Jesus addresses a great mystery in our Gospel text today. Why do some people believe and not others? Why do some seem to be going along so strong in their faith then suddenly fall away? As we consider the threats to our faith: the devil, persecution, and the worries of this world, we appreciate all…

Jesus speaks to people weighed down by life’s burdens—financial worries, troubling news, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future, and the guilt of sin. While the world tells us to work harder, become stronger, and solve our own problems, Jesus reveals a different way. The Father makes Himself known not to the self-sufficient, but to those…

We travel to see kids and grandkids. We love going to a niece or nephew’s soccer game. Jesus tells us in today’s text, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than…

It is great during good times to believe that God is on your side with His blessings. Have you ever seen an old black-and-white photograph of a church’s Divine Service during or just after World War II? Extra chairs were added in the aisles for the great number of worshipers in dedicated attendance! Seventy-five years…

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In this passage, Paul shares with us the Gospel, namely, the good news that Jesus died to forgive our sins apart from anything we have done. The Father sent His Son Jesus to restore our…

The book of Hosea describes the ministry and contains the prophecies of Hosea, the servant of the Lord. He ministered to Israel, the northern kingdom, calling them to repentance. In this turning point of Hosea’s prophecy, we see the love of the Lord for His people, both the northern kingdom (Ephraim) and the southern kingdom…

“I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” These words have been spoken over countless people in countless languages throughout the centuries. It is through this formula that the Triune God puts His name on us. As we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday, we rejoice that…

The apostles began to speak on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit came upon them. They miraculously spoke in other languages so that the whole world would be able to understand them. The people heard about the mighty works of God. This was, is, and always will be the message of the Holy…

In this text in Acts 1, we have what many consider to be the first call meeting where the Church gathers to call a pastor. In this case, it is selecting an apostle to succeed Judas who betrayed Jesus. The lot is cast and Matthias replaces Judas. Peter stands up and tells the group, “You,…

Thursday, May 14, 2026 Ascension of Our Lord Text: Acts 1:1–11 Link to Livestream Alleluia! Christ is risen! Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?” This question that the two men, angels, ask the apostles at the…