Text: Isaiah 51:9-16 In the name of Jesus. Amen. Perhaps you have heard the phrase before,  “He puts on his pants the same way as you.” It is a phrase that reminds us that no matter a person’s status, wealth, or accomplishments, they are fundamentally just like you and me.  This phrase emphasizes that no one is inherently ‘better’ than anyone else – that we are all the same… that we all have basic and similar routines, like putting on pants in the morning.   Now, there are other phrases out there that help communicate the same thing.  Just the other day, I heard in a ..read more

Text: Micah 6:6-8 In the name of Jesus. Amen. What should you bring before the Lord’s presence?  In other words, what should you offer before God when you bow down to worship Him?  Perhaps you and I could present our faithful church attendance and rigorous study of the Bible. Indeed, maybe our religious activities as LCMS Lutherans would secure God’s favor toward us Or, perhaps we could present our moral behavior before God.  Maybe our avoidance of certain behaviors and our good ethics of doing the right thing would secure God’s favor toward us.  Maybe our good rule-keepi ..read more

Text: Revelation 12:7-12 In the name of Jesus: Amen. It is safe to say that many people today understand angels more from culture and Hollywood than from the Bible.  For example, for those of you older in the congregation, you may think of Michael Landon’s character in the show “Highway to Heaven.”  In this series, Michael Landon portrays an angel in a very humanized, compassionate, and beloved way.  Those of you who are middle-aged may think of angels as portrayed in the movies “City of Angels,” starring Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan, and “Michael,” starring Jon Travolta.  ..read more

On today's episode of "3 Padres and a Shepherd," we examine the topic of 'depression, laziness, and acedia' But what is meant by this one rather obscure term: 'acedia?' Even though this term may be foreign to our ears, what it is - is very, very relevant to every Christian. So please stick around, and let's learn what this term means and how it affects us. Please Subscribe & Share! To watch more episodes: www.3p1s.com ..read more

With the second anniversary of the United States Supreme Court ending constitutional protection for abortion, today we ask the question, "Life: Is It Really Sacred?"  Indeed, is Life sacred, and if so, why?  Everywhere we look, it seems as if we live in a dehumanizing world.  Not much seems to be sacred anymore these days. And so, why should life be sacred?  Stick around as we discuss the topic of 'life' on today's episode of the "Three Padres & A Shepherd Podcast." Please Subscribe & Share! To watch more episodes: www.3p1s.com ..read more

Text: Revelation 7:9-17 In the name of Jesus. Amen. Just like angels, it is safe to say that many people today understand heaven more from culture and Hollywood than from the Bible.  For example, many films and books portray heaven as peaceful and idyllic clouds, fields, or gardens - where people go after they die.  Other people view heaven as a place where the deceased go to do their most favorite thing they enjoyed in life:  Grandpa Tom, well… he is fishing in heaven.  Uncle Bob is hunting in heaven.  And Aunt Betsy is golfing, gardening, and enjoying an iced tea ..read more

In the name of Jesus. Amen.   On April 8th of 1966, TIME Magazine had a cover that said,  “Is God Dead?” The magazine asserted that the concept of God in the Western world was no longer relevant to so-called modern people.  The magazine contended that science and secularism were usurping traditional religious beliefs; could religion remain important and relevant in a secular and materialistic world?  Needless to say, the article and magazine sparked a lot of controversy and conversation.   Sixty years later, this begs the question, is God dead in America?&n ..read more

Text: Genesis 28:10-17 In the name of Jesus. Amen. The Bible describes heaven as a house with many mansions, paradise, an unfading inheritance, a rest for the people of God, a marriage supper, a crown of life, and a city. Heaven is also described as the dwelling place of God, His holy angels, the ascended Christ, and believers who have died in the faith.   So, heaven is a real place.  However, we must be careful not to understand heaven in a physical sense, as if heaven were physically located on the other side of Jupiter.  Now, the Bible does describe heaven as being abo ..read more

Air Date: August 30th of 2024 Show Description:  Many Christian Churches are great at a lot of things but missing out on the most important thing; Christ and Him Crucified. In this interview Rev Richard and I talk about his new book "Will The Real Church Please Stand Up", a story of a family of Christians in a new town trying out 7 different churches to try to find the right one. The book takes us through the journey of this fictional family and what they might expect to encounter along the way. I was blessed to preview an early copy of this book and along with his previous book "Will Th ..read more

The following sermon was preached at the Closing Divine Service for the 2024 Higher Things Conference in Mequon, Wisconsin: "Who Am I?" (June 28, 2024) Text: Mark 8:27-35 In the name of Jesus. Amen. You’re a loser.  You’re a weirdo. You’re a weak nerd. You’re lame.  You’re fat.  You’re ugly. You’re a slut. You’re a freak.  You’re a stupid blonde.  You’re a soyboy. You’re an idiot.  You’re retarded. You’re a creep.  These are just some of the things that can be said to you in this often-cruel world.   Are they mean?  You bet.   Are ..read more