Reformation 1517 - 2017

Introit
I will speak of your testimonies before kings, O Lord
     and shall not be put to shame.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
     let the humble hear and be glad.
Come, O children, listen to me;
     I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
     none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
     and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
     is now, and will be forever. Amen.
I will speak of your testimonies before kings, O Lord
     and shall not be put to shame.

Collect
Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Christ Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Luther’s Seal © Higher Things
Euro image © Google Images 

Time in the Word - Pentecost 22 ~ Proper 26

Time in the Word

Proper 26

October 30- November 5, 2017

The Lessons for this week fall under the theme The Price of Christian Leadership. A national election is upon us. People ask the pressing question who shall lead us and what will tomorrow bring. We need not fear for the Lord directs us. He orders our days. He directs our path. We pray that the Lord would raise up godly people to use their talents for the praise of God and in service to the neighbor. At what price will we be willing to serve?  The appointed psalm for the day is. Psalm 43 (antiphon; V.3) In the Old Testament lesson Micah 3:5-12 – we see the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – Paul explains the price of godly living. In the Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12 – Jesus explains the price of humble service

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers– Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.

Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works

For Schools – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Collect for Proper 26 -Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may receive the proclamation with humility and finally be exalted at the coming of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Reformation: (31 October)  –Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  

Collect for All Saints Day: (1 November) -Almighty and everlasting god, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into on holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, October 30, 2017 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 9:18: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 –Micah 3:5-12 – The price of true instruction in God’s truth. The false prophets predicted peace for Judah while Micah predicted destruction and captivity. One of the chief purposes of Micah was to declare to Judah it sin. Micah along with the rest of the prophets were Spirit-filled messengers. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in history in 586 BC. These verses were quoted a century later in Jeremiah 26:18  Jeremiah 26:19 indicates that Micah’s preaching may have been instrumental in the revival under King Hezekiah. (see 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29-31) The words you speak today might not take root until one hundred years from now. We are not called to see results but to remain faithful. 

Wednesday, November 1, 2017– 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In the 1st Century moral standards were generally very low. Chastity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. Paul however, would not compromise God’s clear and demanding standards. The warning was needed then and is needed now. Christians are not immune to temptations. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1)

We are not our own. Sexual sin harms others beside those who engage in it. In adultery, the spouse is always wronged. Premarital sex wrongs the future partner by robbing him or her of the virginity that ought to be brought to marriage. Here we see a motive for chastity.

Still another reason for chastity is God’s call to holiness. Sexual sin is against God. He gives the Holy Spirit to believers for their sanctification. To live in sexual immorality is to reject God. Specifically in regard to the Holy Spirit.

Some in the congregation were taking undue interest in other people’s affairs. The Greeks in general thought manual labor degrading and fit only for slaves. Christians took seriously the need for earning their own living. But some, perhaps as a result of their belief in the imminent return of Christ were neglecting work an relying on others to support them. Christians in need because of their idleness are not obedient Christians. 

Thursday, November 2, 2017 –Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. The warning here is against seeking titles of honor to foster pride. Doubly zealous for ritual purification, which fostered pride and false security and brought no salvation was the downfall of these false teachers of the law. 

Friday, November 3, 2017 – Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed for this coming Sunday.  The key verse is verse 3. This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence. The key verse personified as God’s messenger who work our God’s salvation. He shows His faithful care on behalf of His own. Thus we pray with the psalmist, may these guide me back to Your temple. 

Saturday, November 4, 2017 –Luke 24:29 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn, LSB #585 “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide” The two Emmaus disciples urged Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, the day is almost over.” We pray, Lord, abide with me. Jesus responds. “ So He went in to stay with them.” Jesus is always with you. He will never forsake, never abandon, never leave you. This is His promise, “I am with you always!” Not a wish but a constant reality. The Lord sticks with you forever.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
Luther's Seal and the Image of Christ Crucified © Higher Things

Reformation 2017

Reformation (Observed) – 29 October, 2017 – John 8:31-38

And you shall be free

Reformation Day. What does this conjure up for you in your mind? What are we celebrating today as we sing “A mighty Fortress”, and hang red paraments on our lectern and pulpit? Do you think of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church? At the center of this Christian faith is the understanding that a sinner is justified by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fide) for the sake of Christ alone (solus Christus), a truth revealed to us in Scripture alone (sola Scriptura). Our focus is on Jesus. To God alone (Soli Deo Gloria) be the glory!

If, on this day, we celebrate the way in which the Spirit has led His Church into all truth over the last 2000 years. If, on this day, we give thanks for the constant guidance of God’s word in the Scriptures. If, on this day, we rejoice in the good news of the Gospel of free forgiveness in Christ, then, I think, we are celebrating Reformation Day appropriately.

If we are truly a “Reformation” church, then we need to come to terms with what “Reformation” means. For a start, “reformation” does not mean “innovation”--it does not mean “change” for the sake of change”. The reformers did not go to all the trouble they did 500 years ago, because they felt the Church of their day was “old-fashioned” and needed to “catch up” with the rest of the world. They did not want to “form” a new church, but to “re-form” the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church of which they were a part. 

“Reform” means returning to the original form--not making a new form. It meant removing abuses. But even at the time of Martin Luther, there were reformers who wanted to throw the baby out with the bath water. They wanted to drain the swamp and start all over again.  That was not the way of the Lutheran reformers. 

The Lutheran reformation was a “conservative” Reformation. The aim of the Lutheran reformation was to remove the rubbish but to keep all that was good, and pure, and beautiful. The Lutheran Reformation was concerned with God’s Word and with faithfulness to the Truth. It was not concerned with “updating” the Church. An issue we must face is the absurdity of a church that is continually embracing change for the sake of change. Change is so prevalent in our world today that we sometimes lose sight of that which does not change. Jesus Christ He is “the same, yesterday, today and forever”--why then, is there the cry for the church to always be changing? 1

Truth is so elusive that many, like Pilate, wonder what truth is. There is widespread skepticism. What is proclaimed as truth today is not what it was yesterday. Who knows what it will be tomorrow? 

In addition, there are various kinds of truth: scientific truth, political truth, and spiritual truth. Jesus is dealing with spiritual truth concerning God and life.

1. What truth is — “If you continue in my word” (v. 31). Truth is the word of Christ; He is the truth. Though it has only two letters, it is a big word. Jesus says we will know the truth and be free “if” we continue in His word. It is possible to lose the word of Jesus through negligence or unconcern. We can fall from the truth and lose our religious freedom if we ever sever ourselves from the Word.

2. What truth does — “The truth will make you free” (v. 32). When Pilate asked Jesus what truth was, He gave no answer. Instead Jesus defines the truth. It is in His word, for He spoke God’s Word. As long as we hold to the word of Jesus, we will be His disciples and will know the truth. It is not a truth of science, politics, or economics. It is truth personified and spoken by Christ. It is the truth of God and life.

The truth of Christ frees. It does not mean necessarily liberation or political independence. These may follow. It is freedom in and of religion. Truth frees us from false religious beliefs, superstitions, and practices. Christ’s truth frees us from the Law. Christ frees us from the bondage of sin by His death on the cross. Out of His freedom come other freedoms. If we are free before and in God, we will not be content until we are free among men.

To be Christian is to be both "Humble" and "Lazy."

Christians are humble. Not just in a kind, social sense - but in a spiritual sense. God's Law says, "Hey, you!  You stink on ice!" A believer makes no declaration against this. He doesn't point to so called works. You simply agree, "Yeah, I stink. Big time!"  

Christians are lazy. When asked what you are going to do to get himself to heaven, you say, "Um . . . nothing. It's what Christ does for me and gives to me. It's about what He does." No thoughts on all the burdensome spiritual chores I must do - not even thoughts on how well I must decide on Christ - Jesus does what needs to be done and the Holy Spirit brings this to me by Word and Baptism and Supper - just as He does for everyone else.

So…Have you been humble lately? - Freely recognizing your own vile stench? Have you been lazy lately? - Letting Christ be the one who cleans up your messes after you? Or have you been becoming increasingly busy - deciding on all the things you must do for Jesus to make yourself worthy of Him? Or have you become fearful? Determined to clean up for yourself lest Jesus yell at you?

It's not "about" you - O Christian - You are not the hero of the story. It's about Christ. Now, thankfully, it is "for" you - what Jesus does is all for you. Be humble - see your need. Be lazy - and let Christ do the work. Rejoice and be glad in this - As regards my salvation - I am to be perfectly lazy.

But with regards to my neighbor - I am to be busy - Serving at all times. Simple as that. But my works are always a response to what God has done for me, never a cause to make God act. Justification by faith leads to an obligation - to serve others - out of obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ. 2 

SDG

Words-1,100
Passive Sentences –1%
Readability – 78.3
Reading Level -5.5
Image Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

1.  http://yearofgrace.blogspot.com/2007/02/sunday-29th-october-2000-sermon-for.html
2.   http://confessionalgadfly.blogspot.com/2007/12/constantly-on-move.html

Grandparents/Special Friends Day

Grandparents/Special Person’s Day

24 October 2017

Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Blessed Jesus, at Thy word We are gathered all to hear Thee; Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear Thee, By Thy teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love Thee solely.[1]

Trying to understand God’s will in your life is not always easy. He doesn’t send you an e-Mail or a tweet. Or, send you a text. Or, write on your wall on facebookTM to say, “I want you to be a preacher or a missionary, or a mechanic or a nurse or a housewife.”

God doesn’t name the person you are to marry. He doesn't tell you which career track you should follow. He doesn’t tell you whether you should go to college or not. Or, which school you should attend.

Sometimes life is complex with all these decisions. But in psalm 32:8. God does promise, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will guide you with mine eye.” As always, God instructs and teaches us His will through His Word.

Solomon gives us three conditions by which we can know God’s perfect will for our lives.

The First Condition, you must “Trust in the Lord.” This is absolutely the first step. It you want to know God’s will learn to trust Him. You must first trust Christ as your Savior. You cannot attempt to know God’s will in other areas until this issue is settled.

Trusting God is key in every matter of our relationship with God. We are saved not because of our own work. We are saved by Jesus’ work on the cross. You cannot save yourself. You cannot be good enough in order to be made right with God. Salvation is the Savior’s good gift to you.

When you understand that the most basic need in life – to be redeemed and rescued from sin – is a matter of trust, we need to then know and understand that every other issue of our relationship with our heavenly Father is also a matter of trust. Whatever your list of worries looks life, all these things-are all a matter of trust. Trusting God is the key in every matter of our relationship with Him.

In whom do you trust? You trust in the Lord! This is important! Your trust is not in someone strange to you.

How do you describe God? This is not an easy question. But I like the help the Psalmist David gives us in Psalm 139.

He knows all things. You have searched me Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you Lord know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6)

He can do anything. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, ever the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:11-12)

He personally knows me. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)

Trusting seems like a difficult thing to do because our human nature is so self-reliant. We want to have things our way. And if not my way…then it’s the highway. Trusting God is such a comforting idea.

Having a bond is actually central to trust. The more we walk with the LORD, the more the connection is developed, the easier trust becomes.

The Second Condition, you must “Trust in the Lord, with all your heart.” How much are we to trust in the Lord? With all your heart! Completely! Your trust cannot be a partial trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” This is where it all begins. The word “trust” means to be with a care. This is an indicator of how much we are actually trusting in the Lord. The less car, worry, anxiety, etc. that one has, the more they are trusting God will all their heart.

The Third Condition, you must “Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not unto you own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your paths straight.”

What does trusting God mean? A close look at these words helps us define trust. We see trust from a negative statement. We see trust from a positive statement.

The negative Answer: Do not lean on your own understanding. We are not to learn on our intellect, our own abilities, or even our own moral standards. In all things, we must refuse to lean on our own understanding.

The positive Answer: Acknowledge Him in everything. We must acknowledge the Lord Jesus in everything. Recognize God’s presence in everything...There is nothing in your life that should be outside the reach of God’s perspective.

When are we to trust God? Always. There is never a time to not trust God. Whenever we face a crisis, we have two choices. Either we trust God or we trust ourselves. There really are no other options. When we trust ourselves, we are saying that the crisis is bigger than God.

Why should we trust God? Because He give us a promise. He will make your paths straight. Your Savior has a plan for you. He has a future and He has promised to give direction in your life.

In Math you have learned – the quickest path between two points is a straight line. God wants us to get where we need to go in life.

What God has for us, the Lord wants to get us there. Just life any trip you take, the quickest way to get to your destination is to find the most direct path…from point A to point B. So it is with your life as well.

A crooked path is one filled with twists and turns that if we are not careful can cause us to end up in a ditch. If that should happen, God is there to help pull us out. But the best route is to stand in the middle of the road and on course with God.

God has a great vantage point over your life. He is the one that is all knowing. And if we will get God involved in straightening out our path, we are going to reach our destination in the things of God much quicker. Realize as He straightens out your path that does not mean it will always go the way you thought it would.

In fact, God usually takes you through life in a rout you have never been before. That is what walking by faith is all about.

To have God make straight paths for your feet in whatever you do take time to learn who you are and whose you are in Christ. Get completely focused on Him and who he has made you to be. Continue to develop an intimate relationship with Christ. Look to His Word to walk in His ways in all you do. Then you will be on the right path. The straight path. That God has for you.

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[1] Blessed Jesus at Thy Word stanza 1 The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Time in the Word - Reformation

Time in the Word

Reformation

 October 23-28, 2017

Freedom of a Christian

This year marks the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation! Lessons for this week fall under the theme of freedom -freedom from sin, knowledge of the truth, the grace of God. The predominant theme is salvation as the sole work of God by grace through faith. In the Gospel, God’s greatest work is Christ whom to know is to be free. In the Old Testament Lesson, God comes to offer a new relationship that is personal and internal. Paul, in the Epistle Lesson, gives the famous passage concerning God’s justification of the sinner by faith in Christ. Very definitely there is no suggestion that man has any part in his reconciliation with God. God does it all. In the Hymn of the Day, we are assured of God’s victory over Satan, our ancient foe.

Collect for Reformation –Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers– Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.

Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works

For Schools – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Prayer for responsible citizenship – Lord keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Help us provide trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve You faithfully in our generation to the honor of Your holy name.

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Monday, October 23, 2017 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 119:46: “I will speak of Your testimonies before Kings, [O Lord] and shall not be put to shame.”

Tuesday, October 24, 2017– Jeremiah 31:31-34 - In our Old Testament lesson, God promises a new covenant of forgiveness. Here is a corrective to Ecclesiastes, which says there is nothing new. God makes a new covenant. Note that man has nothing to do with it. God has the idea and He proposes the new covenant. This is evidence of God’s grace in giving His people another chance to be His people. What is new about it? It is new in that the covenant will be made with the individual rather than with the nation as a whole. It is new in that each will instinctively know God rather than learning of God through teaching.

God calls Himself a husband of His people. It infers a marriage between God and His people. This is the meaning of covenant. It is a personal relationship between God and His people. Like a marriage, they belong to each other and enjoy a oneness in love and loyalty. It is expressed in God’s words, “I will be their God and they will be my people.” Sin breaks the marriage relationship for sin is disloyalty to God. Thus, it was necessary to have a new covenant.

In the scriptures knowledge is more than cognition, as one would know a fact. To know God is to enter a relationship with Him in a covenant. Thus, one cannot be taught to know God. It is an act of commitment and an entering into union with God. Thus, everyone will instinctively know

God and it is not a matter of rote.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017–Romans 3:19-28 - In our Epistle lesson for this week, Paul explains the central teaching of the Bible—that God justifies the sinner by grace through faith. The word “Justified” is an important word in this pericope. The word is associated with a court. The judge acquits the guilty one. He is exonerated and allowed to go free. It is not that he was innocent, but the judge accounted him as innocent because of the penalty paid by another, Christ. The sinner is not righteous, but he is accounted or considered righteous for Jesus’ sake.

The righteousness of God is not the popular understanding of goodness, perfection, or justice. In the scriptures, righteousness means right-relatedness to God. This understanding of the word gave Luther his liberation and insight into the Gospel. It is not a word to fear or to cringe at the wrath of God. It means God’s goodness is approaching in good will to offer us reconciliation and peace. By grace we experience the righteousness of God by being rightly related to him through faith.

Thursday, October 26, 2017– John 8:31-36 – In the Gospel for this Sunday, we learn that God sent Jesus into the world to set men free from sin. When Pilate asked Jesus what truth was, He gave no answer. In this passage Jesus defines the truth. It is in His word, for He spoke God’s Word. As long as we hold to the word of Jesus, we will be His disciples and will know the truth. It is not a truth of science, politics, or economics. It is religious truth personified and spoken by Christ. It is the truth of God and life.

The truth of Christ frees. It does not mean necessarily women’s liberation or political independence. These may follow. It is freedom in and of religion. Truth frees us from false religious beliefs, superstitions, and practices. Christ’s truth frees us from the Law. Christ frees us from the bondage of sin by His death on the cross. Out of his spiritual freedom come other freedoms. If we are free before and in God, we will not be content until we are free among men.

Friday, October 27, 2017 – Psalm 46: 1-7 - This Psalm is appointed for Reformation Sunday.  The key verse is verse 7.

Saturday, October 28, 2017 – Psalm 46: 8-11 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” 

Sources: 
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
Image Luther's Seal © Ed Rijas Higher Things

Pentecost 20 - Proper 24

October 22
Pentecost 20 – Proper 24
Prayer & Preaching
“What shall I render?”
Matthew 22:15-22

O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that, with You as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

THEME: All Obligations Are to God, Expressed In Two Kingdoms

As we wind down to the conclusion of the Church Year the Gospel lesson appointed to be read on this Sunday gives us the opportunity to determine what our obligations are with respect to our God and to our government. This is important issue especially as we ask ourselves the question - how are we to be witnesses in this world?

There are certainly many differing opinions concerning this subject of church and State or God and government. Some believe that Christians are to be totally separated from this world and society. Some Christians believe that the child of God is to have absolutely nothing to do with this world and is therefore to be shielded and separated from the outside world. An example of such exists in our own backyard in the Amish community. Their manner of dress, their customs, their traditions are deliberate. They believe that the Christian is to completely separate from the rest of us. Their mantra - “Be Ye Separate.”

Then there are Christians who would go so far as to say that as Christians we have the obligation to change the world by being actively aggressive in the shaping of government policy and in dictating the culture of the world. There are some church leaders going so far as to publicly endorse particular political candidates. 

So how ought we approach this sometimes difficult subject? Do religion and politics mix? We have the obligation to be witnesses in the world. As Christians we certainly have a message the world needs to hear and what is more relevant to a lost world than the objective truth of the gospel? 

By these words of our Savior we must say that all obligations are to God as they are expressed in two kingdoms.

The Pharisees as a group were fiercely loyal to the Jewish nation. They hated the Romans. The Herodians on the other hand - were fiercely loyal to Rome which ruled the Jews with great difficulty. They come to Jesus with a question.

The Pharisees had hoped to trap Jesus in His teaching. If Jesus said it was unlawful to give tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have Him brought to court on a charge of sedition, a crime punishable by death. If Jesus said it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have advertised this and used it as an opportunity to diminish Jesus’ popularity before those persons who labored under the yoke of the Roman government (and wished to be freed).   But Jesus refused to be trapped. And His answer gives mankind direction in living for all ages of the world.

I. THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of this world is of God. Jesus uses the word "Caesar" to symbolize the power of the government. In the history of the world there have been many different forms of government but all are of God. Jesus said to Pilate a Roman Governor. "You would have no authority over Me if it had not been given to you from above." (John. 19:11.) The God-man, Jesus, was subject to the earthly authority which He had given to Pilate. St. Paul says in Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to higher authorities because there is no authority which is not of God and the authorities which exist have been ordained of God."  God Himself has given us an earthly government. Daniel acknowledged the Babylonians as his government. Jesus and Paul recognized Rome as their God-given government.

B. The kingdom of this world demands my obligations. Jesus told the Pharisees and the Herodians: "Pay to Caesar what you owe to Caesar." What did they owe to Caesar? We owe taxes, obedience to all laws, and loyalty to the government. That is what Jesus Himself, Paul and Peter did. In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus gives us the correct attitude toward earthly power. He directed Peter to catch a fish which would yield a coin with which Peter would pay their tax. And Jesus obeyed all laws whether of the Jews or Romans. He submitted both to Pilate and Herod at His trial even though it was an unjust trial. 

And the apostles direct us to willing obedience toward our government. Says St. Paul – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:1-6

Peter reminds us -– "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men."- I Peter 2:13-16

TRANSITION: The Kingdom of this world is of God so also is the Kingdom of God to which I am obligated.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of God is of God. Jesus said to the Pharisees and Herodians: "Pay to God the things of God." Jesus said in Matthew16:18 "You are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 

Peter's confession of Christ. Christ builds His church on the confession of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And even Satan and his hosts cannot destroy this church. To this church Christ gives the power to forgive sins to penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from sinners who refuse to repent.

B. The kingdom of God demands my obligations. Christ is our Shepherd. His pastors are also called shepherds. They are to take good care of the flock.  And when the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus, Jesus asked for a denarius, a common coin in that day. We use our money to support the government and the church. We pay our taxes and we pay our church dues. 

Both are commanded by God. Says St. Paul in Romans 13 – “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Vv.6-7) And again in 1 Corinthians 16 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (V.2) Paul told the people to pay their taxes and also their church dues. All of this belongs to God. We are only stewards of His gifts.

I am a citizen in two kingdoms, the kingdom of earthly power, my government, and the kingdom of God, my church. I owe each everything I have. It all is a gift of God and belongs to Him anyway. Christians are sojourners and pilgrims in this world (I Peter 2:11). 

While our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), we are to be ever mindful of our responsibilities to the nation in which we live. As we love God and serve our neighbor we are witnesses of Christ in this world. That, my friends is the definition of missions – Love God, serve your neighbor – become a sermon in shoes. 

_______________

Words –1,543 

Passive Sentences –10% 

Readability –69% 

Reading Level – 7.3

Proper 24

Proper 24 – October 22, 2017 –

O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that, with You as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

THEME: All Obligations Are to God, Expressed In Two Kingdoms

The Gospel lesson appointed to be read on this Sunday gives us the opportunity to determine what our obligations are with respect to our God and to our government. This is important issue especially as we ask ourselves the question - how are we to be witnesses in this world?

There are certainly many differing opinions concerning this subject of church and state or God and government. Some believe that Christians are to be totally separated from this world and society. Some Christians believe that the child of God is to have absolutely nothing to do with this world and is therefore to be shielded and separated from the outside world. An example of such exists in our own backyard in the Amish community. Their manner of dress, their customs, their traditions are deliberate. They believe that the Christian is to completely separate from the rest of us. Their mantra - “Be Ye Separate.”

Then there are Christians who would go so far as to say that as Christians we have the obligation to change the world by being actively aggressive in the shaping of government policy and in dictating the culture of the world. 

So how ought we to approach this sometimes difficult subject? Do religion and politics mix? We have the obligation to be witnesses in the world. As Christians we certainly have a message the world needs to hear and what is more relevant to a lost world than the objective truth of the gospel? By these words of our Savior we must say that all obligations are to God as they are expressed in two kingdoms.

The Pharisees as a group were powerfully loyal to the Jews, who hated the Romans. The Herodians on the other hand - were intensely loyal to Rome which ruled the Jews with great difficulty. They come to Jesus with a question.

The Pharisees had hoped to trap Jesus in his teaching. If Jesus said it was unlawful to give tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have him brought to court on a charge of sedition, a crime punishable by death. If Jesus said it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have advertised this and used it as an opportunity to diminish Jesus’ popularity before those persons who labored under the yoke of the Roman government (and wished to be freed). But Jesus refused to be trapped. And His answer gives mankind direction in living for all ages of the world.

I. THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of this world is of God. Jesus uses the word "Caesar" to symbolize the power of the government. 

In the history of the world there have been many different forms of government but all are of God. Jesus said to Pilate a Roman Governor.  "You would have no authority over Me if it had not been given to you from above." (John. 19:11.) 1 The God-man, Jesus, was subject to the earthly authority which He had given to Pilate. 

St. Paul says in Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to higher authorities because there is no authority which is not of God and the authorities which exist have been ordained of God." 2 God Himself has given us an earthly government. Daniel acknowledged the Babylonians as his government. Jesus and Paul recognized Rome as their God-given government.

B. The kingdom of this world demands my obligations. Jesus told the Pharisees and the Herodians: "Pay to Caesar what you owe to Caesar." What did they owe to Caesar? We owe taxes, obedience to all laws, and loyalty to the government. That is what Jesus himself, Paul and Peter did. In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus gives us the correct attitude toward earthly power. He directed Peter to catch a fish which would yield a coin with which Peter would pay their tax. And Jesus obeyed all laws whether of the Jews or Romans. He submitted both to Pilate and Herod at His trial even though it was an unjust trial. And the apostles direct us to willing obedience toward our government. 

Says St. Paul – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:1-6

Peter reminds us – "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." I Peter 2:13-16

TRANSITION: The Kingdom of this world is of God so also is the Kingdom of God to which I am obligated.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OF GOD AND DEMANDS MY OBLIGATIONS

A. The kingdom of God is of God. Jesus said to the Pharisees and Herodians: "Pay to God the things of God." Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: "You are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." In this passage the word "rock" means Peter's confession of Christ. Christ builds His church on the confession of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And even Satan and his hosts cannot destroy this church. To this church Christ gives the power to forgive sins to penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from sinners who refuse to repent.

B. The kingdom of God demands my obligations. Christ is our Shepherd. His pastors are also called shepherds. They are to take good care of the flock. 3   

When the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus, Jesus asked for a denarius, a common coin in that day. We use our money to support the government and the church. We pay our taxes and we pay our church contributions. Both are commanded by God. In 1 Corinthians 16 Paul encourages us, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (V.2) Paul told the people to pay their taxes and also support their church’s mission. All of this belongs to God. We are only stewards of His gifts.

I am a citizen in two kingdoms, the kingdom of earthly power, my government, and the kingdom of God, my church. I owe each everything I have. It all is a gift of God and belongs to Him anyway. Christians are sojourners and pilgrims in this world (I Peter 2:11). While our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), we are to be ever mindful of our responsibilities to the nation in which we live. As we love God and serve our neighbor we are witnesses of Him in this world. That, my friends is the definition of missions – Love God, serve your neighbor – become a sermon in shoes. 

Words –1,454
Passive Sentences –12%
Readability – 68.3%
Reading Level – 7.4
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

1.   Rome was one of the most tyrannical Empires known to man
2.   See also I Peter. 2:13-17 and Titus 3:1.
3.   Acts 20:28

Time in the Word - Pentecost 20 ~ Proper 24

Time in the Word

Pentecost 20 –Proper 24

October 16-21, 2017

The Lessons for this week deal with God and the world. God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. A pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as his instrument; he uses a nation to fulfill his purposes in the world. In God’s hands lies the destinies of the nations. The Lord reigns among the nations and will judge the world with righteousness. In the Hymn “Before the Lord We bow” we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love.

Collect for Proper 24 – Almighty God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, October 16, 2017 - Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Vs. 5 of Psalm 121; “The Lord watches over you- the Lord is Your shade at your right hand.” Under the theme “Nations under God” this Sunday’s readings deal with God and the world. 

God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. The Antiphon reminds us that the Lord is watching. How does that make one feel? We seek after Him who grants us grace which is found in the second half of the phrase “He is Your shade at your right hand.”

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - Isaiah 45:1-7 -In our Old Testament lesson a pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as His instrument. The Lord uses a nation to fulfill His purposes in this world. In God’s hands lies the destiny of nations.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a - In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul greets the Thessalonians and thanks God for their faithful work of faith and love. This is the first of a series of readings from the book written by the Apostle Paul. With respect to the Gospel lesson for the week – The Thessalonians render to God what God deserves. As for the Old Testament lesson; as Cyrus was chosen, God chose the church of Thessalonica. (Vs. 4) 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus’ return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.

Thursday, October 19, 2017– Matthew 22:15-22 - Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble.

Pharisees and Herodians come to him with the question whether taxes should be paid to the Roman government. The Pharisees would say, “No”; the Herodians would answer, “Yes.” If Jesus said one should not pay taxes, he could be arrested as a subversive and revolutionary. If Jesus said one should, he would be in trouble with the patriotic Jews who hated Roman dominance. Jesus recognized that the inquirers were hypocrites and that they came to find occasion to have him arrested. His answer caused his enemies to marvel at his answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Friday, October 20, 2017 - Psalm 96:1-9 - This Psalm is appointed for next week. The key verse is verse 7b, "Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”.

Saturday, October 18, 2017 –Psalm 145:1 -Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Before the Lord We Bow” an appropriate hymn for this week’s theme “Nations under God.” In this hymn we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love. Truly we serve a God who governs the affairs of men who will judge the world with righteousness and equity. Having read these lessons here are a few points to ponder. Is it a true statement that the Lord has already judged the world? If so when and how? When Christ returns in glory what will be the sentence rendered? 

A Prayer of the Church at the time of the Reformation (The Great Litany): Be mindful of all who have fallen asleep…who have offered You these gifts…who do good works…and are concerned for the poor…Remember, Lord those who live in deserts and mountains…those who persevere in virginity…those in authority…speak good to their hearts…Be mindful, O Lord, of the people assembled here, as well as those who are absent from good cause…fill their households with every good thing; sustain their marriages in peace and harmony; nurture their infants; train up the youth; support the elderly, comfort the fainthearted; gather in those who are scattered and lead back those who have strayed, uniting them in Your holy, catholic and apostolic church…Sail with those who sail…plead for the widows, shield the orphans…hear the cries of the afflicted. O God, look after all those who are on trial…those who love us as well as those who hate us…Be mindful, Lord our God, of all Your people and lavish on all Your rich mercy, granting to all what leads to salvation. And, if we have failed to commemorate anyone, whether out of ignorance or forgetfulness or because of the great number of names, You, O God, will remember.  

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Image © Ed Riojas Higher Things

A Prayer for California

Most merciful Father, with compassion You hear the cries of Your people in great distress. Be with all who now endure affliction and calamity as these wildfires burn in California. Bless the work of those who bring rescue and relief, and enable our pastors and congregations to bring comfort to those who are suffering that they may find renewed hope; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 19 ~ Proper 23

Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, We Partake of His Wedding Feast

By His Cross and Resurrection, the Lord has swallowed up death forever, and by His Gospel He “will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth” (Is. 25:8). Therefore, “let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation” (Is. 25:9). On the Mountain of the Lord of hosts—in His Church on earth, as in the kingdom of heaven—He has made “for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine” (Is. 25:6). It is the royal “wedding feast” of the Son of God, “and everything is ready” (Matt. 22:1, 4). Thus, His servants are sent into the highways and bi-ways to invite and gather as many as they find, “both good and bad,” to fill the wedding hall with guests (Matt. 22:8–10). In Holy Baptism, He clothes them all in the “wedding garment” of His own perfect righteousness (Matt. 22:11). Therefore, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God,” and “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4–6).

Almighty God, You invite us to trust in You for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of Your judgment but by the greatness of Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . . 

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for those who are separated from the Church: O God, protect the tempted, the distressed, and the erring, and gently guide them. By Your great goodness bring them into the way of peace and truth. Graciously regard all who are in trouble, danger, temptation, or bondage to sin, and those to whom death draws near. In Your mercy draw them to Yourself; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for right reception of the Lord's Supper: Lord Jesus, You invite all who are burdened with sin to come to You for rest. We now come at Your invitation to the heavenly feast, which You have provided for Your children on earth. Preserve us from impenitence and unbelief, cleanse us from our unrighteousness, and clothe us with the righteousness purchased with Your blood. Strengthen our faith, increase our love and hope, and assure us a place at Your heavenly table, where we will eat eternal manna and drink of the river of Your pleasure forever and ever. Hear us, Jesus, for Your own sake.

Preparation for next week, Proper 23

Monday, 9 October 2017—Isaiah 61:10; Antiphon, Psalm 146:2—The Gospel reading for next Sunday is the parable of the Wedding Feast, and the Introit helps establish a theme, by bringing in images relating to a wedding and the wedding garments. It speaks of us being clothed with garments of salvation. This same sort of imagery is used in Revelation, when it is said that the saints clothed in white robes have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This is rich sacramental imagery, portraying Baptism; the parable of the Wedding Feast has similar sacramental imagery, but that of the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar.

Tuesday, 10 October 2017—Psalm 23—The psalm for the day, the well-known 23rd Psalm, also has sacramental imagery, as we are told that the LORD leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls, and leading us in the paths of righteousness. Holy Baptism restores our souls; the Word of God leads us in the paths of righteousness. Later in the psalm, there is, again, the image of a feast being prepared for us who are righteous on account of being baptized into the name of Jesus.

Wednesday, 11 October 2017—Isaiah 25:6–9—The prophecy of Isaiah looks forward to the Last Day and portrays eternity in heaven as a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. One of the post-communion collects refers to the Sacrament of the Altar as a foretaste of the feast to come. Indeed, it is a real partaking of the feast in heaven, with angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven, those who have gone before us and died in the faith. The only difference is, so long as we live on the earth, we have to return our daily lives, while the feast goes on eternally. Therefore, we continue in the collect, Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end.

Thursday, 12 October 2017—Philippians 4:4–13—St Paul urges us to Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Rejoice, for the Lord has washed us clean in Holy Baptism, clothing us in white garments, and inviting us to the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. He reminds us that the Lord is at hand. The Lord is, indeed, at hand; He is as near as His Word and Sacrament. Wherever the Word is preached in its truth and purity and the Sacraments are rightly administered, there the Lord is, dispensing the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

Friday, 13 October 2017—Matthew 22:1–14—As we near the end of the Church Year, so the readings come closer to the end of our Lord’s earthly life, and begin to reflect on the Last Day, when we shall come into His heavenly kingdom. There are a number of themes in this parable. Those wedding guests who shunned the king’s invitation may be compared to the Jews, to who the Word of the Lord was given and whom the Lord chose as heirs of His kingdom. By and large, they have rejected the long-promised Messiah, and have no place at the eternal wedding feast in heaven. Likewise, those who come in unprepared, without a wedding garment, without a garment of salvation, trying to enter the feast of their own accord. These, too, will be rejected, for no one makes himself worthy of the kingdom of heaven; it is the Lord and King Himself who gives us the garment of righteousness.

Saturday, 14 October 2017—The hymn of the day is A Multitude Comes from the East and the West (LSB #510). It reflects the message of Jesus’ parable of the Wedding Feast. Those present at the heavenly banquet will come from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages (Rev. 7:9). At the heavenly marriage feast, we will dine with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all who have trusted in the Lord for their salvation, who have placed their trust in the merits of the promised Messiah, our Lord Jesus.

Sources:

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Photo © Greg Gallmeyer 

Proper 22

Proper 22 - 8 October 2017 – Matthew 21:33-43 
 
A Vineyard for Rent

“Lord Jesus, you have endured the doubts and foolish questions of every generation. Forgive us for trying to be judge over you, and grant us the confident faith to acknowledge you as Lord.”

It’s possible to rent an amazing variety of things. From housing to automobiles. From furniture to farm land. From carpet cleaning machines to apartments and cottages on a lake. In our text for today we see that God too has a rental arrangement

God also has a rental arrangement. For centuries the sign has been out, it reads, “VINEYARD FOR RENT.” Our question for today is what sort of tenants are we.

I. The terms of the agreement are specified.

A. As in any rental situation, we realize that there needs to be terms spelled out in the form of a rental contract. If there is going to be any safeguards to the tenant and the owner. The Lord Himself has placed the vineyard in excellent condition. The landowner planted the vineyard Himself. He put a wall around it. He dug a winepress. He built a tower. He brought it all up to code. He was s stickler for details.

What all this means is that from the beginning the Lord has given us the means and the resources for us to come to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The Lord did so for Israel. (Isaiah 5:1-7) He did this for His people in the Old Testament and today He continues to do the same through the good news of the Gospel.

A. Through the Gospel the Lord gathers and preserves us as His people. In the message of salvation which is found in Jesus Christ our Savior you are not only brought to faith you are also preserved as God’s very special people.

B. When you rent something there is an understanding or an agreement about who is the rightful owner of the thing which is being used. When you rent you have that object for your own personal use. But you will always remain the tenant. You do not own it. You never will own it. So it is that God is the owner of the vineyard. He rends it out to us. The message of His love and forgiveness is God’s message. Not ours. And the faith which we have. It is not ours. But God Himself is the One who has worked saving faith in us. We cannot claim ownership to the blessings of God. All these are His. Which He gives to us by His grace. 

God “rents out” the vineyard by giving it to us. Through it, supplying us with faith and strengthen us by the power of His Holy Spirit.

C. In this rental agreement, there are terms of payment. The rent check is to come in on time. At the same time. Every time it is due. The landlord expects to be paid. The same principle holds true with the Lord. God expects to be paid. God expects us to pay Him rent. 

1. He demands that the fruit of faith be demonstrated in our life. St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians lists the fruit of faith which include; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” (Galatians 5:22)

2. Because of the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Bearing fruit is not a chore for us. Rather it is a spontaneous outpouring which is the response to the benefits which God has worked in us.

Transition: The terms of the rental agreement have been spelled out. However this is not to say that from time to time difficulties may occur.

II. The difficulties encountered.

From time to time there can be problems when there are renters. The payment might be late or become delinquent. A tenant can say to himself “this isn’t my property; I am free from any responsibilities. I don’t have to take care of this dump!”  I’m sure you have heard of or have known of problems which can result with careless delinquent tenants.

A. Even God Himself had difficulties with His renters.

1. The renters of the Old Testament. The previous tenants. Killed the prophets which came delivering the message of God’s mercy and grace.

2. Finally they killed the Son of the landowner– Jesus Christ. Jesus was killed because the people refused to accept Him. They refused to believe that He was God in the flesh the only Savior from sin and so they had Him executed by crucifixion.

B. The problem with delinquent tenants can still exist today.

1. God can still have difficulties with His renters when we fail to see God’s mission to the world. When we fail to share with others the message of salvation which Christ has offered. If we do this we become delinquent and careless tenants.

2. We can become guilty of failing to hold up our end of the renter’s contract when we fail to love God’s people. As God has forgiven us. We in turn forgive others when they sin against us. As Christ has shown His compassion to us we in turn extend mercy to others. Refusing to deal with others on the same terms as God has dealt with us results in our failing to part of the rental contract. If we do that we have become delinquent and careless.

III. The Action of God.

So what do you do when you run across a problem with a troublesome renter? In most cases you demonstrate patience – but ultimately and finally patience has a limit. So also, with God.

A. God shows patience.

1. When a prophet was killed God kept on sending other prophets and servants. What a remarkable contrast to what most would have done under similar circumstances. But again, here is the patience of God demonstrated to us.

2. The Lord went so far as to send His only Son. Through Christ’s death He atoned for the tenant’s selfishness. Here we see the great lengths the Lord went to show His love and patience.

3. The Lord continues to demonstrate His patience for us. He is still giving us time to bring forth fruit of faith. He continues to love and seek our love. He continues to provide is those means which we need to receive His mercy and care.

B. And yet, the patience even of God has a limit.

1. When the Jewish nation finally rejected Christ, God’s only Son, God gave the Gospel message to the Gentiles. You and I believe in Christ because the Father gave us His grace and turned the vineyard over to all who would come to faith.

2. The patience of God will also run out with this world. Eventually the world will come to an end and then there will be a final judgment. We must see from these words of the Savior that if people reject the Gospel, then the Gospel will be taken from one group and given to others.

How can we apply these words to our day and time? It seems as if the Gospel of the kingdom has moved full circle. At one point in time the center of world Christianity was found on the continent of Africa. But when people finally rejected the Gospel and turned to other religions such as Islam the world center of Christianity shifted to Europe. Over time as people in Europe resisted the Gospel message the Church grew in North America.

As we are living in what many refer to as a Post-Modern or Post-Christian society where the center of World Christianity shifted has? Back to the continent of Africa. The point Jesus makes in this parable of a people reject Christ, the Gospel can and will be taken from one and given to others.

Again, we come back to the initial question – what sort of tenants are we? It is our duty to be good stewards, faithful tenants, and good renters. We must continue to share this message of the kingdom with all that we meet, and with all that we know.

God’s sign is still out for all to read and see. It says “VINEYARD FOR RENT.” The terms for the vineyard are as generous as they can be.

In His marvelous love God has considered all of the difficulties renters can give Him and yet He allows us to rent this prime ground. How wicked we would be if we would ever spurn His love.

What a privilege it is to be a tenant in God’s vineyard. What an honor it is to bring Him the fruit of faith with joy. My the Lord so move us to be good tenants until that time in which we move out of that rented ground into a new home, one which has been purchased by the same Landlord we are renting form now – Jesus Christ the righteous one.

Words – 1,500
Passive Sentences – 10%
Readability –79.2%
Reading Level – 5.2
Image "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Vineyard" © Ed Riojas Higher Things