Title: The blessed Jesus and his coming is your salvation!
Text: Matt. 21:1-11
10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
There’s a story of a New York City businessman who decided to avoid a $20 service charge by replacing a fluorescent light himself. After he had brought a new light into his office and put it in place, he decided to get rid of the old tube by throwing it in the trash can near his subway stop.
That night he got on the subway holding the seven-foot light vertically, with one end resting on the floor of the car. As the train became more crowded other passengers took hold of the tube, assuming it was a stanchion. By the time the man reached his stop, he simply removed his hand and exited the car, leaving the other passengers gripping the fluorescent tube!
Have you ever been startled or surprised? Well, you can imagine the look of surprise on some of those other passengers on the subway when they finally reached their destination and realized what they held in their hands!
The stirring up of the whole city, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the surprise and wonder of their cries of - “Who is this?” - brought the crowds in the city to proclaim that, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!” It also brings to mind as we begin this Advent season that:
True thanksgiving is found in Christ’s forgiveness!
Surprise and wonder and stirring are all good descriptions of the anticipation that accompany us all as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child. With the beginning of Advent the focus is on the baby Jesus as you and I together watch, as our first advent banner reminds us.
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The coming of Jesus into the city was prophesied by Zechariah the prophet and was now being fulfilled. Some in the city wondered who this is. That Jesus came in humbly, on the colt the foal of a donkey and not as the Messianic King who would come to rule this earthly kingdom was a different entrance than most expected.
Though He was welcomed with; “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” as He traveled over the cloaks and palm branches that had been spread on the road in honor of his arrival, how quickly this joy would turn to despair and doubt and hatred for this humble man who came as the baby king to reconcile and restore the relationship between God and man.
Anticipating the “Holidays” as it is called in the retail world can bring grief for many. Shopping and buying gifts for those we love can become less loving and more stressful and you may find yourself being led away from the manger … or even walking and running away of your own accord.
What you seek, at this time of year, may be different than what the Lord desires you to receive. Hope in the holidays may blind you of the hope of the Christ child and the true gift his coming brings. It may be well intentioned relatives, friends, and coworkers, X boxes, holiday hours or advertizing or it may be sadness in the hope for the holidays that never comes … or a family divided by divorce and simply broken in grief. In this broken world death can be very close and life a precious gift.
Ill.
2-1/2 year old Michelle Funk fell into a creek swollen by runoff from the winter snowpack near her home in Salt Lake City. Her brother saw the accident and called their mother, who searched for Michelle before calling, 911.
Within eighteen minutes, rescue workers began a search. When they found no trace of the girl, they reduced the outflow from a reservoir that feeds the creek. As the water level dropped, rescuers saw the child's arm sticking out of the water. She was wedged against a rock, and there was no evidence of an air pocket.
When rescuers finally pulled her from the water, 62 minutes after her mother's call, she was very cold and blue. She had no pulse and was not breathing. Her pupils were fixed and widely dilated, as they would be with severe brain damage or death. A monitor detected no heartbeat.
Nevertheless, rescue workers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, forcing air into her lungs and blood throughout her body. They continued it in a helicopter ambulance that flew her to the hospital …
As death loomed there was also hope. Hope in re-warming from the hypothermia so as to restore her life … but how far should they go?
In the operating room, the doctors delicately inserted tubes into the narrow blood vessels of the child's groin and connected the tubes to the machine. It began pumping, and slowly her temperature began to rise.
When it reached 77 degrees Fahrenheit, she gasped. Then the doctors detected a faint heart beat. After 53 minutes of re-warming, Michelle was removed from the machine and sent to an intensive care unit. As the days went on, Michelle's brain activity showed steady improvement. After two weeks, she smiled when she heard her parents enter the hospital room. After three weeks she whispered a few words, and by four weeks she used four-word phrases and sat up for 10 seconds.
By the time she left the hospital, more than two months after the accident, she talked at the level of a 3-year-old and her motor skills were normal, except for a slight tremor in her hands that soon disappeared.
http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/26/science/the-doctor-s-world-ingenuity-and-a-miraculous-revival.html?src=pm
Where death was a certainty … we see a child, hope and newness of life. Through the God given talents of the “wise men and women” headed by Dr. Robert G. Bolte at the Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah … life from certain death was given back to a family in despair.
In the midst of death, despair and all that the world can bring upon you there is hope because:
The blessed Jesus, the Christ child and his coming, is your salvation!
Hope is not a blind hope but a hope understood and reasoned in faith. It is a hope from God’s own hands given as a promise in his word and brought to life by the Holy Spirit through the word proclaimed and sacraments given and received. Life re-warmed, so to speak, is life not rekindled but … life restored, born from above, born from death itself as we all have been born dead in trespass and sin. (Eph. 2:1)
But Paul comforts in his words to the Romans today:
11 Besides this you know the time … that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
The hope for you and me is the anticipation of the child. But not just any child … for this child is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ himself! This hope in Him is not something you seek out, look for or find but it is a hope given from God to a lost world covered in sin by the joyful coming of a babe … in a manger.
Today we watch … knowing that salvation has come in the one who entered into the joyful celebration and triumphant entry into Jerusalem and also that He came as the babe … foretold of old and received in the manger stable because … there was no room ...
Christ has made room … for you. He has made room also for all the cares and trials that consume you. Everything that brings sadness He carries for you so you can see the joy in the simple things of life, a kind word, thanks given, a need met and hope for life forever in him.
The blessed Christ child and his coming is your salvation!
Don’t be surprised like those who thought they held a stanchion but instead held florescent tube in the subway train!
Christ has been promised and has come and will come again. The truth is evident by faith given in this blessed joy and eternal hope. You have this joy given in Christ and as you watch for His coming this Christmas remember that Christ has brought you from death to life. You were redeemed from the spiritual death given in birth and have been promised a place with Christ forever. Watch … and see by the working of the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ do all that He has promised.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sermon Nov. 23-24, 2013
Title: True thanksgiving is Christ’s forgiveness!
Text: Luke 23:27-43
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Martin Luther once gave a brief, simple, but expressive eulogy upon a pastor at Zwickau in 1522 named Nicholas Haussmann. He said, "What we preach, he lived," - Martin Luther.
It is also fitting with end of the church year upon us, that the end of sin and death also be proclaimed and heard in Christ’s cross of triumph. For what we preach, He lived and died for, so that:
True thanksgiving is found in Christ’s forgiveness!
The story of the cross is one of pain and suffering but also hope. As Jesus was led away following His trial towards his impending death,
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. (Luke 23:32-33)
The cross of Christ is either death or life depending upon your perspective. Take the two criminals for instance:
One rebukes Jesus saying:
“Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
The perspective of the first sees not the wages of sin and the death that sin brings. His call to Jesus is to save, not from the once and for all death that we all must endure, but his call is to save me from this temporal death now, that will at some point in the near future, for him, need to be paid again and in full.
No one will escape death in this life because sin has made sure of that. So, for thief number one, the cross of Jesus is a failure and of no great value for him because it leads only to death for Christ and Him.
Thief number two sees the cross of Christ through eyes of hope when he says:
“Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And recognizes that the condemnation is right and just when he says: 41 for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
The mirror of the Law, written on his heart, has shown him that his deeds are indeed the result of sin and that he is being rightly condemned but in Christ he finds hope when he repents saying:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Today too, the cross reflects either death or hope for you and for all broken by sin in this corrupted world as well. The perspective of the cross from our sinful nature can only see the death that sin brings and a hopeless future bound to death like the bonds and ropes that bind all flesh to the wood of their own cross … void of hope.
Ill.
Timothy George writes in “Giving Thanks in Hitler’s Reich” of the life and death of German pastor, Paul Schneider, who preached the Sunday before Thanksgiving 1937 a sermon on Psalm 145:15-21, which says:
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
He began by acknowledging how (inconsistent or incompatible) it might seem to be giving thanks “in this year of our church’s hardship.” Yet this is precisely what the psalmist calls us to do—to give thanks for the material blessings of harvest and home and also for the generous gifts of God in Word, sacrament, and worship. Yet God’s Word does not come cheap, Schneider said. “Confessing Jesus will carry a price. For his sake we will come into much distress and danger, much shame and persecution; Happy the man who does not turn aside from these consequences.”
He was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp and on July 18, 1939 put to death for his proclamation of the word of the gospel. But while there, this Preacher of Buchenwald as he was known, “Wholly and without fear … bore witness of his Christian faith. He called the devil by his name: murderer, adulterer, unrighteous, monster and throughout this witness … he presented the grace of Christ together with a call to repentance.”
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/11/giving-thanks-in-hitlers-reich/timothy-george
And just like thief number two who cried:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
True thanksgiving is only found in Christ’s forgiveness!
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Paradise is not found in worldly wealth or in a pristine uninhabited Island. But it is found in the bloody cross of the God/ man Jesus Christ who willingly bore the sins of thief one and thief two on His cross placed between them.
And though one thief judged Jesus and his death as a failure and proof that the filthy rags of his own righteousness were the same rags and covering that Jesus wore, the second thief saw through repentant eyes the one true hope and victory over sin, death and the power of the devil.
Dear friends, hope in Christ is not only a thing of the past. It is not only a hope for those who witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus but it is the true and certain hope for you and for me too.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39)
We live in the hope of the cross but also in the hope of the resurrection and of Christ’s future return in glory. As our epistle for today comforts us:
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
True thanksgiving is found in Christ’s forgiveness!
As you gather together to celebrate the Lord’s blessing of family and friends this Thanksgiving, joy in the eternal thanksgiving of Christ redeeming grace!
He will gather his church on the day of His return, raising the dead in Christ first and joining the physical body of his saints, incorruptible, forever, and forgiven in the blessed name of Jesus.
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13)
A truly happy and Blessed Thanksgiving indeed!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: Luke 23:27-43
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Martin Luther once gave a brief, simple, but expressive eulogy upon a pastor at Zwickau in 1522 named Nicholas Haussmann. He said, "What we preach, he lived," - Martin Luther.
It is also fitting with end of the church year upon us, that the end of sin and death also be proclaimed and heard in Christ’s cross of triumph. For what we preach, He lived and died for, so that:
True thanksgiving is found in Christ’s forgiveness!
The story of the cross is one of pain and suffering but also hope. As Jesus was led away following His trial towards his impending death,
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. (Luke 23:32-33)
The cross of Christ is either death or life depending upon your perspective. Take the two criminals for instance:
One rebukes Jesus saying:
“Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
The perspective of the first sees not the wages of sin and the death that sin brings. His call to Jesus is to save, not from the once and for all death that we all must endure, but his call is to save me from this temporal death now, that will at some point in the near future, for him, need to be paid again and in full.
No one will escape death in this life because sin has made sure of that. So, for thief number one, the cross of Jesus is a failure and of no great value for him because it leads only to death for Christ and Him.
Thief number two sees the cross of Christ through eyes of hope when he says:
“Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And recognizes that the condemnation is right and just when he says: 41 for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
The mirror of the Law, written on his heart, has shown him that his deeds are indeed the result of sin and that he is being rightly condemned but in Christ he finds hope when he repents saying:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Today too, the cross reflects either death or hope for you and for all broken by sin in this corrupted world as well. The perspective of the cross from our sinful nature can only see the death that sin brings and a hopeless future bound to death like the bonds and ropes that bind all flesh to the wood of their own cross … void of hope.
Ill.
Timothy George writes in “Giving Thanks in Hitler’s Reich” of the life and death of German pastor, Paul Schneider, who preached the Sunday before Thanksgiving 1937 a sermon on Psalm 145:15-21, which says:
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
He began by acknowledging how (inconsistent or incompatible) it might seem to be giving thanks “in this year of our church’s hardship.” Yet this is precisely what the psalmist calls us to do—to give thanks for the material blessings of harvest and home and also for the generous gifts of God in Word, sacrament, and worship. Yet God’s Word does not come cheap, Schneider said. “Confessing Jesus will carry a price. For his sake we will come into much distress and danger, much shame and persecution; Happy the man who does not turn aside from these consequences.”
He was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp and on July 18, 1939 put to death for his proclamation of the word of the gospel. But while there, this Preacher of Buchenwald as he was known, “Wholly and without fear … bore witness of his Christian faith. He called the devil by his name: murderer, adulterer, unrighteous, monster and throughout this witness … he presented the grace of Christ together with a call to repentance.”
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/11/giving-thanks-in-hitlers-reich/timothy-george
And just like thief number two who cried:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
True thanksgiving is only found in Christ’s forgiveness!
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Paradise is not found in worldly wealth or in a pristine uninhabited Island. But it is found in the bloody cross of the God/ man Jesus Christ who willingly bore the sins of thief one and thief two on His cross placed between them.
And though one thief judged Jesus and his death as a failure and proof that the filthy rags of his own righteousness were the same rags and covering that Jesus wore, the second thief saw through repentant eyes the one true hope and victory over sin, death and the power of the devil.
Dear friends, hope in Christ is not only a thing of the past. It is not only a hope for those who witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus but it is the true and certain hope for you and for me too.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39)
We live in the hope of the cross but also in the hope of the resurrection and of Christ’s future return in glory. As our epistle for today comforts us:
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
True thanksgiving is found in Christ’s forgiveness!
As you gather together to celebrate the Lord’s blessing of family and friends this Thanksgiving, joy in the eternal thanksgiving of Christ redeeming grace!
He will gather his church on the day of His return, raising the dead in Christ first and joining the physical body of his saints, incorruptible, forever, and forgiven in the blessed name of Jesus.
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13)
A truly happy and Blessed Thanksgiving indeed!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sermon Nov. 16-17, 2013
Title: Christ is coming! Your redemption is drawing near!
Text: Luke 21:25-28
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
In a speech made in 1863, Abraham Lincoln said, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."
Jeff Simms
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Redemption requires destruction. Before something can be rebuilt it must first be destroyed. To make new again requires demolition.
As Jesus and his disciples walked through the temple, some of His disciples remarked in admiration on the Temple itself, on its various buildings, porticoes, halls, and chambers, and especially did they mention the beautiful stones, the huge marble monoliths, which formed the Corinthian columns, and the gifts that were consecrated to the Lord, the many articles of adornment which were so noticeable throughout the Temple.
P.E. Kretzmann popular commentary on the Bible Pg. 378
Jesus then tells them of the things to come:
8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.
Jesus warns His disciples that it is easy to be deceived into following false, messiahs and false gods. To know the true God is to know His word and to follow His teachings only.
He warns of wars, trials and persecutions when He says:
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
The coming end will not be a time of joy and for His children there will be a time of persecution.
… they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
To speak the gospel to those who persecute you, Jesus says, is a time for witness. It is a time to proclaim the gospel.
He will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict and promises that you will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and that some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated, he says.
He tells them of the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies and the destruction that will come:
20 “… let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
This will not be a good time:
For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Trial and persecution are coming. You see it, read about and know it firsthand. To be a Christian means you will be an offense to some as Christ was and offense.
Ill.
During China's Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
Today in the Word, February, 1989, p. 17.
Today as well persecution runs rampant as was seen in the Westgate mall in Kenya where 137 were killed by Muslim extremists. Coptic Christians in Egypt too have been targeted.
Ill.
“Coptic Christians joyfully waited outside the Virgin Church in Cairo for the bride to arrive. … Instead, bearded men on a motorcycle pulled up and fired. … “We heard gunfire and ran outside to find people and children lying on the ground swimming in their blood,” said Father Sawiris Boshra.”
Reuters, Oct. 21
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20131110-the-triple-tragedy-of-christian-persecution-in-middle-east.ece
Can the persecution come to your country, your church and even your home too? We already see the beginnings of it in our own country. Sin affects us all. The sin of others can and will affect you.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14)
Apart from faith no one can come to God or call on him as a loving Father. The cross of Christ is an offence. It says that God, and salvation in Christ is an objective fact and that the humanistic and rational thought of the day that says that all ways lead to the heaven and to the same loving God is false.
The hope of the Christian is to the one outside ourselves who came down from heaven. You do not need to ascend to God because He came down for you and he will return.
Christ is coming! Your redemption is drawing near!
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
But then:
27 they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
The fear of persecution is met with the joy of redemption. The joy of eternal life found only in Christ. This is the joy that these believers knew awaited them and that they were not abandoned … but rescued in Christ. In His death they too would find life … and find it abundantly.
The truth of trials is real but so is the rescue by Christ for all who believe. Officiating at my dad’s funeral brought this reality home literally for me. Here was death, close and personal but so to the eternal hope that Christ gives to you and to me. That in Him we all who believe will spend eternity together. It is a comfort when you morn and it is a joy that will take away the tears of sadness because Christ has wiped them away and replaced them with the tears of joy in the resurrection; in reunion in heaven one day; in a forever not covered in sin and death and the devil will no longer have the power to accuse and condemn because he and death will be cast down to the pit of hell forever.
Christ is coming! Your redemption is here in Christ!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: Luke 21:25-28
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
In a speech made in 1863, Abraham Lincoln said, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."
Jeff Simms
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Redemption requires destruction. Before something can be rebuilt it must first be destroyed. To make new again requires demolition.
As Jesus and his disciples walked through the temple, some of His disciples remarked in admiration on the Temple itself, on its various buildings, porticoes, halls, and chambers, and especially did they mention the beautiful stones, the huge marble monoliths, which formed the Corinthian columns, and the gifts that were consecrated to the Lord, the many articles of adornment which were so noticeable throughout the Temple.
P.E. Kretzmann popular commentary on the Bible Pg. 378
Jesus then tells them of the things to come:
8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.
Jesus warns His disciples that it is easy to be deceived into following false, messiahs and false gods. To know the true God is to know His word and to follow His teachings only.
He warns of wars, trials and persecutions when He says:
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
The coming end will not be a time of joy and for His children there will be a time of persecution.
… they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
To speak the gospel to those who persecute you, Jesus says, is a time for witness. It is a time to proclaim the gospel.
He will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict and promises that you will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and that some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated, he says.
He tells them of the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies and the destruction that will come:
20 “… let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
This will not be a good time:
For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Trial and persecution are coming. You see it, read about and know it firsthand. To be a Christian means you will be an offense to some as Christ was and offense.
Ill.
During China's Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
Today in the Word, February, 1989, p. 17.
Today as well persecution runs rampant as was seen in the Westgate mall in Kenya where 137 were killed by Muslim extremists. Coptic Christians in Egypt too have been targeted.
Ill.
“Coptic Christians joyfully waited outside the Virgin Church in Cairo for the bride to arrive. … Instead, bearded men on a motorcycle pulled up and fired. … “We heard gunfire and ran outside to find people and children lying on the ground swimming in their blood,” said Father Sawiris Boshra.”
Reuters, Oct. 21
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20131110-the-triple-tragedy-of-christian-persecution-in-middle-east.ece
Can the persecution come to your country, your church and even your home too? We already see the beginnings of it in our own country. Sin affects us all. The sin of others can and will affect you.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14)
Apart from faith no one can come to God or call on him as a loving Father. The cross of Christ is an offence. It says that God, and salvation in Christ is an objective fact and that the humanistic and rational thought of the day that says that all ways lead to the heaven and to the same loving God is false.
The hope of the Christian is to the one outside ourselves who came down from heaven. You do not need to ascend to God because He came down for you and he will return.
Christ is coming! Your redemption is drawing near!
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
But then:
27 they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
The fear of persecution is met with the joy of redemption. The joy of eternal life found only in Christ. This is the joy that these believers knew awaited them and that they were not abandoned … but rescued in Christ. In His death they too would find life … and find it abundantly.
The truth of trials is real but so is the rescue by Christ for all who believe. Officiating at my dad’s funeral brought this reality home literally for me. Here was death, close and personal but so to the eternal hope that Christ gives to you and to me. That in Him we all who believe will spend eternity together. It is a comfort when you morn and it is a joy that will take away the tears of sadness because Christ has wiped them away and replaced them with the tears of joy in the resurrection; in reunion in heaven one day; in a forever not covered in sin and death and the devil will no longer have the power to accuse and condemn because he and death will be cast down to the pit of hell forever.
Christ is coming! Your redemption is here in Christ!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Funeral Sermon for Albert R. Tkac Friday Nov. 15, 2013
Title: Loved, Forgiven, Forever!
Theme: CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM WE ARE FORGIVEN - FOREVER!
Romans 8:28-39
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all the daylong;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear family, friends and loved ones of our beloved Al,
It is a time of mourning and grief for us all as we remember our dear father, grandfather, father-n-law, uncle and friend Albert Tkac. I've had the blessing to be Al’s son for 58 years and for my sister, Bonnie and my brother’s Ron and Tom I want to thank you for honoring our dad with your presence here today.
Al had the blessing of a very healthy and active life for much of his 87 years. Unfortunately, over these last few months he spent quite a bit of time dealing with the illness that would ultimately call him home. And if you know my dad … being in and out of the hospital and rehab centers wasn't his idea of fun and certainly not where he wanted to be. And though he never complained about his situation ... getting him home to his house was a priority for our family and a great comfort and joy for our dad.
Sadly, he was only able to enjoy his house for a few days. But, my dad was blessed to have spent time with family and friends, and finding joy even in the midst of his suffering. So it is with that in mind that during our time of grieving … as we say our goodbyes … that there is also a time of hope … for what lies ahead.
And, as we think about the loss of our beloved Al today we can have the utmost confidence as he did that:
CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM WE ARE FORGIVEN - FOREVER!
The Roman’s text chosen for the sermon text today speaks of trial and comfort. These believers in Rome were being persecuted for their faith and the Apostle offers assurance to them that no matter the trial whether, tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Rom. 8:35) that they and we can be certain that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8-28)
The world, our sinful flesh and the Devil continued to bring these believers in Rome to doubt that their salvation was secure. Paul comforts them with the assurance that no matter whether trial, persecution in this life or even death … that God has redeemed them and bought them with the precious blood of His only begotten Son and that they cannot be separated from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39)
My dad knew this …
If you knew Al, he gave himself completely in everything he did, whether in his service to our country, playing baseball at Penn State, golfing, ping pong, you name it. It there was a competition he would figure out a way to win. He was the classic example of the joke of two guys confronted with the bear. When the one guy says, “I don’t think we can out run a bear?” Dad would have thought, “I don’t need to out run the bear … I just need to out run you!”
He was a devoted family man and a loving husband and father.
Now dad also was the one who would meet our discipline as the need arose. He understood as a father he was to:
6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and
even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6)
So when he would come home from work on a typical night he might say to our mom, “Line them up and tell me which one I need to hit!” Now my dad could whip his belt off, fold it in half and have it in the ready to strike position faster than you could say Indiana Jones.
But, the truth is I never remember getting the “Strap” as it was called. There was a fear and a healthy respect for him and his “Strap” but little pain. “Go to your room and wait for me!” we would hear … except for Bonnie … because dad really loved her and she was his little girl. But, the boys, well dad knew he needed to mold us. Even when Ron and Tom, thinking they were being extremely helpful by washing dad’s car with Brillo Pads … the “strap” remained holstered. You see, dad knew the Law of right and wrong but he also knew forgiveness and he forgave us much because he too knew that he had been forgiven.
Death brings about a separation from our loved ones … for a time ... for we who believe. It is a consequence of sin and a corruption of this perfect creation of our loving God. We all see the evidence in our lives. At times, it is wonderful to grow older, to look forward to getting your driver’s license or graduating from High School … going to college, falling in love, getting married … starting a family … and all the while you’re thinking very little of your sinful condition, in a corrupted world … and time that is slipping away.
Before long, the kids are grown and out of the house … or … as in my case, they’re out but much of their stuff is still in the house … because in this life, the corruption caused by sin, can throw a wrench into the plans you've made for your life, that unfortunately - all too often - is cut short.
Some of the pain of sin in this life we cause and bring upon ourselves; some is thrust upon us by the sinfulness of others; and some, might have been avoided had we only been just a little bit more loving.
But death, none the less, makes us all look at the reality that at some point we all will breathe our last. For some sooner and for some, like Dad, at 87 years young … even though he had plans to 92 … the sin of Adam and Eve that we are all born into comes knocking and as much as we try, we all, like dad, will eventually answer that door and breathe our last.
So, what is God’s purpose and hope for you and for me? Well, we learn again from our epistle to the Romans that:
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God foreknew – or knew beforehand - these believers in Rome before the foundations of the world. He predestined – which is to determine or decree – that they would bear the image of His son; that they would be covered by the righteous, royal robes of the God/man Himself, Jesus Christ. He called them by name to believe the Good News of the Gospel and He justified them through saving faith in the blessed Gospel that they too, like the Son, would be glorified, forgiven in Christ and would be with Him forever in heaven.
God called our beloved father by name too, because Dad knew his savior and his call to faith. Last Sunday as I was teaching my confirmation class I received a call from my brother Ron telling me dad wasn't doing too well. Ron has been the one consistent care giver for our father over these many years. Always taking him to doctor visits and dad knew this well. Every time I would help and take him to a visit when Ron was unable I would tell dad, “If you need anything just call me.” He would always respond, “I’ll call Ron.”
Well, though we are all saddened by Al’s passing last Monday morning. And the tears that fall from our eyes are real because we all truly loved him. Ron and I had a great blessing as we kissed Dad on the forehead and told him we loved him. He said he loved us too. Usually, I would hear “same here,” because dad wasn't the mushy type but he truly loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of them all.
But, how quickly it is that even one day can change our whole lives?
Unfortunately, even though the hospital was equipped, had all the talents of the Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses at its disposal, and the advances in medical science and techniques available to them, Dad was called away from his loved ones, friends and this life that he loved.
Despite our grief though the apostle Paul still can comfort us all:
Because 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)
My brothers and sister and I had many wonderful years with our father who loved life, his wife, his children sons and daughter-n-laws and grandchildren and took time especially to remember all their birthdays and anniversaries.
And though Dad had a lot of health issues over the last few years he looked lovingly at the blessings of his life, family, friends, golfing buddies, and spending time at the American legion. He would always tell me about Jack, and Freddy and Mikey and Nick and Phil and Jimmy, I thought, "who is hanging out with, the Little Rascals?”
One of the blessings we have in this life is our friends and dad was blessed greatly by knowing all of you. He was also blessed to be baptized and brought to faith in Christ and the salvation that Jesus won for him at the cross. The price of dad’s salvation was the very life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of, not just Al’s sins, but the sins of the whole world. It is the price that we could never pay but was given to Albert Raymond Tkac and to each of us who by faith trust in Christ’s finished work.
Today we honor his life, as we say our goodbyes. But, the grief that fills us all with loss and sorrow who knew him as father, grandfather, dear relative and friend, will one day be replaced with our blessed reunion in heaven for all who believe. Our loving God in Christ Jesus will wipe away every tear of sadness that we have today and in that day replace them with tears of joy, as we together rejoice in Heaven with our resurrected Lord who has come to conquer sin, death and the power of the Devil not only for Dad but for you and for me as well.
In Christ, death is not the end for we who cling to the blessed hope of reunion in Heaven one day. But, it is only a time of parting … for a while.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)
Earlier I said, “How quickly it is that even one day can change our whole lives.”
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24: 1-3)
… one day can change our whole lives …
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5b)
Heaven is now our dad’s home and Jesus has prepared a place for him.
You too, who trust in Christ, have this home waiting for you. That blessed Good News assures you that Jesus died for your sins and it is the wonderful Gospel message you can trust. God has forgiven your sin in Christ and has called you to faith by that same Gospel message through the power of the Holy Spirit, and has given you faith to believe in Christ’s saving work. There is a place that has been prepared for Al … that he has now taken possession of and there is a place waiting for you and for all who believe by faith in Christ.
Dear friends, you are:
Loved, Forgiven, Forever!
Because:
CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM YOU ARE FORGIVEN AND WILL LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER!
May our Lord comfort you with this precious Good News now and forever.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Theme: CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM WE ARE FORGIVEN - FOREVER!
Romans 8:28-39
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all the daylong;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear family, friends and loved ones of our beloved Al,
It is a time of mourning and grief for us all as we remember our dear father, grandfather, father-n-law, uncle and friend Albert Tkac. I've had the blessing to be Al’s son for 58 years and for my sister, Bonnie and my brother’s Ron and Tom I want to thank you for honoring our dad with your presence here today.
Al had the blessing of a very healthy and active life for much of his 87 years. Unfortunately, over these last few months he spent quite a bit of time dealing with the illness that would ultimately call him home. And if you know my dad … being in and out of the hospital and rehab centers wasn't his idea of fun and certainly not where he wanted to be. And though he never complained about his situation ... getting him home to his house was a priority for our family and a great comfort and joy for our dad.
Sadly, he was only able to enjoy his house for a few days. But, my dad was blessed to have spent time with family and friends, and finding joy even in the midst of his suffering. So it is with that in mind that during our time of grieving … as we say our goodbyes … that there is also a time of hope … for what lies ahead.
And, as we think about the loss of our beloved Al today we can have the utmost confidence as he did that:
CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM WE ARE FORGIVEN - FOREVER!
The Roman’s text chosen for the sermon text today speaks of trial and comfort. These believers in Rome were being persecuted for their faith and the Apostle offers assurance to them that no matter the trial whether, tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Rom. 8:35) that they and we can be certain that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8-28)
The world, our sinful flesh and the Devil continued to bring these believers in Rome to doubt that their salvation was secure. Paul comforts them with the assurance that no matter whether trial, persecution in this life or even death … that God has redeemed them and bought them with the precious blood of His only begotten Son and that they cannot be separated from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39)
My dad knew this …
If you knew Al, he gave himself completely in everything he did, whether in his service to our country, playing baseball at Penn State, golfing, ping pong, you name it. It there was a competition he would figure out a way to win. He was the classic example of the joke of two guys confronted with the bear. When the one guy says, “I don’t think we can out run a bear?” Dad would have thought, “I don’t need to out run the bear … I just need to out run you!”
He was a devoted family man and a loving husband and father.
Now dad also was the one who would meet our discipline as the need arose. He understood as a father he was to:
6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and
even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6)
So when he would come home from work on a typical night he might say to our mom, “Line them up and tell me which one I need to hit!” Now my dad could whip his belt off, fold it in half and have it in the ready to strike position faster than you could say Indiana Jones.
But, the truth is I never remember getting the “Strap” as it was called. There was a fear and a healthy respect for him and his “Strap” but little pain. “Go to your room and wait for me!” we would hear … except for Bonnie … because dad really loved her and she was his little girl. But, the boys, well dad knew he needed to mold us. Even when Ron and Tom, thinking they were being extremely helpful by washing dad’s car with Brillo Pads … the “strap” remained holstered. You see, dad knew the Law of right and wrong but he also knew forgiveness and he forgave us much because he too knew that he had been forgiven.
Death brings about a separation from our loved ones … for a time ... for we who believe. It is a consequence of sin and a corruption of this perfect creation of our loving God. We all see the evidence in our lives. At times, it is wonderful to grow older, to look forward to getting your driver’s license or graduating from High School … going to college, falling in love, getting married … starting a family … and all the while you’re thinking very little of your sinful condition, in a corrupted world … and time that is slipping away.
Before long, the kids are grown and out of the house … or … as in my case, they’re out but much of their stuff is still in the house … because in this life, the corruption caused by sin, can throw a wrench into the plans you've made for your life, that unfortunately - all too often - is cut short.
Some of the pain of sin in this life we cause and bring upon ourselves; some is thrust upon us by the sinfulness of others; and some, might have been avoided had we only been just a little bit more loving.
But death, none the less, makes us all look at the reality that at some point we all will breathe our last. For some sooner and for some, like Dad, at 87 years young … even though he had plans to 92 … the sin of Adam and Eve that we are all born into comes knocking and as much as we try, we all, like dad, will eventually answer that door and breathe our last.
So, what is God’s purpose and hope for you and for me? Well, we learn again from our epistle to the Romans that:
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God foreknew – or knew beforehand - these believers in Rome before the foundations of the world. He predestined – which is to determine or decree – that they would bear the image of His son; that they would be covered by the righteous, royal robes of the God/man Himself, Jesus Christ. He called them by name to believe the Good News of the Gospel and He justified them through saving faith in the blessed Gospel that they too, like the Son, would be glorified, forgiven in Christ and would be with Him forever in heaven.
God called our beloved father by name too, because Dad knew his savior and his call to faith. Last Sunday as I was teaching my confirmation class I received a call from my brother Ron telling me dad wasn't doing too well. Ron has been the one consistent care giver for our father over these many years. Always taking him to doctor visits and dad knew this well. Every time I would help and take him to a visit when Ron was unable I would tell dad, “If you need anything just call me.” He would always respond, “I’ll call Ron.”
Well, though we are all saddened by Al’s passing last Monday morning. And the tears that fall from our eyes are real because we all truly loved him. Ron and I had a great blessing as we kissed Dad on the forehead and told him we loved him. He said he loved us too. Usually, I would hear “same here,” because dad wasn't the mushy type but he truly loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of them all.
But, how quickly it is that even one day can change our whole lives?
Unfortunately, even though the hospital was equipped, had all the talents of the Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses at its disposal, and the advances in medical science and techniques available to them, Dad was called away from his loved ones, friends and this life that he loved.
Despite our grief though the apostle Paul still can comfort us all:
Because 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)
My brothers and sister and I had many wonderful years with our father who loved life, his wife, his children sons and daughter-n-laws and grandchildren and took time especially to remember all their birthdays and anniversaries.
And though Dad had a lot of health issues over the last few years he looked lovingly at the blessings of his life, family, friends, golfing buddies, and spending time at the American legion. He would always tell me about Jack, and Freddy and Mikey and Nick and Phil and Jimmy, I thought, "who is hanging out with, the Little Rascals?”
One of the blessings we have in this life is our friends and dad was blessed greatly by knowing all of you. He was also blessed to be baptized and brought to faith in Christ and the salvation that Jesus won for him at the cross. The price of dad’s salvation was the very life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of, not just Al’s sins, but the sins of the whole world. It is the price that we could never pay but was given to Albert Raymond Tkac and to each of us who by faith trust in Christ’s finished work.
Today we honor his life, as we say our goodbyes. But, the grief that fills us all with loss and sorrow who knew him as father, grandfather, dear relative and friend, will one day be replaced with our blessed reunion in heaven for all who believe. Our loving God in Christ Jesus will wipe away every tear of sadness that we have today and in that day replace them with tears of joy, as we together rejoice in Heaven with our resurrected Lord who has come to conquer sin, death and the power of the Devil not only for Dad but for you and for me as well.
In Christ, death is not the end for we who cling to the blessed hope of reunion in Heaven one day. But, it is only a time of parting … for a while.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)
Earlier I said, “How quickly it is that even one day can change our whole lives.”
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24: 1-3)
… one day can change our whole lives …
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5b)
Heaven is now our dad’s home and Jesus has prepared a place for him.
You too, who trust in Christ, have this home waiting for you. That blessed Good News assures you that Jesus died for your sins and it is the wonderful Gospel message you can trust. God has forgiven your sin in Christ and has called you to faith by that same Gospel message through the power of the Holy Spirit, and has given you faith to believe in Christ’s saving work. There is a place that has been prepared for Al … that he has now taken possession of and there is a place waiting for you and for all who believe by faith in Christ.
Dear friends, you are:
Loved, Forgiven, Forever!
Because:
CHRIST CONQUERED SIN AND DEATH, SO THAT THROUGH HIM YOU ARE FORGIVEN AND WILL LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER!
May our Lord comfort you with this precious Good News now and forever.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Albert R. Tkac 1926 - 2013
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." - John 11:25-26
Albert R. Tkac, a longtime resident of Allen Park died on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11, 2013 at the age of 87. Al was predeceased in 1988 by his loving wife of 35 years Eleanor (Lanyi). He is survived by his children Russell (Monica), Bonnie (Harry) Artinian, Ron (Sandy), and Tom (Melanie) and grandchildren Amanda, Alex, Amy, Jon, Sam, Nora, Vince, Spencer, Dylan, Harrison, Ethan and Lucas and great grandchildren, Claire and Patrick. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Ernest Lanyi and sister-in-laws Theresa Tkac and Beverly Lanyi and many loving nieces and nephews. Al was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1926 to the late Michael and Anna (Buzek) Tkac. He was predeceased by siblings Paul, Joseph, Michael, Anna (Sentesi), Margaret (Strom) and Andrew. Al was a proud veteran of World War II and served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946. He attended Penn State University on the G.I. Bill where he played football as a half back and also pitched for the baseball team. He was a proud graduate of Penn State and a dedicated Nittany Lion fan for the rest of his life. Al worked for the Kelsey-Hayes Corporation for 33 years in many capacities. He and his family moved to Allen Park, Michigan in 1961 when he was transferred to Kelsey’s Romulus, Michigan plant. Al was an avid golfer for over fifty years. He was most proud in his eighties when he could shoot a golf score under his age. Regrettably for his sons, they were never able to beat him. He treasured the time spent with his many golf buddies over the years. After moving to Michigan, Al fell in love with the game of hockey and was a dedicated, die-hard Detroit Red Wing fan until he died. Al was a wonderful father who will be missed immensely by his four children. They are the people they are today because of the great ethics instilled in them by their parents. Visitation 1-8pm Thursday. Funeral Service 11am Friday at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park, Allen Park (313-382-1150). Interment Our Lady of Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Information can be found at their website: www.woundedwarriorproject.com.
Sermon Nov. 9-10, 2013
Title: Just like Christ you have been raised!
Text: Luke 20:27-40
37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”
A few years ago, an angry man rushed through the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam until he reached Rembrandt's famous painting "Nightwatch." He took out a knife and slashed it repeatedly before he could be stopped. A short time later, a distraught, hostile man slipped into St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome with a hammer and began to smash a beautiful sculpture by Michelangelo. These two cherished works of art were severely damaged. But what did officials do? Throw them out and forget about them? Absolutely not! Using the best experts, who worked with the utmost care and precision … they made every effort to restore the treasures.
Swindoll, The Quest For Character, Multnomah, p. 49.
The fall into sin brought separation between God and His creation. You have been severely damaged, so much so that you are brought into this life dead in trespass and sin. So what did God do? Throw away his creation and begin again?
No!
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Just like Christ you have been raised!
The Gospel reading for today tells a story of Jesus’ meeting with a group of Jewish leaders. If you remember from the lessons over the last two months we talked about Jesus and His dealing with the Pharisees and the Chief Priests and scribes. Now, this group, the Sadducees, were “sad you see” because they denied the resurrection. They also denied the existence of angles and didn’t accept the authority of any books of the Old Testament except the first 5 books, which were also called the books of Moses. So they came to Jesus with a question:
28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”
Well, there are a few clear truths here:
Seven husbands will surely bring about the death of any woman! But, the Sadducees real objective was to put Jesus on the spot with this creative story as a means to dispel the truth and teaching of the resurrection.
But Jesus, as has been seen trough out these discussions with the Pharisees, Chief Priests, Scribes and now the Sadducees … has an answer for their trickery.
34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.
Now this didn’t sit well with my wife when she first this verse. “You mean I have to put up with him in this life for all these years and he’s not bound to our marriage in heaven?” Well, Jesus then gives the Sadducees a bit of Moses from the book of Genesis in answer to their question:
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Gen 1:27-28)
God gave marriage for procreation (for children), to fill the earth … to be fruitful and multiply and Jesus continues his thought when He says:
36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are (all) sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
So rightly Jesus tells them that at the resurrection all who are God’s children will be in Heaven and will not be marrying or being fruitful and multiplying because all who are to be there will be there because of God’s choosing.
In Christ you too have been raised!
Now, their argument is not about marriage but about the resurrection. So the contention from Jesus hits them right between the eyes.
37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”
Those even in our midst also deny God and his power and work. How can an infant who is baptized believe? How can Christ ascend to the right hand of God and still present in the sacrament? How can God take on flesh and blood and be both divine and human? How can God who is eternal die on a cross? How, as the Sadducees ask can the dead rise?
To deny the power of God and His word is to trust in one’s own reason and understanding and not God’s word. To be led by your own reason is to place your trust, not in the one true God by the working of the Holy Spirit, but in an idol made in your own image. That happens to you and to me too. We all fall short daily and need to daily repent of our sins asking God for forgiveness as the father of the boy with the unclean spirit too found out.
20 … And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If … you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24)
Though you and I fall short daily, not trusting God and His grace; God can still bring good out of your failures, and even out of the corruption of sin you and I face daily in the world.
Ill.
J. Stuart Holden tells of an old Scottish mansion close to where he had his little summer home. The walls of one room were filled with sketches made by distinguished artists. The practice began after a pitcher of soda water was accidentally spilled on a freshly decorated wall and left an unsightly stain. At the time, a noted artist, Lord Landseer, was a guest in the house. One day when the family went out to the moors, he stayed behind. With a few masterful strokes of a piece of charcoal, that ugly spot became the outline of a beautiful waterfall, bordered by trees and wildlife. He turned that disfigured wall into one of his most successful depictions of Highland life.
Swindoll, The Quest For Character, Multnomah, p. 49.
And though you are covered in sin in this life, God has made you a new creation again in Him, and at the resurrection will join your physical body to your spiritual body so that:
Just like Christ you are raised!
If you think of it this way; There’s life—the life we live right now, day by day. Then we die, and there’s life after death—when the souls of those who believe in Jesus go to be with him, while their bodies are left behind. Then there’s “life after life after death.” That’s the Last Day resurrection of the body when your body is reunited with your soul. That’s what Jesus was talking about: The resurrection of the body. There’s still more to come. Life after death communion with God will have a final day resurrection of the body. The Sadducees said, “There’s no more.” Jesus said, “There is.”
Concordia pulpit illustration Vol. 23 pt 4 – Rev. Glenn A. Nielsen PhD. (Note: The phrase “life after life after death” comes from an interview with N. T. Wright conducted by Preaching Today at the 2008 National Pastors Conference.)
And the more that God gives … is not a fallen world filled with sickness and death and marriage and remarriage - even seven husbands for goodness sake - but a forever eternity with Him, as we who are the bride of Christ are set free from all that this broken and all that is corrupted in this sin filled life. You dear friends are made new forever by the atoning blood of Christ!
Just like Christ you are raised forever!
Like the beautiful artwork that had come out of what had been damaged and broken in this life, corrupting their beauty … you too have been and will be fully restored to your created beauty, free from sin and death and the power of the devil by the one who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light raising you forever to be with him, Jesus Christ our Lord!
And 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
Text: Luke 20:27-40
37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”
A few years ago, an angry man rushed through the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam until he reached Rembrandt's famous painting "Nightwatch." He took out a knife and slashed it repeatedly before he could be stopped. A short time later, a distraught, hostile man slipped into St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome with a hammer and began to smash a beautiful sculpture by Michelangelo. These two cherished works of art were severely damaged. But what did officials do? Throw them out and forget about them? Absolutely not! Using the best experts, who worked with the utmost care and precision … they made every effort to restore the treasures.
Swindoll, The Quest For Character, Multnomah, p. 49.
The fall into sin brought separation between God and His creation. You have been severely damaged, so much so that you are brought into this life dead in trespass and sin. So what did God do? Throw away his creation and begin again?
No!
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Just like Christ you have been raised!
The Gospel reading for today tells a story of Jesus’ meeting with a group of Jewish leaders. If you remember from the lessons over the last two months we talked about Jesus and His dealing with the Pharisees and the Chief Priests and scribes. Now, this group, the Sadducees, were “sad you see” because they denied the resurrection. They also denied the existence of angles and didn’t accept the authority of any books of the Old Testament except the first 5 books, which were also called the books of Moses. So they came to Jesus with a question:
28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”
Well, there are a few clear truths here:
Seven husbands will surely bring about the death of any woman! But, the Sadducees real objective was to put Jesus on the spot with this creative story as a means to dispel the truth and teaching of the resurrection.
But Jesus, as has been seen trough out these discussions with the Pharisees, Chief Priests, Scribes and now the Sadducees … has an answer for their trickery.
34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.
Now this didn’t sit well with my wife when she first this verse. “You mean I have to put up with him in this life for all these years and he’s not bound to our marriage in heaven?” Well, Jesus then gives the Sadducees a bit of Moses from the book of Genesis in answer to their question:
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Gen 1:27-28)
God gave marriage for procreation (for children), to fill the earth … to be fruitful and multiply and Jesus continues his thought when He says:
36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are (all) sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
So rightly Jesus tells them that at the resurrection all who are God’s children will be in Heaven and will not be marrying or being fruitful and multiplying because all who are to be there will be there because of God’s choosing.
In Christ you too have been raised!
Now, their argument is not about marriage but about the resurrection. So the contention from Jesus hits them right between the eyes.
37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”
Those even in our midst also deny God and his power and work. How can an infant who is baptized believe? How can Christ ascend to the right hand of God and still present in the sacrament? How can God take on flesh and blood and be both divine and human? How can God who is eternal die on a cross? How, as the Sadducees ask can the dead rise?
To deny the power of God and His word is to trust in one’s own reason and understanding and not God’s word. To be led by your own reason is to place your trust, not in the one true God by the working of the Holy Spirit, but in an idol made in your own image. That happens to you and to me too. We all fall short daily and need to daily repent of our sins asking God for forgiveness as the father of the boy with the unclean spirit too found out.
20 … And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If … you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24)
Though you and I fall short daily, not trusting God and His grace; God can still bring good out of your failures, and even out of the corruption of sin you and I face daily in the world.
Ill.
J. Stuart Holden tells of an old Scottish mansion close to where he had his little summer home. The walls of one room were filled with sketches made by distinguished artists. The practice began after a pitcher of soda water was accidentally spilled on a freshly decorated wall and left an unsightly stain. At the time, a noted artist, Lord Landseer, was a guest in the house. One day when the family went out to the moors, he stayed behind. With a few masterful strokes of a piece of charcoal, that ugly spot became the outline of a beautiful waterfall, bordered by trees and wildlife. He turned that disfigured wall into one of his most successful depictions of Highland life.
Swindoll, The Quest For Character, Multnomah, p. 49.
And though you are covered in sin in this life, God has made you a new creation again in Him, and at the resurrection will join your physical body to your spiritual body so that:
Just like Christ you are raised!
If you think of it this way; There’s life—the life we live right now, day by day. Then we die, and there’s life after death—when the souls of those who believe in Jesus go to be with him, while their bodies are left behind. Then there’s “life after life after death.” That’s the Last Day resurrection of the body when your body is reunited with your soul. That’s what Jesus was talking about: The resurrection of the body. There’s still more to come. Life after death communion with God will have a final day resurrection of the body. The Sadducees said, “There’s no more.” Jesus said, “There is.”
Concordia pulpit illustration Vol. 23 pt 4 – Rev. Glenn A. Nielsen PhD. (Note: The phrase “life after life after death” comes from an interview with N. T. Wright conducted by Preaching Today at the 2008 National Pastors Conference.)
And the more that God gives … is not a fallen world filled with sickness and death and marriage and remarriage - even seven husbands for goodness sake - but a forever eternity with Him, as we who are the bride of Christ are set free from all that this broken and all that is corrupted in this sin filled life. You dear friends are made new forever by the atoning blood of Christ!
Just like Christ you are raised forever!
Like the beautiful artwork that had come out of what had been damaged and broken in this life, corrupting their beauty … you too have been and will be fully restored to your created beauty, free from sin and death and the power of the devil by the one who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light raising you forever to be with him, Jesus Christ our Lord!
And 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
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Sermon Nov. 2-3, 2013 - All Saints Day
Title: Christ has made you God’s children now and for eternity!
Text: Rev.7:9-17
14 … And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
There is a story that was once told in an Ann Landers Column:
“Dear Ann Landers it began … It happened again today. My two sons and I were in a shopping mall, and a total stranger felt the need to comment on the fact that my boys didn’t look anything alike. Apparently, my 6 year old decided it was time he explained the difference. "I’m adopted," he said. "That’s when you have the same family but not the same face."
Steve Ely
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
What a picture the book of Revelation gives us!
This heavenly picture has some wonderful and awesome truths depicted as well. There is an uncountable multitude – more than you can even imagine. This multitude is made up of people like you and me … real flesh and blood people. And they come from every nation and tribe – people from around the world – dressed not in the rags of their own unrighteousness but covered in white robes, the robes of Christ’s righteousness … and carrying palm branches!
Wow! It sounds like Heaven is a very tangible place too. Because to speak of palm branches … we might reasonably assume palm trees, but the image that also comes to my mind is the glorious ride of Christ into Jerusalem and the waving of palm branches by the people:
9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt 21:9)
Their cries of welcome led up to the cries of “Crucify Him” and the cross of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and now these cries of death are completed in the heavenly cries of glory in the gathering of the multitude before the throne of grace who have been brought to faith in this same Jesus Christ, crying:
“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
What had been anticipated before the cross is now fulfilled. What had been a triumphal entry for Jesus is now a triumphal fulfillment for you and me though the cross of Christ and though you - of many faces are many - you have been adopted into God’s family and are now His child, a child of His own choosing because:
Christ has made you God’s children now and for eternity!
Ill.
A story is told of a couple had adopted a baby boy after trying to have a baby for five years. To their surprise, a short time after the adoption, the mother discovered she was pregnant, and she later gave birth to a boy. One day when the two boys were eight and nine years old, a neighbor came to visit. Observing the children at play, the neighbor asked, "Which boy is yours?" "Both of them," the mother replied. The neighbor persisted. "But I mean, which one is the adopted one?" The mother replied, "I’ve forgotten."
Randy Aly
That is the good news for you too. God knows you are His child. To see you is to see Christ. Unfortunately, you don’t see it the same way some times. You abandon God; you go your own way and even get led astray by others, things in this life, the ways of the world and can find yourself trying to make your own way instead of following His way. We’ve all been there. But, that’s not always the case … because for some … they’ve had little to do with their own situation and the circumstances of their own lives. Take the case of Davion Navar Henry Only for example:
Ill.
At 15, Davion has been no stranger to foster care. He was born while his mother was in jail and has never had a permanent home. Last summer, he tried to find his biological mother. He was born while his mom was in jail. He can't count all of the places he has lived. He is and has been the perpetual orphan.
In June, Davion sat at a library computer, unfolded his birth certificate and, for the first time, searched for his mother's name. Instead he came up with her mug shot and saw her obituary. Davion talked to his case worker and wanted to take the opportunity to plead his case himself. He’s 15 now and not your typical adoptable baby but if he didn’t do something soon at 18 he would be on his own.
In late September of this year, Davion, dressed in a dark suit and borrowed tie arrived at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida. "Miss! Hey, Miss!" he called to his caseworker, who was driving. "I don't want to do this anymore." From the back seat, he hugged the Bible someone had given him at the foster home. His case worker, Connie Going told him, "You're going to be great."
The church appearance was Davion’s idea and was one way of "putting himself out there." He got his opportunity to address the congregation after the sermon. He wiped his palms on his pants, cleared his throat, and said: “My name is Davion, and I’ve been in foster care since I was born. ... I know God hasn’t given up on me. So I’m not giving up either.”
He told the packed church that he was seeking a family to call his own. His requirements were simple:
"I'll take anyone," he said, "Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don't care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be."
The Huffington Post by Meredith Bennett-Smith Posted: Updated: 10/22/2013 9:11 am EDT / http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/17/orphaned-florida-teen-makes-adoption-appeal-at-church/
Following the service there were only two families who showed interest in Davion. Not hard to understand considering this isn’t what most expect to hear at a church service following the sermon. But since then, and a few TV interviews later, there have been over 1000 people who have contacted the agency asking to adopt Davion. We ask the Lord’s blessing for this young man that he gets a chance at all the Lord blessings would give him in this life.
But, when you think about it, isn’t that what God says too? "I'll take anyone," … "Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple.” The truth is that our loving God does care and has come for all, He has come for you. You dear friends have been adopted and your future is secure.
Christ has made you God’s children now and for eternity!
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Being brought to faith in Baptism makes you part of this great number from every nation and from all tribes and peoples and languages. And that was the good news for those early believers too. They knew that this Jesus who had died on the cross was the same one taken up to heaven was the same Jesus who said:
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt 5:11-12)
And dear friends you too are part of this heavenly picture, clothed in white, having washed your sins away in the blood of the Lamb!
15 “Therefore (you) are before the throne of God,
and (it’s you who will) serve him day and night in his temple;
and He (Jesus) who sits on the throne will shelter (you) with his presence.
16 (you) shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike (you),
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb (of God who is) in the midst of the throne will be (your) shepherd,
and he will guide (you) to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from (your) eyes.”
Christ has made you, dear friends, His children. And He himself will comfort you, as His adopted sons and daughters – in His family - now and for eternity!
Behold, you are part of that great multitude that no one could number! (Rev. 7:9)
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
\
Text: Rev.7:9-17
14 … And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
There is a story that was once told in an Ann Landers Column:
“Dear Ann Landers it began … It happened again today. My two sons and I were in a shopping mall, and a total stranger felt the need to comment on the fact that my boys didn’t look anything alike. Apparently, my 6 year old decided it was time he explained the difference. "I’m adopted," he said. "That’s when you have the same family but not the same face."
Steve Ely
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
What a picture the book of Revelation gives us!
This heavenly picture has some wonderful and awesome truths depicted as well. There is an uncountable multitude – more than you can even imagine. This multitude is made up of people like you and me … real flesh and blood people. And they come from every nation and tribe – people from around the world – dressed not in the rags of their own unrighteousness but covered in white robes, the robes of Christ’s righteousness … and carrying palm branches!
Wow! It sounds like Heaven is a very tangible place too. Because to speak of palm branches … we might reasonably assume palm trees, but the image that also comes to my mind is the glorious ride of Christ into Jerusalem and the waving of palm branches by the people:
9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt 21:9)
Their cries of welcome led up to the cries of “Crucify Him” and the cross of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and now these cries of death are completed in the heavenly cries of glory in the gathering of the multitude before the throne of grace who have been brought to faith in this same Jesus Christ, crying:
“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
What had been anticipated before the cross is now fulfilled. What had been a triumphal entry for Jesus is now a triumphal fulfillment for you and me though the cross of Christ and though you - of many faces are many - you have been adopted into God’s family and are now His child, a child of His own choosing because:
Christ has made you God’s children now and for eternity!
Ill.
A story is told of a couple had adopted a baby boy after trying to have a baby for five years. To their surprise, a short time after the adoption, the mother discovered she was pregnant, and she later gave birth to a boy. One day when the two boys were eight and nine years old, a neighbor came to visit. Observing the children at play, the neighbor asked, "Which boy is yours?" "Both of them," the mother replied. The neighbor persisted. "But I mean, which one is the adopted one?" The mother replied, "I’ve forgotten."
Randy Aly
That is the good news for you too. God knows you are His child. To see you is to see Christ. Unfortunately, you don’t see it the same way some times. You abandon God; you go your own way and even get led astray by others, things in this life, the ways of the world and can find yourself trying to make your own way instead of following His way. We’ve all been there. But, that’s not always the case … because for some … they’ve had little to do with their own situation and the circumstances of their own lives. Take the case of Davion Navar Henry Only for example:
Ill.
At 15, Davion has been no stranger to foster care. He was born while his mother was in jail and has never had a permanent home. Last summer, he tried to find his biological mother. He was born while his mom was in jail. He can't count all of the places he has lived. He is and has been the perpetual orphan.
In June, Davion sat at a library computer, unfolded his birth certificate and, for the first time, searched for his mother's name. Instead he came up with her mug shot and saw her obituary. Davion talked to his case worker and wanted to take the opportunity to plead his case himself. He’s 15 now and not your typical adoptable baby but if he didn’t do something soon at 18 he would be on his own.
In late September of this year, Davion, dressed in a dark suit and borrowed tie arrived at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida. "Miss! Hey, Miss!" he called to his caseworker, who was driving. "I don't want to do this anymore." From the back seat, he hugged the Bible someone had given him at the foster home. His case worker, Connie Going told him, "You're going to be great."
The church appearance was Davion’s idea and was one way of "putting himself out there." He got his opportunity to address the congregation after the sermon. He wiped his palms on his pants, cleared his throat, and said: “My name is Davion, and I’ve been in foster care since I was born. ... I know God hasn’t given up on me. So I’m not giving up either.”
He told the packed church that he was seeking a family to call his own. His requirements were simple:
"I'll take anyone," he said, "Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don't care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be."
The Huffington Post by Meredith Bennett-Smith Posted: Updated: 10/22/2013 9:11 am EDT / http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/17/orphaned-florida-teen-makes-adoption-appeal-at-church/
Following the service there were only two families who showed interest in Davion. Not hard to understand considering this isn’t what most expect to hear at a church service following the sermon. But since then, and a few TV interviews later, there have been over 1000 people who have contacted the agency asking to adopt Davion. We ask the Lord’s blessing for this young man that he gets a chance at all the Lord blessings would give him in this life.
But, when you think about it, isn’t that what God says too? "I'll take anyone," … "Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple.” The truth is that our loving God does care and has come for all, He has come for you. You dear friends have been adopted and your future is secure.
Christ has made you God’s children now and for eternity!
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Being brought to faith in Baptism makes you part of this great number from every nation and from all tribes and peoples and languages. And that was the good news for those early believers too. They knew that this Jesus who had died on the cross was the same one taken up to heaven was the same Jesus who said:
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt 5:11-12)
And dear friends you too are part of this heavenly picture, clothed in white, having washed your sins away in the blood of the Lamb!
15 “Therefore (you) are before the throne of God,
and (it’s you who will) serve him day and night in his temple;
and He (Jesus) who sits on the throne will shelter (you) with his presence.
16 (you) shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike (you),
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb (of God who is) in the midst of the throne will be (your) shepherd,
and he will guide (you) to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from (your) eyes.”
Christ has made you, dear friends, His children. And He himself will comfort you, as His adopted sons and daughters – in His family - now and for eternity!
Behold, you are part of that great multitude that no one could number! (Rev. 7:9)
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
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