St. Andrew Lutheran Church

“It was bound to happen.” When have you said that? The phrase applies equally to an unwelcome event (“The way he drove, an accident was bound to happen”) and to a happier experience (“As gifted as she is, the promotion was bound to happen”). The phrase applies to Jesus, too. Jesus was “cross-bound”—given his love for sinners, his obedience to his Father, and the weight of guilt, he was bound to suffer and die. But Jesus took up his life again; it was bound to happen because he rules over death, and his sacrifice satisfied the justice of God. After Jesus paid the penalty of sin, he was “cross-freed.” His resurrection, too, was bound to happen. May these worship services help you acknowledge Jesus: both cross-bound and cross-freed.

“It was bound to happen.” When have you said that? The phrase applies equally to an unwelcome event (“The way he drove, an accident was bound to happen”) and to a happier experience (“As gifted as she is, the promotion was bound to happen”). The phrase applies to Jesus, too. Jesus was “cross-bound”—given his love for sinners, his obedience to his Father, and the weight of guilt, he was bound to suffer and die. But Jesus took up his life again; it was bound to happen because he rules over death, and his sacrifice satisfied the justice of God. After Jesus paid the penalty of sin, he was “cross-freed.” His resurrection, too, was bound to happen. May these worship services help you acknowledge Jesus: both cross-bound and cross-freed.   All rights reserved. Music used by permission under CCLI #1600166, OneLicense #A-709447, and Worshipflow.com. Video music used by permission from Bensound.com. Pre-service music all rights reserved by Koine (koinemusic.com) & Michael Schroeder.

Jesus’ state of humiliation was the time during which he did not make full use of his heavenly power and glory. To many, he looked weak, and he died a criminal’s death. Palm Sunday was a day of humility; Jesus’ triumphal entry was overshadowed by the details of glory that it lacked and by what was coming. Daniel 12 gives answers to those who ask whether their humiliation is part of God’s plan and how long it will endure. Despite Jesus’ humility, he rose, and everyone will eventually acknowledge him as Lord. Vindication was already God’s plan 570 years before Jesus died. Let’s study Daniel 12 and find out what it means for you.

A Lenten devotion by Pastor John Boggs from Luther Preparatory School

Have you ever confided in someone about a worry and he or she responded, "That'll never happen. Don't worry." Oh really? Unless that person was God, how can he or she know that a car won't roll off that car-carrier ahead of you and crash into you? Or for you spring-breakers who escaped to a warm beach, that a shark won't venture into shallow waters and gobble you up? Or that your portfolio could shrink to half its current value? Or . . . or . . . or . . . "Don't worry. that will never happen," might be the best response some can offer, but it's shallow. Or how about this: "Sure, that could happen. In fact, most of the things we worry about could happen." Where's the comfort in that? God's message in Daniel 10 is, "Sure it could happen, but redirect your fear to something and someone even more terrifying—and to something and someone even more trustworthy. Welcome to God’s house and God’s people where together we untangle God's beautiful and helpful truth.

A Lenten devotion by Mr. Mark Kjenstad, Minister for Nurture.

Ham prayer – As in the pork product? Yes, that ham. Well, not really, but 2500 years ago, a man addressed the God of heaven with seemingly incompatible components. Find out what kind of mnemonic the holiday meat can be to help us pray the way Daniel did.

A Lenten devotion by Mr. Steve Pelischek from Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel.

Have you ever dreamed something terrifying but awakened with great relief that it wasn't real? What was scary wasn't real, so really . . . not scary. But what if the terrifying thing is real? Our God doesn't deal in make-believe. He knows the most frightening things that happen, could happen, or will happen to us. And he has some good news that makes it not scary. Confused? So was Daniel when he received the dream we'll study in Daniel 7. But when it was over, oh my, was he relieved. We’re glad you’re here to enjoy that same kind of relief.

A Lenten devotion by Pastor Clinton Kreuziger.

The name Daniel means in Hebrew, "God is my judge." The name fits. Read Daniel 6 and learn how Daniel cared little if his friends judged him for his talent, if King Darius judged him for his faithfulness to God, or if the lions judged him as tasty. God was his judge. He knew it and he lived like it. You have names like his. Jesus, in his sermon on the mount, declared you are salt, you are light, and you are blessed when people falsely speak evil about you. Why? You're his. But you're not alone. We’re glad you’ve gathered with us today to revel in our identity, praise God for it, and learn together how to live like it.

A Lenten devotion by Pastor Jon Bilitz from Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel.

Power can work in opposite ways. Computers are described as powerful when they can handle intensive processes to create useful content. But a storm that destroys everything in its path might earn the same description: powerful. Which direction does God’s power go? How does it affect you and others around you?

A Lenten devotion by Pastor Randy Hunter.

With all the things going on in our world and in our lives, can pride really be that much of a problem? In a way, no. There’s a biblical kind of pride. But there’s also a ruinous kind of pride. Today, the Spirit will show us the difference between them through the inspired record of Daniel 4. Today we also celebrate the Festival of Transfiguration. On a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus demonstrated that of all the people on earth, he was the one who could be proud! But instead, he went on to humble himself to death on a cross. May the Spirit bless you as you encounter the Son of God in our worship today.

The three men in the fiery furnace is one of the most familiar Old Testament stories. You can read it in Daniel 3. But don't misread it. The Lord didn't promise them and he hasn't promised you that he will deliver you from every fire in this life. He may or he may not give you promotion and prosperity. But he has promised you the gift of eternal life and glory far beyond anything this world can offer. The three men in the story ended up in the furnace because they believed that and were willing to risk their lives for it. You can, too, even if you never have to risk your life for it.

You are in many groups. Some of them are just facts. You can’t change your blood type or your eye color. You are in other groups by choice. You decided your hobbies. You joined particular social circles. Life has a lot of room for overlap, but when these groups clash, which is the most important? Daniel 2:24-49, the description and interpretation of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, identifies the most important group to be part of.

Can a Lutheran have a spiritual experience? Can we even talk like that? The record of God's dealings with mankind, the Bible, includes dreams from the first book to the last. So it’s not surprising we'll encounter dreams throughout our study of the Book of Daniel. We come to the first in chapter two. Whether you’re here today out of curiosity or seeking a spiritual experience, we’re glad you’re with us. If we can serve you in any way, please contact us.

Read the Bible and you'll encounter dozens of banquets—not the hot dish potluck kind, but the real deal. In some places, the Bible even describes heaven as a banquet. Isaiah wrote, "The Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines" (Isaiah 25:6). Yet when Daniel was offered a banquet we would gladly settle into, he refused. Why? Read Daniel 1 this week, then gather with your brothers and sisters to determine which banquets to refuse and which ones to enjoy. Salivate over the banquet Jesus prepares for you. 

The book of Daniel in the Old Testament was written over 2,500 years ago about events that took place on the opposite side of the world. Yet, the book is about us. It teaches us how God is in control over all things, how believers can deal with a pagan culture and authorities in a pagan culture and how he gives gifts to his people so they can serve him. The book is about us . . . and the grace of God. We'll spend the next few months, until Easter, asking the Spirit to bless us through our study of the book of Daniel. This weekend we find Daniel taken into exile away from God's people and enduring pressure to conform. How will he hold up? How will you? We’re glad you’re with us to receive grace…and hold up under pressure.