Title: Taught by our Lord … we pray!
Text: Luke 11:1-13
11 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
Our Gospel lesson today begins with our Lord in prayer … a practice that we know from the scriptures, that He did very often. Most of us know that prayer is – conversation with God – we talk to God about our needs and wants but find it hard at times to know how or for what to pray. This leads to the disciples in our lesson asking Jesus to teach them to pray and His giving of the Lord’s Prayer.
Martin Luther the great reformer was also asked by his barber, Master Peter Beskensdorf, how he prays? Luther, not one for quick or short answers in spite of all that consumed his time gave his barber a reply … a letter of 40 printed pages! Titled “A Simple Way to Pray”, Luther delved into his deep understanding of prayer and all that the world, the flesh and the devil work at to keep you away from prayer and your conversation with God.
Jesus teaches his disciples:
“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread,
4 and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
Martin Luther begins his letter to Master Peter by focusing on what he needs to do to be skilled at his vocation as a barber.
Luther says:
“A good clever barber must have his thoughts, mind and eyes concentrated upon the razor and the beard and not forget where he is in his stroke and shave.
If he keeps talking or looking around or thinking of something else, he is likely to cut a man’s mouth or nose – or even his throat.
So anything that is to be done well … ought to occupy the whole man with all his faculties and members. As the saying goes, He who thinks of many things thinks of nothing and accomplishes no good; How much more must prayer possess the heart exclusively and completely if it is to be a good prayer!”
Jesus says:
9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Prayer is a beautiful thing but one that has many obstacles.
The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.
C.S. Lewis
You know you miss the mark when you pray.
Ill.
So do I … and so did our Synod President Matt Harrison. In one of his talks at a convention he told a story of when he first was elected president and of a visit with an old pastor, a bishop, of a partner church in Germany.
He said, “In his room was a kneeler that the old man obviously used very often. There were knee marks in the worn pad where he had spent many hours and the arm rest was indented as well. Also the pages of the Bible were thin with the oil of the hands making them almost transparent.” President Harrison said, “Seeing that I thought to myself – I need to learn how to pray!”
It is one of the things that I resolved to do and to be better at as well. Prayer is something that must be done by you and by me as Jesus tells us to:
… ask … than to seek … and finally to knock.
Luther continues his letter to his barber with this:
It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business in the morning and the last in the evening.
Guard yourself against such false and deceitful thoughts that keep whispering: Wait a while. In an hour or so I will pray. I must first finish this or that. Thinking such thoughts we get away from prayer into other things that will hold us and involve us till the prayer of the day comes to naught. (Or becomes nothing)
You can’t know your heavenly father without communing with Him.
This is done by prayer as you ask, seek and knock and by hearing his word of reply as you partake of weekly worship, hearing the Lord’s word of Law and Gospel but truly being comforted by his holy absolution given by God through his means of word and sacrament.
I have been involved in ordinations and installations services over the years and many new pastors called from the seminary have been ordained into the office of the Holy Ministry with a beautiful service, wonderful music, the laying on of hand from the local pastor’s in attendance, and with much singing and prayer.
When God calls a pastor to His church He is calling a pastor to be His representative, called through the congregation to bring Christ and His gifts to His people. It was joyful to be involved and to celebrate what God has done and continues to do for his people.
As we think about our Lord’s words again in the Gospel for today regarding prayer:
11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
The Holy Spirit is given in abundance at these ordinations and installations because God wishes to richly bless His people with His gifts and the most blessed gift you can have is the gift of the Holy Spirit given to you … who works in you, faith in Christ’s finished work and keeps you pointed to Him so that on the last day you may stand firm in that faith unto life everlasting.
And by the Holy Spirit’s work in you from our epistle reading today bring the joyful gift of prayer to the Lord’s logical conclusion when it says:
10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
When you were born in sin the devil would have placed a sign upon your forehead that read "Dead to God," which means that you are dead in sin and dead you will stay. But, God in Christ has ripped that sign from your forehead and replaced it with a new sign that reads “Alive in Christ!”
Your sin has been paid through the cross that Christ endured for you, so that in Him you might have an eternity 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Eph. 1:21
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, July 29, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
Sermon July 20-21, 2019
Title: Work, serve, listen and live!
Text: Luke 10:38-42
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Well VBS is over!
It was a great week with all the children. It was a lot of work for Monica and Elise to put everything together. Adult and teen helpers, children who are brought to our care, and a fun time for all and it is all over way too soon until next year!
Work is part of all our lives even when it is fun. We serve the needs of others is important and can be fun also. We listen to instruction for how things are to be done and the children listen to us as we teach and lead. And to live - according to the great cartoon strip Ziggy many years ago in speaking about the true meaning of life - is doing stuff!
Last week we worked, served, listened and lived as followers of Christ … doing stuff at VBS. We taught, sang songs, listened to God’s word, had snacks that were provided, made crafts and played games that were fun and beneficial for the children in our care.
Thanks to all for your help and support!
Now, in our lesson for today, the wonderful Martha and Mary story that we’ve all heard many times before, it seems that Martha gets a bad rap at times. Poor Martha, doing the work, and all that she could to take care and serve the Lord’s needs, having welcomed him - and those who were traveling with him - into her house while her sister Mary only sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to His teaching.
Jesus and his disciples had been traveling as the sending of the 72 prepared the way. The Lord’s peace obviously rested on this house as Jesus was welcomed in by Martha and Mary.
Now, you know how things can go when you have guests, expected or unexpected. The visit may have been expected but the time of Christ’s arrival may not have been, and even if it was, I have yet to see a hostess who didn’t still fret over the preparation, making sure that all things were in order.
Martha was determined to see that the needs of Jesus and those with Him were met, I’m sure, with exceeding abundance and that Jesus was distinguished as a beloved guest in her house.
Mary on the other hand knew who was now visiting in her home and she was not to be taken away from her Lord - no matter what earthly things needed to be done.
“We have here two forms of service, each done for the Lord, and each with the best of intentions, the one with the work of the hands, the other in listening to the words of eternal wisdom. They need not clash, but have their worth.”
P.E. Kretzmann Popular commentary on the Bible NT Vol. 1 Pg 326
At some point and as I’m sure you can relate - Martha gets frustrated with her sister. Martha is doing all the work by herself so that Jesus can be properly served in her home and she has lost all patience with her sister Mary – who, I’m sure, remains oblivious to Martha’s dilemma.
She finally has had enough of it and in a tone that speaks of her frustration says:
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:40b
We’ll in years past I know my wife has been there … and maybe you can relate. When the kids were at home and guests were coming over, Monica would have a list of things that needed to be done … and Amy’s would be reading a book, Jon in his room or outside and dare I say … me, sitting in my chair … reading … playing guitar … maybe banjo … whatever it was … it was important stuff here! Though there was a less than enthusiastic response by us all to cleaning up for family … friends … whatever.
“Would somebody please clean the upstairs bathroom!” might be a common command. “Russ, will you take out the garbage … and when you’re done with that, please set the table?” Monica, might be heard calling.
I might think to myself … “But, I’m reading or playing here … in a comfortable … reclined … position.”
Monica’s focus is on our guests, whom ever that may be, and that they get served in the best way possible. The kids and I were a bit less joyful in service … even though we too want our guests served in the best possible way … we just don’t want to DO the work.
Now, I’m sure that if Jesus was coming to your house, you would all want to sit at His feet and listen to the wisdom that he has to say just like Mary … right?
It can be inconvenient to find time for God as there is always something else in life to do. But, the word of God that we have in our Scriptures today, is the same word of God that sat talking to Mary – the word made flesh - and the same comfort Mary received from Jesus, so that she forgot the cares Martha wrestled with, is the same comfort you too can receive by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Martha and Mary were both focused on Jesus but in different ways and the Good News that we’ve learned in our gospel lessons reminds us all that as followers of Christ, God uses us all as his messengers in the world.
But you can’t lose sight of Jesus. You need to know him - to be able to reflect him to a dying world. And while the cares of the world like those we’ve seen this past week can consume you and me.
During VBS last week we saw Martha and Mary in action. Some were Martha’s at VBS that make ready the space, food, games, set up the church and prepared the lessons. Mary’s only focus was on Jesus and the message of hope and peace to those precious little ones given into their care. Together the setting and message of hope will come together like the arms of a loving parent that these children can be wrapped in today, tomorrow and always because God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12)
As you think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remember He was the one who was willing to give His life for you and me. Not, that Martha’s preparations for Jesus’ visit were not good, but Mary couldn't see what needed to be done - because her eyes were only fixed on her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Work, serve, listen and live!
Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, came down from heaven for you so that:
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Cor. 5:21)
Christ is the one thing necessary and He has come for you so that you might live in Him.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: Luke 10:38-42
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Well VBS is over!
It was a great week with all the children. It was a lot of work for Monica and Elise to put everything together. Adult and teen helpers, children who are brought to our care, and a fun time for all and it is all over way too soon until next year!
Work is part of all our lives even when it is fun. We serve the needs of others is important and can be fun also. We listen to instruction for how things are to be done and the children listen to us as we teach and lead. And to live - according to the great cartoon strip Ziggy many years ago in speaking about the true meaning of life - is doing stuff!
Last week we worked, served, listened and lived as followers of Christ … doing stuff at VBS. We taught, sang songs, listened to God’s word, had snacks that were provided, made crafts and played games that were fun and beneficial for the children in our care.
Thanks to all for your help and support!
Now, in our lesson for today, the wonderful Martha and Mary story that we’ve all heard many times before, it seems that Martha gets a bad rap at times. Poor Martha, doing the work, and all that she could to take care and serve the Lord’s needs, having welcomed him - and those who were traveling with him - into her house while her sister Mary only sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to His teaching.
Jesus and his disciples had been traveling as the sending of the 72 prepared the way. The Lord’s peace obviously rested on this house as Jesus was welcomed in by Martha and Mary.
Now, you know how things can go when you have guests, expected or unexpected. The visit may have been expected but the time of Christ’s arrival may not have been, and even if it was, I have yet to see a hostess who didn’t still fret over the preparation, making sure that all things were in order.
Martha was determined to see that the needs of Jesus and those with Him were met, I’m sure, with exceeding abundance and that Jesus was distinguished as a beloved guest in her house.
Mary on the other hand knew who was now visiting in her home and she was not to be taken away from her Lord - no matter what earthly things needed to be done.
“We have here two forms of service, each done for the Lord, and each with the best of intentions, the one with the work of the hands, the other in listening to the words of eternal wisdom. They need not clash, but have their worth.”
P.E. Kretzmann Popular commentary on the Bible NT Vol. 1 Pg 326
At some point and as I’m sure you can relate - Martha gets frustrated with her sister. Martha is doing all the work by herself so that Jesus can be properly served in her home and she has lost all patience with her sister Mary – who, I’m sure, remains oblivious to Martha’s dilemma.
She finally has had enough of it and in a tone that speaks of her frustration says:
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:40b
We’ll in years past I know my wife has been there … and maybe you can relate. When the kids were at home and guests were coming over, Monica would have a list of things that needed to be done … and Amy’s would be reading a book, Jon in his room or outside and dare I say … me, sitting in my chair … reading … playing guitar … maybe banjo … whatever it was … it was important stuff here! Though there was a less than enthusiastic response by us all to cleaning up for family … friends … whatever.
“Would somebody please clean the upstairs bathroom!” might be a common command. “Russ, will you take out the garbage … and when you’re done with that, please set the table?” Monica, might be heard calling.
I might think to myself … “But, I’m reading or playing here … in a comfortable … reclined … position.”
Monica’s focus is on our guests, whom ever that may be, and that they get served in the best way possible. The kids and I were a bit less joyful in service … even though we too want our guests served in the best possible way … we just don’t want to DO the work.
Now, I’m sure that if Jesus was coming to your house, you would all want to sit at His feet and listen to the wisdom that he has to say just like Mary … right?
It can be inconvenient to find time for God as there is always something else in life to do. But, the word of God that we have in our Scriptures today, is the same word of God that sat talking to Mary – the word made flesh - and the same comfort Mary received from Jesus, so that she forgot the cares Martha wrestled with, is the same comfort you too can receive by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Martha and Mary were both focused on Jesus but in different ways and the Good News that we’ve learned in our gospel lessons reminds us all that as followers of Christ, God uses us all as his messengers in the world.
But you can’t lose sight of Jesus. You need to know him - to be able to reflect him to a dying world. And while the cares of the world like those we’ve seen this past week can consume you and me.
During VBS last week we saw Martha and Mary in action. Some were Martha’s at VBS that make ready the space, food, games, set up the church and prepared the lessons. Mary’s only focus was on Jesus and the message of hope and peace to those precious little ones given into their care. Together the setting and message of hope will come together like the arms of a loving parent that these children can be wrapped in today, tomorrow and always because God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12)
As you think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remember He was the one who was willing to give His life for you and me. Not, that Martha’s preparations for Jesus’ visit were not good, but Mary couldn't see what needed to be done - because her eyes were only fixed on her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Work, serve, listen and live!
Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, came down from heaven for you so that:
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Cor. 5:21)
Christ is the one thing necessary and He has come for you so that you might live in Him.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, July 15, 2019
Sermon July 13-14, 2019
Title: By Christ’s Spirit we serve in mercy and love!
Text: Luke 10:25-37
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
In our text for today we read of a lawyer who stood up to put Jesus to the test. Now, this is not to be a sermon which lifts up or puts down the noble profession of attorneys. But it is the word of the Lord and we can all learn an important lesson.
The question that is asked - “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” - is a bit odd. How do you inherit anything? It might have been more direct if he had asked, “What must I do to earn eternal life?” because that is the question so many what to know.
In my business background we we’re always taught to answer a question with a question so that you could better get to the real objection. So Jesus, being the best at fleshing out the true meaning to the question that is asked of Him replies with a question.
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
Having the ball back in his court the lawyer recites the word giving a summary of the Moral Law correctly, according to Deut. 6: 5; Lev. 19: 18.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
And I might add that he probably said it with a bit of boastful pride too!
Well, finally getting to the real objection, Jesus turns the prideful attorney’s answer back on himself when He says:
“You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
The truth is, as Jesus quite rightly points out, no one, not even one who rightly knows the scripture can keep the Law of God perfectly. To know the Law and to keep the Law is two very different things. And, this command to love your neighbor as yourself really pushes us well beyond what we can do. Shoot, for many of us we can’t even love ourselves so how are we going to love others?
But, despite falling short God uses you and me, His children, and:
By Christ’s Spirit we serve in mercy and love!
You too, as we all do, tend to put Christ to the test. It’s the same word of God today as it was for the Lawyer and the same requirements that God demands and at times many believe they actually love God and their neighbor enough.
239 baptized and 205 confirmed members here at Peace but we worship less than 75 on a weekend. Now granted some have moved away and some attend elsewhere and have not yet asked to be removed from the roles. But, many just don’t come, maybe thinking that they’ve loved God enough and like the lawyer ask: “And who is my neighbor?”
God works through means and for better or worse that’s you and me. We are God’s hands in the world, bringing the love of Christ to a dying world and also to real people. As we learned last week with the sending of the 72 they went proclaiming peace and healing with the good news that the Kingdom of God was at hand.
Sometimes your neighbor needs a helping hand, when the ways of the world brings grief.
At times it is a prayer of comfort to let them know that you understand and will stand with them.
At times it might require a word of rebuke when they are going the wrong way in this life.
And as the church it might require a word of warning from us that to be away from God’s word and sacrament and the gift of worship and fellowship that He calls to participate in may lead to no communion and fellowship with him at all.
Many of the members of Peace need a call from their neighbor.
If you care about a member that you know that doesn’t attend give them a loving call. If they have needs look for ways to help. Remind them that God will never leave them of forsake them even if they’ve forsaken the assembly here at Peace and have self-excluded themselves from the church and the gifts God so longs to give them.
By Christ’s Spirit we serve in mercy and love!
Ill.
I went home Monday and was taking Tuesday off to make up for a few days I worked for funerals recently. I looked forward to a day off to finish up a few things I needed to do. At 6:44 in the morning a text came in. It was from my friend Jeff.
I'm sending this to several people this morning.
I unfortunately lost a set of keys up north this weekend.
My wife and son are both out of town and I'm looking for someone willing to drive me (in my vehicle) to Kalkaska to get my stranded car.
I have today off and wouldn't have to miss work.
(It's 3:15 minutes each way).
Please pardon the interruption.
J Bowdell
Now Jeff is an old friend. We met in 1965 and he lived across the street. We played in bands together. He has and would do anything for me if I asked. How could I pass by on the other side … though I really wanted a day off.
I sent this reply:
I have a committal at Crescent Hills Cemetery at 11 am. If you need me after that, I can take you up in my truck. Russ
Then I went about some of the things I needed to do, take bottles back to the store, put a few things away, got gas for my truck so I was ready for the trip and loaded up Monica’s VBS waterfall display and brought it over to the church. When I got here at 9:30 Jeff called …
“Hey thanks for the offer but I’m all set for the ride but I really appreciate your offer to drive me up!”
Sometimes your neighbor is your best friend and other times it may be someone you don’t even know. Would we react the same towards the one we don’t even know bringing care and help? I don’t know … we all would find it easier to help the friend but I’d home we might be willing to help the one in need whether friend or not.
As Jesus said in gospel reading of the Good Samaritan:
36 Which of these three, - the Priest, the Levite or the Samaritan - do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: Luke 10:25-37
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
In our text for today we read of a lawyer who stood up to put Jesus to the test. Now, this is not to be a sermon which lifts up or puts down the noble profession of attorneys. But it is the word of the Lord and we can all learn an important lesson.
The question that is asked - “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” - is a bit odd. How do you inherit anything? It might have been more direct if he had asked, “What must I do to earn eternal life?” because that is the question so many what to know.
In my business background we we’re always taught to answer a question with a question so that you could better get to the real objection. So Jesus, being the best at fleshing out the true meaning to the question that is asked of Him replies with a question.
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
Having the ball back in his court the lawyer recites the word giving a summary of the Moral Law correctly, according to Deut. 6: 5; Lev. 19: 18.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
And I might add that he probably said it with a bit of boastful pride too!
Well, finally getting to the real objection, Jesus turns the prideful attorney’s answer back on himself when He says:
“You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
The truth is, as Jesus quite rightly points out, no one, not even one who rightly knows the scripture can keep the Law of God perfectly. To know the Law and to keep the Law is two very different things. And, this command to love your neighbor as yourself really pushes us well beyond what we can do. Shoot, for many of us we can’t even love ourselves so how are we going to love others?
But, despite falling short God uses you and me, His children, and:
By Christ’s Spirit we serve in mercy and love!
You too, as we all do, tend to put Christ to the test. It’s the same word of God today as it was for the Lawyer and the same requirements that God demands and at times many believe they actually love God and their neighbor enough.
239 baptized and 205 confirmed members here at Peace but we worship less than 75 on a weekend. Now granted some have moved away and some attend elsewhere and have not yet asked to be removed from the roles. But, many just don’t come, maybe thinking that they’ve loved God enough and like the lawyer ask: “And who is my neighbor?”
God works through means and for better or worse that’s you and me. We are God’s hands in the world, bringing the love of Christ to a dying world and also to real people. As we learned last week with the sending of the 72 they went proclaiming peace and healing with the good news that the Kingdom of God was at hand.
Sometimes your neighbor needs a helping hand, when the ways of the world brings grief.
At times it is a prayer of comfort to let them know that you understand and will stand with them.
At times it might require a word of rebuke when they are going the wrong way in this life.
And as the church it might require a word of warning from us that to be away from God’s word and sacrament and the gift of worship and fellowship that He calls to participate in may lead to no communion and fellowship with him at all.
Many of the members of Peace need a call from their neighbor.
If you care about a member that you know that doesn’t attend give them a loving call. If they have needs look for ways to help. Remind them that God will never leave them of forsake them even if they’ve forsaken the assembly here at Peace and have self-excluded themselves from the church and the gifts God so longs to give them.
By Christ’s Spirit we serve in mercy and love!
Ill.
I went home Monday and was taking Tuesday off to make up for a few days I worked for funerals recently. I looked forward to a day off to finish up a few things I needed to do. At 6:44 in the morning a text came in. It was from my friend Jeff.
I'm sending this to several people this morning.
I unfortunately lost a set of keys up north this weekend.
My wife and son are both out of town and I'm looking for someone willing to drive me (in my vehicle) to Kalkaska to get my stranded car.
I have today off and wouldn't have to miss work.
(It's 3:15 minutes each way).
Please pardon the interruption.
J Bowdell
Now Jeff is an old friend. We met in 1965 and he lived across the street. We played in bands together. He has and would do anything for me if I asked. How could I pass by on the other side … though I really wanted a day off.
I sent this reply:
I have a committal at Crescent Hills Cemetery at 11 am. If you need me after that, I can take you up in my truck. Russ
Then I went about some of the things I needed to do, take bottles back to the store, put a few things away, got gas for my truck so I was ready for the trip and loaded up Monica’s VBS waterfall display and brought it over to the church. When I got here at 9:30 Jeff called …
“Hey thanks for the offer but I’m all set for the ride but I really appreciate your offer to drive me up!”
Sometimes your neighbor is your best friend and other times it may be someone you don’t even know. Would we react the same towards the one we don’t even know bringing care and help? I don’t know … we all would find it easier to help the friend but I’d home we might be willing to help the one in need whether friend or not.
As Jesus said in gospel reading of the Good Samaritan:
36 Which of these three, - the Priest, the Levite or the Samaritan - do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, July 8, 2019
Sermon July 6-7, 2019
Title: Through the word the harvest is gathered!
Text: Luke 10:1-20
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
A French writer, after visiting America in 1831, said:
"I [looked] for the greatness of the United States in her [spacious] harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"
Alexis de Tocqueville.
The truths of these words are self evident to we who have spent many years enjoying the fruits of a free country and a freedom of religion protected in the constitution. Let us pray that as we’ve celebrated our freedoms this Independence Day we pray that God opens the eyes of those who have fallen away and that they too will repent and turn in faith back to the Lord of life who has given what we could never earn - as a free gift - through those who are sent to proclaim this Gospel!
In the Gospel lesson today our Lord appoints a large number … 72 as our text reads to go in pairs, telling them:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
As we learned last week in the Gospel lesson, Jesus was resolute as He set His face towards Jerusalem. His time on earth was moving towards the cross and his atoning and vicarious death for you. This sending of workers into the mission field would be no easy task as Jesus Himself says when He says, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. This calling and sending, for those 72, would bring the same anger and rebuke that was leveled at Jesus. Many who serve the proclamation of the Gospel today see and feel this as well.
Jesus says:
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
These messengers were sent to bring peace and healing to a dying world. They were sent with the good news that the Kingdom of God was at hand. The Kingdom of God was embodied in the incarnate God/man Jesus Christ and some would reject this good news … sending the dust of their town off the sandals of those sent in condemnation for their rejection.
Though at times the comfort and peace of Christ is rejected … service to the Lord remains joyful.
Peace and healing. Two wonderful and good things; but in our day to day not always appreciated or received. At times when we have peace we push others to the brink of anger, instead of taming our own tongue and keeping things peaceable. At times we break friendships and even sever families requiring God, through repentance, to bring forgiveness and healing to, those in need.
Christ’s rebuke though, to those who rejected His messengers in Chorizin and Bethsaida which were, almost side by side, on the shores of Lake, Gennesaret – the sea of Galilee - though great miracles had been done in their midst, the words of eternal life and love out of the mouth of Jesus had made no impression upon them.
Even Capernaum, the Lord’s headquarters during His Galilean ministry, would receive the full measure of His wrath on the last day and be forcefully thrust down to hell.
It’s pretty sobering - and a word of warning here for us all.
Though Christ has called us to faith by word and sacrament and has been in our midst for years, decades, and even generations, in both the written and spoken Word of the Gospel; how often, is He (Jesus) neglected and overlooked in the homes of his children? No Scripture, or family devotion; and no regular church attendance for some; -- how might Christ’s rebuke to these cities reach into your home and mine as the dust of His judgment is kicked off His feet and settles at the feet of those who have turned from His loving call?
Kretzmann Commentary NT Vol. 1 Pg322
If you reject His love you receive his wrath. But even in the Lord’s rebuke there is hope.
Tyre and Sidon, heathen cities whom the Jews despised for their idolatrous practices and beliefs, Jesus said, would long since have repented, covered with sack-cloth, and ashes.
Ill.
Spending time in the hospital, with home visits, and with recent funerals, the truth of God’s abiding peace and comfort becomes evident. Families at these difficult times are brought back to the reality of life and death issues.
Even in dire situations the Lord works on the hearts of those He loves.
I was able to sing the good news at Peace member Steve Collom’s funeral last weekend singing I am but a stranger here heaven is my home to a family that is hurting at his death, so that the peace of our Lord and savior Jesus rests upon them and His healing touch is there to comfort and bind up the brokenhearted.
Steve’s son said to me – as we talked after the committal at the cemetery, that his mom’s funeral was just this past April and her service brought him no comfort at all but he added, “This service brought me great comfort.” He said, “It was nice to hear that dad had made amends.” I told him, “That is how Lutheran’s are, we let God be God. We cast our burdens on him and he comfort’s us with his forgiveness and peace!”
1 John 1:9 says it best:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Friends, the good news is really good news as the 72 returned rejoicing!
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
But Jesus though he reminds them of the great power that they have in His name also cautions them …
20 … do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Christ’s joy is to bring peace to your house in Him. In Christ you receive the comfort of eternal life because His promise is to never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)
Christ’s call is to:
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, as you 7 cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. And we are told to 8 be watchful, because the devil, your adversary, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8
Though the devil prowls … in Christ you have eternal security and Lord’s promise that your name is written in heaven.
Through the word the harvest is gathered!
While it is not important for us to know the names of the 72 or those whom the Lord uses to bring His Gospel message to the lost. It is important to know that Jesus knows you … and that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: Luke 10:1-20
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
A French writer, after visiting America in 1831, said:
"I [looked] for the greatness of the United States in her [spacious] harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"
Alexis de Tocqueville.
The truths of these words are self evident to we who have spent many years enjoying the fruits of a free country and a freedom of religion protected in the constitution. Let us pray that as we’ve celebrated our freedoms this Independence Day we pray that God opens the eyes of those who have fallen away and that they too will repent and turn in faith back to the Lord of life who has given what we could never earn - as a free gift - through those who are sent to proclaim this Gospel!
In the Gospel lesson today our Lord appoints a large number … 72 as our text reads to go in pairs, telling them:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
As we learned last week in the Gospel lesson, Jesus was resolute as He set His face towards Jerusalem. His time on earth was moving towards the cross and his atoning and vicarious death for you. This sending of workers into the mission field would be no easy task as Jesus Himself says when He says, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. This calling and sending, for those 72, would bring the same anger and rebuke that was leveled at Jesus. Many who serve the proclamation of the Gospel today see and feel this as well.
Jesus says:
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
These messengers were sent to bring peace and healing to a dying world. They were sent with the good news that the Kingdom of God was at hand. The Kingdom of God was embodied in the incarnate God/man Jesus Christ and some would reject this good news … sending the dust of their town off the sandals of those sent in condemnation for their rejection.
Though at times the comfort and peace of Christ is rejected … service to the Lord remains joyful.
Peace and healing. Two wonderful and good things; but in our day to day not always appreciated or received. At times when we have peace we push others to the brink of anger, instead of taming our own tongue and keeping things peaceable. At times we break friendships and even sever families requiring God, through repentance, to bring forgiveness and healing to, those in need.
Christ’s rebuke though, to those who rejected His messengers in Chorizin and Bethsaida which were, almost side by side, on the shores of Lake, Gennesaret – the sea of Galilee - though great miracles had been done in their midst, the words of eternal life and love out of the mouth of Jesus had made no impression upon them.
Even Capernaum, the Lord’s headquarters during His Galilean ministry, would receive the full measure of His wrath on the last day and be forcefully thrust down to hell.
It’s pretty sobering - and a word of warning here for us all.
Though Christ has called us to faith by word and sacrament and has been in our midst for years, decades, and even generations, in both the written and spoken Word of the Gospel; how often, is He (Jesus) neglected and overlooked in the homes of his children? No Scripture, or family devotion; and no regular church attendance for some; -- how might Christ’s rebuke to these cities reach into your home and mine as the dust of His judgment is kicked off His feet and settles at the feet of those who have turned from His loving call?
Kretzmann Commentary NT Vol. 1 Pg322
If you reject His love you receive his wrath. But even in the Lord’s rebuke there is hope.
Tyre and Sidon, heathen cities whom the Jews despised for their idolatrous practices and beliefs, Jesus said, would long since have repented, covered with sack-cloth, and ashes.
Ill.
Spending time in the hospital, with home visits, and with recent funerals, the truth of God’s abiding peace and comfort becomes evident. Families at these difficult times are brought back to the reality of life and death issues.
Even in dire situations the Lord works on the hearts of those He loves.
I was able to sing the good news at Peace member Steve Collom’s funeral last weekend singing I am but a stranger here heaven is my home to a family that is hurting at his death, so that the peace of our Lord and savior Jesus rests upon them and His healing touch is there to comfort and bind up the brokenhearted.
Steve’s son said to me – as we talked after the committal at the cemetery, that his mom’s funeral was just this past April and her service brought him no comfort at all but he added, “This service brought me great comfort.” He said, “It was nice to hear that dad had made amends.” I told him, “That is how Lutheran’s are, we let God be God. We cast our burdens on him and he comfort’s us with his forgiveness and peace!”
1 John 1:9 says it best:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Friends, the good news is really good news as the 72 returned rejoicing!
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
But Jesus though he reminds them of the great power that they have in His name also cautions them …
20 … do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Christ’s joy is to bring peace to your house in Him. In Christ you receive the comfort of eternal life because His promise is to never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)
Christ’s call is to:
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, as you 7 cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. And we are told to 8 be watchful, because the devil, your adversary, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8
Though the devil prowls … in Christ you have eternal security and Lord’s promise that your name is written in heaven.
Through the word the harvest is gathered!
While it is not important for us to know the names of the 72 or those whom the Lord uses to bring His Gospel message to the lost. It is important to know that Jesus knows you … and that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, June 17, 2019
Sermon June 15-16, 2019 - Holy Trinity
Title: His steadfast love endures forever!
A Psalm for giving thanks.
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
On this Trinity Sunday (Weekend) we look to the hope that is our one true God who has revealed himself as one divine essence, but also as three unique and coequal persons … Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
We all love a joyful noise and a joyful noise is proclaimed to our God through singing, as was just proclaimed in the singing of the sermon hymn, The King of Love My Shepherd Is.
We sing of God’s goodness that never fails and our lacking nothing that we need, because he provides for all of body and soul in this life and in the life to come. The Father’s love is made known to us in his Son who hold’s us in the palm of his hands promising never to lose a single one – I am his and he is mine – forever!
This joy is yours and mine by the work of God’s Spirit. He points, directs and comforts so that we serve those in need joyfully and with glad hearts. A friend’s dad, Bill Wilstermann, once told me after church many years ago:
“When I’m feeling down and things seem to be going wrong I go and do something nice for someone and I feel a whole lot better!”
Come into his presence with singing!
We have a Call to Worship at 10:30. Maybe you know that and maybe you don’t. We sing it together with joyful hearts. Some unfortunately, have got in the habit of coming late - maybe getting here by greeting time or the opening hymn – You may miss a beautiful prelude before service and it’s not uncommon to have 15 people in the pews at the call to worship and 45 or more standing for the Closing hymn. Come for the call to worship, sing joyfully … you’ll be glad you did!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
To know the Lord is to know our Triune God as he has revealed himself to us through his word. God speaks to us through his word. His word read, sung and meditated upon reveals who he is and his love for us. The Spirit shines the light on Christ, the word made flesh, for you and me. We know him by his word and through the word he continues to be made known.
Matthew 11:28 King James Version (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
At times I need to read the old King James for the majesty to conveys. As Judy Harroun has said of the late seminary Professor John Saleska who, having memorized much of the KJV bible, it is what will be spoken in heaven! The beginning and end of Reverend Saleska’s obituary speaks of his hope.
Rev. John Saleska, 87, whom God adopted as his own beloved child at his Baptism, now rests with Jesus, where he is waiting with all of us for the Resurrection that God promised him in Christ.
Revelation 21:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Dear friends, this is our Triune Gods hope for you and me as well!
No tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, no pain … all gone.
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. The Psalmist reminds us.
The Lord’s sheep know the shepherd and by the Holy Spirit we are his and know him. But like sheep we wonder from the truth.
Ill.
Dr. Andrew Bonar told how, in the Highlands of Scotland, a sheep would often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they couldn't get out of. The grass on these mountains is very sweet and the sheep like it, and they will jump down ten or twelve feet, and then they can't jump back again, and the shepherd hears them bleating in distress. They may be there for days, until they have eaten all the grass. The shepherd will wait until they are so faint they cannot stand, and then they will put a rope around him, and he will go over and pull that sheep up out of the jaws of death. "Why don't they go down there when the sheep first gets there?" I asked. "Ah!" He said, "they are so very foolish they would dash right over the precipice and be killed if they did!" And that is the way with men; they won't [come] back to God till they have lost everything.
If you are a wanderer I tell you that the Good Shepherd will pursue you and bring you back when you have given up trying [go it your own way and let the Spirit turn you back to Christ.]
Moody's Anecdotes, pp. 70-71.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
John 1:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 He [Jesus] came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood [not who we are] nor of the will of the flesh [not the things we do] nor of the will of man, [or what others tell us we can do of ourselves] - but of God.
Born from above, born again, born of God!
You and I enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise by God’s work revealed in his son and the promise never fails. Hold on to it for dear life and proclaim it to your children and your grandchildren! Give them an example to model. Show your friends your faith and invite them to church. My friend Rob showed me the truth of God’s love in word and example. I in turn shared it with my friend Mark. Mark told me he went to the gas station for a coffee and the lady behind the counter who was African American had a cross around her neck. Mark who is Jewish said to her with his big Mark smile, “Are you my sister in the Lord?” She gave him a big smile and a hug.
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
We who are broken in sin are made good in Christ.
Text: Psalm 100
A Psalm for giving thanks.
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
On this Trinity Sunday (Weekend) we look to the hope that is our one true God who has revealed himself as one divine essence, but also as three unique and coequal persons … Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
We all love a joyful noise and a joyful noise is proclaimed to our God through singing, as was just proclaimed in the singing of the sermon hymn, The King of Love My Shepherd Is.
We sing of God’s goodness that never fails and our lacking nothing that we need, because he provides for all of body and soul in this life and in the life to come. The Father’s love is made known to us in his Son who hold’s us in the palm of his hands promising never to lose a single one – I am his and he is mine – forever!
This joy is yours and mine by the work of God’s Spirit. He points, directs and comforts so that we serve those in need joyfully and with glad hearts. A friend’s dad, Bill Wilstermann, once told me after church many years ago:
“When I’m feeling down and things seem to be going wrong I go and do something nice for someone and I feel a whole lot better!”
Come into his presence with singing!
We have a Call to Worship at 10:30. Maybe you know that and maybe you don’t. We sing it together with joyful hearts. Some unfortunately, have got in the habit of coming late - maybe getting here by greeting time or the opening hymn – You may miss a beautiful prelude before service and it’s not uncommon to have 15 people in the pews at the call to worship and 45 or more standing for the Closing hymn. Come for the call to worship, sing joyfully … you’ll be glad you did!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
To know the Lord is to know our Triune God as he has revealed himself to us through his word. God speaks to us through his word. His word read, sung and meditated upon reveals who he is and his love for us. The Spirit shines the light on Christ, the word made flesh, for you and me. We know him by his word and through the word he continues to be made known.
Matthew 11:28 King James Version (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
At times I need to read the old King James for the majesty to conveys. As Judy Harroun has said of the late seminary Professor John Saleska who, having memorized much of the KJV bible, it is what will be spoken in heaven! The beginning and end of Reverend Saleska’s obituary speaks of his hope.
Rev. John Saleska, 87, whom God adopted as his own beloved child at his Baptism, now rests with Jesus, where he is waiting with all of us for the Resurrection that God promised him in Christ.
Revelation 21:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Dear friends, this is our Triune Gods hope for you and me as well!
No tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, no pain … all gone.
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. The Psalmist reminds us.
The Lord’s sheep know the shepherd and by the Holy Spirit we are his and know him. But like sheep we wonder from the truth.
Ill.
Dr. Andrew Bonar told how, in the Highlands of Scotland, a sheep would often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they couldn't get out of. The grass on these mountains is very sweet and the sheep like it, and they will jump down ten or twelve feet, and then they can't jump back again, and the shepherd hears them bleating in distress. They may be there for days, until they have eaten all the grass. The shepherd will wait until they are so faint they cannot stand, and then they will put a rope around him, and he will go over and pull that sheep up out of the jaws of death. "Why don't they go down there when the sheep first gets there?" I asked. "Ah!" He said, "they are so very foolish they would dash right over the precipice and be killed if they did!" And that is the way with men; they won't [come] back to God till they have lost everything.
If you are a wanderer I tell you that the Good Shepherd will pursue you and bring you back when you have given up trying [go it your own way and let the Spirit turn you back to Christ.]
Moody's Anecdotes, pp. 70-71.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
John 1:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 He [Jesus] came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood [not who we are] nor of the will of the flesh [not the things we do] nor of the will of man, [or what others tell us we can do of ourselves] - but of God.
Born from above, born again, born of God!
You and I enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise by God’s work revealed in his son and the promise never fails. Hold on to it for dear life and proclaim it to your children and your grandchildren! Give them an example to model. Show your friends your faith and invite them to church. My friend Rob showed me the truth of God’s love in word and example. I in turn shared it with my friend Mark. Mark told me he went to the gas station for a coffee and the lady behind the counter who was African American had a cross around her neck. Mark who is Jewish said to her with his big Mark smile, “Are you my sister in the Lord?” She gave him a big smile and a hug.
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
We who are broken in sin are made good in Christ.
From verse 4 of The King of Love My Shepherd Is:
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord beside me.
Thy rod and staff my comfort sill, thy cross before to guide me. Vs 4
Christ’s cross and work for you and me - guide and lead - in times of sorrow and joy. Father, Son and Holy Spirit united in our life now and for eternity.
The prophet Jeremiah heard this comfort from the Lord directly.
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
We hear it in the word proclaimed.
Our God knows you and he knows me and he has numbered our days and appointed us here for this time and for this work. We proclaim Christ because it is his desire for us to do so. His love for us will never fade and we are his forever.
his steadfast love endures forever, - his love is never ending!
and his faithfulness to all generations. – it is his promise for all!
God is faithful. He will continue dear friends to pursue you all the days of your life. Do not flee like Jonah, do not despair as Judas did taking his own life, but turn back as Peter did and give ear as the apostle Paul did so that the Lord might make himself known in your life to those who need to hear!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord beside me.
Thy rod and staff my comfort sill, thy cross before to guide me. Vs 4
Christ’s cross and work for you and me - guide and lead - in times of sorrow and joy. Father, Son and Holy Spirit united in our life now and for eternity.
The prophet Jeremiah heard this comfort from the Lord directly.
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
We hear it in the word proclaimed.
Our God knows you and he knows me and he has numbered our days and appointed us here for this time and for this work. We proclaim Christ because it is his desire for us to do so. His love for us will never fade and we are his forever.
his steadfast love endures forever, - his love is never ending!
and his faithfulness to all generations. – it is his promise for all!
God is faithful. He will continue dear friends to pursue you all the days of your life. Do not flee like Jonah, do not despair as Judas did taking his own life, but turn back as Peter did and give ear as the apostle Paul did so that the Lord might make himself known in your life to those who need to hear!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, June 10, 2019
Sermon June 8-9, 2019 - Pentecost
Title: The Spirit of truth teaches, leads, and points to Christ!
Text: John 14:23-31
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Text: John 14:23-31
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
The Day of Pentecost which we celebrate today begins the work of the church. In a dramatic way the Spirit comes.
2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The work of the church begins with the Spirit; the rushing wind, the fire, speaking in foreign tongues, hearing in one’s own language, quite a dramatic scene. The Festival of Weeks – grain harvest – those Jews gathered together in Jerusalem – and the Spirit comes just as Jesus had said 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Christ ascended.
In our gospel reading for today and in answer to the question, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest [make known] yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Love, Word, Father, Peace!
23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Last week we learned that by the work of the Spirit we have unity with the Father and the Son but that Christ’s hope and purpose was that through this unity
the world may believe [may know] that you have sent me-and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:21b; 23b
Love
A long marriage – say one of 50 years - does not in and of itself proclaim Christ to a world that needs to hear. But in the case of Pastor and Nancy Merrell, it is a testament to that faith in Christ and by the working of the Holy Spirit that we celebrate with them that reality today.
The blessing of a long marriage can be joy filled but also full of the ups and downs of life lived in the Spirit through the bonds of the flesh. The loss of dear loved ones is part of a long marriage. Parents, grandparents, siblings and dear friends are remembered fondly but with sadness at this time of separation but also this sadness is tempered with new joys we share with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling each day with the blessings that a long marriage can provide.
We celebrate with Pastor and Nancy this joy today and the hope for the future God has for them and their family, but also for the thankful joy of their service to our Lord and his mission by the Spirit’s work here at Peace for so many years.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Word!
The Holy Spirit worked in the lives of those first disciples as the day of Pentecost came. Tongues of fire rested on the disciples.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 1:4
6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. Acts 1:6
By this working of the Spirit through the word Christ is made known.
St. Peter’s sermon to those first ears to hear the word of promise in a new way by the working of the Holy Spirit is proclaimed:
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Acts 1:21
By the Spirit through the word many were brought to repentance, they were baptized and the fullness of the Holy Spirit was made new in the lives of these believers.
By that same Spirit those who wrote as they were led, bring the promise of Christ to we who hear today
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
Father!
On Christ’s ascension we now build by the working of the Holy Spirit.
Proceeding from the Father and the Son the Spirit of truth brings to our remembrance all that Christ has said and done for us. By this working we know the unity of the Godhead in Christ and the Father’s love for you and me.
For we who have been blessed to be fathers also know the joys and trials of being sons.
At times punishment needed to be meted out. As my dad would often get home from work he would say to my mom, half jesting.
“Okay, line them up and tell me which one I need to hit.”
It was usually me, as the oldest, who had found some disfavor with my mom probably in relation to my siblings.
My dad would say, “Go to your room and wait for me!”
The word of truth from my father had both command and promise. It commanded me to go to my room with the promise that there would be a resolution in his favor!
After a long and tedious wait dad would come in usually with this question.
2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The work of the church begins with the Spirit; the rushing wind, the fire, speaking in foreign tongues, hearing in one’s own language, quite a dramatic scene. The Festival of Weeks – grain harvest – those Jews gathered together in Jerusalem – and the Spirit comes just as Jesus had said 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Christ ascended.
In our gospel reading for today and in answer to the question, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest [make known] yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Love, Word, Father, Peace!
23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Last week we learned that by the work of the Spirit we have unity with the Father and the Son but that Christ’s hope and purpose was that through this unity
the world may believe [may know] that you have sent me-and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:21b; 23b
Love
A long marriage – say one of 50 years - does not in and of itself proclaim Christ to a world that needs to hear. But in the case of Pastor and Nancy Merrell, it is a testament to that faith in Christ and by the working of the Holy Spirit that we celebrate with them that reality today.
The blessing of a long marriage can be joy filled but also full of the ups and downs of life lived in the Spirit through the bonds of the flesh. The loss of dear loved ones is part of a long marriage. Parents, grandparents, siblings and dear friends are remembered fondly but with sadness at this time of separation but also this sadness is tempered with new joys we share with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling each day with the blessings that a long marriage can provide.
We celebrate with Pastor and Nancy this joy today and the hope for the future God has for them and their family, but also for the thankful joy of their service to our Lord and his mission by the Spirit’s work here at Peace for so many years.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Word!
The Holy Spirit worked in the lives of those first disciples as the day of Pentecost came. Tongues of fire rested on the disciples.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 1:4
6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. Acts 1:6
By this working of the Spirit through the word Christ is made known.
St. Peter’s sermon to those first ears to hear the word of promise in a new way by the working of the Holy Spirit is proclaimed:
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Acts 1:21
By the Spirit through the word many were brought to repentance, they were baptized and the fullness of the Holy Spirit was made new in the lives of these believers.
By that same Spirit those who wrote as they were led, bring the promise of Christ to we who hear today
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
Father!
On Christ’s ascension we now build by the working of the Holy Spirit.
Proceeding from the Father and the Son the Spirit of truth brings to our remembrance all that Christ has said and done for us. By this working we know the unity of the Godhead in Christ and the Father’s love for you and me.
For we who have been blessed to be fathers also know the joys and trials of being sons.
At times punishment needed to be meted out. As my dad would often get home from work he would say to my mom, half jesting.
“Okay, line them up and tell me which one I need to hit.”
It was usually me, as the oldest, who had found some disfavor with my mom probably in relation to my siblings.
My dad would say, “Go to your room and wait for me!”
The word of truth from my father had both command and promise. It commanded me to go to my room with the promise that there would be a resolution in his favor!
After a long and tedious wait dad would come in usually with this question.
“Did you think about what you did?”
[Yes] You just nodded yes. You didn’t speak in his presence.
“Are you going to do it again?”
[No] Shaking head back and forth in the negative.
That’s repentance.
“You’re lucky your mom and I love you!” Dad would say, “Okay you can go play. But don’t do it again”
That’s forgiveness.
At lease it was until the next time I had to go to my room!
The Father’s love for you will never stop forgiving and by the Spirit’s work pointing you to Christ and all he’s done for you. He will continue to pursue you each day of your life through repentance for the purpose of forgiveness.
Peace!
The Father and Son by the working of the Spirit have made their home with you. They dwell with you and in you because you are theirs. You keep the word by the working of the Spirit and when you fall short – and need to go to your room so to speak - the Spirit by the word draws you back to repentance so that God’s blessed forgiveness once again frees you from the burden of your sin and its consequences.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
By God’s Spirit we have confidence in his work in us and his love for us so that though we wrestle and are burdened by sin, death and devil daily we have the hope of God’s victory for us now and always.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
[Yes] You just nodded yes. You didn’t speak in his presence.
“Are you going to do it again?”
[No] Shaking head back and forth in the negative.
That’s repentance.
“You’re lucky your mom and I love you!” Dad would say, “Okay you can go play. But don’t do it again”
That’s forgiveness.
At lease it was until the next time I had to go to my room!
The Father’s love for you will never stop forgiving and by the Spirit’s work pointing you to Christ and all he’s done for you. He will continue to pursue you each day of your life through repentance for the purpose of forgiveness.
Peace!
The Father and Son by the working of the Spirit have made their home with you. They dwell with you and in you because you are theirs. You keep the word by the working of the Spirit and when you fall short – and need to go to your room so to speak - the Spirit by the word draws you back to repentance so that God’s blessed forgiveness once again frees you from the burden of your sin and its consequences.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
By God’s Spirit we have confidence in his work in us and his love for us so that though we wrestle and are burdened by sin, death and devil daily we have the hope of God’s victory for us now and always.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Monday, June 3, 2019
Sermon June 1-2, 2019
Title: Christ prayed and prays for you!
Text: John 17:20-26
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
In this the last Sunday in the Easter season we again continue with the Gospel of John as we have for the last few weeks. Let us review what Christ has been telling his disciples.
1. Jesus told them that he would die on the cross and rise on the third day.
2. The sorrow at his death would be replaced with joy at his resurrection.
3. That Jesus would be leaving them again and returning to the Father.
4. But he would send them the Holy Spirit to be their comforter until his promised return.
Unity in love and purpose is God’s desire through the word!
How many of you love family reunions? Seeing relatives you seldom see, going to the place of your youth, reminiscing of dear loved ones, and longing to see each other more often.
How many of you hate family reunions? Having little in common with those you are related to, annoying family habits that won’t go away, desiring to just get done with it and go home never to do this again.
We’ve probably all been caught up in both circumstances.
In Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John chapter 17 Jesus prays to the Father for his disciples and for all believers and their unity as he prepares to go to the cross.
17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life,
that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
The unity that Jesus prays for is one not of externals but of internals. It is not the cookie cutter approach that says - this is a successful church because they have lots of people - do what they. Instead, it is Christ’s church in unity of faith, purpose and love through the word by the working of the Spirit.
In our gospel reading today Jesus’ prayer looks beyond those followers who have been with him to those who will believe through their word.
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us,
that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one,
The oneness of faith and life is in Christ and the unity that he shares with the Father. Though one God they are uniquely different and separate yet one in love, will and purpose.
There also is a reason for Christ’s desire for unity.
so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Not that our faith may be a picture of unity but that our faith might proclaim that truth in a world that needs to hear. This is a perfect text against those who might feel that their faith is private and not to be shared or pushed upon others. You find you are fighting against Jesus will and prayer.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Those first disciples were being sent with a message for the world. Just as Peter proclaimed in our first reading:
20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The church today continues in a similar way. Pastors are called to serve congregations. If another call is received and the pastor accepts that call the church prays that by the Holy Spirit another would take his place. All of this is for the same purpose to proclaim the word and equip the saints so that the world may believe and know.
There is a third part to Jesus’ prayer.
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am
Christ’s desire is for the eternal welfare of his followers.
to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
This glory is pictured in our second reading:
22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
This is quite a different scene from the one in Genesis 3 when man was banished and sent out from the Garden of Eden.
Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
In a sense it is why those family reunions can at times be both joyful for some and dreaded by others, because in this life the wages of sin continue to affect every part of life. Perfect unity of will and purpose in this life still deals with this reality.
But, the banishment for sin is now overcome by the word of truth in the mouths of his disciples. Jesus has died and has been raised and by the Spirit the word of truth takes seed in the hearts of his hearers.
Our gospel reading concludes.
25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known,
And Jesus finishes with another statement of purpose …
[So] that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The truth of the word that is in you needs to be heard. By your proclamation those who hear receive the Holy Spirit, believe and are promised the unity in Christ that we have.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Unity in love and purpose is God’s desire through the word!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Text: John 17:20-26
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
In this the last Sunday in the Easter season we again continue with the Gospel of John as we have for the last few weeks. Let us review what Christ has been telling his disciples.
1. Jesus told them that he would die on the cross and rise on the third day.
2. The sorrow at his death would be replaced with joy at his resurrection.
3. That Jesus would be leaving them again and returning to the Father.
4. But he would send them the Holy Spirit to be their comforter until his promised return.
Unity in love and purpose is God’s desire through the word!
How many of you love family reunions? Seeing relatives you seldom see, going to the place of your youth, reminiscing of dear loved ones, and longing to see each other more often.
How many of you hate family reunions? Having little in common with those you are related to, annoying family habits that won’t go away, desiring to just get done with it and go home never to do this again.
We’ve probably all been caught up in both circumstances.
In Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John chapter 17 Jesus prays to the Father for his disciples and for all believers and their unity as he prepares to go to the cross.
17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life,
that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
The unity that Jesus prays for is one not of externals but of internals. It is not the cookie cutter approach that says - this is a successful church because they have lots of people - do what they. Instead, it is Christ’s church in unity of faith, purpose and love through the word by the working of the Spirit.
In our gospel reading today Jesus’ prayer looks beyond those followers who have been with him to those who will believe through their word.
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us,
that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one,
The oneness of faith and life is in Christ and the unity that he shares with the Father. Though one God they are uniquely different and separate yet one in love, will and purpose.
There also is a reason for Christ’s desire for unity.
so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Not that our faith may be a picture of unity but that our faith might proclaim that truth in a world that needs to hear. This is a perfect text against those who might feel that their faith is private and not to be shared or pushed upon others. You find you are fighting against Jesus will and prayer.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Those first disciples were being sent with a message for the world. Just as Peter proclaimed in our first reading:
20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The church today continues in a similar way. Pastors are called to serve congregations. If another call is received and the pastor accepts that call the church prays that by the Holy Spirit another would take his place. All of this is for the same purpose to proclaim the word and equip the saints so that the world may believe and know.
There is a third part to Jesus’ prayer.
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am
Christ’s desire is for the eternal welfare of his followers.
to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
This glory is pictured in our second reading:
22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
This is quite a different scene from the one in Genesis 3 when man was banished and sent out from the Garden of Eden.
Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
In a sense it is why those family reunions can at times be both joyful for some and dreaded by others, because in this life the wages of sin continue to affect every part of life. Perfect unity of will and purpose in this life still deals with this reality.
But, the banishment for sin is now overcome by the word of truth in the mouths of his disciples. Jesus has died and has been raised and by the Spirit the word of truth takes seed in the hearts of his hearers.
Our gospel reading concludes.
25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known,
And Jesus finishes with another statement of purpose …
[So] that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The truth of the word that is in you needs to be heard. By your proclamation those who hear receive the Holy Spirit, believe and are promised the unity in Christ that we have.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Unity in love and purpose is God’s desire through the word!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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