Is John 6 about the Lord's Supper?

Since many Lutheran parishes will be reading through John 6 for the next few Sunday's I found the following which might help in preperation for Sunday's sermon.

Is John 6 about the Lord’s Supper and therefore a proper place to turn when establishing our teaching on the Lord’s Supper? Or does John 6 speak of something else, making it something less than a wise place to turn when establishing this important doctrine.

Why is it so important to point out that John 6 doesn’t refer to the Lord’s Supper? – It is primarily a matter of biblical interpretation. The important Reformation principle of sola scriptura [the Scriptures alone interprets the Scriptures] demands that every doctrine of the church be drawn only from passages that speak of that doctrine. To draw a doctrine from passages of Scripture which speak of a different subject would mean reading theology into Scripture instead of drawing theology from the Scripture.

There are several things in the discourse itself that show that Jesus does not seem to be speaking of the Lord’s Supper in John 6. First of all, consider the context. [A text without a context becomes a pretext for something else!] Jesus has just fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15) who have now followed him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, hoping that Jesus will feed them miraculously again. But Jesus turns their minds from earthly food to the more important matter of having a right relationship with God (cf. John 6:27-29; note how the people’s response to Jesus’ words shows their understanding of his figurative language).

The principle of sola scriptura urges us to draw doctrine from Scripture passages that clearly speak of that doctrine. Since John 6 is about the necessity of believing in Jesus as the Savior, it does not appear wise to turn there to establish the doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. Instead, we draw our doctrine of the Supper from the words of institution recorded in the Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and to Paul’s words concerning the Supper in 1Corinthians. By following this important principle of biblical interpretation, we protect ourselves from saying less and from saying more than Scripture.

Notice also the care with which Jesus chooses his terms in this discussion. Throughout the chapter, Jesus always refers to his “flesh” (Greek: sarx) rather than his “body” (Greek: soma). It would seem strange – if Jesus wants us to understand the eating and drinking here to refer to the Lord’s Supper – that he would use a different word than the one he used in the upper room and with Paul.

Many who insist that John 6 is speaking of the Lord’s Supper deny the real presence. They insist Jesus’ figurative words must refer to the Lord’s Supper and, therefore, his body and blood are only figuratively or spiritually present in the Lord’s Supper.

It is difficult if not impossible for any New Testament Christian to read John 6 without thinking of the Lord’s Supper. In addition to the oral reception of Christ's true body and blood in the Supper, we also know that there is a spiritual eating in the Supper which is identical with the spiritual eating of John 6. However, to insist that John 6 is about the Lord’s Supper (and therefore to seek to draw doctrinal truths about the Lord's Supper from John 6) seems not to deal fully with the context of the chapter.

Source:
http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1518&cuTopic_topicID=813&cuItem_itemID=24638

Time in the Word Pentecost 9 - Proper 13

This coming Sunday marks an interlude in the long series of passages from Mark during the Pentecost season. The Gospels for three Sundays are taken in course from John 6 - The Bread of Life chapter. Jesus explains that the people have come for more physical bread, but He would rather they had spiritual food which comes from heaven, food for the soul. He then identifies Himself as the bread from heaven similar to the manna God sent to His people in the wilderness. The Old Testament. Paul speaks repeatedly of growth into the fullness of Christ’s stature and growth as “bodily growth”. As everyone knows, physical growth is not possible without adequate food. The Psalm of the Day sings of God’s goodness and greatness in satisfying the physical needs of every person. Jesus our Savior fills our deepest needs.

Collect for Proper 13 – Merciful Father, You gave Your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on Him in Your Word and Sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting;; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Pentecost 9—Grant us, Lord, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are pleasing in Your sight that we, who without You cannot do anything that is good, may by You be enabled to live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 27 July 2009—Psalm 78:23-25, Antiphon, Psalm 78:72 – With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with His skillful hand. Israel under the care of the Lord’s royal shepherd from the house of David was for the prophets the hope of God’s people (see Ezekiel 34:23; 37:23 Micah 5:4) fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 2:6’ John 10:11; Revelation 7:17)

Tuesday, 28 July 2009—Psalm145:10-21; key verse v15—The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food at the proper time. This is a psalm of praise and fitting for our theme for this week. The Lord is the provider of all both physical and spiritual blessings. He supplies physical food for us daily as we acknowledge in the Lord’s Prayer. He also supplies us spiritually as He comes to us through the means of grace.

Wednesday, 29 July 2009— Exodus 16:2-15— In response to the people’s complaint that they had no food, the Lord sends food from heaven. Only a few weeks after deliverance from Egypt the people complain about the lack of food. They murmur against Moses and Aaron, but God fknows that hey complain about Him. They doubt whether the Lord cares about them and His ability to provide for them. In response to their complaints the Lord sends quail in the evening and bread, “manna,” in the morning. To this day the Manna is a mystery – “What is it?” Moses answered, “it is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.” By this the people are to know that He is their God.

Thursday, 30 July 2009—Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 — Bread makes for bodily growth. Christians are to live lives worthy of their calling in love, unity, and growth to maturity in Christ. The church is urged to become what they are by the grace of Christ. Paul appeals for unity on the basis of the unity of Spirit and body. Various functions are gifts of Christ to equip the members and to build up the church in love. The goal of the growth is the matching of the stature of Jesus so that we are not children but mature in faith and love.

Friday, 31 July 2009—John 6:22-35 — Bread satisfies hunger. John urges the people to seek bread from heaven and reveals Himself as the Bread of Life. What is the work of God? Jesus replies that the work of God is to believe in Him. The people ask for a sign that would persuade them to believe in Him and refer to the manna received in the wilderness. Jesus assures them that God sent the bread from heaven, the bread that gives life to the world. Then they ask Him to give this king of bread. He reveals that He is the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Him and believes in Him will never hunger nor thirst.

In the center of Pentecost we will be reading the Bread of Life chapter of John 6. Following are the Gospel readings for the next three Sundays.

August 2, 2009 – Pentecost 9 – [Proper 13] John 6:22-35
Eat More then Bread - The Necessity of spiritual bread for life.

August 9, 2009 – Pentecost 10 – [Proper 14] John 6:35-51
Eat and Live – Spiritual food gives eternal life

August 16, 2009 – Pentecost 11 – [Proper 15] John 6:51-69
To Eat or Not to Eat – The decision whether or not to follow Christ

Saturday, 01 August 2009—John 6:22-58 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Father, we Thank Thee (LSB 652) is a liturgical hymn based on John 6. The point of Jesus’ teaching and the text of the hymn is that to live spiritually we need the bread which comes from heaven namely our Lord and Savior Jesus. As Christ is received we as the children of God live new lives. Throughout the next several weeks we will be focusing on Jesus’ teaching on this import chapter from the gospel of John.

In John 6:1-15 is the feeding of the 5,000. (A prelude to the next three Sundays of readings) Some believe that the crowd could have been over 5,000 as only "men" were counted. If you would count "women and children" it could have been up to 15,000 (See Matthew 14:21). Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana seats close to 17,000 people....

According to the concessions manager the following items were sold at the Indiana Vs Wisconsin game, on Saturday, March 12, 1994 (per my telephone conversation with him on March 15, 1994)...

400 1bs of hot dogs,3,000 popcorn boxes, 8,200 cokes (about 1,000 gallons) 684 candy bars, 436 nachos, 284 boxes of caramel corn, 917 soft pretzels, 247 polish sausages, 100 sandwiches, 179 bags of peanuts ,50 muffins, 160 cups of coffee.

This game was played on an afternoon with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 pm. Most fans had eaten their breakfast and had probably had their lunch also! And fans had to pay for their food! Jesus feeds the crowd freely, without cost! When we pray "give us this day our daily bread" we can know that the Savior will supply us with all that we need to support our body and life.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
The Text This Week can be found at http://www.textweek.com/scripture.htm

Ah Summer!

The cool temperatures have been great on our flowers this summer!

Some of Tammy's flowers outside the deck.
Ever bearing roses from K-Mart no less!

Roses Tammy received last year for being a garden tester.

A gift from the 2008 Confirmation class.

Pentecost 8 - Proper 12

I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again. In the course of a conversation when it appears that a Christian is going through a rather difficult time of testing I’ll say, “stick out your hand…you have five fingers. You can be reminded of the last five words Jesus ever spoke to humans before He ascended into heaven…”I am with you always.” Or, I might say to that person, “remember God’s promise to you – this is for my good…” And yet, the cynic inside of us can use another five word sentence that says, “It stinks to be me!” In a real sense all three phrases are true. We can be assured of Christ’s presence in our lives. His promise is for you, ‘I am with you always.” Nothing will happen to you without His perfect will being played out in your life. We can conclude, “This is for my good.” And at the same time we know that when we are in the midst of a battle, ‘It stinks to be me!”

God brings His children into difficult and fearful situations to strengthen their faith in His presence and power only to deliver them from ultimate peril. During these difficult times especially in times of hardship you need to know of Christ’s presence and power to save.

1. God sometimes sends His people into fearful situations.
A. Jesus sent the disciples into a perilous situation. (Vv.45-48)
B. God sometimes sends us into difficult contexts.
C. The question is why God would do this.

2. God sometimes appears to pass us by in the time of peril.
A. Jesus appeared intent on passing by the disciples in their time of peril. (v. 48b)
B. It can appear to us that God isn’t paying attention to us in our time of need.
C. The question is why Go would do this.

3. When God’s direction brings us hardship and He appears to neglect us, we often respond with fear and despair.
A. The disciples failed to trust Jesus’ presence and power to deliver them (Vv.49-50a. 52)
B. When our obedience to God’s direction brings hardship, we doubt God’s presence and his gracious purpose.

4. But God’s purpose is to use this experience to benefit us.
A. God shows how powerful He is by delivering us from that which would destroy us.
1. Jesus demonstrated to His disciples His presence and power to save. (Vv.50b-51)
2. Christ rescued us from the ultimate perils of sin, death, and hell by His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.
3. Christ delivers us from the need to fear or doubt.
B. God uses these experiences of hardship to strengthen our faith.
1. The disciples were awed and amazed at Jesus’ power (V.51b)
2. WE are awed at God’s grace and power to save.

Everything that is happening to you is ultimately for your good. Christ can not fail you. He is with you always! Even when it stinks to be you!

2004 Pontiac Sunfire

A 2004 Pontiac Sunfire has been added to the family fleet. The new ol green! Henry will drive a 2004 Dodge Neon, Lydia will drive a 2001 Dodge Neon, Tammy gets the 2005 Chrysler Town and Country. [And they're all paid for!]

Ol Green was a 1995 Dodge Spirit that I drove before both kids drove it to high school. Previous owners were three nuns from Convoy, OH. Ol Green once had to stop for a herd of deer. Missed the first two - the third - Bamby's brother Bubba - plowed right into the driver's side. Ol Green was so tough we didn't even need to get him fixed! Ol Green was sold for $500 after we put 180K miles. Now he's someone's beater work car.

Time in the Word Pentecost 8 - Proper 12

In the lessons for this coming Sunday God’s promises are given and the Lord remembers those promises while man might not. The Lord promises Noah and his family that He will never again destroy the earth by a flood. In the Epistle lesson Paul thanks the Lord for the richness of grace which the Lord has established in Christ. In the Gospel Christ comes walking to His frightened disciples on the sea. They do not recognize Him because of fear and hardness of heart. The sermon hymn reminds us that it is the Lord Himself that orders our days. Faith calls for us to recognize the Lord working in our life especially when we can not see His hand at work. God will not abandon us to the world we create for ourselves. God does not withdraw to a contamination-free zone and leave us to get on with it, but enters into the darkness, seriousness and consequences of human wrong-doing … in order to save us.

Collect for Proper 12 –Almighty and most merciful God, the protector of all who trust in You, strengthen our faith and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. . Amen

Monday, 20 July 2009—Psalm 145:1-3, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 145:5. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. This is a hymn summarizing the characteristics of God. It is in acrostic form, making it easy to memorize: each verse in Hebrew begins with a successive letter of the alphabet. Vv. 1-3 are the psalmist’s personal expression of praise. In v. 4, he expands to speaking of descendants, of passing on knowledge and experience of God. God is known for his “wondrous works” (v. 5). In vv. 8-20, he expands still further, to “all people” (v. 12). Vv. 8-9 mention his love, vv. 10-13a his kingship over all, vv. 14-20 of his care of all in need. Responsiveness to his call brings protection (v. 20a) but those who oppose his ways will be destroyed. Finally, v. 21 combines the personal commitment to God with that of “all flesh”.

Tuesday, 21 July 2009—Psalm136:1-9; key verse v26— The phrase “the God of heaven” (v.26) is a Persian title for God found frequently in Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel. The Psalm is a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator and as Israel’s Redeemer. Its theme and many of its verses parallel much of Psalm 135. Most likely a Levitical song leader led the recital which the choir or worshipers responded with the refrain. The Psalm recounts God’s mighty acts as the psalmist devotes six verse to God’s creation acts (Vv.1-3) six to His deliverance of Israel out of Egypt (Vv.10-15) one to the desert journey (v. 16) and six to the conquest (Vv.17-22) The four concluding verses return to the same basic themes in reverse order; God’s action in history ion behalf of His people (Vv.23-24), God’s action in the creation order (v.25) and a closing call to praise (v.26).

Wednesday, 22 July 2009— Genesis 9:8-17— We need to recognize the reality and depth of human resistance to God. That is seen in killing Jesus. What we call “sin” is not just the naughty things we do that make the tabloid headlines. Sin can be deadly and destructive. It has consequences. And it offends. There is a deep seriousness to human wrong-doing – sin – that means that consequences cannot simply be bypassed.

We can either turn away from them, or we can wrestle with them. Here we see God’s refusal to be marginalized. The next time instead of destroying the world through a flood He will turn His wrath on His own Son.

Thursday, 23 July 2009—Ephesians 3:14-21 — This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point. It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee. Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. "For this reason," the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.

Friday, 24 July 2009—Mark 6:45-56 —In Mark 1:16-20 when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John without any apparent previous knowledge of Jesus, they left everything immediately and followed him. What had they recognized in Jesus? It is remarkable that none of the gospels provide a physical description of Jesus. We will never be able to pin him down by virtue of his appearance. Rather, we will always have to recognize Jesus for who He is and what He does. It is more than the miracles and healings Jesus performed or the things he taught. It may actually take the gift of faith to recognize the one who died on the cross as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Saturday, 25 July 2009—Psalm 37:5 - Sunday’s hymn of the Day Entrust Your Days and Burdens, (LSB 754). In the midst of our busy and hurried lives it is easy to loose sight that it is the Lord who orders our days and directs our path. Thus the hymn writer will remind us, “For He who guides the tempests along their thunderous ways will find for you a pathway and guide you all your days.” Place you confidence in Him. He can be trusted at His word. We can rely on Him as we recall what He has done.

Collect for Pentecost 8— O almighty and most merciful God, of Your bountiful goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish whatever things You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
The Text This Week can be found at http://www.textweek.com/scripture.htm

More news from Urbania, Italy

Lydia's been hard at work studying Italian, vocal training, and doing opera. This weekend she traveled to Pesaro the birthplace of Rossini which is on the Adriatic Sea. It's been hot there all week - 104 degrees! We can IM her @ 6:30 am here which is 12:30 pm there. She has three weeks left then it'll be time to pack up her things and move back to school.

Pentecost 7 - Proper 11

The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught.

We think of the first Christians as apostles, men sent to preach by Christ Jesus. In our Gospel Mark makes the only mention of the disciples as apostles. Jesus had sent them out two by two on a preaching – healing mission and now they return to report back to Him.

There were only a small select number of persons chosen to be called to be apostles. Yet, as a redeemed child of God you have been selected sent by Him who has redeemed you to witness and serve in His name.

1. You are sent by Christ.
A. He has commissioned His church to bear witness for Him.
B. Our marching orders are simple and direct – to make disciples of the nations.
1. By Baptizing
2. By teaching all that He has commanded

2. You can witness to God’s love in Christ.

A. The early disciples would simply say, “we are witnesses of these things.”
B. You have been called to give testimony of what Christ has done in your life. Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see.”[1]

3. You can serve others in Christ’s name.
A. ‘Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these my brothers you have done it unto Me.”[2]
B. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.[3]

You have been given a high, high calling. Sent forth by the Savior you bear witness of His love as you serve others in His name. By any other name it’s still the same – if you are a Christian you are a sermon in shoes.




[1] John 1:46
[2] Matthew 25:40
[3] Matthew 10:42

Today in history...

On July 17, 2007 the Dow rose above 14,000 points - a record high - [it closed today at 8743.94 up 32.12 -On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn into office as the 44th president of the United States. On that day the Dow closed at 7943. The Dow's lowest was on March 9, 2009 when it closed at 6,594.]

That night over two inches of rain fell across the Hoosier heartland sending relief to the region which was experiencing drought-like conditions. [got an inch last night...] That same evening, debate began on the floor of the Senate calling for US troops to return home from war-torn Iraq. The nation was divided over the president’s policies while rumors of terrorist attacks on US soil began to intensify. The cost of a gallon of regular blend gasoline had risen to over $3.25 earlier in the year. Purdue University welcomed a new President (the day before) - France Cordova - who had been chancellor of the University of California-Riverside. Cordova is the first woman to lead Purdue since its founding in 1869. Meanwhile, Indiana announced on March 1 that Michael McRobbie would become its 19th President effective July 1st Prior to being named president he served as interim provost of the Bloomington campus. An Australian national, McRobbie had been on the Bloomington campus since 1997

The Eagle has Landed!

40 years ago this weekend America landed on the moon. Quite an amazing feat if you think about it. It defines us as Americans in some respects. JFK said "let's put a man on the moon by the end of this decade..." and we did it! Think of all of the items that have been developed over the years because of our venture into space - everything from velcro, to tang, to plastics, to that new ComforPedic mattress you may sleep on. I once read a study which stated that for every dollar invested in NASSA we receive $15 back in goods and services. Not a bad return on your money. True, there might be some things going wrong in our country but this weekend is a time to reflect on how far we have advanced, what we have been able to accomplish and the opportunities that are before us. Let's set our sights on Mars!

First image taken at the Indiana - Indiana State football game at Memorial Stadium September 1, 2007. Second image taken at the Indiana - Murray State football game at Memorial Stadium September 6, 2008. Both images found at Inside Indiana at peegs.com

Time in the Word - Pentecost 7 Proper 11

In the lessons for this coming Sunday several themes can be seen: that nature of a good shepherd, the functions of a good shepherd, and the togetherness of God’s people through a Davidic king, Christ, and the church. The last is suggested as the theme – togetherness. Jesus in the Gospel takes His disciples, who just returned from their preaching-healing mission, on a retreat. Jeremiah in the Old Testament lesson explains that the exile was due to false shepherds and the scattered sheep will be brought back to Israel under a Davidic king. Jew and Gentile (in the Epistle lesson) are made one through the blood of Christ and their oneness in the church. The Psalm’s refrain, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…” reminds us of the Gospel – “He had compassion on them.” The Hymn of the Day sings of Jesus who is the center of the church’s life and the foundation on which we build.

Collect for Proper 11 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, 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. Amen

Monday, 13 July 2009—Psalm 147:7-11, Antiphon, Psalm 145:16— You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. Jesus sets the table. Jesus supplies all that we may ever need. The Lord is faithful. We will never be in need. He has promised to supply our daily wants and desires. Daily tells how much God should give us, enough for the day. We do not ask God that He give us now what we need in years to come, but it is sufficient if we get what we need each day.

Tuesday, 14 July 2009—Psalm 23; key verse v.6— Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever... Goodness and mercy both refer to the benefits of being a child of God, namely that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Hebrew for this word suggests”throughout the years”. Because of the relationship with have with Jesus Christ we will live and reign with Him throughout all eternity. What a comfort it is to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Wednesday, 15 July 2009—Jeremiah 23:1-6— Restoration. Exiles together under a Davidic king. Under new shepherds, God will return His people from captivity, and so a Davidic king will reign. In this passage Jeremiah predicts that because of false shepherds (rulers) the people will go into captivity. This happened in Jeremiah’s lifetime (586 BC) when the Jews were deported to Babylon. Jeremiah goes on to promises that God will raise up true shepherds who will bring back the exiles. In fact, there is to come a Davidic king who will rule with justice and righteousness. Under this Davidic ruler Israel will be restored as a nation.

Thursday, 16 July 2009—Ephesians 2:11-22— Reunion. Jews and Gentile together in Christ. Christ has made us one in God and in the church. The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In Vv. 13-18 we learn of the peace Christ grained between Jew and Gentile. Vv. 19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. In the person of Christ and His cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died for both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have a oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other. Christ’s death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer aliens but members of God’s family.

Friday, 17 July 2009—Mark 6:30-44 — Retreat. Christ and the disciples together. Jesus takes His disciples to a lonely place for rest and teaches the crowd that gathers. This lesson combines the conclusion dealing with the sending out of the disciples and the introduction to the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples return from their preaching journey and are exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. But the people will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses compassion for them because they are as sheep without a shepherd. Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual food by teaching them.

This is the only time Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.” It is an appropriate name; for they had just returned form a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who is sent forth by Christ.

Seeing the multitudes might have angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people to scram. His reaction reveals His heart – compassion. He felt sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the heart of God, the God of love. Because of His compassion, Jesus cares about people.

Saturday, 18 July 2009— Ephesians 2:20 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB 644). Paul pictures a house when he speaks of the structure of the church. The foundation is solid as the church is based on the Old and New Testaments the prophets and the apostles. The tested stone on which the church rests is Christ on which everything centers around. With such a structure the church moves forward victoriously.

Collect for Pentecost 7—Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Ah, weddings

Yesterday I had an outdoor wedding at the Lakeside Rose Garden in Ft. Wayne. As I left for the wedding it was raining buckets thinking that we would have to do the wedding at the reception hall. But the rain stopped, the sun came out and the wedding went off without any problems except for one. The start of the 3 Rivers Parade in Ft. Wayne was delayed because of the rain so when the vows were being spoken four F-16 jets came streaking across the sky. I had to stop the vows until the rumble of the jets subsided. The wedding continued. No sooner had I spoken the benediction whereupon the jets returned giving the happy couple a tip of the wing with another fly-by! Perfect timing...I guess there's always a first for everything. Congratulations Hanna and David!

News from Urbania, Italy

Here is a view of Urbania, Italy where Lydia is studying for the next month. She is learning so much.

Pentecost 6 - Proper 10

We live in uncertain times and as a result, many people are living their lives in fear – what will tomorrow bring? What is our future? What will happen next? Is there one thing of which can be certain? St. Paul would say to us this day there is one thing of which we can be certain and that is the guarantee of our salvation in Christ. By these words St. Paul would say to us this day you are the children of God. You are a part of the family and as such you true Christians chosen and destined for heaven. While many fret and worry of one thing we can be certain – your eternity is secure for it is signed, sealed and delivered.

1. It is signed – by the blood of the cross – (vs. 7) Christ the Son brings us redemption “according to the riches of His grace”
A. Grace is blood-bought, involving His Cross. (1 Peter 1:19-20; Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24-25)
B. Grace results in the forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7; Matthew 9:2; Psalm 103:12)
C. “Grace” spelled as an acrostic is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”


2. It is sealed – by the Spirit – (vs.13)
A. The Holy Spirit implements the plan of salvation in time by calling sinners to faith in Christ by the Gospel.

B. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our future inheritance of glory (vs. 14) Faith by the presence of the Holy Spirit is the “down payment, the guarantee” that God will carry through on His plan of salvation and finally get us to glory (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:4-5)


3. It is delivered – by the Church – (vs. 13)

A. What is the Church? It is holy sheep listening to the voice of their shepherd.

B. As you listen to Him you abide in Him, and in Him you are secure.

Your salvation centers in Jesus Christ. In Him it was signed – by the blood of the cross; sealed by the working of the Spirit; and delivered through the work of those called the people of God His body, His bride the Church.

Wheat Harvest 2009

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:2

Time in the Word - Pentecost 6 Proper 10

The theme for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10) is sent to serve. Christians are people who are sent by God to serve Him and His people. Jesus sent His disciples to preach and heal. John the Baptist is beaded for his refusal to stand down to wicked King Herod. Faithfulness to God was far more important then obeying the dictates of a mad king. As John dies innocently so must the Christ. Amos claimed that the Lord chose him as a shepherd to go to Israel to preach in the Old Testament lesson. In the Epistle lesson we gain the impression that we are destined to be God’s people through Christ and appointed to glorify Him. We are a people with a mission and on a mission given to us by God. Occasionally we might be opposed. This need not be our chief concern. One thing is needed and that is faithfulness.

Collect for Proper 10 – Lord, You granted Your prophets strength to resist the temptations of the devil and courage to proclaim repentance. Give us pure hearts and minds to follow Your Son faithfully even into suffering and death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Time in the Word06-11 July 2009Preparation for next week – Sent to Serve

Monday, 06 July 2009—Psalm 143:1-2, 8a; Antiphon, Psalm 143:1— O Lord hear my prayer listen to my cry for mercy in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. In each of our readings for this coming week the righteous find themselves confronted by evil forces. There are those who would want the Christian to cease and desist. Thus we must pray to the Lord for deliverance from all our enemies. Psalm 143 is such a prayer. As we make our appeals known to God not only will He hear us but He will act, in His own time to rescue and defend us.

Tuesday, 07 July 2009—Psalm 85(1-7) 8-13; key verse v.7— Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation. This is how God chooses to act on behalf of His people. He has every right to punish, condemn and destroy. In love He will offer forgiveness, life, and salvation. How could He? The cross of Calvary shows us how deep and profound the Father’s love is for His people.

Wednesday, 08 July 2009—Amos 7:7-15—Amaziah orders Amos to stop preaching and go home to Judah. Amos, a herdsman from Tekoa, is sent by the lord to Israel to preach. It is at the time of King Jeroboam that Amos preached at Bethel, the site of the royal sanctuary. Amaziah is the high priests who warms the king of Amos’ treason and who commands Amos to go back to Judah to preach there. Amos replies that he is not a professional prophet, just a layman, who was called by God to preach to Israel. He is not preaching for a living, but in obedience to God’s call.

Amos was preaching in the holy place of Bethel, the royal seat and place of worship. Amaziah tells Amos to go home to the South to preach, for the temple is the “king’s sanctuary.” Since Amos’ message was against the king and nation, Amos had no right to speak there; it was the king’s chapel and not God’s house. If it is the king’s then speak in support of the king’s policies and practices. If it is God’s house, God speaks in His house through His called spokesperson. It was a matter of civil religion v. true religion. It was a religious service head in a “White House” where you would expect sermons supporting the nation.


The high priest of Israel accuses Amos of treason. His preaching does not support the nation. The king is to be killed and the people are to go into captivity. This spells the end of the nation. This is a hard message. Amaziah reports this to the king. The truth often hurts. It does not always approve what we do.

Thursday, 09 July 2009—Ephesians 1:3-14— God’s chose and destined us to be His children through Christ. For the next few weeks the Epistle lesson will come from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. This lesson is difficult to relate to the other two lessons. The central theme of the letter to the Ephesians is the church. This lesson is on praise to God who in Christ has poured out His love for us, who calls us to be His children, redeemed us through the blood of Christ, and revealed His will to us. He has given us His Spirit who is a guarantee of our salvation and eternal life.

Friday, 10 July 2009—Mark 6:14-29 —Mad king Herod had John the Baptist killed to honor an oath, to save face in front of his dinner guests, to quiet a man who firmly told him that his illicit affair with his sister-in-law was sinful and shameful and to honor Herodias’ request. Verse 20 is the key verse. Although Herod knew he was doing wrong and his conscious bothered him and John’s words condemned him Herod was still drawn to listen to John. When we are overcome by the fear of confronting someone we can be comforted in the fact that the Law does convict. God through the preaching of the Law prepares us to hear, understand and savor the Gospel. John the forerunner of Christ will preach, baptize and die all like Christ. But first he must die. With the death of John now the cross becomes the focus of Christ’s destiny.

Saturday, 11 July 2009— Luke 10:2 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Spread the Reign of God the Lord (LSB 830). Who will work for the Lord and His cause? There is plenty of work to be done. May we pray the Lord would use each of us to be doing His will in our daily vocations. The opportunity to serve Him is rewarding enough. As we can find work to be done may we do it joyfully and willingly.

Collect for Pentecost 6—O God, because You have prepared for those who love You such good things as surpass our understanding, pour into our hearts such love towards You that we, loving You above all things, may obtain Your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Pentecost 5 - Proper 9

Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your Church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness.

In Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth the people take offense at Him. The religious community had already written Him off. Now His friends and relative – the people from His own hometown will reject Him too. These people were astonished at His teaching and His words. They could not explain His greatness. They referred to Him as they knew Him as a carpenter, the son of Mary along with his brothers and sisters. Unable to explain Him, they took offense or were scandalized by Him. A prophet is without honor among His own people.

That was then, this is now. What sort of reception does Jesus receive today? Those who can’t figure Jesus out, who are unable to get the explanation they want take offense of Jesus and His followers. It was a sad day for the people of Nazareth; it remains a sad day whenever someone rejects the Savior and His message of grace.

1. The Source of the scandal, of course is sin.
A. The result of our own pride: we can not take credit for Jesus’ gifts.
B. Our self-centered desires: we demand that God conform to our expectations of Him.
C. How often have we heard statements such as “I would believe in a god who…” I would not choose a god who is not damming or judgmental”?

The best way to describe the people’s reaction of Jesus’ words Mark uses the word “astonished”. It wasn’t that these folks were amazed, one way or the other. There was a spontaneous mixture of emotions. Not purely positive but not necessarily negative either. They were, astonished. But then they got to thinking. Who is this? Where did He get this knowledge? What kind of wisdom is given to this one? They were filled with “surprised consternation”. They did not know what to make of Him. They had known Jesus their entire life. They could not accept Jesus doing and saying these things in His own right. Knowing that they could not take credit of the success of this native son, they would not even consider God as the obvious source. Unbelief, suspicion, pride, and arrogance are all taking up room in this house of prayer in Nazareth.

2. The Object of this scandal: the marvelous commonness of God’s gracious ways in which He is found.
A. Jesus Christ, the carpenter, the son of Mary.
B. His choices of visitation:
1. Bethlehem to town of his birth
2. Nazareth the place he was raised, where everyone knew Him.
3. For us today: “the Four W’s”
a. Word
b. Water
c. Wafer
d. Wine
C. His choice of you and me, our witnessing, our living in the community, “prophets in our own country.”

3. The Effects of this scandal: amazement leading to:
A. Rejection of grace resulting in judgment.
B. Faith in and wonder at the mystery of this man Jesus of Nazareth and of His cross (INRI), resulting in your salvation.

Have courage then to proclaim the undiluted scandal of the uncommonly common God-man Jesus Christ, the source of salvation, faith, and continued blessings.

Urbania

Lydia's off to study in Italy!

Aspiring opera singers can enjoy a summer in the beautiful town of Urbania in Italy's Marche Region. Two programs are offered, the Vocal Participants and the Vocal Apprentice. Both programs include Italian language classes and musical coaching. At the end of the season, students will participate in opera performances.

The Italian Operatic Experience is dedicated to the task of preparing the young opera singer for the rigors of the operatic world. In addition to the valuable experience with artist-level teachers, conductors, and coaches, young singers will develop important contacts with working opera directors and conductors, and develop life-long friendships with their peers.

This is a great chance to spend the summer living in a small Italian town and experiencing Italian opera first hand.