John 12:27-36 - The Divine Purpose

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:27-36 where Jesus calls out to the Father that God would be glorified. The confirming words of the Father gives another evidence that Christ will be glorified by His being lifted up. The victory over Satan and the good news for the world are found in the suffering that Jesus endured for us.


Read Online: John 12:27-36

John 12:20-26 - Seeing Jesus

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in John. We skip the Triumphal Entry, leaving for Palm Sunday, to look at John 12:20-26. At the Passover, some Greeks ask to see Jesus, resulting in His proclamation that just as without burying a seed in the ground there is no crop, so also without the death of Christ no worldwide gathering. Athanasius, a leader of orthodoxy in the 4th Century, said of this truth:
For it is only on the cross that a man dies with his hands spread out. And so it was fitting for the Lord to bear this also and to spread out his hands, that with the one he might draw the ancient people and with the other those from the Gentiles and unite both in himself. (On the Incarnation 25:3-4).



Read Online: John 12:20-26

John 12:1-11 - Extravagant Devotion

In this sermon, Chris Vogel looks at John 12:1-11 where we see the extravagant devotion expressed by Mary, Lazarus’ sister, as she pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her actions speak clearly to those reading the Gospel who know what will happen in just a few short days. In contrast to Mary, Judas’ objection illustrates the selfish desires expressed with pious words.



Read Online: John 12:1-11

John 11:45-57 - The Great Exchange

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:45-57 where the powers that be in Jerusalem conspire to arrest Jesus. As many believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin fret over losing the Temple and their nation. Caiaphas, the High Priest has a simple plan. It is better for one man to die than the whole nation should perish. He spoke better than he knew, as Jesus in a matter of days would die a substitutionary death to gather not just the nation, but to gather into one the children of God.



Read Online: John 11:45-57

John 11:38-44 - A Matter of Life and Death

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:38-44. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus has comforted Martha (11:17-27) and Mary (11:28-34) in unique ways and now he comes to the tomb. Again moved to great emotion, he begins the battle with death. This section is one of the most meaningful passages to Christians because it gives hope to the believer that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life (11:25) and that he is the firstborn among the dead (Colossians 1:18). Christ the Victor has gone to battle against humanities great enemy, Death, and has delivered the resounding blow, that in Him even the dead will be raised. That in Christ sin is defeated and fully dealt with on the cross. Verse 37 is the Victor’s cry, on behalf of his people, to sin and Satan himself, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Hallelujah!


Read Online: John 11:38-44

John 11:28-37 - Comfort in Death: Mission and Mourning

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 11:28-37. Jesus continues his discourse centering on the death of Lazarus. He talked with Martha in the previous section and now he is reaching out to Mary, her sister. With Mary he comforts her differently then he did Martha. His comfort comes at an emotional level with weeping, and feeling the pain and sting of death. Death is a foreign enemy to humanity, we were never intended to feel its touch, but through sin we now experience its weight. In this brief interchange we see the comfort of Jesus through emotionally connecting with his people in the finality of death. Jesus alone is both the comforter and conqueror of the pain of death.


Read Online: John 11:28-37

John 11:17-27 - The Comfort of the Resurrection

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:17-27. Jesus arrives in Bethany, four days after Lazarus dies. His comforting words to Martha in the face of death call us to believe that our resurrection and life today is found in Christ alone. When Jesus declares this final great I AM in v25 we sense the intimate nature of our life in Christ.



Read Online: John 11:17-27

John 11:1-16 - Perplexing Compassion

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel returns to John’s Gospel, where in 11:1-16 Jesus receives news from Martha and Mary that their brother, Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, is sick. Jesus proclaims that his illness does not lead to death but is for the glory of God, yet in a couple days Jesus announces that Lazarus has died and they are to go to Bethany. This sets up the great scene of Jesus’ conversation with Mary and Martha wherein life is found in Christ alone.



Read Online: John 11:1-16

Colossians 1:21-23 - Reconciliation in Christ

In this sermon, Rev. Dan Quakkelaar looks at Colossians 1:21-23. There is perhaps no other place in Scripture that defines reconciliation as clearly as Colossians 1. Reconciliation: the making of peace between God and all His creation. Human beings have a particular need for reconciliation, because of our hostility toward God and our outright rebellion. But God, the incarnate Redeemer, reconciles us in His body of flesh for the purpose of perfect sanctification. Christmas signals this dramatic move of God, to reconcile Himself to those who became his enemies. Dan is planting Friend of Sinners Church, targeting the Brewer's Hill through the I-94 corridor of Milwaukee.

Listen Online: Colossians 1:21-23

Read Online: Colossians 1:21-23

Colossians 1:17-20 - What Jesus Gives You for Christmas

In this sermon, Rev. Mike Wenzler continues our Advent series. Life doesn't function on its own. The earth doesn't spin by its own volition. Human lives aren't left up to random chance. The church was not an entity born of human volition and desire. Salvation is not achieved by mere human effort. In Colossians 1:17-20, Paul teaches us that Jesus is the Lord of heaven, earth, and everything in-between. What should we really want for Christmas? Jesus.

Listen Online: Colossians 1:17-20

Read Online: Colossians 1:17-20

Colossians 1:15-16 - The Invisible Made Visible at Christmas

In this sermon, Rev. Jon Talley continues with our Advent series. Power in weakness; glory through humility. That is what the Nativity shows us. But it’s not hard to see that the world we live in - even we ourselves - would prefer the power without the weakness, the glory without the humility. In Colossians 1:15-16, Paul teaches us about the power and glory, the authority and rule of Jesus Christ. And yet, because of Christmas, we can separate those things from his weakness and humility. God made flesh, to dwell among us. Rev. Jon Talley is the planter for the east side (Shorewood area) church, Christ Church Milwaukee.

Listen Online: Colossians 1:15-16

Read Online: Colossians 1:15-16

Colossians 1:9-14 - The Advent of the Beloved Son

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues our Advent series. This season we will look at Colossians 1 as we consider the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul continues the prayer for the church in Colossae, asking that they be filled with the knowledge of His will and walk in a manner worthy of Lord evidenced by bearing fruit and increasing in knowledge of God. The strength to live this life in a worthy manner is found only in the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Listen Online: Colossians 1:9-14

Read Online: Colossians 1:9-14