Pr. DFD : May 2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Time in the Word - Trinity

Time in the Word

28 May - 2 June 2012

Preparation for next week, The Feast of the Holy Trinity

On Trinity Sunday, we make special note of the work of all three persons of the Trinity is procuring and assuring our salvation. A good supplemental reading to the readings for the day is to be found in St. Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, verses 3–11 of the first chapter. Paul explains how the Father chose us in eternity and predestined us for salvation. The work of redemption was accomplished through the shedding of blood—the blood of the Son of God, who assumed flesh, that He might redeem us. The Holy Spirit has brought us the Word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, that we might trust in the merits of Christ. Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown his mercy to us. (from Sunday’s Introit)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for seasonable weather: Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the aged: Almighty God and gracious Father, in Your mercy look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress, or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help and, as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of Your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. Amen.

Prayer for industry and commerce: Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and in supplying our needs; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 28 May 2012—Psalm 16:8–11; Antiphon, Liturgical Text—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to him because he has shown his mercy to us. The Triune God has first shown His mercy to us in providing for our salvation, and our response is to give glory to Him.

Tuesday, 29 May 2012—Psalm 29—This psalm is a hymn of praise to the Lord for all His mighty acts, but especially His mercy in blessing His people with peace. When created, man was in perfect harmony with God. But the Fall made us His enemies. We cannot restore peace with God; it is the work of the Holy Trinity alone: the Father, who conceived the plan of our salvation, the Son, who came to earth and died for our transgressions, and the Holy Spirit, who brings us into a right relationship with God through the Means of Grace, Word and Sacrament.

Wednesday, 30 May 2012—Isaiah 6:1–8—Isaiah received a vision of the Lord enthroned in His majesty and a call to be a prophet of God. Because he is a Son of Adam, and therefore a man of unclean lips, Isaiah is terrified to be in the Lord’s presence, for it spells doom to those under sin’s curse. But an angel sent by God absolves Isaiah of his sin with a burning coal, and Isaiah accepts the mantle of prophecy. We, like Isaiah, must acknowledge our sin and tremble before a holy God. But we must also trust in the absolution won by the Son of God and pronounced by His called and ordained servants.

Thursday, 31 May 2012—Acts 2:14a, 22–36—On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was given power by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God faithfully and authoritatively. He proclaims Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins and the redemption of sinners, and tells his audience, men of Israel, how the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah. Here, he quotes Psalm 16, a portion of which serves as the Introit for Sunday.

Friday, 1 June 2012—John 3:1–17—Another man of Israel, Nicodemus, came to Jesus by night, probably because he feared his fellow Pharisees. He had seen the signs (miracles) that Jesus was able to do, and knew that such a one must have been sent by God. Jesus tells Nicodemus how to be born from above, in Holy Baptism, the washing of water with the Word of God. He also points to His own death, again in fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. As God showed His love to a rebellious, yet repentant people in providing the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9), so He shows His love by providing His Son, to take away a problem far worse than snake bites, which kill only the body: Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, takes away the sin of the world.

Saturday, 2 June 2012—Sunday’s hymn of the day, God Loved the World So That He Gave (LSB 571) is John 3:16 set to music. Herein is the sweet Gospel clearly proclaimed: Christ Jesus saves your soul from death; That is the firmest ground of faith. The final stanza rightly praises all three persons of the Trinity for their work in accomplishing our salvation.

Collect for Trinity Sunday—Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Pentecost

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as You sent upon the disciples the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, look upon Your church and open our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of Your love and strengthen our lives for service in Your kingdom.

Who is this Jesus? Is this not the issue at hand, especially today - The Feat Day of Pentecost - the birthday of missions? Inquiring minds want to know. The sound of the mighty, rushing wind, the tongues of fire, the ability to speak in other languages - These were periphery concerns. The crux, core, and center issue was, and remains the person of Jesus Christ. Then and now. Who is this Jesus? What is His person? What is He about? What do you have to say about Him? What do you think of Jesus? He is indeed the Messiah, the coming Savior promised in the Old Testament Scriptures.

1. The Father prepared His Son’s Messiahship.

A. He planned it in eternity. This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (Acts 2:23 ESV)

1. The death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ was no accident. It was a destiny for Jesus from the beginning of time – even before there was such a thing as time, or the sun moon and stars, which we use to mark time. Before there were times and seasons; yes, before the dawn of time, the events of Jesus’ life were marked out.

2. The crucifixion of the Christ was the will of God. Lawless men carried it out. This says something about our time. We only know the past. The future we cannot see. The present we cannot always understand. Did those voices in the crowd crying for Jesus’ execution, really know what they were doing?

The ruling council – convinced that it was expedient – that one man should die for the sake of others. Did they really understand what they were doing? Did they really understand what they were saying when they shouted out with once voice, “crucify Him!”? Of course, they didn’t! And so, Jesus prayed for them and for you, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

B. He prophesied it through King David. For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ (Acts 2:25-28 ESV)

1. Jesus had to open the scriptures to the two walking the road to Emmaus.

2. The Ethiopian reading the Old Testament scroll was clueless as to what he was reading in his chariot. He needed Philip to explain it to him.

3. So it was on the day of Pentecost the Old Testament Scriptures had to be explained in such a way that the people could come to know and understand that the message is always about Jesus!

C. He corroborated it through Jesus’ miracles. “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— (Acts 2:22 ESV)

1. The miracles of Jesus were not random acts of kindness.

2. To the contrary, they were deliberate actions, which Jesus intentionally performed so that Jesus could prove that He was the promised Savior. He did them for you, that you might believe. Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV)

Jesus is proven to be the Savior by the clear testimony of Scripture. But He also proved it by His actions and His words.

2. Jesus of Nazareth demonstrated His Messiahship.

A. By doing miracles. “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— (Acts 2:22 ESV)

1. Babe Ruth stretched out his bat and pointed it to the deep outfield. Big deal, even I could do that. But then, he backed it up, by knocking the ball out of the park! Likewise, the miracles of Jesus were those specific actions, which He performed publicly to demonstrate His power to save.

2. Your life is never left to chance. The same Savior who stilled the wind and walked upon the stormy sea is shaping your life; guiding, directing, and leading you. He orders your days. He directs your path.

B. By fulfilling ancient prophecy. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ (Acts 2:34-35 ESV)

1. Every word of prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.

2. Jesus never had a random day. Rather, we’re reminded, For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

C. By defeating death and hell.

1. By His suffering, death, and resurrection death itself has met its mach. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26 ESV)

2. When Jesus descended into Hell, the Devil’s goose was cooked. Today, is Race Day in the great state of Indiana. When the winner takes the checkered flag later on this afternoon what does he do next? Of course, he takes a victory lap. And, if you’re a NASCAR fan, the winner will do a burn out in front of his fans. Jesus’ descent into hell is His victory lap through hell where He did a burn out right in the Devil’s face. Peter reminds us, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. (1 Peter 3:18-20 ESV)

Predicted in Sacred Scripture and demonstrated in the life of Jesus, the Spirit of our God speaks divine truth.

3. The Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus’ Messiahship.

A. He does this through the miraculous happenings of that first Pentecost. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. (Acts 2:33 ESV)

1. On that first Pentecost 3,000 souls were added to the church in one day.

2. Does that mean we can expect 3,000 souls to come to Friedheim? I don’t know. But this I do know. He continues to add people to His church as He did on that first Pentecost by people sharing the faith and living the faith. The Lord will add to our Friedheim family those whom He calls - one person at a time.

B. He did this through Peter’s sermon and through Word and Sacrament today.

1. This is what we are called to do, to live and share the faith.

2. As He leads you live in that joy which you have in Him.

On this Pentecost Day, live in the true joy, which you have in Christ. Gossip the Gospel. Live the faith. Pass it on as the Holy Spirit directs you.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Easter 7

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebration of 174th Year

Easter 7

20 May 2012

John 17:11b-19

When taking leave of fellow Christians, we sometimes say “Godspeed” or “God bless” or “God be with you.” We express the wish that God would watch over them and protect them. Jesus expresses something similar in His great high priestly prayer – that His Father would keep the disciples. Jesus is concerned that you also be kept safe and secure. Jesus prayer for you is that the Father would keep you.

1. The need for protection.

A. Gone is the security of Jesus’ physical presence.

1. He had guarded His disciples, but now He was leaving them.

2. They would have to remain in a world that hated them (vv.14-15) I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one

B. The unbelieving world is the Christian’s enemy.

1 The world’s prince is “the evil one,” Satan (v.15) who intends to destroy Christians. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one

2 The world regards God’s grace as foolishness.

3 The world calls evil good and good evil.

4 The world priorities are therefore different from the Christian’s We need protection because we live in a world that has not changed its basic attitude toward Christ and His followers.

We need Jesus to pray for us, “God keep you!” god is able to keep us. How?

2. The means of protection.

A. The revelation of the Father that Jesus has given.

1. The Father’s love give joyous security. (vv.12-13) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[b] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

2. The Father’s love makes it possible to respond with love even to the world’s hatred.

B. The Word of the Father that Jesus has given (v.14) I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world

1. That Word, as it has come to us in the Scriptures, enables us to shun false teaching that would destroy our faith.

2. The Scriptures guard our faith and thereby our unity in Christ. (v.11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. We know the Father’s love and persevere in faith through the Scriptural Word.

God protects us by means of His Word. When Jesus prays for us, “God keep you!” we know God can. Why should He keep us?

3. The purpose of protection.

A. We Christians have a job to do in this world. (v.18) As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world

1. We are sent to teach the Father’s Word aright.

2. We are sent to hallow God’s name by a godly life.

B. We need to be renewed in consecration (v.19) For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

1. So that we pursue our task with single-mindedness (John 4:34) “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

2. So that, while in the world, we would not be of the world. We are kept in the world for a purpose. Jesus has good reason to pray for His own, thus, He prays, “God keep you!”

When we say to each other, “God keep you,” we are not saying empty words. We are reiterating Christ’s own pray for His own, That prayer relates to a real need, reminds us of divine power to protect, and directs us to our purpose in this world. God keep you! Now and forever!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Ascension

17 May 2012
Ephesians 1:16-23

God is a god of power, manifested in the creation of the world and in His mighty acts in the Old Testament. In our text, St. Paul connects two other events with the power of God – the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ and the new life of the Christian. Here we see God’s power at work.

1. In Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

A. God raised Christ (he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms Ephesians 1:20)

1. To show His acceptance of the redemptive work of Christ (He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification Romans 4:25; But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:24)

2. As the first-fruits of those asleep (But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep 1 Corinthians 15:20)

B. God set Christ at His own right hand (Ephesians 1:20)

1. A place of honor and power above every power ( 2. He put all things under His feet; Christ is conqueror over sin, death, and the devil (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

3. He is Head over all things to the Church (And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church Ephesians 1:22)

a. Christ dwells in each Christian, and each Christians in Him (far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21)

b. He intercedes for us (Therefore he is able to save completely^[a] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25)

c. He rules all things in the interest of His church (And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church Ephesians 1:22)

2. In the new life of the Christian.

A. The Ephesians were manifesting the new life in faith and love. (For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people Ephesians 1:15)

B. Paul prays for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Sanctify them by^[a] the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17)

1. That you may know Christ ( and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8-10)

2. That you may know the hope of His calling (I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:18)

3. That you may know the riches of the glory of His inheritance (I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:18)

God is a God of power. How comforting to our faith that God’s power raised Christ and gave Him glory. Through the Word and Sacraments God’s Spirit continues to comfort us with Christ and our Christian hope.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Time in the Word - Easter 7

This coming Sunday will be the Sunday after the Ascension. Jesus has departed and the church is on its own. The disciples are left alone to confront the challenges of living in a fallen world. Before He departs, Jesus prays for His friends. The First lesson shows the infant church with the problem of a vacancy in leadership and prays to the ascended Lord for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas. Though Jesus has ascended, Christians are not alone in the world. This though is conveyed in the second lesson as well as in the Gospel. The suggested hymn deals with the church without the physical Jesus and urges the people not to fear, for God has chosen to give them the kingdom.

Collect for the Seventh Sunday in Easter 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 Y9ou promised from the Father, for You live and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the 6th Sunday of Easter – 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.

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, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Ascension: Almighty 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.

For blessing on the Word: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 14 May 2012—Psalm 27:1a, 4-5, 10, 14; antiphon, Psalm 27:7— The antiphon, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!” The cry of the Psalmist is a pray for deliverance from treacherous enemies. These remain unspecified, whether from inside or outside the kingdom or both. The chief weapon is a false charge intent on discrediting the king. When people say all manner of things falsely against us we need not retaliate. Rather we are take our burdens, concerns, and sorrows to the throne room of grace and be thankful as the Savior answers each petition according to His perfect and good will.

Tuesday, 15 May 2012—Psalm 1 key verse v.6 — “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” This psalm verse gives us both Law and Gospel. The ways of the wicked with be met with the full brunt of Law – ultimately judgment for unbelief and sin. The righteous, on the other hand; not by any merit on their behalf but completely by grace will be delivered on the last day. This of course is Gospel. The destinies of two lifestyles are the destinies of those who have chosen them.

Wednesday, 16 May 2012—Acts 1:12-26— The Post – Ascension church prays for guidance. The church is living b3etween Jesus’ departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The time has come to fill the vacancy caused by Judas’ suicide. The one to be chosen as a replacement is to be one who shared the experience with Jesus from the time of His baptism to His Ascension and one who can witness to the Resurrection. Two men met the qualifications: Joseph and Matthias. God and not the church elected Matthias. The church merely asked the ascended Lord which of the two He had chosen. After prayer, Matthias was chosen to be one of the Apostles. The church’s leadership ranks were now filled and ready for the Spirit’s coming

Thursday, 17 May 2012—1 John 5:9-15— Everything we do in life all boils down to faith. Faith is simply another word for “trust.” Trust simply means to take God at His Word. Note and give special attention to Vs.10 which is critical. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony god has given about His Son. This is the same thing the Savior said to Nicodemus who came to visit the Savior at night. Read John 3:15-18. See how clearly that this universal truth is woven throughout the Scripture and that the Scriptures interpret themselves namely that each passage explains the other more clearly. Forty different men over a period of some 1,500 years wrote 66 books that in reality make up one book. These books have one doctrinal viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.

Friday, 18 May 2012—John 17:11b-19— The Post-Ascension church confronts the world. In this high priestly prayer, Jesus is aware that He is going to leave the world and His disciples will be left in a fallen world. Think of what the world did to Him! Will not the disciples face the same opposition? Naturally, the disciples would be afraid. Thus, Jesus prays for His followers, not that they should be taken out of the world as He is about to do, but that they should be protected from the Devil and the world. He prays that they may be one as He and the Father are one. They are to be made holy in His Word. As He was sent into the world, He sends them into the world for the same purpose He was sent.

Saturday, 19 May 2012— Luke 12:32, Matthew 25:34; Psalm 103:3-5; Matthew 28:20b- The hymn of the Day, “Have no fear, little flock”– {LSB 735} As the Easter season draws to a close we have no fear as our Lord and Savior lives and reigns through all eternity. He has promised to send us His Holy Spirit. Thus this new hymn reminds us that we are safe in His almighty hand.

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, © WELS Permission to use this copyrighted item is limited to personal and congregational use.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Easter 6

We are accustomed to thinking of Jesus as our friend, and we express this thought with the hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus, All of sins and grief’s to bear,” But friendship, as we know, is as two-way street. Not only is Jesus your friend, but you are the friends of Jesus also. Jesus would say to us this day, You are My friends!

What does it mean to be friends of Jesus?

You have the privilege of friendship.

A. Christ has chosen you in grace. (v.16) You did not choose me, but I chose you. This had to be done all by grace for by nature we are blind, dead, and enemies of God. We cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition.

1. We were not able to choose Him. (All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[^a^] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath Ephesians 2:3; The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14)

2. He chose us purely out of grace. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it’s a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

B. Christ has opened Himself to us. (v.15) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you.

1. He shares with us the truths regarding His redemptive work, our regeneration in Baptism and the blessings of His body and blood in Holy Communion. Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children. Acts 2:38,39

2. He has divulged to us the precious truths of His Word. You are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have out on Christ. (Galatians 3:26,27)

C. Christ has promised to give us what we ask in His name. (v.16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you. We need to continue to be a house of prayer.

1 Don’t we need patience, love, and perseverance?

2 Aren’t there fellow Christians whose needs we can bring to Christ?

3 Don’t our home and church have needs?

4 This is why we pray and what our Savior has promised to hear and to answer.

Transition: We have the privilege of friendship with Jesus. Along with privileges come responsibilities.

We have the responsibilities of friendship.

A. We are to do what He has commanded (v.14) You are my friends if you do what I command.

1. We bind ourselves to the sound doctrine of His Word. We are hearers of God’s Word but also doers of His Word as well. The faith is taught but it is also taught.

2. We practice what accords with sound doctrine no matter how the world reviles us. (If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[^a^] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:18-20)

B. We are to love one another. (v.17) This is my command: Love each other.

1. We are commanded to love even as Christ loved us. There is no other option. Jesus has given us His command – Love each other!

2. We do this through fervent and persistent prayer. We do this by caring for each other, upholding one another. We do this by taking our needs and each other’s burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.^{^[1]} Overlooking each other’s weaknesses, forgiving them as God in Christ has forgiven us.

C. We are to bear abundant fruit (v.16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

1. We show genuine concern for our brothers and sisters no matter what the circumstances or how we feel. It’s so easy to show genuine Christian compassion when it’s convenient and when it’s easy, say on Mother’s Day. It’s quite another thing to show genuine care when it can’t or won’t be returned so easily.

2. As the farmer is promised an abundant harvest at planting time - there will be abiding fruit - when we support the faithful preaching of the Word and the right administration of the sacraments. As the Lord has connected us to these means of grace, we have the promise that by these means, as humble as they may be, will produce great and mighty works. We might not always see it. In fact you never really do. Seeds planted a few weeks ago have started to sprout. Those seedlings will be knee high in four to six weeks. Then they will tassel overnight. As the corn grows, so does the faith, gradually, over time, and usually, without much fanfare. And yet, there is consistent growth.

3. The church exists locally wherever Christ's people gather around His Word, and Sacraments. They are sacred and holy sheep listening to the voice of the Shepherd. Thus, we gather to worship, to be fed, to receive holy absolution, to be strengthened, to intercede for one another, to bear each other’s burdens only to enter back into the world to be salt and light. We use the gifts, talents, and abilities the Lord has given us in our various vocations to be witnesses of the Savior. It is a serious task, as the Savior speaks quite specifically about those who lose their saltiness and whose light goes out.

4. The Scriptures speak of community. Zion Friedheim congregation is a parish of some 600 souls who come from different backgrounds, ages, economic advantages and disadvantages, vocations, political affiliations, allegiances, etc. We are united only in Christ. Last names cease when we enter the church door. We come to a worship service and then in service we witness for Him. We enter back into the world to be witnesses of the Savior.

Our desire is for others to embrace and cherish our Friedheim family as they become connected to Jesus Christ. Do we always get it right? Not always. Are we perfect? Hardly! Do we stumble, fumble, flop and fall? Certainly! Yet, in spite of our many flaws, the Lord uses us in various ways, often to our amazement! We enter into a sacred space only to enter back into the world.

“You are My friends!” Jesus said. Are you enjoying your great privileges? Are you carrying out your holy responsibilities? Good for you! The Lord is pleased with your faithfulness! Blessed are you, friend of Jesus!

[1] Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement For our Friedheim Family

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Salem

If it should be that I grow weak

and pain should keep me from my sleep.

Then you must do what must be done,

for this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.

Don't let your grief then stay your hand.

For this day more than all the rest,

your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,

what is to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer so.

The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend

and please stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me,

until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see,

the kindness that you did for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

from pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve it must be you

who had this painful thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years.

Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Our Mouser Salem

1997 - 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Time in the Word - Easter 6

The theme for the Sixth Sunday of Easter is found in the Gospel. Jesus commands us to love one another. As usual the Gospel lesson gives the key to the theme of the week. Jesus commands us to love each other. Peter in the first lesson thanks God for His love for all men both Jews and Gentiles. John in the Epistle reminds us that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. The Psalm of the Day calls for a new song to the Lord because of His steadfast love to His people. The Hymn of the Day asks that we might be filled with Jesus’ love and pity.

Collect for the Sixth Sunday in Easter 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.

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, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for humility: O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For blessing on the Word: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 7 May 2012—Psalm 66:1-,8-9, 20; antiphon, Psalm 66:16— The antiphon calls for us to listen to the voice of Him who has saved us, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” Worship here defined is the proclamation of what god has done in praise of God within the context of the worshiping congregation. As we prepare for next Sunday this is our central purpose in gathering together.

Tuesday, 8 May 2012—Psalm 98 key verse v.1 — “Sing to the Lord a new song.” This psalm is a call to celebrate with joy the righteous reign of the Lord.

Wednesday, 9 May 2012—Acts 10:34-48— Peter’s Vision in which all kinds of food which would include both clean and unclean animals (according to Leviticus 11) is depicted in the woodcut on this week’s cover. The Word of the Lord has now come to both Jewish and Gentile believers. Gentiles had received the same gift as the Jewish believers. This was unavoidable evidence that the invitation to the kingdom was open to Gentiles as well as to Jews. The early Jewish Christians failed to understand that the gospel was for Gentiles as well as for the Jews, and that they would share alike in the benefits of redemption.

The mention of Gentiles “speaking in tongues” is a fulfillment of Acts 1:8. The prophecy was given that the Holy Spirit would come and the disciples would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and into the Gentile world. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost the disciples spoke in other languages. (Acts 2:5-12) Acts 8:14-18 reports of an incident occurring in Samaria. The Holy Spirit had come upon people in some noticeable way. There is no mention of tongues but Peter and John are summoned. What had happened in Samaria was to be verified by those who had given testimony in Jerusalem. Christianity continued to expand to new geographic regions and include more people. The third and final time tongues is mentioned in the book of Acts occurred in the city of Ephesus. Paul found some disciples who followed the teachings of John the Baptist. They didn't know about the Holy Spirit, so Paul informed them more fully, and taught them that John told people to believe in Jesus (Acts 19:1-4). "On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied" (verses 5-6). Now that the Spirit was poured out in a remote place like Ephesus there is no further mention of believers who would speak in tongues in the book of Acts. The prophecy of Acts 1 has been fulfilled.

Thursday, 10 May 2012—1 John 5:1-8— John begins by telling us “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” Faith in Jesus as the Christ is a sign of being born again just as love is. John wrote at a time when members of a family were closely associated as a unit under the headship of the father. He could therefore use the family as an illustration to show that anyone who loves God the Father will naturally love God’s children.

Friday, 11 May 2012—John 15:9-17— This is a continuation of Jesus’ last discourse with His disciples. It is appropriate that one of His last messages was one of love. His disciples are to love as the Father loved Jesus and as He loved His disciples. This love is expressed in keeping the commandments and in the sacrifice of self for a friend. Because we are His friends, Jesus shares all. By His choice we are His friends. One privilege of this friendship is having prayers answered. If we are disciples and true friends of Jesus, we will love as He loved us.

Saturday, 12 May 2012— Psalm 145:15-16; Revelation 19:1; Titus 3:4-7- The hymn of the Day, “Alleluia! Let Praises Ring”– {LSB 822} The kindness of God, His undeserved mercy and His grace is the reason why God did not simply banish fallen man but acted to save Him. When using the word love Titus will use the Greek word philanthrapia the love for mankind. God so loved the world that He sent His son Jesus. Thus this hymn will fit in nicely with the theme for the Day.