IN MUMORIAM

Earl Carpenter
Requiescat in pace
1931 - 2011

Easter 7 Time in the Word

This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost.

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, May 30, 2011 – Psalm 68:1-10- This is the Psalm suggested for the last Sunday in Easter.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 – Acts 1:12—26 – Christians in the world pray for the Spirit. At his ascension, Jesus promised to send the Spirit to the disciples. The risen Lord meets with his eleven disciples a short distance from Jerusalem where before ascending to his Father, he promises them the Spirit who will give them power to witness throughout the world. Then they returned to an upper room in Jerusalem to pray. With the disciples are Jesus’ brothers and mother. This is her last appearance in the New Testament — she is seen among the first Christians praying and waiting for the Spirit. This deals with both the ascension and next Sunday’s Pentecost. The First Lesson is similar to today’s Acts 1:1-11. Otherwise, the Lesson can be used to prepare for next Sunday’s Pentecost celebration.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011 –1 Peter 4:12-19: 5:6-11 – Christians in the world share Christ’s sufferings. Christians are to rejoice over the privilege of sharing Christ’s suffering, and after suffering God will restore and strengthen them. The exhortations to the newly baptized are continued in this passage. They are warned of impending persecution for being Christians, for at this time it was a crime to be a Christian. They are not to be surprised when suffering comes, but to rejoice that they suffer as Jesus did. When suffering comes, the new Christians are to be humble, trust in God’s care, be on guard against temptation, and to remember that suffering is over and God will strengthen them. They are to take comfort in the fact that suffering is experienced by the whole church.

Thursday, June 02, 2011 – John 17:1-11 – Christians in the world are prayed for. Before his departure, Jesus prays for his disciples. This lesson is a part of Christ’s high priestly prayer, the end of his farewell discourse at the last supper begun in chapter 13. The hour of his departure has come. He reports to the Father that he has accomplished the work he was sent to do.

Friday, June 03, 2011 – Psalm 47 – This Psalm is suggested for Ascension.

Saturday, June 04, 2011 –Acts 2:21 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “Christ is the World’s Redeemer“{LSB 539. The suggested hymn for this week reminds us that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Having examined the realities of Easter, we now go out into the world as witnesses of the Savior. This is what living the faith means. Expressing what those 1st Century disciples proclaimed, “we are witnesses to these things”

Sources:
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK © 1989 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Easter 6

Prayer of the Day “O God, from whom all good things do come: Lead us by the inspiration of Your Spirit to think those things that are right, and by Your goodness help us to do them.”

Jesus promises not to leave the disciples desolate, for He will send the Spirit. Jesus’ final discourse continues from last Sunday. It deals with the fate of the disciples after His departure. The Ascension is coming. Then what? Jesus reminds His followers that love is obeying His commands, particularly the command to love one another. He assures them that He will not leave them desolate, for He will send the Spirit. By the Spirit He will be with them. Christianity is a relationship: Through the Spirit, there is a oneness with Christ who is one with the Father. When a person cannot be present at an event, he sometimes says, “I’ll be with you in spirit.”

Jesus said to His disciples that he is about to leave them, for his death and ascension are coming soon. For their comfort, He tells them He will come to them in the Spirit. They will not be left desolate in a hostile world. He will be with them in Spirit. Jesus promises to come to us. To help fight off these feelings of fear and fright we might try to fill our lives with many comforts in order to stop the feeling, but even these fall fairly short in calming our fears of being abandoned.

In our text for today Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior reaches out to His fearful, lonely and hurting followers of all ages when He says to us "I will not leave you desolate" These words of comfort and hope mirror the last five words that He spoke to humans before He ascended into heaven when He said in Matthew 28 "I am with you always..." Jesus our Savior gives to us His guarantee that He will not walk out on us. Consider His words and promises this day.
[1] In the Spirit — v. 16. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—Jesus guarantees for us that the Spirit will come.

A. The disciples needed this word of comfort and promise as they felt lost and abandoned.
1. Jesus' own words were a direct response to Thomas who, along with the rest of the disciples felt troubled and abandoned. Thomas asked Jesus "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
2. The events of Jesus' life that were about to unfold, events that they would experience; arrest, trial, crucifixion, entombment furthered a feeling of abandonment and being forsaken.
3. Soon after would come the Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost. Yet the still felt as if Jesus were to leave them.
4. They felt as if they were being separated from the presence and person of Christ. True, we can look at these circumstances and say why of course the Savior was with His disciples. He was speaking to them... they were in His presence, and throughout the events of the passion He remained with them. Yet, as we so well know, Perception so often becomes reality! They felt as if Jesus was going to leave them, and so, that became their reality. What we perceive to become reality can happen to us as well.

B. We too can experience the same feelings of abandonment.
1. We experience trials, sickness and death. And what do we feel. We feel as if Christ has left us.
2. When this happens, all of our options all seem to be bad. We feel as if we are thrown to the wind with no one to help us. We lose our sense of direction and our sense of perspective because our fears of loneliness overwhelm us.
3. These feelings of hopelessness have become a product of our times. We live with such rapid changes all around us. There are family problems, jobs that are threatened, economic situations and issues that appear to be out of our control. And because so much is beyond our control, we can feel the sense that we are losing control.
4. It is then that we conclude that our life is full of troubles and challenges and how weak we really are. As the old quip reminds us, "any fool can handle a crisis it's the day to day living that wears us down!"

C. In this midst of this trouble and strife, this chaos and confusion that the Savior comes to us with His Word of comfort and promise. Jesus understands our station in life and He promises to do something about our sorry lot. He promises us the Counselor.
1. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come and appears on our behalf to be a mediator, an intercessor, and a genuine helper for us.
2. Who is this counselor? He is the Spirit of truth, the One who can be known and revived only by faith. He is the One who dwells and lives within us. While so many live with the mistaken notion that perception is reality, the Savior confirms to us that He is the reality and the solution to our feelings of abandonment.

D. We are not left helpless.
1. The helplessness and precariousness of life are ultimate and overwhelming only if we live spiritually alone. If there is something wrong with your religion is has nothing to do with God! If we feel separated from God who has done the walking?
2. God has given His Word and promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will not leave us desolate. By the Father's grace, through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, the Advocate lives in us.
3. Therefore we are not alone. We are not abandoned. We are not mere objects of fate, or spiritual no-bodies going nowhere. He is the One who directs us. Therefore our prayer must be "Jesus, Savior Pilot Me"
4. Jesus will direct us through the power of His Holy Spirit. But the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we can say "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us"

[2] Jesus has promised that He will come
. A. He spoke of His leaving.
1. He told His followers that He would soon leave them by going to the cross to suffer and die.
2. He told His followers that He would leave them by Ascending back to the Father in glory.

B. But at the same time He gave them His Word and Promise.
1. Jesus said "You will see Me" The resurrection and the appearances of Jesus Christ are His promise that He would come to them again. For 40 days Jesus walked and talked and appeared to His disciples to assure them that He was truly alive, that His work on the cross was sufficient. That at the cross of Jesus Christ all of your sins are forgiven period!
2. Jesus said "Because I live, you will live also!" This promise of the resurrection is to all who believe in Christ. Your life with the Father for eternity is signed, sealed, and delivered by a Savior who has taken on death conquered. He took your pain, your sin, your misery and has exchanged it for His life.

C. Thus He comes to remove all pain and suffering caused by the fear of being alone. 1. He comes to live in us by faith. As He has so plainly said to us "On that day, you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you" (v. 20) 2. He comes to shape and mold and uses us to a life of obedience to His perfect will.
3. He come to be the daily resurrection of grace for our lives and to give us such a wonderful promise that we will live in glory with Him. Recall His clear and certain words "Because I live you will live also!" (v.19)

Conclusion: These words of comfort were spoken by the lips of the Savior in at the Supper table in the upper room on Maundy Thursday, just hours before His passion was to begin. Soon, the events that led to Jesus' death on the cross would be put into motion, and the disciples would wonder if Jesus had in fact failed and abandoned them. But on Easter Sunday He came back to deliver on His promises and the disciples would know that He who was abandoned on the cross would, by the cross, never abandon them. By faith you have come to know that reality as well. The Spirit says so. The living Christ says so. His words of comfort and promises are for you this day! "I will not leave you desolate!"

Artwork by Ed Rojas © Higher Things

Easter 6 Time in the Word

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, May 23, 2011 – Psalm 66:1-7 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.1, “I cry to God with joy.” The man who is blessed (Vv.1-4) is also humbled (Vv. 5ff) Notice the illustration in Vs. 6 and the implication found in Vs. 7.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – Acts 17:16-31 –The Spirit as an “unknown God” Paul preaches at Athens. Paul’s sermon at Athens was different. It was addressed not to Jews nor to Christian Gentiles, but to educated and cultured pagans, for Athens was the capitol of Greek-Roman civilization. It is interesting to see how Paul adapted to his audience to get a hearing. He begins by complementing them — “You are very religious.” He refers to a local situation — an altar erected to an unknown god. This gives him an entree into his subject. Who is this “unknown God?” To bolster his argument he does not quote scripture but Greek philosophers and poets. He brings his message to a head by calling for repentance as preparation for the judgment to be conducted by the One God raised from the dead.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 –1 Peter 3:13-22 – Christians are alive in the Spirit. The newly baptized, warned they may suffer for being Christians are reminded if the suffer for “well-doing rather than evil-doing,” they will be blessed. In a non-Christian world, Christians are to imitate Jesus who suffered, died for our sins, rose and ascended to the Father. They are to revere Christ and to be prepared to give an account of their faith. As Noah was saved through water, really from water, baptismal water saves us not by a physical, but a spiritual cleansing.

Thursday, May 25, 2011 – John 14:15-21 – God’s people come to God only through Jesus. This is a continuation of Jesus’ “farewell discourses”. Jesus promises not to leave the disciples desolate, for he will send the Spirit. Jesus’ final discourse continues from last Sunday. It deals with the fate of the disciples after his departure. Jesus reminds his followers that love is obeying his commands, particularly the command to love one another. He assures them that he will not leave them desolate, for he will send the Spirit. By the Spirit he will be with them. John considers the coming of the Spirit as the end of all time.

Friday, May 26, 2011 – Psalm 66:8-20 – This Psalm is a continuation from the Psalm appointed for Monday. Now we look at the holy man who is humbled by the marvelous ways of God. (Vv.8-12) The person of faith is declared holy by the trustworthiness of God (Vv. 13-15) as well as his testimony. (Vv. 16-20)

Saturday, May 27, 2011 –2 Timothy 1:9-10 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “Dear Christians One and All Rejoice“{LSB 556} As we will have examination Sunday tomorrow reviewing the chief teachings of our Christian faith this hymn is quit fitting. It explains the whole story of Savior. Luther wrote this hymn to explain to his children what Good Friday and Easter Sunday taught. It is one of Luther’s great teaching hymns and has grown to be one of the finest hymns composed.

Sources:
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing House, Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Easter 5

Prayer of the Day “O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us live what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found.”

This is the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourses” that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because Jesus is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, He is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in Him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in His name, will be answered. These words of the Savior are, almost without exception, read at funerals. It has become identified with death. It is really associated with the resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus goes to prepare a place for the believer. This passage then speaks to the living on earth to comfort them that after death they will be secure in Christ. This sermon is to show the people the importance of the resurrection to the promises of Jesus.

Because of the resurrection —

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Ed Rojas © Higher Things

Church Expansion

We broke ground on our church expansion project Sunday. As soon as the weather breaks construction can begin. We will be adding a gathering area, drop off and restrooms on the main level. We've been talking about this since 2004 and finally are ready to go.

This will be building project #5 since I've been here. Previous projects have been the renovation of the church interior for the 150th Anniversary of the congregation, remodeling of the parsonage, addition of a new slate roof to the churh, additional classrooms to our Wyneken school, and now gathering area and restrooms on the main level.

We've managed to complete each project debt free except for the church remodeling which was paid off within three months after completion. I anticipate this project to be paid in full by the time it is completed. It's wise to start a project with over half the funds in hand.

It might get a little messy before the project is completed but this is something we have needed for a long time.

Have a plan, work the plan and plan for the unexpected. Wise words when starting a building project.

Easter 5 Time in the Word

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, May 16, 2011 – Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. The is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is our through the cross and empty tomb.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 – Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60 – God’s people believe the gospel. The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry is too busy and the spiritual functions are being neglected. Members are complaining about their being neglected. What church would not like to have a problem like that, such as lack of parking space on a Sunday morning, insufficient seating space for Sunday morning service, or crowded Sunday school rooms? Why was this church growing? What will make any church grow? “The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied” (v. 7).

Wednesday, May 18, 2011 –1 Peter 2:2-10 – God’s people are a chosen, holy people. As living stones in a spiritual house, Christians are God’s people. Peter’s letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood (priesthood of believers) which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel; God’s chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Because they received God’s mercy in Christ, they have changed from a nobody to a somebody.

Thursday, May 19, 2011 – John 14:1-14 – God’s people come to God only through Jesus. This is the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourses” that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because he is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in His name, will be answered.

Friday, May 20, 2011 – Psalm 31 – This Psalm is a prayer when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David’s friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46 Jesus applied verse 5 to His own circumstance. Those who share in His sufferings at the hands of anti-Christian forces are encouraged to hear and use this psalm in light of what Jesus has endured for us.

Saturday, May 21, 2011 –John 6:32-35 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “At the Lambs High Feast we Sing“{LSB 633} The manna which came from heaven was from God. The Father still “gives” the true bread from heaven which is life through His Son Jesus Christ. Who is this bread of heaven? Jesus answers for us in Vs. 35 “I am” the bread of heaven.

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

Easter 4

Prayer of the Day

“God of all power, you called from death our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep. Send us shepherds to rescue the lost, to heal the injured, and to feed one another with knowledge and understanding.”

What Jesus Can Mean To You?

What does Jesus mean to people? He can range from everything to nothing. People today need to see what Jesus can mean to them. So what does Jesus mean to you?
1. A voice — v. 3. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

A. The Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name, not a number. What a comfort! You are not just a registered number, an anonymous digit, to the Shepherd. You do count, in the eyes of Jesus, the One who counts most of all. He calls you by name.

B. In Baptism He called you. Are the water and word of Baptism a stern lecture, a spanking for straying? No! He calls you in Baptism to lead you out, to lead you out of the bondage to the devil, to hell, to death and sin. He called you in baptism to bring you to good and safe grazing in His pasture. Jesus calls His sheep out for pardon and life, not for condemnation and death.

2. A shepherd — v. 4. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

A. You don’t have to worry about the future. The Shepherd is ahead of you making it good, glad, and safe for you. In the Shepherd Psalm, Psalm 23, David reminds us, “Thou preparest a table before me” i.e. pasture land before me, right under the nose of your enemies.

B. You don’t have to be frightened by death. He still goes before you even in that experience. He knows the way, every inch of it. He stands by with rod and staff.

3. A door — v.7. Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. Do you know why Christ is the only door to the heavenly pasture?

A. He went out of a door, the door of His Father’s house. He left that house to be born in a stable and to live, die and rise again for our sake and for our salvation.

B. He had a door slammed in His face, on the bloody cross. Being abandoned by His Father Jesus cried from the cross, “My God My God why hast thou forsaken me?” {Matthew 27:46} The Father slammed the door of heaven right in Christ’s face. Jesus pounded on that door until His knuckles were bloody, red, and raw. No answer! Christ alone was in the fire and the God-forsakenness of hell for us. He endured that torture that we might look forward only to the blessings of heaven.

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

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

Our shepherd is good because He lays down His life for the sheep. Instead of beating His sheep for their straying, the Good Shepherd beats Himself. It happened when He died the death of the cross for the pardon and salvation of His straying sheep. He is good because He takes up His laid-down life. The only reason we call Christ Good is because of Easter when He wrestled forever free from the tenacious grip of death. Now to us His sheep He says, “Because I live you will live also.” (John 14:19) No other Shepherd can match that promise. Only Christ, the Good Shepherd can say, “I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” (V.10)

Lydia's a 4th generation IU Grad!

Lydia and her Mom!
Mary Cloud who sings in Lydia's studio
Lydia's on the floor to the left...can't you see her?
Lydia and Hank
Our Family 5.07.2011

Easter 4 Time in the Word

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, May 8, 2011 – Psalm 23:1-3 The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.1, “The Lord’s my shepherd I shall not want.” Shepherd is a widely used metaphor used for Kings. David as King acknowledges that the Lord is his Shepherd-King. Jesus as the shepherd of His people is expressed most plainly in our Gospel lesson for this coming week.

Tuesday, May 9, 2011 – Acts 2:42-74 –The sheep witness to the Shepherd. In our first lesson, we have the issue of leadership in the 1st Century Church. What are the qualifications for church leadership? The early church faced the problem of choosing seven leaders. The apostles gave the people three criteria for their selection: good reputation, good common sense, and spirituality. Can these requirements be improved — character, judgment, and faith?

Wednesday, May 10, 2011 – 1Peter 2:19-25 – The sheep suffer like the Shepherd. In the second reading, Peter calls people straying sheep. Sheep are associated with straying and wandering off from the shepherd and the flock until they get lost and in danger of their lives. It is our nature to wander into sin, to carelessly leave the leadership of God, and to go our own way. Modern people are known for their mobility, insecurity, restlessness, a lack of roots, and loneliness.

Thursday, April 11, 2011 – John 10:1-10 –The sheep follow the Shepherd to life eternal. In next week’s Gospel lesson Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors to God. In today’s world, the emphasis is upon pluralism — one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non- Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ. Jesus says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? Our existence only makes sense when Jesus is at the center.

Friday, May 12, 2011 – Psalm 23:4-6 The Psalm portion for this coming week is the much-loved Shepherd Psalm. The benefits of have Jesus as our Shepherd-King is that both goodness and love will literally pursue us. We are given the hope and promise of life with God eternally. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Our future has been guaranteed. Because the Shepherd-King Jesus lives forever, we have the hope and guarantee of dwelling with Christ throughout the years of our life.

Saturday, May 13, 2011 -John 21:15 -This verse is the inspiration for the hymn “I am Jesus’ Little Lamb“{LSB 740} Three times Peter denied his Lord. Three times Jesus asks the question “Peter…do you love me more then these? Thus, the Savior asks us today, “Do you love Me?” “Do we love Jesus more than people, more than your occupation, more than things? (In the case of Peter, these things were the tools of his trade – fishing gear.) The Savior calls us to discipleship, to take up His cross and follow Him. In this Easter season, we are directed by the Savior to affirm the new life He gives us and to share with others the hope that we have in Him. Scripture reminds us “in a twinkling of an eye” we will all be gone – What shall be said of us then? May it be said of us that we remain a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming.

Sources:
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIO NARY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing, Lima OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Easter 3

“O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world, rescuing us from the hopelessness of death. Grant your faithful people a share in the joys that are eternal.”

It is a strange tale. Two persons look directly at Jesus. They have a significant conversation with Him. But, they do not recognize Him. The death and resurrection did not change Jesus’ physical appearance except for the wound print. The physical appearance did not help these men to recognize the resurrected Jesus. We do not know how or why they could not recognize Him. Scripture does not tell us. The only thing we know is the simple truth that they were kept from recognizing Him.(v.16) This should not trouble us. This is a comfort to us, because we today must look elsewhere than the physical body to know Jesus has risen from the dead. Getting to know the risen Lord.

1. What keeps us from seeing Him? A. Downcast — Vs. 17. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. In this passage we see that the fact of the empty tomb failed to convince the disciples of the resurrection, “In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” (vv. 22-24). The women reported the empty tomb to the disciples. Some checked out the story and found it to be the case. Yet, they did not believe Jesus rose from the dead. Today we cannot base the reality of the resurrection solely on the fact of the empty tomb. At best, it is only a matter of circumstantial evidence, a negative witness.

These two witnesses had the evidence of the resurrection but little faith to accept the evidence. Like Thomas, they heard the news, “He is risen!” but they were not sure. Their hearts were filled with fear and doubt.

Their spirits were low and their hopes were shattered. They had followed Jesus only to see Him arrested, tried, convicted, sentenced and killed. They had hoped for a brighter future – now those expectations would have to all change.

B. Despair — Vs. 21. “but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” If an empty tomb was the only evidence of the Savior’s resurrection we too would be forced to live our lives in despair. What caused the tomb to be empty? Had someone stolen Him away? Had the women stumbled upon the wrong tomb? An empty is not enough. What was necessary was the appearance of Jesus visibly risen from the dead. Sometimes, we become so overwhelmed by tragedy that it is difficult to believe God’s promises. We too are in need of Jesus’ comforting word as He speaks in Mark 4:10 “Why are you so afraid?”

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

2. What enables us to know Jesus is alive?

A. Word — the Scriptures —Vs. 32. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” If the disciples had known their Bibles, they would not have been surprised at the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus used the scriptures to show that all that happened to him was foretold.

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

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

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

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

B. Sacraments — Lord’s supper — Vv. 30, 31. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. What is it that you see on the altar? Is it merely bread and wine? Or is it something more? In, with and under these elements of bread and wine is the true body and blood of our Savior Jesus given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins. Here are the tokens of the Savior’s love and esteem for you. He offered His body as a sacrifice for your sin. He poured out His blood to win for you salvation and life eternal. Here are the marks of the Savior’s love and care for you. Every time you approach the Lord’s altar you receive the promises of the Savior visibly. These are not mere symbols. They are the means by which we receive salvation and life.

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

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use. Artwork by Ed Rojas © Higher Things

IU Commencement

Lydia @ New Hope Pre-school

Lydia's senior head shot

Easter 3 Time in the Word

On the Third Sunday of Easter, we consider the response to the resurrection. In the Gospel, the two followers of Jesus did not recognize the risen Christ until the breaking of bread. Three thousand people responded to Peter’s sermon dealing with the cross and resurrection with repentance and baptism. In the Epistle, we are told that because of the resurrection, the living Word, we are born anew in love and faith. Psalm 116 harmonizes with the theme of response: “What shall I render...?” The Prayer and Hymn continue with the resurrection theme.

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

Collect for Easter 3 - O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

O Almighty and eternal God, now that You have assured us of the completion of our redemption through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, give us the will to show forth in our lives what we profess with our lips; through Jesus Christ Your Lord our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

A Prayer for Newness of Life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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

Monday, May 2, 2011 – Psalm 133 The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” After much conflict, the people of God came together. In the world today there appears to be much conflict. How do we achieve unity? Some claim that unity comes through diversity. We find unity when we are at one especially when there is agreement especially when we consider the person of Christ.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 – Acts 2:14a, 26-41 – The apostolic church described in this lesson serves as a model of the true church. It is a community of faith in Christ. The church is characterized by the Word (teaching) and sacraments (breaking bread and “added to their number”). Worship was a regular activity — daily attendance at temple services and “prayers.” Fellowship was a part of their church — a fellowship in Christ, a fellowship of caring.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 – 1Peter 1:17-25 – God has a destiny for every person, even for Jesus. God had the cross in mind even before the creation of humanity. He knew of humanity’s upcoming fall. He knew of the disobedience and rebellion before humanity’s creation. God had a plan to restore us to fellowship before the sacrifice of Christ. It was the eternal destiny of Jesus to be the Messiah, to die, and rise again (v. 20). The question arises: If God knew in advance of humanity’s sin and the horrible death necessary on the cross, why did God bother to make us? Only God can answer that.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 – Luke 24:13-35 – Jesus was driven to the cross. He asked, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (v.26). If Jesus is the Messiah, a satisfaction of God’s wrath against sin, the sacrifice on the cross was necessary. This indicates that the cross was a divine project; also, it means that only God could remove the offense of sin. God in Christ satisfies his own justice resulting in God’s acceptance of us as forgiven children.

Friday, May 6, 2011 – Psalm 116:1-14 The Psalm portion for this coming week is centered on a question. “What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?” (v.12) How can we repay the Lord when we consider all of the goodness He has showered down upon us? By offering to the Lord those expressions of devotion, which He desires. The Hebrew word for “goodness” occurs only here in the Old Testament but represents the same basic root as “has been good” in verse 7.

Saturday, May 7, 2008 - Mark 16:15 – Is the inspiration for the hymn “With High Delight let us unite“{LSB #483} Having experienced the Lord Jesus risen from the dead we as the people of God reach out into the world proclaiming the good news. This is the response of Easter. The early Christians simply told others “we are witnesses of these things.” Likewise, we share with others the good things the Savior has done for us.

Sources:
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.