Pr. DFD : April 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Time in the Word April 28 - May 3, 2008

Christians in a Non-Believing world

Easter 7

Collect for Easter 7 - O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost. Because Easter was so early this year we will be celebrating Ascension before confirmation. Mother’s Day will be the observance of Pentecost.

Monday, April 28, 2008 – Psalm 68:1-10- This is the Psalm suggested for the last Sunday in Easter.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 – Acts 1:12—26 – Christians in the world pray for the Spirit. At his ascension, Jesus promised to send the Spirit to the disciples. The risen Lord meets with his eleven disciples a short distance from Jerusalem where before ascending to his Father, he promises them the Spirit who will give them power to witness throughout the world. Then they returned to an upper room in Jerusalem to pray. With the disciples are Jesus’ brothers and mother. This is her last appearance in the New Testament — she is seen among the first Christians praying and waiting for the Spirit. This deals with both the ascension and next Sunday’s Pentecost.. The First Lesson is similar to today’s Acts 1:1-11. Otherwise, the Lesson can be used to prepare for next Sunday’s Pentecost celebration.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 –1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11 – Christians in the world share Christ’s sufferings. Christians are to rejoice over the privilege of sharing Christ’s suffering, and after suffering God will restore and strengthen them. The exhortations to the newly baptized are continued in this passage. They are warned of impending persecution for being Christians, for at this time it was a crime to be a Christian. They are not to be surprised when suffering comes, but to rejoice that they suffer like Jesus did. When suffering comes, the new Christians are to be humble, trust in God’s care, be on guard against temptation, and to remember that suffering is over and God will strengthen them. They are to take comfort in the fact that suffering is experienced by the whole church.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 – John 17:1-11 – Christians in the world are prayed for. Before his departure, Jesus prays for his disciples. This pericope is a part of Christ’s high priestly prayer, the end of his farewell discourse at the last supper begun in chapter 13. The hour of his departure has come. He reports to the Father that he has accomplished the work he was sent to do.

Friday, May 2, 2008 – Psalm 47 – This Psalm is suggested for Ascension.

Saturday, May 3, 2008 –Acts 2:21 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “Christ is the World’s Redeemer“{LSB 539} As we will confirm our Jr. Confirmands tomorrow we pray they would remain faithful to Jesus forever. The suggested hymn for this weeks reminds us that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Having examined the realities of Easter we now go out into the world as witnesses of the Savior. This is what living the faith means. Expressing what those 1st Century disciples proclaimed, “we are witnesses to these things.”

Daytime Collect for Eastertide - Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

A Prayer for Ascension – Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for St. James and Philip [Observed May 1] – Almighty God, Whom to know is life everlasting, grant that, even as Your Son gave knowledge of everlasting life to the apostles Philip and James by revealing Himself the them as the only ways to Yu, so we may be a true and lively faith know Him as our only Savior now and forever.

For Agriculture - Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

An Evening Collect for Eastertide – Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your Holy Word and sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity.

Sources:

THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Friday, April 25, 2008

Feast Day of St. Mark - Happy Birthday Lydia

Oh the places you have been and the things you have done!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Earth Day

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."— Margaret Atwood

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Time in the Word - April 21-26, 2008

The Spirit in the Christian’s Life
Easter 6
April 21-26, 2008

Collect for Easter 6 - O God, the Giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This week lead us to the Sunday before the Festival of the Ascension which falls forty days after Easter. Since Jesus is about to leave the earth, our attention is called to the Spirit who is to come in his place. The Lessons begin to prepare us for Pentecost. In the Gospel, Jesus promises to send the Spirit as Counselor, the spirit of truth. In Lesson 1, Paul in his sermon at Athens tries to explain the nature of God who, to the Athenians, is an “unknown God.” For many today, including Christians, the Spirit is an unknown God. The Spirit is mentioned in the Epistle Lesson — Jesus was made alive in the Spirit. The Prayer refers to “the inspiration of the Spirit” to enable us to think those things that are right. Since Pentecost is a major festival of the church and hopefully a renewed outpouring of the Spirit, it is appropriate that through the lections we begin to prepare for Pentecost.

Monday, April 21, 2008 – Psalm 66:1-7 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.1, “I cry to God with joy.” The man who is blessed (Vv.1-4) is also humbled (Vv. 5ff) Notice the illustration in Vs. 6 and the implication found in Vs. 7.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 – Acts 17:16-31 –The Spirit as an “unknown God” Paul preaches at Athens. Paul’s sermon at Athens was different. It was addressed not to Jews nor to Christian Gentiles, but to educated and cultured pagans, for Athens was the capitol of Greek-Roman civilization. It is interesting to see how Paul adapted to his audience to get a hearing. He begins by complementing them — “You are very religious.” He refers to a local situation — an altar erected to an unknown god. This gives him an entree into his subject. Who is this “unknown God?” To bolster his argument he does not quote scripture but Greek philosophers and poets. He brings his message to a head by calling for repentance as preparation for the judgment to be conducted by the One God raised from the dead.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 –1 Peter 3:13-22 – Christians are alive in the Spirit. The newly baptized, warned they may suffer for being Christians are reminded if the suffer for “well-doing rather than evil-doing,” they will be blessed. In a non-Christian world, Christians are to imitate Jesus who suffered, died for our sins, rose and ascended to the Father. They are to revere Christ and to be prepared to give an account of their faith. As Noah was saved through water, really from water, baptismal water saves us not by a physical, but a spiritual cleansing.

Thursday, April 24, 2008 – John 14:15-21 – God’s people come to God only through Jesus. This is a continuation of Jesus’ “farewell discourses”. Jesus promises not to leave the disciples desolate, for he will send the Spirit. Jesus’ final discourse continues from last Sunday. It deals with the fate of the disciples after his departure. Jesus reminds his followers that love is obeying his commands, particularly the command to love one another. He assures them that he will not leave them desolate, for he will send the Spirit. By the Spirit he will be with them. John considers the coming of the Spirit as the end of all time.

Friday, April 25, 2008 – Psalm 66:8-20 – This Psalm is a continuation from the Psalm appointed for Monday. Now we look at the holy man who is humbled by the marvelous ways of God. (Vv.8-12) The person of faith is declared holy by the trustworthiness of God (Vv. 13-15) as well as his testimony. (Vv. 16-20)

Saturday, April 26, 2008 –2 Timothy 1:9-10 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “Dear Christians One and All rejoice“{LSB 556} As we will have examination Sunday tomorrow reviewing the chief teachings of our Christian faith this hymn is quit fitting. It explains the whole story of Savior. Luther wrote this hymn to explain to his children what Good Friday and Easter Sunday taught. It is one of Luther’s great teaching hymns and has grown to be on of Friedheim’s finest’

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide - Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

A Prayer for Home & Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

For Peace –O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that w3e, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness.

Sources:

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Easter 5 - Aprill 20, 2008

April 20, 2008
Easter 5
John 14:1-14
The Power Of The Resurrection

Our Gospel lesson for this morning is the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourses” that continue through chapter 17 of John’s Gospel. The disciples are not to be troubled because He is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in his name, will be answered.

Let us pray to the Lord;

O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This passage is, almost without exception, read at funerals. It has become identified with death. It is really associated with the resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus goes to prepare a place for the believer. This passage then speaks to the living on earth to comfort them that after death they will be secure in Christ.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have —

1. A way is prepared for you in heaven — v. 2. “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

According to Jesus, there is a heaven. He said he was going to prepare a place for his people in heaven. It is a place large enough for all believers in Christ as it contains — “many rooms.” The nature of heaven is given — it is being with Christ — “Where I am you may be also” (v. 3).

Sin, sickness, pain and heartache are not a part of heaven. Heaven is free from these things. They do not exist in the Father’s house. Heaven is a place which Christ Himself has created especially for His children.

Heaven is also personalized. Did you realize that? Notice what Jesus says to us in this verses. He says, “I go to prepare a place – for you.” In six short days the universe was made, and yet, in heaven the creative power of God continues as Jesus tells us that He is preparing a place custom made especially for you.

Every wife, I suppose, has a romantic picture in her mind of her “dream house” which is made especially for her. In our text Jesus Himself tells us that our home in heaven is not a romantic thought and it is far from being a “dream house”. The place created by Jesus has been constructed by the master craftsman Jesus Christ. The creative power of the carpenter from Nazareth continues as He builds a home for you.

Transition: Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ the Savior reminds us that He is the way which leads to life with God.

2. A way to God exists — v. 6. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

A false conception created by misguided people is the notion that says, “We’re all going to the same place, called heaven, we’re only traveling different roads to get there.” What that statement suggests is that two entirely different people can worship two entirely different “gods” and still arrive at the same destination – namely heaven.

Jesus discredits that perception as He makes the claim of absolute uniqueness. He is the way, truth, and life. He emphasizes this by adding that no one comes to God except by Him. People desiring a pluralistic approach to their faith value system will have troubles with verse 6. How then shall we consider non-Christian religions? What does this verse mean to the evangelism and missionary programs of the church today?

Jesus is not just one option among many. Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. He is the only true God. Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. Jesus Christ is the only one who is able to remove the sting and the debt of sin and strife. He is the only one capable of bringing us from death to life.

Transition: Jesus being the only way to the Father guarantees us that we shall see God. What these words say are simple and yet, in their simplicity the most profound statement of faith is revealed.

3. God is revealed in Christ — v. 9. “Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

Philip wants to know and see God. Jesus points to himself as the answer. We are to see, know, and find God in Jesus. Can we believe this? Jesus says if you cannot believe it on the basis of his words; take a look at his deeds. Can anyone less than God do these works?

The resurrection proves beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus IS God. Only God can raise the dead. Only God can forgive sins. Only God can call people to Himself. Only God can turn people from sin to His marvelous light.

Transition: Having come to this realization that Jesus is Lord we bear witness of Him in the world, as we become salt and light for Him.

4. You will outdo Jesus in works — v. 12. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

This passage is to be seen and used in the light of Easter. Without the resurrection, this passage would be useless. There would be no assurance of a place prepared in heaven, no one way to God, no deity of Jesus. The Easter account makes all these sayings reality and truth.

This is what Christ does for people. He is not as some might presume to be only “a son of God” to the contrary Jesus IS God. He is the Lord. Only in Him is there everlasting life.

Because of the resurrection, because of its power we do not wonder through life aimlessly. We have a purpose, a divine purpose. The resurrection assures us that heaven is our home. The resurrection assures us that Christ is our one and only Savior. The resurrection assures us that in Christ we have everlasting life. A blessed life in His name.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Listen, I tell you a mystery

At 5:38 am a 5.2 quake shook southern Illinois. At 11:15 am a 4.5 after shock was felt. This happened on the anniversary of the 1906 quake in California.

The Bible teaches that there will be an increase in earthquakes in the last days before the return of Jesus.

For nation [ethnos] shall rise against nation, and kingdom [basileia] against kingdom: and there shall be famines [limos], and pestilences [loimos], and earthquakes [seismos], in divers places. All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:7-8)

There have been wars, famines, pestilences, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes in various places for hundreds of years.

Wars, famines, pestilences, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes are becoming more frequent and greater in magnitude.

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes do not be alarmed. Such things must happen. Just like the signs of Spring all around us so also we are given signs that the Savior will return. This is for our comfort. Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.

Therefore rejoice for your redemption is drawing near. Repent. Make each day count as if it were your last, for it just might be...

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Spring has Finally Come!

This is the view from my front pourch!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Time in the Word April 14-19, 2008

Time in the Word
The People of God
Easter 5
April 14-19, 2008

Easter 5 begins to look forward to and prepare us for the ascension and Pentecost. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure. In Lesson 1 we see the ascended Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Because of the resurrection and ascension, we are God’s people offering spiritual sacrifices. The focus of the Lesson is on God’s people. Psalm 31 relates to Stephen’s martyrdom. The Prayer concerns God’s people who love God’s commands and desire God’s promises. The Hymn deals with the Gospel, Jesus as the way.

Collect for Easter 5 - O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, April 14, 2008 – Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. The is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is our through the cross and empty tomb.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 – Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60 – God’s people believe the gospel. The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry is too busy and the spiritual functions are being neglected. Members are complaining about their being neglected. What church would not like to have a problem like that, such as lack of parking space on a Sunday morning, insufficient seating space for Sunday morning service, or crowded Sunday school rooms? Why was this church growing? What will make any church grow? “The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied” (v. 7).

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 –1 Peter 2:2-10 – God’s people are a chosen, holy people. As living stones in a spiritual house, Christians are God’s people. Peter’s letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood (priesthood of believers) which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel; God’s chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Because they received God’s mercy in Christ, they have changed from a nobody to a somebody.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 – John 14:1-14 – God’s people come to God only through Jesus. This is the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourses” that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because he is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in His name, will be answered.

Friday, April 18, 2008 – Psalm 31 – This Psalm is a prayer when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David’s friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46 Jesus applied verse 5 to His own circumstance. Those who share in His sufferings at the hands of anti-Christian forces are encouraged to hear and use this psalm in light of what Jesus has endured for us.

Saturday, April 19, 2008 –John 6:32-35 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “At the Lambs High Feast we Sing“{LSB 633} The manna which came from heaven was from God. The Father still “gives” the true bread from heaven which is life through His Son Jesus Christ. Who is this bread of heaven? Jesus answers for us in Vs. 35 “I am” the bread of heaven.

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

A Prayer for an Answer to Prayer – Almighty God, since You have granted us the favor to call on You with one accord and have promised that where two or three are gathered together in Your name You are in the midst of them, fulfill now the prayers of Your people granting us in this world knowledge of Your truth and in the world to come life everlasting.

For Industry – Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, prosper those who maintain the industries of this land, give them a right regard for their labors, granting them a just reward for their toil and joy in serving You and supplying our needs.

Sources:

Easter 4 April 13, 2008

April 13, 2008
Easter 4
John 10:1-10
The Red Door

Churches often have red doors, not to indicate they are running in the “red” but to symbolize the door to the kingdom, made red by the blood shed on Calvary. A door is a means of entrance. Christ is the door to the kingdom of God. This is a message people really need to hear these days. This is a message we need to hear - a message to counteract the false tolerance and pluralism of the day - which makes Jesus out to be just another religious leader. Pluralism is an attempt by modern people to invent their own custom religion with God defined as “whatever fulfills your needs”.

Today Jesus is considered by many as nothing less then a moral guide and certainly nothing more! In today’s world whatever differences religions might have are not as important as their fundamental similarities. Therefore everyone can consider themselves “Spiritual.” Today we need to consider Jesus as the door of the kingdom.

1. Jesus is the one and only door — “the door” — v. 9. “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

Jesus is not one among many. He is the only door. These words teach that Jesus is the only door which leads to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors which lead to God. In today’s world, the emphasis is upon pluralism — one religion being as valid and certain as the next one. Christianity is considered by some as one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism.

Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep.” (Vs. 7) Do you know why Christ is the only door to the heavenly pasture? He went out of a door, the door of his Father’s house. He left that house to be born in a stable to live, die and rise again for you. He came for your salvation.

2. Jesus is the door to God — “he will be saved” — v. 9.

The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non-Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a gigantic religious organization in the hope of getting a control hold but of sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Jesus had a door slammed in His face, on the cruel and bloody cross. Being abandoned by His Father Jesus cried from the cross, “My God, Why?” “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) The Father slammed the door of heaven right in Christ’s face. Jesus pounded on that door - until His knuckles were bloody and red and raw. No answer! Christ endured such torture that we might look forward only to the blessings of heaven.

He went through the door, - the door of death - on Good Friday.

He came out of the door, that door of death on Easter. By going through that door and coming out again, He has become your door to the heavenly pasture.

3. Jesus is the door to freedom — “go in and out and find pasture” — v. 9.

As your good Shepherd Jesus goes before His sheep “…He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.” (Vs. 4) You don’t have to worry about the future. The Shepherd is ahead of you making it good and glad and safe for you. In the Shepherd Psalm, Psalm 23, David reminds us, “Thou prepares a table before me” i.e. He sets pasture land before me, right under the nose of my enemies.

You don’t have to be frightened about anything – even the last enemy - death. He still goes before you even in that experience. He knows the way, every inch of it. He stands by with rod and staff to comfort and the correct.

4. Jesus is the door to life — v. 10. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus says that He came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? There is more then seeing life as mere physical existence. Children of the heavenly Father have the “Life” of God in them. Our Good Shepherd doesn’t care to get things out of us, things like obedience and love. We are not worth very much of these things. It really wouldn’t pay Him to rob us. The take would be too small. Our Shepherd doesn’t come to get things out of us. He comes to give, to give His life as a purchase price for our pardon and eternal blessings.

Our Shepherd is good because He lays down His life for the sheep. Instead of beating His sheep from straying, the Good Shepherd beats Himself. It happened when He died the death of the cross for the pardon and salvation of His staying sheep. He is good because He takes up His laid-down life.

The only reason we call Christ Good is because of Easter when He wrestles forever free from the tenacious grip of death. Now to us His sheep He says, “Because I live you will love also.” (John 14:19) No other Shepherd can match that promise. Only Christ, the Good Shepherd can say, “I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” (Vs. 10)

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Bach's St. John Passion

Sunday afternoon April 13, 4 pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 518 E DeWald in Ft. Wayne, IN the Bach Collegium will present the Passion Concert - JS Bach's St. John Passion.

Unlike Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ Bach's choral/instrumental setting does not focus on the viloent and gory details leading to Jesus' death, but on the salvific benefits offered to everyone: faith, forgiveness, peace, happiness, and eternal life.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Freshman Recital Tomorrow

Daughter Lydia will have her freshman recital at a church in Bloomington. She and other students from her studio will be singing tomorrow afternoon. Lydia is a voice major at the Jacobs School of Music at IU. The picture was taken last year when she was a senior at Interlochen. Should be a great day.

Proud to be a Sycamore

This is son Henry he is a Junior at Indiana State University majoring in Criminology and Psychology. He will be working at Camp Lutherhaven near Albion, IN this summer before he returns to campus for his senior year. This picture was taken of him and “Sycamore Sam” during orientation in the Fall of 2005.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Time in the Word - April 7-12, 2008

The Sheep and the Good Shepherd

Easter 4

April 7-12, 2008

What does Easter 4’s theme of sheep and shepherd have to do with the Easter season’s message of the resurrection? On the surface, there seems to be no connection. Why couldn’t this theme of Jesus as shepherd serve to assure us of the nature of the risen Lord? Though he has risen in glory and is soon to ascend to the Father, Christ continues with us as a shepherd on earth, a shepherd who knows, cares, leads, and protects his sheep. Though risen in glory and absent in the body, Jesus continues as an abiding presence to care for his people. He is the good shepherd who died for his sheep to rescue them from the wolves. His resurrection confirms his victory and he continues to live as the shepherd of our souls.

Collect for Easter 4 - Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that, when we hear the voice of our Shepherd, we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, April 7, 2008 – Psalm 23:1-3 - The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.1, “The Lord’s my shepherd I shall not want.” Shepherd is a widely used metaphor used for Kings. David as King acknowledges that the Lord is his Shepherd-King. Jesus as the shepherd of His people is expressed most plainly in our Gospel lesson for this coming week.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 – Acts 2:42-74 –The sheep witness to the Shepherd. In our first lesson we have the issue of leadership in the 1st Century Church. What are the qualifications for church leadership? The early church faced the problem of choosing seven leaders. The apostles gave the people three criteria for their selection: good reputation, good common sense, and spirituality. Can these requirements be improved — character, judgment, and faith?

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 – 1 Peter 2:19-25 – The sheep suffer like the Shepherd. In the second reading Peter calls people straying sheep. Sheep are associated with straying and wandering off from the shepherd and the flock until they get lost and in danger of their lives. It is our nature to wander into sin, to carelessly leave the leadership of God, and to go our own way. Modern people are known for their mobility, insecurity, restlessness, a lack of roots, and loneliness.

Thursday, April 10, 2008 – John 10:1-10 –The sheep follow the Shepherd to life eternal. In next week’s Gospel lesson Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors to God. In today’s world, the emphasis is upon pluralism — one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non- Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ. Jesus says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? Our existence only makes sense when Jesus is at the center.

Friday, April 11, 2008 – Psalm 23:4-6 -The Psalm portion for this coming week is the much loved Shepherd Psalm. The benefits of have Jesus as our Shepherd-King is that both goodness and love will literally pursue us. We are given the hope and promise of life with God eternally. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Our future has been guaranteed. Because the Shepherd-King Jesus lives forever we have the hope and guarantee of dwelling with Christ throughout the years of our life.

Saturday, April 12, 2008 John 21:15- This verse is the inspiration for the hymn “I am Jesus’ Little Lamb“{LSB 740} Three times Peter denied his Lord. Three times Jesus asks the question “Peter…do you love me more then these? Thus the Savior asks us today, “Do you love Me?” “Do we love Jesus more then people, more then your occupation, more than things? (In the case of Peter these things were the tools of his trade – fishing gear.) The Savior calls us to discipleship, to take up His cross and follow Him. In this Easter season we are directed by the Savior to affirm the new life He gives us and to share with others the hope that we have in Him. Scripture reminds us “in a twinkling of an eye” we will all be gone – What shall be said of us then? May it be said of us that we remain a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming.

A Prayer for Agriculture Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

For the Hope of Eternal Life Almighty and everlasting God, whose Son as assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily as we hold fast the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life.

An Evening Collect for Eastertide Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your Holy Word and sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity.

Sources:

THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing, Lima OH

Easter 3 - April 6, 2008

Easter 3
April 6, 2008
Luke 24:13-35

O Lord, open Thou my eyes!

In the breaking of the bread, the risen Christ reveals himself to two followers on the way to Emmaus. As two followers of Jesus walk to Emmaus, they are joined by a Stranger who overhears their discussion of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Stranger asks questions as though he knew nothing about the events. When they expressed their despair, Jesus began to expound the Scriptures concerning Himself.

When they reached their destination, they insisted that the stranger have a meal with them. When He blessed and broke the bread, they knew at once that He was the risen Lord. Immediately they returned to Jerusalem to report to the disciples. For us, living almost 2000 years after these events took place we can be confident that the Lord is truly risen in deed. This Lesson teaches us that Jesus reveals Himself to us specifically in His Word and in the Sacrament.

Let us pray to the Lord:

O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

It is a strange tale of two men who look at Jesus but do not recognize him. The death and resurrection did not change Jesus’ physical appearance except for the wound print. The physical appearance did not help these men to recognize the resurrected Jesus. This is a comfort to us, because we today must look elsewhere than the physical body to know Jesus has risen from the dead.

Getting to know the risen Lord.

1. What keeps us from seeing Him today?

A. Eyes that are downcast — v. 17, “He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.

In this passage we see that the fact of the empty tomb failed to convince the disciples of the resurrection, “In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” (vv. 22-24). The women reported the empty tomb to the disciples. Some checked out the story and found it to be the case. Yet, they did not believe Jesus rose from the dead. Today we cannot base the reality of the resurrection solely on the fact of the empty tomb. At best, it is only a matter of circumstantial evidence, a negative witness.

B. Hearts that are in despair — v. 21, “but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” If an empty tomb was the only evidence of the Savior’s resurrection we too would be forced to live our lives in despair. What caused the tomb to be empty? Had someone stolen Him away? Had the women stumbled upon the wrong tomb? An empty is not enough. What was necessary was the appearance of Jesus visibly risen from the dead.

Transition: What happens when Jesus becomes a personal reality? Does anything in your life change? Anything better or different? In the case of the two men on the way to Emmaus, their lives before they met the risen Lord were filled with sadness and despair. After their visit and conversation with Jesus, they were different men. If church members are living in a state of sadness and despair, they need to confront the resurrected Christ.

2. What enables us to know Jesus is alive?

A. Word — Scriptures — v. 32, “They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

If the disciples had known their Bibles, they would not have been surprised at the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus used the scriptures to show that all that happened to him was foretold.

According to this text, Jesus saw himself in the scriptures and confirmed that all of the prophets had told about his death and resurrection. If Jesus is the Son of God and if the cross and empty tomb are the sole work of God, it is to be expected that God’s Word would say something about it. What is it that God’s Word says to us?

1. God our Father is the author of the death and resurrection.

2. God our Father through the prophets promised to send a Messiah.

3. Jesus our Savior through the cross and resurrection accomplished the salvation of the world.

B. Sacraments — Lord’s Supper — vv. 30, 31, “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

What is it that you see on the altar? Is it merely bread and wine? Or is it something more? In, with and under these elements of bread and wine is the true body and blood of our Savior Jesus given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins. Here are the tokens of the Savior’s love and esteem for you. He offered His body as a sacrifice for your sin. He poured out His blood to win for you salvation and life eternal. Here are the marks of the Savior’s love and care for you. Every time you approach the Lord’s altar you receive the promises of the Savior visibly. These are not mere symbols. They are the means by which we receive salvation and life.

The truth of the resurrection is beyond doubt only when the risen Lord is experienced as the two men on the way to Emmaus experienced Jesus in Word and Sacrament.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Sure Sign of Spring

They are back! Arrived here March 20, 2008

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

New Sheriff in Town

Welcome to Hoosier Nation Coach Crean