Know the Lord!

At this gathering of LCMS church Tampa, we are invited into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to “know the Lord.” In today’s sermon, Pastor Kenneth Redmann leads us through Hosea’s powerful message calling God’s people to press on in faith, repentance, and true knowledge of God.

Invocation and Sermon Introduction

Jun 11, 2026 “Know the Lord!” Rev. Kenneth Redmann
May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The text for our meditation is the Old Testament lesson. We are especially interested in verse 3 where Hosea is speaking to the Chosen People, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord…”

The Setting of Hosea’s Message

The setting for our text is fascinating. King David and the united kingdom of the 12 tribes is long gone. The 12 tribes are now divided into two parts. The northern part has 10 tribes and is called Ephraim in our text. Samaria is its capital. The southern part has just 2 tribes and they are called Judah. Judah’s capital was Jerusalem. Hosea prophesied to both of these people of Israel.

As we heard, the Lord has proclaimed that He has withdrawn His presence to “return again to My place—until they (i.e. ALL of God’s Chosen People—Israel) acknowledge their guilt and seek My face”

Against this backdrop, Hosea is pleading with God’s people:

• Let us return to the Lord
• He has torn us—so that He may heal us
• He has struck us down—so that He may bind us up
• After two days He will revive us
• On the third day He will raise us up

Scripture (KJV)

Hosea 6:1–2 (KJV)
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.”

How wonderful is that. Do you not hear the Gospel message of the Three Day Resurrection? This is the language of trusting in the Lord for all that He has done, continues to do, and will do to fulfill His promises.

1. All mankind knows there is “a” god

Scripture (KJV)

Romans 1:19–20 (KJV)
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

2. Head knowledge is not enough

Scripture (KJV)

James 2:19 (KJV)
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”

Hebrews 10:24–25 (KJV)
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:26–27 (KJV)
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

Hosea 6:6 (KJV)
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

3. Pressing on to truly know the Lord

Christ’s Victory and Our Faith

Scripture (KJV)

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

1 Corinthians 13:9–12 (KJV)
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Summary

• Hosea calls God’s people to press on to know the Lord
• All people have a natural awareness that God exists
• Intellectual belief alone does not save
• Faith is a lifelong process of growth
• Christ’s resurrection secures victory over sin and death
• Christians are called to mature in faith

Conclusion

As we reflect on this message, we are reminded that true faith is not static but living and growing in Christ. That is the heart of Zion Lutheran Church Tampa, where believers are continually called to deepen their walk with the Lord.

Join us next Sunday for worship, and be sure to download the worship folder ahead of time so you can follow along and engage fully in the service. A Christian Family who Cares for You

Crowned in Glory and Honor

Holy Trinity Sunday Sermon by Rev. Kenneth Redmann

Zion Lutheran Church | Tampa, Florida

Welcome to this week’s message from Zion Lutheran Church in Tampa, Florida.

This Holy Trinity Sunday sermon from Pastor Kenneth Redmann invites us to reflect on God’s restoring work through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Scripture, Pastor Redmann reveals how God created us for divine fellowship, how sin separated us from that perfect communion, and how Jesus Christ restores us through His redeeming work.

If you are seeking faithful biblical teaching and Christ-centered Worship services Tampa, this message offers the hope and truth found only in God’s Word.

Crowned in Glory and Honor

May 31 Sermon

Rev. Kenneth Redmann

May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Celebration of the Holy Trinity

Beloved in the Lord, in case you didn’t catch it, today is the celebration of the Holy Trinity.

Frequently called the Feast of the Holy Trinity, today is the culmination of Part I of the Liturgical Church Year.

The Feast of the Holy Trinity draws our attention to the fact that our salvation is a restoration to the divine life.

All that Christ has accomplished:

• from taking on flesh, being born of a virgin
• manifesting Himself to the Gentiles, ministering among Jews and Gentiles
• suffering, dying, and rising for our forgiveness
• granting us the Holy Spirit with all His gifts

ALL that Jesus has accomplished for us has as its goal a restoration to the divine life in the Holy Trinity.

The Trinity Revealed in Creation

The Triune God is revealed to us from the very beginning.

Genesis reveals:

• The Father creating
• The Spirit hovering over creation
• The Word bringing all things into being

Scripture confirms:

“In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1–3)

From the beginning, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit worked together in perfect divine fellowship.

Created in God’s Image

When God said, “Let us make man,” He revealed the communal nature of the Trinity.

Adam was created:

• in God’s image
• in righteousness
• in fellowship with God

This divine relationship was the source of Adam’s life and righteousness.

The Fall and Separation

Sin shattered that fellowship.

When Adam turned from God, humanity lost:

• righteousness
• divine communion
• the fullness of God’s image

Separated from God, mankind entered the path toward death.

Christ Restores What Was Lost

Through Jesus Christ, God restores us.

“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

The Son humbled Himself, became man, suffered, died, and rose again so that we might be reconciled to the Father.

He who was made lower for a time is now crowned with glory and honor.

Reconciled to the Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Sunday celebrates restoration.

Through Christ:

• we are reconciled to the Father
• renewed by the Spirit
• restored to divine fellowship

The Holy Trinity works together for our salvation.

The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—reconciles us to Himself.

God grant it for Jesus’ sake.

Amen.

Sermon Summary

• Holy Trinity Sunday celebrates God’s restoring work
• Creation reveals Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Humanity was created for divine fellowship
• Sin separated us from God
• Christ restores what was lost
• Jesus is crowned with glory and honor
• Believers are reconciled through Christ

A Message of Hope

This powerful sermon reminds us that God’s purpose has always been reconciliation.

Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer separated from our Creator but welcomed into fellowship with the Father through the Holy Spirit.

If you are searching for faithful biblical teaching, Christ-centered Traditional Lutheran worship Tampa offers a place to hear God’s Word proclaimed with truth and grace.

Worship With Us at Zion Lutheran Church

We invite you to join us this Sunday.

Zion Lutheran Church
2901 N. Highland Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602

Come experience:

• Biblical preaching
• Reverent worship
• Christ-centered fellowship
• A welcoming church family

Zion Lutheran Church — A Christian Family Who Cares for You!

The Results of Believing in Jesus

Welcome to Zion Lutheran Church (LCMC), a Downtown Tampa church and a place of faithful preaching, worship, and Christ-centered teaching serving the greater Tampa area, including the surrounding Ybor City church community.

Today’s Pentecost message is preached by Pastor Kenneth Redmann, bringing us into the power and promise of the Holy Spirit as revealed in God’s Word. This sermon invites us to reflect deeply on the life-changing reality of what it means to believe in Jesus Christ and receive His gifts.

SERMON

kPent AG — The Results of Believing in Jesus

Rev. Kenneth Redmann

May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Beloved in the Lord, Happy Pentecost Day! Pentecost. 50 days ago was the resurrection of our Lord. Pentecost. 10 days ago our Lord was ascended into Heaven. Pentecost. The day when the Holy Spirit came in magnificent manifestation with flames of fire dancing over the heads of Jesus’ disciples. They were speaking in audible real languages that were not their native tongue. It was not gibberish.

The event was so peculiar, so confusing, that, at first, it was thought the whole lot of them, all 120, were drunk with wine. You see, Jerusalem was once again filled with “devout men from every nation.” This is the day that Jesus fulfills His promise from ten days earlier when He ascended into heaven. Jesus said,

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Talk about power! Now, that’s what I’m talking about! And Scripture records that the multitude came together at the sound of this rushing volcano of voices. They were “bewildered”, “amazed” and “astonished.” The only thing they knew for certain was that these men from Galilee were speaking in foreign languages and in everything they said, they were proclaiming that Jesus was the Promised One. Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus was risen from the dead. Jesus was the Way, the Truth and the Life—no man comes to the Father except through Jesus.

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

Dear friends of Jesus, this is the prophecy that Moses was talking about, “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them” (Numbers 11:29). Peter lifted up his voice and addressed the multitude. “It is not what you think”, Peter was saying. Peter quoted the prophet Joel. Peter urges them; encourages them, “that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Beloved in the Lord, Peter preached the fullness of the Gospel starting with the Word of the Law, “36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). “You crucified the Christ!”, Peter said.

Conviction and Repentance

Please understand, Peter knew full well that these were not the soldiers who laid Jesus upon that cross; who drove the spikes through Jesus’ hands and feet; who hoisted Jesus into the air for all to gaze at and mock and scorn. YET, Peter, rightly was charging that generation-of-old that because of their SIN—they crucified Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters, God’s Word, rightly, today, charges you and me that because of our SIN—you and I have crucified Jesus. We must repent!

On Pentecost Day, the Holy Spirit pierced the hearts of many within that multitude and they were convicted of their individual responsibility and they cried out in confession, “Brothers, what must we do?” (Acts 2:37b).

And Peter provided the glorious Gospel message, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38-39).

3,000 souls were added to the Kingdom of Heaven that day! Then what?

The Question: Then What?

This morning I want to ask, “Then what?” What are THE RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS? What do Christians believe and what difference does that make in the living of these days?

Jesus: The Only Way of Salvation

For starters, Christians believe that Jesus IS the Promised One! The Son of God is born the Son of Man and his name is Jesus—which means “He saves.” Christians believe: 12 . . .there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven [other than Jesus] given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Christians believe, like the thief on the cross, that: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead—you will be saved” (Romans 10.9).

Faith and the Reality of Suffering

THE RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS means that we denounce all other gods. ONLY the Triune God of the Bible and of our confessions and of our Christian Creeds is to be worshiped. As we conclude in our Athanasian Creed, “whoever does not believe it faithfully and firmly cannot be saved.” So, the first result of believing in Jesus is that—well—we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior!

Secondly, believing in Jesus does NOT mean that we are immune from the world and its pressures and its trials and tribulations and the devil’s temptations.

The Miller Testimony: Living Faith

Earlier I posed the question, “What difference does believing in Jesus make in the living of these days?”

Please allow me to introduce Leonard and Sally Miller. When I arrived at Lutheran Church of the Cross in the fall of 2000, Leonard and Sally were one of the most encouraging couples in church. They were extremely faithful in their worship attendance and never missed, as far as I can remember, a Thursday morning Bible study. Although neither one of them, at that time in their lives, served on any boards or committees, their steadfast faithfulness was exemplary. At the time, Lutheran Church of the Cross, was in the midst of designing, seeking quotes, firming up our finances, and breaking ground on, what would become, a $1.4 million dollar Fellowship and Ministry Center.

At the age of 92, our gracious Lord called Leonard home to heaven in the fall of 2003. In March of 2004, the Lord called Sally home to heaven. For me, it was too soon. It had only been four short months since Len had passed and now Sally was not doing well. I was deeply saddened. I remember a visit with Sally when she “schooled” me! The ol’ pastor was about to learn firsthand the active and personal RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS.

I remember taking her hand and I was fighting tears trying to read the Scripture that was before me. Sally scolded me! She told me something like, “Pastor, don’t you cry! I’m a Christian and I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I am ready to go home and be with Jesus and with my Leonard.” Well, it was just a few weeks later when the Lord called Sally home and I assure you that I did not shed another tear—at least not in her presence!

What I did not know. I had zero idea. Leonard and Sally had made arrangements for a duplex in Ft Myers to be given to the Lutheran Church of the Cross. Long story short—their gift became the Miller Endowment for the Advancement of Christian Education. The Fellowship and Ministry Center was completed, and eventually, the preschool was launched—utilizing, primarily, the funds from this endowment.

The Church and Its Mission

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, THE RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS causes individuals to join with the Body of Christ and for that Bride of Christ, the local church, to Go and make disciples into their community—even to the ends of the earth.

Sermon Summary

THAT is my summary of THE RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS. It is what Christians do—live a new life in Christ; strive to live holy and righteous lives as witness to Jesus; be faithful witnesses that believing in Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven; and returning to God a portion of our time, talent, and treasures for the sake of God’s Kingdom on earth.

God grant it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Christ’s love compels us… 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (II Corinthians 5:14-15).

Living as a Downtown Tampa Church | Ybor City Church

This message from Zion Lutheran Church (LCMC), a Downtown Tampa church and Ybor City church, reminds us that the results of believing in Jesus are not abstract ideas but living realities that shape how we think, suffer, serve, and hope.

Through Christ, we are given new life, lasting peace, and eternal purpose.

RESULTS OF BELIEVING IN JESUS

• Jesus is confessed as Lord and Savior, the only way to salvation
• Believers are not exempt from suffering, but are sustained through it
• The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, bringing peace and hope
• Trials are reframed through Christ’s victory over the world
• Faith produces a new life marked by obedience, witness, and generosity
• The Church is strengthened to make disciples and serve the world
• Believers live with eternal perspective and kingdom purpose

Download today’s worship folder to follow along, reflect on Scripture, and stay connected with the life of Zion Lutheran Church, A Christian family that cares for you!

Book II, the Sequel

Ascension Day Recognized

By Rev. Kenneth Redmann

Welcome to Zion Lutheran Church, a conservative church in the heart of Tampa where God’s Word is preached faithfully and Christ is proclaimed boldly. If you are searching for a family-friendly church in Tampa where Scripture is taught clearly and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is central, we invite you to worship with us and grow in faith together.

Opening Prayer

May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Special thanks this morning to Rev. Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. He has authorized his theme and general outline for today’s message. Dr. Fickenscher opens with a quote from page 1 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain:

“You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. . . . That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There was things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth. . . . Aunt Polly—Tom’s Aunt Polly, she is—and Mary, and the Widow Douglas is all told about in that book, which is mostly a true book, with some stretchers, as I said before”.

Book I and Book II

Dear Friends in Christ, you heard the First Reading this morning from the very first verse of the Book of Acts, aka, “The Acts of the Apostles.”

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up” (v 1).

It’s almost as if St. Luke is saying, “You liked my first book, O Theophilus? Here’s the sequel.”

Luke’s first book, of course, is the Gospel of Luke. In it, Luke described in detail the life of Jesus. Luke’s Book I, if you will, ended with our Gospel reading—forty days after Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. Significantly, as we read, in Luke’s Gospel, he records only what Jesus began to do and teach. Today, we are introduced to the sequel.

Luke’s sequel, Book II, is the Book of Acts. If Book I is the story of what Jesus BEGAN, Book II is the story of how Jesus continued to act THROUGH His apostles. Book I is the story of the Gospel. Book II is the story of what God’s people have done with the Gospel.

Obviously, God’s people cannot “DO” the Gospel until after they receive the Gospel. First things first. Right?

The Gospel of Luke Reveals Jesus

The Bible says:

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (vv 1–3).

Book I, the Gospel of Luke, records the essential facts about Jesus. It informs and educates us about Jesus’ Words and His actions. Especially, the Gospel of Luke reports Jesus’ death and His resurrection. It reveals how Jesus has purchased salvation for us. Jesus’ death means there is forgiveness of sins for the whole world. Jesus’ resurrection assures us of eternal life. Jesus’ teachings in Luke explain the truths of the kingdom of God, that by grace God rules in the hearts of all who believe, that God actually makes us kings—to reign with Him forever.

When we come to the Acts of the Apostles, Luke assumes we know and believe that:

“He [Jesus] presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (v 3).

We understand how necessary the Gospel of Luke is! Without Jesus’ teachings, there would be no Word to proclaim. Without Jesus’ suffering and death, there’d be no forgiveness to offer. Without Jesus’ resurrection, there’d be no HOPE—the story would be over.

The Story Must Continue

On the other hand, without Book II, the meaning of Gospel would have been forgotten centuries ago. In other words, if we did not have the Acts of the Apostles, we would have no reason to remember Jesus at all. The Gospel is NOT a volume of ancient history that can just sit on a shelf. It’s NOT simply a good book with which we can curl up in the living room. We can’t just sit back and let someone read it to us. Are you with me?

We haven’t finished when we we’ve read and believed the Gospel. In fact, once we have read and believed the Gospel, our work has just begun! The story of Jesus’ love must be told! It is true, the ascension ends Jesus’ earthly ministry, yet our text is NOT the end.

The story of Jesus’ resurrection continues in Book II:

“He presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days.”

For forty days, Jesus appeared to His disciples frequently. He proved that Easter wasn’t just one chapter in an ancient history book. For the disciples, “Jesus is alive!” was their motivation, their validation. For us, Easter continues to be just as real. JESUS IS ALIVE—and that’s our proof, our hope.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus would soon leave the disciples—visibly—but He would make sure that His work would continue.

“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now’ ” (vv 4–5).

You know what Jesus meant: chapter 2 of Acts tells of the day of Pentecost. (We will talk about that next week!) The disciples are filled with Holy Spirit. They are given power to proclaim Jesus—all that He did and taught. And they will proclaim Christ and Him crucified boldly. For you see, where the Holy Spirit is at work, Jesus’ story continues.

Baptized Into Christ’s Continuing Story

Beloved in the Lord, you know, don’t you, that this same story continues with you—with me! We, too, have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Hear the Word of the Lord:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Baptism is not an isolated event in our personal ancient histories—or in our scrapbooks or photo albums. Our Baptisms are continually writing the stories of our lives; the Holy Spirit is living in us, keeping us in faith in Christ, continually sharing with us forgiveness, enabling us to do good works.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, by the Holy Spirit’s power, we continue Jesus’ work and teachings as we proclaim His Gospel to the world:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Gospel Continues in Tampa Bay

You see that? Our text, the ascension, is the ending of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But it is NOT an ending at all. Our text this morning reads more like a table of contents for Book II.

Book II is the story of the Gospel being spread, and it’s going to spread just as Jesus says: the Book of Acts will tell us first about the Gospel going out to Jerusalem, then we’ll read about the Gospel spreading throughout all of Judea and going out beyond to Samaria, and then, the Bible says we will be the Lord’s witnesses to the end of the earth.

Do you get it? We are commanded to continue to give witness of Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. Book II, if you will, continues with us! We are now the characters in the Book of Acts. We have our new Jerusalems and Judeas and Samarias as well. They are our children, the folks we work with, the students we go to class with, the friends and neighbors and our surrounding community.

And then there is this: According to Pew Research Center:

“only about 34.7% of Tampa Bay residents identify as regular church-goers, making Tampa one of the least church-attending regions in the United States. Furthermore, historical studies by the Barna Group note that the Tampa media market consistently ranks as having one of the highest concentrations of unchurched residents in the nation, alongside cities like San Francisco and Houston.”

Ouch!

Beloved in the Lord, we have our work cut out for us! Indeed, we do—however—we need not fear! Hear the Words of the Lord:

“And when [Jesus] had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (v 9).

Christ Ascended Yet Still With Us

The disciples saw Jesus leave, but He was really going away…in order to be with them. You see, at the ascension, Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God’s power. But that is not a distant place at all. In fact, it’s not really a “place” at all.

It means Jesus is constantly exercising God’s power on our behalf. It means Jesus is now everywhere, always with us—not just His divine nature, but His human nature as well. Jesus—true God and true man—is right here with us. YET, He is also at the right hand of God, exercising God’s power, Jesus is praying for us, guiding us, protecting us.

Christ Will Return Again

And finally, this:

“And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven’ ” (vv 10–11).

Beloved in the Lord, Christ has ascended into heaven as our forerunner and to prepare our heavenly mansion. And Jesus leaves us with His promise to return and take us there.

God grant it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).

Key Points from Today’s Message

• The Gospel of Luke tells what Jesus began to do and teach.
• The Book of Acts continues the story through Christ’s apostles and His Church.
• Jesus’ death and resurrection bring forgiveness, salvation, and eternal hope.
• The Gospel is meant to be proclaimed, not hidden away.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue Christ’s work.
• Christians today are part of the continuing story of Acts.
• Tampa Bay is a mission field where many people still need to hear the Gospel.
• Jesus ascended to the right hand of God and continues to guide, protect, and intercede for His people.
• Christ will return again just as He promised.

Join Us at Zion Lutheran Church

If you are searching for a conservative church in the heart of Tampa or a family-friendly church in Tampa where Christ is preached faithfully, and God’s Word is taught clearly, we invite you to join us at Zion Lutheran Church. We would also encourage you to review the worship folder and follow along with this powerful message centered on the ascension of Christ, the continuing work of the Gospel, and the hope we have in Jesus.

Baptism Is a Divine Thing: Finding God’s Certainty in Life’s Uncertainty

If you are looking for a faithful Conservative Church in Tampa, Florida, Pastor Kenneth Redmann invites you to spend a few moments reflecting on one of the most comforting and powerful promises found in God’s Word: Holy Baptism. In this sermon, Pastor Redmann explores what Scripture teaches about Baptism, why it matters, and how God uses it to bring comfort, forgiveness, and hope to His people.

As a faithful LCMS in Tampa Heights, Florida, we believe God’s Word speaks clearly and truthfully about Baptism and the promises connected to it through Jesus Christ. Whether you have been part of the Lutheran church for years or are simply searching for biblical answers and encouragement, we pray this message points you to the certainty and peace found in Christ alone.

There are moments in life when everything feels uncertain. A difficult diagnosis. A phone call from the hospital. A season of anxiety where the future feels unclear and the answers never seem to come quickly enough. In those moments, people naturally search for something steady to hold onto.

For Christians, one of the greatest sources of certainty and comfort is often hiding in plain view: Holy Baptism. As Pastor Kenneth Redmann preached in his sermon “Baptism Is A Divine Thing,” Baptism is not merely a symbolic tradition or a human act. Scripture reveals something far greater.

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you.” — 1 Peter 3:21

For many Christians, this verse can feel surprising because there are many denominations and theologians who teach that Baptism is only symbolic. Pastor Redmann addressed this directly, explaining that many reject the idea that Baptism delivers forgiveness or salvation because they mistakenly believe Baptism is simply a work performed by man. Yet Scripture speaks clearly: Baptism saves through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What Makes Baptism Different?

One of the central themes of the sermon is that Baptism is not something invented by people. It is God’s work.

Pastor Redmann referenced Martin Luther’s teaching from the Large Catechism, where Luther emphasized that Baptism is founded upon God’s command and institution through Christ Himself.

“Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19

That distinction matters deeply.

If Baptism were merely a human ceremony, it would offer little comfort during life’s darkest moments. Human promises fail. Human emotions fluctuate. Human strength fades. But Baptism rests upon the promises of God Himself.

Luther described Baptism’s purpose very simply: “the power, work, profit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is this—to save.”

That salvation includes:

• Forgiveness of sins
• Victory over death and the devil
• God’s grace
• Life in Christ
• The gift of the Holy Spirit

These are not small blessings. These are eternal promises given by God to His people.

Baptism Brings Comfort in Times of Fear

One of the most moving parts of Pastor Redmann’s sermon came through a personal story about visiting his friend Kevin in the hospital. Kevin had been admitted with chest pain and uncertainty surrounded his condition. Doctors had not yet given clear answers. Anxiety filled the room as loved ones worried about what would happen next.

Many people know that feeling all too well.

There are seasons when life places us in what Pastor Redmann described as “the twilight zone of the unknown.” We wait for test results. We wait for answers. We wait for direction. Fear and uncertainty can quickly overwhelm us.

In that hospital room, Pastor Redmann sensed the Holy Spirit bringing him back to the promises of Baptism. He asked Kevin if he had been baptized, and Kevin said yes. Pastor Redmann then opened Scripture and read from Romans 6, reminding Kevin that those baptized into Christ were baptized into His death and resurrection.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4

What powerful comfort that provides.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, baptized believers know that death does not have the final word. Fear does not have the final word. Uncertainty does not have the final word. Christ does.

Baptism Is About God’s Faithfulness

Another important reminder from the sermon is that Baptism is not ultimately about the strength of our faith but about the faithfulness of God.

That truth becomes especially comforting during difficult seasons. There are days when believers feel spiritually strong and confident. There are other days filled with doubt, exhaustion, grief, or confusion. Yet Baptism remains anchored in God’s promises, not human emotions.

Pastor Redmann pointed again to Romans 6, where believers are reminded that they have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Because Jesus lives, those who belong to Him will also live.

This is why Baptism continues to matter throughout the entire Christian life. It is not only a moment in the past. It is a daily reminder of who we are in Christ.

Living Beyond Survival Mode

Toward the close of the sermon, Pastor Redmann challenged the congregation with an encouraging message. He reminded them that the Holy Spirit is calling believers out of “survival mode” and into new life through Christ.

That message resonates deeply today.

Many people feel stuck in survival mode. The pressures of life, financial stress, health concerns, family struggles, and uncertainty about the future can leave people emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

Yet the resurrection of Jesus changes everything.

Through Baptism, believers are connected to Christ’s victory over sin and death. Christians are not defined by fear or uncertainty. They are defined by the promises of God.

That is why Pastor Redmann concluded with the triumphant Easter proclamation:

“HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED. ALLELUIA!”

Even in life’s most uncertain moments, God’s promises remain certain.

And that changes everything.

Join Us for Worship Next Sunday

If you are searching for a Conservative Church in Tampa, Florida, where God’s Word is faithfully taught, and Christ’s promises are clearly proclaimed, we invite you to worship with us. As an LCMS church in Tampa Heights, Florida, we are passionate about sharing the comfort of the Gospel, the truth of Scripture, and the hope found in Jesus Christ alone.

We invite you to join us for Sunday Divine Service at 8:00 am, followed by Bible Study at 9:15 am.

We also invite you to attend our Monday Bible Study at 7:00 PM as we continue growing together in God’s Word.

Be sure to view next week’s worship folder and sermon information to prepare your heart for another encouraging message from Pastor Kenneth Redmann and God’s Word. We look forward to welcoming you and worshiping together in Christ.