You Are Invited!

Matthew 11:25-30 Sermon for 7-19-20 Dear friends in Christ, “You are invited.”  Have you received many cards, letters or digital messages proclaiming those words?  I know I have.  Yes, even during this time of physical distancing, I have discovered any number of invitations in my mailbox.  You see this month I turn 65.  Those of […]

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Our Identity Crisis is Averted!

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.   I am a man. I am a husband. I am a father. […]

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Deo Gloria Sermon for July 5, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: Matthew 10:24-33 Theme: Don’t be Afraid to Confess Your Faith in Christ! There’s no point in keeping it a secret. The power of those who persecute you is limited. The Father will take care of you. The Son will acknowledge you before the […]

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Deo Gloria Sermon for June 28 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8 Theme: Ask the Lord of the Harvest to Send Out Workers! See the harassed and helpless people. Bring them the good news of the kingdom.   We have a problem, a rather serious problem all across our synod and the effects can […]

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Righteousness

Deo Gloria Sermon for June 21, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: Romans 4:18-25 Theme: Righteousness Yours by faith Yours because of Jesus   Dear descendants of Abraham, it isn’t too often that you see a credit on your bank statement.  More often than not it’s nothing more than the interest that has accrued on […]

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Don’t Accept Any Substitutes!

Deo Gloria Sermon for June 14, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: Matthew 7:15-23 Theme: Don’t Accept Any Substitutes! Regardless of the packaging Regardless of the promises   We live in a world of substitutes—from substitute teachers to substitute sugar.  While they certainly can be useful, I’m sure we’d all agree that substitutes have their […]

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God’s Blessing Be With You!

Deo Gloria Sermon for Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Theme: God’s Blessing Be With You! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ The love of God And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit   How do you say “good-by”?  What do you say, for instance, when a […]

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Jesus Sends the Holy Spirit!

Deo Gloria May 28+31, 2020 Sermon for Pentecost Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: John 16:5-11 Theme: Jesus Sends the Holy Spirit! To comfort his disciples To convince the world   Wouldn’t it be easier to be a Christian if Jesus was still here today?  Wouldn’t it be easier to believe in Jesus and to follow […]

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Deo Gloria Sermon for May 24, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: John 17:1-11a Theme: Victory No Matter What Happens in This Life! Because Jesus has completed the work of our salvation Because Jesus reveals the Father and his love for us Because Father himself is protecting us   I’d like to take you back […]

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Deo Gloria Sermon for May 17, 2020 Pastor Martin Bentz   Text: John 14:15-21 Theme: Victorious Living Empowered by the Spirit Obeying Jesus’ commands Having the Spirit as our Counselor Being loved by the Father   When someone has been defeated, how do they act?  Often you’ll see them walking around with their head hanging […]

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