Concordia Sermons

In the ancient world, someone’s name was also their reputation. God does not want us to take His name in vain because that damages His reputation. Yet, by how we live and by what we do as Christians, we often do besmirch how God wants to be known. Honoring God’s name, then, includes everything we say and do.

Idolatry is when we take a good thing and turn it into a God thing which is a bad thing. Why is this a bad thing? Because it is an affront to the true God. But Isaiah also reminds us that we desire out of an idol what it can never give: help and fulfillment. Idols always disappoint. God, however, always keeps His promises.

Debates have raged between different segments of the Church over how we are to number the Ten Commandments. Some say there are two commandments on idolatry. Others say there are two commandments on coveting. But in Jewish thought, the first commandment is not so much a commandment as it is a declaration: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Before God tells His people what they are to do, He reminds them of what He has already done. God’s work, then, is the power behind our works.

Some of the best moments in life are the spontaneous ones. On Father’s Day, we give thanks for fathers and their sometimes spontaneous antics that can remind us all that we need to be free to sometimes take on unplanned opportunities in life – for these unplanned opportunities can be life-changing.

Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation. But sometimes, with all the special occasions of summer, it can turn into a time of fatigue. It is important to carve out time for rest so you can recharge during these summer months, but, most of all, we must always rely on the Lord for our strength.

When kids are in close proximity to each other all summer long, fights are bound to erupt. Sibling rivalry is as old as sin itself. Remember Cain and Abel? Joseph gives us a way out of sibling rivalry when he forgives his brothers for their wrongs against him. Parents, what are you teaching your kids about forgiveness?

Sometimes families plan all their fun around one big summer vacation. But something doesn’t have to involve a big event to be fun. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that we can find joy and fun in the everyday things of life. What everyday joys can you find with your family this summer?

Sometimes families plan all their fun around one big summer vacation. But something doesn’t have to involve a big event to be fun. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that we can find joy and fun in the everyday things of life. What everyday joys can you find with your family this summer?

Summer can be a time of farewells. Kids leave their friends at school. Some even are transitioning to a new school. My mother used to tell me, “Always leave a place better than how you found it.” As you say goodbye to friends for the summer – or maybe for longer – are you leaving those relationships better than you found them? Paul, when he says goodbye to the church at Ephesus recounts his strong relationship with the people there, but trusts in God to lead him into the future.

It is tempting to define ourselves by our accolades and achievements rather than by Christ’s achievement for us on the cross. On Mother’s Day, we take a moment to remind women – and men – that they are valued and precious not because of what they do and accomplish, but because of who they are – baptized children of God.

When confronted with and caught in a sin, you’ve probably heard someone try to justify his or her actions by saying, “I wasn’t hurting anyone!” In Joshua 7, we are introduced to the biblical concept of “corporate sinfulness.” Achan sinned, but all Israel was held responsible. Thus, there is no such thing as a strictly private sin. This is why we ought to freely confess sin and receive absolution. For our sins not only hurt us, they hurt those about whom we care the most.

Far too often, we get so caught up in the things of today that we forget about the eternal things of God. This world is more than what we see and the possessions that we have. This is why Paul warns against loving material things like money and, instead, striving toward eternal things such as righteousness, godliness, faith, and love. These are things that will last – not only in this world, but in the next.

Love is important. But many people have reduced love into little more than feelings and desires. Paul, however, speaks of love in challenging terms! Love is patient. Love is kind. Love forgives. Love never fails. The truth is that no human can have this kind of love. That is why, even more than love, we need our Lord. For He is the one who pours His perfect love into our broken hearts.

Our culture is mired in relativism. Many people believe that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe something. They believe all roads lead to God. Jesus, however, is clear: only He leads us and brings us to God. In this message, we discuss how to begin a conversation about the exclusivity of the gospel in a world full of relativism.

"Who is This?"

Colleges often partner with businesses so students can get hands-on training in an internship. In a sense, this life is an internship for heaven. The temptations we face can strengthen our faith and the holiness to which we aspire will be perfected for us in heaven. This life, as an internship, can give us tremendous hope and insight into the next!

The Gnostics, as well as the Jews, prided themselves in following all sorts of rigorous rituals. But Paul says a person does not need rigorous ritual to have true knowledge. Indeed, such legalism, though it leads to pride, does not lead to true wisdom and righteousness. Only Christ can give that.

There is no one smarter than Jesus! After all, as Paul notes, He is the fullness of God. And whereas the Gnostics thought their education was for only a few, Paul notes that in Christ, “all things hold together.” In this message, we talk about how Christ can hold you together when you are confused by the hardships of this world.

Giving can help us grow our faith because when we give, and God comes through in His provision to us, we learn to trust Him more. Because giving is an exercise of faith, fanfare and rewards from others whenever we give are not needed, for ultimately, we’re giving to God.

Christ’s desire is that all come to know Him. This means that, as His followers, we are to leave no corner of creation unturned in our efforts to share the gospel. How we do that, however, ought to be winsome. Jesus gives us two good winsome strategies. He says we are to be “salt,” that is, we are to add flavor to a “blah” word. We are also to be “light,” that is, we are to speak the truth to a world in darkness because of its lies.