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.

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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

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

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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 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.

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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

Main Takeaways

• Just as we trust the sun to rise, we trust the Day of the Lord will dawn for believers.
• The world ignores the coming judgment, trusting in a fragile peace that will vanish like vapor.
• Endless scrolling and commercial promises create a "white noise" that lulls Christians into spiritual sleep.
• We guard our hearts against guilt and coldness by wearing the breastplate of faith and love.
• We are not destined for wrath! Like Noah's family, we are carried safely through the storm in the Ark of the Church.

Scripture Index

• 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11: The Apostle Paul contrasts the sudden destruction coming upon the world with the salvation promised to the children of light.
• John 2:1–11: Jesus’ first miracle at Cana reminds us that while we may enjoy earthly gifts, we must never become intoxicated by the world.
• Genesis 6–9: The account of Noah illustrates how God preserves the faithful remnant through judgment via the safety of the Ark.
• Isaiah 65: The Old Testament reading that points us toward the joy of the new heaven and new earth.

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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

Main Takeaways

• God forgave you a debt you could never pay (like owing $6 billion!)
• Christians must forgive each other without keeping count or setting
• Forgiveness doesn't erase consequences; you can forgive and still call the police!
• Refusing to forgive others means rejecting the forgiveness God gave you.

Scripture Index (in order of appearance)

• Matthew 18:15-20 – Jesus teaches how to handle sin in the church: talk privately, bring witnesses, tell the church if needed.
• Matthew 18:21-35 – Peter asks how many times to forgive; Jesus says unlimited times and tells the parable of the unforgiving servant.
• Colossians 2:14 – The record of our debt was nailed to the cross through Jesus' hands.
• Romans 4:25 – Jesus was raised from the dead for our justification—proof our debt is paid.
• Matthew 6:12 (Lord's Prayer) – We ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us.

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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

Main Takeaways

• The Word of God accomplishes what it declares.
• Faith matures when tested, because we learn to rest on the Word alone, apart from visible reassurance.
• The royal official’s belief shows the model for faith lived out in the sacramental life: trusting God's Word to deliver what it promises.
• The same Word that once created light now creates new life through preaching and the Sacraments.
• Christ’s Word sustains the believer until faith becomes sight.

Scripture Index

• Genesis 1:1–3 – God speaks creation into being, showing that His Word creates reality.
• John 2:1–11 – Jesus' first miracle at Cana shows His divine power.
• John 4:46–54 – The second Cana event affirms that Christ's Word is the same divine speech that created the universe.
• Psalm 130 ("From Depths of Woe" LSB 607) – The sinner’s cry for mercy mirrors faith’s dependence on divine speech.
• Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 22:19–20; John 20:23 – Christ’s Words continue His creative power in Baptism, Communion, and Absolution.

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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

Main Takeaways

• God calls us His children right now, even when we don’t look like it.
• Baptism joins us to Jesus’ death and resurrection, saving both body and soul.
• Heaven is real, but it’s not the end of the story. Resurrection is.
• The saints rest in paradise, waiting for the day Jesus raises them.
• Nothing can un-adopt you from being God’s child in Christ.

Scripture Index

• 1 John 3:1–3 – We are God’s children now; when Christ appears, we’ll be like Him.
• Romans 5:8 – God showed His love when Christ died for sinners.
• John 3:3–5 – Jesus tells Nicodemus we must be born of water and Spirit.
• Romans 6:3–5 – Baptism unites us to Christ’s death and resurrection.
• Luke 23:43 – Jesus promises paradise to the repentant thief.
• Revelation 7:9–14 – A multitude in white robes washed in the Lamb’s blood.
• Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ.

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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

Main Takeaways

• The Christian life is a pilgrimage led by Christ, whose cross and resurrection redefine both "death" and "home."
• Heaven is not an abstract idea but a real place where Christ prepares a dwelling for each one of us.
• Through sorrow and loss, the Church sings defiantly: "I'm but a stranger here; heaven is my home."

Scripture Index

• Job 19:25–27 – Job trusts his living Redeemer and looks forward to seeing God after death.
• Psalm 23 – The Lord is the Good Shepherd who guides and protects His people.
• Revelation 7:9–17 – Believers who die in faith now stand before God, washed in the Lamb’s blood.
• John 14:1–6 – Jesus prepares a place for His followers and declares Himself the only way to the Father.
• Revelation 3:20–21 – Christ calls His people into fellowship and gives victory to those who remain faithful.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (implied) – Christians grieve with hope, knowing death is not the end.

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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