This message invites you to wake up—to the truth about your sin and the even greater truth about your Savior. Like Neo in The Matrix, we’re offered a choice: stay trapped in comforting illusion or see reality through Jesus’ eyes. From John 8, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Discover real freedom—not in doing whatever feels right, but in being anchored to God’s Word and released by his grace. Recorded at Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Flagstaff, AZ.

This sermon, celebrating the Wisconsin Synod's 175th anniversary, uses the story of Jesus calling Peter and the miraculous catch of fish from Luke 5 to illustrate our calling as 'fishers of people.' Pastor Habben emphasizes that Jesus sometimes asks us to do things that don't make sense, like Peter fishing in deep water during the day, but obedience to Christ's word brings unexpected blessings. Despite our sinfulness, Jesus doesn't turn away from us but instead calls us to partner with him in the great mission of sharing the Gospel.

The message challenges believers to trust Jesus even when his commands seem counterintuitive, particularly in areas like faithful stewardship and evangelism. Just as Peter experienced an overwhelming catch of fish when he obeyed Jesus' seemingly illogical fishing instructions, we too can trust that God's promises are reliable.