Shepherd King Lutheran Church

08/30/2026

14th Sunday after Pentecost

08/28/2026

Did you know that some of the most influential Christians in the early church were from Africa? We often think of great Christian leaders from Rome, Jerusalem, or other parts of Europe. Today, the Lutheran Church remembers Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian (354-430AD). Augustine was born in North Africa. He was not born a Christian but studied various philosophies. He was considered a brilliant student, but he lived an immoral life.

Augustine’s mother, Monica, was a Christian and prayed for her son. The Lord led Augustine to Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan. Here was a man who knew varies philosophies and yet embraced the Christian faith. Augustine, under his teaching, soon became a Christian and was baptized into the faith. He went to work shepherding his flock. He became a bishop and wrote some major works of theology.

Augustine’s most well-known writing, called “The City of God,” helps to answer questions of theology; such as the suffering of the righteous, the existence of evil, the conflict between free will and divine knowledge, and the doctrine of original sin.

Augustine wrote Enchiridion, a “handbook” for teaching the Christian faith. Also, he wrote “On the Spirit of the Letter,” where he teaches the proper distinction between God’s Law and Gospel. Martin Luther was a monk in the order of St. Augustine, so he used the writings of Augustine to help guide Christians during the Reformation.

We learn from Augustine the following:

Intellectuals don’t have to give up their Christian faith; there are others who embrace Scripture and the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are many who try to rewrite history and teach that Christianity is only for Europeans. There is a rich history of Christianity outside of Europe, especially from Africa.

We should never give up praying for family and friends who do not believe in Christ. We don’t know how the Holy Spirit may move through our prayers and witness.

The Christian men and women of history give us a wide variety of the Holy Spirit’s work. We praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for giving us so many examples.

Pastor Tim

08/26/2026

Welcome to the conclusion of Pastor Tim's summer Bible study series about the 10 Commandments. Coveting and envying are the evil ways that require the directives of the 9th and 10th Commandment. Pastor points out what they mean, and provides tools for us to use when we fall into these sinful conditions. Much needed information when these negative thoughts and deeds invade our Christian minds. Thanks for joining us.

08/26/2026

Reminder: Join Pastor Tim this afternoon at 4pm, here on Facebook, for the final Bible study in his summer series about the 10 Commandments. Today he'll finish with both the 9th and 10th Commandments. Coveting and envying is the combined theme, and Pastor gives us the tools to help us understand our own thoughts and deeds, so we don't fall into the traps and be free of these sinful conditions. See you later.

08/26/2026

08/23/2026

August 23rd, 2026

08/21/2026

“O almighty God, merciful Father, I a poor, miserable sinner….” (Lutheran Service Book, Confession of sins, page 184)

I recall someone long ago who stopped coming to church because they were convinced “miserable sinner” didn’t apply to them. They endured humiliation from a parent; and was determined to keep some semblance of self-worth at all costs. Many of us may have trouble distinguishing between humility and humiliation/abuse.

Matthew records a Canaanite woman in chapter fifteen. She has a sick daughter and cries out to Jesus for mercy and healing from Him. Jesus responds with silence first and later calls her a dog. Our Lord seems to be capricious and cruel to her. What was Jesus doing?

The Canaanite woman knew herself and Jesus. She knew that she was sinful. When Jesus called her a dog, she replied, “Yes, Lord…” (Matthew 15:27a) She knew that she sinned in thought, word and deed. She didn’t have the right to ask Jesus for anything. She went on to say, “yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:27b) The woman knew that Jesus was the Son of God and that He has mercy. When the woman first cried out for help, she addressed Jesus by saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David…” (Matthew 15:22) She believed that Jesus was the Messiah and God. The woman knew the identity of Jesus and His love for others. The woman trusted in the mercy of Jesus. She knew that God’s crumbs were far better than anything else in the world. Jesus may have tested her faith, but He did not leave her alone.

I think of this encounter when I confess my sins. I know who I am before a perfect and almighty God. I do not deserve the mercy He gives me. I don’t deserve to be called a child of God because of my stellar behavior. Yet, Jesus has mercy on me. He brought me into His family through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He hears my pleas and I accept what He gives me. Jesus will test my faith, but He will never leave me.

The Canaanite woman is a hero of faith. I pray, “Jesus give us this great faith in time of trouble. Amen.”

Pastor Tim

08/19/2026

Welcome to Pastor Tim's summer Bible study series: "What I Didn't Know about the 10 Commandments - Luther's Large Catechism." Today he look at the 8th Commandment and how it applies to our lives, and what it has to do with social media. Thanks for joining. www.shepherdkinglcms.org

08/19/2026

The 8th Commandment... How does it apply to our lives, and even social media? Join Pastor Tim here on Facebook, later today at 4pm for the continuation of his summer Bible study series: "What I Didn't Know about the 10 Commandments - Luther's Large Catechism."

08/16/2026

August 16th, 2026