Sermons@FLC Pr. Jon Niketh

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

Acts 16:16-34
While in prison, Paul speaks to the jailer, who is then baptized
Psalm 97
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous. (Ps. 97:12)
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Blessed are those who wash their robes
John 17:20-26
Jesus prays that the disciples will be one and abide in his love

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.

Acts 16:9-15
Lydia and her household are baptized by Paul
Psalm 67
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy. (Ps. 67:4)
Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
John 14:23-29
The Father will send the Holy Spirit

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.

Acts 11:1-18
Peter’s vision: God give the Gentiles repentance that leads to life
Psalm 148
The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13)
Revelation 21:1-6
New heaven, new earth: springs of living water in the new Jerusalem
John 13:31-35
Jesus gives a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.

Acts 9:1-6
Paul’s conversion, baptism, and preaching
Psalm 30
You have turned my wailing into dancing. (Ps. 30:11)
Revelation 5:11-14
The song of the living creatures to the Lamb
John 21:1-19
Jesus appears to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.

Acts 5:27-32
The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus
Psalm 118:14-29
You are my God, and I will exalt you. (Ps. 118:28)
Psalm 150 (alternate)
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (Ps. 150:6)
Revelation 1:4-8
Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead, is coming
John 20:19-31
Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

“The last enemy to be destroyed is death,” Paul writes. Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Isaiah 65:17-25
New heavens and a new earth
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)
Acts 10:34-43
God raised Jesus on the third day
Luke 24:1-12
The women proclaim the resurrection