Sermon Dec. 26, 2021 The first Sunday after Christmas

Title: Christ dwells in you as the light of the world!
Text: Colossians 3:12-17

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16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Christmas is here!

But the world says … “It’s time to move on.”

The 24-hour radio stations that started playing Christmas music have had enough. It is back to your regularly scheduled programming. It is a bit of how it is for we in the church as well. Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day and then today may still hold the Christmas spirit for some, but tomorrow is Monday and for many we go back to work.

Granted some have the week off and the kids are out of school. But, after this weekend and services on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and all the family activities … we all might feel like it is time for a bit of a break too.

Life is real. It doesn’t let you collect your thoughts and relax at times. It can press in on you day in and day out. You and I know how that is.

As Paul writes in our Epistle to the Colossians:

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved - compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Paul here reminds the Colossians who they are - as God’s chosen ones, that they were the reason that God became man in Christ. The incarnation had to happen so that the once for all sacrifice could be made at the cross and because of that reality they are – in Christ – holy and beloved.

The world can bring out the best and the worst in people. Now also, we see at Christmas - acts of kindness, generosity and love but it can fade quickly with Christians and Non-Christians alike.

Compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, are not the normal reaction of sinful man.

We tend to react in selfish, heartless, prideful, bold and impatient ways.

A sampling of the News Headlines, tell the tale.

*Disruptive Fight Breaks Out at Universal as Guests Crowd to Watch Holiday Parade.

*Violence continues in Pittsburgh as fight breaks out at grocery store.

*Two, shot and killed after fight breaks out at liquor store.

*Disgraceful scenes as fight breaks out at shopping center on Christmas Eve.

*All-out brawl breaks out between female diners at Texas I-Hop.

[This one even had a baby booster seat being thrown at diners!]

Earlier in Paul’s letter he had reminded the Colossians to put on the new self.

3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

At home and in private let your life and actions demonstrate your new life in Christ.

3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

As Christians, Christmas needs to be in our hearts and minds each and every day of the year.

Bearing with one another … forgiving each other; 14 And above all … putting on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The Lord’s forgiveness should cause our own forgiveness to spring forth from us because we have been forgiven much.

But we remain sinful - though forgiven - and it is a struggle each day. The Colossians needed reminding and we too need reminding.

Selfish, heartless, prideful, bold, and impatient people need to be reminded that in Christ we have been changed.

Just as God’s son was forever changed when he became man at the incarnation, we also, in Christ have put on the new man. No longer are we God’s enemies but God’s friends. We are his beloved children, having been clothed in Christ, and that change should also be evident in our daily lives as well.

In our gospel reading Simeon – a man we’re told who was righteous and devout was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

We too have been given this peace in the Christ who from infancy grew to manhood as the man – Christ Jesus – who took the sins of the world upon himself delivering God’s peace and consolation to we who are spiritual Israel by faith in his blessed work!

Paul reminds the Colossians and us as well.

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

God’s word whether heard, read, meditated upon, or sung from a thankful heart is where God’s peace through the working of his Holy Spirit lives and can be found.

Here - at Peace, there is Peace proclaimed, peace sung, peace delivered and peace received each and every week.

God has promised to be where his people gather and where his gifts of word and sacrament are rightly administered and delivered.

Here after another week in the world where it is often not loving, helpful, or kind and where the walls of division stand tall within our country and around our homes we can make a difference reflecting Christ.

Come and receive all that the Lord has to give and then reflect that gift of love, peace and forgiveness to others as you shine the light of Christ brightly in this New Year.

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Dec. 25, 2021 Christmas Day

Title: Christ is the light of life!
Text: John 1:4-5

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In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Today through the eyes of faith, and at His incarnation we see in the manger, a baby the Christ child and say: “Here is my God!”

Christ is the light of life!

John 1:1-18 has been one of my favorite sections of scripture. It expresses the deity of Jesus Christ, His glory that he has with the father and the abundance of His name which is full of grace and truth.

In the beginning, God, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit parallels in John 1:1 what is said by him in Genesis 1:1.

As God, in the beginning created the heavens and the earth, so too we learn from John’s gospel that “in the beginning was the Word,” that the “Word was with God.” And that “the Word was God.”

What is evident in Genesis 1 is that God is a plurality as creator and that His Spirit hovered over the face of the waters and that God spoke and said, “Let there be light.” Genesis 1:3

This is in John’s gospel elaborated, expanded and explained … as the Word, that from the beginning … was with God and that He was God and that through Him, through the “Word,” all things were made.

In Genesis the light that God set forth by His “Word” is the light of men and though the darkness cannot overcome it, this light of the “Word” continues to shines forth.

God’s light that shines forth in his Word and whom God is made known by, is revealed by the One who has seen God and is God and to whom his children believe and know his name. This name of the “Word” is the eternal name which John came to testify to, so that the world might recognize him … the eternal God.

YHWH, is the name by which the Word, from eternity, has been made known to the world and by revelation and by faith we know Him to be Jesus.

Christ is the light of life!

Not all see the “Glory” that is only revealed by faith in the Christ. Not all see salvation in him; because it is made know by that same faith and working of the Holy Spirit. But though not recognized, salvation is there – in the child - none the less.

The Hebrews text from our epistle for today says that this Christ child:
3 … is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

He came in the flesh so that those who are unable to see … that was you and me and in fact the entire world born in sin could be made righteous, could be made new, could be born again … from above … born of God … and given new life in Him.

The world doesn’t want to hear this, and the world doesn’t want to see this, and that is what makes this child and this birth ever more amazing!

Because he came anyway, despite the hatred … despite the sin, he came for you.

Since last Christmas many dear members took their rest in Jesus.

Some I got to pray with and most I officiated at their funerals. From Heinz Hoffman at the beginning of January to Marion Regentin just last week it has been a time of loss. The Lord has graciously received them all.

Marion close Psalm 103 for her funeral. It is a psalm of joy, hope and blessing. I’d like to share a few verses.

Psalm 103

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!


And that’s how it is with God! From its very opening pages, all the way to the end of the book, the Bible is a story about how God has pursued us with joyful love … an unchanging and unquenchable and UNDESERVED love, because he wants us to come home … to his house! And we do that in this life through the gift of grace by faith! It’s an amazing privilege.

Christ is the light of life!

The joy we feel today is reflected in Christ, the child in the manger that we celebrate today. Though given as a gift there was a real price to be paid. This very son of God came to redeem the world by His life, death on the cross for you and his glorious resurrection assures that you will rise too!

Today you too need to see Jesus for who He is; the author and finisher of your faith. He is the one who has taken away the sins of the world and in Him you have life eternal – because his gift is perfect!

The good news is that through the working of the Holy Spirit you have been brought to faith and through the means of grace, of word and sacrament, you are continually built up in Christ being made holy in Him, this beautiful child of Bethlehem that was prophesized long ago.

The truth that we are given in this Christ is not fiction. It is the true and blessed working of our Lord to redeem the lost, you and me. You have been forgiven and are found in him. Rejoice in this blessed gift of God!

Jesus became flesh for you and is your salvation!

Do not fear what this world gives but see what God gave, in his child … in his manger.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Sermon Dec. 24, 2021 Christmas Eve

Title: The brightest light of all is Jesus!
Text: Isaiah 9:2-7

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The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy;

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Tonight we celebrate the eve of our Lord’s nativity. The coming of Jesus the Christ of God, born of Mary and born to set us free from the inherited nature we are all born into, born in sin, and born to die.

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.

The light of Christ has been brought to a world dead in darkness.

Because death came to all humanity and in Adam’s fall all die. The fall into sin condemns us as God’s enemies. No friend of God, we are all condemned to a life apart from God’s love and destined to live in time, daily, without faith, peace, or hope in the world.

You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

For those in faith and those apart from faith the Lord’s abundance flows. Sun and moon, day and night, rains, fields, flocks and harvest all provided from the hand of the Lord, give life and sustenance to all those created in the image of God. We all live by God’s mercy with each and every breath we take. In fact, life is a gift from God. We know that whether a Christian or not all die and so death is given to all born in the natural way form the child in the womb to the aged needing around the clock care. With Life, death is the promised fulfillment in the world. Long life or short, rich or poor we all will be brought to the doors of death and death will win.

The joy tonight is not in our station in this life or what we have achieved. Our joy is in the savior who came in humility and reigns in glory. As Jesus himself said as his disciples cried out at his triumphal entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

38 … “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

The rocks themselves would cry out repeating the sounding joy of our Rock Jesus

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”

For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

The yoke of those burdened by sin has been broken and the rod of the oppressor has been overcome. Just as in the days of the Judges when Gideon and 300 men overcame the much larger Midianite Army by the power and word of the Lord. So too the word made flesh in the incarnate son of God will vanquish sin, death, and the devil for you and me.

For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.

The wages of sin is overcome in the blood of the lamb. Where we daily battle sin and death, God has placed the work of Jesus, apprehended in faith and made sure by the Spirit, we who believe have overcome the fires of hell and an eternity separated from God receiving the promise of eternal life in Jesus.
The consequence of sin has been changed for you and me. To believe in Jesus, this Christ child gives us life. Life not to walk in sin – though we remain in the sinful tent of our flesh, but to walk in the Spirit, the promise of faith and belief in the one whom God has sent to redeem those born in sin and born to die.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace is Jesus!

His peace comes in this manger and in this child but it is made known to you and me in Baptism.

In Baptism we are marked as his.
In Baptism we are given faith.
In Baptism we receive Jesus by the work of his Spirit.
In Baptism death is swallowed up in victory and …
In Baptism we are raised to newness of life!

In Him, in Jesus, God restores the broken.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

By the Word of God and through his Holy Spirit our Lord calls and gathers his children. He sits on the throne of David forever and rules with justice and righteousness. His reign will never end and his love for the lost continues until his coming in power and glory to raise the dead in Christ and gather those who are longing for his reappearing

It is God’s desire and wonders of his love to rule your hearts and minds by his son the incarnate word of God. God who was made flesh in the person and work of Jesus for you and in him God gives hope and peace and true Joy to the world!

Luke’s gospel gives that same hope, promise, and joy with these words in Chapter 2: 11-14

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Sermon Dec. 18-19, 2021 Fourth Sunday in Advent

Title: In Christ, the blessings of the Lord are yours!
Text: Luke 1:39-45

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41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

The coming of Jesus is God’s fulfillment for the world lost in sin as Jesus makes clear in John Chapter 6:

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. …

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

A few years ago, in adult Bible Study we learned that Bethlehem Ephrathah means “the house of bread.” It will play a special role in God’s plan as the prophet Micah records in our Old Testament reading for today:

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)

This “house of bread”, Bethlehem, would become the place where the true bread from heaven, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior would come down to save His people from the power of sin, death and the Devil’s working in their lives.

From this tiny town the salvation of the world would emerge.

Mary, who just a little bit earlier in Luke’s gospel reading, would have a visitation from the Angel Gabriel, announcing that she would have a very special role to play in God’s plan for restoring the gulf that was fixed by sin between God and man and we also have heard these past two weeks how John the Baptist would be used by God to prepare the way.

Today our Gospel reading moves back a bit in the story, some 30 plus years, to Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, another women used by God for a very important role. She would bear the prophet, John, who would be the greatest of all prophets as Jesus said in our Gospel reading from last week,

28 I tell you … among those born of women none is greater than John.

But this visit of Mary to Elizabeth was a bit different.
Mary with joyful energy and as the text says, “Arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,” and came to the house of Zachariah, where she greeted Elisabeth, just as you or I might great a relative or dear friend.

But then God performed a miracle. By the working of the Holy Spirit this unborn son of Elisabeth, at hearing Mary’s voice, was filled with the Holy Spirit. And so too Elizabeth, by this same Spirit acting in a miraculous way, also filled her as she spoke:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord (by special gifting of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth was given the knowledge and trusting faith to know who this child Mary was carrying truly was) should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:42b-44)

In Christ, the blessings of the Lord are yours!

So, what does the knowledge given you by the Holy Spirit about Jesus bring you? Is it an unstoppable kind of joy that might even cause you to leap?

If you’re like me, I joy in Christ … that he has given me freedom from sin …

but the Christmas season can be a drag at times too. Having worked in retail sales for most of my adult life I have found it hard to get joyful working extra hard and being consumed with all that needs to be done – during the holidays.

Many find the Christmas Season extra hard to deal with. Suicides are a major concern this time of year. Sadness at the holiday time can cause despair and for some the joy of the season doesn’t cut through the grief.

Now, add to all of this the fact that this child, this babe from Bethlehem, this Jesus, would become an offence to many.

He is an offense in our world for sure so much so that Merry Christmas has become just another happy holiday – handed down as corporate policy from the board rooms of many companies so that the true blessed meaning of Christmas has been neutered into just another sale or Hallmark or Lifetime movie – or lost altogether. Sound familiar?

The message of who Jesus is, who this child is that we wait for this Advent season … the one who caused the child in the womb of Elizabeth to jump for joy - this child Jesus Christ - came to conquer the power of evil and brokenness in this world, for you and for me.

An old post was shared on Facebook this past week and I saw it from my former college professor Dr. Pat O’Connor. His post said, “I’m not sorry I missed this.”

“BREAKFAST WITH SATAN SATURDAY DECEMBER 14”

The reality is … it was a prank a few years ago and the spelling change was quickly fixed by the school and locked with a padlock on the sign.

School pranks are nothing new. Many years ago, when I attended ARNO Elementary school in Allen Park we students who were in 3rd or 4th grade would think about climbing on the school roof where it had the letters A-R-N-O for Arno and wondering what it would take to take off the A and the R so that the building said NO SCHOOL.

We actually thought we wouldn’t have to go!

What about the future? In this PC and full inclusiveness cultural world that we live in, could we see Satan worshipers calling for equal time with Santa and Jesus at Christmas?

It is not out of the realm of possibilities. What would they serve at their breakfast … Hot dogs, Tabasco sauce, maybe Deviled eggs?

It is not beyond the pale in our culture that has really changed.

Don’t let the season be defined by the ways of the world.

Because, in Christ, the blessings of the Lord are yours!

For John in the womb and Elizabeth, the joy that is the Christ child came in a miraculous and unexpected way through Mary’s visit.

We too receive the joy that is Jesus Christ our Lord when He calls us to gather together in His name; where we receive his word and his sacraments giving us both faith and joy in this Christ child who came to free sinners, like you and me, from the enemy of our sin, from the death that it has brought to all who are conceived in sin and brought forth in iniquity, (Psalm 51.5) and finally to join us to Him who is God in the flesh for all eternity!

Our Joy is in the Christ child and that is for whom we await. He came for you and by the power of the Holy Spirit he gives you faith to leap for joy from the womb of death that you are born into, and by that same Spirit He lifts you into his loving arms never to let sin, death or the Devil pull you from the eternal life he gives.

In Christ, the blessings of the Lord are yours!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Friday December 17, 2021 Funeral for Marion I. Regentin

Title: Forgiven and loved!
Text: 2 Cor. 4:16-18 

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16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Dear friends, family and loved ones of our beloved Marion.

I’m Pastor Russ Tkac from Peace Lutheran Church in Waterford. I’ve been blessed to be Marion’s pastor for the last few years. Though Marion had many health problems over these last few years you can have comfort as I do that she is resting in the arms of Jesus.

I’m not sure how I’ll deal with Marion’s passing as I move forward. Granted, I visit and have visited quite a few members who are home bound and required visits to their homes, care facilities, and hospitals. With Marion, I think I’ve been to them all to see her.

Most of my visits were to her apartment in Waterford. Always neat and well-kept Marion – with and O and not an A - as she made sure I knew - took pride in her home as she did with her family. Always full of joy and stories of her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and their lives, our visits were simple as we sat and shared stories and talked.

When I would call her to set up a visit, she always wanted to know how I was doing? Having a history at St. Trinity and St. Stephens I was privileged to be added as one of her churches and pastors.

Marion dealt with trial and suffering in her life and with the loss of her dear Billy and more recently the loss of her dear Ruth – “Pastor, she told me once, she was my sister not a sister-n-law.”

Thankfully she was surrounded always by loving family who cared for her daily needs and doctor visits. Moving her to add to her own obituary that she was very happy because she was very loved!

Grandma “Teen-teen” of 16 blessed with 30 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, Marion was blessed and truly loved.

The Apostle Paul writes:

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

So, though we grieve and are sad at Marion’s passing, we can have comfort as well.

Our visits always included the Lord’s Supper and for that she was always thankful. She would bow her head and fold her hands in prayer for this special and comforting gift. It was Christ himself coming in his forgiving presence and allowing me to be the hands, feet and voice of Jesus just for her.

When Covid hit it required a change but Scott, Sue and Marion were faithful attenders on our Facebook live feed.

Marion though had a heart to heart with Scott as he told me, “Scott, you have to get me up earlier so I can get dressed for church!”

No, bathrobe wearing, church going lady there. Marion would be properly dressed for church!

That’s old school! Marion knew from where she came.

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins Eph. 2:1

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph 2:4-6

Marion knew that wonderful truth. But he also knew even better news! That her eternal home was prepared for her - body and soul – as, child, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and beloved dear friend.

So, though we grieve Marion’s passing, we can have comfort as well. She knew her savior Jesus and Jesus knew her.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

And if Marion has her way a little banjo music will accompany her walk into glory!

Doing a little search, there were 19 references to straw in the Bible but not one for Turkey. She’ll have to make a special request for Turkey in the straw at the throne of grace!

The Apostle Paul continues:

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Marion knew Christ was her strength. Lord knows that only through the strength of another could one endure all that she endured. In Christ, Marion had that strength, but God works through means and God’s strength came to Marion through the means Sue and Scott who brought that strength to her as they cared for her daily needs.

Marion had been a care giver so it is only fitting that care came to her from those she loved and by those who loved her. We all can’t be there or bring care in the same way. We all don’t live in the area so God gifts and blesses those who are close and can bring the care.

At times Marion appreciated being able to speak to me frankly.

We all were loved - but we all aren’t perfect and she needed to speak about that which burdened and bothered her – to me, about even those she loved, me included. She was kind to me and a dear friend.

She was a Sunday School teacher after all and no one wanted to be called to that desk!

Despite the hammer of repentance that we all needed to come to, the good news is that Jesus has promised to not lose a single one the Father had given him and that included dear Marion Regentin.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Marion knew her sins were forgiven on account of Jesus’ death on the cross.

She knew that because Jesus rose from the dead, she would too.

She knew Heaven was her eternal home and that Jesus had prepared a place for her, so that even with the veil of death lurking at the door and waiting to cover her, she had the blessed hope of reunion forever with Jesus and with all the dearly departed who have gone to their eternal rest in the Lord before him.

The Apostle Paul concludes:

18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

You too have this wonderful home waiting for you in Christ.

The blessed Good News that Jesus died for your sins is the wonderful Gospel message you too can believe and trust.

Jesus has forgiven your sin and by the power of the Holy Spirit, in you, has given you faith to believe in His saving work and receive a place prepared for you, forgiven in Christ and forever with our Lord and savior Jesus, and that’s a Heaven and an eternity you can inherit just like Marion.

It was a death that shook the very foundation of this world as Satan fought in every way to keep Jesus from standing in Marion’s place and in your place as well.

In First Corinthians St. Paul writes:

55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:54-58

Marion received that victory in baptism as one marked redeemed by Christ the crucified and now leaves the mortal bonds of this life behind.

She was prepared, she was forgiven, and she was loved and will be with Jesus forever because Christ has promised:

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

Praise be to the God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has prepared a place not only for Marion … but for you and me as well.

May the Lord comfort you with this blessed good news now and forever!

Amen

Sermon Dec 15, 2021Advent Midweek 3

Title: God has a purpose for the light of Christ in you!
Text: Romans 1:1–7

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Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Based on Sermon series Behold the light! Rev. Steven R. Schumacher 2018

Sermon Dec. 11-12, 2021Third Sunday in Advent

Title: Rejoice in the Lord always!
Text: Luke 7:18-28

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22 And [Jesus] answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

As a little boy, I use to get presents from relatives in Pennsylvania. As the presents came in, they would get arranged according to whom they were for and then … a certain little boy … I’m not saying who, would start counting the presents! If one of his brothers or my sister had more presents, it could take the joy of the Christmas season for the little boy and make Christmas seem joyless.

Today many of us are wrestling with the tragedy that occurred in Oxford. It has impacted everything. For many - their Christmas has become joyless - or nonexistent. But as we look at the Advent banner for today, we can Rejoice in the one to come, who will take all our pain away and has given us joy in His Gospel message of forgiveness.

Christ – the promised one - is the one to come and we can rejoice in this Good News!

The work of John the Baptist was talked about this past weekend. He was the one who would prepare the way, for another … but who?

The disciples of John had been reporting all these things to him and many of the healings. You might remember Jesus’ healing the Centurion’s servant. It is recorded earlier in Luke chapter 7 where the Centurion says:

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof … But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; … 9 When Jesus heard these things, … and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:7-9

Or, the funeral procession of the widow’s son from the town of Nain that Jesus came upon. And Jesus said to her also in Luke 7:

“Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched, the man and he said, “Young man … I say to you, arise.” And he gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:14-15

So this is the question that John wanted his disciples to answer …

“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

John knew that his own calling was to prepare the way … to be the one crying out in the wilderness … to point his followers to the Messiah, the Christ, the one who was to come.

The question that they asked of Jesus,

“Is it you? Are you the one? What should we tell John?”

Jesus, answering them said:

22 … “Go … tell John what you have seen and what you've heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Christ is the one to come, and we can rejoice in this Good News!

Some years ago Pastor Tom Fisher from Rochester did a sermon at one of our Pastor Circuit Meetings about God interrupting lives through the preaching of John the Baptist. Well, there was a terrible interruption to our Advent season this year.

Pastor Fisher’s message said:

"We must always be prepared for being interrupted by God". This interrupting opens us all up to God’s and is one of the core objectives of the Advent's message; … prepare ye the way of the Lord!"
Tragedy, interrupts our lives as does hospice, illness, Covid, supply chain disruptions and so much more.

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Jesus asks and wants to know a very important thing from these disciples who were following Him.

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live-in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.

Is there no one greater than John?

This prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord? When you think of some of the prophets; Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and on and-on-and John … is the greatest of all of these …

Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Rejoice in the Lord always!

You, who are the least in the Kingdom, are greater than John!

Think about that!

Christ has lifted you up!
He has redeemed you!
He has made you His own!
He has called you to be his child!
He has washed you clean in the blood of the Lamb!
He will feed you on His very body and blood given and shed for you!

You who deserve death have been given new life in Him. Rejoice in Him!

Martin Luther who was not only a great theologian and defender of the faith but quite a good hymn writer as well wrote this little hymn that it a great comfort for all who live this Christian life of faith:

Feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving;

My warrant is the Word of God— Naught else is worth believing
Though all my heart should feel condemned, for want of some sweet token,

There is One greater than my heart, whose Word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word, till soul and body sever,

For, though all things shall pass away ...

HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!

― Martin Luther

This Advent as we watch and wait, know that there is one who knows you and has known you from the foundation of the world and has called you to be His own child.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Dec 8, 2021Advent Midweek 2

Title: Shine the light of Christ together!
Text: Romans 15:4–7

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For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Based on Sermon series Behold the light! Rev. Steven R. Schumacher 2018

Sermon Dec. 4-5, 2021Second Sunday in Advent

Title: Thankful for you and the Lord’s work!
Text: Phi; 1:2-11

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3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

In life we give thanks for a lot of people.

Many are dear family and loved ones but at times, people we’ve crossed paths with come to mind and for their presence in our lives we thank God.

For me, Mary Foxall comes to mind. Little Mary, as she was called, would come up to the shoulder of the smallest adult you might think of. Sweet, and with a gravelly voice. She would come for music lessons at the store and bake sugar cookies for the staff to enjoy. Well into her 80’s, she was a breath of fresh air and a joyful remembrance in my life.

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

Paul too has a reason and cause for joy.

Praying for those at Philippi, that have partnered with him in the work of the Gospel, he remembers them in his prayers and does so with joy!

You, I’m sure have heard the old phrase:

“Find something that you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

That is the joy for the gospel that Paul and the Philippian believers felt compelled to do. Not, a work of merit and not under compulsion, these believers joyfully love telling the good news about Jesus to those who would hear, both near and far.

To this Paul gives them assurance:

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

God works in us and through us for the completion of his work.

One day at the music store, the word came to me that little Mary had taken a fall and was convalescing at Canterbury on the Lake. I was concerned. Mary was 95 at the time and I was heartbroken and concerned. I remembered the joy she brought to me and as I walked towards her door to make a visit, I didn’t know quite what to expect.

Would I find her awake and alert or would she be in a broken state and sedated?

As I pushed the door to her room open, I saw Mary sitting in her wheelchair by a table writing a letter.

“Oh, hi!” She exclaimed, giving me a big smile; “I’m glad to see you!”

Mary told me she was doing pretty good for an old gal and just writing some cards and letters – in perfect penmanship - thanking all the people for their prayers and concern.

“It was really no big deal.” She told me.

But I said a prayer of thanks for her and the Lord’s protection and deliverance for Mary.

As Paul writes - not in a wheelchair and at a desk - but from a prison cell most likely in Rome he writes:

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

We too partake of God’s blessings together – in our imprisonment of sin - by his grace and through faith baring each other’s burdens in the trials of life, both within and without and we all joy in the blessings that God provides too us both young and old alike.

Whether, it is at the beginning of our lives, during our productive work years, or at a time when our bodies are failing and it seems that the simplest of tasks seem so difficult to complete. We can feel like Paul, imprisoned in the prison cell of our own flesh, waiting for release.

But it is not for the defense of the gospel that we are imprisoned.

No, but it is for the sin we were born into and for the sin that we continue to live in, in this life. Sin will have its way with us and ultimately the result of sin brings forth its fruit … death.

At the right time though, God speaks forth and God speaks to.

… 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:2-3

John, was God’s prophet and mouthpiece.

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

God’s salvation is guaranteed and comes to us through his means.

He speaks this truth to our ears and by his Spirit opens our dark, deaf closed ears to hear so that we trust the promise of our savior and believe.

You and I, and little Mary had God open our ears and our heart to his saving truth. That hope remains now and through the length of our days, etched in the lines on our face, as we bear fruit keeping with repentance.

Little Mary got back home and resumed her life though a bit slower and without the use of her car. She was no longer aloud to drive and her lifeline to the world away from home was lost.

8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

We were having a concert and class party at the store and when I asked about Mary, I heard that she wasn’t coming because she couldn’t get there.

I called Mary and asked if she would like me to pick her up and bring her to the store. She was only a few miles away and when I arrived at her home and knocked on the door she came out with a big smile on her face. As we walked to the car she called out to her neighbor, “I’m going to a party!” As I got in the car and closed the door she said, “I didn’t want my neighbor to think I was just going with some guy!”

The light of Christ shined through Mary in her smile and with her kindness and yes even in her salty, gravelly 95-year-old voice and wonderful sugar cookies.

Her love abounded for friends and family in Christ Jesus just as Paul’s loved abounded for Christ and the Philippian sheep under his care. We too should care and abound in love, one for each other, as well as for the lost sheep of the Lord whomever and wherever they may be.

Little Mary Foxall passed into the arms of Jesus on February 10, 2015 at the age of 101. She was old in age but young in spirit. The Lord had call her and claimed her by the gospel and she shared her love for Jesus and for those around her, her whole life.

But like my current work as Pastor and my previous work I’m reminded of the loss of so many loved ones both near and far.

And just like the Apostle Paul and those Philippian believers:

9 … it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Filled with the Love of Christ,
Filled with joyful memories,
Filled with anticipation for this Advent season,
Filled with the peace of God and the Gospel of truth, and:

11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

God’s comfort and peace be yours now and always!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Dec. 1, 2021 Advent Midweek 1

Title: Put on the light of Christ!
Text: Romans 13:11–14

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11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.


Based on Sermon series Behold the light! Rev. Steven R. Schumacher 2018

Sermon Nov. 27-28, 2021

First Sunday in Advent
Title: Justice and Righteousness is Christ!
Text: Jer. 33:14-16

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14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise, I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’


7 There shall we all our praises bring
   And sing to you, our Savior King;
   There shall we laud you and Adore
   Forever and forevermore

Jeremiah’s text for today brings with it the Lord’s promise of restoration; both the restoration of the divided kingdom as well as the fullness of restoration. Previously the Lord had said:

10 “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. Jer. 29:10
And now says:

15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Justice and righteousness.

God will both condemn sin and forgive and set free.

Jeremiah had a tough job. As the court prophet for King Zedekiah he brought God’s word to the King. At times God’s word through Jeremiah could proclaim blessing and joy and at other times it could proclaim judgment and sorrow.

Judah was in bad shape. They had been falling away from God and His word and trusting in their own righteousness. Even Zedekiah’s name in Hebrew means “Just” and “Righteous,” though he was anything but.

David was anointed to be King, called by God as one after God’s own heart. But King Zedekiah was hearing judgment from God through Jeremiah’s proclamation and it was only a matter of time before God’s judgment would come, in the form of King Nebuchadnezzar and the entire Babylonian Army, carrying the entire nation away into exile.

So what do you do if you’re the King and you don’t like what God’s word says?

You continue to trust in yourself and in your own righteousness, reason and understanding and lock God’s prophet up in the palace prison so you don’t have to hear it.

It’s what Zedekiah did and at times it’s what we do.

But the joy that our lesson today proclaims … and the blessing we wait in anticipation for this Advent season is that:

Justice and Righteousness is found only in Christ!

Don’t you and I at times shut up God’s word in our own prison of indifference or rejection?

When God’s word condemns sin, it is often easier to reject the truth God’s word points out than to turn in repentance, asking for forgiveness and receiving the forgiveness God so desires to give you and me to hear.

For Zedekiah, the judgment of God would come through the Babylonian Army.

Where might your judgment come from?

For you and for me and through the ages, the Army that many times caries us away is found in our own wisdom, understanding and reason.

What God’s word says and that which we can’t understand or wrap our arms around we often reject as foolish or only intended for a certain place and at a certain time.

We set ourselves up as God’s judge and determine what is and what is not relevant to me. Our society, or Kingdom if you will, is being judged by God’s word.

The truth is we are falling short as a nation.

We are all going our own way, as Israel did in the Book of Judges, having everyman doing what was right in his own eyes so that only a generation or two later … they neither knew the Lord or what He had done for them. How or when we get carried away into our own exile as a nation remains to be seen. But, understanding and reason is a constant battleground.

Martin Luther once said:

“Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but—more frequently than not—struggles against [God’s] divine Word, treating with contempt all that [comes] from God.”

—Martin Luther, Table Talks in 1569.

But even though we fall short there is still reason to rejoice because:

Justice and Righteousness is found only in Christ!

In those days, as today, God’s word brought judgment and blessing and for those who needed to hear, just as we need to hear, listen:

14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

The promise of a savior, Christ the Lord, would spring forth from the righteous branch of King David. He, Jesus, would execute justice, fulfilling at the cross, God’s work of redeeming mankind from sin and the works of the Law which cause many to stumble and fall short, trusting in their own works and own righteousness.

But you … are FREE!

By the power of the Holy Spirit you have in Christ been brought to faith and trust in a foreign righteousness, one outside yourself, and by that same Spirit you cling to Christ and the eternal hope for which He came.

Justice and Righteousness is found only in Christ!

16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

The Lord is our righteousness indeed!

He has come for you and as we wait in joyful anticipation this Advent season for the coming of the babe in the manger … which is Christ the Lord, we know that he came for you and me.

But how, you might say, can I know and be sure that he came for me?

By faith through baptism and the preaching of the gospel, God has called you to believe and be His child.

As the Apostle Paul put it in 2 Cor.5:17-21:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him (in Christ) we might become the righteousness of God.

In Christ the promise of righteousness is fulfilled for you!

The Lord is our righteousness … that we might become the righteousness of God!

1 O Savior rend the heavens wide;
   Come down, come down with mighty stride;
   Unlock the gates, the doors break down;
   Unbar the way to heaven’s crown.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon: Nov. 20-21, 2021

Title: We stand blameless in Christ!
Text: Jude 20-25

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24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time. Families get together to celebrate, have a meal and for some watch football. My family will be celebrating our Thanksgiving this afternoon with family and joyfully thank the Lord for his many blessings over the years and especially through the trials that we faced in this life over the last 6 years.

As Monica faced cancer and surgery six years ago it caused us as a family to reflect on what we are truly thankful for. Certainly, the gift of life from our loving God is a gift that we enjoy daily and with illness, the gift of life is compromised.

We then also think of the gift of newness of life and the rebirth we have been given in Christ in our baptisms. Apart from this, I’m not sure how many of us could get through the illness part, but in Christ we have the hope of an eternity with him, a life eternal that never ends, and a bodily resurrection free from death and the wages of sin.

In hindsight this is a truly thankful Thanksgiving!

Our epistle reading for today from the book of Jude begins:

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

There is a statement of purpose:

20 But you, beloved.

Those who have been called by the Holy Spirit to believe are given faith in Christ and are loved by God.

That is, you and me. This love is not earned, but it is freely given in the one who is righteous and the one who is righteous is Jesus. He has taken our sins and the sins of the whole world upon himself and we receive what he has earned by faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2:8b-9

There is also a call to action:

building yourselves up in your most holy faith – Or, “on your most holy faith,” not listening to the lie of those who would pervert the faith 3b I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Truth and doctrine Jude vs 3b)

This is done by means of the Holy Gospel.

praying in the Holy Spirit - the Holy Spirit is the means by which you can pray rightly. Apart from him coming first to you we cannot know God or his love for us. All we can know is his Law and wrath. But here the Holy Spirit causes and invites us to pray to the one who has made peace with God and intercedes for us and thus this faith in Christ Jesus builds us up, you and me … his saints.

keep yourselves in the love of God –This is God’s love not our love so we look always outside ourselves to what he has done for us in Jesus.

God’s love is only for those who believe in him leaving those outside the church outside God’s love in Christ because they have and are placing their trust in the filthy rags of their own righteousness. It is with that in mind that we together call those outside to come.

This is the good news of the gospel and by the working of the Holy Spirit so that they too might be Christ’s own and receive all that he has earned for them.

waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. – This can also be translated as “expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.” R.H. Lenski commentary Vol. 11 Jude Pg. 646

Here we see that all the things Jude called us to do is done in us and for us by the Holy Spirit.

God’s mercy leads to eternal life, and for that we wait, expecting God to keep us in his Love by the Holy Spirit who calls us to pray in this most holy faith and by that we are blessed and built up by the Spirit’s work in us.

22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I had doubt, I had concern for Monica’s cancer.

I lost my mother to cancer so had concern for the future that awaited. We all do. We also at times doubt the Lord’s care and leading in our faith that is at times weak. Many face the future with weak faith.

22 And have mercy on those who doubt;

Those who doubt are in danger of falling away.

We must continue to be light in a dark world with the gospel of truth. Some are snatched from the fire itself by the work of the Holy Spirit through you and me and God’s word we speak and share.

Others we pity as they continue to cling to the garment of sin in their life while they reject the good news and fall further away. It is like calling some to come into your home or pavilion of rest in the midst of the storm but they continue on their way only to be consumed by the elements of this life … a life apart from Christ with no hope for tomorrow.

But God in his mercy does not leave us hopeless.

Because, the message of the Gospel is that we stand blameless in Christ!

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,

Jesus has made the rough ways smooth and the crooked ways straight. He will keep you strong in the faith. He does it through his means. It may at times seem trite … word and sacrament. But God uses the weak to confound the strong, the ordinary to do extra ordinary things.

24 Now to him who is able, Christ is able

… all things are possible with God.

to keep you from stumbling,

Those who desire to lead you a stray and to preach a gospel different than the one we preached – Paul says to the Galatians. He warns that there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Here the Holy Spirit through the word will keep you safe. If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Gal 1:8-9

By God’s working in you by his Spirit you will be protected from the wiles of the devil. This good news will remain and go forth until Jesus returns.

This Thanksgiving, make God and his gifts to you the center of your thanks and joy as you gather with family and friends. Lift him and the one who supplies all your needs and by his working in you, you can know true thanksgiving, life and peace in his name.

We stand blameless in Christ!

25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Nov. 13-14, 2021

Title: Endure in Christ!
Text: Mark 13:1-13

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This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

During these final weeks in the church year at the end of the Pentecost season – the season of the church - speaks of the end times and the second coming of Christ. It is a time, where sinful eyes only see destruction, deception, and death. But for we who have been redeemed and made new in Baptism, we see through the eyes of faith … hope and delivery in our loving savior Jesus.

13 And as [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

The Temple mount in Jerusalem has not been rebuilt since it was destroyed by the Roman army in 70 AD.

The Jewish historian Josephus writes in the War of the Jews:

"...the rebels shortly after attacked the Romans again, and a clash followed between the guards of the sanctuary and the troops who were putting out the fire inside the inner court; the latter routed the Jews and followed in hot pursuit right up to the Temple itself. Then one of the soldiers, without awaiting any orders and with no dread of so momentous a deed, but urged on by some supernatural force, snatched a blazing piece of wood and, climbing on another soldier's back, hurled the flaming brand through a low golden window that gave access, on the north side, to the rooms that surrounded the sanctuary. As the flames shot up, the Jews let out a shout of dismay that matched the tragedy; they flocked to the rescue, with no thought of sparing their lives or husbanding their strength; for the sacred structure that they had constantly guarded with such devotion was vanishing before their very eyes.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/jewishtemple.htm

From the time of Christ until this very day we are in the End Times. This life and our world are vanishing, as it were, before our very eyes. Wars and rumors of war have come and gone and remain on the horizon, and having just observed Veterans Day, we too are reminded of the unrest and turmoil that has been and continues to be part of our lives.

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

It hurts to see this. Intercity churches torn down, closed, or repurposed. Rural and suburban churches declining or struggling and Christians around the world persecuted for their faith and the aftermath of unrest and fires leave a path or destruction leaving us numb, hurting and questioning.

5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.

Leaders step up with the promise of hope - at times using fear to marbleize their base and to overcome their foes. Enemies are defined and labeled and some who speak up are shouted down or hunted and hounded out of the public eye.

Wars and earthquakes are but signs … the destruction of a way of life are justified some would say as and with the promise of a better life in a new world to come. The social divide in our country … continues.

Jesus says it will get worse … and personal:

12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.

A bleak world awaits us all. But there is a greater concern, as Jesus says:

5 … “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.

The life of the church has been falling away for generations.
Nations and Kingdoms continue to rise against each other and this is only the birth pains we’re told. We’re not there yet. So, keep watch and be on your guard.

The disciples expected Jesus to make things alright in the world – to restore the Kingdom as they understood it - to Make Jerusalem great again - and we do too.

Our church sees the signs too.

Average attendance in 2005 was at 160. Today it’s 55… for both services.

Some of the Elders and I attended an Elders conference for our Circuit last weekend. Five of our Circuit churches attended. We discussed many things and especially the work of the Holy Spirit. But one thing was clear: We are all in this together. All churches are dealing with the same problems. Some to a lesser and some to a greater degree but we all see the signs in once vibrant and growing churches that are getting older.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:8-13

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

I would love nothing better than to see our church vibrant and return to how it was when I first attended … where the church had overflow seating for Christmas and Easter and we seemed to be on an upward trend. But many of our once active members who had built this church and sustained it through the years have been called home, some have moved away or are unable to come, and others who once came … have fallen away.

These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

This is a harsh reality. It is a hard pill to swallow. It tears at the very fiber of every pastor, called worker, and lay servant of Christ who desires to see the church grow and prosper under their watch.

Jesus says to his disciples:

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

It is the witness … not the building;
It is the witness … not the numbers;
It is the Gospel … of Jesus Christ that changes the heart and brings to faith by the power of the Holy Spirit those called to believe.

10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

This has been going on since the church was founded on the day of Pentecost and will continue until the Lord returns. We must continue to proclaim the Good News and the truth of Christ Jesus in a world of sin and doubt to family, friends, and strangers. It has been going on for over 2000 years and will continue by the word of the gospel to call those who have fallen away back to faith and the arms of a loving savior.

And while buildings may fall and the stones may be torn down with nothing left standing; while some members may become apathetic and listen to the world, their own sinful flesh, and a devil that calls them away from the truth, God will continue to call them back by his word, through his Spirit, to an eternity that he has won for you and me at his cross.

Luther said in a sermon for the advent season:

The rejection of Christ does not happen only with [others] but also among us, for the high and mighty scorn us because of our gospel and sacraments. What folly [foolishness], they say, that I should let myself be baptized with water poured on my head, supposedly to be saved thereby; or that some poor parish preacher, barely able to put a coat on his back, should pronounce forgiveness and absolve me from my sins; or that by receiving bread and wine in the Sacrament I should be saved. On that basis they despise a Christ-preacher.

And he concludes:

But no one ought to despise Christ in that way, for he is our Saviour and seeks to give us everlasting life. It ought not faze us that he comes in poverty. He requires neither armor, nor mounted cavalry for his message; but simply proclaimed: "Whoever believes in me shall have everlasting life."

Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, House Postils I.35-36. Sermon for Advent I, 1534

It is the strength of the Lord that will sustain you and me and this church until the end. By God’s word and Spirit, we who hear and follow will be saved because he promises that:

… the one who endures to the end will be saved.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon Nov. 6-7, 2021 All Saints Day

Title: In Christ the Kingdom of Heaven is yours!
Text: 1 John 3:1-3

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2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Behold a host, arrayed in white,
Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright!
With palms they stand;
Who is this band
Before the throne of light?

All Saints Day brings to mind the dearly beloved saints who’ve finished their course in this life and rest in the arms of their loving savior. Jesuses promised eternity with him is fulfilled in those who’ve received this grace and faith as a gift and having believed, depart this life for that promised eternity.

3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God; and so, we.

As we think about the love of God, this love it is made known to us in the God man Christ Jesus our Lord, the perfect son, begotten of the Father from eternity. But it is not in the incarnation that our hope is found, though God becoming man put into history the perfection of God’s redemptive plan to restore all that had been lost and broken by the fall into sin.

Paul in writing to the church in Corinth laments:

22 For as in Adam all die, 1 Cor. 15:22a

The world and all people are brought forth in Adam. We are all brought forth in sin and death awaits us all. The life we live for good or bad gives us only what this life in Adam gives – life - for a time.

So, the time over the last year has given us grief in the loss of so many dear saints here at Peace and in our extended family.

At times in life there is joy, and at times there is sorrow, and at times our hopes and dreams in this life culminate only in a death and separation from those we love and hold dear.

Those are the saints of glorious fame,
Who from the great affliction came
And in the flood
Of Jesus' blood
Are cleansed from guilt and shame.

In the last year fellow members Dick Rutz, Heinz Hoffmann, Karen Bond, Florence Adkins, Pastor Merrell and Paul Wendland have finished the course and rest now in Christ along with former members Don Beutler and Beryl Roder.

But, Paul doesn’t leave his hearers or us in despair for he concludes this verse with these comforting words:

… so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. 15:22b

We are made alive in Christ, not in Adam.

In Adam the sin of the fall clings to us from birth. We live in Adam and see it throughout our lives. We die, not to receive heaven, but because –

… the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23a

Paul loves to proclaim the life eternal because it is what we are all guaranteed.

In Adam though that guarantee is an eternal life separated from a loving God.

This is NOT good news!

To die apart from Christ means that you will never see or hear the great multitude, crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Rev. 7:10

But in Christ, Paul comforts the burdened heart saying:

But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23b

That life eternal begins not upon our death - but upon our rebirth at our Baptism when we are born again from above!

In Baptism we are marked as God’s child and put on Christ through the washing of water and the word. Titus 3:5

By the working of the Holy Spirit in Baptism we believe in Jesus and our life in Adam is changed forever.

We are no longer dead in sin but are made alive in Christ!

As the Apostle John writes in our epistle for today:

2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when [Jesus] appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

We shall see him - this Jesus - not as a terrible and wrathful judge ready to condemn us for our sin, but as the only begotten son of the Father who sees us in Christ and is well pleased. The favor of God on account of Christ is yours – not because you have lived a good life, but because Christ Jesus has lived, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead – for you and me and for all who hold to this blessed hope.

All Saints Day brings to mind loss as well.

We don’t have to look very far to see an empty space when a beloved member of Peace once sat. In life we are all destined to die and in death those who have gone before us leave a void in our own lives where they had been present.

I don’t need to remind you of that.

We also think of our loving friends and family members who have departed this life for eternity, returning to their resting place as we wait together for the Lord’s return.

In Adam we all die and we will all rise at the coming of the Lord but only in Christ are we to be with the Lord forever.

55 “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 15 55b-56

While we mourn the passing of our beloved friends and family members, we also joy that their promised eternity is in Christ!

We live to die

 
They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

 
and die to live.

 
They now serve God both day and night;
They sing their songs in endless light.
Their anthems ring
As they all sing
With angels shining bright.

17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon October 30-31, 2021 Reformation

Title: Freedom in Christ is life!
Text: John 8:31-36

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34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Today we remember and celebrate the Reformation of the Church, by the former Roman Catholic Priest and Augustinian Monk, Martin Luther. We also celebrate the joy found in the freedom of the Gospel message, and continue together with the whole church to proclaim that truth to reach the lost with this same blessed good news!

Jesus tells the believing Jews in our Gospel today who had been following Him that:

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

To be a disciple is to be a follower of Christ. One who is connected to God’s very words and who abides in them [who hears the word with the intention of following] – or is one who accepts and acts in accordance with the word of God.

In our Gospel reading for today Jesus tells the Jews and you and me as well:

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This freedom and liberty of the gospel is what we celebrate today. It is what Luther searched for and why he became a monk – thinking that being locked inside the walls, devoting himself to fasting, long hours in prayer, pilgrimages, and frequent confession would keep him away from sin and the power of the devil.

Saying:

"If anyone could have gained heaven as a monk, then I would certainly have done so." He described this period of his life as one of deep spiritual despair. "I lost touch with Christ the Savior and Comforter, and made of him the jailer and hangman of my poor soul."

But later he found peace in the words of Romans 5:1 which reads:

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you felt closed in by the walls of sin?

Have you or have your loved ones fled or stayed away from the blessings and Peace found only in Christ and his gifts given in word and sacrament?
Are you burdened by the Law and a slave to sin?

33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Martin Luther writes:

“Discipleship is not limited to what you can comprehend--it must transcend all comprehension.”

He continues:

Thus Abraham went forth from his father and not knowing (where he was going). He trusted himself to (God’s) knowledge, and cared not for his own, and thus he took the right road and came to his journey's end.

Behold, that end is the way of the cross.

You cannot find it yourself, so you must let (God) lead you as though you were a blind man. (So), it is not you, no man, (and) no living creature, but (Christ) Himself, who instructs you by word and Spirit in the way you should go.

Not the work which you choose, not the suffering you devise, but the road which is clean contrary to all that you choose or contrive or desire--that is the road you must take. To that, (Christ) calls you and in that (says) you must be my disciple.”

― Martin Luther

Saying in essence: Hear me! Listen to me! Abide in me!

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

The truth is we are all bound to sin and its cravings.

We desire to do the will of our sinful nature which is in opposition to God’s will and as a result you and I fall short daily. The world says, “Deep down he is really a good person” - when the truth is: the deeper down we go the worse it gets.

The more you get to the core of who we are in our fallen human condition the more you see the sinfulness of man, broken and corrupted to the core from the beginning by our first parents Adam and Eve.

But Jesus reminds His hearers: To Listen to him!

35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

The freedom for the sinner is found only in Jesus. That was the joy that Luther found and what we celebrate in the Reformation. In Christ, true freedom from sin is possible and true liberty for we who are bound with the chains of guilt and despair is broken.

Christ has set free those who could not free themselves by his own binding.

The binding of His flesh to the cross in your place

The shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of your sin

The death worthy of a criminal for you and I who are guilty and the burial in a tomb meant for another …

In Jesus’ case … Joseph of Arimathea, for it was his tomb where Jesus was laid.

But, that tomb and that death WAS meant for you!

Jesus took your place,
He took your cross,
He took your death,
And He took your tomb and He made them what you couldn't …

Life, freedom, liberty, salvation and forgiveness

Salvation is all of God and not of man.

That is the message of the Reformation.

Luther restored the gospel truths about Christ and His merits that had been lost, once again shinning the light of the gospel on Christ’s work, for you!

Because Jesus came to live, suffer, die and rise again for you …

because of Christ and His merits …

because the Son has set you free … you are free indeed!

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and abide with you now and forever.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon October 23-24, 2021

Title: The Lord’s Mercy Is Given to You!
Text: Mark 10:46-52

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52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Jesus in making his way to Jerusalem and his passion, passes through Jericho - and the walls came tumbling down. No, not this time, but something even bigger is about to happen!

The last few weeks we’ve talked about material wealth in this life, its importance and how it can turn you away from the gift of mercy and grace given by faith freely in the God/man Jesus Christ and his work for the salvation of all who believe.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell a similar story but in different ways and for different audiences but  St. Mark brings to our ears the name of a blind beggar.

46 … And as [Jesus] was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.

For the Jews, it was believed that those who had wealth in this life - had God’s blessing and favor. So, it was also believed that those who had calamity and trouble in this life were receiving God’s distain and punishment.

You might remember in the Gospel of John the disciples asking Jesus about the man born blind,

2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:2-3

Seeing those by the side of the road crying and begging for help was a common part of Jewish life and expected help came along the way and not what we might see and think of as pan handlers in our day – though in our life there is sill need for help, but there are many and various ways to bring that help to those in need.

47 And when [the blind man] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Saint Paul writes to the church at Corinth:

3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

The proclaiming of “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” is by God’s working through his Holy Spirit a recognition and proclamation of the truth that Jesus is Lord and Lord of this blind beggar Bartimaeus. This truth had been heard and revealed to him and now this Lord, son of David and promised Messiah is here.

Faith comes by hearing and he had heard and believed in this yet unseen Jesus.

Remember, Thomas after the resurrection who wouldn’t believe until he placed his fingers in the nail holes and hand into his side.

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

We are told to keep our faith to our selves but when the truth and Spirit overtake you, you can not keep quiet.

48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Have you ever called out in desperation for the attention of someone?

I have. 1968, Tiger Stadium, third base side, upper deck. Right below me – sitting right below me - was Mickey Stanley. I was a huge fan. I’m screaming Mickey! Mickey! All I want is a turn and a wave from my hero. Mickey! Mickey! After my voice is horse and I’m almost overcome, Jim Price who was sitting next to him and had tried to get him to acknowledge my calls, turns, looks up, waves and give us a big smile.

To this day I love Jim Price.

Not so much, Mickey Stanley,

Mickey Who?

49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”

Jesus hears his cries and recognized his grief. He stops what he was doing and turns to answer his cries.

50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

Bartimaeus would not be denied. He knew who was passing by, not some mere mortal, not a sports figure, not a politician, promising things that he’ll forget and never deliver on. No, this was Jesus, Son of David, God’s Messiah, God incarnate.

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

In the world we want riches, we want fame, we want that which we can’t have.

Don’t ask for sight, the world can’t deliver.

Look for temporal wealth.

A blind man can do alright if he has money.

He can hire those who will meet his needs. Even the Jews kept the Sabbath Day by hiring someone, a gentile, to do the work they required so they might remail undefiled and holy.

A Shabbas goy was a gentile who performed tasks for Jews in the home or synagogue on the Sabbath or on a holy day that Jews are forbidden on such occasions to do, as turning on the lights or heat.

Colin Powell who passed away this past week aa young man worked as a Shabbas Goy.

And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

He knows with whom he is talking and though not seeing Jesus trusts that he can give him the one thing he desires that the world can’t give him. He wants his eyesight restored.

52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

The rich young man went his way sad because he had great possessions.

The disciples asked “then who can be saved?” If not the rich than who?

Martin Luther knew this too.

Nearing death and knowing the end was near, he wrote his last will and testament. It began with the words, "I am well known in heaven, on earth, and in hell," - a true statement of the result of his bold stance throughout his life.

In his last moments, Luther was asked by his friend Justus Jonas, "Do you want to die standing firm on Christ and the doctrine you have taught?" He answered emphatically, "Yes!" [Yaa!] Luther's, last words were: "We are beggars. This is true."

"We are beggars. This is true." —Martin Luther

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/martin-luthers-last-words

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

 

 

Sermon October 16-17, 2021

Title: Life requires money but death requires Christ!
Text: Mark 10:23-31

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31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Running a race? You don’t want to be last.
Playing a sport? You don’t want to be last.
Impressing your boss? You don’t want to be last.
Saving for retirement? You don’t want to be last, to think about saving for that time that awaits us all in the future.

But Jesus says:

31 … many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Last week we spoke of treasure in heaven and how so many people see their treasure here on earth in what they have or do. The rich young man in the gospel last week went away disappointed because he had great possessions instead of following Jesus and the eternal reward that is given. Many in this life also follow material gain while at the same time giving up the nourishment needed for spiritual feeding.

A friend of mine who makes his living teaching guitar always keeps Sunday as his day of rest where he doesn’t teach or play gigs … and the Lord knows that he could use the money. But instead, he goes to church and focuses on his spiritual feeding and family time. He’s told me once,

“God always meets my needs … rarely early … but always on time!”

Jesus, in speaking to his disciples about those who trust in riches or wealth says:
“Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!”

Remember the young man went away disappointed because he had great possessions. And Jesus then adds:

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

We all know how hard it is to just thread a needle don’t we? Have you ever sewn or tried to sew a button on? I have … it wasn’t good. Thankfully my wife is good at it.

So, then the image that Jesus is giving the disciples of entering the Kingdom of God by any means other than,

8 by grace … through faith is what we have to focus on.

Camel … eye of a needle … you get it. It is quite literally impossible!

So the things of this world and all of the accomplishments you and I achieve won’t measure up in God’s plan of salvation.

So the disciples ask:

“Then who can be saved?”

Who can meet the requirements?
Who can get through the eye of the needle?

Jesus tells them:

“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

We can’t do it.
We can’t achieve it.
We can’t buy it.
Heck … we can’t even steal it!

But … we can have it none the less.
In fact … we can have it all … because:

This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph 2:8-9

But we want to boast, don’t we?

We always want to share the good news of our team winning, don’t we?

It seems that way with so many of us.

Working on Saturdays and Sundays for most of my adult life sucked all the interest out of football for me, both college and pro.

I don’t have a favorite team and really, I’m happy to see Michigan and Michigan State do well. I really don’t follow football much, and it is more likely that you’ll see Monica turning on the game than me. I must admit though that this Michigan / Michigan State football year looks to be an exciting one and is exciting for the fans!

Our lives revolve around what we do, how we prepare, what advantages we find, and how we perform. Some struggle and some excel. Both Michigan and Michigan State have had a great season.

We live and die with the teams we follow and we see it in our own lives.

Success and failure is all part of our own game of life too. We live with the ups and downs of family and friends.

We try not to let the successes or failures define us.
We try not to get too high or too low.

Work hard, do your best, provide for your family, but see the greater gift – not in the success or things of this world - but what you have received that you could never earn, the gift of grace and faith in Jesus Christ and his righteousness.

28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”

Last week Jesus told the rich young man to sell everything, give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and then Christ compelled him to come follow me.

But he went away in sorrow because he had great possessions.

Martin Luther in speaking in his lectures in Genesis says:

“Do not fear those, says Christ (Matt 10:28), who kill the body, house, and other things, what of it?

These things have to be left behind in any case.”

He then continues:

“For neither Peter nor Paul even though they were saintly men, had better flesh than we have.” They too, were children of Adam, [broken in sin] just as we are. Paul sometimes glories and boasts as if he were already victorious over all evils. Sometimes he complains pitiable about fears within and fighting’s without (2Cor.7:5).

Where was that completely invincible hero, that victor over all hell, then?”

LW Am. Ed. Vol.5, Pg 27

29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands,

[And in this life] persecutions, and in the age to come [but they will also receive] eternal life.

We will have tribulations and persecutions but also, heaven … and eternal life. That is fully on account of God, in Christ, through the Spirit’s work.

Life requires money but death requires Christ!

We have Christ’s assurance of eternal life and the word of Jesus is always trustworthy and true. Those who trust in him and follow him have what he has promised … eternal life.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen