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?द्वारा 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…

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!…

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 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…

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…

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.द्वारा 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.द्वारा 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!द्वारा Rev. Chris Brademeyer

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!द्वारा 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.द्वारा 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!द्वारा 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!द्वारा 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…

Wisdom seems in short supply these days. Basic truths are challenged regularly. Common sense isn't very common. And, worst of all, fools and their foolish ideas seem to be celebrated at every turn. What is true wisdom? Where does it come from? And why does it seem like it is in such short supply? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Chu…

Righteousness is a simple enough thing. To be fit for God's Kingdom, we need to be holy, to be righteous. But how do we become righteous? Can I do it? Does God do it for me? If He does it, how do receive this righteousness? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!द्वारा Rev. Chris Brademeyer

The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the most profound and deepest mystery revealed to us by Jesus Christ. That is to say, this word refers to the biblical truth that our one God is three Persons and that we are neither to collapse the three together nor divide them apart. Why does this matter? What does confessing the Trinity ha…

This sermon was preached for the funeral of John Stefanowicz, a dear Christian husband, father, stepfather, and man. John's obituary can be found at https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-stefanowicz Title: A Sermon for the Funeral of John Stefanowicz Date: May 21, 2024 Text: Ezekiel 34:11-16 Lector: Rev. Paul Preus of Zion Lutheran Chu…

Why is everyone confused? What's with the big tower, the tower of Babel? Why does God get upset with the building of it? Why does He divide human language? And why are we all so confused? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a written version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/what-s-w…

What is Christianity primarily about? Is it about primarily being the hands and feet of Jesus or listening to Jesus? Is a successful church busy with all sorts of programs, ministries, and outreach endeavors, whereas a mediocre or failing church sits in the pew? In episode #4 of "3 Padres and a Shepherd," we will be taking a closer look into Jesus'…

God's Name is an important thing. We learn about it's power and the reasons why God gives it to us to use in the Catechism when we study the Second Commandment, the Lord's Prayer, and Baptism. Why does God value His Name? What does He think about misuse of it? What does it mean for Christians that we are marked in God's Name? Find out in this week'…

Jesus tells His disciples that He must ascend back to the right hand of the Father. Why does He do this? Does this mean that He is absent? What does Elijah have to do with this? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!द्वारा Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Complaining. Grumbling. Whining. Those who have the most sometimes complain the most. Why do we do this? What does God say about it? And what do snakes have to do with this? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/what-s-with-all-the-co…

Christians sing. Music is a big part of our lives together. Why is this the case? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-we-sing Title: My Strength and Song Date: Cantate, the Fifth Sunday of Easter - 4/28/2024 Text: Isaiah 12:1-16…

Who is like God? Who, or what, can we compare Him to? How do we know anything about God, who is so far beyond us? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/who-is-like-godद्वारा Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Sheep are not known for keeping themselves out of trouble. Why does Ezekiel (not to mention Jesus!) compare us to sheep? What does it mean for God to shepherd us? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/sheep-and-the-shepherd Title: God…

Where do we look for assurance? How do we know that we are saved? Tragically, many pulpits and theologies across America consistently preach the Christian and not the Christ. So, the problem that arises is that we can easily look internally at our actions as Christians for assurance. However, once we look inward, we will never have enough assurance…

Ezekiel sees a crazy vision in chapter 37: a field full of old, dried up bones. What does this mean? How can such bones be brought back to life? What does all of this have to do with us? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/can-dry-b…

We do a lot of things in life, especially over a long life. What things last beyond this mortal coil? Is there anything about us that lasts beyond death? This sermon, preached for the funeral of Lucien Peterson, humbly attempts to address these issues. For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/baptized-into-christ…

Christ is risen! He has defeated death and the grave! Celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord by listening to this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND. For a print version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/christ-is-risen Title: Let Us Be Glad! Date: Easter Sunday - March 31, 2024 Text: Isaiah 25:6-9 Venue: St. J…

Why was Jesus's cross marked with a sign that read "the King of the Jews?" Why did He have to die? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/behold-the-king-of-israel Title: A Sermon for Good Friday 2024 Date: Good Friday, March 29, 2024 Text: J…

The Lord commanded Israel to put blood on the doors to escape the death of the firstborn. Jesus commands us to eat His body and drink His blood. There's a lot of blood in the Bible. Why does God have such a fascination with blood? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND For a print version of this sermon go to https://w…

Our dear sister in Christ, Gloria, wanted everyone at her funeral to hear about how Jesus Christ has given her eternal life. This sermon is a humble attempt to carry out this wish. For a printed version of this sermon, go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/jesus-is-greater-than-death Title: A Sermon for the Funeral of Gloria Bock Date: 3/27/2024 …

Our Lord goes to Jerusalem to seal His fate as the Crucified King. Why doesn't He fight back? Why do Christians focus so much on history? What does this mean for us? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/ride-on-to-die Title: The Comi…

Confession. Repentance. Contrition. Absolution. These words get thrown around a lot in church. What do these mean and why should we do these things? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon, go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-do-we-need-to-confess Title: A Catechetical Sermo…

Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son, his only son, Isaac by God. Would we be able to do the same if God asked us? What does God require of us? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/what-does-it-cost-to-follow-jesus Title: Human Sacr…

Welcome to the “3 Padres & A Shepherd Podcast" where three North Dakota Lutheran Pastors and a real-life shepherd combine serious theology with fun laughter. This is a podcast from the local church and for the local church; however, the local churches of these three pastors do not take any responsibility for the banter, foolery, and assertions that…

What is baptism? Why does Jesus want us to do it? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! For a printed version of this sermon click here: https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-do-we-need-baptism Title: A Catechetical Sermon on Holy Baptism Date: The 5th Wednesday of Lent, March 13, 2024 Readings: 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matt…

Why should we trust God? Doubts about His promises and grumbling about His blessings is common, so, why should we trust God? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND. For a print version of this sermon go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-should-we-trust-god Title: God Provides Text: Exodus 16:2-21 Date: La…

Prayer is one of the staples of the Christian life. Why should we do it? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! Get a printed version of this sermon here: https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-should-we-pray Title: A Catechetical Sermon on the Lord's Prayer Date: the 4th Wednesday of Lent, 3/6/2024 Texts: Matthew 6:5-…

We don't like bad news. We don't like to get called out. We certainly don't like to have our sin brought to our attention. How should we act when this happens? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND! You can find a print version of this sermon at https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/how-to-act-when-rebuked Title: A…

We confess the Creed each week in church services. What are Creeds and why are they good to have? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND. For a printed version of this sermon, go to https://www.stjohnsoakes.org/post/why-do-we-need-creeds. Title: A Catechetical Sermon on Creeds Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:3-15, 2 Timothy 1:…