The God Who Raises the Dead

A sermon for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, by Fr. Jerome Leckband.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus meets a funeral procession in the town of Nain and restores life to the dead son of a widowed mother. This account reveals the very heart of our Lord: He is the God of power, who can raise the dead; the God of compassion, who sees our grief and acts in mercy; and the God of grace, who comes to help us before we even ask.

Just as Jesus spoke life into the young man—“Young man, I say to you, arise”—so He speaks life into us. By nature we are spiritually dead in sin, but through His Word and Holy Baptism Christ raises us to new life with Him. We are united to His death and resurrection, forgiven, and made alive to live by faith in the Son of God.

This new life transforms how we face suffering and death. Even in trials, we trust that God’s love is at work, shaping our faith and fixing our eyes on the greater promise: eternal life with Christ. The miracle at Nain points us forward to the final resurrection, when Jesus will again speak the life-giving word and raise all the dead to be with Him forever. Until that day, we live in the comfort of His compassion, His victory over death, and His abiding presence with us. Listen to the whole sermon below.

NEA Hymn-Sing and Organ Recital at Hope Lutheran Church – A Festival of Sacred Music

Join us for a joyful evening of sacred music and fellowship at Hope Lutheran Church in Batesville, Arkansas! On Sunday, June 8 at 4pm, we’re joining together for a Hymn-Sing and Organ Recital that will walk us through the festival half of the Church Year, celebrating the life of Christ through Scripture and song.

Featuring Special Guest Organists

We’re honored to welcome three talented organists who will lead us in music throughout the evening: Kristi Leckband, Malachi Heinecke, and Aaron Jackson.

Their performances will guide us through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost—each one reflected in beautiful hymns and organ works that draw us deeper into the story of our salvation in Christ.

Between congregational hymn singing, each organist will present pieces that highlight the rich traditions of sacred music and the theological depth embedded in the Church’s year.

Dinner and Fellowship

Following the music, a delicious dinner will be served, giving us a chance to enjoy fellowship with friends old and new. All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and neighbors for this uplifting evening.

Support Disaster Relief Through LERT

A free-will offering will be received during the event to support LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team). LERT provides practical assistance and the comfort of Christ to individuals and communities in our region affected by natural disasters. Your generosity will help bring hope and help to those in need.


📍 Hope Lutheran Church, Batesville, AR

📅 Sun., June 8, 4pm

🍽️ Dinner to follow the recital

💛 Free-will offering to benefit LERT

Come be encouraged by the beauty of sacred music, the joy of communal singing, and the fellowship of believers. We look forward to seeing you there!

Soli Deo Gloria!

God is gone up with a triumphant shout!

What a blessing it was to be able to gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Zion Lutheran Church in Waldenburg yesterday to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord. In addition to being fed by Christ with His holy Word and blessed Sacrament in a wonderful Divine Service, we had the privilege of enjoying some hearty conversation and great food provided by the saints of Zion. God be praised!