"God of the Living"
Sermon for the Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: Luke 20:27-40 ("God is God of the living")
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: The Holy Trinity, Part 1
Lesson 09 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
We commence our study of the Holy Trinity by asking "Why is confessing one God in three Persons essential to salvation—and why can’t Christianity survive without it?" Drawing on the Athanasian Creed, we distinguish what Christians must confess (not fully comprehend): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God, co-equal, co-eternal, to be worshiped in Trinity and in Unity. From the Shema (“Hear, O Israel… the LORD is one”) to Jesus’ own use of it, we trace how the Bible proclaims God as sole Creator and rightful Lord of all, and why His holy “jealousy” is pure and good. We also practice discernment by evaluating popular spiritual claims against God’s self-revelation in Scripture. Next time: moving from God’s unity to the three Persons—including considering why “begotten” is not the same as “made.”
Key takeaways:
Essential, not optional: The Trinity isn’t a puzzle for theologians; it’s the Church’s heartbeat. Without the Triune God, there is no Christian gospel.
Confess, don’t domesticate: We don’t measure God by personal experience or cultural ideals; we confess what He has revealed.
God’s oneness: Biblically, “one” is not a headcount but a claim—nothing is like Him. He alone creates, sustains, and commands our total worship.
Creator & Lord: Because God made all things, He rightly exercises dominion over all things—and delegates creaturely stewardship without surrendering His rule.
Athanasian clarity: Each Person is fully God and Lord, yet not three Gods or three Lords, but one God—to be worshiped in Trinity and Unity.
Biblical discernment: Test every spiritual statement by Scripture, not by what “works for me.”
Scripture referenced:
Deuteronomy 6:4; Exodus 20:1–3; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 40:28; Genesis 1:26–28; Matthew 22:36–38 (cf. Mark 12:29–31); Acts 17:24; Daniel 4:34–35; Colossians 1:15–17
"Get Off the Ladder"
Sermon for Reformation Day, 2025
Sermon Text: Romans 3:19-28 ("faith alone apart from works")
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Special Revelation
Lesson 08 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
We continue One Body by moving from natural revelation to special revelation—God’s gracious self-disclosure in words, spoken and written so that sinners might know His mercy in Christ. Creation and conscience reveal God’s holiness and our guilt, but only the Gospel—revealed through prophets, Scripture, and Christ Himself—tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
We define special revelation as God’s Word in human language, given through visible and audible means where He chooses to be found: the burning bush, cloud and fire, the tabernacle and temple, preaching, and ultimately the enfleshed Word, Jesus Christ. We explore prophetic speech as “God’s words in man’s mouth,” why true prophecy must align with what God has already spoken, and how Scripture—God-breathed and inspired by the Spirit—remains the authoritative source for all teaching in the Church. Finally, we turn to the cross as the supreme revelation of God’s glory: the place where His holiness and saving love are fully made known.
Special revelation = God speaks: His Word comes in concrete, historical, understandable form — not guesses or human imagination.
Christ is the center: All revelation leads to Christ crucified, the fullest display of God’s glory and love.
God gives prophets His words: True prophecy is deputized discourse.
Scripture is God-breathed: Inerrant, sufficient, powerful — and authoritative for preaching and teaching today.
Natural revelation speaks only law; special revelation delivers the gospel: We can know God’s holiness and anger from nature and conscience, but His grace and promises only from the Word.
God still speaks through His Church: Christ remains present and active through preaching and the sacraments.
Scripture referenced:
Deuteronomy 18; Hebrews 1:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Romans 5:8; Exodus 3; John 20:30–31; Luke 24:44–47; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Hebrews 4:12
When Martin Luther translated Romans 3:28 as “justified by faith alone, apart from works of the law,” critics accused him of altering Scripture. The word alone wasn’t in the Greek text—so why did Luther include it?
In this Midweek Meditation, Pastor Matt Doebler of Trinity Lutheran Church (Norfolk, VA) explores Luther’s bold translation choice and how it reveals the heart of the Reformation: that we are made right with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
As we prepare to celebrate Reformation Day, we remember Luther’s courage to speak the Gospel clearly—so that all might know the comfort of Christ’s finished work.
Learn more about Trinity Lutheran Church at TLCnorfolk.com.
Read Luther’s Small Catechism for free at catechism.cph.org.
"Winning the Wrestling Match With God"
Sermon for The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: Genesis 32:22-30 ("Jacob wrestles with God")
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Natural Revelation
Lesson 07 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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"Strengthened By Grace"
Sermon for The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 ("Paul's encouragement to endure")
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Theology of Glory Vs. Theology of the Cross
Lesson 06 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
We conclude the “foundational distinctions” series in One Body with Luther’s contrast between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross (see the Heidelberg Disputation). A theologian of glory tries to make God reasonable—reshaping Him by human expectations, performance, and emotion. A theologian of the cross receives God as He reveals Himself—chiefly in the cross of Christ—accepting creaturely limits and refusing to speculate about God’s hidden will.
We name the modern pitfalls (self-made gods of wrath or permissiveness, cinematic hero-myths, churchy theodicies that say “If God were good, then…”), and offer a better path: confession over speculation, the Psalms of lament as biblical speech for confusing seasons, and the sure center—Christ crucified (1 Cor 1:18–2:9). Along the way, we connect this distinction back to the others we’ve covered: Creator–creature, Law/Gospel, and Two Kinds of Righteousness.
Key takeaways:
Glory-thinking demands God meet my definitions of good (power, fairness, timing); it breeds theodicy (arguments that attempt to “make God look good”).
Cross-thinking trusts God where He’s promised to be known—the cross, Word, and Sacraments—especially when life contradicts our expectations.
Replace “If God were good…” with confession of what God says about Himself.
Use lament psalms to pray honestly when God’s goodness seems hidden.
Scripture referenced: 1 Cor 1:18–2:9; Psalms (esp. laments, e.g., Ps 3); Job 13:15; Heb 12:1–3; Gen 3; Rom 3–5.
This class is taught by: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
"The Wrong Question About Faith"
Sermon for The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: Luke 17:1-10 ("Lord, increase our faith.")
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Two Kinds of Righteousness (2KR)
Lesson 05 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
In this session of One Body, we unpack Two Kinds of Righteousness (2KR). First, the vertical righteousness coram Deo—our standing before God—is entirely passive, given by grace through faith in Christ’s alien righteousness (Eph 2; Rom 3–5). Second, the horizontal righteousness coram mundo—our life before the world—is active, shaped by God’s Law as we love neighbor in vocation (Ten Commandments, Sermon on the Mount). We show why these must be distinguished but never separated: faith alone justifies, and that same faith inevitably bears fruit (James 2). We also address civil righteousness (non-Christians can do real earthly good), tie in Luther’s Two Kingdoms (church/Word & Sacrament vs. state/sword), and caution against turning works into a way of earning favor with God. Result: clear categories that protect the Gospel and energize good works.Key Takeaways:
Coram Deo (vertical, passive): justified solely by Christ’s righteousness—a gift, not our performance.
Coram mundo (horizontal, active): good works flow from faith; the Law guides love of neighbor in daily callings.
Keep together, don’t confuse: Faith alone saves; the saved do good works (Eph 2:8–10; James 2).
Civil righteousness: real societal good ≠ meriting grace before God.
Two Kingdoms: the Church advances by Gospel & Sacraments; the State preserves order by the sword.
Scripture referenced: Genesis 1–2; Ezekiel 37; Ephesians 2:1–10; Romans 3–6; Matthew 5–7; James 2; Romans 13; John 8 (Abraham’s children).
This class is taught by: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
"Who Would You Rather Be?"
Sermon for The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: Luke 16:19-31 (The rich man and Lazarus)
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Understanding the Law/Gospel Distinction
Lesson 04 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
We continue One Body with the law–gospel distinction, a crown jewel of Lutheran theology closely tied to justification. Scripture’s words don’t just say things; they do things. We explore the content of Law (God’s good design and commands) and Gospel (God’s saving promises in Christ), and the functions they perform—accusing, driving to repentance, guiding the baptized, and comforting with absolution. Using 1 Corinthians 1:18 (“word of the cross” as folly vs. power), we show why application depends on the hearer’s condition. We warn against gospel reductionism, clarify that every word of God is life-giving, and walk through case studies: Old vs. New Testament law/gospel, Jonah’s five-word sermon, Romans 6 on baptism (death and new life), and a difficult public example of forgiveness after tragedy. Bottom line: the Law serves the Gospel, and faithful pastors and people apply both with Spirit-given wisdom.
Key takeaways:
Two dimensions: Law/Gospel each have content and function; application isn’t just color-coding verses.
Law’s goodness: Pre-fall design, ongoing duty; post-fall it accuses and—by the Spirit—also guides the baptized.
Gospel’s power: Objective promise in Christ; received by the repentant as salvation, rejected as “folly.”
Every word gives life: The Law drives to Christ; the Gospel truly comforts sinners.
No gospel-only editing: Gospel reductionism guts both God’s authority and the Gospel’s sweetness.
Case studies: OT/NT both contain Law & Gospel; Jonah and 1 Cor 1:18 illustrate function; Rom 6 shows death-to-life; public forgiveness highlights pronouncement vs. reception.
Pastoral wisdom: Ask, “Why do you want to know?” to discern Law or Gospel in the moment.
Scripture referenced: 1 Cor 1:18; Gen 1–3; Ps 119; Lev (“Be holy…”); Jonah; Rom 6; Luke 23; Matt 6 (Lord’s Prayer).
This class is taught by: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
"God's Mission Through God's Design"
Sermon for The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year C
Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-15) (Paul's instructions to pray for leaders; instructions for men and women)
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Why We Should Apply Theology and Care About Distinctions
Lesson 03 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson Summary:
This week we emphasize that good theology is applied theology. We introduce a vital set of theological distinctions—beginning with the Creator–creature distinction—and show how they clarify identity, sin, freedom, vocation, and the Incarnation. We also explore why pastors preach to a people in a place, how motives shape pastoral care (“Why do you want to know?”), and how doctrine guides real-world decisions (e.g., COVID questions about gathering and the Lord’s Supper).
Key takeaways:
Applied theology: sound doctrine must be pastorally applied to motives, relationships, and future implications.
Creator–creature: meaning, purpose, and identity come from God; sin is rebellion against the Creator’s good order.
Freedom in Christ: gospel freedom isn’t autonomy; it’s release from sin’s bondage to live within God’s design.
Theological method: ask “Why do you want to know?” to discern whether to apply Law (warning) or Gospel (comfort).
Real-world case study: pandemic-era decisions revealed what we truly believed about Word & Sacrament, courage, prudence, and care.
Resources mentioned (levels):
Intro: Robert Kolb, The Christian Faith.
Intermediate: Called to Believe, Teach, and Confess
Advanced: Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics (3 vols); J.T. Müller, Christian Dogmatics (condensed).
Confessional base: Book of Concord (Concordia: Reader’s Edition).
This class is taught by: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
"The Long Way"
Sermon for Holy Cross Day
Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 (God humbles the impatient Israelites with fiery serpents)
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Guardrails for the Gospel, the Rule of Faith, and Rules for Biblical Interpretation
Lesson 02 in our series (series began September 7, 2025)
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Lesson 02 Summary:
In Week 2 of One Body, we build on last session’s foundation: Scripture is the norming norm for faith and life, and creeds/confessions/catechisms serve as trustworthy normed norms—faithful summaries that keep our reading of the Bible centered on Christ and aligned with the Church. With help from Irenaeus’s mosaic illustration and the regula fidei (rule of faith), we show why “just me, my Bible, and my quiet time” can drift into private interpretations. We also introduce three practical principles of biblical interpretation (context; Scripture interprets Scripture; use clear passages to read difficult ones) and apply them to real conversations—Christ’s two natures, faith & works (James), Israel & the Church, baptism debates (infants, thief on the cross), and talking with LDS friends. Bottom line: doctrine doesn’t stifle; it guards the Gospel, forms one body, and keeps us reading in the Church God gave us.
Key takeaways:
Norming norm vs. normed norms: Scripture alone norms; creeds/confessions witness faithfully to Scripture.
Regula fidei: a historic “rule of faith” that keeps the biblical mosaic arranged to reveal King Jesus, not a distortion.
3 interpretation rules: (1) Context; (2) Scripture interprets Scripture; (3) Clear interprets difficult (sedes doctrinae).
Case studies: Christ fully God/fully man; James on works; Israel vs. Church; baptism & “decision theology”; thief on the cross.
Read in community: God designed the faith to be taught and received in the Church, not as a solo project.
Taught by: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
What is the right way for Christians to respond in the face of evil? Is prayer any good?Thoughts in preparation for Holy Cross Day--September 14, 2025.Click here to download the text of The Litany: https://files.lcms.org/api/file/preview/BAA87C8C-B50C-4657-822F-24947DD38393Pastor Matt Doebler is the pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church- Norfolk VA.Trinity is a traditional and historic LCMS congregation located just minutes from Naval Station Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament.Find out more: TLCnorfolk.comWhat do Lutherans believe, teach and confess? Read Martin Luther's Small Catechism for FREE: catechism.cph.orgThe Litany (full text)L: O Lord, C: have mercy.L: O Christ, C: have mercy.L: O Lord, C: have mercy.L: O Christ, C: hear us.L: God the Father in heaven, C: have mercy.L: God the Son, Redeemer of the world, C: have mercy.L: God the Holy Spirit, C: have mercy.L: Be gracious to us. C: Spare us, good Lord.L: Be gracious to us. C: Help us, good Lord.L: From all sin, from all error, from all evil;From the crafts and assaults of the devil; from sudden and evil death; From pestilence and famine; from war and bloodshed; from sedition and from rebellion; From lightning and tempest; from all calamity by fire and water; and from everlasting death:C: Good Lord, deliver us.L: By the mystery of Your holy incarnation; by Your holy nativity; By Your baptism, fasting, and temptation; by Your agony and bloody sweat; by Your cross and passion; by Your precious death and burial; By Your glorious resurrection and ascension; and by the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter:C: Help us, good Lord.L: In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death; and in the day of judgment:C: Help us, good Lord.L: We poor sinners implore YouC: to hear us, O Lord.L: To rule and govern Your holy Christian Church; to preserve all pastors and ministers of Your Church in the true knowledge and understanding of Your wholesome Word and to sustain them in holy living; To put an end to all schisms and causes of offense; to bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived; To beat down Satan under our feet; to send faithful laborers into Your harvest; and to accompany Your Word with Your grace and Spirit:C: We implore You to hear us, good Lord.L: To raise those who fall and to strengthen those who stand; and to comfort and help the weakhearted and the distressed:C: We implore You to hear us, good Lord.L: To give to all peoples concord and peace; to preserve our land from discord and strife; to give our country Your protection in every time of need; To direct and defend our president and all in authority; to bless and protect our magistrates and all our people; To watch over and help all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation; to protect and guide all who travel; To grant all women with child, and all mothers with infant children, increasing happiness in their blessings; to defend all orphans and widows and provide for them; To strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children; to free those in bondage; and to have mercy on us all:C: We implore You to hear us, good Lord.L: To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers and to turn their hearts; to give and preserve for our use the kindly fruits of the earth; and graciously to hear our prayers:C: We implore You to hear us, good Lord.L: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,C: we implore You to hear us.L: Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,C: have mercy.L: Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,C: have mercy.L: Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,C: grant us Your peace.L: O Christ, C: hear us.L: O Lord, C: have mercy.L: O Christ, C: have mercy.L: O Lord, C: have mercy. Amen.
"The Cross and the Cost"
Sermon for the Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sermon Text: Luke 14:25-35 (Jesus speaks about the uncompromising demands of discipleship)
Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA (LCMS)
TLCnorfolk.com
Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)
One Body: Why Doctrine Matters (and How It Unites the Church)Lesson 1 in our year-long study of what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess.
Click here to view the lesson slides
Lesson Highlights:
What is “theology”? Why the source must be God’s self-revelation in Scripture—not personal imagination.
The Gospel aim of all theology: that we believe and have life in Jesus’ name.
Growing up into Christ: Scripture teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains us.
Doctrine ≠ dusty details—it’s the content of what the Church believes, teaches, and confesses.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture as the norming norm) and why creeds/confessions are trustworthy normed norms.
Irenaeus’s mosaic: rearranged Bible pieces can paint a fox instead of a king—why summaries guard the whole.
Vocation: parents, pastors, and saints teaching saints—catechesis as normal Christian life.
Mission: “make disciples” = Baptize + Teach.