The Kind of Sacrifice God Wants

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on January 11, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE, for the first Sunday after Epiphany, celebrating the Baptism of Jesus.

Romans 12:1-5:

12 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God—which is your appropriate worship. 2Also, do not continue to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you test and approve what is the will of God—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Humbly Use the Gifts God Gave You

3So by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think in a way that results in sound judgment, as God distributed a measure of faith to each of you. 4For we have many members in one body, and not all the members have the same function. 5In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ro 12:1–5.

Have a Simple New Year

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on January 4, 2025 for Epiphany. More info at mtolivelincoln.org

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet:

6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.”

7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.”

9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 2:1–12.

AI Notes:

Keywords Epiphany, Wise Men, Christmas, Inclusion, Faith, Simplicity, Community, Worship, Blessings, God

Summary This conversation explores the themes of Epiphany, the significance of the Wise Men, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom. It highlights the simplicity of faith and the unexpected blessings that can arise from following God's guidance.

Takeaways

• The arrival of the Wise Men signifies the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom.
• Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ to all nations.
• Unexpected blessings can arise from unplanned situations, as illustrated by Kristen Bell's story.
• Faith can be as simple as following God's word and worshiping Him.
• The wise men exemplified simplicity in their faith journey.
• God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of background.
• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
• Community and fellowship are essential aspects of worship.
• God has made it possible for us to approach Him freely through faith in Jesus.
• Living a simple life of faith can lead to overwhelming joy.

The Danger of Opposing Jesus

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 28, 2025 for Holy Innocents. More info at mtolivelincoln.org

Text: Matthew 2:13-23

13After the Wise Men were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod will search for the child in order to kill him.” 14Joseph got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt. 15He stayed there until the death of Herod. This happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Herod Kills the Boys 16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Wise Men, he was furious. He issued orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under. This was in keeping with the exact time he had learned from the Wise Men. 17Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. Return to Nazareth 19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. The angel said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus, Herod’s son, had succeeded his father as ruler in Judea, he was afraid to go there. Since he had been warned in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee. 23When he arrived there, he settled in a city called Nazareth. So what was spoken through the prophets was fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 2:13–23.

AI Summary:

The conversation explores the significance of the Festival of the Holy Innocents, reflecting on the biblical narrative of King Herod's actions and the implications of being a child of God. It emphasizes the dangers faced by those who oppose God and the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the innocent children who died for their faith. The discussion highlights the true essence of Christmas as a time for self-sacrifice and remembrance of those who have suffered for their beliefs.

Takeaways

• The Festival of the Holy Innocents serves as a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.
• Herod's actions reflect the dangers of opposing God.
• Being a child of God marks one as an enemy of the devil.
• The sacrifice of the Holy Innocents is honored as a testament to faith.
• Jesus' flight to Egypt fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
• The danger of being a child of God is still relevant today.
• Christians face persecution globally, highlighting the cost of faith.
• The true Christmas spirit involves self-sacrifice and love.
• Those who die in faith are promised eternal life.
• The story of the Holy Innocents encourages believers to embrace their faith courageously.