July 2023 Program Summaries

July 2, 2023 – Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 119:153-160; Romans 13:1-11; Matthew 10:34-42

“Freedom in Forgiveness” – Sermon Text: Romans 13:1 – Rev. Thomas Eggold

God’s kingdom of grace has nothing to do with governments or laws, punishment or power. Instead, this kingdom is one of forgiveness and salvation, where God calls His people by the Gospel and gathers them in the church, where He guides them by the Holy Spirit and feeds them with His Word and Sacraments. In this kingdom, God brings us to faith, He forgives our sins, and He promises us eternal life with Him in heaven.

July 9, 2023 – Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 145:1-14, 19; Romans 7:14-25a; Matthew 11:25-30

“Burned Out” – Sermon Text: Matthew 11:28 – Rev. Shayne Jonker

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Come to Jesus, trust Jesus, let Jesus shoulder your burden. And yet we refuse to believe it or trust it, and so we burden ourselves needlessly. Christ bore your sins on the cross; why are you trying to bear them for yourself? Christ bore the burden of your shame and guilt in His death; why are you trying to hold on to these things?

July 16, 2023 – Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 55:10-13; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

“Hearing God’s Word” – Sermon Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 – Rev. Paul Shoemaker

There are many things that distract us from hearing God’s Word. Since it is God’s Word that creates and sustains faith, these distractions aren’t just annoying, they’re harmful. Even with these distractions, we are still called to share God’s Word as it produces faith in the hearts of people.

July 23, 2023 – Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 119:57-64; Romans 8:18-27; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

“Hope-Filled Groaning” – Sermon Text: Romans 8:18-27 – Rev. William Mueller

All it took was one act of rebellion for everything to be thrown off kilter. The Apostle Paul reminds us that all of creation is groaning as in the pains of childbirth. And our groans add to this sad chorus! But there is Good News! Not only does the Spirit intercede for us, but there is a coming glory to be revealed for us that makes our present sufferings pale in comparison.

July 30, 2023 – Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 125; Romans 8:31-39; Matthew 13:44-52

“Nothing and Everything” – Sermon Text: Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 13:44-45 – Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer

Who or what can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ? Nothing! How much is the Kingdom of Heaven worth? Everything!