This sermon, preached for "Populus Zion" (the 2nd Sunday in Advent), focuses on Jesus' teaching about the Last Day and His return. We look at the signs of His return, the certainty of His return, and the ethical demands on our lives in light of His eventual return.

Main Points

• Ignoring check-engine lights is a bad idea. So is ignoring the dashboard lights of heaven and earth!
• The world will faint from fear at the end, but the Church lifts her head in hope and joyful expectation.
• Creation is temporary and even now is passing away, but the Words of Jesus remain eternally solid.
• The "generation" of unbelief will keep rejecting Christ until the end of time.
• Until Jesus does return, we must guard our hearts against the spiritual drowsiness caused by the cares and pleasures of this life.

Scripture Index

• Luke 21:25-36: Jesus tells us how to spot the signs of the end and stay ready.
• Malachi 4:1–6: Old Testament prophecy warning us about the coming Day of the Lord.
• Joel 2:31: A prediction that the sun will turn dark and the moon to blood.
• Revelation 6:12–17: The final vision of stars falling and celestial powers being shaken.
• Psalm 1:5: A warning that wicked people won't be able to stand on Judgment Day.
• Revelation 1:7: John tells us everyone will see Jesus coming on the clouds.

------------------------

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

This sermon, for Ad Te Levavi (the first Sunday in Advent), considers how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem from Matthew 21:1–9 tells us just what kind of King we have.

Takeaways

• Advent starts the journey to the cross, with a major stop at the manger along the way (that is, Christmas!).
• Worldly kings force obedience, but King Jesus wins our hearts by dying for us.
• Worldly kings take from their people, but King Jesus gives Himself for us.

Scripture Index

• Matthew 21:1–9 - King Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (instead of a war horse!)
• Zechariah 9:9 - The prophet predicts that the King will come to His people humbly, riding on a donkey
• Jeremiah 23:5–8 - God promises to raise up a righteous one to save His people

------------------------

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 consider how Martin Luther's Small Catechism articulates the Christian duty to respond to God's provision and protection. Hint: it starts with thanking Him!

Takeaways

• God the Father provides for all our physical needs without us deserving any of it.
• Israel's 40 years in the wilderness taught them to rely ultimately on the God who provides, not just what is provided for them.
• Civil government is God's tool to protect us from evil and provide us a quiet, orderly life.
• Thanksgiving looks past the blessings to worship the God who gives all good gifts.

Scripture Index

• Deuteronomy 8:2 - God humbled Israel for 40 years to prove that we all live by God's Word, not just bread.
• 1 Timothy 2:3–4 - God wants good things for all people (He wants them to all be saved!) and He uses earthly authorities to maintain peace so that the gospel of salvation can spread to all people.
• Luke 17:11–19 - Jesus cleanses ten lepers, yet only one of them returns to glorify God for the mercy he received.

------------------------

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