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We see pretty crosses all over as jewelry, in logos, and on decorations in homes. Yet the cross was actually an unsightly object. It was a symbol of torture, pain, and death. Jesus said that whoever wants to be his disciple must carry their own cross. This involves denying our sinful self and enduring whatever pain comes as we walk behind him. These crosses may come in the form of temptations, persecution, or loss. As we review the importance of Jesus’ own cross for our salvation this Lent, today we also learn how we are to “Follow Jesus Under the Cross.” Our sermon is from Romans 5.

First things first. In the beginning, the devil’s temptations led to the fall into sin and death for all. He is at work tempting each of us already first thing every morning. Don’t bother listening to God. There isn't time for that today. Trusting God doesn’t make sense. Do whatever makes you feel good today. Serving others isn’t worth your time. Here on the first Sunday in Lent, we look at our Savior’s first task after his baptism: confronting the devil’s temptations. His victory is ours. “Jesus Conquers the Devil for Us”. Our sermon is based on Mark 1.

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. The liturgical color for Ash Wednesday is black, a color which calls to mind mourning, death, and dust. The wages of sin is death. From dust the first human was formed, and to dust we return because of sin. Some Christians even apply ashes to their body on this day as a solemn reminder of sin's wages. Although the overall tone of Ash Wednesday is one of mourning and repentance, Christians also approach the season of Lent by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. As followers of our crucified Savior, we are called to crucify the sinful flesh with its passions and desires. We seek to give up sin, not only during Lent but throughout the year, in thanks to the one who gave us everything in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our service theme: Now is the Time for Repentance. Our sermon is from Matthew 26.

For hundreds of years, Christians have observed the Transfiguration of our Lord at the end of the Epiphany season. What began with the light of a star ends with Jesus shining more brightly than the sun. At the Jordan River the Father approved of his Son and on the high mountain the Father announced his Son again. The glory revealed there made a lasting impression on Jesus’ disciples and it does on us as well. During dark and difficult days of self-denial and cross-carrying throughout this life, we draw assurance and hope from “The Transfiguration of our Lord”. Our sermon is from Mark 9.

Greetings St. Paul's Family and Friends,  This weekend we see the Lord meet us...even in the most challenging of places. He meets us in our suffering, our hurts, and our low places. In spite of our attitudes and egos, he speaks to us and lifts us up with encouragement and promise.  Come fly and walk and run... by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ God speaks to you! Pastor Mueller

What gives a person authority so that others will truly listen to them? It could be experience, like a plumber who has honed his craft for 30 years. It could be excellence, like a talented basketball player who wins championships. It could also be intellect, like someone who has multiple PhDs in biology. In the season of Epiphany, we get out a microscope and take a close look at Jesus. Today, we see “Christ Revealed with Authority”. Our sermon today is from Mark 1.

Greetings St. Paul's Family and Friends - Why does a pastor preach? Why does he want to minister? The obstacles are many. Sin abounds. Stubbornness is always present. Sometimes the tension gets thick.  But Jesus sent out disciples. Paul wanted to share the word not because of force but because of love - God's love. _It's compelling_. God has an incredible message to share...how he has removed the thick air and the reason for stubbornness by paying for sin.  He did that when he sent you a Savior named Jesus Christ.  Come and worship him. Come and grow. And be reconciled to God. 

At Jesus baptism, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending from the sky. What a sight that must have been! Our baptism doesn’t look like much: just a little water and a few words, an ordinary minister and humble sinners. But today the Lord reveals that there is so much more to baptism. As we progress through the Epiphany season, Christ is revealed in his ministry, miracles, and message. Today, we see “Christ Revealed in Baptism”. Our sermon is based on Mark 1.

A blessed Epiphany to all of you! We celebrate God's great revelation of Jesus Christ this weekend, and what a revelation it is. The heart of God is so big that in his planning he made sure to include _both_ Jew and Gentile in it. God did not limit salvation, but clearly makes it known that Jesus is for everyone. If you are reading this, it means you are included. If you can't read this, but someone shares this message with you, you are included. Forgiveness in Jesus is for you. That's why he came. So come and worship the Lord whose heart has no limitations. Come with your sin, your shame, yourself... and find God's great miracle of your sin price paid, your place under God's wrath filled, because you have a Savior named Jesus - and that's what God always planned for you to have. Pastor Mueller

Are you a planner or a drifter? Some people need to schedule every hour and squeeze as much in as possible, while others wake up and let the day carry them along. As the calendar turns from 2023 to 2024, the Lord impresses on us the folly of poor planning, the importance of planning, and how he has included us in his plans! “Plan your Future with the Lord.” Our sermon is from James 4.

Dear St. Paul's Family and Friends, The long wait and the hard work of preparation has been worth it. The Savior has been born. Come and worship him! God bless your Christmas celebration! Pastor Mueller