Mt. Olive Lincoln: Lutheran Sermons and Teaching in the Christian Faith

The Attitude the Triune God GivesSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow for Holy Trinity Sunday at Mt Olive in Lincon, NE on 5/31/26.NOTE--the first bit of the sermon did not record properly, so this one starts about 5 minutes in.Text: Isaiah 6:1-8In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two they covered their faces. With two they covered their feet. With two they flew. 3One called to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory! 4The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of the one who called, and the temple was filled with smoke. 5Then I said, “I am doomed! I am ruined, because I am a man with unclean lips, and I dwell among a people with unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Armies!” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, carrying a glowing coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7He touched my mouth with the coal and said, “Look, this has touched your lips, so your guilt is taken away, and your sin is forgiven.” 8Then I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me!” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Is 6:1–8.

Man's Potential and God's PotentialSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for Pentecost on May 24th, 2026.Sermon Text: Genesis 11:1-9The whole earth had one language and a single vocabulary. 2As people traveled in the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they settled there. 3They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used mud brick instead of stone for building material, and they used tar for mortar. 4They said, “Come, let’s build a city for ourselves and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves, so that we will not be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” 5The LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the people were building. 6The LORD said, “If this is the first thing they are doing as one people, who all have one language, then nothing that they intend to do will be too difficult for them. 7Come, let’s go down there and confuse their language, so that they cannot understand one another’s speech.” 8So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. 9It was named Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ge 11:1–9.

The Vast Ascension Day ConspiracySermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive Lutheran Church on May 17, 2026 for Ascension.Sermon text: Ephesians 1:16-23

You're Not Dreaming - God Answers Prayer!Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow for the Sixth Sunday of Easter on May 10, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE.mtolivelincoln.orgSermon text: Acts 12:1-16At about that time, King Herod laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. 2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4After arresting Peter, Herod put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. Herod intended to bring him before the people for trial after the Passover. 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church earnestly offered up prayer to God for him. 6The very night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains, while sentries were in front of the door, guarding the prison. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood near him, and a light shone in the cell. The angel woke Peter up by striking him on the side, saying, “Quick, get up!” The chains fell from his wrists. 8Then the angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” So he did so. Then the angel told him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9Peter went out, following the angel, but he did not realize that what the angel was doing was really happening. He thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they had passed through the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. It opened all by itself for them. They went outside, walked down one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.” 12When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, who is also called Mark. Many had gathered there and were praying. 13When Peter knocked at the entrance gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14She recognized Peter’s voice and was so overjoyed, she did not open the gate. Instead she ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15They told her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept on insisting it was so, and they started saying, “It’s his angel.” 16Meanwhile, Peter kept on knocking. When they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ac 12:1–16.

How did the early church grow?Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2026.Sermon text: Acts 16:11-3411After we put out to sea from Troas, we sailed straight to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. 12From there we went to Philippi, which is a leading city in that part of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We stayed in this city for a number of days. 13On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate alongside the river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and began to talk to the women who had gathered there. 14A woman named Lydia, who worshipped God, was listening. She was a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira. The Lord opened her heart to pay close attention to what Paul was saying. 15When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Paul and Silas Put in Prison16Once when we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl met us. She had a spirit that foretold the future, and she made a large profit for her owners by fortune-telling. 17As she followed Paul and us, she kept crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way to be saved.” 18When she kept doing this for many days, Paul became so annoyed that he turned to the spirit and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment. 19When her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20They had brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are throwing our city into a state of confusion. They are Jews, 21and they are teaching customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice, since we are Romans.” 22When the crowd also joined in the attack against them, the magistrates tore off their clothes and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23After they had beaten them severely, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. 24Because he received such a command, the jailer threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. The Earthquake and the Jailer’s Conversion25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Instantly all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and saw that the prison doors were opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted with a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we are all here!” 29The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell dow

The Power of the Resurrection in Life and DeathSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on April 26, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for Easter 4. mtolivelincoln.orgSermon text, Acts 9:36-42:36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was always doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37At that time she became sick and died. After they had washed her, they laid her in an upstairs room. 38Since Lydda is near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, who urged him, “Come to us without delay!” 39Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothing that Dorcas made while she was still with them. 40After Peter sent them all outside, he got down on his knees and prayed. Then he turned toward the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. After he called the saints and the widows, he presented her to them alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ac 9:36–42.

If This Were Our Last Class, I'd Say...Sermon preached for Youth Confirmation on April 19, 2026 at Mt Olive by Pastor Julius Buelow.Sermon text: Acts 20:28-3228 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Is This the Life You Want?Sermon preached on April 12,2026 for Easter 2 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE by Pastor Julius Buelow.mtolivelincoln.orgActs 26 selected verses:Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense. 2“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am going to make my defense before you today concerning all the things about which I am being accused by the Jews, 3especially because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. ...18You are to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ ...22“But I have had help from God right up to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great. I am saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24While Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25But Paul replied, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I am clearly speaking words that are true and sensible. 26Certainly the king to whom I am freely speaking knows about these things. Indeed, I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, because this has not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you going to persuade me to become a Christian?” 29Paul replied, “I pray God, that whether in a short time or a long time, not only you, but also all those who are listening to me today would become what I am, except for these chains.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ac 26:1–29.

How Should We Celebrate Easter?Sermon preached for the festival of the Resurrection on April 5, 2026 by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE.Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8:Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7Purge out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, just as you are unleavened. For our Passover lamb has been sacrificed, namely, Christ! 8So let us keep celebrating the festival, not with old yeast, not with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 1 Co 5:6–8.

In a Single DaySermon preached on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE.Sermon text: Zechariah 3:1-10Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan was standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2The Lord said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Isn’t this man a burning stick plucked from a fire?” 3Now Joshua was clothed in filthy clothing and was standing in front of the Angel. 4Then the Angel of the LORD spoke to those who were standing in front of him: “Remove his filthy clothing.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken your guilt away from you, so that I may clothe you in a special robe.” 5I said, “Let them place a clean turban on his head.” So they placed a clean turban on his head and got him dressed, while the Angel of the LORD was standing by. 6Then the Angel of the LORD spoke solemnly to Joshua: 7This is what the LORD of Armies says. If you will walk in my ways and carry out my ministry, then you will also govern my house and watch over my courts, and I will give you access among those who are standing here. 8Now listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates who sit in front of you—because these men are a sign. Look! I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. 9Look carefully at the stone that I placed in front of Joshua! On one stone with seven facets I will engrave an inscription, declares the LORD of Armies, and I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day. 10On that day, declares the LORD of Armies, each one of you will invite his neighbor to join him under his vine and under his fig tree. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Zec 3:1–10.

A Cleaning FountainSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026.Sermon Text: Zechariah 13:1-3On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. 2In that day, declares the LORD of Armies, I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the impure spirit from the land. 3If anyone still prophesies, his father and his mother who gave birth to him will tell him, “You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the LORD!” Then his father and his mother who gave birth to him will stab him when he prophesies. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Zec 13:1–3.

I'm Here for It!Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE on March 22nd for the 5th Sunday in Lent.Sermon text: Genesis 22:1-14Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!” Abraham answered, “I am here.” 2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together. 7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?” He said, “I am here, my son.” He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11The Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” Abraham said, “I am here.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The LORD Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ge 22:1–14.

Lent devotion preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on Zechariah 6:9-13 at Mt Olive on March 18. 2026.Zechariah 6:9-139The word of the Lord came to me: 10Take an offering from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon—and on that very day go into the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and place it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12Tell him that this is what the Lord of Armies says: There is a man whose name is the Branch, because he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord. 13He is the one who will build the temple of the Lord. He will be clothed with majesty, and he will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful relations between the two offices.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Zec 6:9–13.

Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves?Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on March 15, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for the fourth Sunday in Lent.This sermon explores the dangers behind that phrase and how God operates entirely on a system of free grace which enables us to live freely for him.Sermon text: Galatians 4:21-31 21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you really listening to the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman, and one by the free woman. 23However, the son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through a promise. 24These things can be used as an illustration; namely, the women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children into slavery. This is Hagar. 25You see, this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and she corresponds to present-day Jerusalem, because Jerusalem is in slavery along with her children. 26But the Jerusalem that is above is free. She is our mother. 27For it is written: Rejoice, barren woman who does not give birth. Break forth and shout for joy, woman who does not suffer birth pains, because the barren woman has more children than does the woman who has a husband. 28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of the promise. 29But just as back then the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one who was born according to the Spirit, so this is also the case now. 30But what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the slave woman and her son, because the son of the slave woman will certainly not receive the inheritance with the son of the free woman.” 31For this same reason, brothers, we are not children of a slave woman, but of the free womanHoly Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ga 4:21–31.

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the TruthLent devotion preached by Pastor Joel Vogel at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for a midweek service on March 12, 2026.

Don't Leave Out a WordSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on March 8, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE for the third Sunday in Lent.This sermon explores the importance of sharing God's Word faithfully, the dangers of holding back, and how Jesus and Jeremiah exemplify boldness in proclaiming God's message. It emphasizes the power of God's Word to transform lives and the need for believers to be courageous in sharing it.Sermon text: Jeremiah 26:1-15 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, the following word came from the LORD. 2This is what the LORD says. Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house, and speak to people from the cities and towns of Judah who have come to worship at the House of the LORD. Tell them everything I have commanded you to tell them. Do not hold back a single word. 3Maybe they will listen, and everyone will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring about the disaster that I was planning because of the evil things they have done. 4You are also to say this to him. This is what the LORD says. If you will not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (but you have not listened), 6then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make the name of this city a curse word for all the nations of the earth. 7The priests, the prophets, and all the people listened as Jeremiah spoke these words at the House of the LORD. 8When Jeremiah had finished saying everything the LORD had commanded him to say to all the people, then the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will be like Shiloh and that this city will be desolate with no one living here?” All the people crowded around Jeremiah in the House of the LORD. 10When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they came up from the king’s house to the House of the LORD and sat in the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house. 11Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has been prophesying against this city, as you heard with your own ears.” 12Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and to all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the things that you have heard. 13Now reform your ways and your actions, and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring about the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14But as for me, look, I am in your hands. Do with me whatever seems good and right in your eyes. 15But you can be certain of this. If you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live he

The Struck Sheep Gathers the Scattered Sheep Lenten devotion preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on March 4, 2026 at Mt Olive, Lincoln NE.

Pray for the CrumbsSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow for Lent 2 at Mt Olive Lutheran in Lincoln, NE on March 1st, 2026.Sermon text: Matthew 15:21-2821Jesus left that place and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22There a Canaanite woman from that territory came and kept crying out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! A demon is severely tormenting my daughter!” 23But he did not answer her a word. His disciples came and pleaded, “Send her away, because she keeps crying out after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt in front of him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered her, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to their little dogs.” 27“Yes, Lord,” she said, “yet their little dogs also eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, your faith is great! It will be done for you, just as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at that very hour. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 15:21–28AI Summary: The conversation explores the themes of faith, prayer, and persistence. It delves into the story of the Canaanite woman and her unwavering faith, highlighting the importance of humility and praying for others. It also highlights how Jesus' persistently reached out to us and prayed for us in perfect faith to save us.TakeawaysPray with humilityPray for others

What Is Jesus Worth to You?Sermon preached by Pastor Joel Vogel at Mt Olive on February 25, 2026.Text: Zechariah 11:7-137So I shepherded the flock which is to be slaughtered, especially the most afflicted of the flock. I took two staffs for myself. One I called Favor and the other Union. Then I shepherded the flock. 8I removed three shepherds in one month. I grew very impatient with the flock, and they really detested me. 9So I said, “I will not shepherd you. Whatever is dying, let it die. Whatever is being destroyed, let it be destroyed. And let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.” 10I took my staff, Favor, and I broke it in two, to cancel my covenant that I had made with all the peoples. 11So it was cancelled on that day, and the most miserable of the flock, who were watching me, knew that this was the word of the LORD. 12Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, pay me my wages. But if it does not, withhold them.” So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver as my wages. 13Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter, this magnificent price at which they valued me.” So I took the thirty pieces of silver, and I threw them into the House of the LORD, to the potter. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Zec 11:7–13.

Things the First Christians Couldn't DoSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt Olive in Lincoln on the 1st Sunday in Lent, February 22, 2026.Sermon text: Genesis 3:1-15Now the serpent was more clever than any wild animal which the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, 3but not from the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden. God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it. You shall not touch it, or else you will die.’ ” 4The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die. 5In fact, God knows that the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was appealing to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She gave some also to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7The eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for their waists. 8They heard the voice of the LORD God, who was walking around in the garden during the cooler part of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9The LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” 11God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?” 12The man said, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13The LORD God said to the woman, “What have you done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14The LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the livestock, and more than every wild animal. You shall crawl on your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 15I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ge 3:1–15.

Why Repent?Sermon preached at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE by Pastor Julius Buelow on February 18, 2016 for Ash Wednesday.Sermon text: Zechariah 1:1-6 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo.2The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. 3Therefore, now you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD of Armies says to them.Return to me, declares the LORD of Armies, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies. 4Do not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed, “This is what the LORD of Armies says. Return, return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.”But our forefathers did not listen, nor did they pay attention to me, declares the LORD. 5Your forefathers—where are they now? And those prophets—did they go on living indefinitely? 6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded to my servants the prophets, caught up with our forefathers, didn’t they?Then they returned and said, “Because of our ways and our deeds, the LORD of Armies has done to us just as he planned to do to us.”Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Zec 1:1–6.

The Greatest Gift You Can GiveSermon preached by Pastor Buelow on the last Sunday of Epiphany (Quinquagesima), February 15, 2026.Text: 1 Corinthians 1313 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries and have all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away everything I own, and if I give up my body that I may be burned but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. It does not brag. It is not arrogant. 5It does not behave indecently. It is not selfish. It is not irritable. It does not keep a record of wrongs. 6It does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never comes to an end. But if there are prophetic gifts, they will be done away with; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be done away with. 9For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part, 10but when that which is complete has come, that which is partial will be done away with. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. 12Now we see indirectly using a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I was fully known. 13So now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 1 Co 13:1–13.

Which Self Do You Boast About?Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on February 8, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE, for Sexagesima (60 days before Easter).Text: 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:919You gladly put up with fools, since you are just so wise! 20In fact, you put up with it if anyone makes you his slave, robs you, takes advantage of you, looks down on you, or strikes you in the face! 21I am ashamed to say that we were too weak for that! However bold anyone might be (I am speaking in a foolish way), I am going to be bold too. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s seed? So am I. 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I am speaking in a crazy way.) I am even more. I’ve done more hard work, been in prisons more often, been whipped far more, and I’ve been close to death many times. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. One time I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day on the open sea. 26I have often been on journeys, in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my own people, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger on the sea, in danger among false brothers. 27I have worked hard and struggled. I’ve spent many sleepless nights. I’ve been hungry and thirsty. I’ve gone without food many times. I’ve been cold and lacked clothing. 28Besides those external matters, there is the daily pressure on me of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak without my being weak? Who falls into sin without my being distressed? 30If it is necessary that I boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is eternally blessed, knows that I am not lying. 32In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept the city of Damascus on alert to arrest me, 33but I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped from his hands. Carried Up to Paradise12 I must go on boasting, although there is nothing to be gained. So I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, was carried up to the third heaven (whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know—God knows). 3And I know that such a man (whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know—God knows) 4was carried up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words that a man cannot possibly speak. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6Indeed, if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from doing this, so that no one will think more highly of me than what he sees in me or hears from me. 7Therefore, to keep me from becoming arrogant due to the extraordinary nature of these revelations

It's Not FairSermon preached by Pastor Andrew Frey, Campus Pastor at Nebraska Lutheran High School, on February 1st, 2026 for "Septuagesima"--70 days until Easter.Text: Matthew 20:1-16“Indeed the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing to pay the workers a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3He also went out about the third hour and saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace. 4To these he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will give you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6When he went out about the eleventh hour, he found others standing unemployed. He said to them, ‘Why have you stood here all day unemployed?’ 7“They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ “He told them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8When it was evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group and ending with the first.’ 9“When those who were hired around the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 10When those who were hired first came, they thought they would receive more. But they each received a denarius too. 11After they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner: 12‘Those who were last worked one hour, and you made them equal to us who have endured the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’ 13“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not make an agreement with me for a denarius? 14Take what is yours and go. I want to give to the last one hired the same as I also gave to you. 15Can’t I do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16In the same way, the last will be first, and the first, last.”Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 20:1–16.

Put Your Hand DownSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on January 25, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE, for the Transfiguration of Jesus.17 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. 3Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Just then, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were terrified. 7Jesus approached and as he touched them, he said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8When they opened their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 17:1–9.

Jesus Is Revealed in ServiceSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on January 18, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE, for the second Sunday after Epiphany.6We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us. If the gift is prophecy, do it in complete agreement with the faith. 7If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. 8If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is contributing, be generous. If it is leadership, be diligent. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully. Guidelines for Christian Living 9Do not just pretend to love others. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another with brotherly love. Think of others as deserving more honor than yourselves. 11Do not be lagging behind in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, as you continue to serve the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope. Endure trials patiently. Persist in prayer. 13Share with the saints who are in need. Be quick to welcome strangers as guests. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. 16Have the same respect for one another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ro 12:6–16.

The Kind of Sacrifice God WantsSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow on January 11, 2026 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE, for the first Sunday after Epiphany, celebrating the Baptism of Jesus.Romans 12:1-5:12 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God—which is your appropriate worship. 2Also, do not continue to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you test and approve what is the will of God—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Humbly Use the Gifts God Gave You3So by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think in a way that results in sound judgment, as God distributed a measure of faith to each of you. 4For we have many members in one body, and not all the members have the same function. 5In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ro 12:1–5.

Have a Simple New YearSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on January 4, 2025 for Epiphany. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgText: Matthew 2:1-12After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” 7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 2:1–12.AI Notes:Keywords Epiphany, Wise Men, Christmas, Inclusion, Faith, Simplicity, Community, Worship, Blessings, GodSummary This conversation explores the themes of Epiphany, the significance of the Wise Men, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom. It highlights the simplicity of faith and the unexpected blessings that can arise from following God's guidance. TakeawaysThe arrival of the Wise Men signifies the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom.Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ to all nations.Unexpected blessings can arise from unplanned situations, as illustrated by Kristen Bell's story.Faith can be as simple as following God's word and worshiping Him.The wise men exemplified simplicity in their faith journey.God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of background.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.Community and fellowship are essential

The Danger of Opposing JesusSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 28, 2025 for Holy Innocents. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgText: Matthew 2:13-2313After the Wise Men were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod will search for the child in order to kill him.” 14Joseph got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt. 15He stayed there until the death of Herod. This happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Herod Kills the Boys 16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Wise Men, he was furious. He issued orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under. This was in keeping with the exact time he had learned from the Wise Men. 17Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. Return to Nazareth 19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. The angel said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus, Herod’s son, had succeeded his father as ruler in Judea, he was afraid to go there. Since he had been warned in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee. 23When he arrived there, he settled in a city called Nazareth. So what was spoken through the prophets was fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.”Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 2:13–23.AI Summary:The conversation explores the significance of the Festival of the Holy Innocents, reflecting on the biblical narrative of King Herod's actions and the implications of being a child of God. It emphasizes the dangers faced by those who oppose God and the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the innocent children who died for their faith. The discussion highlights the true essence of Christmas as a time for self-sacrifice and remembrance of those who have suffered for their beliefs.TakeawaysThe Festival of the Holy Innocents serves as a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.Herod's actions reflect the dangers of opposing God.</l

God Chose to Dwell Among UsSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 25, 2025 for Christmas Day. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:Jesus is the Word, with God, and God himselfJesus chose to dwell among people who would reject himText: John 1:1-141 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Jn 1:1–14.

Called Out of Darkness Into His Wonderful Light!Sermon preached by Pastor Matt Vogt at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 21, 2025 for the fourth Sunday of Advent. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgText: 1 Peter 2:9-109But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10At one time you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. At one time you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 1 Pe 2:9–10.

The (Dis)Comfort of RepentanceSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 14, 2025 for the third Sunday of Advent. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:The hardest words to say in the English language are often "I'm sorry"They're uncomfortable to say because we don't want to quit, we don't want it to look like we're worse than someone else, and we don't want to admit we're mortal and can make mistakesBut the comfort of repentance, of saying I'm sorry, is that when we quit fighting to make up for our guilt, we see Jesus has conquered guilt for us; when we admit we're all sinners, we see God has shown grace to all equally; when we admit we're mortal, God turns us to his immortal unchanging faithfulnessText: Isaiah 40:1-8Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her. Her warfare really is over. Her guilt is fully paid for. Yes, she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3A voice is calling out: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. In the wasteland make a level highway for our God. 4Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be made low. The rugged ground will become level, and the rough places will become a plain. 5Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh together will see it. Yes, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 6A voice was saying, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry out?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like a wildflower in the countryside. 7Grass withers, flowers fade, when the breath of the Lord blows on them. Yes, the people are grass. 8Grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of our God endures forever.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Is 40:1–8.

Midweek Advent devotion preached on Luke 1:26-56 at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE on December 10, 2025.

This is Fine.Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on December 7, 2025 for the second Sunday of Advent. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:Are Christians like the dog in the "This is fine" comic?The Lord says it is not fine to test him as if he isn't watching and won't judgeThe Lord will make a distinction between the righteous and wicked in the endWhen Jesus comes in righteous fire, that distinction will be clearUntil then, Christians live in hope, like the three men in the fiery furnaceText: Malachi 4:1-6Look! The day is coming, burning like a blast furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble. The day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord of Armies, a day that will not leave behind a root or branch for them. 2But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise, and there will be healing in its wings. You will go out and jump around like calves from the stall. 3You will trample the wicked. They will surely be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action, says the Lord of Armies. 4Remember the law of my servant Moses, which I commanded to him at Horeb to serve as statutes and judgments over all Israel. 5Look! I am going to send Elijah the prophet to you before the great and fearful day of the Lord comes! 6He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with complete destruction.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mal 4:1–6.

Advent devotion based on Luke 1:5-25, preached at Mt Olive in Lincoln, NE on December 3, 2025.Find out more at mtolivelincoln.org

Our King Will Carry Out His AgendaSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on November 30, 2025 for the first Sunday of Advent. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:Politicians and leaders disappointThe kings in David's line were no different...until JesusJesus had a different agenda: he would bring righteousness TO his peopleJesus is OUR righteousnessJesus delivers his righteousness to us throughout the church year through the means of graceText: Jeremiah 23:5-85Listen, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, who will reign wisely as king and establish justice and righteousness on earth. 6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell securely. This is his name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness. 7So, mark my words, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when it will no longer be said, “As surely as the Lord lives who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,” 8but, “as surely as the Lord lives who brought up the descendants of the house of Israel and led them out of a land in the north and from all the countries where I had driven them.” Then they will dwell in their own land.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Je 23:5–8.

A Sobering Moment before the Heavenly WeddingSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on November 23, 2025 for the Last Sunday of the church year. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:Be prepared for the end!When Jesus comes, it's too late to get ready!Be prepared through faith and a faithful lifeRemember the chief concern of life, and the celebration we're looking forward toText: Matthew 25:1-13“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take any oil with them; 4 but the wise took oil in their containers with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, ‘No, there may not be enough for us and for you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were away buying oil, the bridegroom came. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Later, the other virgins also came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, let us in.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Amen I tell you: I do not know you.’ 13 Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

What To Do When You're in the Place of GodSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on November 16, 2025 for Trinity 22. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTakeaways:God is a forgiving God!Knowing God's place as the one who forgives me, a sinner, and the one who rules over all evil for good, helps me emulate himWho in your life is walking on eggshells around you? Go above and beyond to show them that their sins are forgiven.Text: Genesis 50:15-2115When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and will pay us back in full for all of the evil that we did to him.” 16They sent the following message to Joseph: “Before he died your father commanded us, 17‘You are to tell Joseph, “Please forgive the offense of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18His brothers also came and fell down in front of him, and they said, “See now, we are your servants.” 19Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring this to pass and to keep many people alive, as it is this day. 21Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones.” He comforted them and spoke to them in a kind way.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Ge 50:15–21.

Don't Leave This Sword in the AtticSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on November 9, 2025 for Trinity 21. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgAI Summary Takeaways:When facing challenges, recognize the true source of conflict.Relationships can be tested, but understanding the enemy helps.Frustration with others often stems from spiritual battles.Faith plays a crucial role in navigating difficult times.God empowers you to face spiritual warfare with the right equipment.The equipment God gives us is the same equipment Jesus wore as he defeated the Devil for us.Text: Ephesians 6:10-1710Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, 15and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. 16At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Eph 6:10–17.

How Much Better Is Heaven than Earth?Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on November 2, 2025 for All Saints' Day. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgAI Summary takeaways: All Saints' Day reminds us of the saints--all believers in Jesus--who have gone before us.Heaven is described as a place of joy and celebration.The blood of the Lamb cleanses us from sin.Communion connects us to our loved ones in heaven.Heaven is ten times better than earth.God's promises provide hope and comfort in tribulation.Every tear will be wiped away in heaven.Text: Revelation 7:9-179After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10They called out with a loud voice and said: Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb. 11All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12saying: Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen. 13One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14And he said to me: These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Because of this they are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again. The sun will never beat upon them, nor will any scorching heat, 17for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Re 7:9–17.

The New Covenant Changes the HeartSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on October 26, 2025 for Reformation. More info at mtolivelincoln.org

Give Thanks for 175 Years of GraceSermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on October 19, 2025 for Trinity 18 and the 175th Anniversary of the WELS. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgText: 1 Corinthians 1:4-94 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus. 5 You were enriched in him in every way, in all your speaking and all your knowledge, 6 because the testimony about Christ was established in you. 7 As a result you do not lack any gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

When Death Takes Your Breath AwaySermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on October 4, 2025 for Trinity 16. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgkeywords: faith, death, comfort, God's love,intercession, resurrection, eternal life, grief, hope, Christian lifesummary: This conversation explores the profound themesof faith, comfort in death, and the promise of resurrection. It emphasizes how believers can find solace in God's love amidst suffering and the importance of intercession during times of grief. The discussion culminates in the assuranceof eternal life and the hope that comes from Jesus' resurrection.Text: 1 Kings 17:17-2417After these events, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. The illness became worse until he stopped breathing. 18Then she said to Elijah, “What is the issue between us, man of God? Have you come to remind me of my sins and to kill my son?” 19He said to her, “Bring your son to me.” Then he took him and carried him to the upstairs room where he was living, and he laid him on his bed. 20Then he cried out to the Lord, “O Lord, my God, have you sent tragedy on this woman with whom I am staying by killing her son?” 21Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times, and he cried out to the Lord, “O Lord, my God, let this boy’s soul return to his body!” 22The Lord listened to Elijah’s voice, and the boy’s soul returned to his body, and he came to life. 23Then Elijah took the boy and brought him down to the house from his upstairs room, and he gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “See, your son is alive!” 24The woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 1 Ki 17:17–24.

Don't worry! (Even if you have anxiety!)Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on September 28, 2025 for Trinity 15. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: Don't Worry!Text: Matthew 6:24-3424“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon. 25“For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27“Which of you can add a single moment to his lifespan by worrying? 28Why do you worry about clothing? Consider how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin, 29but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will he not clothe you even more, you of little faith? 31“So do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32For the unbelievers chase after all these things. Certainly your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Mt 6:24–34.

We are so blessed! With that blessing, comes a warning not to forgot God, but to receive his gifts with thanksgiving.Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on September 21, 2025 for Trinity 14. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: When You Eat and Are Full, Praise GodText: Deuteronomy 8:10-18                                                      10Then you will eat, and you will be filled, and you will praise the LORD your God for the good land that he has given you. 11Be very careful so that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and ordinances and his statutes that I am commanding you today. 12When you eat and are satisfied, and you build nice houses and move into them, 13and your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold increase, and everything that you have prospers, 14watch out so that your heart does not become arrogant and forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, where you were slaves. 15Do not forget the LORD, who led you in the great and terrifying wilderness, where there were venomous snakes and scorpions, where the thirsty ground had no water, but the LORD made water come out of a flint rock for you. 16Do not forget the LORD, who in the wilderness fed you manna, which your fathers had not known before, to humble you and to test you so that it would be good for you later on. 17You might say in your heart, “My ability and the power of my hand have earned this wealth for me.” 18But then you are to remember that the LORD your God is the one who gives you the ability to produce wealth, to confirm his covenant that he promised to your fathers with an oath, as he does to this day. Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Dt 8:10–18.

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on September 14, 2025 for Trinity 13. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: The Questions Love AsksText: Luke 10:25-37                                                      25Just then, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26“What is written in the law?” he asked him. “What do you read there?” 27He replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.” 28He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.” 29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among robbers who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31It just so happened that a priest was going down that way. But when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32In the same way, a Levite also happened to go there, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 33A Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was. When he saw him, he felt sorry for the man. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He put him on his own animal, took him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day, when he left, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. Whatever extra you spend, I will repay you when I return.’ 36Which of these three do you think acted like a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?” 37“The one who showed mercy to him,” he replied. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Lk 10:25–37.

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on September 7, 2025 for Trinity 12. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: How Do We Tell Our Kids?Text: Psalm 78                                                       Psalm 78:1–11, 57–61, 65–721Give ear, O my people,to my instruction.Turn your ear to the words of my mouth.2I will open my mouth to share a lesson.I will speak about puzzling problems from long ago,3things we have heard and known,things our fathers have told us.4We will not hide themfrom their descendants.We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,his power, and the wonders that he has done.5He set up testimony for Jacob.In Israel he established the law.He commanded our fathers to make it known to their children.6Then the next generation would know it,even the children not yet born.They would rise up and tell their children.7Then they would put their confidence in God,and they would not forget the deeds of God,but they would keep his commands.8Then they would not be like their fathers,a stubborn, rebellious generation,a generation that did not keep their hearts steadfast,whose spirits were not faithful to God.9The tribe of Ephraim,equipped and armed with bows,       deserted on the day of battle.10They did not keep God's covenant,and they refused to walk in his law.11They forgot his deeds, the wonders he had shown to them.57Yes, they turnedaside and were treacherous like their fathers.They were as undependable as a crooked bow.58Then they angered him with their high places,and they made him jealous with their idols.59God heard, and heshowed his anger.He completely rejected Israel.60So he abandoned his dwelling in Shiloh,the tent where he dwelled among people.61So he sent the symbol of his strength away into captivity.He gave his splendor into the hand of the foe.65Then the Lord awokelike someone who has been sleeping,like a warrior overcome by wine.66Then he drove back his foes.He gave them everlasting shame.67Then he rejected thetent of Joseph,and he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim.68But he chose the tribe of Judah,Mount Zion, which he loved.69Then he built up his sanctuary like the heights,like the world that he established for all time.70Then he chose Davidhis servantand took him from the sheep pens.71He brought him from following the mother sheep       to shepherd his people Jacob       and his possession Israel.72So he shepherded them with a sincere heart,and with skillful hands he led them.

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on August 31, 2025 for Trinity 11. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: Not I, But God's Grace (For Me, and With Me)Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10Brothers, I am going to call your attention to the gospel that I preached to you. You received it, and you took your stand on it. 2You are also being saved by that gospel that was expressed in the words I preached to you, if you keep your hold on it—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6After that he appeared to over five hundred brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, he appeared also to me, the stillborn child, so to speak. 9For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not ineffective. On the contrary, I worked more than all of them (and yet it wasn’t my doing, but it was the grace of God, which was with me, that did it).Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 1 Co 15:1–10.

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on August 24, 2025 for Trinity 10. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: The Other Time Jesus Wept1. He wept over future destruction2. He confronted current destructionText: Luke 19:41-4841As he came near, he saw the city and wept over it. 42He said, “If you, yes you, had only known on this day the things that would bring peace to you. But now, it is hidden from your eyes. 43In fact, the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44Within your walls, they will dash you and your children to the ground. And within your walls, they will not leave one stone on top of another, because you did not recognize the time when God came to help you.” Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Lk 19:41–44.

Sermon preached by Pastor Julius Buelow at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE on August 17, 2025 for Trinity 9. More info at mtolivelincoln.orgTheme: How to Get Ahead in Life1. Be Like "That Guy" 2. Be Better than "That Guy"Text: Luke 16:1-9Jesus also said to his disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager who was accused of wasting his possessions. 2The rich man called him in and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you can no longer be manager.’ 3“The manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, since my master is taking away the management position from me? I am not strong enough to dig. I am ashamed to beg. 4I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from my position as manager, people will receive me into their houses.’ 5“He called each one of his master’s debtors to him. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6He said, ‘Six hundred gallons of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write three hundred.’ 7Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘Six hundred bushels of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and write four hundred and eighty.’ 8“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the children of the light are. 9I tell you, make friends for yourselves with unrighteous mammon, so that when it runs out, they will welcome you into the eternal dwellings.Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), Lk 16:1–9.