Jesus says “Βe opened,” and a deaf man instantly hears and speaks plainly. This sermon traces how Christ’s living Word still creates what it commands: He opens ears and looses tongues to confess, turning hearers into confessors in daily life.

On Kickoff Sunday, we rejoice that Jesus gives these gifts through Word and Sacrament: calling children into Sunday School, confirming youth for a lifetime of hearing and confessing, and inviting all to the Divine Service where He forgives, feeds, and sustains His Church.

Key Points:

• Jesus’ Word creates what it commands; when He says “be opened,” ears truly open and tongues are set free in faith.
• Hearing naturally bears fruit in speech: believers confess Christ plainly in ordinary, non-flashy ways at home, church, and community.
• Parents and grandparents place children under the Word; faith is kindled as Christ speaks.
• Confirmation is not graduation but the beginning of a lifelong pattern of hearing and confessing.
• Bible Study isn’t a burden; it’s “more Jesus,” time to learn how to say what you’ve heard.
• A little “rustle” is the sound of a living church that welcomes all ages to the Divine Service.

Scripture References:

• Mark 7:31–37 — Jesus opens deaf ears and looses a bound tongue; His Word does what it says.
• Isaiah 29:18 — The deaf shall hear “the words of a book”; Christ fulfills the promise in His ministry.
• Isaiah 35:5–6 — Messianic signs of opened ears and loosened tongues reveal the coming of God’s salvation.
• Romans 10:17 — “Faith comes from hearing,” underscoring preaching’s central role in creating and sustaining faith.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

In this sermon, we hear how humility doesn’t earn anything; it’s simply the empty hand that receives everything from Christ, who atoned for our sins with His own blood.

Key Takeaways:

• Humility is not a virtue that merits grace; it’s the posture that receives Christ’s atoning mercy by faith.
• The Pharisee’s self-trust leaves him unforgiven; the tax collector’s contrition is answered with God’s verdict: "justified!"
• Despair is pride in disguise; no sin outruns the cross, and you don’t have to feel forgiven to be forgiven.
• The temple imagery points to Christ’s sacrifice once for all; our prayers rise because we are forgiven people.
• The Divine Service catechizes humility: we confess, we are absolved, and we go home right with God.

Scripture References:

1. Luke 18:9–14 — The Pharisee and the tax collector; “whoever exalts himself will be humbled… whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
2. Psalm 141:2 — “Let my prayer rise before You as incense,” illuminating the temple-prayer context fulfilled in Christ.
3. Luke 23:48 — The crowds “beat their breasts” at the crucifixion, echoing the tax collector’s contrition and pointing to the cross.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

In this episode from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, we meditate on Luke 19, where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem for missing the time of God's coming in Him. This sermon highlights the tragedy of forfeiture but proclaims the joyful Gospel: Christ still visits us in His Word and Sacraments, delivering forgiveness, life, and eternal hope by grace alone through faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Christ's visitation means His coming to earth to save us solely through His cross and resurrection, offering peace by grace.
• Rejecting Jesus leads to tragedy, as with Jerusalem, but the Gospel calls us to faith in His redeeming blood.
• Today, the Holy Spirit brings Christ's presence in Word and Sacraments, freely giving forgiveness and eternal life.
• Hang on Jesus' words to recognize His visitation, finding assurance in the Gospel's power for salvation.
• In worship, we touch eternity, receiving Christ's benefits that prepare us for heavenly joy.

Scripture References:

• Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus laments Jerusalem's failure to see God's visitation in Him, who brings salvation through His cross.
• Colossians 1:20 - Peace is made through Christ's blood on the cross, reconciling all to God by faith.
• Luke 1:68-79 (Benedictus) - God visits to redeem His people, fulfilled in Christ's coming for our salvation.
• Luke 2:14 (Gloria in Excelsis) - Angels declare peace on earth through Christ, whose work unites heaven and us.
• Isaiah 48:18 - Obeying God's Word brings peace.
• Colossians 3:3 - Our lives are hidden in Christ, assuring resurrection hope through baptismal grace.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship