Sermon Archive

Palm Sunday  April 13, 2025 Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Fifth Sunday in Lent April 6, 2025 Rev. Zachary DeArmond 

Third Sunday in Lent March 23, 2025 by Rev. Robert Korytkowski

Second Sunday in Lent  March 16, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Transfiguration of Our Lord March 2, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany February 23, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 16, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany  February 9, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Presentation of our Lord February 2, 2025 by Rev. Gil Duchow

Third Sunday after Epiphany January 26, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Second Sunday after Epiphany January 19, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Baptism of our Lord January 12, 2025 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

Third Sunday of Advent December 12 and 15 by Rev. Zachary DeArmond

The preaching and Baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptist was completed with the first advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh, but the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers, the Lord calls people of all nations to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed and our mountains of pride are brought low, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us, so also does He perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit, and He “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people, precious in His sight and abounding in faith and love, so that we offer our very lives in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3–4).

The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Is. 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Is. 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Eph. 5:25–26).