Sermon July 20-21, 2024

Title: Feed on Christ and have life in his name!

Text: Mark 6:30-44

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37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.

A missionary once wrote in his journal of God's trust and faithfulness saying:

Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning ... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China or around the world; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all ... Depend on it;

God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.

Our Daily Bread, May 16, 1992.

31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31

The news that His disciples brought to Jesus in the verses preceding this text was the news that John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod. Hard news for anyone to hear especially if the news involves someone we know or are close to as John was to Jesus who had lost their life.

Jesus needed to get away and be away from the people. So, he gets into a boat with his disciples and goes across the lake to a place that is quite – to a place that is desolate.

32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

Mark 6:32

When you think of desolate you might think of a place devoid of inhabitants and deserted. A place that is joyless and sorrowful - as if separated from a loved one.

A place showing signs of abandonment, dilapidated, devoid of warmth, comfort or hope.

But what does Jesus find?

33 Now many saw them going and recognized them and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, Mark 6:33-34a

Jesus went to get away; to be by Himself; to collect His thoughts; to pray and here he finds not a desolate place at all, but one filled with a very large crowd of followers. I believe that even this crowd would have given Jesus a pass had he became agitated and told them to go away.

But what does Jesus do?

… and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34b

Feed on Christ and have life in his name!

We all fail to see and reflect God’s compassion in our daily lives.

Many times, agitation - seen through the eyes of sin - become the first reaction we have before – by the power of the Holy Spirit – we see through the compassionate eyes of faith given to us by our loving savior Jesus.

Compassion would show for a Christian the wonderful evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.

To think of someone else and their needs first and foremost – this is a Christ-like virtue.

Compassion for children draws many to help at Vacation Bible School.
Compassion for those who are sick causes some to visit, send cards, or help with their needs.
Compassion is a response to God’s compassion for us.

Jesus’ showed compassion to the crowd of people gathered at this place and His compassion extended to their physical need as well. These five thousand men, women and children hungered and were fed in a miraculous way by Jesus, but the miracle was probably not even something they were aware of.

God’s great blessing filled their hunger, showed the disciples the compassion and power with which Jesus was sending them out. Each had a basketful of leftovers [12] to testify to what Jesus has done and will continue to do through them.

God would be with them as they went forth. His miraculous work would be worked through them.

They would speak … but Jesus’ words would be heard.

All that Jesus is and does would be with them as they walked in His place with His word, bringing freedom to those in need of the saving knowledge of Christ in a fallen world. The compassion that Jesus has would be the compassion they share with sinners so that they are healed of their sin, fed by our precious Lord’s word and satisfied of all their wants and needs.

Jesus has compassion.

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom 3:23

Jesus has compassion.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:23

Jesus has compassion.

8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8

Jesus has compassion.

9 Because, by the power of the Holy Spirit in you, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Rom. 10:9-10

Jesus has compassion.

13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Rom. 10:13

Jesus has compassion … on you!

Take and eat. This is my body given for you. Take and drink, This is my blood, shed for the forgiveness of your sins!

Jesus has compassion so that you can feed on him in this life and serve the needs of others.

Because Jesus heals your sin and covers you with His righteousness, you are by faith, free of your bondage to sin, fed by His holy word, as well as his very Body and Blood in the Lord’s Supper and because if this you are satisfied.

In Christ Jesus you are given His compassionate grace, mercy and love.

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

Amen.

Sermon July 13-14, 2024 - Pastor Terry Nelson

Title: Praise God for Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ! – Pastor Terry Nelson
Text: Eph. 1:3-14

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3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Sermon July 6-7, 2024

Title: Jesus is Rejected! Can you stand firm?
Text: Mark 6:1-13

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3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”

As Jesus continues to go about his business of teaching the word, healing the sick and casting out demons … questions arise.

6 [Jesus] went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?

Last week Jesus raised the little daughter of the synagogue ruler. Now, he finished the Gospel lesson from last week with these words:

43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Those who had been kept outside the little girl’s room knew she was dead and after Jesus went in to the room with her parents and his disciples the people, who had remained outside too, saw the little girl going about.

Nothing needed to be said. The miracle of her being raised from a death they were sure of … to life … spoke for itself.

Where did this man get these things?

What is the wisdom given to him?

How are such mighty works done by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus is Rejected! Can you stand firm?

The neighbors in Jesus, hometown of Nazareth rejected him, who had grown up among them. He, who was known to them as the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon and his sisters? They knew his family and while the debate continues that Jesus was the only son of his mother Mary the term (brothers) can be connected with cousins and near relatives. These people knew Jesus and his family … And they took offense [not at them but] at him.

Offense can come from those who know us, or can be directed at those we know. Being connected to Jesus and being Christian – in our day – is, for many, offensive.

What we proclaim in Jesus, and the truth of God’s word that we hold to, are not in step with the culture.

In years past when we spoke the truth of the faith it might have brought a giggle from those who oppose Christ or have no Biblical understanding, but now the consequences for our faith are real.

Is our freedom as Christians to be pushed behind the walls of the church or kept within the confines of our own homes?

When we enter the world is our faith and beliefs to be left home or at church and are we to only parrot the views of the culture and submit to them?

These are hard questions that we each must look at and answer. The signs at many churches read as you leave the parking lot:

“You are now entering the mission field.”
Will it be changed to reflect, “You have now entered the civil realm?”
This is nothing new. Our Old Testament lesson for today reminds us.

3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants also are impudent [not showing due respect for another person; impertinent] and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.
Friends, it is not just the culture that rebels against God, but we, as God’s children, as the Christian church – you and me, who have rebelled.

We trust not the word of God at times but the dictates of man.
We see church attendance as an afterthought and optional, and not the gift that God intends it to be, and we endorse the views of the world as normative instead of what God has called normal for we who are Christian.

If the word of God is used to call sinners to repentance it is largely unheeded and unheard.

Those who listen but refuse to hear at times, change churches rather than repenting and continue on as if it’s no big deal, or they ask the church to play along and get with the program … and we wonder why the culture doesn’t take us seriously.

6 And [Jesus] marveled because of their unbelief.

If the church won’t listen why would the culture?

And [Jesus] went about among the villages teaching.

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Jesus sends the word out and he uses foolish things like pastors preaching and teaching. He uses water, bread and wine connected to his word and by his Spirit.

The phrase … Christ dwells … really means to take up residence … to make your home, his home.

He wants to be part of your life.

He wants to hear your repentance - because he already knows your sin.

He also knows that he has paid the price for your sin and he desires for you … in repentance … to see this too.

By coming to him and confessing your sin, he can comfort you with his blessed forgiveness telling you through the words of holy absolution that you, dear child, are forgiven.

Having just celebrated the freedoms which are so important for we as Americans, let us remember and be thankful for those that came before us and paid the heavy price for these freedoms we enjoy.

I saw a wonderful sign that read:

The United States did not create Religious Freedom,
Religious Freedom created the United States.

Pause and also think about the one who brings true freedom for you and me who called you out of slavery to sin, death and the devil and gave you sonship in his name.

Jesus has brought you peace with the Father by his very body and blood given and shed for you. He has given this for you to eat and drink and to receive this blessing and he keeps you, by his Spirit, pointed to Jesus.

Jesus is Rejected! Can you stand firm?

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

Amen.

Sermon June 29-30, 2024

Title: Do not fear, only believe!
Text: Mark 5:21-43 

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41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

C.S. Lewis writes:

Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin or your selfishness.

But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable...The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers of love … is Hell.

C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc., 1960, p.169.

21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.

Jesus did not stay put he went among the people and they followed him.

22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death.[my heart is wrung and nearly broken] Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.

One of the rulers of the synagogue comes to Jesus because his daughter is at the point of death. He knows that if he does nothing she will die and be lost to him forever. He has obviously heard about Jesus … the healings that he has done and is convinced that Jesus can heal her and can make her well, so he seeks him out and falls at his feet to implore him to come, so that she may be made well and live.

Jairus has faith in Jesus and trusts Christ Jesus to give her life and Jesus went with him.

Life, death, love and faith all at work and all connected to Jesus.
Do not fear, only believe!

Now we have the story within the story.

The woman who was ill.
Any ladies here who can relate to that?

She suffered a discharge of blood for 12 years.
She suffered under many physicians.
She was no better but in fact worse.

I’m sure there are many men who have their own illnesses that can relate to this story as well.

Illness [cancer, bladder, prostate etc.] anything and everything.

She had heard about Jesus. His teaching, the feeding of the multitudes, and casting out of demons. For you and me illness is a demon of sorts that torments and you live with for days, months, or even years.

Many, deal with illness … looking for answers.

She didn’t even feel worthy to approach the teacher publicly but thought if I can sneak through the crowd, no one will know, and I can be healed – just touching the hem of his garment and all my problems will cease!

Immediately! She felt the flow of blood dry up and she was healed!
Jairus by faith publicly sought Jesus’ help for his daughter.
The woman by faith in secret sought Jesus’ help for herself.

The disciples, the crowds, Jairus, the woman - whether a storm on the sea of Galilee from our gospel from last week, or a father who is seeking help for his daughter, or a woman with nowhere else to turn, or you and me in the trials of this life broken in sin and death. Jesus is the one to turn to for hope, healing, peace and comfort.

Jesus said, “Who touched my garments?”

33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Tell Jesus everything.
By faith in Christ, you and I are given healing, peace and life!
Do not fear, only believe!
Here comes the bad news:

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

The world says there is no hope.

Jesus says trust in me. Only believe!

[And taking] the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

By faith, Jairus trusted his daughter to Jesus and she was raised from death to life.

By faith the woman trusted that Jesus could cure her.

And also, by faith, parents bring their children to the waters of Holy Baptism so that they too might be brought from death to life. Here they receive God’s mercy as they are buried with Christ and raised to newness of life in Baptism.

The apostle Paul articulates this in his letter to the Ephesians in chapter 2 when he writes:

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—

The parents’ faith, is in Christ's command and promise.

The child is given faith to believe by the working of the Holy Spirit connected to the water in Holy Baptism.

Do not fear, only believe!

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

Amen.

Sermon June 22-23, 2024

Title: Peace is found in Jesus!
Text: Mark 4:35-41

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37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

There is an old saying ... a very old that says:

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”

Publius Syrus (42 B.C.)

[Story of sailing, Jason Eck Sam Holmes etc. and the difficulty that it can be]

35 On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.

A bit of a caravan of boats began crossing the Sea of Galilee, the one with Jesus and a few others. There was no preparation or additional provisions just Jesus as he was and those with him going to the other side as evening was upon them.

The crowd that had heard Jesus speak the parables he shared were left behind and Jesus was tired – probably from the day and all the speaking but also true man born of woman … sharing our humanity. We know this because as the storm arose and the waves were breaking over the boat …

38 [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

The storm was upon them, it was evening, the boat is filling and Christ is sleeping. Were those with him fearful or did they think that Jesus just didn’t care? Or, was it both …

I remember when my children were little during thunder storms they wanted to be with Monica and me. If it was night time. They wanted to sleep with us for comfort or to have us with them. Now that they are older when the storms come it our dogs that need comfort. This past week when the storms came my dogs wouldn’t leave me. At times Abby will climb into my lap – all 100 pounds of her – shaking like a leaf while Chloe sits by my side getting petted.

Why worry … when you can trust.

It is like a rocking chair … it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.

Source Unknown.
We all fall victim to the thought that Jesus doesn’t care about our troubles. And in the storms of life, we all fear that God is silent, uninterested and unaware.

We worry because we don’t know what God intends and even assume that we are set adrift during the storms of life to fend for ourselves.

At times, as a pastor, I am called upon to bring peace and stillness to a raging heart and a life looking for answers … in the midst of the storm … or called to bring comfort as life’s trials rage and the answer is always Jesus.

Our lives are divided into the temporal and the eternal; the here and now, in contrast to that heavenly home that waits in the future.

For some the eternal comes all too soon, for we who are left behind to grieve. But the eternal is as real as our life now though it is yet to come. We walk by faith and not by sight.

Jesus as both true God and true man, while sleeping in the boat, was in control. In the midst of the storm, he had all things under control and as with you and me … we are held in the palm of his hand, and he promises to never leave us nor forsake us.

Some years ago while making a shut-in visit, I visited a member that had a care giver who was a Christian from another denominational background. Every time I visited, the caregiver always seemed to be burdened with the signs of the end times and she worried about when Christ would return. She always had some radio show on or prophet she was listening to, following the signs that pointed to when Jesus would definitely return.
I am so thankful that the Lord by his Holy Spirit always would give me a word of calming comfort to those I visit during the storms of life.

A scripture or word of peace that came from the Lord to calm the heart.

The lady I was visiting had some dementia and though her care giver was a relative she always seemed very concerned about Jesus and his return. My visits brought a word of comfort and the Lord’s Supper to our member, and are wonderful gifts and blessings for those who are shut in, confused, scared or simply need the calming of a troubled heart.

I told the care giver that God’s return is not terrifying to a believer because his word says:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5

Not in the boat of our lesson or in the room I was visiting.

And, that Jesus says he will go and prepare a place for us, and will come again and will take us to himself, that where he is we may be also. John 14:3

And all the while the lady I’m visiting is saying:

“That’s right pastor, that’s right.” “That’s right pastor, that’s right.”

And I concluded as gently as I could:

Who knows, we may be called to our eternal rest even today … so the trials of life or Christ’s return for the Christian is not something to fear but to be joy in.

Because in the storms of life, Christ cares and brings Peace!

39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Not just calm … but the word says a great calm!

40 [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Friends, there is no fear of Jesus or his return for we who know him and have been brought to faith. Christ Jesus has made us his own and has promised to be with us now and forever more. Comfort and peace follow us in the midst of the storm and we know that the peace of God passes all human understanding.

Peace is found in Jesus!

[The takeaway]

Christ Jesus cares and brings Peace!

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

Amen.

Sermon: June 15-16, 2024

Title: God’s mighty fortress replaces the broken tent of this life!
Text: 2 Cor. 5:1-10 

 

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5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Today we acknowledge fathers.

Thinking of my dad and dads in general brings a smile to my face. I loved my dad and all he brought to my life. Dads are given a responsibility to serve and lead their families and in society as well, but not all measure up to the calling they are given, so you may or may not have the same joyful memories about your dad as I do. It is for us to remember fathers this day, and maybe this is my own disclaimer:

Fathers are human and fathers are sinners and fathers fall short, but in Christ fathers are forgiven and on this Father’s Day may we all have the blessings of forgiveness given and received!

We are to go about our daily tasks in whatever vocation God has placed us as faithful servants of the word and to serve our neighbor which is God’s desire for each one of us. God has done all things for us in restoring our relationship with him, but he uses us daily to serve the needs of others.

A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from every need that hath us now o’er taken.
The old evil foe now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

Fathers are given the headship to care for their families and represent our heavenly father’s love and care in this life. But this life is temporal.

5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Paul speaks here of the human body with the analogy of a tent. For those of you who enjoy camping, you may have experienced the fact that tents, don’t last forever.

Back in 1984 when my wife Monica was pregnant with Amy, we went camping with our friends Terry and Julie.

We had camped the summer before and even though Monica was pregnant and due in a few months, we went again. As we got to the campsite, we began to set up the tent. About half way through the process, the seams started pulling apart and before long the tent literally fell apart at the seams. Those around us were getting a pretty good laugh at our misfortune. As we pulled one side tighter ... the other side would pull apart.

Evidently after camping the previous year, Terry had put away the tent wet instead of setting it up and letting it dry and the thread of the seams had rotted. So, to continue to have our camping trip, we had to go to the store in town and another tent had to be purchased.

Not a great joy but we did finish our camping trip.

The hearers in Paul’s day would have been familiar with the wearing out of fabric of their own tents and here Paul connects it to the fabric of their own mortality.

2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.

Our lives are like the vulnerability of being naked and exposed.

This past week is the anniversary of what would have been my mother’s 94th birthday. June 13th 1930 seems so long ago, though my mom is ever on my mind. Eleanor Tkac passed away in 1988 at the age of 57 suffering the pains of cancer, and was called from this life to the life eternal in heaven way too soon.

At times the blessing of a long life is given. My Aunt Bev shares the same birthday with my mom but two years older and just turned 96; and it seems to me these days that many like Aunt Bev, are living into their 90’s, but for some, life is cut short.

Thake for example my classmate in Jr. High, Sylvia Kalaras, her life was cut short by a house fire in 1969 at the age of 14.

I still remember the details of her death in the basement of her home ... she couldn't get out.

As I heard it, the principal of the Jr. High School Mr. Migliore, lived next door to her and Sylvia – stuck in the basement as the fire raged - got as close as a foot away from his hand so he could pull her through the basement window, but fear caused her to back away from his hand for some reason into the smoke and he never saw her again. 55 years later and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—

We all can attest to the trials of this life and at times being burdened, worn out and spent - not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, by God’s miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit to clothe us with a building not made by human hands so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by the eternal.

Through the Spirit we are pointed to our mighty fortress which is Christ Jesus our Lord!

5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

And that guarantee, you can take to the bank!

The guarantee is this: that we receive the incorruptible when we put off the corruptible as our mortal bodies are clothed with immortality at Christ’s return.

Paul had told the Corinthians this in 1 Cor. 15:52

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

But Paul adds in his second letter to the Corinthians that they are to be found clothed and not naked.

That they are to be clothed in this life with Christ – first at their baptism – as the righteousness of Christ is given and marked as their own.

And also, as they partake of the Lord’s body and blood in the sacrament of the altar, for the forgiveness of their sins which will strengthen their faith!

But at times, as sinners, we’d rather complain than joy in the gift of God’s forgiveness in Christ.

And so, we miss out on the faith building God desires to do in us and for us by his free gift.

But God, by his Spirit, won’t let us grumble long.

As his church we are fed and receive the blessing that he intends for us, so that we can have courage and confidence.

7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

It is a comfort to know that when we leave this life and this body of death we are to be with the Lord.

It is that confidence in Christ – our Mighty Fortress - that we hold on to.

While grace and faith are God’s gifts, and while we earn nothing by what we do, but simply receive the Lord’s favor; our neighbors, our children, and our friends need us to share God’s gifts with them, in word and deed.

Martin Luther says this in his Large Catechism to parents about the 4th commandment.

Parents should consider that they owe obedience to God, and that above all, they should earnestly and faithfully discharge the duties of their office, not only to provide for the material support of their children, servants, subjects, etc., but especially to bring them up to the praise and honor of God.

The Book of Concord, LC, Tappert Pg. 388

9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

By Christ’s work we have peace with God. This is a blessed gift, but as Paul also wrote to the church at Philippi:

23I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

God’s mighty fortress replaces the broken tent of this life!

We live in this tent and serve until the Lord calls us home whether at 14, 57 or in our 90’s. It is not our concern to dwell on death for Christ Jesus has overcome death at the cross for you and by faith in him you have an eternity that awaits all who believe

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

Amen.

Sermon June 8-9, 2024

Title: Your physician, Christ, has healed you!
Text: 2 Cor. 4:13-5:1

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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.

Deborah A. Trosin Obituary

TROSIN, DEBORAH A. of Waterford; May 23, 2024; age 72; Loving wife of the late Tim; Dear mother of Jennifer (Chris) Lehti; Beloved grandmother of Justin Lehti; Cherished longtime friend of Marsha (Tracy) Oberleiter; Also survived by her grand dog Rex. Mrs. Trosin was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and worked as a medical assistant. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society.

The life of Debbie Trosin, member of this Peace Lutheran Church, summarized in 68 words - or not quite one word for each year of this beloved Christian’s life.

I think we can do a little better?

The text appointed for today from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is often used in funeral sermons. I’ve used it many times as I and those who come to mourn - grieve a loss and rejoice in a victory. We grieve the loss of a friend or family member, but also rejoice in the victory of child of Christ connected to this loss that in Jesus, gives us all hope.

Debbie’s family, for reasons of their own, and at this time have no plans for a funeral or memorial service.

Many families don’t. Some, not connected to the church, see death as the end and grieve personally, while others, celebrate the life of the deceased and remember the good times and move forward.

Other’s still, just don’t know what to do, how to do it and and simply do nothing, letting the funeral home guide them as best they can to a casket and vault, or the crematorium as may be the case.

I wanted to take this opportunity to do a little more.

I’ve known Debbie for the better part of 20 plus years, first meeting her at a Saturday evening service. Many who knew her have passed or don’t remember her from her time here. When she was able to come, she used crutches to get in and out of the church as she was quite heavy and had difficulty walking, and would struggle out of the service huffing and puffing as she went. I didn’t think much of it. Just a member of the church coming to hear the word of God and to receive his gifts in the sacrament. I didn’t know that I would get to know her in a personal way and be her pastor.

In 2010 when I began my time here as Vicar, I started going with Pastor Merrell on my day off from work to visit the shut-in members of the church.

Debbie at this time was, living in her home on Iris St, in Waterford, her home was on Maceday Lake and she loved her home and boating. Her husband Tim, passed away in 2005 at 56 years old and I never got to meet him. When I started visiting Debbie at home, she was by then confined to a motorized wheelchair. It was hard for her to do much of anything for herself or to take care of her home. At some point her daughters’ family moved in with her to help some.

Matt Rich once went over and helped organize a group to take care of some repairs that were needed and that was a big help to her.

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

Debbie’s day to day was not a joy for her. There was much struggle for her, but she was always happy to see me on our visits. Eventually she couldn’t care for herself anymore and became a long-term resident of the Regency care facility in Waterford. It was good for her and helpful. Those who brought care to her were very nice and friendly. She signed her home over to her daughter.

A bed in a room was now her home.

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

I visited her on a regular schedule which was usually once a month. And Debbie was really happy to see me. But as you might expect, it was not always an easy visit. Her mobility issues got worse and she had difficulty hearing which was a long-term problem which was compounded by the fact that she didn’t have hearing aids.

So, when we visited and I would answer her question … it became a bit difficult.
“Pastor, could you speak up? I can’t hear you!”
“Debbie, I’ll try. But I can’t stand here and yell at you.”

Sometimes she wasn’t at Regency when I came to visit, as she had gotten sick and was at the hospital, and those COVID times were especially difficult as you might imagine.

Debbie and I had a lot of discussions about faith. She, as most, was concerned about her salvation. She had devotion books, and Portals of Prayer I brought, and would join on line though Facebook to watch the service but I’m sure she couldn’t hear anything of what was being said.

Earlier this year as I visited, she was very conflicted and asked me:

“Pastor, how can I be sure that my sins our forgiven? I really struggle with this. I’ve not always been a good mother and I’ve hurt people and messed things up!”

This is a pretty common concern for many as we get closer to the time that we will depart this life and death looks to be closing in. For many in care facilities it is a daily concern.

Paul writes:

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.

In Christ we understand that death is not the end. There still though, remains judgement and an eternity with the Lord or separated from him.

The Sheep and the Goats. As Jesus relates in the final judgement in Matthew 25.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Matt. 25:31-33

On this visit Debbie was concerned.
Where would she stand?
What side was she on?
Was she a Sheep or a Goat?
How could she know that her sins are forgiven?

So, I began to tell her again, as I did each month on our visits, the Good News.

That Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise.

That he humbled himself even unto death, death on a cross, so that he might restore the relationship between God and man or between the Creator and his creatures who have fallen away into sin.

And that by Christ’s death in our place we have been brought back to God the Father by faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.

“Do you believe Debbie, that Jesus died for you?”
“Yes, I do!”
“Well, then you have that forgiveness that has been promised.”

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

“Debbie, do you remember all of the visits I’ve had with you where we had communion?”
“Do you remember that after we confess our sins that I pronounced absolution and forgave you your sins as your pastor?”
“Yes, I do.”

Hear it again:

“Almighty God in his mercy has given his son to die for you and for his sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”

“Did you hear that?”
“Yes.”
“Are you forgiven?”
“Yes.”

Remember:

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Paul concludes today in the Epistle reading with the comfort of an eternity in Christ, and this brings me comfort today as I didn’t get to see Debbie at the end of her life:

He speaks of our heavenly dwelling:

5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Rest in peace Debbie.
You are Jesus’ little lamb
You are forgiven.

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

Amen.