Faith Lutheran - Sharpsburg

In a world shrouded in confusion and grief, where fleeting pleasures and endless information fail to satisfy, Jesus' words in John 16:16–24 offer hope. On Holy Thursday, he promises his disciples, amid their looming sorrow, a deep, lasting joy that transcends circumstances. Through his death and resurrection, Christ secures an unshakable joy for all Christians that is firmly rooted in God's love and forgiveness. This is the joy we need. Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on May 25, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

What is the best gift that you could leave behind for your children? Even more important than passing down a family heirloom, a large inheritance, or the family house, is passing down Jesus' words. In a world that is filled with noise and doubt, we work to teach our children the words of eternal life, the words that have the power to save. And that's why Christin education matters - to have pastors and teachers who are there to train up the next generation in God's Word.Seminarian Mark Burger's sermon preached at Faith on May 18, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, embodies unconditional love and care, meeting our every need, guiding us through life's trials, and restoring our souls with complete forgiveness. He loves us, His sheep, so much that He laid down His life so that we would be safe eternally. Parents are called to mirror this love by nurturing their children with care, guidance, and a commitment to their faith. May our Good Shepherd's boundless love give us comfort and encouragement every single day.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on May 11, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Because He lives, we see success clearly now. Jesus' resurrection pierces through the fog of a sin-clouded world, unveiling a clear understanding of true success. True success isn't about what you achieve but about being where Jesus places you. It's trusting His perfect wisdom, whether you're soothing a crying infant or tackling daily work. Even in moments of failure, Christ's triumph covers you with grace. Ultimately, regardless of your successes or failures, Jesus' victory assures you of eternal success. Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on May 4, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

How does Jesus approach his fearful disciples on the evening of that first Easter Sunday? Does he scold them? No, he brings a word of comfort. He calms them with the peace that only He can give. That same unending, unchanging peace is also ours because of Jesus' Resurrection. The peace that He gives us both calms our hearts and emboldens us to share the Good News. Just as Jesus calmed and commissioned his disciples, he also calms and commissions us to boldly proclaim this life-changing truth: He is alive!Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on April 27, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Because He lives, we are victorious! Because Jesus conquered sin, death, and the devil, he ushered in forgiveness and eternal hope for all who believe. Through his rising, Jesus liberates us from despair, empowering us to live with renewed purpose and the unshakable assurance of salvation in his name. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

For our Good Friday service, Pastor Schroeder and Vicar Behm offered short devotions centered on each of Jesus' Seven Words from the Cross. Reflecting on these powerful words helps reveal to us the depth of Jesus' love as he suffers in our place. Through these words, spoken amidst his agony, we uncover the profound sacrifice and unwavering compassion of Christ, who bore our sins to secure our salvation.Pastor Schroeder and Vicar Behm's devotions preached at Faith on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Curious about true success? Listen to Pastor Doug Van Sice's sermon, "Living with the End Goal Constantly in View," based on Paul's words in Philippians 3. Discover how focusing on eternity with Christ transforms our definition of success from "worldly wins" to "knowing Him." Pastor Van Sice serves at Huntersville Lutheran Church in Huntersville, NC, and is a former vicar at Faith. Pastor Doug Van Sice's sermon preached at Faith on April 6, 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

In this sermon, we explore the timeless Parable of the Two Sons from Luke 15, a story that reveals the relentless, seeking love of our Heavenly Father for all his children. This love is certain whether the children have wandered far in reckless pursuit of freedom or remained close yet lost in self-righteousness. Through the younger son's descent into the pig sty and the older son's resentment in the fields, we uncover how God runs to meet us wherever we are, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a place in His celebration. Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on March 30, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Do you view repentance as a gift or a burden? In this sermon, we explore the liberating truth that repentance is another way that God shows us his grace. The unsettling story of Pilate mixing Galilean blood with temple sacrifices sets the stage for Jesus' words in Luke 13, shifting our focus from others' sins to our own need for repentance. Meanwhile, the parable of a barren fig tree, spared by a patient gardener, showcases God's enduring mercy. Together, these narratives unveil repentance as a gift that allows us to rest in Jesus' love.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on March 23, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Citizenship matters. Paul wrote to Christians in Philippi who understood the benefits of being Roman citizens, and he reminded them that Christians are citizens of heaven. In this reading, he encourages all of us to live up the calling we have received, and to let our heavenly citizenship define our daily walk and our eternal hopes.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on March 16, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

“The battle is the Lord's.” That short statement is both incredibly comforting and shockingly frustrating. We love to hear those words and to be reminded that God is ultimately in control. On the other hand, we want to stand up and fight for ourselves. We want to show off our self-sufficiency. But what if we couldn't fight the battle that needed to be won? Join us for this sermon as we unpack the epic story of David vs. Goliath, showing how David points us to our greater Champion who always fights for us, Jesus. Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on March 9, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Picture the disciples, their hearts soaring with dreams of a victorious Savior, only to hear Jesus predict a path of suffering and death—a collision of hope and hard truth that mirrors our own letdowns in life's big moments. This sermon delves into their surreal glimpse of Jesus radiant on a mountain, joined by ancient voices of law and prophecy, as they grapple with a future they didn't expect. It's a meditation on the sting of shattered assumptions—be it in relationships, wellness, or divine plans—and the quiet question of whether something greater might linger beneath the surface. Step into this exploration of faith tested and resilience born.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on March 2, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this sermon, we reflect on the profound theme of mercy, inspired by Jesus' command to love beyond what feels natural or easy. Rooted in his boundless love and sacrifice, we explore how Christ empowers us to share moments of mercy with others, even in a world prone to conflict. We'll ponder: Strengthened by Jesus' love, what moment of mercy might we offer today? Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on February 23, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

How do you reconcile faith in God with the presence of so much evil and brokenness in the world? Some people look at the suffering around them and conclude: If God is good, he must not be in control; and if he's in control, he's certainly not good. But what about for believers like us? How does suffering and brokenness inform our understanding of God?Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on February 16, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In a world that craves comfort, success, and easy answers, are we giving people what they want or what they truly need? In this sermon, we dive into Jesus' mission on earth, not just as a miracle worker, but as the Savior who came to rescue a broken world. His agenda wasn't about popularity or earthly success; it was about proclaiming the Gospel. As the Church, that's our mission, too. Join us as we explore how sharing the truth of Jesus, even when it's not what the world wants, is exactly what the world needs.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on February 2, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

When doubts enter our minds and the question arises, “Did God really say?” we often find ourselves searching for strength and certainty. In this sermon, we explore the power and authority of God's Word as revealed in 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5. Discover how Scripture equips us to stand firm in faith, overcome uncertainty, and trust in the unshakable promises of our Savior. May you be reminded that God's Word is not only true but also living and active, giving us everything we need to face life's challenges with confidence and hope.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on January 26, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this sermon, we explore the powerful truth behind the phrase, “New Year, Same You.” While the turning of a calendar year brings new opportunities, it also reminds us of what hasn't changed—our struggles, our failures, and our need for a Savior. Reflecting on Jesus' baptism, we uncover how his perfect life, death, and resurrection redefine our identity. You are not just a sinner carrying the weight of your past; you are a saint, declared God's beloved child through baptism. Join us as we unpack how this unchanging truth shapes every moment of our lives in this new year and beyond.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on January 19, 2025.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

On this Festival of Epiphany, we uncover this powerful truth: God doesn't look for wise people; he makes people wise. Based on Matthew 2:1-12, we'll see how God led the Magi to Jesus, not through their own understanding, but by his divine guidance. This sermon reminds us that true wisdom is a gift from God, revealed through his Word and his work in our lives, as he draws us to our Savior and transforms us by his grace.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on January 5, 2025. Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

On this Festival of the Holy Innocents, we explore the heartbreaking account of Herod's massacre in Bethlehem, contrasting the cries of sin's devastation with the triumphant cry of redemption through Christ. As we navigate the profound sorrow of a sin-broken world, we find hope in the unshakable truth of Jesus' victory over sin and death. Listen in as we reflect on how the Savior's birth, life, and ultimate sacrifice transform our deepest pain into enduring peace, offering a message of comfort and triumph that resonates through every trial.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on December 29, 2024. Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this Christmas Day sermon, we explore the profound mystery of the child in the manger from heaven's perspective. While we often see a newborn baby in humble surroundings, Scripture reveals that this child is the eternal Word, full of grace and truth, who crossed the chasm between God and humanity to bring us peace. Join us as we reflect on the glory of God hidden in the body of a baby and discover how this divine truth shapes our joy, our lives, and our eternal hope.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on Christmas Day 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

On this Christmas Eve, we dive into the timeless story of Luke 2:1-20, exploring the extraordinary Gift that God gave to a broken world on that first Christmas night. From the humble manger in Bethlehem to the angelic proclamation of peace, we'll uncover how the birth of Jesus wasn't just a moment in history but a divine solution to the pain, sin, and brokenness we all experience. Listen in as we reflect on how God's gift of his Son brings hope, healing, and restoration to every heart and every corner of this world.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on Christmas Eve 2024. Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz.

Christmas can feel overwhelming, but even in the chaos, God is still at work. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus' humble birth and life reflect God's pattern of lifting up the broken and unworthy, offering us grace, forgiveness, and eternal hope. Discover how being humbled can prepare your heart to embrace the real meaning of Christmas—the Savior who became lowly to lift us up.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on December 15, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

When the Virgin Mary sang the song called the Magnificat, she praising God for the conception of Jesus, the Messiah. . The Magnificat it was all about the world being turned upside down. God, you're going to change the world, you are going to pull rulers down from their thrones and lift up the lowly. You are going to humble the proud and comfort the poor of heart. The birth of the Son of God was the beginning of God's plan to turn this world upside down, to remake it again in his image. When you look at the news and think, “Something's gotta change.” You're right. That's exactly God's plan.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on December 8, 2024. Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

At the start of this Advent season, we explore the profound connection between Christ's first coming in the manger and his promised return as King. As we reflect on the humility of our Savior and the hope of his second Advent, we find strength for the journey of faith and encouragement to live humbly and joyfully. Join us as we dive into how keeping the finish line in view transforms our daily lives, inspires our interactions, and fills this season with peace and purpose.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on December 1, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this special celebration of Christ the King Sunday, we take a journey through the Church Year, exploring how each season reveals the reign of Christ as King. From his humble incarnation at Christmas to his victorious ascension and promised return, we see how the rhythms of the Church Year draw us closer to our King, who rules with grace and truth. Instead of one longer sermon, this service used shorter devotions, with each devotion focusing on a different season of the Church Year.Pastor Schroeder and Vicar Behm's devotions preached at Faith on November 24, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this episode, we explore how God's gift of faith enables us to face the Last Day—and this life—with confidence and peace. As we look toward the end times, it's easy to feel apprehensive, to question if we've done enough or if we're truly prepared. But God's Word transforms fear into faith by revealing that the very Judge of that day is also our Savior, who has already done everything for us. Listen in as we uncover how knowing Jesus reframes our understanding of the future, freeing us to live each day with unwavering trust in his love and grace.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on November 10, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

In this sermon, we explore Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, a powerful demonstration of his mission to seek and save lost sinners. Zacchaeus, a man known for his occupation as a tax collector, is met by Jesus in a way that cuts through his past and his brokenness. Building on this impactful story, we'll dive into what it means to come face-to-face with the limitless grace of God. Join us as we reflect on this powerful truth of Jesus' life: he came to seek and save lost sinners, including you. Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on November 3, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

When the flames of trials surround us, where will we stand? In this sermon, we explore the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who stood unharmed in the fiery furnace, and Martin Luther, whose courage ignited the Reformation. Through their example, we uncover how God's truth gives us the freedom to live without fear, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and confident in the promise of eternal life. Join us as we reflect on what it means to stand firm in faith today, knowing that no matter what trials we face, we are never standing alone.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on October 27, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

We live in a “me-first” world. People want to be at the front of every line, getting the best of the best before anyone else. Christians are called to live differently. They are called to live in a way that the world would see as “upside-down.” Instead of doing whatever it takes to be first in line, Jesus calls his people to willingly and joyfully serve others.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on October 20, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Our lives are filled with so many blessings that are nice to have, but are we missing what's truly necessary? In this sermon, we will unpack the story of the Rich Young Ruler from Mark 10. We will see how Jesus gently but powerfully points him—and us—toward the one thing that truly matters: a relationship with God. We'll explore how easy it is to let good things take God's place in our hearts, why Jesus' perfect priorities matter to us, and how knowing what's truly necessary makes everything else in life even sweeter.Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on October 13, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

There's more to this world than meets the eye. There is a real spiritual world that is at war for our souls. Despite the war's invisibility, we can find tangible comfort in God's Word. Just as God's angels decisively defeated Satan and his army, and just as Jesus conquered Satan by his death on the cross, we, too, will be victorious. God and his angels are fighting for us.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on September 29, 2024.

In this sermon, we explore what it means to be truly great in God's upside-down kingdom, where greatness isn't measured by fame or power, but by humble service. Inspired by Jesus' teachings, we unpack the story of the disciples arguing over who was the greatest, and how Jesus responded by pointing to the least likely of examples—a child. We'll discuss how this applies to our lives today, in relationships, marriage, and beyond. We reflect on how true greatness comes not from exalting ourselves, but by using our gifts to serve others.Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on September 22, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

Is your faith worth fighting for? Is it worth all the effort and all the crosses? Of course it is. Of course your faith is worth fighting for, but we don't always know why it's worth fighting for. Thankfully, the Bible gives us plenty of reasons why our faith is worth fighting for, and it also equips us to be confident in our fight. Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on September 15, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

What are we to make of the brokenness we see around us in this world? Do we give up hope? Thanks be to God that the Christian can have hope amidst the brokenness of this world. Why? Jesus is coming to set things right again. Pastor Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on September 8, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

How can we live authentic Christian lives? Don't we all wonder that at some point? Don't we all struggle to know if we are doing enough or doing the right things? God himself has provided answers to our questions. Because God has washed our hearts clean, we are living authentic Christian lives that bring worship and praise to our God. Vicar Behm's sermon preached at Faith on September 1, 2024.Intro/Outro Music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

People go to extreme measures to lengthen their lives. We might not match the intensity of their search for longevity, but don't we all have a desire to live longer? That's natural. We were designed to live forever. God made us to live forever. Praise God that Jesus has made our desire into our reality. Because he paid for our sins in full, we really will live forever with him. Intro/Outro music: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz

This world is on a search for wisdom. We read self-help books to make our days more productive. We follow social media influencers to keep up with the fashion trends. No matter where we search for wisdom in this world, we will always be left wanting more. We need a better wisdom. We need real wisdom. Praise God that he reveals real wisdom to us in the cross of Jesus Christ. That wisdom is a wisdom that can truly guide our lives.Intro/Outro music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

The disciples saw Jesus provide bread to thousands, so they came to him looking for more. While Jesus certainly provides for earthly needs, he also provides so much more. Jesus teaches his disciples and us what we should really be looking for when we come to him: The Bread of Life. That is what we get. Intro/Outro music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

We all want someone to stand up for us. We want someone to put us first, to go to battle for us when we can't, and to stop at nothing to make sure we are taken care of. That's exactly who our God is. When life is hard, we have an overwhelming comfort: Our God fights for us. He fought for our salvation, and he still fights for us every single day. Take heart! God is on your side. Intro/Outro music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

Pastor Chuck Westra preaches about the gift and the privilege of the ministry. On this Sunday at Faith, Pastor Schroeder was recognized for 25 years in the public ministry. Intro/Outro Depth of Field by David Hilowitz

Jesus doesn't want us to be stressed out, chronically tired, irritated people. And we don't really want that for ourselves either. But then why do we let ourselves get like that? Jesus wants us to rest. Intro/Outro: "Depth of Field" by David Hilowitz