Sermon Aug. 14-15, 2021

Title: Awake and shine the light of Christ!
Text: Eph. 5:6-21

Facebook live: Awake and shine the light of Christ!

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

Paul begins with these words:

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

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

7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

Don’t get sucked in, Paul tells the Ephesians. But what were the Ephesians getting sucked into … and does it apply to you and me?

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

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

Harsh words indeed and the Ephesians were falling short then, and Christians today fall short too.

When desires, feelings and societal norms go against God’s word and truth … the result is that darkness [the realm of Satan] reigns.

You and I feel it too. Sin is a powerful force that in thought, word, and deed we can all give in to … and its desires can lead us away from the truth that God intends.

When Paul speaks of sexual immorality and all impurity he is not just speaking of same sex attraction, (though homosexuality would be included in his rebuke) but of all sexual sins outside of God’s design of marriage or in the context of marriage that defiles that union.

Whether perpetrator or victim there are no winners when sexual sin rears its ugly head.
There has been so much in the news over the last year or so. Powerful men who took advantage or their positions in the Hollywood entertainment machine to prey on young women; TV celebrities; people of prominence, politicians and those in positions of power.

Take Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

“[An] independent investigation has concluded Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, and in doing so violated federal and state law,” … “Specifically, the investigation found that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York State employees by engaging in unwelcome and non-consensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women.”

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/08/03/cuomo-nursing-home-and-sexual-harassment-allegations-timeline/

Paul cautions the Ephesians:

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

And here’s the key …

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

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

And it is not to use God as a means – claiming “I believe” - while denying him and living in sin using Christ as a cover. But through repentance it God’s desire that you be restored freely by faith in Christ through his saving Gospel and working of the Holy Spirit. And also by the light of the gospel that your light shines in the midst of those in darkness so that they too might come to faith and believe.

Paul speaks of coveting as well, or desiring that which you don’t have … and this can also be things we desire or people.

As Luther says in his explanation for the 9th and 10th commandments:

We should fear and love God that we may not [find] seek to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, and obtain it by a show of [justice and] right, etc., but help and be of service to him in keeping it … (9th commandment)

… [nor] force, or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants, or cattle, [diligently] but urge them to stay and do their duty. (10th commandment)

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

Darkness and light … lies and truth … you can’t ride the fence.

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

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, Paul says, don’t let the world, your sinful flesh or the devil be your guide. And all too often we can fall silent in the face of evil.


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

Joel Fritsche a career missionary suggests that this might be a stanza from an early Christian hymn. It certainly could be with this image of dying and rising and awaking from death that you and I who have been brought to faith understand.

Death is the great equalizer for us all. Whether you are in the public eye or just one of us regulars in the world, we all need to have Christ and be brought to faith to have a eternity with him.

That changes who we are and how we live.

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Here in the Divine Service God calls us to come.

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

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

Amen

 

Sermon Aug. 7-8, 2021

Title: The old self is dead and you are renewed!
Text: Eph. 4:17-5:2

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

Facebook: The old self is dead and you are renewed!

Last week I talked about some of our Hall of Fame players on Detroit sports teams that remained humble in the midst of their success and how our Lord molds us to reflect his love in our world. But if we look at those same teams today there is much to be done to bring former glory and success of those teams back to life.

Rebuilding is a word that has been used quite a bit in the last few years in Detroit and with our sports teams. The Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers and Lions all seem to all be rebuilding. New players, faces, coaches, stadiums and the like seem to abound.

The Pistons just drafted Cade Cunningham #1 and my son and many others are very happy and think this young man might be the one piece to put the Pistons in contention on the basketball map.

Rebuilding brings a new sense of purpose and joy, whether in sports, your home or your life.

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus:

22 … put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life … 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Asking the question, 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, - this Jesus?

Last week the emphasis of the message was on humility, gentleness and patience. Peace, Love and Understanding.

One Body,
One Spirit,
One Lord,
One Faith,
One Baptism,
One God and Father of all

And now Paul askes, 21 assuming that you have heard about [Jesus]?

For we who have been here for years it would be like Pastor Merrell or another long-time pastor in your life asking – do you know Jesus? Have you heard about him?

Because, you certainly don’t live like you know him.

At least that is what it sounds like he is saying to me.

And then adding a rebuke for the Gentiles living as they do.

And I paraphrase the text:

17 … don’t live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 … whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. GNT

This rebuke from Paul, their beloved pastor, says they’ve missed the mark. They’ve fallen short.

Goodness, how heartbreaking. How stubborn! How close it hits to home.

To hear this from Pastor Merrell or Moritz in my case or Pastor Evenson the longtime pastor from St. Stephens would be hard to hear.

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Saying in a sense that sin is having its way with you. It is corrupting you and you need to look not to who you were, but to who you have become in Christ!

23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

To not live the sinful way on the sinful road but to live in the light of the forgiveness you have received in righteousness and holiness.

To be righteous – to be covered with Christ

To be Holy – to be set apart, reflecting Jesus and acting in a manner worthy of your calling.

Many years ago, I had a friend and coworker who was experiencing money problems. It can happen to us all and it can come without warning.

He had a newer truck and a high lease payment. It was burying him in debt.

Just as he got close to the end of his two-year lease, I told him what my dad had taught me - that you need to live within your means, save your money, buy what you can afford, which may not the new car or truck you want but probably a used one.

He said, “My dad never taught me that.”

So, I said, “Well, call me daddy! Because I’m telling you now.”

To put on the new self means there needs to be a change.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Unfortunately, in this case his lease expired, he had no savings to draw from and the sinful sale slogan rang loudly in his ears as he said to me – Sign and Drive, baby!

You don’t need and money, no down payment, just pick out your car, sign the paperwork and drive it home. He did.

A few months later it was again the same familiar thing, a monthly payment and a car – though nice – that had lost its new car appeal as the monthly payments came due.

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Don’t do it. Whatever it is. Don’t let the devil entice you so that you give in to his desires or yours.

My friend needed money and he needed a car. He was angry at his situation and he gave in the sin of the here and now – sign and drive, baby!

We all do at times.

In Paul’s day and in the Ephesian church some weren’t even working for what they needed thinking stealing was okay for them.

28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

The reality is that they had lost focus on Christ.

They had taken their eyes off Jesus.

Do we? Sure, we do.

Daily, weekly, and at times it becomes the norm.

Don’t say bad things,

Build other’s up,

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit - his work is heard enough.

Look at what he is working with. Me and you.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

The early church under Paul had its problems, didn’t they? And we do too.

But here is the meat and potatoes or the cookies on the bottom shelf so the kiddies can get them take away for today.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

We can forgive because we have been forgiven!

The old self is dead and you are renewed!

5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

You are a new creation and so it is not you but Christ in you that brings this fruit to life.

Work as if everything depends on you and live as if everything depends on Christ! Because it does!

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

Amen

Sermon July 31-Aug. 1, 2021

Title: Humility, patience, love and peace!
Text: Eph. 4:1-16

Facebook live: Humility, patience, love and peace!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is easy to take our eyes off Jesus;

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

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

From Confirmation class we learn how the Law works as curb, mirror, and guide.

It stops bad behavior, [curb]

reflects our sinfulness to us, [mirror]

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

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

It can cause a condescending spirit in us to see ourselves as better than others – especially as brothers and sisters in Christ - as pride grows and replaces humility.

In my life I run into or met some people who have had great success in life.

Steve Yzerman as a rookie and just beginning his career to an assistant General manager, post career bringing his daughter to a piano recital.

Quiet, calm assurance and polite.

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

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

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

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

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

I believe it was Jack Morris from the Tigers who commented to his wife, “We’ll always have a house big enough for the concert grand,” or something along those lines. It may have been a true statement, but confidently cocky is a phrase my boss use to describe successful people at times.

Moving ahead 30 + years or so, when Alan Trammel and Jack Morris went into the Hall of Fame their Hall of Fame speeches showed men humble and gentile with their words and patient in their delivery looking to soak up the moment while they considered their accomplishments and the important people in their lives.

While thanking his mother Alan Trammel said,

“She would tell me, If you ever make it to the Major Leagues, I want you to be humble like my favorite player, Stan Musial.”

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/07/29/detroit-tigers-alan-trammell-hall-fame-speech/860198002/

But Jack Morris – the harder edged, confidently cocky, we’ll always have the big house for a concert grand guy, began his speech with these words of thanks:

“I am humbled and honored to be with all of you today. Above all, I give thanks to God for His many blessings.”

And he ended with:

“God blessed me with a gift and it was meant to be shared with others. My life in baseball has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for everything.

I want to thank you again for sharing this wonderful day with me. Praise be to God. Thank you.

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/07/29/detroit-tigers-jack-morris-hall-fame-speech/860426002/

Confident … yes, but not so much cocky.
Paul in his letter wants the church then and now to know that there is one church, one body of believers, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all … and you, like the church in Ephesus, have been bought with a price.

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

Humility is hard … success builds pride.

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

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

But thanks be to God, he has made a way for the mirror to clearly reflect our true condition and to provide the means of comfort for a burdened soul … the word of God.

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

God’s gift comes to us through humble means.

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

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

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

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

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

God’s word is truth.

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

knows the gift of faith …

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bringing Peace, Love and Understanding to our world!

Reactions to the truth can cause differing responses.

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

Jack Morris sounds like a man changed by the word of God.

You too have been changed.

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

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

Amen

Sermon July 24-25, 2021

Title: Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Rest!
Text: Mark 6:45-56

Facebook live: Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Rest!

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

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

No these aren’t the the floods and rains of 2021 that is being spoken of.

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

He continues:

“Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise; they cannot sink the boat … of Jesus.

What are we to fear … Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile … ‘The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord.

The confiscation of goods … We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it.

I have only contempt for the world’s threats;
I find its blessings laughable.
I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth.
I am not afraid of death or do I long to live, except for your good.

I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.”

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

The trials of life can consume us all whether it is financial, personal, or medical.

The Rock upon which our faith is built is Christ.

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

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

Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Rest!

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

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

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

and [Jesus] was alone on the land.

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

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

[This is also reminiscent of the storm and the boat from last month where Jesus was sleeping in the boat.]

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

We’ve had our share or storms, rain and flooding this year. Evening driving out of our sub a few weeks ago Monica noticed a large limb down on a tree we just passed a short while before that we didn’t see was down.

Storms can come without warning and fear can be greatest … when we least expect it.

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

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

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

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

Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Rest!

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

I’ve told many of you that it is such a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I get to bring the Lord’s word and gifts to those in need who can’t get to church.

This past year God connected me to many members in need of prayer in our church. Some for healing, and some for peaceful release from their afflictions. Some for comfort at loss and some for wisdom and strength.

Apart from God’s word of forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit we all would be consumed with fear and despair during the trials of life and weight of our sinful condition in this life.

Take heart. Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Rest!

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

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

Jesus is the peace in the midst and beyond the storm.

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

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

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

Take heart, in Christ your sickness is healed!

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

Sermon July 17-18, 2021

Title: We follow, are fed, and are forgiven!
Text: Mark 4:35-41

Facebook live: We follow, are fed, and are forgiven!

41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied.

It has been a busy week. Two funerals and today a Baptism. Two remembrances of lives well lived and one life beginning. All though, connected to Christ and his compassion and forgiveness.

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

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

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

32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:32

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

A place showing signs of abandonment, dilapidated, devoid of warmth, comfort or hope. But what does Jesus find?

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

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

But what does Jesus do?

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

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

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

Compassion would show, for a Christian, the wonderful evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. To think of someone else and their needs first and foremost is a Christ-like virtue.

Jesus’ showed compassion to the crowd of people gathered at this place and His compassion extended to their physical need as well.

These five thousand men, women and children hungered and were fed in a miraculous way by Jesus, but the miracle was probably not even something they were aware of. God’s great blessing filled their hunger, showed the disciples the compassion and power with which Jesus was sending them out. Each had a basketful of leftovers [12] to testify to what Jesus has done and will continue to do through them.

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

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

Jesus has compassion. 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)

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

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

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

Jesus has compassion. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom. 10:13)

Jesus has compassion … on you!

He heals your sin and covers you with His righteousness so that you are by faith, free of your bondage to sin, fed by his holy word as well as His very Body and Blood in the Lord’s Supper that is given and shed for you! And all who are satisfied and found in Him … Christ gives you simply out of His compassionate grace, mercy and love for you.

Finally, I leave you with a few of the wonderful words from our Sermon Hymn today, God Loved the World So That He Gave:

God loved the world so that He gave
His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in Him believe
Should everlasting life receive.

God would not have the sinner die,
His Son with saving grace is nigh,
His Spirit in the Word declares
How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs.

Glory to God the Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To Thee, O blessed Trinity,
Be praise now and eternally!

We are Followed by God as he by his Spirit draws us to Christ. We are fed by his word and sacrament that call us to faith and sustain us unto his call home and we are forgiven – in Christ, being rescued from sin, death and the power of the devil!

May the Love of God the Father who made us,
the Compassion of Christ our Lord who redeemed us,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit who sustains us,
be and abide with us now and forever more.

Amen

Sermon July 10-11, 2021

Title: Blessed in Christ, you are beloved!
Text: Eph. 1:3-14

Facebook live: Blessed in Christ, you are beloved!

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

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

For some, life seems to be as bad right now as it has ever been. Maybe you feel it and maybe you know it too?

Whether it’s the Florida condo, that partially collapsed in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, where 86 people are confirmed to have died and many still missing. Or, the historic flooding that most recently affected many in the Detroit area with water consuming homes, cars and valuables either under water or destroyed and lost. Not to mention the dam failures last year in Mid-Michigan that have replaced lake front property with vegetation growing where boating and swimming once occurred.

At times like these, God’s blessings can seem distant or small in comparison to the weight of life trials that comes upon us - at times in our lives - that we didn’t anticipate or expect.

When joy or sorrow comes, we need to be reminded of hope.

Not just hope for a better tomorrow but hope that surpasses all human understanding. And that is what Paul puts to scroll in the opening of his letter to the Ephesians.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Our blessings are not in the joys or sorrows of our earthly lives but in Christ and in him we have every spiritual blessing promised in Christ and delivered to us through God’s work. No matter the joy or sorrow we face.

Each year we have the promise of a better day ahead and that the sorrows of the previous year can be better - as we look to our future and what tomorrow might bring.

Often times as we look back, we see all that this life didn’t deliver and the hope for tomorrow became much the same as before or simply a life of ups and downs.

Despite the ups and downs though Paul reminds us of God’s calling:
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

You stand … not marked in sin but marked in him … as holy and blameless!

Think about that! You are set apart and marked without fault.

In this life you stumble and fall.

You miss the mark and are overlooked.

You argue and fight and feel at times hopeless

but in Christ you are holy and blameless.

Why?

Well, it’s God’s love!

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

It is God’s will that you be his child.
It is God’s will that this happen in Christ.
It is God’s will that no matter your success or failure in this life …
… that in Christ, God’s grace and favor come to you.

We were brought forth in sin, conceived in sin, and in sin death comes – we are filthy and whether through sickness or tragic circumstances like the condo collapse, the flooding or the loss we’ve all experienced through this last year from Covid or other sickness and illness that many face.
In the world life becomes death.
In Christ death becomes life.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Temporal and heavenly realities are ours.

Tears in this life will come.

Will you lose a job or get one?

Will a loved one die or will life be added to your family?

Will yours be tears of sorrow or joy?

Only God and the future know for sure but I’m sure it will be some of each as we continue in this life both with our families, and our church family, our community, and our nation as well.

The reality of need and of promise, of blessing and curse don’t always come at the proper or desired time in this life. At times our need often remains while the hoped-for blessing seems to be a long way off.

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

Where?

It’s here with the word proclaimed and the word connected to the water in Holy Baptism.

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him,

When?

When you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

When we were marked in Christ as forgiven, through that same gospel proclaimed and sealed in the sacrament of Holy Baptism by God’s working.

Who?

14 who is [God’s] guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.

God the Holy Spirit in you.

Why?

Simply to the praise of his glory.
It is simply his love and grace and favor on account of Christ that God has marked you as his.

No work and no merit. No sorrow or joy. No right or wrong.

Just Christ, for you
Just Christ, in you
Just Christ, with you

In times of life that have no explanation.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

In Christ!

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

Amen

Sermon July 3-4, 2021

Title: Rejected!
Text: Mark 6:1-13

Facebook live: Rejected!

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

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

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

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

43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Those who had been kept outside the little girl’s room knew she was dead and after Jesus went in to the room with her parents and his disciples the people, who had remained outside too, saw the little girl going about.

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

“Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus is rejected!

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

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

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

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

Is our freedom as Christians to be pushed behind the walls of the church or kept within the confines of our own homes? When we enter the world is our faith and beliefs to be left home or at church and are we to only parrot the views of the culture and submit to them.

These are hard questions that we each must look at and answer. The signs at many churches read as you leave the parking lot … “You are now entering the mission field.”

Will it be changed to reflect, “You have now entered the civil realm?”

This is nothing new. Our Old Testament lesson for today reminds us.

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

Friends, it is not just the culture that rebels against God, but we as the Christian church – you and me - who have rebelled.

We trust not the word of God but the dictates of man.

We see church attendance become an afterthought and not the gift God intends it to be, and we endorse living together before marriage as an accepted and normative lifestyle for the Christian.

If the word of God is used to call sinners to repentance it is largely unheeded and unheard. Those who listen but refuse to hear at times change churches rather than repenting and continue on as if it’s no big deal, or they ask the church to play along and get with the program … and we wonder why the culture doesn’t take us seriously.

6 And [Jesus] marveled because of their unbelief.

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

And [Jesus] went about among the villages teaching.

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

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

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

He wants to be part of your life.

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

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

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

As you celebrate today and tomorrow the freedom which is so important for we as Americans, remember those that came before us and paid the heavy price for the freedoms we enjoy.

I saw a wonderful sign that read:

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

Pause and also think about the one who brings true freedom for you and me who called you out of slavery to sin, death and the devil and gave you sonship in his name. Jesus has brought you peace with the Father by his very body and blood for you. He has given this for you to eat and drink and he keeps you, by his Spirit, pointed to Jesus.

Jesus was rejected so that you might be restored!

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

Amen