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Rogersville Lutheran Church, 115 Highway 70 N, Rogersville, TN (2026)

03/05/2025

ASH WEDNESDAY

02/24/2025

Thank you to Pastor Freitag for the message this week. Based on Genesis 45

Joseph's saving of the people shows how God uses people to exact His will. As many of the Old Testament stories do, this story points to Jesus our Savior.

The world will hate us and oppress us - just as they oppress the poor and needy. This may enrage us, but we too may become the oppressors when we judge others. Be careful to not become pious.

Can we expect to be freed of oppression? Can we expect to change the minds of our oppressors? It can be hard to believe in the hope and promises of God while being oppressed. Has God abandoned us? Remember, death has been conquered by The Risen One. The joy of our salvation cannot be oppressed. Just as Joseph did not smite his brothers out of revenge, because they had abandond him. Jesus forgives us our sin and uses us as examples to our oppressors to eaxct His will.

02/17/2025

Thank you to Pastor Becker for the message this week. Based on Luke 6

Worldly wisdom tells us to increase possessions, keep hunger at bay and find endless entertainment.

On the other side of the coin, some say to abandon all things, practice extreme fasting and self-denial.

What these two points of view have in common is they are replacing Jesus with temporal good and human efforts.

In Luke 6 Jesus says, "How happy are you who are hungry...weep...and have people hate, exclude, revile and defame you."

What the world sees as misfortune, we see as blessing. We know Jesus became like us in every way, but without sin. He knew poverty, hunger thirst, temptation and homelessness.

Because of this, when we know the blessings of misfortune, we are satisfied with the bread of heaven - the bread of life. We know Jesus provides relief from what causes our grief - sin.

When we see misfortune in others, we respond and do unto those who suffer because in doing so, we do unto Jesus. We love others because God first loved us.

02/17/2025

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Thank you to Pastor Harmon for bringing us God's word from Isaiah 6 and Luke 5.

God sitting on the lofty throne with angels singing, "Holy is the Lord of hosts." What a sight! I suspect if God appeared in this way today, right here in this sanctuarty, we would be terrified.

We see that very response from Isaiah. He was terrified - convinced he was a dead man as he knew noone could look on God's face and live. But God told him not to fear. Then Isaiah knew when God asks "Whom Shall I send?" The answer is "Here am I, send me."

When Peter realizes he is in the presence of holiness, after the miracle of the great catch of fish, the words were different but the terror was the same. But Jesus told him not to fear. And Peter knew when Jesus said he would become a Fisher of men, Peter represented Isaiah's words "Here am I, send me."

When we come into God's house, we come into the presence of a living God. Like Peter and Isaiah we too are sinners. There is a direct connection between us and the experiences of Peter and Isaiah. We come into the house and invoke God's name and then confess our sins. We are burdened with sinful flesh that wants nothing to do with God. Guilt is a burden to us and we need to draw near to the one who can remove our guilt with a touch.

Perhaps He doesn't appear here like in Isaiah's vision, but He is indeed here. If he came as a king to judge, we would see terror. But, the day of separating the sheep from the goats is not yet here. When the pastor says our sins are forgiven by the bitter sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, we know who we are and whose we are. He comes down to welcome us to His table. To be present with us and to be present in us as we recieve the body and blood in holy communion.

He still says to us not to fear. It is His promise that sustains us as we continue to live in this broken world. Having forgivien our sin and given us our life back, He invites us to join in His mission.

When the adlutress was brought before Jesus to be subject to stoning. Jesus shows us the restoration He gives.

She was transformed, Peter was transformed, Isaiah was transformed, all forgiven, all free of fear.

We too should depart in the peace that surpasses all understanding - free from fear - knowing the joy of our salvation. All of these stories are the same. We are alive. The curse is lifted and we are living testimonies of the mercy of God poured out in Jesus' blood.

When God asks today, "Whom shall I send?" We can say "Here am I, send me."

02/17/2025

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Thank you to Pastor Smith for bringing God's Word today from Luke 4.

Look at the way Jesus' hometown reacted toward Him.They could not accept their hometown person to be the Son of God. To them, the words of Jesus were blasphemous.That did not set well with them. Tallk about familiarity breeding contempt.

The Isrealites have a poor record of accepting messages from God's prophets.

The problem they had is worse than that.
Jesus is no mere prophet. He is the Saviour for all eternity. Thus, they are rejecting the very Son of God with whom God is well-pleased.

From the cross, Jesus hears His peoples full pronounciation. They couldn't believe the true Saviour would choose mercy instead of saving himself.

As He said to His hometown, "Today, the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Death on the cross not only took away our sins. It puts us right with God and with our neighbor. We brazenly hang our hopes on the one who is truly anointed. The very Son of God who fulfills the desires of all men.

People all around the world - even those who do not look or act like us - in faith - are also part of the one Holy Body of Christ.

This faith not only reopens us to God but opens us up to strangers that wander into our path. We will find the people for whom Jesus died everywhere we go. There is not one on earth that Jesus did not die for. We all believe in Jesus who died for our sins, and rose from the dead to secure our resurrection.

02/17/2025

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Thank you to Pastor Becker for the message this week. Based on John 2

When the wine ran out, the wedding guests were surpirised by the wine Jesus created. Surprised it was the best they'd ever tasted.

When we think of this first miracle, we are reminded to call on God and do whatever he says to do. Just as Mary did when Gabriel said the Holy Spirit will come upon you... The Holy one that is to be born will be called the Son of God. She answered ; "Do unto me according to your word." Then, in The Magnificat, we hear Mary pray.

She continues to pray as she watches Jesus grow. She knew she had to let go. At the end, at the holy cross, Mary stood watching her child willingly give up his life for you and me. I an imagine she was praying then too.

In the upper room, Mary was there when they received the Spirit of adoption. The Holy Spiirit taught Mary and the apostles even more how to pray.

It is a blessing to make God your first choice for consult when trouble arises. To bring your needs to Him.

When the armies of Assyria surrounded Jerusalem, King Hezzikiah went to the temple to pray and said this is a day of trouble... yet perhaps the Lord your God has heard the Assyrian general defying the living God and will rebuke him. That very night, the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

When the wine runs out, when you are surrounded by enemies, calll out and listen for a response.

Bring your need to Jesus. Wait and see how he responds. Wait carefully. Listen for God's reply. His timing and method of reply may surpirse you.

When Syrians surrounded Jerusalem, God created the sound of a large army of chariots to make them retreat.

God's timing and methods are always surprising. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

When the wine runs out ,we cheerfully respond to His direction.

In the wedding miracle, god supplied the way, but the servarnts supplied the means - the jars of water.

For the feeding of the 5000, God fed them all by increasing a young boy's lunch of loaves and fish. We proivide the means, God provides the grace.

Today, there are millions around the world that are exerienceing a similar miracle. Not with physical bread and fish, but with the bread and wine - the true body and blood of Christ.

So many temptations from the devil and the world, we stumble and the wine runs out. Through communion, we are refreashed and fed.

You and I are vessels of the Holy Spirit waiting to be filled. Wait for God's grace, then be the means by respoding to God's direction. You just might be what is needed when someone elses wine runs out.

01/13/2025

Thank you to Pastor Freitag for the message this week. Based on Isaiah 43 and Luke 3 and Romans 6.

Today we'll talk about the baptism of Jesus. If you saw it, you probably would question what you saw. The heavens opening up; a booming voice and a dove?

First, lets go back to Isaiah 43 where God says "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine". What does the Old Testament have to do with baptism? The key word here is 'relationship'. God takes His relationship with us very seriously. He created all things: Earth, universe, flora, fauna - everything just for you. Nothing is an accident. You are not an accident. God created you to know Him - to grow in a relationship with Him. All the way back in Isaiah's day, God wanted them to know this. He wanted them to know He loved them even in their darkest hours and their deepest sins. He wanted them to know I know you; I know your sin, but still I love you and want to tell the world you are mine. His love is not like any other love. It doesn't come and go or rise and fall. His love will remain relentless until He takes you home. The only reason you can love is because God loves you.

Think of a time you felt more lost than ever. At that exact moment, God says you are precious in His eyes: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine".

When we understand how important God's love is, we should also know how important baptism is. Many don't see it as being part of our relationship with God - Just a simple rite that forgives sin. The controversy over sprinkinlg or dunking is not the issue. This misses the main point. Baptism is a means by wich God connects our story to His story. Romans 6 tells us - "All of us who are baptized into Jesus were baptized into His death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of The Father, so we too might walk in newness of life". Think about that! Forgiveness and holiness in place of our sin; fullness and life in place of death.

Your baptism is not about what you do for God but about what Christ did for you. Christ rose from the dead - never to die again - to give you eternal life.

Can a person be saved without baptism? Yes, the theif on the cross had not been baptized but was forgiven because he beleived. Belief and baptism go together. Baptism should not be treated as something we must do - not as a law but as a gift. The gift of all God has done for us. We should be thankful for the gift of baptism. It's all about God saying: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine".

So, why was Jesus baptized? This was Jesus marking the beginning of his eartlhy ministry. He is connecting his life, death and resurrection to all baptisms past, present and future. All three persons of the Trinity are together in one place at one time. Just as it was when Jesus was baptized, it is also with your baptism - witnessed by God who smiles and says to you what he said to Jesus; "You are mine and I am well-pleased".

So, when you wonder if forgiveness can really be for you, you are arguing with God. This is an argument you cannot win. You were baptized in the WHOLE name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You are God's beloved child and God doesn't change His mind. Remember, your baptisim means something, and God means what He says: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine".

01/01/2025

Thank you to Pastor Becker for the message this week. Based on Luke 2.

My soul doth magnify the Lord.
We're all familiar with Mary's song.

Today, let's talk about the song of Simeon.

"Lord now let your servant depart in peace."

During the Reformation revival it was used after communion in the Holy liturgy. Five hundred years ago, Luther's setting was published in the first Lutheran hymnal: "With peace and joy I now depart".

Christ brings this peace and joy and delights the soul with heaven's sweetness.

Now we look back in time to when the holy family encountered Simeon - a godly man who's heart was open to the Holy Spirit. He would not die before seeing the Messiah. He took Jesus up in his arms and blessed him.

He was able to recoginize the saviour in the Chirst child. He could see because he was upright and devoted to serving God.

There were many such men in history:

Joseph - husband to Mary

King David - a man after God's own heart.

Zechariah - a devout man who feared God

They all put God first.

God's Word tells us, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be granted unto you."

When you know every sin that seperates you from God has been taken away, you are open to the Holy Spirit. The spirit and the Word always work together.

How do we see Jesus with us? Irananian host churches show this. Commited christians there suffer secret police raids and jailing. Solitary confinement and sleep deprivation. Fear that bibles would be found in their houses. But through prayer they find Jesus beside them. These Christian's Pray more boldly. Perhaps the persecution opens them to better hear Jesus. They believe stronger: "Do not fear."

As Christians go about the service of God, they need not fear.

How do you know when you are led by The Spirit? Because of where you are led. To Jesus. Always to Jesus.

Not only was Simeon in the presence of Jesus, we are too in Holy communion. Jesus's body and blood is with us in the sacrament. Could God become any more personal than that? He comes to us then as sure as if he were standing next to us.

The Nunc Dimittis states we have had the same communion with Christ that Simeon did. A confession that a guenuine communion between God and his people has happend at the altar.

Those who partake receive the cleansing of the soul and forgivness of sin. Jesus came into this world to save, not to condemn.

When you are led by The Spirit, you too will see the one who was born to forgive us our sins.

12/16/2024

Thank you to Pastor Thurau for the message this week. Based on Zephaniah 3.

SING OUT! Shout Oh daughter of Zion. The King of Israel is in your midst. You shall fear no more.

Calm. The last word that characterizes the last days before Christmas. I remember, as a child, I'd get more excited as Christmas approached. My parents would say,
"Be calm, be patient". Let's be honest - Adults these days are anything but calm at Christmstime. Last minute planning can cause stress. We all know we could use some calming down, so does The Lord. It becomes obvious that the calm we desire is not something we can attain for ourselves. The calm we need to prepare our hearts for Christmas can only come from God. He does it by seeping away our enemies. Any parent who has had to clear monsters from closets or out from under the bed knows how hard it can be to calm an anxious heart. In Zepheniah's day the Israellites were anxious due to idolotry and political unrest. Worship of their God was at an all time low. False prophets told them to not listen to God's prophets. Instead, telling them even to sacrifice their own children to the idols. Their monsters were all too real. Yet, Zephaniah pronounced a message of calmness and hope .God would seep away their monsters. He put Himself into the fight even though they didn't deserve it. God would force his people to face their enemies as captives and then lead them out again after seeing the false gods are nothing but stone and wood. They would see He is the one true God. Zepheniah's message implies an intimate relationship with God. He calls them daughter of Jerusalem. Even now, God is our monster slayer. God gives us joyful reason to be calm. He has taken away judgements against us. Christ has swept away the most intimidating foe - death. The death of a loved one makes it difficult to face life. Even so, sing out! The King is in your midst! Just as promised, the messiah was born to face sin, death and devil for us. With his ressurection he has kicked down the closet door and swept our enemy from under the bed. Because of His full payment for our sin, the devil can no longer accuse us. He sealed hell's doors and swung open the gates of heaven for you and me. Our reality is The Lord is on our side. The grave cannot hold us anymore than it could hold Jesus So SING OUT! Just as a parent reaches out to hold an anxious child, your saviour reaches out to embrace you in his unfailing love.
Just as Zephaniah proclaimed hope, the angel proclaimed "Fear not, I bring you Good news". So, now as then - SING OUT!

12/12/2024

Thank you to Pastor Freitag for the message this week. Based on Luke 19.

First, let me say: God holds us close to His heart, but He continually moves to cause His cosmic regime change.

Now, why a Palm Sunday verse at Christmastime? If Jesus doesn't die and resurrect in your heart every day, you're missing the point. The pouring out of Jesus' spirit happened, then, now and forever will be until He returns.

Just as Solomon rode a mule on his way to be annointed as king, Jesus chose to arrive on a donkey for his journey to The Mount of Olives for His annointing as King. The King that conquered sin, death and the devil. He will also return to The Mount of Olives when He comes again on the clouds.

Like David, Jesus is a Shepherd King. A Shepherd King:
- Shepherds His sheep
- Gives His life for His sheep
- are humble; they ride donkeys, NOT steeds
- never leaves or forsakes His sheep
- rule with mercy and love

Back to the Palm Sunday verse - If we remain silent in our praise to The Lord, the stones (nature) would take up our songs. That would be truly tragic for us becuase then we would miss God's greatest upcoming regime change.

11/25/2024

Thank you to Pastor Freitag for the message this week. Based on Matthew 24.

In the year 1957, when was a kid, we all had transistor radios and we could hear the beeps from Sputnik. Now, we're hearing new things about Russian firsts. The missiles Russia has been using to attack Ukraine have 6 warheads on one missile - a fascinating look into what we have become as human beings. We are quick to take out anyone who gets in our way. Now we hear the lessons from Matthew 24 about end times. Not a day goes by when we don't hear another report of volcanoes or strange weather, and war or rumors of war. For us, when you hear about the dealings of the princes of man remember we've voted alot of presidents in. Who do you think was the best. None of them, you've got to watch them all like a hawk. Scripture tells us there is not one who has done good. We just hope that the lessons from Jesus will prevail in our leaders more than not. Many of us listen to the news out there. How high tech keeps some people in the dark and is used to advance the will of only one side. When we have something we want, its tough for us to overlook the sins of others. We focus too much on 'Me see, me want, me get".

Thinking about "end times", Luther said, If you told me the world was going to end tomorrow, and you told me that Jesus told you this, I still wouldn't believe you because only The Father knows. So, I'll still plant my apple tree today.

Jesus came to bring the news that He is the one in whom you can trust. Mankind will give you no governmental savior, no financial savior, no physical health savior, no military saviour. Only Jesus is our Saviour.

Why do we still have terrible things happening and people still don't want to hear the truth about Jesus. The truth that Jesus came to save us through dying and raising from the dead to conquer death, sin and the devil for us. Be thankful for the spark of faith He gives us so we need not fear what goes on in the world.

11/18/2024

Thank you to Pastor Becker for the message this week. Based on Hebrews 10.

We love superheros. We could make long list of them: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, etc. They all have in common what is called the 'Lone Ranger complex" - they like to work alone. Even though, through the Holy Spirit, we have the super power of Jesus to heal and resist demons, we are not ment to work alone. All of our heros of faith had a helping hand. Moses and Aaron - together - led the Israelites out of Egypt. Paul and Barnabus traveled together to establish the early church. It is the same for us. Wherever two or mor are gathered, Christ is with us. Jesus wants us to gather together.
Hebrews 10 tells us we gather to encourage and provoke each other to love and good deeds. Together, we draw near to God. We go together with confidence in His promises.We go together to confess God's truth - we continuously confess this through our Creeds. We go together in thankfulness, as a congregation of forgiven sinners who pour out God's love into the lives we touch.
Just as no two people are alike, there is no one way to reflect God's love. In the present season, we can see various reflections of God's love: Operation Christmas Child, The Angel Tree, People Loving People, Of One Accord's Childrens Chritmas Progrma and more. So, gather together with like believers and be encouraged to find your own way of confessing God's truth by showing God's love to those in your community.

Rogersville Lutheran Church

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