Sermons
Lutherans believe that the Word of God comes to us in the Incarnate Word (Jesus Christ himself, the Word made flesh), the written Word (the Bible), and the proclaimed Word (preaching). Each sermon comes with a video of the preaching by Pastor Ted Carnahan and a written transcript. If you have questions or would like to know more, contact us.
August 23, 2026
On This Rock
When Jesus asks, 'Who do you say that I am?', Peter's confession — not Peter himself — is the rock on which the church is built: a faith that is God's gift, not our achievement, and whose object, Christ, is faithful even when we deny him daily.
Read →
August 16, 2026
Great Is Your Faith
The Canaanite woman's great faith is knowing who she is while remembering who God is — faith that keeps returning to God's promises, because the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
Read →
August 9, 2026
Lord, Save Me!
Faith is most perfect when it realizes that it is not strong enough to overcome the things of this life by its own force and power—but it trusts in a God who is.
Read →
August 2, 2026
Bring Them Here to Me
Jesus takes the disciples' scarce loaves and fish into his hands and feeds a vast crowd to overflowing; he meets our scarcity with his abundance and gives his own life for us.
Read →
July 26, 2026
Treasured Possession
God values you so highly that he gave everything to call you, redeem you, and walk with you.
Read →
July 19, 2026
Wheat Among the Weeds
In a world where wheat and weeds grow side by side, God claims us as adopted children, frees us from fear, and teaches us to wait in hope for the harvest he alone will bring.
Read →
July 12, 2026
The Good Farmer
Our Christian hope rests in trusting Jesus, the Good Farmer who is tending the soil of our hearts so that we bear good fruit for his kingdom.
Read →
July 6, 2026
From License to True Liberty
The freedom that God gives us in Christ is not merely a license to do whatever we want, but a freedom for love of God and neighbor.
Read →
June 28, 2026
More Than They Bargained For
Following Jesus involves real opposition and unknown costs, but Christians can live confidently and share their faith because our loving heavenly Father watches over us and has promised to be faithful.
Read →
June 21, 2026
The Trail That Leads to Life
Jesus calls us to submit ourselves to his leadership and follow his narrow path.
Read →
June 14, 2026
Christ Died for the Ungodly
Christ died for you, not because you are good and holy, but because of his great love which encompasses sinners and the ungodly.
Read →
June 7, 2026
Cooties and the Contagious Christ
Jesus reverses the direction of ritual uncleanness by bringing cleansing and life to those who trust him.
Read →
May 31, 2026
A God Who Desires Relationship
The Holy Trinity reveals a God of love who created the universe and desires relationship with us.
Read →
May 24, 2026
From Babel to Pentecost
The same Spirit who hovered over creation and spoke through prophets now gathers the church and sends it out to make disciples of all nations.
Read →
May 17, 2026
Charged and Equipped
'May-cember' brings many changes and stresses, yet the ascended Lord intercedes for us and calls us to trust him.
Read →
May 4, 2026
The First Martyr’s Bold Witness
The transforming power of the Gospel enables us to forgive enemies and follow the Risen Lord.
Read →
May 3, 2026
The First Martyr's Bold Witness
The transforming power of the Gospel enables us to forgive enemies and follow the Risen Lord.
Read →
April 26, 2026
Jesus the Gate
Jesus is both Shepherd and Gate, who calls us with his voice, protects us from false gospels, and leads his people to life and salvation.
Read →
April 19, 2026
We Had Hoped
The Emmaus road shows that Jesus comes to disappointed believers through the quiet, certain means of his Word and Sacrament, turning “had hoped” into living hope.
Read →
April 5, 2026
Evidence of Eternal Life
The infinite importance of Christianity hinges on Jesus' very real death and resurrection, which changes everything!
Read →
April 4, 2026
From Creation to Resurrection
God's acts of judgment and mercy throughout history point us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Read →
April 3, 2026
It Is Finished
Jesus' death means 'It is finished.' He brings us reconciliation, defeats Satan, exposes evil's futility, and promises us resurrection.
Read →
April 2, 2026
Washing Away Pride
We are to be people self-sacrificial service, and we are given the strength to do that through the body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.
Read →
March 29, 2026
Hosanna to the True King!
We worship the True Servant-King who emptied himself for his people.
Read →
March 22, 2026
Can These Bones Live?
Jesus weeps with us over sin, suffering, and death now, but when he returns he will call us forth from our graves like Lazarus.
Read →
March 18, 2026
Peter's Sinking Feeling
Even seasoned believers falter in fear, but Jesus is always ready to rescue those who call to him.
Read →
March 15, 2026
The Reversals of Grace
The reversals in John's account of Jesus healing the man born blind show that God initiates grace, transforms lives, and reveals truth.
Read →
March 11, 2026
Service Over Power 1
Christians are to follow Jesus' example and embrace humble service over the corrupting pursuit of power.
Read →
March 8, 2026
Mercy in Spirit and Truth
Jesus's encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well shows that God's love seeks out and saves the ungodly.
Read →
March 4, 2026
Distraction and Comparison
Modern distractions like smartphones fuel harmful comparisons and distraction, while what we need is to spend time in prayer and Scripture reading.
Read →
March 1, 2026
The Cure for the Venom in your Veins
Faith in Jesus Christ is the only cure for the venom of sin that flows through your veins.
Read →
February 25, 2026
Nodding Off
We should to wake up from being drowsy disciples and recommit ourselves to the discipline of prayer.
Read →
February 22, 2026
Shortcuts to Death
'So what will it be, Christian? Will you live by bread alone and die? Or will you live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God? Christ is calling you.'
Read →
February 18, 2026
Real, not Fake
In a fake world of masks and pretense, Christ confronts our play-acting piety calling us to authentic faith and self-denial.
Read →
February 15, 2026
Beyond the Feel-Good God
In contrast to the false god of 'moralistic therapeutic deism,' the true God revealed in Scripture calls us to listen to Jesus as our Lord and Savior who dies and rises for our sins.
Read →
February 8, 2026
Being Salt and Light
Jesus calls Christians to be salt and light by serving our neighbors with our good works that glorify God.
Read →
February 1, 2026
Walking Humbly with God
A reflection on the Beatitudes of Jesus as a doorway to understanding the meaning of Christian discipleship.
Read →
January 17, 2026
Come and See
In a world of empty quests for meaning, Jesus offers to fill our hearts by inviting us to follow wherever He stays, leading to lives of purpose and bold witness.
Read →
January 11, 2026
Remember Who You Are
In Jesus' baptism, he gives us a gift: we have a true and lasting identity from God.
Read →
January 6, 2026
Strange Gifts, True King
God revealed Christ to Gentile magi through a star, using their strange gifts to foreshadow Jesus as King, Priest, and Sacrifice.
Read →
January 4, 2026
Inheritance in Emmanuel
God's plan from eternity redeems sinners through Jesus, granting adoption into God's family, forgiveness of sins, and an eternal inheritance sealed by the Holy Spirit
Read →
December 31, 2025
Reading the Rublev Trinity
An exploration of the Rublev Holy Trinity icon as a visual representation of the Triune God, drawing from Genesis 18 and to talk about divine relationship, promise, and fulfillment in Christ.
Read →
December 28, 2025
You Can't Fight God's Will
Not even King Herod's tyrannical attempts to thwart God's plan through mass murder can stop God's will from being done, showing us that it is always better for us when we choose to participate in God's will instead of going our own way.
Read →
December 25, 2025
Nativity Sermon of St. John Chrysostom
The first recorded Christmas sermon, given by St. John Chrysostom in AD 386, was read for the congregation at the Christmas Day service on December 25, 2025.
Read →
December 24, 2025
Good News for the Lowly
The birth of Jesus in a manger brings good news of salvation for all people, first proclaimed to lowly shepherds and extending to us as those favored by God.
Read →
December 21, 2025
The Sign Fulfilled
God is not looking for false piety, but radical trust in his promises and providence through Jesus Christ.
Read →
December 17, 2025
Reading the Icon of the Annunciation
An exploration of a Byzantine Icon of the Annunciation, detailing its symbolic elements and highlighting the Blessed Virgin Mary's role as the God-bearer.
Read →
December 17, 2025
Reading the Icon of the Annuncation
An exploration of a Byzantine Icon of the Annunciation, detailing its symbolic elements and highlighting the Blessed Virgin Mary's role as the God-bearer.
Read →
December 14, 2025
Has It All Been Worth It?
Even when life doesn't go like we expect, we can trust that Jesus Christ gives our struggles and sufferings true and lasting purpose.
Read →
December 10, 2025
Reading Theophanes’ John the Baptist
An exploration of the Icon of John the Baptist by Theophanes the Greek that shows that Christians are to act as living icons reflecting God's goodness and righteousness in Christ.
Read →
December 10, 2025
Pointing to Christ
Just as John humbly directed attention to Jesus, Christians are to act as living icons reflecting God's goodness and righteousness in Christ.
Read →
December 7, 2025
Children of Abraham by Faith
Repentance is not self-improvement. It is the reception of God's righteousness in Jesus Christ.
Read →
November 30, 2025
Preparing for the Unexpected King
True preparation for Jesus' unexpected return involves fulfilling the law through love and putting on Christ.
Read →
November 29, 2025
First Sunday of Advent
Bulletin for the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025.
Read →
November 27, 2025
The True Work of God
True thanksgiving arises from recognizing God's work in providing faith in Christ, who is the Bread of Life.
Read →
November 23, 2025
The True and Selfless King
Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus Christ uses his power not for his own benefit, but for the eternal salvation of those who trust in him.
Read →
November 16, 2025
Hope, in the End
In the face of worldly suffering and persecution, Christians find unshakable hope in Jesus Christ, who promises resurrection and eternal life.
Read →
November 9, 2025
The Consummation of Hope
Despite the threats to our faith from the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh, Christ's return brings hope, not fear, for those sanctified in baptism.
Read →
November 1, 2025
Saints on the Way
True sainthood comes not from perfect faith or actions but from being sanctified by Christ's grace and walking the Way to which he has called us.
Read →
October 26, 2025
Together Through the Storm
Through the story of a family camping trip in a hailstorm, the sermon illustrates how the imperfect church, like a leaky tent, provides refuge through community in Christ and justification by faith.
Read →
October 12, 2025
Ruth's Faithful Oath
The story of Ruth's faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi and her adopted people of Israel moves us towards deeper and enduring faithfulness to God.
Read →
October 5, 2025
Increase our Faith!
God's word creates the faith needed for us to forgive, just as we are forgiven in Christ.
Read →
September 28, 2025
Is that your 'Final Answer?'
Drawing parallels to A Christmas Carol, the sermon warns that ignoring God's Law in Moses and the prophets leads to suffering, while living in trust in the risen Jesus Christ offers forgiveness of sins and salvation.
Read →
September 21, 2025
True Riches Await
Jesus' Parable of the Dishonest Manager challenges Christians to shrewdly use earthly wealth for eternal purposes and serve God instead of wealth.
Read →
September 14, 2025
The Shepherd's Pursuit
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the sermon explores Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and coin to emphasize God's pursuit of sinners and the true nature of repentance and salvation.
Read →
September 6, 2025
The Cross of Discipleship
True discipleship embraces the costly path of following Christ, where death to self yields victory over sin through his resurrection.
Read →
August 31, 2025
The Unexpected Dinner Guest
Humility and mutual love in Christ are the path to true holiness and eternal reward.
Read →
August 23, 2025
The Narrow Gate
True Christian discipleship requires entering through the narrow gate of Christ now and striving to live in the daily pattern of repentance and faith.
Read →August 17, 2025
Truth That Divides
Jesus brings division through truth and judgment, calling believers to prioritize faith over worldly pursuits like sports or family time, as emphasized by Luther's teachings on raising children in God's fear.
Read →August 10, 2025
Faith Beyond Worry
We can overcome anxiety by faith in God through Jesus Christ, who loves us like a father and provides for all our needs.
Read →August 2, 2025
The Idolatry of Greed
Wealth can become an idol. Christ calls us to put to death earthly desires while embracing a life of generosity rooted in His righteousness.
Read →July 26, 2025
Learning to Trust, Learning to Pray
The Lord's Prayer serves as a framework for faithful prayer, through which God invites us to trust him and ask for what we need.
Read →July 20, 2025
Choosing the Better Part
Christian service flows from resting in Jesus' forgiveness and leadership, not from anxious efforts to meet minimum requirements for salvation.
Read →July 13, 2025
Doing More than the Minimum
The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows that true discipleship involves full-hearted obedience for the sake of others, not minimal efforts to justify oneself.
Read →
June 29, 2025
Burn the Bridges; Don't Look Back
True Christian freedom is not license to indulge in sinful desires but a call to live by the Spirit for the sake of God and neighbor.
Read →June 22, 2025
Putting on Christ
Through Jesus' encounter with a demon-possessed man in Gerasene country, we are reminded of the spiritual dimension of life and our renewed identity through baptism into Christ.
Read →June 15, 2025
The Divine Dance
God wants to be in a relationship with you, just as He is, as Father, Son, and Spirit, in and of himself.
Read →
June 8, 2025
Becoming Chefs in God's Kitchen
The structure of Christian discipleship leads to spiritual growth and freedom under God's Holy Spirit.
Read →May 31, 2025
Blessing God While We Wait
It can be challenging to wait on God's timing, but the disciples' wait for the Holy Spirit shows us how we should practice active patience and bless God.
Read →
May 25, 2025
Love is a Commitment of the Will
True Christian love is a commitment of will rather than feelings, shown through obedience to God's Word.
Read →May 18, 2025
Loving One Another
We live out Christ’s radical love within the church to demonstrate authentic Christianity amidst a divided world.
Read →May 11, 2025
Purpose in Pain
The story of Tabitha shows God's purpose in pain and His promise of new life through Jesus' sacrifice.
Read →
May 4, 2025
Faithfulness Over Familiarity
Jesus’ personal engagement with Peter’s denial and Saul’s persecution reveals a divine call to challenging faithfulness.
Read →
April 27, 2025
My Lord and My God
'Doubting Thomas' shows us that God will uphold us even in our doubts and that He serves us with his Word to strengthen our faith and forgive our sins.
Read →April 20, 2025
Unexpected Easter Hope!
The unexpected joy of Jesus’ resurrection transforms our worldly expectations of death into hope and life through God’s promise.
Read →
April 19, 2025
The Word Works
God's Word accomplishes His purpose across history and in Christ's rising from the dead.
Read →April 18, 2025
Whom Are You Looking For?
We are like St. Peter in denying Christ in our weaknesses, but Jesus still chooses to be our sacrifice to restore us to relationship with God.
Read →April 17, 2025
Service Over Power
Jesus’ commandments on Maundy Thursday call us to embody his humble love against the world’s pursuit of power and attention.
Read →
April 12, 2025
From Hosanna! to Crucify Him!
We are not righteous bystanders shouting 'Hosanna!' but sinners for whom Christ died and rose again.
Read →
April 6, 2025
Streams in the Desert
God transforms the barrenness of our lives into flourishing through the life-giving water of baptism.
Read →
March 30, 2025
The Prodigal Son
Whether you have become the self-righteous 'older brother' or you're the 'Prodigal Son' returning home to God, your Father in heaven will embrace you and welcome you back into the family.
Read →
March 23, 2025
More Manure Than You Can Handle
Prayer and fasting will break up the hard soil of our hearts, allowing God's word and sacraments to penetrate deeply and produce the fruits of repentance and faith.
Read →March 15, 2025
Firm and Loving
Jesus' love for Jerusalem, despite its rejection of him, serves as a model for Christians to love others and stand firm in faith.
Read →
March 9, 2025
The Temptation of IF
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness teaches us that we must rely on God's Word to overcome the devil's temptations and embrace the cross as part of our Christian journey.
Read →
March 5, 2025
NOW is the Day of Salvation
Fear God, examine yourself in light of the Ten Commandments, and repent now as the day of salvation is at hand.
Read →
March 2, 2025
Listen to HIM
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the Son of God, surpassing Moses and Elijah, and calls us to especially listen to him as we navigate life's challenges.
Read →
February 22, 2025
Forgiving Your Enemies with Love
The sermon calls believers to follow Jesus' example of self-emptying love and forgiveness, even towards enemies, as a response to the grace received through the cross.
Read →
February 16, 2025
From Idolatry to Generosity
This sermon calls us to confront our idolatry of wealth and security, urging us to trust in the reality of Christ's resurrection and live out that faith through abundant generosity and sacrificial love for others.
Read →February 9, 2025
God Qualifies the Called
This sermon from Pastor Ted Carnahan shows that 'God doesn't call the qualified, but qualifies the called' through the examples of Peter and Paul. The message of Christ's death and resurrection is central to our faith and empowers us to share it with others.
Read →
February 2, 2025
Self-Sacrifice and the Christian Life
The sermon calls believers to shift their focus from self-centeredness to self-sacrifice, inspired by the love of Christ, and to live out this love in marriage, church, and society.
Read →
January 26, 2025
Fulfilled in Your Hearing
Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 61, proclaiming himself as the Messiah who brings salvation and righteousness to all, uniting the church as the body of Christ.
Read →January 18, 2025
God Will Provide
Through the story of the wedding at Cana, this sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus' ability to provide and celebrate, even when life seems to be running out of joy and resources.
Read →
January 12, 2025
From Dirt to Divinity
Through the story of Jesus' baptism, this sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan shows that Holy Baptism is not just a symbolic act but a powerful means of grace that makes us part of God's family and gives us Christ's righteousness.
Read →
January 12, 2025
Baptism of Our Lord
Through the story of Jesus' baptism, this sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan shows that Holy Baptism is not just a symbolic act but a powerful means of grace that makes us part of God's family and gives us Christ's righteousness.
Read →
January 5, 2025
Fear, Opposition, and Worship
The sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan explores the three types of responses to Jesus' birth—fear, opposition, and worship—illustrated by the scribes, Herod, and the Magi, urging believers to embrace the simple faith of the Magi.
Read →December 28, 2024
Childlike Trust and the Path to Spiritual Maturity
This sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan encourages believers to maintain a childlike faith, dwell richly in the word of Christ, and practice gratitude to transform their lives and reflect God's love in the world.
Read →December 24, 2024
I'm So Glad You're Here
This Christmas Eve sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan celebrates the birth of Jesus as a pivotal event meant for everyone, stressing that God's choice to be born in humility reflects His message of peace and joy for the ordinary and the humble.
Read →December 21, 2024
Impossible AND YET True
This sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan calls for a renewed focus on Advent as a season of hope and preparation, reminding believers of the ongoing relevance of Christ's promise to return and transform the world.
Read →
December 1, 2024
Preparing for the Advent of Christ
This sermon by Pastor Ted Carnahan contrasts the consumeristic preparation for Christmas with the spiritual preparation needed for Christ's second coming, highlighting the need for hope and readiness.
Read →November 24, 2024
The Kingship of Christ - Navigating the Two Kingdoms
Jesus' encounter with Pilate highlights the tension between earthly and divine kingship, affirming that true allegiance belongs to Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world but offers eternal life through faith.
Read →November 23, 2024
Two Kingdoms and One Truth
In this sermon, Pastor Ted Carnahan explores the profound question posed to Jesus by Pontius Pilate, 'Are you the King of the Jews?' and delves into the implications of Jesus' kingship over the two kingdoms as described by Martin Luther, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's reign and sacrifice.
Read →