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Reading Acts 16:33-40 where Paul and Silas witness to the Philippian jailer and his household, and they believe in Christ and are baptized, before Paul and Silas are released. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 16:25-32 where Paul and Silas in prison are able to leave when an earthquake opens the jail doors, but they remain and share the gospel with the jailer. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 16:16-24 where Paul and Silas encounter a woman who had a spirit of divination, and after casting it out they are seized and thrown into prison. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 16:11-15 where the Apostle Paul preaches to a woman named Lydia, and the Lord opened hear heart to understand the gospel, as God has done with all believers. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos.
Reading Acts 16:1-10 where Paul and Silas set out on what will be known as Paul's second missionary journey, where he meets Timothy and travels to Macedonia. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 15:36-41 where Paul and Barnabas disagree with one another over John Mark and end up going in opposite directions as they continue the work in the gospel. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 15:13-21 where after Peter speaks, and Paul and Barnabas gave their testimonies, James stands up to give his counsel as to what should be said to the Gentile Christians. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 15:6-12 where Peter stands up at the Jerusalem Council and testifies to the gospel of Christ going out to the Gentiles, a gospel that is to be received by faith. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 14:23-28 where Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps, appointing elders in the churches they had planted, and returning to Antioch to report on the work of God. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 15:1-5 where a bunch of Judaizers told the Gentiles they must be circumcized in order to be saved, and how this problem was brought to the apostles in Jerusalem. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
August 5, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 28:1-15Daily Lectionary: Acts 28:1-15“After we were brought safely through…” (Acts 28:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It had been three long years since Paul had been arrested by a Jewish mob in Jerusalem and thrown before the High Priest Ananias. The Jews had made a plot to kill him, but that plot had been foiled, and he was skirted away to Caesarea to be put under the authority of Felix, the governor. During the next 36 months, Paul would appeal to be heard by Caesar, speak in front of rulers and authorities, sail for Rome, be caught at sea by a storm, and be shipwrecked on the island of Malta.Luke begins our Reading for today with the words, “After we were brought safely through…” It was the providential will of God that Paul would not find his end at the hands of a Jewish mob in Jerusalem, but instead that he would go on proclaiming the Gospel all the way to the steps of Rome. Christ crucified would be made known throughout the world despite his imprisonment. (Dare I say even because of it?)Is it any wonder that Paul would be able to pen in Romans that, “God works all things for good for those who are called according to his purpose,” and, in 2 Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”The Christian gives thanks to the Lord above for the faithful witness of His apostles. It's no mere accident that these men suffered imprisonment, torture, persecution, and martyrdom; for as Christ said, “A servant is not above his master.” But these things took place so that you and I might know what Christ is and who He is for us 2000 years after the Apostle Paul met his blessed end.God had seen Paul through all of these hardships with you in mind, so that you might “have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18-19a)The doctrine handed down by the Apostles is the very doctrine that is preached and proclaimed in your congregations. It is the foolishness of the cross, the stumbling block of a crucified Savior risen from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins. We confess these truths in the Creeds, and we receive these truths in the Divine Service. We profess these promises to the lost and fallen world around us. And we live in the grace and mercy of the Gospel until Christ comes again in glory.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I trust, O Lord, Your holy name; O let me not be put to shame Nor let me be confounded. My faith, O Lord, Be in Your Word Forever firmly grounded. (LSB 734:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.
Reading Acts 14:19-22 where the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to remain steadfast in the faith, for it's through many afflictions that we enter the kingdom of God. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 14:1-18 as Paul and Barnabas go on to Iconium and then to Lystra, where the people attempt to worship them but they turn the people to worship the true God. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
July 29, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 24:1-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 14:47-15:9; Acts 24:1-23“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There Paul stood, a prisoner before the Roman governor Felix. Jewish opponents stood spewing all kinds of false charges against Paul, all nasty things about his supposed guilt. The Roman governor was set to determine whether these charges were true or not. This was the situation Paul was to speak of the Christian faith! No safe audience there! Nonetheless, Paul was not afraid. He spoke boldly because he had the spirit of boldness. There were no real charges against Paul. The false charges could not stand. And his confession of the faith could not be dismissed by the governor.In a way, you and I are like Paul. We stand on trial before God. And we have opponents who accuse us of all kinds of charges. The devil spews out his accusations against you for breaking God's Law. The world accuses you for not joining in with them in their godless actions and ways. And your sinful nature accuses you for times where you were too weak to withstand your temptations. Whether they are true or not, these accusations are brought up before you to God so that you might be punished.But do not be afraid. There is another who has stood trial under the accusations of the Law. No, not Paul, but Jesus. Yet when all number of evil charges were raised against Jesus, He did not open His mouth. He did not defend Himself, so that He might defend you. He took on your sins and punishments, that you might take on His innocence and honor. Just as boldly - or more likely, even more bold than Paul, Jesus stood His ground and spoke to a different Roman governor. Paul was spared, Jesus was sentenced. But Jesus was sentenced that Paul might be spared, and you too! Spared before God by simple trust that Jesus did this for you.Paul also said that he took pains to have a clear conscience before God and man. Faith in Christ gives you a clear conscience before God. For it holds onto Christ's righteousness that cleanses you of all your sins, as well as the sins done against you and the hurts you bear. Faith in Christ responds in good outward works, which gives you a clear conscience before men. For your conscience does not flare up when you show love to your neighbor. All of the Commandments are summed up by the word ‘love.' So since Paul strove to have a clear conscience and this happens by faith in Christ and a God-pleasing life according to the Commandments, you also strive to have the same. For you are redeemed by God, and by your life you are invited to show it.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God grant us strength, a clear conscience, and boldness in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.
Reading Acts 13:44-52 where after preaching at Pisidian Antioch, many Gentiles came to faith, and as said in verse 48, "As many as were appointed to eternal life believed." Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
July 28, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 20:27-38 or Romans 8:12-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 13:1-18; Acts 23:12-35“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Were your ancestors slaves? Believe it or not, everyone should say yes. It doesn't matter who your parents are, or your family lineage, or where your ancestors came from. All people, since the Fall into sin, were born as slaves of sin. Just as a child born to slaves on a plantation was also a slave, so a child born to sinners is also a slave to sin. And that means everyone except Jesus. You included.A slave does the will of his master. In the case of sin, the slave continues to sin. Willfully, intentionally, or simply because he can't help himself, the slave to sin feeds his sinful nature and sets his mind on the things of the flesh. That includes pornography, revenge, sinful pride instead of humble helping of others, rebellion against proper authorities, and self-righteousness. One cannot set his mind on doing such things and live before God. He is a slave, chained to his sin, and gladly serving it.Jesus, however, came to set slaves of sin free. To do this, He first had to break the chains of sins. He had to live as the substitute in the place of sinners, and yet give up this perfect life to suffer the punishment for all sin. Christ Jesus has taken your place in death, which your sins deserved, and now is risen from the dead and proclaims you right with God. This is not because of how deserving you are, but simply out of God's great mercy and love to redeem sinners, a mercy rooted in Jesus.To set slaves free from sins, Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings Christ's righteousness to us and creates faith in the heart that receives this righteousness. From faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit also leads and compels believers to what the Lutheran Confessions call “the new obedience.” Yes, we are to do good works. The phrase “good works” is not inherently bad. We just realize that good works are the fruits of faith, not the cause of faith. The Holy Spirit given to us allows us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit, which includes all of faith and a godly life. Therefore, we are adopted by God as His dear children, whom we cry out to in our prayers. What slave to sin can do this? But you are not a slave to sin. Therefore, set your mind on the things of the Spirit.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne'er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely To preserve them pure and holy. (LSB 725:4)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.
Reading Acts 13:26-43 where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, and from Paul's first recorded sermon, he preaches justification by faith. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:13-25 where the Apostle Paul preaches in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, arguing first to the Jews there that Jesus is the Christ according to the prophets. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:8-12 as Paul and Barnabas share the gospel on the island of Cyprus, meeting up with a proconsul in Paphos and the dark magician who clouds his mind. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 12:20-25 where Herod gives a speech and is hailed as a god, but because he does not give glory to God, the Lord strikes him dead and he's eaten by worms. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 12:12-19 where after being released from prison by an angel, Peter visits the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, but no one believers it's actually Peter. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 12:1-11 where James the brother of John is murdered and Peter is arrested by Herod, but he is later miraculously freed by an angel. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
July 10, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 14:19-15:5Daily Lectionary: Judges 6:1-24; Acts 14:19-15:5“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. After preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Greeks in Iconium, Paul remained there a while, “speaking boldly in the Lord” (Acts 14:3), before departing for Lystra. However, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed that Satan shot his flaming darts through the “poison” of the unbelieving Jews. He sowed the seeds of division and violence, stirring up some Gentiles and Jews to stone Paul and Barnabas. Upon learning of this, they fled to Lystra and Derbe. Yet some Jews pursued him, coming from Antioch and Iconium to persuade the crowds to stone Paul. What God said to Ananias concerning Paul came true: “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). He is afflicted by such violence, but is he crushed? He is perplexed by unbelief, but is he despairing? He is persecuted, but is he forsaken? He is struck down and even assumed dead (Acts 14:19), but is he destroyed? Not at all—for the very life of Jesus is manifested in his earthly body. The power of Christ rests upon him in his weakness. He shares Christ's suffering and becomes like him in his death. So, after arising and entering the city with the disciples, he journeys onward to Derbe the very next day. He is not crushed but renewed. He is not driven to despair but filled with hope. He is not forsaken but filled with the Spirit. He is not destroyed but strengthened for the work God has called him to do. Each trial becomes an occasion for endurance, for building character, and for rejoicing in the promise of God's eternal glory. After preaching the gospel to Derbe, he again returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). What an encouragement! Elders are appointed for ministry in the church, and the hearts of the faithful are committed to the Lord through prayer and fasting. From Pisidia to Antioch, the Word of God takes root, and a door of faith is opened to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. My walk is heav'nward all the way; Await, my soul, the morrow, When God's good healing shall allay All suff'ring, sin, and sorrow. Then, worldly pomp, begone! To heav'n I now press on. For all the world I would not stay; My walk is heav'nward all the way. (LSB 716:6)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.
July 8, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 13:42-52Daily Lectionary: Judges 3:7-31; Acts 13:42-52“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What were “these things” that those in Antioch to whom Paul preached wanted to hear about the next Sabbath? What are “these things” that Paul preached, which stirred the Jews and proselytes to follow Paul and Barnabas? Put simply, “these things” are the great works of God. Paul preached in Acts 13:17-41 that God chose the patriarchs and multiplied his people during their sojourn in Egypt. With an uplifted arm, he led them out of bondage, patiently enduring their stubbornness in the wilderness. He destroyed the seven nations in Canaan and gave his people the Promised Land as an inheritance. He raised up judges to lead them until the time of Samuel the prophet. When the people demanded a king, he gave them Saul, and when Saul proved unfaithful, God raised up David—a man after his own heart. Finally, from David's descendants, God fulfilled his promise by bringing to Israel a Savior, Jesus, for whom John the Baptist prepared the way. Paul proclaims “these things” to the men of Israel, assuring them that the Gospel, this “message of salvation,” was sent first to them (Acts 13:26, 46). Yet since the leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem rejected Jesus as the fulfillment of God's works, the prophets' words, and the promise given to their fathers—since they “thrust it aside and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life” (Acts 13:46)—Paul declares that “these things” are not for the Jews alone, but also for the Gentiles. Indeed, this has always been God's plan of salvation foretold by Isaiah (45:22, 49:6) and confessed by Simeon after Jesus' birth (Luke 2:29-32). Just as Jesus Christ was appointed a light for revelation to the Gentiles, so Paul and Barnabas have been made lights for the Gentiles as they bear the light of Christ. “How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isaiah 52:7) and “brings salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)! Though persecution arises on account of Paul and Barnabas' preaching, the disciples of Jesus are “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). “These things” have now been fulfilled in their midst, and they are glad to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. They count it all joy to meet such trials, rejoicing in their sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not put them to shame, because God's love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.May God bestow on us His grace, With blessings rich provide us; And may the brightness of His face To life eternal guide us, That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure, And also to the nations show Christ's riches without measure And unto God convert them. (LSB 823:1)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.
Reading Acts 11:25-30 where the Apostle Paul (still called Saul) joins Barnabas at Antioch, and it's there that Christians are called by that name for the first time. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 11:19-24 where some of the disciples go to Antioch and the surrounding region, sharing the gospel with Greeks and are joined by Barnabas. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 29th - 1st Reading: Acts 12:1-11 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-1 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 11:1-18 where Peter reports back to the Jews what happened at the household of Cornelius, and they bear witness that salvation has also come to Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
June 26, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 8:1-25Daily Lectionary: Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 8:1-25“Now when Simon [the magician] saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 8:18–19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Simon the magician likes a spectacle. He profited from the deeds and signs he performed. The people called him “the power of God that is called Great.” It seemed, outwardly, he possessed great power. When the disciples came, preaching the Good News of Jesus, Simon the magician and many others believed and were baptized, having been amazed by signs and wonders. To magic Simon, this was power! Peter and John came to lay on hands, that the people might receive the Holy Spirit, and it was then that Simon came with money to purchase this power. Peter rebukes him harshly, warning of destruction for Simon if he does not repent. Simon believed he could buy the gifts of God with money. Simon then asks Peter to intercede with the Lord on his behalf. But the truth is clear: God and His gifts cannot be bought. The sinful flesh and world seek power and will take it by whatever means necessary. We see this in the account of Simon the magician, but we see it in ourselves as well. We want power over others; we want control. Simon's desire to literally buy power is the most obvious depiction of our inner desire to be God and use that authority our way.Thanks be to God, His ways are not our ways! Instead of having to pay anything to receive God, He gives Himself freely to sinners who believe. We should repent when we seek to wield the love of God as a means to our own ends. God's power cannot be bought. His love cannot be taken by force. It is only given, and this is Good News to you and me. Instead of withholding life and salvation or His own Spirit from sinners who misuse it, God, in His mercy, pours out Himself that sinners may be forgiven and the dead and dying may live. Jesus paid the price, in His death and resurrection, so we may be given life-saving grace, free of charge. Simon mistook the power of God as a tool for him to wield. He was wrong. The power of God is freely given to forgive sinners. It cannot be bought and does not need to be. It is yours, dear Christian, that you may have life in Christ now and always. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What costly sacrifice to cover human sin! Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? His blood, that sprinkled price, so we might be assured that our inheritance in light has been secured. (LSB 564:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.
Reading Acts 10:44-48 where after Peter preached the gospel at the household or Cornelius, the people believed, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:36-43 where the Apostle Peter preaches in the household of Cornelius and gives them a very simple presentation of the gospel, that they believe and are saved. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:30-35 where Peter comes into the house of Cornelius, and realizes that God shows no partiality but is having the gospel go out to Jews and Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, June 11th - 1st Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:20-26 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 10:17-29 where Peter is instructed by the Holy Spirit to go to the house of Cornelius and share the gospel with him and with his household. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:14-16 where the Lord tells Peter, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider defiled," and what this has to do with dietary laws and preaching to Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 16:9-13 where the Lord appears to Peter in a vision and tells him, "Rise up, Peter, kill and eat," for the Lord is about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:1-8 where a centurion named Cornelius, a devout man who fears God, hears from an angel that his prayers have been answered and he is to seek out Peter. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:32-43 as Peter goes throughout Judea performing miracles and sharing the gospel, including healing a man named Aeneas and a woman named Tabitha. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:20-31 where after his conversion, Saul goes throughout Damascus, into Syria, and back again, then to Jerusalem proclaiming everywhere that Jesus is the Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:10-19 where the Jesus speaks to a man named Ananias and tells him to go lay hands on Saul and baptize him, for Jesus is going to make him an apostle. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:6-9 and finishing up the section where Jesus appears to Saul (soon to be the Apostle Paul) on the road to Damascus and converts him to being a disciple of Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:1-5 where a Pharisee named Saul was on his way to Damascus to round up Christians and have them persecuted to stop spreading the name of Jesus. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:36-40 where Philip baptizes the Eunuch from Ethiopia, and also considering why verse 37 in this passage is understood to not be divinely inspired. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:26-35 where Philip happens upon a eunuch from Ethiopia who was reading from Isaiah, and Philip explains this is about Christ and shares the gospel with him. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:25 and looking back on the Apostles' encounter with Simon the Magician, also the continued work of the Holy Spirit as Philip ministers to an Ethiopian. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:14-24 where Simon the Magician attempts to buy from the apostles the ability to grant the power of the Holy Spirit to whomever he wills. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:6-13 where Philip preaches in Samaria, the people are astounded by the message of the gospel, and a man named Simon the Magician believes as well. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:1-5 where the Christians are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, and the deacon named Philip goes on to Samaria to share the gospel. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:54-60 where Stephen is about to be stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the statements he makes sound a lot like Jesus before His death. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:51-53 as Stephen concludes his sermon convicting the hearts of his hearers, saying that they are uncircumcised of heart and always resisting the Holy Spirit. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!