Time in the Word Pentecost 19 - Proper 22

The Faith of a Christian

This coming week’s theme “The Faith of a Christian” can be found in all three lessons. In the Gospel lesson Minimal faith produces maximum results. In the Old Testament lesson faith waits for God to vindicate His own. In the Epistle lesson we find the sincere faith of the faithful. The famous phrase of the Reformation comes from the Old Testament lesson – ‘The just shall live by faith.” The Epistle deals with the “sincere faith” of Timothy, the faith of his mother and grandmother, and Paul’s faith. The heart of the Gospel lesson deals with faith: the disciples’ request for more faith and the faith the size of a mustard seed. The verses preceding and following the passage on faith (Vv. 5, 6) may give us difficulty in seeing faith in the entire gospel. These verses can be reconciled if we see them as the behavior of those with faith. Thus the hymn of the day will bear out this theme in the words, “I Know My founded on Jesus Christ my God and Lord.” The focus of faith is always directed at the Savior.

Collect for the Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost: O God, the Strength of all who put their trust in Your, mercifully accept our prayer, and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Your aid, grant us the help of Your grace that, keeping Your commandments, we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father, Your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in Your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-two: O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 62: Lord God, in a constantly changing world we look to You as our rock of hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to You, and give us Your grace and secure protection; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord.

Prayer for a steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Preparation for next week, the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Monday, 27 September 2010—Psalm 119:162, 164-165, 167 antiphon, Psalm 119:166—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, I hope for Your salvation, O lord, and I do your commandments. Faith is another word for trust. Trust is another word for taking God at His Word. The Psalmist has trust because He follows after the Lord and does His will. This is not something the natural man can do be himself. It is something we do as we walk by faith. Thus we are forced to look to Christ where the hope of our salvation finds its root. We trust in Him to bring all of this to pass.

Tuesday, 28 September 2010—Psalm 62 — Psalm 62 is a psalm of longing and trust. Humbly, trustingly, the psalmist commits his cause to God. Man is bent on destruction (vv.3-4) but what is he (vv.9-10)? Power belongs to God alone, who wields it with love and justice (vv.11-12).

Wednesday, 29 September 2010—Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4— In a world of adversity a righteous one lives by faith. Our Old Testament lessons brings up the perennial problem: Why? Why does God permit evil to thrive in the world? When a Christian cries for help in distress, why does he not get an immediate answer? Why doesn’t God do something about what Habakkuk experienced? – “violence,” “wrongs,” “trouble,” “destruction,” “strife and contention.” The answer received: Wait for the lord and He shall bring it to pass. The righteous waits for God to make things right, to come to the rescue because He has faith in God’s character. The world seems to be waiting for God who never comes. Christians by faith know God is coming eventually to save. We need faith to wait for God.



Thursday, 30 September 2010—2 Timothy 1:1-14— Paul remembers the faith of Timothy and confesses his faith in Christ. We face challenging times. The loss of faith is seen in a decline in church membership, a fall-off of church attendance, in the popularity of radical sects, and the secularization of society. Some have a view of the church today with faith becoming traditional and zeal burning low. Hence the encouraging words of St. Paul to a young Christian pastor whose church was facing considerable challenges. As we go through life and as the years pass we need to be exhorted to keep the faith vibrant. We do this as we continue in the faith of the fathers – vs. 5 and as we hold fast to the faith even in times of suffering – vs. 8.

Friday, 01 October 2010—Luke 17:1-10 —The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Savior responds in reminding us that even a little faith is a lot. This might catch some off guard. Like the disciples, many of us are eager for a larger portion of faith – the faith to guide people aright, faith to forgive, faith to serve just for the privilege. As we face the tough issues of life, we cry out for more faith. No one can honestly say, ‘I have all the faith in the world.” If we really have faith do we need more? Jesus corrects the disciple’s desire for more faith. He says the quantity or degree of faith does not matter. It is sufficient just to have faith. The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes that the smallest amount of faith can do wonders.

Saturday, 02 October 2010—2 Timothy 1:12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is I know My Faith is Founded, (LSB #587). Faith finds its focus in Jesus Christ. This is the message of our hymn for the week. As we focus on Christ our faith will be sustained and grow as the Lord directs us. The next three months will be extremely busy for most. Some may feel overwhelmed. Can your faith take all that life has to offer? Our faith is sufficient when it finds its focus in Christ.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 18 - Proper 21

Luke 16:19-31
Concern about the Unconcerned
The root of the problem in our parable is how to get people like the rich man to be concerned about the hungry, sick, and the poor. The facts are all there. Some have more than they need. Others have only poverty. How can we get the rich to share with the poor? It does little good to describe the rich man’s wealth and poor man’s plight. It is all clear to us. The question asked of us is this where is your compassion? How do you get concerned?

1. Fear the consequences of not caring – Vv. 22-24 - The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

See also Amos 6:7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.

We in America have never had it so good. Compared with the rest of the world we are the envy of the world. Eight words sum up this nation’s blessings, “America, America, God shed His grace of thee…”

Even the poorest Americans have it better then most 3rd world countries. People from almost every conceivable country are trying to get into our nation legally and illegally. America remains the land of plenty. How do we react to our wealth? Are we grateful? Do we return in kind? Do we bless others as we have been blessed?

2. Love for brothers and sisters – V. 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.

Consider all as brothers and sisters, especially those in need. Is it just if, in the world’s family, 3 are overfed and 5 are hungry? There is a spiritual aspect to the vocation of farming. We mention this in our prayers. “By this noble vocation we feed the world.” This is true. Where would this world be without the American farmer?

Do you see the end result of all of your labors? Once you sell your grain what happens to it? It is used to feed another portion of the world. This is why we end our petition with the phrase, “and cause all people who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.”

3. Have a father-son/daughter relationship – Vv. 24-25 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

The rich man refers to Abraham as his father and Abraham calls the rich man “son.” If God is our Father we are His children. It is the Father’s will that we care for the other members of His family. This refers to the relationships we have within our own families, within our Friedheim family as well as those relationships we have with others at work, at school, and in the world. We are compelled to reach out to others with the love and compassion of Christ.


4. Hear the Word – V. 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’

The Word of God, the Bible – Law and Prophets – and the Incarnate Word in Jesus teach us to love one another by caring and sharing. But especially do we heed the Incarnate Word in Jesus. This is the only message we have. The world has no other. If our lives are to be changed, if we are to impact the lives of others there is no other source, there is no other tool we have expect for the inspired, infallible, inerrant, Word of our Lord.

Lord, teach us to love one another by caring and sharing. Use me to be an instrument of Your love in the life of someone this week.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 18 - Proper 21

Concerned Christians
The lessons give us a picture of people in luxury, affluence, and leisure but without concern for the less fortunate. In the Gospel, the rich man (known to many as “Dives”) has no concern for the hungry man at his palace gates; the dogs have more compassion for Lazarus than he does. The Old Testament lesson shows us a people enjoying the height of prosperity but who have no concern for the future of the nation. In the Epistle lesson we are admonished not to be concerned about worldly possessions but about the attainment of spiritual values. This is driven home in the words of the hymn to the day “Lord, Thee I love with all my heart.” The theme of this day speaks to our American culture a people with more wealth comforts and leisure than any other nation in world history. Yet are many in our country still looking for contentment?

Collect for the Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost: Keep, we pray You, O Lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father, You show Your almighty power in Your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with Your gifts of love. Help us to hurry toward the eternal life Your promise and come to share in the joy of Your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-one: O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in You. Shine the brightness of Your light upon us, that we may love You always with a pure heart and praise Your forever; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer against the love of money: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, or Lord.

Monday, 20 September 2010—Psalm 119: 73-75 antiphon, Psalm 119:76—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promises to Your servant. Christ will comfort us even in the midst of great testing and affliction. The Hebrew term for unfailing or steadfast love denotes befriending. It is an appeal to God’s unfailing love, His kindness and mercy which was demonstrated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, 21 September 2010—Psalm 146 — The focus is on God, the hope and help of His people, utterly dependable, caring for all in need. God reigns. While I live I will praise God. I will sing praise to God while I have any being. The grand outburst of Hallelujahs, with which the book of Psalms comes to a climatic close, is carried over to the end of the Bible itself, and is echoed in the heavenly choirs of the redeemed (Revelation 19:1, 2, 4, 6).

Wednesday, 22 September 2010—Amos 6:1-7— Woe to the affluent who have no concern for the nation. Our Old Testament speaks of the American condition today in many respects. Like Israel of the 8th Century BC, American is a people of ease, comfort, luxury and affluence. It is a law of life that like causes produce like effects. American is in danger of the same fate as Israel: judgment, decline, and destruction. Who will sound the alarm as a watchman in the night? Will America take heed?

Thursday, 23 September 2010—1 Timothy 6:6-19— Timothy is charged to seek spiritual values. There are countless people who have no aim in life, no purpose, no reason for living. Others have low aim, such as the massing of world possessions. Some aim only to make as much money as possible, own at least one home, get a higher education, or climb the ladder of success.
What is the aim of a Christian? Paul would suggest the Christian’s aim in life is to seek the highest values – vs. 11 and to fight for the faith vs. 12 while we keep the Lord’s commandments –vs.14.

Friday, 24 September 2010—Luke 16:9-31 — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It the parable we have a description of wealth and total depravity. This is a description of today’s world. On the one hand is America’s wealth giving us the highest standard of living in the history of the world. On the other hand, we have a third world of poverty and hunger. It could be that the so-called wealth, either nation or individual, is really the poor man as was the case in the parable. Americans may be the richest on earth, but they can be suffering from the poverty of abundance.

Saturday, 25 September 2010—1 John 4:19 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, (LSB #708). The Christian’s only focus is upon Christ. When we fear, love and trust in Him above all things then we are content. Read the words of stanza three. This is a powerful evening prayer one which has been prayed with many a Christian on their death bed. When we pray these words confidently we truly are at peace with God and with ourselves. “Lord, Let at last Thine angels come, To Abr’han’s bosom bear me home, That I may die un-fearing; And in its narrow chamber keep My body safe in peaceful sleep Until Thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, That these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, My Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, And I will praise thee without end.


Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

September 19, 2010
Pentecost 17 – Proper 20
Luke 16:1-15
The Right Use of Your Money

It is no easy task to decide what to do with your money. They first reaction to the title may be, “Nobody needs to tell me what to do with my money” But how hall we spend our money? Shall it be spend or invested? And if so, how much? Does a Christian handle his money differently than a pagan? If so, does Jesus have anything to say about a practical, down-to-earth problem such as this? Most people do not know what to do with their money, if they have any. As a result, it may be lost, wasted, or spent unwisely. What Jesus has to say about our money.

1. Make provision for the future – v. 3 the manager said to himself. What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg.

A. The unjust steward was concerned about his future. We trust God to see us through. Yet, gifts and blessings don’t simply come to us falling from the sky. He works through means and He gives us the means to fund our future. He has given us skills by which we can obtain gainful employment. He has given us talents to be used for His service and our neighbor’s good. He has given us abilities to work creatively and productively.

B. He used money to provide a place to live. Money is not evil in and of itself. It’s how we choose to use it. Money has a luster to itself. It can easily corrupt us if we are not careful. It can draw us to itself as a moth is drawn to a flame. It is the love of money which is the root of all sorts or evil. The manager was shrewd enough to use the means at his disposal to plan for his future well being. A question: Are you shrewd enough to use the means God has given you to provide for those individuals God has placed in your life? We are living in challenging economic times. May the Lord show us and teach us the difference between needs and wants between necessities and niceties.

C. It is Christian to look ahead and make provision for future needs: for education, covering for health care and times of illness, retirement. You can live on love for about a week and then you become hungry. Selling a kidney to fund your child’s college education isn’t a wise plan. Neither is play the lottery to fund your retirement. Therefore one needs a strategy that is God pleasing and wise.

D. Are you making plans for your long –term future? It is with this mood that we approach the gospel story for today. The basic thrust of the gospel is this:
Are you making plans for your long term future? That is, are you making plans for your long-term future…with God? Are you concerned about maintaining for yourself only an earthly inheritance? Are you concerned about laying up for yourself treasures on earth for retirement? Are you equally concerned about laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven for your eternity?

Yes, we can spend all kinds of time worrying about what is going to happen between the years sixty-five and eighty-five. We can spend all kinds of time worrying about what is going to happen for those twenty or thirty years after retirement but are we equally thoughtful about those twenty to thirty light years in the future with God? Are you planning for your long term future? Are you shrewd? Are you really shrewd?

2. Make friends with it – v. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into earthly dwellings.

A. By the right use of money, you can make friends for God. God’s people should be alert to make us of what God has given.

B. Are we being faithful stewards with the gifts God has given to us? Do we return back to God as we have been blessed? Or do we horde it all for ourselves? Do we live within our means or beyond our means? Is our appetite to big for our stomach or do we live satisfied lives?

3. Be honest in handling money – v. 9 use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves.

A. By helping those in need, who in the future will show their gratitude when they welcome their benefactors into heaven and into “eternal dwellings.”

B. In this way worldly wealth may be wisely used to gain eternal benefits. Supporting missions and mission projects helps us keep our minds on eternal things rather then on the here and now.

4. Make money a servant of God – v. 13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

A. Jesus said the same thing in his sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:24 We serve God by using our money wisely. Take a look at the ledger of your check book. It is more then an accounting of your day to day needs. It shows your priorities. What are your main concerns? It can be used as a window into the soul.

B. James 4:4 reminds us, “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Those who are spiritually unfaithful, who love the world rather than God will find themselves in rebellion against God and alienated from God. There needs to be a proper balance with respect to our money, our priorities, our aims and our goals.

We can not serve both God and money. Which will take first priority in your life? How you use your money will reflect your matters of importance.

May we serve God rightly with all of our resources. As you have been blessed, bless God with all that you have. Then, you will be making a right use of your money.

Face of Christ
http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

IN MEMORIUM

Herman Everett

Born into this world: January 8, 1931

Baptized into Christ: April 2, 1944

Confirmed in the Faith: June 26, 1954

With Christ in Peace: September 15, 2010

Time in the Word - Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

The Right Use of Money

We now turn to the money chapter from Luke’s Gospel. In dealing with today’s theme, we must consider next Sunday’s lessons. Both deal with our material possessions. For this coming week’s Gospel the parable of the unjust steward is put in the framework of the following verses, 1-13. Alone the parable does not deal with the above over-all theme, but interpreted in the light of the following verses, the Gospel deals with the proper use of money. The Old Testament lesson deals more with how we get our money rather than how we use it. On the surface, the Epistle does not seem to deal with money at all, but a closer study shows that the implication is, if we pray for secular authorities, we shall have a society in which there can be economic justice and this the conditions described by Amos in the Old Testament would be prohibited.

Collect for the Seventeenth Sunday of Pentecost: O God without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Proper Twenty: O Lord, keep Your church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fail, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 113: Lord Jesus, surrendering the brightness of Your glory, You became mortal so that we might be raise from the dust to share Your very being. May the children of God, always bless Your name from the rising of the sun to its going down, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 13 September 2010—Psalm 119:137-140, 142; antiphon, Psalm 119:144—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. The Lord and His law is righteous. As we cling to God’s Word and follow it we then shall live before God in righteousness, innocence and blessedness.

Tuesday, 14 September 2010—Psalm 113 — Psalms 113 – 118 are a group of psalms linked traditionally with the Jewish feasts of Tabernacles [Harvest] and Passover. In Jewish homes Psalm 113 and 114 are sung before the Passover meal. In the psalm for the week we encounter God. He is above and beyond His creation, yet closely concerned for the humblest of His people. This is an apt description of God. This first song of praise begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah”, which means praise. Praise God forever.

Wednesday, 15 September 2010—Amos 8:4-7— God promises never to forget the rich persons’ oppression of the poor. Does it matter how we get our money? Should a Christian be glad for his money and not ask questions how it was made/ Can a Christian in good conscience accept money derived from pornography, prostitution, or trafficked drugs? Should the church have investments in countries where civil rights are denied? In Amos’ day the people are rich but for all the wrong reasons. We still live in a world where the rich get richer and the get poorer. What is the answer to all this? The word of the Lord through Amos is the answer. The kind of wealth God condemns consists of 1. Greed – vs. 5a - They cannot wait for the holy days to be over that they can make more money. Compare today’s commercialization of holy days: Sunday, Christmas, Easter. 2. Dishonesty – vs.6a – Short weights: today’s false advertising. 3. Enslaving people – vs.6a – Today we are making people slaves to debt by over-purchasing. 4. Inferior products – vs. 6b – “Refuse of the wheat;” compare today’s scandal of overseas’ shipment of dirty wheat.

Thursday, 16 September 2010—1 Timothy 2:1-5— Paul urges prayer for all people, especially rulers, that we may live in peace. Paul talks about the hands of prayer. In recent years, there is a growing practice in some churches for people to raise their hands while praying, or some pastors hold out their hands with upraised palms when leading the people in prayer. In our Epistle Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions, that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Your hands in prayer are lifted hands – lifted up to the Source of our help, our Lord and Savior Jesus. Your hands in prayer are open hands – opened by faith to receive what we pray for. Your hands in prayer are holy hands – free from hatred and anger; filled with forgiving love.

Friday, 17 September 2010—Luke 16:1-15— The parable of the unjust steward. People need guidance on how to handle their money. Is it a virtue to be poor and a sin to be rich? Should a Christian despise money? Isn’t the love of money the root of all evil? In our Gospel lesson for Sunday Jesus has advice about money. He says that money can be your god. For a disciple this is an impossible situation, for no one can serve two gods. Trying to love two is impossible to do! Should a Christian then not strive to accumulate possessions? Where do you draw the line that money will not be in reality your god? John Wesley suggests a Christian should 1. Get all the money you can. 2. Save all the money you can. 3. Give all the money you can.

Saturday, 18 September 2010—1 John 3:16-18 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is We Give Thee But Thine Own, (LSB #781). Here is the definition of love. It is found in a person. It is found in an action. Jesus laid down His life for us. We in turn love and serve our neighbor. Actions speak louder then words. Thus John can say “If anyone has material possession and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? The faith is taught and it is caught. May we in love befriend and serve our neighbor.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
The etching by Jan Luyken illustrating Luke 16:1-9 in the Bowyer Bible, Bolton, England. © Wikimedia Commons afreely licensed media file repository http://artlibre.org/licence/lal/en

Pentecost 16 -- Proper 19

Factors of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the theme running through the lessons for this day. God’s attitude toward sinners is shown in Jesus association with sinners and in His joy when sinners repent. If God id not forgive sinners would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In the Old Testament lesson Moses intercedes for his people who are guilty of idolatry and convinces god not to wipe out His people. The means that God forgives and accepts them as His own people. Paul tells of the mercy of forgiveness he received by his faith in Christ even though he called himself a chief sinner.

Forgiveness is the key word for today. On the one hand, forgiveness discloses the nature of God – God is merciful. On the other, forgiveness reveals the nature of humans as sinners standing in need of forgiveness. God’s act is forgiveness. Our part is repentance. How easy is it to forgive? Some consider forgiveness to be a light, easy thing to do. There is much misunderstanding of how and when god forgives and of the place of repentance. Using all three lessons as a backdrop we will consider the factors of forgiveness.

The factors of forgiveness are:

1. Our need for forgiveness. [Epistle lesson] 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted Him” v. 13 “I am the foremost of sinners”– v. 15
A. He received mercy despite his opposition to Christ.
1. Paul’s opposition was intense.
a. He was injurious.
b. He was a wanton persecutor.
2. We are no different.
a. Although we probably have not engaged in the persecution of which Paul was guilty we are no better than Paul because we are born with a sinful heart.
b. We fail to meet God’s standard and God has the right to punish us.
B. Mercy comes through Christ Jesus.
1. Christ came to save us.
a. He kept God’s Law for us.
b. He suffered on the cross the punishment for our sin. By His resurrection he testifies to the completion of redemption. God is merciful through Christ, in whom alone there is forgiveness, life, salvation.
2. Christ’s mercy comes to us individually.
a. We receive that mercy at our Baptism
b. Our faith in Christ’s mercy is strengthened through contact with the Word of God and participation in the Holy Communion.

Transition: There is the need for forgiveness. God has also supplied the means.

2. Means of forgiveness. [Old Testament lesson] Exodus 32:1-7 Moses succeeds in persuading God not to destroy the Israelites for their sin. Moses intercedes for his people. Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners says St. Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15
A. The people were so quick to change their allegiance.
1. They knew the Lord had lead them out of Egypt through Moses.
2. But as soon as Moses was absent from their eyes they demanded that Aaron erect and fashion another god.
B. Moses became angry with the people.
1. But he did not allow his anger to rule the day.
2. Instead he intercedes for the people asking that the Lord would have mercy upon them to forgive and restore them. “But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God O Lord, he said, why should Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth? Turn from Your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on Your people. Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom You swore by Your own self: I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them and it will be their inheritance for ever. Then the Lord relented and did not bring on His people the disaster He had threatened. Vv. 11-14,
3. As Moses prayed for the people, we too are to pray for others pointing them to Jesus who was sent upon a mission to redeem and restore the people. Remember the last verse of our Epistle for this day, ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He alone has the means to forgive.

Transition: The factors of forgiveness are simple. There is our need and the means which lead toward forgiveness. There must also be a response.

3. Response to forgiveness; repentance [Gospel lesson] Luke 15:1-10 The parable of the lost sheep and coin. “One sinner who repents” – Vv. 7, 10. Mark the Scripture well. “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents then over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent…I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.”

What is repentance?
A. I take responsibility for my actions.
B. I feel remorse. I experience Godly sorrow for what I’ve done.
C. I attempt to repair what I have broken to the best of my ability. The serenity prayer helps in this respect, “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change what I can the ability to know the difference.
D. I repeat not! I do not have license to go back and visit sin.

Note: These four steps; leading to repentance, come from Dr. Laura Schlesinger, she’s a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. She suggests; quite convincingly, that this is all we need to right a wrong. Yet, one component is missing. A 5th step is necessary; the final step, which separates Christians from the rest of the world; a step, which turns from following rules to establishing a relationship with the Father Himself. The 5th step necessary:

E. I receive redemption or reconciliation through Jesus Christ my Savior.

What are the factors of forgiveness? There are but three

Ø My need and God’s ability

Ø The means which come by way of the cross

Ø A response which comes through repentance and faith

To this end, help us gracious Lord!

Face of Christ

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Time in the Word - Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

Forgiveness is the theme running through the lessons for this coming week. God’s attitude toward sinners is shown in Jesus’ association with sinners and in His joy when sinners repent. If God did not forgive sinners would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In the Old Testament lesson the Lord promises to send a true shepherd who will not only tend to them but search them out and rescue them. Of course, our true shepherd is the good shepherd our savior Jesus Christ. God forgives and accepts His own people. In the Epistle Paul tells of the mercy of forgiveness he received by his faith in Christ even though he called himself the chief sinner. The basic factors of forgiveness are found in all our lessons. Forgiveness discloses the nature of God – a God of mercy. On the other hand, forgiveness reveals the nature of humans as sinners standing in need of forgiveness. God’s act is forgiveness. Our part is repentance.

Collect for the Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost: Grant merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed form all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Almighty God, our creator and guide, may we serve You with all our heart and know Your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, forever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Nineteen: Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, You are just and Your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love You with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 06 September 2010—Psalm 30:2-5; antiphon, Psalm 30:11a, 12b—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” God answers and the psalmist David vows to prolong his praise forever. Dancing and joy replace wailing and sackcloth so that songs of praise not silence may attend the acts of God.

Tuesday, 07 September 2010—Psalm 119:169-176 —In the psalm for the day, David uses the Hebrew letter “Taw” to explain that it is the Lord who will direct and save His people. No one else can defend or save. As Psalm 119 is drawing to a close, prayers for deliverance now become dominant. Drawing the analogy of a shepherd rescuing the flock the Psalmist directs us to repent “I have strayed like a lost sheep Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.” (v. 176)

Wednesday, 08 September 2010—Ezekiel 34:11-24— The Lord makes a bold statement. He commits Himself to shepherd the flock. He promises to restore His people as He Himself will bring them out. This is all fulfilled in the person and work of our Savior Jesus as the Lord predicts that His servant David will be prince among them. This prophecy was written well after David had died. Thus a ruler like David and from his line, great David’s greater Son would shepherd the people. This prophecy can only be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Under His rule and authority there would be one flock and one shepherd who would feed them with the bread from heaven. See John 6:32-40; 10:16 as Jesus fulfilled these words.

Thursday, 09 September 2010—1 Timothy 1:12-17— Paul witnesses to God’s mercy in forgiving him as chief of sinners. Here is a statement that everyone can and should accept. It sums up the whole mission and nature of Christ. We usually avoid general statements because investigation often shows that there are exceptions. Here there are no exceptions. This statement is most certainly true and should be accepted as the truth.

No one can deny theses three statements; 1. “Christ came into the world” God became human. 2. “Sinners” the truth about every man, woman, boy and girl. 3. “Save” Christ came not to judge, condemn but to reconcile sinners back to God.

Friday, 10 September 2010—Luke 15:1-10— Twice in the Gospel for Sunday tells us of the joy in heaven when a sinner repents. We can see the smile on the Father’s face. The choirs of angels are singing. The archangel’s trumpets are blaring. How much joy is indicated when sinners repent in the average church today? Is there a party spirit of great joy when a person is baptized or confirmed or renews his faith? Evangelism is the happy time of the church because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. So we ask why God is happen when we repent. God’s will is fulfilled. He desires everyone to return to Him for He loves each person. Repentance means a wayward child has come back. This makes God happy, for His will is done. God’s portion is His people. God is happy for the sinner’s sake. Prior to repentance the sinner was going down the road leading to death. Now he has avoided destruction and is coming to life, love and light. This is God’s desire for every person because He loves each.

Saturday, 11 September 2010— Acts 4:11-12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, (LSB #575). The defense of the faith from the first Century to this 21st Century is the fact that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. What the prophets of old foretold all find their completion in Jesus Christ. Therefore there is salvation in no one else. Jesus is not one of several options. There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved.

Today is a day for contemplation as it marks the ninth anniversary when the war on terror came to American soil. At the time members of our current confirmation class were entering kindergarten. College sophomores set to graduate in 2013 have this unique distinction – never in their lives have they not known of a time when Americans were not fighting a war in Iraq. Vigilance is still need. We pray for peace at the same time we pray for those who stand in harms way defending our liberties. Serious sacrifices have been called for by so many. Today reflect on the sacrifices others have made for you in the cause for freedom as we recall the ultimate sacrifice made by the Savior that we may be freed from sin and guilt.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 16 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
The image of Christ the Good Shepherd by Wm Dyce is found here: http://www.biblicalart.com/biblicalsubject.asp?id_biblicalsubject=789&pagenum1
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

There is a common tendency to enter ventures without considering what is required. When this is done, many are unable to fulfill the conditions and all may be lost. In two parables Jesus urges us to count the cost. You buy a car, but can you make the monthly payments, pay the taxes, insure the car, and pay the maintenance, repairs and gas bills? You jump into marriage, but are you able to pay the bills, make the sacrifices, educate the children, and stay home at night to baby-sit? You matriculate to college, but are you qualified to writer term papers and pass exams? You agree to take a job, but are you willing to get up early each workday, deny yourself leisure, and put out the effort of doing a good job? These we can understand, but have we ever considered the cost of being a follower of Jesus Christ? If you desire to follow the Christ you must ask yourself, am I prepared to count the costs? Choose but choose wisely.

Jesus uses two different circumstances to illustrate his basic point: discipleship requires a conscious advance commitment, made with a realistic estimate of the ultimate personal cost. The practical nature of the circumstances Jesus so vividly pictures underlines the fact that Christian discipleship is not some theoretical abstract ideal but a hard reality of life.

1. Do I want to be a Christian? Do not become a “rash disciple”
A. The foolish tower-builder began to build without knowing whether he could complete the project.

B. The king will not go to war with insufficient troops, lest he is forced to sue for peace.

C. Do not enlist as a disciple, a follower of Christ, without first counting the cost.
1. Some followed Jesus only for the loaves and fish.
a. They desired for Him to be their bread king.

b. They were following for selfish ulterior motives.

2. Some now follow Jesus for selfish reasons.
a. Some follow Christ for business or social advantages. In another parable Jesus explains, The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

They do not hear the word "with joy" and never permit the message about the kingdom to control them. Life has too many other commitments that slowly choke the struggling plant, so that it never matures and bears fruit.
The competing "thorns"--the worries of this life and devotion to wealth snuff out spiritual life. "Deceitfulness" is how the Savior describes these temptations. One may not even be aware of the choking that is going on until it is too last. This warning is timeless. What you think will save or satisfy may in fact be the one thing that will rob you of life and happiness. Choose but choose wisely. Your dream might turn into a nightmare.

b. Jesus asks His disciples, “Will you also go away?” John 6:67-68

c. Jesus wants steadfast disciples; He who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13; Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Transition: Do not become a rash disciple. Instead know the cost.

2. Do I know the cost? In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
A. Our possessions are gifts of God, always for our good. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows James 1:17

B. Possessions can prove to be a stumbling block to discipleship. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.1 Timothy 6:10;

C. Choose Christ over riches, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” Matthew 6:24, because God gives you abiding riches.

1. The forgiveness of sins. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7


2. The assurance of the abiding love of God. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:23-25

3. The hope of heaven. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Transition: The demands and costs are high. Choose but choose wisely.

3. Am I willing and able to pay the price?

A. Life is a gift which we seek to preserve and enjoy.

B. The time may come when you must decide between your life and Christ. Which is more important? Choose – but choose wisely.

1. Christ predicts that persecutions will come. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

2. There is a danger to choosing life instead of Christ. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:33

3. Christ encourages us to take up our cross daily. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. Luke 6:22-23

C. Choose Christ over life because Christ gives you real life.

1. He gives you life in fellowship with God now. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

2. He gives eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26; Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

A wise man once said, “He who loves liberty more than life, let him follow me.” Jesus says, “He who love Me more than family, possessions, and life itself let him follow Me.” Lord, help me to choose wisely. Help me always to choose Christ over anyone or anything else.

Face of Christ

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