Faith Lutheran Church, Riverside CA

April 10, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fifth Sunday in Lent. SERMON “Dry Bones? Take a Drink from Jesus’ Living Water!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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The illness and death of Lazarus happened “that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus prompted His arrest and crucifixion, whereby He would die “for the nation” and gather “into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:51–52). As He called Lazarus from the tomb and commanded others to “unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44), Jesus also calls us and releases us from the bondage of sin and death. We would not “submit to God’s law,” nor could we “please God” (Rom. 8:7–8), but “He condemned sin” in His own flesh, so “that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Rom. 8:3–4). Now, through the Gospel, “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells” in us (Rom. 8:11). His Word breathes His Spirit into our mortal flesh, animating us with His own life.  As His ministers preach according to His divine command, the Lord Jesus calls us from the grave into the good land that He gives us (Ezek. 37:12, 14).

SERMON “Dry Bones? Take a Drink from Jesus’ Living Water!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

April 10, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fifth Sunday in Lent. SERMON “Dry Bones? Take a Drink from Jesus’ Living Water!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

The illness and death of Lazarus happened “that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus prompted His arrest and crucifixion, whereby He would die “for the nation” and gather “into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:51–52). As He called Lazarus from the tomb and commanded others to “unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44), Jesus also calls us and releases us from the bondage of sin and death. We would not “submit to God’s law,” nor could we “please God” (Rom. 8:7–8), but “He condemned sin” in His own flesh, so “that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Rom. 8:3–4). Now, through the Gospel, “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells” in us (Rom. 8:11). His Word breathes His Spirit into our mortal flesh, animating us with His own life.  As His ministers preach according to His divine command, the Lord Jesus calls us from the grave into the good land that He gives us (Ezek. 37:12, 14).

SERMON “Dry Bones? Take a Drink from Jesus’ Living Water!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

April 6, 2011 Wednesday Lent Service

April 6, 2011 Wednesday Lent Service

April 3, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fourth Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “What’s America’s Idol? The Lord Alone Is Worthy of Praise!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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The Lord is grieved by the spiritual blindness of His people, yet in mercy He does not forsake them. He restrains His anger and keeps His peace, until He opens their ears and eyes to hear and see Him. “For His righteousness’ sake” He magnifies His Word and makes it glorious in the coming of Christ Jesus (Is. 42:21). Jesus turns “the darkness before them into light” (Is. 42:16), because He is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5). The incarnate Son of God works the works of His Father and displays the divine glory in His own flesh “while it is day” until that night “when no one can work” (John 9:4). By the washing of water with His Word He opens the eyes of the blind and grants rest to the weary. Therefore, though “at one time you were darkness,” now “you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). By our Baptism into Christ we live in the eternal day of His Resurrection, wherein He shines upon us. As often as we fall back into the darkness of sin, He calls us by the Gospel to “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead” (Eph. 5:14).

SERMON: “What’s America’s Idol? The Lord Alone Is Worthy of Praise!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

April 3, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fourth Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “What’s America’s Idol? The Lord Alone Is Worthy of Praise!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

The Lord is grieved by the spiritual blindness of His people, yet in mercy He does not forsake them. He restrains His anger and keeps His peace, until He opens their ears and eyes to hear and see Him. “For His righteousness’ sake” He magnifies His Word and makes it glorious in the coming of Christ Jesus (Is. 42:21). Jesus turns “the darkness before them into light” (Is. 42:16), because He is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5). The incarnate Son of God works the works of His Father and displays the divine glory in His own flesh “while it is day” until that night “when no one can work” (John 9:4). By the washing of water with His Word He opens the eyes of the blind and grants rest to the weary. Therefore, though “at one time you were darkness,” now “you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). By our Baptism into Christ we live in the eternal day of His Resurrection, wherein He shines upon us. As often as we fall back into the darkness of sin, He calls us by the Gospel to “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead” (Eph. 5:14).

SERMON: “What’s America’s Idol? The Lord Alone Is Worthy of Praise!”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 30, 2011 Wednesday Lent Service

March 30, 2011 Wednesday Lent Service

March 27, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “When Things Go Wrong Don’t Go with Them” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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Though the Lord had brought them out of Egypt, “all the congregation of the people of Israel” grumbled against Him, because “there was no water for the people to drink”(Ex. 17:1). Despite their quarreling, the Lord graciously provided for them. He did not strike the people for their sins, but by the hand of Moses He struck the Rock instead and brought forth water for the people. In the same way living water flows from the pierced side of Christ “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6, 19:14), the well from which the Holy Spirit is poured out and becomes in His people “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (john 4:14). By this grace in which we stand, being at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we “worship the Father in sprit and truth” (John 4:23). “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” because “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:2,5).

SERMON: “When Things Go Wrong Don’t Go with Them”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 27, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “When Things Go Wrong Don’t Go with Them” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Though the Lord had brought them out of Egypt, “all the congregation of the people of Israel” grumbled against Him, because “there was no water for the people to drink”(Ex. 17:1). Despite their quarreling, the Lord graciously provided for them. He did not strike the people for their sins, but by the hand of Moses He struck the Rock instead and brought forth water for the people. In the same way living water flows from the pierced side of Christ “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6, 19:14), the well from which the Holy Spirit is poured out and becomes in His people “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (john 4:14). By this grace in which we stand, being at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we “worship the Father in sprit and truth” (John 4:23). “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” because “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:2,5).

SERMON: “When Things Go Wrong Don’t Go with Them”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 20, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Second Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “Faith Is Like Muscle, It Grows Stronger with Exercise”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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The Lord called Abram (Abraham) to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him.  He also promised to make of Abram “a great nation,” to bless him and make his name great, as a blessing to “all the families of the earth” (Gen. 12:2–3). “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Gen. 12:4), and in Canaan “he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord” (Gen. 12:8).  He “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Here the grace of God is manifested, that He “justifies the ungodly” (Rom. 4:5), not by works of the Law, but through faith in His promises. He removes all our sins and lawless deeds through Jesus Christ, the Offspring of Abraham in whom all the Lord’s promises are realized. This forgiveness of sins is the Word of the Gospel, the voice of the Holy Spirit, which “gives life to the dead” (Rom. 4:17). It opens the eyes of faith to behold Christ Jesus, the Son of Man lifted up on the Cross, “that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15).

SERMON: “Faith Is Like Muscle, It Grows Stronger with Exercise”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 20, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Second Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “Faith Is Like Muscle, It Grows Stronger with Exercise”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

The Lord called Abram (Abraham) to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him.  He also promised to make of Abram “a great nation,” to bless him and make his name great, as a blessing to “all the families of the earth” (Gen. 12:2–3). “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Gen. 12:4), and in Canaan “he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord” (Gen. 12:8).  He “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Here the grace of God is manifested, that He “justifies the ungodly” (Rom. 4:5), not by works of the Law, but through faith in His promises. He removes all our sins and lawless deeds through Jesus Christ, the Offspring of Abraham in whom all the Lord’s promises are realized. This forgiveness of sins is the Word of the Gospel, the voice of the Holy Spirit, which “gives life to the dead” (Rom. 4:17). It opens the eyes of faith to behold Christ Jesus, the Son of Man lifted up on the Cross, “that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15).

SERMON: “Faith Is Like Muscle, It Grows Stronger with Exercise”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 13, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  First Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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Following His Baptism, Jesus is “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). As He takes upon Himself the curse of our sin and sets Himself against our enemy, He trusts His Father’s voice and waits upon His Father’s hand for all things. The devil questions His sonship, but the beloved and well-pleasing Son remains faithful and lives “by every Word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Jesus patiently suffers hunger in His mortal flesh and returns to the dust whence man was taken, and by His pain He brings forth food for all the children of men (Gen. 3:18–19). By the sweat of His brow we eat the fruit of His Cross, even as our nakedness is covered by His righteousness. Although all people live in bondage to death through the trespass of the first man, Adam, all the more “have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one Man Jesus Christ abounded for many” (Rom. 5:15).  His righteous obedience “leads to justification and life for all men” (Rom. 5:18).

SERMON: “Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 13, 2011  Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  First Sunday in Lent. SERMON: “Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Following His Baptism, Jesus is “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). As He takes upon Himself the curse of our sin and sets Himself against our enemy, He trusts His Father’s voice and waits upon His Father’s hand for all things. The devil questions His sonship, but the beloved and well-pleasing Son remains faithful and lives “by every Word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Jesus patiently suffers hunger in His mortal flesh and returns to the dust whence man was taken, and by His pain He brings forth food for all the children of men (Gen. 3:18–19). By the sweat of His brow we eat the fruit of His Cross, even as our nakedness is covered by His righteousness. Although all people live in bondage to death through the trespass of the first man, Adam, all the more “have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one Man Jesus Christ abounded for many” (Rom. 5:15).  His righteous obedience “leads to justification and life for all men” (Rom. 5:18).

SERMON: “Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

March 9, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church Ash Wednesday Service.

March 6, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Transfiguration of Our Lord. SERMON:  Matthew 17:1-9    “How Good, Lord, To Be Here”  by visiting Pastor Lowell Siebrass.

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The Transfiguration confirms “the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet. 1:19). The divine glory of Jesus is manifested in the word of His apostles, who were “eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). “He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun” (Matt. 17:2). Moses and Elijah witnessed the fulfillment of the Old Testament in this Lord Jesus, and the Father testified concerning Him: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5). By His own blood, shed on the cross, Jesus makes and seals the new covenant with us. Hence, “the appearance of the glory of the Lord” is no longer “like a devouring fire” (Ex. 24:17), but is graciously revealed in His own body. As “Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel” went up the mountain with Moses and “beheld God, and ate and drank” (Ex. 24:9, 11), we also behold the Lord our God in Christ Jesus, and we abide with Him as we eat and drink His body and blood at the altar.

SERMON: Matthew 17:1-9    “How Good, Lord, To Be Here”  by visiting Pastor Lowell Siebrass.

March 6, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Transfiguration of Our Lord. SERMON:  Matthew 17:1-9    “How Good, Lord, To Be Here”  by visiting Pastor Lowell Siebrass.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

The Transfiguration confirms “the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet. 1:19). The divine glory of Jesus is manifested in the word of His apostles, who were “eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). “He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun” (Matt. 17:2). Moses and Elijah witnessed the fulfillment of the Old Testament in this Lord Jesus, and the Father testified concerning Him: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5). By His own blood, shed on the cross, Jesus makes and seals the new covenant with us. Hence, “the appearance of the glory of the Lord” is no longer “like a devouring fire” (Ex. 24:17), but is graciously revealed in His own body. As “Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel” went up the mountain with Moses and “beheld God, and ate and drank” (Ex. 24:9, 11), we also behold the Lord our God in Christ Jesus, and we abide with Him as we eat and drink His body and blood at the altar.

SERMON: Matthew 17:1-9    “How Good, Lord, To Be Here”  by visiting Pastor Lowell Siebrass.

February 20, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Seventh Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Failure Is the Path of Least Persistence” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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Today is the fifth of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, like David did when he was hiding from Saul in caves (1 Sam. 18-23), we can blame God for abandoning us, or in faith, realize that He is with us in our “caves.”

SERMON: “Failure Is the Path of Least Persistence” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. To boldly go where no one has gone before! II. Responses to failure. III. David and the Cave of failure. IV. Good news for Cave dwellers.

February 20, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Seventh Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Failure Is the Path of Least Persistence” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Today is the fifth of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, like David did when he was hiding from Saul in caves (1 Sam. 18-23), we can blame God for abandoning us, or in faith, realize that He is with us in our “caves.”

SERMON: “Failure Is the Path of Least Persistence” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. To boldly go where no one has gone before! II. Responses to failure. III. David and the Cave of failure. IV. Good news for Cave dwellers.

February 13, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Sixth Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Facing Our Challenges, Conquering Our Fears” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Today is the fourth of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. When fears and hardships appear, we can trust that God will give us the faith needed to persevere. Just as the angel told Mary, Fear not!” when faced with bearing the Son of God, we are also told not to fear in our journey of faith because the Lord will give us strength needed.

SERMON: “Facing Our Challenges, Conquering Our Fears” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. The Wind and Other Distractions II. Resilience in the Face of Trauma III. God’s Command: “Don’t Be Afraid.” IV. When Things Don’t Turn out as We’d Planned.

February 13, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Sixth Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Facing Our Challenges, Conquering Our Fears” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Today is the fourth of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. When fears and hardships appear, we can trust that God will give us the faith needed to persevere. Just as the angel told Mary, Fear not!” when faced with bearing the Son of God, we are also told not to fear in our journey of faith because the Lord will give us strength needed.

SERMON: “Facing Our Challenges, Conquering Our Fears” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. The Wind and Other Distractions II. Resilience in the Face of Trauma III. God’s Command: “Don’t Be Afraid.” IV. When Things Don’t Turn out as We’d Planned.

February 6, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin

Today is the third of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. May you grow in faith through this series as we seek to be more like our Savior (Phil 2:5) who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

Sermon:  “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. A Mission from God II. What it takes to Water-Walk III. Discerning God’s Call–: A. Identify Gifts and limitations B. Get Feedback C. Genuine Passion D. Prayer.

February 6, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin

Today is the third of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. May you grow in faith through this series as we seek to be more like our Savior (Phil 2:5) who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

Sermon:  “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. A Mission from God II. What it takes to Water-Walk III. Discerning God’s Call–: A. Identify Gifts and limitations B. Get Feedback C. Genuine Passion D. Prayer.

January 30, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Live Life as if This Is All There Is and It Will Be”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin

Today is the second of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. May you grow in faith through this series as we seek to be more like our Savior (Phil 2:5) who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

SERMON: “Live Life as if This Is All There Is and It Will Be”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. Two ways to look at a gift, talent or ability. II. The Lord of the gift. III. The Lord of the Settled Account. IV. The Lord of the Reward.

January 30, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “Live Life as if This Is All There Is and It Will Be”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin

Today is the second of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. May you grow in faith through this series as we seek to be more like our Savior (Phil 2:5) who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

SERMON: “Live Life as if This Is All There Is and It Will Be”  by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Sermon Outline: I. Two ways to look at a gift, talent or ability. II. The Lord of the gift. III. The Lord of the Settled Account. IV. The Lord of the Reward.

January 23, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “To Walk on Water, Get out of the Boat!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin

Today is the first of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. It is my prayer for you today and through this series to “grow up into…Christ” (Eph 4:15), who is our Savior and who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

SERMON: “To Walk on Water, Get out of the Boat!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

January 23, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Third Sunday after Epiphany. SERMON: “To Walk on Water, Get out of the Boat!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here To view today’s bulletin.

Today is the first of six sermons in our series based on John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat.”  We will explore Scripture together in order to learn how God leads us to step out in faith to grow in trust of Him. The story of Peter walking on water will be our key text during this series where we will explore how Jesus invites us to a faith journey that is not always comfortable but that is always more fulfilling than what we often settle for. It is my prayer for you today and through this series to “grow up into…Christ” (Eph 4:15), who is our Savior and who has prepared “good works…in advance for us to do!” (Eph 2:10).

SERMON: “To Walk on Water, Get out of the Boat!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

January 9, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Epiphany/The Baptism or Our Lord!”  SERMON: “God’s Love Cures People—Receive Yours Today!” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here to view today’s bulletin.

The Day of Epiphany, on January 6th,  is also called the Gentile Christmas, since it is the day the Church celebrates the coming of the Magi to see Jesus. We quickly move from that first “epiphany” (which means, “a revelation of God”) to Jesus’ next epiphany at the Baptism of our Lord. There He was proclaimed the chosen Servant of the Lord, anointed with the Spirit for the rescue of God’s people and “to bring forth justice to the nations” (Is. 42:1). In the waters of the Jordan, He takes His place with sinners and takes all the sins of the world upon Himself. He undergoes the baptism of repentance in order to “fulfill all righteousness” for us (Matt. 3:15). He submits Himself to the curse of sin and death, in order to redeem us. We are baptized with a baptism like His, thereby dying and rising with Him, so that “we will also live with Him” (Rom. 6:8). Indeed, all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are anointed with His Spirit and named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

SERMON: “God’s Love Cures People—Receive Yours Today!” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

January 9, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Epiphany/The Baptism or Our Lord!”  SERMON: “God’s Love Cures People—Receive Yours Today!” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

Click Here to view today’s bulletin.

The Day of Epiphany, on January 6th,  is also called the Gentile Christmas, since it is the day the Church celebrates the coming of the Magi to see Jesus. We quickly move from that first “epiphany” (which means, “a revelation of God”) to Jesus’ next epiphany at the Baptism of our Lord. There He was proclaimed the chosen Servant of the Lord, anointed with the Spirit for the rescue of God’s people and “to bring forth justice to the nations” (Is. 42:1). In the waters of the Jordan, He takes His place with sinners and takes all the sins of the world upon Himself. He undergoes the baptism of repentance in order to “fulfill all righteousness” for us (Matt. 3:15). He submits Himself to the curse of sin and death, in order to redeem us. We are baptized with a baptism like His, thereby dying and rising with Him, so that “we will also live with Him” (Rom. 6:8). Indeed, all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are anointed with His Spirit and named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

SERMON: “God’s Love Cures People—Receive Yours Today!” by Pastor Paul Wenz.

January 2, 2011 Faith Lutheran Church-Traditional Service.  Second Sunday after Christmas. SERMON: “God Never Breaks His Resolution to Love You!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.

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The Lord Jesus “grew and became strong” (Luke 2:40); He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). As His body grew and developed, His mind also increased in knowledge and understanding. For as our brother in the flesh, that we might “have redemption through His blood” (Eph. 1:7), He lived by faith in the Word of His Father. Thus, He was catechized by His parents, who took Him up “to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover” (Luke 2:41); and when He was of age, He gave attention to the Holy Scriptures in His Father’s house (Luke 2:46, 49). Christ Jesus is still found in His Church, in “the Word of truth, the Gospel,” by which we are adopted by His Father and sealed with His Spirit (Eph. 1:5, 13).  Thus do we gain “an understanding mind” to go about our vocations, discerning “between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). And so do we also go up to Jerusalem, to stand “before the ark of the covenant of the Lord” (1 Kings 3:15), that is, in the Holy Communion of His body and blood.

SERMON: “God Never Breaks His Resolution to Love You!”   by Pastor Paul Wenz.