In Memoriam

Marjorie Brames
Born: March 28, 1925
Baptized: April 5, 1925
Confirmed April 2, 1939
With Christ in Peace: October 28, 2008
Committal: November 1, 2008

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Time in the Word - Proper 26

Time in the Word
Proper 26
The Price of Christian Leadership

The Lessons for this coming week fall under the theme of the price of Christian leadership. In the Old Testament lesson the prophet Micah instructs the people of the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson Paul espouses the price of godly living. In the Gospel we see the price of humble service. The disciples are to follow the example of the Pharisees how they lived but not on how they acted. The lessons combined are an excellent teaching tool on how one lives a life well.

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


Monday, October 27, 2008 Psalm 149:1-4 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 148:13 “Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted, his majesty is above earth and heaven.” The glory of God can be seen in His creation and yet, the glory of the Creator is always greater then the glory of the creation.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 – Micah 3:5-12- The price of true instruction in God’s truth. In our Old Testament lesson the prophet predicts that although Israel will be carried into captivity, a remnant will return. Then they will appreciate all that the true prophets had warned them and all they had predicted.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul explains that the Christian in his living pleases God. Not only does he commend them for their right behavior but he encourages them to continue in how they are living “Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”

Thursday, October 30, 2008–Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title-seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.

Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions, and their piety. They want to be “seen.” “Look at me” — see how good I am! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be “seen.” Who are “they”?

Friday, October 31, 2008 Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed this Sunday. This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 Luke 24:29 –- Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Lord Jesus Christ with us abide” The Emmaus disciples urge the Lord to remain with them as evening is approaching. The Lord becomes the invited guest in our homes, in our congregation, at our school as we ask Him in. We pray for Him to be the ever present yet unseen guest in every circumstance. To illustrate this point, especially to impressionable children some families might set an extra seat at the dinner table to instruct their children that the Lord is always with us that He is ever present. Being assured of His presence in our lives we can journey through life knowing that we go it not alone for He has promised to be with us to guide, lead and sustain His people.

Shaping next Sunday’s sermon…
Matthew 23:1-12

Outline: Lord, use me.
1. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word — vv. 2-3.
2. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees — vv. 3-7.
3. Our goal: humbler service — vv. 11-12.

Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Ordination of Pastor Jeffrey Keuning - Sunday October 26, 2008

Zion Lutheran Dexter, IA

St. John Lutheran Casey, IA

Iowa West District

Time in the Word - Reformation

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

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

Monday, October 20, 2008 Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 119:46 “I will speak of Your testimonies before Kings, [O Lord] and shall not be put to shame.”

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 – Jeremiah 31:31-34 -In our Old Testament lesson God promises a new covenant of forgiveness. Here is a corrective to Ecclesiastes which says there is nothing new. God makes a new covenant. Note that man has nothing to do with it. God has the idea and he proposes the new covenant. This is evidence of God’s grace in giving his people another chance to be his people. What is new about it? It is new in that the covenant will be made with the individual rather than with the nation as a whole. It is new in that each will instinctively know God rather than learning of God through teaching.

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

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

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 – Romans 3:19-28 - In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul explains the central teaching of the Bible that God justifies the sinner by grace through faith. The word Justified is an important word in this pericope. The word is associated with a court. The judge acquits the guilty one. He is exonerated and allowed to go free. It is not that he was innocent, but the judge accounted him as innocent because of the penalty paid by another, Christ. The sinner is not righteous, but he is accounted or considered righteous for Jesus’ sake.

The righteousness of God is not the popular understanding of goodness, perfection, or justice. In the scriptures, righteousness means right-relatedness to God. This understanding of the word gave Luther his liberation and insight into the gospel. It is not a word to fear nor to cringe at the wrath of God. It means God’s goodness is approaching in good will to offer us reconciliation and peace. By grace we experience the righteousness of God by being rightly related to him through faith.

Thursday, October 23, 2008– John 8:31-36 In the Gospel for this Sunday we learn that God sent Jesus into the world to set men free from sin. When Pilate asked Jesus what truth was, he gave no answer. In this passage Jesus defines the truth. It is in his word, for he spoke God’s Word. As long as we hold to the word of Jesus, we will be his disciples and will know the truth. It is not a truth of science, politics, nor economics. It is religious truth personified and spoken by Christ. It is the truth of God and life.

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

Friday, October 24, 2008 Psalm 46: 1-7 - This Psalm is appointed for Reformation Sunday. The key verse is verse 7.

Saturday, October 25, 2008 –Psalm 46: 8-11 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Proper 24

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim
10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
www.zionfriedheim.org
A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838
Mission Sunday
Proper 24

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

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

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

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

Then there are Christians who would go so far as to say that as Christians we have the obligation to change the world by being actively aggressive in the shaping of government policy and in dictating the culture of the world. As we are nearing a national election in just a few weeks there are some church leaders going so far as to publicly endorse particular political candidates hoping that a class action law suit can be taken up regarding the separation of church and state statute in our constitution.

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

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

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

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

A. The kingdom of this world is of God. Jesus uses the word "Caesar" to symbolize the power of the government. In the history of the world there have been many different forms of government but all are of God. Jesus said to Pilate a Roman Governor[1] "You would have no authority over Me if it had not been given to you from above." (John. 19:11.) The God-man, Jesus, was subject to the earthly authority which He had given to Pilate. St. Paul says in Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to higher authorities because there is no authority which is not of God and the authorities which exist have been ordained of God."[2] God Himself has given us an earthly government. Daniel acknowledged the Babylonians as his government. Jesus and Paul recognized Rome as their God-given government.

B. The kingdom of this world demands my obligations. Jesus told the Pharisees and the Herodians: "Pay to Caesar what you owe to Caesar." What did they owe to Caesar? We owe taxes, obedience to all laws, and loyalty to the government. That is what Jesus himself, Paul and Peter did. In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus gives us the correct attitude toward earthly power. He directed Peter to catch a fish which would yield a coin with which Peter would pay their tax. And Jesus obeyed all laws whether of the Jews or Romans. He submitted both to Pilate and Herod at His trial even though it was an unjust trial. And the apostles direct us to willing obedience toward our government. Says St. Paul – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:1-6

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

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

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

A. The kingdom of God is of God. Jesus said to the Pharisees and Herodians: "Pay to God the things of God." Jesus said in Matthew16:18: "You are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." In this passage the word "rock" means Peter's confession of Christ. Christ builds His church on the confession of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And even Satan and his hosts cannot destroy this church. To this church Christ gives the power to forgive sins to penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from sinners who refuse to repent.

B. The kingdom of God demands my obligations. Christ is our Shepherd. His pastors are also called shepherds. They are to take good care of the flock.[3] And when the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus, Jesus asked for a denarius, a common coin in that day. We use our money to support the government and the church. We pay our taxes and we pay our church dues. Both are commanded by God. Says St. Paul in Romans 13 – “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Vv.6-7) And again in 1 Corinthians 16 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (V.2) Paul told the people to pay their taxes and also their church dues. All of this belongs to God. We are only stewards of His gifts.

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

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

As Vigo County goes, so goes national vote

Read this in the morning paper.

Students of American politics are familiar with the adage, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.”
But how about, “As Vigo County Indiana goes, so goes the nation”?

The southwestern Indiana county, according to a National Public Radio report, is one of just six bellwether counties in the nation, based on its voting results in the contest for president since 1960. Missouri, not Maine or Ohio, is the only bellwether state since 1960.

Vigo County, home to Terre Haute and Indiana State University, has picked the winner every year since 1892, with the exception of just 1908 and 1952.

So which way is Vigo leaning this year? NPR correspondent Howard Berkes finds the answer is not so clear. He interviewed a McCain supporter who mentions concerns of a Muslim-terrorist connection in talking about Barack Obama, a Christian, but also a two-time George W. Bush and anti-abortion voter who this time around is supporting Obama because “we don’t need somebody else in there who’s going to follow the same plan.”

So, on election day if you don't want to stay up way late just check out who won the election in Vigo County. Henry has done his civic duty voting absentee last week.

In Memoriam

Walter Nuerge
Born: May 16, 1921
Baptized: May 22, 1921
Confirmed April 14, 1935
With Christ in Peace: October 11, 2008

21 years to the day from when the parish began work to refurbish the sanctuary Walter was transferred into the Kingdom of glory. Walter was one of two master craftsmen who built the pieces of our sanctuary - scroll to the bottom of the page to see his work. Walter was not one to wear his religion on his sleeves. Rather, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He was a sermon in shoes.

Time in the Word - Proper 24

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

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


Monday, October 13, 2008 - Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Vs. 5 of Psalm 121; “The Lord watches over you- the Lord is Your shade at your right hand.” Under the theme “Nations under God” this Sunday’s readings deal with God and the world. God rules the world. His glory is manifest among the nations. The Antiphon reminds us that the Lord is watching. How does that make one feel? We seek after Him who grants us grace which is found in the second half of the phrase “He is Your shade at your right hand.”

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - Isaiah 45:1-7 -In our Old Testament lesson a pagan ruler, Cyrus, is chosen by God as His instrument. The Lord uses a nation to fulfill His purposes in this world. In God’s hands lies the destiny of nations.


Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -In our Epistle lesson for this week Paul greets the Thessalonians and thanks God for their faithful work of faith and love. This is the first of a series of readings from the book written by the Apostle Paul. With respect to the Gospel lesson for the week – The Thessalonians render to God what God deserves. As for the Old Testament lesson; as Cyrus was chosen, God chose the church of Thessalonica. (Vs. 4) 1 Thessalonians is Paul’s earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus’ return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.

Thursday, October 16, 2008– Matthew 22:15-22 - Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble.

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

Friday, October 17, 2008 - Psalm 96:1-9 - This Psalm is appointed for next week. The key verse is verse 7b Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”.

Saturday, October 18, 2008 –Psalm 145:1 -Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn; “Before the Lord We Bow” an appropriate hymn for this week’s theme “Nations under God.” In this hymn we praise God who rules the world and is boundless in power and love. Truly we serve a God who governs the affairs of men who will judge the world with righteousness and equity. Having read these lessons here are a few points to ponder. Is it a true statement that the Lord has already judged the world? If so when and how? When Christ returns in glory what will be the sentence rendered?
Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Proper 23 - Matthew 22:1-14

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

http://www.zionfriedheim.org/

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

October 12, 2008
Proper 23
Matthew 22:1-14
You’re invited!

“Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience.”

Matthew gives us two parables in our Gospel Lesson for today. The first deals with a king [God] who is giving a banquet for his son [Jesus]. He sends out his servants (the prophets) to tell the invited ones (Israel) that all is ready. Instead of coming, these invitees make excuses and kill the king’s servants. The angry king destroys the invitees. The servants are then sent out to invite all, good and bad, to the feast so that the wedding hall is filled. The point? If Israel refuses to come to Christ, they will be replaced by Gentiles.

In the second parable an import application is made. If the guests have just come from the streets, how could they have a wedding garment? When the king sees a man without a wedding garment, he is thrown out. The point is that it may be too easy to enter the kingdom. There is a requirement: a wedding garment. What is that garment? It is the garment of Faith and the cloak of Righteousness.

Introduction: God extends an invitation to his banquet for his Son. He expects a response — an RSVP — “Please respond!” It is His party. He provides all of the food and entertainment. He asks us only to respond, to come. When we realize what a wonderful thing it is to be at the feast, it seems unbelievable that not all would respond positively and immediately. The parable in this lesson shows the possible reactions people can give to the invitation to a banquet.

Outline: How shall you respond?

1. The rejecting — vv. 3, 5 (Response is “no”).

God invites us not to a lunch, a snack, or to a supper. It is a feast, a banquet. This implies both quantity and quality of food. It is not a meal of hamburgers and potato chips. The feast consists of the finest foods available: shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, lobster tails, Cornish hens, frog legs, and so on. It is food only a king could afford or provide. This is a metaphor of what bountiful gifts God offers His people.

It is a wedding reception in terms of a banquet. For one thing, it is a royal wedding; the king’s son is married. This is the social event of the year which will be attended by all the dignitaries, people who are somebody — top officials, prominent leaders of society. It is an honor to be invited to a fellowship with the “greats” of this world. Moreover, a wedding feast is a happy time — music, dancing, acts of entertainment. Everyone is talking, laughing, joking, and having a good time. Jesus here teaches that this is what it is to belong to the kingdom of God.

This is an invitation. It signifies that the king considers those invited to be people of importance and acceptable to him. The king wants you. You are in His favor. The invitation; “Come” implies also that it is voluntary.

This invitation can be rejected. God does not force us to come to His kingdom. No pressure is placed on us to come. In this parable we see the patience of God. When the invited guests do not respond the first time, God extends a second invitation and pleads with them to come because He had everything ready for the feast.

Why do some reject such a gracious invitation? They reject for they fail to see the advantage of being a part of the family of faith – thus they are missing. They fail to acknowledge Him as the source of every blessing. They are happy to exist in this life without God active in their lives. Yet He remains the source of every blessing in our lives whether we acknowledge Him or not. Every gift, every blessing, every mercy comes from His mighty and sustaining hand.

They refuse to give thanks for His benefits. The benefits He gives us as members of His family are three – forgiveness, live, salvation. If some are missing they do not have these. They have not experienced them. Instead they experience guilt, remorse, regret.

They fail to express thanks in willing obedience. They live instead unto themselves. They traverse through life following their own agendas and plans. They live as if they are the center of their own world. They exist only for themselves.

Theses are the ones who refuse to come to the banquet. Yet there are those who will come but only on their own terms. When the invited guests declined the invitation, the king (God) opens the gates to one and all. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is urged to come. This resulted in having both good and bad people at the feast. This produces a problem. Can a holy God tolerate bad people in his kingdom?

Matthew adds another parable to serve as a corrective. God cannot tolerate or compromise with sin. At the judgment, God comes and finds one without a wedding garment. He is thrown out. The wedding garment was not a festive one, but rather it was a newly washed, unsoiled garment. It symbolized righteousness.

2. The rejoicing — v. 10 (Response is “yes”) They respond to the invitation. They come and like the first group they attempt to enter on their own terms – refusing to wear the robes required for such a feast the Master has planned.

The Robe of righteousness is that righteousness which Christ has won for us. It is the blood of Jesus Christ who became both the curse and the cure for our sin. The Father now only sees us only through the holy merits of Jesus Christ. This merit or work of Christ is what brings us into a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Not our own efforts not our own attempts to be pious and good. Not my co-operation with God or even our faith. We stand in a right relationship with Jesus Christ because of God’s free grace and favor. We stand on God’s grace alone, through faith alone, declared to us in His Word alone.

The Robe of faith accepts and appropriates the robes of righteousness. Jesus declares us as His own. This is why the central symbol and message of the Christian faith is the cross of Jesus Christ. Paul encourages us, “I determine to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Faith puts its focus on all that Jesus has won for us and rests on His merits alone. Grace alone, the Word alone, faith alone, Christ alone.

It is a robe of righteousness which is given to those who have faith in Christ. He is our righteousness, and we are in the kingdom because faith puts on Christ. We are then worthy to be in God’s holy presence, because we are clothed with the perfection of Christ.

Conclusion: The parable concludes with the maxim: Many are called and few are chosen. Many are called to enter the kingdom, but few are chosen because they do not have the necessary qualifications. We need the robe of righteousness – the righteousness of Christ. This robe covers the filthy rags of sin, and God now sees only the holy merits of Christ. We need the robe of faith – faith accepts and appreciates the robe of righteousness. Faith in Christ puts on Christ.

A part of our Lenten journey will be spent in Bloomington

When Lydia was a senior in high school she applied to a number of schools got accepted and arranged a series of auditions to be admitted into each school’s music program in January and March of 2007. She narrowed them down to Roosevelt University located in Chicago’s loop, DePauw University in Crawfordsville, IN and IU. Many of the students from Interlochen were interested in performing arts conservatories like Juilliard and the Curtis Institute of Music. Lydia shied away from these types of schools because they were located further away from Indiana then was Interlochen; they were small, and extremely expensive. Lydia figured the competition would be fierce no matter where she went but the three schools she chose to audition seemed to be a fit for her.

The knock about IU was its size - with more than 1,600 students — approximately half of whom are undergraduates — the Jacobs School of Music at IU is one of the largest in the nation. Admission to IU’s School of Music is regarded as among the most competitive in the country. The acceptance rate was 12 percent for the entering class of 2011, and about nine percent for the class of 2012. And yet IU’s School of Music as a whole is listed among the top voice schools in the country. Lydia was also told to at least audition at the best “in state” school she could find, which, of course, in her case would be IU.

Lydia was told that because of IU’s size she wouldn’t be able to get any roles as most are given to grad students but she figured IU would be a taste of the real world. Besides with all the training and theory she would receive IU would get her prepared once she graduates.

Lydia’s work has paid off. She will be in the chorus in The Love of Three Oranges which will be performing in November and Lydia’s been cast as Nireno in IU Opera Theater's production of Guilio Cesare which will be performed in late February and early March of 2009. Gotta get geared up for 4 hours of Italian singing! Thank goodness for English supertitles!

Lydia will be singing at the Musical Arts Center, known as the MAC. The 90x60 foot stage is often compared to that of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. And to think that she was raised in the rural community of Decatur, IN.

Time in the Word - Proper 23 - October 6-11, 2008

Time in the Word
Proper 23
October 6-11, 2008
God’s Generous Goodness

In the Lessons for this week God’s bountiful goodness is the focus. A minor theme is our response to God’s goodness. This direction is taken by the second parable in the Gospel lesson. In the Gospel God’s goodness is expr3essed in His invitation to all to the banquet. In the Old Testament lesson God’s goodness is shown by the feat God prepares in the end for all peoples – a feast of victory over evil and of salvation. Paul rejoices that God meets every need of his. He can do anything because his strength is in Christ. In the Collect for the day we ask the Lord to deals with us according to the greatness of His mercy. The 23rd Psalm refers to God’s preparing a table for us and our cup running over. Because of God’s goodness we respond with love to God in the hymn, “Thee will I love, my strength, my tower.”

Collect for Proper 23 – Almighty God, You invite us to trust in Your for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of Your judgment but by the greatness of Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, October 6, 2008 – Isaiah 61:10, Antiphon, Psalm 146:2 “I will praise the Lord as long as I love; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 – Isaiah 25:6-9 –God prepares a feast for the nations at the end. On Mt. Zion God will make a feast for all people on the last day. The world’s history ends in salvation, for God is at work. To be saved is to be made whole. Since Adam, man and creation have been fractured and detached. In the end it is as it was in the beginning: All people are one with God. They are whole. For this reason God’s people can rejoice in what God has done.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 – Philippians 4:4-13 – In Christ God supplies every need. Paul is content because God supplies every need. Paul appeals to his people to be in harmony with each other, to rejoice and think beautiful thoughts. This week’s lesson 2 brings to a close the series on Philippians. In verse 1 we have a picture of the love affair between Paul and his people. The problem of disunity in the congregation still exists (vv. 2-3). Paul appeals to them to rejoice in Christ and not to have a worry. They are to think of beautiful values and to imitate him. Then the peace of God and the God of peace will be with them.

Paul calls upon his people to “rejoice.” Then he seems to say, “You can say that again!” “Rejoice,” again I say. A true Christian is the happiest person in the world, not because he has all the luck in the world, or has all the money one could want. A Christian rejoices in God, for who he is and what he has done for us. If he is for us and with us, we have every reason to be happy. Then nothing can defeat us, not even death.

Thursday, October 9, 2008 – Matthew 22:1-14 – God invites all to His banquet. Yet another parable - the parable of the wedding feast and the wedding garment. Matthew gives us two parables in this Lesson. The first deals with a king (God) who is giving a banquet for his son (Jesus). He sends out his servants (prophets) to tell the invited ones (Jews) that all is ready. Instead of coming, the invitees make excuses and kill the king’s servants. The angry king destroys the invitees. The servants are then sent out to invite all, good and bad, to the feast so that the wedding hall is filled. If the Jews refuse to come to Christ, they will be replaced by Gentiles.

The second parable is not necessarily related to the preceding one. If the guests have just come from the streets, how could they have a wedding garment? When the king sees a man without a wedding garment, he is thrown out. The point is that it may be too easy to enter the kingdom. There is a requirement: a wedding garment. What is that garment? Faith? The cloak of righteousness? The parable concludes with the maxim: Many are called and few are chosen. Many are called to enter the kingdom, but few are chosen because they only have the necessary qualifications.

When the invited guests declined the invitation, the king (God) opens the gates to one and all. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is urged to come. This resulted in having both good and bad people at the feast. This produces a problem. Can a holy God tolerate bad people in his kingdom? Matthew adds another parable to serve as a corrective. God cannot tolerate or compromise with sin. At the judgment, God comes and finds one without a wedding garment. He is thrown out. The wedding garment was not a festive one, but rather it was a newly washed, unsoiled garment. It symbolized righteousness. It is a robe of righteousness which is given to those who have faith in Christ. He is our righteousness, and we are in the kingdom because faith puts on Christ. We are then worthy to be in God’s holy presence, because we are clothed with the perfection of Christ.

Friday, October 10, 2008 Psalm 23 - The Psalm appointed for next week is the great Shepherd’s psalm of David. It is possibly one of the favorite of God’s people. The key verse is verse 6, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David reaches the goal of every believer – life with Christ in glory forever. That is our goal.

Saturday, October 11, 2008 –John 14:23– This passage is the inspiration for the hymn. “Thee will I Love my strength, my tower.”

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

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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.

Proper 22 - Matthew 21:33-43

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

October 6, 2008
Proper 22

Matthew 21:33-43
A Vineyard for Rent

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

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

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

I. The terms of the agreement are specified.

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

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

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

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

B. When you rent something there is an understanding or an agreement about who is the rightful owner of the thing which is being used. When you rent you have that object for your own personal use, but you will always remain the tenant. You do not own it, you never will own it. So it is that God is the owner of the vineyard, and He rends it out to us. The message of His love and forgiveness is God’s message, not ours. And the faith which we have, it is not ours, but God Himself is the One who has worked saving faith in us. He can not claim ownership to the blessings of God, all these are His which He gives to us by His grace. God’s “rents out” the vineyard by giving it to us through it supplying us with faith and strengthen us by the power of His Holy Spirit.

C. In the rental agreement, there are terms of payment. The rent check is to come in on time at the same time, every time it is due. The landlord expects to be paid, and the same principle holds true with the Lord God expects to be paid. God expects us to pay Him rent. What does He demand as far as payment is concerned?

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

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

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

II. The difficulties encountered.

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

A. Even God Himself had difficulties with His renters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A. God shows patience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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