Episodes

Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Circumcision is a difficult topic to discuss from the pulpit, given that it deals with a very private part of the body. And let me just say, if you don’t know what circumcision is, talk to your parents or someone else who knows. But above all, do not Google it. You’ll thank me later. And so, tonight we have the unenviable task of seeing why this particular event is so important in the life of the Church, and, indeed, in our lives as Christians.
Why did God command circumcision? Why was Jesus circumcised? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Regardless of his exact background and pedigree, Simeon was anticipating this day. For he knew that peace that transcends death could only be found in Christ Jesus the Lord, the Messiah foretold of old and who was promised to be seen by him. And that day came. Given all of this, it is unsurprising that Simeon broke out into song. How could he not sing? What greater reason to sing than this could there possibly be? He had met the Lord, the Savior of the world, the One who could finally destroy sin and death and overthrow the reign of the devil! Now that he had met the Christ, the Savior, Simeon could depart in peace. He could lie with his ancestors, knowing that God had indeed kept his promises and would not allow His people to be under the oppression of evil any more.
Want to hear more? Listen to this sermon for the First Sunday after Christmas (12/29/2024) from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
This sermon was preached for the funeral of Lysle Coleman. Lysle's obituary can be read at https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/lysle-coleman.

Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
“What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” So begins a much beloved Christmas hymn by the nineteenth century Englishman William C. Dix. This question was not new in 1865 when the song was penned. In fact, some version of this question had been asked since the very beginning. The disciples asked themselves a variant of this question when, as recorded in Matthew chapter eight, Jesus calmed a storm that had arisen. Through the centuries it was debated at all of the great meetings of the Christian Church which are called church councils. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, from which we get the original version and name of the Nicene Creed, this question was the central issue. And through the many centuries, this question has been asked by seekers, skeptics, and believers alike. Today, this question is no less relevant than it has ever been.
Who is Jesus? Find out in this Christmas sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Rejoice dear friends! The Savior of the World is come! Merry Christmas from us at St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Jesus is the Lamb of God and we say this often in church. Do we stop and ask why we do this or what it means? How should we understand what significance it has for John the Baptist to call Jesus the Lamb of God? What does being the Lamb have to do with taking away the sins of the world? And why does all of this come up on the last Sunday before Christmas? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Names are important things. This is easily seen when people get upset when their names are gotten wrong. Why does God tell us in our readings this evening that His Son should be called Jesus and Immanuel? What significance do these names have? Find out in this sermon for the third Wednesday of Advent (12/18/2024) from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
John proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. But here in Matthew 11, John sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is really the one, or if there is another. It seems strange that John would be confused, given his being a prophet. But he was confused. Worse, this confusion did not end with him. Jesus does not do what we often expect and established His Kingdom in ways that surprise. Why did Jesus come? What is confusing John? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
The following sermon was preached for the funeral of Donnel Hankel on December 12, 2024. His obituary can be found at https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/donnel-hankel

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
John is called many things: the Baptist, the Forerunner, Elijah, and he who makes straight the way of the Lord. We hear about him every year during Advent. But who is this John, exactly? Why did God send him into the wilderness to preach repentance? And what does all of this have to do with Jesus? Find out in this sermon for the 2nd Wednesday of Advent (Dec. 11, 2024) from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!
