Faith Lutheran Church - Sullivan, IL

On Reformation Sunday, we remember that the Reformation was not simply about Martin Luther or events five hundred years ago, but about the preservation of God's Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord sustained Elijah and the Reformers in the face of opposition, He continues to preserve His Church through His Word and promises. The heirs of the Reformation are those who cling to Christ alone for salvation and faithfully confess His truth in a world that would rather see it silenced.

On the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, we give thanks for the Gospel that reveals who Jesus Christ is and what He has accomplished for our salvation. Through Luke’s account, we hear the words of Christ that continue to shape the Church’s worship and give us certainty in God’s promises. As Jesus sent out the seventy-two to proclaim His peace, He continues to send His Word into the world, bringing sinners the forgiveness and peace with God that only He can give.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,    and sing to your name.”
10 And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,    and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;in him will the Gentiles hope.”
Chapter 14 summary: Paul reminds us that Christian freedom is not about getting our own way, but about loving and building up our neighbor.
Just because we are free to do something does not mean we must do it, especially if it causes a brother to stumble.
At the same time, our consciences must be instructed by God's Word, not simply by personal convictions or human traditions.
Christian freedom is exercised in faith toward God and love toward our neighbor.
Chapter 15 – Paul points us to Christ, who did not seek to please Himself but gave Himself for us.
 
Verses 1-2
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Paul moves from discussing Christian freedom to the responsibility Christians have toward one another.
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak.”
“Weak” (ἀδύνατος, ad-y-na-tos) means one who lacks strength or ability. Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the strong to help those who struggle.
“Ought” (ὀφείλομεν, o-ph-ei-lo-men) expresses an obligation grounded in God's grace. Because Christ has served us, we are obligated to serve one another.
“Bear with” (βαστάζειν, basta-ze-in) means more than simply tolerating someone. It means taking up another person's burden and helping carry it.
“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
 
This does not mean giving people whatever they want or avoiding correction. Rather, we seek what genuinely benefits our neighbor and strengthens his faith. Christian maturity is not demonstrated by asserting our strength or freedom, but by using that strength to serve our neighbor.
Verses 3-4
3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
 
Paul points to Christ as the perfect example of the selfless love he has just commanded Christians to show toward one another.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will for our salvation.
In the wilderness, He resisted Satan's temptation to seek His own advantage (Matthew 4:1–11).
In Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
On the cross, He endured suffering, humiliation, and mockery rather than save Himself (Matthew 27:41–44).
Christ did not seek His own comfort or advantage, but willingly suffered for those He came to save.
 
“The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
Paul quotes Psalm 69:9, a messianic psalm that finds its fulfillment in Christ.
David's suffering as God's anointed king foreshadows the suffering of Christ.
Those who reject and oppose God direct their hatred toward His Son.
Christ willingly bears this rejection and suffering in obedience to His Father.
 
John Chrysostom (5th century) emphasized that Christ had the power to avoid these sufferings but willingly endured them: “He had the power not to have been reproached, power not to have suffered what He did suffer, had He been minded to look to His own things.”
 
Important Distinction: Christ is not merely an example of self-sacrifice. He is first our Savior, who bears our sins and accomplishes our redemption. Because He has served us, we are now free to serve our neighbor.
 
Verse 4 — “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.”
Paul explains why he quotes the Old Testament. The Scriptures were not written merely to record ancient history but to teach and strengthen the Church.
Reminder***The Old Testament remains God's Word for Christians today. Its promises, prophecies, and historical accounts find their fulfillment in Christ.
Paul makes a similar point in 1 Corinthians 10:11, explaining that the events of Israel's history were written for our instruction.
Martin Franzmann in his commentary: emphasizes that Christ opens our understanding of the Old Testament. What may otherwise seem obscure becomes clear when understood through Christ and His saving work.
“Paul appropriates Israel’s Bible for the new Israel of the last days...Through Christ the Old Testament, this dark, perplexing book, becomes clear and luminous for the eyes of faith; through Him the veil which screens its deepest and true meaning from the eyes of hardened Israel is removed (2 Corinthians 3:15-16). Then the Old Testament speaks encouragement and inspires steadfastness; it gives us hope.”
 
Paul identifies three important blessings connected to God's Word:“That through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Endurance (ὑπομονή, hypo-mo-nē) — The willingness to remain steadfast under suffering, trials, and burdens. Christian endurance is not simply determination or willpower, but faith sustained by God's promises.
Encouragement (παράκλησις, para-klēsis) — Comfort, strengthening, and help. The word carries the sense of coming alongside someone to offer assistance. Through Scripture, God comforts and strengthens His people.
Hope (ἐλπίς, el-pis) — Not wishful thinking or optimism, but confidence that God will fulfill what He has promised.
Paul connects both endurance and encouragement to the Scriptures. God does not simply tell Christians to endure suffering. Through His Word, He gives them the promises by which they can endure.
This is why Scripture is essential to the Christian life.
When the Bible is treated as merely an ancient book of moral lessons, or its truthfulness is dismissed, people are deprived of the very promises God gives to sustain their faith.
 
Our hope does not rest upon our circumstances improving, our ability to remain strong, or our attitude toward life's difficulties. Our hope rests upon Christ and what God has promised in Him.

Did Mary have other children after the birth of Jesus? Scripture speaks of Jesus' brothers and sisters, but does that necessarily mean Mary and Joseph had additional children?
In this Bible study, Pastor Justin Cullen examines the historic Christian teaching concerning the perpetual virginity of Mary. Drawing from Scripture, the early Church Fathers, Church councils, and the Lutheran Confessions, we consider how Christians have understood these passages throughout the centuries.
We explore the meaning of Jesus' brothers and sisters, the significance of Joseph's absence during Jesus' public ministry, the language of Matthew 1:25, and the importance of Mary's title Theotokos, or Mother of God.
Ultimately, this discussion is not simply about Mary. It is about Jesus Christ, true God and true man, born of the Virgin Mary for our salvation.
Originally taught July 28, 2022, at Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan, Illinois. Edited for podcast publication.

Take Heart, Your Sins Are Forgiven | Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
When a paralyzed man is brought before Jesus, everyone expects Him to heal the man's body. Yet Jesus begins with something far greater: "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."
In the Gospel for the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Jesus reveals that our greatest need is not simply relief from earthly suffering, but forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The scribes accuse Him of blasphemy because only God can forgive sins. Yet Jesus demonstrates His divine authority by commanding the paralyzed man to rise, take up his bed, and go home.
In this sermon, guest preacher Rev. Mark Eddy, President of the LCMS Central Illinois District, proclaims the authority of Jesus Christ to forgive sins and the comfort this brings to troubled consciences. The forgiveness Christ speaks is not merely a comforting thought or an empty promise. It is a real gift, won through His death and resurrection and delivered to sinners through His Word.
This same forgiveness continues to be proclaimed in Christ's Church through the Office of the Keys. Through the preaching of the Gospel and Holy Absolution, sinners hear the gracious words of their Savior, who has authority on earth to forgive sins.
The healing of the paralytic also reminds us that Christ's mercy extends to both body and soul. The One who forgives our sins will also raise our bodies from the grave on the Last Day.
Take heart. Your sins are forgiven. Christ has spoken, and His Word is certain.
Faith Lutheran Church — Sullivan, IllinoisNineteenth Sunday after Trinity | October 11, 2026Matthew 9:1–9Guest Preacher: Rev. Mark Eddy, President, LCMS Central Illinois District

The Greatest Commandment and the Greater Savior | Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
What is the greatest commandment? When the Pharisees question Jesus, He answers by summarizing the entire Law: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Upon these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
But these words do more than tell us how we ought to live. They reveal how far we have fallen short. We have not loved God with our whole hearts, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. The Law shows us our sin, but it cannot save us from it.
In this sermon for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Pastor Justin Cullen reflects on Jesus' conversation with the Pharisees and the question that follows: "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?"
The answer brings us to the heart of the Gospel. Jesus is not merely a teacher of God's commandments. He is David's Son and David's Lord, the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law on our behalf and gives His life for sinners.
The greatest commandment shows us the love God requires. Jesus Christ reveals the love God has given.
Faith Lutheran Church — Sullivan, IllinoisEighteenth Sunday after Trinity | October 4, 2026Matthew 22:34–46

The Gift of Marriage | Jason and Aurora's Wedding
Marriage is more than a celebration of love or a promise of happiness. It is a gift from God, established for the lifelong union of husband and wife, through both joy and sorrow, blessing and hardship.
In this wedding sermon for Jason and Aurora, Pastor Justin Cullen reflects on the promises made in marriage and the words of St. Paul in Ephesians 5. The vows of marriage are not promises that life will always be easy, but promises of faithfulness even when it is difficult. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, giving Himself up for her, and wives are called to honor their husbands in this sacred union.
Yet Christian marriage is not sustained by human love or determination alone. Husband and wife are both sinners who need the forgiveness, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. Their love for one another finds its example and foundation in the self-giving love of Christ for His Bride, the Church.
Marriage is not simply about finding someone to love when life is good, but remaining faithful to the one God has given you to love.
Faith Lutheran Church — Sullivan, IllinoisWedding of Jason and Aurora | September 29, 2026Ephesians 5:22–33

St. Michael and All Angels | Fear Not, for Christ Has Won the Victory
The Scriptures remind us that we are surrounded by a spiritual battle, yet Christians need not live in fear. On the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, we hear of Michael and his angels casting Satan out of heaven. But the victory does not belong to Michael. It belongs to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood has conquered sin, death, and the devil.
In this sermon, Pastor Justin Cullen reminds us that our confidence is not in our own strength, nor even in the power of angels, but in Christ crucified and risen. The same Lord who has defeated Satan continues to strengthen and preserve His people through His Word and Sacraments.
Fear not. The accuser has been cast down. The Lamb has conquered, and His victory is yours.
Faith Lutheran Church — Sullivan, IllinoisFeast of St. Michael and All Angels | September 27, 2026Revelation 12:7–12

Midweek Bible Study – Romans 14
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
 
Verse 13
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
Paul now shifts his emphasis from the weak to the strong.
Rather than judging one another, Christians should “judge”—that is, decide or determine—never to use their freedom in a way that harms another believer.
Paul uses the same Greek verb, krinō (KREE-noh), in both senses: “Let us not judge one another, but make this your judgment.”
 
A “stumbling block,” proskomma (PROS-kom-mah), is something that causes another person to trip or suffer spiritual injury.
 
A “hindrance,” skandalon (SKAN-dah-lon), originally referred to the trigger of a trap and warns of the more serious danger of causing someone to fall away from the faith.
 
Paul does not deny Christian freedom, but he teaches that love for one’s brother should govern how that freedom is used.
 
Verses 14-15
14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.
Paul speaks as one who is “in the Lord Jesus.”
Although he had once strictly observed the Jewish dietary laws as a Pharisee, Christ’s Word taught him that no food is unclean in itself.
The Old Testament regulations concerning food, festivals, and Sabbaths were shadows pointing forward to Christ (Colossians 2:16–17; Acts 10:15).
Something may nevertheless be unclean to the person who believes it is unclean.
His conscience is mistaken, but acting against conscience means doing what he believes to be contrary to God’s will.
The stronger Christian must therefore teach the truth patiently without pressuring the weaker brother to act against his conscience.
 
Luther explains the weaker brother’s dilemma:
“Not that there was any wrong in the act so far as the food was concerned; the wrong consisted in the indiscretion of the strong in causing the weak to err through the act. For the weak could neither agree with the strong nor dissent from them. Had they thought to consent, their weak consciences would have interposed, protesting, ‘It is sinful. Do it not!’ Had they thought to dissent, their conscience again would have interposed, objecting, ‘You are not Christians, for you do not as other Christians do; your faith must be false!’ Thus they could neither do one thing nor the other without opposing conscience. Now to violate conscience is the equivalent of violating faith, and is a grievous sin.”
Luther applied this distinction during the Reformation to Christians who feared receiving both Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament.
The biblical teaching was to be proclaimed clearly, but the weak were to be instructed patiently rather than compelled: “If despite all this, the doctrine nevertheless is maintained and in no wise contradicted, love forgives and endures its inadequate application.… For the doctrine must run straight and clear, even if the deed and practice creep and crawl, run or leap, after it. The pastor who knows his people, and daily associates with them must distinguish between the weak and the obstinate.”
“If your brother is grieved” uses lypeitai (loo-PAY-tie), meaning to be grieved or deeply wounded. Paul is describing more than annoyance; the stronger Christian may wound the weaker brother’s conscience and endanger his faith.
 
The strong Christian is therefore to walk “according to love”—kata agapēn (KAH-tah ah-GAH-payn).
Agapē is self-giving love shaped by God’s love for us in Christ. Christian freedom must be governed by concern for the neighbor.
Paul’s command, “Do not destroy the one for whom Christ died,” shows how serious this is. “Destroy,” apollye (ah-POL-loo-eh), can refer to spiritual ruin or falling away from the faith.
No food or exercise of personal freedom is worth endangering a brother for whom Christ gave His life.
 
Verses 16-18
16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Paul addresses both the strong and the weak: “Do not let your good be spoken of as evil.”
The “good,” agathon (ah-gah-THON), includes the Gospel and all the blessings of salvation in Christ. When Christians quarrel over secondary matters, they can bring the Christian faith into contempt before the world.
“Spoken of as evil” translates blasphēmeisthō (blahs-fay-MY-sthoh), meaning “to be blasphemed” or brought into disrepute. By selfishly insisting upon our own rights, we may cause others to speak evil of God’s good gifts.
 
Paul therefore restores the proper order of things: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking.” Such outward matters are insignificant compared with the true gifts of God’s kingdom: “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
 
“Righteousness,” dikaiosynē (dee-kai-oh-SOO-nay), is God’s declaration that sinners are forgiven and counted righteous through faith in Christ.
This righteousness produces “peace,” eirēnē (eye-RAY-nay), the security of knowing that Christ has reconciled us to God. It also produces “joy,” chara (khah-RAH), the confidence and gladness that remain ours even amid suffering.
 These gifts come through the work of the Holy Spirit.
 
The Christian who serves Christ in this way is “acceptable to God and approved by men.”
 
A congregation centered upon Christ’s righteousness, peace, and joy glorifies God and presents the Gospel faithfully before the world. Christians should therefore value unity in Christ above disputes about food, drink, and other matters that God has neither commanded nor forbidden.

At Nain, no one asks Jesus to perform a miracle. He sees the widow, has compassion, and speaks life to her son. Christ’s grace does not begin with our understanding, decision, or permission, but with His life-giving Word—the same Word by which He makes us His own in Holy Baptism.