Redeemer Marquette Sermons

Those who are “born anew" lock their focus onto the crucified and resurrected Christ who now dwells in us by the Holy Spirit. Our life starts to look like the life of Jesus: we are daily crucified as we pick up our cross and follow him, but we are also daily resurrected with life, love, and joy.

Today we consider the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed that falls on fertile soil takes root and grows, while seeds in other soils fail. This parable helps us to remember that when we are open to receiving the Word, the Word of Christ flourishes within us.

Three times Jesus was tempted by the devil and three times Jesus came out on top. Overcoming temptation and hardships is possible in our lives because Jesus rewires our core and makes us new. Our lives become distinctive and intriguing as we overcome common hardships and temptations in a way that gives hope to others.

Welcome to a special Ash Wednesday service in the Parables of Lent series, based on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. In this parable, the tax collector who repents goes home justified, while the proud Pharisee does not. The parable reminds us that we, too, who repent are justified through Christ.

Jesus saves us from sin and shallow religion. Jesus teaches about doing our acts of giving, praying, and fasting, in private, not in public to be seen by others. Why would doing these things in secret rather than out loud be important? Because God is building in us a solid core of self-giving love that is not addicted to the approval of others.

When life gets difficult, the best thing we can do is offer thanks to God! This reminds our souls that, ultimately, God’s blessings far outweigh this world’s trials and troubles.

There are two ways that people try to fill their souls: by their works or by God’s grace. The way of works never works! It only leaves people empty. The way of grace, however, provides the path our eternal souls are yearning for.

In order to be healthy, the soul must reach beyond itself to the eternal truths of God’s Word. The Word of God refreshes weary souls and forgives sinful souls.

Every person eventually has what St. John of the Cross once described as a “dark night of the soul.” When we are in a dark time in our lives, instead of being led by the emotions of our souls, we need to talk to our souls, and remind ourselves that our ultimate hope rests in God.

Most people think of the soul as a nebulous part of them that is mysteriously internal to them. The Bible, however, often uses to the word “soul” to describe the whole of who we are. The soul is what holds us together. When God creates the first man, who becomes a “living being” (verse 7), the Hebrew word behind this phrase is the word for “soul.” When any part of us is off – be it our emotions, o...

Christmas is often a time of nostalgia. A time when we love traditions and remembering fun times with family. Those things can be good, but they can also steal Christmas or make our celebrations feel empty. One week after Christmas, we refocus and continue to celebrate on what is just as new and fresh as it was that first Christmas: Jesus' birth.

What is Christmas all about? What is the true meaning of Christmas? Yes, it's Jesus, but more than that. This Christmas Eve we gain an appreciation for all that goes into the meaning of Christmas.

This final week of Advent on Christmas Eve Eve we take a moment to focus in on the Christ child we celebrate at Christmas.

As joyful as the holiday season is supposed to be, for some, this time of year brings grief, especially if they have recently lost a loved one. Jesus too knows the pain of loss. He weeps with you in your loss. But He can also overcome your loss with His promise of everlasting life.

When families get together, conflict can abound. We can get frustrated with each other instead of celebrating with each other. James reminds us that, instead of fighting with others, we can trust in God to bring ultimate justice to all, even when we feel as though others have wronged us.

Join us for this special service for the First Week of Advent, a season when we are reminded of the birth of Christ. In this service, we recall that God promised Abraham that an offspring from his line would bring blessing to all. That offspring was Jesus. And he is born in us today.

During the holidays, there are parties to attend and presents to buy and relatives to visit and too many things to do! The stress of the season can steal joy from the season. It is important that, rather than overscheduling ourselves, we take time for rest and, when we need it, be willing to ask for help.

It is easy to get so focused on the gifts of Christmas that we forget about the Gift of Christmas! Materialism is rampant not only during the holidays, but in our society, all year long. In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable that reminds us that the earthly things we store up for ourselves are not nearly as important as the spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ.