Monday, November 29, 2010

Time in the Word - Advent 2

The Day of the Lord

The theme of hope, explicitly and implicitly, seems to unite the readings this coming week. In Old Testament lesson we hope for the righteous government and world peace. In the Epistle hope comes from the scriptures and the Spirit. John the Baptist in the gospel gives us hope through Christ’s baptism of the Spirit. If we have this hope, we are in need of preparation. Today’s gospel calls for repentance as preparation. The Prayer of the Day asks God “to prepare the way for your only Son.” The Hymn refers to John’s ministry calling for moral preparation, through repentance. On Advent 1 we considered the Second Coming. On Advent 2 we deal with Christ’s coming anew this Christmas by rebirth into our personal lives. If this is to be a real experience, preparation by repentance is necessary. In recent years blue has been introduced as the liturgical color for Advent because it is the color of hope.

Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world.

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes in glory, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen


Lord, free us from our sins and make us whole. Hear our prayer, and prepare us to celebrate the incarnation of Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 72: Almighty God, You gave the kingdom of justice and peace to David and his descendant, our Lord Jesus Christ. Extend this kingdom to every nation, so that through Your Son the poor may receive justice, the destitute relief, and the people of the earth peace in the name of Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 29 November 2010Psalm 105:4-8; antiphon, Isaiah 40:3b —In the Introit for Sunday, we pray In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Yet another prophecy is fulfilled! John the Baptist becomes that agent who will prepare the way for Christ to enter and begin His earthly ministry. The words of the Baptist are still needed for today’s ears “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!”

Tuesday, 30 November 2010Psalm 72:1-7 — Key verse “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king’s Son” (v. 1). Psalm 72 is a prayer for the king. This last psalm of book 2 is a fitting one for king Solomon’s reign. [See the title] Israel’s golden age of peace, prosperity and power come under the rule of King Solomon. But it also looks beyond it to the perfect idea; an endless reign (5) over the entire world (8, 11) and the rule of God-like justice and righteousness (7, 12-14) a time of unequalled fruitfulness (16). V.8 “The River” is the Euphrates. V.10 “Tarshish, Sheba”, means the remotest outpost of the empire. Sheba may be a region of Arabia. Tarshish is probably Tarshish in Spain. V. 16 “Like Lebanon” For a small country Lebanon produced an amazing abundance and variety of fruit and vegetables.


Wednesday, 31 November 2010Isaiah 11:1-11— Can anything come out of a “stump”? Can life come out of death? The Messiah is rooted in the past, which is apparently as dead as a stump. Yet, out of death comes the life of Christ as the son of Jesse, the son of David. Our roots are vital. We go back to the life that comes out of our dead ancestors. Eternal life came out of Jesus’ grave. The butterfly comes out of a cocoon. Hope comes out of despair.

Thursday, 01 December 2010Romans 15:4-13— The “scripture” in Paul’s day was the Old Testament. How can the Old Testament provide hope to Christians? Hope deals with the future and the Old Testament contains thousands of promises by God for the future. The greatest of these promises is the coming of the Messiah. In Jesus He has come. Hope has been realized. Yet, He is coming again for the consummation of history. We hope for His return.

Friday, 02 December 2010Matthew 3:1-12 — We are to prepare a highway for God to come to us. Christmas is a receiving time of life when God comes to us in Christ. The world thinks of Christmas as a giving time and so we go through a mad rush to buy gifts. If Christ is to come to us this Christmas, we need to prepare to properly receive him. Thus, Advent is a preparatory season of repentance as the only way to be receptive.

A tree with bad fruit is to be burned, as millions of orange trees diseased with canker were destroyed in Florida. At the end of time, the chaff is to be burned with “unquenchable fire.” John the Baptist promised that Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and with “fire.” Fire symbolizes judgment. Christ comes as both Savior and Judge. The latter we like to forget. Evil is to be exterminated. In 2 Peter we are told that “the elements will be dissolved with fire.”

Saturday, 03 December 2010Isaiah 40:3; Mathew 3:1-6- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s Cry. (LSB #344). This great Advent hymn is in harmony with the Gospel lesson. When the Baptist started preaching a message of repentance his words often were not heeded. As you sing this great hymn let the words speak to you. May the Lord prepare you to receive Christ joyfully this Advent/Christmas season and expect to see Him soon as we anticipate His return in glory.
Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Advent 1

Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that he may lead home His bride, the Church, that we will all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

As we turn our sights toward Bethlehem’s manger we focus on our celebration of Christ’s coming into this world and at the same time we wait in anticipation of His sure and certain return in glory. This is what the season of Advent is all about. The question is when. When shall these things be? The message from our Gospel lesson for this morning is simple yet profound – watch and wait.

I. No one knows when Christ will return.
A. The Son, as a human being did not know when the end would come.
1. This proves His human nature. As a human He was limited in knowledge.
2. For your comfort Jesus was completely human in every way except, of course without sinning. Jesus was completely human. He identifies with you in every conceivable way.


B. Neither do the angels know the time of the end.
1. They are created beings sent to serve God and His children. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” [Hebrews 1:14]
2. Even though they “continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 18:10] As lower beings they are limited in knowledge. They too do not known when the end will come.
C. Only the Father knows. He has set a time, fixed for this world to come to an end.
1. He is the Creator and Lord of all.
2. He alone will bring this world to a close.
3. In between (Creation and the end of all time) He will order your days and direct your path. In His sure hands we are secure.

Transition: When I was in high school I had a geometry teacher by the name of Anna Retrum. Anna Retrum was raised in Tennessee. Speaking in her thick southern accent one day she asked, “Dan what are you doing?” I replied, “Getting ready for my next class.” She replied, “There are still five minutes left in class. 5 minuets times 170 days of school equals 14 hours and 16 minuets of geometry that you’re wasting. Now get busy!” We do not know when the end will come. This does not mean we must stand by idly. There is much work for us to do. The Lord says to us today, “Get busy!”

II. We must therefore be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes in glory.
A. He will return at a time when people least expect.
1. Many think Christ’s return will come when things are going badly.
a. Wars and rumors of wars.
b. Harsh economic times.
c. Stresses within and without the church or family.
2. When will the end come?
a. When the last pagan is converted.
b. When the full number of believers in Christ has been reached.
B. We must make use of the time that we have “keeping busy!”
1. Serve where God had planted you.
a. Called to be Christ’s servants.
b. Called to be His witnesses in this generation.
2. Use the gifts God has given you.
a. Serve where God has planted you.
b. Use the tools of salvation which God has given you.
1. Love God.
2. Help and serve your neighbor.
Now we are in Advent. In the words of that old spiritual, “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.” With joy we can meet Him now in those places He can be found – His Word, His Sacraments, His promise of forgiveness. God be praised!

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational
use

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Day



Thanksgiving Day
Luke 17:11-19
Who bothers to thank God?


Ten men, afflicted with a disease that excluded them from normal society (Leviticus 13:45-59) and inevitably brought about death, sought help from the Savior. All ten were told to show themselves to the priest as was required (Leviticus 14:2-20). All ten were healed. All ten were given a full bill of health. All ten were given a new lease on life. All ten were good to go. Yet only one returns to give thanks. The Savior asks the obvious question – “What happened to the nine?” Our text begs the question who bothers to thank God?

1. Certainly not those whose only concern is to enjoy what has been given them.

A. Ten meet Jesus. Ten called Him “Master”. Ten were healed and undoubtedly rejoiced. Only one looked beyond the healing to the Healer. Giving thanks has greater priority for him than being certified as clean.

B. Like the nine, people can often display a selfishness that is enamored by the things that benefit us and that cares not at all for the God who supplies our every need. This is covetousness and idolatry at its core. How many today find themselves deeply in debt, chasing after the latest fashion statement, driving cars they can not afford, trying to impress people for whom they do not care? That is the temptation of this world – that the allure of possessions will bring happiness. It will be witnessed tomorrow- black Friday- the first official sale day of the Christmas holiday season - when malls will be filled with shoppers attempting to bring cheer to their lives with things they can not afford.

C. Beware! Such selfish myopia stifles thanksgiving. It sees no cause for gratitude unless we receive what we things is best, at the time we prefer, in the way we desire. When this attitude prevails, who bothers to thank God?

Transition: Who bothers to thank God? Certainly not those whose only concern is to enjoy what has been given them. Nor does it come from those who become all wrapped up in themselves.

2. Not those who believe that God’s good treatment is something they have earned for themselves.

A. The story strongly emphasizes that the only man who returned to give thanks to Jesus was both a Samaritan and a foreigner - a man with no rights. He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, a symbolic act of complete subjection. He realized that his healing was an act of pure mercy, not a payment that he deserved.

B. How much his views differed from those of the majority of people, both at Christ’s time and still today. How easy it is, even for us, to pin our hope for God’s favor on what we are or think or say or do. We desire and sometimes demand that God be kind to us and help us as a reward for our good church attendance or our righteous living or our delightful personalities. How many today think that God should stand up and take notice! - Because of your awesomeness? Really?

C. Beware! Such self-righteous pride will not fall at Jesus feet. It will not thank Him. It gives no glory to God for His marvelous works of mercy. It sees God only as a paymaster, who distributes benefits to those who have earned them. When this attitude prevails, who bothers to thanks God?

Transition: Who bothers to thank God? Not those whose only concern is to enjoy what has been given them. Not those who think God owes them? It comes from those who have received mercy.

3. Only those whom God has rescued from the dominion of sin and Satan by giving them faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

A. The event reported in the Gospel happened while Jesus was on the way to the city of Jerusalem. He was traveling to that city to lay down His life as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. The guilt of our selfishness and pride rested on His shoulders. The hands that in the others cases healed with a touch were soon to be nailed to the cross as payment for our ingratitude and love-less-ness. The voice that told the lepers to show themselves to the priest would soon cry out in pain and agony, “I thirst!” and “My God, my God, why have Your forsaken me? Jesus endured the full punishment of body and soul that we all deserve. But that same voice would sound forth again after His resurrection, announcing that forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to Jews and Samaritans and all the nations of the earth – to all who would listen both believer and pagan alike.

B. Only the power of the resurrected Christ, received by us through faith, can purge our hearts of the spiritual maladies of selfishness and pride and ingratitude and sin. Only in the strength that he supplies are we able to overcome our natural inclination toward evil and truly give thanks and glory to God.

Through faith in Christ, the Samaritan leper received healing in his body. Motivated by that faith, he returned to give thanks. For such as that leper, it is not at all a bother to thank God. The expression of heartfelt thanks to God with our lips and our lives is a joyous privilege that God provides for us here in time and hereafter in eternity.

Face of Christ
http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Eve



Thanksgiving Eve
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving by definition the formal public expression of returning thanks to God. How do we do this? Let’s see what Scripture would tell us this night. How do we have thanksgiving?

1. Rejoice always – v. 16 “May you always be joyful in you life in the Lord I say it again; rejoice” Philippians 4:4

A. In this verse Paul tells us twice to rejoice. Why rejoice? We might not necessarily feel like rejoicing and yet we do rejoice for this is how thankful hearts respond to God – they rejoice.

B. We rejoice when we recall the fruits of His Spirit which are evident in every believer’s life.

Transition: We give thanks in rejoicing making our requests to God.

2. Pray without ceasing – v. 17 “Don’t worry about anything but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart.” Philippians 4:6

A. Worry can drain us of any joy. There is much for us to be concerned in this dark and sinful world. Thus our focus is on Him who supplies us with all that we need to support our body and life. “Make your requests know to God” Paul would remind us – we take it to the Lord in prayer.

B. Our prayers are also filled with gratitude and praise – gratitude for His redemption in Christ for His gifts of mercy and grace. Praise because He has blessed us in so many ways – His mercies are new to us every day His blessings can not be counted. He is a god of grace and glory.

Transition: We rejoice we pray always with thankful hearts, regardless of the circumstances.

3. In everything give thanks – V. 18 “Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants of you in your life in Christ Jesus”.

A. Now that we have been put right with God through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace in which we now live.
We rejoice then in the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. And we also rejoice in our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval and His approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His live into our hearts by the means of the Holy Spirit who is God’s gift to us.” Romans 5:1-4

Our thanks is not limited to or dictated by circumstances. In every circumstance regardless of its origin we return to God our worship and praise.

B. Because you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. We endure because of faith. Faith given to us by God in the first place – faith which trust God’s promises – faith which takes God at His Word

How do we have thanksgiving? With our prayers with gratitude to God in every circumstance we bless the Lord.
Image taken June 2009 behind Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

For what are you thankful?

What are you thankful for this year? I asked the people of our parish to send me notes and they were sent to me via two facebook posts, an e-mail, a sealed note in an envelope and one written on a 3x5 card after Catechism.

Following are the notes I received as they came to me...

Hey Pastor, I am thankful for my mom, dad, and sister so technically my whole family I am thankful for.

God’s blessings are really too numerous to mention but here are some I’m thankful for this year…

Jesus my Savior and Brother
The Bible
Missionaries
Our congregation
Our freedoms – of religion, from fear, to worship as we please
Our president and our country
Good weather crops, rain and sunshine, snow
Loving and caring family and friends
Good health and happiness
Wyneken School, good teachers
Good neighbors
A new home

I am very thankful for God, and all His creation.

I am thankful that I live in the U. S. A. and not another country that has a lot of poverty and a low literacy rate.

I am thankful that I have family and friends that love and support me in everything I do.

I am thankful for my dad taking me hunting

I’m thankful for my health.

I BELEIVE I AM THANKFUL FOR "LIFE", FAMILY, AND CHOICE OF RELIGION

My husband of 30 years. Knowing now more than before what a blessing I had for parents, the parents I now have because of marriage, my children, my children’s spouses, my grandson, my health, an awesome family who all come together when needed in good times and bad. A job, and last but not least an awesome church family of Friedheim.

I like this list!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Time in the Word - Advent 1

The Day of the Lord

Advent begins a new church year and is designed to prepare us for Christ’s coming both personally and cosmically. Advent 1 deals with Jesus’ Second Coming. It is the one Sunday of the year that is totally given to the doctrine, although the Epistles lesson in Advent 3 urges us to patiently wait for the Lord’s return. The Prayer of the Day cries for the Lord to come. The Hymn of the Day calls for us to prepare for Christ to enter our lives. The Gospel lesson emphasizes the need of constant preparedness for Christ’s return because the time of his coming is unknown. The Epistle lesson urges us to put on Christ as preparation for his coming which Paul considers to be soon. When God comes to us, according to the Old Testament lesson, all nations will have their differences settled and peace will return.

Collect for the first Sunday in Advent: Stir up Your power, O lord and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen


All powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may fin an eager welcome at His coming and call us to His side in the kingdom of heaven, where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 122: Lord Jesus; give us the peace of the New Jerusalem. Bring all nations into Your kingdom to share Your gifts, that they may render thanks to You without end and may come to Your eternal city, where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

Prayer for Harvest: Lord God, heavenly Father, through whose kindness we have again received the fruits of the earth in their season, grant us ever to rejoice in Your mercy that neither prosperity nor adversity may drive us from Your presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

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

Monday, 22 November 2010Psalm118:25-28; antiphon, Zechariah 9:9b —In the Introit for Sunday, we pray Behold you king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation. Fulfilled prophecy is one feature which makes Christianity so appealing. Throughout the season of Advent we will find prophecy after prophecy which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Here is one among so man that the Lord as king would come to His people. During this busy and important season we prepare for Christ’s return in glory and we make ready our hearts and minds to celebrate His birth. If we prepared for the former we will be in the right frame of mind for the latter.

Tuesday, 23 November 2010Psalm 122 — This week’s psalm is what the pilgrims may have sung as they neared the temple gate within the city walls. The pilgrim prays for the peace of the city -the center of worship and the seat of government for the world nation.

Wednesday, 24 November 2010Isaiah 2:1-5— Isaiah tells us what will happen in the “latter” days. This refers to the end of the world. We may be living in the “latter” days now. In the latter days “all the nations” will see God on the highest mountain on earth. God will be the highest value and the center of the universe. They will come to God to receive his instruction how to live. This will result in international peace. The significance of “all” is that world peace depends upon “all” coming to God. Peace is not a unilateral project. Will it be possible to get “all” nations to come to God? If they are to come at the end-time, why not now? Here is one good reason to the church’s overseas missionary program.

Thursday, 25 November 2010Romans 13:11-14— When Augustine heard a child’s voice say, “Take and read,” he opened his Bible and read verse 14 from our Epistle for this week. Obediently, he “put on” Christ and he became one of our greatest Christians. To “put on” means to be incorporated into Christ so that one is “a man in Christ.” To be ready for the Lord’s Great Day, we put on Christ so that in us Christ confronts Himself. We are His people. He is one of us. To be properly dressed for the Lord’s Great Day, we are to put on Christ’s robe of righteousness. This calls for a human response. Christ is coming. We are to be ready by putting on Christ. This we do at baptism.

Friday, 26 November 2010Matthew 24:36-44 — To be ready for the Lord’s Great Day is a “must.” Not to be ready is to be lost just as the people in Noah’s day were not ready with boats for the flood. Jesus is not waiting for us to be ready. Whether we are ready or not, He is coming. Not to be ready spells eternal disaster. What does it mean to be “ready”? To be ready for the end is to live daily in a state of grace. If we are always reconciled to God by faith in Christ, it does not matter when Christ will return.

Saturday, 27 November 2010John 1:1; Luke 2:30-32- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Savior of the Nations Come. (LSB #332). John would remind us that the eternal God, the creator of us all broke into time and space to be our redeemer. This is what the season of Advent is all about. We make ourselves ready to celebrate the fact that God has become human. We celebrate that God has come to visit His people. He came at just the right time and He will usher us home at just the right time. This majestic hymn tells the story of salvation. As you review it think of Christ’s impact on your life, your family, your church and community and then share His story with those you meet.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Harvest and Thanksgiving from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Sunday, November 21, 2010

In Memoriam



Irene Bultemeier
Born October 16, 1922
Baptiszed into Christ: October 29, 1922
Confirmed in the Faith: April 5, 1936
With Christ in Peace: November 21, 2010

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. - Revelation 3:20

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Christ the King

Luke 23:35-43
Jesus Lord at Thy Death

Jesus is dying on the cross and yet we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. How so? Execution as a criminal is usually considered a time of disgrace and defeat. Critics at the cross acknowledge this by saying, “He saved others, let Him save himself…If you are the king of the Jews save yourself.” In a few weeks at Christmas we will be singing a line of “Silent Night” which says, “Jesus Lord at Thy birth.” Can we sing today, “Jesus Lord at Thy death.”?

See how Jesus is Lord even at His death.

1. He was Lord over His enemies by not responding to their insults – Vv. 35-37

2. He was Lord in His power to save sinners – Vv. 39-43

Monday, November 15, 2010

Time in the Word - Christ the King

The King of the Kingdom

The church year comes to a close on a triumphant note. Christ the King. It is a festival, not an ordinary day, and the liturgical color changes to white, a color denoting festivity, joy, and peace. The church year comes to a close not with a whimper but with a shout. Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” would be appropriate. The year ends not in defeat but in triumph. The Old Testament Malachi 3:13-18 the Lord promises to have pity and compassion upon His people. The Epistle Colossians 1:13-30 identifies the king as the Son of God Jesus Christ our Savior. The Lord is crucified for us in the Gospel and His kingdom is opened to a penitent thief.

Christ the King is the Last Sunday of the Church year. It is fitting that the Gospel gives the account of the end of Jesus’ life. He died as a king. Ironically His enemies ridiculed Him as the King of the Jews and as the reason for His crucifixion Pilate wrote, “King of the Jews!” We must see the whole life of Christ as a king. He was born a king and all through His life we can see his royal life and work, with the authority and power of the king of kings.
Collect for Christ the King Sunday: Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that He may lead home His bride the Church, that we with all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Almighty and merciful God, You break the power of evil and make all things new in Your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. May all in heaven and earth acclaim Your glory and never cease to praise You. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper 29: Lord Jesus Christ, You reigns among us by the preaching of Your cross. Forgive Your people their offenses that we, being governed by Your bountiful goodness, may enter at least in to Your eternal paradise; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 46: Lord God, our refuge and strength, when the restless powers of this world and the waters of hell rise up against Your Holy City, watch over it and keep it safe. By the river that flows form the throne of the Lamb, purify this New Jerusalem as Your chosen dwelling for You are with us, our stronghold now and forever.

Prayer for the hope of eternal life: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raise in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Monday, 15 November 2010Psalm134; antiphon, Psalm 33:8—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray confidently Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. The word of the Lord lasts forever. Nothing can snatch us out of the Savior’s hand. The promises of God from of old are all fulfilled in the life, and ministry of Jesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Tuesday, 16 November 2010Psalm 46 — This week’s psalm is the inspiration of Luther’s great hymn of the Reformation “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” This Psalm may have been written following Sennacherib’s attack on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32), some natural disaster, or in anticipation of the events heralding Messiah’s coming. Vv.4-5 Have a parallel in Revelation 22:1-5 where the ideal is perfectly realized. The psalmist glories in God’s presence with His people and His real and unassailable protection (Vv. 1, 4-5, 7, 11)

Wednesday, 17 November 2010Malachi 3:13-18— In their arrogance and unbelief the Jews called blessed those whom the godly know to be cursed. But it is they who will be called blessed if they repent. Even at the final hour the Lord is still calling His people to repentance and faith. In the Day of Judgment the Lord will spare those who fear Him. They will be called the Lord’s most treasured possession. 2,500 years after these words were written the Lord is still calling His people back to repentance. This is our attitude, searching and calling those missing from the Father’s table.

Thursday, 18 November 2010Colossians 1:13-20—Our lesson gives us the scope of Christ’s kingdom. It is much needed because we think usually of Jesus as king of the Jews only, or of Christians only, or of the individual’s heart. Paul raises our sights and we see Jesus as king of the universe. Look at your king; can you imagine the honor and privilege of being a servant of a king of such great dimensions? If Jesus is king of the cosmos, then He is not confined to one nation, race, or church. He rules the world, and all the nations, and all the planets. Who is this King? He is the creator of the vast universe - v.16. He is the eternal king – v. 17. He is the Head of the church – v.18. He is the reconciler and redeemer of the whole world – Vv.14, 20.

Friday, 19 November 2010Luke 23:27-43 — Jesus was a king on the cross. His enemies did not realize the truth of the mockery, “If you are the King of the Jews.” The political authorities also did not realize what they wrote, “This is the king of the Jews.” On Palm Sunday the faithful sang praises to their king – ‘Behold, your king is coming to you.” In the gospel lesson there are various reactions to this king. The people – they watched from a distance. They were mere spectators – v. 35. The rulers – they were scoffers and cynics – v. 35. The soldiers – they mocked and ridiculed – v. 36. Sinners – the offered prayers and petitions of penitence – Vv. 39-43.

Saturday, 20 November 2010Psalm 23- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is The King of Love My Shepherd Is. (LSB #709). The suggested hymn is one of praise and thanksgiving to our good shepherd Jesus Christ. He is our king. He is our good shepherd. Thanks be to God that we are a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming. Tomorrow come to church expecting to offer praise and worship to our King of Kings Jesus Christ the righteous one.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Christ the King from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Pentecost 25 - Proper 28



Luke 21:5-19
Doing Your Best when things are at their worst

We are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power, nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a world-wide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-kill many times over. What can Christians do about it? We could hide, or flee (but where?) or commit suicide. In this morning’s Gospel the Savior calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for our best – Jesus gives us a promise of wisdom in time of persecution.

1. Witness for Christ – V. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. (See Philippians 1:12)

2. Feel secure in God’s protection – V. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. Unique to Luke is this phrase. It is the experience of Daniel’s three companions in the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:27). See also Acts 27:34.

3. Endure until the end – V. 19By standing firm you will gain life. Luke stresses that those who persevere, even if they lose physical life, will preserve spiritual life.

Face of Christ
http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Monday, November 8, 2010

Time in the Word Pentecost 25 Proper 28


The End of the World

The theme for this coming week’s theme deals with the theme of the end of the world. In the Gospel (Luke 21:5-9) Jesus tells us what will happen as He gives us signs of the end. Judgment is pronounced in the Old Testament lesson (Malachi 4:1-2a) as the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. In the Epistle lesson (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13) Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs. We work until the end comes. Today’s world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of the Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The lessons have other options to propose. What can be done about the world? Burn – God’s fire both destroys and restores – Malachi 4:1-6 Earn – Work while waiting for the end – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 – Warn – An opportunity to witness to the world – Luke 21:5-19

Collect for the 25th Sunday of Pentecost: O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, being ever mindful of the end of all things and Your just judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You forever hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.
Father of all that is good, keep us faithful in serving You, for to serve You is our lasting joy. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Proper 28: O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 98: Lord, we sing to You a new song, for Your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb You have given us a glimpse of Your future and in Your victory over death Yu have shown us now we shall overcome the last enemy. Ads the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise You for Your great triumph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for the hope of eternal life: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raise in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, 08 November 2010Psalm121:1-2, 5,7-8 antiphon, Luke 21:33—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray the words promised by the Savior, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. The world is surely coming to an end. This is more noticeable as the days become shorter and as the church year is drawing to a close. Yet we need not fear. Our Savior has given us a wonderful promise. Every word He has given us will be fulfilled. Although the world passes away He word will never pass away.

Tuesday, 09 November 2010Psalm 98 — This week’s psalm is a song to God the Victor. He comes to rule His kingdom. Let the whole world go wild with joy. Three stanzas progressively extend the call to ever wider circles – the worshiping congregation at the temple, all the people of the earth and the whole creation. The first stanza recalls God’s revelation of His righteousness (vs. 2) in the past; the last stanza speaks confidently of His coming rule “in righteousness.” (vs.9) The middle stanza is enclosed by the jubilant cry, “shout for joy” (Vv. 4, 6)

Wednesday, 10 November 2010Malachi 4:1-6— Think of the end of he4 world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. The un of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn’t lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us in the Son of God. When He rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When He comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greed with the phrase, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Thursday, 11 November 20102 Thessalonians3:6-13— Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to love on earth! Or, put it this way: you have a terminal disease which will kill you within one year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul’s day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly. They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. Throughout history there have been groups of people convinced of Jesus’ immediate return – they quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school and lived in a commune. What would you do? Paul encourages us to keep busy and to work until the end comes. See especially verses 10-13.

Friday, 12 November 2010Luke 21:5-28 — Many believe we are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power; nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-ill many times over? What can a Christian do about it? We could hide or flee but where? In the passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for us to be at our best – to feel secure in God’s protection and to endure until the end. See especially verses 18-19.

Saturday, 13 November 2010Isaiah 28:16, 41:10; 43:1-7- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is How Firm a Foundation. (LSB #728). We need not fear the end of time for our faith has its foundation in the words and work of our Savior Jesus. As we sing this magnificent hymn tomorrow we can be confident that our Lord will sustain and guide us to the end.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Pentecost 24 - Proper 27


Luke 20:27-28
After Death - Anything

According to a Gallup poll taken in 1975 60% of American people believe there is life after death. While the figure is encouraging it says that almost one-third do not believe anything follows death. That was 35 years ago. What about today? There are more Sadducees today then when Jesus lived. Do we have any basis for a belief in life after death other than wishful thinking or a personal longing to continue to live?

In Jesus’ day, the Sadducees used the ridiculous story of a man with seven wives to prove there was no resurrection. We need to know that life after death is not our doing but is God’s work. It is based on the truth that God is an ever-living God and is the God of the living because they live in Him. There is life after death because -
God is God only of the living – V. 38
God loves us in Christ – V. 36
God lives in us by faith in Christ – V. 38

By faith we believe in the Resurrection for we are Easter people.

1. The Old Testament teaches the Resurrection.
A. The Sadducees try to us the Old Testament to disprove the resurrection. (Vv. 28-33)
B. Yet, Jesus uses the Old Testament to prove the resurrection. (Vv. 34-38)
C. Other Old Testament passages support this truth. (See. Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 26:19;
Daniel 12:2)

2. The New Testament teaches the Resurrection.
A. Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
B. The resurrection consists of
1. The restoration and glorification of the body (1 Corinthians 15:42-49)
2. The reunion of the body and the soul.
C. Our resurrection has its basis in Christ’s redemption of the human family in His resurrection (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
D. Jesus’ resurrection has significance for you not only on Judgment Day but also right now. Already in this life it effects in you a spiritual resurrection, empowering you to live even more and more in harmony with the Father’s will.

3. The Resurrection is consistent with the nature of God.
A. God created human beings for life, not death. (Luke 20:37-38)
B. The Father sent His Son to rescue fallen humanity.
1. He buys us back and redeems us. (Mark 10:45)
2. He gives us a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
C. This gives power, purpose and meaning to our life. (Luke 20:38, “for all live to Him”; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)

The hope of the resurrection gives life an aim, purpose and goal. The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life funning up and down the field, but you never score a point. We are more then conquerors through Christ who loves us. Because of the cross and empty tomb we are in fact Easter people!

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for congregational and personal use

Monday, November 1, 2010

Time in the Word Pentecost 24 Proper 27


God of Glory


The goodness and greatness of God are brought out in the lessons for next Sunday. According to the Gospel (Luke 20:27-40) we serve an eternal God - A God of the living. God is eternal life and all who live in Him have this life. His glory is seen in His conquest of death. In the Old Testament lesson (Exodus 3:1-15) Moses encounters the living Lord through the burning bush. The bush is on fire yet is not consumed. Moses is commanded to take off his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. In the Epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17) God is a faithful God a God of steadfast love. The days are getting shorter. The end of the church year is approaching. We are in the midst of harvest. The eternal and faithful Lord has prepared for Himself a harvest of souls. Will you be numbered with His saints? Our good and gracious God has a destiny for you. He is the God of glory.


Collect for the Twenty-fourth Sunday of Pentecost: O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do Your work on earth. WE ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-seven: Living God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of Your grace to lay hold of Your promises and live forever in Your presence; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


Collect for Psalm 148: God Most High, by Your Word You created a wondrous universe and through Your Spirit You breathed into it the breath of life. Accept creation’s hymn of praise from our lips, and let the praise that is sung in heaven resound in the heart of every creature on earth, to the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.


Prayer for All Saints: Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous sand godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love Your; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


Monday, 01 November 2010Psalm115:2-4, 8, 17-18 antiphon, Psalm 115:11—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. We trust in God because He holds Himself to His Word. We trust in Him because He has proven Himself to be faithful; faithful to His Word, faithful to His promises, faithful to His people.

Tuesday, 02 November 2010Psalm 148 — Let the angels praise God. Let the sun, moon and stars praise God. Let the heavens shout, Hallelujah! Everything that it owes praise to the Creator; the angels in heaven, sun, moon, and stars; nature, the deep, every creature on earth and all mankind.

Wednesday, 03 November 2010Exodus 3:1-15— The Lord promises Moses to come down and to rescue His people. Notice in verse 12 the Lord promises I will be with you. The Hebrew word translated “I will be” is the same as the one translated “I am” in verse 14. The sign the Lord gives to Moses is a visible proof or guarantee that what God has promised He would surely fulfill.

Thursday, 04 November 20102 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17— Paul wishes that God’s blessings may come to His people. In a day of discouragement, depression, and despair many feel there is no hope out of their troubles. Some consider themselves or others as hopeless. Hope disappears when we think that things will never improve. Are we doomed to things as they are? But, there is hope, for hope is not based on us or on the world but on God. Hope is a gift of God. If we go to god, we can have hope. For hope is ultimately based on God’s nature. In verse 16 two eternal truths are brought forward. God loves us in Christ and God has saved you through the grace of Christ.

Are we a praying people? Prayer is a two-way communication between God and the believer. It should also be a two-way deal among Christians. As one prays for another, the other reciprocates in prayer. We need to pray for each other, for we all are in need of prayer. In our lesson Paul prays for his people and he asks them to pray for him. Here is an ideal situation between a pastor and the people. It would also work in the family and on the job.

Friday, 05 November 2010Luke 20:27-40 — Heaven lacks a number of things; no stress, no hunger, no tears. Best of all there is no cemetery there, because there is no need for one. Heaven is where the living God is and where His people live in and with Him. These people do not die but share eternal life with Christ. There is no death in heaven because God is a God only of the living as people live in and to God. (vs. 38)

Saturday, 06 November 2010Matthew 8:23-27 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me. (LSB #715). This background of our hymn written in 1870 lies in the work of Edward Hopper, during his ministry at the “Church of the Sea and the Land,” in New York. He was noted for his work among the sailors, to whim he devoted the last years of his ministry in the Presbyterian Church. In common with many hymns, “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” was first written as a poem. It was first published in The Sailor’s Magazine in 1871 and later came to be used in hymnals. The second stanza of the hymn suggests the miracle of Jesus calming the waves, when He was with His disciples on the sea. The way of life is compared to a voyage on the sea. There are great waves threatening to destroy, rocks upon which our ship may break. But the power of Jesus in our hearts can smooth the waters and carry us on to safety in the harbor of Heaven.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
The Story of 50 Hymns © 1934 By General Mills, Inc Minneapolis, MN
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use