Sermons on Billy Joel:

Finding Strength In Forgiveness

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 16, 2021

The purpose of confession is to find forgiveness in Jesus.

4.18.21 1 John 1:8–2:2 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his Word ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Paul's Final Proclamation To Pastors

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 23, 2021

Paul gives a farewell sermon to the pastors at Ephesus. We consider the relationship of sheep with shepherd on a Good Shepherd Sunday.

4.25.21 Acts 20:28 28 “Always keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. This is part of Paul’s farewell speech to the pastors in Ephesus. He was on his way ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28

Denomination: Lutheran

Don't Worry Is Easier Said Than Done

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jul 14, 2022

Jesus talks to us about the sin of worrying, tells us to stop, and gives us the remedy for it.

8.7.22 Luke 12:22–34 22 Jesus said to his disciples, “For that reason I tell you, stop worrying about your life, about what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Are Only A Few Going To Be Saved? The Answer Isn't Cheap

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Aug 18, 2022

Salvation isn't as easy as one might think. Jesus answer is surprising.

8.21.22 Luke 13:22–29 22 He went on his way from one town and village to another, teaching, and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone said to him, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

In Order To Be Exalted, I Need To Be Humbled

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Aug 26, 2022

God works through humility to give us grace

8.28.22 Proverbs 25:6–7 6 Do not honor yourself in a king’s presence. Do not stand in a place reserved for great people, 7 because it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than for you to be humiliated before a ruler. In Order to Be Exalted, I Need to Be Humbled Where’s my seat? You go to ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 25:6-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Serving Jesus' Way Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 29, 2022

When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he broke cultural conventions but also provided an example for his followers to emulate.

Surprised by Underwhelming Expectations I rarely introduce myself as Pastor. It’s not that I don’t want people to know the role I play, but I don’t want my title to become a barrier. Sure, it may open some conversations, but it may also hinder others as people might think I’m some holy man - ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Just Remember The Past, Look To The Future

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 31, 2022

Isaiah tells the Israelites to forget the Exodus, looking forward to the new thing - Jesus.

4.3.22 Isaiah 43:16-21 16 This is what the LORD says, who makes a road through the sea and a path through mighty waters, 17 who brings out the chariot and the horses, the army and the strong warrior. They will all lie down together. They will not get up. They are extinguished. Like a wick ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21

Denomination: Lutheran

On Easter Morning A Simple Question, With A Glorious Answer, Challenged And Changed Everything

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 13, 2022

The women go to the tomb to find a dead Jesus, but they are given life and hope instead. We have the same hope and life in Christ alone.

4.17.22 Luke 24:1–12 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. 3 When they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Be Strong And Courageous? How Can I As A Natural Born Coward?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 29, 2022

A confirmation sermon based on Joshua 1:9. Where does courage and strength come from?

4.30.22 Joshua 1:9 - Confirmation Sermon Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” These words were spoken to Joshua after Moses had died. Be strong and courageous. He repeated ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Lutheran

Forget About The Mud Pies. Think Of The Holiday At The Sea

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 3, 2022

John's vision of heaven makes us look forward to the resurrection, serving God day and night in His temple.

5.8.22 Revelation 7:13–17 13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14 And he said to me: These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:13-17

Denomination: Lutheran

What Do You Expect From God?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 20, 2022

Paul tells us to expect trouble in this world, not riches and success.

5.22.22 Acts 14:8–22 (EHV) 8 In Lystra there was a man who was sitting down because he had no strength in his feet. He had never walked because he was lame from birth. 9 When he was listening to Paul as he was speaking, Paul looked at him closely and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:8-22

Denomination: Lutheran

There's Beauty In The Complexity Of The Trinity

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jun 9, 2022

The Triune God works together to bring us to the gracious and confident place of life in Christ

6.12.22 Romans 5:1-5 / Trinity Sunday 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Shepherds And Sheep, What Do You Want?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jul 1, 2022

Peter gives directives to pastors and what it takes to be a pastor. I add some words for the sheep as well.

7.3.22 1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who also shares in the glory that is about to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2 Shepherd God’s flock that is among you, serving as overseers, not grudgingly but willingly, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Denomination: Lutheran

The Trip To The Promised Land Is Worth The Risk

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 17, 2021

Isaiah called the Israelites back to Israel from Babylon, and God calls us to heaven on a dangerous journey in Jesus.

3.21.2021 Isaiah 43:1–7 (EHV) 1 But now this is what the LORD says, the LORD who created you, O Jacob, the LORD who formed you, O Israel. Do not be afraid, because I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. 2 When you cross through the waters, I will be with you. When you ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Hands Of Praise For Jesus On Palm Sunday

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 25, 2021

Jesus rides into Jerusalem to be the answer to our Hosanna.

3.28.2021 Mark 11:1–10 1 As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran