Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

09/07/2026

Time for Grace - September 7, 2026
1 John 2:1-2
My children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate before the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the whole world.
Applying God’s Word for today: You have an advocate when you sin.
It seems only the wealthy can afford a lawyer when things go wrong. The lawyer steps in as an advocate for the lawbreaker, hoping to secure a lighter sentence or raise reasonable doubt about the crime. But what happens when we are guilty, and there is no way out? Christ steps in with His own righteousness and the finished payment; Jesus said, “it is finished!”
John writes that we should not sin, but when we do, we have an advocate. By faith, we love God in return. We also have the Holy Spirit by our side, who has set us apart as holy through our faith. Therefore, only through the Spirit do we strive to avoid sinning. But what happens when we do? Especially since each sin is a life sentence, no matter how great or small. God expects us to be perfect as He is perfect. When we sin, the wage we deserve is death, as Paul wrote in Romans 6:23. Jesus has borne our wage on the cross in our place, and the believer is declared not guilty for Jesus’ sake.
John gives us hope that we are not lost when we sin, because we have an advocate who lived His life in perfect love toward God and us. He willingly went to the cross to suffer for each of our sins. He stands before the Father as your advocate because, through God’s grace and faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. He innocently suffered on the cross, enduring the eternal wrath of the Father for us. Jesus is our atoning sacrifice, making us at one with God.
As John wrote, not only for our sins but for the sins of the whole world—the person next to you, your neighbor, coworker, family member, or the person who doesn’t like you. Jesus died for all of them. But faith is the open hand that receives God’s good and gracious gift.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us Your Son as our Savior. Forgive me all my sins for Jesus’ sake, take away my guilt and shame, and create a new heart in me through Your means of grace, and transform my mind. Give me the courage to share this good news of my salvation with someone who does not yet know you. Change their hearts. Amen.
Though you see the enormity of your sins and know you are guilty, God’s love for you is infinitely greater. He has given His Son in your place, and Jesus is now your advocate who has announced your forgiveness. May the Holy Spirit work in your heart; trust in God’s love for you.

09/06/2026

Sermon Text: Romans 12:1 - 8
Sermon Theme: The Church Is Under Attack; Resist Compromise

09/02/2026

The Biblical Foundation of Our Worship. Join us Sunday!

08/30/2026

Sermon Text: Romans 11:32 - 36
Sermon Theme: Awestruck with God

08/27/2026

Time for Grace - August 27, 2026
Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Applying God’s Word for today: Receiving the message from the source.
How do we know who God is? Throughout history, God has given us the Word, carried along by the Old Testament prophets. They shared God’s Word to course-correct His drifting people. Later, in the New Testament, the apostles, as firsthand witnesses, recorded Jesus’ words and teachings. So, Jesus, being united with the Father, shared His thoughts. Jesus’ thoughts were God’s thoughts. However, our sinful natures taint our thoughts, making it hard to imagine being connected to God in this way.
Through the prophets and Jesus, God revealed His will: He desires that all people be with Him in heaven. But we are not robots; He forces no one to believe. Anyone can reject God’s love and mercy. Jesus came to earth to share and teach us about God’s gifts. We receive these gifts by grace through faith in Christ. As Jesus spoke, His words were not secondhand but straight from God Himself. Jesus showed us that God truly wants to forgive all people. He went to the cross carrying the world’s sins. He died so we could live; this is for all people, but we are saved only by God’s grace through faith in His Son. The Holy Spirit begins faith in us through the gospel message and the sacraments.
Trust the love God has for you; Jesus came to share this with you. Then share this firsthand message with someone who does not know Jesus and let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts to bring them to faith.
Dear Lord God, You sent Your Son to teach us directly. He was with You from the beginning, creating this world, and He knows You. Forgive us our sins when we fail to see Jesus as He truly is. Guide Your Spirit to work in our hearts through Your Word, so that as we live in the last days, we will be confident in Your love and in the salvation which Jesus won for us. Declare us righteous for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son.” May God work in your heart so that you know His desire for you to be with Him forever in heaven.

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

Time for Grace - August 24, 2026
1 Timothy 1:15-17
This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” of whom I am the worst. But I was shown mercy for this reason: that in me, the worst sinner, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his unlimited patience as an example for those who are going to believe in him, resulting in eternal life. Now to the King eternal, to the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Applying God’s Word for today: Mercy is for even the worst sinner.
“What I did was so bad that there is no way I could ever be forgiven!” That thought leaves us trapped. Yet Scripture records grievous sinners whom God forgave: David, who arranged Uriah’s death; Manasseh, who filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and idolatry; and Paul himself, the persecutor of the church who called himself the worst of sinners.
No matter what our sins are—even the ones we hide—Christ Jesus came to save sinners. He suffered, died, and rose to overcome them all. Through faith, we receive God’s mercy—what we do not deserve: His righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal life. All of God’s gifts are the fruits of His unlimited patience.
Give God the glory for your salvation. Then share that same patience with someone burdened by guilt and shame: Jesus has already forgiven them.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your patience with us, especially when our sins seem so monumental. Forgive us our sins for Jesus’ sake, and grant us the courage to share Your love with others. Amen.
The guilt of past sins can weigh heavily, yet God’s forgiveness brings true relief—not a license to sin, but freedom in Christ.

08/23/2026

Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21 - 28
Sermon Theme: Faith Receives God's Mercy