In Sermons:

Three Parts To Two Great Commandments

Contributed by David Zachrich on Jun 16, 2026

Among the major documents of Scripture are the Ten Commandments. Many of us learned them as part of our Confirmation instruction. And, some of you can still recite them by heart.

Friends in Christ, Among the major documents of Scripture are the Ten Commandments. Many of us learned them as part of our Confirmation instruction. And, some of you can still recite them by heart. Unfortunately, that is not true for all of us. In keeping with the times in which we live, a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:28-31, Luke 10:25-28

Denomination: Lutheran

A Complex God With A Simple Purpose

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 12, 2026

To begin: tell me tings that have three or more parts but are still just one item. (an egg, an apple, a smore!, ...). Good things, and one thing more: the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God.

Matthew 28:19-20 A Complex God with a Simple Purpose Jesus came and said to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Lutheran

A 'spirit' Of What Kind?

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 12, 2026

When you hear the word ‘spirit’ what comes to mind? Maybe one of these examples will help your thinking ...

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:1-21 Friends in Christ, When you hear the word ‘spirit’ what comes to mind? Maybe one of these examples will help your thinking: A Dad asked his teenage ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Giving Evidence Of Love

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 7, 2026

If you will allow, let’s begin with this: what evidence demonstrates love from a mother – a parent or grandparent, teacher, or coach?

Jesus taught, “If you love me, obey my commandments. … Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:15-21) Friends in Christ, (1) If you will ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Let Us Follow Where He Leads

Contributed by David Zachrich on Apr 14, 2026

The word “sheep” appears 600 times in the Bible – one of the most popular words in Scripture. When you review sheep from an agricultural perspective, you are not at all surprised at the word’s popularity. Today we want to learn more!

Friends in Christ, The word “sheep” appears 600 times in the Bible – one of the most popular words in Scripture. When you review sheep from an agricultural perspective, you are not at all surprised at the word’s popularity. // Farm Journal Magazine reports that there are ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Following Where He Leads

Contributed by David Zachrich on Dec 17, 2025

What we sometimes sing, we also think and feel in our hearts: who of us do not want to be with family and loved ones this time of year? To see smiling faces that reflect love, acceptance, and goodwill?

Matthew 2:13-23 “Following Where He Leads” Friends in Faith and Christ, In 1943 – the middle of World War II – Bing Crosby recorded the popular song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas … if only in my dreams.” I learned this week that the song was not written to be understood the way many of us think ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 53:6

Denomination: Lutheran

Listening To Last Words

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 19, 2025

Before Jesus departed from His disciples to return to heaven, after His crucifixion and resurrection to pay for the sins of the world, He offered several final messages that were – and still are – important.

Revelation 21:1-6,12-20 Last words … Friends in Christ, When children leave home after high school or college, words are shared between parent and child to express love. When a loved one passes, if there is an opportunity, last words are shared are also shared to express love and gratitude. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6, Matthew 28:16-20, John 14:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cost Of Consequences

Contributed by David Zachrich on Feb 2, 2025

Actions have consequences. Yes, consequences. Painful consequences. King David helps us understand our actions and their cost.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:13-17, Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Lutheran

What To Do After Christmas

Contributed by David Zachrich on Dec 17, 2024

It has been several days since Christmas and ... we want to keep the spirit of Christ's presence alive and with us always. How can we do that?

It has been several days since Christmas and the sparking tree lights, the happy, excited faces of our children and grandchildren, the simple wonderment of being with families and friends, the joy of singing “Silent Night” together in church as we lit our personal candles and listened again to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Loyalty Lost?

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 18, 2024

Loyalty, by definition, means unswerving in allegiance: such as faithful allegiance to your country, to your spouse and family, to your school, to your church, to your work.

Friends in Christ, Loyalty, by definition, means unswerving in allegiance: such as faithful allegiance to your country, to your spouse and family, to your school, to your church, to your work. Loyalty is not this: In heaven they faced God, who wanted to know what they believed in. The German ...read more

Scripture: John 6:56-69

Denomination: Lutheran

What To Do On Sunday

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 22, 2024

When the Children of Israel had completed the long, arduous journey from Egypt into the Promised Land, Moses gathered them together to review the principles of faith and life that God had given, including taking time to rest and worship.

Friends in Christ, When the Children of Israel had completed the long, arduous journey from Egypt into the Promised Land, Moses gathered them together to review the principles of faith and life that God had given him when he went up Mount Sinai to receive the Law. Moses concluded his presentation ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Mark 2:27

Denomination: Lutheran

You Look Just Like ...

Contributed by David Zachrich on Apr 6, 2024

The church that Ann and I attend brings us joy and peace – and, sometimes amusement. Like is true with many of you, we sit in the same pew almost every Sunday. We are surrounded by wonderful, friendly people who share our faith.

Friends in Christ, The church that Ann and I attend brings us joy and peace – and, sometimes amusement. Like is true with many of you, we sit in the same pew almost every Sunday. We are surrounded by wonderful, friendly people who share our faith. In the pew in front of us in a family of five – ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Place, Peace, And Presence Matter

Contributed by David Zachrich on Apr 2, 2024

Let’s start at an obvious place for the week after Easter. The baskets are empty, the colored grass has been vacuumed up. Beautiful cards have been put away. Nice clothes are back in the closet. All that is left are a few jelly beans that no one wants to trust. Easter is over … or, is it?

Let’s start at an obvious place for the week after Easter. The baskets are empty, the colored grass has been vacuumed up. Beautiful cards have been put away. Nice clothes are back in the closet. All that is left are a few jelly beans that no one wants to trust. Easter is over … or, is it? On ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Remember And Return To Give Thanks

Contributed by David Zachrich on Nov 18, 2023

Did you know … that, according to a recent national poll, the three most popular holidays in our country are: Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Christmas?

Friends in Christ, Did you know … that, according to a recent national poll, the three most popular holidays in our country are: Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Christmas? Approximately 91% of us observe them in some way, but when asked about observing Thanksgiving this year, 25% of us said, ‘No, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Lutheran

A Reception To Remember

Contributed by David Zachrich on Oct 6, 2023

It is the season of weddings for many couples and families. Jesus used the story of a wedding reception to remind us that regardless of the place or people, weddings are costly … in more ways than money. He invites us to one that we do not want to miss.

Friends in Christ, 1. It is the season of weddings! Last Sunday I substituted at Fairlawn Lutheran for Pastor Gau because his son was married on Saturday, and today I am with you as Pastor Tritten celebrates marriage for his son. Congratulations to both families – and, to you and your family ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14, 2 Peter 3:9

Denomination: Lutheran