Christian doctrine that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons
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Teaching on the topic of communion with the triune God
IntroductionThe Christian gospel confronts us with a truth that requires profound humility. We have to come to grips with the reality that we are heinous sinners. We need to own that we are so estranged from God that only Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection will bring us near. This is not some dramatic event for the sake of drama. I hope that as we consider what Christ suffered, why He suffered, and what His suffering accomplished, we are led to a deeper appreciation of God's grace. So, why the cross? Was it really necessary? What Did Christ Suffer?Christ's suffering began when he took on the flesh. Our catechism wants us to understand that the very act of taking on human flesh was an act of humiliation for the eternal Son. As Isaiah's fourth Servant Song declares, He had "no form or majesty that we should look at him.” Isaiah predicts that He appeared ordinary. Yet this humiliation was necessary because humanity had broken communion with God in the Garden. Adam, placed in Eden to guard and keep it, failed in his duty when Satan tempted Eve, and the instantaneous consequence was shame, exposure, and estrangement from the Lord who had walked with them in the cool of the day.Christ's suffering culminated in His role as the true Scapegoat, bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows. Isaiah 53 echoes both aspects of that ritual. We remember the scapegoat that carried the people's sins into the wilderness. The other aspect was the slain animal whose blood was brought into the Holy of Holies. Christ not only removes our sins from us by shedding his blood, but he also shoulders the weight of them Himself. Yes, he did this as one who has never sinned or compromised God's holiness. Christ lives up to His Father's declaration when he is equipped with the Holy Spirit to do his mission. His Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” and Christ lived up to this expectation. Why Did Christ Suffer?Christ suffered to deliver us from eternal condemnation. We cannot escape this sentence without Christ. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they discovered the true death sentence. They could no longer be in the Lord's presence without feeling shame. They made clothing to cover their shame, but the shame never went away. Death is more than ceasing to breathe, but it is losing communion with God.The flaming sword guarding the tree of life represents the impassable barrier. In order for one to secure life, they must pass through the flaming sword of hell's judgment. No mere human could survive such a sword. Isaiah assures us that Christ was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. This was not accidental suffering or a Plan B gone wrong. Eden tells us the cost. Isaiah predicts the cost. So we know that Christ's suffering was intended by God. The chastisement that brought us peace fell upon Christ. He suffered so that we might be delivered from the wrath to come and brought back into fellowship with the Triune God.What Did His Suffering Accomplish?The cross accomplishes what no mere moral example could achieve: it actually removes our sin and credits Christ's righteousness to our account. Pilate's threefold declaration of Christ's innocence, followed by his ironic inscription "King of the Jews," establishes the holiness of the sacrifice even as the earthly judge condemns Him. It also tells us that Pilate was not a victim or a passive bystander. He did send Christ to the cross as a human judge even as he declared Christ innocent. Christ hung upon the cross, hung upon a cursed tree, like a covenant breaker. Christ never transgressed, but this cross declared that Christ died the death of a sinner. He Himself never broke the covenant with God. This is the double imputation at the heart of the gospel: our sins credited to Christ, His righteousness credited to us. The result is shalom. Shalom, peace, is not a cold peace treaty where God merely tolerates us. Shalom is the full restoration of communion and fellowship with God. We are healed by His wounds, made whole by His brokenness, brought near by His being cast out. Isaiah knew that Christ would not remain dead. Isaiah assures us that Christ lives to make intercession for His people. Our Holy Priest is continually praying for sinners who still struggle and fail. The Servant's work continues in heaven as He represents His people before the Father, ensuring that those He has redeemed will persevere to the end. ConclusionThe cross is not divine theater. The cross is not ultimately about demonstrating how much God hates sin, though it certainly does that. It is necessary for Christ to take away our sins. He was declared innocent. He is sentenced to death by an earthly judge. He is hung upon a tree as a covenant breaker. He is raised to life, being vindicated by the heavenly courts. He lives to make intercession for his people. Believe in Christ to find life and the safe passage into the most holy place in heaven itself. Our God is not distant from us. Our God has not abandoned us. Praise be to God that He interrupts our course toward destruction and transforms our foolish desires to be in line with His. He does not merely do this and send us on our way, but He unites us to the resurrected Christ and adopts us as His children. Let us believe that Christ has done it. Let us therefore be a people who conform joyfully to His will. Let us live as redeemed children. He is the redeemer, and we are those who have been redeemed. Let us live out of gratitude, walking in His Spirit.
By His very nature, God is love (1 John 4:8). But what—or whom—was He loving before He created the world? Today, Sinclair Ferguson delights in the eternal love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-triune-god-of-love/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
IntroductionThroughout church history, God's people have struggled with a persistent temptation: looking to the visible means of grace rather than the invisible power behind those means. We can think that the effectiveness of the gospel depends upon the piety of the minister. Certainly, a minister needs to have a piety that rests in the Lord. The minister needs to believe the gospel message. However, we also need to see that the human vessels are the means that God uses to build his church. We are called to be faithful to our God, but it is our God who nourishes and builds his church through his ordinary means. The Human Tendency to Look to MenWhen the lame man was healed at the Beautiful Gate, the man and the crowds did not immediately recognize the source of his healing. Instead, the man clung to Peter and John, looking to these apostles as the source of life and power. This response reveals a fundamental human pattern: we naturally gravitate toward the visible and tangible. We think that human piety makes God powerful. Rather, it is God's power that cultivates human piety. Peter immediately corrects this misunderstanding, asking why they stare at him and John as if the healing came through their own godliness or power. Peter knows that it is not in his power, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. The crowds had witnessed a miracle and immediately assumed that the men performing it must possess extraordinary holiness. The signs do not testify to the man's piety, but to the man's credibility. The apostles make explicit that they did not heal the man. Their ability to heal is only because Christ has been raised from the dead, and they are sent as his witnesses. We see this same thing with Moses at the exodus. The sign testifies to his authority rather than his personal piety. This tendency to trust in the man persists in our own day whenever we find ourselves drawn to charismatic personalities or assuming that a minister's effectiveness correlates with his personal piety.Peter's rebuke reminds us that true faith looks past the clay vessel to the treasure within, recognizing that the power belongs to God alone. The minister is merely a conduit, not the source. The minister merely preaches the gospel and is not the author of life himself.The Promised Messiah RevealedPeter redirects the crowd's attention from the apostles to the "Author of Life.” He reminds the crowd that it is Jesus Christ, whom they had denied and sent to death. This title, servant, is drawn from Isaiah's Suffering Servant songs. Peter identifies Christ as the one who not only creates life but restores it. Christ is the suffering servant who overcomes the consequences of the fall and brings humanity from death to life. Peter boldly declares that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, whom Israel rejected because He did not fit their theological system. Peter's point is that Jesus Christ is the very one foretold by the prophets. His mission is to suffer before entering His glory.The tragedy of Israel's rejection becomes clear when we understand what they rejected: not merely a teacher or miracle-worker, but the Author of Life Himself. They chose Barabbas, a revolutionary and murderer. They chose the very man who did what they accused Christ of doing. They preferred a Messiah who fit their expectations, one who is a political liberator, and denied the Suffering Servant who would bear his people's sins. Peter's point is that the Messiah's suffering was not an unfortunate detour but the very fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. The resurrection confirms that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the prophet greater than Moses whom God promised to raise up. The Gospel InvitationWe would expect Peter to dismiss the crowd and tell them to go home. They are not worthy of the Messiah's work. Peter exposed the crowd's sin and ignorance. Despite their failure, Peter extends a remarkable invitation: repent and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of sins. This call to repentance is not a demand for perfected righteousness but a call to submit to the Messiah for life. We see the Messiah as the sole sacrifice for sins. The Messiah is the life-giving power that transforms our mindset and orientation to turn to God rather than away from him, as we are naturally inclined to do without the Holy Spirit. Peter knows the grace of restoration personally. Remember that this is the same Peter who denied Christ three times, who was questioned by the risen Lord on the shores of Galilee, and who was restored despite his failure. Yes, and it was an awkward conversation. However, Christ is reassuring Peter that His grace is sufficient. Peter knows firsthand that the gospel invitation is extended not to the worthy but to the weary. Peter knows that he failed, but he proceeds in the confidence that the Lord upholds him until the end. Peter knows his need for a redeemer. The beauty of this invitation lies in its promise: sins wiped out, times of refreshment from the Lord, and the sending of the Christ who has been appointed for Israel. Peter emphasizes that this promise extends to all whom God calls, far beyond the immediate audience. The prophet, like Moses, continues to speak, and those who heed him find life. Peter gives a warning: those who refuse this prophet will be cut off from the people. Peter also gives the assurance that those who turn to Christ in faith and repentance find their sins forgiven and their hearts renewed. The gospel is not a call to admire the apostles or aspire to their spiritual achievements, but a call to find life in Christ alone.ConclusionThe apostles do not seek the people's worship. No, the apostles point us to the One who is worthy of worship. Christ, the Author of Life. Yes, the second person of the Trinity has done the Father's work. The Father and the Son send out the Spirit to equip and empower God's people to stand firm in the storms of this age. The one God who has been faithful to his people confirms the prophetic promise in Christ. Our best spiritual achievements only manifest themselves in the power of our Lord's redemptive mercy. We are called to find our identity not in our own significance but in our Redeemer. We live under His authority rather than measuring ourselves against human standards. When we are tempted to trust in what our eyes see, we are called to walk by the eyes of faith. We are tempted to trust in the eloquence of the preacher, our Christian growth, our performance, but the call is to bow the knee in service to the One and only Triune God who calls us into his presence. The power that healed the lame man, that raised Christ from the dead, and that continues to work in His people today is the same power that calls us to bow the knee to Jesus Christ. Let us find our contentment in Him alone.
Luke continues in writing to this most excellent Theophilus by recording the baptism of Jesus by John the baptist in the Jordan river. We are in Luke 3:21-22.Jesus was praying. While He was praying, God the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and God the Father spoke to Him. He was commending Jesus as His Son, and saying, "In you I am well pleased."Here is a revelation of the Triune God. Here is the One true God revealed in three persons. Jesus the Son of God, the Holy Spirit of God and God the Father Himself. The tri-unity of God is revealed here in Scripture.Jesus is God's real man on earth being the beloved Son of the Father, the God-Man, sinless and perfect.Let's turn to Luke 3:21 with Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.
This is the fourth sermon in Christopher's series "Getting to Know God: A Series Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity". In this sermon, Pastor Christopher talks about the three distinct members of our Triune God along with the definition of the Trinity. He shares with us 'Trinity Truths' within the topics of Divine Conversation at Creation (Genesis), Divine Essence at Covenant (Deuteronomy), and Divine Persons at the Commission(Matthew). Finally, Christopher talks about what it means to be created in 'God's Image', the official commission of the Disciples, and how the Holy Trinity requires us to disciple others. Thanks for Listening...LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH810 S. Evergreen Dr.Moses Lake, WA 98837509-765-5270www.LakeviewMissionaryChurch.comPastor Christopher sends a weekly update to our church every Wednesday with an encouraging article, prayer requests, and announcements. Subscribe here, http://eepurl.com/hC7SHDScripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.
Teaching on the doctrine of God, specifically communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit using selected Bible verses and extrabiblical sources.
Our triune God unites us in his life-giving gospel 1. He gives us the foundation of unity (vs 1) 2. He calls us to strive for unity (vs 2)
Send us Fan Mail"Our Mission Mandate as ChristiansI. Introduction: The Core Nature of ChristianityThe Thesis: Christianity is inherently and fundamentally a missionary religion designed to convert others to faith in Jesus Christ. The Defect of Passive Faith: Any form of Christianity that does not actively bear witness to Jesus is explicitly labeled as defective, as the Bible strictly mandates this lifestyle. II. The Historical and Physical Proof of the ResurrectionThe Core Event: The mandate is rooted in historical reality: Jesus was crucified, buried, and physically raised from the dead 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Tangible Evidence over Isolation: * Jesus did not appear to just one person or in secret; he repeatedly manifested to groups of disciples (ranging from 8, 10, to 11 at a time). He proved his physical, bodily resurrection by speaking, allowing disciples to touch his wounds, and physically eating broiled fish. The 40-Day Instruction Period: Jesus spent 40 busy days on Earth post-resurrection, using his authority as King to instruct his followers on their vital mandate before ascending into heaven. III. The Fivefold New Testament Commission (Chronological Review)The speaker outlines how the critical mission to spread the message of Jesus is uniquely underscored by being recorded five distinct times in the New Testament: Commission 1: John's Account (The First Evening)Occurs on the evening of the resurrection behind locked doors. Jesus provides peace, shows his wounds, and sends them out with the model: "As the Father has sent me, even so I'm sending you.". He breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit and speaks on the authority of handling forgiveness. Note on Thomas: Thomas misses this first meeting, doubts, but makes a grand confession of faith ("My Lord and my God") the following week. Commission 2: Luke's Account (The First Evening)Connected to the Road to Emmaus disciples returning to the 11 in Jerusalem. Jesus proves his physical nature by eating, then opens their minds to understand that his suffering and resurrection fulfilled the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. He commands that repentance and forgiveness of sins be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Commission 3: Luke's Account in Acts (The Day of Ascension)Jesus corrects the disciples' focus from political timing (restoring the kingdom to Israel) to global witnessing. He promises the immediate power of the Holy Spirit to make them witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Commission 4: Matthew's Account (The Royal Commission)Takes place on a designated mountain in Galilee during the 40-day window. Jesus claims "all authority" in heaven and on earth. He issues the authoritative directive to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and teach obedience to his commands, backed by his perpetual presence. Commission 5: Paul's Account (The Ministry of Reconciliation)Focuses on the conversion and commission of Paul, a former chief persecutor of the church. Frames evangelism as being driven by the love of Christ because believers are entirely new creations. Defines the church's status as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the message and appeal for the world to be reconciled to God. IV. Conclusion: The Universal Scope and Purpose of the MandateNot Restricted to the Apostles: The commission was explicitly not just for the original 12 disciples; it is binding for all believers across all time. A Shared, Joyful Responsibility: While some possess a distinct spiritual gift of evangelism, every Christian is expected to witness to Christ through both their spoken words and the actions of their lives. The Ultimate Goal: To share what God has done so that mankind can receive the forgiveness of sins, walk in eternal life, and be incorporated into the body of believers. Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
When Jesus comes to John for the baptism that sinners have been receiving, John objects and says that Jesus ought to baptize him instead. Yet Jesus' humility is fitting, for He has come to John's baptism as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and fulfills all righteousness in the place of sinners. The theophany of the Triune God confirms the importance of Jesus' Baptism, as the Spirit descends on Him and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. In this way, God's Word teaches us of the great blessing He gives to us in our Baptism. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 3:13-17. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelroswell.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
I. A Triune God II. A Covenant God III. A Benevolent God Scripture Reading: John 17:1-26 Text: Lord's Day 8 Psalter Numbers: 40B, 131B, 63B, 47C
This week, Pastor Jeff continues a series in the book of Acts named ACTS: The Mission of God is Our Mission. The next message in the series is based in Acts 26 and is entitled "Before Governors and Kings." The main idea of the sermon is: When followers of Christ are brought before ruling authorities, the Triune God will give them what to say.———————— 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
Series: STANDALONE SERMON | Scriptures: Various Texts, 2 Corinthians 13:14 | Description: A look at the The Trinity and Scriptural Teaching, The Trinity and a Crucial Distinction, and The Trinity for Us of Our Salvation
By Pastor Dan Nash
What does it mean to worship the Triune God?On this Trinity Sunday, we explore three passages that reveal the glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Genesis 1, we see the Triune God bringing order out of chaos and creating the world with wisdom, purpose, and beauty. In 2 Corinthians 13, we discover the perfect unity, love, grace, and fellowship that flow from the Godhead and are to be reflected in Christ's Church. Finally, in Matthew 28, we hear Christ's Great Commission, sending His people into the world to disciple the nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.The God who created all things in perfect order now calls His people to live in unity and advance His kingdom throughout the earth. Because the Triune God is with us, we can labor with confidence, rejoice in His grace, rest in His peace, and boldly carry His gospel to the ends of the world.The Triune God created us, unites us, and commissions us for His glory.
Sermon for the Midweek of Trinity Wednesday, 3 June A+D 2026 Rev. Matthew D. Ruesch
Dr. Malcolm Yarnell III, noted author and speaker on the Trinity unpacks the Triune God by exploring who He is and what He does. Through Matthew 28:19-20 and Galatians 4:4-6, discover how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in creation, redemption, and salvation. Learn why the Trinity is foundational to Christian faith and how understanding it deepens your relationship with God.This week, our hosts would have had their final discussion on the trinity, but instead you will get a special episode where you get to listen/watch your questions being answered in our Q&A livestream with Dr. Malcolm Yarnell. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about Teresa's fun adventures and what's coming up.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/
On Trinity Sunday 2026, Bishop Andrew shared a riveting message around the importance of looking to the Triune God as our inspiration for building godly partnerships.
Our God is a community of persons who haved loved and honored each other from all eternity. Our families have a chance to display this mystery to the world.To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/family-love-makes-the-triune-god-visible/
Listen to Pastor Gawel's sermon for May 31, 2026, taken from Matthew 28:16-20. The post Spread the Word about the Triune God – Sermon for May 31, 2026 appeared first on St. Andrew Lutheran Church.
First Sunday after Pentecost (Trinity Sunday), recorded Sun., May 31, 2026. Based on Matthew 28:16-20. Pastor Johnold Strey. Website: crownoflifehubertus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownoflifehubertus/ Written transcriptions: https://johnoldstrey.wordpress.com/
On this Trinity Sunday, Father Blackburn explores one of the greatest of all mysteries: A God that is One God in Three Persons. Drawing on the first chapter of Genesis, we explore the Triune God whose Love fill all in all.
Faith, Doubt, and The A Team Pastor Mark Havel Matthew 28:16-20Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him but some doubted. Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the +Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.” “I love it when a plan comes together.” (Does anyone else remember the A-Team? Murdock … Hannibal … Mr. T as B.A. Baracus? It was a show from way back in the 1900's.) John Hannibal, was the leader of The A-Team who coined that phrase, or at least made it a pop-culture thing at the time – “I love it when a plan comes together.” I watched the show faithfully, but had to look it up to remember that the A-Team was a group of special forces, military guys, who had been wrongly accused and imprisoned for war-crimes they didn't commit. After breaking out of prison, these good guys were simultaneously on the run from the military police AND finding ways to help people in need, as benevolent vigilantes.Anyway, the phrase, “I love it when a plan comes together,” was funny because, The A-Team was this motley crew of mismatched misfits who joked and argued and got into all sorts of trouble and fights and shenanigans as they did their thing. They achieved their goals, rescued their people, accomplished their missions, made their escapes … barely … by the skin of their teeth … every time. And, at the end of every successful mission, their leader, John Hannibal, sucking on a log-sized cigar, would declare – as though it was his design and strategy all along – “I love it when a plan comes together.”This phrase came to mind because our plans have been all over the place the last couple of months where this building project is concerned. Securing reliable bids, getting a loan approved, scheduling congregational meetings, then re-scheduling congregational meetings, and all the rest have landed us here on May 31st – which for all sorts of practical, logistical reasons – was the last best option for all that's on our plate for today's Annual Meeting.Which led to the practical, holy need for this Unified Worship service – where we can all be together in one place at the same time – which just so happened to be Holy Trinity Sunday, which is the Church's invitation to wrestle with and wonder about and celebrate the unity of God's nature – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the Triune God; three persons, equal in majesty; three in one and all the rest.“I love it when a plan comes together.” (For a preaching pastor, this is kismet, serendipity, or it might just be the work of the Holy Spirit.)And there's also this Gospel reading where Jesus gives “The Great Commission” to “go and baptize and make disciples and remember.” But before all of that, what grabs my attention every time, is the notion that when the disciples showed up in Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go, “they worshiped him,” we're told, “but some doubted.” They all worshiped him, but some doubted.For my money, there's not a more accurate description of what the church is up to, generally, in the world these days, and what we're up to, very particularly as Partners in Mission at Cross of Grace, at this moment in time. They all worship, but some doubted.“I love it when a plan comes together.”I mean I'm glad we're all here today – and that we show up week after week to worship. (… and to learn and to serve, too.) And I'm grateful to be reminded that, even with Jesus standing among his disciples, having done all that he'd promised he would do – up to and including rising from the dead – some of them still doubted. Some of them still weren't sure. Some of them were still skeptical, cynical, afraid, maybe. Because that means we can be all of those things, too – and still be faithful. Because I'm right there with the doubters, more often than I'd like to admit.I worry every year that General Fund commitments – never mind actual offerings – are going to show up in a way that supports and grows this ministry. I worry every year that Time and Talent offerings may or may not meet the needs of our nursery, a mowed lawn, a cleaned building, a Grace Quest program, and all the rest. And every time we've engaged a building project over the last 25 years at Cross of Grace – and this will be our fourth – I've worried that we are building too much, too soon, of the right spaces, for the right about amount of money.And I worry most about you – and about whose doubts, discouragement, and disappointments are going to get the best of them.But in spite of my doubts and my worries and my misgivings and concerns, I just keep showing up to this mountain I feel God has called us to. Maybe it's foolish. Maybe it's faith. I don't know. But I just keep doing my best to worship and learn and serve, I mean. I doubt and I worship. I doubt and I learn. I doubt and I serve. And I do it all over and over and over again. And I'm grateful that so many of you join me for it, too.Because I love it when a plan comes together … a plan only God can design, dictate, and deliver.It's a plan that looks like a wide welcome of love and affirmation for LGBTQ+ children of God – in a world and a faith that still doesn't get it.It's plan that has helped to build over 100 houses in Fondwa, Haiti, right along with every square foot of facility we've built for ourselves around here.It's a plan that includes a voice for racial justice and equity that would otherwise be silent in a community that hasn't heard all we have to say on the matter.It's a plan that has called us – as Partners in Mission – to baptize and confirm, to marry and bury, to feed and nourish, to party, pray, and otherwise walk together – by faith – through a world that can be so lonely and lost and without meaningful connection so much of the time. It's a plan that's still in the making … a plan that's still coming together … a plan that is messy and risky and cobbled together by an A Team of mismatched misfits and sinners, but full of beautiful things I doubt would happen otherwise, if Cross of Grace weren't here continuing to grow, still building, and still sharing grace in the unique, bold, faithful ways God has called us to do.And it's a plan that will only come together if and when we seek to accomplish it BY God's grace, FOR God's glory, and GROUNDED in God's love revealed in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the sake of the world we're called to serve.Amen
The heading in our Bibles calls it "the Great Commission," but the word commission can land like a job order: here is the task, now go perform, you are on your own. Jesus' actual last words say something else. "I am with you, always." What if the call is not a commission but a co-mission, a sending we never carry out alone? Pastor Lisa Elmers preaches from Matthew 28:16-20 on discipleship as life shared with the Triune God.
God has revealed himself as triune - one God in three persons. While we should not be surprised that God would reveal himself to us in a way that leaves us in awe of his mystery, neither has he revealed himself to us in this way to leave us confused. No, God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is clear not only in the mission he calls us to, but also in how the Holy Trinity uniquely equips us to carry it out.
Why does the doctrine of the Trinity leave even the brightest minds humbled? In this Trinity Sunday sermon, we explore the mystery of the Triune God through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, Isaiah's vision of the Lord's holiness, and St. Paul's awe-filled words in Romans 11. While the Trinity remains beyond human explanation, God has revealed what is necessary for our salvation: the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for sinners. Rather than trusting our own understanding, Christians are called to receive God's gifts in faith through His Word, Baptism, and the Gospel. The mystery of God does not lead us to despair, but to humility, worship, and confidence in Christ crucified for us.Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, John 3:1-17
The Trinity is foundational to everything we do as Catholics. As we consider the virtue of faith as a gift from God, we must believe everything the Lord reveals.
Everyone has doubts about all kinds of things. Doubting is part of the human condition. But there ar...
Messages to apply to your everyday life and situations. We hope your life is encouraged and blessed by these messages.
Sermon text: Matthew 28:16-20
Messages to apply to your everyday life and situations. We hope your life is encouraged and blessed by these messages.
Delivered on Trinity Sunday, this sermon explores how the doctrine of the Holy Trinity serves as the "Rosetta Stone of Christian theology," shaping every aspect of believer identity, community, and the church's mission. By analyzing the Great Commission in Matthew 28, the message emphasizes that Christ's absolute authority rules the mission, the singular name of the Triune God defines His people, and the Holy Spirit continually sustains the community with Christ's presence.
Matthew 28:16-20 ● May 31, 2026 ● Trinity Sunday Listen to sermon audio
Psalm 150 brings the Psalter to a glorious conclusion. By calling upon the Church to praise the LORD, Psalm 150 calls to mind the themes of the first two psalms in which we learn to delight in the Word of God and look forward to the coming Christ. The Church praises the LORD together for His atoning sacrifice, for His work of creation, and for His victory over all enemies. The music of the Church breaks forth in response to what the LORD has done, and all creation joins in the praises of the Triune God. Hallelujah! Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 150. To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, visit ctsfw.edu. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, 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
Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 28:16-20 Commissioned Whether you are an officer or enlisted the Triune God has commissioned you for a very important task: Go and make disciples of all nations. That's a tall order. But he also gives you the tools to do it: by baptizing…. and by teaching. Your commander-in-chief promises you, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus has all authority. After all, he is the one who died and came back to life from the dead. He gives you the authority to carry out this commission. He also promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This is especially important to take to heart, considering the context of your calling. The military culture and community is not always friendly to people like you and me. They are not always receptive to Jesus' words. Some can be a little rough around the edges. Not all of your coworkers and neighbors have the same religious foundation. Some make questionable moral decisions. Others are hurting because they are wracked with guilt. Some are hurting because of trauma or abuse or moral injury. They are no different from you or me. They are sinners who need forgiveness, like you and me. They are sinners who will one day die, like you and me. Like us, they need to know they have a Father who loves them so much, he planned the salvation of their body and soul from before the creation of the world. They need to know they have a brother who loves them so much, he took on human flesh to carry out the Father's plan of salvation. They have a brother who lived to earn righteousness for them, just as he did for you. They have a brother who died to earn forgiveness them, just as he did for you. They have a brother who rose from the dead to win a resurrection from the grave for them, just as he did for you. Like us, they need to know the wonderful blessings of baptism: this water is God's pledge that our conscience is clear because he washed us, cleansed us, and clothed us with Christ. You know these truths. You believe them. Now, confess them boldly, with courage, with love and patient instruction. You have been commissioned for this task. Jesus will be with you. Prayer: Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – you call us to go forth and preach the gospel to all who are in need. Open a door for us this week in conversation with a friend, relative or neighbor so that we might first listen, and seek to understand and then open our lips to point them to your promises. Grant us courage and love to pour out your life-giving water to thirsty souls. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.
This weekend we will celebrate the festival of the Holy Trinity, and study the nature of the only true God. Our readings and hymns will all highlight the unique work of the different persons of the Triune God. Our closing hymn will be a summary of what we reflect on in our worship service. Written by Reginald Heber, this hymn is a majestic declaration of and tribute to the work of our Triune God. The two main Bible passages that serve as a foundation for the words of this hymn are: Revelation 4:6,8-11 - Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.... The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” And Isaiah 6:3 - And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Heber was a gifted writer, and was especially gifted in poetry. While his hymns are not as Scripturally rooted as many early Christian or Lutheran hymns, they are very beautifully written. The tune Nicaea was written specifically for this hymn, and given the name because it was at the Council of Nicaea that the Christian Church staunchly defended and proclaimed the doctrine of the Trinity against the Arian heresy. Triune God, bless our worship of You in our worship this weekend, and with all we say and do throughout our lives!
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260524dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. . . Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:1-6,11-12 Simply Believe Recently, my daughters were playing with some immature flower buds from our dwarf Magnolia tree. Since these buds look like pickles, I told them they were pickle seeds. Later, I overheard one of my daughters referring to the tree as a “pickle tree.” That’s the way it is with children. They simply believe what they are told. That’s not always so easy for us as we grow older. We encounter so many ideas about lifestyles, religion, and the future (just to name a few topics). We wonder what we should believe. The people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost could hardly believe their ears. Some even made fun of the disciples who were suddenly able to speak in foreign languages. Yet the Holy Spirit used their intelligible words to reveal the Triune God who is serious about sin and, at the same time, full of forgiveness, love, and hope for the future. What makes it difficult for you to believe God’s promises? A past full of sin? A list of confusing, complicated questions about life? The Bible equips us to deal with this sinful world by revealing “the wonders of God.” Like a child, believe God’s promises—Jesus loves you and has forgiven you! Prayer: Holy Spirit, instill in me an unshakable trust in your promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260524dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. . . Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:1-6,11-12 Simply Believe Recently, my daughters were playing with some immature flower buds from our dwarf Magnolia tree. Since these buds look like pickles, I told them they were pickle seeds. Later, I overheard one of my daughters referring to the tree as a “pickle tree.” That’s the way it is with children. They simply believe what they are told. That’s not always so easy for us as we grow older. We encounter so many ideas about lifestyles, religion, and the future (just to name a few topics). We wonder what we should believe. The people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost could hardly believe their ears. Some even made fun of the disciples who were suddenly able to speak in foreign languages. Yet the Holy Spirit used their intelligible words to reveal the Triune God who is serious about sin and, at the same time, full of forgiveness, love, and hope for the future. What makes it difficult for you to believe God’s promises? A past full of sin? A list of confusing, complicated questions about life? The Bible equips us to deal with this sinful world by revealing “the wonders of God.” Like a child, believe God’s promises—Jesus loves you and has forgiven you! Prayer: Holy Spirit, instill in me an unshakable trust in your promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Because we bear the image of the triune God, we are relational by design, created to reflect His love and to live in communion with both God and man.
In Romans chapter 3, the apostle Paul explains that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not humanity's idea, but God's. Scripture reveals that it is the Triune God who is responsible for salvation: God the Father decreed salvation, God the Son accomplished salvation, and the Holy Spirit applied salvation.
Pastor Colins Nwosu began a new teaching series titled The Trinity of the Godhead, leading the church into a deeper and more enriching understanding of our relationship with the Triune God. Drawing from several scriptures, we explored the biblical foundation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit existing distinctly yet perfectly united as One God. From the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3, we saw all three persons of the Godhead revealed together: the Father speaking from heaven, the Son being baptised, and the Spirit descending like a dove. This teaching emphasised that the Trinity is not merely a theological concept, but a revelation of God's nature and His desire for relationship with humanity. From the absolute unity of creation in Genesis 1:1–3 and John 1:1–5, to the ongoing ministry of the Comforter in John 14:26 and John 16:5–11, we see the perfect harmony and cooperation of the Godhead at work. Pastor Colins explained that understanding the Trinity strengthens our faith, deepens our worship, and enriches our walk with God because we are invited into fellowship with the fullness of who He is. The message also pointed us toward unity, reminding us from John 17:21 that just as the Godhead exists in perfect oneness, believers are also called into unity and communion with God and with one another. Confession: Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Deepen my understanding of who You are, strengthen my walk with You, and help me live daily in fellowship with the fullness of Your presence and love.
1 Peter 1: 1-5 | Living Hope For Exiles, Part 1 | 5/17/2026 | Pastor Matt Jones. We begin a brand-new sermon series through the book of 1 Peter titled Living Hope for Exiles. In a world filled with instability, pressure, compromise, and fading hopes, Peter reminds believers that our confidence is not rooted in culture, comfort, or earthly security, but in the sovereign saving work of the Triune God through Jesus Christ. In this first message, Pastor Matt shows us how God chooses His people, causes them to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ, secures an eternal inheritance for them, and preserves them by His power.
In Part 11 of his series on Ephesians, Rabbi Schiller looks at God's design for the local congregation, and how just as the Triune God is an intimate community, so too are we to form a covenant community with our fellow brothers and sisters in our local congregation.
This is message 46 in Gospel Record of John John 14:7-15 God has fully revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, making the invisible Father known through the life, words, and works of the Son. To know Christ is to know God personally, because everything about His character displays the heart of the Father. This relationship transforms every part of life, producing confidence in prayer, power for service, and a desire to obey. Genuine love for Him is not merely spoken but demonstrated through a life that trusts His Word and follows His commands. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through PushPay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc
Doctrine matters because… We love God. Belief shapes behavior. It informs our worldview. We need to be equipped to explain what we believe and why we believe it. This doctrine calls for… 1. Defining the Trinity The Trinity Defined… There is one God The Father is God The Son is God The Holy Spirit is God 2. Defending the Trinity If Jesus isn't God, His death did not atone for your sins. If Jesus isn't God, you cannot be justified by faith in Christ. If Jesus isn't God, He cannot answer your prayers. If the Holy Spirit isn't God, you cannot trust His leading. Without the Trinity, there were no personal or intimate relationships before Creation. 3. Delighting in the Trinity The Trinity displays the root of the reality that “God is love.” Delight in the ways of a triune God!