The Hands of the Passion

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 6, March 24, 2021

Sermon:  Hands of Self-Preservation (Pilate)

The whole idea of washing your hands of someone or something seems to stem from Pilate’s public ritual recorded in Matthew 27. He washed his hand in a bowl of water to make it clear that he was no longer responsible for what was going to happen.

We don’t want to wash our hands of our responsibilities, our opportunities to do what is good, and our chances to serve our Savior.

The reality is that a bowl of water could never wash away the guilt on Pilate’s hands. The reality is our excuses can never wash the sinful stains off of our hands.

But Jesus our Savior died for those sins and washed those stains for us. He allows us to use our hands and our everything to serve him instead of ourselves.

Thank God for our Savior!

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 21 2021

The Struggle:  Psalms for Lent

Readings for this Service:

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 31:31-34.  Remember that Lent is for us sinners.  Nothing that Jesus suffers in his Passion is because of his own guilt.

Second Lesson:  Hebrews 5:7-10.  Because of Jesus, God is pleased with us and accepts us.

Verse of the Day:  Mark 10:45. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Gospel:  John 12:20-33.  Jesus makes it clear that by his cross he may draw us to him.

Sermon:  Psalm 143.  The Lord’s Help in Our Relentless Struggles.

Everyone has struggles that just won’t go away. No matter where they come from, they bring with it unrelenting hardships that threaten to empty our spirits and devastate our hearts with eternal consequences.

It is for that reason we turn to the Lord for help. And because of his mercy, faithfulness, righteousness and his own name’s sake, we can be confident that our Lord will help us as he knows best.

May our Lord help us look to him in all our relentless struggles, now and forever.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Hands of the Passion

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 5, March 17, 2021

Sermon:  Hands of Brutality (Matthew 27:27-31)

God’s wrath has been taken away because of Christ’s willing sacrifice for you. Jesus endured the brutality of the soldiers, the torture of the cross, the punishment of hell in our place.

Sin leads us away from what is good and holy and drags us into dark places.

How much better life is when we have our big brother and Savior Jesus standing by our side. He’s by our side and he’s there to defend us against all spiritual and physical enemies we face.

Let us share the peace that only Jesus can bring with others!

Pastor David Parsons

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 14 2021

The Struggle:  Psalms for Lent

Readings for this Service

First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9. Both in suffering and in relief, we rejoice for both are evidences of God’s grace in Christ.

Psalm 38: A psalm of David of penitence.

Second Lesson: Ephesians 2:4-10. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, God sees us as already in heaven.

Verse of the Day:  John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Gospel:  John 3:14-21.  The one who does what is true comes toward the light (Jesus) in order that his deeds may be seen as having been done in connection with God.

Sermon:  Psalm 38: The Struggle—The Struggle With Guilt.

We know what we can do when we struggle with sin and when we are weighed down with guilt. We can turn to Jesus, the one who loves us, and who sacrificed himself for us.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Hands of the Passion

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 4, March 10, 2021

Sermon:  Hands of Hypocrisy (Mark 14:55-65)

Every person, every Christian, is guilty of hypocrisy.

What—or who—prevents us from going down that path? Jesus!

Jesus calls us to repent, not to embarrass us, but because he loves us.

Jesus calls us to stop pretending that we have no sin, to remove the mask so we can look to him to remove the guilt of our sin.

When we come clean and confess, he is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Third Sunday in Lent, March 7, 2021

The Struggle:  Psalms for Lent

Readings for this Service

First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-17.  These are the commandments of the LORD our God.  The word LORD really means Savior.  As Savior he gives himself to us, but in doing so he mains God.

Psalm 19: A psalm of praise set in the middle of other psalms praying for deliverance or thanking God for his protection against enemies.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:1-10.  Only the proclamation of “no condemnation” because of the work of Christ can break the shackle and set us free.

Verse of the Day:  John 3:14-15.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

Gospel:  John 2:13-22.  So great is Jesus’ love that he continues dwelling in his sanctuary of the Word and sacrament to this day, and through them, dwelling in us as his temples.

Sermon:  Psalm 19: The Struggle—Empowered by God’s Word.

God empowers Christians through His Word.

Christians face their struggles wise and renewed.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Hands of the Passion

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 3, March 3, 2021

Sermon:  Hands of Misguided Zeal (John 18:4-11)

Let your zeal for Jesus be evident in the way you treat others with sacrificial willingness.

All of us have done things that contributed to God’s wrath for the our sins;  Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath for us. He went through the agony for us and still, after dying, rose again, and saved us.

Often misguided in our zeal, we are forgiven. He is the Savior that we need and trains our hands for humble service and loving care.

Pastor Frank Rose

The Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2021

The Struggle: Psalms for Lent, Week 2

Readings for this week

First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-17. God comes with grace to sinners who deserve nothing but suffering in consequence of their sins.

Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-11. Christ suffering for sinners and in their place makes them innocent in God’s sight.

Verse of the Day: Philippians 2:8. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Gospel: Mark 8:31-38. The suffering that comes as a result of following Jesus, drives us to Jesus’ cross both for forgiveness and for strength.

Sermon: Psalm 73. The Struggle Seems Unfair.

From an eternal perspective, the success of all who do not believe in God is short-lived. Jesus taught everyone who would listen about the things that were truly and eternally important.

The struggle against sin and our attempts to follow what God says are not the things that can earn us God’s favor. We follow God’s directions because God loves us already, because he loved us first.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 2

The Hands of the Passion

Sermon:  Hands of Betrayal (John 13:21-30)

Pastor Ryan Heiman

The First Sunday in Lent

The Struggle:  Psalms for Lent, Week 1, February 21, 2021

Readings for February 21

First Lesson:  Genesis 22:1-18.  What do you love so much that it would be impossible to willingly and gladly give up if the Lord required it?

Psalm of the Day:  Psalm 3.   David contrasts the arrogant overconfidence of his enemies with the serenity he has because he trusts in the Lord.

Second Lesson:  Romans 8:31-39.  As beautiful as these verses are, it takes a miracle from God for us to believe them.

Verse of the Day:  Matthew 4:10. It is written: “worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

Gospel:  Mark 1:12-15.  The life of Christ for us followed a hard and painful road:  loneliness and struggle in the desert for 40 days.

Sermon:  Psalm 3.  The Lord is My Shield from Every Enemy

We have many enemies.  Who or what is it that you consider to be your enemy?  Might it be enemies that outright challenge and contradict what our God says, or our own selves that give in to sinful habits and put up stumbling blocks to our faith?

The Lord is my shield. King David looked to the Lord for help and we should, too.  The Lord is our shield to protects us from danger that would otherwise end us.

I securely rest in Him.  We can securely rest in our Lord despite the struggles we face from our many enemies.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021

he Hands of the Passion Series, Week 1,

Readings for Ash Wednesday:

First Lesson:  2 Samuel 12:1-13.  King David thought he had successfully covered up his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite, but God, through his prophet Nathan’s story of a poor man’s precious lamb exposes his sin, leading to David’s repentance and God’s gift of forgiveness.  In the same way we are encouraged to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.

Psalm 51. Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Second Lesson: Acts 5:1-11.  Ananias and Sapphira had the right to withhold or offer whatever they wished to the Lord but they lied and did not repent.

Gospel and Sermon Text:  Luke 18:9-14.  Contrast the pride with which the Pharisee prays to God with hands outstretched to the humbleness with which the tax collector asks for forgiveness with hands beating his breast in contrition. 

Comparing your goodness against God’s standards reveals that we are all in need of God’s mercy, so repent and receive God’s gift of forgiveness.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Last Sunday after the Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 14, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 7

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12a. In this lesson, we learn more about the last day of Elijah before he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. In the preaching of the gospel, the real glory of God becomes manifest.

Verse of the Day: Mark 9:7: Alleluia. A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-9. The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was primarily for the benefit of those he called.

Sermon: Mountaintop Glory: Mark 9:2-9.

February 14, 2021

Last Sunday after the Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 14, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 7

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12a.  In this lesson, we learn more about the last day of Elijah before he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.  In the preaching of the gospel, the real glory of God becomes manifest.

Verse of the Day:  Mark 9:7:  Alleluia.  A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Gospel:  Mark 9:2-9. The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was primarily for the benefit of those he called.

Sermon:  Get to Know Jesus in His Heavenly Glory:  Mark 9:2-9.

For a few shining moments on the mountain, Jesus showed who he really was, that he was more than just an ordinary human being.  He showed that he is and was true God as he allowed his heavenly glory to shine forth

This wasn’t a trick; it wasn’t a reflection of the sun or even a reflection of heavenly glory shining on Jesus.

It was his glory shining forth.  He is God.  He is the eternal and almighty God clothed in human flesh and bones and blood.  He is God himself and a human being just like us.

He lets us peer into the heavenly glory so that we will continue to share the Gospel with others.  .

Amen.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

February 14, 2021

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany , February 7, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 6.

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Job 7:1-7. Job’s experience of suffering is extreme but no means unique, but he continues to trust in God’s mercy in the face of such terrible suffering.

Verse of the Day: John 8:12. Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:28-30. All things work together for the good of those who love God.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:29-39. We all have unique circumstances and situations, but we praise God that we have this in common: Jesus is our Savior.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany , February 7, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 6

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Job 7:1-7. Job’s experience of suffering is extreme but no means unique, but he continues to trust in God’s mercy in the face of such terrible suffering.

Verse of the Day: John 8:12. Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:28-30. All things work together for the good of those who love God.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:29-39

We all have unique circumstances and situations, but we praise God that we have this in common: Jesus is our Savior.

We get to know Jesus as we recognize the work of sin and Satan and as we know the power Jesus has to help.

He has called us to trust in him, and we will continue to want to get to know him better and better day by day.

Amen

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

WELS musician Chris Driesbach leads service at Grace on January 31, 2021. See Chris’s website: https://www.chrisdriesbach.com/

Third Sunday after the Epiphany , January 17, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 4

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:19-21. God calls Elisha

Verse of the Day: Matthew 4:23. Alleluia. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Acts 13:1-5. God sets apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for work for which he called them.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:14-20

Jesus called his first 4 Disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their fishing boats and followed him immediately.

Jesus has called all of us Christians to follow him above all, too.

We can do this by: 1) genuinely confess our sins; 2) trust in God’s promise to forgive; and 3) live a life that tries to be free from those sins.

We can all serve our Lod wherever we are and however long we’ve been in the Christian faith.

And while there are competing influences out there that want us to do anything except follow our Lord, let us instead imitate the 4 men whom Jesus called to full-time apostleship and be willing to drop and overcome whatever necessary so that we may follow our Savior as he has called us.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

Second Sunday after the Epiphany , January 17, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 1 Samuel 3:1-10. The Lord calls the boy Samuel and Samuel answers, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”.

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 49:3: Alleluia. He said to me, “You are my servant in whom i will display my glory.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. It is by God’s grace that you are saved who gives us encouragement and hope.

Gospel: John 1:43-51. Jesus calls Philip to be His disciple; Philip invites Nathanael to “come and see” the Lord Jesus.

Sermon:  Know the Power of Jesus’ Call (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17:

Give thanks to God for bringing you to faith. Because it is a challenge to follow our Savior in all we think, do, and say, we also go to the Lord for his sustaining power.

He does this when we hold his Word tight and close to our hearts and where he eternally encourages our hearts with his good hope of grace and agape love.

He also sustains us to follow Jesus through our Word-driven works and words.

It is through all this that we get to know the power our Lord works in us through Jesus’ call to faith in him and to follow him.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Baptism of our Lord, January 10, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-6:  With prophetic vision, Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Christ.

Psalm 148: All God created, including the heavens and earth and all living creatures are called to praise the Lord.

Second Lesson: Acts 16:25-34: After an earthquake, the jailer was terrified that all the prisoners had escaped; Paul and Silas reassured him they remained in their cells. They spoke to him of the Word of the Lord and to everyone in his house. The jailer rejoiced, because he and his whole household had come to believe in God

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11: John the Baptist baptizes the Lord.

Sermon:  The Son of God is Baptized for You (Mark 1:4-11)

John the Baptist called people to repent of their sins. The crowds all heard that they were sinners and needed forgiveness. He also preached that someone else was coming who outshone John and this was Jesus.

When Jesus, the sinless Son of God walked down to John, into the Jordan River, to be baptized, he was giving us a champion to fight the battle against your sins. He began his work and the ministry that will take him to his death on the cross, not because of his own sin, but because he is going where sinners need to go. He is going to the suffering and pain and torture of hell as a substitute for you and for the whole world.

Because of all he has done, your baptism has power to save.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Epiphany of our Lord, January 3, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Isaiah 60:1-6:  Isaiah allows us a glimpse of the glory that is Christ.  We see God’s great love for us.

Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:2-19:  Paul explains we have been sent to the ends of the world to make known to Jews and Gentiles of the salvation that comes from Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12:  In this account of the Magi visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, God has revealed that Jesus has come for the poor and lowly without leaving out the wise and rich.

Sermon:  Ge to Know Jesus as the Savior of the World: Isaiah 60:1-6

Epiphany is the word used to recount the visit of the Magi to our Savior, Jesus Christ, the sun’s dawning Light, in Bethlehem.  Jesus’ light of salvation chases away the darkness of sin with his forgiveness and love.

Follow the example given to you by the Magi as you consider how to give your joyful gifts and praise to the Lord.

Let your gifts to the Lord of time, talents, and treasures be of first priority instead of what’s leftover because you failed to plan.

Everyone’s situation is different and may not be secure, but chances are, you can still be generous to God in your own way.

Let your giving be marked with cheerful hearts and a faith-driven motivation that comes from calling Jesus your Savior.

Pastor Tim Patoka.