, even concerning ourselves. We are freed from chasing the likes, shares, favor and approval of anyone but Jesus--by Jesus who justifies the ungodly.

Sermon: Anxious for True Gratitude

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

A sermon on Psalm 50: Gratitude begins in the mercy of God...

Revelation Session 12: The Letter to Thyatira

Pastor Jeff Warner — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 16:36:29 +0000

Firey eyed and firm footed, the Son of God pronounces severe and public judgment upon the church in Thyatira. There many tolerate the false prophetess. Jezebel openly promotes sexual immorality and communion with idols. All the churches will see her fall from grace. Let the churches in our place and time take heed as well. Those who hold firm to Christ will be preserved, authorized to shepherd those around them.

Sermon: Turning the Fathers' Hearts

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Freed from captivity and returned to their homeland, God's people start to feel safe and comfortable in once again, even in their sins. The Lord intervenes, sending His Word to turn the hearts of families--torn asunder by careless whims--back to their share in His heavenly blessing and lives lived according to His holy will.

Sermon: Anxious for Divine Intervention

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000

First in a series entitled "Anxious for the Holidays," worries about complex family situations often fill our hearts. Behold the King of Glory willing to intervene for you, even getting his hands dirty on the cross!

Revelation Session Eleven: The Letter to Pergamum

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

In the face of fierce persecution, the Christians at Pergamum are sorely tempted to compromise their Lord's faith and holy life.

Sermon: Rejoice in That which I Create

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

The former things are gone. Our God is making something new for you--fully worthy of your joy and delight!

Sermon: The Land where God is Bringing You

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Our focus tends to be on the past, where we once were. God is leading forward, into contentment!

Sermon: The Justice of Divine Mercy

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

An irreparable damage is done. An impossible debt is forgiven. Jesus tells of an unmerciful servant to teach us the urgency of forgiving our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Revelation Session Ten: The Letter to Smyrna

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

The Living Lord Jesus offers comfort and encouragement to a suffering congregation. As the faithful of Smyrna come under attack, the Lord acknowledges their poverty and pain as the One who endured it Himself. His death conquers fear of their own with the assurance of sharing in His victory: everlasting life.

Revelation Session Nine: Letter to Ephesus

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

The Church must discern between apostolic truth and false teachings, but her first love is the Christ who came to seek and to save the lost!

According to its Kind

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Our God creates life and it is good. The physical and intellectual constructs of man easily obscure our view of this life-giving God. Sin corrupts the good creation, but cannot destroy it--even in you. The Word of the Lord breaks through to call forth new life and strengthen His good creation in His fallen creatures.

Revelation Session Eight: The Seven-fold Structure of the Seven Letters

Pastor Jeff Warner — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 01:21:28 +0000

The Living Lord Jesus holds the keys of Death and Hades, but entrusts the keys of the kingdom of heaven to His Church. We revisit and conclude our conversation on the mission of the Church on earth: to bind and loose, forgiving the sins of many and delivering the salvation accomplished for us by the Incarnation, Suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus to real people in real time! Then, we ready ourselves for hearing the Lord's own seven letters to the seven churches!

Sermon: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Pastor Jeff Warner — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 01:16:39 +0000

We rejoice in the unsung saints of centuries past and recent memory. Praising God for His blessing pronounced, received and fulfilled--we now lay hold of our Lord's "Blessed" for ourselves, with special attention to the gift of Peacemakers in our midst.

Revelation Session Seven: The Living Son of Man

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 18:22:59 +0000

An encounter with the Lord in His glory leaves John like the lifeless. Jesus, "the Living one" gives life to the lifeless, bearing the keys of Death and Hades. Also, we consider the keys given to His bride, the Church.

An Eternal Gospel to Proclaim

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 18:19:24 +0000

The Gospel endures through the ages, proclaiming salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone--for you.

Matins Meditation for October 23

Pastor Jeff Warner — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:46:27 +0000

In steadfast love, our Lord rebukes and corrects us as along the way—preserving us in good faith.

Revelation Session Six: The Son of Man

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

A brief glance at Daniel 10-12 and Zech. 3-4, noting how the Son of Man stands more glorious than ever.

Both Their Lord and Ours

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Jesus Christ is "their Lord and ours." Thus we are better together in close fellowship--physically, mentally and spiritually.

But Now, He is Comforted

Pastor Jeff Warner — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

A funeral sermon on Luke 16:19-31

Matins Meditation for October 16

JPW — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 16:47:10 +0000

With informal devotional thoughts on Deuteronomy 14 & 15, the freedom of a Christian from legalistic tithing--and the Christ-centered thanksgiving that strengthens us to #LiveGenerously

Revelation Session 5: The Lord Arrives

jpw — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 17:57:27 +0000

At our Lord's Ascension to rule over heaven and earth, He promised to return. We discuss the reign and explore how "even those who pierced him" will behold him coming in glory to judge both the quick and the dead.

Find Healing on the Sabbath

JPW — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 17:51:42 +0000

Jesus wants everyone, including the Pharisees, to think differently about the Sabbath. It's not just about resting. His Sabbath is set aside for our healing.

Matins Meditation for 09 October 2019

JPW — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 16:37:07 +0000

A meditative service for contemplating God's Word and praying for us all.

Jesus Gave Him to His Mother

JPW — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 18:28:43 +0000

A sermon on Luke 7:11-17

Revelation Session Four

JPW — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 18:24:06 +0000

Doxology--the words of giving the credit and honor due the Lord for his work and gifts to us...

Fighting Against the Dragon

Rev. Jeffery Warner — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 23:24:56 +0000

Saint Michael and All Angels

Revelation Session Three

JPW — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

We look at the Greeting, and consider the theology of worship along the way.

Matins Meditation 25 September 2019

JPW — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

From A Treasury of Daily Prayer

Your Word Stored in My Heart

JPW — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

Revelation Session Two

JPW — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

We delve into the Prologue, Rev. 1:1-3

How Do You Read It?

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

Revelation Session One

JPW — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Background, Authorship and Historical Information on Revelation

I Have Kept the Faith

JPW — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Funeral of Doris Sohler

Matins Meditation 11 September 2019

JPW — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

From A Treasury of Daily Prayer

Faith Comes by Hearing

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 20:45:04 +0000

In Christ, We Find Confidence to Serve

Pastor Jeffery Warner — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Wayne Circuit LCMS Pastors’ Conference

This God Made My Way Blameless

Ninth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from August 18

Ninth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A Matins Meditation for August 14

Daily Lectionary — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Pleasant Fruit of False Prophets

Eighth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from August 11

Eighth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from August 4

Third Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Baptismal End of Lawlessness

Seventh Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A Relaxing Summer by Grace Alone

Sixth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

From Now on, You Will...

Fifth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Associate Pastor Paul Flo from Hope Lutheran Church, South Sioux City, IA serves as guest preacher for Immanuel while Pastor Warner attends the national convention of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as pastoral delegate from the Wayne, NE circuit congregations. Many thanks, Pastor Flo, for serving the saints at Immanuel!

Not Condemning, But Forgiving

Fourth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from July 14

Fourth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

He Calls Together His Friends and Neighbors

Third Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from July 7

Third Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from June 30

Second Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You ARE Being Built Together

Second Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Steadfast Faith and Crown of Life

Funeral at St. Paul, Winside for Faye Mann — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

There is No Fear in Love

First Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study for June 23

First Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You Must Be Born Again

The Holy Trinity — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We Will Make Our Home with Him

Pentecost — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study for June 9

Pentecost — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study for June 2

Seventh Sunday of Easter — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Good Stewards of God's Grace

Seventh Sunday of Easter — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study for May 26

Sixth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 26 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Ask in My Name...

Sixth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 26 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Spirit of Truth

Fifth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 19 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Using Your Freedom

Fourth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from May 12

Fourth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from April 28

Second Sunday of Easter — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I Have Spoken and I Will Do It

Second Sunday of Easter — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

He is Going Before You...

The Resurrection of our Lord — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called to Fellowship in His Sufferings and Glory

Good Friday — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called to Participant Fellowship in His Body and Blood

Holy Thursday — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from April 14

Palm Sunday / Fellowship in His Word Series — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called to be Devoted to the Fellowship

Palm Sunday / Confirmation — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called to Demonstrable Grace in Fellowship

Midweek Lent Service Six — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from April 7

Fifth Sunday in Lent — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Christ of Cosmic Consequence

Fifth Sunday in Lent — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called to One Minded Agreement in Fellowship

Midweek Lent Service Five — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Constant and The Multiplier

Fourth Sunday in Lent — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called Together to Stand Apart in His Fellowship

Midweek Lent Service Four — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from March 24

Third Sunday in Lent — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Do Not Hold Back A Word

Third Sunday in Lent — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called Out of Darkness into Light and Fellowship

Midweek Lent Service Three — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from March 17

Fellowship in His Word series/First Sunday in Lent — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called by the Preached Word into Fellowship with Us

First Sunday in Lent — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Called by God into Fellowship with His Son

Ash Wednesday — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from March 03

Quinquagesima — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Loved and Fully Known

Quinquagesima — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Sufficient Grace, Bittersweet the Sound

Sexagesima — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from February 24

Sexagesima — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from February 17

Septuagesima — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You Go Work in the Vineyard

Septuagesima — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

They Saw No One But Jesus

The Transfiguration of our Lord — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from February 10

The Transfiguration of our Lord — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Your Salvation from All Enemies

LHNE Chapel Sermon — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We Groan and Wait Eagerly

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from February 03

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from January 27

Third Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

So Spoke The Girl...

Third Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We are Distinct, I and Your People

Second Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from January 20

Second Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from January 13

The Baptism of Our Lord — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I Am Well Pleased

The Baptism of Our Lord — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A Homily on Learning Prophetic Distance and Personal Discipline in Pastoral Ministry

Wayne Circuit Pastors' Conference, Trinity, Martinsburg, NE — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

They Fell Down and Worshiped Him

The Epiphany of Our Lord — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from January 6

The Epiphany of Our Lord — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

So Shall They Put My Name on Them

New Year's Day (Circumcision and Name of Jesus) — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

This Child is Appointed

First Sunday after Christmas — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from December 30

First Sunday after Christmas — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

God Arrives in Time for You

Christmas Dawn/Christmas Day — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Word Reaches The Womb

Fourth Sunday in Advent — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from December 23

Fourth Sunday in Advent — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

God Keeps Time Holy for You

Third Midweek Advent Service — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

My Messenger Prepares Your Way

Third Sunday in Advent — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from December 16

Third Sunday in Advent — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

God Saves Time Wholly For You

Second Midweek Advent Service — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Bible Study from December 9

Second Sunday in Advent — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

He Will Turn The Hearts

Second Sunday in Advent — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

God Makes Time Holy For You

Advent Midweek 1 — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Only Cure for Thessalonian Eschatologitis

Last Sunday of the Church Year — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Your Partnership in Giving and Receiving

Thanksgiving Eve Service — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Life Like Normal Until The Day

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Weeping and Bearing The Seed

24th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Come Out of Your Great Tribulation

All Saints Day (observed) — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Sinners Friend

Reformation Day (Observed) — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Your Dominion and Domain in Christ the Lord

21st Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This Life Dwelling, Gazing and Inquiring

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Glory to God in the Church and in Christ

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Seeds of Gentle Restoration

Rally Day--Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

You are Gifts for His Bride and to Me

Wayne Circuit LCMS Pastors Conference — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Giving Thanks to Him Alone

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Send Back Your Captive Family

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Christ Bids Closed Ears 'Be Opened'

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

God Seated US with Him in the Heavenly Places

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

For The Common Good

Tenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Christ is The Way of Escape

Ninth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We Must Help the Weak

Eighth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Keeping It Holy For You

Sixth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Trusting The Foolish Word of The Cross

5th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

You Will See Clearly...

Fourth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Q125 A Sermon of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

Laurel Q125 Service — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Q125 Full Service Audio

Laurel's Q125 Service in the Park — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Master's House Filled

Second Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Send Lazarus!

First Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Born of the Spirit

The Holy Trinity — Sun, 27 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

My Spirit on All Flesh

Day of Pentecost — Sun, 20 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

So You Will Not Fall Away

Seventh Sunday of Easter — Sun, 13 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

You Cannot Bear Them Now

Fifth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

You Will Weep and Lament, But...

Fourth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Scattered by Wolves

Third Sunday of Easter — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Thomas Was Not There...

Second Sunday of Easter — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

He is Not Here!

Resurrection of Our Lord — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Baptized in the Water and the Blood of the Lamb?

Good Friday — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Do We Make Disciples Who Take, Eat and Drink?

Holy Thursday / Maundy Thursday — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Fear Not, Daughter of Zion

Palm Sunday / Confirmation of Reggan Kuhlman — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Do We Use God's Household Words in God's Way?

Midweek Lent Service Six — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Truth Heard, But Not Believed

5th Sunday in Lent — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

An Apostrophe in a Wrong Place? His Believers' Baptism

Midweek Lent Service Five — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We Are Children of Promise

Fourth Sunday in Lent — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We Acknowledge One Baptism: Do I Need More?

Midweek Lent 4 — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Gathering Together Day by Day

3rd Sunday in Lent — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

What in God's Name are You Doing to That Child?

Midweek Lent Service 3 — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We Have Access By Faith

Second Sunday in Lent — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Does Your One Lord Sign His Covenants on Infants?

Midweek Lent Service 2 — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Throw Yourself Down?

First Sunday in Lent — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus Asks, From Heaven or From Men?

Lent Midweek One: Ash Wednesday — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

A Blind Beggar’s Sight

Quinquagesima — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Show My Weakness

Sexagesima — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Disciples Without Discipline

Septuagesima — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Something More Sure

Transfiguration of our Lord — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Now Draw Some Out...

Second Sunday of Epiphany — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Grace Given to You for Them

Baptism of our Lord / Epiphany — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Grace Given to Me for You

Epiphany / Installation @ St. Peter Lutheran, Wentworth, SD — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Sermon preached at the installation of Rev. Adam Welton as Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Wentworth, SD

by Pastor Jeff Warner, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Laurel, NE

He Will Come and Serve Them

New Year's Eve — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Born of the Virgin Mary

Christmas Day — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Conceived by the Holy Spirit

Nativity of our Lord — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Children of the Day

Midweek Advent IV — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Least in the Kingdom

Third Sunday in Advent — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Falling Asleep in Jesus

Midweek Advent Service 3 — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

My Word Will Never Pass Away

Second Sunday in Advent — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"My Word Will Never Pass Away"
A sermon on Luke 21:25-36
Second Sunday in Advent, 10 December 2017

The permanence of the Lordâ€™s Word includes the permanence of his decrees and judgments against sin and sinners. Heaven and earth will pass away because of sin in the world, corrupting creation so that it also groans, longing for Godâ€™s people to be revealed as His redeemed and holy people on earth.

This permanence stands all the more with regard to the â€œeternal gospelâ€? (Rev. 14:6) which Jesus bids His disciples preach and teach. The Word of promise has a permanence transcending the grave itself, giving life to the dead and pronouncing an absolution and eternal inheritance which shall not be revoked, even should heaven and earth pass away.

Unmoved by Affliction

Midweek Advent II — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

It's Time to Wake Up

First Sunday in Advent — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Hear the full audio of "Time to Wake Up"
A sermon on Romans 13:8-14 (ESV)
First Sunday in Advent, 3 December 2017

In Gesthemane, we behold that Christ who calls sleepy disciples to follow him. He found that time and again, His disciples needed him to wake them up. His voice rings out through St. Paul, "the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11) Now is the time, your time, to be loved and to love your neighbors in Christ Jesus.

You Received The Word of God

Midweek Advent 1 — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Watchful and Prepared

Last Sunday of the Church Year — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Steadfastness of Hope

Thanksgiving Eve — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Earthly Examples for Heavenly Citizens

23rd Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Earthly Examples for Heavenly Citizens"
A sermon on Philippians 3:17-21
23rd Sunday after Trinity, 19 November 2017

The world just loves a good scandal, the chance to take the powerful and prominent down a notch or twelve. Yet people seem to hunger for real, worthy examples. We want and we need real people on whom we can rely and in whom we can trust. In ou age, most every word and deed can be caught on camera and rain down from the digital cloud over the whole wide world before we even know it. Who would dare stand and say, "Imitate me, follow my example?" The Lord does provide them by faith, hidden under the weakness--kneeling under the weight of the cross of Christ

Partnership in the Gospel

22nd Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Partners in the Gospel"
A sermon on Philippians 1:3-11
22nd Sunday after Trinity, 12 November 2017

Congregation life is meant to be a blessed partnership between Pastor and people. Christ bids us behold one another in light of the Gospel. Pastor looks upon each member and rejoices, "My Lord has given you as my partners in the Gospel!" Each member looks on the next, upon the pastor too, and confesses: "I need you in my life as my partner in the Gospel! Thanks be to God he has given you to me!" Sadly, we sinners are slow to believe Jesus. Far too often, we're hopelessly trying to go it alone--or looking for another, different partnership than the one Christ has given...

The World Does Not Know You

All Saints' Day (Observed) — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"The World Does Not Know You"
A sermon on 1 John 3:1-3
All Saints' Day (Observed), 5 November 2017

All Saintsâ€™ Day provides opportunity for you to remember with thanksgiving all the saints of God. We remember those who have gone before us, out of the great tribulation. We rejoice in the saints side by side with us now in Christ. We hold fast to this faith for the saints yet to be born in Christ. All Saints Day is a day remembering the people of the past, present and future with whom we have eternal communion in Christ.

The Reformation: On Truth

Reformation Day (Observed) — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"The Reformation: On Truth"
A sermon on John 8:31-36
Reformation Day (Observed), 29 October 2017

As we observe the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, our attention focuses on the promise Jesus makes to those who believe in him: "if you abide in My Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." His threefold promise and work for His people endures through the centuries. Despite the many false teachers and false disciples in every age, Christ remains the one reliable and true teacher of His disciples by His Word, which sets us truly free from sin for life in His name.

The Reformation: On Forgiveness

19th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"The Reformation: On Forgiveness"
A sermon on Matthew 9:1-9
Ninteenth Sunday after Trinity, 22 October 2017

The Reformation centers squarely on Jesus and the forgiveness of sins in His name. Our Gospel reading shows that Jesus has authority here on earth, right in the midst of sinners, to forgive sins. Scripture goes on to show us that very authority He gives to His Church, His pastors and people. Public or private, the personal confession of sins is for our comfort, to find help exactly where Christ puts it: in His Word, from your Christian brother or neighbor's human lips.

On Christian Unity

17th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"On Christian Unity"
A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-6
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, 8 October 2017

The "one, holy, Christian and apostolic Church," we believe, is indivisible. Unity in the Church is not ours to accomplish, the result of human effort or wisdom. Rather, Christian unity is God's own gift and work for us in Christ. The oneness Paul preaches is never ours to build by our own ingenuity, effort or power. Christian Unity remains the solitary handiwork of one Spirit through the pure preaching of God's Word and the right administration of His Sacraments.

The Mistress of the House

16th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This widow is not defined by her grief, her anger, her loss, but The Mistress of the House is defined by her faith that freely received Godâ€™s gifts and freely gives the Lord glory in return. The result of Godâ€™s miracles is faith in the Word of the Lord. The miracles serve throughout Scripture to create faith, to establish and confirm Godâ€™s saving grace confessing â€œthe Word of the Lord in your mouth is true.â€? So the conclusion Godâ€™s people draw in Nain, as Christ raises a widowâ€™s son, â€œGod has visited His people!â€?

On Anxiety and Faith

15th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"On Anxiety and Faith"
A sermon on Matthew 6:24-34
Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, 24 September 2017

No one can serve two masters. Just the way it is, even for you. But we try, don't we?While our frail and fallen flesh worries about many things, Christ calls our attention to the abiding affection and constant activity of God as He reigns over all creation. He draws us in to remember both who we are as redeemed people and whose we are as Children of the Heavenly Father.

Words of Life and Healing

14th Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Words of Life and Healing"
A sermon on Proverbs 4:10-23 / Luke 17:11-19
Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, 17 September 2017

Today, Immanuel Lutheran celebrates Rally Day and resumes Christian education for all ages. Bibles are gifted to our young ones, teachers blessed and entrusted before God with their sacred teaching takes. We pause to reflect with Solomon on the practical nature of spiritual life and learning. Not all paths lead to heaven, nor to a healthy family life. Some are downright dangerous and destructive.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. His Word shines as a lamp to our feet and light to our path. Though wounded and stained with sin, stumbling and sometimes astray, the Gospel brings return of life and healing along our way. God bless and preserve us by His Holy Spirit, that forgiven and forgiving we walk in His ways together in Christ.

Take Care of Him

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Take Care of Him"
A sermon on Luke 10:23-37 (The Good Samaritan)
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, 10 September 2017

Upon the return of the 72 He sent, Jesus blesses His disciples for the spiritual care they received and delivered. Meanwhile, a Law-man shows up with a devilish desire to test Jesus and prove him a fraud, certainly no Soon of God. An echo of the Devil's own voice is put to shame such that the Law-man now seeks "to justify himself" under the Law, asking but "who is *my* neighbor?" (And who is not?)

The Lord Jesus bids us behold with compassion those neighbors like ourselves, people abandoned, beaten, bleeding and left lying helpless with deadly injuries. Meet neighbors like us, robbed of any comfort or hope self-help. Often unconscious of sin, wounded in body and soul, the Helper arrives with His mercy. He must come and do everything to deliver us with our neighbor, bearing all the burden and cost Himself. He takes our wounds to His cross, to His grave. He clothes us in His righteousness by grace, through faith. Jesus alone has loved God with all his heart, and the whole world full of neighbors as himself.

Christ provides for our neighbor's care personally today and bids His Church "Take care of him." His spiritual care is wine poured out on the lips, exposing and cleansing wounds to bind and heal them. He gives His medicine by means of Word and Sacraments, His life-giving treatment for every mortal injury, the deadly infection of all our sin. Blessed are your eyes, who yet see the care He commands first hand, ears who still hear His voice saying "Whatever it costs, I will pay." Truly, "the kingdom of God is near you," nearer than many self-serving passers-by ever care to believe.

Competent and Confident in Christ

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Confident and Competent in Christ"
A sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:1-11
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 27 August 2017

The ministry of Moses was such that God's people couldn't stand to look Moses in the face as he spoke the Word of the Lord. The letter of the Law proclaimed condemnation of sin and pronounced death upon idolatry, blasphemy and those who plowed or harvested on the Sabbath Day. (Exodus 32-34) As a Pharisees' Pharisee, before Christ opened his eyes and ears, Paul engaged in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of death by the letter of the Law. He personally saw to St. Stephen's death for preaching Jesus. But the ministry of death and condemnation is abolished. Ministers of the New Covenant in Christ's blood carry on a very different work. That ministry gives Spirit and life to sinners, pronounced righteous for Jesus' sake, made competent to serve and confident to stand before God, redeemed.

The Fugitives' Faith

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"The Fugitive's Faith"
A sermon on Genesis 4:1-15; Luke 18:9-14
Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, 27 August 2017

When I do something for God, I want Him to approve and praise it. When I give something to God, I want him to love it and thank me. However, Scripture says He just doesn't--and won't--unless Jesus acts through those signs given us...

Hanging on His Words

Tenth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Hanging on His Words"
A sermon on Luke 19:41-48
Tenth Sunday after Trinity, 20 August 2017

Jesus weeps over those robbed of His peace. He visits judgment on those who steal away heavenly treasures. Christ comes to fill the temple with His teaching. He speaks mercy to His people. Jesus restores the gift of peace, visiting us personally, so that none will be robbed of His riches given freely by faith. His Peace is served at His table; peace he pours out at the font. He proclaims peace by means of His forgiving word. Have you been robbed? Or are you still listening, hanging onto His Words?

Think You're Standing Strong?

Ninth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Think You're Standing Strong?"
A sermon on 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
Ninth Sunday after Trinity, 13 August 2017

Is there such a thing as a strong Christian? Yes, but none so strong as to be able to escape and endure temptation on their own. None stand strong enough to rescue themselves from their slavery to sin. The Strong find God's help where God puts it, receiving it gladly in Word and Sacrament by faith. The "Strong" Christians use strength to glorify our gracious God, by employing this gift in service to others--even and especially those struggling now next to them in Church and world. Take heed, "Strong" Christian, lest you falter and fall to the same old boring temptations and sin which hounds us all. Whenever you do, the Lord stands near with His means of grace to deliver you right along with the rest of us.

God Breathes Life

Seventh Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"God Breathes Life"
A sermon on Genesis 2:7-17
Seventh Sunday after Trinity, 30 July 2017

From the beginning, God gives us a glimpse of His personal interest and affection toward each person He brings forth into the world. The fallen world continually diminishes personhood into biological accident, evolutionary anomaly or random combination of demographic statistic and psychosocial circumstance. Nonetheless, God declares each person His unique creature with identity, precious value to Him and divine purpose for neighbor. He grants us the gift of body and soul, ransomed in Christ to partake of the very Tree of Life. (Rev. 22:1-3)

First, Be Reconciled

Sixth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"First, Be Reconciled"

A sermon on Matthew 5:17-26

Sixth Sunday after Trinity, 23 July 2017

Christ does not envision his church as a place where people come to be fired up against their neighbors. Christ does not envision the Holy life of his Holy people as life marked by anger and accusations. Rather, the Christian life is to be marked by reconciliation in Christ, life reconciled to God and one another. He would make of us peacemakers and loving servants to all. We acknowledge anger for the sinful thing it is, confess it and abide in absolution. The soft Word of God’s grace turns away anger.

We Will Fish Anyway, Lord...

Fifth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus asks the boat guys to lend a boat, move it out little. Jesus asks these tired fishermen to fish. Those nets they were mending, Jesus asks them to cast them out. These werenâ€™t difficult things. They did them all the time. It wasnâ€™t a strange, unfamiliar thing Christ bid them to do--until the Lord blessed it in spite of their failure and half-hearted misgivings!

My Enemy is Unmade

Fourth Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"My Enemy is Unmade"
A sermon on Romans 12:14-21
Fourth Sunday after Trinity, 9 July 2017

Jesus keeps taking my enemies away! He scratches their names off my list faster than I can write them down! "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Really, Jesus? Bless the hostile? The haters? The sinners who sin against me?!

"Overjoyed with Just One and All!"

Third Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Overjoyed with Just One--and All"
A sermon on Luke 15:1-10
Third Sunday after Trinity, 2 July 2017

Pharisees and sinners want each other to "Get lost!" But Jesus keeps finding stubborn strays and bringing them back. He's doing this on purpose! "Rejoice with me, with them, with angels..." He says! "I found you! I found them! You belong here. Stick around." This is a good thing He calls "repentance."

Excuses...Excuses...and the Lord's Invitation

Second Sunday after Trinity — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

God loves to give good gifts and do good things for people. Some go to great lengths making excuses, always rationalizing why it's OK to refuse the gifts and reject this gracious Giver. Christ invited you to gather with the rest of us poor, crippled, blind and lame people as we receive His good gifts with thanksgiving. That's all the excuse to show up you'll ever need.

He Believed The LORD

1st Sunday after Trinity — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"He Believed The Lord"
A sermon on Genesis 15:1-6
First Sunday after Trinity, 18 June 2017

Abram was not the perfect man, with the perfect marriage, perfect home or perfect family life. But he trusts the Lord to keep His promise, which faith alone is reckoned to him as perfect righteousness.

Let's Meet at the Corner of Heaven and Earth

The Holy Trinity — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Let's Meet at the Corner of Heaven and Earth!"
A sermon on Isaiah 6:1-7; John 3:1-17
The Holy Trinity, 11 June 2017

Dealing with the Athanasian Creed can seem a little like Abbot and Costello's famous "Who's on First?" routine. Here God's people confess the Biblical truth about Jesus: His divinity and humanity and the clear revelation of the Trinity in action in our midst.

Babble on, Babylon!

Day of Pentecost — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Babylonians were pioneers of mathematics and science, mixed with religious zeal and fervor. Their postulates and theorems are still taught today. Has our culture really abandoned religion, or merely embraced as new a very ancient and self-aggrandizing worship of Science? God reveals himself this Pentecost day as one well able to make himself known and understood to all, through the love of proud and confused sinners and the forgiveness of their sins proclaimed in the Name of Christ Jesus...

A New Heart and Spirit in You

7th Sunday of Easter — Sun, 28 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"A New Heart and Spirit in You"
A sermon on Ezekiel 36:22-28; 1 Peter 4:7-13
7th Sunday of Easter, 28 May 2017

The Lord knows how to defend and vindicate His own holy Name and honor. Heads up! The Holy Spirit is headed this way, by water and the Word, to start doing so in your own heart and spirit...

The Father Himself Loves You

Sixth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 21 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Jesus is not simply our go-between or our middle-man, though he is that! He is our access. He does more than just relay our messages. Jesus brings us with him into his Father's house. He sets for each of us a place at our Father's family table. Or to put it another way, with Jesus, He doesn't just speak in our place--we speak in His. There are no notes, no emmissaries, no representatives. Just the words, "Our Father," from our lips to God's ears.

'26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you,'" [because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.] --Dr. Peter Scaer, Kramer Chapel Sermon, 7/24/15

Great in Your Midst

5th Sunday of Easter — Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

For all the graduates and Moms and everyone dreading what tomorrows may bring: The Living Lord Jesus is our comfort today and tomorrow's cause for genuine, grounded hope. His resurrection is the reason we anticipate and embrace whatever the future brings. The Holy One of Israel goes with us into tomorrow as "my strength and my song, for He has become my salvation..." (Isa. 12:2)

Love The Brotherhood

Fourth Sunday of Easter — Sun, 07 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Christ has made us a family, a royal priesthood in his blood. On account of the sinful flesh we sometimes lose sight of who and Whose we are, whether in the workplace, the civil realm, or wherever one wanders in this world. The Living Lord, who graciously called and gathered us as his own, sanctifies and keeps us with him in this communion of saints.

My Own Know Me

3rd Sunday of Easter — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the one Good Pastor, the Good Shepherd. Our town, our country and world has exactly one Good Shepherd who tends all His flocks. All others pale in comparison, though they strive to learn from the best. Your one Good Pastor Jesus laid down His life for the sheep. On the cross He bears the bruises and wounds of fierce battle. Yet He lives--He is risen and makes Himself known to you by the pure Word and clear voice of the Gospel. THE one Good Shepherd governs His church and tends His flocks all across the world. He finds the lost, binds up wounds, feeds His lambs and restores our souls.

Behind Your Closed Doors

Second Sunday of Easter — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

One can't just shut the sinners out, though often we try... Jesus comes behind closed doors, bearing the marks people needed to obtain faith. Then, the Living Lord Jesus sends them out to forgive...

Who Will Move The Stone

Easter Sunday — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Who Will Move The Stone"
A sermon on Mark 16:1-8
Easter Sunday, 16 April 2017

We have a lot to learn from the faith of these women. The apostles themselves must learn from them, too. In their haste to make right what went undone, do things right with regard to their beloved Lord's burial, they remembered the spices, the oils, but forgot a great stone stood in the way of their giving Jesus a proper burial. It was shameful, the hurry-up burial He had been given. They would go back, do it right. While the apostles hid huddled in the upper room, these women pressed on with the work that needed to be done.

The Lord has plans of His own. Heavy stones prove no obstacle to him. Neither does their guilt, nor their shame, nor their fear. Stones prove no barrier to His plans for them either--that they should be first to bear the Word "He is risen." These women of faith find in that Word all the direction and hope that they need to overcome their own stone-cold fear. The Living Lord Jesus changes our plans, usually before we are ready or able to explained what just happened or understand what comes next. So we go where we're pointed, meet Him where He promises to be, and in His word find faith to go forward.

Faith Alone Works Our Righteousness in Christ

Good Friday — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Faith Alone Works Our Righteousness in Christ"

A sermon on Romans 4:1-8 and John 18:7-9 (18-19)

Midweek Lent 8 Good Friday, 14 April 2017

The sermon series concludes with a clear distinction between the right and necessary preaching of good works as God commands them and the self-centered pursuit of "works righteousness," by which one hopes to earn salvation or deserve God's own favor and blessings. There is a good way to talk about the good works God commands of us.

But there are dangerous ways too, where people are falsely convinced they do God a favor or earn salvation for themselves or others by their "good" works--a way that leads to Christ's betrayal, to bloodshed and death. There is a dangerous way that abandons God's Law altogether, embracing a lawless and cynical corruption of religion and politics, preferring individual self-centered, self-serving endeavors to establish disordered righteousness of our own design. All this we see in play on Good Friday.

The Gospel we preach and teach is quite another message, one which locates our righteousness completely outside ourselves and forever to be found in Christ alone. This faith comes from outside ourselves. This faith receives a righteousness from outside ourselves, Christ's own righteousness now declared yours. It is not found within ourselves, our own efforts or means, but in Him and by the means He established outside of us.

Faith Alone Works Though the Flesh Objects

Maundy Thursday — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Here we find the blood of that eternal Covenant which blesses and overcomes our weak, dying flesh with his living body and blood. Your heavy eyes may grow dim and take no note of his approach. Yet here He comes. At His Word faith awakens to His presence. Faith hears His voice. Faith receives this His gift for what He says it is. Receiving this by the hand and command of Christ, we return strengthened and sanctified to the task He has given.

Do not be alarmed that your flesh turns out to be just as weak as He says. None of us should be surprised to find out we have weakness. We fall short. We fail Christ and fall asleep now and then. He tells us as much, and it is true. Watch and pray, though you have heavy eyes. Christ awakens your faith with a Word. Jesus tells you take and eat what He gives, take and drink from this cup of blessing. Such faith alone works, though the flesh objects, to receive the gifts that Christ gives. Though the flesh objects, here again God wakes and works faith--He strengthens faith. By faith alone, this blood of his eternal Covenant "equips you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Hope Because of the Blood of My Covenant

Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Hope Because of the Blood of My Covenant"
A sermon on Zechariah 9:9-12
Palm Sunday / 9 April 2017

"Why should I dare to have hope?" The Daughter of Zion endured captivity, exile, and seventy years raising her family far from home. She cast her hope into a deep well, there to die of starvation and thirst. You may be a daughter with little hope. We were born of a daughter, raised by daughters. We were taught by daughters, some married daughters and raise daughters of their own. How shall the Daughter live in hope?

Here God speaks hope to this daughter! He sends her Deliverer King! Secured in his reign, He extends it over all the earth by His Word of peace. God declares this Daughter's hope--your own hope, too--must be set free and live! The Lord guides her return to the stronghold, where her hope is safe and secure. Let her hope starve no more, but be fed at His table. May her thirst be quenched with His cup--the cup of the new Covenant in his blood. Rejoice, O Daughter--Christ, your King, comes to you!

Faith Alone Works What the Word Commands

Midweek Lent 6 — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Sixth grade kids now know as much or sometimes even more about other world religions than they do about their own faith. Public Schools who once saw the wisdom of Mosesâ€™ words and warnings no longer allow his voice to be heard there. Our young people have honest questions about God that didnâ€™t even occur to me until college. In truth, I havenâ€™t time enough to teach them and answer them all, I need your help. You parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles and sponsors... There are answers to their questions, good answers for hard questions, that require patience and careful instruction. Weâ€™ve got our work cut out for us, but the Word of the Lord endures.

Trite, pat answers, slogans and memes just wonâ€™t do, not about worship or about the Christian life. Fortunately, God did not call Father Facebook, Bishop Bing or the Rev. Dr. Google to be your Pastor. He calls a living, breathing blood-bought man to help encounter and explore real questions, in a patient, faithful, loving and ongoing way. God has not abandoned you His people nor His pastors, but He remains present for them all in His Word and Sacrament ministry. His Holy Spirit always works there for you. He calls out, gathers in, and enlightens His Church in the darkness of this earth. There He sanctifies and keeps them one and all with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

"Faith Alone Works What the Word Commands"
A sermon on Deuteronomy 12:8,28-32 and 1 Corinthians 4:6
Midweek Lent 6, 5 April 2017

Have You Seen Abraham?

5th Sunday in Lent — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

What do we do with such a feisty Jesus? What of this name-calling, disagreeable Jesus in John 8? Religious conflicts and arguments remain as plentiful as ever. God's Name most often gets dragged into these modern conflicts about laws and rules, rather than matters of grace and forgiveness of sins, the presence of the living God among his people on earth, and His gift of eternal life. People stand and fight about all the wrong things.

Jesus proclaims that heaven is for the living, not the dead. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is very much alive; "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:31-32) Abraham himself is alive and rejoices to behold the Son of God. The prophets who preached him are alive. Jesus lives and has come that he may give eternal life to all who hold fast to his word and keep it. A bold, audacious claim? "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." Likewise, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Listen in as Jesus fights about the living God and true religion, for you...

"Have You Seen Abraham?"
A sermon on John 8:42-59
Fifth Sunday in Lent, 2 April 2017

Faith Alone Works While Ruled by Grace

Midweek Lent 5 — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A contrast is drawn between the person living "under the Law" and the person "under grace." The person under the Law does good works from fear of punishment or with hope of gaining some reward or favor from God. The person under grace does good works freely and with a cheerful conscience, free of punishment and fully in God's favor on account of Christ. The person under the Law accomplishes "works of the Law" hoping to prove worthy of reward or undeserving of punishments and wrath. The person under grace bears the fruit of the Spirit, confident Christ has earned every needful reward and bears all punishment we otherwise deserved.

"We all have received grace upon grace," beginning at the Baptism font. There we added nothing, contributed nothing but simply receive grace poured out on us freely in Christ. Time and again at His table, as we take and eat and drink, we receive grace upon grace as His gift for the forgiveness of our sins, life and salvation.

To the grave, we struggle with the old sinful nature that clings to us still. It wants more proof of God's love than God's Son on the cross. It seeks some greater glory and claim than God's grace in Christ's name. It wants credit for deserving something from God other than the punishment poured out on Jesus. For the new man, God's grace rules the day every day. The new man is graciously placed into Christ's obedience, the favor Christ earned, the blessings Christ deserves, and there lives before God cheerful and free. You are not under the law, but under grace.

"Faith Alone Works While Ruled by Grace"
A sermon on Romans 6:12-18 and John 1:14-18
Midweek Lent 5, 29 March 2017

Christ is Help for the Heart's Murmur

Fourth Sunday in Lent — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Pastor Mike Feldmann from Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE graciously filled in at short notice for Pastor Warner, who was under the weather this past Sunday.
God heard the cries of His murmuring refugee people and reveals himself present in cloud, manna and quail. He shows himself present to us now and provides help comfort and blessing to his redeemed people in Christ Jesus.
4th Sunday in Lent

March 27, 2017

Faith Alone Works in Humility Willing to Learn

Midweek Lent 4 — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

God bestows on us many good gifts. Husband or wife, parents or children, home and property, birds, animals and more are all good gifts. But not all good gifts are meant to save us, to make us righteous before God and holy in His sight. The Law also is a very good gift, but it cannot save us. The Law is a good gift, but it is powerless to bestow a righteousness and holiness that will last forever

The Law can teach us what good is in God's sight, but it can never make us good before God. The Law can show us what "good" looks like, but stands powerless to deliver it. The Law can define "good" and point us to where it is present--and where it is lacking. True goodness, righteousness, holiness before God is found only in the Gospel. Only by faith in Christ and His blood shed on the cross do we acquire His own goodness, righteousness and holiness as a free gift. By faith alone, God gives his Holy Spirit freely to all who believe, apart from works of the Law. (Galatians 3:1-6, 14

Into the midst of disciples bickering about which is better or greater than the next, which has earned or done more than the next, there Christ calls an unnamed child to stand. With no boast of accomplishments, expertise or personal excellence to his name or credit--with no right or claim to superiority of any kind under the Law, this child is called by Christ and freely receives His gift of honor and standing among His disciples as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Christ is pleased to bestow His goodness upon all freely, as Faith Alone Works in Humility Willing to Learn and receive it apart from the Law

"Faith Alone Works in Humility Willing to Learn
A sermon on Psalm 119:65-72 and Galatians 3:1-6
Midweek Lent 4, 22 March 2017

Cast Out and Gathered With Jesus

3rd Sunday in Lent — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

...In the heat of the day, the rattlesnakes will seek a cool spot in the shade of the rocks and boulders there. Even before cell phones and Instagram, traveling people unfamiliar with Sandhills wildlife liked to send their children to climb those rocks and family to pose for pictures. The locals knew better, thus the sign, â€œBeware of rattlesnakes.â€?. I believed the words on that sign and have never (yet) decided to risk my life on a whim just to find out how true they are, not even for the sake of a nice family picture.

At the end of our Gospel reading in Luke 11, Jesus says "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.â€? The Word of God we heard today talks about other creatures that threaten the lives and well being of Godâ€™s people. Jesus himself and others use various words here for demon or evil spirit, over twelve times in our text, not counting the pronouns we find there like â€œitâ€? or â€œthey.â€? Jesus wants his people to know about the threat of an evil spirituality, and that He has come to end it and claim His people for himself..."

"Cast Out and Gathered With Jesus"
A sermon on Luke 11:14-28
Third Sunday in Lent, 19 March 2017

Faith Alone Works with Imperfections Perfected in Christ

Midweek Lent 3 — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

"Hear this, Christian: Your count of your own fruit will always be low. It is not yours to number. If it were, you'd always be off. You would count some things as fruit which God does't, and many others you wouldn't count at all as God does. The Vinedresser, God our Father, counts and harvests His fruit. The works of the flesh, these are obvious, St. Paul says. That word "obvious" does not describe the fruit of His Spirit.

"His fruit is not obvious to our eyes, but known only by faith. Sometimes patience looks like passivity or indifference. Sometimes joy looks like being drunk or high, even crying or grief. Kindness can be mistaken for some kind of cunning ulterior motive. Gentleness can appear to be weakness. Self-control can be mistaken for fear and cowardice. The list goes on, and it goes both ways. This fruit is seldom obvious nor rightly honored for what it is.

"What is obvious is that we still sin. Despite our best, most sincere efforts and contrary intentions at times, we still sin. The comfort in this passage is not found in your fruit. The comfort in this passage is surely not found in your flesh, either. But here is great comfort for you, Christian...

Listen to the full audio of "Faith Alone Works...with Imperfections Perfected in Christ"
A sermon on Isaiah 64:4-8 and Galatians 5:17-18

With reference to Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration,
Article VI. "The Third Use of the Law," par. 6-8

No. 3 of 8 in our Midweek Lent Sermon Series

When Jesus Holds Back, Hold On!

2nd Sunday in Lent — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

None likes much to experience ones limits in the hour of need. Limits of time and place, talent and knowledge, strength and skill all frustrate our efforts to live and live as we want. Others can help us sometimes, but occasionally don't or won't help at all.

A Caananite woman finds Jesus reluctant to respond in her hour of need. At times, so do we face silence or words which would seem to preclude us from his willingness to show mercy we need. Her great faith reveals a heart trusting Jesus alone as Lord over all. When Jesus holds back, hold on for His mercy.

"When Jesus Holds Back, Hold On!"
A sermon on Matthew 15:21-28
Second Sunday in Lent, 12 March 2017

Faith Alone Works...In Freedom and Delight

Midweek Lent 2 — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

God has given us great Freedom by faith in Christ and works in us a new Delight in the Law of the Lord. These two he joins together: this Christian Freedom and Delight. Yet some separate them from one another, with devious and dismal result called Antinomianism. Antinomianism ends up denying the identity of God and obscuring his holy will, the shape and substance of his love in Christ Jesus.

This week we explore both our Freedom and Delight. We discover our freedom is Christian because its Delight is in Christ. Freedom is godly only when it's Delight is in God's Law. Freedom is spiritual only when wrought in Delight by the same Holy Spirit who "spoke by the prophets." (Nicene Creed) Faith Alone Works in such Freedom and Delight.

"Faith Alone Works in Freedom and Delight"
A sermon on Psalm 119:33-40 and Matthew 5:17-20
Midweek Lent 2, 8 March 2017

Enduring Temptation for You

1st Sunday in Lent — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Temptations come in wide variety, but with only one source and one goal: to sever us from our eternal hope as named children of God. We experience many, but Christ knows them firsthand and far many more temptations beyond what we bear. They're exhausting, even when overcome. God provides His comfort in Christ as those he sends tend us in our success and in our most humiliating, spectacular failures. God sends us deliverance, healing and strength to endure through it all, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"Enduring Temptation for You"
A sermon on Matthew 4:1-11
First Sunday in Lent, 5 March 2017

Faith Alone Works...To Bear Much Fruit

Ash Wednesday (Midweek Lent 1) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

See, the truly pure, good works of God don't flow from your anxious conscience. Your worried conscience only twists them all up, because you're not focused on Christ and His cross, but totally looking at yourself. The good works God bids you bring forth don't come out of your guilty conscience. His Holy works don't spring forth from your feeling ashamed of yourself, beating yourself up more, or any of your efforts to set things right again and finally make it up to God or anyone else.

All those are worry works, not from faith in Jesus. Those are guilt works, not from trust in Christ and His cross. Those are fear works, not works of love returned to the Father. All those remorse works do not flow from faith in what Jesus has done, but believing you've gotta do more, add something to what Jesus fully accomplished and poured out on you in your Baptism. All those worry works, all those fear works, all those dreaded dead and ugly grudge works you're doing, those don't come from a faith that believes Jesus Christ put an end to your sins on His cross, and that His body and blood are really, truly all that is necessary to make you righteous, holy, pure and free from your sin.

All that misguided, diseased, wormy fruit is what the vinedresser, our Father, is constantly at work here to cut off and prune away from you, Christian. We keep preaching faith in Christ alone so that your conscience, burdened with all that heavy, messy stressy misguided stuff, won't break away. Remain in the Vine. Be His branch. Bear His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindnesss, goodness, faithfulness and the gentleness and self-control in the measure He gives you. Such faith in Jesus alone works to bear fruit. Already you are clean because of the Word I have spoken to you, Jesus says. Trust Him. Believe Him. Quit trying to be clean and be cleansed of it all and grow fruit naturally in Christ. This faith alone works His fruit in us, a faith resting fully in Him and His pierced hands.

Listen to the audio of "Faith Alone Works...To Bear Much Fruit"
A sermon on John 15:1-11
First of Eight in a special series for Lent 2017

What a Blind Man Wants

Quinquagesima — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Which is better, do you think: to be the only blind person in a crowd of those who all see? Or the only One who can see in the crowd of those blind all their lives, never able to look past this very moment to the next which must follow? Jesus stops and goes out of His way to show mercy to those who cannot see, who don't know. What does a blind beggar want from Jesus' hand, a few more coins? Or to see mercy?

Here is the audio: "What a Blind Man Wants"
A sermon on Luke 18:31-43
Quinquagesima, 26 February 2017

Where Scattered Seed Grows

Sexagesima — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This is a terrible parable for preachers. As Jesus sees the crowds coming out, he knows full well how it goes. So much of what he does by his preaching won't ever start to bear fruit. Some takes root and sinks in, but not deep enough to survive through the heat of the day. Others stalks start to show and bear fruit, just to be choked out by thorns. Itâ€™s a terrible parable, because some hear and will not understand the secrets, the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

And preachers have no power, no control or say-so, whether the faith now sprouting in you will take root and lasts through it all or does not. All we know is we're given to sow the seed, the eternal life-giving seed, which is the Word of God. We're to scatter it without regard for where it lands or what happens next. Whether you believe it or don't, if you receive it or won't...

I Choose to Give

Septuagesima — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus is not like other kings. In the end, Jesus is always more generous towards others than you want or they deserve. He is more just in what He does for you than you probably noticed or expected from Him. If He gives you no less than He promised, you're disappointed. If He gives another far more than they earned or deserved, you're mad at Him. This is what the kingdom of heaven is like, what the King of heaven is like. Expect Him to be outrageously generous towards others, and completely faithful and just in His promise for you

A Word to Uplift Fearful Eyes

Transfiguration of our Lord — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

What does it take to make you to fall on your face? Many things cause us to fall now and then. Someone trips us up or knocks us down, and we fall. Sometimes we stumble on our own. During times of crisis, we may know we need help. But it takes a Word from Heaven to reveal Jesus to us, a Word from God to reveal that we're dealing with the Christ, the Son of the living God here. God interrupts us to come and touch and speak to us now, in His Son. Listen to him...

A Word to Uplift Fearful Eyes
A sermon on Matthew 17:1-9 (ESV)

Transfiguration of Our Lord (2/5/17)
Rev. Jeffery Warner, Pastor
Immanuel LCMS, Laurel, NE

Even the Wind and Sea Obeys Him

4th Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

All disciples of Jesus suffer recurring bouts of "little faith." It's one of the traits Jesus recognizes in them time and again. Doubtless, we're in the same boat! But Jesus abides with his disciples through all the symptoms: the anxiety of near empty hands, the terror of storms, the peril of death, the helplessness to help those in need, and missing the point of his Word. Our every episode of "little faith" finds Christ's willing and patient response. He gladly suffers our little faith, even to death on the cross!

Even the Wind and Sea Obeys Him
A sermon on Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV)

4th Sunday after Epiphany (1/29/17)
Rev. Jeffery Warner, Pastor
Immanuel LCMS, Laurel, NE

Some Spiritual Gift to Strengthen You

3rd Sunday after Epiphany — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Are you a goal setter or goal forgetter? St. Paul's goal of going to Rome had been thwarted, he failed. But frustrated though he was, Paul does not abandon his goal. Despite Paul's shortfall, the Lord preserves his faith amid failures to bring forth this letter to the Romans. God used Paul's disappointment to produce one of the clearest presentations and defenses of the Gospel, the very power of God, for our salvation. Your failures are no obstacle for Christ's faithfulness. He brings forth from them spiritual gifts to strengthen others in their shortfalls, too.

Some Spiritual Gift to Strengthen You

A sermon on Romans 1:8-17 (ESV)

3rd Sunday after Epiphany (1/22/17)

Immanuel LCMS, Laurel, NE

What is A Christ, Anyway?

For Sun. School Teachers and Parents — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Here is a review for the Sunday School Teachers and Parents, connected with the lessons to be taught in class on January 22, 2017. Delayed a bit longer than planned, but here's a taste with much more to come. Blessings to you all in Christ!

--Pastor Jeff Warner

Miracle Blessing for Marriage

Second Sunday of Epiphany — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Lord blesses a wedding in Cana, making the finest of wine out of washwater jars. Scripture sets out a high and holy work for husbands and wives, wherein we all fall far short. We muddy the marital waters in myriad ways. Still the bridegroom and bride form a picture in life of the loving union of Christ and His Church. The Lord has a way with making fine wine out of washwater in marriage, through the outpouring of the forgiveness of sins.

"Miracle Blessing for Marriage"

A sermon on Ephesians 5:22-33

Second Sunday of Epiphany

"We Shall All Be Changed"

Funeral of Patricia Morten — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Things change, even the ones we count dearest and best sometimes. A Wife, Mother and Grandmother--a friend and woman of faith found her last day among us. While not seeking her glory, she found it in Christ, quietly tending to the tasks that make ready the upper room of the Church where Jesus is still pleased to meet His disciples.

"We Shall All Be Changed"
A sermon on 1 Cor. 15:50-54
Coronation of Pat Morten (1953-2017)
January 14, 2017

Consider What You Were and Are in Christ

The Baptism of Our Lord — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

They've seen our before and after pictures, Christian, and they're nowhere near impressed. Are you impressed with yourself again, how spiritual you've become? Or maybe you're ashamed and embarrassed again about everything you're not? Pride and shame each worship the same false God: you. Here we rejoice in Christ, who Himself is our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification.

Consider What You Were and Are in Christ
A sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
The Baptism of Our Lord
8 January 2017

God's Anonymity is Broken

The Circumcision and Name of Jesus — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Here's where God gets personal--perhaps too personal for our comfort. The Lord knows a little too much information about us, even the name of our secret, shameful guilt, our unspoken fears and carefully hidden wounds. These he takes on, offering even his most private parts to be marked with the obligation and responsibility to accomplish everything necessary for our salvation. God breaks his Anonymity and makes his name known, giving us grace and every blessing freely by faith in His Name: Jesus, "The Lord Saves."

God's Anonymity is Broken
A sermon on Luke 2:21
The Circumcision and Name of Jesus

The Word Became Flesh

The Nativity of our Lord — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to us all! The God who made man in His image is born to redeem mankind, who ceaselessly attempts to make God into their own imagination. He is born in flesh to redeem us, everything we were in the womb, are today, and to restore us beyond the tomb. Rejoice in that One born for you in Bethlehem, and named Jesus--our Redeemer King has come!

God's Peace Guards Your Hearts

Advent Midweek 4 — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

You don't need The Spiritual Fitbit for Christmas. Yet we attempt to monitor our levels of joy or anxiety. Paul wouldn't make you more anxious about how anxious you are. Nor is the apostle urging you to be sadder still because your measure of joy is too low. The Peace of God is not naturally found inside our hearts, rather it stands constant and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Indeed, the peace of the Lord be with you always.

Confessing Who We Are NOT

4th Sunday in Advent — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

John grew up a preacher's son, the firstborn of a daughter of Aaron as well. He knew the Word, the worship, the vestments, the offerings, the hymns and prayers of the temple. So what is he doing across the Jordan, baptizing? Inquiring priests, Levites and Pharisees want to know! So we learn that when the pressure is on and the trying times come, it's so good to know who you're not! We rejoice that Jesus is Jesus, the Savior does all the saving, and we content to be the people God has made us to be in His Baptism.

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Midweek Advent 3 — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Not all Mysteries are meant to be solved. God's Mysteries are made known to be proclaimed, believed and received by faith. In a skeptical age, the words endure that proclaim the ministry of the "one holy Christian and apostolic Church" to press on as "Stewards of the Mysteries of God." Each generation takes up the mantle, caring very little about whether the fallen world of sinners approves. Yet they care much about the Christ Jesus who reveals and entrusts them with these Mysteries, and about the world around so sorely in need of them.

My Messenger before Your Face

3rd Sunday in Advent — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus has a message for people who truly want to be exceptional Christians, like John the Baptist. This is a message for those in physical or spiritual need, like John the Baptist. This message is for people who don't like preachers, such as John the Baptist. This is a message for people who need a message from God, or who don't even want to need that. Think you are the exception? Jesus has a message for you.

Endurance and Encouragement

Advent Midweek 2 — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

As Paul closes out the letter to Romans, he makes an appeal for Endurance and Encouragement. Of course, we grow weary sometimes, exasperated even when we can't seem to reach agreement on even the most basic things involving Jesus--who he is, what he has done. Why bother? Give up? The "God of endurance and encouragement" does not give up! He forgives our impatience and imparts the patience and comfort of His holy Word. Find your encouragement and endurance in being united in faith with those of all races, tribes, people and languages in this His one, holy, Christian and apostolic Church.

Signs The Kingdom of God is Near

2nd Sunday in Advent — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

We see them all the time. They say the same things day after day. Signs are there to tell us something, remind us of something that the one who established them wants you to know and remember. But soon come the vandals, shooting holes and spraying their own notions over to defile and obscure. Jesus established signs all over the place. His encouraging message upon them endures: Your Redemption Near, Kingdom of God is Nigh at Hand!

Salvation is Nearer Now

Advent Midweek 1 (jpw) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Advent is about preparation, especially for Christ's final coming. Paul urges us here to be prepared by putting on the armor of light, by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ himself and wearing His righteousness as our own. But what does that look like? It looks like love, directed and expressed towards neighbors every bit as undeserving of it as we. Listen as Christ, who deems you worthy of His love, expresses the same through you toward others.

Finding Fulfilment in Christ

First Sunday in Advent — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Predictive prophecy is not dead these days, it's just godless. Fortunes rise and fall with predictions of the future in politics, economics, technology and climatology. Christ comes to fulfill all that was spoken of him, for you. He lives in fulfilment of God's Word. The promises of old and every promise of the New Covenant applied to you in Word and Sacrament stand secured in His blood shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins. This we live every day, not in what might or might not happen tomorrow, but what has been spoken, shown and given to you. Abide in the fulfilment, in the Christ. Your King still comes to you. Hosanna in the Highest!

The Peaceful and Quiet Life

Thanksgiving Eve (jpw) — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When You See the Difference...

Last Sunday of the Church Year (jpw) — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Comfort for All Fainting in Fear

26th Sunday after Pentecost (jpg) — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Great is Your Reward in Heaven

All Saints' Day (observed) jpw — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus pronounces those Blessed who don't look or feel very blessed. He calls them "one holy Christian and apostolic Church." The prophets were sent not to build community, but to call community to repentance and true communion with Christ. There they are blessed, along with the prophets and saints and all generations before--blessed because "This is the feast of victory of our God." That blessing is eternal and yours--the kingdom heaven is yours, you lack no good thing in Christ.

A Very Present Help

Reformation Day (observed) — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Rate the following in terms of:

Not Present--Barely Present--Somewhat Present--Very Present
Fear?
Rage/Anger?
Despair?

God is a VERY PRESENT Help in Trouble. Find Him Here in Christ!

Going Home Justified

23rd Sun. after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Wrestling for God's Blessing

22nd Sun. after Pentecost (jpg) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Our People, Our God

21st Sun. after Pentecost (jpg) — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Whoever Receives You

Rev. Harrison Goodman, Wayne Circuit Visitor, St. Paul, Winside and Carroll, NE — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This is the sermon for the installation of Rev. Jeffery Warner as Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Laurel, NE

Coronation of St. Allen Broderson

Jesus Opens Wells in You (JPW) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Your Soul is Required

11th Sunday after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

God Will Get Up and Give

10th Sunday After Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The Better Portion

9th Sunday after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Who is my neighbor?

8th Sunday after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Sowing, Reaping and Brother Keeping

7th Sun. after Pentecosr (jpw) — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

You Are Made One in Christ

5th Sunday after Pentecost — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Redeemed from the Curse

4th Sunday after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

They Glorified God

3rd Sun. After Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A Servant of Christ

2nd Sun. After Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 29 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

If I Glorify Myself

Trinity Sunday (jpw) — Sun, 22 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Receive The Helper God Gives

Day of Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 15 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Those Who Keep These Words

Seventh Sunday after Easter — Sun, 08 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The Bride, The Wife of the Lamb

6th Sun. Of Easter — Sun, 01 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

These Words: Trustworthy and True

5th Sunday of Easter (jpw) — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

You Made Them Priests

3rd Sunday after Easter (jpw) — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I Have The Keys

2nd Sun. after Easter — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Your Last Enemy Destroyed

Resurrection of our Lord (jpw) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Death is not your friend, and certainly not the rescuer and savior it claims to be--Death is not your Deliverer from all your fears, pain, sickness and suffering. Death is not the bringer of progress, a better future for the world. Here death is called by its true name: Your Last Enemy. Only in Jesus of Nazareth, raised from the dead, do we find true salvation and eternal Life. Death is defeated, but not yet destroyed. That day is coming soon. The day of your rescue is now, in Chrst.

No King But Caesar?

Good Friday (jpw) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

What happens when patriotism overthrows faith? Good Friday, and the rejection of Christ the King.

More than a Memory

Holy (Maundy) Thursday — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When Jesus bids us "Do this in remembrance of Me," he means much more than to urge you toward a fond memory, but a pure focus on who He is, what He gives and does here and now, for you.

Where I Am, There My Servant

Palm Sunday/Confirmation (jpw) — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

God Has Given His Vineyard

Lent 5 (jpw) — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Waterbury-Walloch Wedding

Rev. Jeff Warner — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Sermon for the wedding service held on 3/12/16

Behold The New Creation

Lent 4 (jpw) — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Broken relationships abound. Our Gospel reading in Luke talks about the brokenness in the relationships between a father and his sons, and between brothers. But the father rejoices nonetheless, for the son he feared lost or dead returns, declaring "I have sinned against heaven and against you." Whatever debt we owed God, to love him and one another more fully or freely than we do--all that is sin, and it is paid in full and more. God owes you some change. Change in your heart, which stands reconciled and blessed before a God whose mercy is shown in not counting your sins against you. From broken relationships to His own ambassadors of reconciliation, God continues to make his appeal: just be reconciled to God, live reconciled to God, and abide together, reconciled to God in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Won't Run Away

2nd Sun in Lent (jpw) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

What do you do, if the King who killed John the Baptist starts saying you're next on his list of folks who need to die? Certain Pharisees approach Jesus with a word that is no friendly warning. But Jesus won't run away. It takes far less threat to make most of us want to turn tail and run. Jesus is just not like that, not like you in that way. And that is a good thing! It means he'll stick around and finish what He started for us. He goes where the threat is, suffers what will come, and all the while keep keeping us safe, forgiven, and free.

God Experiments on No One

1st Sun. in Lent (jpw) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Today we find Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, led into the desert. There He is tempted, tested by the Devil, the Slanderer. Never once is He tempted by His Father in heaven. Jesus knows who He is, "the Son of God," not because of the wide variety of experiments and tests the Devil tries to devise. Jesus knows because of His Baptism, and the declaration before God and man alike "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Your Baptism is your heavenly reBirth Certificate as well: your Father in heaven is well pleased with you, too, for the sake of His Son. You are His true child, and He is your true Father. Every temptation, experiment and test the Devil devises would call that into question. God doesn't need a paternity test to prove whether He is your true Father. He was there when you were born. He gave you your new, true name in your Baptism, Christian.

On Christ and Conscience

Ash Wednesday (jpw) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The NIV translates a portion of this passage: "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." A guilty conscience doesn't make me feel very innocent. But if a clear conscience is no proof either, what possible hope of innocence remains? Could it, in fact, rest entirely in a word spoken in the name of "the Lord who judges me?"

Christ is Faithful Over God's House

Transfiguration Sunday (jpw) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

For the Hebrews, to declare "Moses is faithful" is like saying "Grass is green; The sky is blue; Water is wet; Snow is cold." Faithfulness is epitomized by Moses, and that faithfulness is confirmed by God's own decree in Num. 12. None stands as a greater example in the Old Testament than Moses.

What a remarkable contrast, then, when we are told that Christ is deserving of even more glory, and embodies a faithfulness over God's house as a Son, not simply as a servant. Learning of Christ's fidelity to his house, his people, his mission is a tremendous comfort for us in an age of infidelity and the uncertainty that follows in its wake. Our faithfulness does not measure up to Moses', and it certainly pales in comparison to Christ. We rejoice in the Son of God made flesh, faithful not only to the End, but to all eternity.

The Indispensable Church

3rd Sun. after Epiphany (jpw) — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Today, as together we rejoice at the Baptism of McKenna Leigh Schroeder, we hear St. Paul anchor our relationship to Christ and every member of His body, the Church, in that same Baptism. Though likely our youngest member, unable for the time to walk, talk, or tend even to her own needs at present, in Baptism Christ declares her "Indispensable" (v.22). We Christians share an indispensability in Christ, such that we behold no member and believe, "I don't need you." At least, if or when we are tempted to consider ourselves or our neighbors as unnecessary, entirely dispensable in our lives--we had best think again. Christ speaks a better word to you, puts a far better Name on you: Indispensable to Him, to His kingdom, for His Indispensable Church.

The Lord Shall Renew

Christian Burial of Virgil Buss — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Sermon preached for the Christian family of Virgil Buss, upon his being called to glory in everlasting Life through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The other readings in the service included John 11:17-35, and 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Hymns included Amazing Grace, On Eagles' Wings, and How Great Thou Art.

Shine-Your Light Has Come!

2nd Sun. after Epiphany (Pres. Rich Snow) — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Rev. President Richard Snow of the Nebraska District LCMS came for the congregation's pre-call meeting. He proclaims the good news of God's gifts to us in Christ Jesus our Lord, and helps us unwrap what is seen in Christ to behold the Giver and His love for us.

Alive to God in Christ Jesus

Baptism of Our Lord (jpw) — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A Listening Heart

2nd Sun. after Christmas (jpw) — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

2015 is now, officially, history--your history, our history. Relief, regret, remembrance. Today we strive to learn a little from history, the history of King Solomon in prayer prior to assuming the throne of Israel. He prays for wisdom, and receives in unparalleled measure. None others can compare. How's your Wisdom? God's own Wisdom is laid in a manger, and nailed to a cross. Jesus is all the wisdom we need, for 2016 and forever!

As God's Chosen Ones

1st Sun. after Christmas (jpw) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Get new clothes for Christmas? God invites us to put on a splendid wardrobe here in these words, declaring us His "chosen ones, holy and beloved." In this catalogue of Christian virtues, the Lord Jesus dresses us all in new, beautiful and necessary garb--giving us sacred work to be about: forgiving as we have been forgiven. Merry Christmas to you, as "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved" in Christ.

Born of God

Christmas Day (jpw) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Christ is Born! This tremendous gift of God, His Son--the Word made Flesh--does an amazing work in a world which rejects and rebels against him. He gives us a gift, "He gave them the right to become Children of God...born of God." Today, we rejoice in the Lord's birth into the flesh and victory over it, such that God is our Father, we are born of God.

What Was Spoken Is Fulfilled

4th Sun. in Advent (jpw) — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The Blessed Virgin Mary visits her elder cousin Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. As we consider the Visitation, we take note of the marvelous words Elizabeth speaks about Mary, "the Mother of My Lord." Mary is Blessed among women, all generations shall call her blessed. But in what manner is she blessed? By what means shall we share in that blessedness? All this and more as we rejoice with Mary that what was promised is fulfilled in Christ Jesus for you!

The Blessed, Not Offended One

3rd Sun. in Advent (jpw) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Not so sure about who Jesus is and what he's about? Join the crowd, led today by none other than John the Baptist. Locked in jail, feeling like an epic failure in his prophetic work--John sends word to Jesus, "Should we be expecting someone else, because you don't seem to be The Guy to me." The crowds also are put off by someone so committed as John the Baptist and his disciples experiencing a crisis in faith. Jesus sends word to help and comfort John, and then defends John despite his apparent failure in faith. Can we Christians admit Jesus doesn't live up to our exceptions? If we do, will He do anything about it? Of course! Blessed are you!

I Send MY Messenger

2nd Sun. in Advent (jpw) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Malachi was the last of the Old Testament prophets. Centuries passed after Malachi's promises while God's people awaited fulfillment. Here God promises He will send His messenger, who will prepare the way for His arrival. John the Baptist arrived, and people not only recognized him as the fulfillment of this promise, but traveled into the wilderness in great crowds to hear his preaching and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

Scripture declares our God is a God who sends messengers to prepare His way. Most Christians believe that. How well do we trust and rely on it? Despite our reluctance, God comes to His people with a Word made flesh.

What is Lacking in Your Faith

1st Sun. in Advent (jpw) — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Beginning a new church year, we consider the fact that none of us has a perfect faith in Christ. All have something left to learn. Paul writes to a group of Christians with whom he spent a mere three weeks. They rejoiced at the word of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who freely forgives them their sins by grace, through faith. But religious opposition arose quickly by those who insisted only by perfect submission to the Law would they be saved.

Freely saved, but with room to grow. What is lacking in your faith? Christ Jesus brings it to completion by the ministry of Word and Sacraments He ordained for that very purpose.

Humbled, Hungry and Fed

Thanksgiving (jpw) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of The LORD. The Old Testament People are offered Old Testament terms for remaining in possession of their land and blessings from above. Christ is the fulfillment of that Old Testament, trusting in these words during the midst of his hunger and temptation in the wilderness. Through His blood shed "for you, for the forgiveness of your sins," we are brought into a New Testament in which we give thanks that God's blessings are secured for His children of all nations and tribes and peoples and languages.

I Say to All, "Stay Awake!"

Last Sun. of Ch. Year (jpw) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It's the Last Sunday of the Church Year -- and the Last Day is in view! The Disciples are dying to know when, when, WHEN will all this happen?

When is the wrong question. Jesus doesn't know when. Soon. But he does know what we ought to do be ready. HE will come again in glory. The one who gave His life to save us. HE has already spoken His judgment--or rather, His full pardon for our sins and reward for the righteousness He gives us as a gift. So we Stay Awake! in faith, looking forward to the fulfillment!

Draw Near, Hold Fast, Stir Up!

25th Sun. after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Christ grants us access to the holy places through his blood--and we have a GREAT High Priest in Jesus. This faith in Jesus makes us bold to draw near, hold fast, and stir one another up to a very real, godly sort of love (agape) and the works that the Lord gives and calls good. Faith doesn't just go to church--it goes to Jesus (as a certain Pastor from Winside, NE often says). The foundation is laid, access granted and power bestowed for us to Draw Near, Hold Fast and Stir Up in Jesus!

Dead Works or God's Service

23rd Sun. after Pentecost (jpw) — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Hebrews was written to a people who expected to get bloody and wet when they came to worship, with the shedding of blood and the sprinkling of people and temple furnishings alike. The New Testament in Christ's blood, shed for us, purifies not just the outward flesh--but the innermost beings of those who receive it. The conscience itself, befouled by 'dead works' is cleansed and made fit for God's service.

The World Does Not Know Us

All Saints' Day (jpw) — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It's easy to find fault with the church, whether one is Christian or not. But a holy Church, a communion of saints? It's even easier to find sinners filling the pews. But Saints? Here we find people who are not outwardly better than everyone else. But we find a Savior who gathers only that sort to Himself throughout the ages, people bent not on finding fault--but who have come because they confess serious fault in themselves. They need (and possess!) a righteousness quite apart from the Law found by faith in Christ alone. A remarkable thing indeed, that we should be called "Children of God." What we are is not obvious to everyone, even to us sometimes. But God defines who and what we are in Christ--all His saints.

The Son Sets You Free

Reformation Sunday (jpw) — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Many long for political, financial and physical freedom, but Christ brings a spiritual freedom by faith that spans the full spectrum of power, wealth and health. The Son sets you free with an everlasting freedom.

Luke Alone is With Me

St. Luke, Evangelist (jpw) — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It's the festival of St. Luke, Evangelist! While we are blessed with a Gospel that bears his name (the book of Luke) and likewise owe the book of Acts to the Holy Spirit's work through him, his ministry among the saints is front and center today. In particular, it's his presence at the side of St. Paul as the apostle nears the end of his days on earth. Looking back on fractured relationships and hearts broken by sin, St. Paul gives thanks that Luke is yet with him. But thanks to the encouragement of the gospel, Paul also sees beyond the wounds and hurt to the healing and reconciliation of the Gospel. Pardon our pastor's voice as you hear a word of encouragement for all, in the name of the Lord, who "draws near the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Ps. 34)

He Fashioned A Woman

Pentecost 19 (jpw) — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Guest Pastor Feldman

Pastor Feldmann, Wayne, NE — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Set You Free

Coronation of R. Ebmeier (jpw) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Sermon for the Christian Burial of Richard Ebmeier

"Set You Free"
John 8:31-32 (ESV)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, â€œIf you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â€?

A Child in His Arms

jpw (Pentecost 17) — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Competition and comparison are a part of daily life. They have their place, but sometimes people start to measure people and things against one another in a way that damages relationships and causes others to lose perspective. Sometimes it's perilous for faith, because God measures things very differently than we do. Jesus is the greatest even on the cross. What is first goes last, what's last is first. And what is least, that's the greatest. Jesus holds up a child with no resume of accomplishments or claim to fame--except for the fact Jesus picked him up and held him. Being a child in His arms is no small thing, and receiving even the least child in His name yields a tremendous reward.

Teacher, I Brought My Son to You

jpw (Pentecost 16) — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Rally Day -- our Sunday School teachers and students are gathered to kick of the new year. Our Gospel again sets before us the reality of children's spiritual needs, alongside the frustration of those who are given to meet them finding themselves utterly unable to do so. Jesus returns to help the child, the child's father, and His disciples--teaching them that some failures, some evils, can only be addressed with prayer. Prayer asks Christ for help and trusts in Him to do what He alone can do for us. Our own imagination and abilities let us down, but Christ believes for us, offers Himself for us, clothes us in His righteousness and blesses our humble efforts to serve by faith in what He alone can do.

The Children's Bread

jpw (Pentecost 15) — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

As we're preparing for our Sunday School Rally Day, the appointed Gospel reading sets before us a mother concerned about the spiritual welfare of her little daughter. When she meets a Savior determined that The Children's Bread not be thrown aside to the dogs, she finds the help she needs in Him--the help she could not find throughout the pantheon of gods Syro-Phoenician lands. Jesus is not just for grown-ups. He's not just for little kids either. Jesus is for all who need cleansing and rescue from the very real evil in this world--then, and now!

Viral Outbreak of Sin

jpw (Pentecost 14) — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Heart troubles? Not surprised. Jesus says you and I have a heart problem that troubles us and those around us. While not optimistic about our own abilities to correct this, at least Jesus's diagnosis fits the symptoms. Likewise, at least we know where NOT to look for proof of our salvation or God's love--the human heart is not where one finds these things. Rather, it is Jesus himself that is our certainty, even when our hearts condemn us, for God is greater than our hearts--and He forgives flesh and blood people with real, befouled hearts.

A Sealed Book's Words

jpw (Pentecost 13) — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Some honor God with their lips, with hearts far removed from God. These say a lot about God, do a lot of things in God's name, creating a form of religion which is all about the rules and constantly proclaiming "You are not Christian enough--you have to do more!" God's heart is made known in the cross of Christ. Our religion is about Christ and His Cross--and that Jesus is Christ enough for you, Savior enough for you, such that you are made Christian enough, forgiven enough, blessed enough, healed enough right now in your Baptism. Christ names us Christian enough to enter heaven this very moment. As our Sunday School teachers prepare, as we prepare, God grant impart to them a religion that is not about learning the 'rules' and leaving with the thought 'I'm not Christian enough.' Rather, we believe, teach and confess our Jesus is Christ enough, and by grace alone, through faith in what He has done you are true child and heir enough now.

You Have The Words

jpw (Pentecost 12) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The flesh and blood Jesus feeds his own and speaks to them the "words of eternal life." But many of his disciples abandoned Him, for His way of giving eternal life and sustaining eternal life in their body and spirit offends them. Only the 12 apostles remain with Jesus. He asks them, "Do you want to go away as well?" They remain with Jesus, because He has the words--indeed He is the Word made flesh, dwelling among us, the Holy One of God.

The Futility Walk

jpw (Pentecost 11) — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

There is a well-worn, pointless path to futility in our minds. We can start from anywhere and plummet into that void. But in Baptism, Christ graciously calls us out of that futility to hope and everlasting life in His Name, His righteousness, and His true purpose for us: to love real broken people and forgive real sinners all around us. Laying claim to us body and soul, renewing everything we are and think and do, Jesus accomplishes for us and in us and through us a love that endures at our best and at our worst.

He Gave Gifts to Men jpw

jpw (Pentecost 10) — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Christ knows our hearts, the depths of our being. He is ascended to the right hand of the Father--our "one Lord" through to whom we are united in "one faith" through that "one Baptism." It is Jesus Christ who gives these gifts. What are you going to do with them? What are they good for? And can we trust them--trust Him--to give us what we need? We find these things and more in Ephesians 4, He Gave Gifts for you!

More Than We Ask jpw

jpw (Pentecost 9) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

He Is OUR Peace jpw

jpw (Pentecost 8) — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A Herdsman Heard

jpw (Pentecost 7) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

ContentWithWeaknesses jpw

jpw (Pentecost 6) — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A Great Calm

jpw (Pentecost 4) — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000