Podcasts about Divine Service

The Lord is Faithful. The Church Will Go On Luke 21:5–28. Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple Empires fall. Kingdoms crumble. Civilizations fade into dust. Yet the Church still stands. Christ's Bride endures because she is not founded on marble or money or men, but on the living Word of Christ who says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Every generation has believed it lived in the Last Days. The early martyrs believed it. Luther in the Reformation believed it. Our parents during the Cold War believed it too. Jesus reminds us that no one knows the day or the hour. Instead of fear, He calls us to faith and watchful hope. St. Paul gives the same comfort. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” Though nations rage and the earth trembles, God's promises stand firm. “Not a hair of your head will perish.” “The Lord will keep your life.” Christ Himself died yet did not pass away. He rose again, conquering death for us all. And when our final day comes, we do not simply pass away. We pass through death into life in Him. History bears witness. When Jerusalem fell in A.D. 70, the Church went on. When Trinity Lutheran Church in Milwaukee burned to the ground, the congregation still gathered among the ashes to sing and hear God's Word. They rebuilt. They endured. Because the Lord is faithful, His Word endures, and the Church goes on. So too here at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. For 172 years, Christ has sustained this congregation through every joy and every trial, preserving His people by His Word and Sacraments. The world may change. Christ remains. His mercy abides. Lift up your heads and do not fear. The Lord is faithful. The Church will go on. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” LW 308 Readings:  Isaiah 40:9-11, 2 Peter 3:3-14 or 2 Thess. 1:3-10, Matthew 25:31-46 Hymn of the Day: “Now Thank We All Our God” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #64, LW 443, TLH 36) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Your Table I Approach” LW 249, TLH 310 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “Jerusalem, O City Fair and High” LW 306 “May God Embrace Us with His Grace” LW 288, TLH 500 “Jerusalem, My Happy Home” LW 307, TLH 618 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” LW 295 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Second-Last-Sunday-Cover-11-16-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1135823217?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (III:63b), Jesus is Sent to Cross in Luke 23:26-32

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Readings:  Hebrews 7:23-27, St. Luke 11:33-36 Hymn of the Day: “Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #109) --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: November-11-St-Martin-of-Tours-Bishop-and-Confessor-Insert-2025.pdf https://vimeo.com/1135087037?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

The God of the Living | Luke 20:27–40 | Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection Is this world all there is? That's what the Sadducees thought. They didn't believe in the resurrection. To them, death was the end. But Jesus says otherwise. We confess that we believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting,” yet so often we live like this life is all there is. We chase comfort, success, and pleasure as if heaven were only a dream. But Jesus calls out that lie: “You are wrong.” There is more—more to this life, and more life after this life. This world will end, that is true. But that's not the end. Jesus proved it when He took our “this life is all there is” sins to the cross, died with them, and rose without them. His resurrection is not just His story—it's ours. He gives us a life that not even death can end, a life grounded in forgiveness, hope, and eternity. In Christ, you can live now like there is a tomorrow—because there is. Not just one tomorrow, but an eternity of them, in Him. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng” LW 455 Readings:  Isaiah 49:12-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matt 24:15-28 Hymn of the Day: “When in the Hour of Utmost Need”   (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #63, LW 428, TLH 522) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 Receiving a Member:  Sadie Henson General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared” LW 246, TLH 306 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” LW 462 “Preserve Your Word, O Savior” LW 337, TLH 264 “When I Suffer Pains and Losses” LW 423 “I Love Your Kingdom, Lord” LW 296 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Third-Last-Sunday-Cover-11-09-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1132935063?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (III:62b), Barabbas Takes Jesus' Place, Jesus to be Crucified in Luke 23:13-25

The Big Picture | Rev. 7:9–17 | A Great Multitude from Every Nation All Saints' Day calls us to see “the big picture” of what God is building—a communion of saints gathered forever around the Lamb. Like the builders of the great Cathedral of Chartres, who labored their whole lives without seeing the completed church, Christians often see only a small part of God's grand design. Yet faith looks beyond the dust and struggle to the finished work of Christ. John's vision in Revelation 7 shows a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne—those who have come out of great tribulation and been washed in the blood of the Lamb. These saints did not live easy lives, but through faith in Christ they now rest in His peace. The Beatitudes remind us that true blessing is not found in worldly comfort or success, but in belonging to Jesus, even amid suffering. The hymn For All the Saints proclaims this comfort: the saints are not gone, but at home with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection. The goal of faith is not a “blessed life,” but a blessed death—dying in Christ's forgiveness and rising to everlasting life. Through Baptism, Absolution, and the Holy Supper, we are already joined to that victory. Here on earth, the Church militant struggles, but it is never alone. At the altar, heaven and earth meet; the saints and angels worship with us in one eternal song: “This is the feast of victory for our God!” Like Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, we see only pieces of the picture now. But when Christ returns and the scaffolding of this world falls away, we will see the masterpiece complete—the redemption of all God's people. Then we, too, will join the countless host singing, “Alleluia, Alleluia!” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Bitterness, when leveraged effectively, can be a powerful motivator in Divine Service.

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “Now Let Us Come Before Him” LW 184, TLH 122 Readings:  Isaiah 65:1-2, Ephesians 5:15-21, Matthew 22:1-14 Hymn of the Day: “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #58, TLH 546) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness” LW 239 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “Jerusalem the Golden” LW 309, TLH 613 “I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus” LW 408 “Let Me Be Yours Forever” LW 257, TLH 334 “How Firm a Foundation” LW 411, TLH 427 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Trinity-Twenty-Cover-10-13-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1132846080?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (II:21), Demon-Possessed Man Healed, Pigs Drown in Mark 5:1-20

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” ASBH 22, LW 298, TLH 262 Readings:  Is 55:1-11, Rev 14:6-7, Mt 11:12-15 Hymn of the Day: “Lord, Keep Us in Thy Word and Work”  (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #107) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Salvation Unto Us Has Come” LW 355, TLH 377 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: LW #475 "Gracious Savior, Gentle Shepherd" --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Reformation-Day-Cover-10-31-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1131382447?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (VIII:20), The Four Houseman Revelation ch. 6:1-8

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “Christ Is Our Cornerstone” LW 290, TLH 465  (See ASBH 106/108) Readings:  Dt 32:1-4, 1Pt 1:3-9, Jn 15:17-21 Hymn of the Day: “From All Thy Saints” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #106) --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: October-28-St-Simon-and-St-Jude-Apostles-Insert-2025.pdf https://vimeo.com/1130677006?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “With The Lord Begin Your Task” LW 483 Readings:  Isaiah 44:21-23, Ephesians 4:22-28, Matthew 9:1-8 Hymn of the Day: “We All Believe in One True God” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #57, LW 212, TLH 252) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “O Living Bread from Heaven” LW 244, TLH 316 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “I Will Sing My Maker's Praises” LW 439, TLH 25 “The Man Is Ever Blessed” LW 388 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” LW 444, TLH 39 “From All That Dwell Below the Skies” (Ps 117)           Choir --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Trinity-Nineteen-Cover-10-26-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1125716058?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (I:38), Jesus Heals Paralytic, “Pick up your Bed” in Matthew 9:1-8

Order a hymnal for your home Upcoming Events Wednesday, 6:00 pm: Faith, Family, Food, and Fellowship @ Christ the King Free Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks Sunday, 10:00 am: Divine Service with Holy Communion 11:15 am: Sunday School Thursday, November 13, 2:00 pm: WMF Bible study & meeting

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

The apostle Paul charges Timothy: “Preach the Word.” These are not casual words—they are commands. Timothy was under orders, and so are your pastors today. The pastor's duty is not to invent new ideas or follow the latest trends, but to proclaim the promise that Jesus is the Savior of sinners. Pastors discharge their calling when they baptize and absolve, when they feed sinners with Christ's body and blood according to His own words and command. These are not their words—they are the Lord's. These are not their gifts—they are the Lord's gifts, given through them. We are not saved by looking within, but by receiving what comes from outside of us: the preached Word, the water, the bread, and the wine. Through these, the Lord gives His forgiveness, life, and peace. Pastors are under orders to deliver what Christ has already accomplished—for you. You can trust the Word your pastors preach because it's from the Lord Himself. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn “Father, We Praise You” LW 482 Readings:  Deut 10:12-21, 1 Cor 1:4-9, Matthew 22:34-46 Hymn of the Day: “Thee Lord, Our God, We Praise”  (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #56) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face” LW 243 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “Praise the Almighty” LW 445 “Blest the Children of Our God” LW 370 “God Brought Me to This Time and Place” LW 456 “How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” LW 474 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Trinity-Eighteen-Cover-10-19-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1126612354?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Picture: Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (II:27), Jesus Walks on the Sea in Mark 6:45-52

October 14, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 12:13-32; Matthew 12:38-50“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:8-13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It is very possible, even likely, that suffering will come your way because of your faith. Now, it may not look like it did for St. Paul. There is a high probability that you will not be locked up in prison for your faith or eventually martyred as he was. But… you may have (and probably already have) some tense moments. Turning down an invitation to do something because it's happening on Sunday morning, right smack dab in the middle of Divine Service time. Witnessing to a friend or classmate when pressed that, no, this is what Christians believe about _____, and you might have had to find another table at which to eat lunch. Big or small, earth-shattering or just kind of annoying, all Christians are going to suffer for their faith in some way. St. Paul knew this full well, and so he was very careful to pass on to Timothy that this would be the case.But what is the point, really? Why should we even bother with it? Why should we even care? St. Paul tells us, beloved in the LORD. This matters for the state of your soul, this matters for the forgiveness of sins, this matters for eternal life. You have already died with Jesus in the waters of Baptism, and so you are raised with him to live too. It doesn't matter what the world says about it or you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let us gladly die with Jesus. Since by death He conquered death, He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath. Let us mortify all passion That would lead us into sin; And the grave that shuts us in Shall but prove the gate to heaven. Jesus, here with You I die, There to live with You on high. (LSB 685:3)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Ten men were healed that day—but only one turned back. The Samaritan leper fell at Jesus' feet in gratitude, and Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Yet the focus is not on the strength of the man's faith, but on the One in whom that faith rested. We often turn faith into something we do—as though believing itself earns salvation. But faith saves only because of Christ, who is completely faithful. As Pastor Christopher Esget writes, “Faith doesn't work if the objective of faith is unreliable.” Doctors fail. Coaches fail. People fail. But Jesus never does. He is faithful when we are not. His words never falter, His promises never break. What He says, He does—every single time. On the cross and in the means of grace, He continues to heal, forgive, and restore. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Three Little Words | Luke 17:1-10 | Unworthy Servants A little boy once broke his sister's toy. After whispering, “I'm sorry,” he waited as she thought, then finally replied, “I forgive you.” Those three little words stunned the world when the video went viral. Why? Because forgiveness is rare. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a medal we earn but a gift we pass on. We are not “worthy servants” stacking up good works—we are unworthy servants who still hurt and provoke others. Yet Christ forgives us. On the cross He tore sin out by the roots and cast it into the sea. In Baptism, Absolution, and His Supper, He keeps doing this for you. Forgiveness is not our accomplishment. It is the Gospel in action. By the Spirit, we guard and share this treasure: three little words that change everything—“I forgive you.” Which is simply another way of saying, “I love you.” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THREE, Mike, Wade, and Jason discuss the value of preparing for/reflecting on the prayers, readings, and hymns for the Divine Service each week. What are propers? How can we use them individually and as families to gladly hear and learn God's Word and cultivate our ability to pray and ponder? The guys discuss stuff like this and more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley More from the hosts Michael Berg @ 1517 Wade Johnston @ 1517 Let the Bird Fly! website Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner.

Looks Can Be Deceiving | Luke 16:19–31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus Looks can be deceiving. By all appearances, the rich man in Jesus' story was “blessed.” He had everything he wanted, lived in luxury, and was admired by others. It seemed as though God approved of his life. Meanwhile, Lazarus appeared “cursed”—homeless, sick, hungry, and ignored. Yet appearances were not the truth. In the end, the one who looked blessed was cursed, and the one who looked cursed was blessed. So how do we know who is truly blessed? Not by what our eyes see or by the world's opinions, but by what our ears hear. God's Word tells us the truth. It reveals who we are in Christ—despite appearances, feelings, or the judgments of others. The question is: will we believe what the Word of God says? ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Rev. Peter C. Bender

God's Absurd Generosity! | Luke 16:1–13 | The Parable of the Dishonest Manager Here's the heart of it all: God Himself is the absurd master. Faced with the tragedy of our sin, He didn't clutch His wealth. He didn't demand repayment. He gave His only begotten Son into the flesh to save us from sin, death, and damnation. Jesus is the true steward who didn't just cut our debts, He paid them in full with His blood. He didn't just ease our burden; He bore it all. He didn't just lower our balance; He stamped across the ledger: “It is finished.” The cross is the most absurd act in history. God's own Son dies for sinners. The guilty go free. The dishonest, the greedy, the selfish, the prayerless, the vain—all forgiven. Absurd. Crazy. Wonderful. Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. ----- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Rev. Peter C. Bender

Jesus Has Broad Shoulders | Luke 15:1–10 | The Parable of the Lost Sheep Someone with “broad shoulders” is strong enough to carry the burdens of others. In today's Gospel, Jesus shows us that He is the Good Shepherd with the broadest shoulders of all. He carries the weight of our sin, the responsibility of our salvation, and He never abandons His sheep. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–10), we see His heart for each of us: when we stray, He seeks us out, lifts us up, and carries us home. You are not just a number to Him—you are known by name, and you belong to His flock.

Pastor Peter C. Bender

How Much Does It Cost? | Luke 14:25–35 Jesus tells His disciples to count the cost of following Him. At first, His words may sound discouraging—but in truth, they are meant to make us think about what truly matters in life. We build careers, families, and dreams like towers, but are we able to complete them? What happens if our plans fall short? Even more, can we construct a life that lasts forever and overcomes death? The truth is that discipleship comes with a cost—but so does not following Jesus. Our Lord counted the cost of saving us, and it cost Him His life. He paid it willingly because you are worth it to Him. This Sunday we'll reflect on what it means to count the cost and to rejoice that Christ has already paid the ultimate price for our salvation. Share your thoughts in the comments—how has Christ helped you see what really matters in life? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this livestream with others. Worship Times – Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Sunday – 8:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. ----- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

When Higher is Lower…and Vice Versa | Luke 14:1–14 Pride isn't only arrogance. It can be the quiet voice of comparison, frustration, or resentment when others don't notice us. It whispers while we scroll through social media, envious of someone else's vacations or successes. Pride resists “messes,” but life is messy—like coffee spilled on clean carpet or a child getting sick before guests arrive. Yet Jesus enters our messes, just as He healed the man with dropsy at the Pharisee's house. Jesus warns us against seeking the places of honor. The world says moving up means status, salary, or likes, but in His kingdom, moving up often looks like moving down—caring for aging parents, changing diapers at night, or sitting quietly with a suffering friend. These humble acts, done in love, reflect His own humility. The Gospel is clear: Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross to raise us up. Like a wedding guest expecting to sit near the kitchen but finding their name at the head table, we are welcomed to Christ's feast—not as outsiders, but as honored guests. Here at His Table, He feeds us with forgiveness and eternal life. The Church is not a showroom for the successful but a hospital for sinners. Like an ER that never turns away the sick, Jesus welcomes the broken. And He promises that when He returns, He will seat us at the eternal wedding banquet—a family reunion that never ends, never fractures, never fades. That is the joy set before us: where higher is lower, and lower is lifted forever in Christ. Worship Times: Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Sunday: 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday: 6:30 p.m. Website: trinitysheboygan.org Facebook: facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. ---- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Pastor Peter C. Bender

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN Our Most Subversive Song The post The Memorial Acclamation in the Divine Service – Dr. John Bombaro, 8/27/25 (2393) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Disciplined for Holiness | Luke 13:22–30 | The Narrow Door When I was young, I took piano lessons. My teacher was kind, but relentless. She circled the same mistakes week after week, making me slow down and repeat the basics until I could play them well. At the time, it felt tedious. But she wasn't punishing me—she was preparing me for something better. In the same way, God disciplines His children. His discipline is not aimless punishment, but loving training that shapes, strengthens, and prepares us for holiness. Through His Word, He teaches us the narrow way, that we may share in His holiness and enter the narrow door of life.

Pastor Peter C. Bender

Pastor Peter C. Bender

Demo Before Renno | Jeremiah 23:16–29 Anyone who has ever done a home renovation knows the mess comes before the beauty. Walls must be torn down before they can be rebuilt, dust clouds the air before fresh paint can be applied. In the same way, God's Word works like fire and like a hammer. It breaks down what is false, corrupt, and in the way—so that new life in Christ may be built up. Sin isn't just a blemish to be covered over; it's a deep corruption that requires demolition. The Word of the Lord refines us, burns away the dross, and rebuilds us in Christ's image. We must die before we rise.

Are You Living an Anxious Driven Life? Luke 12:22–34 | Do Not Be Anxious What drives your life—faith or fear? Jesus confronts the anxious heart and calls us to trust, not in ourselves, but in our heavenly Father who provides all things. Just as children rest securely in the care of their parents, so we are invited to live freely under the Father's loving provision. Anxiety fades when we remember who holds us.

Pastor Gehlbach-presiding; Pastor Fabrizius-preaching

Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org

Pastor Gary Gehlbach presiding

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR, Jason, Mike and Wade the danger of treating God as an idea. We have one God in three Persons, not a big idea, and when we forget that it undermines preaching, teaching, the Divine Service, and the Christian life. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts Michael Berg @ 1517 Wade Johnston @ 1517 Let the Bird Fly! website Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner.

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE, Jason, Mike and Wade begin a new (second) series on the divine service. What is the divine service? What should call it? Why does it matter? The guys discuss all this and more. Look for new session in this series to come as we walk through the divine service and the Western Rite. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts Michael Berg @ 1517 Wade Johnston @ 1517 Let the Bird Fly! website Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner.