Sunday, January 29, 2017

Time in the Word ~ Epiphany 5

Collects for Epiphany: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory.

Father, You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Father, You make known the salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Collects for Epiphany 5: O Lord, keep Your Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may be ever defended by Your mighty power.

O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers, which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sins have brought upon us.

Collect for Psalm 112: Lord Jesus You are the light shining in darkness for the upright. Teach us to love one another as Yu love us, that we might bring peace and joy to the world and find the happiness of Your home where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord: (Febuary 2) Almighty and ever-living God, as Your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, grant that we may be presented ti You with pure and clean hearts through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

An Excellent Way of Life

The life of a Christian is the primary subject of this Sunday. It is a way of life that is better than living by the letter of the Law. According to Isaiah, true fasting results in meeting the social needs of people. In the Epistle gives the source of Christian living – a gospel of power and not the wisdom of man. Christ is the Word of life. We ask that we may see and hear Him as the Life.

Light is the dominant theme of Epiphany. A candle is a symbol of the season. Christ is the light of God whose glory is manifested throughout the season. Epiphany 5 continues the theme of life but with a different twist. Now Christians are the light of the world because they are in Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world,” Isiah in the Old Testament says the light shines out of those who properly fast. In the Epistle lesson, the source of the light is in the crucified Christ proclaimed by Paul.





Monday, 30 January, 2017Psalm 119:1-6; antiphon, Psalm 112:12—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me Your statutes! . This Psalm is an acrostic based on the Hebrew letter Aleph. We meditate on the Word of our Lord and we walk blameless as we are directed by Him who speaks to us in and through that same word.


Tuesday, 31 January 2017Psalm 15 — This psalm gives instruction to those who wish to have access to God at His temple. Thomas Jefferson called this psalm the picture of “a true gentleman.” This is a testimonial of the man of God. What does God require of the individual who seeks his company? He expects right conduct, right speaking (verses 2-3a), right relationships with others (verses 3b-4), and a right use of wealth (verse 5) See Psalm 24. Who swears… (Verse 4) i.e. who keeps his word whatever the cost; Verse 5, one of the Jewish laws, see Leviticus 25:36-37. It was not a total ban on lending at interest, but applied to fellow Israelites.

Wednesday, 1 February 2017—Isaiah 58:3-9a The godly life is expressed in service. Among most Christians today, fasting is scarcely practiced. If Isaiah were living today, he probably would not have used it. Though fasting is not generally practiced, the principle still applies. Religiosity in terms of cultic practices, without practical helpfulness to the neighbor, does not bring God’s blessings. When we put our religious devotions into sharing with the less fortunate, we open ourselves to God’s presence and blessings.

Thursday, 2 February 20171 Corinthians2:1-12— The Christian life results from a gospel of power. Paul decided to know nothing except Christ. Is that smart? Paul knew more than most. He knew how to make a living by making tents; the Bible thoroughly, for he was a student of the great Gamaliel; the philosophies of the day, for he was a university student. When it came to making a living, we need to know much. When it comes to making a life, knowledge and wisdom are useless. It is enough to know Christ, for He is the truth about God and life.

Weakness can be strength. This was the case with Paul He felt that his ability to speak oratorically in great wisdom, as was the custom of his day, was inferior.

With fear and trembling, he perhaps stuttered and stammered the words of the gospel. In spite of his halting speech, people came to accept Christ as Savior. What did this prove? The Word of the cross is the power to win people to Christ.

Friday, 3 February 2017Matthew 5:13-20—The Christian life exceeds living by the Law. Followers of Jesus, Disciples of Christ are the light of the world. Since Jesus said He was the light of the world, this may seem to be a contradiction. Christians are light. You do not become light by good works. You are light because, and only because you are in Christ, the Light. The light you have is not produced by your own. You are only the reflection of the light of Christ who dwells in you by faith. If you are not seen as light in the dark world, it indicates you are not in Christ. If the light is in you, it will be seen by your good works, which result as naturally as a candle sheds its light as a natural part of its essence.

The word “righteousness” has a twofold meaning. Its ethical meaning embraces virtue, goodness, and uprightness. The religious meaning means being rightly related to God and neighbor. The righteousness of God is God’s rightly relating us to Himself. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was an ethical righteousness, which involved a strict keeping of the letter of the law. The Christian has a righteousness that exceeds the ethical. It is a right relationship with God and with people. Anger is a symptom of a broken relationship. Forgiveness renews the relationship.

Saturday, 4 February 20171 John 3:16-19; Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 25:40—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is "Thy Strong Word" (LSB #578). This wonderful hymn tells the story of salvation as the Lord speaks to us in and through His Word. All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in the last stanza. God the Father, light-creator, Jesus is the one eternal God begotten from the Father light of light. The Holy Spirit is the light-revealer. Together with angels in heaven, we praise the Triune God Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


 Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, DelhiNY
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Epiphany 4


Epiphany 4 - series A
29 January 2017
LSB #982Blessed Are They

Collect of the Day: Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The old song sings. "Do you know, oh Christian, you're a sermon in shoes."

Citizenship always has its price. True citizenship. Whether in God’s kingdom or in the world, is never easy. Yet, without it. The rewards of life and of society are short-lived. And so, God asks us to live according to His will. But always in light of those rewards, that He has already given you in Jesus Christ and that He is still anxious to bestow on you today. The Christian life must always be a grateful response to what the Father has done for us in the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. Not rules to live by.

Of course! The world won’t buy it. Success. Power. Prestige. Rugged independence and self-reliance are regarded by this world as those things we ought to seek. Christ places His emphases elsewhere.   In an essay entitled, “The Beatitudes of Our Current Church Culture” Joe Abbey-Colborne said this.

“Blessed are the well off and those…with ready answers for every spiritual question…they have it all.
  Blessed are the comfortable…they shall avoid grief.
  Blessed are the self-sufficient…they wait for nothing, they have everything they want…and they have it    now.
  Blessed are those who are not troubled by…the injustice experienced by others…they are content with realistic expectations.
  Blessed are the ones who gain the upper hand…they take full advantage of their advantages.
  Blessed are those with a solid public image…and a well-hidden agenda…they are never exposed and see people…in a way that suits their purposes.
  Blessed are those who can bully others into agreement…they shall be called empire builders.
  Blessed are those who can point to someone else…who is a worse person than they are…they will always look good by comparison.
  Blessed are you when people praise you, give you preferential treatment, and flatter you because they think you’re so great. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, because it doesn’t get any better than this.[1]

All sunshine and no rain make for a desert.”[2]  Christ by these words, in the sermon of the mount, His Beatitudes, encourages us to remain faithful despite pain or loss. Even in the midst of peril, pain and suffering.

Suffering, of any kind, has become the great enemy of our culture.  Thus, decisions are made with the specific intent of avoiding suffering. At all costs.  Now, I do not suggest that you go out and look for suffering. If we take the Scriptures seriously, we know, Christians will suffer.  In various forms and ways.  But, God’s promise is simply this. He works great things in your life. Even through suffering and sorrow.

The Apostle Paul summarizes this point beautifully in his letter to the Romans.  “We rejoice in our sufferings. Because suffering produces perseverance. And perseverance character. And character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame.  Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”[3]

Jesus in His sermon on the mount will say, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”  -5:3 He then brackets the other blessings. With a repeated, present tense assurance. “… for theirs is (ἐστιν) the kingdom/reign of heaven.” Jesus’s other declarations are generally future passive. Meaning this will be God’s action for you. On the last great day.

Jesus’s words, stand as a two-fold proclamation to those who are spiritually poor and lowly. First, you should know that Jesus, God’s appointed king. Has come for you. And is already now with you. And is reigning over you.

Second, in spite of present weakness and struggles, you can trust that the day of the Lord is coming. And that He will act decisively for you on that day. He will comfort you. "Blessed are those who mourn, (empathetic) for they will be comforted.”  (v. 4) He will give you a share in the eternally renewed earth. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”  (v. 5). "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.”  He will give you the satisfaction of justice, things being “made right” for you and others. (δικαιοσύνή, v. 6). He will show you His mercy in the final judgment (v. 7). "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” He will give you the privilege of seeing Him in His glory and beauty. (v.8). "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”  He will keep you as His own child (v. 9). "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.”

For those who find themselves to be spiritually helpless. Without status.  Without any excuse before God. Jesus proclaims this good news. That He has come to be a gracious king. Precisely for such helpless, empty-handed sinners. He does this for you. So that you may enter this world as His witness.

Through the waters of baptism, each of us is called by the Lord to become agents of the Gospel – the presence of Jesus Christ – Wherever it is God calls you to serve. Jesus simply says, “Let your light so shine before men.[4]

Some of you are parents.  Your call is to raise your children in a faithful environment. Some of you are teachers. Your call is to be Christ-like in caring for the students entrusted to your care. Some of you are students. Your call is to see the wonder of a vast universe created by the God who loves you. Discover the talents the Lord has given you and then use them as His witness.  Some of you are in the business world.  Your call is to honor justice and righteousness as you work on behalf of your employer. Some of you are in the trades. Your call is to honor God with quality work and respect your customers. Some of you are farmers. Your call is to be stewards of our environment. You feed the world as you managed the Father’s creation. 

In every vocation. The Father transforms what you do.  And uses it to grace the lives of those who you come in contact. Use your talents and skills as an opportunity to proclaim that people of faith make a difference in this lost and broken world. As others, see your involvement in the workplace. It is an opportunity to glorify the God who equipped you for the work you do. Every. Single. Day. Do you know. Oh Christian. You are. A sermon in shoes! 

Words –1,176
Passive Sentences -7%
Readability – 78.4%
Reading level – 4.8




[1] The Beatitudes of Our Current Church Culture © October 8, 2010, Toronto by Joe Abbey-Colborne
[2] An Arab proverb
[3] Romans 5:3-4
[4] Matthew 5:16 a warm up for next Sunday

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Time in the Word ~ Epiphany 4



The Ministry Of Light

Epiphany season continues its revelation of the glory of God in Jesus. We saw his glory at his baptism (Epiphany 1). John the Baptist witnessed to His glory as Messiah (Epiphany 2). Through His ministry, His glory was revealed as the light in a dark world. Now, we see the glory of God in Jesus by His attitude and grace toward the outcasts of society: the spiritually poor, the humble, and the despised. His glory is seen in His love and concern for sinners. Though He is the Son of God, He does not cater to the religious elite, the highly educated and the economically rich. What a glorious God we see in Christ who humbles Himself to serve the unfortunate and the spiritually impoverished!

Monday, 23 January, 2017Psalm 1:1-5; antiphon, Psalm 1:6—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, For the Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will perish. This Psalm speaks of the blessedness of those who derive their ideas of life from God’s Word rather than from their worldly neighbors. Happiness and prosperity is theirs. Not so with the wicked. Repeatedly the godly and the wicked are contrasted.

Thus the book of Psalms opens with an exaltation of God’s Word. If David so loved the brief writings that then constituted God’s Word, how much more should we love that same Word, which has not been brought to completion, headed up around the beautiful story of Christ. Other Psalms of the Word are Psalm 19 and Psalm 119. Note also the Psalm’s first word is “blessed.”  Blessed is Beatitude: like the Sermon of the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel.

Tuesday, 24 January, 2017Psalm 15 — This psalm gives instruction to those who wish to have access to God at His temple. Thomas Jefferson called this psalm the picture of “a true gentleman.” This is a testimonial of the man of God. What does God require of the individual who seeks his company? He expects right conduct, right speaking (verses 2-3a), right relationships with others (verses 3b-4), and a right use of wealth (verse 5) See also Psalm 24. Who swears… (verse 4) i.e. who keeps his word whatever the cost; Verse 5, one of the Jewish laws, see Leviticus 25:36-37. It was not a total ban on lending at interest, but applied to fellow Israelites.

Wednesday, 25 January 2017Micah 6:1-8—Blessed are they who walk with God.  Micah pictures God as suing his people. He takes Israel to court. The people are the defendants. The prophet is God’s defense attorney. The cosmos consists of the witness. God has something against His people: they have been unfaithful to the covenant, played the harlot with pagan gods, and broke His commandments. They have been a disobedient, faithless, and rebellious people. God has a right to a controversy with His people.

Thursday, 26 January 20171 Corinthians 1:18-31—Blessed are the lowly and despised. Paul reminds the church at Corinth that God chose them when they were of no account in the sight of the world: slaves, women, and children.

They had no education (wisdom), no political power, and no blue blood. This harmonizes with Jesus’ example as friend of publicans and sinners. He did not choose wealthy, high class or scholarly men for disciples, but peasants and publicans. Why is God interested only in “down-and-outers” and not in the “up-and-outers?” How can this truth be applied to today’s church members who are generally from the middle to top class, have comfortable incomes, are college graduates and among the socially elite? It may be because the educated are educated out of their need for God. The wealthy need nothing that money cannot buy. The powerful are too self-sufficient and sophisticated to humble themselves before God as suppliants and miserable sinners.

Friday, 27 January 2017Matthew 5:1-12—Blessed are those with spiritual qualities. The Beatitudes. They describe the condition of a person in a right relationship with God through faith in Christ. “Blessed” is often translated as “happy.” It is more than what the world considers happiness — possessions, satisfaction, and peace. The blessed one is in favor with God and man. However, the Beatitudes are applicable to the present, their promises look to the future for fulfillment. The Beatitudes are God-oriented: kingdom of heaven, see God, on my account. The blessed estate does not depend upon secular well-being for its fulfillment. It is conceivable a Christian can be perfectly miserable on earth and yet blessed. Poor in spirit. Luke omits “in spirit.” Certainly Matthew is not neglecting the physically poor. There is no blessing in poverty. Poor people are not necessarily blessed. The economically poor can be godly or godless. “Poor in spirit,” moreover, does not mean a lack of spirit. Rather, the phrase describes a state of being which we might call humility, unworthiness, a dependence on God for the fulfillment of needs. The New English Bible helpfully translates 5:3: “How blest are those who know their need of God.”

Saturday, 28 January 20171 John 3:16-19; Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 25:40—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us (LSB #851). This wonderful hymn tells the story of salvation and places Christ at the center of everything the Christian does. We are still in a new year. In everything that is begun, continued and ended, may Christ be the focus of all that we do.

Collects for Epiphany: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory.

Father, You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Father, You make known the salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Collects for Epiphany 4: Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers, which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sins has brought upon us.

Collect for Psalm 15: Lord Jesus, You first chose to live among us, and in returning to Your Father You made an eternal home for us. Help us walk blamelessly in You ways and bring us at last to Your holy mountain, where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor (January 24):  Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Collect for the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25): Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and following the example of the Apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Collect for Titus, Pastor & Confessor (January 26): Almighty God, You called Titus to the work of pastor and teacher. Make all shepherds of Your flock diligent in preaching Your holy Word so that the whole world may know the immeasurable riches of our Savior Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Prayers for our nation


Let us pray for all in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

As our nation will witness a peaceful transition of power - O merciful Father in heaven, You hold in Your hand all the might of man. And because You have ordained, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, all the powers that exist in all the nations of the world, we humbly pray You graciously to regard Your servants. 

Especially do we pray this day for Barack, our outgoing  President, and our president elect  Donald; the Congress of the United States;  Eric, our Governor; and all those who make, administer, and judge our laws; and all who have authority over us; that all who receive the sword as Your ministers may bear it according to Your Word.

As these are difficult times to lead our nation, we acknowledge that No President has ever done so without acknowledging the need for divine guidance.

We  pray this day that You would  grant ALL our leaders Solomon-like wisdom in all of the decisions they make, knowing that King Solomon himself wrote, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).

During a time of economic challenges at home and conflict abroad, as these great challenges loom ahead, we ask You Lord to “defend the cause of the weak” and “maintain the rights of the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3-4).


A prayer for our country - Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail;

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably;

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding;

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Time in the Word ~ Epiphany 3


Time in the Word
16-22, January, 2017
Preparation for next week, Epiphany 3


The Ministry of Light

The Epiphany theme of light is evident in both the Gospel and the Old Testament lesson — “have seen a great light.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of that light. In Christ is the Epiphany (manifestation) of light. Epiphany deals with the revelation of the glory of God in Jesus. God’s glory is seen in the ministry of Jesus — he brings the kingdom to people through his three-fold ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing; a ministry to the whole person: soul, mind, and body. Paul sees the glory of God revealed in the cross — the means of deliverance from the oppression of sin, Satan, and death.

Since the Epistle lesson is given in-course and deals with the problem of internal church division, it does not harmonize with the theme of the other Lessons. The Gospel fulfills the promise of a light coming to the people of Galilee. This fulfillment is in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It is cause for celebration. By His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing, Jesus brings the light of truth and grace to the world. Psalm 27 harmonizes with the theme of light — “The Lord is my light....” The Prayer asks for us to have a similar ministry of light.

Monday, 16 January 2017Psalm 22:27-31; antiphon, Psalm 22:22—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, I will tell of Your name to my brothers, in the midst of the congregation I will praise You. Psalm 22 stands alone by itself. No other psalm pointed beyond itself so fully to the circumstances of Jesus at his crucifixion. John and Matthew will quote from this psalm as they give their accounts of Christ’s passion (see Matthew 27:46; 35, 39, 43 and John 19:23-24, 28). They proclaim the passion of Jesus as the fulfillment of this cry of the righteous sufferer. The author of the book of Hebrews placed the words of verse 22 on Jesus’ lips on Hebrews 2:12. No other psalm is quoted more frequently in the New Testament.   

Tuesday, 17 January 2017Psalm 27:1-9—The words of these choice verses are David’s triumphant confidence in God to deliver him from all those who conspire to bring him down. His prayer presupposes the Lord’s covenant with David. David’s confidence in his Lord introduces the prayer David will pray in verses 7-12. The conclusion of the prayer (verses 13-14) echoes the confidence of verses 1-6 and asks the reader to wait patiently for that which is sure although not yet seen.

Wednesday, 18 January 2017 Isaiah 9:1-4When Isaiah wrote these words, there was darkness in the land. Assyria conquered Zebulon and Naphtali and carried off the people to bondage. There was the darkness of oppression, homelessness, and forced labor. In today’s world there is also much darkness: loneliness, pain, bereavement, poverty, and addiction to drugs or alcohol. We rejoice that in Christ the light has begun to shine as Jesus begins His ministry. What is the joy of a Christian? It is basically the joy of having Christ. He is the Light of the world. To have Christ is to be free from the power and condemnation of sin and from the consequences of sin — death. Joy is a by-product of Jesus’ preaching the good news of salvation, His teaching the truth of God, and His ministry of healing to our bodies and minds.

Thursday, 19 January 20171 Corinthians 1:10-18—Fractions, dissensions, and cliques existed in the Corinthian church because there was a party spirit. A pastor (Apollos, Paul, Peter) was placed above Jesus. It was not Christ’s church but Dr. So-and-So’s church. Unity in a church is based upon the pre-eminence of Christ, not the personality of the pastor. Paul did not make a practice of baptizing people in order to avoid anyone’s claim he belonged to Paul rather than to Christ. Baptism tends to establish a loyalty between the pastor and the candidate. Often it is heard, “He baptized me,” in the sense of adulating the pastor. The closer people get to Christ, the closer they get to each other in harmony and peace.

Friday, 20 January 2017Matthew 4:12-25—Matthew sees Jesus beginning His ministry as a fulfillment of the Isaiah promise that deliverance would come to those taken captive by the Assyrians in Zebulon and Naphtali. Fulfillment implies that Jesus was more than a man, a prophet, or a teacher; He was the Son of God, the Messiah. Repentance (verse 17)—For John the Baptist, repentance was a condition for entering the kingdom of God. For Jesus, repentance was accepting the salvation already offered and present. Repentance is not a condition of grace but a response to it. Repentance is acknowledging God’s forgiveness and acceptance; it is a turning to God to accept his grace by faith. 

Saturday, 21 January 20171 Peter 1:20-23; Hebrews 7:25; John 13:34-35—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Son of God, Eternal Savior (LSB #842). This hymn is a prayer asking the Savior to direct us. We pray that He in love and pity would heal our wrongs and help our need. Each of us have burdens cares and struggles. Take these needs to your Savior in prayer. He knows your situation. He is more than able to address your need. 

 Collects for Epiphany: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory.

Father, You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Father, You make known the salvation of humankind at the birth of Your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the glory You promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Collects for Epiphany 3: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit,  that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

Collect for Psalm 27: Gracious Father, protector of those who hope in You: You heard the cry of Your Son and kept Him safe in Your shelter in the day of evil. Grant that Your servants who seek Your face in times of trouble may see Your goodness in the land of the living, through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Collect for the Confession of St. Peter (January 18): Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Luther’s Seal comes courtesy of the Higher Things organization










Saturday, January 14, 2017

Epiphany 2


Epiphany 2 - Series A
15 January 2017
Isaiah 49:1–7
1 Corinthians 1:1–9
John 1:29–42a

God Reveals His Glory in Christ and His Cross
The Lord, the Redeemer of Israel” calls forth “his Holy One” (Isaiah 49:7), Jesus, the Christ, “from the womb” of His mother (Is. 49:1). The incarnate Son of God is revealed as the Savior, for not only Israel but also “as a light for the nations” whose salvation reaches “to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). 




John came “baptizing with water” (John 1:31) to reveal Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) and who glorifies His God and Father by His atoning sacrifice upon the cross. When Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended “from heaven like a dove” and “remained on him” (John 1:32). By our Baptism, we are anointed by the same Spirit, adopted by God the Father and “called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Therefore, we “are not lacking in any gift,” but we can trust Him who promises to sustain us to the end, “guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7–8).

Collect for the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn of the Day: 402 “The only Son from heaven

When the song of the angel is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins.

To find the lost--To heal the broken--To feed the hungry--
To release the prisoner--To rebuild the nations--
To bring peace among brothers and sisters--
To make music in the heart. [1]

So, who is this Jesus? And how can I know him?  How mighty you answer such questions? In this season of Epiphany, we are on a quest, a journey, a mission. To discover Jesus.  The disciples of John come seeking answers. Jesus will disclose for us answers concerning Himself.

Discovering Jesus the Christ.
1.       He is the Son of God.
2.       He is the Messiah.

1.       He is the Son of God.

A.      Christ ranks above any of the prophets such as John. John is quite clear. “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”   They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”( John 1:20-21)

B.      John said, “He was before me.” (v. 30, Christ’s pre-existence.) Jesus has the power to take away sins. Consequently, John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God”. This description of Jesus is unique to John’s Gospel. There is a difference between John and Jesus. John recalls the evidence that he witnessed as proof of Jesus’ stature and significance. “And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." - verse34

John is a model for evangelists--and disciples--in every age, including today. He points toward the One who is salvation rather than drawing attention to himself. He even watches two of his own disciples leave him and follow Jesus.

One of the challenges of discipleship is not to lose sight of the true center and focus of our ministry: Jesus. It's easy for our focus to become "all about us" or “all about the building”, or “all about the program”.  Above all, it is not about loss, right?

True, we want to grow. To gain. To expand. And yet, we hear that discipleship costs. What losses are we willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel? Making a plan for your life does not work. You don’t control your life. Plan as we may, we are not the architect of our destiny. John’s message ring true, “He must increase…I must decrease.” – John 3:30   C. S. Lewis said it this way: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”[2]

C.      We need a Savior who tenderly approaches us in our needs but who also has the divine power and love to raise us up through our problems. This is why Jesus came into this world. “Behold, right in front of you, is the Christ, bearing and removing the SIN of the world.” This is Jesus’ ongoing activity. He continues to shoulder the world's sin. John bears witness. Jesus will carry the world’s sin Himself to the cross of Calvary. This was John’s consistent theme. His message never changed.  It remains your constant prayer, “O, Christ, Thou Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy and grant us Your peace.”   

Transition: As the Son He came into this world as the Father’s chosen one. The Messiah.
 
2.       He is the Messiah.

A.      John revealed the priestly office of Jesus to Israel.  (v. 31)

1.       John said, “For this purpose I came baptizing with water. “ (v.31) John preached repentance. He preached the urgency of the kingdom of God. He preached the forgiveness of sins.

2.       The purpose of Christ’s coming was “that He might be revealed to Israel” (v.31) and later to you. Think of it this way…179 years ago there was no church in Adams County. There was no Christian community.  And yet, there was a man, sent by God.  His name was Jesse Hoover. He ventured into our neighborhood with the message of Jesus Christ.  That message continues to this day in the way in which you network with your family, neighbors, and the people with whom you engage. You might be the only Bible a person ever reads. Continue to share Christ. Connect with them. Gossip the Gospel. Become a sermon in shoes!

B.      The priestly office of Jesus consisted in offering Himself up as the Lamb of God in your place. “Behold the Lamb of God…” (Vv. 29, 36)

When John identifies Jesus, he calls Him "the Lamb of God." Lambs were used for the Passover sacrifice, which remembers the liberation and deliverance of the people by God.  "As the Passover Lamb, Jesus liberates the world from slavery to sin by bringing the world into new and fresh contact with the presence of God, so that human alienation from God can end."[3]

John does not say that Jesus is sort of like the Lamb of God. He is the Lamb of God. His mission defines His essence. We cannot be sort of like Christians. We must be Christian. The mission defines our essence… our lives, full-time, all the time. Until the Father gathers us home, we live in the sacrifice of the Lamb. And in it you are saved… you are forgiven… you are loved.

How this liberation and deliverance from alienation happen is the story of the Gospel. It is the heart of the gospel message. It defines you. It’s what makes this life that you live significant, important and yes, relevant. It you wish this world to be the good you hope it to be it must find its essence in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Words- 992
Passive Sentences –7%
Readability – 80%
Reading Level – 4.6









[1] Poem by Howard Thurman
[2] Mere Christianity, Book 3, Chapter 8, “The Great Sin,” Kindle location 1665

[3] John Commentary by Gail R. O'Day, Susan E. Hylen by permission of Westminster John Knox Press. Copyright.