July 5, 2026

July 5, 2026

Pastor Jason Enderle What Makes Christians Different? The Bible says Christians are different. Christians are people who believe in Jesus as their Savior. But they often look the same as those who do not believe in Jesus. How are Christians different? The answer is often something internal, attitudes or perspectives that come only from the work of the Holy Spirit in Word and sacrament. Ultimately, Christians are people who run to Christ for forgiveness because they have failed to live perfect lives. As we receive the mercy of Christ, it moves us to strive with all our being to do all the things that Jesus says Christians do, things that make Christians different. Christians Live in Two Kingdoms— This weekend is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of the Independence of the United States of America. American citizens from many backgrounds are celebrating in many ways. What makes Christian citizens different? Christian citizenship is not connected to a particular political party. Christian citizenship is not connected to particular civic activities. Christians understand that they live in two kingdoms. God does not need our good works, but our neighbors do. God’s Word informs our choice of political activities as we seek to be faithful to our calling as Christian citizens. What Makes Christians Different? Christians Live in Two Kingdoms

June 28, 2026

Sermon Reading: Romans 1:16-17 [https://us.list-manage.com/jdNYxBqavnH?e=049d8391bc&c2id=17c6b5d5acb3214acc6b0c792663e9c7]

June 21, 2026

Pastor Brett Ehlke Say It Out Loud—The Season after Pentecost features what Christ teaches, and Christians in every vocation are encouraged to say it out loud. The truths of God’s Word are good for the soul, useful for life, and more reliable than anything else in the world. Watch out for false teachers who come with wise sounding words and pious promises, but who do not base everything on the Word of God! Give thanks to the Lord for faithful servants in the ministry of the gospel and those who support them! Keep the Faith— Believers in God and their ministers have always been persecuted. Religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to muzzle the truth, but they only succeeded in sending people to preach the Word throughout the land. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, but God’s Church exploded with growth. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor tried to limit the gospel movement that was spreading from Germany, but God led many people to speak his truth. God wants his people to keep the faith and preach the Word even in the face of opposition. Say It Out Loud: Keep the Faith

June 14, 2026

Pastor Brett Ehlke Say It Out Loud—The Season after Pentecost features what Christ teaches, and Christians in every vocation are encouraged to say it out loud. The truths of God’s Word are good for the soul, useful for life, and more reliable than anything else in the world. Watch out for false teachers who come with wise sounding words and pious promises, but who do not base everything on the Word of God! Give thanks to the Lord for faithful servants in the ministry of the gospel and those who support them! Jesus Leads Us—The Law was given through Moses. He was a marvelous leader of his people, but he could not take them to the Promised Land. The Law can never get God’s people to the promised land. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Joshua, the successor of Moses, defeated the enemies of the people and led them into the Promised Land. Jesus defeats our enemies and shepherds us as his flock. The gracious Gospel of forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus is the only way to the promised land of heaven. Jesus leads us all the way there. Say It Out Loud: Jesus Leads Us

June 7, 2026

Pastor Dan Olson Say It Out Loud—The Season after Pentecost features what Christ teaches, and Christians in every vocation are encouraged to say it out loud. The truths of God’s Word are good for the soul, useful for life, and more reliable than anything else in the world. Watch out for false teachers who come with wise sounding words and pious promises, but who do not base everything on the Word of God! Give thanks to the Lord for faithful servants in the ministry of the gospel and those who support them! God Loves Sinners—They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how he killed a man in a fit of anger. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was considered a traitor to his people. But God forgot their past. He forgave all their sins and called them to proclaim his mercy. Christians are sinners whom God has mercifully called. Only mercy can explain why Jesus brings people to faith and promises them salvation. Only grace can explain how he calls them to serve as they are able, even in the ministry of the gospel. God loves sinners.   Say It Out Loud: God Loves Sinners