http://www.sjlc.com St. John's Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, a member congregation of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. en St. John's Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, a member congregation of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. St. John's Lutheran Church no St. John's Lutheran Church Sermons office@sjlc.com ℗ & © 2009 St. John's Lutheran Church 720 Paul's words to the Corinthian Christians help us grasp the truth of what Christian stewardship is, and what it is not. Christian stewardship is "the free and joyous activity of the child of God, and of God's family, the church, in managing all of life and life's resources for God's purposes." When all is said and done, Christian stewardship is not about fundraising, but faithraising. We cannot give anything to God since God is the Maker and Owner of heaven and earth. The only thing we can do is to manage faithfully and wisely what belongs to God. Stewardship begins with God's giving the life of his only Son - the greatest sacrifice. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/giving-in-grace http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090628-giving-in-grace.mp3 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:54:37 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Walking by Faith god,stewardship,giving,faith,manage,jesus,life,resources 15:14 God’s favor has come to us through His Son, who gave his life on the cross so that both our outside and our inside may be made new, so that we may be saved from our sin. God walks the talk for us, and we follow Him. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/walk-the-talk http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090621-walk-the-talk.mp3 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:37:49 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Walking by Faith faith,hardship,witness,hypocracy,sacraments,love 10:37 Walking by faith as a believer in Jesus Christ is not easy. It was not easy for Paul the apostle, author of this text from 2 Corinthians, who endured much for the sake of the Gospel, ultimately giving his life for Christ. Our walking by faith as modern-day disciples may not go to that extreme; however, it is still no easy thing. Our walking by faith begins with what God in Christ has done for us - the grace and mercy that come through him which call us to faith in the first place. The justification (how we are made right with God) must come before sanctification (growing in holiness) as we become more Christ-like through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us through Word and Sacrament. In doing so, we are walking by faith. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/walking-by-faith Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:43:07 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Walking by Faith jesus,sanctification,justification,faith,walking Father, Son, and Spirit are at work, spending time with us, the adopted children of our Triune God. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/adopted http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/adopted.mp3 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:34:08 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary adoption,holy_trinity,triune,the_shack,athanasian_creed 10:08 The Lord God breathed new life in the dry bones of his people in Ezekiel's vision of old. As we rejoice in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Lord God breathes new life into our bones today through that same Spirit who, as Luther says, "calls us and keeps us in this one truth faith." Although at times we, like Israel of old, feel like "our bones are dried up; our hope is lost, and we are cut off completely," the truth is that the Holy Spirit is more than able to revive us and raise us up to serve God's purpose in the world. Through God's life-giving Word and holy Sacrament, through the fellowship of believers, God is breathing new life into our bones today. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/breathing-new-life-into-our-bones http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/breathing-new-life-into-our-bones.mp3 Sun, 31 May 2009 21:20:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary pentecost,holy_spirit,breath,bones,wind,jesus 14:41 All of the things that Jesus asks for us from his Father, the Father gives us through the Holy Spirit. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/unity http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090524-unity.mp3 Sun, 24 May 2009 23:48:26 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary unity,high_priestly_prayer,denominations,hope,pentecost 12:02 Because Jesus is the true Vine, and we are the branches, our calling is to stay connected to him, loving one another just as he has loved us. This is God's agape love - that holy, self-giving, sacrificial love. This love comes from the Father, is given to us through the Son, and moves out through Christ's people as we show and express this holy love, not just in words, but in action. Jesus calls us his friends - not servants, but friends. Because he has loved us literally unto death (his death upon the cross), his love sets us free to produce the fruits of faith: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. This is our calling in Christ. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/from-the-father-faith-friends-and-fruit http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090517-from-the-father.mp3 Sun, 17 May 2009 19:42:44 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary jesus,father,vine,branches,love,faith,friends,fruit 16:19 Through God's love in Jesus, we are a connected people. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/connected http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090510.mp3 Sun, 10 May 2009 16:26:22 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary mother's_day,vine,branches,bear_fruit,neglect,prayer,church,body_of_christ 11:13 Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us to be loved as members of his flock, assured that he gives himself for us. Our voices then echo his in sharing his love with others. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/voices-and-choices http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/voices-and-choices.mp3 Sun, 03 May 2009 15:03:08 UTC Rev. Dr. Ben Nass Lectionary good_shepherd 13:31 God has forgiven you, set you free from captivity to sin, and given you a new identity as His child. And He's the best at what He does. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/best http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/best.mp3 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:56:32 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary healing,logan,wolverine,children_of_god,identity,practice_of_sin 11:31 As St. Augustine has said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” By grace, we cast off doubt and believe in God's forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/not-seeing-is-believing http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/not-seeing-is-believing.mp3 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:01:59 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary thomas,doubt,faith,narnia,believe 14:28 The "Soaring" ride at Disney's Epcot takes riders on an exhilarating flight simulation over mountains, forests, and oceans. On Easter Sunday, we soar in spirit as Jesus rises in triumph over sin, death, and hell. Despite the overwhelming problems facing our world at present, because of what Jesus has done, we are not helpless victims caught in an endless downward spiral in life. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are more than conquerors. Through Jesus, we can soar in the midst of life's problems, and find our joy in his victory. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/soaring http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/soaring.mp3 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:29:47 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary soar,resurrection,jesus,victory,new_life 13:20 Lent is about God's love for us, epitomized in Jesus' giving up his life for us on the cross. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/wounds-that-heal http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/wounds-that-heal.mp3 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:52:17 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Midweek Lent 2009 lent,good_friday,crucifix,suffering_servant,isaiah 5:06 In the Lord's Supper, the "love feast," Jesus paid our bride price to have us as his own people, that we might be with God forever. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/a-meal-for-the-wounded http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/a-meal-for-the-wounded.mp3 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:01:49 UTC Rev. Dr. Ben Nass Midweek Lent 2009 maundy_thursday,lord's_supper,bride,communion,seder,passover 11:56 On Palm Sunday, we cry out "Hosanna!" to God who saves us in Christ Jesus. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/hype-humility-and-authority http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/hype-humility-and-authority.mp3 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:22:24 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary hype,humility,authority,palm_sunday,passion,hosanna 12:13 On the cross, Jesus suffered the wound of abandonment so that we would never have to. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-wound-of-abandonment Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:34:15 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Midweek Lent 2009 lent,abandonment,hell,heaven,alone,inferno,dante The blooming of the cherry blossom reminds us of Jesus' self-giving love and of his instruction to follow him in service and self-restraint. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/blossoms http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/blossoms.mp3 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:29:08 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary cherry_blossom,sakura,self-denial,self-control,grain_of_wheat,tree_of_life,spring 9:46 The Roman soldiers' mockery of Jesus demonstrates the depth of Jesus' patient love for us to work our forgiveness and reveals the nature of his kingly grace. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-wound-of-mockery http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/wound-of-mockery.mp3 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:36:40 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Midweek Lent 2009 lent,mockery,forgiveness 6:45 As we journey through the wilderness of life, there is only one sign that can deliver what it signifies: the cross of Christ Jesus, through which experience the rich, healing grace of God. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/signs http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/signs.mp3 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:37:57 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary wilderness,direction,bronze_serpent,grace,signs 12:11 Through silence and inaction, we have shunned Jesus for the same reasons as Peter: to avoid being denied by others. We strike our Lord with the wound of denial. Jesus carries this wound to the cross, where he becomes the outcast for us. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-wound-of-denial http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/wound-of-denial.mp3 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:37:15 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Midweek Lent 2009 lent,deny,denial,shun,shunning,inaction,silence 7:00 The account of Jesus' cleansing of the temple is more than an overturning of the moneychangers' tables. In righteous anger, Jesus drove out the animals and those who had turned his Father's house of prayer into a marketplace. When our lives seem overturned and upside-down, God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, is more than able to turn right-side-up whatever is overturned in our lives. Jesus, who overturned the power of sin, death, and hell, is at work in our lives. We look to him, and like his first disciples, we too, “… believe the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22). http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/an-overturning http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/an-overturning.mp3 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:31:03 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary overturning,jesus,cross,moneychangers,market,temple 15:06 Apathy is certainly one of those wounds inflicted on Jesus which brought about his suffering and death. Early church leaders identified what are called the "seven deadly sins," which include lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. It is that deadly sin of sloth that connects us with the wound of apathy. The early definition of sloth was seen as apathy, joylessness, a refusal to enjoy the goodness of God. Like Peter, James, and John who fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane while Jesus struggled in prayer, we are guilty of this same sin. In contrast to our sinful apathy, Jesus remains true to his mission and goes to the cross to pay the awful price for our sin. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-wound-of-apathy http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/the-wound-of-apathy.mp3 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:51:14 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Midweek Lent 2009 apathy,sloth,wound,jesus,suffering 11:47 Though we may be tempted to think that we're "more special" than other people, no one is truly worthy before God -- except His Son, who, through faith, works to rebuild and reshape our lives as we journey through this world. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/worthy http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/worthy.mp3 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:56:25 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary lego,worth,faith,exceptional,lent 11:59 Although we, like Judas, have betrayed Jesus who called us his friend, Jesus shows love for us by forgiving us and calling us back to his side. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-wound-of-betrayal Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:36:27 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Midweek Lent 2009 lent,betrayal,traitor,judas,forgiveness,friend During the 40 days of Lent, we reflect on Jesus and his faithfulness to God the Father. Because of Jesus' faithfulness, which was evidenced by his victory over Satan in the wilderness and completed on the cross, we have a guarantee of our own salvation. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/lent-40-days-with-jesus-in-the-wilderness http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/40-days-with-jesus-in-the-wilderness.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:08:11 UTC Guest Preacher Lectionary lent,temptation,40_days,lutheran_hour_ministries 12:26 Everyone is wounded in some way - physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Entering into this Lenten season, there is help and healing for those who are wounded. We have a wounded Savior for a wounded people. Jesus experienced the awful burden of our sin, taking on himself the punishment for the evil we have done and the good we have failed to do. He was wounded for our transgressions and died upon the cross for our salvation. Throughout the Lenten season, we will examine a different wound of our sinfulness which led to Jesus' being wounded and crucified in our behalf. In his wounds, there is forgiveness and new life. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/a-wounded-savior-for-a-wounded-people http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/a-wounded-savior-for-a-wounded-people.mp3 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:40:25 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Midweek Lent 2009 wounds,healing,sacred_head,lent,ash_wednesday,heart 13:23 Hiking up a mountain is an exhilarating experience, and helps give us perspective. Jesus goes up a mountain with Peter, James, and John and is transfigured before them as his heavenly glory and splendor are revealed for a fleeting moment. Jesus goes up the mountain only to come back down again - back down to set his face toward Jerusalem, and go up another mountain, Mount Calvary, and to the cross where he would pay the price of his own life for our sin.. It's very tempting for us to stay up on the mount of transfiguration, but we follow Jesus back down to the valley, knowing that he leads us forth to new life. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/going-up-to-come-down http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/going-up-to-come-down.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:20:39 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary mountain,transfiguration,calvary,glory,cross 13:48 The Lord's healing touch is revealed in Naaman's being healed of his leprosy, and as Jesus brings healing and new life to the unnamed leper in Mark chapter 1. God's healing mercy continues to be demonstrated in the world today as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and receive his healing mercy for body, mind, and spirit. The work of Mission India draws countless thousands of children, youth, and adults to Christ's healing mercy that brings new life and salvation. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-healing-touch http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090215-healing-touch.mp3 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:33:33 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary leper,healing,touch,new_life 10:49 Jesus came as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Chosen One of God who would defeat the forces of sin, death, and Satan. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/mark-jesus-the-messiah http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090208-wendt.mp3 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:02:22 UTC Guest Preacher Lectionary mark,context,messiah,battle 20:43 Christ comes with authority to clean house in our lives, to wipe away the unclean things and bring real change by his grace, working through his Word. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/hope http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090201.mp3 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:17:27 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary inauguration,president,authority,unclean,hope,change 13:04 Paul's life was forever altered when Jesus appeared and called the Pharisee to be his apostle. We, like Paul, are impressed upon by Christ as we live "in Christ," so that the people who touch our lives may see our Lord. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/paul-impressed-by-christ http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090125.mp3 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:25:05 UTC Guest Preacher Lectionary st._paul,braille,lutheran_braille_workers,blind,impressed,conversion 14:40 We worship a seeking and searching God who desires to have a living and vital relationship with people. God will go to great lengths to communicate with us, but the question is: are we listening? God's call came to Philip and Nathanael, who listened to and followed Jesus. God's call comes to us as well as the Lord invites all his baptized people to listen and respond, to follow where he is leading. That call may come when we least expect. That call may take us to places we would never have imagined. That call may stretch us beyond anything we thought ourselves capable of. But the same Lord who calls us also promises to be with us and strengthen us to live out that calling. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/listening-for-gods-calling http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/2009-listening-for-gods-calling.mp3 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:16:15 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary listen,calling,samuel,philip,nathanael 14:02 Jesus' baptism marked him as God's chosen Servant to fulfill all righteousness, setting him on the path of servanthood that would lead to his coronation upon the cross. As the heavens were torn apart at Jesus' baptism, so when our lives are torn apart God enters into our brokenness and comes to us. By the grace given in that cleansing water of regeneration, we are declared God's beloved children. The tearing of the heavens which took place at Jesus' baptism would lead to another tearing on the day Jesus died. The curtain of the temple was torn in two and the separation between God and man was now bridged by Christ's atoning death. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/torn-apart http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090111.mp3 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:56:55 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary servant,john_the_baptist,jesus,torn_apart,water,baptism 14:32 Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus in Bethlehem; however, it even more significantly points us to how God steps in to draw us to the one true King. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/kings http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20090104.mp3 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:01:12 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary wise_men,magi,three_kings,epiphany,grace 12:40 Simeon and Anna bore witness to the coming of the Messiah after long lives of waiting. Mary and Joseph, who came to the temple offer a sacrifice for purification, would themselves be purified -- along with us -- through the same Jesus they presented that day. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/in-the-fullness-of-time http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081228.mp3 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:19:08 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary presentation_of_jesus,temple,simeon,anna,purification,messiah,nunc_dimittis 12:31 On the first Christmas, God gave the world the gift of His Son, and through him we know God and His mercy and grace. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/truth Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:51:43 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary truth,atheism,humanist,christmas,mercy,grace The message of the angels to the shepherds is one of joy: God has come down to mankind to save us from our sin! http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/lighten-up http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081224.mp3 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:53:54 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary nativity_of_our_lord,joy,shepherds,angels 14:44 God's astounding love for us is revealed in the Annunciation of Christ's conception. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/astounding http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081221.mp3 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:31:42 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary annunciation,mary,grace,advent 11:12 Jesus, the Messiah, God's Anointed, brings hope and joy into our hearts as we look ahead to his return. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/favored http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081214.mp3 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:23:48 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary anointed,favored,exile,prisoner,isaiah 11:46 John the Baptizer's message of repentance -- doing an "about face" from our sin -- rings true to us today, just as it did to his first audience. The Holy Spirit turns us around and gives us a new beginning. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/a-new-beginning http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081207.mp3 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:23:34 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary repentance,advent,john_the_baptizer 15:20 We struggle to follow Christ's command to keep awake in life, and not just last at night! In Advent, he calls us to look ahead in excited expectation for the day when he returns -- the great day of the coming of the Son of Man. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/awake http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081130-awake.mp3 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:48:54 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary sleep,thanksgiving,hope,last_day 10:32 What is being thankful about? http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/giving-thanks http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/giving-thanks.mp3 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:03:46 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary ten_lepers,thanksgiving 13:33 As God's people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, we anticipate Jesus' coming again not with fear, but with expectant joy. On that great and final day, Christ the King will be revealed in all his power and glory - very different from his first coming, and he will judge the world in righteousness. The good works of his redeemed people will stand as evidence of their faith in Him who gave his life for them. Until Jesus comes again, our response of faith is to manage wisely and faithfully all of God's gifts, holding fast in faith to Jesus, our Shepherd King. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/until-jesus-comes-again http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081123-until-jesus-comes-again.mp3 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:43:59 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Stewardship - Fall 2008 christ_the_king,judgment,sheep,goats,last_day,stewardship 16:07 Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to be with his people, guiding us as we think about what to guard and what to give away. We look ahead to the day when God calls His faithful servants to enter into the joy of their master. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/faithfully-managing-gods-gifts Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:59:26 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Stewardship - Fall 2008 stewardship,hope,talents,vault,safe Guest preacher Rev. Paul Sutterer from Food for the Poor http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/feeding-a-hungry-world http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081109.mp3 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:34:57 UTC Guest Preacher Stewardship - Fall 2008 19:23 Christian stewardship is "the free and joyous activity of God and God's family, the church, in managing all of life and life's resources for God's purposes." Saintly stewardship begins with the truth that we own nothing in this life. God is the Maker and Owner of heaven and earth - all that we are and have comes from God and belongs to God. In response to God's great love for us in Christ Jesus, our calling as God's redeemed people, his saints, is to manage faithfully what belongs to God so that He is glorified and the lives of others are blessed. Because we are God's beloved, his saints, we are truly blessed. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/saintly-stewardship Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:53:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Stewardship - Fall 2008 stewardship,saints,beloved,blessed,manage The Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ, sets us free from slavery to sin. We are saved and set free not by our works, but through God's grace alone. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/what-is-gods-word http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081026.mp3 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:57:06 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Back to Basics god's_word,slavery,freedom,reformation,martin_luther 12:12 God has elected us to be His people, thanks to His Son's endorsement, and we share our faith by living our faith out in the world. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/how-do-i-share-my-faith http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081019.mp3 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:52:39 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Back to Basics sanctification,election 15:24 How do I grow my faith? From a Biblical perspective, we don't do the growing at all. That is the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives as God's grace comes to us in Word and Sacrament. We can, however, put ourselves in a position to grow in our faith, and this begins by accepting the King's gracious invitation to come to the wedding banquet of his Son. We are to come dressed appropriately for this great occasion, clothed in the garment which the King himself provides: the righteousness of his own Son. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/how-do-i-grow-my-faith http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20081012.mp3 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:49:46 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Back to Basics banquet,feast,invitation,robe_of_righteousness 15:08 The Holy Spirit calls the Church together and sustains it. Everywhere the good news in Jesus is purely taught and the sacraments administered according to God’s instruction in His Word, there is Church. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/what-is-the-church http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/2008-back-to-basics-what-is-the-church.mp3 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:59:44 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Back to Basics church,the_church,apostolic,una_sancta 20:12 Why is justification so important? This is the central truth of the Christian faith; that we are justified by God's grace in Jesus Christ and this gift is received by faith. The cleansing blood of Jesus is our forgiveness and our freedom. Through God's gift of justification through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are acceptable and pleasing to God. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/why-is-justification-so-important http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon--20080928.mp3 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:22:05 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Back to Basics justification,righteous,grace 15:03 God gives us pastors, men who have been entrusted with the Office of the Ministry, to publicly administer His gifts of the Word and the Sacraments, to care for His people in the Church. Though them, God works to give us a solid foundation on the Rock, Jesus. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/what-is-the-office-of-the-ministry http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20080921.mp3 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:44:05 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Back to Basics office_of_the_ministry,office_of_public_ministry,pastor,uncertain,anchor 13:10 Why did Jesus die on the cross? Was the cross necessary? In God's wisdom, the cross is revealed as God's plan for mankind's salvation. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/why-the-cross http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20080914.mp3 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:09:28 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Back to Basics holy_cross,wisdom,foolishness 15:37 The One true God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, through His Word and, ultimately, through the Person of the Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/who-is-god http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20080907.mp3 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:48:36 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Back to Basics witness 14:29 Though we often fall to temptation to serve the "gods" of our world only to have things crumble around us, the one true God calls us back from our sin and delivers us, as He did with Gideon and the people of Israel http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/gideon-against-all-odds http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20080831.mp3 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:47:28 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Portraits of Faith gideon,adversity,hope 14:52 Christians don’t often get to hold press conferences about the Good News that we have to share with the world. Even so, we are sent to speak the truth in love in every situation. We go to tell the truth about an amazing thing: the love of God in Jesus Christ. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/bartholomew-no-deceit http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/20080824sermon.mp3 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:29:37 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Portraits of Faith truth,deceit,bigfoot,nathanael,bartholomew,speak_the_truth_in_love 15:08 Simeon and Anna demonstrate God's gift of patience, waiting on the fulfillment of His promise. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/simeon-and-anna-delayed-gratification http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/20080817sermon.mp3 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:23:10 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Portraits of Faith simeon,anna,waiting 11:01 We often grow weary in this life, worn down by the challenges we face. As Christians, this can be especially true as the world opposes Christ and his people. But Jesus strengthens us and renews us, not just through acts which are awesome in scale but also through the low whisper, preparing us for continued work in his kingdom http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/elijah-weary-of-doing-the-right-thing http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/sermon-20080810.mp3 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:02:26 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Portraits of Faith elijah,exhausted,whisper 15:48 God delivers his people through Esther, pointing us forward to the deliverance that Jesus has accomplished for us through his death upon the cross. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/esther-gods-timing Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:53:37 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Portraits of Faith esther,mordecai,deliverance As we see in the young Timothy, God works through His people of all ages to proclaim the Gospel, the "good deposit" which has been entrusted to us. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/timothy-youthful-service http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/20080726sermon.mp3 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:10 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Portraits of Faith timothy,youth,enthusiasm 12:26 God demonstrated faithful leadership through King Hezekiah. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/hezekiah-faithful-leadership Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:09:03 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Portraits of Faith leadership,hezekiah Like Lydia, God works through us to support His mission of reconciliation through Christ in the world http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/lydia-mission-support http://www.sjlc.com/mediafiles/20080712sermon.mp3 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:20:47 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Portraits of Faith lydia,mission_support,purple 15:20 As part of our series in "Portraits of Fatih," we now look to Daniel and how God worked through him to show us how to live as citizens of both our nation and God's kingdom. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/daniel-godly-citizenship Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:22:44 UTC Portraits of Faith christian_citizenship,independence_day,daniel http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/peter-and-paul-proclaim-the-name Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:42:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Portraits of Faith http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/new Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:26:35 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary God elects us as His own, called to be servants and leaders for His mission http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/elected Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:06:12 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/persistent-love Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:06:39 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/foundation Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:14:25 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary God has written the names of His people upon His own hands and will not forget them. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/i-will-not-forget-you Sun, 25 May 2008 20:22:19 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Lectionary God created everything out of nothing, including us. He performs "creatio ex nihilo" again, in creating new life in us and freeing us from the power of sin through His work as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/mystery Sun, 18 May 2008 22:14:45 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary trinity_sunday,athanasian_creed,creatio_ex_nihilo We continue on in our journey as God's people through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/50-days-ablaze Sun, 11 May 2008 13:30:07 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan 50 Days Ablaze! pentecost The seventh mission response in "50 Days Ablaze!" and a message to our 2008 confirmands http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/celebrate-look-ahead Sun, 04 May 2008 20:33:15 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell 50 Days Ablaze! Second week of "50 Days Ablaze!", focusing on God's gift of prayer. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/pray-from-doubt-to-discipleship Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:27:44 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan 50 Days Ablaze! Our first mission response in the period of "50 Days Ablaze!" is "Learn." The risen Christ brings about new life in us where we may learn his word and live in his grace. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/learn-whom-are-you-seeking Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:28:18 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell 50 Days Ablaze! Father Maximillian Kolbe gives us a Christlike example of setting others before ourselves. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/save-yourself Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:43:06 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Father Maximillian Kolbe gives us a Christlike example of setting others before ourselves. Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/bones Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:55:21 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/from-why-to-how Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:31:16 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/thrist Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:39:36 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/extreme-makeover Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:46:33 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/deathlife Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:57:14 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/a-joyful-lent Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:03:12 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/caught-up-in-the-cloud Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:10:05 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/pescadores Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:18:25 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/we-have-found-the-messiah Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:24:30 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sersom Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/messengers-of-the-light Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:37:25 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sersom Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/star-of-wonder Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:43:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/reaction Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:34:32 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/god-with-us Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:41:27 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/reversal Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:45:25 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/a-little-child-shall-lead-them Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:49:48 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/nigh Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:56:34 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-thieves-on-the-cross Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:32:15 UTC Guest Preacher Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/an-unlikely-king Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:42:05 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/solid Sun, 18 Nov 2007 13:30:43 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/what-will-it-be-like Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:26:52 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/sainted Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:25:23 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/whats-the-big-deal Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:40:01 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/managing-gods-gift-of-treasure Sun, 21 Oct 2007 13:47:15 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/managing-gods-gift-of-talent Sun, 14 Oct 2007 13:57:20 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/managing-gods-gift-of-time Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:13:25 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-great-reveral Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:17:55 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/faithfulness-in-all-things Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:23:23 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/concerning-that-which-once-was-lost-but-now-is-no-longer-so- Sun, 16 Sep 2007 14:36:02 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-cost-of-discipleship Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:42:02 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/humility-and-hospitality Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:49:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/renewal Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:20:13 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/conflagration Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:33:45 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/for-thine-is-the-kingdom-and-the-power-and-glory-for-ever-and-ever-amen Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:57:41 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/but-deliver-us-from-evil Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:46:43 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/lead-us-not-into-temptation Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:52:28 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/forgive-us-our-trespasses Sun, 22 Jul 2007 15:58:26 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:03:22 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/thy-will-be-done Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:03:21 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/thy-kingdom-come Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:06:41 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/hallowed-be-thy-name Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:11:49 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/our-father-who-art-in-heaven Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:18:04 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell The Lord's Prayer Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/no-breath-left-in-him Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:22:19 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/triune Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:27:01 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/telling Sun, 27 May 2007 18:33:18 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/wasted-time Sun, 20 May 2007 18:38:10 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/perfect-vision Sun, 13 May 2007 18:42:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/gifted Sun, 06 May 2007 18:47:59 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/breakfast-on-the-beach Sun, 22 Apr 2007 12:39:00 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/proof Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:42:28 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/sent-to-invite-all-people-to-a-life-transformed-in-jesus-christ Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:50:18 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Gather - Disciple - Manage - Invite Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/prayer-and-service Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:54:38 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/prayer-and-submission Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:54:23 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/gathered-around-the-cross Sun, 25 Mar 2007 15:48:50 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Gather - Disciple - Manage - Invite Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/praying-disciples-growing-in-faith-through-prayer-and-celebration Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:53:58 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/prayer-and-study Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:53:35 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/praying-disciples-growing-in-faith-through-prayer-and-perseverance Sun, 04 Mar 2007 15:53:17 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/prayer-and-fasting Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:53:00 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/praying-disciples-growing-in-faith-through-spiritual-disciplines Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:52:36 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Praying Disciples (Lent 2007) Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/are-you-listening Sun, 18 Feb 2007 15:12:02 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/envied Sun, 11 Feb 2007 15:16:38 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-call-of-the-lord Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:20:20 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/proclaimed Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:25:59 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/signs-of-abundance Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:31:25 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/revelation Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:35:14 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/my-but-youre-getting-big Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:58:54 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/visitation Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:16:29 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/real-repentance-real-rejoicing Sun, 17 Dec 2006 15:21:23 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/prepared Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:26:48 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/advent-promises Sun, 03 Dec 2006 15:31:05 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/return-of-the-king Sun, 26 Nov 2006 15:53:50 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/maintaining-a-non-anxious-presence Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:53:04 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/abundance Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:10 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/stewardship-of-tomorrow Sun, 05 Nov 2006 15:59:02 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/thankgiving Sun, 29 Oct 2006 16:06:00 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/stewardship-begins-with-servanthood Sun, 22 Oct 2006 16:12:42 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/life-together Sun, 08 Oct 2006 14:58:10 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-prayer-of-faith Sun, 01 Oct 2006 15:03:14 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/trur-greatness Sun, 24 Sep 2006 15:06:41 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/carrying-the-cross Sun, 17 Sep 2006 15:10:45 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/looking-for-a-miracle Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:15:06 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/empty-words Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:19:10 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/no-turning-back Sun, 27 Aug 2006 13:04:39 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Archival Sermon Text http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/you-are-what-you-eat Sun, 20 Aug 2006 13:11:14 UTC Rev. Jack Meehan Archival Sermon Text Christ Jesus, the Bread of Life, feeds us in our spiritual hunger, giving us strength to live as His people in the world. http://www.sjlc.com/sermon/the-hunger Sun, 13 Aug 2006 21:07:07 UTC Rev. Braun Campbell Lectionary elijah,bread_of_life,hunger