Sermon Dec. 25, 2024 - Christmas Day

Title: The light of life is Jesus!
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!”

The light of life is Jesus!

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.

The light of life is Jesus!

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 Marilyn Rappuhn, just after Easter to Deb Trosin, George Voss, Sue Vogt and finally Kathy Thompson in early December it has been a time of loss and sadness.

The Lord has graciously received them all.

Psalm 103 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.

The light of life is Jesus!

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!

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

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

Friends, the light of life is Jesus!

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

Amen

Sermon Dec. 24, 2024 - Christmas Eve

Title: The blessed one is Jesus!
Text: Isaiah 9:2-7

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2 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.

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. 21-22, 2024 - 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!

Savior of the nations, come,
Virgin's Son, make here Your home!
Marvel now, O heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.

The coming of Jesus is God’s fulfillment for a 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.”

The Lord’s fulfilment comes in God’s plan through a “little town” 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 Bethlehem, this “house of bread” as it were 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 Elizabeth, 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, 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.

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

Because, in Christ, the blessings of the Lord are and remain 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.

Not by human flesh and blood,
By the Spirit of our God,
Was the Word of God made flesh --
Woman's offspring pure and fresh.
By the work of the Holy Spirit, we rest in Christ, and the blessings of the Lord are ours!

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

Sermon Dec. 14-15, 2024 - Third Sunday in Advent

Title: Rejoice in Jesus!
Text: Phil 4:4-7

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4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Last year the word came in a group text message to me and a few friends early on a Saturday afternoon. It simply read:

“Terrorists again. Scary world!”

Well, I had heard nothing at that time, but you start thinking.

Attack? Where? Who? How bad? How will I be affected?

I checked online and saw more details about what had happened in Israel with the Hamas attack, but the full picture was only starting to emerge. I was saddened by the thought of this being the answer, in some way, to the conflict between these ancient peoples.

Once again, innocent life lost and a war between people continues.

I was relieved that it wasn’t in the States. But should I be? We all know that our safety is only as good as those who protect us, and 23 years ago 4 planes slipped through that protection to inflict great damage and loss of life upon our Nation.

Whether, New York, Israel, Gaza or Ukraine, our sense of safety, and distance from those wishing us harm, came crashing down.

Paul begins our lesson for today:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.

When tragedy comes we often ask:

“Why Lord… Why the hate… Why the anger … Why the suffering?”

“Why death?”

Paul, is writing from a prison in Rome. He knows suffering and could easily focus on that, as one bound in chains and sin. But he directs his thoughts and the thoughts of his hearers to that which is antithetical – and the opposite of the sin we face, the Lord Jesus.

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Reasonableness?

As sinners in the flesh, we want to see evil and those responsible for that evil punished.

But no matter the conflict or wrong we face in this life; Paul says:

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Well … I must confess. I don’t always do this first.

My sinful flesh wants to do that which the flesh does, and sin, is the way we often respond in this life in the flesh.

So here Paul, points to the work of God in you and in me by the Holy Spirit, allowing us to rest in him rather than being anxious, calling us to prayer in all circumstances …

… whether asking God to simply supply our needs, or thanking him for all he has already blessed us with.

And by this work of the Spirit we guard our hearts in God’s word and gifts, rather than falling victim to the temptations of the devil.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s Peace is beyond our understanding. It calms anxiety, brings comfort in trial, and gives us the ability to rest in him and have as it were, a reasonable response.

Paul in the Letter to the Ephesians calls us to put on the armor of God.

Put on the belt of truth,
Put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Put on shoes for your feet, which is readiness given by the gospel of peace.
And the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Put on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

And to this he also he speaks in his letter to the Colossians about the result of being in Christ, and living this New Life that we have been given by faith in Jesus.

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Col 3:12-13

Forgiveness. It’s ours to both receive and give.

Rejoice in the Lord always!

As a pastor, I at times find trials and suffering at my door rather than joy.

The phone beeped and the text came in, “Mom’s in the hospital. She took a fall last night.”

Calls to the hospital or care facilities late at night, when sickness and death await, are times where those in need crave peace and comfort.

I’ve seen also, in those times, the calming peace of the Lord at work.

It doesn’t mean that the anxious times won’t come, but the calming comfort of God in prayer, brings peace, allowing us to rest in him and cast our cares upon him, where his peace becomes ours, surpasses all understanding.

8 [So], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

And we have learned, received, and heard these things in Paul’s writings in all his epistles for our benefit.

So, hearing – we pray to put on Godly ears - with the intention of obeying.

That is our next step. Not that we won’t stumble and fall, but that we can get up, repent, and make a way where we might think there is no way, because our loving God in Christ Jesus is there to lead, and guide us into his peace by his Spirit.

And the Lord’s Peace is ultimately why we rejoice. Because God has reconciled himself to us through the blood of Jesus.

Advent gives us a time to wait, ponder, and rest.

Not in a temporal rest that we need, because the time before Christmas can be hectic and chaotic. But, in the rest of Peace knowing Christ, and the forgiveness of sins he has won, that gives us a peace that passes understanding.

Finally, Paul talks about our provisions in Christ and how he rejoiced in the Lord no matter the circumstance that he faced.

And in verse 13 which is often taken out of context and used inappropriately. He writes:

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This can be seen as a call to that which we desire, as I have seen it used in wrong ways by well-intended Christians.

But read in context, Paul is simply grateful and thankful.

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

So, this Advent allow contentment and peace to rest with you. Cast your cares on Jesus and let his peace bring comfort when and where it is needed.

So, Rejoice in Jesus! No matter the need, trial, or struggles that we face, through the Lord’s work and provision, and by his Holy Spirit:

We can rest in Jesus and rest in his peace!

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

Amen

Sermon Dec. 7-8, 2024 - Second Sunday in Advent

Title: God works in and through you!
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 or 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 falling apart, and it seems that the simplest of tasks are so difficult to complete.

Or, as Monica told me just a few weeks ago:

“Russ, I don’t want you on the roof anymore.”

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

You and I, and my friend, 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 after her time at Canterbury and resumed her life though a bit slower and without the use of her car.

She was no longer allowed 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?

Mary lived 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 that 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 the wonderful sugar cookies she baked.

Her love abounded for friends and family in Christ Jesus, just as Paul’s loved abounded for Christ and for 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 given under our care whomever and wherever they may be.

Little Mary Foxall passed into the arms of her savior 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 with those around her, her whole life.

But like my current work as Pastor and my previous work is the piano business, 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 December 4, 2024 Midweek Advent service - Kensington Circuit

Theme: Apostles Creed / The Fall and the way of Life
Title: The Father / Article 1 Creation
Text: Gen. 2:15-17

Live:  The Father / Article 1 Creation

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Our midweek Advent theme this year is:

Apostles Creed / The Fall and the way of Life

As we look to the incarnation and coming of the Christ child, our Lord Jesus Christ, we do so in light of the God Head, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creed, and the work of the God / Man himself, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The Small Catechisms order is important. In it we learn of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, Confession – aka the office of the keys, and the Lord’s Supper.

The distinction between Law and Gospel is important too.

In Luther’s day the Creed was divided into 12 articles and for the Roman Catholic Church it still is.

Luther writes:

In former times you heard preaching on twelve articles of the Creed. If anybody wants to divide it up, he could find even more. You, however, should divide the Creed into the main parts indicated by the fact that there are three persons: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

LW Vol.51 Pg. 162

God is one

For Luther, it was important in his teaching on the Creed to show the oneness of God, and the uniqueness and distinction of persons. So, there is a trinity and a unity that he taught in the Creed revealing the Father, Son + and Holy Spirit and their work.

We will look to God during these midweek Advent services and the relationship of the persons in the Godhead, as it pertains to the hope of Christ and his work, the uniqueness and unity of the persons for the salvation of the world, and especially as we anticipate the coming of the Christ child this Advent.

In the Creed we learn of the triune nature of God, his involvement with Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification and his activity expressed in the Creed, revealing what he has done, and more importantly, what he has done for me.

Today we focus on the First Article, Of Creation
The revelation of who God is begins in the first Article.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?

–Answer: I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He provides me richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

Source: https://bookofconcord.org/small-catechism/

In our text:

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Adam, created by God on the 6th day and blessed with all of God’s work is given dominion to care for God’s good creation.

31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

God’s own word proclaims that his work is good. So, this first Adam is good, and all he has to care for is good creation of God. He is even given a suitable helper created out of man saying:

“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

The perfection of beauty in God’s creation is made evident not only in the diversity of things created, but in fullness of his creation seen in the image of God - reflected in this Adam.

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

As Christians we confess in the Creed, I believe.

Webster says:

To believe is to consider something honest and true, genuine and real, and to accept the evidence.

Our belief is all gift, revealed in the one true God who has created all things - this Father Almighty - Maker of Heaven and Earth!

This faith and statement are only something we can confess - because of the full work of the triune God who has reconciled us, and brought us to faith in him, so that we can see who he is, what he has done, worship him in spirit and truth … and call him Father.

It is certainly true that all of these good created gifts come from God and that all people find benefit in God’s good creation; but it is not possible to know God as Father, to thank him, or to call on him, apart from his work in revealing himself to you and me.

It is the fullness of God’s love and grace that he has created us in his image and that he desires to have fellowship with us as creator and creation, and, that in spite of sin and the fall, God desires to save us from an eternity separated from him.

And God said.

The speaking of creation into existence, unites the Father with the Word.
And while as Luther makes clear in his Large Catechism:

… that the Ten Commandments have taught that we are to have no more than one God [Deuteronomy 6:4] So it might be asked, “What kind of a person is God? What does he do?”

So that the Creed is nothing else than the answer and confession of Christians arranged with respect to the First Commandment. As if you were to ask a little child:

11 My dear, what sort of a God have you? What do you know of Him? he could say:

This is my God: first, the Father, who has created heaven and earth; besides this only One I regard nothing else as God; for there is no one else who could create heaven and earth.

In Creation the eternal Word is active!

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

The Father’s intent brought forth a perfect creation, culminating in the creation of Adam.

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

But we don’t see perfection in our world. The fall into sin is fully evident.

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

We all are bound in this reality.

Fallen into sin and death, we know that we shall surely die. But, God the father, through the sending of his only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh – in Love, desires to restore what was broken in the fall making peace between God and man.

Bound in love God the Father sends his son to redeem we, who are bound in sin and death, so that we might be redeemed and restored to himself.

Friends, our fall into sin is terminal, but our Heavenly Father – through the sending of his son – restores hope in a hopeless world. He breaks the bonds of sin and death, and he gives we, who are terminal, eternal life - by faith in his son our Lord Jesus. The Christ child of our Advent hope.

The banishing of Adam and Eve from the garden, shows God’s love and purpose in redemption. Which is to save those who might eat from the tree of life and live forever in their fallen state.

God’s purpose as we wait for the coming Christ of God this Advent, is to bring those broken in sin, through the atoning sacrifice of his son, to the banquet feast of the Lamb and to an eternity prepared for them in Christ!

To this blessed good news, we confess:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

To this we make our confession in Gods creative power, and recreative power - to restore what had been broken in the fall, and through the coming Christ of God, to give us peace and hope in the babe of Bethlehem.

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

Amen

Sermon Nov. 30 Dec. 1, 2024 First Sunday in Advent

Title: Our Righteous judge is Christ!
Text: Jer. 33:14-16

Facebook live: Our Righteous judge is Christ!

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.’

1 Jesus came, the heav'ns adoring,
Came with peace from realms on high;
Jesus came to win redemption,
Lowly came on earth to die;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Came in deep humility.

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:

Our righteous judge is Jesus!

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 Jesus 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!

3 Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing,
Bringing news of sins forgiv'n;
Jesus comes with words of gladness,
Leading souls redeemed to heav'n.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hope to all the world is giv'n.

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

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

Sermon Nov. 23-24, 2024

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

Facebook live: 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, 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 9 years.

As Monica faced cancer and surgery nine 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.

More recently it was the fall and shoulder surgery from our dog’s pulling but we are thankful for the good recovery and continued blessings we share together.
We then also think of the gift of a grandchild and the newness of life that brings, and the rebirth we have been given in Christ in our baptisms. Fath in Christ makes all things bearable. Apart from this, I’m not sure how many of us could get through the illness part, and all of the other trials we face, 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, her fall the surgeries and … the dog!

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. 16-17, 2024

Title: See not the beautiful stones, but Christ who is the Rock!
Text: Mark 13:1-13

Facebook live: See not the beautiful stones, but Christ who is the Rock!

13 And as he 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.”

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.

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. 9-10, 2024

Nov. 9-10, 2024 Setting III with Holy Communion - Amy
Title: Christ takes your poverty and gives you glory!
Text: Mark 12:38-44

Facebook live: Christ takes your poverty and gives you glory!

 

44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

"I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them a single shilling, they would have been rich; and if they had not [Christ], and I had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed."

Founding father, Patrick Henry.

Our God is a greedy God! He wants it all!

No. This isn’t going to be a sermon on stewardship and giving. This will be though, about being given and receiving. You see our God is a jealous God. He wants it all!

4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4

Even those whom you and I would cast off … he desires!

Jesus says:

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,”

Beware of them!

They are seen publicly; they have the best seats in the house; and are honored at the feasts and gatherings.

No, I’m not talking about those who influence us on line; though the image might be appropriate.

Being seen, having the best seats and being honored is a desire we can all fall victim to. At times we see it play out in our lives. At Weddings, those guests of importance are placed at a table near the bride and groom, while those who are acquaintances are seated back in the corner and away from the action.


You might see it in black tie affairs or charity balls where the people with means pay a heavy price to be seen at the table of the well-known … being seen and even well-known maybe in their own right.

Some - like Jesus suggests in the Gospel reading - may have gotten there:

40 [by devouring] widows' houses

Breaking the 7th commandment and stealing our neighbor's money or property, or getting them by false dealing … taking advantage of those less fortunate.

Jesus says, “They will receive the greater condemnation.”
But joyfully, it is Christ who has made you rich! There was a time that you purchased your seats at church.

This may seem odd because we seem to have fewer and fewer sell outs here at Peace. But there was a time that churches paid the bills they had by selling the best seats in the house to those who were prominent and well to do and could pay for the best seats in church.

Today we might see it as those who sit courtside at a basketball game right next to the players and the other well-to-do’s being seen in the place of honor.

When Abraham Lincoln was first elected President it was customary to pay for the best seats in church and St. John Episcopal Church, near the White House, had been established as the “Church of the Presidents.” It vied for his attendance along with New York Ave. Presbyterian Church. Both had pew fees for the best seats so St. John offered to give President Lincoln the Presidents pew for no charge - seeing that it would be beneficial to them to have the President in attendance at their church. Instead, Lincoln, being the enigma that he was, paid the fee at New York Ave. Presbyterian Church and attended there - not wishing to be seen in the place of honor in the President’s Pew he chose a more humble seating arrangement.

41 [So Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box.

The one who is the true Temple sits down in the temple to watch.

Remember Jesus saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:9, speaking of himself and his passion. Here Jesus sits … and watches … and he sees many rich people put in large sums.

That in of itself is not bad.

The giving in support of the work of the church is good. God works through means as we Lutherans often say. We see it in God’s economy of word and sacrament working through pastors as jars of clay that dispense God’s gifts not from us … but through us.

It is God who works through means so your gifts and offering are not needed by God in of himself, as it is in fact all his anyway, but he gives to you and me so that we can be of service and serve the work of the church and our neighbor.

So the object lesson that Jesus here teaches brings to light a great truth.

42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.

Certainly she was not rich by human standards. But she exhibited a sacrificial giving not out of earthly wealth but out of spiritual wealth.

Those who gave much were giving out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had.”

Our God is a greedy God! He wants it all!

You see … he wants you. He wants you to know him. He wants you to trust him, because he gave everything for you.

His only begotten son Jesus Christ took of human flesh and humbled himself and became man so that he could be your substitute and stand in your place and give his life so that you might live.

Jesus gave up everything for you.

The widow gave all she had as a testament to where her trust was placed. But how did Jesus know her faith against the others?

God’s all discerning eyes look at the heart and every life, and every heart, lie bare before him.

It is made all the more evident to me as I visit the shut-ins.

Their desire is to give even when they can’t.

Some can and do, and do so very generously, while others are barely able to make ends meet. I’m always remind them that it is the work of the church to bring Christ to them in their need as James chapter 1 reminds us:

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

“Many who live in abundance decline to give or give too little for fear that they will not have enough for the future”

RH Lenski Mark Pg. 559

We cannot copy this widow’s act of giving and match the gold she gave in the Lord’s eyes, but by faith and placing your trust in the same Lord, Jesus Christ, you will have riches in heaven. The same riches she had and same Lord she trusted.

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

Amen

Sermon Nov. 2-3, 2024 All Saints Day

Title: We shall see him as he is!

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.

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.

Sing with all the saints in glory,
Sing the resurrection song!
Death and sorrow, earth's dark story,
To the former days belong.
All around the clouds are breaking;
Soon the storms of time shall cease;
In God's likeness we awaken,
Knowing everlasting peace.

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. Jesus 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 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, 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.

Oh, what glory, far exceeding
All that eye has yet perceived!
Holiest hearts for ages pleading
Never that full joy conceived.
God has promised, Christ prepares it;
There on high our welcome waits.
Ev'ry humble spirit shares it,
Christ has passed the eternal gates.

In the last year fellow members: Marilyn Rappuhn, Debra Trosin, George Voss, Deloras Moore, and Susan Vogt all joined the heavenly throng!

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. 15:22

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:

2Beloved, 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:

Dear friends and family from the distant and recent past.

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.

Life eternal! Heav'n rejoices;
Jesus lives who once was dead.
Shout with joy, O deathless voices!
Child of God, lift up your head!
Life eternal! Oh, what wonders
Crowd on faith; what joy unknown,
When, amid earth's closing thunders,
Saints shall stand before the throne!

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

October 26-27, 2024

Title: Jesus sets us free!
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.

I’d like to highlight 5 words that Jesus speaks at the beginning of our gospel reading for today, as we observe the Reformation of our church.

Abide, Word, Disciples, Truth, and Free,

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 obeying which 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.”

Today truth can be anything you want it to be.
Truth can be defined in the world today according to our feelings.
Truth is no longer objective, but subjective and defined as “My Truth.”

Many blindly follow the edict of subjective truth or fear getting cancelled.

Whether it’s the redefinition of marriage, multiple genders of identification, or other societal norms that are being challenged against Natural Law and reason, the victim of this culture shift is truth and free speech has become hate-speech for many if My Truth is violated.

In the 1950’s a favorite TV show was “Father Knows Best”
Today, Father knows nothing, isn’t needed, and has been canceled.

In the 1960’s Time Magazine asked the question “Is God Dead?”
Today’s answer, “God isn’t dead - because God is me!”

But in the time of the Reformation, the freedom and liberty of the gospel is what Luther craved. It is what he searched for and why he became a monk – thinking that being locked inside the walls of a monastery, devoting himself to fasting, long hours in prayer, pilgrimages, and frequent confessions would keep him away from sin, the world and of the devil.

But sin is who we are.

Sin is the cause of a perfect creation being corrupted.
Sin askes the question, “Did God really say?”
And then Sin answer’s that question “No!”

God’s word says: 4 … “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female.” Matt 19:4
Sin answers: No!

God’s word says: 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” Ex 20:3
Sin answers: No!

God’s word says: 13 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13
Sin answers: No!

In Luther’s day the church took money for the forgiveness of sins. It was called buying an indulgence. Luther was tormented by sin. How could he a sinner stand before God how could he find peace?

His reformation came in the word of truth in Jesus Christ the son of God when he read in Romans 5:1:

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

We need a new reformation today.
We need a return to objective truth.
We need to honor and value life at all stages.
We need repentance and forgiveness.
We need Jesus, who came to pay the price for sins of the world and set us free from this bondage of death.

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.
That end is the way of truth.
That end is a new reformation.

Luther writes:

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, [no woman, no living creature, no “My Truth” no feelings] 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 contrary to all that you choose to contrive or desire--that is the road you must take. To that, (Christ) calls you and me and in that - you must be my disciple.”

― Martin Luther

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

Friends, the Reformation is now! It’s the time to Abide in God’s Word, as Disciples of Truth, who follow and proclaim that truth and are set Free by it!

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

The objective truth is that 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, “Listen to me, deep down you are a really a good person!” when the truth is: deep down we are sinful.

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

But Jesus reminds His hearers: To Listen to him! Hear his word!

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
A 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
Hear the truth!

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, covered by sin in the church and the focus on earthly rulers, once again by 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!

We need to hear it again. We need it daily. We need Jesus!

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 19-20, 2024

Theme: With Christ the impossible is possible!

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. Though, with the Lions I am getting some back!

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

Our lives revolve around what we do, how we prepare, what advantages we find, and how we perform. Some struggle and some excel. Both teams are having a great season. Though the loss of Aidan Hutchinson has complicated things a bit.

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

If Paul, had doubt, you and I will too.

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 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!
And, with Christ the impossible is possible!

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