Sermons | Living Hope and Christ the King ELCA Lutheran Churches

This Reformation Sunday sermon concludes the Villains in the Bible series by looking at perhaps the most unsettling villain, one we may all too easily find ourselves consumed by: The crowd. 

 Most evil in the world happens not because of some comic super-villain pulling levers behind the scenes, but as the result of ordinary, every day indifference and apathy. Too often, we prefer not to get involved; we look away from the struggles of our neighbors. We stop paying attention. 

But God never stops paying attention to us. God never stops calling us to respond with...

For this penultimate entry in the "Villains in the Bible" series, our villain for the week is...[drumroll, please]...Satan. The devil. The Father of Lies. The tempter. Evil incarnate. 

 In this week's Scripture reading from Matthew 4, Jesus is led into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan. But unlike all the other characters we've met, Jesus does not yield to the temptation. He rejects the devil's offers of magic abilities, spectacle, and earthly power. He stands firm in his identity, the identity declared at his baptism. Obviously, you and I are not Jesus. But there's a...

As we pass the halfway mark in our Villains in the Bible series, we move to the New Testament to encounter a king so afraid of losing his throne that he's willing to commit awful violence to hold onto it. In contrast to the terror of King Herod, Jesus offers an alternative vision of a kingdom, a kingdom built on humility and love.

This week's Scripture readings are Philippians 2:3-8, Psalm 146, and Matthew 2:1-18.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.l...

Every villain has an origin story. For most of his life, King David was the hero. As a boy, he defeated Goliath, and as a musician, he composed much of the book of Psalms. But his power as king warped his heart. He began to believe he was above the law. His sin led to terrible consequences, but when God sent a prophet to confront him, David repented. There's a lot we can learn from David's story in week three of "Villains in the Bible." 

Today's Scripture readings are Psalm 23, 2 Samuel 11-12:7 in the sermon, and Psalm 51.

We continue our series "Villains in the Bible" by looking at Pharaoh's story in the book of Exodus. As absolute ruler over Egypt, Pharaoh has everything he could want. But his fear of losing his power leads him to do terrible evil to the Hebrew people. Pharaoh's story is a warning to us, challenging us to ask what decisions we make out of fear, where our decisions intentionally or unintentionally harm the people around us. Today's Scripture readings are Exodus 1:8-14, Exodus 5, and Mark 10:35-45. 

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Livin...

This week, we begin a new six-week series "Villains in the Bible" by looking at the serpent, the villain of the creation story in Genesis 3. The serpent distorts God's gifts into withholding, inviting us to focus on what we don't have, rather than on the abundance God has given us. But God calls us trust, not fear. To abundance, not scarcity. In baptism, we are claimed by God as beloved. God is the source of our life and freedom.

Today's Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-7, Psalm 119:105-112, and John 3:13-21.

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In this week's Gospel reading from Luke 5, we hear a great story about some friends bringing (literally carrying) a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. No matter what obstacles they faced, nothing was going to stop them from bringing their friend into the presence of Jesus. What a great example for us!

This week's Scripture readings are 1 Thessalonians 5:11-28, Psalm 103:1-8, and Luke 5:17-26.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.

Thank you to Pastor Dave Schoob for leading us in worship today on this Labor Day weekend. Today's Scripture readings are Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 119:33-40, and Matthew 18:15-20.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.

Today in worship, we are celebrating a new church festival day: "The Feast of Creation in Christ." (Visit https://www.feastofcreation.com/ to learn more.) In addition to exploring what it means to praise God as Creator and ponder the great mystery that everything was created through Christ, Pastor Daniel Flucke reflects in this sermon on this new festival as ecumenical progress towards Jesus' prayer that all his followers would be united. The middle of the sermon includes a brief video from the World Council of Churches on the origins of the new feast day. Watch the video here...

For nearly 2,000 years, the church has struggled with the question of who gets to be included in God’s family. We're tempted to treat God’s love if it were like a pie with only so many pieces to go around. But as Paul reminds us in today's reading, God has not rejected God’s people. As the Canaanite woman reminds Jesus, God’s mercy is bigger than the boundaries we draw. God’s love, mercy, and grace are big enough for all of us—and for “them” too. God's love is not pie.

Today's Scripture readings are Isaiah 56:1...

For today's sermon, we're picking up the story in Matthew 14 immediately after Jesus miraculously fed the huge crowd. Just wait until you see what he does next! There's fear and chaos, a boat battered by waves, and an incredible demonstration of Jesus' power and authority.

Today's Scripture readings are Romans 10:5-15, Psalm 85:8-13, and Matthew 14:22-33.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

In this Sunday's readings, we get a glimpse of God's kingdom looks like as Jesus miraculously provides food for a massive crowd. Everyone is included, and everyone is fed. As we heard in last week's parables (listen here), God takes a little, tiny, almost insignificant offering--just five loaves and two fishes for a crowd of thousands--and does something incredible with it. Today's Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; 2 Kings 4:42–44, and the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21.

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In this week's sermon, Pastor Daniel Flucke focuses on the Gospel reading from Matthew 13, where we hear Jesus tell not one, not two, but five parables about the kingdom of heaven. God can work through our small actions to make an eternal impact. Today's Scripture readings are Romans 8:26-39; Psalm 119:129-136; and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

Pastor Daniel is on vacation this weekend, so we are grateful to Living Hope member Ralph Luedtke for sharing a sermon on Psalm 86:11-17. Today's additional Scripture readings are Isaiah 44:6-8, Romans 8:12-25, and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

Pastor Daniel is on vacation today, so we are grateful to Christ the King member Fred Walls for sharing a sermon today on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Today's additional Scripture readings are Isaiah 44:6-8, Psalm 86:11-17, and Romans 8:12-25.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

As our nation marks its semiquincentennial, we exercise our religious freedom by gathering for worship on Sunday morning. In worship, we give thanks for the many blessings God has given us, and this weekend, we consider how this occasion challenges us to live up to our nation’s ideals of liberty and justice for all. As Christians living in 21st century America, we are blessed with tremendous opportunities and resources. How will we use our freedom? 

This week’s readings are Zechariah 9:9-12, Psalm 145:8-15, Galatians 5:13-26, and Matthew 11:16-1, 25-30.

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What does it mean to welcome others? In this Sunday's brief Gospel reading from Matthew 10, Jesus tells us that when we offer even a cup of cold water to welcome someone, we are really welcoming him. Welcoming our neighbors means seeing them in their full humanity, as beloved children of God. As members of the body of Christ, we share the welcome of grace which we ourselves have received through Jesus.

Today's Scripture readings are Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 146, and Matthew 10:40-42.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope...

Pastor Daniel is traveling with Lighthouse Youth to Nashville for a service trip, so this Sunday, we are grateful to Pastor Jennifer Olson for leading us in worship.

Today's Scripture readings are Romans 6:1b-11; Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; and Matthew 10:24-33.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

Today's joint worship service celebrates a great week of "Do Something Superheroes" Vacation Bible School! No matter your age or abilities, God has a mission for you. Everyone can answer the call to DO SOMETHING to share God's love through your words and actions!

This week’s readings are Jeremiah 1:4-8, Psalm 105:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:12, and Mark 12:28-34.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Matthew 9, the religious leaders criticize Jesus for spending time with sinners and even (gasp!) eating with them. Jesus responds, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” How often do we fall into the trap of thinking we need to be “good enough” to come into God’s presence? More than once, I’ve heard people concerned, “If I step into the door of the church, the roof will collapse!”

But sinners are exactly who Jesus is seeking. Jesus calls no one but sinners! And he invites them (us!) to follow, to...

Right before he ascends to heaven, Jesus gives his disciples some instructions. He sends them out into the world to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

This “Great Commission” is given not only to the 11 disciples who heard it in person, but to us as well! And so is the promise—the last words recorded in Matthew’s gospel: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of t...

Happy Pentecost! As we celebrate the birthday of the church, this week's message from Pastor Daniel Flucke looks at three aspects of the Holy Spirit's Pentecost work: The Holy Spirit fills the church. The Holy Spirit sends us. And the Holy Spirit goes with us. Those promises are as true today as ever. Receive the Holy Spirit!

This week’s readings are John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-33, 1 Corinthians 12:3-13, and Acts 2:1-21.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https...

Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, the moment when the risen Christ departs from the disciples and commissions them for the work ahead. Although we mention Jesus’ Ascension each time we say the Apostle’s Creed together, it’s one of those parts of Jesus’ story we often gloss over. What do we do with this strange, awkward, almost unbelievable story?

This sermon from Pastor Daniel Flucke explores what this story says about where God is now, what it means for the church to be the Body of Christ, and why the disciples are told to stop sta...

Many people imagine God as a distant heavenly being watching from afar. But as Christians, we believe in a God who refuses to stay distant. God insists on coming into the world. God wants to be involved in our lives. God is personal and knowable, hearing and answering our prayers. As Jesus promises in today's reading, even though he himself is no longer physically walking around in our world, we have not been left orphaned. The Holy Spirit is God present with us, God’s breath blowing through the world. 

Today’s Scripture readings are Acts 17:22-31, Psalm...

What does faithful Christian witness look like? Stephen is remembered as the first Christian martyr, but his death is only part of his legacy. Today’s sermon explores Stephen’s story as an example of how the Gospel is proclaimed in both word and deed. Along the way, we look at how the early church’s ministry of compassion became a powerful witness to the world around them.

Today’s Scripture readings are Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 14-16; and John 14:1-14. The text of this sermon is posted at https://danielflucke.com/stephens-witness/.

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In last week's sermon, we met Jonah, a reluctant prophet given a tough assignment. Although he ran away from God's call, God refused to give up on him. We left Jonah in the belly of a big fish.

This Sunday, we hear the rest of Jonah's story, focusing on chapters three and four. It’s a great story about a shockingly successful sermon to some really terrible people, and a powerful object lesson from God about forgiveness and grace.

Additional readings for this Sunday are Jonah 2; Psalm 86:3-9, 15; and Matthew 12:38-42. The text of this se...

For the next two weeks, we're exploring the book of Jonah. Today's message on Jonah 1 introduces us to a reluctant prophet given a tough assignment. Listen along as Pastor Daniel Flucke explores themes of sin, forgiveness, and faith in Jonah 1, and look for the rest of the story next week as we get to the point of Jonah's story in chapters 3 & 4.

Additional readings for this Sunday are Acts 2:14a,36-41; Psalm 16; and Matthew 28:16-20.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.l...

This Sunday, we welcome a special guest, Pastor Larry Harpster to Living Hope & Christ the King. He is the mission developer pastor for Milwaukee Wild Church, a new worshiping committee in our synod. If you’ve ever said, “I feel closest to God when I’m out in nature,” marveled at the peace and stillness of a forest, or been awed by the beauty of a sunset, you won’t want to miss his message. Wild Church meets outside in nature, and Pastor Harpster shares his passion for Christian nature spirituality, assisted by our own Leslie Brawn.

Today's Script...

Alleluia! Christ is risen! And the good news of Jesus' resurrection changes everything. Sorrow and grief are transformed into joy and hope! Because he lives, death no longer gets the last word. The grave is empty, and a new creation has begun. Good news! Happy Easter!

Our Scripture readings for this Easter Sunday are Colossians 3:1-4; Psalm 118:1, 14-24; and the resurrection story in Matthew 28:1-10.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

Tonight we wrap up our midweek community Lenten worship series "Tell Me Something Good" with a profound story of the forgiveness and grace Jesus offers. When the religious leaders drag before Jesus a woman caught in adultery, he refuses to condemn her, instead pointing out their hypocrisy and choosing to offer grace, mercy, and forgiveness to her.

The Scripture readings for tonight's Lenten service are Matthew 7:1-5, Psalm 130, Matthew 23:1-7, 23-24, and the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:2-11. Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope...

Have you ever wondered why God takes so long to act? In this Sunday’s Gospel story, Jesus hears his friend Lazarus is sick—and then waits two days before going to him. By the time he arrives, it seems too late. Lazarus is dead. No wonder the people say, “Lord, if you had been here…” Sometimes faith sounds like frustration.

The good news is that Jesus doesn’t turn away from those questions. Instead, Jesus weeps with the grieving family. And then he calls Lazarus out of the tomb, back to life. This week we wrestle with the har...

Today's message explores the story of Jesus healing the man born blind, inviting us to consider how Jesus invites us to see differently. Thank you to Rev. Chris Manke, Executive Director for Outreach for Hope, for leading worship and sharing the message this Sunday while Pastor Daniel is away for the weekend.

The Scripture readings for this fourth Sunday in Lent are Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23, and John 9:1-41. Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

In John 4, a Samaritan woman's routine trip to the well turns into a life-changing encounter with Jesus. By offering her “living water,” he breaks cultural barriers, revealing the surprise of God’s grace. Today's Lent 3 sermon from Pastor Daniel invites you to notice God's holy interruptions in your own life.

This week's Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, and John 4:5-42. Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/. 

God tells Abram to go without giving him a destination. God calls young Jeremiah before he feels ready. Nicodemus risks his reputation to ask honest questions. In each of today’s story, bravery isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who calls.

Today’s sermon kicks off this year’s Lutheran Schools Week theme of “Brave” by exploring how God equips the called, walks with us into the unknown, and gives us courage to follow. Do not be afraid, for God is with you. Be brave.

This week's Scripture readings are Gen...

On this first Sunday of Lent, as we begin our 40-day journey to the cross, we hear about Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Following his baptism, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus to the wilderness where he faces temptations challenging his identity. 

A sermon reflecting on how temptation works, where we look for our worth, and the powerful promise spoken over us in baptism: you are God’s beloved. Be reminded of who you are—and whose you are.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisco...

Welcome to Ash Wednesday! Too often the church's message (especially on days like Ash Wednesday) can come across as bad news and condemnation. Sin is real, and we are called to repent. But there is good news too: Jesus offers forgiveness for our sin. A sermon on law, gospel, and the classic children's story, "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly."

Today's Scripture readings are Romans 7:15-25a, Psalm 51:1-17, and John 8:31–36. Due to the livestream not working, this week's Scripture and sermon have been re-recorded. Read the text of this Ash Wednesday sermon at ht...

Transitioning from the season of Epiphany to Lent, this week we hear the story of Jesus' transfiguration. In this mountaintop moment, the disciples glimpse Jesus' true glory, a vision which will shape how the disciples will understand the events to come as Jesus is arrested, killed, and resurrected. These stories continue to shape how we encounter the world as people of faith. As Richard Lischer writes, "You can live a long time off a vision."

The Scripture readings for this third Sunday after the Epiphany are 2 Peter 1:16-21; Psalm 2:1-8, and Matthew 17:1-9. This sermon draws on...

Welcome to worship! Today’s message is a little different than normal. Rather than sharing a full sermon on a few verses of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, today’s message includes a brief introduction from Pastor Daniel, then the full text of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. Included in this podcast is also an extended welcome to the communion table and the post-communion blessing, both reflecting on Jesus’ words. 

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ct...

In his “Project Kingdom of Heaven,” Jesus rejects the world's standard of "might makes right." Instead, he calls us as his followers to participate in God's work of transforming this world ruled by violent, armed force into a world ruled by the power of gracious love.

Thank you to Rev. Wendy Wirth-Brock for leading worship and sharing the message this Sunday while Pastor Daniel is at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza event in St. Louis.

The Scripture readings for this fourth Sunday after the Epiphany are Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, and Matthew 5:1-12. Learn more abou...

On this annual meeting Sunday, we hear Paul make a passionate plea for the church to be united in Christ, knit together in the same mind and the same purpose. Yes, church annual meetings are bureaucratic procedures, but on another level, they offer an opportunity to practice living out this call for unity.

Today's sermon is also a reminder that unity does not mean conformity, but rather working towards the same goal with the same purpose. Our unity is found in our identity as the body of Christ, and when one part of the body is wounded...