Main Takeaways

• While ancient tyrants (Pharaoh, Herod) destroyed life to secure political power, modern culture destroys life to secure the idol of individual autonomy.
• Children are only a "burden" in the sanctifying sense: they crush the sinful ego and force us to serve a neighbor who cannot repay us.
• Jesus functions as the True Israel, entering the "house of bondage" to succeed where the corporate son (the nation) failed.
• Matthew uses Jeremiah 31 to demonstrate that the return from the "land of the enemy" (Assyria/Death) has already begun in Christ’s return from Egypt.
• The Red Sea of the font and the Real Presence in the Supper press the benefits of Christ’s victory into the lives of our children.

Scripture Index

• Genesis 46: Jacob stands at the edge of the Promised Land, terrified that leaving for Egypt will void God's promises.
• Exodus 1: Pharaoh recognizes that the multiplication of children is a source of national power and a threat to his control..
• Matthew 2: The Flight to Egypt and the Massacre of the Innocents serve as the fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy and the recapitulation of Israel's history.
• Hosea 11:1: The prophet foretells that God calls His Son out of Egypt, identifying Jesus as the faithful Son..
• Jeremiah 31: The weeping of Rachel is cited not merely to describe grief, but to invoke the subsequent promise of resurrection and return from exile.
• Romans 8: Paul affirms that death cannot separate the baptized from the love of God 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

• We must reject the "Return on Investment" mindset that reduces life to temporary utility rather than eternal legacy.
• The Exodus Tabernacle provided proximity to God, but the Incarnation provides the intimacy of "God with us" in the flesh.
• Christ’s birth refutes the error that the spiritual is good while the physical is irrelevant; He sanctifies the material world.
• Sanctification involves becoming "living stones," requiring us to address sin in our lives.
• Our vocation is to mirror Christ’s sacrifice by bearing the burdens of our households with joy and presence.

Scripture Index

• Genesis 1:28: The mandate to tend creation calls us to leave a legacy, not just seek temporary gain.
• Exodus 3, 40: The Exodus leads to the Tabernacle, where God’s holiness was present yet unapproachable by Moses.
• John 1: The Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us, bridging the gap that the tent could not.
• 1 Peter 2: The church is described as a spiritual house where believers are built together upon the foundation of Christ.
• Isaiah 9: The Lord’s zeal accomplishes our salvation through the birth of the child in Bethlehem.

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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

• We gather on Christmas Eve not just for tradition, but to conspire against the forces of darkness.
• Like C.S. Lewis’s "Turkish Delight," worldly nostalgia is an addictive distraction, not a cure.
• God’s invasion began with a baby parachuting deep behind enemy lines.
• In a culture addicted to outrage, Christian rebellion looks like sanity and joy.
• Faithfully living out our vocations is how we hold territory that Christ has conquered.

Scripture Index

• Isaiah 9: The prophecy of the Light shining on those in deep darkness and the Child who breaks the yoke.
• Genesis 19: A reference to God's judgment on Sodom, contrasted here with the quiet arrival of Christ.
• Luke 2: The narrative of the shepherds witnessing the glory of the Lord in the fields.
• Ephesians 2:2: Paul’s description of the spiritual forces occupying the "air" around us.
• Philippians 4:4: The apostolic instruction to rejoice, which serves as our weapon against despair.

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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, from the Fourth Sunday in Advent, treats the right way to prepare to receive Christ at Christmas.

Main Takeaways

• True preparation requires humility. We prepare for Jesus by confessing, like John, that we are not the Christ.
• Find your identity in Scripture. We must look to God’s Word to see that we are beloved, forgiven heirs.
• God’s majesty draws us in as children, not as fearful slaves.
• Feast on the Word. Attend worship on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to fully celebrate the Incarnation.

Scripture Index

• John 1:19-28 – The priests ask John the Baptist who he is, and he admits he is not the Christ.
• Deuteronomy 18 – A reference to the great Prophet that God promised to send like Moses.
• Isaiah 40:3 – John explains he is just a voice crying out in the wilderness.
• Colossians 2:13 – God’s Word promises that you are forgiven.
• Isaiah 43:25 – God promises to forget your sins for His own sake.
• Colossians 3:12 – The Bible calls you God’s beloved people.
• Ephesians 1:1 – God declares that you are saints.
• Romans 8:17 – You are heirs and brothers of King Jesus.
• Ephesians 2:5-6 – You are seated right now with Christ in heaven.
• Genesis 3 – The promise of a Savior starts here and runs through the whole Old Testament.

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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 deals with the tension between Gaudete ("Rejoice!") Sunday and the reality of so many of our lives: we don't always feel that we have that many reasons to rejoice.

Main Takeaways

• Doubt is a common struggle; even the greatest prophet (John the Baptist) experienced doubt!
• Jesus comforts us not with therapeutic advice but with His mighty works.
• We have a greater comfort than John because we receive the saving benefits of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection; John the Baptist only heard about a few miracles Jesus did.

Scripture Index

• Matthew 11:2–11: From prison, John the Baptist sends disciples to ask Jesus if He truly is the Messiah.
• Isaiah 40:6–8: A reminder that all flesh is like temporary grass, but God's Word is eternal and always reliable.
• 1 Corinthians 4:1: St. Paul describes the pastoral office as "stewards of the mysteries" of God.
• Isaiah 35:5–6: The prophecy that the Messiah would open blind eyes and heal the lame.
• Isaiah 61:1: The Spirit anoints the Messiah to proclaim liberty to captives and good news to the poor.
• Psalm 119:50: A confession that in the midst of affliction, God's promise is the only source of life.

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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, 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