He Has Done All Things Well: Taking Up the Cross, Sunday, September 19, 2021

Readings for this Service: He Has Done All Things Well, #2

First Lesson: Jeremiah 38:1-13. God had Jeremiah warn the people of the coming judgment of God, yet this faithful servant received abuse and persecution.

Second Lesson: 1 Peter 4:12-19. Peter minds us that the suffering we do is for our Savior’s glory.

Verse of the Day: Romans 15:4. Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-35.

When we consider what we are to do as Christ’s followers, we need to begin with what Jesus has done for us: instead of remaining in heaven, he selflessly gave that us for us and he lived perfectly for us.

And then he died—on a cross—for us—so that our sins would be paid for. It is out of thankfulness for those things he did to save us that we follow him.

Although we often fail at it, we find forgiveness for those failures and we find help from the Holy Spirit to put us back on track so that we live a Christian life in thanks to Jesus.

Amen.

Pastor Ron Koehler

He Has Done All Things Well: Healing Our Suffering, Sunday, September 12, 2021

Readings for this Service: He Has Done All Things Well, #1

First Lesson: Isaiah 35:4-7. When we suffer, we look to the Lord who will strengthen us.

Second Lesson: Acts 3:1-10. We are encouraged to tell our troubles to the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice!

Gospel and Sermon Text: Mark 7:31-37. The Incidental Ephphatha

The account of Jesus’ healing of a deaf and mute man, saying “Ephphatha! Be opened!"

Jesus came to our world to take away our sins, not to relieve us of temporary hardships. Life is not easy, but it doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us in our sufferings. He sends blessings our way continually.

It’s in these that Jesus shows us how he cares for both our bodies and our souls and will protect and preserve us as he has promised.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, Week 14: September 5, 2021, Peaceful Animals

Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #14

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Isaiah 11:6-10

Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17. This is St. John’s vision of the white robed people coming to worship the Lord.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel: John 14:1-6. Jesus instructs us to find peace in Him.

Sermon: Isaiah 11:6-10. Peaceful Animals.

There is going to come a time when there will be no more hurt and no destruction. There will be no sin and pain and frustration and anger and tears. It all goes away. It will happen on the LORD’s holy mountain, heaven, the high and holy place where he dwells. On the day of our Lord’s return, all of God’s people will be released from a restless world full of danger and upheaval and they will be given full and lasting peace.

We will see Jesus and we will find peace and rest and it will be glorious. Amen.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, Week 13: August 22, 2021, Dragon

Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #13

First Lesson: Isaiah 26:20-27:9. The LORD will protect his people!

Psalm 18: The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.

Second Lesson and Sermon Text: Revelation 12:1-18. The dragon of John’s vision was the Devil trying to defeat God’s plans and purposes. Jesus has won the victory over him and share that victory with his people.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13. The Devil temps Jesus 3 times to no avail.

Sermon: Revelation 12:1-18. Victorious Over the Deadly Dragon.

The visions in Revelation can be summarized like this—-God has won, Satan has lost, and we, God’s children through fait, share in that victory now and forever.

So when you feel the heat of the Devil’s anger burning against you or your conscience is burdened from his truthful accusations, remember the big picture—God has won, Satan has lost, and that’s a fact.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, August 22, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #12

First Lesson: Ezekiel 18:19-23, 30-32: God holds everyone accountable and wants us to repent.

Psalm 34: Blessed are they who take refuge in God.

Second Lesson:  2 Corinthians 7:8-13: Repentance seems painful but God uses it for our good.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Matthew 26:69-75: Rooster.

God wants us to be filled with sorrow for the sins we have committed, not because he wants us to suffer, but because he wants us to turn to him.

God wants us to learn the lesson Peter did: that we cannot depend on ourselves; we have to depend on Jesus.

God wants us to repent and believe that he is our Savior and to enjoy the eternal comfort of salvation.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, August 15, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #11

First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-8. God compares anyone who trust in the LORD to a healthy tree planted by water.

Second Lesson:  Philippians 4:4-9. Let your requests be made known to God who will guard and give you peace.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Matthew 6:25-34. Free Like the Bird.

God tells us not to worry as He will take care of our needs, and to seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, August 8, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #10

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Proverbs 6:6-11

Psalm: 119B. Preserve my life in God’s righteousness

Second Lesson:  2 Thessalonians 3:6-12. Paul served at God’s example of working and not being idle.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 25:24-30. A parable of Jesus: The servant did nothing with what was given to him stresses that we use the gifts God gives to us to show glory to God.

Sermon: Proverbs 6:6-11. Lean a Laziness Lesson from this Ant.

Heavenly riches await the Christian who is faithful in using the talents and opportunities the Lord has given! They make the effort, but are not forgiven and saved by their effort.

Instead, they look to Jesus and repent when they have not followed the commands of God and the lesson of the industrious ant.

They find forgiveness in Christ who worked for them, and in Christ, they will one day find eternal rest from their work in the presence of the Lord.

Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, August 1, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #9

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:19-25

Second Lesson:  1 Timothy 5:17-20. In his letter to Timothy, Paul describes how congregations should honor those who bring the Gospel to them

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel: John 3:22-30. As Jesus was beginning his ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Christ.

Sermon: 2 Kings 2:19-25. Two Bears.

The account of a group of young men making fun of the Lord’s prophet Elisha being punished by the mauling two bears inflicted brings home the point that God is serious about his Word and so he does not tolerate idolatry. How many people would have been harmed in incredible and eternal ways if God had allowed his prophet to be despised and mocked?

The main message of the Bible is the unbelievable story of an innocent man being whipped, beaten, and finally put to death on a cross which he did because he loves you and me and a world of sinful people. Jesus died to give us life and he lives again so that we will never die.

In addition, God is serious about those he calls to share his Word and he wants his messengers respected. That is the lesson we learn from two bears.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, July 25, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #8

First Lesson: Daniel 6:1-24.

Second Lesson:  Ephesians 6:10-17.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-31

Sermon: Daniel 6:1-24. Faithful, Even Before Hungry Lions

We look to Daniel who remained faithful to God, even before hungry lions.

Count on God to do for you as he has promised regardless of the dangers that are threatening you and likely lack of miracles.

Though we do not expect life or death persecutions, we still have plenty of opportunities to live for God in our customary ways.

Don’t be afraid to continue being faithful to God. Rather, draw your strength from God’s faithfulness to you so that you may always remain faithful to him, even if it is before hungry lions.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, July 18, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #7

First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-11. This lesson is filled with promises fulfilled by God; some through Jesus and some yet to come.

Second Lesson:  Romans 4:13-17a. These verses focus on God’s promise to Abraham and to those with the faith of Abraham.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel and Sermon Text. Matthew 15:21-28. Great Faith Trusts God’s Promises. (Jesus and the Canaanite woman and a little dog.)

We have sinned by not always showing a great faith that is based on a dep knowledge of God.

We have sinned by not always having the right motivation for our prayers.

We have sinned by giving up on our requests to Jesus and not persisting in seeing his blessing.

These kinds of sins may not be obvious on the outside, but God knows them. That means that these are sins Jesus came to pay for. May this lesson lead us to have a great faith that is confident in Jesus, and move us to go to him with our persistent prayers. Amen.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, July 11, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #6

First Lesson: Numbers 22:22-35.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 91. God is our refuge and fortress.

Second Lesson:  Acts 13:26-39.  God has Paul write that everyone who believes in Jesus is justified.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31.  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.

Gospel:  Luke 4:14-30. God promised us a savior and Jesus was that Savior.

Sermon:  Numbers 22:22-35.  A Talking Donkey.

God wasn’t going to let Balak curse His people, in fact, he protected them against any and every enemy.  He kept all of his promises.

In protecting his people, God was preserving a promise for the whole world:  Jesus died for the sins of ALL.

It means that He will keep us safe in Him until we reach our heavenly home.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, July 4, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #5

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Exodus 16:6-30

Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Second Lesson: Philippians 4:10-20. God supplies all our needs.

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to pray what we refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” in which we trust in God to, among other things, “give us today our daily bread.”

Sermon: Exodus 16:6-30 Quail

In this account, God is teaching us that we can trust him, to pray for all that we need for our bodies and lives, and to acknowledge that all our good gifts come from god and give him thanks for them.

But he would also have us remember that the physical needs he takes care of for us are far less important than the spiritual needs he has already taken care of through his Son Jesus. In fact, it’s the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that make this life worth living and allow us to truly appreciate our daily bread.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, June 27, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #4

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Exodus 29:38-46

Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Second Lesson: Revelation 5:6-25. As the slain Lamb of God, Jesus is worthy of our praise.

Gospel: John 1:29-34. John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the one who came into the world to take away the sin of the world.

Sermon: Exodus 29:38-46. Year-Old Lambs

God blesses us with the assurance that the Lamb of God has truly taken our sins away along with his additional blessings.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, June 20, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #3

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 7:6-24

Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:1-9. There’s always those who will reject the WORD, the flood, and the Lord’s promise of a savior.

Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44. Jesus will return on the last day at an hour when we do not expect it.

Sermon: Genesis 7:6-24. The Flood: God’s Judgment and Rescue.

As we remember the Great Flood and Noah’s Ark, remember that God had every right to scrap the whole world and everything in it, but he didn’t. He sent The Flood both in judgment and for rescue.

• Let it remind us that God judges sin and punishes it.

• Let it remind us that Jesus took the punishment for our sin, and in so doing, we have been rescued from eternal destruction and have eternal life ahead of us.

• Let it remind us to have the kind of trust Noah had as he listened to God, knowing that the LORD would save him.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, June 13, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Readings for Summer Worship Series #2

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 3:1-19

Psalm of the day: Psalm 51a: The psalmist asks God for mercy and forgiveness.

Second Lesson: 1 John: 3:7-10. In John’s chapter, God warns believers against the words of the devil and the temptations he brings..

Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Gospel: John 8:42-47. Jesus warns us against the works of the devil and those who listen to his lies.

Sermon: Genesis 3:1-19. The Clever Serpent.

When God created the world he described all of it as very good. But Satan the clever devil presented himself to Adam and Eve, bringing temptation into their perfect world. They could listen to God and obey him or they could give in to his enemy, Satan. Satan was successful, and for that, he was cursed.

The good news is that salvation is yours because God has rescued you. He sent his dear Son Jesus to do battle with Satan’s temptations. He won that battle for us.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, Animals According to Their Kind, June 6, 2021

Readings for Summer Worship Series #1

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 1:20-31.

Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:1-6. Being a child of God means we believe what we cannot prove because we trust God.

Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Gospel: John 1:1-14.

Sermon: Welcome to the Grand Opening of God’s Zoo! Genesis 1:20-31.

On day six, our God created all living things but the crown of his creation was man. We were to rule over and manage all else that God had created, although this is not what always happens.

God cares for our souls and, though we are sinful, he wants us to be with him in heaven. For this reason, Jesus entered our world We can show our thanks and our love to him with a proper view of the Genesis account of creation, by caring for his creation and appreciating the amazing God who gave us this incredible zoo we find ourselves in.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Readings for this Service: Holy Trinity

First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8. God gave His prophet Isaiah a view into His throne room.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:14-17. The Spirit of God has made us His heirs.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 3:1-17. Describing a God Beyond Understanding.

Trying to get all the details right about the way that God reveals himself to us is a mind-boggling thing.

We can’t really understand it, because we don’t know anything else that is three-in-one like God is, but we know that God in his whole desires our salvation. He loves us: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 23, 2021

Readings for this Service: The Day of Pentecost

First Lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14. The Holy Spirit has power to bring life to the dead.

Second Lesson: Acts 2:1-21. The Holy Spirit brings us to trust in Jesus for our salvation.

Gospel: John 14:25-27. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of what he has done for us and to leave us with true peace.

Sermon: Acts 2:1-21: The Holy Spirit’s Wonderful and Prophesied Presence

• Marvel at God’s Wonderful Work in You.

• Believe in What This All Means.

It was in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven that the Holy spirit made his presence known those gathered from far reaching lands. What they were hearing—-each in their own language—-was the wonderful works of God—-the Gospel.

The one who calls upon Jesus with faith in their heart will be saved from their sins and the eternal punishment that hell is.

The Holy Spirit’s presence on Pentecost was prophesied about by the prophet Joel some 900 years before in Joel 2: 28-32 where he was inspired to write of signs of the great and glorious day of the Lord and that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Ascension of Our Lord, Sunday, May 16, 2021

Readings for this Service: Connected Though Not Present

First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11

Second Lesson: Ephesians 4:7-16.

Verse of the Day: John 14:23. If anyone loves me he will hold on to my word. My father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53.

Sermon: Acts 1:1-11: Connected Though Not Present

• Established by the Holy Spirit’s Gift of Faith.

• Strengthened through God’s Revealed Knowledge.

At Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, he went from visibly present to visibly absent, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost our connection to him—-it is not dependent on Jesus’ visible present. Rather it is established by the Holy Spirit through the gift of faith he works in us.

There’s work for growth by reading his word in the Bible, Sunday church attendance, Bible study. May we treasure our established and strengthened connection to our ascended Lord so that when we finally see him visibly present, we may do so rejoicing. Amen.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9, 2021

Readings for this Service: Connected by Love

First Lesson: Acts 9:36-42

Second Lesson: 1 John 4:1-11.

Verse of the Day: John 14:23. If anyone loves me he will hold on to my word. My father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 15: 9-17.

The Strong Connections of Love

• The Father to Jesus.

• Jesus to you.

• You to others.

Pastor Ron Koehler