John the Baptizer was a preacher’s preacher, putting the rest of us pastors to shame. We fuss and fret over preaching what we know God wants us to preach–all because it might upset some people. We worry about our livelihood, future, reputation, and status. But John didn’t worry about that. He just preached. He didn’t […]
From Adam to Jesus, Lesson 7: The New Covenant Foretold in the Prophets
December 16, 2012 by
The Davidic Covenant and kingdom did not reach its peak during Old Testament times under David, but his Son, Solomon. The Temple is built Following the instructions that David had given Solomon, Solomon had the Temple built. 1 Kings 8 tells us of Solomon having the Ark of the Covenant brought into the new Temple. […]
Genesis 26:1-14: Find Your Rest in God
December 12, 2012 by
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. So the Bible starts. But by the second chapter, you’d think the only place on earth that mattered was the Garden of Eden. That’s where all the action was taking place. Of course, on the face of the earth were many beautiful and delightful places […]
Sermon for Gene Engel’s Funeral: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
December 12, 2012 by
It’s easy for us to grieve like those who have no hope, especially for those of you who loved Gene and knew him well. It’s normal for us fallen beings to place our trust in what we see and feel. For that’s what experience teaches us to believe is real, even if it’s not. And […]
Straighten up and raise your heads, for your redemption is near!
December 9, 2012 by
This is the confessional address our pastor gave to us during our Service of Confession. The purpose of a confessional address is to prepare one for confession, after which the Lord’s Supper is to be received. Jesus says, “When these [signs of the end times] begin to take place, straighten up and raise your […]
From Adam to Jesus, Lesson 6: King David
December 9, 2012 by
Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt to Mount Sinai. There, the people agreed to God’s Covenant, only to break it in a disastrous way (can you say, “golden calf”?). Later, the people rejected God’s call to enter the Promised Land and so they wandered the desert for 40 years, long enough for […]
Genesis 15: The God of Abraham will be your protection, your great reward
December 5, 2012 by
Although our lives are becoming globally intertwined these days, our worlds are still small. For example, it’s true that global communications now exists in ways that we could not have imagined years ago. Yet, despite such global communications, in the end it still comes down a phone call from family or a friend. Often, our […]
First Communion for Ty Borich
December 3, 2012 by
Ty Borich was instructed and examined in preparation for receiving his first communion on December 2nd. Here, a photo was clandestinely taken of his rite of First Communion Prior to Confirmation. Later in the Divine Service, Ty came forward to receive Christ’ body and blood for the first time, as the Lutheran rite says, “for […]
Hanging of the Greens Ceremony on December 9th
December 3, 2012 by
On December 9th, immediately following the Service of Confession we will have for that day, SOTHLC’s Altar Guild will host our annual Hanging of the Greens Ceremony. For many years, our congregation has had a Hanging of the Greens ceremony as part of decorating the sanctuary and our preparations for Christmas. During the ceremony, many […]
Midweek Advent Services
December 3, 2012 by
This year’s midweek Advent services will focus on the Old Testament Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through their lives, we will learn how they pointed forward to Jesus Christ. Our midweek services will be on December 5, 12, and 19 at 1:00 and 7:00 PM. The order of service will be Evening Prayer (yes, even […]
