Second Sunday in Advent, December 4, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus Series

Come, Lord Jesus — as Judge

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10. From the family tree of Jesse, another King would come to judge the world with righteousness and establish an everlasting kingdom.

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-13. God’s people face the coming judgement not with fear but with hope.

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12. To prepare us for the coming judgment, God sent John the Baptist, a voice ini the wilderness, call all to repent.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 11:1-10. A Shoot Springs Up for You.

Jesus brings judgment and peace. We do not need to fear the truth that he will come again as a judge. ‘we can pray boldly and confidently for that day, to “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Pastor Nate Kassulke

First Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus Series

Come, Lord Jesus — as King

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5. In the future, when the King comes again, he will transform this world.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7. Our present life is transformed from worry to joy and hope because of the King who came.

Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11. The King of all creation comes to us in all humility, willing to do everything needed to save us from our sins.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 2:1-5. Come to Your Savior King.

Because Jesus first came as our Savior, we now look forwrd to his second coming as our King.

As Isaiah’s prophetic vision shows us, we know what to expect when he comes again: our Savior King assuming his throne on the magnificent mountain of the Lord, streams of people coming to him so they may be instructed in his ways and walk in his illuminated paths, and complete peace when war will be no more.

Pastor Tim Patoka

First Wednesday in Advent, November 30, 2022

Midweek Advent Series: Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You?

First Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

Second Reading and Sermon Text: Luke 1:57-79.

Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You? With Repentance Like Zechariah
At the birth of his son John, Zechariah showed true repentance for not believing God’s messenger with the news he was given 9 months earlier. May words like those be on our hearts and on our lips as we meet Jesus our Lord with repentance like Zechariah.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Thanksgiving Eve Service, November 23, 2022

First Reading: Philippians 4:4-9. Rejoice in the Lord always.

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50. Faith in Jesus saves you.

Sermon Text: Psalm 100. Shout to the LORD with joy for he is good. His mercy endures forever.

Pastor Seth Scheuerlein

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 20, 2022

In Christ All Things, ALA Sunday

First Reading: Revelation 22:6-13. Jesus will return soon. When he does, the reward he won for mankind will be in his hand.

Psalm 150. Praise ye the Lord!.

Gospel: Luke 12: 35-40. Jesus urges us to remain ready for his return at all times.

Sermon Text: Colossians 1:15-20. Center Your Life on Jesus, Your All-Sufficient Savior.

Pastor Brad Bode, ALA Campus Pastor

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 13, 2022

The Last Day: A Day of Terror for All Those Who Troubled God’s People

First Reading: Malachi 4;1-6. On the Last Day, those who opposed God will be laid low, but all God’s people will be healed.

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. God promises that on the Last Day, all those who troubled his hold people will themselves be eternally troubled.

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19 Jesus tells us what the world will be like for believers before the Last Day.

Sermon Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. God’s Righteous Verdict Will Be Revealed.

For us who are troubled by sin, by unbelief, by persecution, by just the sufferings of this world that is still a sinful place, the waiting for relief is sometimes difficult and painful.

We are waiting for glory, for Jesus return. We are waiting for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to return and to give us a righteous verdict, to declare us not guilty because of his work and so Heaven is our Home, our Eternal Home.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: The Truth Sets Us Free

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34. The old covenant of law could tel people how to act. It could not create the desire to freely do so. The new covenant of grace transforms people’s hearts, so they freely and joyfully follow God’s will.

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1-6. The Apostle Paul encourages us to stand firm in the freedom that we have in Christ.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 8:31-38. Real Disciples

Real disciples remain in the Word and are set free by Jesus.

May the words of Jesus lead you to treasure his word because it brings you the truth that sets you free from sin and death and brings you to eternal life with him. Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost, October 23, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith Demonstrated Through Total Dependence

First Reading: Deuteronomy 10: 12-22. Before he leaves them, Moses reminds the Israelites that they are and will always be dependent on God’s grace.

Second Reading: 1 John 2:15-22. The Apostle John encourages us to love and depend on God, not the world.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 18: 18-30. Depend on God for the Impossible

We should depend on God whose Son, Jesus Christ, did the impossible so that the inheritance of eternal life is our guaranteed certainty.

We also depend on God for us to be able to leave all earthly treasures for the kingdom of God.

May we pray to God for this increase of faith so that we totally and always depend on God for the impossible. Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 16, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith Demonstrated Through Persistent Prayer

First Reading: Genesis 32:22-30. Jacob literally wrestles with
God in praying for God’s blessing.

Second Reading: 1 John 5:13-15. When we ask God for something that is according to his will, we can be absolutely confident we will receive it.

Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8. Jesus teaches us to be bold and persistent in our prayers..

Sermon: 1 John 5:13-15. Yes, He is Listening.

You and i don’t see what God sees, and we don’t know what God knows, so we pray with the confidence that he is listening because we are his children; we pray with the certainty that he is listening because we ask according to his will; we pray with the assurance that he is listening because he wants to answer us

There is nothing uncertain about this. It is a sure thing. God promises. Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 9, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith That Overflows with Gratitude

First Reading: Genesis 8:15-22. Noah expressed his gratitude for God’s preserving his life and the lives of his family as soon as they disembarked from the Ark.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:10-15. Our gratitude for God’s generosity to us will naturally include a willingness to be generous with others.

Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19. Only one of the ten lepers Jesus cured had the bold faith to throw himself at Jesus’ feet in gratitude.

Sermon: Genesis 8:15-22.

God rescued Noah and his family from the waters of judgement he sent in the flood. It is a true account, one that we should not doubt.

And when all aboard the ark were able to come out, right away Noahgave a generous offering to God. His heart was full of gratitude.

May we take to heart his example. May our faith be overflowing with gratitude for what he has done and for what he has promised.

Lord, in crease our faith

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 2, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith That Delights in Duty

First Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:1-2, 10-18. King David found it a duty and delight to plan the construction of the LORD’s temple.

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12. Saint Paul thanks God that growing faith of the Thessalonians enabled them not only to grow in love for one another, but also to face persecutions.

Gospel: Luke 17: 1-10. Jesus teaches us about the connection between increased faith and an increased sense of duty to God.

Sermon: 1 Chronicles 29: 1-2, 10-18. Who Am I?

When we ask ourselves the question, “Who am I?” we reply as King David did by saying, “I am but a humble servant who has been abundantly blessed by the Lord’s hand and who looks to him to preserve my upright heart.”

May we remain close to our Savior and daily reflect on everything he has done for us so that we always have a faith that delights in our Christian duty. Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 25, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: What Seems to Help in Life Fails in Death; What Seems to Fail in Life Helps in Death

First Reading: Amos 6:1-7. The Israelites at the time of Amos enjoyed peace and prosperity, but spiritually they were drifting away from the LORD.

Second Reading: Hebrews 13:1-6. Because the Lord is our helper in both life and death, in all aspects of life we strive to live for him.

Gospel and Semon Text: Luke 16:19-31. Life Like Lazarus.

Living like Lazarus means that we take the attitude that he did: patiently suffering when that was his lot in life.

Lazarus listened to Moses and the Prophets and its why he was comforted forever in heaven

The suffering and pain of Lazarus that seemed to ruin this life were worth facing as they led to his eternal life.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 18, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: You Can’t Service God and Money

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20. King Solomon knew from experience that if you put your trust and faith in money, you will end up disappointed.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19). The Apostle Paul teaches that serving money will lead to spiritual destruction, but serving God with our money leads to a fulfilling life.

Gospel: Luke 16:1-15. All money belongs to God; he loans it to us to manage for his glory. Jesus’ parable teaches us to be shrewd in the way we use money to serve him.

Sermon: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19. Serve God With Money

Be content with your blessing from God

Use your blessings for Godly Enjoyment

Money is not inherently good or evil. It’s a tool to serve a purpose.

As we seek to serve God with money, we start with a content heart because of how richly God has blessed us.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 11, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: The Found Are Left; the Lost Are Found

First Reading: Hosea 3:1-5. The LORD called the Prophet Hosea to seek his adulterous wife and love her again to show our God is a God who seeks and redeems those who are lost.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. Paul encourages the members of the church to lovingly welcome back a member who had been lost in sin.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 15:1-10. Forgiveness for the Lost and Rejoicing Over the Found.

People might be different from us in all sorts of way, but they are people Jesus loves.

We dare not judge them to be less important than we are..

Your prayers to God today should include:

thanks that he found you when you were lost,

asking that he always keep you mindful of his grace,

asking that he would use you to search for and share forgiveness with the lost so that they may be found.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 3, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: Put Down What You Love; Pick Up What You Loathe

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20.  The Lord set two paths before Israel: one leading to life, the other to death.

Second Reading: Philemon 1, 7-21. An escaped lave returning to his owner is a perfect example of the cost involved in following Jesus.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 14:25-35. Carry Your Very Own Cross.

Jesus teaches us that truly following him will come at a cost. We can’t fight the numerous enemies that struggle against us, either; there are too many.  All around us are temptations and traps.

Jesus picked up his cross.  He set aside everything that people naturally love, even his own life, in order to win our forgiveness and salvation. He empowers us to respond to his love by willingly carry our own cross to align our values not to what gives us pleasure but to what God’s will is for us.

It is worth it to be a disciple of Jesus, to carry our own cross, because it means being close to him forever

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost, August 28, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: The Humble Will Be Exalted; the Exalted Will Be Humbled

First Reading: Proverbs 25:6-7. King Solomon provides common sense about humility and pride.

Second Reading: James 2:1-13. Showing favoritism treats others with judgment rather than mercy, putting us at risk of receiving the same from God.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 14:1, 7-14. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled by God.

But Jesus also gives us the promise we need to be freed from pride’s trap.

Our exaltation doesn’t need to be our responsibility because Jesus has already made it his.

It is the humble ones who are humble because of faith in Jesus who will be exalted in the end. They will find honor at the resurrection of the righteous a they are welcomed into the great heavenly banquet and called up to the highest place with our Savior for all eternity.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 21, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

The First Will Be Last; the Last Will Be First

First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-24. The LORD teaches that those who seemed far from his kingdom will be among the first to enter eternal glory.

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-24. Being first in God’s eyes has nothing to do with keeping the Law.

Gospel Reading and Sermon Text:  Luke 13:22-30. The Door to Heaven.

• Is Narrow for All

• Is Open to All

The doorway into heaven is narrow. Scripture consistently teaches that those individuals who are certain they will be first through the door are more likely to be last, if they make it through at all.

Instead, the one who believes he is the last one God should le into his kingdom and that his only chance of getting in is through the grace of Christ will enter first.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 14, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

We Want Peace, but God’s Word Divides

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:23-29. The Word of the LORD divides what is true from what is false

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-13.  The Hebrews who converted to Christianity faced persecution, often divided from friends and family, even separated from their livelihood.  They learned to fix their eyes on Jesus

Gospel Reading:  Luke 12-49-53. Jesus knew that his work would cause divisions that would often cut close to home.

Sermon:  Hebrews 12:1-13.  Let Us Run Our Race

We have God looking out for us.  He uses the pain and the challenges in life for our benefit to strengthen us.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 7, 2022

Focused Series

Focused Living Properly Values Heavenly Treasure

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6. In faith, Abram treasured all of the LORD’s gracious promises.

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. The gift of faith allows us to see the true treasure that is found when the architect and builder is God

Gospel: Luke 12:22-34. Jesus assures us we have a Father in heaven who knows what we need better than we do.

Sermon: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. Commendable Faith.

• Convinced of God’s Unseen Promises

• Longs for Heaven’s Better Land

As seen with the mention of Abraham in the text, a commendable faith is convinced of God’s promises, even his unseen ones. Because God is faithful to his promises, we can take him at his word and hold him to it 100% of the time

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 31, 2022

Focused Series

Focused Living Properly Values Earthly Wealth

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 12-14; 2:18-26. King Solomon, the teacher, learned by experience the limited value of earthly possessions.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-11. If life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions, then of what does life consist? Paul tells us that in baptism we died and were raised with Christ.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 12:13-21. Which Type of Rich Person Are You?

The one who depends on earthly things? How focused are you on money and things that you have?

The one who depends on God? These are the kind of people who want to change whatever has been wrong in our lives in order to thank God for his incredible eternal generosity, who care about how we treat our worldly wealth because we know that he has made us rich now and forever.

Pastor Ron Koehler