Sermons by Pastor Gewecke (Page 8)
Pentecost 23C Building on the Promises of God Part 14: Your redemption Is Drawing Near
Luke 21:5-28 It may seem rather strange to us the way that Jesus places violence and troubled times before our eyes with his words in Luke 21. They can be difficult to hear and we would rather dwell on positive themes. However, a closer look at the passage indicates that Jesus’ purpose is to help us so that we don’t get stuck in the scenes of violence but can see through them to our redemption that is drawing near. Sermon…
Pentecost 22C Building on the Promise of God Part 13: God Sympathizes with You
Hebrews 4:15-16 The Scriptures are very clear that the end times will be troubled times. A quick look around us at the events of the world confirms that. But Paul assures us that God is a God of comfort. And as Hebrews tells us that comfort comes at least in part because we have a high priest who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. Sermon Date: November 10, 2019
All Saints C Building on the Promises of God Part 12: Joy Is Coming
Psalm 30:5 Psalm 30 reminds us that weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning. Nobody needs to teach us about weeping that tarries for the night. We have all experienced restless, even distressful nights. But God’s promise is that joy comes with the morning. That morning breaks as Jesus comes to us bringing his light. Sermon Date: November 3, 2019
Reformation C Sola Scriptura
John 8:31-36 The Reformation principle “by Scripture alone” traces its history back to the Leipzig Debate where Luther insisted that Scripture is the only norm for doctrine. Our text shows us that it is also the only norm for our lives and the very power of God for our salvation. Sermon Date: October 27, 2019
Pentecost 19C Building on the Promises of God Part 11: Justice Will Prevail
Luke 18:1-8 Somewhere along the line of our days we have all learned that life is not always fair. In fact, there is a whole lot of injustice in this world. We work for justice and God has given us government to help bring about greater justice among us. But sometimes it remains. As we say, “Life isn’t always fair.” In Luke 18 Jesus tells us a parable that helps us deal with the injustice we may experience. The parable…
Pentecost 17C Building on the Promises of God Part 10: The Tomb Is Temporary
1 Corinthians 15:54 Habakkuk reminds us that the righteous live by faith. Yes, even in the face of injustice and death. In fact, our great enemy is death. It would tear us apart and separate us from God. So what exactly happens to you at death? People postulate many ideas. All of them leave us hopeless and in despair. But God, in Christ, gives us the hope of the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus’ own resurrection. He is the firstfruits…
Pentecost 16C Building on the Promises of God Part 9: The Devil Is Defeated
Revelation 12:7-12 The Festival of St. Michael and All Angels reminds us that there is a whole other realm beyond this earthly realm in which we live. We are called to see our earthly struggles and the problems of evil from a cosmic level. That is where it all begins. So our enemy is not flesh and blood but rather the forces of the spiritual realm. But exactly who is our enemy, the devil? Among other things and of most…
Pentecost 15C Building on the Promises of God Part 8: Christ Is Praying for You
Romans 8:34 The Scriptures remind us that prayer for all people is an important part of our worship and daily life. But did you know that Jesus is also praying for you? He is at the right hand of the Father interceding for you. That doesn’t mean you get a pass on the troubles of life. But what does it mean? Sermon Date: September 22, 2019
Pentecost 14C Building on the Promises of God, Part 7: No Condemnation
Romans 8:1 The National Debt Clock not only illustrates the rapidly rising national debt, but can also be an illustration of our ever rising sin debt against God. Jesus’ parable of the Unmerciful Servant drives the point home; we have a great and unpayable debt of sin before God. But the Apostle Paul, who himself had a great debt to God cancelled, reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Sermon Date: September 15,…
Pentecost 13C Building on the Promises of God, Part 6: Power from the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 Jesus set a high bar for discipleship; if you do not renounce all that you have you cannot be my disciple. So count the cost. Make sure that you can finish before you begin. Do you have the resources? Really? We know from experience that we don’t. But God does! And he promises, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. There is the power for discipleship! Sermon Date: September 8, 2019