Sunday, July 27, 2014

Time in the Word - Proper 13

The day emphasizes God’s love in providing for all our needs. Our physical needs are met by Christ in the feeding of five thousand. In the Old Testament lesson we are invited to come to God for spiritual food. God also provides us with love form which we cannot be separated by the world. (Epistle lesson) Compassion motivates Jesus to feed the five thousand. Love causes God to invite us to come and enter into a covenant with Him. God, moreover, will not allow the world to separate us from His love. In the Collect for the day we acknowledge that God has given us all we have and we ask that our material wealth might be a blessing rather than a curse.

Collect for Proper 13 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers – “Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another.”

“Pour out upon us, O Lord, the Spirit to think and do what is right, that we, who cannot even exist without you, may have the strength to live according to your will.”

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, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Monday, July 28, 2014 – Psalm 105:39-43 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” The psalmist encourages us to give thanks. We give thanks to God through our praises. We call upon Him in prayer. These two commands – to call upon the name of the Lord and to praise Him – highlight the rest of the psalm in which the author gives ten imperatives or exhortations. Praise and prayer are expressions of devotion to the Lord. The Psalmist throughout the Psalm will encourage the reader to celebrate the Lord’s past saving acts and to trust Him for future deliverance and blessing.

Notice at the end of verse 1 we are to tell of the Lord’s mighty deeds among the peoples (among the nations). Missions cannot be separated from the work we do. We reach out to others as we praise the name of our Lord.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 – Isaiah 55:1-5 – God offers food for our souls (spiritual needs). God calls thee hungry and thirsty to come to Him for spiritual food and drink. Can we buy without money or credit cards? There are some things that cannot be bought at any price. Can we buy love, friendship, happiness, or peace? Can we buy friendship with God? The best things in life are not for sale. They come as gifts from God.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 – Romans 9:1-5 – God blesses us with inseparable love (emotional needs). Paul is desperately concerned for non-Christian Jews. Christ deals with the anxiety for non-Christians especially Jews who had accepted the Gospel. He is so concerned that he would be willing to be excluded from the Kingdom if it were the price of getting the Jews into the Kingdom.

Thursday, July 31, 2014 – Matthew 14:13-21 – God through Christ provides food for our bodies. Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish.

Here is the heartbeat of the miracle. It is a greater factor than the power to bring food for 5,000 out of five loaves of bread. Because of His love for the hurting and the hungry, Jesus is moved to help and heal.

The people are not in a position to help themselves; it is at the end of the day; they are far from civilization; they are out of supplies. To get food at that time and in that place demanded a miracle. This account teaches that Jesus is not only able but willing to help. Contrast this with many contemporary instances when people in trouble are ignored when they cry for help.

The power of the miracle is Christ. The 5,000 are fed with five loaves. He asks that the loaves and fish be brought to Him. He takes the food, gives thanks and breaks the bread until all are fed. The tremendous truth in this act is that man is little and Christ can do great things. This reminds us also that a common meal in the home or out in a field can be a sacramental act of love when the bread is blessed and shared.

Friday, August 1, 2014 – Psalm 136:1-9 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The theme of thanksgiving continues in the suggested Psalm for this coming week. It is a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator and as Israel’s redeemer. Verses 7 to 9 echo Genesis 1:16.

Saturday, August 2, 2014 – Luke 1:68-79 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure.” {LSB 53}. They are the words of Zachariah as he prophesied concerning Christ at the circumcision of his son John. The words of the prophet are clear. Jesus, the Messiah from the house of David has the power to save and heal.

Sources:

Friday, July 25, 2014

Proper 12

Proper 12

27 July 2014

Matthew 13: 44-52

Heavenly Father, grant me Your righteousness and entrance into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Jesus presents for us three great parables. They speak your life story. They remind you of who you are and whose you are. And, they speak about your mission.

Some of you, just don’t know, what you have missed, not growing up in my world. In my world, we witnessed some of the greatest television drama ever seen! It was classic! From September 26, 1962 to March 23, 1971 - we would gather around the television. Every. Single. Week - To watch…”The Beverly Hillbillies.”

Thanks to syndication, you can too, can join me, to relieve the glory days!

The series is about a poor, backwoods, family transplanted to Beverly Hills, California, after striking oil on their land.

The series starts each week by introducing us to Jed Clampett, an impoverished mountaineer. “He barely kept his family fed.” He discovers oil on his swamp-land while hunting for dinner. The theme song introduces us to the world's most fortunate hunting accident. Jed shoots at game but instead hits "black gold, Texas tea." He had discovered oil.

Jed moves with his family to wealthy community of Beverly Hills, California. He brings a moral, unsophisticated and simple lifestyle to a swanky, sometimes, self-obsessed and superficial community.

Jed moves into a mansion next door to his banker, Mr. Milburn Drysdale, of the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills.

Frequently, plots in the series involve the outlandish efforts, taken by Mr. Drysdale, to keep the Clampetts in Beverly Hills. And their money in his bank. The family's periodic attempts to return to the mountains were often prompted by Granny. Due to a perceived slight, she received from one of those uppity "city-folk."

Each week, Mr. Drysdale’s mission is always the same. Keep the Clampett’s in Beverly Hills. Keep their money in the bank. Because... Because The OK Oil Company has paid Jed Clampett his fortune to acquire the rights to drill on his land.

You see, the OK Oil Company had discovered a gold mind. They are willing to give Jed a house and a few million in exchange for the billions they will acquire through continuous drilling.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. –Matthew 13:44-46

Poor Jed Clampett. He never really gets it! He’s still nothing but a Hillbilly! Even if he’s living in Beverly Hills! He’s content to live in a fancy house. Next to fancy people. He has a cement pond out back. He serves dinner on “a fancy eatin’ table”, which is, in reality, a billiards table.

We laugh at his short sidedness. He never discovered the true treasure that he really had. He remains in poverty although he had millions. He could have had more. He just didn’t get it.

The old song sings, “Not the labors of my hands could fulfill Thy law’s demands.” Your worth before God is found in the difference between two words, “Do” and “Done.” God does not love you because of your awesomeness. He doesn’t love you because of your attempts of keeping the Law. For none of us can keep the Law of God perfectly. No matter how hard we try! For every time we attempt to keep the Law of God, we fail miserably! The Father loves you for the sake of Christ. Thanks be to God! Christ has done all the heavy lifting for you, for me, for the entire world!

According to the Beverly Hillbillies - the field is Jed’s swamp. The treasure is the oil under Jed’s property. And the man is the OK Oil Company, who purchases that land, to make billions of dollars for themselves.

According to Jesus - The field as the world. The treasurer is you! Yes, you, the hearer of these wonderful words. And the man, of course, is the Father, who sends us His Son, who gives up the glory of heaven to win you back.

In the parables of both the hidden treasure and the precious pearl, Jesus reinforces this basic truth; we inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchased and redeemed us with His precious blood.

These parables share the hope and assurance that we have in Jesus Christ. They tell us how Jesus sacrificed His life so that you now have life in Him. What we have received by His grace, we pass on to those around us. For your work is not in vain.

Our Epistle reading for this morning is the backdrop in understanding these two great parables. It’s St. Paul’s crown jewel of the Gospel. It’s read at nearly every Christian funeral. It has been shared and prayed at the hospital. In the home. Around the family altar.

Picture in your mind’s eye, an engagement ring. The ring is the Bible. The setting is the book of Roman. The diamond is chapter eight. “He spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all.” - Romans 8:28-39

Consider where you find yourself today. God is not at a distance. All is not lost. Christ gave up His heavenly glory when He took on human form. Jesus Christ. True God and true man. He came down to His created earth and creatures. To bring you back to the Father. To reconcile you. To make you whole again. By His precious body and blood. Shed on Calvary’s cross. You receive forgiveness of your sins.

These parables. They’re always about Jesus. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the Man sold all that he had to purchase that one field. The valued object– the treasure - is the redemption of the entire world. God so loved the world. In His conversation with Nicodemus at night, Jesus reminds us, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believe in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ” –John 3:16-17 The God-man, Jesus Christ, gives up His life in exchange for the many.

In the Parable of the pearl of great value, the merchant sold all he had for just one pearl. Jesus was willing to die - for you. St. Paul explains it this way, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8 You inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchase and redeemed you with His precious blood. God made him who had no sin to be sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 1 Corinthians 5:21

You, yes, you are that valued object - you are of much worth. The God-man Jesus Christ gives up His life in exchange for your life of misery and sin.

Finally, the Parable of the dragnet of fish. A dragnet was drawn through the water between two boats onto the shore. Fish of ever kind…good…and bad come ashore. When the net was full, edible and inedible fish were sorted from one another. As Weeds were allowed to grow over a period of time last week, here there is no delay in the sorting of the fish.

God’s rule includes a final judgment at the close of the age. You need not worry about that day. The Father is gracious to you through His Son, our Savior, in who you are chosen. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” -Ephesians 1:4. Thus we are encouraged to pray, Let not my heart be troubled dear Lord, by thoughts of the final judgment. I know You have prepared a place for me in heaven.

His word will not return empty. It will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. All of this will come to fruition on the Day of Judgment. “All will be made right at that time." Keep doing what you have been called to do. Gossip the Gospel. Be focused in your living. All is not lost in your labor. Only the persons that refuse to hear the gospel remain lost.

For those who are in Christ, ‘heaven is their home.’ Only those who reject the saving gospel grace message; - they will reap what they have sown, by living for themselves and not for the Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. God will have the last word. You, proclaim His word.

By God’s grace in Christ, we have been given the full armor of God, along with the gift of wisdom and understanding. To follow Jesus Christ. And speak about the reign of God in Christ, our savior, our hope, and our comforter. Dressed and ready to share the mysteries of God’s reign as revealed in Jesus Christ. These parables of God’s reign in Christ give us the assurance and hope that He is our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil.

So who are you? I’ll give you a hint. It’s written right next to the South door of our gathering space… So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. - Isaiah 28:16

Words-1,677

Passive sentences – 7%

Reading Ease -79%

Reading Level -4.4

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Time in the Word - Proper 12

Three parables of the nature of the kingdom of God are told by the Savior in the Gospel for this coming week. Three parables are directed to the disciples concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns are similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the wicked on Judgment Day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new.

The old truths are to be applied to the new conditions in the world. These are addressed in our Epistle and Old Testament lessons for the coming week.

Collect for Proper 12 – Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, July 21, 2014 – Psalm 105:2-6 – This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” The psalmist exhorts us to worship the Lord. Thus, we are called upon to give thanks to God through our worship and praise. When we call upon God and as we give thanks, our worship shall be blessed. Praise and prayer are the two expressions of our worship. As we recall the many acts of kindness the Lord has given to us, we will trust in Him and share with others what He has done. We will make known among the people His many deeds.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 – Deuteronomy 7:6-9 - The Lord is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love. We are loved and blessed because the Lord first loved us. Yet this love must be reciprocated by His people to others. Thus in the New Testament we are reminded, “We love because He first loved us” {1 John 4:19}.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – Romans 8: 28-39 - The Father spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all. These words are read at many Christian funerals. They have comforted many troubled hearts. They have soothed and given encouragement to many who are troubled. St. Paul’s words are sure. No charge can be brought against the Christian because the Father has already pronounced a verdict! Not guilty! How so? No one can condemn God’s elect. Christ has died for you. He is alive at the right hand of God. He is interceding for you.

Thursday, July 24, 2014 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Christ treasures the world, and so He redeems it. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth.

It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God. This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the wealth of God’s love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always found where no one expected it.

The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity the top treasure?

Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the treasure.

This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the price of total sell-out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered worth the price.

When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ.

Friday, July 25, 2014 – Psalm 125 - This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This psalm speaks of Israel’s peace in testimony, prayer, and benediction. Bible scholars believe it was written after the exile when those held in Babylonian captivity were allowed to return to the Jewish homeland. This psalm was most likely prayed as part of the liturgy in the Jewish worship service. Thus, the Psalms we pray in worship reach back into the Old Testament. Through the centuries, our prayers h

Saturday, July 26, 2014 – Joshua 24:16 –This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “From God can nothing move me” {LSB 524}. The people react to Joshua’s commitment to serve the Lord. The people respond, “We will not serve other gods.” If we say of the Lord, “He is our God,” we cannot serve any other.

A prayer for Pentecost 6: O God, the Protector of all who trust in You, without whom nothing is strong and nothing is holy, increase and multiply Your mercy on us that with You as our Ruler and Guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Sources:

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Proper 11

Proper 11

20 July 2014

Matthew 13:24-30

The Good planting of the Kingdom

Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds at the request of His disciples. That’s a good thing! Now we know the meaning of the parable too! The Son of Man (Jesus) sows good seed into the field of the world, producing children of the kingdom. The devil, on the other hand, sows bad seed, producing evildoers. At the end of the age, that is, at the end of all time – angels will remove from the kingdom all evildoers. When that happens, then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

There is a lesson for each of us to heed. Nothing good happens after midnight. In the middle of the night, the enemy sows his seeds. While Jesus will be sowing His Word producing His followers around the world until His return (Acts 1:8), Satan refuses to give up! He too will also be distributing his followers to counter Jesus’ message and ministry.

There are in fact two forces at work. The word of God will not stop. But there is another who works just as well. The work of the devil will also continue until the end of time. Thus, we must consider the planting of the Kingdom.

1. God plants His kingdom in our world.

A. Jesus is the one who plants and sows.

1. He does this through the preached word and sacraments.

2. It will always accomplish what He desires. “My Word will not return unto me void…” He has promised.

B. The good seeds are the sons, the children of the kingdom.

1. We have been incorporated into Christ’s family the church. “Build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone.”

2. We now have a relationship with each other. Last names stop when we enter the church door.

C. The field is the world; the goal of missions is the world.

1. Christ uses you to be His witness. You share Christ where you live.

2. The church grows not by programs, plans, or agendas but only through people using God’s means of grace. As they share the word the Holy Spirit is there drawing men to Himself.

3. An encouragement – to be people in mission. Lutheran Hour ministries’ theme says it all, “Bringing Christ to the nations and the nations to the church.” Invite someone! That’s all you’re asked to do.

Transition: “Have no fear little flock...” Jesus has told us. “For the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom” in spite of what the devil might attempt to do. Christ’s kingdom will continue to flourish and grow although it is met with resistance. Where Christ builds a church the devil will erect a chapel.

2. Satan attempts to destroy the Kingdom.

A. Satan sows the tares in the field.

1. We are living in the world – with its own agenda and worldview, one, which is foreign to Christ’s will and way.

2. The ways of the world are so designed as to choke out the things of Christ.

3. Jesus knowing all this prayed that we would be kept from the evil one as He prayed in His high priestly prayer. (John 17:6-12)

B. God’s children are tempted to destroy the terrors.

1. Radical groups attempt their desire through moral control. Will it work?

2. It cannot work for two reasons.

a. We can’t look into the soul of every man.

b. We can’t control every man’s actions.

3. You can’t legislate morality; the devil’s tentacles are too deep. We simply cannot change man’s base nature.

C. Christ warns us to be patient.

1. He alone is the judge. He will rule and judge perfectly at the right time – on judgment day.

2. He will judge with equity and justly.

We need not fear that the world will overcome us. Jesus has already overcome the world. Fare thee well son and daughter of the king, for the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom, have no fear little flock!

Words – 678

Passive Sentences – 8%

Reading Ease – 81.9

Reading Level – 4.4

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Time in the Word - Proper 11

There is a tension between the faithful and the unfaithful. The unfaithful are the weeds of the parable in the Gospel, while the wheat is God’s faithful people. In the final judgment, the unfaithful are excluded while the faithful are accepted by God. In the Old Testament lesson the faithful acknowledge God to be the one and only God. For the faithful who are weak, the Spirit intercedes for them. The prayers of the faithful are echoed in the great hymn of the church, “Lord keep us steadfast in Thy Word.”

For the work of the congregation – Almighty God and Lord, as You have called us to labor in Your vineyard, so grant us now Your presence. Enlighten and guide us by Your Word that in all matters of deliberation we may always consider the best interests of Your church and this congregation. Let Your Holy Spirit rule and direct our hearts that, in the spirit of Christian love, we may present and discuss matters and be kindly disposed toward one another, to the end that all we say and do may please You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Collect for Proper 11 – O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, July 14, 2014 – Psalm 86:1-15 – This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 6, “Give ear, O lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.” In our need we pray to the Lord because out of His kindness and love our Lord answers each prayer.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 – Isaiah 44:6-8 – The faithful believe in the one true God. There is no god but God. It could be that Isaiah in these words is recalling a song of Moses, which describes God as “the Rock” (see Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 30-31). This metaphor of the Lord is also common in the book of Psalms (see Psalm 18:2).

Wednesday, July 16, 2014– Romans 8:18-27 – The faithful have the Spirit intercede for them. The Spirit intercedes for those who do not know how to pray. Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. Paul sees redemption in its cosmic perspective. With Adam the whole creation fell and the ground was cursed. It is in a state of decay and the whole creation groans for redemption from its bondage of decay and death. Nature is tooth and fang and it exists on the principle of “dog eat dog.” Paul sees the release of nature’s bondage when there will be a new heaven and a new earth at the time of the Savior’s return. Humanity’s sin pollutes nature, ravishes the good earth, and threatens creatures with extinction. Human beings share in this longing for redemption which by faith in Christ we now experience in part. With creation we long for the full redemption of our bodies when Christ returns.

Thursday, July 17, 2014 –Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43 – The faithful enter heaven in the parable of the wheat and the weeds. The parable of the wheat and weeds and Jesus’ explanation of its meaning is given here. Jesus gives this parable because he is criticized for associating with sinners and outcasts (verses 24-30). The allegorical explanation of the parable is the product of the early church as the parable applied to it in its day (verses 36-40).

The parable teaches that we are not to judge who is a true or false Christian. We are not to weed out the weeds because in doing so, we would destroy the wheat. On the Day of Judgment, God will judge and separate the weeds and the wheat. Until that time comes the church needs to have patience and forbearance of the weeds among the wheat.

The wheat (good) and the weeds (bad) are in the kingdom, not in the world. We could understand it if the parable applied to the world where there are all kinds of people. The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of God, and the kingdom of God is God’s realm, God’s people, the church. The church of God consists of good and evil, wheat and weeds.

Friday, July 18, 2014 – Psalm 119:57-64 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This section falls under the Hebrew letter “Heth.” The Lord is the psalmist’s true homestead because it is God’s law that fills the earth with all that makes life secure and joyous. So God’s promises are his hope and God’s righteous laws his delight.

Saturday, July 19, 2014 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “In holy conversation” {LSB 772}. The eternal consequences of sin are more serious than any physical ailment. Thus we look to Christ who has borne our diseases and carried our sorrows.

Sources:

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Proper 10

Proper 10

Matthew 13:23

13 July 2014

Good Soil Produces Good fruit

But he that received seed into good ground is he that hears the words and understands it which also bears fruit, and brings forth some hundred fold, some sixty and some thirty. (v.3)

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and take them to heart that, by the patience and comfort of Your Holy Word, we may embrace and ever ho9ld fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[1]

Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? Well, it all depends on a number of things. Not the least, of which is, the soil.

So it’s also for the Christian. The condition and attitude of the soil, that is to say, the condition of the heart, is critical to spiritual responsiveness and fruitfulness.

Good soil produces good fruit. How is this so?

I. Good soil hears the Word – “He hears the Word”

II. Good soil understands the Word – “and understands it”

III. Good soil lives the Word – “which also bears fruit”

1. Good soil – a receptive heart – hears the Word.

A. This explains what sort of Sower He is.

1. He uses His Word to create and sustain faith.

2. We listen to this Word, for it is the word of life. When asked if His disciples too would abandon Him Peter responds to the Savior, “Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal life.”[2]

B. This is why He sows.

1. That we may hear it. The word, which is preached, taught, read and shared, has a timeless message. It is the message of the cross. It is the message of a changeless Christ for a changing world.

2. That we may come to understand His message of salvation. It’s such a simple message. Yet one, which has impacted our lives.

a. That we are sinners.

b. That we are sinners saved by grace.

Transition: The Sower sows the Word into good earth. His desire is for us to know and understand Him deeply.

2. Good soil – receptive hearts - understands the Word.

A. This is how He uses the good seed.

1. We know Him – we have a relationship with Him. Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.”[3]

2. We understand His message – “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.” [4]

a. It is a message of the cross – “I determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”[5]

b. It is given to us in our baptism. The blessings that belong to baptism are three; forgiveness, life, salvation.

B. Having heard His Word, we respond.

1. With thankful hearts.

2. With acts of love, mercy and service.

3. As witnesses of His mercy and grace.

Transition: We also live our lives in this world.

3. Good soil – receptive hearts – lives the Word.

A. This is how we can expect good seed to be productive – to bear fruit.

1. Sharing His story with others – we all know the Gospel hymn, “I love to tell the story” – question – do we even tell the story? Or, are we embarrassed, or fearful to share the message of Christ with family, neighbors, co-workers? The world was literally turned upside down by twelve men who had a simple yet powerful message – we have seen Jesus alive from the dead. “We are witnesses of these things![6] That message has not changed in over 2,000 years. People still need to hear that message – and the only person to tell that message is you!

2. Serving Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. The 2nd way in which the world was literally turned upside down was by the changed lives of these witnesses. You might be the only Bible another person will ever read! Our church and school will grow only by people being drawn to the Savior – yet He chooses to work through means – Your efforts will not be in vein.

B. As He has sown good seed – so we should also demonstrate with our lives His works.

1. By means of vocation. J. S. Bach would sign every work with three Latin words. “Soli Deo Gloria.”, which translates, “To God Alone Be the Glory.” This leads us to ask the question, do we give God the credit only when we are successful? In everything we do – to God be the glory – may He alone get the credit.

2. By means of serving others – our neighbor – with the talents, abilities, and gifts the Lord has given to each of you.

How true it is. Good soil – receptive hearts – produces good fruit as it is connected to the Word. Be a people who hears the Word, understands the Word, and then, with thankful hearts, live the Word in your daily lives.

Words -870

Passive Sentences – 11%

Reading Ease -81.4

Reading level -4.5

[2] John 6:68

[3] John 10:10

[4] John 14:6

[5] 1 Corinthians 2:2b

[6] Acts 5:32

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Time in the Word - Proper 10

Proclaimed Word of God

Proper 10

July 7-12 2014

The main theme of our readings for the coming week is the Word of God; nature is used to explain the Word. Like seed, the Word is scattered and is received by various kinds of hearers. As the rain and snow cause nature to produce, God’s Word also is certain to accomplish God’s purpose. The Epistle lesson gives us that purpose: the redemption of the whole creation. The suggested hymn of the day “Almighty God Your Word is Cast” (LSB #577) harmonizes with the theme of the Word.

Collect for Proper 10 – Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever.

A simple yet heart felt Prayer – “Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another.”

Monday, July 7, 2014 – Psalm 103:15-19 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” This verse is a summation of the Father’s love and compassion for this fallen world. He desires not the death of the sinner but that all would come in repentance. He desires the redemption of all. Thus He plants the seeds of faith into our hearts that by His grace a harvest may come.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 – Isaiah 55:10-13 – God’s Word accomplishes His purpose. The Word of God has within it an inherent, latent power. Jesus compared the Word to seed. A seed has within it the power of life, to break out of its shell and to grow into a plant. The Word, like a seed, has power to accomplish the purpose for which it was created and sent. It is a lively Word, a living Word. Herein is the secret of powerful preaching. Whenever the Word is proclaimed, the Word, finding fertile soil, will produce remarkable results by transforming lives and creating faith. The secret of great preaching is not in the preacher, not in his personality, wisdom, or techniques. For this reason, biblical preaching is the most effective kind of preaching.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014– Romans 8:12-17 –The purpose of God’s Word is redemption. Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. We can have both death and life in us. Though dead, we can live and though living we can be dead. There is one type of life — existence, the physical, natural, earthly life. It is the life of the flesh which results in sin and death. There is possibly another life. It is the one with God lived in faith. This life is the product of the Spirit received at baptism. Through baptism a person is born again in the Spirit, adopted as a child of God and now lives in the Spirit of righteousness. The new person knows he is related to God, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are God’s offspring.

Thursday, July 10, 2014 – Matthew 13:1-9 (18-23) –Various kinds of hearers of God’s Word are examined – the parable of the seed and sower. For an effective sermon it takes sower, seed, and soil. Apparently no fault can be found with the sower (Jesus), or with the seed (Word). The problem is with the soil (the hearer). Only the good soil brings a harvest. That may be the situation, but what can be done about the three kinds of soil that do not produce? The parable has nothing to say about this problem. It is simply stating a fact of reality. The preacher needs to be concerned about making good listeners out of his congregation.

Jesus said, “He who has ears....” Who does not have ears? The truth is proclaimed to all people regardless of condition of life. It reminds us that God desires all to be saved, all to have the good things of God’s grace. Christianity is a universal religion, a faith for every person. The responsibility to accept the Word is the hearer’s. If one rejects it, it is his own fault. It is not God’s will for any person to be ignorant of the truth or to be lost in his relationship with God.

Friday, July 11, 2014 – Psalm 65:1-13 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The key verse is verse 5, “By awesome deed Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God our salvation. Thou who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea.”

Saturday, July 12, 2014 –Mark 4:3-9 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “Almighty God, Your Word is Cast” {LSB 577}. The sower goes out to sow his grain. God’s Word will work where it is planted. We trust Him to do His work. All He asks of us is to faithful in the sharing of Christ’s living Word.

Sources:

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Proper 9

Proper 9

Matthew 11:25-30

6 July 2014

Come to Me

“When life’s troubles rise to meet me. Though their weight may be great, they will not defeat me. God, my loving Savior sends them. He who knows, all my woes, knows how best to end them.”^{^[1]}

Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sin and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You promised! Through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{^[2]}

What Jesus offers is peace. It’s more than a feeling. It’s a state of being. A commodity many are willing to pay any price to obtain. “Aint no mountain high enough…aint no valley low enough…for us to yearn, to strive, to struggle - to achieve it.” Where do we find this peace? Christ our Savior has promised to give us His abiding peace. So look to Jesus. And to the places where He can be found. As John has reminds us in his gospel, Jesus said, “Peace I give you, My peace I leave you. Not as the world gives it do I give to you.”^{^[3]}

No wonder we pray in the collect for peace, “…give us that peace which the world simply cannot give.” In our Gospel lesson for today, Jesus promises that His peace may be yours.

Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

All who labor and are heavy burdened.

A. Laboring under the burden of living in a broken world. In this world there continues to be contention and strife. “Come unto Me all those who are carrying heavy burdens” (v.8)

1. We’re living outside of Eden. Paradise has been lost.

2. It’s a world broken by sin and its weight.

B. Heavy burdened with the weight of the evil three. Sin. Death. Devil. This contention was brought about by the devil who tempted our parents Adam and Eve causing them to fall headlong into sin. No matter what man attempts he cannot produce a lasting peace. If anything, it will be temporary and fleeting. 100 years ago this past week. An assignation lead to the First World War. It was a war to end all wars. Since then, there have been countless battles, conflicts, engagements. With no end in sight. There has never been a time in which we have seen peace that lasts. This world is constantly at war with itself.

Transition: Man as sinner by himself cannot find lasting peace. Only Christ has the sufficiency to give it.

He gives rest. This Jesus offers to all who come to Him in faith.

A. Take His yoke upon you. To be yoked is to be teamed with Him. Thus the hymn writer reminds us, “Lord take thy hand and lead me along life’s way…”

1. His yoke is easy – because we don’t go it alone. Even a yoked team will have a dominant member. “Savior lead, I follow Thee…” His yoke is easy for He leads. He directs. He feeds us from day to day.

2. His burden is light – because He does all the heavy lifting. Is it a purpose drive life?

3. Possibly, we haven’t still learned the difference between two words.

a. Do – Law – what to do, what not to do, how to live – a tendency to give us “morality”

b. Done – Gospel – What God in Christ has accomplished at the bloody cross and empty tomb.

B. Learn from Him.

1. He is gentle and lowly in heart. Gentle does not mean “weak”. He took your cares, concerns, and burdens. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” ^{^[4]}

2. You will find rest for your soul. Rest because you are in Him. From the heavy burden of sin. That you've been carrying. Find your rest in Him. The Lord offers you a trade. His yoke. Which is easy. And light. Jesus lifts your burden. By carrying it Himself. The load of your sin. He bore in His body. To the cruel cross of Calvary. There He offers you that great exchange. His mercy and grace replaces the burden of your sin. He became your substitute. He lived a perfect life. For you. He died a sinner’s death. For you. He rose to life. And replaces you former life with His life. Now His Spirit directs you. The life you live you live for Him.

In this world there continues to be contention and strife. “Come unto Me all those who are carrying heavy burdens.” (v.18) Jesus offers true and lasting peace to all who could come to Him in faith. Jesus Christ alone is the source of your peace. Jesus’ prayer at the cross needs to be your prayer, this day. “Father, into Thy hands I commend myself…”May Christ’s peace be yours this day.

886 - Words

3% - Passive sentences

88.1% - Reading Ease

3.0 - Reading level

[2] Collect for Proper 9

[3] John 14:27

[4] Isaiah 53:4-5