St. Paul Lutheran Church Grafton, WI

“Under Construction” by Pastor Maschke, based on 1 Peter 2:4-6.

What's in a Name? Moses ("To Draw Out")

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The Edict of Toleration was issued on this date in 311 AD by Emperor Galerius. Prior to this, Christians suffered greatly under the persecution orchestrated by Emperor Diocletian (and encouraged by Galerius) from 304 AD. The toleration did not last long, since Galerius died shortly after issuing the edict and Emperor Maximinus II began another persecution. By God's grace, two years later in 313, Emperor Constantine issued his Edict of Milan making Christianity not only tolerated, but promoted throughout the empire. This persecution reminded me of the words of St Peter, which we've been reading for the epistle lessons during this Easter season, particularly 1 Peter 4:12, 16, and 19: "If we suffer as Christians, we can praise God that we bear that name!"

Psalm 146

Based on Acts 2:42-47

What's in a Name? Isaac ("Laughter")

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Most of us have heard of St George and the dragon. George was a Roman soldier from Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), who was martyred for his Christian faith by Emperor Diocletian on April 23, 303. While the story of the dragon is not based on historical evidence, it is reminiscent of the battle with the devil in Revelation 12. Jesus is our "St George," our Savior from sin, death, and the devil and we celebrate His victory as we remember the story of George and the dragon.

Psalm 23

Rev. Larry Prahl Sermon

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Five hundred and five years ago, on April 16, Martin Luther entered the German city of Worms to meet with the political leaders of the empire. I am reading from Roland Bainton's classic, Here I Stand, where Bainton records Luther's concluding words: "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and councils for they have contradicted each other--my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." May you have that same confidence in God's Word of love and forgiveness.

What's in a Name?Peter

“Don’t Be a Fair-Weather Follower,” by Pastor Anderson, based on Acts 5:29-32.

What's in a Name?Thomas

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: On this anniversary of the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we ponder the cross and victory of our Lord and Savior. Bonhoeffer died on this date in 1945 in a Nazi concentration camp. Just before he died, he said, "This is the end...for me, the beginning of life." May you rejoice in your life this Easter season as you follow Jesus

"The Weight Lifted" by Pastor Schultz based on Matthew 28:1-10.

Weightless

“The Full Weight Falls,” by Pastor Anderson

“The Full Weight Falls,” by Pastor Anderson

“The Grapes of Wrath: Crushed by OurSins” by Pastor Maschke, based on Isaiah 53:4-11.

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: As we go through this Holy Week, we recall our Lord's suffering. One item that symbolizes that suffering, besides the cross, is the crown of thorns. John (19:2) tells us that the soldiers put such a crown on Jesus' head to mock Him. Yet, Jesus is our King of kings, and Lord of lords! The thorns on this cross were sanctified by the Superior of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. We rejoice in knowing Jesus took our sins upon Himself and His suffering was in our place and we look forward to our Easter celebration!