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Why is there a Bible study for the LCMS Convention, and how does this study help us walk together as Synod? The Rev. Timothy Pauls (Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, ID, and author of the 2026 Convention Bible Study) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have a Bible study written specifically for the Convention, the theme for this Convention and Bible study, why this theme is significant to us today, the structure of the Bible study, a few of the emphases in the study, and how these themes encourage us as we walk together as Synod. Find the Bible Study at lcms.org/convention/national/worship/bible-study. 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.
15 of 15 in a series through Mark 10-16
Welcome to Day 2859 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2859 – “In Defense of a Doubter” based on Luke 7:18-35 Putnam Church Message – 04/12/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “In Defense of a Doubter.” Last week's message was: “He is Risen Indeed!” We will celebrate the resurrected Christ and the assurance we have in the salvation that He brings. Today, we return to Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “In Defense of a Doubter.” We will explore the doubts of Jesus's cousin, known as John the Baptizer. Our core passage today is Luke 7:15-35, which is found on page 1603 of your pew Bibles. Jesus and John the Baptizer 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. / Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[b] 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Opening Prayer Father, thank You that You are not threatened by our questions and not surprised by our weakness. Thank You that in Jesus Christ You meet us not only in strength, but also in struggle. As we open Your Word today, give us honesty, humility, and hope. Help us to see that doubt does not have to destroy faith, and that Your Son is still enough / even when life does not make sense. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction There is a kind of faith that sounds strong but is actually fragile. It never asks hard questions. It never admits confusion. It never confesses pain. It smiles through gritted teeth and calls that spirituality. But the Bible gives us something far more honest than that. The Bible gives us John the Baptizer. The same John who leaped in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Christ. The same John who thundered in the wilderness. The same John who said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The same John who pointed away from himself and toward Jesus. And now in Luke 7, that same man is in prison, and he is asking a question he never expected to ask: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:19) That question surprises us. But Luke includes it because he wants us to learn something important: A season of doubt does not automatically mean the death of faith. Sometimes doubt is rebellion. Sometimes doubt is unbelief. But sometimes doubt is the cry of a wounded believer trying to reconcile what he knows about God with what he is living through. And that is where many believers live at one point or another. You may trust God and still have questions. You may love Christ and still ache. You may believe deeply and still struggle honestly. So today we are going to stand in defense of a doubter—not to glorify doubt, but to understand what Jesus does with it. Main Point 1: Faith Can Be Shaken Without Being Destroyed Luke 7:18–20 John's disciples come to Jesus and ask the question straight out: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Let's not rush past how astonishing that is. John was not a casual observer. He was not a spiritual dabbler. He was not a man who had built his beliefs on rumors. He knew the prophecies. He had heard the voice of God. He had publicly identified Jesus. He had baptized Jesus. He had seen the Spirit descend. And yet now, from a prison cell, John is trembling. Why? Because circumstances can shake even the strongest believers. John expected the Messiah to come with power, to cleanse, to judge, and to bring visible kingdom change. And yet Herod still sits on the throne, evil still seems to prosper, and John himself—the faithful prophet—sits forgotten in a dungeon. If Jesus is truly the Expected One, why does the world still look so wrong? That is not a foolish question. That is an agonizing one. And many of us know something about it. A praying parent watches a child drift farther from God. A faithful wife buries a husband too soon. A godly man loses his job while dishonest people advance. A believer fights disease, grief, betrayal, or depression and quietly wonders, “Lord, where are You?” That does not mean the believer has become an unbeliever. It may mean the believer has run out of easy answers. Object Lesson — The Storm-Bent Tree Imagine a strong tree in a storm. The wind bends it. The branches whip. Leaves tear loose. For a while, it looks unstable. But when the storm passes, the roots remain. That is John. He is bent, but not uprooted. He is shaken, but not blown away. And that is a needed reminder. A believer can be deeply troubled and still deeply rooted. Matthew's Parallel Helps Us Matthew 11 records this same incident. Matthew gives us the same question, the same prison setting, and the same answer from Jesus. That tells us this was not a minor moment in Christ's ministry. The Spirit wanted the church to remember that even the greatest prophet of that generation went through a dark night of the soul. So, if you are in a season of doubt, do not assume that the struggle itself means your faith is fake. Some doubt is corrosive. But some doubt is the painful honesty of a real disciple asking, “Lord, help me understand.” Related Scriptures Psalm 73 — Asaph struggling with the prosperity of the wicked. Habakkuk 1 — “How long, O Lord?” Mark 9:24 — “I...
May 9, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 6 - Psalm 66:1-2a, 17, 19-20; antiphon: Isaiah 48:20bDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44; Numbers 1:1-2:34; Luke 14:1-24“Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!” (Psalm 66:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Our God is a God who wants to hear our prayers. The psalmist confesses his iniquity and knows that his heart has turned from God. Even in the darkest times, God has heard his cries for help and pleas for mercy. It is not God that is far off; rather, it is man who has abandoned God in his sin. He has turned his back on God and sought after the desires of his sinful heart.In this world, the attacks from sin, satan, and the world are relentless. The temptation to follow our own desires of the flesh is always before us. Satan does not take a day off or the world a vacation when it comes to pulling us away from the one true God. In sin we seek after the lusts of the flesh. In sin, we want to work out our problems on our own. We rationalize God to be far off and out of touch with the realities that confront us. We meditate on our own wishes and reason our own solutions to the struggles that confront us. God has not abandoned us. He has not forsaken us. Our God is a God of mercy and compassion. He is a God who desires our prayers. He wants nothing more than for us to lift our prayers and petitions to Him. He hears our prayers. As the Psalmist writes, “...He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me.” In humility and humbleness, we petition our Father that His will may be done through us. He shapes and forms us as the potter shapes the clay. We are His vessels to serve in the vocations that He has equipped us for from before the foundations of the world. As we journey towards the end of the Easter season, we are comforted by the words of the Psalmist in knowing that our Father in Heaven always hears our prayers. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are pointed back to our Baptism where we are marked with His word and water. We are drawn to the Communion rail where He feeds us with His healing balm of His Body and Blood. In His Holy Word, the Savior is revealed, and the message of forgiveness is placed upon our ears. In faith, we lift up our prayers to an ever-loving God who does not reject our prayers.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To God the Holy Spirit let us pray For the true faith needed on our way That He may defend us when life is ending And from exile home we are wending. Lord have mercy (LSB 768:1)Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.
May 8, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 13:29-30Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:1-20; Luke 13:18-35“...And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”(Luke 13:29-30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus teaches His hearers that in Him salvation is for the world. The mindset of the first-century Jew was that salvation was on account of their lineage. The appeal of the church leadership was to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for their assurance that God would save them. The idea that salvation would be for the Gentile was folly to the Jew. The teaching that the message of salvation was for the world was foreign to the Pharisees and the church leadership. The Messiah was for the Jews to free them from a tyrannical and oppressive foreign government. Jesus flips the narrative that was being taught upside down. A teaching that the first would be last and the last first did not agree with the current leadership. Jesus was chastised for the people He called as His disciples. The individuals who benefited from His miracles were from all walks of life. He sat with sinners and tax collectors. He proclaimed comfort and hope to the destitute. He healed the blind, the deaf, and the mute. The outcast, the beggar, the half-breed Samaritans, He healed and restored them. His message was contrary to the message that the Pharisees had been teaching. He brought a message of forgiveness and mercy.Our world today advocates for self-reliance. We are to seek out our own desires and fulfill those desires regardless of whether they are contrary to the Scriptures. The message of the Scripture is still contrary to what the world would have us believe. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive to the world. The world says to rely on yourself, fulfill your wants, and serve yourself. Christ's message is a message of repentance and forgiveness. The Savior has come into this world and paid the price for your sins. He has fulfilled the law on your behalf. You are set free to live in your Baptism. He did not look at your last name or who your parents are. He did not look at your history or where you are from ethnically. God has called you out of His unfathomable love for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Today Your mercy calls us To wash away our sin However great our trespass, Whatever we have been However long from mercy Our hearts have turned away, Your precious blood can wash us And make us clean today. (LSB 915:1Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.
May 7, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's PrayerDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 24:1-23; Leviticus 25:1-55; Luke 12:54-13:17The Second Petition. Thy Kingdom come. What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. How does God's kingdom come? God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. As Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, they are reminded that the kingdom of God is not merely a location here on earth or some existential place that is beyond our understanding. The kingdom of God is present in Christ. John the Baptist proclaimed, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” when Christ was at the Jordan River. In Christ is also the reign of God. We say that in Christ is the “kingdoming” of God. He is the rule and reign of all things. As we pray in the Lord's Prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” we are reminded that the rule and reign of Christ is taking place right now. His reign is not something we are waiting to take place. Luther defines that the Kingdom of God comes through the Holy Spirit, when, by His grace, we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here and in eternity. In the life of the church and her people, there is the kingdom of God. When we receive the true Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ in the Holy Sacrament, His kingdom is at hand. Christ comes to us for the strengthening of faith and the forgiveness of sins. As the Holy Spirit lives and dwells within us, we are sent out into the world to lead holy lives reflective of our Baptism. The world would like us to believe that the only kingdom is the kingdom here on earth. Our culture insists that there is nothing beyond this world and that there is nothing other than this world. We are encouraged to live lives that feed our flesh and our desires. The world, sin, and satan say that we are in charge of our own destiny. Scriptures teach otherwise. Scriptures point us through the lies of the world and point us to Christ and His kingdom. Scriptures point us to the work of Christ, and in those works is His “kingdoming.” He has fulfilled the law on our behalf. He has paid the price for our sins. He has conquered death. He reigns now and for all eternity. In His reigning we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.May Christ our intercessor be And through His blood and merit Read from His book that we are free With all who life inherit. Then we shall see Him face to face, With all His saints in that blest place Which He has purchased for us. (LSB 508:6)Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.
May 6, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-53Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:23-44; Luke 12:35-53“‘Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus' words for the disciples were a little concerning for them. They wanted to know if these words were for them or for all the people. The “managers” are in the crosshairs of Christ's admonishment. The ones entrusted with the work of overseeing the administration of the gifts that have been given to them. The local church had abused its power by burdening the consciences of the people. The leadership continually advocated a law of salvation for the people. God's forgiveness was contingent upon the obedience to the laws made by man. The church had grown into apostasy. The leadership failed to see themselves as servants, but rather as those who were in control and “calling the shots.” The life they advocated was not about God's unfailing mercy and forgiveness but rather about obedience to their laws. Christ saw their hardened hearts. Christ came as the suffering servant who dies on the cross and conquers death. His ministry is a ministry of servitude for His people. In His service, His people are made ready for the Master's return. He prepares His people through the Gift of Holy Baptism. In your Baptism, you are made ready for His glorious return. Christ reminds His hearers that they know neither the day nor the hour when the master will return. He merely encourages them to be ready. You are ready in your Baptism. In your Baptism, you received the name of Jesus. In your Baptism, you received the sign of the cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. You are baptized into His death, and you are baptized in His resurrection. You are dressed for the return of Christ as His robe of righteousness has been placed over you. You are ready for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.
Welcome to Day 2854 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2854 – “He is Risen Indeed!” based on 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 Putnam Church Message – 04/05/2026 Resurrection Sunday – “He is Risen Indeed!” Last week's message was: “Behold He Comes!” This covered the entire Passion Week, with the launching point of Zechariah 9:9 Today, our focus is on Resurrection Sunday. Today's message is: “He is Risen Indeed!” We will celebrate the resurrected Christ and the assurance we have in the salvation that He brings. Our core verses this week are 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-23 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. Opening Prayer Father in heaven, on this Resurrection Sunday, we come with gratitude, wonder, and praise. Open our eyes to see the glory of Your Son. Open our hearts to receive the power of the empty tomb. For those who are joyful, deepen their joy. For those who are weary, strengthen their faith. For those who are grieving, breathe hope again. For those who are uncertain, make the truth of Christ's resurrection clear and living. May this not be just a familiar holiday to us, but a holy encounter with the risen Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Introduction This morning our message is titled: “He Is Risen Indeed!” That is more than a phrase. It is more than a tradition. It is more than a beautiful greeting to exchange on Easter morning. Across the centuries, believers in many lands have greeted one another with words like these: “Christ is risen!” - “He is risen indeed!” Why has the church loved that greeting so much? Because Easter is not simply about springtime, flowers, new grass, warmer days, or the turning of the seasons. Easter is not the church's way of saying, “Things will probably get better.” Easter is not vague optimism. Easter is not religious cheerfulness. Easter is the declaration that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, buried, and mourned, has bodily risen from the dead. That changes everything. The four Gospels all testify to this glorious truth. Matthew tells us about the earthquake, the angel, and the guards' fear. Mark emphasizes the shock and amazement of the women at the tomb. Luke draws us into the confusion, the angelic reminder, and the burning hearts on the Emmaus Road. John gives us the intimacy of Mary Magdalene in the garden, Peter and John running to the tomb, and the risen Christ calling His sheep by name. Each Gospel brings its own emphasis, but together they proclaim one great truth: The tomb is empty because Jesus is alive. And because He is alive, we do not merely have a memory to cherish. We have a Savior to trust, a Lord to follow, and a living hope to sustain us. Main Point 1: The Resurrection Is a Real Event, Not a Religious Idea At the center of Easter is not a mood, but a miracle. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark or just at dawn, the women came to the tomb. That detail matters. They were not coming to celebrate a victory. They were coming to mourn a death. They brought spices. They expected a sealed grave. They were not looking for resurrection. They were looking for a body. That is why the empty tomb startled them so deeply. Matthew says the stone was rolled away. Mark says they wondered who would move the stone. Luke says they found the stone rolled away and did not find the body. John says Mary Magdalene saw the stone had been moved and ran to tell the disciples. This is not the language of people inventing a legend to comfort themselves. This is the language of startled witnesses who encountered something unexpected. Expanded Narrative In the first-century Jewish world, burial mattered deeply. Graves were places of finality. Bodies were wrapped, laid to rest, and mourned. A large stone meant closure. For Jewish families, proper burial was an act of honor and reverence. No one visited a tomb on the third day expecting a loved one to walk out. That is what makes Easter morning so startling. The women go in sorrow, not anticipation. Peter runs in confusion. John stoops and sees the linen wrappings lying there. Mary stands outside weeping, thinking someone has taken the Lord away. This is not fantasy. This is eyewitness faith born out of astonishment. And the church, that matters because Christianity stands or falls on this. If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is empty. But if He has been raised, then everything He said is true, everything He accomplished on the cross is complete, and everything He promised is secure. Illustration Sometimes people want Easter to mean only that “hope rises” in a poetic sense. But that is like saying a check is valuable because it is beautifully written, even if there is no money in the account. The beauty of the words means little without the reality behind them. The power of Easter is not that it sounds inspiring. The power of Easter lies in the fact that it happened. Object Lesson Bring a sealed envelope and an open envelope. Say: “A sealed envelope means the message is still hidden. But an opened envelope means the message has been revealed. The tomb was sealed, but on Easter morning it was opened. God was declaring to the world that His Son had conquered death.” Related Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17 – If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless. Psalm 16:10 – God would not allow His Holy One to rot in the grave. Acts 2:24 – It was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. Romans 1:4 – Jesus was shown to be the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead. Summary of Main Point 1 Easter is not built on religious imagination but on a real, historical resurrection. The empty tomb, the startled witnesses, and the transformed disciples all point to the same conclusion: Jesus truly rose from the dead. Our faith is not resting on symbolism alone, but on a risen Savior. Main Point 2: The Resurrection Gives Us a Living Hope Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:3: "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, A better phrase is this: a living hope. Not a dead hope. Not a faint hope. Not a wishful hope. Not a seasonal hope. A living hope. Why is it living? Because it is tied to a living Christ. If Jesus were only a memory, then hope would eventually fade into sentiment. But because Jesus is alive, hope lives too. Expanded Narrative Peter knew what he was talking about. He had failed Jesus publicly. He had denied Him three times. He had wept bitterly. By Friday night, Peter's courage was gone. By Saturday, his hope must have felt shattered. But then came Sunday morning. Then came the empty tomb. Then came the risen Christ. The man who once cowered before a servant girl would later stand and preach Christ boldly. Why? Because the resurrection changed him. And Peter later wrote to believers who were suffering. They were not living easy lives. They were facing pressure, hardship, misunderstanding, and persecution. Peter did not tell them to pretend life was simple. He did not tell them to smile more and think positively. He pointed them to the resurrection. That is Christian realism. The New Testament does not deny trouble. It...
May 5, 2026Today's Reading: James 1:16-21Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:1-22; Luke 12:13-34“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:16-17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. The epistle of James does not mince words when it comes to the life of the Christian. James makes it abundantly clear that in our sanctified lives, we live as children of God. It is no surprise that many of the reformers reluctantly went to James. Even Luther struggled with James, but Luther also knew that God's word is unchangeable. In Exodus, God gives the promise to Moses to share with the people, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” (Exodus 6:7) God declares that He is the one who is bringing them out of slavery in Egypt and into a land of freedom flowing with milk and honey. Later, when they are in the wilderness, God delivers the Decalogue and reminds them again that He is their God and they are His people. His people do not live like the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, or the Egyptians, but His people live like children of God. When the people of the Old Testament do not live like children of God, He says to them, “You are not people and I am not your God.” (Hosea 1:9)In our sinfulness, we live like the world. We indulge in the pleasures of the flesh. We feed our minds with fantasies of immorality and ungodly conduct. We seek ways to massage God's word so that we can justify our behavior or someone else's behavior. In James, the mirror of the law exposes our sin and accuses us of not being God's children. In that behavior, we are not His people, and He is not our God. James does not leave us in despair. He reminds his hearers that all good things come from God. He writes in chapter 1:17, “....every perfect gift is from above,…” The perfect gift is a “complete” gift. The reader cannot help but connect what James writes here and what Christ says on the cross. It is “finished.” It is complete. The work is done, and it has come from above. Christ has fulfilled the law for us so that we are no longer slaves under the law. We are set free to live as children of God. He is our God, and we are His people. He gives to us His holy law, and we are free to live in His holy law without fear of the world's condemnation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To Jesus we for refuge flee, Who from the curse has set us free, And humbly worship at His throne, Saved by His grace through faith alone. (LSB 579:3)Rev. Timothy Davis
May 4, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 21:1-24; Luke 12:1-12“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. The people of Judah were in a precarious position. They had watched the Northern Kingdom be completely destroyed by the Assyrian army. Families were separated. The places of worship had been desecrated with idols of false gods. The identity of the Northern Kingdom was gone. King Ahaz refused to listen to God through the prophet Isaiah. King Ahaz had his own plans to protect his people. Ahaz looked to the formidable army of Egypt for protection against Assyria. The very nation that God had freed His people from enslavement, Ahaz cut a deal with and went back to their historic slavemaster. In the previous chapters, Isaiah reminds his hearers of God's attitude towards arrogance and pride. God hates the prideful nature of man. He despises the arrogance of His people and the arrogance of the pagan nations around His people. In their idolatry, they have committed adultery against God. They have had affairs with other gods and lusted after their own hearts' desires. In the worst of times, they still pursued their own hearts and their false gods.In our sin, we fall into the trap of arrogance and pride. We see our accomplishments and what we are capable of achieving. Our electronic advancements and technological advancements give us every answer in the palm of our hands. We can find endless entertainment, both good and bad, with a few swipes of the finger. It can seem as if nothing is out of our reach. Isaiah's words in chapter 12 speak to the remnant that was left behind. The few that remained faithful to God. The epitome of that remnant is found in Jesus Christ. Christ is Israel reduced to one. The final sacrifice, the final King, the final prophet. Christ fulfills all aspects of God's holy law. In faith, you hold fast to the promise that Christ has completed the work for your salvation. Sin, satan, and the world will work tirelessly to turn you away from the work of Christ and point you to your work. In faith, you are held fast to Christ's work and His salvation for you. He has become your salvation. He has completed the work for you. He has paid the price for your sins. He has conquered death for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though Satan's wrath Beset our path And worldly scorn assail us, While You are near, We shall not fear; Your strength will never fail us, Your rod and staff will keep us safe And guide our steps forever; Nor shades of death Nor hell beneath Our lives from You will sever. (LSB 714:2)
May 3, 2026Today's Reading: John 16:5-15Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27; Luke 11:37-54“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus' words to the disciples are incongruent with their thoughts about the role of the Messiah. In their minds, the Messiah was to come and free them from the bondage and rule of a tyrannical government. The children of God were to reclaim the glory days of David and Solomon. Now they hear these words of departure and preparation for the helper, the paraclete, to come. The words of Christ are not words of comfort in the ears of the disciples. We are on a journey through the season of Easter, and as we traverse the Easter season, we are being made ready for the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost is quickly approaching. The tongues of fire rest upon the disciples of Christ, and the Good News of salvation is spoken and heard in the native language of the hearers. The message of salvation for mankind is for everyone. The arrival of the Holy Spirit does not mean that Christ is no longer with us. Many denominations teach that Christ is “only” at the right hand of God the Father. Churches across our country advocate that if you want to have a real relationship with Jesus, you need to “experience” Him. Experiential language is not the language of the Scriptures. The Scriptures teach that our Savior comes to us in the blessed Sacrament of the Altar. He comes to us as we receive His true body and true blood in the bread and the wine. In the sacrament, our sins are forgiven. In the sacrament, our faith is strengthened. We are sent out, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, to serve our neighbors in our vocations where we proclaim the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cantate)Rev. Timothy Davis
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4. Risen Indeed (Luke 24:28-35) by Church in the Square (Sermon Audio)
New Life in Jesus with Pastor Ted Doering.based off of John 20:1-18.More information is available at www.narrative.church
Today we celebrate Jesus' triumphal resurrection from the dead-He is risen INDEED! Bp. Neil Lebhar | April 5th, 2026 ___________________________________ We're Incarnation Tallahassee! Visit our website! www.incarnationtlh.org/ Watch the Livestream www.youtube.com/live/BdU3FrUMGpA
Christ is Risen Indeed! Join us as we discuss the empty tomb, the fear that the empty tomb provokes, and how correct interpretation of the Resurrection of Jesus informs how our fear is directed and resolved. Text: Matthew 28:1-10
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Listen along to an Easter Homily at The Parish.
Luke 24:1-12 24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. Introduction: The Question That Defines Everything Luke 24:5–6: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” The Reality of the Resurrection (Vv. 1-3) The Empty Tomb The Eyewitness Testimony The Transformed Lives The Meaning of the Resurrection It Proves Jesus Is the Son of God (Romans 1:4) It Confirms the Cross Was Sufficient (Romans 4:25) It Defeats Death Forever (1 Corinthians 15:54) It Secures Our Future Resurrection (John 11:25) The Response to the Resurrection Some doubted (v.11) Some investigated (v.12) Some believed and transformed (Acts 4:33) What the Resurrection Means for You Today Forgiveness of Sins New Life Living Hope Our Response Romans 10:9 "“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! This week we remember and celebrate Christ's victory over death when he rose from the tomb that first Easter morning. This week, Jason led us through the story of Mary Magdalen at the tomb, encountering the risen Jesus. Mary, initially, does not recognize him because she had a limited picture of Jesus as the Messiah. Jason invited us to consider, what gets in our way of recognizing Jesus in our own lives? When we encounter grief, pain, loss, unfulfilled expectations or when our days simply feel like we are "living on the verge of tears," Mary's story reminds us that God is very present with us. We are invited to look for Jesus in our grief, sorrow and disappointments. If you are interested in the guides we shared in the gathering, you can find them here: Breath Prayer Scripture Memorization Examen If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the Core Team. If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at https://thepracticechurch.com/give/
The resurrection is the declaration that death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and hope is alive forevermore.
Pastor Roger Jeong. 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
rockhillbc.com
This Easter, we hear the good news that the tomb is empty and Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!! But Easter is not only about what happened to Jesus back then. It's about what His resurrection means for you now, for your future, and for the good news you now have to share. Because Jesus is risen, that changes everything for you and for the whole world! Jeremiah 31:1–6 Colossians 3:1–4 Matthew 28:1–10
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The tomb is empty – how can this be? May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story […]
On that first Easter morning, the resurrection didn't arrive with immediate fanfare for everyone. Two disciples walked away from Jerusalem in grief and confusion, unaware that the very One they mourned was walking right beside them. It wasn't until they sat down at a table, broke bread, and looked into His eyes that everything changed — and when it did, they couldn't stay still. They turned around and ran back through the night to tell anyone who would listen. That is the power of an encounter with the risen Christ. In this episode, Whitney Hopler invites us into that same transforming joy. The proclamation "He is risen indeed" is not merely a liturgical response — it is a declaration that reshapes everything: our perspective on suffering, our sense of identity, and our mission in the world. Because Jesus is alive, we are no longer defined by our failures or bound by our circumstances. We carry resurrection power within us through the Holy Spirit, sent to empower us for every step God calls us to take. This Easter, we join a chorus of believers stretching back two thousand years, celebrating the truth that changed the world — the grave is empty, and Jesus is alive. Today's Bible Verse: "And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'" — Luke 24:33-34, ESV Ponder Today The first Easter didn't begin with a shout of triumph for everyone — for some disciples it began with grief and confusion, reminding us that Jesus meets us right where we are. When the two disciples finally recognized Jesus, they didn't wait until morning to share the news — their encounter with the risen Christ compelled them to move immediately. The resurrection changes our perspective on suffering: no painful circumstance has the final word, because Jesus has overcome the worst the world could offer. Proclaiming "He is risen indeed" is not just an Easter tradition — it is a daily reminder that we serve a living Savior who walks beside us, waiting for us to recognize His presence. Today's Prayer: Dear Jesus, open my eyes to see You standing in the middle of my life — alive and victorious. Like the disciples on the road, I confess I sometimes miss Your presence when I get distracted by grief or confusion. Thank You that because of Your resurrection, I can live with real and lasting hope. Give me the courage to share that hope boldly with those around me who are desperate for light. With my whole heart, I proclaim today: You are risen. You are risen indeed! You are my living hope, and I worship You this Easter and always. Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
HAPPY EASTER, and welcome to this week's PODCAST! As I do each week, I sincerely thank you for listening and for sharing this podcast with your family and friends. May God bless you abundantly as you listen!
This week, Pastor Blake walked through Luke 24 and the moment the disciples' eyes were opened to Jesus. The resurrection isn't just something to understand, it is something that should move us. Have your eyes been opened to believe, and has your life been changed by it? Want to watch a version of this message? Check out our live broadcast archive at www.declarationchurch.net/live.
It's Easter! And, our Jesus is alive! King Jesus conquered death and has made a way for us to be forgiven and to experience eternal life. We know Easter is all about what Jesus did for us on the cross and the Resurrection. When we were dead in our sins, Jesus paid our price. Today, will you respond to the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus by receiving Him in your heart and then following Him with your life? And, if you are already a Christian, then let Easter call you to worship our Risen Savior and to live every day for His glory. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Text: Luke 24.13-35 Speaker: Lance Williams Date: April 5, 2026
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!This week, Pastor Jeff delivers a message form the Book of Acts. The message from Acts 13:29-37 and is entitled "Good News." The main idea of the sermon is: Believing the good news of the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ results in being freed from sin and death.———————— Connect with Us: Website: parkwoodonline.org Facebook: facebook.com/parkwoodonline Instagram: instagram.com/parkwoodonline.org Check out more resources and sermons online at: parkwoodonline.org
"Risen Indeed" - Easter SundaySpeaker: Nick LauerEaster SundayDate: 5th April 2026
What If I Told You | Pastor Chris Helle We'll have a wonderful Easter together as we look at the gospel account of John and view the resurrection morning through his lens. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Happy Easter Citylight Lincoln! He is Risen Indeed! We are excited to worship with you this morning celebrating the defeat of sin and death when Jesus arose from the Tomb on the third day. Austin Edwards is preaching through Revelation 1:17-18 this morning as we look to the truth of Christ's return.
Questions? Comments? Prayer Requests? Let us know: http://cc.gshep.us Stay connected with your Good Shepherd Family by downloading the FREE Church Center App: http://churchcenter.gshep.us Give online: http://give.gshep.us
See the resurrection not as a distant event but as a present reality that changes how you view death, sin, and your future. While everything around Jesus' crucifixion seemed final, God reversed the outcome by raising Him from the dead, showing that death does not have the last word.
Celebrate the victory of Easter with “He Is Risen, Indeed!”, a powerful resurrection sermon from Mark 16:1–8. Pastor Ricky Smith walks through the empty tomb and the hope of the resurrection, reminding us that the risen Jesus meets us in our fear and calls us to trust Him. This Easter message declares the good news that Jesus is alive, the tomb is empty, and He is going before you.View the worship guide for this sermon here:https://calvaryga.com/end-of-the-beginning-week-14/
Jesus is Risen Indeed!! He proved Himself to be God by rising triumphantly back from the dead. This Easter we celebrated that resurrection life and were reminded that it has given us the power to live! We pray that you would know and experience that resurrection life today!
It's Easter! And, our Jesus is alive! King Jesus conquered death and has made a way for us to be forgiven and to experience eternal life. We know Easter is all about what Jesus did for us on the cross and the Resurrection. When we were dead in our sins, Jesus paid our price. Today, will you respond to the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus by receiving Him in your heart and then following Him with your life? And, if you are already a Christian, then let Easter call you to worship our Risen Savior and to live every day for His glory. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Please join us with Pastor Matt Irving as we celebrate Easter Sunday and The Message of the Cross. He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! 1 Corinthians 1:8
It's Easter! And, our Jesus is alive! King Jesus conquered death and has made a way for us to be forgiven and to experience eternal life. We know Easter is all about what Jesus did for us on the cross and the Resurrection. When we were dead in our sins, Jesus paid our price. Today, will you respond to the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus by receiving Him in your heart and then following Him with your life? And, if you are already a Christian, then let Easter call you to worship our Risen Savior and to live every day for His glory. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Exploring the book of Romans for the next several months, verse by verse.
April 2, 2026Sci-Fi Tech-LET'S GET JACKED UP!Happy Easter 2026! He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed!In this episode, Tim and Jack discuss Sci-Fi tech that is coming real, A.I, clones, Elon Musk, and much more in this mind blowing episode!
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Next week is the most important and solemn week of the year. We remember the redemptive work of our savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross and our new life in Christ because of His death and resurrection. This week, take a break from your usual activities and lessons. In this week's episode, Carrie shares simple ways to celebrate Holy Week & Easter in meaningful ways. She gives bible passages and stories to read and simple activities to do each day during Holy Week to help children and teens understand the important events of each day. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, relax, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. For links, books, and resources mentioned in this week's podcast, read blog article "Holy Week Activities" at www.coffeewithcarrie.org.Support the showSupport the ShowPurchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably. Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.
O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.