November 6, 2022 All Saints (Observed)
All Saints Day (Observed) November 7, 2021
All Saints
Matthew 5:1-12
November 7, 2021
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Everybody around here pretty much writes their obituaries the same way. Once in a while somebody does something different, but usually it’s when they died, then their family such as birthday, parents, spouse, then all surviving relatives. Then a few things about the person’s character or what they did in their life including where they went to Church. And that’s okay simply because it’s the common way around here.
However, for a Christian, when we set up our obituary that way we’re unintentionally misleading others about the real place of the Church and Christ in our lives. If you’re reading an obituary and it lists all the family and so forth and then after all that it’s listing things like “was a member of Kiwanis and the Garden Club and was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church”—then what does the Church sound like? Doesn’t it sound like just one other club you can be a part of? Doesn’t it sound like something you volunteered for in your spare time? Or like a simple “add-on” to life?
…All Saints Day November 1, 2020
All Saints Day
Matthew 5:1-12 & Revelation 7:9-17
November 1, 2020
“This is My Family”
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Right now a family gathering is taking place. A massive one. All across this great globe. In churches and homes. In nursing homes and hospitals. On military bases and probably some still in parking lots. This is your family. Your Christian family. And not only on earth are they gathering, but your family is also gathering together right now in heaven singing and praising with you.
Now which is more important—that Christian family or your biological family? Which are you closer to – the people you’re related to by faith or the people related by blood?
…All Saints Sunday November 3, 2019 The Sunday of the Beatitudes
All Saints’ Sunday
Matthew 5:1-12
November 3, 2019
“Saints Nation”
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Revelation chapter 7 gives a beautiful picture of all the saints gathered around the throne of God in heaven. All of us in white robes because we’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb. All our sins are gone. We’re clean and pure and holy and joyful and all other good things. Then come these very familiar and comforting words:
…All Saints Sunday November 5, 2017
All Saints’ Day
Matthew 5:1-12
November 5, 2017
“Why, You Ask? Because…”
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(No full text of the sermon available.)
Sermon Outline
1. Would you be blessed if you were poor? sick? hungry? dying? sinful? ashamed?
2. The examples of saints – Job, David, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, etc.
3. The examples of saints – your parents, grandparents, children, friends, etc.
4. Why are you so blessed? So full of joy? So “churchy”?
5. That little word “because”…