Matthew 17:1-9| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| January 29, 2023 When we consider the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, that magnificent moment when His divine nature was not hidden and His three closest disciples witnessed Him in all His splendor as He spoke with Moses and Elijah, and God the Father declared…
Epiphany 3| 2 Kings 5:1-14| Matthew 8:1-13| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| January 22, 2023 Throughout the Bible, God’s people are engaged in military conflicts with other nations. The land given to them by God is frequently invaded by pagan nations. Scripture is filled with tales of heroes of the faith conquering enemies…
Epiphany 2| John 2:1-11| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| January 15, 2023 “This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him.” John 2:11 When Jesus turned water into wine, He manifested His glory, that is, His divine glory. That means, that…
Christmas Day 2022| John 1:1-18| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God….
Christmas Eve 2022| Luke 2:14| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.” Luke 2:13-14 Peace on earth. What peace on earth? Wars continue to…
Advent 4| John 1:19-28| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| December 18, 2022 No, no, no. That’s what John answers to the messengers of the Pharisees. “I’m not the Christ.” Well, we knew that already. “I’m not Elijah.” Wait, but doesn’t Jesus tell us that John is Elijah? (Matthew 11:13 and 17:11-13) Indeed, he…
Advent 3| Matthew 11:2-10| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| December 11, 2022 While John was in prison, he heard of Jesus’ wonderful works, so he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And this poses a question for…
Matthew 21:1-9| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 27, 2022 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You by Paul Gerhardt is the perfect Advent hymn. Advent means coming or arrival. We Christians anticipate Jesus’ return. So, the hymnist asks the important question, “O Lord, how shall I meet You, how [shall I] welcome…
Last Sunday of the Church Year| Matthew 25:1-13| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 20, 2022 We Christians are of all people greatly privileged, because we do not need to be afraid of Christ’s return. Last week, we heard of Jesus’ lesson of the final judgment when he would separate all nations before…
Second to Last Sunday of the Church Year| Matthew 25:31-46| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 13, 2022 The Gospel lesson appointed for the second to last Sunday in the Church Year focuses on the final judgment, which everyone should contemplate with great sobriety. Although many scoff and doubt that Christ will ever…