Concordia Sermons

When life gets busy, often one of the first things we neglect is the life of our minds. When Solomon felt overwhelmed, however, he devoted himself to wisdom rather than simply trying to make it through by his own grit. In this message, we’ll discuss strategies for doing the same.

True refreshment begins with our relationship with God. It begins spiritually. As Peter puts it in Acts 3:19: “Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” In Psalm 51, David speaks to God and asks him to “renew a steadfast spirit” (Psalm 51:10) within him. When we feel spiritually empty, God can refresh us and make us spiritually full.\

Happy New Year!

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations When wise men come to bring gifts to Jesus, they come to bring gifts to God’s greatest gift. The gift of Jesus is the heart of our faith. If Jesus is not a free gift, we have no hope. Will you trust that God has given you a perfect free gift in Christ?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations In the Bible, darkness is a common metaphor for sin. But darkness can be easily pierced by light. Jesus comes to shed light on our sin and bring light for our lives. Will we walk in His light?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations After a choir of angels appears to some shepherds, they rush to gather around a manger to see a newborn King. The manger became the center of their lives. Is the manger the center of our lives?

A crackling fire is often part of a picturesque Christmas gathering. But, as we know, fire can be dangerous. It certainly was for Peter. It was around a fire where Peter denied his Lord. But Peter’s toughest moment eventually proved to be a turning point in his faith. Our toughest moments can be turning points in our faith, too.

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations One of the most common images in the Old Testament for the Messiah is a branch. In Isaiah 11, from what appears to be dead wood comes a new, living branch. Are there things in our lives that are “dead wood”? Even when we feel as though something is lost, Christ can bring new life!

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Hannah’s deepest desire was to have a child. When the Lord blesses her with a son, she is so thankful that she dedicates him to Him. When we live thankfully, we also live generously, for we want to share our bounty and blessings with others, honoring the Lord who has given everything to us.

Entitlement is the enemy of thanksgiving. When we assumed we are owed something, we are unlikely to be thankful for something. The lepers cried out for mercy, but nine of them were more bitter at God about their disease than they were thankful for their healing from God. What blessings do we miss that we assume we deserve?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Paul is clear that we should “give thanks in all circumstances” (verse 18). There is not a moment in our lives when we have nothing to be thankful for. When we do not live thankfully, we are outside of God’s will and are, as Paul says in verse 19, of quenching of the Spirit.

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Stewardship involves faith that conquers fear. During an especially fearful time, Jesus’ Parable of the Bags of Gold reminds us that we’re nevertheless called to invest what He has given us for the sake of His work in the world.

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Joseph is entrusted by Potiphar to steward his estate. Joseph does everything right, but things still go terribly wrong. In this season, what do we do when we try to do the right thing, but things still go really wrong with our finances and in our lives?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations It feels like we’re becoming more obsessed with politics and elections. And even if we don’t care about politics much, we know someone who does! And their obsession can become our frustration. In a nation that is so divided, so scared, and so angry, how can the Church be different?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations For those who feel hopeless grace offers a promise – God is for you. Your righteousness does not define your standing with God. He defines His standing with You out of His love for you.

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Our culture operates on a system of merit – we get what we deserve. Grace upends this system because the very definition of grace is when we get what we do not deserve. But grace always gives us more than enough.

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations When Christ sacrificed His very life, God vindicated this sacrifice by giving Him a name that is above every name. His reputation is spotless, which is why countless millions follow Him. What do our reputations look like? Do our reputations show us to be people who live for Christ?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations Christ humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross. He gave all. Paul says we are to have this same mindset. Before we can challenge others, we must give to them. What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of others?

Would you like to become a member of Concordia? https://concordia.churchcenter.com/registrations It can be tempting to grumble and argue during a time like this. Yet, we are called to hold on to and hold out God’s Word of life to a world that needs it. This is what Paul did for the Philippians and this is what we are called to do for our world.