Author Archives: pastortapken

Jesus desires to be with sinners. He calls Simon, who would later be known as Peter, an ordinary man trying to provide for himself and his family. Simon is no Raddi, Pharisee, or tax collector. He is an ordinary fisherman. There is nothing notable about him. He is a sinner. Still, Jesus desires Simon toContinue reading “Fifth Sunday after Trinity Luke 5:1-11”

It may be a little-known fact among pastors that the texts for each Sunday repeat each calendar year. These are not selected at random. Pastors like myself, choose to read the same Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings every year. So when you come next year, four Sundays after Trinity, we will have the sameContinue reading “Fourth Sunday after Trinity Luke 6:36-42”

The parable of the prodigal son points to God’s mercy and steadfast love towards sinners. As the father waits for his son’s return, we see God our Heavenly Father, long-suffering, never abandoning his children, even as they are lost and held captive by Satan. When the son squanders his possessions with reckless living, he remembersContinue reading “Third Sunday after Trinity Luke 15:11-32”

I want to begin my inaugural sermon by giving thanks to Almighty God, the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Both congregations, my family, and I have witnessed God’s overwhelming compassion and faithfulness toward His church and those who desire the noble task of being a pastor. Many of you knowContinue reading “Second Sunday after Trinity Luke 14:15-24”