Podcast appearances and mentions of salem lutheran church

The book of Kings begins where Samuel left off. David is old and near the end of his reign, but he has not clearly laid out which son will succeed him as king. Adonijah attempts to take advantage of the situation to establish himself as king, with the help of Abiathar and Joab. However, Nathan the prophet knows the intent of David and the LORD. Nathan enlists the help of Bathsheba to remind David of his previous promise that Solomon would reign as king over Israel next. David takes quick action to proclaim Solomon as king publicly.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 1:1-40.  "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. 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

As David hides from Saul, he pours out his lament before the LORD in confident faith. At the same time, many of those who are in need gather to David, who begins to fulfill the role of a faithful king. Meanwhile, King Saul continues in his unfaithfulness, selfishly feeling sorry for only himself and accusing everyone of conspiracy against him. Only Doeg the Edomite sides with Saul, who hears the accusations against Ahimelech and the priests at Nob and orders their execution for their aid to David. When David hears of Saul's evil, he provides refuge to Abiathar, the lone survivor of Saul's vicious attack. David's actions throughout the text point us forward to the reign of the true King, the Son of David, Jesus Christ.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 22:1-23.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. 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

Seventeen centuries ago, in the bustling town of Nicaea, over 300 bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered, summoned by Emperor Constantine to resolve a crisis shaking the very foundations of Christianity. At stake was nothing less than the identity of Jesus Christ: was He truly God, co-eternal and of the same substance as the Father, or merely a created being—a divine yet lesser creature? Today, the fruit of that monumental gathering—the Nicene Creed—remains the definitive measure of Christian identity.  The Rev. John David Duke, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and adjunct professor of Old Testament Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catherines, Ontario, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Nicene Creed.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The journey of church leadership can be filled with challenges, as Tim Niekerk shares his experiences navigating change, trust, and moral crises at Salem Lutheran Church. His story illustrates the importance of communication and understanding in fostering a healthy church community while also addressing the unique complexities of leading a long-standing congregation.• Tim Niekerk's journey in ministry and leadership challenges • The historic significance of Salem Lutheran Church and its unique story • Understanding the complexities of leadership transitions • Navigating the emotional aftermath of change within a congregation • The importance of truth and trust in church communities • Managing moral failures and ensuring transparency • Maintaining identity amidst external turmoil and accusations • Embracing diversity in ministry for broader outreachSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

In the seventeenth stanza of Psalm 119, we marvel at the wonder of God's Word that gives light and understanding. As we long for His commandments, God turns His face toward us with grace and keeps our steps steady by His promise. Even as we mourn at those who do not keep God's Law, we rejoice in His redemption from man's oppression.  Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:129-136.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

Solomon proclaims that a good name is more desirable than great riches and favor is better than silver and gold. He highlights the equalizing power of the Lord over both the rich and the poor and underscores the importance of prudence, warning that the prudent see danger and take refuge, while the simple keep going and suffer for it. Among the verses we'll cover today is that famous proverb which tells of the importance of training a child in the right way, so they will not depart from it when they grow older. The Rev. David Duke, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church of Buffalo, NY, and adjunct professor of Old Testament studies at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catherines, Ontario, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Proverbs 22:1-16. Step into the spiritually rich landscape of the Book of Proverbs, a text divinely inspired and attributed to Solomon, the sage king endowed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. This ancient scripture begins with heartfelt lessons from a father to a son, laying a foundation of moral and ethical guidance before unfolding into a collection of timeless proverbs. It uniquely personifies wisdom and folly as two paths that stand before humanity, offering a choice between a life filled with virtue, fear of the Lord, and understanding, and one marred by shortsighted pleasures and foolishness. Proverbs serves as a compass for those seeking to walk in righteousness, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience, guiding us toward a life of purpose and discernment according to God's will.

King Nebuchadnezzar issues a decree concerning the way in which the one true God revealed that His dominion is the only everlasting kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him; he saw a mighty tree that grew tall and provided shelter for many animals. Yet a watcher from heaven came down and proclaimed that this tree would be cut down and the stump would be given a portion with the beasts for a time. Daniel interpreted the dream for Nebuchadnezzar. Although Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was mighty, he would be driven from it and made to live as a beast for a time, unless he repented. Nebuchadnezzar did not repent, and the Word of the LORD through Daniel came to pass. After the LORD restored Nebuchadnezzar's reason and kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar recognized the LORD's rule. Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 4:1-37. "God's Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God's people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.

Subscribe to the Memorial Moment: https://www.mlchouston.org/about-us/memorial-moments Check out Rev. Dr. Scott Murray's books: -A year with the church fathers: Devotional with the ancient church fathers -Law, life, and the living God: the third use of the law -The Gates of Hell: Confessing Christ in a Hostile world -Rediscovering the Issues: the 1974 Concordia Seminary walkout The Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray is a vice-president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and a member of the Council of Presidents of the LCMS. He was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2023. He represents the church's West-Southwest Region. He also currently serves as senior pastor of Memorial Lutheran Church, Houston, TX where he was called in 1996. Previously, Murray served St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada (1983- 1985), and Salem Lutheran Church, Gretna, LA (1985-1996). He served on the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations — as a member from 1995 to 2001 and as a vice-chair from 1998 to 2001. He also served on the board of the Lutheran Education Association of Houston from 2001 to 2007. He has served as an editorial associate for Logia, a journal of Lutheran theology, and he was chairman of the Board of Directors of Luther Academy from (2012-2015), an organization that promotes confessional Lutheran theology. Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Murray graduated with a B.A. from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1980 and earned a M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1983. He also holds a M.A. from Loyola University and a Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Murray writes a devotion every weekday called “Memorial Moments,” which is based on the church fathers. He also is the author of Law, Life, and the Living God (Concordia Publishing House, 2001), A Year with the Church Fathers (Concordia Publishing House, 2011), has edited a number of books including The Gates of Hell (Concordia Publishing House, 2018) and has written numerous journal articles. Murray has served on the Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary since 2010, and was elected chairman of the board in May 2021. Murray and his wife, Maryann, live in Houston. They have two daughters, three granddaughters and one grandson. ________________ Grab some gear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoLeadEverything.com/gear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________________ Subscribe to the Phil Swanson YouTube channel. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@philswanson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/go-lead-everything-gle-with-phil-swanson/id1507270810⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2xzibFAsAQ86l0famNIufr?si=c77d176ee4d34d48⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Phil Swanson on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoLeadEverything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ______________________________ Visit GoLeadEverything.com to find me on social or YouTube. Subscribe, like, rate, review, and share... you know the drill. Soundtrack Credit: Hot Coffee – Patrick Patrikios

To the Babylonian exiles, the LORD has a word of double comfort. Their warfare is over; their sins are forgiven. A voice crying in the wilderness first announces this good news, preparing the way for the LORD to come to His repentant people. This good news is ultimately for all flesh, so that they would see the LORD's glory revealed. Although people are here today and gone tomorrow, the LORD's Word endures forever. That Word is proclaimed by Zion and Jerusalem, so that they would see their God as the One who defeats all their enemies and who tenderly leads His people as their Shepherd. Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 40:1-11. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 15:12-34. Having laid out the Gospel for the Corinthians, St. Paul turns to address their denial of the central part of that Gospel: the resurrection of the dead. He briefly imagines a false, scary scenario. If there is no resurrection, that would mean Jesus is still dead, we would have absolutely no hope, and Christianity would be absolutely worthless. But St. Paul quickly puts that fiction aside to reiterate that Christ has been raised from the dead. Because He is the firstfruits, all who belong to Him will follow in that resurrection, when death will finally be fully placed under Christ's feet. “Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.

The Rev. Dr. Mike Nielsen, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:7-29. Jesus sends out his disciples on a mission of preaching and healing, but the passage takes a dark turn with the chilling account of John the Baptist's beheading. This juxtaposition between the disciples' empowered mission and John's tragic end highlights the profound challenges and sacrifices faced by those who bear witness to the truth, making it a riveting exploration of the cost of discipleship and the clash between spiritual purpose and worldly power. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Blackjack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 25:1-55. As the LORD provides Sabbath rest for His people, so He provides Sabbath rest for His land. Every seventh year, the Israelites were to leave their land fallow, and the LORD promised that He would provide for them even more abundantly. The Year of Jubilee was the ultimate Sabbath rest for the land and people, as every fiftieth year all debts were to be forgiven and all property was to revert to the original owner. In providing these instructions, the LORD reminded His people that their entire lives depended upon Him and foreshadowed Jesus, who erases the debt of our sin and sets us free from slavery to the devil. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is our great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make us holy before God.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Nielson, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 10:44-11:18. God makes clear that any barriers between Jews and Gentiles are no more in a divine display of impartial love. As Peter, a devout Jew, is compelled by divine revelations to preach to the Gentile household of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit descends upon all much to the amazement of Peter and the circumcised believers with him. Yet, when Peter returns to Jerusalem, he must face the skepticism and criticism of the other Jewish believers. The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus' disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus's command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Nielson, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 14. David's son Absalom has been banished after killing his half-brother Amnon for his assault on their sister Tamar. Despite Absalom's aspirations for the crown, David is still distraught over his son. Meanwhile, Joab, the commander of the armies, employs a mysterious wise woman from Tekoa to weave a sad tale of family betrayal to entice King David into reconciling with his estranged son Absalom. Her words grip the very core of David's being, forcing him to confront his past and seek reconciliation with his banished son Absalom. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David's need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God's heart. 

Sermon, based on Matthew 11:2-15, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the Third Sunday in Advent, December 11, 2022 The post Sermon: “They Take It By Force” – Sunday, December 11, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Matthew 3:1-12, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Second Sunday in Advent, December 4, 2022 The post Sermon: “An Unmistakable Voice” – Sunday, December 4, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Matthew 24:36-44, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the First Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2022 The post Sermon: “It Stinks in Here!” – Sunday, November 27, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 23:27-43, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Last Sunday of the Church Year, November 20, 2022 The post Sermon: “Christ is Coming Soon” – Sunday, November 20, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 21:5-28, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 13, 2022 The post Sermon: “Your Redemption is Drawing Near” – Sunday, November 13, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Matthew 5:1-12, given by Vicar Jason Groth on All Saints’ Sunday, November 6, 2022 The post Sermon: “The Blessing of Being a Saint” – Sunday, November 6, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Matthew 11:12-19, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2022 The post Sermon: “Look at Jesus” – Sunday, October 30, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 17:11-19, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 9, 2022 The post Sermon: “A Reason to Give Thanks” – Sunday, October 9, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 17:1-10, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 2, 2022 The post Sermon: “Temptation, Faith and Service” – Sunday, October 2, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Rev. Larry Beane, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Gretna, LA and Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (CAP) joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. Why is it improper for men to wear hats in church but not women? Where does this custom come from? In part, from this part of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians. In the first century it was about more than manners, it was about authority and headship. A woman's veil represented her unique vocation as a godly woman. Learn what St. Paul means when he writes, “For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.” (v. 12). In this episode, Pastors Booe and Beane look at this godly tradition and ask, how is it practiced today?

Sermon, based on Luke 16:19-31, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 25, 2022 The post Sermon: “Opportunity Lies Before You” – Sunday, September 25, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 16:1-15, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 18, 2022 The post Sermon: “Stewards of Infinite Riches” – Sunday, September 18, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Rev. Larry Beane, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Gretna, LA and Chaplain in the U.S. Navy Auxiliary (CAP) joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Corinthians 2. St. Paul boasts he did not influence people to become Christians through “lofty speech or wisdom” (v. 1), but spoke only of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. The power of salvation lies not in the delivery but the content of the word. Only those who have been called through the Gospel can understand or accept the things of God. St. Paul makes it clear that people cannot be persuaded to believe or come to faith in Christ through logic or eloquent rhetoric. Instead, the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual truths which possess the power of God. Listen in as Pastors Booe and Beane consider what this means for us today as we share the Gospel message with our neighbors.

Sermon, based on Luke 15:1-10, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 11, 2022 The post Sermon: “This Man Receives Sinners” – Sunday, September 11, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 14:25-35, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 4, 2022 The post Sermon: “The Promise of Discipleship” – Sunday, September 4, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 14:1-14, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 28, 2022 The post Sermon: “Jesus Exalts the Humble” – Sunday, August 28, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 13:22-30, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 21, 2022 The post Sermon: “Over My Dead Body” – Sunday, August 21, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 12:49-53. given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 14, 2022 The post Sermon: “The Blessings of Division” – Sunday, August 14, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 12:22-34, given by Vicar Jason Groth on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 7, 2022.  This is Vicar Jason’s first sermon at Salem. The post Sermon: “One Moment More” – Sunday, August 7, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 12:13-21, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 31, 2022 The post Sermon: “Get Rich Quick” – Sunday, July 31, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 11:1-13, given by Vicar Nick Palmer on The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 24, 2022 This is Vicar Palmer’s last sermon at Salem during his vicarage year.   The post Sermon: “Father, Give Me the Kingdom!” – Sunday, July 24, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 10:25-27, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 10, 2022 The post Sermon: “Mercy 101” – Sunday, July 10, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

How did the Lutheran Reformers answer the charge that they had abandoned the Mass? Have we, at times, been guilty of abandoning the Mass today? Also hear about why we would want to retain the Mass, its benefit to Christians and to the Church, why the Lutheran confessors specifically include talk of observing the Mass with the highest reverence and celebrating every Sunday communion. A chief concern in Article XXIV has to do with the medieval practice of "private masses." Why is this so offensive to the Gospel? Rev. Larry Beane, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Gretna, LA, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Mass in Article XXIV in the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of The Augsburg Confession - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession.

Luke 10:1-11After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house.Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'“Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” I learned a new thing this week, thanks to Liv Larson Andrews, the pastor at Salem Lutheran Church, in Spokane, Washington. She wrote about how her yoga instructor has her yoga students literally shake themselves as part of their practice, which seems odd. Shake themselves. Like a full body shake. It seems odd because whenever I've done yoga and when I think about yoga, I think about slow, deliberate, strong and stretching, methodical sort of movements, not what I imagine a full-body shake might be like.But the logic, the rationale, the explanation – one might say, the theology – of this shaking exercise, comes from the notion that mammals, in the wild, if they have survived an attack, often shake their bodies once they have regained their safety because, smarter people than me – including certain yoga instructors, apparently – believe this literal, physical, sometimes violent shaking completes the trauma cycle.(I was going to show a video, but I didn't want to scare the kids. Watching an animal escape an attack like I'm describing might be a little gross and scary for some. But have you ever seen footage of a giraffe, or a gazelle, a zebra, or a wildebeest survive and escape an attack by a lion? Can't you see, or imagine, or remember how they very often, literally shake themselves, when it's over? It's something like a dog after a bath. You can Google it. It's a thing.)And there's a name for it, even, “Therapeutic Tremoring,” because sometimes it looks like a seizure, too … a full-body tremor … like you're as cold as you've ever been; chilled to the bone and unable to get warm again. Whatever the case, the thinking is it helps to release muscular tension, to burn excess adrenaline, and to calm an over-charged nervous system.And it's not just for animals. Maybe you've experienced it or maybe you've seen some people do it when they get, what I will scientifically call the “heebie jeebies,” right? … when we've been scared suddenly, or disgusted and grossed out by something … we feel that shiver up our spine or we do our own full-body shimmy to try to shake off or shake out whatever has disturbed us in the moment.Anyway, while there is a ton of stuff we could wrestle with in this reading from Luke's Gospel this morning – this long litany of marching orders from Jesus to his first faithful followers – I had already been wrestling with this bit where he tells them to wipe the dust from their feet, when I came across this stuff about shaking and trauma, “therapeutic tremoring,” and our natural inclination, if not need, for such behavior and practice in our lives – especially these days.Now, I'm not sure Jesus would have described any of it this way, don't get me wrong. But it resonates with me as a practical and holy way to consider what Jesus is getting at, nonetheless. See in other popular translations of this text, we're told Jesus tells his followers not to “wipe,” like we just heard, but to “SHAKE” the dust from their feet, in protest of those who refuse welcome and receive them.I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that these last few weeks, months, and years, really, have been an exercise in some measure of trauma for people on the planet. I'm not sure we can gauge if things are any worse for us than they have been for previous generations, or that we have it any harder or that we've been any more traumatized – as white, middle-class, people in the United States of America; any more traumatized than so many others have been in our own country or around the world these days or over the course of time, I mean.But it's all relative. And we aren't used to what we've been dealing with lately. Because we are bombarded with however much bad news and anxiety and stress and trauma we can consume thanks to Social Media and by way of 24-Hour news; never mind the many and various ways we suffer and struggle in our own lives more up-close and personally. (Take a moment to close your eyes and think about the litany of things that give you pause or stress, anxiety or fear these days…)That wasn't hard to conjure, was it? That list is long and easy to write, for many of us, isn't it? I've heard it said that our hearts and minds, our brains and nervous systems aren't wired to manage all that the world continues to pile on these days, in the world as we know it. (Pandemics and politics; war in Ukraine, war in Yemen; gun violence and school shootings; we know too many things about too much ugliness in our lives and in this world.)So I wonder if Jesus' invitation to wipe off or shake off the dust of it all is nothing more and nothing less than an exercise in and invitation to faithful self-care. Remember what he said: “whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you … go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you.'” It makes me think of that social media meme that's become so popular recently, with all of the political and cultural division in our country … you know the one that says something like, “We don't have to agree on everything in order to be friends.”I understand the sentiment. I get the point. I believe the intent to be good. But I've never seen it posted by someone who feels like they are being oppressed, abused, taken advantage of, or traumatized. The wildebeest or the zebra or the gazelle who has been attacked – even though she escapes – wouldn't post that meme on her Twitter feed after making it back to her herd.So, I also understand that it can't apply in every circumstance. If you're a racist or a bigot or a hateful homophobe – who doesn't want to learn why or how not to be those things – you may not be able to be friends with everyone. We can share communion. We can worship, learn and serve together – and I think that we should try. The Kingdom of God is as near to you as it is to me as it is to “them,” whoever “they” might be – even if I think they're wrong about what that Kingdom looks like.But if you – or the hearts and minds and lives of vulnerable people you care about are not safe in the presence of or by way of the policies, politics and theology someone else endorses – the truth is you can't be “friends” in the fullest sense of that word. We can be kind and cordial with one another – to a point – but there comes a time when even Jesus wiped the dust from his feet in protest of those who refused to receive him. And I believe we're allowed to do that, too – for the sake of our own safety and sanity and well-being in this world.And I hope this is a place where all of that happens – where we are kind and cordial and gracious, of course – but also where we can wipe the dust of this broken world from our feet and shake the trauma and anxiety, the suffering and struggle from our shoes and from our souls, for however long it will last, so that we can head back out there and try again.I hope our confession, when we offer it, and our forgiveness, when we receive it, is a chance to shake off the dust of our own shame and sin – and that which we share as the Body of Christ in the world – so that we can live and move and breathe with an unburdened, liberated, clean slate once again.I hope the water of baptism we're invited to touch as often as we can get our hands on it – changes us all, every day with God's love – and that it's a chance to wipe away the fear and frustration, the sadness and the despair that threatens us so much of the time, these days.And I hope that, somehow, we are a vision of the Kingdom that has come among us – the Kingdom that has come for us – the Kingdom that is meant to be shared by us – for the sake of the world, until we are all friends, bound together by a real, deep, love, care and concern for one another, and by the grace of God – that can't be shaken – and that will redeem us all, in Jesus Christ the Lord.Amen

Sermon, based on Luke 10:1-20, given by Vicar Nick Palmer on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 3, 2022 The post Sermon: “Rejoice! Your Names are Written in Heaven” – Sunday, July 3, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 9: 51-62 given by Vicar Nick Palmer on the Third Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday, June 26, 2002 The post Sermon: “You GET to Follow Jesus” – Sunday, June 26, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 8:26-39, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 19, 2022 The post Sermon: “A Different Calling” – Sunday, June 19, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 8:49-59, given by Vicar Nick Palmer on Holy Trinity Sunday, June 12, 2022 The post Sermon: “It’s All or Nothing” – Sunday, June 12, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 14:23-31, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022 The post Sermon: “My Peace I Give to You” – Sunday, June 5, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Acts 1:1-11, given by Seminarian Peter Frank on Ascension Sunday, May 29, 2022 The post Sermon: “The Majesty and Mission of Christ” -Sunday, May 29, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 5:1-9, given by Vicar Nick Palmer on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2022 The post Sermon: “Hope for the Hopeless” – Sunday, May 22, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 10:22-30, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Sunday, May 8, 2022 The post Sermon: “I Know Them” – Sunday, May 8, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 21:1-19, given by Vicar Nick Palmer on the Third Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2022 The post Sermon: “You Are Forgiven and Sent” – Sunday, May 1, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on John 20:29-31, given by Seminarian Peter Frank on the Second Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2022 The post Sermon: “Breaking the Fourth Wall” – Sunday, April 24 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Sermon, based on Luke 24:1-12, given by Pastor Wayne Huebner as part of the Easter Festival Service on Sunday, April 17, 2022 The post Sermon: “The Power of the Easter Promise” – Sunday, April 17, 2022 appeared first on Salem Lutheran Church and School.

Pastor Larry Beane is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Gretna, Louisiana. Salem Lutheran Church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SalemGretna (https://www.facebook.com/SalemGretna) Pastor Beane's recommended things to check out: Gretna Farmer's Market: https://www.facebook.com/GretnaFarmersMarket (https://www.facebook.com/GretnaFarmersMarket)/ German-American Cultural Center and Museum: http://www.gacc-nola.org (http://www.gacc-nola.org)/ David Crockett Fire Company Firehouse: http://davidcrockettfire.com (http://davidcrockettfire.com)/ Gretna Historical Society Museum: https://www.facebook.com/gretnalahistoricalsociety (https://www.facebook.com/gretnalahistoricalsociety) Gretna Heritage Festival: https://www.gretnafest.com (https://www.gretnafest.com)/ National WW2 Museum: https://www.nationalww2museum.org (https://www.nationalww2museum.org)/ Check out the state parks! Thai D Jing: https://www.thaidjing.com (https://www.thaidjing.com)/ Huey P's Pizzeria and Daiquiris: https://hueyps.com (https://hueyps.com)/ Gattusos Pub: https://www.gattusos.net/home (https://www.gattusos.net/home) Pastor Beane's article in Gottesdienst: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2020/11/12/god-still-ordains-men (https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2020/11/12/god-still-ordains-men) Please fill out the survey about the last year of The Lutheran Cartographer: https://lutherancartographer.com/2020survey (https://LutheranCartographer.com/2020survey) If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to rate and review the show on iTunes so that more people will see and listen!