Zion Hears

Time in the Word - Transfiguration

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Face of Jesus Christ Manifests the Light of theKnowledge of the Glory of God

It was “a hard thing”that Elisha asked, but by his persistence he was able to see the Prophet Elijahbeing taken “by a whirlwind into heaven.”Although “chariots of fire and horses offire separated the two of them,” Elisha received Elijah’s cloak and a “double portion” of his spirit forpreaching the Lord’s Word (2 Kings 2:9–11). It was a hard thing, too, forIsrael to see Moses and come near to him, when “the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God”(Ex. 34:29–30). Therefore, after “hecommanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai,” Moses“put a veil over his face” (Ex. 34:32–33). Only the Word of the Gospel liftsthe veil, and “only through Christ is ittaken away” (2 Cor. 3:14). Thus are we able to behold “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of JesusChrist,” who is “the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4–6). For the Law and theProphets are all fulfilled in Him. Therefore, “listen to Him,” and fix your sights on “Jesus only” (Mark 9:7–8).

Collect for the Feastof the Transfiguration of Our Lord—OGod, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed themysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice thatcame from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace.Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to thefullness 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.

Prayer before worship:O Lord, our creator, redeemer, andcomforter, as we come together to worship You in spirit and in truth, we humblypray that You would open our hearts to the preaching of Your Word so that wemay repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior, and grow ingrace and holiness. Hear us for His sake.

Prayer after worship:Almighty and merciful God, we have againworshiped in Your presence and received both forgiveness for our many sins andthe assurance of Your love in Jesus Christ. We thank You for this undeservedgrace and ask You to keep us in faith until we inherit eternal salvation;through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Prayers for those whoare married: O Lord God, at thecreation of Adam and Eve You instituted and blessed marriage as the union of aman and woman and commanded that it be held in honor by all. Grant Yourblessings to all married couples (especially [names]) that their life togethermay be blessed with wisdom, purity, self-sacrifice, and love; through JesusChrist, Your Son, our Lord,

Most gracious God, wegive thanks for the joy and blessings that You grant to husbands and wives.Assist them always by Your grace that with true fidelity and steadfast lovethey may honor and keep their marriage vows, grow in love toward You and foreach other, and come at last to the eternal joys that You have promised;through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Prayer for home andfamily: Visit, O Lord, the homes inwhich Your people dwell, and keep all harm and danger far from them. Grant thatwe may dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels,sharing eternally in Your blessings; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Monday, 13 February2012—Psalm 112:1, 3, 7–9; antiphon,Psalm 112:4—Psalm 112 speaks of the blessedness of the man who fears theLORD. This psalm is a complement to the preceding psalm, which tells of theblessings, physical and spiritual, which God bestows upon us. Those who trustin Him—who fear the LORD—show their gratefulness to Him by their lives, whichare conformed to His will. The one who trust in the Lord greatly delights inHis commandments.

Tuesday, 14 February2012—Psalm 50:1–6—The openingline of Sunday’s psalm heaps up divine titles: Mighty One, God, the LORD. Thispsalm was used in the temple liturgy, where the singers of it acknowledge thatthey will worship only the one, true God. Even the earth and the heavensdeclare His righteousness.

Wednesday, 15February 2012—2 Kings 2:1–12—Elijahwas one of the greatest of the prophets of God, remaining faithful andproclaiming God’s Word even when nearly all of Israel had apostatized. He isone of only two people in Scripture who didn’t die; rather, God took him—in afiery chariot. The last verses of the Old Testament, Malachi 4:5-6, prophesy thatElijah would appear before the coming of the Messiah. Jesus said that John theBaptist fulfilled this prophecy (Matt. 11:14); later, Elijah appeared withJesus at His transfiguration.

Thursday, 16 February2012—2 Corinthians 3:12–13; 4:1–6—WhenMoses came down from Mt. Sinai, from speaking with the Lord, the children ofIsrael were afraid to look upon him, because his face shone from being in thepresence of God. They made Moses wear a veil over his face. (Exodus 34:29-35)As this veil concealed from the Israelites the transient character of the oldcovenant and its orders, so now when the Law (Moses) is read they cannot seethe real significance of the Law as witness, together with the prophets, to thenewly revealed righteousness of God in the Gospel. But, when we are brought tofaith in Christ, the veil is removed, and we recognize that Christ is thefulfillment of the Law.

Friday, 17 February2012—Mark 9:2–9—Three of thedisciples—Peter, James, and John—were privileged to go up on a mountain withChrist, as He was transfigured before them. That is, His glory as the Son ofGod, normally masked by His humanity, was clearly shown. Elijah and Mosesappear with Him, and they discuss His impending death (Luke 9:31). Peter,James, and John are witnesses of the glory which awaits Christ beyond thecross.

Saturday, 18 February2012—The Hymn of the Day, O WondrousType! O Vision Fair (LSB 413), recounts the story of the Transfiguration,and reminds us that Christ continues to manifest His glory to-day through the ministrationsof the Church.

This week’s Time in the Wordis written by The Revd Jeffrey M. Keuning, Pastor

Lectionary summary on thefront page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Artwork by Julius Schnoor vonCarolsfeld, © WELS

Epiphany 6

2012-02-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Mark 1:40-45
Come clean

Most people want to be clean, at least physically. Consider the amount of soap and detergents sold annually. Eighty-five percent of the American people have bathtubs. We want clean bodies and hair, clean clothes, and we want to live in clean houses. Are we as interested in soul cleanliness? Sin is associated with dirt: dirty jokes, filthy minds, polluted values, cesspools of iniquity. Isaiah described himself as a sinner “A man of unclean lips” In contrast, God is perfectly pure. Christ is spotless of sin. God demands clean hands and a pure heart in those who come into His presence, leprosy is a sign of sin. Healing is cleansing. The leper called himself “unclean”. Today we deal with the cleansing of sin, the cure for spiritual leprosy.

How to come clean to God –

1. Realize the need for cleansing – listen to verse 40 of our text. “ And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying to Him, "If You are willing, you can make me clean." This miracle teaches us, how to apply ourselves to Christ. We are to simply come as this leper did. In His great need, he sought out Christ.

With great humility, this leper came beseeching him, and kneeling down to him (v. 40). This man, as sick and as dirty as he was realized that he had come into the presence of the Savior Himself.

This man’s action teaches us that those who would receive grace and mercy from Christ, must ascribe honor and glory to Christ, and approach Him with humility and reverence. What is your attitude toward Christ? Is it one of humility? With humbleness of heart, this man approached the Savior in his time of need.

2. Desire to be clean - “beseeching…kneeling” He bowed before Him. v. 40 Notice what is happening here. What we believe of the power of Christ we must bring home to our particular case. This leper’s particular case was he needed to be cleansed. That need spurred him into action. He went to the only one who could help. He went to Jesus and in faith; he said to the Savior “You can do this for me!”

Is Jesus just one among many that we might try to consult or is He the only person to whom we turn in every need? Jesus says so plainly "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Find you rest in Jesus today for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In your need come to Jesus He will sustain you He will uphold you.

3. Accept the cleansing – listen to verse 41 of our text.”… moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." Jesus’ willingness to cleanse is based on pity – . Christ's power was put forth by a word, to signify the way He would ordinarily work spiritual cures; He sends His word and He heals. Psalm 107:20 tells us this very thing! “He sent forth His Word, and healed them…” This is what we should expect of Jesus. He can do no other. No one can work like Him!

Jesus has the ability to cleanse – Listen to what Mark says in verse 42 of our text. “And immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” Miracle after miracle we see the same thing happening repeatedly. Someone’s in trouble, Jesus helps, and the people are blessed! Jesus performed these miracles for a reason and a purpose…that the people would believe and put their trust in Him.

Today the Savior calls us to place our faith in His words and His works. Trust Him. Hold Him to His Word. He is able to save you. He is able to perform a miracle in your life. "Call upon Him in every trouble. HE will deliver you and you will honor Him". (Psalm 50:15)

Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement

2012-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement For our Friedheim Family

Preamble: The birthday of Missions occurred on the day of Pentecost circa AD 30 in the city of Jerusalem. On February 25, 1838 Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church was chartered to be a House of Peace, a Haven of Hope for those who suffer and a Harbor of Light in this sin-darkened world. As followers of Jesus we are Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself to be salt and light.

The Mission of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be “A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith”

The Philosophy of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is recorded in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfast in the Apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer”

The Vision of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be one with respect to four specific objectives of mission and ministry.

Ø “The Apostles Doctrine” Being one in unity and faith. Basing our lives on God’s Holy Word as He speaks clearly to us through that Word.

Ø “Fellowship” Being one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Experiencing true joy in Christ. Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another.

Ø “The Breaking of Bread” Sacramental living. Experiencing daily the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation as Christ comes to us in and through the Sacraments.

Ø “Prayer” Upholding one another. Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.

Adopted: February 6, 2003

Time in the Word - Epiphany 6

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Preparation for nextweek, the 6th Sunday after Epiphany

All Things Are MadeNew by the Washing of Water with Jesus’ Word

“Moved with pity,”the Son of God has come in the flesh, willing and able to save us. He goes tothe Cross to give His body as a sacrifice and to shed His blood for theforgiveness of all our sins. Now He stretchesout His hand to touch us with His body and His blood in the Sacrament, and withHis Word He cleanses us of all iniquity (Mark 1:40–42). Already in the OldTestament, by the promise of His coming, the Word that He spoke by His prophetshad the power to cleanse and restore the flesh of fallen man. Thus, “accordingto the word of the man of God,” Naaman, the Syrian warrior, was cleansed of hisleprosy when he washed in the Jordan, and “his flesh was restored like theflesh of a little child” (2 Kings 5:14). By the washing of water with His Word,we also are cleansed of all our sins and set free from the burden of the Law.As little children of God, we now seek the good of our neighbor and “do all tothe glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:24–31).

Collect for Epiphany6—O Lord, graciously hear the prayersof Your people that we who justly suffer the consequence of our sin may bemercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through JesusChrist, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers for the sick:O Father of mercies and God of allcomfort, our only help in time of need, look with favor upon Your servant(s)[name(s)]. Assure [him/her/them] of Your mercy, deliver [him/her/them] from thetemptations of the evil one, and give [him/her/them] patience and comfort in[his/her/their] illness. If it please You, restore [him/her/them] to health, orgive [him/her/them] grace to accept this tribulation with courage and hope;through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

O Lord, You are thegreat Physician of soul and body; You chasten and You heal. Show mercy to Yourservant(s) [name(s)]. Spare [his/her/their] life (lives) and restore [his/her/their]strength. Even as You gave Your Son to bear our infirmities and sicknesses,deal compassionately with Your servant(s) and bless [him/her/them] with Yourhealing power. We commit [him/her/them] to Your gracious mercy and protection;through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer for those undergoing surgery: Lord Jesus Christ, hearour prayers on behalf on Your servant(s) [name(s)] as [he/she/they]undergoes(undergo) surgery. Bless [him/her/them] with faith in Your loving-kindnessand protection. Endow the surgeon(s) and the medical team(s) with ability andskill so that, according to Your will, this surgery may bring Your servant(s)to a full restoration of health and strength; through Jesus Christ, Your Son,our Lord.

Prayer in times ofaffliction and distress: Almighty andmost merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death beforewe enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselvesto Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of ourlives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of theresurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through JesusChrist, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer ofthanksgiving for restoration of health: Almightyand gracious God, we give thanks that You have restored the health of Yourservant [name], and for this blessing we praise Your name. Grant that [he/she]may continue joyfully through the days You have given [him/her] in this worldand also share in eternal glory at the appearing of Your Son, Jesus Christ, ourLord.

Monday, 6 February2012—Psalm 112:1, 3, 7–9; antiphon,Psalm 112:4—Psalm 112 speaks of the blessedness of the man who fears theLORD. This psalm is a complement to the preceding psalm, which tells of theblessings, physical and spiritual, which God bestows upon us. Those who trustin Him—who fear the LORD—show their gratefulness to Him by their lives, whichare conformed to His will. The one who trust in the Lord greatly delights inHis commandments.

Tuesday, 7 February2012—Psalm 30—This psalm of Davidis written and sung in gratitude for the Lord’s deliverance. He thanks the Lordfor physical blessings in vv. 1–5, and thanks Him for adversity in vv. 6–10.Thanking the Lord for adversity? Yes, because it was just that which causedDavid to turn from his pride and trust in himself, and to plead to the Lord formercy. Thus, the Lord has turned his mourning into dancing, resulting inDavid’s pledge to give thanks to You forever!

Wednesday, 8 February2012—2 Kings 5:1–14—What wouldyou do to be healed of a horrible disease? Naaman was willing to do almostanything—except place his trust in the LORD and in His prophet. When hisunbelief was pointed out by his servants, he relented, and was healed, as Godhad said through the prophet Elisha. Verse 15, not included in our reading,shows that Naaman then trusted in the one, true God.

Thursday, 9 February2012—1 Corinthians 10:31—11;1—StPaul boasts, not of himself, but of the Gospel. What a privilege it is for him,and all of us, to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus! Hecannot but go out to all—Jew, Gentile, weak, strong—and proclaim theforgiveness that belongs to all men through the merits of Christ.

Friday, 10 February2012—Mark 1:40–45—We live in afallen world. One of the effects sin has on our world is disease. When Jesuswalked here on earth, He healed diseases, beginning the work of restoring thefallen creation. When He died on the cross, he won the victory over sin and thedevil. On the Last Day, that victory will be brought to fulfillment, as thepresent heaven and earth pass away, to be replaced by a new heaven andearth—one in which there is no sickness or disease.

Saturday, 11 February2012—The hymn of the day, Songs ofThankfulness and Praise (LSB 394), recounts some of the epiphanies, orappearances, of our Lord: in His birth, to the Wise Men, in His Baptism, in Hishealing, and, finally, at the Last Day. What is our response to theseepiphanies? Songs of thankfulness and praise! ‘Anthems be to Thee addressed,God in man made manifest!’

This week’s Time in the Word is written by The Revd Jeffrey M. Keuning, Pastor St John's EvangelicalLutheran Church Casey, Iowa and ZionLutheran Church Dexter, Iowa

Lectionary summary on the front page from the LCMSCommission on Worship

Artworkby Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Epiphany 5

2012-02-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
All things to all people

We continue a reading series in our Epistle lesson, which contains St. Paul’s instruction to us concerning Christian living. The issue in the Corinthian congregation was the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Some believed that if you eat a burger you were communing with an idol since most of the meat sold in Corinth came from pagan temples. Their contention was that eating the meat makes idol worship legitimate. Others said, “The idol is not real, so how could I commune with something that does not exist? I am free in Christ, so my eating should not offend you!”

True, eating meat sacrificed to an idol is not an issue anymore. Nevertheless, there are well meaning Christian who can become just as offended concerning a whole number of issues. For example, certain well-meaning Christians have suggested the targeting and boycotting of certain companies and businesses that engage in purported unwholesome practices. They would argue that if you do not take your business elsewhere you are condoning and consequently joining in that company’s sin. What is the Christian to do?

On a personal level, there are well meaning Christians who would argue that Christians are not to engage in certain behaviors. “Don’t smoke, drink or chew, or date any gal that do!” is an old yarn, which has been used to suggest that Christians are to refrain. How do we respond to such practices such as the playing of cards, playing the lottery, or holding a wedding during the season of Lent for example? Are these practices that are to be strictly forbidden? How do we respond?

Liberty verses License…Freedom from sin verses Freedom to sin.

Where do we go with these issues? In our text for this morning, St. Paul gives us some practical advice on our Christian living as he encourages us to be all things to all people.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has set us free from our sin. Every one of our sins has been forgiven – period! The sins we commit today and tomorrow and the rest of our lives have been forgiven – period! This fact, however, sometimes gives people the wrong idea. They will say, “Let’s go out and sin all we want - because our sins are all forgiven!” This sort of thinking turns “liberty” into “license”. We are forever free from sin but that freedom does not make us free to sin. We can’t go out, sow our wild oats, and then pray for crop failure! We cannot have the attitude that we can sin all we want because God is a forgiving God.

We are called to become all things to all people according to St. Paul. What does that mean? Before we can help people, we must understand their needs. First, we must accept them as persons in need of God’s forgiveness. Before we can win people for Christ, we must identify with them in their situation. We simply cannot win people to Christ unless we first become their friends. Paul gives us the motivation for our behavior. We are to become one with people…

1 We do this first by sacrificing personal freedom to be the people’s servant. Listen to verse 19 of our text for this morning…“Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all that I might win the more…”

I am free in Christ, and under that freedom, I am at liberty and no one should judge me. Yet, Paul will tell us that he willingly makes himself a slave, he abandons that liberty so that he can win others for Christ. The issue is not my freedom and my liberty. Paul makes that point clear.

You are free. No one is to judge you with respect to your observance of certain actions, practices, or behaviors. Yet to win even more people for Christ I make myself a slave. I restrict my Christian liberty for the sake of winning more for Christ. This is not something that is forced upon me like another law. I do this willingly, of my own accord. Paul says, “I make myself a slave…too win the more”

2 To become one with people I identify with people. Listen to verse 22 of our text for this morning “To the weak, I become weak; that I might win the weak I gave become all things to all men that I might by all means win some.”

Why do we refrain when there is freedom? I do this because there are others who might be weak in their faith. There are some, which might not understand. There might be some, which would put themselves under undue duress and pressure. To not mislead them I become weak. Paul reminds us that when comparing another person to our personal freedoms and liberties I give up my personal freedom so that the faith of another might have the opportunity to grow.

Since Paul was not paid for his work, he was not obligated to any person. He could speak freely the truth of God without fear of personal consequences. This enabled him to identify with every class and condition of people. His goal for doing so was to “win” people to faith in Christ. The truth is that we cannot win people to Christ until we first win them to ourselves. If they do not like the witness, they will not like the witness’ Christ!

3 By being all things to all people I am motivated by the gospel. Listen finally to verse 23 “I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I might share in its blessings’

This is what motivates us into action. We do what we must for the sake of the gospel. We will not allow anything to stand in the way of the gospel. Therefore, when we must choose between personal freedom and the opportunity for the gospel to take root, we will willingly give up on our personal freedom so that something better and longer lasting can flourish.

Out of necessity, we are called upon to share Christ with all that we meet. Every single one of us is a “witness”. To win such people for Christ we must first identify with them. We are not obligated to any, but for the sake of the gospel, we make ourselves to be all things to all people. If this means giving up our Christian liberties, we do so, so that some might be saved.

How will this be applied to your life? That’s how the sermon is to be lived in your life starting today. May the Lord enable you to become all things to all people in the hopes that we might win some for the kingdom.

Time in the Word Epiphany 5

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Time in the Word

30 January–4 February 2012

Preparation for next week, Epiphany 5

Collects for Epiphany 5—O Lord, keep Your family the Churchcontinually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace,we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son,our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now andforever. Amen.

O God, our lovingFather: Through the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, Thou dost plant the gifts of loveinto the hearts of Thy faithful people. Grant to Thy servants soundness of mindand body, so that they may love Thee with their whole strength, and with theirwhole heart do these things that are pleasing in Thy sight; through JesusChrist, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the HolyGhost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Morning Prayer – I thank You, my heavenly Father, throughJesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm anddanger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and everyevil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commendmyself, my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, thatthe evil foe may have no power over me.

Evening Prayer – I thank You, my heavenly Father, throughJesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and Ipray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, andgraciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my bodyand soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe mayhave no power over me.

Healing for Suffering Humanity

In the season of Epiphany we look at Jesus as He begins Hisearthly ministry and we ask the question, “is he legitimate?” The answer isfound in what Jesus says and what He does. He fulfills the predictions andprescriptions set forth in the Old Testament Scriptures. With the Apostle Johnwe can say, “And we behold His glory as of the only begotten from the Father,full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Can Jesus deliver on this foretelling? He is the healer of asuffering humanity. That is our theme for this week. Sufferings, hardship andadversity are facts of life in this fallen world.

Monday, 30 January 2012 – Psalm 112:1, 3, 7-9; Antiphon, Ps112:4 – In Hebrew, this psalm has a special form: it is an acrostic. After theopening Hallelujah, its 22 lines start with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet,in order. It extols the blessedness of the “man who fears the LORD;” that is,he acts out of reverence and awe of God’s commands and works, and gladly doeswhat pleases his Lord. He is righteous, not by what he does, but by what Godhas done for him; as a result, he lives in an upright manner.

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 – Psalm 147:1-12 – “How good it isto sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!” We praisethe Lord for His mighty power and unlimited understanding (v. 4); for His mercyshed upon the humble and needy (vv. 2, 3, 6); for His judgment upon the wicked(v. 6); and His provision and sustenance of all creation (vv. 8-9).

Wednesday, 1 February 2012 – Job 7:1-7 – Job endures physicalas well as mental suffering. The lament of Job that life is hard is the lamentof all men since the Fall of Adam. We suffer in countless ways, some more andsome less, but look forward to the end of our days here in this vale of tears,for our God will gather us to Himself, and there will be no more pain, sorrow,or suffering. Jesus began this work, as we shall read in the Gospel, as He wentabout healing the sick and afflicted. His work shall be brought to completionon the Last Day.

Job experiences the misery of life. The depth of sufferingis illustrated in Job’s experience. We know that God has allowed thesesufferings. Job’s friend Eliphas hints that Job is somehow at fault as hesuggests that God rewards the righteous and afflicts the wicked. Job maintainshis innocence despite his despair and hopelessness.

Thursday, 2 February 2012 – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 – Paulidentifies with people of all conditions to win them for Christ. St Paulboasts, not of himself, but of the Gospel. What a privilege it is for him, andall of us, to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus! He cannotbut go out to all – Jew, Gentile, weak, strong – and proclaim the forgivenessthat belongs to all men through the merits of Christ.

Friday, 3 February 2012 – Mark 1:29-39 – Jesus healsvarious physical and mental diseases.Here we see Jesus, doing His proper work – delivering people from the effectsof their sins. He goes about healing diseases, foreshadowing eternal life,where there will be no disease. He casts out demons, foreshadowing how He willdefeat the devil on the cross and cast out the prince of this world into theabyss.

He preaches – preaches the Good News of salvation which Godhas delivered unto His people in the sending of His Son into the world for theredemption of our sins.

There is a spiritual side to human suffering. Jesusidentifies the source of disease; demon possession. Yet the demons must keepsilent until Jesus has gone to the cross. Notice the Centurion’s faith as heconfesses Jesus as Lord.

Some questions this text raises:

That which cannot kill you can only make you stronger. True?

Does god only reward the righteous and afflict the wicked?

The church today “trauma center” or “gymnasium” which is it?

How can disease and hardship be in fact “the work of thedevil”?

Can we say that sickness is akin to demon possession?

What if a person doesn’t get better?

Saturday, 4 February 2012 – Songs of Thankfulness and Praise(TLH 134) – “Epiphany” means “appearance.” In this season of Epiphany, we celebratemany of the epiphanies of God in human flesh: to the wise men, at His Baptism,and in His healing (stanzas 1-3). And, we look forward to His final appearance,when He shall come in judgment (stanza 4), and we shall sing His praiseseternally, even as we sing them now (stanza 5).

Source:

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Thing

Epiphany 4

2012-01-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Mark 1:21-28
"Authority, so what?"

It is one thing to have authority and it is another to have that authority accepted. Lack of respect for authority is a problem of our day. Thirty-five years ago, millions in Iran demonstrated against the Shah to the point that he had to leave the country. The people refused to bow to his authority. Though he had authority as a king, his authority was no longer accepted, respected, and obeyed by a majority of the people. The same can happen to any person of authority, including Jesus Christ. What is our response to His authority? We must consider that question this morning. How should we properly respond to Jesus’ authority?

1. First, we must recognize His authority – Listen to verse 22 of our text for today. “And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as the scribes.”

From the testimony of the Scriptures, we see quite clearly that when Jesus speaks and when He acts people are bound to take notice. Jesus proved that He had that authority that comes from God by what He said. He spoke for God. But He backs up His words with His works. Jesus speaks and Jesus acts! He says only those things that God can say. He works miracles and acts of kindness that only God can perform. This truly is God in the flesh. No one can work like Him. No one can speak like Him. By His words and by His works we are called to recognize that there is none other. On He can be the Son of God.

Transition: But there is more than merely recognizing Jesus’ works and words for what they are. Few today would dispute what He has done. Few, if any, would put a disclaimer on His words and actions. But how do we respond to what He has said? What is our reaction to the miracles that He works? His words and works call us to action.

2. We must also respect Jesus’ authority – Listen to verses 23 and 24 of our text for today. “And just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!"

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil himself recognizes Jesus’ power and authority. This is clearly demonstrated in our lesson for today. The devil was calling Jesus out. Respecting His authority, the devil knew that Jesus has the authority to destroy him. “What are going to do to us?” The demon asks. “Have You come to destroy us?” The demon knew his fate. He will be doomed forever by the one who has the authority to destroy him. That’s why he asks the question! It’s not a matter that he would be destroyed. That fact is perfectly obvious. The question is when, when will this demon be destroyed. Will you destroy me now or later, for You are the Holy One of God.

Our enemies make for our best critics. The demon gives testimony that this Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God. We too, are called to acknowledge what even Jesus’ fiercest enemies are called to do. We are to respect Him for He is our Lord Almighty. The one to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He, Jesus, is Lord of all.

3. We must finally respond to Jesus’ authority – Listen to verses 25 and following of our text for today. “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

The inevitable happens. After nine anxious months a baby is finally delivered. We know what is coming. Yet, when that blessed event happens, we are filled with awe. We take in a spectacular sunrise or sunset. We recognize that this is something that happens every day.

The sun is supposed to rise and the beginning of the day. We expect it to set as dusk turns to night. However, when we take it all in we are filled with wonder and awe. Likewise when recognizing Jesus we respond with shouts of thanksgiving. As we are reminded in the catechism. “For it is my duty to thank and to praise, to serve and obey Him!” Yes, this is most certainly true!

The confrontation of Jesus with the demon only heightened the reality that this Jesus is King and Lord of all. May we resound in kind by offering Him our lives for service in His kingdom. Willingly following Him and praising Him for all that He has done.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 4

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The theme for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany the wordauthority. Jesus teaches and heals with authority. A prophet like Moses is tobe obeyed because he speaks the words of God. This is an authority of God’sWord. In the Epistle lesson authority is implied: Knowledge of God givesauthority to be free from idols. A review of Luther’s great teaching hymn “DearChristians, One and All, Rejoice” would be an excellent devotional guide as youread the propers for this coming week.

Collect for Epiphany 4— Almighty God, You know we live inthe midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grantstrength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through alltemptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reignswith You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayers for the Epiphany Season – O God, you know that wecannot withstand the dangers which surround us. Strengthen us in body andspirit so that with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that oursins has brought upon us.”

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom andto teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit, that we, too,may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaimliberty to the captives.

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Youronly-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy inheaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen

For citizenship – Lord keep this nation under Your care.Bless our nation with faithful leaders that we may be a people at peace amongourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that he maymake wise decisions for the general welfare and serve You faithfully in thisgeneration; through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

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

Monday, January 23, 2012—Psalm32:1-2, 5-7- The Antiphon, istaken from Psalm 32:10 “Many are the woes of the wicked but the Lord’sunfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.” Appealing to God’sunfailing love, kindness, mercy is frequent in the Old Testament since itsummarizes all that the lord covenanted to show to His people. This is anexcellent Psalm which gives testimony to the joy the sinner has havingexperienced the Father’s forgiveness in Christ.

Tuesday, January 24. 2012—Psalm 111—The key verse of thispsalm is verse 3,”Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousnessendures forever,” The Psalmist praises the Lord for His unfailingrighteousness. The psalm combines hymns of praise with instruction in wisdom.Truly, an excellent Psalm.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012- Deuteronomy 18:15-20— Theauthority of reception – who gave it to you. God promises to raise up a prophetlike Moses. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ last address to the people beforeentering the Promised Land. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson is a part of asection dealing with prophecy. A prophet like Moses is promised to replace thefalse prophets. This true Moses will mediate between the Lord and the people.The passage explains how through Moses God provided for the institution ofprophecy. True prophecy demands obedience on the part of the people and loyaltyby the prophets.

Thursday, January 26, 2012—1 Corinthians 8:1-13— Theauthority of revelation – what you know. Knowledge of God gives freedom to eatmeat offered to idols. Paul discusses a specific situation in Corinth whichcaused a problem for Christians. Pagans participated in offering animalsacrifices to their gods. Part of the meat was burned on an altar and the restwas sold for food at the markets. Some Christians had no qualms of buying suchmeat for home consumption while others were conscience-stricken at the idea,for it seemed to them that they were participating in a pagan practice. Paulsays no one should object to meats offered to idols because idols have noexistence. God is the one and only true God. However, if some weaker brothersstill feels it is wrong, those who have the knowledge that God alone is Godshould not each such meat to prevent offense and the destruction of theirfaith.

Luther speaking of “Christian liberty” once said theChristian is the freest of all men but the servant of all. Our knowledge of Godfrees us from superstition, legalism, and a bad conscience, but love enslavesus for the welfare of our brother who might not yet have such knowledge. Howmany Christians today are willing to sacrifice their freedom of life-style toprevent offending a narrow Christian?

Friday, January 27, 2012—Mark 1:21-28— The authority ofidentity – who you are. With authority Jesus teaches and drives out an uncleanspirit. After calling four disciples Jesus begins his ministry by teaching inthe synagogue at Capernaum. The people are impressed by His authoritativeteaching compared with the t4eaching of the scribes. A man in the congregationhas an evil spirit which addresses Jesus and knows Him to be the Messiah. Withauthority Jesus commands the demon to leave the man. At the very beginning ofHis ministry, Jesus comes into contact with evil powers. At God’s Son Heconquers the evil spirit. He does it by exercising His authority as God’s Son.

The word “immediately” (Vv.21,23) is a word Mark will oftenuse. It has theological significance. It denotes a sense of urgency andimportance. The Kingdom cannot wit. There is no place for laxity norprocrastination. One must work while it is day before the night comes. Thefields are white unto harvest. Jesus has a world to save in three years! He hasthe whole truth of God to reveal. He needs to set up a movement to carry on Hiswork when He leaves. The church today needs to imitate Christ in this matter toovercome lethargy.

Saturday, January 29, 2012—John 6:37- The hymn of the dayis, “Just as I Am, Without One Plea.” (LSB 570) God’s action not man’s isprimary in salvation and Christ’s mercy is unfailing. See John 6:44, 10:29,17:6, 18:9. This hymn has become a treasured hymn of many people.

Sources

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesusfeeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited topersonal and congregational use.

Epiphany 3

2012-01-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

"And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."(NASB)

Jesus came preaching, but what did He preach – law or gospel, or both? Mark gives us a summary of Jesus’ preaching. Since we honor and respect Jesus above all preachers, we would like to know the content of His preaching. What does Jesus have to say to us today? Our text gives us the answer…

Jesus preached the gospel of God

1. The time – "the time is fulfilled" – v. 15
Jesus began to preach in Galilee after John was put in prison. When John had finished his testimony, then Jesus began His public ministry. Notice what is happening here. The silencing of Christ's ministers shall not be the suppressing of Christ's gospel. John is imprisoned but the Gospel cannot be silenced. If some are laid aside, others shall be raised up. John’s imprisonment is the beginning of Jesus’ preaching. It is the signal for Jesus to carry on the same work that John had stated. Now Jesus is to begin with His message. And what is that message? Look at the second phrase of our verse for this morning.

2. The fact – "the kingdom of God is at hand" – v. 15
This is the message of what Jesus preached; "The gospel of the kingdom of God is at hand!" Christ came to set up the kingdom of God among us, that we might be brought into it, and that we might obtain salvation in His kingdom. He set up His kingdom by the preaching of His gospel, which brought about a power that has brought salvation and life.

Transition: The great truths Christ preached are found in our verse for this day. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. This time refers to the Old Testament, in which the kingdom of the Messiah was promised. A time was fixed for the introducing of God’s coming into this world. Jesus’ hearers on that day were not so well versed in those prophecies, nor did they observe the signs of the times, as to understand it themselves. Therefore Christ gives them His official notice; "The time once fixed in the past is now at hand. Glorious discoveries of divine light, life, and love, are now to be made; a new direction far more spiritual and heavenly than that, which you had been under, is now to commence."

3. The response – "repent and believe" –v.15
Notice how God keeps time. When the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand. Christ gave His hearers back then as well as us today the ability to understand the times that they might know what they ought to do. Christ tells us that that the kingdom is approaching. They must repent, and believe the gospel. They had broken the moral law, and could not be saved by their own good works for the hearers then as well as us today are condemned under guilt. They must therefore take the benefit of a covenant of grace, they must submit to a remedial law, and this is the evidence that God’s kingdom truly has come---there must be repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

By repentance, we must lament and forsake our sins, and by faith, we must receive the forgiveness of our sins. By repentance, we must give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith, we must give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins. Both of these; repentance and faith must go together.

We must not think that reforming our lives will save us without trusting in the righteousness and grace of Christ. Nor can we say that trusting in Christ will save us without the reformation of our hearts and lives. Christ has joined these two together, repentance as well as faith. And let no one think to put these two away. They will mutually assist and befriend each other. Repentance will quicken faith, and faith will make repentance evangelical; so that the sincerity of both together will be evidenced by a diligent conscientious obedience to all of God's commandments.

Thus with the arrest of John the preaching of the gospel by Jesus has begun, and thus it continues to this very. Still the call remains, repent, and believe; we are called upon to live a life of repentance and live a life of faith. That is the basis of the gospel message. That is our high Christian calling to this very day.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

The theme for the third Sunday after the Epiphany is theconcept of time. The word time is mentioned in each of the lessons. It was timefor Jesus to begin His ministry and to call disciples, time for Jonah to preachto the people and time for them to repent; and it was time for Christians tolive in the light of the end of time. As we seize the time to serve God in thisgeneration we have security in the knowledge of God’s nature. The Hymn for theday has its focus on Christ our true and only light.

Collect for Epiphany3— Almighty and everlasting God,mercifully look upon of infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majestyto heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives andreigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Prayers for theEpiphany Season – Almighty God, yousent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint uswith the power of your Spirit, that we, too, may bring good news to theafflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

O God, by the leadingof a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, whoknow You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, Yougave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Yourpeople grace to put away fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Yourvisitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You andthe Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Gospel is a good report, discourse and proclamation ofChrist, announcing that He is nothing else but pure goodness, love and grace.Such a report could not possibly be made concerning any other human being, or anyof the saints. For, although the other saints were men of quite good repute, areport on them does not constitute the Gospel as such. It is Gospel only whenthe goodness and grace of Christ are proclaimed. Even though mention is made offamous saints and their doings, this does not make the report the Gospel. TheGospel bases Christian faith and confidence solely on the rock, JesusChrist. (Martin Luther)

Monday, January 16,2012—Psalm113:1-2, 4, 7-8- TheAntiphon, is taken from Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to its setting,the name of the Lord is to be praised!” These words are taken from a hymn tothe Lord celebrating His high majesty and his mercies to the lowly. It wasprobably composed originally for the temple liturgy. As the Lord is enthronedon high, He is exalted over all creation.

Tuesday, January 17.2012—Psalm 62—The key verse ofthis psalm is verse 8, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfullymade; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”

The Psalmist commitshimself to Good when threatened by the assaults of conspirators who wish todethrone him. Verse three suggests a time of weakness and may indicate advancedage. Implicitly the psalm is an appeal to God to uphold him. No psalm surpassesit in its expression of simple trust in God. The little Hebrew word אַךְ (’ak) begins six of thetwelve verses; it is short, but significant, having the meaning “only.” “Mysoul finds rest only in God.” “He only is my rock and my salvation.” “Findrest, O my soul, only in God.”

Wednesday, January18, 2012- Jonah 3:1-5, 10—Jonahobeys God’s command to preach to Nineveh; the people and God repent. Jonahrefuses to obey God’s command to preach to Nineveh, the capital city of theAssyrians. After Jonah repents and is vomited out of a large fish Jonah obeysand preaches judgment to Nineveh. The coming disaster causes the government andpeople to repent. Thereupon God decides not to condemn the city. Jonah reflectsthe nationalistic concept of God. The Lord is not the God only Israel but ofany would repent and trust the Lord. Judgment motivates repentance and God’smercy is extended to any people who repent, regardless of nationality or race.God’s salvation depends on repentance and not on national origin.

Thursday, January 19,2012—1 Corinthians 7:29-31—Livein the light of Christ’s imminent return. This reading comes from the chapterdealing with marriage. The Lesson begins with life lives in relation to the endof the world and Christ’s return. Paulteaches that the status quo in one’s life should be maintained, for soon thewhole song will be over. A Christian is not to get involved with the world orto change his vocation. He is to continue doing what he has been doing, for theend of life on earth is near. Today’s life is to be viewed in relation toeternity. When this is done, the present issues of earthly life becomeinsignificant. Paul is not teaching withdrawal from the world [such as theAmish community] but to tolerating and persevering in what we are now doing.

In verses 29-31 Paul uses the phrase “as though” five times. He urges us to live as though conditions didnot exist. It is a kind of “make believe” style of life. Since the end of theworld is at hand, we are to live as though the world no longer existed. It is amanner of living that does not take seriously the things of this passing world.Our interests and values are set upon Christ’s values.

Friday, January 20,2012—Mark 1:14-20— Jesus beginshis ministry and calls four disciples. Jesus has been ordained in his ministryat his baptism. He struggles with Satan in deciding upon the method of hisministry. With John the Baptist arrested, He feels the urge to begin His publicministry. He begins to preach in Galilee.

The content of his preaching is the gospel of God, the goodnews that the King is here. In the light of this, people are believing andrepenting. Faith and repentance are not necessarily conditions of bringing orentering the Kingdom, but the response to the fact that the Kingdom is here inJesus. Then, Jesus begins to choose his leaders by calling four men whosefuture will be catching men.

Jesus immediately called certain ones to be disciples. Heknew whom he wanted and needed. He did not have to weigh the matter. There wasno problem of making up his mind. In like manner the Disciples accepted the call.To be a Christian one does not need neither to weight doctrinal matters nor toconsider theological alternatives. There is the certainty of responding to thechallenge of the call to follow the Master. There is no hesitation, no need tothink it over. In an instant one knows it is the right thing to do.

Philip Melanchthon one of the co-writers of our LutheranConfessions relied on this passage to show the proper Scriptural teaching thatrepentance always has two parts – contrition and faith.

Saturday, January 21,2012—Luke 1:79- The hymn of theday is, “O Christ, Our True and OnlyLight.” (LSB 839) Those who are lost, separated from God are found only inJesus Christ. In the season of Epiphany we see more clearly who Jesus reallyis. By His words and actions we come to the conclusion that He can only be Godmade flesh. See also Isaiah 9:1-2 and Malachi 4:2.

Sources

Luther’s Works: American EditEdition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 3131-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld,woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to usethese copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Epiphany 2

2012-01-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

John 1:43-51
"Your Part in Church Growth"

Parishes across our Synod are asked to fill out numerous forms this time of year to show how much they have grown and in many areas across our country, there are churches that have not confirmed or baptized an adult in over 3 to 5 years. Here at Zion God has blessed us yet may mainline churches have been losing members. Churches all across our synod are losing members. By God’s grace, we have grown. (By close to 25% over the last twenty-five years.) That’s remarkably good but there is still room for us to grow.

Across our national church body, there has been a new interest in adding numbers to the church. In the nineteenth century, evangelism was identified with mass meetings, revivals, and evangelists. Today we happily have turned to a Bible based form of evangelism in terms of what some like to refer to as "personal evangelism". Recent statistics show that people join the church primarily through the invitations of friends. Sometimes it is called "relational evangelism". A Christian becomes a friend of a non-Christian; the believer invites him/her to church, and does what he-she can to help that unchurched friend. Our text gives an example of this type of evangelism when Philip brought Nathaniel to see Jesus. This morning let’s see how you can help the church to grow…

1. You must first follow Jesus – Listen to verse 43 of our text for this morning…"The next day He purposed to go forth into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Philip was called immediately by Christ Himself. Philip was called in a direct way: Jesus found Philip. Christ sought us, and found us, before we made any inquiries after Him. . Philip was brought to be a disciple by the power of Christ going along with that word, "Follow Me!"

Here we see the nature of true Christianity; it is following Christ, devoting ourselves to His will and His way, attending His movements, and treading in His steps. Here we see the efficacy of the grace of God, as it is the rod of His strength.

David reminds us in Psalm 23 "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me". We find our totality in Christ alone. The world says "find yourself…find happiness in pursuing your own goals and traveling your own road, set your own compass, carve out your own niche in this world" John, on the other hand reminds us simply "He must increase, I must decrease"

2. You "find" an unchurched person - verse 45 "Philip found Nathaniel…" We are told that Philip was of Bethsaida, and Andrew and Peter were so too, (v. 44). These first disciples received not honor from the place of their roots, but reflected honor upon it. Bethsaida signifies the house of nets, because mostly fishermen inhabited it; there Christ chose disciples, who were to be furnished with extraordinary gifts of the Spirit. They did not need the ordinary advantages of learning; their knowledge came from on high. "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25”

Bethsaida was a wicked place. On the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee, Philip the tetrarch rebuilt Bethsaida and renamed it "Julias", after Julia, the daughter of Caesar Augustus.

In Matthew 11:21 we are told how Jesus spoke out against that city when He said "… Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes“ Yet even there was a remnant, according to the election of grace.

What mistakes and weaknesses Philip labored under: he called Christ "Jesus of Nazareth," whereas he was of Bethlehem; he called Jesus the Son of Joseph, whereas Joseph was but Jesus’ supposed Son. Philip serves us well as an n illustration. Young beginners in religion are subject to mistakes, which time and the grace of God will rectify. It was his weakness to say, we have found Him. Christ found both of them (Philip and Nathaniel before they found Christ. Philip did not yet comprehend what all of this meant but he was intent on finding his brother and sharing Christ with him.

So often, the excuse is made, "I don’t know it all so I can’t witness for Christ!" Jesus doesn’t expect us to "know it all" as if we ever could. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic Philip told Nathaniel all that he knew. That is what we are expected to do; we are to simply share Christ and tell our family and friends to come and see.

3. You tell what Jesus means to you - verse 45 (continued,) "Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and {also} the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Philip had just a simple acquaintance with Christ, yet he steps aside to seek Nathaniel. Notice what is happening here. When we have the fairest opportunities of getting good to our own souls, yet ever then we must seek opportunities of doing good to the souls of others, remembering the words of Christ, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," (Acts 20:35). Philip simply said, “we have found him of whom Moses and the prophets have written".

Notice the joy that Philip has upon this new acquaintance with Christ: "We have found him whom we have so often talked of, so long wished and waited for; at last, he is come, he is come, and we have found him!"

4. You invite the person to see Jesus - verse 46 "And Nathaniel said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him," Come and see." Come and see. Let us not stand arguing here, and raising difficulties to ourselves, which we cannot get over; let us go and converse with Christ Himself and these difficulties, will all vanish! It is folly to spend that time in doubtful disputing. Granted, there is much to be said for wanting "pure teaching "and "correct doctrine" and yet much time is sadly spent over disputes that matter little in the final analysis. "When reckoned in the counsels of God, whose going to care anyway!"

Philip persuades his brother to experience Christ personally. This is what we are called to do to share Christ and to experience Him personally in our life. Philip says to his brother Come and see; not, Go and see, but, "Come, and I will go along with you".

Jesus would go forth into Galilee to call these two brothers... Christ will find out all those that are given to Him, wherever they are, and none of them shall be lost. In mercy, He has called and found us. Like Philip go forth this day as you share Christ with your family and friends inviting them to come and see.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 2

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayers for the Epiphany Season – O God, by the leading of astar You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who knowYou by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to becomeincarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly luststhat they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, wholives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lord God, You showed Your glory and led many to faith by theworks of Your Son. As He brought gladness and healing to His people, grant usthese same gifts and lead us also to perfect faith in Him.

For divine guidance – Heavenly Father, send Your Holy Spiritinto our hearts to direct and rule us according to Your will, to comfort us inall our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into alltruth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for grace to receive the Word –Blessed Lord, Youhave caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that wemay so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patienceand comfort of Your Holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessedhope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God and men proceed in contrary ways. People settle first onwhatever is best, and afterward they deal with what is worse. God first givesthe cross and affliction, then honor and blessedness. He does this is becausewe seek to preserve the sinful flesh, which urges us to keep the Law by worksand offer promises great and sweet. But the result has a stale taste. Andalthough the flesh is intoxicated with great promises, it does not feel itswretchedness. Yet when the wine is digested and the false promises gone, thewretchedness appears. God, however, terrifies the conscience, sets on miserablewine, in fact nothing but water. Then He consoles us with the promises of theGospel which endure forever. (Martin Luther)

Time in the Word

January 9-14, 2012

Preparation for next week, Epiphany 2

The theme for the second Sunday after the Epiphany is quiteclear –the call of God. Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to discipleship in theGospel. God calls Samuel to be his prophet in the Old Testament lesson. ThroughPaul and the church God calls us to glorify Him in our bodies. When we respondto God’s call, we appreciate His goodness and thus we break forth in praise.

How many today feel that they are carrying our a call ofGod? Probably, very few. For most, life is a matter of making a living as bestthey can and getting some enjoyment out of doing it. Under this philosophy, theone thing they look forward to is retirement – no work and all play! Christiansare different. Their lives are a fulfillment of God’s call to a specific task.

God the Father calls you to a holy vocation – 1 Samuel3:1-10

God the Son calls you to discipleship – John 1:43-51

God the Spirit calls you to glorify God – 1 Corinthians6:12-20

Collect for Epiphany 2— Almighty and everlasting God, whogoverns all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Yourpeople and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, YourSon, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, nowand forever.

Monday, January 09, 2012—Psalm 40:1-5- The Antiphon, istaken from Psalm 40:10 “I do not hide you r righteousness in my heart; I speakof Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truthfrom the great assembly. ” When speaking of the Lord we must center ourconversation on His faithfulness and salvation which flows from righteousness.The word Epiphany literally means, I see, I understand, I see the light, I getit! In Epiphany we “get it!” This Jesus whom we have worshipped at Christmastruly is the Son of God. By grace, through faith, by the Spirit’s aid we arebrought to a right understanding of spiritual things; finally we “get it!”

Tuesday, January 10. 2012—Psalm 139:1-10—The key verse ofthis psalm is verse 14, I praise youbecause I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I knowthat full well” The Psalmist is saying literally “Lord you know me as one whoformed me yet I can not begin to comprehend this creature you have fashioned. Ican only look upon him with awe and wonder.” Miracles happen all around us.Some might wonder if the Lord will support them in the New Year. The antiphonaffirms He will. He acts in our lives so we can see that the plan He has for usand the path he has determined for us will be the best for us. Fare thee wellchild of God His sure hand shall guide you.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012—1 Samuel 3:1-10— The childSamuel hears God’s call to be a prophet. In the temple at Shiloh, the boySamuel is serving the priest Eli. He sleeps near the Ark of the Covenant, asymbol of God’s presence. One night Samuel is called. Twice he mistakes thevoice of God for Eli’s. Then Eli instructs the boy to say, “Speak, Lord, foryour servant hears.” Samuel obeys and God speaks to him of future happenings inIsrael.

Thursday, January 12, 2012—1 Corinthians 6:12-20— The humanbody is to glorify God. People in the Corinthian church were sexually immoralfor religious reasons. They accepted the truth that Christ’s death on the crossfulfilled the law for them. Since they were saved by grace alone, they feltfree to do what they pleased. Some of them participated in sexual perversion.Paul counters this thinking by giving a theology of the body. These words ofPaul give us a divine perspective. We are not free to do as we please. Thegrace of God is not a license to sin.

Friday, January 13, 2012—John 1:43-51— Jesus calls Philipand Nathanael. When Jesus is in the area of John the Baptism, He calls Andrewand Peter as disciples. Then He goes to Galilee and calls Philip of Bethsaida.Philip asks Nathanael to come and see one, who he claims, is the Messiah.

At first Nathanael is skeptical and asks if anything goodcan come from an insignificant village of Nazareth. When Jesus tells Nathanaelthat he saw him under a fig tree at the time when Philip invited him, Nathanaelchanges his mind and calls Jesus the Son of God and King. Jesus did not wanthim to base his opinion on a miracle and promises that Nathanael will seegreater things in the future.

Notice the word of Jesus’ call to Philip denotes arelationship between Christ and the Christian. To follow Jesus means weacknowledge and accept Him as shepherd, leader, and master. It is not anassociation of peers. There is no democratic relationship of equality. The wordalso indicates our position in the relationship. To follow Him does not mean wewalk with Him (beside Him), nor before Him, but behind Him. He is first and weare second; He is leader and we are followers; He is master and we areservants.

Saturday, January 14, 2012—Matthew 16:24- The suggested hymn of theday is, “Come Follow Me, the Savior Spake” (LSB 688) Nathanael is asked to follow as the Saviorhas directed him. Some decisions we makeare life altering. Where do we go for direction in life? We seek the Lord. AsHe has promised to guide us we too must follow. It would do us little good ifwe decide to head in the opposite direction from whence we should go. This muchloved hymn speaks of the Lord guiding His own.

Sources

Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesusfeeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited topersonal and congregational use.

The Baptism of our Lord

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Mark 1:4-11
The Three Great Days of Your Life

What would you say was the greatest day of your life? A Wedding? A Graduation? Possibly Childbirth? A Christian has three great days of his/her life; they happen to be the day he is born into this world, the day he is born-again in baptism, and the day he is born into glory. What do you think? Are these the three most important days of your life? Let’s see why these are the three greatest days you will ever have…

1 The day of your birth – "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth" verse 9

Life is a great privilege and adventure. It began on your birthday. When you were born into this world, you became a part of the human race. You became a part of your family. You were given the gift of life and placed here upon this world to be a part of society; to contribute, to provide for others. You were given talents, abilities and gifts to praise God as you serve your neighbor. Yes, your birthday is important for it is the day that you were officially welcomed into this world and were recognized as a person living on this earth.

2 The day of your rebirth-Baptism- "was baptized by John" verse 9

Why is baptism the second greatest day in your life? From the old baptismal rite we recall these words "We also learn from God’s Word that we are all conceived and born sinful and are in need of forgiveness. We would be lost forever unless delivered from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. But the Father of all mercy and grace has sent His Son Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sin of the whole world that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (LW Agenda pg. 91) Why is the day of your baptism such an important day? In baptism, we are given life- new life in Jesus.

A. New Birth is given in baptism- "The Spirit descending upon Him like a dove" –10 When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit fell on Him and from that moment He began His public work of proclaiming that the Kingdom of God had come. Likewise, when you were baptized you received the Holy Spirit into your life. You received the full measure of the Holy Spirit in your baptism. In your baptism, you were given a new birth, a washing away of your sins and a renewal of the Holy Ghost. There is nothing lacking in you – your baptism makes you complete!

B. When you were baptized you received an adoption into God’s family – the Father called Jesus "My beloved Son" –11 As Jesus was called God’s one and only Son so in your baptism God called you His only child. You are a part of a human family by virtue of your human birth – but what an even greater family you were born into when you became a part of God’s family! You are a child of God! You are a part of God’s family! Because of the wonderful gift of baptism, you are a child of the King!

Transition: The day you were born into this world, the day you are born again in baptism and finally, the third great and glorious day for you is the day that you are born into glory. That’s your third birthday!

3 The day you are born into glory. Jesus would again hear the voice of His Father will you hear His voice too?

A. "Well done good and faithful servant" were the words that Jesus heard as He accomplished all that the Father sent Him out to do. He came into this world to suffer and die for the sins of the entire world. He came to redeem and to save that which was lost. He came to redeem me a lost and condemned creature…He has purchased me from sin, from death and from the power of the devil not with gold or silver but with His holy precious blood and His innocent sufferings and death. Well done! is what the Father will say to you on the day that you enter into glory.

B. Enter into the glory I have prepared for you… That is what the Father will say to you because of the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. Jesus suffered and died for me so "that I might be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness" "Even as Jesus is risen from the dead so He lives and reigns through all eternity!" Jesus has said, "Because I live you will live also!" Jesus has said, "Were I am going there you will follow" Heaven is your destiny because Jesus Christ has risen to new life and bestows that life to you!

The year 2012 is fresh before us…like a virgin field of fresh fallen snow. A New Year should remind us of grace – God’s do over. We are entering into a new era. What will be said of this generation and of you as you live out your days in the year 2012 and beyond? May it be said of us that we have found the importance of these three important days of our lives. Live for Christ daily – make each day count! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Prayers for Epiphany – O God, by the leading of a star Youmade known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You byfaith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through JesusChrist our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to becomeincarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly luststhat they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, wholives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Lightof Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives;through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns withYou and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers as we enter a new year – Lord God, You have calledYour servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yetuntrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage,not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your lovesupporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, grant Your mercy andgrace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience,and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and ofservice to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Let us honor Christ’s baptism and celebrate this fest inholiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives suchpleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of human beings, for whom hisevery word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force forall humanity, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as youstand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is thelight of heaven. You are to enjoy more and more the pure and dazzling light ofthe Trinity. For now you have received — through not in its fullness —a ray ofits splendor, proceeding from the one God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom beglory and power for ever and ever. (Leo the Great)

Time in the Word

January 2-7, 2012

Preparation for next week, The Baptism of our Lord

The first Sunday after the Epiphany is a special day – thebaptism of our Lord. In the early church Epiphany was celebrated in terms ofJesus’ baptism. In keeping with the festival, the liturgical color is white.The Gospel lesson records the events of John baptizing Jesus in the JordanRiver. With His baptism Jesus will begin His earthly public ministry. Johncomes preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. He prepares the way forJesus by telling the people that one is coming who will baptize with theSpirit. Then comes Jesus from Nazareth and is baptized by John. According to Mark, this is a personalexperience of Jesus, for He alone saw the dove and heard the Father’s voice.From this moment Jesus is the Son of God.

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord—Father in heaven at theBaptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son andanointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His namefaithful to their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him ofeverlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reignswith You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, January 2, 2012—Psalm 2:7-11, 12c- The Antiphon, istaken from Isaiah 42:1a “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom mysoul delights.” In ancient times the term “servant” meant something like“trusted envoy” or “confidential representative” but here there is more. Thisis the Lord’s chosen one, the one in whom the Lord delights, the one in whomthe Lord’s Spirit is given. This is a prediction of Christ who comes to makeour salvation a reality. With His baptism not only does the Savior begin Hisministry but from here on there can be no turning back. Salvation will find itscompletion at a bloody and cruel cross and an empty tomb.

Tuesday, January 3. 2012—Psalm 29—The key verse of thispsalm is verse 3, The Voice of the Lordis over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over themighty waters.” The Voice of God is thetheme for Psalm 29 which blends with the theme for this coming Sunday that theVoice of the Father was heard by the Savior. In the thunderstorm, sometimesfrightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012—Genesis 1:1-5— The Old Testamentlesson for the Baptism of our Lord reminds us once again that the Voice of Godis important. In ten phrases the Creator of the Universe speaks the world intoexistence. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson will focus on Day 1. Merely byspeaking God brought all things into being – see also Psalm 33:6, 9 and Hebrews11:3. God’s first creative word called forth light in the midst of thedarkness. Light is necessary for making God’s creative works visible and lifepossible. As you have been baptized God is re-creating faith in a oncesin-darkened heart.

Thursday, January 5 2012—Romans 6:1-11— Paul will explainboth the when and how of the Christian’s death to sin. Baptism is a means bywhich we enter into a vital faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a meansof receiving God’s grace, and it depicts graphically what happens as a resultof the Christian’s union with Christ. Through faith we are united with Christ,just as through our natural birth we are united with Adam. As we fell into sinand became subject to death in father Adam, so we now have died and been raiseagain with Christ – with baptism effects.

Friday, January 6, 2012—Mark 1:4-11—Sunday’s Gospel readingis St. Mark’s account of the baptism of our Lord. In Jesus’ baptism, God theFather proclaimed Jesus His Son, whom He loves. In His baptism, our sins arewashed onto Jesus, and the baptismal waters sanctified, that they might washour sins off us. We, too, are beloved of God. The day of our Baptism is one ofthe greatest days in our lives, when our old man was drowned in those sacredwaters, and our new selves, righteous and holy, were brought forth to “livebefore God in righteousness and purity forever.”

The Father declares that Jesus is His Son. Here Jesusreceives the knowledge of His identity, His self-understanding, and of Hismission in life as the messiah. Wasn’t Jesus God’s Son prior to His baptism ordoes this mean that this is the first time Jesus came to a realization of whoHe was? It is important to note that we only know who we are and what we are todo in relation to the Father. When we know whose we are, we know who we are.Baptism for us is the time of adoption as children of God. By His grace we areaccepted as children of His kingdom. Baptism is the initiation andincorporation into the body of Christ.

Saturday, January 7, 20012— Matthew 3:13-17; Hebrews 2:17;Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:21 - The hymn of the day for the Baptism of our Lordis, To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord (LSB 405) In this hymn reference are madeto the Savior’s baptism. The Theme for the day emphasizes baptism as the timeof the Spirit’s reception and the beginning of ministry.

Sources

Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes1 ion. 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesusfeeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited topersonal and congregational use.

Election year thoughts

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

A national election will held on Tuesday, 6 November 2012.As a nation, we will be electing leaders on a local, state and national level.A yearlong debate will remain as the nation considers which individuals will beour country’s leaders. Discussions begin in earnest January 1.

According to the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms (referred bymany as the doctrine of Church and State), we Christians recognize ourpresident (and all elected leaders whether on the local, state or nationallevel) as God’s man for this time - whether he knows and understands it or not.St. Paul in Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Everyone must submit himself to thegoverning authorities for there is no authority except that which God hasestablished. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” For thisreason we are directed to “give everyone what you own him: If you owe taxes,pay tassel if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect, if honor, thenhonor.” [Romans 13:7]

Daily we should pray for our leaders that the Lord wouldgive them wisdom. They need the Lord’s direction to use their power for ourcountry’s good so that we may live in peace and safety. They need divineguidance that we as free people might exercise our rights of free assembly andworship. We need to treasure our freedoms and support those who have sworn toprotect them so that we can gossip the Gospel before the Lord returns in glory.

We live under a representative republic, which means weelect individuals to stand in for us for a certain moment of time. Every fouryears we inaugurate a head of state, not a king. When we are satisfied with ourleader’s work, they are re-elected. If not, others will take their place. Weare given freedoms in this great country: to speak our mind, to disagree, andto come together. Every time a new administration is elected, there is apeaceful transfer of the figurehead of power. There are no riots. Life does notcease. In all reality, not much changes. The bureaucrats keep their jobs.

Weare living in challenging times. In many respects, we are entering unchartedwaters. Some of these challenges we have not had to confront in over fiftyyears. Others have been looming over us for a while. Now they need to beaddressed. We will need the best minds our country has to face the difficultiesand challenges of our 21st Century. In this New Year, commit yourself to dailypray for those who serve as your representatives. Vigilance is needed. Servingboth God and country is what makes us model citizens. Love God. Serve yourneighbor. Be a sermon in shoes.

Christmas 1

2011-12-31T00:31:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:25-40

"Would You Recognize Christ If You Saw Him?"

Would you recognize Christ if you saw Him? Now that is an interesting question, isn’t it? After all, what is one baby among so many? Don’t they all look alike? If nobody told you who the baby was or who the parents were, would you know this child? Here is the marvel and miracle of Simeon. The baby Jesus, according to our text for this morning, is only forty days old. Simeon had never met the baby’s parents. Yet, in this baby, Simeon recognized the Messiah. How many see Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior? What does one have to have to recognize the Christ in this child Jesus? That my friends, is the question we will consider this morning, The first Sunday after Christmas, the dawn of a New Year – January 1, 2012.

To recognize the Christ in Jesus there are three things that are necessary.

1 To recognize the Christ we must first look for Him in hope. Listen to verse 25 of Luke’s Gospel Now there was in Jerusalem a man called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him…"

Simeon had looked for the Savior’s coming for many a year. We have witnessed His coming and we anticipate His Second Coming on the last great day. Like Simeon, we need to look for Him in a hope that He will come at just the right time. As He came the first time at just the right time, he will also come again in glory at just the right time. There is still a time for us to wait for Jesus. It is not in the anticipation of the celebration at Christmas but rather it is in living in anxious expectation for Him to return at just the right time to take us to be with Him in glory. Like Simeon Live in that hope.

2 To recognize the Christ we must live close to God. Luke tells us something about Simeon’s character. He was "…righteous and devout…" (v.25)

The Old Testament lesson for today (Isaiah 45:22-25) tells us to "turn." (v.22) This is a common word in the Old Testament. Often it is used as "return". It means to repent, to change one’s mind, and make an about face from serving Satan to serving God.

To turn indicates that a person has sinned by going away from God, by being faithless in serving false gods and rebelling against the true God. To turn means grace. God asks us to come back to Him and if we do, there is forgiveness and acceptance. Simeon remains for us an excellent role model of what it means to remain faithful. It does not mean that one remains perfect in every respect but rather that we see in Christ the reason for our salvation and then in repentance and faith we turn to Him for life. That’s what it means to be devout. That’s what it means to live close to God. To have our focus on Christ is what is needed today.

3 To recognize the Christ we must be led of the Spirit. Luke tells us in verse 27 & 28: "Move by the Spirit, he went to the temple courts…and took the child in his arms…"

Simeon was a Spirit possessed man. He did not have to wait until Pentecost to get the Spirit. This reminds us that the Spirit is as old as God is, for the Spirit is God Himself. When and how Simeon received the Spirit, we do not know. It is enough that we see that the spirit possessed Simeon, for the Holy Spirit gave him the revelation that the baby Jesus was the Christ. The Holy Spirit inspired him to enter the temple at just the right time to see and behold Jesus. Likewise the same Spirit has directed you to behold this baby and for you to recognize Him as the Christ.

Having seen the Christ Simeon was now ready to depart from this world in peace. Simeon was now ready and content to die. He was willing to depart this life because he had received his wish to see the promised Messiah. In every person’s death, there is the time when the dying person accepts the reality and necessity of death, and then is ready to go. For Simeon, death had no terror because he, having seen Christ, was sure of his salvation. You and I have seen the Lord’s salvation as well. For us the future has no terror because we have seen the Lord’s Christ and thus we too are assured of our salvation.

May the prayer of Simeon be our prayer too as we have said farewell to 2011 and hello to 2012. Having witnessed Christ, we are now free to face the future with the same assurance as Simeon. We can be at peace for God is at peace.

New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forevermore"

Well here we are at the end of another year. 365 days have come and gone. On a night such as this we come with many mixed emotions. We might look back at the past year and wish that the year would not end. On the other hand some might wish that 2011 would be past history that we might get the year over with and move on to something more positive. In any life there are years that we savor and other years we would much rather forget.

Tonight we look back on a year gone by. We look bat at this past year and realize triumphs as well as failures. We see both disappointments and blessings; we find pains as well as pleasures. And yet, as we look at time that seems to fly by so quickly we see that our Lord Jesus remains timeless. In fact, what's more He never changes. Jesus remains consistent beyond time.

I. Jesus Christ has been right by our side in the past.

A. There was never a time in the past year when He didn't know of your situation or circumstance.
1. He's all knowing
2. He's all seeing
3. He's ever present

B. He has never left you down
1. There have been times when we have left Him down.
2. There have been times when we would not listen to His Word

Transition: But He remains changeless and that is why in the beginning even before time began before this world existed He established an eternal plan to save and redeem you.

II. He is with us right now.

A. To forgive us our sin
1. Establishing us as His own
2. Drawing us to Himself
3. Ever guiding and leading us

B. Where there is the forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation.
1. Jesus said: "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly…"
2. Salvation, having peace with God is a byproduct of this forgiveness.

III. As He has never left us down in the past and is actively involved in our lives at the present we can be assured that He will go with us in this New Year.

A. Changes might come our way in the New Year of 2012
1. Our Lord has some things to teach us.
2. All this is to draw us closer to Himself.

B. No matter what comes our way He's mighty enough to handle any problem we might have.
1. This is the only way we'll survive in this often-unpredictable world.
2. We can depend on Jesus our Savior.

We live in an ever in an ever increasing world of change. But in the midst of change Jesus remains changeless. He will be with us as He has in the past and will continue to be so even in the New Year. In His hands we will rest safe and secure.

Time in the Word - Christmas 1

2011-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Collect for theCircumcision and Name of Jesus (1 January): Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law andcaused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision ofthe Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sins; through JesusChrist, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,now and forever. Amen.

Collect for theCommemoration of St Stephen (26 December): Heavenly Father, in the midst ofour sufferings for the sake of Christ, grant us grace to follow the example ofthe first martyr, Stephen, that we also may look to the One who suffered andwas crucified on our behalf, and pray for those who do us wrong; through JesusChrist, our Lord.

Collect for theCommemoration of St John (27 December): MercifulLord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, beinginstructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, maycome to the light of everlasting life;

Collect for theCommemoration of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem (28 December): Almighty God, the martyred innocents ofBethlehem showed forth Your praise not by speaking but by dying. Put to deathin us all that is in conflict with Your will that our lives may bear witness tothe faith we profess with our lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Prayer for the NewYear: Eternal God, we commit to Yourmercy and forgiveness the year now ending and commend to Your blessing and lovethe times yet to come. In the new year, abide among us with Your Holy Spiritthat we may always trust in the saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Prayer for grace toreceive the Word: Blessed Lord, Youhave caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that wemay so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patienceand comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessedhope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Prayer before thestudy of God’s Word: Almighty God,our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Yourlight our search is in vain. Invigorate our study of Your holy Word that, bydue diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others inYour holy faith; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Circumcision, the covenant God made with Abraham and hisSeed, sealed His promises and blessings in the flesh, but it also signified theburden of the Law. When the Lord Jesus came in the flesh to redeem His people,He subjected Himself to that Law in order to fulfill the Law and release allpeople from its bondage. “He was called Jesus” (Luke 2:21), because He came tosave His people from their sins. Jesus first shed His blood on our behalf when“He was circumcised” (Luke 2:21), thus foreshadowing His shedding of blood asHe sacrificed Himself upon the Cross. We are “justified by faith” in His blood(Gal. 3:24). Therefore, we “are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according topromise” (Gal. 3:29), not by the circumcision of our flesh, but in the fleshand blood of Christ Jesus, the true Seed of Abraham. “Baptized into Christ,” webelong to Him and are clothed and covered by His righteousness (Gal. 3:27).Holy Baptism is the true circumcision made without hands, by which the LordJesus puts His Name on us and blesses us (Num. 6:22, 27).

Monday, 26 December2011—Psalm 40:6–8; antiphon,Psalm 40:16—Jesushas come in the flesh and fulfilled the entire Law for us, beginning with Hisfulfilling of the Law of Circumcision. Neither are animal sacrifices necessaryany longer, for these were only meant to point to the One who became thesupreme, once-for-all Sacrifice for the sins of the world; hence, David writes:In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me anopen ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. What isrequired for salvation is faith, received by the ear which God opens and intowhich He speaks His saving Gospel message.

Tuesday, 27 December2011—Psalm 8—Psalm 8 is a song of great praise to God for all the mighty works He hasdone in creating the universe, the earth, and all that is in them. But thegreatest work of all, is that He sent His Son into the world to assume flesh,the uncreated One becoming part of the creation, that He might redeem creationfrom the curse under which it fell when Adam and Eve first sinned. The Son ofGod, Creator of all things, it is He who has been made a little lower thanthe heavenly beings; yet, because of His work of salvation, He has been crownedwith glory and honor.

Wednesday, 28December 2011—Numbers 6:22–27—The OldTestament reading for next week is the well-known Aaronic benediction. The wordbenediction comes from the Latin word that means to bless. It iscalled the Aaronic benediction, because it was first given, here inNumbers, to the High Priest Aaron, brother of Moses, to bless the Children ofIsrael. Note that it is pure blessing; it makes no demands of the people, butsimply is a declaration of God’s benefit to them. They had been given His Name,and thus received a blessing.

Thursday, 29 December2011—Galatians 3:23–29—As God declared in the Old Testamentreading, He had put His Name on the people and they received His blessing.Likewise, He has put His Name on us, too, and, consequently, we also receiveHis blessings. In Holy Baptism, we were given the gift of faith and theforgiveness of sins. Baptized into the name of Christ, we are heirs andrecipients of all of God’s blessings: forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Friday, 30 December2011—Luke 2:21—Next Sunday’s Gospel reading is very short—onlyone verse! It tells of the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the eighth dayof His life. Fulfilling the Law of Moses with regard to circumcision, He firstshed His blood for us. Receiving the name which had been told to Mary by theangel Gabriel, it reflects who He is and what He came to do; for the name JESUSmeans the Lord (Yahweh) saves. Jesus is true God, come down from heavenfor one purpose: the salvation of as many as will believe in Him.

Saturday, 31 December2011—The hymn of the day, Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love (LSB #900),extols the Name that was given to the Savior at His circumcision, the Name thatSt Paul says is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every kneeshould bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:9–10).

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission onWorship

Artwork Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS

This week’s Time in the Word is written by The Revd JeffreyM. Keuning, Pastor of St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Casey, IA and ZionLutheran Church, Dexter, IA

Christmas Day

2011-12-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

“Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy” – Luke 2:10

The message of the angel to the shepherds was significant to say the least. The angel said “behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” The same message which came to these watchers has come to us this day. What would this message say to us today?

I. The message comes to men who were wide-awake.

A. They were “keeping watch” over their flocks. That was their vocation, their job, their life’s calling. When the message came to them they were found faithfully performing the duties of their chosen craft. Where have you been placed? The Gospel message is not for only one small aspect of our lives.

We cannot compartmentalize, placing Christ’s birth into only one small portion of our complicated life. Christ came to men, as they were busy doing their job, performing their task. The message of salvation was given to theses men where they lived. It fit into the environment into which they lived. Likewise, the significance and importance of Christ’s birth comes to you and me in our life, where we live and work.

B. The time for the appointed message had come and it was given. It was given to them that they might believe. Likewise the message of the Savior’s birth has been given to you and to me, at this time and for this same reason that we might believe and live.

C. God did not wait for the world to wake up. The angel would herald the message of Jesus’ birth without warning and it was given directly to these shepherds. It was important that these men knew that the Savior was born – immediately the message went out.

In your life, the Savior did not wait for another opportune time for you to hear this message of salvation. At the appointed time at the acceptable hour this message of salvation was given to you for your redemption and life. It was given to you directly – through the clear message of the Gospel – which is found in the pages of Scriptures and in the blessed Sacraments.

D. If men sleep when the Lord comes, it is not His fault. The message of salvation has been delivered at the proper time. The carols, the greeting of this season; “merry, happy and blessed Christmas” as an expression is direct that all might know and believe that the Savior has been born, and has come to us for our salvation. The message is clear – Behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy - for you a child is born, for you a son is given”, still many refuse to receive this message with joy.

II. The message came to disinterested workers

A. These men loved their flocks more then their own comforts. They worked the long hours because they felt a sense of duty and obligation to their jobs. Not much has changed over the years. There are countless people dedicating themselves to their jobs because they too feel a sense of obligation and purpose. Like these shepherds there are many people putting in long and tedious hours working at lonely and isolated jobs because of a sense of obligation and duty.

B. The visions that have blessed the world came to these men who watched while nations slept! The world hardly noticed that its Savior had been born. These men watch in wonder as the rest of the world slept. To us the announcement of Savior’s birth has been given. Does the world notice? Does this world seem to care? The only way in which the people of this world will know that to us a child is born and unto us a Son is given is for the Christian citizens to respond as these shepherds.

As nations slept these shepherds watched. As this world sleeps we need to be vigilant waiting for our Savior’s visitation, and then telling other of the wonderful things we have heard and seen. As these same shepherds returned back to their jobs, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen as it was told unto them” we in kind respond with the same message.

III. Is the fact significant that the message came to shepherds?

A. What inference should we draw from this fact? The Scripture is quite clear. “The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”. While James mentions that God has chosen those who are “poor” in the eyes of this world to be rich in faith. (2:5)

Paul explains in 1Corinthians 1 “Brothers think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; nor many influential; not many were of noble birth…But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one many boast before Him” (vv.26-29)

These shepherds were by no means wise, or influential by the world’s standards, nor would we guess that they were of noble birth. By the world’s standards the Savior was none of these either! Yet, the Savior makes Himself known to us in these hidden ways so that “no on may boast before Him”. No one would guess that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. No one would guess that He would be born in a stable. And no one would guess that His birth would be announced to shepherds.

But that was exactly the way in which He chose to make Himself known – in these hidden ways; in words from the pages of Scripture, in the water of baptism, in elements of bread and wine; in absolution, which is spoken.

B. This message has changed us. It certainly changed the shepherd’s lives. They had been told and they beheld the King, the Savior of the world, “wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger”. We too have heard and believe. For He has changed our life – as we have been drawn to Him.

The message the shepherds received is for you this day “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy…” To common shepherds this message was given. To people of a common faith we hear and believe. A blessed Christmas in Jesus’ Name.

Time in the Word - Christmas

2011-12-18T00:30:00.000-08:00

Collect for the Commemoration of St Thomas (21 December):Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firmand certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in JesusChrist, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight;through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the HolySpirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Christmas Eve: O God, You make us glad with theyearly remembrance of the birth of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grantthat as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidencebehold Him when He comes to be our Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, ourLord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now andforever. Amen.

Collect for Christmas Midnight: O God, You make this mostholy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that as wehave known the mysteries of that Light on earth we may also come to thefullness of His joys in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, ourLord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now andforever. Amen.

Collect for Christmas Dawn: Most merciful God, You gave Youreternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace toput away fleshly lusts, that they may be ready for Your visitation; throughJesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, oneGod, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Christmas Day: Almighty God, grant that thebirth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondageof sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Youand the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHRISTMAS EVE

O. T.: Isa. 7:10–14 — Epistle: 1 Jn 4:7–16 — Gospel: Matt.1:18–25

The Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus

Though Ahaz would not ask, the Lord gives a sign to theHouse of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall callhis name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). With this promise He signifies that salvation isby His grace alone; it is no work or achievement of man, but the Lord’s ownwork and His free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceivedand born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the sign is received in faith by theHouse of David in the person of Joseph(Matt. 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary” (NiceneCreed), God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus, Mary’s Son. Josephbelieves that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in hisimmediate and quiet obedience, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her infaith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this, that“the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world,” “to be thepropitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–12).

CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT

O.T.: Isa. 9:2–7 — Epistle: Titus 2:11–14 — Gospel: Lk2:1–14 (15–20)

The Light of Christ Shines Forth in the Darkness

Heaven and earth rejoice on this night, because the glory ofthe Holy Trinity is manifested in the human birth of “our great God and SaviorJesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), through whom the Father’s grace and mercy permeatethe world. Death’s silence is nullified by this “good news of great joy thatwill be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). And all we who have gone astray likelost and wandering sheep, who have “walked in the darkness” of doubt, fear, andsinful unbelief, behold “a great light” in the nativity of Jesus Christ (Is.9:2). In Him “the grace of God has appeared” (Titus 2:11). For this child ofMary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, bears theburden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. By initiating andfulfilling His earthly journey from nativity to crucifixion, Christ establishesa government of peace, “with justice and with righteousness,” which shall haveno end; not by any work of man, but “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will dothis” (Is. 9:7).

CHRISTMAS DAWN

O.T.: Isa. 62:10–12 — Ep.: Titus 3:4–7 — Gospel: Lk 2:(1–14)15–20

Christ Jesus Reveals Himself in the Signs He Has Given toHis Church

The Lord has not forsaken us. He has come to us and soughtus out to save us (Is. 62:11–12), so that, “being justified by His grace wemight become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). InChrist Jesus, conceived and born of Mary, “the goodness and loving kindness ofGod our Savior appeared” (Titus 3:4). Now He is lifted up in the Gospel, “asignal over the peoples” (Is. 62:10), that He might call us to rejoice in Hissalvation. St. Luke emphasizes the signs by which the shepherds once found Him:in Bethlehem, the City of David, “wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in amanger” (Luke 2:12). The same Lord Jesus reveals Himself to us in the sure andcertain signs of His Gospel. His Church is a true Bethlehem (House of Bread);for the Son of David, “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), feeds uswith His Body and His Blood from the manger of His altar, wrapped in under andwith bread and wine. We ponder these mysteries as we receive the Word of Godand live out our vocations, “glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:19–20).

CHRISTMAS DAY

O.T.: Isa. 52:7–10 — Ep.: Heb. 1:1–6 (7–12) — Gos.: Jn 1:1–14(15–18)

The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells Among Us inthe Flesh

The Lord sends out His ministers of the Gospel to makedisciples “of all the nations,” so that “all the ends of the earth shall seethe salvation of our God.” The Lord has “bared His holy arm” in the incarnateChrist (Is. 52:7, 10). The child in the manger, born of the Mary, is the veryWord of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, “whom He appointed the heirof all things, through whom He also created the world” (Heb. 1:2). As “allthings were made through Him” (John 1:3), so are all things redeemed and madenew in Him. In his body of flesh and blood, we behold “the radiance of theglory of God” (Heb. 1:3), “glory as of the only Son from the Father, full ofgrace and truth” (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace, that we might havelife and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel, we are bornagain as the children of God, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life.(In the picture at right, ὁ λόγος is Greek for ‘the Word’).

Lectionary summaries from LCMS Commission on Worship

Woodcuts by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872,a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch derBücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) © WELS.

Other artwork by Ed Riojas, ©Higher Things.

This week’s Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeffrey MKeuning who serves Zion, Dexter and St. John Casey congregations in the IowaWest District of the LCMS

Advent 4

2011-12-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

Luke 1:26-38

"Not For Women Only"

Some would argue that it is only Mary who could truly understand what it was to comprehend what the birth of Jesus really meant. They will contend that it was only Mary who carried Jesus for a period of 9 months within her; and so, it was only Mary who could understand what it meant to have Christ living inside of her. Is that a true statement?

In the letter to the Galatians St. Paul writes "My little children, with whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you" (Galatians 4:19) What Paul is getting at is that every Christian has the same privilege as Mary to possess Christ. Each of us has the opportunity to claim, "Christ lives in me!" This is the ultimate purpose of Christmas – to have Christ born in each believing heart. This morning, let’s consider the example of Mary, as we are to carry Christ within us:

1. Like Mary, we need a sense of unworthiness to possess Christ. Listen to verse 28 of our text for today: "Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be". What would your reaction be if an angel appeared to you? And what would your reaction be after receiving such a salutation as the one that she received? Certainly, she was neither sinless nor perfect. Her favor with God was in her willingness to be used for God’s purposes and to use her life in spite of what it may cost.

This is exactly what we are asked of God today, to be used for His purposes. He asks us to give God our life and say to the Lord "use me as your instrument".

2. Like Mary, we need a healthy reverence for God. Listen to verse 30 of our text for today: "But the angel said, fear not Mary for you have found favor with God" Yet, what does the angel say to her? He calls her favored by God. Mary was a favored girl. She found favor with God. To be favored meant to be approved of God and capable of carrying out God’s plan for the world.

What had she done to deserve this favor, or wasn’t it deserved? She was a simple, poor, and humble woman. He character was expressed however in her acceptance of the position, which fell upon her. She said, "Let it be to me according to your word."

3. Like Mary, we need to be open to the Spirit. Listen to verse 35 of our text for today; "The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God" Notice that when Mary received the news of her coming motherhood of the Messiah, she asked a sensible and normal question, "How? How will this happen?"

Since she was unmarried, how could she become a mother? Today,sadly, not every young girl would need to ask that question. Mary serves as a role model for our young both male and female alike. Virginity is the greatest gift you can give to your spouse. No, we do not venerate the saint…that is true. But we should follow their example. Virginity before marriage is noble and honorable before God.

The answer to Mary’s question is simple and yet so profound. How is this miracle to be performed? The answer is that the Holy Spirit would be the Father of God’s Son. The question "How?" was vital to Mary. To the Christian there are more important questions about this child; who is He and why is He coming? Who is He? He is the Son of God. Why is He coming to bear the sins of the world in His own body? He comes for those who are broken by their sin. He comes for those who are worried about their futures; how will I stand before God when He returns? He comes to bring salvation and life. He comes to bring us His mercy and grace.

4. Like Mary, we need to be a submissive servant. Listen to verse 38 of our text for today; "I am the Lord’s servant…may it be to me as you have said". This is an impossible situation! A birth without a father, a peasant girl becoming the mother of God; and God becomes a person! Yet, NOTHING is impossible with God! Christmas is God’s work and action! He comes in the person of Jesus Christ. He chooses Mary, He chooses you and me> He produces a life by the Spirit. Because Christmas is of God, the impossible becomes possible.

What is it that is impossible in your life today? NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! Do you believe it? Do you want to believe it but are afraid that it just won’t happen? If Jesus can be born of the Virgin Mary nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with God. Trust in Him! Christmas is God’s guarantee that all things are possible and nothing is impossible for God!

mid-week Advent 3

2011-12-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, as we sit these days in darkness, we lookto the advent of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, as our light. Grant even now youreternal light to come to us for our salvation on the Last Day. Come, LordJesus. Amen.

The days have grown shorter, and already tonight—even as wesat to supper—darkness has surrounded us. As we neared the end of this pastchurch year, we heard every Sunday about the Last Day. Through November, wewatched the trees lose their leaves and become bare. The earth we saw dry andharden for winter as well. The days even then were growing shorter, but now, inAdvent, we see all the clearer our helplessness in the expanding dark.

And what can we of ourselves do about the darkness? We dohave electricity. And when that fails, we have candles. But even with theseutilities, our sight is limited. And without these utilities, our sight isgone. Ultimately, we must recognize our dependency upon something. In thedarkness, we are blind. Look outside and walk at this hour, and you will knowyour bondage in this dark place. In the dark, you know only yourself. Youcannot long keep track of anyone else. In the dark, you know you are alone. Ourblindness in the dark of night only illustrates a more severe blindness—ourspiritual blindness. As Isaiah speaks to our condition, “We grope for the walllike the blind; / we grope like those who have no eyes; / we stumble at noon asin the twilight, among those in full vigor we are like dead men.”

Advent, though, is a time of hope. Amid the mall and outletstore bustle, we latch onto that true purpose of the season—the ChristmasChild. But how ironic that during this season of hope, our days grow darker anddarker, with darkness increasing even into the day of Christmas itself! Thisdarkness, these last autumn days—these days of Advent—in which we now walkdemonstrate to us our need for a saving light. Therefore, the growing darknessas we approach Christmas is not really so ironic. Here, in the night, we gropedesperately for the manger light.

And God does not leave us in the darkness! Nor does He waitfor us to find our own way. No! He brings the light to us! The Light—GodHimself—became man and dwelt among us. “In Him was life, and the life was thelight of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has notovercome it.” Again, the glory of Godshone upon the shepherds in the night, as His angel proclaimed His word tothem: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will befor all the people.” God breaks throughdarkness to us in His Son Jesus Christ.

In Christ, God fulfills His promises to His people. As Hespoke through the prophet Isaiah, “I will give you as a covenant for thepeople, / a light for the nations, / to open the eyes that are blind, / tobring out the prisoners from the dungeon, / from the prison those who sit indarkness.” God continues, saying, “Iwill lead the blind in a way that they do not know, / in paths they have notknown I will guide them. / I will turn the darkness before them into light, /the rough places into level ground. / These are the things I do, / and I do notforsake them.”

In this way, God Himself brings us into the year of Hisfavor. Having anointed His Son, Jesus, as the awaited Christ, the Christcrucified, dead, and buried; raised on the third day from the dead—salvation iswon for us. Of ourselves, we are spiritually destitute, with all courage andheart plainly broken in the shackles of our dark cells. Now, no longer. Nolonger do we rot alive in a dungeon’s darkness. Now, we live, and we live free.We live in Christ, and we are therefore free from the sin, death, and power ofSatan to which we would otherwise be imprisoned. Now death and darkness in thisworld only remind us of Christ Who suffered their sting on our behalf. Now andforevermore, we live in the eternal year of our Lord, even while we awaitChrist’s Second Coming, when the Wedding Feast will begin in all its fullness.There, with all comfort, the oil of gladness will replace mourning. Heavenlygarments will cover all shame. And we will have the festive adornments of thewedding of Christ to His Church. The shroud of our darkness will be finallylifted, as God spoke through Isaiah, “The sun shall be no more your light byday, / nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; / but the LORD will beyour everlasting light, / and your God will be your glory. / Your sun shall nomore go down, / nor your moon withdraw itself; / for the LORD will be youreverlasting light, / and your days of mourning shall be ended.”

To this end we pray now and always, “Come, Lord Jesus.Amen.”

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keepyour hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Seminarian Nathan Neugebauer

Time in the Word - Advent 4

2011-12-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Collect for theFourth Sunday in Advent: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help usby Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Yourgrace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect forthe First Sunday in Advent: Stirup Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued fromthe threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; forYou live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now andforever. Amen.

Prayerof adoration, praise, and supplication: Almighty and eternal God, we adore You as the God andFather of our Lord and Savior Jesus, and with the whole Church on earth and allthe hosts of heaven we ascribe to You honor and blessing, thanksgiving andpraise. Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God Almighty; heaven and earth are fullof Your glory. You created us in Your own image and redeemed us with theprecious blood of Your Son. By Your Spirit You sanctified us and called us outof darkness into Your marvelous light.

Grant that we may with thankful hearts receive these great mercies andexpress our gratitude, not only with our lips but also in our lives as we giveourselves to Your service and walk before You in holiness and righteousness allour days. Deliver us from sin and error, from the frailties of the flesh, theallurements of this present age, and the temptations of the devil. Give usfaith that works in love, hope that never disappoints, kindness that neverfails, confidence in You that never wavers, patience that does not grow weary,and courage always to be ready to confess Christ, that we may live in Yourmercy and die in Your peace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who livesand reigns...

Prayer for a right knowledge of Christ: Almighty God, whom to know is everlastinglife, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, thetruth, and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in theway that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns...

Prayer 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 toconfirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear tothe heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as Youhave promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; throughJesus Christ, our Lord, who livesand reigns...

TheLord Builds a House for David:
Jesus Christ Who Comes in the Flesh

When King David “lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all hissurrounding enemies,” he piously supposed that he would build a house forGod (2 Sam. 7:1–2).But the Lord would turn it around: He would establish a house for David, and aneverlasting throne. This He has done, not only for David, but also for all Hispeople, in the Son of David, Jesus Christ, “conceivedby the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary” (Apostles’ Creed). That holyChild, the incarnate “Son of the MostHigh,” receives “the throne of Hisfather David” and begins to reign “overthe house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:32–33). Having given Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of theworld, His Body is the true and eternal Temple of God in which His people havetheir own place of peace and rest. That is “theMystery that was kept secret for long ages” but is now “made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternalGod” in order that we may have faith and life in Christ (Rom. 16:25–26).

Monday, 12 December 2011—Psalm 19:1, 4c, 5–6; Antiphon, Isaiah 45:8a, b—The antiphon asks thatGod would open the heavens and ‘let the clouds rain down righteousness,’and that, correspondingly, He would open the earth, ‘that salvation andrighteousness may bear fruit.’ Both of these things have come to pass. Whenthe Son of God assumed flesh, and came to earth to be born a man, righteousnessrained down. And this was not without effect, for He brought salvation whichbears fruit in believers, as they live out their righteousness in Christ.

Tuesday, 13 December 2011—Psalm 89:1–5—What is the believer’s response to all that the Lord hasdone for us through Christ? ‘I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord,forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.’In doing so, we join the throngs in heaven (v. 5), just as we say in thePreface to the Lord’s Supper, ‘with angels and archangels, and with all thecompany of heaven, we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praisingYou . . . ’

Wednesday, 14 December 2011—2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16—KingDavid’s desire was to build a permanent structure for the Ark of the Covenant,that is a permanent place for God to reside with His people. But the Lord tellsDavid that He will establish a ‘house’ and a kingdom for David, which shallhave no end. We are not to look to Israel for fulfillment of God’spromise, but to David’s Descendant, Christ Jesus, who has established Histhrone of dominion forever, by His defeat of sin, death, and the devil at Calvary.

Thursday, 15 December 2011—Romans 16:25–27—A fitting end to the bookof Romans, in which St. Paul has so clearly proclaimed Christ as the Savior ofthe world, apart from works, this doxology (hymn of praise) is especiallyappropriate during this Advent season, as we prepare for the coming of JesusChrist, who ‘has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings hasbeen made known to all nations.’

Friday, 16 December 2011—Luke 1:26–38—What a shock it must havebeen for this pious young woman to learn that she, not having known a man,would give birth to a baby boy. And no ordinary boy, but God Himself, thesecond Person of the Trinity! Due to the miracle wrought through the HolySpirit, Child born would be ‘true God, begotten of the Father from eternity,and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary.’ The Blessed Virgin is, therefore,truly the Mother of God, and her Son, the Savior of mankind, is properly named‘Jesus,’ that is, ‘Yahweh saves.’

Saturday, 17 December 2011—The hymn of the day, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel(LSB #357), is an ancient hymn based upon seven even more ancientantiphons (called the ‘O’ Antiphons) which were used in the Office at Vespers(the evening office) during the last seven days of Advent. Each antiphon andeach hymn stanza refers to a different title for Christ: Wisdom, Adonai (‘Lord’),Root (or Branch) of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of Nations, Emmanuel(‘God with Us’).

Lectionarysummary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artworkby Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, ©WELS.

This week's Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeff Keuning

Advent 3

2011-12-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

John 1:6-8, 19-28

"There was a man sent from God." Now when John mentions the word "Man" he uses it here in the biblical sense of male and female. God had a mission and a purpose for John's life. He had a destiny and was sent for that purpose, a divine purpose. In our time, we need to find our purpose and meaning for life as well. Our text for this morning should help us find the purpose and meaning to our life today.

People in our day need a purpose for living. Have you ever considered the purpose for which you were born? What is your destiny? What is your purpose and aim in life? There are many asking themselves this question. Who is asking this question? People from every walk of life, all the way from the college student who is contemplating changing her major to the man in his mid-forties who is considering a change in his career. It's the retiree who looks back at 40 years of service to a company who has said thanks but now has to wake up every morning and think to himself "what's next?" All these and so many more are seeking for meaning and purpose in their lives! What should be my goal in life? Meaninglessness of life is based upon seeing no reason or purpose for living, which sometimes can lead to depression. We might ask, "is that all there is?" to this life. In the life of John the Baptist, we can see how his reason for living could also be our reason for living as well. Let's see how God used John to be His man. How can you be a man or woman of God? John tells us how…

1. Have a God - given mission (Have a purpose of life) Listen to verses 6-8 "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe."

John the Baptist was a man sent from God. He is not alone in this. Every person has a divine destiny. God has a purpose and plan for every life, for your life! This gives us a purpose and meaning for living. What we do is more then mere tasks that someone has to perform. There is a profound meaning in what we do. We are not here to dream, to drift, and to play. There is a mission to accomplish. There is an assignment, a charge that we are given. Some in this world do not know why they were sent to the world or what God wants them to do with their lives. John has a keen sense of knowing his mission. Like John, we are to live for the One who has redeemed us. We are to share Christ with our families, or neighbors and friends. We are to point to Christ the Savior of the world, or one and only redeemer. John knew his purpose. What is your purpose today?

2. To be a person of God be God's voice. (This is our identity) Listen to verses 19-23 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[a] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

The delegation sent to interview John asked a direct question, "Who are you?" Certainly, they knew his first and family name. They knew his birthplace and parents. They could see that he was a prophet. But who are you, really? It is a case of self-identity. Many are in the position of the man who was asked by a little girl, "Who are you?" He replied, "I wish I knew." To know who you are you need to know whose you are! John the Baptist knew who he was because of his call to be the forerunner of Christ. You, like John, are a child of the king. You are a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming!

John the Baptist identified himself as a voice. Throughout the passage, there is evidence of a voice. John "gave testimony", "witnessed", "confessed". The voice proclaims the truth of Christ. Out of the heart the mouth speaks, the Bible tells us. What we believe in our hearts we are to confess with our lips. Witnessing is a natural, spontaneous expression of faith in Christ. A true Christian needs not to be commanded, exhorted, or trained to witness. The Christian cannot help but tell of Christ at all times. We share and live Christ on a daily basis. That is our identity.

3. Be God's witness (work!) Listen to verses 24-28 And those sent were of the Pharisees, and they questioned him and said to him, `Why, then, dost thou baptize, if thou art not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?' John answered them, saying, `I baptize with water, but in midst of you he hath stood whom ye have not known, this one it is who is coming after me, who hath been before me, of whom I am not worthy that I may loose the cord of his sandal.' These things came to pass in Bethabara, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing,

It is assumed that Jesus was in the crowd John the Baptist was addressing. Yet, John the Baptist told them that one about whom he was witnessing as greater than he was there and they did not know him. Perhaps many in the crowd knew about Jesus of Nazareth, but they did not know Him. We are called to have a relationship with Christ on a personal, interment level.

The Germans have two words for knowing. These two words are "wissen " and "kennen". The former (wissen) is knowing certain facts; the latter (kennen) is knowing a person with whom you have a relationship. In this latter sense, the people did not know Jesus. But John did; he pointed to Jesus saying, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

The Advent wreath has the pink candle burning this morning. It is the candle that calls us to rejoice in this season. We are to rejoice at the coming of Christ. For us as Christians happiness does not depend on possessions or good fortune. A Christian is the happiest person in the world because he has been freed from sin and now experiences the fullness of life. He knows who is coming at the end of time. This is our reason for our rejoicing - the coming One brings us victory, peace and love. Jesus Christ, He is our purpose in living.

Advent 2 mid-week

2011-12-06T00:04:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort in Uncomfortable Times

Almighty and everlasting God whose will it is to restore all things to Your beloved Son, whom You anointed priest forever and king of all creation. Grant that all people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of Your Son whose birth we anticipate in this Advent season.

The people who lived at the time of Isaiah lived in temporal conditions quite different from those at the end of the Babylonian exile or those at the time of the birth of Christ or those in our world today – far more different was their time than ours was. Despite the great importance we sometimes attach to physical surroundings, however, they do not constitute the most meaningful part of life. Far more significant than our social, political, or economic state is the matter of our spiritual condition.

Does the Triune God favor and bless us? Does His face shine upon us? Is He gracious unto us? What will happen to us when we die or when the heavens disappear with a roar and the elements are destroyed by fire on judgment day? As we consider these things, our Old Testament lesson gives us a sense of encouragement and hope; comfort in truly uncomfortable times.

1. The glory of the Lord provides true comfort in troublesome circumstances of hard service, trauma, warfare, and calamity.

A. Accurate observation of affairs in the world cannot ignore the reality of hard service, whether it is the Babylonian exile, the adversities and afflictions of life, or those periods of misery and suffering, which we endure. Consider Job. In the midst of his despair, he described his condition.

He says: Is not man forced to labor on earth, and (are not) his days like the days of a hired man? As a slave who pants for the shade, and as a hired man who eagerly waits for his wages, so am I allotted months of vanity, and nights of trouble are appointed me. When I lie down I say, “when shall I arise?” but the night continues, and I am continually tossing until dawn. [Job 7:1-4]

Because we can do nothing to escape or prevent such hard service, we face the distressing prospect of its unabated continuation and its culmination of the day of the Lord. Peter describes the events of that great day when he writes: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10)

B. Only God’s accomplishment of the revelation of His glory grants us security and relief. The heavens declare the glory of God, says David in Psalm 19 but people ruled by sin exchange this glory for idols. God affects the rescue of Noah, the safety of the patriarchs, the exodus from Egypt, the return of the exiles. Always preserving a line of ancestry from Adam to Jesus, the promised Messiah. God sent “a voice” identified in the New Testament as John the Baptist and relates the message of “the voice” in terms of the construction of a highway for Himself. Through “the voice”, God makes everything ready for the coming of the incarnate Word. John put it this way; And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]

Transition: Jesus Christ, true God and true man, the Savior by His perfect work of salvation glorifies the Father. In Jesus Christ, a glorious exchange is accomplished. In place of hard service, we have the revelation of the glory of the Lord.

2. The word of the Lord provides true comfort in the troublesome circumstances of sin.

A. Because of sin, people who are mortal fail. We can be compared to the grass and the glowers. They wither and fall because the breath of the Lord blows on them. The same weakness fits us, for we face the same threat of being melted when God blows on us with His fiery wrath. The prophet Ezekiel puts it this way; “And I shall gather you and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you will be melted in the midst of it. (Ezekiel 22:21) In short, we are subject not only to bodily but also to spiritual death. Of ourselves, we cannot endure.

B. Only the permanent character of God’s Word and the enduring certainty of his promise of atonement – to place us back in the Father’s good graces – can give us confidence and support. Iniquity is paid for when satisfactory punishment has been inflicted. Thus, were we to suffer the penalty of our iniquity, the gates of hell would lock us inside forever. But we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ and born again through the living and enduring Word of God, which was preached to us. His Word revives the soul. His precepts give joy to the heart.

For Christ’s sake in contrast to the perishable nature of all flesh, we rejoice in the permanence of God’s Word.

3. The fact that God Himself shepherds us provides true comfort in the troublesome circumstances of sin.

A. The presence of God, particularly when we take note of His strength and power can strike terror into the hearts of those that are guilty of transgression and deserve punishment. If He raises His mighty arm to exact a price for disobedience, none can resist or escape Him. He bears the authority to put to death the one who practices sin. As He says in Ezekiel 18:4, “Behold all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die.”

B. Only the strong one’s promise to care for His people like a shepherd produces consolation and contentment within us. He uses His power on our behalf, caring tenderly for His sheep. Holding us close to Himself, gently leading us, even laying down his life for us. For Christ’s sake, we have received not the retribution we have earned, but the abundant pardon of His grace and the manifold blessings that accompany it.

Conclusion: So many things in life – disappointments, sickness, tragic accidents, economic hardships, injustices, anticipation of death – seem to cause for negative, gloom, doubt, and uncertainty. But the God of heaven and earth, the only true God, does not abandon us. Rather, He carries out His plan of salvation for us, leading Joseph like a flock, bringing a vine out of Egypt. Returning the exiles from Babylon, sending His Son in the fullness of time converting us through His means of grace, giving us true comfort in the midst of troublesome circumstances. Now, that is the story of his amazing grace!

St. Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Time in the Word - Advent 3

2011-12-04T14:18:00.001-08:00

Collect forThird Sunday in Advent: Lord JesusChrist, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of ourhearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and theHoly Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for deliverance from sin: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, You desire not thedeath of a sinner, but rather that we turn from our evil ways and live.Graciously spare us those punishments which we by our sins have deserved, andgrant us always to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who livesand reigns . . .

Prayer for grace and forgiveness: Spare us, O Lord, and mercifully forgive us our sins.Though by our continual transgressions we have merited Your chastisements, begracious to us. Grant that all these punishments which we have deserved may notcome upon us, but that all things may work to our everlasting good; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who livesand reigns . . .

Prayer at nightfall: We praise and thank You, O God, for You are without beginning andwithout end. Through Christ You are the creator and preserver of the wholeworld; but above all, You are His God and Father, the giver of the Spirit, andthe ruler of all that is, seen and unseen. You made the day for the works oflight and the night for the refreshment of our weakness. O loving Lord andsource of all that is good, mercifully accept our evening sacrifice of praise.As You have conducted us through the day and brought us to night's beginning,keep us now in Christ; grant us a peaceful evening and a night free from sin;and at the end bring us to everlasting life through Christ, our Lord; throughHim be glory, honor, and power to You in the Holy Spirit now and always foreverand ever.

Prayer for catechumens: Almighty God and Father, because You always grant growth to YourChurch, increase the faith and understanding of our catechumens that, rejoicingin their new birth by the water of Holy Baptism, they may forever continue inthe family of those who You adopt as Your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who livesand reigns ..

TheComing of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness

When he preaches repentance, John theBaptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the Light, that all might believethrough him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” whoshall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands amongus and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by theHoly Spirit “to bring good news to thepoor” and “to bind up thebrokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word andSpirit, He clothes His Church with “thegarments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels”(Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoicealways” in the Lord, “pray withoutceasing,” and “give thanks in allcircumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “theGod of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will“be kept blameless at the coming of ourLord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24).

Monday, 5 December 2011—Psalm 85:8–9, 12–13; Antiphon,Psalm 85:7—Duringthis season of preparation by way of repentance, we pray that, even as we breakwith the sins of our past, the Lord would not let us turn back to folly.Our sin is persistent, and we can never conquer it by our own doing. Our onlyhope is in the Lord, who will speak peace to His people and will givewhat is good. He does this through our Savior, Jesus, for righteousnessgoes before Him.

Tuesday, 6 December 2011—Psalm 126—This psalm was composed when theIsraelites returned from the Babylonian Exile. When God delivered them, theirmouths were initially filled with laughter and their tongues withshouts of joy. But the hardships they faced upon return tested their faithin the Lord’s promise to restore the fortunes of Zion. This psalmprovides comfort that those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!Likewise, when we face unexpected hardships and suffering, we can take comfortthat the Lord has done great things for us. The greatest thing He hasdone is restored us by the death of our savior, His Son, Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011—Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11—God’sanointed messenger is here proclaimed. He will proclaim the good news of reliefand release to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives,those who are bound, and those who mourn. All these thingsdescribe us in our sinful state: We are poor, lacking the riches of fellowshipwith God, and thus brokenhearted; we are captives of, and in bondage to sin,and thus can only mourn our condition. But the One whom the messenger proclaimswill give us the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praiseinstead of a faint spirit, that we may be called oaks of righteousness.

Thursday, 8 December 2011—1 Thessalonians5:16–24—What is our response to and our witness of Christ has accomplishedfor us? That we rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in allcircumstances. This we can do, because we are no longer in our formerstate, as people who have no hope, in bondage to sin. Christ has set us free,and gives us His gifts of Word and Sacrament, that our whole spirit and souland body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, 9 December 2011—John 1:6–8, 19–28—When thepriests and Levites confronted John the Baptist, asking him who he was, heresponded that he was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the OldTestament reading. John is the man sent from God, the voice of onecrying out in the wilderness. He went before the Lord Jesus, to prepare theway for Him, to bear witness to Him. John baptized and preached a message ofrepentance. Likewise, we still heed John, and prepare ourselves for thecelebration of the coming of Christ in the flesh by repenting of our sins.

Saturday, 10December 2011—The hymn of the day, Hark!A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (LSB 345), tells of the work of Johnthe Baptist. His voice is thrilling to believers, for his voice heralds thecoming of our Savior, Jesus.

Lectionarysummary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artworkby Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, ©WELS.

This week's Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeff Keuning Dexter, IA

Church Decorating

2011-12-03T12:30:00.001-08:00

Now that the expansion project is nearing completion the committee can deck the halls!

Yes, twenty-two baptisms and counting...

Advent 2

2011-12-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

Mark 1:1-8
Should Christmas be Banned?

In Mark’s Gospel there is no Christmas! Mark begins his gospel with the adult Son of God. After John the Baptist’s preparation for Jesus, Jesus simply appears as a 30-year old adult seeking baptism from John.

If it were up to Mark, we would have no Christmas celebration. He simply introduces Jesus to his readers and begins with his presentation. Should we follow Mark as the Puritans did in the 17th Century by banning Christmas altogether? In the light of materialism of our modern world, maybe we should skip the Christmas “sell-abration”. And yet Christmas should not be forgotten. There is a significant importance of Christmas and the significance of Christ coming into our world.

What Christmas is all about.

1. Not how He was born; manger, angels, star.

A. These things are important.
1. They point that Jesus came to our world as human.
2. They point that He came in human history.

B. If we get hung up on just Jesus’ birth we can loose out.
1. He birth is most important.
2. He was not merely a “cute baby” a little lamb.

2. It’s who was born – “The Son of God”

A. He is Very God
1. Creator
2. The Almighty One

B. In Him is what all the prophets of old had written.
1. Over 800 prophecies concerning Christ are recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures
2. He fulfilled all of them.
3. After His resurrection, with the disciples on the way to Emmaus He opened the Scriptures to them explaining how the Christ must suffer and die and on the third day rise from the dead.

3. Why He was born – “The Christ of God’

A. The One who came into this world to save us.
1. We could not save ourselves.
2. Sin has separated us from the Father

B. By His suffering, death and resurrection we are saved and redeemed.
1. In Baptism we are brought into His family
2. Through this covenant of Baptism we are kept in the faith.

Church Expansion - Week 25

2011-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

The first snow of the season fell on the last week of our project

North entrance

South entrance

Gathering space looking north

Geothermal pumps

duct work in the basement

A view of the parsonage

Old stained glass in new frames

Taken in full sun @ 4:430 pm

Original glass 1901

Chancel built by our members in 1987

The Last Supper donated by the Youth in 1938

Advent 1 mid-week

2011-11-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 64:1-9

Waiting is a central part of life. When you think about it, we spend a huge chunk of our lives waiting.

Waiting to hear if you got the job. Waiting for the doctor to call. Waiting for your teenager to come home with the car. Waiting for the "other shoe" to drop.

Isaiah is waiting and longing for God to intervene in his world where things seem all wrong. "Oh that you would tear open the heavens and come down…" (64:1) he cries to God.

As we begin our Advent journey this year, we come to the first dimension of the Christmas Season. Waiting!

Most of us will do a lot of waiting during this season. There may even be some times when you will have to "wait it out" – at the crowded stores, the grocery stores or the post office (you do have your Christmas cards ready to go – don’t you?)

Our children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews are going into their "I can’t wait" mode. The retailers and shopkeepers are waiting for the "bottom line." While the rest of us finally close our eyes and drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve, computers in corporate offices will be analyzing data to determine whether this was a "good" Christmas.

But this is not the kind of waiting the bible is talking about. Our scripture lessons today are talking about waiting for God! As Israel longed for Messiah to come and fulfill their hopes and dreams, so each one of us has a place within that longs for the coming of the Lord.

The real gifts of this season are not the gifts you find in the stores and place under the tree. The real joy of the season is not the "holiday spirit" found in all the parties and gatherings. The real fulfillment of the season is not when we open even the most special gift with our hands…

The real gift of this season is when we open our hearts and wait for the coming of the Lord in our spirits "If only God would intervene and make everything right!" Have you ever had such a thought? Might makes right... it's who you know and not what you know... justice is more readily available if you can afford a legal "dream team"... Things just don't seem right.

And yet, if God were to hold me to a divine standard of righteousness, I would very quickly want mercy instead of God's justice. In Isaiah's words, "All our {my} righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth..." I do not call upon the Lord or seek the Lord as I should and, "... you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity." If we persist in having it "our way" -- God will sing the "Burger King song to us." Namely, "Have it your way!" And yet it turns out that "our" way is the way of devastation while God's way is the way to life.

The Advent message in Isaiah's words are contained in verses 7-8. It might come out something like: "God, I am your child, the work of your hand. I belong to you and I pray that you would be merciful and not remember my failures for time and eternity. Please remember that I am your child."

As the season of Christ's birth draws nearer, there is opportunity to look closely at my inner bearings. As we sing, "O Holy child of Bethlehem" once again, we might look within to examine how His holiness has impacted our lives.

The prophet Isaiah writes, ”How long, O Lord, how long?” We all have good times. And we all have bad times. 2011 has it been your good time or your bad time?

Bad times like that give us a hint at the despair and desperation found in this reading. Several generations had passed from the return of the exiles in Babylon. Jerusalem and its Temple were being rebuild. A sense of normal living had returned. Yet, the people were forlorn. Life was hard. And God seemed to be far away.

Isaiah spoke the prayer of the people. How long before the people returned to glory? How long before God's presence shone before the nations? Note the prayer for divine intervention was mixed with self-examination. The loss of stature was not necessarily God's fault [64:5b-7]. Yet, also note the sense of hope. The petitioner called upon God as Father and asked for his return [63:16-17].

Like those who lamented in Jerusalem, we, too, may have times we feel cut off from God and his blessing. Yet, there is always hope. For the Lord is coming. Soon!

When did you experience "bad times?" How did God give you hope?

I. Isaiah 64:1-9

A. Isaiah was praying for God to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity.

• Isaiah 63:18-19 refer to the destruction of the temple (63:18) which is a reference to the Babylonians conquering Judea and exiling the Israelite population to the various cities of the Babylonian empire.

• Isaiah 64:1-9 begins by asking God to rend the heavens to come down and deliver Israel from the Babylonians. Isaiah may have been thinking of the sky as being like the roof of a tent, separating the earth from the heavens. Isaiah was asking God to tear this tent open to come down and set things right.

• God answers this prayer with the destruction of the Babylonian empire and the return of the Israelites to their homeland under the Persian King Cyrus.

B. God, however, answers this prayer in another, much more profound way. God answers this prayer in a way Isaiah could not even imagine.

• God literally tore open the heavens and came down to the earth as a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. God did this to deliver us from our sins.

• Let’s take a closer look at Isaiah 64:1-9

C. An outline of Isaiah 64:1-9

I. Isaiah 64:1-2: Isaiah asks God to tear open the heaven and come down to the earth himself. When this happens, the mountains will quake and nations will tremble. In other words, wondrous events will happen and the statuesque will drastically change

II. Isaiah 64:3-4: Isaiah remembers God’s past actions. God’s actions in the past caused wondrous events to happen and the statuesque to drastically change.

III. Isaiah 64:5-7: Isaiah realizes, however, that we are sinners and do not deserve to have God tear open the heavens and come down to earth on our behalf.

IV. Isaiah 8-9: Despite our undeserving nature, Isaiah asks God to delivers us anyways. He asks God to deliver us based on his love for us rather than our righteous behavior.

D. This is what Christmas is all about

•We all are held captive by our sinful nature. No matter how hard we try, we can not love God and neighbor in a manner that is pleasing to God. At some point, our sinful desires, such as lust, greed, pride, jealousy, anger, prejudice etc…, will get in the way of our ability to love. So….

•God tore open the heavens to come to earth in the person of Jesus to set us free from our sinful desires. Jesus did this through his life, death and resurrection.

•God did this, simply because He loves us.

II. During Advent, we should contemplate the ramifications of God tearing open the heavens and bursting into human existence.

A. God, the creator of everything, knows what it’s like to be a human. God knows the pain and joy that comes with living as a human on this earth.

B. We now know what a perfect life looks like. The relationship between Jesus and his Father is the same type of relationship we should have with God. Jesus modeled a perfect love for his Father and neighbor. We now know the standard for holy living.

C. Our sins are paid for on the cross. Through the cross, we receive forgiveness for our sins. This frees us to live in an eternal love relationship with God.

D. Sin, death and evil have been defeated on our behalf. The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates that we have the victory.

E. The forgiveness of our sins paved the way for the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts

III. Conclusion

A. God loves us so much, that He himself tore open the heavens and came down to earth as a human being. He became one of us. If you never responded to this love by repenting of your sins and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord, you can do so now.

B. Simply tell God that you want to change and become the loving person He created you to be. Then, acknowledge your trust that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is sufficient to take care of all your sins. Say this to God and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Time in the Word - Advent 2

2011-11-27T14:23:00.001-08:00

Collect forAdvent 2—Stir up our Yourpower, O lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh usdown may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live andreign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Stir up your power,O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threateningdangers of our sins, for you live and reign with the Father and the HolySpirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty andeverlasting God whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son,whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that allpeople of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under theglorious and gentle rule of your Son.

For blessing on theWord – Lord God, bless Your Wordwherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert thosenot yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May YourWord pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from thelip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purposefor which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, withoutYour 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 rightdiscernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Lord Jesus, You comein all the terror of the last judgment and when men least expect You. In thesedays You come to clothe our misery with the garment of Your mercy —a garment ofglory and immortality. But You will come again on a future day, and in suchdread majesty that men will wither away with fear. O my Savior, condemn me noton that day of the world’s destruction. Visit me now in Your l love and mercy.I am resolved to prepare my soul. I desire that You come love and be bornwithin me, so that when the convulsions of nature warn me of Your coming tojudge me, I may lift up my head and, while the rest of men tremble at the thunderof Your judgment, , grant that I may have confidence in You because You are inmy heart. Amen

The dominanttheme of this coming Sunday is preparation for Christ’s coming. John theBaptist is sent to prepare the people for Christ’s first coming by preaching aBaptism of repentance. In the Old Testament lesson the Lord calls for a way tobe prepared for His coming. The Epistle lesson deals with the Second Coming andthe end of the world. Christians are to prepare by living blameless lives. Thesuggested Psalm of the day indicates that righteousness shall precede God’scoming. As we focus on John the Baptist’s words he calls on us to prepare ourhearts for Christ’s coming. On Advent 1 we were assured that Jesus is comingagain. This Sunday we prepare for His coming. As the Gospel suggests He may becoming to some for the first time; for all He will be coming a second time atthe end of time.

Monday, 28 November2011—Psalm 80:1, 8a, 9b, 7; Antiphon, Psalm 80:3— Restore us,O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” The whole purpose of Jesus coming into this worldwas to save us. In these weeks counting down to Christmas we remember thatJesus entered time and space to be our Savior. As He came at just the righttime to redeem us He will appear at the right time to receive us into glory.His timing is impeccable, His ways are perfect.

The psalmist prays for the restoration of God’speople, remembering the deliverance God wrought through Joseph. In Advent, we,too, pray for restoration—restoration from the bondage of sin. The vine outof Egypt of verse 8 recalls the flight of the Christ-child into Egypt to avoidHerod’s persecution. That Vine has taken deep root and filled the land,and it is through Christ, who is the Vine, that we have been restored.

Tuesday, 29November 2011—Psalm 85—Another psalm asking God for restoration, Psalm 85 recounts theforgiveness of the Lord in the past, and prays that He might once again makeknown His steadfast love, or mercy.

With confidence, the psalmist can say, ‘Surely hissalvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.’For the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord do meet in thecoming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; there, righteousness and peace kisseach other. (v. 10)

Wednesday,30 November 2011—Isaiah 40:1–11—‘Comfort, comfort my people,’the Lord instructs Isaiah. Release from the bondage of sin is at hand. Thevoice crying in the wilderness shall prepare the way for the glory of the Lordto be revealed. The Word of God, which stands forever, shall assume flesh inorder to bring comfort to the people by removing the blot of iniquity. Then Heshall ‘tend his flock like a shepherd.’

Thursday, 1December 2011—2 Peter 3:8–14—Isaiah wrote his prophecy of the coming of Christseven hundred years before He came. It must have seemed an interminable amountof time for those who lived during those years, wondering when God wouldfulfill His promises. But the Apostle Peter reminds us that the Lord has Hisown timetable, and a good purpose for accomplishing things in His own time. Hefurther admonishes us to be ready for the Lord’s Second Coming at any time, andto live lives of holiness and godliness waiting for that day.

Friday, 2December 2011—Mark 1:1–8—In fulfillment of the words of the prophets Isaiah andMalachi, John the Baptist comes to prepare the people for the coming of thepromised One. The coming of Jesus Christ is Good News (Gospel), Mark proclaimsboldly at the outset of his Gospel, but we must be prepared for His coming.John the Baptist prepared the world in his day, and continues to do so in ourday, by calling people to repentance, urging them to confess their sins, bebaptized.

Saturday, 3December 2011—The hymn of the day, OnJordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (LSB 344), recounts the OldTestament and Gospel readings of the work of John the Baptist. It closes with adoxological stanza which proclaims the Good News that Jesus’ ‘advent sets Thypeople free.’ This is Good News, indeed!

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready theway of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serveYou with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives andreigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Some thoughts concerning our worship life together

The Lord’s Prayer is thechief prayer of the Christian Church and it is prayed here at the chief eventof the Divine Service. As children ofGod, we call upon “Our Father” as we prepare to encounter Jesus in His Supper,acknowledging that in the Sacrament He will answer our petitions. The congregationprays, “Thy kingdom come,” then receives the kingdom of Godin the coming of Christ in His body and blood. We pray, “Thy will be done,”then witness salvation being distributed. We pray for forgiveness of sins andhear Christ’s own Word proclaiming that in His death He has accomplishedeverything needed to “forgive us our trespasses.”

Sources

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELSPermission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal andcongregational use.

Advent 1

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Mark 13:33-37

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of a new Church year. As we prepare for the celebration of the Savior’s first Advent we prepare for His Second Advent – His sure and certain return on the Last Great Day. You and I as 21st Century Christians have no better way to live our lives now then from the perspective of eternity. As we prepare for the observance of our Lord’s first coming we must remember that the entire Christian life is oriented towards the last advent of Christ with its glorious eternal salvation.

God requires of us alertness.

I. The Lord wants us to be spiritually alert at all times.

A. Jesus’ inevitable return in power and glory will be sudden, and unexpected. Verse 35 refers to the four watches of the night - making the point that the Lord’s coming can come at any time. "So keep watch! You do not know when the owner of the house will come back. It may be in the evening or at midnight. It may be when the rooster crows or at dawn.

B. While we wait, there can be many things that cause us to neglect our responsibilities of watching and waiting for the Lord sure and certain return.

1. This can happen by overlooking the threatening dangers of our own sinfulness. This is what we pray for in the prayer of the day that we might be rescued from the threatening perils of our sin and then be saved by the Savior’s might deliverance. Isaiah makes mention of this in the Old Testament lesson for today when he says, All of us have become like someone who is "unclean." All of the good things we do are like polluted rags to you. All of us are like leaves that have dried up. Our sins sweep us away like the wind. [Isaiah 64:6]

2. Then there is the temptation to confirm to the world’s view of the supreme importance of material things. Thinking that have the latest thing will cause us true happiness. Says the Savior in the Sermon on the Mount Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. [Matthew 6:31-34;]

3. Then of course there is the very weakness of our own flesh. We are by nature sinful and unclean. We need, especially in this Advent season to pray to the Lord, “Kyrie Elysian.”

C. The result of yielding to temptation is misbelieve, despair, and prodigal living all of which call forth the wrath of the Lord. Although it is correct to conclude that our neglect of God-given responsibilities calls for God’s wrath and punishment it is not correct to give the impression that we can somehow earn God’s favor by changing our lives and carrying out our responsibilities. In other words, the answer to the Law is not more Law. We can’t get right with God by simply saying “We’ll work harder at it!”

The solution to our issues with sin is found in the sweet and comforting message of the Gospel. The returning Lord has already come to endure in our place the punishment for our sinful disobedience and failings: in Him we have the grace of God and so you do not lack any gift; God has called you into fellowship with His Son, who will confirm us to the end. This Paul announces to us in the Epistle lesson for this day!

Transition: God requires alertness and He works it in you.

II. God Himself effects spiritual alertness in us.

A. Mark’s Gospel proclaims the works of our Savior Jesus. In this new church year we will hear 37 selections from the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel has also been called a story of the death of Jesus with a long introduction. Mark's Gospel is about the period leading up to and just after the death of Jesus.

B. The retuning Lord has already come once to accept the punishment for our failings. This is the story of the cross. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting our sins against us and He has now given us this message of reconciliation. This is what causes us to say with joy “Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth!”

C. By bringing us to faith in Jesus, God now motivates and enables us to seek and do His will. The Holy Spirit instructs believers by answering the question that arises from faith-filled hearts “what is my Savior’s will for my Life?” The Holy Spirit helps us realize the importance of spiritual alertness. And in His Supper the Lord provides the nourishment that enables us to remain alert. In providing for us this “food for the soul” we are enabled to remain alert waiting for the Lord’s coming.

Only by God’s grace in Christ can we eagerly and alertly look forward to the Lord’s return. No better preparation can be found, either for Christmas or for Judgment Day, than the spiritual alertness that God wills and works.

Church Expansion - week 24

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

Men’s restroom and fixtures

Woman’s restroom and fixtures

In Milwaukee they call it a “bubbler”

Drop off entry with primer coat

Drop off entry with final coat

North door

Gathering area looking into the sanctuary

New south entry way

Carpet and lights in the gathering area

new frames for the stained glass in the new gathering area

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

Luke 12:22-31 "Be Anxious For Nothing"

Introduction: Once again it’s Thanksgiving – yet some are not feeling too thankful. Not that they don’t want to be this way…it’s more complicated then that. What it all boils down to is that there are a number of people living these last days of 2011 in worry and fear. It seems as if there is so much stress to go around these days…mounting bills, a sense of fear of the unknown, of tomorrow, or just needing enough energy to make it through the day. It’s not that we don’t want to be thankful but rather there are some who feel so burdened and burned out by life that they can’t see the forest for the trees, and the bushes, and the brambles, and all other obstacles "in our road". The question that is therefore being asked is "Will God help us?" will He sustain us when life’s twists and turns seems to set us on a course of which there are unforeseen obstacles lurking at every turn? For our text for today we find god’s "Yes" and "Amen"! Of course He will see us through this is what He tells us in His word for today. Jesus reminds us that we need not worry for He is in control. We need not fear for He is able to quiet our panic and fright. Jesus tells us we have nothing to fear.

{1} Do Not Worry

A. About your life—what you will eat.

1. We need not worry because life is more then food. Life is more then merely existing and sustaining our way of living. There is more to life then just living.

2. Jesus reminds us that life is meant to experience God. That is why He has called us to His marvelous light of the Gospel. He called us to belong to Him, to have fellowship with Him. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of John "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly. In Him, St. Paul reminds us "we live, and move and have our being". When we seek after Him then we will be doing more then just living from day to day we will live life with a purpose-a divine purpose.
Life is more then food. It is more then fashion as Jesus goes on to explain to us that neither should we become anxious.

B. About your body-what you will wear. Our body is designed to be more then to be a model upon which we don our clothing.

1. The body is more then clothes. This statement is one that is needed to be contemplated today. Tomorrow morning literally thousands of people will flock to the malls to begin the busiest shopping days of the year. True, there is something to be said about dressing appropriately and fashionably but we can take any good thing to extremes. Do we need to buy into the temptation that we should desire the $100 shoes as opposed to the $30 pair which is made of the same material, and assembled at the same factory but the one is more expensive because the product has a certain label on it, or it is indorsed by a certain celebrity. Does the clothing really make the man or woman? Jesus would tell us otherwise.

2. The body is not merely meant for cloths, rather it is meant to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. As the Savior has redeemed us to be His own He now lives within us through His Spirit. Thus by these words we are called to remember that our bodies are meant to be lived with a noble and holy purpose. We are called to live as His people being His witnesses in this world; and in this generation. As we live for Him we are called to trust in Him.

{2} Trust God

A. Consider the Ravens

1. They do not sow, reap, or contribute anything to life.

2. They have no storehouse or barn.

3. Yet God feeds them. He sustains all of the created order.

4. You are of more value then birds! If God is able to sustain even the smallest and the most insignificant of creatures He will sustain you for you are of tremendous value to him. He suffered and died for you. He redeemed and rescued you. He has called you to be His own dear child. Consequently He will sustain and care for you.

B. Consider how the lilies grow.

1. They do not labor.

2. They do not spin.

3. Yet not even Solomon in his entire splendor was dressed as these. If there is inner beauty which comes to the creatures how much more will He maintain your life and sustain it?

C. Consider the grass

1. It’s here today gone tomorrow, like so many things in this "throw away society"

2. You and I, on the other hand. will spend eternity with Christ. Thus the Savior sets for us a pattern of life by which we will find contentment.

a. Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink. In other words, look beyond living only for today.

b. This is what the Pagans run after. They seek the thrill of the moment, which lasts but a moment. Live rather, with an eternal perspective.

c. God already knows you need these things to survive!

3. Seek first, a relationship with Christ in His kingdom.

a. Through word, sacraments, fellowship, prayer draw close to God.

b. As you do these things, all that you need will be added to you. That is the Savior’s promise to you and to me. By Him and through Him He will sustain us.

Conclusion: The Savior is not giving us a simplistic rule for life. It’s not simply going by the phrase "Don’t worry – be happy" Rather He calls us to fear not for He is in control. He’ll fight our fight; He’ll accomplish for us what we can not do. Yes, He is for us; He will overcome and give to us the victory! As we seek Him we will find contentment in life, and there find reasons to rejoice knowing that we can be a peace as God is at peace in what he has created and how He sustains His own creation. Let us then live contented lives on this Thanksgiving Day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

Psalm 118:1

The prayer for Thanksgiving is more then our feeble attempt at communication with God. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Lord to teach us the lessons of Thanksgiving. As we speak to the Lord He speaks back to us. This evening as we pray to the Lord may He speak to us through this powerful prayer:

Almighty God, whose mercies are new every morning and whose goodness though undeserved still abundantly provides for all our wants of body and soul, grant us, we humbly pray, Your Holy Spirit that we may heartily acknowledge your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

I. Almighty God. In thanksgiving we address the Lord, the author of all life. What is it that we can say about the Lord? Our prayer suggests three important realities.

A. Whose mercies are new every morning. The Psalmist reminds us that “His mercy endures forever.”[1] Yet they come to us each day. Every day is a new day. Every day is an opportunity to serve the Lord in this generation. Every day is the Lord supplies us with everything we need to support our body and life. In the 4th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer the question is asked: What is meant by daily bread? Luther sums it up with these words. “Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rules, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.[2]

B. Whose goodness though undeserved. The Lord’s goodness has nothing to do with you. Notice that we must acknowledge the complete opposite. The Lord’s goodness is completely undeserved. We daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment. Yet, in spite of our sinfulness, in spite of our pettiness, in spite of our haughtiness, in spite of our meanness and condescension the Lord chooses to bless us. And we don’t deserve it!

C. Still [He] abundantly provides for all our wants of body and soul, So also with you – without your Heavenly Father you could not survive. The Lord not only provides but He does it abundantly for every want of body and soul. We used this evening the explanation of the 1st Petition of the Apostles’ Creed as our confession of faith. During this Thanksgiving Holiday read through it again. It’s quite a list. It explains so well how our Lord chooses to provide for you - everything you need not just physically but spiritually as well.

II. Grant us, we humbly pray, Your Holy Spirit

A. That we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us. We need the Holy Spirit for the things of God are spiritually appraised. We need the Holy Spirit so that we can come to understand the things of God. We need the Holy Spirit so that we can come to a greater understanding of everything the Lord has done for us.

B. Give thanks for all Your benefits. In thanksgiving we offer to Him our worship and praise. In thanksgiving we offer our praises in worship. In thanks living we praise God as we serve our neighbor.

C. And serve You in willing obedience. Reflecting on the blessings of God allows us to want to serve God faithfully. Reflecting on the blessings of God allows us to follow His statutes with a willing heart. Reflecting on the blessings of God allows us to follow His commandments obediently.

III. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord,

A. Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. All three persons of the Godhead are involved in the blessings I receive. Each person of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Ghost are active in my life. As we have just celebrated Christ the King Sunday we worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who lives and reigns through all eternity.

B. One God. He is one true God, the only true God. He is without beginning and without end. Yet, He has broken into time and space to be our Redeemer, Savior, Shepherd and friend.

C. Now and forever. This is not a simple phrase. It reminds us that the truths of God will never cease. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. The praises we offer Him tonight we last into eternity. The blessings He bestows on us today will continue once time ceases. We worship an eternal God whose mercies cannot be counted.

The only thing left to say after any good prayer is simply the word Amen. What is meant by the word “Amen”? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”[3] And it shall be so – in Jesus’ Name! A blessed Thanksgiving!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Psalm 118

[2] Explanation to the 4th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

[3] Luther’s Small Catechism Conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer

Time in the Word - Advent 1

2011-11-20T00:30:00.000-08:00

Time in the Word

Advent 1

November 21-26,2011

The SecondComing

Thenew church year begins with the Second Coming. It is the one Sunday of the yearwhich features the return of Christ as the main subject. In light of theinterest in the Second Coming, the church would do well to consider this doctrineof the church and teaching of the New Testament. The Gospel calls upon us to beon the alert for the sudden, unannounced coming of Christ. The world’s cry forGod to come to His people is heard in the Old Testament lesson. Paul refers tothe Second Coming in the Epistle by assuring His people that they have everyspiritual gift as they wait for Christ’s return. The Psalmist calls upon theLord’s return to help and save His people. “Tell this to the daughter of Zion,” the prophet says. “Open your mouth and shout so she is not offended by His lowly coming but listens to what is proclaimed.” Let your ears give insight to your eyes. Your King has no great stallion, no spurs, no saddle. He is poor and rides a donkey.

And yet there’s no king like Him. He removes your sin, rescues you from death and hell, and gives you everlasting holiness and righteousness, eternal life and blessedness. So don’t pay any heed to the wretched way in which He comes and then later also shamefully dies on the cross. For He does this all for your sake as Savior to help you, to sanctify you and rescue you from death. (Martin Luther)

Collect for Advent 1 Stir up Your power O Lord and come, that by Your protection we may berescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mightydeliverance

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty and everlasting God whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son.

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,November 21, 2011 - Psalm 25:1-3 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Zechariah 9:9b,“Behold Your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation.” Thispassage of Scripture will be quoted on Palm Sunday as Jesus rides triumphantlyinto the city of Jerusalem. Our king comes not in triumph as a military hero byrather in humility and meekness. David and his sons did not ride horses butrather mules (see 2 Samuel 18:9; 1 Kings 1:33).

Tuesday,November 22, 2011 – Isaiah 64:1-9 - An appeal for the Lord to return to save His people. This lesson comes fromthe third section of Isaiah (chapters 56-66). It was written in the period of540-500 BC. The Jews returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. The exilesfind a pathetic situation: Jerusalem is desolate and the temple has been burnedto the ground. The people are despondent and impatient for God to come and dosomething about their condition. They feel that God is angry and has hidden Hisface from them. He is accused of causing them to sin. The people confess theirsins and feel confident that God will not reject them for He is the potter andthey are the clay.

Wednesday,November 23, 2011 – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 - By grace Christians lack no spiritual gift as they wait for Christ’sreturn. This section of Scripture was chosen for this “Second Coming” Sundaybecause Paul refers to the return as the day of Christ. As the Christian waitsfor that final event, the promise is given that we are sustained by Christ’sgrace and will be guiltless for Christ’s appearance. God is faithful in Hisgifts and promises.

Thursday,November 24, 2011 – Mark 11:1-10 - Watch for Jesus’ unexpected coming. Because the time of Christ’s return isunknown, we must watch for Him. In this brief lesson the word “watch” is usedfour times. Twice Jesus says, “You do not know when the time will come.” Thisfact is the reason for being on the alert. The emphasis is laid on Jesus’return as sudden and unexpected.

There is no place here forspeculation when the time of the return will be. It is an exhortation to beready whenever He comes. Since no one knows the time, it is necessary for thefaithful to look for Him every day. The mood of Advent is not speculation butjoyful anticipation of the Lord’s return.

Friday,November 25, 2011 - Psalm 80:1-7 - This Psalm is the appointed psalm for this coming Sunday.Verse 7 is the key verse, “Restore us and we shall be saved”.

Saturday,November 26, 2011 - Matthew 21:1-16 - Our reading is the inspiration forthe hymn, “O Bride of Christ, Rejoice.” How does the Savior choose tomake Himself known? Not in pomp and circumstance, not with a grand fanfare anda floury of light and sound. Instead He chooses to be placed in a manger, thefeeding trough of the animals. He is born in a stable where beasts are kept.Not the place you would go looking for the savior of the world.

But this is the amazing thing aboutour Savior, He chooses to be found in those places the world would leastexpect. He chooses to reveal Himself in those places the world considersunimportant. He chooses to exert His power in what an unbelieving worldconsiders weak and of little consequence.

The cruel cross of Calvary looksahead of us even in Advent. Does the death of a condemned man seem compellingenough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you? Thesurroundings and the circumstances of His birth predict His death. They are themeans by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

Sources:

LUTHERANSEVICE BOOK© 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS PublishingLima, OH
Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1 ion. 1-30,Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)
Schnorr vonCarolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items islimited to personal and congregational use.

Christ the King

2011-11-19T00:29:00.000-08:00

Proper 29—The Triumphal Return of Christ the King (20–26 November)

Eternal God, merciful Father, You have appointed Your Son as Judge of the living and the dead. Enable us to wait for the day of His return with our eyes fixed on the kingdom prepared for Your own from the foundation of the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Christ the King will judge the nations. At the end of time Christ is to come as judge of the nations. As Shepherd-King, Jesus will separate the sheep and goats, the good and the bad. The basis of the separation is the nations’ ministering or lack of ministering to the hungry, thirsty, sick, and imprisoned.

This passage is not primarily an appeal for social justice or economic aid. The main point is the coming separation of the good and the bad that are destined either for heaven or hell. It should also be noted that what was done to Christ was done not to people in general, but to “the least of these my brethren.” The brethren are Jesus’ disciples, in other words, your brothers and sisters in Christ. We pray…

“Almighty and everlasting God whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son.”

Introduction: Most of us have an interest and curiosity of what will happen to us at the end of the world. Is there or is there not a judgment? Is there really a heaven and a hell?

Our Gospel lesson makes certain affirmations concerning the end. People need to be assured of these facts, for they make a difference in our way of life.

Outline: What can we learn from this text about the end?

I. Jesus is the judge of all people — v. 32. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Before Him will be gathered all the nations of the earth. All must be summoned before Christ's tribunal. Every person of every age of the entire world, - from the beginning to the end of time will be placed before Him. All those nations of men that have ever existed, every person who has ever walked on all the face of the earth will be summoned before Jesus the Shepherd King. It will be the day of the final account of the entire world.

II. As there is a judgment, there will be a time of accountability — v. 33 …and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

Jesus did not say that He will put the rich on His right hand and the poor on His left. He did not say He will put the learned and the noble on His right hand, and unlearned and despised on His left; but the godly on His right hand and the wicked on His left.

A distinction will then be made between the precious and the vile. He shall separate them one from another, as the tares and wheat are separated at the harvest, as the good fish and the bad are divided at the shore, as the corn and chaff is separated on the floor. You can not determine a righteous man from an unrighteous person just by observation. Both the wicked and the godly dwell together in the same kingdoms, in the same cities, in the same churches, and in the same families. They are not obvious. You can’t tell one from another. But on that day they will be separated, and parted for ever.

III. There is a heaven and hell — vv. 34, 41, 46. Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;…These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Jesus tells us that the eternal hope of the righteous is in Him; just as eternal punishment awaits the unrighteous who are apart from Him. Since we know none are righteous as St. Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10, As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one…’our only hope is in Christ - for our faith alone justifies us declaring us righteous in God's sight. As Paul continues Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:20-22.

IV. Compassion is the basis for judgment — v. 40. The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. St. Francis of Assisi is to have said: "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary - use words." The faith is taught and it is caught. By word and deed we are to express the compassion of Jesus Christ especially to the least of these as such, we should include them in our circle of compassion and mercy.

Conclusion: The key word is the word - When (vv. 37-39). “And when did we see thee...?” Three times, the righteous asked the King the same question. They served Christ without knowing it. It was a natural, spontaneous, and automatic expression of compassion for those in need. This they did without any thought – it came naturally for them. As they did it they did it unto Christ.

The deeds of love and compassion for the needy resulted from their possession of the spirit of Christ. They had the heart and mind of Christ, and thus they had concern for the hungry, naked, and imprisoned.

Church Expansion - week 23

2011-11-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

Brick work is near completion

New South entrance

North entrance

slate tile near completion

copper flashing will weather over time

Geo thermal pumps 150 feet below ground

yup, our church is green!

paint in the gathering area

lights will be hung next week

Tile flooring North entrance

Handrail leading to the basement

Time in the Word - Christ the KING

2011-11-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Proper 29

November 14-19, 2011

Preparation for the Kingship of Christ

Christ the King

The Lessons for this coming week deal with the Last Sunday of the Church year Christ the King Sunday. On Christ the King Sunday, it is obvious that the kingship of Christ is the theme. The church year closes with a climax in which Jesus is crowned Lord of all. His kingship is universal and eternal. The Gospel portrays Jesus as King-Judge of all nations. The Old Testament lesson is related to the Gospel by the fact that Jesus compares his sheep to himself. Paul depicts Jesus as the victor over the world with all things under Christ’s feet, including death. The Prayer of the Day refers to the Theme of the Day: “King of all creation” and “the glorious and gentle rule of your Son.” The Psalms pick up the idea of the sheep, but there is reference to “a King above all gods.” The Hymn of the Day uses the phrase “King of kings and Lord of lords,” and refers to the coming judgment.

Monday, 14 November 2011 Psalm 39:4-5, 7-8, 12a - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from 2 Peter 3:13 “ In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth the home of the righteous.”

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 – Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24- The Shepherd King will gather His people. As the shepherd for his people, Yahweh will seek the lost, gather, and feed his sheep with David as the prince among them. A popular metaphor for a religious-political leader in Judah was “shepherd.” False shepherds, says Ezekiel, led Judah to ruin and captivity. So, the Lord will be her shepherd who will bring his sheep out of captivity in Babylon, feed them with justice, and restore them to their former homeland. The nation will be restored under a new leader, a Messiah, a son of David.

The Lord says he will be the shepherd of his people. A shepherd is considered a king in Hebrew writings. He acts like a king who cares for his people. He is a good shepherd, the perfect one. He does only good for his people; seeks, gathers, and feeds them. He has compassion on the lost, the crippled and the weak. Nor does he neglect the healthy ones whom he feeds with justice. “My God, how wonderful thou art!”

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 – 1 Corinthians 15:20-28-The King will conquer the world. God has put all things in subjection to Christ. On this Christ the King Sunday, we see Christ as the king over death. His resurrection was the first person to rise from death. Since he rose, the Christian dead will also rise. At the end of time he will deliver his kingdom to God. All enemies, including death, will be defeated by King Jesus. Then the Son will subject himself to God the Father that God may be everything to everyone.

Thursday, 17 November 2011–Matthew 25:31-46 – Jesus will judge the nations. Christ the King will judge the nations. At the end of time Christ is to come as judge of the nations. As Shepherd-King, Jesus will separate the sheep and goats, the good and the bad. The basis of the separation is the nations’ ministering or lack of ministering to the hungry, thirsty, sick, and imprisoned. The passage is not primarily an appeal for social justice or economic aid.

The main point of the parable is the coming separation of the good and the bad who are destined either for heaven or hell. It should also be noted that what was done to Christ was done not to people in general, but to “the least of these my brethren.” The brethren are Jesus’ disciples.

The word “Me” is used fourteen times in this lesson. It refers to Christ. Is Christ the one who is hungry, naked, and in prison? The sick “brother” is not Christ himself; the hungry man is not Christ.

When we help the needy, we do it as to Christ. This is because Jesus identifies with the afflicted. When we love someone, we say to one who helps the beloved, “What you do for him, you do for me.” Anyone who befriends your child is automatically a friend of yours. Thus in everything we do we do it unto the Lord.

Friday, 18 November 2011 Psalm 95:1-7a - This Psalm is the appointed for this Sunday. Verse 7a is the key verse, “We are the people of his pasture” Our Savior has promised to shepherd us we are never in want. Thus we cast our worries and cares into His hands as He orders our days and directs our path. He alone is our good shepherd and king.

Saturday, 19 November 2011 - Hebrews 2:19 - Our reading is the inspiration for the hymn; “The Head that Once was Crowned with Thorns”. As the Church year comes to a close we recall that He who Ascended will return in glory. If we are prepared to receive Him on the last great day we will be ready to celebrate at the time of His birth. The baby in the manger the death of the man on the cross and the king who comes in triumph are all one in the same – Jesus our Savior.

Sources

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

2nd to Last Sunday

2011-11-11T01:11:00.000-08:00

Proper 28 (13–19 November)
Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

What the Day of the Lord will be like– Like a man going on a journey
Matthew 25:14-30

Our Gospel lesson is a continuation from the parable related to the Lord’s return from last Sunday. In the parable of the 10 virgins a basic and yet profound principle is made – each must believe for himself. In the parable concerning the talents the question for us to consider is this - so now that you have come to a saving relationship with Christ what have you done with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did you use it or did you abuse it? Did you let your light shine or did that light go out?

According to the parable, the Lord’s return is long delayed (v. 19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Two servants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given. The third servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was taken from him and given to the other two.

Jesus has ascended and His return has been delayed. When He comes, He will ask for an accounting whether we have worked for Him while He was absent or whether we have cared only for our security. When Christ returns He will ask each of us “What have you done with the Gospel entrusted to you?” Let us pray…

“Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come.”

To one servant He gave five talents, meaning a sum of money, to a second two, and to a third one. Why is life like that? I don't know. We are all equal in the eyes of God. We are all guaranteed equal rights under the Constitution. In an election our votes are all equal. But when it comes to our abilities, we are as different as different can be. God simply did not make us all the same.

There are some people who can handle five talents; there are some who can handle only one. There are some persons who have great intellectual capabilities, and some who do not.

There are some who have the ability to project and articulate their thoughts, and there are some who cannot. There are some who have physical prowess and attractive looks, and there are some who do not. The important thing to remember is that each servant was given something. No one was left idle.

Some claim that they have no gift, that they have no talent. As a result, they fail to use and develop what little God may have given them in terms of possessions, natural gifts, and faith. People, we need to be challenged to use all the gifts to the fullest for the glory of God. This parable asks each of us to answer the question: “What have you done with the gospel of Jesus Christ?

1. Some hide it for fear of losing it —I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. v. 25. Accomplishing a little is better than accomplishing nothing at all. The reason why the master was so angry at the servant who buried his talent was because he did nothing. The only real failure in life is in giving up. God's grace is endless therefore we never need to give up. When you give up, you close the door on God changing you.

Transition: Use it or lose it.

2. Invest it — Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. v. 27. The servant who was given five talents was called good and faithful because he went at once to put his talents to work—do the same. Whatever it is that you need to accomplish in your life, there is something you can do TODAY to get started. It's not our job to worry about what we don't have; it's our job to make the most of what we do have.

Transition: Faithfulness always leads to a promotion.

3. Multiply it — The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' vv. 22-23. You'll be given opportunities according to your ability. Not everyone gets the same opportunity, because not everyone is capable of handling the same amount of responsibility. Whether you're faithful with a little or a lot, God is equally pleased. Being responsible always leads to more responsibility.

Conclusion: God gives each a gift according to each one’s ability to use it. In the last analysis, however, we are all equal in being accountable for whatever gift we have. A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be out- going, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself?

Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield. Christ has entrusted you to the work of His kingdom. Why? Because He believes in you.

Church Expansion - Week 22

2011-11-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

North door

Shinglesand brick work near completion

Tile in men’s restroom

Utility room

Banister/Handrail

Time in the Word - Proper 28 - 2nd to Last Sunday

2011-11-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Time in theWord

Proper 28 - 2^nd to Last Sunday of theChurch Year

November7-12, 2011

Preparationfor the Lord’s Coming

The Lessons for this coming week again help us prepare forthe coming of our Lord. In the Old Testament lesson the prophet Zephaniahreminds us of the reason the Lord must return. Sin will cause death anddestruction. In the Epistle lesson Paul assures his readers the children oflight will not be surprised when the day of the Lord suddenly comes. TheChristians of the first century were concerned about the exact date of Jesus’return. Paul reminded them that no exact day can be determined, for Jesus willcome suddenly and unexpectedly as a thief comes in the night. In the Gospellesson we are given the parable of the talents. This is another parable relatedto the Lord’s return. According to the parable, the return is long delayed (v.19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Twoservants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given. Thethird servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was takenfrom him and given to the other two. Jesus has ascended and his return has beendelayed. When he comes, he will ask for an accounting whether they worked forhim while he was absent or whether they cared only for their security. Ahoarded gift is lost and the hoarder is condemned.

Monday, 07 November 2011 - Psalm 143:5-6, 10-11 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm143:1 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my pleasfor mercy! In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness!” Davidcalls for deliverance from his enemies and for divine leading. As he makes hisappeal to the Lord he is confident the Lord will act on his account. Thus weare directed to pray in the morning and evening “…into Thy hands I commendmyself…”

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 –Zephaniah 1:7-16- The prophet reminds his hearers sin will causedestruction and death. Zephaniah calls upon the nation to be “silent” before God.Similarly a psalmist wrote, “Be still and know that I am God.” If one is tohear what God has to say, there must be silence. Because of this, silence isrequested in a library or concert hall. But, there is greater reason forsilence. In the face of something catastrophic or terrible, our only reactionis silence. When the seal is broken in heaven, there is a half hour of silence.Zephaniah has a dreadful word from God: The day of the Lord is coming as a dayof doom, gloom, destruction, and death for all people. That is enough to shockus into silence.

The “end” is final. There is nothing beyond or it would notbe the end. The wrath of God will not be spent until the end of everything. Itreminds us of the result of nuclear warfare and the end of the earth. Thispassage gives us no hope, no solution. The end is promised and it will come,unless.... Or, is it too late?

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 –1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -SinceChristians they are children of the day (righteousness) and not of the night(wickedness), they are to remain sober and awake. To be ready and to beequipped to do battle against evil, they are to be equipped with faith, hope,and love. Paul comforts and assures them that God has not destined them towrath, but to salvation so that whether they live or die, they might be withthe Lord.

Thursday, 10 November 2011 – Matthew 25:14-30 –What the servants have is not their own. The rich man of the parable gave hisproperty to his servants as a trust until he returned. As servants of God, allwe have has been given to us: our world, gifts, and our very own lives. Thus,we are stewards of God’s wealth. We are not free to do with his possessions aswe wish. God holds us accountable for what we did or did not do with hisproperty.

The Bible teaches us to fear God, but not to be afraid ofhim. The servant who did nothing with his talent was afraid of God. Though Godis a just God who demands justice, holiness, and righteousness, we need not beafraid of him, for he loves us. Fear him? Yes! Fear him in terms of reverenceand awe! When we are afraid, we freeze, hold back, fear to venture. The servantwas afraid he would lose his one talent and he knew the master would demand areturn of his money. In all ways, fear in terms of being afraid, makes usinhibited, cautious, and withholding. Love dares to venture and invest.

Friday, 11 November 2011 Psalm 90:1-12 - This Psalm is the appointed for this Sunday. Verse 17 is the key verse, ““Let the favor of the Lord our God be uponus” David says, as You Lord only have been our security in the world soalso make our labors to be effective and enduring – though we are so transient.

Saturday, 12 November 2011 Luke 21:25-36 - Our reading is the inspiration for the hymn; “The Day is Surely Drawing Near”. As theChurch year comes to a close so we look to the time of Christ’s second coming.We need not fear these days for we are confident of Him who orders our days anddirects our path.

Sources

Schnorr von Carolsfeld,woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to usethese copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

3rd to Last Sunday

2011-11-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

Proper 27 (6–12 November)
Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Day of the Lord – The Lord will appear suddenly receiving those who are ready - Matthew 25:1-13

Only Matthew gives the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. It concerns the return of Christ. His coming is delayed. During the delay, foolish people go to sleep and run out of oil for their lamps. At midnight when least expected, the Bridegroom (Christ) comes. The unprepared have the door shut in front of them. The parable teaches us to be constantly alert and prepared for the Lord’s sure and certain return.

Christians are familiar with the three Wise Men, but how many know about the five Wise Women? According to the parable half of us are foolish when it comes to the Parousia. Our foolishness is expressed in claiming to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, in withdrawing from the world to await the Lord’s certain return, and in ignoring the possibility of Jesus’ Second Coming in our time. In the parable we have a model for wise men and women. To be wise like the wise women —

1. Be prepared for Jesus’ coming — v. 4. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps

Only Matthew gives the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. It concerns the return of Christ. His coming is delayed. During the delay, foolish people go to sleep and run out of oil for their lamps. At midnight, when least expected, the Bridegroom[1] comes. The unprepared have the door shut in front of them. The parable teaches us to be constantly alert and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

2. Refuse to share your spiritual resources — vv. 8-9. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’“ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ On the surface this seems heartless. The foolish five are in a crisis; there is an emergency. Shouldn’t the other five be considerate and compassionate enough to share what they have? It is an urgent matter because it is a matter of eternal life or death. There is a sternness in the parable: When the foolish girls finally get to the wedding feast, the “door was shut” (v.10), and when they appealed for entry, the bridegroom unbelievably says, “I do not know you” (v. 12). All of this happens by virtue of the nature of spiritual preparedness. No one can get to heaven on the oil of another’s faith. Without faith in Christ, the door of salvation is closed, because faith is the key to the door. It sounds cruel but the fact is that people without faith are unknown to God, for to know is to be personally related to God.

Christians are familiar with the three Wise Men, but how many know about the five Wise Women? According to the parable half of us are foolish when it comes to the end of days. Our foolishness is expressed in claiming to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, in withdrawing from the world to await the return of Christ, and in ignoring the possibility of Jesus’ Second Coming in our time. In the parable we have a model for wise men and women.

All of this happens by virtue of the nature of being prepared spiritually. No one can get to heaven on the oil of another’s faith. Without faith in Christ, the door of salvation is closed. Faith in Christ is the key to the door. It sounds cruel but the fact is that people without faith are unknown to God, for to know is to be personally related to God.

Timing is everything. The word is based on two Greek words for "time." One[2] refers to regular, every day time—what we might call chronological time.

On the other hand, the other[3] means "special" time, as in "God's time." According to business as usual--the bridegroom is delayed. The ten virgins fall asleep.

The five foolish girls represent the "wisdom of this world--the live-by-what-you- can-see wisdom" that God has turned upside down. The five wise virgins represent the "wisdom of faith," the wisdom of trusting in Christ's complete redemption of the world.
As a sign of how the five foolish virgins live by the ways of this world, they wind up going to the marketplace to try to buy some more oil. While they were participating in the established market system--the status quo of the world--the bridegroom interrupted chronological business-as-usual time by breaking in and making His dramatic arrival.

Faith is not about believing correct thoughts. Faith is about trusting in Jesus, which, in turn, means living in the new reality He teaches—not in the status quo, business-as-usual living of this world, but rather, living in "the way" of Jesus, in anticipation of the Father's kingdom, by affirming the absolute equality and dignity Christ has given to all people who come to Him by faith, confessing and repenting of their sins and then trusting in the merits of Jesus’ sacrifice for them on the cruel and bloody cross of Calvary - and hanging in there - even when it appears that God is far away, or that the Bridegroom has been delayed.

3. Enter the feast of the kingdom — v. 10. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

"But at midnight a cry happened!" It's a bit awkward in English, but the word Jesus uses here[4] literally means "it came into existence," in other words, "it happened." The word is often used to underline the significance of the event. In the middle of the night of chronological time, there is-"a cry"--and "behold! The Bridegroom showed up!" It happened!

Conclusion: The story is told of a little girl who had been taught about the second coming in Sunday School. She asked her mother about the lesson. "Mommy, do you believe Jesus will come back?" "Yes." "Could He come this week?" "Yes." "Today?" "Yes." "Could He come in the next hour?" "Yes." "In a few minutes?" "Yes, dear." "Mommy, would you comb my hair?" This girl had the right idea: we must always be ready for the return of Christ Jesus.

Matthew tells us that the day of opportunity, the chance for repentance, the season for faith in Christ, is over for those who are not ready to meet the Lord when He comes. For the five foolish virgins the door to the wedding feast was shut, locked, and bolted. There was no way they could gain entrance. The Bridegroom even went so far as to declare, "I don't know you" (Vs 12). Once the Bridegroom has showed up, once Christ has returned, it is too late to try to get ready for His coming. You must be ready before He returns.

________________________________________
[1] Christ
[2] Chronos
[3] Kairos,
[4] gegonen

Church Expansion - Week 21

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sidewalks are set & topsoil has returned

Landscaping is next...

Sheetrock is up and sanded

Stained glass will go in once the walls are painted

Wall & window in the men's restroom

Walls in the gathering area are sanded and taped

paving and striping

Time in the Word -Proper 27, 3rd to Last Sunday of the Church year

2011-10-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Time in the Word

Proper 27 – 3rd to the Last Sunday of the Church year

31 October - 05 November 2011

The Day of our Lord

The Lessons for this coming week help us prepare forthe coming of our Lord. In the Old Testament lesson, the prophet Amosencourages us to prepare for the day of the Lord by exceeding justice. In theEpistle lesson Paul assures us that at the Judgment Day Jesus will bring withhim all who died and the Christian people still living on earth will go withthem to heaven. The Christians of Paul’s day believed that Christ’s return wasat hand. This caused concern for those who already died. Would they miss theglorious event and the opportunity to go with Jesus to heaven? Paul assuresthem that the dead in Christ will come with him and then he will gather theliving. Together the dead and living will go to heaven to be forever withChrist. In the Gospel lesson, we find the parable of the wise and foolishmaidens. Only Matthew gives the parable. It concerns the return of Christ. Hiscoming is delayed. During the delay, foolish people go to sleep and run out ofoil for their lamps. At midnight when least expected, the Bridegroom (Christ)comes. The unprepared have the door shut in front of them. The parable teachesus to be constantly alert and prepared for the sure and sudden return of JesusChrist.

Collect forReformation (31 Oct): Almighty andgracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep ussteadfast 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.

Collect for AllSaints’ Day (01 Nov): Almighty andeverlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and placesinto one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant usso 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 forthose who love You.

Collect for Commemoration of the faithfulDeparted (02 Nov) Heavenly Father, inyour Son Jesus Christ You have given us a true faith and a sure hope. Strengthenthis faith and hope in us all our days, that we may live as those who believein the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection toeternal life; through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Eternal God, ourmaker and redeemer, grant us, with all the faithful departed, the sure benefitsof Your Son's saving passion
and glorious resurrection that, in the last day, when You gather up all thingsin Christ, we may with them enjoy the fullness of Your promises.

Collect for Proper 27 – Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth YourSon to lead home Hi bride, the Church, that with all the company of theredeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the sameJesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, nowand forever.

A simple yetheartfelt prayer: Lord, when the dayof wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch forthe last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of marriagefeast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 31 October 2011 - Psalm 84:1,9-12 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 84:3 “Even the sparrow finds a home, and theswallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at Your altars, O Lordof hosts, my King and my God.”

Tuesday, 1 November 2011 – Amos 5:18-24- Through Amos God is speaking, “I hate, I despise....”Can God hate? Is he not love? Since God is a personality, he has, like us, thecapacity to hate as well as to love. In fact, if one cannot hate, one cannotlove. But what or whom does God hate? It is not “whom” but “what.” Always heloves the sinner but not the sin. God hates our wickedness, our insincereworship, and our religiosity: “feasts,” “solemn assemblies,” “noises of yoursongs.” God hates your hypocrisy. If God hates sin, should Christians not alsodo the same?

Wednesday, 2 November 2011 – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – Paul uses “sleep” todescribe the dead in Christ. They are asleep in Jesus. “Sleep” is a comfortingconcept of the Christian dead. When we sleep, we are at rest. Our labors areover and we rest at peace. When we sleep, we are not dead but alive. We shallawaken out of sleep. We fall asleep on earth to awaken in heaven for a fuller,better life with Christ.

We grieve over the loss ofloved ones, but not as those who have no hope of heaven. In Paul’s day, peoplewere grieving because they were worried lest the departed miss the return ofChrist. They wanted the dead to share in his victory, to see the destruction ofsatanic powers, and to rejoice in the spectacular glory of Christ. ForChristians, the end time will be a glorious time and we want our loved ones toshare it.

When Christ returns at theend of time, the living and the dead in Christ will be together. When Christleaves heaven for earth, he will bring with him those who died in faith. Thereis going to be one great, colossal reunion of heaven and earth! Since this isthe case according to Paul, we know where our departed loved ones are now. Theyare with Christ in heaven. To be with Christ is to have life, love, joy, andpeace. What more could we want for our dearest or ourselves?

Thursday, 3 November2011–Matthew 25:1-13 – Five girls are wise and five are foolish. Couldthere be that many foolish people? According to this, five go to heaven andfive to hell; five have life and five have death; five have joy and five aremiserable. We fall into one of these two categories. There is no in-betweenstate. When it comes to being prepared for Christ’s return, we are either wise,in being prepared or foolish in not being ready to receive him.

Christ’s return is delayed,because the first Christians expected his return in their lifetimes. Since thistime, there were Christians in each century who expected the last great day tohappen within a short time. Here it is the beginning of the twenty-firstcentury and he still has not come. We humans tend to get weary in waiting tothe point that we conclude he is not coming in our time. This results in carelessnessexpressed in “sleep” (v. 5) and not having an adequate supply of “oil” (v. 3).The delay is fraught with danger for us.

Friday, 4 November 2011 - Psalm 50 - This Psalm isthe appointed for this Sunday. Verse 1is the key verse, “O Lord, make haste to help me.” This is the prayer offaith. When we reach out to the Savior with our burdens, joy, sorrow and caresHe answers every petition. Our only request, “Thy will be done Lord, Thy willbe done.

Saturday, 5 November2011 - Matthew 25:1-13 –- Our readingis the inspiration for the hymn; “WakeAwake, for Night is flying”. The bridegroom comes at midnight. Surprise!Who would imagine a bridegroom coming for his bride at the ungodly hour whenthe world is asleep? It is the least expected time. Those who stay up late aresurely in bed by midnight, and even the early risers would not get up atmidnight.

Jesus said His return wouldbe like this. No one knows the day and hour — so be ready! Moreover, the signsof His coming are associated with the midnight of day, which becomes thenoonday of hell: wars, earthquakes, catastrophes, fear, and so on. When timesare at their worst and when people are at their lowest and darkest moments,Christ will come.

Sources

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariahnames John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighteditems is limited to personal and congregational use.

Reformation

2011-10-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

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 altar and pulpit? Do you think of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church? Or do you think of the four “alones” of the Lutheran Church: “Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone”?

There is certainly a right and a wrong way of celebrating Reformation day. 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; or 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.

But on the other hand, if we celebrate this day as a triumph of Protestantism over the Catholic Church, if we celebrate this day as if the Word of God began with Martin Luther on October 31st 1517, when he posted his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church, or if we celebrate this day in a way that suggests that Lutherans alone of all Christians teach and believe that we are justified by faith whereas other Christians, think they are justified by their good deeds, then, I think, we are celebrating Reformation Day in a way that is thoroughly inappropriate.

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 Lutheran 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. 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]

Introduction: Truth for man 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, political, and spiritual. In this passage, 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. 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 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.

Conclusion: To be Lutheran is to be both "Humble" and "Lazy".
Lutherans 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 Lutheran makes no declaration against this, a Lutheran doesn't point to so called works . . . a Lutheran simply agrees, "Yeah, I stink. Big time." Lutherans are lazy. When asked what he is going to do to get himself to heaven, a Lutheran says, "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 - just 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 what do you say, O Lutheran? 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 He does is all for you. Be humble - see your need. Be lazy - and let Christ do the work. Rejoice and be glad in this - and you will be a Lutheran. As regards my salvation - I am to be perfectly lazy.

With regards to my neighbor - I am to be busy and 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]

Note: For more reading consider these two sources:
[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

Church Expansion - Week 20

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Mound system for the new septic

render unto Caesar...

Pumping system for the septic

Brick, limestone, slate shingles, spouting all going up

Storm windows have been installed

New doors and glass arch in the North entry

Gone!

2011-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome Fall & Winter...

Sadona, AZ

2011-10-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

We visited Sadona, AZ on Sunday 23 October 2011

Yes, the DAHLING boutique

Chapel of the Holy Cross

an architectural masterpiece built into the red rocks of Sedona

Grand Canyon

2011-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

We visited Henry whose living in Flagstaff, AZ

Ravens were everywhere

South Rim