In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 19

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

Received With Joy, Not Rejected

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

Rejection is painful, especially when you had hoped to be warmly received. It is the issue that Jesus addressed while in the Temple days before His arrest, persecution, and crucifixion.

Jesus concluded, “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:33-43 Friends ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Lutheran

The Hand Of Grace

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

It isn’t a story about work and wages. It isn’t a story about justice or fairness. It is a story about life in the church when new saints are included with those who have been in faith for a life time. They, too, receive the vast blessings of God’s grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Jesus, when speaking about the wealthy owner, said to the disciples, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or, are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:1-16 Friends in Christ, Let’s begin here: The pastor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

From Disunity To Unity

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

How good if all fighting – disagreements, squabbles, arguments, conflicts and worse – ended because we understood the cost and consequences!

“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one. … Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

How Majestic Is Your Name

Contributed by David Zachrich on May 12, 2023

Psalm 8 warms our hearts with sweeping thoughts and words about the majestic of God.

LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Truths For Times Of Temptation

Contributed by David Zachrich on Feb 15, 2023

We are not immune to temptation. How can we respond when we are tempted?

Friends in Christ, A venerable legend tells that the trees in the forest gathered to have a meeting to discuss ways to unite against the very sharp axe that had cut down so many of their friends – oak, maple, spruce, poplar. One by one, the axe had sliced into them and cut them down for firewood. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Salt And Light Make An Important Difference

Contributed by David Zachrich on Jan 17, 2023

Jesus used salt and light as metaphors to challenge and encourage Christians.

Matthew 5:13-20 Salt & Light Can Make a Difference Friends in Christ, Early in His ministry, Jesus proclaimed a powerful, challenging, encouraging sermon to thousands of people. His words have been memorized, repeated, and quoted unknown times. Today a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Anchored With Hope Series

Contributed by David Zachrich on Nov 20, 2022

Life can feel fragile and dangerous. Things are beyond our control. And, worse, there is not always someone waiting to help us.

Psalm 130 Anchored with Hope Wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Friends in Christ, David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer at Drexel University, ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Gratitude Always

Contributed by David Zachrich on Nov 20, 2022

It is good to be reminded about gratitude because it is not always in our hearts or on our minds. No, instead of gratitude, anxiety is.

Philippians 4:6 “Gratitude Always” Friends in Christ, I hope for you – for your family, your friends – that these next several days are happy ones. I hope that you have time to enjoy good people, good food, good times as our nation reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6

Denomination: Lutheran