Every believer has a calling. In some ways that calling is general. In some ways that calling is very specific. But God has called each of us, not because of who we are, but because of his grace. And as he calls us, he equips us, empowers us, and sends us.
“Called” is a sermon series that looks at how God works through his people on earth, why he works through them, and what we can expect as he does.
Week 1 - Called by the Triune God - June 6-8 (Gebert)
Week 2 - Called to speak the Word - June 13-15 (Brown)
Week 3 - Called as sinners - June 20-22 (Henke)
Week 4 - Called with authority - June 27-29 (Gebert)
Week 5 - Called into conflict - July 4-6 (Brown)
Week 6 - Called to love God first - July 11-13 (Henke)
Week 7 - Called to rest - July 18-20 (Gebert)
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10 make us uncomfortable. No one wants division, especially not within their family. (At least God doesn’t command us to kill our family when they oppose him, as he did the Israelite families in Exodus 32!) Yet Jesus’ application of the First Commandment rings true. If anything, even family tries to capture our love before God, then it stands in opposition to our calling as God’s people. Yet those who receive your love as love for God receive not only the blessing of your love, but the double blessing of partnership in God’s Kingdom work.
Pastor Mark Henke preached this sermon on July 11, 2020 at the Family Worship Gathering of Bethany Lutheran Church’s Lynndale campus in Appleton, WI.
Learn more at www.bethanyappleton.org
Moses commissions Joshua to be the next leader of Israel. And to empower him in his job of shepherding them, God has Moses give to Joshua “some of your authority.” Authority that had been given in the first place to Moses by God. The gospel for Pentecost 4 parallels this account as Jesus gives authority to his disciples to bring back the lost of Israel. As we follow God’s calling, we go with Jesus’ authority and power, for we go with the power of the gospel.
Pastor Zach Gebert preached this sermon on June 27, 2020 at the Family Worship Gathering of Bethany Lutheran Church’s Lynndale campus in Appleton, WI.
God calls and empowers Paul, the “greatest of sinners,” for ministry. He does this to make a point: he is patient and full of grace. Rather than us feeling like we need to make ourselves worthy of God’s call, thank God for his grace in calling us in our sin. And make part of your witness the specific ways that his grace fills your weakness.
Pastor Mark Henke preached this sermon on June 20, 2020 at the Family Worship Gathering of Bethany Lutheran Church’s Lynndale campus in Appleton, WI.
Learn more at www.bethanyappleton.org
Speaking on behalf of the Trinity, Jesus commissions his disciples to make more disciples by bringing them into fellowship with the Triune God. We, 21st century believers, are the fruit of their work, and also recipients of that commission.
Pastor Zach Gebert preached this sermon on June 6, 2020 at the Family Worship Gathering of Bethany Lutheran Church’s Lynndale campus in Appleton, WI.
Learn more at www.bethanyappleton.org
As Joshua gives his retirement speech, he directs Israel’s attention to all the blessings God has given them. Now as they get to enjoy this Promised Land, Joshua encourages them not to become lax in their following of God, but to still stay with him. As they continue listening to God, he’ll continue providing them rest in the land he’s promised.
The enemies we have rest from are our spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. From these enemies also, God has given us rest through Jesus. As we call on him in faith, Jesus continues to give rest for our souls in his forgiveness.