What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.Autor: Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Golden calves, idols, are easy to see, aren't they? They would never sneak up on us or lead us astray. Except, they do this to Christians all the time. They're often not obvious to us, otherwise they would not be able to lead us astray. They often don't come in the guise of pagan statues, but instead, are more subtle and crafty. What are idols? How…

Human beings are a strange lot. On the one hand we have a very high opinion of ourselves; we seek to make our names known and great. We want monuments to our successes. On the other hand, we are prone to the worst of things: violence, greed, and even despair. What should we think of ourselves? Where should we go to get an accurate picture of human …

It's almost election time. There is a lot of hot air from all over the political spectrum. Some political prophets are calling it the end of days. How many elections in a row have been described as the most important of our lives now? It is difficult to think through political issues, especially when so many of us just look at headlines. So what is…

Death is a problem that hounds all of us. But we need not fear it. Why is this? Because the Lord who has defeated death has claimed us in baptism, washed us clean in His blood, and has forgiven us of all our sins! Those who die in Christ live in Him! Want to know more? Find out in this sermon for All Saints Day from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oa…

In today's episode, we cover the topic of "Law and Gospel." What is the Law and what is the Gospel, and why does the Christian need to distinguish between these two doctrines? Furthermore, what happens if a church has the Law and no Gospel, or the Gospel with no Law? Does this doctrine actually matter in the church? Stick around as we unpack "Mt. S…

Lutherans love to celebrate Reformation Day. Why do we do this? What is the Reformation about? Is this just a part of our heritage or is there something more important at work? What does all of this have to do with Jesus? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.Autor: Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

The world would have us believe that we human beings are a cosmic accident, the result of a number of random events that with no purpose or direction led to us being here today. But what does this mean for us? Well it means that life has no inherent value. It means that there is no inherent purpose for us being here. It means that it becomes morall…

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.Autor: Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Isaiah relates an invitation from God to drink. Why is this a thing that we need? If we are invited to drink, does that mean that we're thirsty? What does it mean to be thirsty? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.Autor: Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Many people assume that there is a bridge that connects heaven and earth. Is this possible? If it is, what does connect earth and heaven? If these are connected, how should we act? And how do churches fit in all of this? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.Autor: Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Angels captivate our imaginations. Images of them are commonly found as decor and in gift shops. How do we know about angels? What do they do? What exactly are they? Where do they come from? Found out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

On today's episode of 3 Padres and a Shepherd, we examine the topic of Christian Nationalism. If one is patriotic, are they a Christian Nationalist? Is a Christian Nationalist a white supremacist? Or, is a Christian Nationalist something else?Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Taking stock of one's own self is hard. It is hard because it can lead to uncomfortable discoveries about our character and behavior. It is hard because it can lead to unhelpful naval gazing. It can result in false-humility and a destructive assessment of one's state as a person. How should we do this task? When can it be helpful? When can it be ha…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Death is the great constant in this life. It brings lots of questions and speculations. This is understandable. Death does disrupt and destroy. But what can we do about this? What does God think about this? Why does it happen? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

We need things to live, and yet, things can be a great cause for concern and worry. Where does all that stuff come from that we need each day? Does God care about my daily needs? How can I know if God will provide for me each day? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

It is a common idea that the intellect gets in the way of Christian faith. In America today, it is common to hear preaching that downplays wisdom and intellect in favor of emotions and being "childlike." And yet, the book of Proverbs commends us to be wise and to grow in wisdom. What is wisdom? Why should we have it? Where does it come from? How do…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Oded isn't a prophet who gets much by way of recognition. He's a relatively minor character in the Bible. We don't know much about him. His greatest feat was standing up to the army of Israel after they brutally defeated their kinsfolk in Judah in a battle. Why did he do this? What did Israel do to bring the prophet to them? What attitude led to th…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

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 aff…

This sermon was preached for the Funeral of Ruby Sonnenberg and is based on two readings she chose for the occassion: John 5:19-24 and Romans 6:1-11. To view her obituary go to https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/ruby-sonnenberg.Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

The Bible says that God loves us. It says that God is love. But if God is love, why do we see so many bad things? How can we claim that God cares when I've been hurt? This sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND attempts to address these questions.Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

This Sunday's sermon was preached by Rev. Arie Bertsch, the District President of the North Dakota District. Thanks to President Bertsch for preaching for us!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Jeremiah has hard words for the people of God. It is no secret that people in the Church are thought of as hypocrites. Further, we seem to loose our minds every time some non-Christian mocks us, whether intentionally or otherwise. Why are we so focused on the sins of others? Where should our attention be? Why do Christians sometimes use faith as an…

Perfection is a strange concept. On the one hand, we all are attracted to it and many of us would make great sacrifices to have it some part of our lives. On the other hand, perfection is terrifying and unobtainable, so we do whatever we can to celebrate mediocrity. Why do we have a mixed relationship with perfection? Can we become perfect? Is ther…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Christians often take it for granted that they should trust their pastors. Jesus warns that there will be false teachers who come in the name of Christ who speak lies and mislead. How do we know if we should trust our pastor? Does he get a pass just because he says what is familiar to me? If I suspect that my pastor is teaching or preaching in erro…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

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 s…

Life is so familiar to us that we often take it for granted. How often do we give pause and contemplate the gift of life? How does life fit into God's design? What does God's gift of life mean for us and how we live each day? What about death, how does that fit into the Living God's plan for life? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Luth…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

No one likes being told what to do. Commands and laws make us bristle. Even law-abiding people still like to "get away" with breaking a few rules now and again. Why did God give us Law? What are these rules? Did He give them to us arbitrarily? If I don't follow them, does it really matter? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Chu…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Mary goes to see Elizabeth, John leaps in the womb of his mother, and Elizabeth is moved to proclaim the truth of the Messiah. Find out more about this blessed event in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Things don't look good. Society is a mess. Politics are a mess. The Church is a mess. Besides this, many of our friends and even family members have left the the faith behind. But these things are not new. Elijah once complained about being the only faithful man left in all of Israel. What does God say about Elijah's - and our - complaint about bei…

A sermon preached for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Forgiveness is a simple enough concept, but it stands as a very difficult thing to do. Why is it so hard to forgive? Why should we do it anyways? What's the big deal with holding on to grudges and slights? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

We Christians take it for granted that God is merciful, forgiving, and full of steadfast love. Is this how other people see God? Why do we confess that God is merciful? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!Autor: Rev. Chris Brademeyer

On today's episode of "Three Padres & a Shepherd," we ask the question of what evangelism is and what it is not. Is evangelism standing on the corner of a street while yelling into a microphone; is evangelism traveling to Africa on a mission trip to dig a well; is evangelism following a scripted program that is presented to a neighbor as if you are…

What many people don’t realize is that our ministries in life start in our own home. Sometimes we can work all day and give the left-over time and energy to our family, but is that what God is calling us to do? The fact is that if we put God first within our homes, we will be blessed! Everyone plays a role in the family. Whether you're a father, mo…