John – St. John's and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Parish

Fear Not, Daughter of Zion

Jesus says to us today, “Fear not.” Because Jesus rode into Jerusalem to suffer and die for us, and because He rose again from the dead for us, we need not fear – not sin, not death, nor even the devil.

You Must Be Born Again

This confounded Nicodemus at first, but in the end he knew it to be true. Those who enter the kingdom of God are not those who work for it. We are brought into the kingdom by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word.

The Holy Spirit, The Comforter

The Spirit comforts us with the promise that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are truly forgiven. The result is that we have the peace which the world cannot give. We have an eternal peace with God the Father through the resurrection of His Son.

I Myself Will Be the Shepherd

Through the Word and the Sacraments, the ministry of Jesus continues. He continues to be our shepherd, and we His people. He bids us take comfort in this and rejoice. And so, we do.

I Will Raise Him Up – Velda Haldeman

We believe, according to Jesus’ Word, that He will return on the Last Day. As He ascended on the clouds, so will He come; and every eye will see Him. By His glorious power, He will raise the dead out of their graves.

A New Prophet

The Law, with its thunder and lightning, was set in place to show us our sins and bring us to repentance. Yet, the Lord promised through Moses – and has made good on it – another Word, the Word of Gospel. By the Good News of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, we are set free from sin and we will live eternally with Christ, our Lord and brother.

Living in the Mansion of the Lord

Text: John 14:1-6 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. May the peace of Christ’s resurrection be especially of comfort to you, [family names] and all family and friends of Name. Because Christ lives, Name yet lives; and we will, too. We have a wonderfulContinue reading “Living in the Mansion of the Lord”

Just a Little While

Text: John 16:16-22 “Just a little while.” That’s what we say to ourselves or to others when we’re caught up in doing something that, maybe, well, we don’t really want to be doing. We say that it’ll just be for “a little while.” Or, if it’s already happening, we might say it’s just for “aContinue reading “Just a Little While”

I Know My Own, They Know Me

Text: John 10:11-16 This last week was Call Week at our seminaries in Fort Wayne and St. Louis. Call Day is the day where our fourth-year seminarians find out where the Lord is sending them to tend His flock. Five years ago, I myself was in that position. We give thanks to God for raisingContinue reading “I Know My Own, They Know Me”

Peace the World Cannot Give

Text: John 20:19-31 These last Advent and Lenten seasons we continued our normal practice of midweek services. During those times in the Church year, we pause to focus on the mercy and love of our God toward us. In both seasons we used a service called “Evening Prayer.” It’s a beautiful service, as most wouldContinue reading “Peace the World Cannot Give”