Septuagesima, from the Latin for 70, marks about 70 days from Easter. By pointing ahead to that celebration, Septuagesima reminds us how all of our time flows from that great victory of Christ over death and carries us towards its fulfillment on the Last Day. We therefore take these next three weeks to prepare for Lent and Easter. Central to that preparation is remembering that all of God’s works come from His grace, His immense favor and kindness, and that grace is the focus of today’s Gospel reading.
That’s Unfair—Thank God!
Septuagesima
January 28, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, 1 Corinthians 10:1–5, Matthew 20:1–16, Exodus 17:1–7, Psalm 95:1–9
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For This Is the Will of God
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • Isaiah 40:25–31, Psalm 147:1–11, 1 Peter 2:11–20, John 16:16–22
For a little while, the disciples did not see the Lord. When they saw Him again on that first day of the week, they rejoiced with a joy the world could not take away. Their joy is ours on this day. We also cannot see the Lord as we see each other, for we see Him even more clearly! In the proclamation of His Word and the breaking of the bread, He makes Himself known to us with crystal clarity as the font of all mercy and kindness for sinners, welcoming them into the kingdom of God.
Sheep in Wolve's Clothing
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Johnson • Ezekiel 34:11–16, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:21–25, John 10:11–16
Who are the “other sheep” to which Jesus refers in today’s Gospel? We know that Jesus had previously warned about false prophets, men who were likened to “ferocious wolves” in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). And prior to sending out the Twelve Apostles, a foretaste of later missionary ventures, Jesus likened their calling as being sent out “like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). If Jesus has come to reconcile all sinners to the Father by his blood and resurrection, could some of those very “wolves,” in fact, be “sheep”?
Witnesses Aplenty
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Gjerde • 1 John 5:4–10, John 20:19–31, Ezekiel 37:1–14, Psalm 33
Someone once described the difference between a dead and living person in this way: a living person can still surprise us. Jesus surprised the disciples following His death, confirming the truth of His resurrection. Still today He surprises the world, forgiving sins where the world would hold a grudge, reconciling enemies, giving hope to the dying, comforting the grieving, unleashing charity and acts of love, and nourishing countless souls in faith. Alleluia! Christ is risen!