Title: God’s Steward’s: Singular yet Plural!
Text: Romans 12:1–8; 1 Peter 4:8–11; John 17:14–24
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
God’s Stewards Are Uniquely Singular, yet Profoundly Plural.
I. We are each unique members of the one Body of Christ.
II. Therefore good stewardship means using our unique gifts for the good of the whole Body.
III. In this way, every member of Christ’s Body is blessed.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Monday, January 28, 2019
Monday, January 21, 2019
Sermon Series Stewardship: January 19-20, 2017
Stewardship: Living as God's Redeemed People
Title: God’s Stewards: Saints and Sinners!
Text: Ephesians 4:17–24; Romans 7:21–25; Luke 18:9–14
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 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. Eph. 4:22-24
I. The fallen nature has been spiritually reborn in Christ.
II. But the fallen nature, the sinner, remains with the reborn, the saint.
III. Fortunately, the struggle of saint against sinner we don’t fight by our own power.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Title: God’s Stewards: Saints and Sinners!
Text: Ephesians 4:17–24; Romans 7:21–25; Luke 18:9–14
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 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. Eph. 4:22-24
I. The fallen nature has been spiritually reborn in Christ.
II. But the fallen nature, the sinner, remains with the reborn, the saint.
III. Fortunately, the struggle of saint against sinner we don’t fight by our own power.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Monday, January 14, 2019
Sermon Series, Stewardship: January 12-13, 2019
Stewardship: Living as God's Redeemed People
Title: God’s Stewards: Managers, Not Owners!
Text: 1 Chronicles 29:1–3, 6, 9–18; 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; 9:7–8; Luke 12:41–48
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48).
I. God has trusted us with life and life’s resources
II. That’s a privilege, not and entitlement.
III. All this we’re privileged to manage for our needs (and even luxuries), for the truly needy, and for our Lord’s ministry and mission.
IV. So God’s people are generous.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Title: God’s Stewards: Managers, Not Owners!
Text: 1 Chronicles 29:1–3, 6, 9–18; 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; 9:7–8; Luke 12:41–48
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48).
I. God has trusted us with life and life’s resources
II. That’s a privilege, not and entitlement.
III. All this we’re privileged to manage for our needs (and even luxuries), for the truly needy, and for our Lord’s ministry and mission.
IV. So God’s people are generous.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Sermon Series, Stewardship: January 5-6, 2019
Stewardship: Living as God's Redeemed People
Title: God’s Stewards: God’s Stewards
Text: Isaiah 43:1–3a; 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Luke 19:1–10
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” 2 Cor 5:17
God’s Stewards Are God’s Stewards.
I. Apart from Christ, we are naturally self-centered.
II. But God is the Creator of all things and our Redeemer.
III. So now in Christ, we are his new creation, God’s stewards.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Title: God’s Stewards: God’s Stewards
Text: Isaiah 43:1–3a; 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Luke 19:1–10
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” 2 Cor 5:17
God’s Stewards Are God’s Stewards.
I. Apart from Christ, we are naturally self-centered.
II. But God is the Creator of all things and our Redeemer.
III. So now in Christ, we are his new creation, God’s stewards.
Rev. Rexford E. Umbenhaur III, pastor, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, California
Sermon Dec. 29-30, 2018 First Sunday after Christmas
Title: Christ brings access to the Father’s House for you!
Text: Col 3:12-17
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Christmas is here!
But the world says … “It’s time to move on.”
The 24 hour radio stations that started playing Christmas music have had enough. It is back to your regularly scheduled programming. It is a bit of how it is for we in the church as well. Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day and then for many we go back to work. Granted some have the week off and the kids are out of school. But, after last weekend and services on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and all the family activities … I felt like it was time for a bit of a break too. But, I had to wait for Friday for that because Wednesday and Thursday came and another sermon needed to be prepared and some visits to home bound members and those in rehab had to be made.
Life is real. It doesn’t let you collect your thoughts and relax at times. You and I know how that is.
As Paul writes in our Epistle to the Colossians:
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved - compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Paul here reminds the Colossians who they are - as God’s chosen ones, that they were the reason that God became man in Christ. The incarnation had to happen so that the once for all sacrifice could be made at the cross and because of that reality they are – in Christ – holy and beloved.
The world can bring out the best and the worst in people. Now also, we see at Christmas acts of kindness, generosity and love but it can fade quickly with Christians and Non-Christians alike.
Compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, are not the normal reaction of sinful man.
We tend to react in selfish, heartless, prideful, bold and impatient ways.
Ill.
My son and daughter-n-law were at the Salvation Army store in Rochester just before Christmas when a fight broke out between two patrons who were, I assume, doing some last minute Christmas shopping.
Fighting over what? Something the other person had, I guess. Peace on Earth went to Hell in a hand basket of good intentions as the fight ensued, the police were called, and Elizabeth hurried toward Jon looking for a bit of safety in the midst of the storm.
Earlier in Paul’s letter he had reminded the Colossians to put on the new self.
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
[Let the Salvation Army’s treasures go to another as you demonstrate your new life in Christ.]
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
As Christians, Christmas needs to be in our hearts and minds each and every day of the year.
Bearing with one another … forgiving each other; 14 And above all … putting on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
The Lord’s forgiveness should cause our own forgiveness to spring forth from us because we have been forgiven much.
But we remain sinful though forgiven and it is a struggle each day. The Colossians needed reminding and we too need reminding.
Selfish, heartless, prideful, bold, and impatient people need to be reminded that in Christ we have been changed.
Just as God’s son was forever changed when he became man at the incarnation, we also, in Christ have put on the new man. No longer are we God’s enemies but God’s friends. We are his beloved children, having been clothed in Christ, and that change should also be evident in our daily lives as well.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
God’s word whether heard, read, meditated upon, or sung from a thankful heart is where God’s peace through the working of his Holy Spirit lives and can be found.
Here - at Peace, there is Peace proclaimed, peace sung, peace delivered and peace received each and every week. God has promised to be where his people gather and where his gifts of word and sacrament are rightly administered and delivered.
Here after another week in the world where it is often not loving, helpful, or kind and where the walls of division stand tall within our country if not around our country we can make a difference reflecting Christ.
Come and receive all that the Lord has to give and then reflect that gift of love, peace and forgiveness to others as you shine the light of Christ brightly in this New Year.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit
Amen
Text: Col 3:12-17
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Christmas is here!
But the world says … “It’s time to move on.”
The 24 hour radio stations that started playing Christmas music have had enough. It is back to your regularly scheduled programming. It is a bit of how it is for we in the church as well. Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day and then for many we go back to work. Granted some have the week off and the kids are out of school. But, after last weekend and services on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and all the family activities … I felt like it was time for a bit of a break too. But, I had to wait for Friday for that because Wednesday and Thursday came and another sermon needed to be prepared and some visits to home bound members and those in rehab had to be made.
Life is real. It doesn’t let you collect your thoughts and relax at times. You and I know how that is.
As Paul writes in our Epistle to the Colossians:
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved - compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Paul here reminds the Colossians who they are - as God’s chosen ones, that they were the reason that God became man in Christ. The incarnation had to happen so that the once for all sacrifice could be made at the cross and because of that reality they are – in Christ – holy and beloved.
The world can bring out the best and the worst in people. Now also, we see at Christmas acts of kindness, generosity and love but it can fade quickly with Christians and Non-Christians alike.
Compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, are not the normal reaction of sinful man.
We tend to react in selfish, heartless, prideful, bold and impatient ways.
Ill.
My son and daughter-n-law were at the Salvation Army store in Rochester just before Christmas when a fight broke out between two patrons who were, I assume, doing some last minute Christmas shopping.
Fighting over what? Something the other person had, I guess. Peace on Earth went to Hell in a hand basket of good intentions as the fight ensued, the police were called, and Elizabeth hurried toward Jon looking for a bit of safety in the midst of the storm.
Earlier in Paul’s letter he had reminded the Colossians to put on the new self.
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
[Let the Salvation Army’s treasures go to another as you demonstrate your new life in Christ.]
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
As Christians, Christmas needs to be in our hearts and minds each and every day of the year.
Bearing with one another … forgiving each other; 14 And above all … putting on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
The Lord’s forgiveness should cause our own forgiveness to spring forth from us because we have been forgiven much.
But we remain sinful though forgiven and it is a struggle each day. The Colossians needed reminding and we too need reminding.
Selfish, heartless, prideful, bold, and impatient people need to be reminded that in Christ we have been changed.
Just as God’s son was forever changed when he became man at the incarnation, we also, in Christ have put on the new man. No longer are we God’s enemies but God’s friends. We are his beloved children, having been clothed in Christ, and that change should also be evident in our daily lives as well.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
God’s word whether heard, read, meditated upon, or sung from a thankful heart is where God’s peace through the working of his Holy Spirit lives and can be found.
Here - at Peace, there is Peace proclaimed, peace sung, peace delivered and peace received each and every week. God has promised to be where his people gather and where his gifts of word and sacrament are rightly administered and delivered.
Here after another week in the world where it is often not loving, helpful, or kind and where the walls of division stand tall within our country if not around our country we can make a difference reflecting Christ.
Come and receive all that the Lord has to give and then reflect that gift of love, peace and forgiveness to others as you shine the light of Christ brightly in this New Year.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit
Amen
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Sermon Dec. 25, 2018 Christmas Day
Title: The blessed hope has come in Jesus!
Text: Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Many of you like me, I’m sure, remember the day your children were born. For me there was the time of Monica’s pregnancy, the doctor’s visits, anticipation, worry, anxiety, excitement and many other feelings associated with the coming of a child.
This was especially true with our first born. What would it be, a boy or a girl? At that time, we could have been told to a relatively high degree of certainty but we chose to wait happy to accept what the Lord would bless us with.
On the day of Monica’s last doctor’s visit she was already dilated and we hurried over to the Hospital. As the time of the birth neared and the head of the baby began to emerge; Dr. Dorfman looked up and said:
This God who came in weakness ascended to the right hand of God and he intercedes … for you.
He will come again in glory at the appointed time to take you to where he is because in Christ you are seen through the veil … which is Jesus Christ the righteous one, and in him you are forgiven, redeemed and adopted into God family!
The blessed hope has come in Jesus … for you!
An interesting map is on display in the British Museum in London. It's an old mariner's chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent waters. The cartographer made some intriguing notations on areas of the map that represented regions not yet explored. He wrote: "Here be giants," "Here be fiery scorpions," and "Here be dragons." Eventually, the map came into the possession of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800s. Scratching out the fearful inscriptions, he wrote these words across the map: "Here is God."
Unknown.
Well, as we celebrate the Christ child and the coming of Jesus and His incarnation we see in a manger, a baby boy and say: “Here is God!”
The blessed hope has come in Jesus for you! May you joy together with the church of God as we celebrate his coming and all he came to do for you and me and all who are a far off … all whom the Lord our God will call to faith.
A Merry and blessed Christmas to you!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit
Text: Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Many of you like me, I’m sure, remember the day your children were born. For me there was the time of Monica’s pregnancy, the doctor’s visits, anticipation, worry, anxiety, excitement and many other feelings associated with the coming of a child.
This was especially true with our first born. What would it be, a boy or a girl? At that time, we could have been told to a relatively high degree of certainty but we chose to wait happy to accept what the Lord would bless us with.
On the day of Monica’s last doctor’s visit she was already dilated and we hurried over to the Hospital. As the time of the birth neared and the head of the baby began to emerge; Dr. Dorfman looked up and said:
“Top half’s a boy … and as the baby was born … bottom half’s a girl!”
The excitement and joy of this birth blessed our family as only God’s gift of children can, and now with the Christ child we can all celebrate today that:
The blessed hope has come in Jesus!
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
What had been anticipated during Advent has now appeared. God’s salvation for all people has come in a means most peculiar … a baby boy wrapped in cloths … lying in a manger.
This good news when proclaimed by an angel to the shepherds in the fields brought great fear.
10 [But] the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2: 10, 13, 14
God in Christ has brought peace between God and man and all who are found in Christ have God’s favor on account of this child of lowly birth.
The blessed hope who is Jesus!
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
What you and I are called to do … we can’t. We miss the mark and fall daily into the sinful desires of a sinful people. But Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has humbled himself to be our substitute, yours and mine, and to make a way where there is no way.
God’s child has renounced ungodliness and the passions of this world and has lived the God pleasing life according to the Law of God and fulfilling every requirement in this present evil age – for you. He has done what you and I could not and he has given this all to you. This grace of God appearing in this child for you has been made know by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you to believe.
But now it is this child, this babe, this baby King in a manger who looks to be for many who see him … not a King … not the Lord … and certainly not the savior of the world, but only a child and a baby in weakness.
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
In weakness he came but in glory he will come again. God’s creation fallen into sin waited for this day. This day when God would come, the blessed hope of salvation in Jesus name, in this Christ child, because he is the one who will be the one to redeem his people from their sin.
We celebrate his coming today too in the joy and peace he has won for us at the cross – by his death and resurrection.
Because:
14 [He] gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous [or have great zeal and joy] for good works.
And you might ask, “What are these good works?”
Those who were following Jesus asked him:
“What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 [And he] answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6: 27-29
Jesus - this baby - is the sent one,
Begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of very God,
Begotten, not made,
Being of one substance with the Father,
born in a manger … for you.
This God who came in weakness lived a sinless life … for you.
This God who came in weakness was handed over, tried, convicted and nailed to a cross … for you.
This God who came in weakness was buried and three days later rose from the dead … for you.
This God who came in weakness showed himself to his disciples and to more than 500 others … for you.
The excitement and joy of this birth blessed our family as only God’s gift of children can, and now with the Christ child we can all celebrate today that:
The blessed hope has come in Jesus!
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
What had been anticipated during Advent has now appeared. God’s salvation for all people has come in a means most peculiar … a baby boy wrapped in cloths … lying in a manger.
This good news when proclaimed by an angel to the shepherds in the fields brought great fear.
10 [But] the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2: 10, 13, 14
God in Christ has brought peace between God and man and all who are found in Christ have God’s favor on account of this child of lowly birth.
The blessed hope who is Jesus!
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
What you and I are called to do … we can’t. We miss the mark and fall daily into the sinful desires of a sinful people. But Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has humbled himself to be our substitute, yours and mine, and to make a way where there is no way.
God’s child has renounced ungodliness and the passions of this world and has lived the God pleasing life according to the Law of God and fulfilling every requirement in this present evil age – for you. He has done what you and I could not and he has given this all to you. This grace of God appearing in this child for you has been made know by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you to believe.
But now it is this child, this babe, this baby King in a manger who looks to be for many who see him … not a King … not the Lord … and certainly not the savior of the world, but only a child and a baby in weakness.
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
In weakness he came but in glory he will come again. God’s creation fallen into sin waited for this day. This day when God would come, the blessed hope of salvation in Jesus name, in this Christ child, because he is the one who will be the one to redeem his people from their sin.
We celebrate his coming today too in the joy and peace he has won for us at the cross – by his death and resurrection.
Because:
14 [He] gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous [or have great zeal and joy] for good works.
And you might ask, “What are these good works?”
Those who were following Jesus asked him:
“What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 [And he] answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6: 27-29
Jesus - this baby - is the sent one,
Begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of very God,
Begotten, not made,
Being of one substance with the Father,
born in a manger … for you.
This God who came in weakness lived a sinless life … for you.
This God who came in weakness was handed over, tried, convicted and nailed to a cross … for you.
This God who came in weakness was buried and three days later rose from the dead … for you.
This God who came in weakness showed himself to his disciples and to more than 500 others … for you.
This God who came in weakness ascended to the right hand of God and he intercedes … for you.
He will come again in glory at the appointed time to take you to where he is because in Christ you are seen through the veil … which is Jesus Christ the righteous one, and in him you are forgiven, redeemed and adopted into God family!
The blessed hope has come in Jesus … for you!
An interesting map is on display in the British Museum in London. It's an old mariner's chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent waters. The cartographer made some intriguing notations on areas of the map that represented regions not yet explored. He wrote: "Here be giants," "Here be fiery scorpions," and "Here be dragons." Eventually, the map came into the possession of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800s. Scratching out the fearful inscriptions, he wrote these words across the map: "Here is God."
Unknown.
Well, as we celebrate the Christ child and the coming of Jesus and His incarnation we see in a manger, a baby boy and say: “Here is God!”
The blessed hope has come in Jesus for you! May you joy together with the church of God as we celebrate his coming and all he came to do for you and me and all who are a far off … all whom the Lord our God will call to faith.
A Merry and blessed Christmas to you!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit
Amen
Dec. 24, 2018 LSB Setting IV with Holy Communion Christmas Eve
Title: In Christ, God’s love is yours!
Text: 1 John 4:7-16
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The Father’s love is made known to us – you and me - in the sending of his son Jesus the promised incarnate son of God from eternity past the Alpha and Omega the first and the last.
In the beginning when God spoke all things came to be. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. God’s Christ – begotten of the father – born of a Virgin for you!
We hear this Good News in the words of our gospel tonight.
“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matt.1:20b-21
The fall into sin brought death. All are born in death and live a life of death.
You and I apart from Jesus and faith created by the Holy Spirit - have no hope.
But that is the Good News of a savior who saves, redeems and calls from death to life.
It is Good news tonight; it is good News tomorrow; it is good News because it is redemption, restoration and resurrection from death to life eternal.
In the past God spoke through the prophets of old as the writer to the Hebrews says but in these last days he has spoken through his Son.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)
God’s word made flesh, Jesus Christ, was spoken of, was prophesized and foretold, that the plan of redemption would come in God’s time and in God’s way. But who is this Jesus … and more importantly … as Jesus asked his disciples … who do you say that I am?
Your answer to this question determines quite literally life and death.
This humble child that now lies in a manger is truly the King of Kings and Lord of Lords whether he is your King and your Lord depends on faith in him, this Jesus who created the heavens and the Earth, lived, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead for you … to bring peace to this broken world.
The Peace of the world is in Christ!
Dear friends we speak of heaven, of angels singing, and of all bowing before the King, no silent throng but mighty voices.
It is impossible to imagine the perfection of heaven but we can get a glimpse … in this child in the manger – the Jesus.
The Perfection of God’s only begotten son sent down from Heaven and wrapped in swaddling clothes … would grow into the man Christ Jesus.
That God would become man shows the value of his life for you, and your life in him.
Since the incarnation when God, born of a virgin, became man - no longer is God separate from you on a mountain, or speaking to a prophet for you.
Now in his flesh he has come to unite his death, with your death, and his life, with your life, so that in him we are made righteous by the power of the Holy Spirit by faith.
John’s epistle confirms this when he writes:
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
God remains hidden. He reveals himself by his Spirit through the word. If you wish to know him don’t look into the heavens as the angles told the disciples as they looked up as he ascended before them.
11b …This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11b
The ascension is not the end.
The eternal victory is found in Christ’s glorious return to judge the living and the dead. Death is no escape. All will be judged. Some will depart to be with the Lord and others cast into … a hell of their own choosing.
The good news though is that the Lord is on his throne and he still calls those who have ears to hear.
Listen, come, and drink the living water for the river of life that is Jesus.
Unjustly killed Christ overcomes sin, death, and the devil for you. He is able to raise you up by the power of the simple things … water and word, bread and wine … for you and he continues through his church to make disciples.
Let the little children come to me he calls and as a little child born in a manger he came to be the savior of the world. And as the God/man in death he fulfilled all righteousness for you so that you too might be righteous.
As our epistle reading ends:
17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment,
Have no fear for in Christ you are forgiven and he has a place of everlasting comfort for you that awaits all who believe and trust in Christ.
Because as [Jesus] is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
But you are perfect in him forever!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Title: In Christ, God’s love is yours!
Text: 1 John 4:7-16
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The Father’s love is made known to us – you and me - in the sending of his son Jesus the promised incarnate son of God from eternity past the Alpha and Omega the first and the last.
In the beginning when God spoke all things came to be. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. God’s Christ – begotten of the father – born of a Virgin for you!
We hear this Good News in the words of our gospel tonight.
“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matt.1:20b-21
The fall into sin brought death. All are born in death and live a life of death.
You and I apart from Jesus and faith created by the Holy Spirit - have no hope.
But that is the Good News of a savior who saves, redeems and calls from death to life.
It is Good news tonight; it is good News tomorrow; it is good News because it is redemption, restoration and resurrection from death to life eternal.
In the past God spoke through the prophets of old as the writer to the Hebrews says but in these last days he has spoken through his Son.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)
God’s word made flesh, Jesus Christ, was spoken of, was prophesized and foretold, that the plan of redemption would come in God’s time and in God’s way. But who is this Jesus … and more importantly … as Jesus asked his disciples … who do you say that I am?
Your answer to this question determines quite literally life and death.
This humble child that now lies in a manger is truly the King of Kings and Lord of Lords whether he is your King and your Lord depends on faith in him, this Jesus who created the heavens and the Earth, lived, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead for you … to bring peace to this broken world.
The Peace of the world is in Christ!
Dear friends we speak of heaven, of angels singing, and of all bowing before the King, no silent throng but mighty voices.
It is impossible to imagine the perfection of heaven but we can get a glimpse … in this child in the manger – the Jesus.
The Perfection of God’s only begotten son sent down from Heaven and wrapped in swaddling clothes … would grow into the man Christ Jesus.
That God would become man shows the value of his life for you, and your life in him.
Since the incarnation when God, born of a virgin, became man - no longer is God separate from you on a mountain, or speaking to a prophet for you.
Now in his flesh he has come to unite his death, with your death, and his life, with your life, so that in him we are made righteous by the power of the Holy Spirit by faith.
John’s epistle confirms this when he writes:
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
God remains hidden. He reveals himself by his Spirit through the word. If you wish to know him don’t look into the heavens as the angles told the disciples as they looked up as he ascended before them.
11b …This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11b
The ascension is not the end.
The eternal victory is found in Christ’s glorious return to judge the living and the dead. Death is no escape. All will be judged. Some will depart to be with the Lord and others cast into … a hell of their own choosing.
The good news though is that the Lord is on his throne and he still calls those who have ears to hear.
Listen, come, and drink the living water for the river of life that is Jesus.
Unjustly killed Christ overcomes sin, death, and the devil for you. He is able to raise you up by the power of the simple things … water and word, bread and wine … for you and he continues through his church to make disciples.
Let the little children come to me he calls and as a little child born in a manger he came to be the savior of the world. And as the God/man in death he fulfilled all righteousness for you so that you too might be righteous.
As our epistle reading ends:
17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment,
Have no fear for in Christ you are forgiven and he has a place of everlasting comfort for you that awaits all who believe and trust in Christ.
Because as [Jesus] is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
But you are perfect in him forever!
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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