What Kind of Soil Am I?

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 – What Kind of Soil Am I? Risen Savior Lutheran Church in McFarland, Wisconsin Pastor Nathan Berg   Just like last week, the Word of God before us describes the inner workings of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. And, just like last week, the context is key. Outwardly, Jesus’ ministry is […]

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

The Sermon for Matthew 11:25–30 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Hoopeston, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor   Just because you don’t believe it; that doesn’t mean that it isn’t true. I remember when President Kennedy was assassinated.  I first heard the news out on the school playground.  One of my fellow students came to tell me […]

I came not to bring peace, but a sword

The Sermon for Matthew 10:34–42 St Paul Lutheran Church, Manito, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor   In this morning’s Gospel, we heard Jesus say, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34) These words sound violently uncharacteristic for […]

Jesus sends the twelve apostles

The Sermon for Matthew 10:21–33 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Hoopeston, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor   From time to time, I have heard the preaching of what many would call prosperity theology – usually on television.  You are probably familiar with this theology as well.  Basically, the preacher tells you that God wants His people […]

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Alan Taylor St. John Lutheran Church Galveston, Texas Sun Matthew 9:35-10:8 In this morning’s Gospel reading Jesus sends His disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven.  But He does so with a peculiar command.  “Go nowhere (He says) among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the […]

The Calling of Matthew

The Sermon for Matthew 9:9–13 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Hoopeston, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor No matter who you plan to vote for in the next election, there is one tactic that seems to come up in every political campaign.  Sooner or later one or more candidates will ask us to judge the other candidates […]

The Beginning

The Sermon for the Holy Trinity Genesis 1:1–2:4a;   Acts 2:14a, 22–36;  Matthew 28:16–20 St Paul Lutheran Church, Manito, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor   The festival that we celebrate on this day is very different from the other festivals of the Church Year.  The other festivals celebrate events.  Christmas is the birth of our Lord.  […]

The Day of Pentecost

The Day of Pentecost St. John Lutheran Church Galveston, Texas Rev. Alan Taylor Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his […]

I Cried Out to God for Help

The Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Easter John 17:1–11 St Paul Lutheran Church, Manito, IL Rev. James T. Batchelor   Christ has risen!  He has risen, indeed!  Alleluia!   During the last half of the Easter Season, we have been listening to Jesus in the Upper Room just a few hours before Judas betrayed […]

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Easter 6, series A Rev. Alan Taylor St. John Lutheran Church Galveston, Texas   Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. It’s good to be here, isn’t it? The Church, God’s people are called precisely to be here, in God’s house, receiving His gifts, […]