Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Psalm 99:9

Psalm 99:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹Exalt the Lord our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!

"Shrove" comes from the word shrive and refers to the absolution of a penitent’s sins. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is sometimes called "Shrove Tuesday" because of the custom of going to confession on that day, in preparation for Lent. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: in many cultures, this means no meat, dairy products, or eggs.

Despite the psalmist’s confidence that God in all His holiness reigns, we see an ordinary world ruled by powers and people who are too often distant from God’s ways and words. Yet the holy Savior is present just as He was in the Most Holy Place when we, His people, gather together to praise His holy name.[1]

God is in the business of restoring His people. Our sins, our grief, and our sorrows, were laid on Jesus. The judgment we deserved fell on him. The life of God’s own Son was “cut off.” Then, on the third day, Christ rose from the dead to offer us the gift of eternal life. He offers himself to you, and he says, I will restore you. The Psalmist makes mention of this when he says, “He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3) A shepherd protects his sheep and keeps them alive by his care. The Good Shepherd does even more. He cares for every human need. Ultimately, Christ alone restores our soul as He sacrifices His life for His sheep. (John 10:11) During our journey through Lent think of the ways God is restoring you. What does it mean for you to be restored by God?

O Lord, You tabernacle in ordinary bread and wine, where Your holy body and blood are given for our forgiveness. We see God’s holiness in Jesus, the Holy one of God! Amen. [2]

God of infinite mercy, grant that we who know your compassion may rejoice in your forgiveness and gladly forgive others who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, .[3]

[2] Ibid

[3] Collect for Shrove Tuesday Web http://liturgy.co.nz/shrove-tuesday

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday, February 27, 2017

Monday after the Transfiguration

Monday after the Transfiguration, February 27, 2107 Psalm 99:1-5

Psalm 99:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Our God Is Holy

99 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
²The Lord is great in Zion;
    he is exalted over all the peoples.
³Let them praise your great and awesome name!
    Holy is he!
⁴The King in his might loves justice.^[^a^]
    You have established equity;
you have executed justice
    and righteousness in Jacob.
⁵Exalt the Lord our God;
    worship at his footstool!
    Holy is he!

Along with Psalm 93 and 97 this psalm begins with the phrase “The Lord reigns.” It proclaims Him King over all creation; it highlights God’s holiness, which evokes awe, reverence, even fear. He alone is worthy of worship, prayer, and devotion. Although Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are mentioned, the psalm cannot be dated or identified with any particular historical event. These men represent the priestly and prophetic offices of ancient Israel and demonstrate both God’s justice and forgiveness for His people.[1]

The Psalmist mentions twice, “Holy is He!” What makes God different from His creation and His created order is the fact that He alone is Holy. We live in a fallen world, outside of Eden. Because He is Holy God is unique, totally unlike anything else that has been made.

How then is God’s name kept Holy? Luther would remind us in the explanation to the First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in his truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it.” To this we simply pray, “Help us to do this dear Father in heaven!”

Luther goes on to explain, “But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us.” To this we simply pray, “Protect us from this, heavenly Father!”[2]

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[3]

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Transfiguration Sunday

Transfiguration Sunday, February 26, 2017 Psalm 2:6

Psalm 2:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”

In Christ, you are the Lord’s. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to revel against the One who anointed him. The psalm refers to the Davidic king, and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The English word ‘Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word, “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one.” On the mountain of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah will speak to the Lord’s anointed one and His glory at the cross and empty tomb.[1]

Throughout life’s journey, there are many mountains and valleys with which we must traverse. What has been your experience during such episodes? What have you learned?

We are just a few days from the start of our Lenten pilgrimage. Since Jesus has come to the full possession of God’s glory, He is prepared to fulfill His mission as the Messiah by going to Jerusalem to the cross. As we step away from the Mountain of Transfiguration and walk through the valley of Lent remember that Christ accompanies you along this journey. Walk with him along this year’s Lenten Pilgrimage.

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud Your wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2]

Image: Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for private and congregational use

Time in the Word ~ Lent 1

The theme of Lent 1 deals with sin: origin, continuation, and conquest. In our Old Testament lesson, we have the account of the first original sin through the yielding to temptation. In the Gospel Jesus succeeded in overcoming temptation. In the Epistle, we are told that sin is conquered through Christ. The theme is carried out in the Prayer of the Day by reference to “the wilderness of this world,” a wilderness of temptation. The refrain in verse 4a of Psalm 130 refers to the solution of sin as in the Epistle – “forgiveness.” The Hymn of the Day is appropriate in that Luther refers to “though devils all the world should fill…one little word can fell him.”

Is the Devil real? He is very much alive. The evidence of temptation and wickedness confirms his existence. For Jesus, the devil was a reality in the wilderness experience. The origin of Satan is not the question. Our problem is overcoming Satan’s temptation lest we sin.

Collect for Matthias, Apostle (February 26): Almighty God, You chose Your servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve. Grant that Your Church, ever preserved from false teachers, may be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Collects for Monday before Ash Wednesday: Father, Your love never fails. Hear our call. Keep us from danger and provide for all our needs. Grant 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 Tuesday before Ash Wednesday: God our Father, teach us to cherish the gifts that surround us. Increase our faith in You and bring our trust to its promised fulfillment in the joy of Your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect for Ash Wednesday: Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collects for Lent 1: O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son

Monday, 27 February 2017— Psalm 91:9-13; antiphon, Psalm 91:15-16—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Tuesday, 28 2017— Psalm 32:1-7—key verse 7a—The Psalm appointed for this coming Sunday is an exuberant proclamation of the happy and blessed state of those who experience God’s forgiveness. Blessed…Blessed. Repetition underscores—are forgiven…are covered…does not count against him. Repetition with variation emphasizes and illumines. Paul will pick up on this theme in Romans 4:6-8.

Wednesday, 1 March 2017— Genesis 3:1-21— In the Old Testament lesson we learn that yielding to temptation is a sin as Adam and Eve yield to temptation. Before temptation, the human person was good, in fact – perfect. He said, felt, and did no wrong. This is God’s intention for the human family. In God’s sight, this is what it means to be human. Since the fall of humanity, he constantly yields to temptation and sins to the point of total depravity – sin permeates his whole being. Because of this, he needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God that he may live as he was originally created.

Thursday, 2 March 2017— Romans 5:12-19—In our Epistle lesson, sin’s solution is the one man Jesus Christ. Through one man came sin; through another man came righteousness. The solution to sin is death. The solution is Jesus, the one man who lived perfectly, who died to bring redemptive action to this world.

Through this one man, grace came to humanity, and with grace came life. Through Jesus, humanity has the restoration of its original state; righteousness and innocence in the perfect accord with God.

Friday, 3 March 2017—Matthew 4:1-11— In the Gospel lesson temptation to sin can be conquered as Jesus overcomes temptation in the wilderness. Jesus was “tempted by the devil.” If Satan is the author of temptation, why do we pray, “Lead us not into temptation”? In this petition, we pray for strength to withstand temptation.

Saturday, 4 March 2017—Psalm 46– Tomorrow’s hymn of the week is LSB #656 “A Mighty Fortress” This Psalm is a triumphant confession of fearless trust in God, though the continents break up and sink beneath the resurging waters of the seas – though the creation itself may seem to become uncreated and all may appear to be going down before the onslaught of the primeval deep. In verses 4-6, we have a description of blessed Zion – a comforting declaration of God’s mighty, sustaining presence in His city.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS

The Temptation of Christ © Google Images

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Transfiguration

Transfiguration Sunday
26 February 2017
Matthew 17:1-9

O God, in the glorious Transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice that came from the bright cloud; You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King of His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn of the Day: Hymn of the Day: LSB 413 “O wondrous type! O vision fair”

The Transfiguration is rightly seen as one of the high points of our Lord’s earthly ministry. It is through this glorious event that the ministry and life of Jesus must be viewed if it is to be correctly interpreted. The church is reminded by the Transfiguration that while it is the church of the cross, it bears the cross by means of a triumphant faith, and by such faith, it is thus also the church destined for glory. Thus, the exalted Christ prepares His church for mission –

1. Failure to see that the Christian pilgrimage to glory is only by way of the cross endangers the mission of the church.

A. A theology of glory fails when it ceases being the hope of faith and becomes instead a reality, a realize promise and glory of the present. – See Hebrews 11:1; Romans 5:1-6; 8:24-25)

B. The promise of a present glory bypasses the cross both in the Christian’s faith and in his life of service in the church’s mission. – See Matthew 16:21-17; Romans 8:18-25; 1 Peter 4:12-13.

2. The glory of the transfigured Christ shows the Christian the heavenly glory that results from the victory of Jesus’ death and glorious resurrection.

A. The cross of Jesus Christ is the victory of the Christian over sin, death, and hell.

B. Through the Gospel message of sins forgiven, the Holy Spirit instills in the heart of the believer the hope of everlasting glory with Jesus in heaven.

C. The cross comforts and sustains in the midst of suffering. This is your glory. It points to the glory of Christ as a certain hope of faith.

Today we stand at the mountain of Transfiguration. In three days, on Ash Wednesday, we begin our descent. We will journey through the disciple of Lent. We will come off of that mountain and go through the valley of Lent, only to stand on another mountain, Mt Calvary on Good Friday. The church’s mission is the proclamation of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the minds of its own suffering. You are comforted, sustained and empowered for this journey by a glory, which is realized by faith alone in the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, that journey begins.

Words –500
Passive Sentences – 13%
Readability –64.1
Reading level -8.5
Image: Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for private and congregational use
The Transfiguration © Google Images

Our Lenten Pilgrimage

During our 2017 Lenten pilgrimage, we will be reviewing the Psalms. The readings, which are listed for each day, come to us from the Propers which we use Sunday mornings in worship.

Along with the reading this year you will find a brief commentary taken from The Lutheran Study Bible. This brief explanation will set the tone for each daily devotion and give the theological significance to each passage.

A brief devotional thought drawn from the Catechism has been written for each day of the week during Lent.

The concluding prayers are taken from the following on-line source, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

During our Mid-week Lenten services, we will review some of the great “I AM” statements of Jesus as follows:

Ash Wednesday – 1 March 2017	“I am the light of the world”
Mid-week #2 – 8 March 2017	“I am the good shepherd”
Mid-week #3 - 15 March 2017	“I am the vine”
Mid-week #4 - 22 March 2017	“I am the way”
Mid-week #5 - 29 March 2017	“I am the gate”
Mid-week #6 - 5 April 2017	“Before Abraham was, I am”
M Thursday - 13 April 2017	“I am the bread of life”
G Friday - 14 April 2017	“Are you the Christ?...I am”
Easter Sunrise – 16 April 2017	“Tell them, I am has sent you.”
Easter Festival - 16 April 2016	“I am the Resurrection”

May God bless our Lenten Pilgrimage

Image: Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Time in the Word ~ Transfiguration

An Experience with God

The Transfiguration was Jesus’ experience with God. Not the first. Not the last. But it was an experience so intense that the glory of God transfigured Him into the brightness of the sun. In the Epistle lesson, Peter gives the testimony of the disciples concerning the reality of that experience. Moses had a similar experience with God on Mt. Sinai. But it was related to the Law, not the gospel of the Son. In the Psalm for the day, there is reference to God’s voice; “This is my beloved son.”

The Transfiguration marks the apex of the Epiphany season. Through the season, we have witnessed the glory of God manifested in Jesus. At the Transfiguration God’s full glory is reflected in Jesus. Jesus’ glory is shown by the brightness of His physical appearance, the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the presence of the Father evidenced by cloud and voice. Since Jesus has come to the full possession of God’s glory, he is prepared to fulfill his mission as the Messiah by going to Jerusalem to the cross. Because of this, the Transfiguration is a preparation for our Lenten pilgrimage to suffer and died with Jesus.

The importance of this Transfiguration experience led the church the make the Transfiguration a festival of the church. The liturgical color changes to white to express the joy and celebration of the event.

Monday, 20 February 2017—Psalm 99:1-5; antiphon, Psalm 99:5— The Psalm for the Introit is a hymn celebrating the Lord as the great and holy King in Zion. Seven times the psalmist will speak of the Lord. We are called to worship our Lord as the antiphon suggests, “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; he is holy.” At the mountain of the Transfiguration, the disciples see the Lord Jesus in all of His holiness, glory and splendor.

Tuesday, 21 February 2017—Psalm 2:6-12; antiphon v.6 — In Christ you are the Lord’s. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to revel against the One who anointed him. The psalm refers to the Davidic king, and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The English word ‘Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word, “Christ” from the Greek word for “anointed one.” On the mountain of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah will speak to the Lord’s anointed one and His glory at the cross and empty tomb.

Wednesday, 22 February 2017—Exodus 24:8-18—God appears to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It was an experience with God revealing His glory. What is the significance of the mountain? A mountain is generally the site of a religious experience. It was, at least, for Moses, Elijah, Abraham and Jesus. There is symbolism to a mountain. It is high. Above the valley of the mundane. It is s solitary place away from people. It is a silent site where God’s voice can be heard without the distractions and confusion of human voices. A mountain also speaks of stability, permanence and strength.

Thursday, 23 February 2017—2 Peter 1:16-21—The disciples witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. Peter will testify to the reality of Jesus’ experience with God. People may ask, is the Transfiguration a legend of the early church or an historical reality? The account in 2 Peter assures us that it can be accepted as fact. The witness of eyewitnesses. The problem lies in this, do we believe this testimony? Do we trust in Peter’s words? The authority of the church today is the authority of the Apostles. Do we trust the witness of the Apostles? Were you there at the Transfiguration as you were at the cross?

Peter reminds us that the Transfiguration needs to be an historical event but also an experience of faith today for the believer.

Friday, 24 February 2017—Matthew 17:1-9— Jesus on the mountain is transfigured before three of His disciples. This experience with God is transforming. Before the cross, Resurrection and Ascension, we get a glimpse of the inner, true nature of the Son of God, Until this time, we saw God’s glory manifested in Jesus as the wise Men saw in Him a king, In John the Baptist’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah, and in the miracles of Jesus. Now we see directly the divine nature of Jesus. This brings us to the uniqueness of Jesus _they saw no one but Jesus only.” In the light of Jesus’ being the only Son of God, then, we must confront the pluralism of our day. In many circles Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius are all “sons of God.” The voice from heaven makes Jesus unique. He is God’s one and only Son.

In the Transfiguration, many questions go unanswered. How could the holy presence of God come into a human frame? How do you explain the exceeding brightness of the physical Jesus? How could Moses and Elijah appear in bodily form? Does God come in a cloud and does god have a real voice? Perhaps our only reaction and answer is worship. Like Peter, we do not know what to say. Like the disciples, we are overcome with awe and adoration. Jesus and His three disciples go up to pray and worship. The experience results in the worship of Christ.

Saturday, 25 February 2017—Luke 9:28-36; John 1:14– Tomorrow’s hymn of the week is LSB #413 “O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair” Through this season of Epiphany, we have witnessed the glory of God manifested in Jesus, but today God’s full glory is reflected in Jesus. Jesus’ glory is shown by the brightness of His physical appearance, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, and the presence of the Father evidenced by a cloud and a voice.

Since Jesus has come to the full possession of God’s glory, He is prepared to fulfill His mission as the Messiah by going to Jerusalem to the cross.

Collects for Epiphany: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory.

Father, You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. 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.

Father, You make known the salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. 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.

Collects for Transfiguration: O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud, You wonderfully fore showed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heave; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sources:

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Epiphany 7

Epiphany 7 notes
February 19, 2017
Matthew 5:38–48
No limits to love

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Did you hear Jesus’ words? “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Vs.48) This word, “perfect” [τέλειος,’] often means “totality,” or “full-grown.” The disciples of Jesus should be “all grown up… Matured. And now ready to reach a full and perfect end.” Just as a fruit tree. When it is matured. Produces a bumper crop.

Christ’s followers are to be “total” in their love. Including their enemies. Such perfection is also functional. A disciple is “perfect.” To the extent that he reproduces in his life the forgiving, sacrificial love of God, which has made him a son. The pattern and power of this lived sonship is Jesus Himself. The Gospel makes people the children of God and enables them so to live lives, which are different.

Jesus’ message does not appeal to those in power. Especially, those with the ability to strike with no fear of retaliation. Jesus’ audience was fully aware of this. They knew the heavy taxation of Rome. They experienced the evils of political oppression. Yet, Jesus does not rally them to overthrow the government. God’s kingdom is bigger than Roman rule. God’s power is greater than Roman oppression. Yet God’s justice will prevail. Jesus will indeed prove His kingship in this Gospel. But only, with a crown of thorns. And a Roman cross.

Indeed, turning the other cheek and returning hatred with love is no way to get ahead in this world. The rules of this kingdom are well known. - It’s a dog-eat-dog world. Where only the strong survive. But that’s just the point. Jesus isn’t trying to modify the rules of the world. He’s not, inviting you to figure out how to make the most of this world. Or, how to have your best life now.

And He’s not even inviting you to find a safe port amid the storms of this world. Rather, He’s starting a revolution. By calling the rules of this world into question. And, at the very same time, redeeming this world that He loves. He redeems a world. That will, in due time, put Him to death.

No limits in love

1. Jesus won’t let us limit our love.

A. We want to limit it. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.

1. By nature, we have an inclination for vengeance. Jesus reminds us, “If you love your lovers...certainly the tax collectors do this! Correct? Yet what reward do you have?” This is simple justice. Jesus continues, “And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”

2. God restrains and regulates this impulse through civil courts. “And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” (v. 40) Remember, Christ was stripped of tunic and cloak...they cast lots for it. (Matthew 27:35 John 19:23-24) “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (Vs. 41) “If anyone wants to take you to the Judge,” says, Jesus, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” – V. 42)

3. Everyone has a vocation. Be generous to the one given to you. It is ordered. CS Lewis reminds us, this is where we are to be inappropriate. “Give until it pinches. Be charitable to the enemy who is your neighbor.” “We are tempted to spend more than we ought on the showy forms of generosity (such as tipping, and showing hospitality) and less than we ought on those who really need our help.” 1

B. Jesus’ words remove every limitation form love.

1. His admonition, “Love your enemies” removes every limit. They are to love their enemies.

2. Rather than vengeance, we are to seek their highest good. “Pray for those who persecute you.” So that they may be “children of your Father who is in heaven” (5:45). This God allows the sun to shine on the evil and the good. And He sends a life-giving rain to fall on the just and the unjust. (5:46). God, who has power over life and death, provides life-sustaining conditions even for those who are diametrically opposed to God’s goodness.

3. Anyone can love the lovely. (5:46-47). Jesus demands love for those who are incapable of showing love in return. “’An eye for an eye’ makes all people blind.” 2 “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” 3

2. This is because God’s love, which made us His children, knows no limit.

A. God’s love knows no limit.

1. Strength eventually fails. Power corrupts. And survival of the fittest leaves so many bodies on the ground. Love alone transforms. Redeems. And creates new life.

2. We see it in the sending of His Son. “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. “ (Romans 5:8) This is why Christ entered your world. He came to bear your sin. To die your death. And raise you up a new person. He then gives you His Spirit. To be witnesses of His mercy and grace.

B. This love has made you God’s child.

1. He has adopted you. In Baptism. Christ made you a member of His family.

2. He wants us to be “perfect” children by demonstrating His love in your life. Sanctification is the art of getting used to Justification. It is suffering God's act. The law is fulfilled in Baptism. It's the new man daily rising.

3. Recall the explanation to the 2nd Article, I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, delivered me and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold but with his holy and precious blood and with his innocent sufferings and death, in order that I may be his, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. 4 Otherwise, every good work simply becomes self-serving. It's the difference between "you shall" (Moses and the Law) and "you are." (Jesus and the Gospel)

3. Therefore, as our heavenly Father’s “perfect” children we show love without limit.

A. We bear insults and personal abuse without resentment or retaliation. Thus, Jesus reminds us, “turn to him the other cheek also.” Those who bear the name of Christ love their enemies and pray for their persecutors so that they may be “children of your Father who is in heaven” (5:45).

B. We do not insist on our rights. Instead, Jesus simply says, “Let him have you cloak as well.”

C. We put ourselves out for the other person. “Go with him two miles.”

D. We are willing to be put upon. “Do not refuse him,” encourages the Savior.

The kingdom of heaven does not operate like the kingdoms of this world. How will we know when we see God’s kingdom? When anger results in reconciliation rather than retaliation. God must be at work. When enemies are overcome by love. Rather than violence. Then God’s reign is present. And His kingdom is present among us.

Words – 1,320
Passive Sentences –3%
Readability–77%
Reading level – 4.5

[1] –Mere Christianity Social Morality Part 3

[2] -Gandhi

[3] -Martin Luther King Jr.