LifeBridge Community Church

Reaching the Lost. Discipling the Saved. Sharing the Love of Jesus with Everyone.

Tag: Sermon (Page 1 of 18)

Inheritance Kept

April 12, 2026 /

We are weak out from Easter. Last week we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then, well, it seems like kind of a letdown. Somewhat anticlimactic. From this highest of highs to just regular day living.

You have to wonder about “doubting Thomas.” He gets a bad rap. In the same situation under the same circumstances I wonder how many of us would believe just because others seemed delusional and like they were hallucinating. His doubt is understandable. I mean, after all, how many times have we seen someone raised from the dead? True, they saw some like Lazarus, but it’s hardly a common or usual occurrence.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Thomas has to go this whole next week without having seen Jesus. It makes you wonder what that week was like for him. What kind of heartache he still held. His world having been turned upside down. And if he didn’t believe what everyone else was telling him, what hope was there for him? What future was there for him?

Sometimes we like Thomas. In doubt. Or maybe we’re just forgetful. We forget the goodness of God; forget the grace of God; forget the miracles that we have seen time and time and time again; forget that God has given us everything. Given us an inheritance.

That’s what our passage in 1st Peter talks about in chapter one.

It reminds us that God has “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us]…by God’s power…being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time,” and then it goes on, “for a little while…[we] have been greed by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of [our] faith—more precious than gold…may be found.” And it says, “though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice, that with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of [our] faith, the salvation of [our] souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).

What a wonderful description! Thomas had these times of grieving; times of doubting; times when he wondered about what his faith and hope were going to be like.

We exist in that situation, too. We doubt. We grieve. We lose hope.

Those are times of testing of our faith.

But they are for a little while. We are grieved for a little while. We have trials for a little while. But the truth is, we have an inheritance that is kept for us through faith in Jesus. That is, through faith in Jesus, the One who has come the One who died; the One who rose the One who is living now and prepares a place for us — that inheritance is ours and is being kept for us, so that no matter what trials and heartaches we are going through now, we have an assurance that something greater awaits us; something that is far more than we can think or even imagine.

In our baptism, God makes this promise to us when he pulls us into his fold when he grants us forgiveness and faith; when He makes us His own. At that moment, he is guaranteed that inheritance for us through that faith. We realized that last week on Easter, and that fact still exists today! Through faith our inheritance is kept, no matter what doubts and trials we have — and that is something to celebrate. It is something to celebrate because “Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah!” and amen.

“Gracious Lord God, Jesus Christ; we praise and thank You that Your Resurrection wasn’t just a one-time deal. You have kept our inheritance the salvation of our souls certain and sure, waiting for us. So, we need never fear any doubts and trials and temptations now. We know that not only will we get through them, but through faith in You, they have been defeated. Remind us of that daily, Lord. In Your precious and victorious Name do we pray. Amen!”

Scripture

  • 1 Peter 1:3-9
  • John 20:19-31

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

The majority of the recording will be posted later. We apologize.

Against All Odds (EASTER WORSHIP)

April 5, 2026 /

“Christ is risen! He has risen, indeed! Alleluia!”

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

Today, we look at Easter Sunday – the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What an awesome day! This is what a great day to gather and worship and celebrate the pivotal event in all of history.

When we think about “defeating the odds,” there are positive iterations of that and negative ones.

Negatives like getting struck by lightning; of getting attacked by a shark; of developing an extremely rare type of disease.

But there’s also the positives of winning the lottery, or getting that great promotion, or marrying well above your station.

We’re in our last day of looking at our journey through “Exodus: Let my people go!” series. In that book, there aren’t many greater examples of people defeating the odds: being locked in slavery and oppressed for hundreds of years, and yet against all odds, God saved them. Moses, one who had been wanted for murder, going back and addressing Pharaoh face to face with God’s command and God’s power and being triumphant through God’s word, God’s actions, and God’s plagues; against all odds. Being trapped against the Sea and God dividing it so that the whole nation of Israelites walked over a dry ground while all of Pharaoh’s army drowned; against all odds. Having no water or no food, and God providing water from the Rock and Manna every single day; against all odds. Receiving God’s covenantal promise through His Words on Mount Sinai and being selected as His people, even through their continuous disobedience and rebellion; against all odds. Time and time and time again we see God defeating all odds on behalf of His people out of His mercy and grace.

Our epistle text says, “‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting as death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives the victory to our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). God gives the victory over death, against all odds. That is the very reality that encounters us this day; this special day; this pivotal day; this highest, holy day. Death doesn’t have the last word! Defeat doesn’t have the last word! Depression doesn’t have the last word! Disease doesn’t have the last word! Demotion doesn’t have the last word! God has the last word; and that last word on the matter is Life from death; joy from mourning; hope from despair.

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:5-6

Jesus is not in the tomb; He has risen, just as He said. Do not be afraid, no matter how stacked the odds are against you. Today is a day when we look in an empty tomb and instead hear of a risen Christ. We look to victory over death and see, against all odds, everything that we could possibly want or even imagine for eternity: grace, mercy, forgiveness, life – all of it. Against all odds. Odds that said we should be in death; that we should be in despair from our sins; that this was the end; there is no hope there is no future. And against all odds, “Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah!”

“We thank you, Lord Jesus, for conquering sin, death, and the devil against all odds of the evil one – for us and for our Salvation and for creation to be made new. We praise and thank You for this day above all days, because You are King Above all kings and Lord above all lords. Help us to celebrate this day, not just today, but every day, in Your previous, glorious, victorious, reigning, living Name, Jesus. Amen!”

Scripture

  • Exodus 15:1-18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
  • Matthew 28:1-20

Agnus Dei — GOOD FRIDAY, 2026

March 31, 2026 /

Slaughtered lambs and sacrifices are not something we are used to. The whole concept of a lamb being killed and its blood being shed to cover our sin seems odd and off-putting; brutal and cruel; just a bit barbaric. The whole, “Lamb of God” (“Agnus Dei”) all just seems just a bit…much.

Let’s just talk about Jesus sacrifice for sin in an abstract way. A sanitized way. Let’s just think about Good Friday and what happened there as an concept; an academic reality; as a tragic story.

The reality of Good Friday and Jesus as the Agnus Dei should cause us deep and lasting pause. It should cause a rip in our heart and a breathlessness in our spirit.

When we understand the true and utter pain and sacrifice – of will and life – taken on by our Lord, it should be shocking, devastating, and numbing. The trauma He underwent should traumatize us to the core.

But…it should also move us from the deep regret from the reality of our sins which precipitated this willing action to a deeper gratitude and soul-stirring joy for the results this brings – complete forgiveness, fulfilled life from death, everlasting communion with God!

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.

Behold. Look upon. Take to heart and mind Who He is and what He did. All of it. Don’t shy away. Don’t avert your eyes. Behold. The Lamb of God. For you. For the world.

“Thank, You, Lord Jesus, Agnus Dei, for all of it. For me. Thank You.”

Scripture

  • Exodus 12:1-14
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18-23

A New Beginning

March 29, 2026 /

In our Old Testament lesson we see the results of the Israelites’ ‘golden calf’ rebellion and Moses’ smashing of the first set of tablets from the Lord. – They needed a new start!

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

In our Passion Sunday Gospel text, we hear the people shouting praises to the Lord, welcoming Him into town. Later that same week, the people will be shouting “crucify Him!” Because of their rebellion they will also need a new start!

We need not even look to some monumental rebellion in our lives to see what we need. Every day we rebel again God, His heart, His laws, His children, His creation – and every rebellion results in the same need – a new start!

That’s what God does; He gives a new start in Jesus. Through His promised coming, His birth, His life, His suffering, His miracles, His teachings, His scoldings, His sermons, His unjust trial, His beatings, His mockings, His death, His resurrection, His appearances, His ascension, and His preparation of our everlasting Home with Him, His promise to come again – all of it is about another chance, away from death and in His Life! It’s about His mercy, His forgiveness, His grace upon grace! It’s about no longer having the Law written in stone to threaten stoning but the opportunity to shout “Hosanna to the Son of David!” because there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1)!

And because we are given another chance, we also have the opportunity – the joyful obligation and privilege – to give chances to others, too.

As we have been forgiven, we forgive. As we have been granted Life, we share. As we have been loved, we love.

As we start a difficult and most-Holy week, let us wrestle with both the reason a “second change” needed to be given in Jesus; sin. Our sin. But let us not stay on the reason, but move instead to the Solution, the Savior, the Lord – Jesus! Through Him we have all things. And through Him we live in newness of life; for Him and for others.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Thank You Lord Jesus!

“We praise and thank You, Lord God, heavenly Father, for giving all mankind – for giving us a second chance through Your Son, our Savior Jesus! Through Him we have all we need or could ever want or imagine! Grant us, Lord, to share Your mercy and grace in our hearts and actions joyfully. Focus us this Holy week on Your willing, full, and complete Sacrifice for us, Jesus, and grant that we continue from the depths of Good Friday to the height of Easter Sunday; which changed everything! In Jesus’ most precious Name do we pray. Amen!”

Scripture

  • Exodus 34:1-8
  • Matthew 21:1-11

Before the Beginning

March 22, 2026 /

God’s plan from Before time headed toward our time to share it with all.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to hGo therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Scripture

  • Genesis 1:1-4
  • John 1:1-5
  • John 20:22
  • Matthew 28:18-20

Mine!

March 15, 2026 /

I want to say that every parent has heard and experienced that emphatic “mine!” from their kids, but the truth is, I think most adults at one time or another has expressed this same sentiment (albeit usually more subtlety.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

We like stuff; from when we first see it to the plan for acquiring it (and then, sadly, the all-too-quick plan to replace it)!

Today we see “the Ten Words” (more often referred to as “the Ten Commandments”). The last of these refers to “coveting” – the deep desire toa make something your own in whatever way you can. It is a blatant lack of contentment for what you have (what God has given and blessed you with).

It also fails to recognize the reality that nothing actually ever belongs to us! Everything is the Lord’s (including us)! We are merely His stewards.

When we realize that He has everything, that He wants (and has) us, that He has given us all that we need to support this body and life, that He has forgiven us and saved us for eternity; then it is an easy step to take to get to contentment! It comes from a deep gratitude recognized in our true reality. It is a joy that comes from what we have rather than despair in what we lack. It’s a fullness of spirit that comes from knowing we are His instead of the empty and endless futileness that comes from constant pursuit of things, status, or pleasure.

We – along with everything else – are the Lord’s! Praise Him for that! May we be content and joyous is the revelation that we need nothing other than Him, because, through Jesus, we have everything unto everlasting life!

Halleluia!

“O Lord, we are Yours! Fully and completely. Help us, when we are tempted and covet to be reminded that, as Your children, You have given us everything that matters – including forgiveness, mercy, grace, life, and salvation! Send us Your Spirit to be, not only content in everything, but joyful in You and all Your Gifts! Thank You for creating us, wanting us, saving us, providing for us, and desiring to be with us forever! In Jesus’ precious name; amen!”

Scripture

  • Exodus 20:1-17
  • Philippians 4:11-13
  • 1 Timothy 6:6
  • Psalm 24

Strike the Rock

March 8, 2026 /

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

“Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:6).

Water is a basic necessity of life. Without it no one would last long.

And it doesn’t just provide life through drinking, it also is needed for cleansing and waste removal; and even for recreation.

So it is understandable why the Israelites are…testy…when they are living in the wilderness with no water – for themselves or their livestock.

So they revert back to their seemingly only playbook – complain about God and bemoan how good Egypt was.

Sigh.

After countless displays of His faithfulness to them, He is once again at the end of their displeasure and lack of trust.

So He provides a means of, literally, getting water from a Rock; providing water from the very Water of Life, the pre-incarnate Christ! If we go to Him for drink and believe in Him, “out of [our] heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38).

We are guaranteed of all this because blood and water flowed from His side on the cross. We see that it is through God’s Words and promise joined to water in our Baptism that we are united with Him; with His suffering, in His victory over sin, death, and the Devil; in His resurrection.

“Strike the Rock” was the command, and the result was the saving of the Israelites with the Living Water.

God saves us through the same Living Water, Jesus, through faith and baptism. God saves us from being struck down in death because He was struck as the Rock; struck before Pilate; struck on the Cross.

We are saved by the Living Water, Jesus! Drink Him in fully and, strengthened in Him, flow in that Water to drench others with Him; His Word, His love; His forgiveness; His life.

The Rock was struck! Through faith in Him, you and I are saved!

How amazing! Thank You, Lord!

“Gracious Father, thank You for providing Your Son, the Living Water to save Your people in the wilderness and saving us through the waters of Baptism. Grant us a continual thirst for Him so that we always seek, drink, live, and share Him in all our dealings with life and others. In His precious and life-giving name do we pray. Amen.”

Scripture

  • Exodus 17:1-7
  • 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
  • John 7:37-38
  • John 19:31-34
  • Psalm 46

Stop Trying and Start Trusting

March 1, 2026 /

“Stop trying and start trusting.” That’s the truth God teaches his people in Exodus 14. And that’s the Gospel truth God teaches us as well.

People like to be independent. We like to chow the world and ourselves that we can do it and don’t need help. We want to show we can “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.”

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

But the reality is, we can’t do everything by ourselves – and that’s good!

When you believe you need no one, you believe you are God.

The Israelites had “won.” Pharaoh had let them go and they were on the way to the Promised Land.

Then God told them to turn back just as He was hardening Pharaoh’s heart to pursue them and bring them back.

What?!

The people were understandably upset. Why was Moses leading them back; so they could “die in the wilderness?” They would rather have been left alone, so that they “may serve the Egyptians” instead of God.

What a terrible statement!

But Moses answers that they will see “the salvation of the Lord” today and that “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

What an amazing statement!

We know the story; the Israelites crossed over the sea on dry ground and the Lord destroyed the Pharaoh’s army in that sea.

God saved them!

Sometimes we get the mistaken impression that we must handle everything – including our salvation. We believe that we are the reliable ones in the couple of God and us. But the reality is, God is the only One who is reliable. Always!

This is manifested most fully in our salvation. Jesus fulfilled the Law; we couldn’t. Jesus lived perfectly in love; we wouldn’t. Jesus died; we didn’t.

Rather than bemoan when we realize we need God, we should rejoice; for in faith we see God waiting when we get to the end of ourselves.

It’s time to “stop trying and start trusting” that God’s got us and all our issues. He fights for us and we have only to be silent.

“Thank You, Lord!”

“O Lord, thank You for providing all our daily needs for body and life. Forgive us when we fail to trust You and try to do things ourselves. Help us to look to You, trust in You, and live in You for all things, through faith in Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.”

Scripture

  • Exodus 14:1-29
  • Luke 18:27
  • Psalm 46

How God Changes Us

February 22, 2026 /

When God makes Himself known in our lives, we are changed.

For some that change is done in pride and obstinance, resulting in a tenacity of rebellion.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 8:1 (ESV)

For others, it is a transformation of our very core identity, life of sacrifice, and cross-bearing unto everlasting life.

We see in our Scriptures from Exodus 3 how God changes us through

  • His presence,
  • His Plan,
  • His Purpose, and
  • His Messiah!

And how we, as ones now changed in Jesus, are:

  • humble in stature,
  • bold in action,
  • steadfast in adversity,
  • confident in uncertainty.

God has changed you through Jesus! He has broken into your life and moved you from the deepest depths of your sins to the highest pinnacle of perfection! But as His redeemed ones, He also calls us to service outside of our plans, ourselves; outside out comfort zones; outside of ourselves.

And that will changes us too.

That will changes others through us.

Because God uses His people to change people; to free people; to work His Plan in Jesus!

“Thank You, Lord, for changing us forever through Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. Give us boldness when You call us to a life of change with Your presence, Your plan, and Your provision, because of Your Messiah. Give us humility, boldness, steadfastness, and confidence to live in You and Your change for us every day. In Jesus’ precious name do we pray; Amen.”

Scripture

  • Exodus 24:12–18
  • 1 Kings 19:3–8
  • Matthew 17:1–8
  • Psalm 121

A High, Holy, Full Metamorphosis

February 15, 2026 /

There are a lot of significant Sundays we observe on the church calendar that we don’t give fair due.

Transfiguration is one of them.

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”

Matthew 17:5 (ESV)

For many it’s a interesting story of Jesus going up a mountain with his besties, appearing brilliantly with Moses and Elijah, and His Father giving Jesus His imprimatur. Peter says some “Peter things,” and they come down.

Of course, all that is true.

But it seems there is so much more going on!

First, of course, is that Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets – which Jesus came to fulfill. They were on the holy “Mountain of God” in their respective times.

The mountain where Jesus was transfigured – considered by some to be Mount Tabor – has much to consider that it was instead Mount Hermon at the northern end of Israel.

Why is that important?

Mount Hermon was in the Bashan area. It was where some considered evil spiritual forces descended to commit some of their rebellion. There was a place there that was called “the Gates of Hades” and is the area where a little prior to today’s reading Peter gave his confession of Jesus and Jesus said “the gates of Hell” would not prevail against the Church.

If this, and not the Mountain of God,” is where this Transfiguration took place, there seems to be a message being telegraphed of cosmic spiritual significance happening.

Jesus is taking the battle to the Enemy! He is letting it be known that He is here to fulfill all that the OT said and conquer all who oppose. This mountain of the Enemy will no longer be a stronghold. Jesus, the beloved son of God, has come and, as a result, we will all be transfigured into His holy ones through faith!

Right before our text Jesus tells his followers they must “take up their cross and follow Him.” There is no doubt this means pain, sacrifice, humiliation, and suffering are a part of a Christian’s life (just as He also tells them of His impending death), but that is sandwiched between Jesus’ “the Gates of Hell will not prevail” and Jesus taking to the top of an Enemy’s mountain to say, in essence, “I’m coming for you!”

No matter what is going on in your life, look to the Transfigured Jesus as evidence that whatever you are facing, Jesus has covered it; has conquered it; has redeemed it! The Enemy is defeated and his time is limited! Rejoice as we look forward to the reality of a life transfigured in Jesus forever!

Bring it, Lord!

“Thank You, Lord Jesus, for conquering the Enemy for us and our salvation. Help us to be bold in our living for You and others, carrying our cross with perseverance of confidence until we are transfigured into our new glorified bodies at Your return. In Your powerful, victorious, resurrected Name do we pray. Amen!”

Scripture

  • Exodus 24:12–18
  • 1 Kings 19:3–8
  • Matthew 17:1–8
  • Psalm 121

All Is Accomplished

February 8, 2026 /

Today’s reading seems simple on a cursory reading.

It is not.

Let’s start with the concept of purpose. Salt’s purpose is to be salty. Light to give light. God’s commands to bring our will in line with His. Jesus: to accomplish reconciliation with us and God; saving us through faith in His; bestowing His mercy and grace because of His love for us; fulfilling of all the Law and Prophets. Us: to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and to do His will.

“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Matthew 5:18 (ESV)

You may quibble about the wording and include other aspects. That’s fine. But the point is there is point to the OT Law & Prophets; a point to Jesus; a point to why we, as His children, are here.

Some believe that the portion of our purpose of ‘doing the Law’ is the point. It is not. The point of that Jesus fulfilled all that was necessary on our behalf. It truly and fully is all accomplished!

All!

Now Jesus, who has done that and bridged the gap between God and us, gives us a new command; a new Law; a new purpose, which is to go well beyond righteousness displayed by the scribes and Pharisees: a Law of love our of response to His fulfillment!

Right after our reading today, Matthew goes into the “Sermon on the Mount” where Jesus tells us “you have heard it said” in the OT Law…but I tell you…” In other words, what they had heard about the Law, Jesus fulfilled and gives it back to us reclaimed with an emphasis on the spirit of the Law, given in love, rather than the Pharisaically-watered-down letter of the law minimized and ignored of old. Jesus gives us a joyful Law to live in response rather than a broken one done out of fear. He reminds us that He has already accomplished all for us, so that we can respond as the best salt, and light, and CHRIST-ians He has give us purpose to be!

Through Jesus, all is accomplished! Now live joyfully, in the glorious purpose He has given you to live and love!

“Lord Jesus, thank You for accomplishing all and fulfilling all the Law and Prophets of old on our behalf. Grant us Your Spirit to joyfully respond with Your Law of love; salting and shining with Your purpose so the world sees You through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Scripture

  • Matthew 5:1-13-20
  • Psalm 112:1-9

Blessed Are You

February 1, 2026 /

Today we welcome back The Rev. Dr. John Reinke who will help us “see the Beatitudes through spiritual eyes. (How many eyes do you have?)”

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account.”

Matthew 5:11 (ESV)

Scripture

  • Matthew 5:1-12
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Phone / Email

(979) 885-7270 [Church]
(713) 965-6761 [Pastor Scott Heitshusen’s Cell]

info@lifebridgesealy.com

Location // Mail

2162 FM 2187 Rd (location)
P.O. Box 934 (mail)
Sealy, TX 77474

Connecting People to Jesus by:
Reaching the Lost.
Discipling the Saved.
Sharing the Love of Jesus with Everyone.

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