Devotions for Worship

In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus says that His followers should not worry. Is that a word of rebuke or an invitation to peace? It seems there is so much that brings us anxiety in this life. What is the Cure for Worry?

August 10 - Sabbatical Reflections by Pastor Eric Tritten

This sermon draws from Luke's account of Jesus' resurrection and points to the hope that we, too, shall rise from the dead because Jesus did. Based on 1 Corninthians 15:51-57, we are reminded that the death we face in this world is overcome by Jesus' victory, and we can face this life with courage, peace, and hope.

This Good Friday sermon is based on the Christmas text of Luke 2:10-12, which says, "Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." In these words, we already see Je...

This sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 and is called Received and Passed On. As we remember Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, we remember the incredible gift Jesus gave and seek to receive it in faith.

This sermon for Palm Sunday 2025 is based on Philippians 2:5-11. Pastor Tritten contrasts the desire many have for glory and honor with Jesus' humility, which is described in Philippians 2. What is more, Jesus' humility and salvation allow His followers to live in forgivenes and humility sharing the good news of salvation with others.

Sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Lent

The sermon for the 5th Sunday of Lent at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH

This sermon is based on Philippians 3:17-21. It talks about Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, Ohio's mission statement: Gathering People to Christ, Building belivers in Christ, Serving the World as Christ. As Christians we prioritize all three of those activities, even if those outside of the church might only prioritize service. Sometimes Christians behave as "enemies of the cross" when we igno...

This sermon introduces the events that led to King David writing Psalm 51. This Psalm of Repentance teaches us to confess our sins, gives us words for confession, and reminds of God’s lovingkindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

This sermon is based on Luke 4:1-13, Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. We are tempted in many ways, and this account highlights the temptations to doubt our identity as Children of God and then to be derailed from God's mission for our lives. Jesus stands up under temptation as our Savior, giving us confidence that He has won the victory and gives it to us for the sake of His love.

This sermon is based on Psalm 51:3-6. This psalm was written after David's fall into sin, and it gives us great words to shape our own confession as we trust in God's forgiveness for Jesus' sake.

In the sermon on the plain, recorded in Luke 6, Jesus challenges his followers to love their enemies. Our understanding of love is complicated by some un-Biblical distortions of what love actually is. When we learn love from Jesus, we find that the cross, forgiveness, mercy, and the desire for God's good for others is key, and our love is given for Jesus' sake.

This sermon on Luke 9:28-36, Jesus' Transfiguration. While it gives an overview of the entire event at the mountain, it focuses in on the Father's words, "Listen to Him," meaning, listen to Jesus. There are many messages that clamor for our attention. It is essential we hear Jesus' voice above them all, because He is the one proclaiming forgiveness and salvation to us.

This sermon is based on Luke 6:17-26, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain which parallels the Beatitudes. Jesus identifies blessings and woes around four parts of earthly life: poverty, hunger, happiness, and reputation. He reveals our sin in these areas, but the good news is that He came to redeem us from sin and death.

This sermon, based on Luke 5:1-11, looks at Jesus' unexpected behavior, including how it is unexpected that He uses everyday situatations and normal people to catch people with the good news of His kingdom. His presence changes everything.

This sermon is based on the events recorded in Luke 4:31-44, particularly focusing on the idea that Jesus was sent to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. As recipients of the good news of the kingdom of God, we are also privileged to share the good news with others.

In this sermon Pastor Tritten talks about Jesus' miracle turning water into wine at a wedding reception as recorded in John 2:1-11. He points our Jesus' celebration and joy in marriage. Much of the sermon focuses on Jesus' provision for the many things people lack in their lives.

Pastor Tritten's sermon is based on Luke 4:16-30, which record's Jesus teaching in His hometown's synagogue. Jesus declared that the text he read from Isaiah 61 was fulfilled in the people's hearing. The sermon notes Christians often focus on what God will do someday, but we should notice what God is doing for us today. When we see God's work in our lives today, it makes us more bold to share the...

Pastor Tritten preaches on Luke 2:40-52; the account of Jesus in the temple as a boy. The title is Astounded and Astonished.

Pastor Tritten preaches on Luke's account of Jesus' baptism, focusing on God's Word and it's revelation about Jesus, His mission, and love. We are called to echo God's Word in our lives and congregations' ministries.

Pastor Tritten preached on John 1 and the way it parallels Genesis 1. Jesus is revealed to be God's Word and the Light of the World that gives life to all people. On Christmas we celebrate that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not (cannot!) overcome it.

In this Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Tritten talks about the songs we sing at Christmas. They are ways that we treasure and ponder Christmas, as Mary treasured and pondered the events of the night Jesus was born. The songs of the world focus us in one way, but the songs of the church focus us on Jesus and different ways His birth impact us as we celebrate His birth.

The sermon for Advent 4 on the Virgin Mary meeting Elizabeth in Luke 1. Pastor Tritten serves at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH. www.gloriadeihudson.org