He Sends Out Forerunners with a Message That is Not Their Own
Pastor Stephen Daley
Mark 1:1-8
12/4/2011
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Second Sunday of Advent
God sent John to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus. He sent him, like Elijah before him, to people who were prosperous and doing well from a worldy point of view but were suffering from the disease of sin.
Today, God sends us into a very similar world with a similar purpose: we are to share His Good News with others so that they will -- through the power of the Holy Spirit -- turn from their evil ways and be saved through faith in Jesus.
Always Be Ready to Give An Answer
Pastor Stephen Daley
1 Peter 3:15-22
11/27/2011
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First Sunday of Advent
God wants us to always be ready to give an answer when questioned about our faith. He wants us to use every opportunity to share with others the fact that, though we are sinners, God loves us and gave His Son to pay for our sins and make us right with Him.
We may find it difficult to witness, and we may consider ourselves ill prepared for this work. God encourages us to study His Word and to remember that He will give us the words to say. We need to remember that we don't change the hearts of others; the Holy Spirit does this through the Word. We sow the seed and let God take care of the rest.
Always Give Thanks!
Pastor Stephen Daley
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
11/23/2011
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"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
This was part of the message God sent to the church in Thessalonica shortly after it started. Even though the new Christians there were enduring persecution, God encouraged them to be happy and thankful because they had the most important thing of all: saving faith in Christ Jesus. We have that same faith and share that same encouragement to rejoice and give thanks because eternal life is ours.
Lord, Keep Us Joyful in Our King!
Pastor Stephen Daley
Matthew 27:27-31
11/20/2011
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In the hours before his crucifixion, Christ didn't look like a king. The Jews, Pilate, and the Roman soldiers didn't recognize him as one. They were looking for an earthly king, and he didn't fit the bill.
As Christians, we know that Christ didn't come to establish an earthly kingdom. He came to die in our place in order to give us life in his heavenly kingdom. Let us always rejoice in Christ, our King, and share the good news of his grace with others.
WELS Walking Together
Pastor Stephen Daley
Isaiah 49:1-6
11/13/2011
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As we celebrate WELS Walking Together Sunday, we rejoice that Jesus' mission was to be the savior of all people, not just the Jews. He is the light of the whole world!
We thank God that He has preserved His Word in our synod, and we marvel at the fact that He allows us to continue sharing His saving Word not only among ourselves, but with people throughout the world.
Lord Keep Us Mindful of the Judgment!
Pastor Stephen Daley
Romans 2:2-11
11/6/2011
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Paul reminds us that God does not show favoritism: all people will be judged against His perfect law, and all will fall short. It does no good to compare our lives against those of others who seem to do worse things than we do.
Fortunately, God is also merciful and has given His only Son to die for our sins. Because of Him, we have the assurance of eternal life.
The Lord Keeps Us Faithful to the Word!
Pastor Stephen Daley
Matthew 10:16-23
10/30/2011
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Jesus sent his disciples (including us) as sheep among wolves. We live in a world that doesn't want to hear God's Word. Staying faithful to God's Word is not easy. God promises to take care of us, even though being faithful to his Word will not make us popular. This was true among the first disciples, and it was true at the time of the Reformation. It remains true today.
As Lutherans, we treasure and stand firm on God's Word; we pray that God will bless us by keeping his Word pure among us even as we endeavor to share it with others.
Examine Yourselves!
Pastor Stephen Daley
2 Corinthians 13:5-8
10/23/2011
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Just as we examine ourselves for physical problems at the urging of a doctor, we need to examine ourselves spiritually. This is to be done repeatedly to be sure we remain in the faith.
As Christians, we want to be sure that we continue to believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to salvaction. As WELS members, we want to be sure that our congregation and synod remain true to God's Word and that it is proclaimed in its truth and purity. We want others to hear God's truth and be saved.
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Showing Mercy
Pastor Stephen Daley
Luke 10:25-37
10/16/2011
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Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the gift of showing mercy. As Christians, we want to show mercy - acts of kindness out of unearned care and concern - for all people we encounter who need it.
In addition to caring for the physical needs of others, we also want to show mercy in regard to their spiritual well-being by sharing the news that Jesus died to save them.
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Leadership
Pastor Stephen Daley
Joshua 1:6-9
10/9/2011
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As Joshua takes over leadership of God's people to lead them into the Promised Land, God encourages him to be strong and courageous - and to continuously study God's Word. God's Word will be Joshua's source of strength.
Likewise, as God calls us to be leaders in His church, He wants us to be in His Word. It will be our source of strength in whatever roles we fill: leaders of congregations, leaders within our families, and leaders of others through our example and witness. Even those who are filling the role of follower are to be in God's Word; it provides help and comfort, encouragement and guidance whenever we need it.
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Generosity
Pastor Stephen Daley
Esther 4:12-16
10/2/2011
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God placed Esther in the right place at the right time to intervene and help deliver His people. She was moved to act by the encouraging words of her cousin, Mordecai.
We, like Esther, have been placed in the time and place God desires us to be. He has given us spiritual gifts that He wants us to use to bring the news of salvation to all people. He has placed us here "for such a time as this."
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Encouraging
Pastor Stephen Daley
1 Samuel 2:18-21
9/25/2011
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Hannah pleaded with the Lord for years to give her a son, and she promised to give him back to the Lord. The Lord granted her request, and she gave her son, Samuel, back to the Lord to serve as a priest in His temple.
It didn't stop there. Every year, Hannah made a new robe for Samuel to encourage him as he served the Lord. Like Hannah, we should use whatever gifts/talents God has given us to encourage one another as we work in His kingdom. We should especially use the precious gift of the Gospel to share His life-giving message with others and to uplift those who need encouragement.
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Serving
Pastor Stephen Daley
Matthew 25:14-30
9/11/2011
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Jesus uses the parable about the master who entrusts his servants with money to use while he's on a journey to illustrate how God treats his people. He entrusts each of us with the gifts and amounts we can handle. He sets us up for success in using them the way he wants them to be used to advance his kingdom. He expects us to do our best with them, and he will reward those who do.
Different Gifts, Same Grace: Prophesying
Pastor Stephen Daley
Jeremiah 1:4-10
9/4/2011
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This is the first in a series of sermons in which we will hear about how to use the various gifts God has given us to use in His kingdom.
The "Parable of Crayola" illustrates these truths: We all have been entrusted with gifts from God. Some have more, and some have fewer, but God wants each of us to use the individual gifts we have in service to Him. He wants us to use all of our gifts, not just our favorite one. As individuals, congregations, and a synod, He wants us to use the gifts we've been given to do the work we've been given so that others who need to hear that Jesus is their only way to heaven receive that message.
The Christian Trusts God to Provide
Pastor Stephen Daley
Genesis 41:41-49
8/28/2011
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Joseph, after being sold into slavery and leading a hard life, is promoted by Pharaoh to second-in-command of all of Egypt. In this role, Jospeh oversees the storing of grain from the seven years of abundance for use in the seven years of famine.
This is not the rags-to-riches success story of Jospeh. Rather, it is the account of how God used him to preserve the line of the promised Savior. God uses each of us in the way He chooses to accomplish what He wants. We trust that He will also provide us with everything we need.
The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth
Pastor Stephen Daley
Matthew 13:44-52
8/21/2011
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Using parables, Jesus tells his disciples (including us) that the kingdom of heaven is priceless, beyond the worth of all of our earthly possessions. Even though it has been given to us as a gift, it cost Christ everything.
Not all people know the Good News of salvation, so we need to share the message with everyone we can. All of God's Word is useful to help us with this; all of it is a precious treasure.
The Christian Lives as Wheat Among Weeds
Pastor Stephen Daley
1 Peter 4:1-8
8/14/2011
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Paul urges us to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ so that we can resist the desire to do evil and submit to God's will in everything. Even though this will result in abuse from those who don't fear God, we do this in the hope that it will give us opportunity to witness to others.
The Word Works!
Pastor Stephen Daley
Isaiah 55:10-13
8/7/2011
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The rain and snow are gifts from God; they come down from heaven and water the earth so that it brings forth crops.
Likewise, God's Word comes from Him and accomplishes the purpose for which He sends it. It works faith in the hearts of unbelievers and strengthens the faith of those who already believe.
Share the Gospel, Even If People Won't Listen
Pastor Stephen Daley
Jeremiah 23:6-8
7/31/2011
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We live in an exciting time! The Lord reigns, and all people need to hear about the Lord, our Righteousness. As we install our new Christian Day School Principal and Evangelism Coordinator, Derick Rosenbaum, we remember that our mission is to share the Gospel message. We share it even if the people of the world won't listen.
We also reflect on the value of Christian education, the priceless gift that nourishes the faith of all of our members.
We ask God to give us strength to share His message with the people of the world and to encourage one another as we grow in faith.
We Have a New Life in Christ
Pastor Stephen Daley
Romans 6:1b-11
7/24/2011
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Jesus died to pay for each and every one of our sins. Does this mean that we can go on sinning? No way! As saved children of God, we strive to fight against sin. We know we won't ever be able to be perfect on this side of Heaven, but we rest assured knowing that Christ has covered all our sins.
The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ in Spite of Persecution
Pastor Stephen Daley
Acts 23:1-11
7/17/2011
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In today's sermon text, we hear about the Apostle Paul's persecution and that God assured him that he would continue to preach.
Like Paul, we should pray for the courage to carry out the Gospel ministry:
1) even when it seems no one is listening,
and
2) knowing that the Lord has a plan.
God will ensure that His Word does not return to Him empty and that it will accomplish the purpose He intends.
True Contentment is Found in Christ
Ben Wiechmann, Student at Bethany Lutheran Seminary
Matthew 6:24-34
7/10/2011
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1. We cannot serve God and Money.
2. Seek First God's Kingdom and His Righteousness.
Many people in the world expend their energy in the pursuit of obtaining and keeping "stuff." They think this will somehow make them happy, but no matter how much they have, they always want more. We, too, can easily fall into this trap.
God wants us to seek Him and His Righteousness. He loves us and has already provided Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He will also provide for our physical needs.
God's Great Forgiveness
Paul Webber, Student at Bethany Lutheran Seminary
Luke 15:11-24
7/3/2011
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We sin often and greatly against God, but no matter what our sin is or how long we're away from Him, He always welcomes us back because of His amazing love and the sacrifice Jesus made to pay for all of our sins.
We Confess Our Triune God
Pastor Stephen Daley
Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27; 2:1-3
6/19/2011
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As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we are invited by our text to sit back and look with awe at the wonder of Creation and marvel at the power of our Creator.
We honor Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all of whom were present at Creation and all who continue to guide and protect us.
To our triune (three-in-one) God be all glory!
The Holy Spirit Prepares the Church
Pastor Stephen Daley
Joel 2:28, 29
6/12/2011
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In Old Testament times, God spoke to specific people in visions and dreams to tell them what He wanted them to know. He also sent prophets with messages to specific individuals or groups of people.
We now have the Bible that tells us all the things God wants us to know, so there isn't a need for Him to use visions or send prophets. All people now have access to the Word; the Holy Spirit uses the Word to give us the answers we need.
As Christians, we look to God's Answer Book for guidance, and we continue the mission of sharing His Word with all people in the world.
He Lives to Give Me Eager Expectations of Glory
Pastor Stephen Daley
2 Corinthians 4:13-118
6/5/2011
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Perspective changes everything. As people saved from sin, we eagerly await the day we get to join Jesus in glory. Our faith gives us joy in spite of any hardships we may face in this life. We gladly share this news with others so that they also may have this joy.
He Lives to Call Me to Live for Him
Pastor Stephen Daley
John 14:15-21
5/29/2011
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Our living Savior sends us the Holy Spirit to be our Counselor forever. The Spirit guides us, protects us, and leads us to be devoted followers of Jesus.
He Lives to be My Good Shepherd
Pastor Stephen Daley
Hebrews 13:20-21
5/15/2011
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As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we take comfort in the picture often painted in God's Word of Jesus as our caring shepherd who guides and protects us, his sheep. He provides for all of our needs and equips us to live in accordance with his will.
He Lives to Restore My Hope
Pastor Stephen Daley
Luke 24:13-35
5/8/2011
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As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, he found that they had lost their hope. The Master Teacher used his most powerful tool - the Scriptures - to explain to them all that had been said about himself. Later, after they were allowed to recognize him, they went back to Jerusalem filled with joy, their hope restored.
Today, as we welcome new confirmands into communicant membership, we need to remember that this is not the end of their education; it is just another step in the journey of faith. Like the disciples, all of us need to remain in close contact with the Master Teacher - through his Word - to restore our hope and grow in our faith.
People of the Passion: The Women, the Witnesses
Pastor Stephen Daley
Luke 24:1-11
4/24/2011
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Many women followed Jesus from Galilee and witnessed his death and hasty burial on Good Friday. Early on Sunday morning, they went to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus' body for a proper burial, but they had to change their plans. There was no body! Angels shared the news that Christ had risen! They told the women to share the news with the disciples.
The women did as they were told and were met by Jesus on their way. After worshipping the Lord, they shared what they had witnessed with the disciples, even though their message was met with skepticism.
We rejoice in the message the women shared. God's Son died in our place to pay for our sins and rose again to show his victory over sin, death, and Satan. Eternal life in heaven is ours!
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