Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel FL
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About Kurt Steinbrueck

http://faithwesleychapel.com

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Daily Devotion – In the Beginning
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion – In the Beginning

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Genesis 1:1–3

"In the Beginning"

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

There are moments when life feels like a blank page…or maybe more like a mess than a blank page.

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Person looking at the starsThings feel unformed, uncertain, even chaotic. You’re not sure what’s coming next, or how anything good could come out of what you’re facing.

That’s where the Bible begins.

“In the beginning…” not with single celled animals, not with clarity, not with everything already in place—but with God.

Before anything else existed, God was already there. And when He begins His work, He doesn’t struggle or strain. He speaks.

“Let there be light.”

And there is.

That’s how God works. He brings something out of nothing. He speaks into darkness, and light comes. He doesn’t need ideal conditions or even something already there to work with. His Word creates what it says.

And that matters for you.

Because there are places in your life that feel like darkness, places that feel empty or uncertain or unfinished. You might wish you had more clarity, more direction, more control.

But the same God who spoke light into the darkness at the beginning is still speaking. He speaks through His Word. And His Word still does what it says.

  • It brings light where there is darkness.
  • It brings life where things feel dead.
  • It brings order where there is chaos.
  • It brings hope where there seems to be none.

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - The BibleYou may not see the whole picture yet. In Genesis 1, light comes before everything is fully formed. God’s work unfolds over time. But it begins with His Word breaking into the darkness.

And that’s still how He works.

It begins with God’s Word working on you to create faith, to bring light to your darkness. That Word continues to work on you day and day out. Every time you hear it or read it, God works through His Word.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

So whatever feels unfinished or unclear today, start here: God is present, and He is speaking through His Word. And when He speaks, things change.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

You spoke light into the darkness at the beginning. Speak Your Word into my life today. Where things feel uncertain or empty, bring Your light, Your life, and Your hope. Help me trust that You are still at work, even when I cannot yet see the full picture.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Daily Devotion – Who Is God to You?
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion – Who Is God to You?

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Exodus 20:1–2 and Matthew 22:37

"Who Is God to You?"

“And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:1-2)

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - The Ten CommandmentsWhen you think about the Ten Commandments, what do you think about?

Most people think, “A list of rules.” Things you should do. Things you shouldn’t do. They think of it as a moral checklist.

But that’s not where God starts. Before He gives a single command, He says who He is.

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

In other words: I am the God who saves you.

That should change how you think about the Ten Commandments. God doesn’t begin with demands. He begins with deliverance. He doesn’t say, “Obey me so I will be your God.” He says, “I am your God. I have already acted for you. I’m shown you My love and My goodness. Now listen to my voice.”

That’s how the the Bible frames our understanding the commandments—not as a ladder to climb, but as a life that flows from a relationship already given.

And that raises a deeper question.

Who is God to you?

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - God delivering His People out of EgyptIt’s easy to say, “God exists.” It’s even easy to say, “God matters.” But the First Commandment (which we’ll begin tomorrow) presses further:

  • What or who do you trust?
  • Who or what do you turn to when things fall apart?
  • What do you rely on for security, meaning, and hope?

That’s your god.

For Israel, it was tempting to look back to Egypt, or ahead to other nations and their idols. For us, it might be money, success, control, reputation, or even our own ability to hold life together.

But none of those save. Only the Lord does.

And He has. Not just in Egypt—but in Jesus.

Before He calls you to live a certain way, He has already acted for you. He has come into your world that is corrupted by sin, suffered in your place, and brought you out of slavery to sin through His death and resurrection.

That means your life with God doesn’t begin with what you do. It begins with what He has done. When Jesus says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, that love comes as a response for the love He has already shown you.

So today, don’t start with a checklist.

Start with this:
The Lord is your God. And He has already come for you, already freed you from slavery and saved you.

Let’s pray…

Lord God,

You are my God—not because I have earned it, but because You have chosen me and acted for me. Help me to trust You above all things. As I begin this journey through Your commandments, teach me to see not just what You require, but who You are for me—my Savior.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Daily Devotion – A New Beginning
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion – A New Beginning

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Mark 1:1–13

"A New Beginning"

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.”

If you were introducing someone important, how would you begin?

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Gospel of MarkYou might talk about where they came from. Their background. Their accomplishments. You’d build a case for why they matter.

Mark the disciple of Jesus turned Evangelist does something very different.

He starts like this:

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)

No warm-up. No backstory. Just a bold announcement. This is good news. And it’s about Jesus. And He is the Son of God.

Before we see what Jesus does, we’re told who He is.

Then the scene shifts to the wilderness. A man named John appears, calling people to repentance. Prepare the way. Get ready. Something is coming. Or rather, Someone.

People come. They confess. They are baptized. There’s a sense that God is about to act.

And then Jesus steps into the water. Not because He needs forgiveness. He doesn’t. But because He steps into our place—right from the beginning.

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Jesus graffitiAs He comes up from the water, everything changes.

  • Heaven is torn open.
  • The Spirit descends.
  • The Father speaks:

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Before Jesus preaches or heals and before He suffers…The Father declares His love.

And then, immediately, the wilderness again. This is not a celebration—but a confrontation. Jesus is driven into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. He stands where humanity has failed. Where Israel failed. Where we fail.

And He does not fall. He remains faithful.

So in just these opening verses, we already see something essential. Jesus is not just a teacher. He is:

  • The Son of God, sent from the Father
  • The One who steps into our place
  • The One who stands firm where we do not

Before we are told what to do…We are shown who He is.

That matters.

Because Christianity does not begin with your effort to reach God. It begins with God coming to you.

Let’s pray…

Lord Jesus,

At the very beginning, You show us who You are—the Son of God who steps into our place. Help me to see You clearly as I walk through this Gospel. Strengthen my faith to trust You, not just understand You.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Daily Devotion – Two Ways
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion – Two Ways

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Psalm 1:1–3

“Two Ways”

“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”

How many choices have you already made today?

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Two waysSome were small. What to wear. What to eat. What to say. Some choices feel small in the moment but shape more than we realize.

Psalm 1 opens the entire book of Psalms with a contrast. Not ten options or a spectrum.

Two ways.

There is the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.

The blessed man in Psalm 1 is described first by what he does not do. He does not walk in certain counsel. He does not stand in certain paths. He does not sit in certain company. All three of these are in opposition to God.

  • Are you listening to those who hold a worldly view rather than those who follow God’s Word? Who you listen to influences your thoughts.
  • Have you positioned yourself with the sinners? Is the foundational stance of your life one that loves sin over God’s commands?
  • Do you scoff at God’s Word and mock Him?

Psalm 1 doesn’t just warn. It also shows us something better.

The blessed man delights in the law of the Lord. He meditates on it day and night.

That word “meditate” doesn’t mean emptying your mind. It means filling it. Turning God’s Word over and over. Rehearsing it. Letting it shape how you think, decide, and respond.

And what happens?

He becomes like a tree planted by streams of water.

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Tree by waterNot a wild tree hoping rain will come. A planted tree. Intentionally placed near a steady source of life. When heat comes, when drought comes, the roots still hold.

That’s the picture of faith shaped by the Word.

But if we’re honest, we haven’t always walked the right way. We’ve listened to the wrong voices. We’ve sat too comfortably in places we shouldn’t.

Psalm 1 ultimately both describes Jesus and drives us to Him.

There is only one man who perfectly delighted in the Father’s Word. Only one who never walked in sin. Only one whose life bore perfect fruit.

Jesus.

And because of Him, we are forgiven for the times we have chosen the wrong path. Because of Him, we are planted again by living water. Because of Him, we are not counted among the wicked, but among the righteous. Romans tells us Jesus literally puts His righteousness on us.

So today, the question is simple:

Which voices are shaping you?

Where are your roots?

God’s Word is not a burden. It is water. It is life. It is stability in a shifting world.

Blessed is the one whose life is planted there.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

There are many voices competing for my attention. Root me in Your Word. Forgive me for the times I have followed the wrong path. Plant me firmly by the living water of Christ, that my life would bear fruit in Him.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Order of Service for April 5, 2026
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Order of Service for April 5, 2026

Order of Service for Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026

You are invited to worship with us at 11:00 am on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Below, you will find the Order of Service so you can follow along and participate in the worship service. If you would prefer, you can also download a bulletin here:

Regular Bulletin

Large-Print Bulletin

Before we start, please share the live stream on your favorite social media site and invite your friends.

Order of Service / Bulletin for This Week

Welcome

Old Testament Reading – Job 19:23-27

“Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Opening Song: I Know that My Redeemer Lives 

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives triumphant from the grave.
He lives eternally to save.
He lives all-glorious in the sky.
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!
I Know That My Redeemer Lives!                                     © Public Domain

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

Psalm 118:15-29

P: Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous:
C: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

P: The right hand of the Lord exalts,
C: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

P: I shall not die, but I shall live,
C: And recount the deeds of the Lord.

P: The Lord has disciplined me severely,
C: But he has not given me over to death.

All: Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
Women: This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

Men: I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
All: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

P: This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
C: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

P: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We take a moment to reflect on our lives and confess our sins.

(A moment of silence to reflect and confess)

C: Save us, we pray, O Lord!

All: Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ and His suffering and death on the cross, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

P: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
C: We bless you from the house of the Lord.

P: The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.

P: The Lord our God is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.  Therefore, I announce unto you the grace of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.  In His stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

P: You are my God; I will extol you.
All: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

 

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: Lift High the Cross

Chorus:
Lift high the cross the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come Christians, follow where our captain trod,
Our King victorious, Christ, the Son of God.

(Chorus)

All newborn servants of the crucified,
Bear on their brows the seal of him who died.

(Chorus)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw us all to Thee.

(Chorus)

Let ev’ry race and ev’ry language tell,
Of Him who saves our lives from death and hell.

(Chorus)

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory!

(Chorus)                                                               © 1974 Hope Publishing Company

Epistle Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

1st Gospel Reading – John 17:20-21

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Children’s Message

2nd Gospel Reading – John 20:11-18

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Sermon Song: Jesus Christ is Risen, Today

Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
Praise Him, all ye heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!                               © Public Domain

Sermon – “Faith, but not Blind Faith”

Prayers

Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen

Offering (Please click to give online)

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing song is below the lyrics as an embedded YouTube video.

Please see the announcements below as well.

God bless and thank you for worshiping with Faith!

Plan Your In-Person Visit for Next Week

Closing Song Lyrics: Crown Him With Many Crowns

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife, for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of love. Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds yet visible above in beauty glorified.
No angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,
But downward bend their wond’ring eyes at mysteries so bright.

Crown him the Lord of Heaven, enthroned in worlds above.
Crown Him the King to whom is given the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall.
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.                      © Public Domaine

Closing Song Video:

News and Announcements

Upcoming Events

Apr 9, 7 PM – In-Person Growth Group Bible Study
Renee’s home

Apr 9, 7 PM – Online Growth Group Bible Study
Zoom

Apr 12, After the Service – In-Person Growth Group Bible Study
Faith Lutheran Church

Apr 12, 6 PM – Youth Group (Activities and Bible Study)
Grace Community Church

Serving Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, New Tampa, Lutz, and the Surrounding Communities

Plan Your In-Person Visit for Next Week
Daily Devotion: Holy Week – The Day of Waiting
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion: Holy Week – The Day of Waiting

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Luke 23:50–56

“The Day of Waiting”

“Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”

How do you handle waiting?

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Waiting in the hospitalThere are times in life when all you can do is wait.

You’ve done what you can. You’ve said what needs to be said. And now there is nothing left to do but sit in the quiet and wait for what comes next.

I remember when my daughter was born. What started as a natural birth ran into complication that required a C-section with full anesthesia. So, they took Melissa out of the room. I followed them to the O.R., but could not go in. All I could do is stand there an wait.

Those moments can feel heavy.

That is where this day of Holy Week brings us.

Jesus has died.

His body has been taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb. The stone is rolled into place. The crowds have dispersed. The noise and chaos of the previous day have given way to silence.

For the disciples, everything has changed.

  • The One they followed is gone.
  • The One they trusted has been crucified.
  • The One they hoped in now lies in a tomb.

There is no clear path forward. No explanation that makes sense of it all. Only grief, confusion, and silence.

And so, they wait.

This day does not have the intensity of Good Friday. It does not yet have the joy of Easter morning. It sits in between, in a place that feels uncertain and unresolved.

We know that kind of place.

There are times when we do not see what God is doing. Times when His work seems hidden and we are left waiting, without answers and without clarity.

Holy Saturday reminds us that waiting is part of the life of faith. But it also reminds us of something else.

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Woman reading the Bible about restEven in the silence, God is still at work.

Nothing that happened on Good Friday has been undone. Jesus has already accomplished the sacrifice He came to offer. The forgiveness of sins has been won. The price has been paid in full.

The disciples cannot yet see what is coming.

But we can.

We know that the tomb will not remain closed. We know that death will not have the final word and what looks like an ending is about to become a beginning.

That does not remove the weight of this day.

But it changes how we wait.

We do not wait without hope. We wait trusting that God is still working, even when we cannot see it.

As Holy Week comes to a close, we find ourselves in that quiet space between promise and fulfillment. But this is what the life of faith is, isn’t it?

Ever since we came to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we have been waiting. We wait for the ultimate fulfillment of Easter, the resurrection that is to come. We long for the day when sin is eradicated and we spend eternity with each other in the full presence of God.

That day will come, but we must wait. We are in a life-long Saturday, but remember that Saturday was the Sabbath, a day of rest. So to, even as we wait, we rest. We rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

In times of waiting, when we do not understand what You are doing, help us to trust in You. Remind us that Your work continues even in silence. Keep us grounded in the hope of Jesus Christ and the salvation He has accomplished for us and the hope of the feast that is to come.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Order of Service for April 3, 2026
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Order of Service for April 3, 2026

Order of Service for April 3, 2026

You are invited to worship with us at 7:00pm on Friday April 3, 2026 for a traditional Good Friday service.

Below, you will find the Order of Service so you can follow along and participate in the worship service. If you would prefer, you can also download a bulletin here:

Regular Bulletin

Large-Print Bulletin

Before we start, please share the live stream on your favorite social media site and invite your friends.

Order of Service / Bulletin for This Week

About the Service

Tenebrae

Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness.” The Officium Tenebrae, the Service of Darkness, is a devotional and meditative service held on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Service of Darkness is not a funeral service for Jesus but a time for repentance and reflection on his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The darkness in the church symbolizes the miraculous Tenebrae, the darkness which surrounded the cross and darkened the earth from noon until three o’clock on the day Jesus died.

Seven Candles

There are seven candles and the Christ candle in the front of the church. Throughout the service the candles are extinguished and the lights are dimmed representing the extinguishing of the life of Jesus. The Christ candle is not extinguished but it is removed from the chancel. Just as Christ’s body was hidden in the grave until the third day so also is the Christ candle removed from sight for a short time. We then hear the loud sound of the Bible closing representing the stone being set in place in front of the tomb. The Christ candle is returned to its place at the end of the service foreshadowing Christ’s return from death to life.

Silence

In keeping with the solemnity of the day, there is no pre-service or post-service music. The service begins in silence and ends in silence. Worshipers are invited to remain after the service for as long as they wish for prayer and meditation. All are asked to leave the sanctuary, the courtyard and the parking lot in silence. The stillness and darkness of tonight are intended to contrast with the bright and glorious celebration of Easter morning

Preservice: Silence for Meditation

Invocation

Responsive Prayer

P: Come let us worship the Lord,
C: Who was obedient to death, even death on a cross.

P: God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
C: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

P: Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
C: As a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Confession and Forgiveness (Hebrews 4:14-16)

P: Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,
C: Let us hold fast our confession.

P: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
C: But one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

P: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,
C: That we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need.

(Time of Silent Reflection and Confession)

P: Let us confess our sins before the Lord.
C: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. …Deliver me from my guilt, O God

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. Here the promise of our merciful God in 1 John chapter 1. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God’s promises are always true. Your sins are forgiven.
C: Amen

1st  Reading – Luke 23:32-38

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Message: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The First Candle is Extinguished

Song: Go to Dark Gethsemane (vs 1 and 2)

“Go to dark Gethsemane, all that feel the tempter’s power.
Your Redeemer’s conflict see; watch with Him one bitter hour.
Turn not from His griefs away. Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.

Follow to the judgment hall; View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall! O the pangs His soul sustained! 
Shun not suffering, shame or loss; learn of Him to bear the cross.                  © Public Domain

2nd Reading – Luke 23:39-43

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Message: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Second Candle is Extinguished

Song: What Wondrous Love is This (vs 1 and 2)

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul.
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

3rd Reading – John 19:25-27

but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Message: “Woman, behold, your son!”

The Third Candle is Extinguished

Song: Old Rugged Cross (vs 1 and 3)

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame.
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see.
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

(Chorus)

4th Reading – Matthew 27:45-46

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Message: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

The Fourth Candle is Extinguished

Song: When I Survey (vs 1 and 3)

When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

See from his head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.                            © Public Domain

5th Reading – John 19:28-29

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

Message: “I thirst.”

The Fifth Candle is Extinguished

Song: Were You There (vs 1 and 2)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?                        © Public Domain

6th Reading – Luke 23:44-46

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

Message: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

The Sixth Candle is Extinguished

Song: Were You There (vs 3)

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?                                    © Public Domain

7th Reading – John 19:30

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Message: “It is finished.”

The Seventh Candle is Extinguished

The Lord’s Prayer (Spoken softly by the congregation)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Christ Candle is Removed and Extinguished

THE CLOSING OF THE BIBLE AND THE “STREPITUS”

The Christ Candle is Returned (The candle is unlit.)

The Service Ends and the People Exit in Silence

Offering (Please click to give online)

Please see the announcements below as well.

God bless and thank you for worshiping with Faith!

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News and Announcements

Upcoming Events

Apr 5, 10 AM – Easter Breakfast | 11 AM – Easter Worship
Noon – Egg Grab
Faith Lutheran Church

 

Serving Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, New Tampa, Lutz, and the Surrounding Communities

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Daily Devotion: Holy Week – At the Cross
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion: Holy Week – At the Cross

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Luke 23:32–49

“At the Cross”

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.”

Where were you on 9/11?

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Turning point signThere are moments in history that change everything.

  • Pearl Harbor
  • Rosa Parks sitting in the front of the bus
  • The first Christmas morning

At the time, they may not look like much. To the people who witness them, they can even seem like defeat. But later, we come to see that everything turned on that moment.

Good Friday is one of those moments.

Jesus is led outside the city. He has been arrested, tried (unjustly), mocked, and beaten. Now He is nailed to a cross between two criminals. The crowds watch. Some mock Him. Others simply stand by, unsure of what to make of it all.

From the outside, it looks like the end.

  • Another man condemned.
  • Another life taken.
  • Another failed hope.

But this is not a failure.

This is the very reason Jesus came.

Everything throughout this week has been leading to this moment. Every step toward Jerusalem, every word He spoke, every confrontation in the temple—all of it has been moving toward the cross.

Because here, Jesus does what no one else can do.

He takes the place of sinners, bears their sin, endures judgment, and suffers hell.

This is not just suffering. It is substitution.

Jesus is not dying for His own wrongdoing. He has none. He is dying for the sins of the world. He is carrying guilt that does not belong to Him so that forgiveness can be given to those who do not deserve it.

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - Jesus on the crossThat includes you.

It is easy to think of the cross as something that happened long ago, something we observe from a distance. But Scripture brings it closer than that.

Jesus goes to the cross for you, for your forgiveness.

And even in the middle of His suffering, we see what He is accomplishing. He shows us right there on the cross. 

  • He speaks words of forgiveness.
  • He promises paradise to the criminal beside Him.
  • He entrusts Himself to the Father.

This is not defeat. This is salvation.

When Jesus dies, it may look like everything has ended. But in reality, everything has been accomplished.

This, along with the resurrection, is the most significant moment in the history of all creation. Everything turns on Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is also the most significant moment for you. This moment, along with the moment you received it through faith, changed the eternal course of your life.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the cross of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His suffering and death, You have accomplished our salvation. Help us to see what He has done for us and to trust in the forgiveness He has won. Keep us in that faith and lead us to live in the hope of what He has accomplished.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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Good Friday Worship Songs
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Good Friday Worship Songs

Sunday Worship Songs

Have you ever had a Sunday where you didn’t know the songs very well?

Would you like to know all of them?

Each week we post the songs on Facebook, usually on Friday, as well as in a blog post. You can find the topic of the sermon, the readings for the week, and a list of the songs. We also post links to Youtube videos with those songs so you can hear them and get to know them before Sunday.

Below are this week’s songs and readings.

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Lutheran Worship Songs
Daily Devotion: Holy Week – Given for You
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Daily Devotion: Holy Week – Given for You

The Other Six Daily Devotion - Luke 22:14–20

“Given for You”

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

What are the most significant memories you have?

The Other Six - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - The Last Supper paintingThere are moments in life that take on deeper meaning over time.

At the time, they may seem important or not, but it’s only later—after everything unfolds—that you begin to understand just how significant they were.

That is what is happening for the disciples on this night.

They are gathered with Jesus to celebrate the Passover, a meal they had known since childhood. It was a reminder of how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. Every part of the meal pointed back to that moment of rescue and salvation.

But this time, something changes.

Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, and breaks it. Then He gives it to them with words they have never heard before. He does the same with the cup.

In that moment, He connects this familiar meal to something entirely new.

The disciples don’t yet understand what He means. How could they? The cross is still ahead of them. The suffering, the death, and the resurrection have not yet taken place. They are receiving something for which the meaning will only become clear in the days to come.

But Jesus knows exactly what He is doing.

He is preparing them for what is about to happen, and He is also giving them something they will continue to receive after it happens.

Because this is not just a meal for that night.

Daily Devotion - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL - CommunionIt is a gift for His people.

In it, Jesus gives the very thing He is about to accomplish on the cross. He gives His body and His blood for the forgiveness of sins. This is not simply a reminder of what He will do. It is His way of delivering that forgiveness to His people over and over again.

And He gives it personally.

He does not say, “given for many” in a distant or abstract way. He gives it to those sitting at the table. And through His Word, He gives it to you.

That is what makes this moment so powerful.

Jesus does not wait for His disciples to fully understand. He does not wait for them to prove themselves. He gives them what they need, knowing what lies ahead.

You may not completely understand how Jesus gives us His body and blood in the bread and wine. I don’t think any of us do. He doesn’t wait for you to prove yourself, just be repentant and believe. He then gives you exactly what you need. 

  • Forgiveness.
  • Life.
  • Salvation.

All of it comes from Him, not just as a remembrance, but as a gift right then. If you ever wonder whether you are forgiven, ask yourself, “Did I tasted the bread and drink the wine?” God gave you forgiveness when you did.

As Holy Week continues, we move closer to the cross, where Jesus will accomplish everything necessary for our salvation. But here, before that moment arrives, He is already placing its benefits into the hands of His people.

That is still what He does.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, who gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Help us to receive this gift with faith and to trust in what Jesus has done for us. Strengthen us through His grace and keep us in that forgiveness.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

  • Your family
  • Your local church
  • Your pastor
  • Some of your fellow church members
  • The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
  • Your country and her leaders
  • Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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