Bulletin for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 13-14, 2025.

An exploration of the Icon of John the Baptist by Theophanes the Greek that shows that Christians are to act as living icons reflecting God's goodness and righteousness in Christ.

Repentance is not self-improvement. It is the reception of God's righteousness in Jesus Christ.

An exploration of the Rublev Holy Trinity icon as a visual representation of the Triune God, drawing from Genesis 18 and to talk about divine relationship, promise, and fulfillment in Christ.

True preparation for Jesus' unexpected return involves fulfilling the law through love and putting on Christ.

Bulletin for the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025.

True thanksgiving arises from recognizing God's work in providing faith in Christ, who is the Bread of Life.

Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus Christ uses his power not for his own benefit, but for the eternal salvation of those who trust in him.

In the face of worldly suffering and persecution, Christians find unshakable hope in Jesus Christ, who promises resurrection and eternal life.

Despite the threats to our faith from the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh, Christ's return brings hope, not fear, for those sanctified in baptism.

True sainthood comes not from perfect faith or actions but from being sanctified by Christ's grace and walking the Way to which he has called us.

Through the story of a family camping trip in a hailstorm, the sermon illustrates how the imperfect church, like a leaky tent, provides refuge through community in Christ and justification by faith.

The story of Ruth's faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi and her adopted people of Israel moves us towards deeper and enduring faithfulness to God.

God's word creates the faith needed for us to forgive, just as we are forgiven in Christ.

Drawing parallels to A Christmas Carol, the sermon warns that ignoring God's Law in Moses and the prophets leads to suffering, while living in trust in the risen Jesus Christ offers forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Jesus' Parable of the Dishonest Manager challenges Christians to shrewdly use earthly wealth for eternal purposes and serve God instead of wealth.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the sermon explores Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and coin to emphasize God's pursuit of sinners and the true nature of repentance and salvation.

True discipleship embraces the costly path of following Christ, where death to self yields victory over sin through his resurrection.

Humility and mutual love in Christ are the path to true holiness and eternal reward.

This sermon was preached by Pastor Ted Carnahan for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost on Saturday, August 23, 2025.