We enjoy lives of liberty and freedom—freedom especially from any oppressive or tyrannical political government. Spiritually, however, we are not free, but slaves to sin and death. Spiritually, we need a deliverer, a Savior, a benevolent king. Paul reminds us of how, because of sin, being apart from God we had no hope. But he points us to Christ Jesus, who came to bring us near to the one hope of salvation by His blood. Jesus is the saving King who takes away your sin and delivers you through death. The Shepherd’s compassion is for all and is for you. The title “King” was placed above His head on the cross. Now by His victory, all earthly sovereigns cast their crowns before Him. Receive His compassionate rule today as He brings us near to Himself by His Word and Sacraments and calls you blessed.
07/18/21 Traditional Service
Sermon: “I Need a King!?” Jeremiah 23:1–6
July 18, 2021 • Rev. Kenny Hsu
04/14/24 Praise Service
April 14, 2024
AS WE GATHER “Amazing” is a commonly used word in the English that has a rich history. It came into common usage in the 14th century as a variant of the older root word “amasod,” which meant stupefied or confounded or overwhelmed with sudden surprise or wonder. The word “amazing” shows up several times in hymns that we sing—from describing the action of God in the birth of Jesus as “love amazing” (LSB 375:1) to bringing to our hearts and minds that in His suffering to pay the price of our sins, our Lord showed “amazing pity” (LSB 437:2). Two other hymns refer to the “amazing grace” of God (LSB 744:1; 558:2), and in another hymn, the author of the text rejoices that God “has done amazing things to me” (LSB 934:2). The season of Easter is a time for us to be truly amazed and filled with the praise of our amazing Lord!
04/14/24 traditional Service
April 14, 2024
AS WE GATHER “Amazing” is a commonly used word in the English that has a rich history. It came into common usage in the 14th century as a variant of the older root word “amasod,” which meant stupefied or confounded or overwhelmed with sudden surprise or wonder. The word “amazing” shows up several times in hymns that we sing—from describing the action of God in the birth of Jesus as “love amazing” (LSB 375:1) to bringing to our hearts and minds that in His suffering to pay the price of our sins, our Lord showed “amazing pity” (LSB 437:2). Two other hymns refer to the “amazing grace” of God (LSB 744:1; 558:2), and in another hymn, the author of the text rejoices that God “has done amazing things to me” (LSB 934:2). The season of Easter is a time for us to be truly amazed and filled with the praise of our amazing Lord!
04/07/24 Traditional Service
April 7, 2024
AS WE GATHER When Thomas finally met Jesus, alive again after Easter, he went from demanding proof to a personal confession of faith, “My Lord and my God.” It would have been a different story had the news been false. The rest of the Jerusalem congregation truly exhibited Easter faith when they became a welcoming community, one that shared with newcomers whatever they needed. The news was unbelievable, but so were the responses—in word and deed as faith saw the freeing truth: we need fear nothing, not even death. We have heard the news as well. How shall we respond?