What Are You Waiting For?
December 3, 2023 – First Sunday in Advent
Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer
Be it the second coming or your own mortality, Jesus will return! Are you ready? If not, what are you waiting for?
Sermon Text: Mark 13:37
Readings: Psalm 80:1-7; Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37
Comfort, Comfort My People
December 10, 2023 – Second Sunday in Advent
Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III
We all need comfort for various reasons, which includes our feeling sorrow over our sins. So, be comforted! Even though we are sinners, God shows us abundant grace, and Jesus, our Good Shepherd, carries each of us in his arms. These truths are certain, because they come from God’s Word, which stands forever.
Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
Readings: Psalm 85:1-9, Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8
The Way of the Lord
December 17, 2023 – Third Sunday in Advent
Rev. Thomas Eggold
The message of Advent is not that we should get better or get busy. This is not a time to show God how qualified we are for the kingdom. Instead, Advent calls us to despair of our efforts and let go of our past performance and to die at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ where our burden was carried, our sin was punished, comfort is given, salvation is found, and we receive the righteousness of Christ. And this is the way of the Lord.
Sermon Text: John 1:23
Readings: Psalm 126; Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28
In a Manger?
December 24, 2023 – Christmas Day Observed
Rev. Shayne Jonker
The manger in Bethlehem is the first step toward a hilltop called Calvary and Christ’s death for the sins of the world. Rather than shy away from that truth, we remember and marvel: the Son of God wills to become a swaddled baby in a Bethlehem barn because He wills to go to the cross for you.
Sermon Text: Luke 2:7
Readings: Psalm 98; Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
At Home with Jesus
December 31, 2023 – First Sunday after Christmas
Rev. Paul Shoemaker
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. Simeon and Anna greeted Him with joy. For many, being in church is a source of great joy. Worship Anew seeks to bring that joy to those who are unable to attend church.
Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40
Readings: Psalm 111; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Epiphany Light
January 7, 2024 – Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed)
Rev. William Mueller
The prophecy from the prophet is profound. Light in the darkness. Kings and nobility bear witness to the Light. Rare gifts given from love. This is Epiphany and so much more! Come and worship. Bow down with the Magi and discover, along with a boy named Gunther, Epiphany Light.
Sermon Text: Isaiah 60:1-6
Readings: Psalm 72:1-11; Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12
See Greater Things
January 14, 2024 – Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer
We SEE GREATER THINGS in daily living and eternity with Jesus in our lives. When Jesus entered a skeptical disciple’s life, Nathanael’s vision of God greatly increased. He promises and does the same in our lives!
Sermon Text: John 1:51
Readings: Psalm 139:1-10, 1 Samuel 3:1-10, John 1:43-51
Proper Perspective
January 21, 2024 – Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III
What a life we have! We experience God’s blessings and joys. We also have sorrows. The Apostle Paul reminds us to keep this present life in proper perspective. What exactly is that perspective?
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Readings: Psalm 62:1-8; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
Teaching with Authority
January 28, 2024 – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Rev. Thomas Eggold
The Word of Jesus in synagogue wasn’t a new teaching; it was a retelling of a timeless promise from the mouth of God Himself. It is the teaching that man is not capable of keeping God’s Law. It is the teaching that Christianity is not about the work of the Christian, but about the work of Christ. My friends, today we have this very same Word of God...and this teaching is astonishing!
Sermon Text: Mark 1:22
Readings: Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Mark 1:21-28