Podcasts about LSB

In this text from Paul Gerhardt, each Christian encourages himself to rejoice and maintain a cheerful trust in God for all things. He is our portion and treasure so that despair need not overwhelm us. As He has cared for us our whole lives long, so He will continue to care for us. His discipline comes from His love for us, the same love that has forgiven our sins in Christ. Therefore, we trust His guiding love to lead us home to Him.  Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 737, “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.”  “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God's fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.   Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

November 10, 2025Today's Reading: Exodus 3:1-15Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:1-20; Matthew 25:14-30“God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'” (Exodus 3:15a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We have a God who hears us; he never plugs his ears to our cries for help. We have a God who remembers; he never forgets but is faithful to keep his promises. We have a God who sees; he is intimately aware of the details of our lives. We have a God who knows; he is mindful of all we need, and he cares. This is the God who promised Abraham that he would be a father of a great nation, God would give his offspring a land to possess, and through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Those promises sounded pretty good to Abraham, almost too good to be true. All Abraham had to do to be on the receiving end of God's incredible promises was to believe him, and Abraham did. Abraham's descendants became an exceedingly large population after settling in Egypt; however, they became entrapped under a new pharaoh and forced to serve as his slaves. This went on for some 400 years; the people “groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help.” God heard, he remembered, he saw, and he knew (Exodus 2:23-25). So what does God do? He sends a rescuer to deliver his people from their bondage. God calls to Moses from out of a burning bush to go and deliver his people from an impossible situation. Moses is God's mouthpiece to deliver his message; God will do the work of rescuing through him. Moses went, and God delivered. We, like Israel, find ourselves in an impossible situation. We are slaves as well, helplessly shackled by sin and death with no good way out. So, what does God do? He sends a rescuer to deliver us out of our bondage. God himself comes to save us. Jesus comes to set us free and lead us into the Promised Land of his eternal kingdom. God hears our prayers and cries for help. He remembers his promises made to you, and he never forgets. God sees all, knows the things that weigh you down, and he continues to care for you. God sends a preacher to you to speak His Word for you that continues to set you free. “Your sins are forgiven.” “You are my beloved child.” “I will be with you to the end of the age.” “I have redeemed you; you are mine.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the midst of utter woe When our sins oppress us, Where shall we for refuge go, Where for grace to bless us? To Thee, Lord Jesus, only! Thy precious blood was shed to win Full atonement for our sin. — Lord, preserve and keep us In the peace that faith can give. Have mercy, O Lord! (LSB 755:3)Author: Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

Artist - Track Title - Label Con-Figure - Contemplation - Influenza Media Insideman - Gullfoss Wax - Default Recordings Citra - Computer Lights - Influenza Media Con-Figure - Despair - Influenza Media Ink & BTK - Triumph - Dutty Audio Phil Tangent - Electric Touch - Lunar Records Leniz & Styke - Greenlands (Dustkey Remix) - Differential Recordings Technimatic - Looking for Diversion (feat. Lucy Kitchen) - Shogun Audio Blu Mar Ten - Last Life in the Universe (SpectraSoul Remix) - Blu Mar Ten Music Bleach - Onion Tune - Altius Sounds Technicolour, LSB, Komatic - Rotary Motion - Integral Records Dawn Wall - Nomad - Integral Records Surplus - Soft Touch - Fokuz Recordings Zero T - Roxy Music VIP - Dispatch Recordings imo-Lu - Inhibition - Rosebay Music Bungle - Arise - Scientific Records imo-Lu - Perspective - Rosebay Music Dawn Wall - Legends - Ekho Mohican Sun - Providence - Integral Records Technimatic - Music Is Music - Shogun Audio Chase & Status - Blk & Blu (Calibre Remix) - RAM Records Inigma - New Moon - Fokuz Recordings Cnof - Heavenly Dawn (Jungle Mix) - Fokuz Recordings Pluton, Skyer - Cosmic Rain - Hospital Records Komatic - Seasons Sleep - Rubik Digital EIJER - Nebulous - Metalheadz Redeyes - Yesterdays - The North Quarter June Miller featuring Hannah Lux - We Are Not Human - RAM Records Lynch Kingsley - Crows - The Dreamers Recordings Whytwo - Fade - Blu Mar Ten Music Bert H & Elle Chante - You - Waterframes Music Hlz - Paradise Blues - The Dreamers Recordings Nixxy Rain - 174 Piano Naughty - Nixxy Rain Music Seathasky - Tell Me Why (Rafau Etamski Remix) - C Recordings Technimatic - The Unspoken - Spearhead Records L-Side & Andrezz - Better Days - V Recordings Technimatic - Bristol - Shogun Audio Mixmaster Doc, Dave Shichman, Bernzilla, DJ SS - Personally Frankly - Formation Records ======================= This is the recording of Hack The Planet 568 with DJ Pfeif from 11-8-25, originally aired on twitch.tv/djpfeifdnb and Valley Free Radio, WXOJ. Hack The Planet is live every Saturday night at 8:00pm ET. More information at https://djpfeif.com. Thanks for listening. Enjoy!

November 9, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 20:27-40Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 22:1-23; Matthew 25:1-13“Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” (Luke 20:38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dead men don't rise. That's what common sense will tell you. Dead is dead! That's what the Sadducees would have told you. Even though they were a Jewish sect, they did not believe in the afterlife and certainly not in the resurrection of the dead. As a matter of fact, they limited the authority of the Scriptures to the first five books of Moses; no resurrection there, so they thought. Ironically, they ask a riddle-like question about the resurrection to the one who is “the Resurrection.” Jesus takes the Sadducees right to the book of Exodus, where God declares to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Jesus masterfully demonstrated that God is the God of the living, not of the dead! It is passages like this one that Jesus had in mind when he taught his disciples on the evening of his resurrection, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise again from the dead” (Luke 24:44-46). Jesus' resurrection made the impossible now possible; the dead do rise again to life. Jesus is “the Life” for the dead that they may live! Jesus' resurrection conquered the grave for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and for you!The tomb is still empty. Christ has been raised from the dead, and his resurrection means life for you. If Jesus is the “firstfruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20), that means there are more fruits to follow. If Jesus is the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), that means there are more sons and daughters to follow. It is actually God's will that you who look to Jesus with eyes of faith shall have eternal life and be raised on the Last Day (John 16:40). Upon Jesus' answer to their question, the Jewish scholars said, “‘Teacher, you have spoken well,' and they no longer dared to ask him any questions.” Jesus has the last word, not death, not your sin, not your grave, nor your reason. Our Lord's cross declares to you that your sins are forgiven. His empty grave and resurrection proclaim to you that you, too, will one day rise and live with him forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Then by your resurrection you won for us reprieve – you opened heaven's kingdom to all who would believe (LSB 941:3)Author: Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 8, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 22 - Psalm 115:2-4, 8, 17-18; antiphon: Psalm 115:11Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 20:1-18; Matthew 24:29-51“You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. “ (Psalm 115:11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Stop! Don't do it!” Wouldn't you scream those words if someone you cared about was about to make a bad decision that you know they would regret later? Wouldn't it pain you to watch a person choose to believe a lie and then act on it, if you absolutely knew the truth of the matter and the consequences that would follow? Think about Adam and Eve standing at the base of the forbidden tree in the garden contemplating whether they should eat from it; as they reach out their hand to pluck a piece of fruit, don't you want to yell, “No! Don't do it!” Too late. They trusted their eyes and listened to a lie. They didn't believe God's word, and they didn't fear the promised consequences. Isn't that our problem, too, along with this world we live in? We can't help it, as the apostle Paul writes, “all have turned aside…there is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:12, 18). Our temptation is to rely on ourselves and believe we can manage our lives on our own. Even without realizing it, we are easily drawn to put our trust in those things that promise us happiness and success. We fear failure. We fear not being accepted. We fear being left behind and missing out. Like our first parents, we too are tempted to listen, to look, and to reach out our hand to grab onto a lie. Psalm 115 pleads with us, “No, don't do it.” Don't buy into the false gods of this world. They may seem to make promises, but they are all lies. There is only One who is trustworthy. There is only One who is committed to your good. He is the Lord God who made the heavens and the earth. The God who made you and keeps your life calls you to trust Him. He is both your help and your shield. The Lord knows what you need and is determined to care for you. The Lord knows those things that seek to attack and undermine your faith, so He wraps His shield about you. He promises never to forget you; no, He will bless you and shower His gracious love upon you. All of this God gives to you in Christ. Jesus is your help and your shield. He is your present help in times of trouble. He is your rock and your hiding place. He is your rescuer and defender. He is God's Savior for you. Trust him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.A mighty fortress is our God, a sword and shield victorious; he breaks the cruel oppressor's rod and wins salvation glorious. (LSB 657:1)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 6, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To WivesDaily Lectionary: Jeremiah 8:18-9:12; Matthew 23:13-39“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God's gifts come in all sorts of packages. Think about Adam; the first gift God gave him was the gift of life. Adam was then given a garden to take care of, and from it, he received the gift of daily food. But then God gave Adam a very special gift fit just for him—a wife. God personally made her and then brought Eve to Adam. God blessed the gift of marriage, the gift of a husband, and the gift of a wife. It was very good. On the sixth day of creation, God established the vocations of husband and wife. Each is a gift to the other to be cherished and loved. Each loving one another with the kind of love that is selfless and self-giving, the kind of love that has the other's best in mind. God was pleased, He was happy, and He blessed them. So, when we hear the words, “wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,” they are an invitation to love another in the same self-giving manner that marked the first marriage of creation before the Fall. These words call out to love another with the same kind of love that we ourselves have been loved with. After all, isn't this how Christ has loved us? Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man. Jesus submitted Himself to His Father's will even to the point of dying on a cross. Jesus loved us selflessly and sacrificially by laying down His life for us. Out of this love that Jesus has for us, we are set free to love one another – wives are free to love their husbands. This sort of love is radical. It flies in the face of our current culture, but isn't that the nature of the Gospel? It offends our inherent tendencies to take care of ourselves first and try to get what we deserve. Grace throws us and the world on its head. It frees us from focusing on ourselves. It compels us to ask, “How can I serve another?” This is the kind of love God is working in us. This is the kind of love a God-given marriage is built upon. God is the giver of all good gifts, and the gift of a husband and a wife is most certainly a gift to be treasured. May our Lord grant us the grace and working of His Spirit to love one another as Christ has loved us.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ the Savior, Christ the Servant, Be Your life in us displayed. (LSB 847:1)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 5, 2025Today's Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-29Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12“So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you.” (Jeremiah 7:27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God called Jeremiah to speak some hard words to hardened hearts. God was persistent. He kept sending His messengers to His people, yet they did not listen. God called them to repentance, and they did not answer Him. Instead, they followed their own plans; they refused to listen. They followed their own stubborn hearts, and as God said, they “went backward not forward.” It is an easy trap to fall into, turning a deaf ear to the voice of God. There are so many voices competing with His; we are confronted with choices to make and directions to take, and like Judah, we are inclined to listen and follow the ones that seem to fit our desires and feel good to us. Perhaps the bigger temptation is to “hear” God's words and then pick and choose what we listen to; you know, selective hearing. In our minds, we think we are going forward, and yet in truth, we are going backward.God is persistent. He is stubborn, too, more stubborn than we are. The Bible calls that particular characteristic of God “faithfulness.” God is faithful even when His people are not. Notice what God continues to do, even when His own people refuse to listen to Him; He sends a preacher. “Speak all these words to them…you shall call to them.” Yes, God knows the hardness of their hearts and the stubbornness of their ears, but He still speaks, and He still calls. God put another word into Jeremiah's mouth to speak to his wayward, hard-of-hearing people, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness'” (Jeremiah 33:14-16). God wasn't looking back but was looking forward to when He would send His Son to come and give hearing to deaf ears and cause hardened hearts to believe. By the word of Christ's cross, sinners are made righteous, sins are forgiven, and a new creation has begun. This word is for you. God is faithful!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dying to the sin of Adam, rising to a life of grace; we are counted with the righteous, over us the cross You trace. (LSB 404:4)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 4, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 (6-10) 11-12Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 5:1-19; Matthew 22:23-46“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Paul was persistent. He was a man on a mission, literally, and his mission plan was simple: go into a city and find a synagogue, open up the Scriptures, and preach Christ from them. Some would believe, some would want to hear more, and others would aggressively oppose Paul's message about Jesus. Paul would eventually be run out of town, which would propel him to the next city, and he would do it all over again – preach Christ crucified and risen. And you know what? The Word worked! People believed! A church began! The Gospel spread! Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey, and it was ministry as usual. He entered the synagogue on three different Sabbaths, teaching from the Scriptures that Jesus, who was crucified and risen from the dead, is the Christ. Some believed, while others formed a mob and ran him out of town. The rioters justified their violent reaction by claiming, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Indeed, the gospel was having its way. Even in the face of the uproar and despite Paul being run out of town, a church was born. God, by His grace, caused ears to hear the Good News of Jesus, and He granted hearts to believe. Paul would later marvel about this work of the Holy Spirit among them, “For you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia…your faith has gone forth everywhere” (1 Thess. 1:6a-8a). Years later, Paul would continue to give thanks to God for their growing faith and for the fruit of that faith, their increasing love for one another. That same gospel word is still at work among us, turning the world on its head. God is still rich in his saving grace towards us sinners. The Holy Spirit is still at work within us, causing faith to grow and increasing our love for others. It is true, in spite of the opposition within and outside of us. God is true to His word; He is faithful in His promises –for this “we ought to give thanks to God.” This is the testimony of His church. This is our story too!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abide with me, O Savior, a firmer faith bestow; then I shall bid defiance to ev'ry evil foe. (LSB 587:2)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

This month on the SUNANDBASS Podcast, we have something very special in store. Sibling duo Sydney Bryce & Tones step up for an innovative journey through their influences in the genre and their original music. ✨ We're thrilled to welcome them to the podcast following their debut performance this year at SAB25 at Bal Harbour. The duo have been making waves in the scene with no signs of slowing down. Sydney Bryce, singer and songwriter, is establishing herself as a powerful and ethereal voice in drum & bass. With her debut album , 'Dreams Of Tomorrow' released last year on Flexout Audio and strong collaborations with artists like LSB, QZB, and Monrroe, she continues to carve out her unique sound. Tones, an up-and-coming DJ with a love for deep DnB, brings a passion for seamlessly blending classic and contemporary sounds. Together, they create a compelling synergy, delivering electrifying performances that resonate with both seasoned DnB fans and newcomers alike. The perfect journey to carry you through your autumn days.

November 3, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Matthew 22:1-22“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever put on clothes thinking they were clean only to find out they are not? What about getting dressed up in your nicest clothes for a special occasion, looking in the mirror, and then, to your complete horror, you see they have stains! I think the worst is being nicely dressed and then spilling something on your clothes, staining them, and there's nothing you can do about it. The big problem with stains is that some of them become permanent. You can't get them out, no matter what soap you use and how hard you scrub. Sin is that way. It stains us. We are not aware how dirty and stained we are until we look into the mirror – the mirror of God's Word. Our first reaction may be to try to clean up the mess ourselves, scrubbing away, trying to make ourselves clean again. Or, like King David, we may try to cover them up. Maybe no one will notice, especially God. And like David, we discover that trying to hide our sins only makes matters worse. David finally turned to the only one who could deal with his sin permanently, once and for all. “I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). God sent His prophet, Jeremiah, to His people whose hearts were filthy, stained with idolatry and all sorts of evil. “Come now,” God says, “let us reason together.” The Lord holds out an amazing promise; He will deal with their sins. He will not throw His people away or abandon them to the rag bin. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” God has washed you clean; no more stains, nothing to hide, nothing to cover up. He has washed you white in the blood of His Lamb, Jesus (Revelation 7:14). The stain of our sin is not permanent. God invites us to confess our sins, and He promises to wash us in the never-ending forgiveness of our Lord's precious blood. God did that in your Baptism, and those cleansing waters are still washing you clean. Now, there is real peace! There is real freedom, living under the cleansing flood of Christ!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me Savior, or I die.(LSB 761:3)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 2, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 19:1-10Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 1:1-19; Matthew 21:23-46“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.For whatever reason, Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus. And in an ironic turn of events, it is actually Jesus who seeks after Zacchaeus. He spots him up a Sycamore tree and calls out, “Hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” Jesus was going to have church with Zacchaeus. He joyfully received Jesus and welcomed him into his house to share a meal around his table while listening to His words. What kind of people does Jesus gather around himself in church? Listen to the words of the grumbling crowd, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner!” Jesus was going into Zacchaeus' house to have table fellowship with a sinner. This is exactly who our Lord seeks out and who He chooses to gather to Himself…sinners. Broken people, both young and old, rich and poor, the well-behaved and the despicable…all sinners, all in need of a savior, and Jesus seeks them out and gathers them around a table in a home. Zacchaeus sought to find Jesus by climbing a tree, yet Jesus is the one who ended up seeking Zacchaeus and finding him because he was lost. The problem with being lost is that you cannot find your way home by yourself. A lost sheep is as good as dead. A lost coin is a dead asset, and a prodigal son has lost everything and has nothing…not even a bed to lie down at night. But this is why our Lord Jesus came, to seek and save those who are lost. This is why He climbed up the tree of a wooden cross to spill His precious blood for all those who are born lost. He seeks, He finds, He gathers, and He saves them. Those who were lost are found, and those who were dead are now alive. This is why our Lord walked through Jericho and had church with Zacchaeus.This is also the reason it has pleased our Lord to gather you and others like me. He gathers the lost, the broken, the dying—real sinners—unto Himself to deliver His word and gifts of life and salvation to you. Once we were lost, and now we are found, and once Jesus finds you, there's no way He's letting you go.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here we have a firm foundation, here the refuge of the lost: Christ, the Rock of our salvation, Is the name of which we boast. (LSB 451:4)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Looking Forward to Sunday Morning: Reflections on the Church Year - This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.  

November 1, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 5:1-12Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 21:1-22“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Imagine the disciples and the huge crowd gathered around Jesus for the Sermon on the Mount. They nod to each of the Beatitudes, maybe with a little less boldness as Jesus continues. Perhaps they even look around to see how the other 11 are reacting. “Maybe I'm not perfect, but I've been pretty good at this one or that.” “I think I'm good enough; I don't talk without thinking. Like Peter.” “I think I'm good enough; at least I haven't cheated people in the past, like Matthew.” But Jesus isn't talking about being good enough in other people's eyes, He is speaking of holiness before God – pure in heart – a holiness in the heart.The thing is, there is nothing pure in your heart. The Lord declares, “Out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,  coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21-22)  There is One who is pure in heart. Jesus Christ, our Holy God in the flesh – He alone is truly pure in heart. At your Baptism, in the Blessed Exchange, the Lord cleansed you entirely, taking all of the filth and wretchedness from your heart and trading it for all the righteousness, holiness, and purity of Jesus' heart!That Baptism was “not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command and combined with God's word.” (Small Catechism, Baptism, 1). So with God's Word, that water delivered Jesus and His forgiveness, rescue, and salvation. You were made blessed and holy by the Holy Spirit. There is daily war against the new creature – the saint that God made at your Baptism. You face horrible hardships all of the time; some of them known only to you in the recesses of your emotional health. Non-Christians harass the Church and her baptized saints. We are weak when facing temptations. We all have our great afflictions. Before Christ returns, the afflictions will increase.You are not good enough. But Christ is perfect and pure. And He gifts you with being pure in heart, holy, and blessed. You belong to Him as His baptized saint. You sing with those saints now in the Church Militant, and one day, Christ will resurrect you and gather you with all His saints to stand before Him, arrayed in white, washed in the Blood of Jesus, and singing His praises forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Behold a host, arrayed in white, Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright! With palms they stand; Who is this band Before the throne of light? These are the saints of glorious fame, Who from the great affliction came And in the flood Of Jesus' blood Are cleansed from guilt and shame. They now serve God both day and night; They sing their songs in endless light. Their anthems ring As they all sing With angels shining bright. (LSB 676:1)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 31, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:12-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Matthew 20:17-34“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence” (Matthew 11:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Lord, I thank you that I am not like other church bodies: Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, the Baptists…” Sound familiar? Just a few days ago, we heard Jesus tell us about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The sinful pride of the Pharisee clouded his thoughts on all things spiritual, and he ended up thinking he was doing a good job being righteous.It's easy for Lutherans to fall into that same trap around this time each year. In some strange twist of irony, as we talk about not focusing on our works, we champion our “saved by grace through faith” as if it's something we think and do. We end up turning belief into a work! And as if that wasn't bad enough, we convince ourselves that this work of belief is superior to our Roman friends' works adding to their faith.  Guess what?! BOTH of those ideas miss the mark. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence when you consider faith something you have done. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence when one thinks that her works are needed to join with faith to make one right with God. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence any time when one Christian takes pride that he is better than another.Having been warned against pride, and knowing that sometimes we are the ones inflicting violence, we also take comfort from Jesus today. The Comforter of Priceless Worth has brought you to repentance and delivered the unlimited forgiveness of the Lord to you. You are made right with God by His divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in you.Our dear Savior does forewarn that the Church will indeed suffer. Christ Our Mighty Fortress does not promise to shield you from every persecution, hardship, or violence against His kingdom. He will not necessarily let you avoid the attacks. But He will be with you throughout them, always. Sometimes He will prevent or diffuse the violence. At other times, the comfort simply is that He endures it with us.Your dear Christ Himself is the kingdom of heaven in the flesh, and He suffered violence for you. Our Great Captain bared His arms, as He was stripped and nailed to the cross. Our prayer for deliverance from evil was answered as He endured the thorns, nails, and so much more, to pay the price for any violence that you have inflicted. And He supports and carries you through any violence that you endure until He returns for you, when we, with all His saints and martyrs, will raise a mighty chorus to His praise forevermore.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer; Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare, Fight for us once again! So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise, A mighty chorus to Thy praise Forevermore. Amen. (LSB 666:4)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 30, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 21 - Psalm 50:1-2, 14-15; antiphon: Psalm 50:23Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:30-32:27; Matthew 20:1-16“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You know our situation. As human beings, we are conceived and born sinful; there is no good in us to do anything right. None of us could ever offer thanksgiving that is perfect in God's eyes. No one could sacrifice anything that would glorify God. How could we ever be shown the salvation of God?! How can this verse from the upcoming introit make sense?Jesus continued giving perfect thanks to the Father, sacrificing himself once and for all on the cross. That was the greatest moment of God's glory, showing His ultimate mercy to all in the suffering and death of Christ crucified. Look to the crucifix. See Jesus in all His glory, pouring out God's mercy on you. In that sacrifice of His that glorifies God, you are made His. There you are shown (and given) the salvation of God!While Christ's giving thanks perfectly showed God's glory in giving mercy for all, He still delivers the benefits and blessings of that thanksgiving. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks…” “In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks…” In the Last Supper, Jesus gives thanks to His Father in heaven. The Church picked up on that detail and has often used a name for the Lord's Supper: the Holy Eucharist. Eucharist is simply a Greek word for “Thanksgiving.”But here is the awesome thing: the Last Supper was not about the disciples giving thanks; Jesus gave thanks! The Eucharist today is not about you and me giving thanks, or even your pastor. It is Jesus giving perfect thanks on your behalf!The salvation of God was purchased and won for you at the cross. Now, the salvation of God is delivered to you through Baptism, Absolution, the proclamation of the Gospel, and through the Holy Eucharist! At His altar, Christ once again offers thanksgiving as His sacrifice, and that glorifies God. The Lord feeds you His body and pours His blood into your mouth, showing (and nourishing you with!) the salvation of God!Dear Baptized friends, your Jesus eucharists for you! And your Jesus IS the Eucharist for you, feeding you the salvation of God with His Body and Blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise we Him, whose love divine Gives His sacred blood for wine, Gives His body for the feast – Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia! (LSB 633:2) Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 29, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30“No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me… But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.” (2 Timothy 4:16,17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Even St. Paul felt isolated at times. While standing in court, defending the faith, where were his friends, other pastors, and Christians whom the Holy Spirit brought to faith through his preaching? Anyone who could have been supporting was scattered like the apostles on Holy Thursday. Satan and his minions wanted Paul to feel alone, overwhelmed, cut off from Christ and His Church. Then maybe Paul would lose his strength and will to preach Christ crucified.The devil also wants you to feel isolated. All alone. “Divide and conquer,” the saying goes, and that tends to be the demonic method.Maybe it feels like your friends have deserted you, that they are all having a good time without you while you are stuck home that weekend. Or you are the only one in your class who actually respected the teacher and did the work she assigned. Maybe you are the only one around who is actually remaining chaste and not giving in to the constant daily sexual temptations. You feel alone. No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.St. Paul reminds you here that all is not lost. Even though he had no other human comfort at that time, he was not alone. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me. Christ comforted him throughout this trial and hardship. The Lord gave him peace throughout the persecution, with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection that got him through it all.You are not alone either. The Lord blesses you with His comforting and encouraging presence. You are His beyond the shadow of a doubt through Holy Baptism, which bound you to Christ in a way that He will never abandon you. He speaks His Word to you by reading and proclaiming His Scriptures to you. And He nourishes you with His own Body and Blood, so that He dwells inside you!So let the devil rage all he wants. He can taunt and criticize, and suggest doubts to you. But he cannot cut you off from God. Christ will never desert you. You belong to the Lord! The Lord stands by you and strengthens you!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Satan, I defy thee; Death I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease. World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me While I sing of peace. God's great power Guards every hour; Earth and all its depths adore Him, Silent bow before Him. (LSB 743:3)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 28, 2025Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15“I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As we remember the Apostles of our Lord throughout the year, we might feel sorry for a few of them. Poor Simon “the Zealot” and Jude (a.k.a. Judas, or Thaddeus). They are some of the more obscure of Jesus' disciples. They definitely don't get the attention of Peter, James, and John. They don't even get the word count for Saint Andrew or Saint Nathanael Bartholomew. We don't know a single word that Simon actually spoke, and only one question from St. Jude is recorded. We practically know nothing except their names. In the Gospels, Jude is almost always mentioned by the name Judas, but every instance of that includes “NOT ISCARIOT.” Imagine your greatest claim to fame being that you were NOT the guy with the same name who betrayed Jesus. And then poor Simon, he might as well always have the moniker “NOT PETER.”Yet there is one thing certain, that we can celebrate; Jesus chose them to be His apostles. They were not picked because they were the most quoteworthy, eloquent speakers. They were not selected because they had the right experience, or talents, or pedigree. Simon was not chosen because of his zealot politics, nor Jude for being “not Iscariot.” Saints Simon and Jude were chosen, by the grace of God, in His mercy, to be the simple, often-forgotten human hands, feet, and voices of Christ.That love of Christ encouraged them as they carried His Gospel as His disciples, missionaries, pastors, and apostles. They preached the Word of the Lord and baptized. They forgave sins and fed the Church Christ's Eucharist. And so we end up with two contrasts: the love of Jesus and the hatred of the world.Saints Simon (not Peter) and Jude (not Iscariot) were prepared by Jesus for the hatred of the world. The world hated Him first, and would hate them. Eventually, they suffered death at the hands of those who hated them and Jesus. These faithful Apostles are said to have been martyred at the same time, Simon (not Peter) sawn in half, while many say that Jude (not Iscariot) was beaten to death with a club.Even through the violent end to their time on earth, Jesus's love sustained them through the world's hatred. Our dear Lord knows these saints infinitely more than just their names: Simon, “Not Peter,” and Jude, “Not Iscariot.” He preserved them in the one, true faith at their martyrdom and welcomed them into His presence, where they now await the resurrection with the Risen Savior who chose them and loves them completely.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise, Lord, for Your apostles, Saint Simon and Saint Jude. One love, one hope impelled them To tread the way renewed. May we with zeal as earnest The faith of Christ maintain, Be bound in love together, And life eternal gain. (LSB 518:28)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 27, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 4:1-15Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35“And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” (Genesis 4:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)  Even after his heinous act is done, Cain does not appear repentant at all. He has committed the first murder and shrugs it off. “Not my problem.” What is behind all of this? Jealousy…and a lack of faith. That's at the heart of this all. That is the reason that Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable to God. Yes, Abel sacrificed a lamb and shed its innocent blood, and Cain some of his crops. But Cain was going through the motions without “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” While Abel believed the Lord and participated in this liturgy of sacrifice, Cain apparently was doing something Mom and Dad told him he should do, and not really believing in the Lord who acts in His liturgy.Cain then attacked his brother and shed his innocent blood. The first murder in history. The first recorded death. No earthly eyes witnessed this horror, but it was not hidden from the Lord God.God calls Cain out. “The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.”  He lets him know that he hasn't gotten away with it. And even without witnesses, Cain knows that others will want justice, or even revenge. He fears capital punishment, so the Lord marks Cain. We don't know how, but in some way, God makes it known that no one is to lay a hand on him. He is guilty, but freed from his punishment.You are like Cain. You daily commit sins which no earthly eyes witness, yet they are not hidden from the Lord God. You have moments of participating in liturgy simply because Mom and Dad told you that you should, and not because you “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Although you are guilty, you are freed from punishment.The Lord put a mark on you, too! And not just a mark to prevent others from executing you to punish your crimes. At His holy font, the Lord God called you, and marked you “with the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart, marking you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.” Then He marked you permanently with the washing of water and the Word, granting you forgiveness, rescue, and salvation. You are not just marked safe from punishment; you are given full pardon and made righteous!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abel's blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the blood of Jesus For our pardon cries. Lift we, then, our voices, Swell the mighty flood; Louder still and louder Praise the precious blood! (LSB 433:4,6)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

October 25, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 20 - Psalm 56:10-13; antiphon: Psalm 56:3Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Matthew 17:14-27“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” (Psalm 56:10-13, 56:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What can man do to me? A lot. Wars, robberies, lies, deceit, intimidation, oppression—there's plenty man can do to me. And put a bunch of people in a mob, let mass hysteria take root, and the devastation of what man can do goes to unfathomably dark depths. Can man do all of that to me? All of this assumes that our battle is against our fellow man, fellow man either as one person who is trying to harm me, or even as many people assembled into a movement to control or intimidate others. But what if that is not our true struggle, even though it may certainly be what our eyes see people doing around us? Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.In our fear of what men can do to us, our Lord uses His servant David to give us this Psalm to pray (“When I am afraid,” 56:3). In this Psalm, our Lord reminds us that he is delivering us from our true enemy, the enemy driving people to all sorts of sin, including murders, violence, robberies, lies, intimidation, and all the rest—the devil. Our enemy is the Evil One, Satan, and his evil spirits, the demons. When we fear this (as we should in our sinful flesh), the Psalm teaches us to put our trust in the Lord. Then, when we fear our Lord (for he is Holy God), we find that He is standing before us with nail prints in His hands. And His nail prints are for us. He went to the cross for us. Seeing our Lord as the One who suffered for us, we finally see that we need fear nothing or no one. For in His death, Jesus has defeated our enemies of sin, death, and the devil.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, by your blood you have redeemed me from sin, death, and the devil. Let Satan hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Let your Word of Gospel destroy Satan's ugly accusation. Keep me, Lord Jesus, in the promise you bestowed upon me at the font of Baptism. Deliver me from the Evil One and the tyranny of his demons, and by your Word, keep me steadfast in your Word. Amen. (Paraphrased from LSB 594:3)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and comprehended that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”Acts 4:13 LSB

October 23, 2025 Today's Reading: Matthew 13:54-58Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 24:10-25:10; Matthew 16:13-28“And coming to his hometown [Jesus] taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?'” (Matthew 13:54-58) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The fact of James reminds us of Jesus' humanity. Jesus has been going around healing the sick, restoring lame hands (Matthew 12:13), giving sight to the blind and voice to the mute (Matthew 11:27ff.), and more. Then Jesus goes into the Nazareth synagogue teaching the Gospel, astonishing people (Matthew 13:54).Who is this Jesus? How could anyone, seeing Him and hearing Him, have failed to ask that question? But while His divine works of power and teaching astonish people, the simple fact of James, along with Jesus' other brothers and sisters, brings home the comforting fact that Jesus is truly human: “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? Are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where did this man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:54ff.)Jesus is fully human, along with us. He didn't just drop out of the sky as some spirit wearing a human-flesh costume, but came as a baby from a mother (Matthew 13:55). He grew up humanly, learning to crawl, then perhaps how to use eating utensils, how to tie his shoes, just like us. Fully, completely like us in every way, except without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Then, human, along with us, but without sin, he took all sin upon himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). Where is your sin now? It's not with you. It's with Jesus. He who has no sin, took it (1 John 3:5). He carried it to the cross as the Lamb of God bearing the sin of the world (John 1:29).Now, in your life of repentance, your confession of your sin is not a good work that makes you better. Rather, it's your confession that Jesus Christ, true Man, is your Lord (Philippians 2:8-11) who has taken your sin upon himself and put it to death in his own Body on the cross. It is your confession that because Jesus Christ has been bodily raised up from the dead, you, too, belong to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting (Romans 6:9-11).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We give thanks for James, your brother, Who at Jerusalem Told of your love for Gentiles, in Your Name, welcoming them. Let us rejoice in salvation that we too, by Your grace, Extend Your invitation To all the human race. Amen. (Paraphrase from “By All Your Saints in Warfare,” LSB 518:27)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.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.

Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to Ephesians 3:13-21 SermonLink to Luke 14:1-11 SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

October 20, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 32:22-30Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20“A man wrestled with [Jacob] until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.'” (Genesis 32:26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We start out thinking about what God wants us to do to improve and progress in our Christian life, and we find ourselves stuck in anxiety, having no joy in life.We start out this way because, with the Law written on our hearts, we try to progress and improve according to the measurements of the Law.But look at the Lord coming to Jacob: No self-improvement instructions, no mystical teachings of being more spiritual, no nonsense of how to be a Christian on fire or anything like that. But a wrestling match, the Lord giving himself to be thrown around by the sinner. Yet, there's no confusion—the Lord has the power, not Jacob. For, as the Lord lets Jacob wrestle him, the text tells us, “When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Genesis 32:25).Jacob knows the Lord has the power. So why doesn't Jacob stop wrestling? Doesn't he know God can destroy him with just a word? Jacob's not naïve. But he wants the blessing (which is precisely what God wants to give). Genesis 32:26: Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26).The Lord swore the blessing to Abraham and Isaac, Jacob's grandfather and father. The blessing promises the Savior in Abraham's lineage. The word of blessing defeats death, crushes the devil's head, and justifies the sinner, so that by faith in the promise, Abraham was justified. The blessing goes to Abraham's children, including Jacob, including you and me, and our children.God wants the sinner to hold onto him for the blessing like a wrestler refusing to let go.With the blessing, we're done with the Law and its measurements for an improved Christian life. We hold on to the Gospel, not letting go of the promise. When God says, “Take and eat, Take and drink … my body, my blood for the forgiveness of your sins,” it is God blessing you. You may now say to your God, “I will hold on to you for the blessing.” He never forgets the blessing he swore to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thy strong Word, bespeaks us righteous; Bright with Thine own holiness, Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! (LSB, 578:3)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.`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.

October 17, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 19 - Psalm 74:18-19, 21, 20a, 22a; antiphon: Psalm 74:2aDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:22; Matthew 13:44-58“Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name. Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever. Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!” (Psalm 74:18-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This is what we are dealing with. This is why we should not get too comfortable in the world. At its best, that world tolerates us Christians. It likes us (sometimes) because we can be “good for society.” At least, that's how it's sometimes said. But other times, we get lectured about how we Christians are indeed very bad for society, so bad that they need to be removed from the conversation altogether. Hang out in some dark internet places and you'll hear that one. Regardless of whether we Christians are tolerated or reviled, the answer is not to curry favor with the world. The answer is not to seek to wade in and adopt the ways of the scoffing enemy, the foolish people, and the habits of the wild beasts. Because that's not where life lies. Down that way, only death. Instead, we get the privilege of calling upon the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Angel armies. When the world makes and promptly breaks its covenant, we have a God who remembers His covenant with His people. We have a God who hears our prayers and whose ears behold our cries, all for the sake of Jesus. The world can do its worst. But you are forgiven, you are freed, you are a child of God. Nothing can change that.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though hordes of devils fill the land All threat'ning to devour us, We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow'r us. Let this world's tyrant rage; In battle we'll engage. His might is doomed to fail; God's judgment must prevail! One little word subdues him. (LSB 657:3)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.

October 16, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of CitizensDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 22-23, 14:28-15:15; Matthew 13:24-43“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How often do you pray for the leaders of your country? And I mean really pray for them. Even if you don't like them. Even if you (or your parents) did not vote for them? I can hear it now… “Pr. Lackey, I don't want to pray for them because they are evil and doing wrong!” (I have heard people say this!) Here is the deal: Everyone needs our prayers. All the time. The high and the low, the sick and the healthy, those inside the church and those outside of it. Those in power and those not in power. St. Paul here gives us a specific reason why we should pray for those in power. It is so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Because chaos and war are ugly and provide a ripe environment for sin to grow and fester. Because some people will destroy their faith when the times get hard. You think it doesn't make a difference, but it does. So, we are duty-bound as Christians to pray for those in authority. This isn't just the government either. It's all authorities in your life—fathers, mothers, police officers, judges, governors, presidents, vice presidents. Oh, and a spot of prayer for your pastor wouldn't go amiss either. But remember: prayer is a Gift! The fact that we have the ear of the Lord of all Creation, the one true God, is great news. He hears us—all of us—for the sake of Jesus. So pray joyously, knowing that your prayers will be heard. All for the peace that passes all understanding.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son And bring to naught all He has done. Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow'r make known, For You are Lord of lords alone; Defend Your holy Church that we May sing Your praise eternally. O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth; Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death to life. (LSB 655)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.

October 15, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 13:1-23Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23“And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:3-9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This can feel like one of those “Sunday School” stories that you've heard a million times before. And maybe you have. Maybe when you were little, your Sunday School teacher taught you this, and she had you color a picture or maybe even gave you a little bag of seeds. Hopefully, those seeds did not end up like most of the seeds in the story. Nevertheless, this parable has great significance for our lives as Christians. The sower (Christ) sows the word of God. If you've ever seen the work of a sower, especially as it is traditionally done, the sower's sowing is… very haphazard. He takes a bag of seeds, slings them by his side, then takes a handful of them and just… chucks them as he walks. The seeds get everywhere, exactly like Jesus says. Far contrast to the cornfield in front of my house, where the seed machine probably has a count of every kernel they put in the ground. I like Jesus's way better. But these seeds do not all meet the same fate. That's part of business when the seeds are evenly covering everything. Some of them have no soil to grow in, so they become food. Some whither and die because of persecution. But others, others absolutely blossom. They are kept in growth by the care and tending of God. They are kept alive by the giver of growth. Your faith is kept alive by the giver of faith. You have ears to hear, and you have heard. And the word does not return void! The sower waters your faith with the preaching of the Gospel, and feeds it by giving you His own Body and Blood. Thanks be to God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The sower sows; his reckless love Scatters abroad the goodly seed, Intent alone that all may have The wholesome loaves that all men need. Though some be snatched and some be scorched And some be choked and matted flat, The sower sows; his heart cries out, “Oh, what of that, and what of that?” Of all his scattered plenteousness One-fourth waves ripe on hill and flat, And bears a harvest hundredfold: “Ah, what of that, Lord, what of that!” (LSB 586:3-5)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.

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.

October 11, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 18 - Psalm 34:2-4, 17; antiphon: Psalm 48:1aDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22; Matthew 11:20-30“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:2-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here is a fun little exercise. What are you proud of? What do you boast in? What's on your t-shirt when you walk out of your house? What's on that baseball cap you wear all the time? Stickers on your car? Maybe a sports team, a particular brand, a school you attended (or hope to). Or maybe you're really, really good at something. Maybe you can just absolutely sink a three-pointer, or you are convinced that your grilled cheese is the best, crispiest, gooiest grilled cheese with just the right balance of butter, cheese, and bread. It's good to take stock of these things eventually, and I am not telling you to stop being proud of these things. Your college football team is great fun, I am sure, and I know my grilled cheeses are always to my taste at least. It would be silly to make those things the base of your salvation, but you would be surprised what people do make their boast in. Eternally, I mean. It's the really cool, high-up, attractive, and shiny things that people really like to put their fear, love, and trust in. Things like their works. Or their vocations. Or how well they do their vocations. Things that make us look really good, really pious, really on fire for what God has given us. To be sure, your vocation is a good thing, and you should strive to carry it out faithfully. Your neighbor really, really needs your good works. But it is not on those that you are saved. Your salvation, your soul's boast? It is all the Lord. It is all his doing. It is all what Christ has done for you. How He has saved you. How Jesus has paid the price for everything you do, yes, even when you get a little too into… well, you. In your Baptism, He washes you. In the Lord's Supper, God himself feeds you. Every. Single. Week. Now that's really something to boast about.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here we have a firm foundation, Here the refuge of the lost: Christ, the Rock of our salvation, Is the name of which we boast; Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built. (LSB 451:4)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.

October 10, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:1-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:1-22; Matthew 11:1-19“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:11-15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I love reading about John the Baptist. John the Baptist is so delightfully strange that it really catches my eye each time, no matter how many times I have read this section of St. Matthew's gospel. Here is a man who has lived basically all his adult life on the fringes of society. He eats bugs, he dresses in a camel pelt (remember, delightfully weird), and he just blows up the Pharisees. What a job! Best of all, Jesus says that none born of woman is greater than John the Baptist!Hold up, what? Now that always confuses me to no end. What does that mean? Is Jesus just hyping up his friend and cousin, John the Baptist? Could be, but the operative thing (and what matters most for you, beloved in the Lord) is the next sentence. “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (v. 11) That means me, that means you, that means everyone! We are greater than John the Baptist, not because John is bad in any way, but because Jesus is the greatest, and he gives that greatness to us in his death and resurrection! This is even better news because of what comes right after. The Kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and will continue to until Christ returns. You may never suffer one iota for Christ, or you may lose your life, probably somewhere in between. But regardless, you cannot be taken out of the kingdom of heaven because you were given the ears to hear, and you have heard.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When all the world was cursed By Moses' condemnation, Saint John the Baptist came With words of consolation. With true forerunner's zeal The greater One he named, And Him, as yet unknown, As Savior he proclaimed. (LSB 346:1)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.

Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to St. Matthew SermonLink to Trinity 15 SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

October 8, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What does it mean to be “holy to the LORD?” In the rest of our Deuteronomy reading, we see the LORD giving specific instructions to the people of Israel to destroy all the religious items of the people whose land they are about to inhabit. Breaking down altars, chopping down pillars, dashing idols into pieces… sounds fun… but why? What does that have to do with being “holy to the LORD?” The truth is, you cannot serve two masters. Israel should have learned this lesson long ago. The golden calf incident, right after their deliverance from Egypt, should have been the beginning and end of this idolatrous streak. But if you read the rest of the Old Testament, this is not he case. The people of Israel CONSTANTLY struggle with idolatry, chasing after the power of other nations by worshipping their gods. Because that's what it's all about. It's about getting what you want. Baal can make it rain… or so his followers say. Other gods can grant you children, at least that's what their devotees claim. But these mute idols are just that… mute idols. They are powerless images that, at best, mean you're directing your worship towards a bit of wood and stone, and at worst, a demon in disguise. Either one is bad. But there is good news, beloved in the Lord! God has called you, yes, little old you, out of the darkness and into his marvelous light! Through the might of His Son Jesus, He has conquered all idols, calling all his people throughout time back to him to be a people holy to the Lord. In the flock of God… that's holy to the Lord. You are holy to the Lord.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead That to life we may awaken. Jesus, You are now our head. We are Your own living members; Where You live, there we shall be In Your presence constantly, Living there with You forever. Jesus, let me faithful be, Life eternal grant to me. (LSB 685:4)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.

October 7, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Vocation can be an overwhelming thing to think about. It's really tempting to reduce vocation down to one thing: what do you do for money? Are you a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a grocery store worker? Do you work in a factory where you make little metal bits that combine with other little metal bits to make even bigger metal bits? Or maybe you are in high school and you make your coin by grilling hamburgers at the local baseball field (been there!). The temptation of the doctrine of vocation is to zero in on just your “for money job” and try to be the best that you can be at it. But that's only one facet of the doctrine of vocation! Your vocations (plural!) are everything in life that God has called you to do! That can sound a little overwhelming, and well, it is. You will not do it all right the first time. Maybe even the second time, too. You will fail. But does your sin and failure mean that you are doomed? By no means! The “holy calling” is that of a forgiven child of God. Your status as that child was given to you, not on the merits of you and your work, but on the merit of His dear Son, Jesus. Our works are, at their very best, stained and filthy. We do not do them perfectly. If you've been paying attention for ten minutes, you know that. But the crimson flood of the blood of Jesus cleanses you from those stains and those sins. God's grace, given through Jesus, is what proclaims you as a forgiven and redeemed child. Thanks be to God for that.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father's home on high, Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest: Lead us to Your heav'nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)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.

1 CORINTHIANS  Correction With Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!         1 Corinthians 12:27–31 (ESV) — 27 Nowyou are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, secondprophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do allwork miracles? 30 Do all possessgifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the highergifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. Intro:Romans8:20–21 (ESV) — 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.    (1)  BE INFORMED OF GOD'S ORDER FOR THE BODY….. (v28-30)a.     THE FOUNDATIONAL WORK OF APOSTLES AND PROPHETS FOR THE CORNERSTONE Ephesians 2:19-22  Ephesians 3:4-12  b.     THE FAITHFUL WORK OF FOUNDATION AND FUNCTION TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR UNITY IN CHRIST  Ephesians 4:11-16   (2)  SO YOU CAN LIVE EMPOWERD BY HIS LOVE FOR THE BODY…. v31 a.     YOU ARE NOT MISSING OUT IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR PART IS MISSING                                               i.     Gifts of Helps and Administrating  b.     YOU HAVE LOST YOUR WAY IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY…  LOVE1 Corinthians 12:31(LSB) 31 But youearnestly desire the greater gifts. And I will yet show you a more excellentway.

October 3, 2025 Today's Reading: Matthew 7:13-29Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20; Matthew 7:13-29 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-20) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus spent a fair amount of time warning us about false prophets. These ravenous wolves, who ought to be festooned with millstone necklaces and cast into the sea, will likely not see their wages on this side of the resurrection. The fruits are the key here. Unlike our fruits or good works among our neighbors, the false teachers' fruits are borne in where their teaching leads. Sometimes it's coarse, like teaching that God did not create the heavens and the Earth, or that Jesus didn't live, die, and rise again in His flesh for your salvation from sin. Sometimes the false teaching is more subtle, like a historical Jesus serving as an example of righteous living rather than a propitiation for sin. Or, a Jesus whose all-encompassing love doesn't forgive sins, but simply ignores and embraces them. In each case, the false teacher leads us away from the truth, the center of the Christian faith. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And, Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God was counted with us sinners in our place to bear our sin and be our savior. He died and rose again to forgive us and free us from the bonds of sin. The false teacher deliberately or accidentally seeks to lead us away from that central truth into something else, which seems good. Don't fall for that malarkey. You know the scriptures and the truth better than you may even realize. You have the Word of God and faithful teachers to guide you. The promise here is that our Lord will set things right on the Last Day. Those false teachers, who have persisted in their wickedness, will receive their reward—eternal fire. He will preserve you from the troubles they brought into your ears forever. In Christ, you will only know His word and His salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; curb those who by deceit or sword would wrest the kingdom from Your Son and bring to naught all He has done. (LSB 655:1)Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 28, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:1-18; Matthew 5:1-20 “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' … [Abraham] said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” (Luke 16:22-24, 31) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This telling of Jesus is missing a key marker. St. Luke doesn't introduce it as a parable. “So He told them this parable…” (Luke 15:3a). The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the loving father, and the dishonest manager are all connected under that introduction. But the Rich man and Lazarus is set apart by a rebuke of the Pharisees and a command concerning divorce. This nameless rich man, whom the Pharisees might even know, has no repentance. He still begs Abraham to command Lazarus to serve him. In perfection, both of them certainly would, but they cannot cross over. The rich man also demands a greater effort by God to save his brothers; someone raised from the dead, like the parables of loss. Here, Jesus is showing an unending love. They may not be convinced, but Jesus IS going to die for the sins of those brothers. And He'll rise again from the dead. Jesus' death and resurrection is even for the brothers of that rich man. We won't know on this side of the resurrection on the Last Day. Still, I like to think that they did receive repentance and faith. Baptized into Jesus and hearing His Word, you have received His Gifts of repentance and faith. He has turned you from the unbelief and unrepentance that were yours once before. He has and continues to forgive your sin, and the sins of all believers. He is showering you with the promise of Lazarus, to be carried off to the bosom of Abraham. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord let at last Thine angels come, to Abraham's bosom bear me home, that I may die unfearing; and in its narrow chamber keep my body safe in peaceful sleep until thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, that these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, my Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, and I will praise Thee without end. Amen. (LSB 708:3)Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 27, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 16 - Psalm 119:73-75, 77; antiphon: Psalm 119:76Daily Lectionary: Malachi 3:6-4:6; Matthew 4:12-25“I know, O Lord … that in faithfulness you have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Psalmist attributes his affliction to God's “faithfulness” or “trustworthiness.” The Hebrew word we have here is where we get our “Amen.” You've learned in the Small Catechism that “Amen” means “Yes, yes, it shall be so.” Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you.” In the Greek, it's simply, “Amen, Amen, I say to you.” Jesus is trustworthy, and we give our “Amen” to his faithfulness! So, back to the Psalm. How do we make sense of God afflicting us “in his faithfulness”? If anything, it seems like the opposite. When we experience various afflictions, diseases, troubles, or frustrations, it seems that God is being unfaithful to us, that he is withholding his promises, that he is not listening, that he has forsaken us, that he has forgotten us. But God's “faithfulness” is connected to something more than our feelings and experiences. Dare we say that God's faithfulness is connected to something greater than even his own feelings? His faithfulness is connected to his “steadfast love.” After God destroyed the world in the flood, he set the bow in the clouds as a sign that he would never again destroy the world in that manner. He gives himself a sign that he might see and remember his love and mercy! When God promised to kill every firstborn in Egypt, he gave his people a sign. They were to paint their doorposts with the blood of the Passover lamb, and when he saw the blood, he would remember his love and mercy and pass over their homes. When God afflicts me, it is a sign of his faithfulness and steadfast love. It is a reminder that his hands have “made and fashioned me” and that I live only by his mercy. He has created me by his hands, he has redeemed me by his Son's pierced hands, and should he pierce my heart with affliction, he will do it in faithfulness and steadfast love toward me. He will not forget me forever. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He hears my prayer and promises to give me life according to his Word. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God knows full well when times of gladness Shall be the needful thing for thee. When He has tried thy soul with sadness And from all guile has found thee free, He comes to thee all unaware And makes thee own his loving care. (LSB 750:4) Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 26, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 4:1-11Daily Lectionary: Malachi 2:1-3:5; Matthew 4:1-11“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Spirit that descended upon Jesus at his Baptism now leads him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Jesus, the “anointed one,” faces the first test of his office as Savior of the world. But notice what temptations are thrown his way! He is tempted to 1) turn stones into bread, 2) test God's will, and 3) deny God's kingdom. Sound similar? The Lord's Prayer takes its source from Jesus' inner life. The Gospel of Luke records that Jesus prayed at his Baptism (Luke 3:21). In his baptism, he prays according to God's name (1st Petition), and in his temptation, he applies God's kingdom (2nd Petition) and will (3rd Petition) to our daily life (4th Petition). After we are baptized, we can expect temptations to come. When we fast or forsake the pleasures of this world, the devil will tempt us to serve our fleshly lusts. When we place ourselves under God's will, the devil will tempt us to question God's provision. When God gathers us into his lowly kingdom, the devil will tempt us with the fame and fortune of this world's kingdoms. But in Christ, we will rise victorious over the devil. In Christ's Spirit, we will resist the temptations of the flesh. We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. We have a Savior who knew no sin but was made to be sin for us, that we might be righteous in him. Christ proceeds from his baptism and temptation to his ministry. He begins to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” as he offers the assurance of the forgiveness of sins (5th Petition), protects his people from temptations (6th Petition), and delivers them from evil diseases and afflictions (7th Petition). Already in our Lord's life, his prayer is taking shape. As the Lord's Prayer has its root in his life, it now has its root in ours. The Lord's Prayer forms us into Christ's baptism and temptation, and it prepares us for lives of service in his name and kingdom, and according to his will. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Mark how the Lamb of God's self-off'ring Our human sinfulness takes on In the birthwaters of the Jordan As Jesus is baptized by John. Hear how the voice from heaven thunders, ‘Lo, this is My beloved Son.' See how in dovelike form the Spirit Descends on God's Anointed One. From this assurance of God's favor Jesus goes to the wilderness, There to endure a time of testing That readied Him to teach and bless. So we, by water and the Spirit Baptized into Christ's ministry, Are often led to paths of service Through mazes of adversity. (LSB 600:1, 2) Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 25, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Bishops, Pastors and PreachersDaily Lectionary: Malachi 1:1-14; Matthew 3:1-17“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As Lutherans, we teach that when the water of Baptism is joined to the Word of God, it becomes a true Baptism, and when the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper are joined to the Word of God, it is the true Body and Blood of Jesus. But what about the Pastor? When the man is joined to the Word of God, does he become a “true man” with some special gift that the ordinary layperson cannot receive? Not at all. When a man becomes a Pastor, he is placed into an office, like that of a child to a parent, a husband to his wife, or a father to his child. His office is that of a servant to a master. This is why Pastors are called “Ministers.” They are servants. As a child serves his parent, the Pastor serves God the Father; as a husband serves his wife, the Pastor serves the church; as a father serves his child, the Pastor serves the children of God in his congregation. This is also why, in some places, a Pastor is called a “Father.” But when the Pastor is placed in this office, the focus is never on him or his work. He is not put into a human institution or office, but a divine institution! The Pastor serves and points people to Jesus, who instituted the Office of the Holy Ministry.So, what does the Pastor serve? He is not in the catering business where he serves whatever he or the people want. No, he is in the Word business. He is a servant of the Word. One of the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3 is that the man must be “able to teach.” This is less about teaching style, use of technology, classroom management, or creativity, but more about faithfulness to the Word, both in teaching and practice. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message and handle rightly the Word of truth in teaching, but he also does so in practice. The Bible says that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. If they teach others, they should teach themselves, lest they fall under the judgment of God. Thus, the pastor must be “above reproach.” This is not that he must be fully blameless and free from all sin (which is impossible), but that he does not disqualify himself from teaching publicly by falling into outward, manifest sins. If he fails to meet or keep these qualifications, he cannot be or stay a pastor, lest he offend God and others and become the hypocrite who “judges those who practice such things and yet does them himself” (Romans 2:3). What a comfort it is that Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of our souls, sends his under-shepherds to proclaim Christ's “sound doctrine” to all the world!   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Seek where you may To find a way That leads to your salvation. My heart is stilled, On Christ I build, He is the one foundation. His Word is sure, His Works endure; He overthrows All evil foes; Through Him I more than conquer. (LSB 557:1) Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

We're looking at upcoming hymns of the day in our church year! The Rev. Sean Daenzer (LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS IC Chaplain) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three beautiful hymns people may sing this weekend in church, covering themes of anxiety, trust, hope, comfort, and angels. Chaplain Daenzer talks about LSB 760 "What God Ordains Is Always Good" (15th Sunday after Trinity, One Year Lectionary), LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart" (16th Sunday after Pentecost / Proper 21, Three Year Lectionary), and LSB 522 "Lord God, To Thee We Give All Praise" (for St. Michael and All Angels). Grab your hymnals and follow along! As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

September 24, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 16:1-15Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 9:22-38; Nehemiah 10:1-13:31; 1 Timothy 6:3-21“And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The “sons of this world” in this parable are like the people of Amos 8. They are shrewd in their dealings with money but use their shrewdness for deception and deceit. They appear to provide for the poor and needy, but enslave them for their purposes. It is puzzling that the master would commend this dishonest manager who has not only wasted his possessions for months (and maybe even years!), but who, after he is fired, continues to deal deceitfully. He knows he is too weak to dig and too proud to beg, so he acts shrewdly. He needs friends, so until word spreads that he has been fired, he will call his master's debtors and settle their debts. One hundred measures of oil become fifty, one hundred measures of wheat become eighty, and zero friends become two friends. So, the master commends this “son of the world,” not for his dishonesty but for his shrewdness. What does such shrewdness look like for the “sons of light?” They also operate in this world with “unrighteous mammon,” but the difference lies in their end. What did the manager's shrewdness get him? It got him friends who have temporary dwellings. What does the Christian's shrewdness get him? It gets him friends in the “eternal dwellings.” The shrewdness of the Christian is this: although he knows that money will fail, he uses it while he still can. He uses the “unrighteous mammon” of this world to accomplish the work of Christ's Church. And what is the goal? That the Word of God would make us friends of Christ in the eternal dwellings. When he was fired, the dishonest manager was as good as dead. He had nothing else to lose. Money had already failed him, and now he simply needed a home. The same is true for the sons of light. But the difference is that they already have a “friend” who has promised them an eternal home. They have Christ's Gospel that assures them of a good future. So, how do they relate to the Law and this world? They deal shrewdly with it. You say that I am a sinner? I am, and I have Christ, the friend of sinners. You say that I am dead? Though I die, yet shall I live in Christ, who died for me. You say that I am a debtor? I am, and I have a heavenly manager who didn't simply overlook my debts, but who paid them in full by his atoning blood. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My heart's delight, My crown most bright, O Christ, my joy forever. Not wealth nor pride Nor fortune's tide Our bonds of love shall sever. You are my Lord; Your precious Word Shall guide my way And help me stay Forever in Your presence. (LSB 557:4)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 23, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-15Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 9:1-21; 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What Paul “urges” and “desires” in this letter aren't the kind of new and made-up laws and commandments you find when God's Word is neglected, nor are they the kind of additional, burdensome, domineering rules that a lazy father has to come up with when he feels his house is out of control. No, these practical words from Paul that have to do with everyday life find their source in God's teaching. Why pray for all people, especially rulers? There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who desires the salvation of all people. The rulers are people who need saving, too, and they especially need prayers as they maintain the peace and quietness that men, in their anger and quarreling, need. The man whose hands are too quickly lifted in anger against his children should instead offer holy hands in prayer, especially with his family. The woman whose beauty is flaunted immodestly, whose body is adorned materially, and whose voice is magnified unsuitably should instead adorn herself modestly, in godliness, and with good works in quiet submissiveness. Why is the family ordered in this way? God's teaching is such that Adam, who was formed first, failed to keep his house in order. He was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and his quiet submissiveness to the devil's deceit was to blame. “She took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6). She is a transgressor, and he is a successor to her sin, but from them both will come an intercessor. As all have sinned in the one man Adam, so will all be saved in the one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Eve and all her offspring will be saved through childbearing—through the birth of Jesus Christ. The seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent, and his faithfulness to his bride, his unconditional love for her, and the holiness with which he adorns her will be her salvation. He will adorn her with true beauty, everlasting treasures, and self-control. He will be the husband every man aspires to be, with eternal devotion to his bride, offering her his holy hands pierced on the cross, interceding for her to the Father, and praying for her at all times and in every place with thanksgiving. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Seek Him alone Who did atone, Who did your souls deliver. O seek Him first, All you who thirst, For grace that fails you never. In ev'ry need Seek Him indeed; To ev'ry heart He will impart His blessings without measure. (LSB 557:3)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 22, 2025Today's Reading: Amos 8:4-7Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 7:1-4; 8:1-18; Ezra 1:1-10:19; 1 Timothy 5:1-16“The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: ‘Surely I will never forget any of their deeds'” (Amos 8:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When Jesus says that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), he reveals man's propensity to switch everything around. The Sabbath rest has become a Sabbath test for the Pharisees, and in their eyes, Jesus has failed the test. He has failed the Sabbath. Now, the people during Amos' time have also inverted the gift of the Sabbath. They ask when the new moon, a time dedicated at the first of every month for sacrifices to God, and the Sabbath, a time of handing over one's work and time to God, will be over. They have turned the Father's house into a house of trade. They want the time of sacrifice to end, and the time of profiteering to begin. They want to get a move on, get out of the church, and get going with their iniquity and deceit, their trampling of the needy and destruction of the poor. But God will not have any of it. He despises such “vain offerings.” He hates their new moons and appointed feasts. He is burdened by their hypocrisy and false worship. So when they lift their hands, he hides his eyes; when they voice their prayers, he closes his ears (Isaiah 1:13-15). Even worse, God swears that he will never forget their evil deeds! Sin grieves God. His wrath and anger are quickly kindled. His “record of debt … with all its legal demands” stands against all men (Colossians 2:14). Someone must pay that debt, right that wrong, and bear the punishment of sin. For the wicked, that “record of debt” stands before God's face (Hosea 7:2). He remembers their iniquity (Hosea 8:13). It is even engraved on the tablet of their heart (Jeremiah 17:1) as their sins remain heaped high as heaven (Revelation 18:5). David prays in Psalm 109, “May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out!” But you, dear Christian, find that in Christ, that record of debt is canceled, those legal demands are fulfilled, the injustice is forgiven, and your sins are atoned for. Your debt is forgiven in its entirety! It is taken away from you. God sets it aside, nails it to the cross, disarms your enemies, shames the devil, and triumphs over Hell itself. “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). God remembers the sins of the wicked, but he will never remember your sins. They are forgiven, removed, forgotten, and drowned in the depths of the sea, never to rise again. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Seek whom you may To be your stay; None can redeem his brother. All helpers failed; This man prevailed, The God-man and none other, Our Servant-King Of whom we sing. We're justified Because he died, The guilty being guiltless. (LSB 557:2) Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 20, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 15 - Psalm 119:137-140, 142; antiphon: Psalm 119:144Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 4:7-23; 1 Timothy 3:1-16“Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” (Psalm 119:137-144)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Do you delight in God's Commandments? So often, the Commandments and precepts of God can feel like a weight we carry in this life, a burden that keeps us from what we really want to do. And part of that comes from how we often see the Law and what we read and hear about it. The Law is almost always talked about in “do's” and “don'ts” based on how we have failed to keep God's Law. We are told how we have given in to temptation, how we have hurt our neighbor and not loved them properly, how the Law says that without Jesus, we deserve death and Hell. These things are true, of course, but they don't bring to mind the same words of the Psalmist, who delights in the Law of the Lord. The truth is, as much as the Law shows us our sinfulness, it really, truly shows us the goodness of God! From the very beginning of the world, God set His Law in place in the universe. Before the Fall into sin, the Law was simply the way things were. Our God is a good God who desires an ordered creation, a world in which His creatures do not kill one another or steal from each other, where husbands and wives love each other as Christ and His bride, the Church, love one another, and where His people are righteous and close to Himself. When we “delight” in the Laws of God, we recognize that our Lord wants what is best for us and desires to be near to us. We know that God uses this Law, even in this broken world, to guard and defend us from evil. In these verses of Psalm 119, the Psalmist speaks against those who have forgotten the Law of the Lord, but praises Him for His righteousness that guides His creation and promises to remember God's Words and precepts. As baptized Christians, we are given freedom from the fear of the law through the death and resurrection of Jesus. In this freedom, we have the ability to, like the Psalmist, delight in the goodness of the Law and work to keep it, not out of fear or a desire to earn salvation, but out of love for God and our neighbor. God has kept the law in all fullness for us, and that is something we may truly delight in.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Law of God is good and wise And sets His will before our eyes, Shows us the way of righteousness, And dooms to death when we transgress. (LSB 579:1)Rev. Benjamin Heinz, pastor of Athens Lutheran Church in Athens, TN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 19, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-6Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:1-15“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:1-6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Following the teachings of Scripture is not always an easy task. We are encouraged, and even commanded, to pray, think well of, and even give thanks for people we might not necessarily want to. In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul writes that we are to give thanks and pray for our leaders and others who rule over us. At the time of this writing, that would have been the government of the Roman Empire, the very same empire that was actively persecuting Christians. Yet, God still placed the rulers in charge, even if His reasons are unknown to man. Through rulers, good and bad, the Lord provides for His creatures. We are to give thanks to God for the things he accomplishes through them, and to pray that God would guide them away from evil deeds. But we are to pray for them in a different way, as well. We are told in our reading for today that we are to pray for our rulers and for all people because the Lord desires for all people to believe. We pray for the good and the evil, for the people we agree with and the people that we disagree with, for the people we know well and people who are strangers to us, that all may know and call upon the name of our Lord. When we are faced with enemies in this world, we are called to remember that they, too, were created by God and that He desires to be reconciled with them. It is not an easy task to love your enemy or to pray for the one who persecutes you, but it is what we are called to do as ones who have already been reconciled with God. We do all of this only through the grace of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for all people.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Teach us the lesson Thou hast taught: To feel for those Thy blood hath bought, That ev'ry word and deed and thought May work a work for Thee. (LSB 852:3)Rev. Benjamin Heinz, pastor of Athens Lutheran Church in Athens, TN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to John 1:43-51 SermonLink to 1 Corinthians 15:1-10 SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

In the final part of the series, Thom and Jess examine four additional translations that remain popular within more specific theological, academic, or expositional contexts: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), and Legacy Standard Bible (LSB). The post A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB appeared first on Church Answers.

Deaconess catches up with Tyler Martin. They look back on his sermon preached at St. John earlier this summer. We also get to hear a little about Tyler's vicarage experience thus far.Preacher: Vicar Tyler MartinSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

Deaconess catches up with Brian Schneck as they look back on the sermon he preached at St. John earlier this summer.Preacher: Seminarian Brian SchneckSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.Text Your Questions & Comments Here!

On Today's Show:Scripture Reading from the Legacy Standard BiblePrayers from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer Reading from Daily Readings From the Life of Christ by John MacArthurMonday Meanderings!Five Day Bible Reading Plan - https://fivedaybiblereading.com/ The full LSB Bible, Old and New Testaments, are now available online, on the Literal Word app, and on Accordance!https://nasb.literalword.com/mobile/index.htmlhttps://read.lsbible.org/http://accordancebible.com/LSB/ 2019 Book of Common Prayer downloadable here - https://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/ Theme music: Enfield's recording of “Crown Him With Many Crowns” © 2010 by Resolved Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com

On Today's Show:Scripture Reading from the Legacy Standard BiblePrayers from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer Reading from Daily Readings From the Life of Christ by John MacArthurTODAY'S TOPIC!Sponsored by Squirrelly Joe's Coffee — Share Coffee. Serve Humbly. Live Faithfully.Five Day Bible Reading Plan - https://fivedaybiblereading.com/ The full LSB Bible, Old and New Testaments, are now available online, on the Literal Word app, and on Accordance!https://nasb.literalword.com/mobile/index.htmlhttps://read.lsbible.org/http://accordancebible.com/LSB/ 2019 Book of Common Prayer downloadable here - https://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/ Theme music: Enfield's recording of “Crown Him With Many Crowns” © 2010 by Resolved Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com