Sermon Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2024

Title: In Christ, you are clothed for battle!
Text: Eph. 6:10-20

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11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

As we conclude our time in the book of Ephesians this weekend, I thought we’d take a moment to review.

We began with live in humility, love and peace!

Followed by Pastor Nelson and, teaching Children to Get Along!.

After my vacation, we talked about, walking in the light of Christ!

In the light of Christ, the new-self becomes a servant, one to another in the unity of marriage but also reflected in the life we live together in a world broken by sin.

Last week as partners in marriage we remembered that, Christ loves you and you love others!

And today, we conclude that In Christ, you are clothed for battle!

The whole Armor of God protects the Christian in this life as we struggle against the devil and his work to point us away from Christ and his saving good news. That is Paul’s message to the Ephesian church and for you and me today.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against: but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

What you'd get if 99% were good enough:

No phone service for 15 minutes each day.
1.7 million pieces of first class mail lost each day.
35,000 newborn babies dropped by doctors or nurses each year
200,000 people getting the wrong drug prescriptions each year
Unsafe drinking water three days a year.
Three misspelled words on the average page of type.
2 million people would die from food poisoning each year.

Unknown.

We are thankful that it is not that which we do that makes us righteous but that which Christ has done which saves completely and makes us acceptable to God.

In Christ, you are clothed for battle!

There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Songwriter: STILLS, STEPHEN, Published by Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. http://www.metrolyrics.com/for-what-its-worth-lyrics-buffalo-springfield.html

For What it’s Worth - the anthem of the unrest of the late 1960s, 1967 in fact … from the pen of Stephen Stills and the band Buffalo Springfield. The Vietnam War raged on, along with the draft and the draft dodgers who went to Canada; Kent State, and the students who died protesting at an Ohio University, an institution of higher learning. Richard Nixon and Watergate; the White House tapes and on and on … this was a hard and turbulent time in our nation’s history.

Today seems headed in a similar direction. Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, and unrest in the streets fill the headlines. Black lives matter verses all lives matter, pro choice or pro life, politicians vying for Presidential nominations and protests going on around the country. Battle lines are certainly being drawn, politically … socially … and morally. Christianity and the church are being attacked on all sides. Young people are speaking their minds ... by their very absence from church.

In 1966 Time Magazine, on its cover asked the question: “Is God Dead?”

Almost 30 years ago, Joan Osborn asked the question, in her hit song from 1995, “What if God was one of us” you might remember the chorus …

What if God was one of us / Just a slob like one of us / Just a stranger on the bus / Trying to make His way home?

Today many may wonder and ask this same question as they struggle with the brokenness of their lives, in a world that is spiraling out of control, with ... it seems like… little ... or no hope.

Paul tells the Ephesian church to:

11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Many Christians today take this as their marching orders from God to get in the world being ready to battle the righteous fight for truth, justice and moral purity.

And while we are told always [to] be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; (1 Peter 3:15) we are also told to do this, with gentleness and respect.

For Paul reminds us who the enemy really is.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, - not against those who appear to be the enemies we face - but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The darkness of the devil and his demons are the ones railing against Christ and the victory won at the cross.

The target is on you, too.

It can cause you to fall back into the darkness that you have been rescued once and for all from.

You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!

The soldier's first article of faith is summed up nowhere more eloquently than in an 1865 letter from General William Tecumseh Sherman to General Ulysses S. Grant, where he wrote:

"I knew wherever I was, that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come--if alive."

This is the unwritten, unspoken but unbreakable contract of the battlefield: You will leave no one, dead or alive, in the hands of the enemy.

U.S. News and World Report, July 29, 1991, p. 5.

God’s armor is for your protection. Paul tells the Ephesian church and us to:

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand [or stand firm] in the evil day,

Days just like today … not to battle, but to stand firm … not to fall again into darkness and the temptations of the devil … but to rise, being clothed with Christ daily!

With the image of battle lines being drawn and battle armor being put on … belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword,

Paul says that we are really armed and fitted with truth, with righteousness, with peace, and with faith through the Gospel, the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

You dear friends are clothed in Christ, with the armor of God and his saving gospel!

In the Joan Osborn song, Eric Bazilian, the writer, asks this question:

If God had a name what would it be?
And would you call it to His face?
If you were faced with Him in all His glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?

Songwriter Eric Bazilian, Published by HUMAN BOY MUSIC http://www.metrolyrics.com/what-if-god-was-one-of-us-lyrics-alanis-morissette.html

As a Christian rescued by Christ and shown mercy in the face of my own depravity, I could only sing God’s praise for what he had done for me. We are not called to faith to escape the trials of this world, for from the words of Jesus himself he says:

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But, in spite of these trials we are to sing the truth of God’s rescue in Christ. To call, by the power of the saving gospel, those to faith by the word of God through the working of the Holy Spirit, that in spite of the devils lies that questions “did God really say” from the Garden of Eden, to the lies of our own day which question the existence of the historical Jesus, our own sinfulness, or the working of the devil in the world, that yes … God was one of us and because of Jesus we live, move and have our being.

In the world of Paul’s day and 22 … standing in the midst of the Areopagus, he said:

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”

You are God’s child because he desires you. You are God’s child because he died for you and freed you from the curse of the law that you and I could never keep … with even 99% being a failing grade.

You are God’s child because by his Spirit he called you to believe the word of the gospel giving you faith and raising you from being dead in trespass and sin to newness of life in him, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The song asks the question:

If you were faced with Him in all His glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?

Jesus gives answer to questions in Matthew to the sheep and the goats when he says 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. Matt 25:31

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt 25:34

But the questions the righteous will ask:

37 … ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King [Jesus in glory] will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matt 25:37-40

You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!

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

Amen.

Sermon Aug. 24-25, 2024

Title: Christ loves you and you love others!
Text: Eph. 5:22-33

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31 “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

[Some years back], the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri made public 1,300 recently discovered letters that the late President wrote to his wife, Bess, over the course of a half-century. Mr. Truman had a lifelong rule of writing to his wife every day they were apart.

He followed this rule whenever he was away on official business or whenever Bess left Washington to visit her beloved Independence. Scholars are examining the letters for any new light they may throw on political and diplomatic history. For our part, we were most impressed by the simple fact that every day he was away, the President of the United States took time out from his dealing with the world's most powerful leaders to sit down and write a letter to his wife.

Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 15-16.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Gen2:24; Eph 5;31; Matt.19:5

Many today believe that the couple makes marriage and thus they can decide what their wedding and marriage should be like. In reality, the Word of the Lord teaches that God makes marriage.

Psalm 127:1 testifies, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

And Jesus proclaimed in answer to those who sought to do with marriage whatever they wanted:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:4-6

By becoming husband and wife and joining together in one family we find in a Christian marriage the importance of: Promise, Sacrifice and Joy.

Promise

As we pledge our love for one another in marriage and promise to hold that love for as long as we both shall live; we find in the Lutheran Service Book marriage rite three readings from Genesis, Matthew and our epistle reading for today in Ephesians 5 where this verse is present.

“The husband will be joined to his wife and the two will become one flesh.”

As individuals the two now become one.

As husband and wife there is the promise to be and think as one.

Not that you lose yourself and simply parrot what the other says or desire what they desire, but that your joy as a couple will be to live your life for each other … to care for each other … to make decisions with each other in mind because formerly the two are now one.

The apostle Paul tells us that this is a mystery and that it is profound and that this marriage union of becoming one refers to Christ and His Church.

Christ loves you and you love others!

To understand the love of husband and wife is to understand Christ’s love.

Wives are called to love and respect their husbands who have been given the position of headship which reflects the order of creation in the family just as Christ is the head of the church but submits to the Father’s will. – Not my will by thy will be done. - And the husband is to love his wife and give himself fully to her as Christ gave himself up unto death for his bride … the church.

This is a difficult responsibility for both husbands and wives as we are not Christ and in fact, we all fall short daily as sinners. It is not about the wife keeping her part of the marriage bargain, so that the husband will keep his … or about the husband doing his part, so that the wife will submit and do hers. It is in fact, that even though both will fail and fall short daily they are one … and called to be and remain one … in love and respect for one another.

Love, as Christ loves the church!

And Christ love was a sacrificial love!

Sacrifice

To sacrifice is to give of oneself for the benefit of the other.

When I was getting married, my dad took me aside and said, “Russ, marriage is a big responsibility. You are making a commitment.” He then told me the secret to a long marriage, “Love is about total compromise.”

These next words from my dad bear keeping close attention to, and I believe are most importantly given for the benefit of we husbands,

“When it feels like you’re giving 80% and your spouse is giving 20% it is probably 50-50%”

Compromise always feels like we are giving more.

It at times is a sacrifice for the benefit of the other and we know and understand that Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me, and the sons of disobedience, so that the sins of the whole world might be forgiven by Christ’s life given on the cross.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

I heard it said once that a husband and wife were trying to decide where to go on vacation. The husband wanted to go to New York, the Big Apple, and see the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty while the wife wanted to go to Florida and just relax at a resort, so they compromised … they went to Florida. A marriage built by God is a loving marriage of compromise and sacrifice.

Paul continues:

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.

Christ loves you and you love others!

Joy

The blessings that are united in marriage are hard to explain; through the biblical model of love and respect, submission and sacrifice two unique individuals are joined together in the union of husband and wife. The resulting joy can sustain both in times of trial and suffering.

Christ’s suffering brought joy and peace to his church. His love for the church brought his sacrificial death on the cross for you and husbands are to model that sacrificial love for his wife as he gives himself for her and the care of his family.

Wives also respect and love their husband as unto Christ who has saved and sanctified - which is to make holy - his bride the church.

Being saved is something the church knows quite a bit about.

Sacrificial love as Christ gave for the life of the world is brought to His children by faith, and is also modeled as we give ourselves to one another both in marriage and in service to others.

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Paul says … 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

May each of us joy always in the union and oneness of our marriage vowels, connected to Jesus Christ who is the way the truth and the life. He is the one who carries you and me through the times of hardship in your marriage and family life together that all marriages will need to endure.

For those of you who have not, and are not united in marriage at this time:

God may make a way … weather young and never married, or older and not currently married, or widowed … so that your life may be filled with Love … and respect, joy … and peace, submission … and yes sacrifice; for what God has joined together let no man separate.

I pray we always remember:

Christ loves you and you love others!

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

Amen.

Sermon Aug. 17-18, 2024

Title: Walk in the light of Christ!
Text: Eph 5:6-21

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8b Walk as children of light
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

[Children's message]

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Empty words, we’ve all heard them … are words meant to deceive, to put off, or to fill one’s own agenda. The sons of disobedience hear and follow. Those opposed to Christ and his gospel continue to go the way of destruction, and we too who have been brought to faith by God’s gifts, at times also give way to the call of darkness and fall in sin.

7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

Don’t get sucked in, Paul tells the Ephesians.

But what were the Ephesians getting sucked into … and does it apply to you and me?

Paul says in verse three and four that preceded our text:

3 [That] sexual immorality and all impurity or [coveting] must not even be named among you, and he concludes: 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking … but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who [covets], [which is to desire that which is not yours] … has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Harsh words indeed and the Ephesians were falling short then, falling back into the sins of the flesh - and Christians today fall short too. When desires, feelings and societal norms go against God’s word and truth … the result is that darkness [the realm of Satan] reigns.

The internet and social media had been ablaze the past few weeks after the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I don’t watch the Olympics and have little interest, but at the beginning of the games in the opening ceremony, the debauchery of sin was prevalent on all things Olympic.

Some claim a depiction of the Last Supper by drag queens – intending to offend, [which later was confirmed and revealed to be their intent], others said, that it was just as one poster writes, and I paraphrase:

… just a Bacchanalia which is a pagan festival marked by drunkenness, debauchery, and ecstasy; in other words, an orgy of excess, sexual extremes, that even included the presence of children.

Paul writes:

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Paul is so contemporary!

There is nothing new under the Sun! Ecc. 1:9

Friends, you and I feel it too. Sin is a powerful force that we both, in thought, word, and deed can all fall victim to … and its desires, which are usually evil, can lead us away from the truth that God intends.

When Paul speaks of sexual immorality and all impurity, he is not just speaking of same sex attraction, but of all sexual sins outside of God’s design of marriage, or in the context of marriage that defiles that union.

The sin of adultery in the 6th commandment, or coveting in the 9th and 10th commandment where we covet our neighbor’s wife, or manservant of maid servant as Luther makes clear in the Small Catechism, are warnings not to fall victim to the sinful lusts of the flesh or works of the devil.

It affects you, me, our children and grandchildren and it has done this since the fall into sin. Whether you are a perpetrator or victim there are no winners when sexual sin rears its ugly head.

There has been so much in the news over the last number of years of powerful men who took advantage of their positions in the Hollywood entertainment machine to prey on young women, including TV celebrities; people of prominence, and we know, that the church is not immune either.

We must then as Christians be wise in what we say and do.

How do we imitate Christ in a public or private setting?

As the old saying goes:

“If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

Paul cautions the Ephesians and us all:

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

And here’s the key …

13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,

The light that exposes darkness is Jesus Christ and his word of truth.

And it is not to use God as a means – claiming “I believe” - while denying him and living in sin using Christ as a cover.

But through repentance, it is God’s desire that you and all who sin be restored freely by faith in Christ, through his saving Gospel and the working of the Holy Spirit.

And also, by the light of the gospel that your light shines in the midst of those in darkness so that they too might see, hear, and come to faith and believe.

There was even an uproar in France by Christians after the opening ceremony, drawn together in public unity, to denounce the spectacle of sin and to focus, once again, on the sinless one who has stood in our place, paid for our sin, and should reign in our lives!

Darkness and light … or lies and truth.

Friends, you can’t ride the fence.

As Luther himself writes of this problem in a sermon in his own time:

13. Then be careful to avail yourself of the present opportunity. Embrace it while he is near, and faithfully consider what he requires of you. To ascertain this, go to the Creed and the Ten Commandments. They will tell you. Regulate your life by them. Be helped by the Lord’s prayer. Begin with yourself; then pray for the church. Let it be your desire that God’s name be everywhere sanctified and that your life conform to his will. If you are faithful in these things, assuredly you will walk wisely; you will avoid sin and do good. For the study and practice of these precepts will leave you no opportunity to do evil. God’s word will soon teach you to sanctify his name, to extend his kingdom, to do your neighbor no injury in mind body or estate.

Luther sermons Baker

Everything you do untimely says something about who you are. So:

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

Paul says, don’t let the world, your sinful flesh or the devil be your guide. And all too often we can fall silent in the face of evil.

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Joel Fritsche a career missionary suggests that this might be a stanza from an early Christian hymn.

It certainly could be with this image of dying and rising and awaking from death that you and I who have been brought to faith understand.

Death is the great equalizer for us all. Whether you are famous in life or just one of us who seems faceless to the world, we all need to have Christ and be brought to faith to have an eternity with him.

That should change who we are and how we live.

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

… and as Paul says:

21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Here in the Divine Service, God calls us to come. To be fed on his word and sacrament. To receive God’s favor on account of Christ, and to go fourth, in a world of darkness, with the light of the gospel of peace – the very word of God – and it is this word that brings those who are dead in sin and darkness to God’s marvelous light of forgiveness.

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

Amen.

 

Sermon Aug. 10-11, 2024 – Pastor Terry Nelson

Title: Teaching Children to Get Along! – Pastor Terry Nelson
Text: Eph. 4:17-5:2

Facebook live: Teaching Children to Get Along!

23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Sermon Aug. 3-4, 2024

Title: Live in humility, love and peace!
Text: Eph. 4:1-16

Facebook live: Live in humility, love and peace! 

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Humility, gentleness, and patience or - bearing with one another in love - sure doesn’t sound like the world I live in. At least if you watch the news, spend time on your computer, or check the timeline feeds on your phone or social media account.

You members, who are not online, or active with Facebook and other accounts are not immune either. You’ve either hear about it on the radio, read about it in the paper, or have firsthand experience with it while you drive, shop, or go about you daily lives.

Rude, aggressive and unkind people, who also happen to be impatient are all around us. The world is full of them. It’s been full of them for years!

… As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.

… I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

No, that’s not me asking these questions. These are the lyrics to a song written by Nick Lowe, but made popular by Elvis Costello back in 1978.

Sounds like today, doesn’t it?

Wicked world, darkness, insanity, hope lost, pain, hatred and misery.

It sounds like the lives of all too many in our world today, though the song was written in 1974. A time I remember and maybe many of you remember as wonderful and joy filled and with a bright future ahead.

As the song builds to its chorus stamp and signature the writer asks a question.

… And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

Guess what … I ask that same question and so, I believe, do many of you.

As the body of believers, we live in the world too. At times the world breaks into our lives with rude, violent, and unkind people and attitudes that can shake the foundation of who we are, causing in us a response that is no more humble, gentle, or patient than what we’ve experienced.

It is easy to take our eyes off Jesus;

and Paul here is calling the church in Ephesus to refocus. Not only to see Jesus and all he has done for them but to reflect him in words, actions, and attitudes living as his followers wherever God has placed them in home, work, or church.

3 Make every effort [Be diligent] to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV 1984

From Lutheran Catechesis we learn how the Law works as curb, mirror, and guide.

It stops bad behavior, [curb]

reflects our sinfulness to us, [mirror]

and directs us in a better way to go. [guide]

Feeble attempts to keep the Law miss the mark as we actually at times think we measure up.

It can cause a condescending spirit in us to see ourselves as better than others – especially as brothers and sisters in Christ - as pride grows and replaces humility.
In my life I’ve run into or met some people who have had great success in life.

Steve Yzerman as a rookie and just beginning his career visited the store I worked at, as he did as the assistant General manager, post career, bringing his daughter to a piano recital.

Quiet, calm assurance, and polite.

Grant Hill Piston basketball star at the time was – polite, friendly, and kind.

Tom Wilson, at the time CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment, and current President and Chief Executive Officer of Olympia Entertainment treated me like I was a good friend and not just a salesman selling him a piano.

Chris Chelios, Alan Trammel, Jack Morris and even Bob Seger and Aretha Franklin came into the store.

Many, I didn’t wait on as another salesman got the opportunity.

Most were polite and nice. Some bought, and some didn’t.

Some Confident … yes, and some cocky.

Paul in his letter wants the church then and now to know that there is one church, one body of believers, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all … and you, like the church in Ephesus, have been bought with a price.

The death of Jesus is the gift and the price.

Because he has risen from the dead and has ascended on high, we too who trust in him will rise and ascend. But only because he died in our place and descended, proclaiming victory over sin, death and the power of the devil can we ever understand the height that he has ascended too.

Humility is hard … success builds pride.

Pride can see not the gift or the giver but only the reflection in the mirror. The mirror of the Law - shows us our sin – SOS. But it requires an act of God through his Holy Spirit to SOS – see our savior.

Hall of Fame honors, World Series wins, Stanley Cups, NBA Championships, money, success and fame can cause a cloud of selfish pride to obscure the mirror for some - that reflects who we truly are apart from Christ – lost and condemned creatures that we are.

I found a smile on my face recently as I listened to Jim Leyland, give his Hall of Fame speech at Cooperstown.

Quite an honor, but Jim remained ever humble. He said at one point:

“I was having coffee with (wife) Katie, a couple of weeks after I was elected to the Hall of Fame. And I casually said, ‘Katie, can you believe in your wildest dreams that I’ve been elected to the Hall of Fame?’ And Katie replied, ‘Jim, you’re not in my wildest dreams.’”

But thanks be to God, in spite of our successes or failures in this life, he has made a way for the mirror to clearly reflect our true condition as sinners and to provide the means of comfort for a burdened soul - by the word of God and through the work of the Holy Spirit – we are forgiven in Christ and now have peace with God.

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, NIV 1984

God’s gift comes to us through humble means.

Apostles – called by God in Christ to proclaim the way, the truth, and the life in Jesus and to write by inspiration of the Holy Spirit all that God has given them to do.

Prophets - Those who in many and various ways God spoke through in the past pointing forward to the coming hope that is Jesus.

Evangelists – Those sent to take the good news to the far reaches of the world to bring the lost into the fold.

Pastor’s and teachers – Shepherds that care for God’s flock [people], called to proclaim the full council of God, feeding God’s sheep, giving his gifts and teaching his children the truth of the word and their standing as his redeemed children. I am blessed to be here and called to serve you.

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

God’s word is truth.
Paul’s desire is that the church knows the word of God …

knows the gift of faith …

knows the reliance on one Lord, one Faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.

Only then is it possible to reflect humility, gentleness, and patient as we live as Christ’s body of believers in this broken world.

14 … No longer, children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Through a wicked world - darkness, insanity, hope lost, pain, hatred and misery continues.

Not being deceived by the ways of the world and the cunning of the devil or being drawn away through men who twist the word of God, deceive the flock, and build their kingdom on the backs of the faithful.

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Bringing Peace, Love and Understanding to our world!

Reactions to the truth can cause differing responses.

It can cause rebellion, anger, pride and arrogance by those in opposition to the word and the truth it proclaims, or by the working of the Holy Spirit it can cause humility, gentleness, and patience in your life and mine as we live out our vocations as Christians.

You too have been changed.

28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John6:28-29

May the joy of that change be a reflection in all you say and do.

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

Amen.

Sermon July 27-28, 2024

Title: The rock of our refuge is Christ, be not afraid!
Text: Mark 6:45-56

 
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50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

“The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock.”

These are the words of St. John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople, from a sermon preached around 400 AD. He was sent into exile for his faith … which led ultimately to his death.

He continues:

“Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise; they cannot sink the boat … of Jesus. What are we to fear … Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile … ‘The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods … We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats; I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death or do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.”

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/233/whom_shall_i_fear___john_chrysostom.html

Fear can consume us all whether it is financial, personal, or medical. The Rock upon which our faith is built is Christ.

He is the rock of refuge.
He is the place of comfort.
He is the pavilion of rest.
He is the gift of mercy.

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt 16:18

The rock of our refuge is Christ, be not afraid!

45 Immediately [Jesus] made his disciples get into the boat [Luther sees the boat as a metaphor for the church] and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

Jesus compels the disciples to leave. Maybe there was unwillingness on their part, but Jesus made them get into the boat. He dismisses the crowds and then as is consistent with Jesus, no matter the crowds or the work or the distractions … Jesus prays.

47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, [also seen as a metaphor for the chaos of the world broken in sin, death and the devil]

and [Jesus] was alone on the land.

By this time … the boat was a far way off.

The wind and waves were against the boat and the disciples … as life at times can be.

The storms can come, and at times it is with wind, rain, and hail. Tree limbs can break, homes and cars can be damaged, and power for some … can be lost.

You have experienced storms and so have I. Storms can come without warning and fear can be greatest … when we least expect it.

Jesus spent almost the entire night, after the disciples departed, in prayer.

The fourth watch would be late, between 3 AM and 6 AM. It can be the darkest part of the night or just before the grayness of dawn gives way to morning, and the disciples were fighting against the waves of the sea and the wind which were against them.

[Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. Mark 6:48b

If you’ve ever been up most of the night you might understand the disciple’s distress. The wind, the waves … 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified.

Christ calms the storms of life!

As a pastor, I get to visit quite a few people at the hospitals, care facilities and in their homes. Some are dealing with minor procedures while others have grave and serious concerns. Some just deal with the problems of age and the uncertainty of life. It is always a joy though to be asked to pray for those who need a comforting word at a time of great worry and fear.

Christ brings that type of peace.

I’m reminded of a time not so many years ago. It was a Monday all seemed normal for the beginning of the work week. I went in to church, started my sermon preparation. I went home to feed my dogs and have lunch. While I was putting my plate in the dishwasher, I thought I should call Trudy and see if I could make a visit. Her phone didn’t pick up it just beeped. It seemed odd to me. I thought I’d go back to church but something caused me to think … I’ll just drive to her apartment. If she is not there, I’ll call her daughter and see what’s up.

Trudy is about 4 miles from me so it didn’t take long to get there. As I walked to her home her window blinds were drawn which was not normal. I peeked in the crack in the blind and could see the TV on. I banged a bit harder on the door and then heard a voice … “Help me.”

The door was locked so I called 911. I gave them the apartment number but couldn’t remember the street and wrestled with the dispatcher who was asking many questions for clarification and it was becoming frustrating to me.

Fear was coming upon me as I only wanted to get the door open so I could check on Trudy.

I told the lady on the phone, “Look, I’m getting a bit frustrated and I’m about ready to bust this door down.” To which she calmly said, “You can do that and we even encourage it but just make sure she isn’t behind the door.”

Just then a young man from another apartment came out. I asked him if he could call and get a security person to open the door. He did, but there was no answer and he asked … did you try the back door? I forgot about the door wall and ran around the back of the complex. When I reached Trudy’s door I pulled. It opened! There was Trudy on the floor. She was sitting and, in some pain, but looked clear headed and stable.

She said to me “I have been sitting and praying. Thank you so much for coming. I heard you on the phone but I couldn’t get up.”

For it is Jesus who says: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

I’ve told many of you that it is such a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I get to bring the Lord’s word and gifts to those in need who can’t get to church. In this case, God brought Trudy’s prayers directly to me in a special way so that her need and her prayers could be answered immediately.

Apart from God’s word of forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit we all would be consumed with fear at the despair and trials of life and weight of our sins.

Take heart, The rock of our refuge is Christ, be not afraid!

The trials of life and the storms that attack us can’t diminish the Love of God for you his beloved redeemed children.

51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,

Jesus is the peace beyond all understanding.

54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard [Jesus] was.

The needs of body and soul are always at peace in Christ because he loves you and has given his life so that you might live.

56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

The rock of our refuge is Christ, be not afraid!

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

Amen.

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.