Wyneken chapel homily - 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed

Lent 2020 

Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School Homily  

4.01.2020

3rd Article Meaning 1

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him. But the Holy Ghost has called me by the gospel; enlightened me with his gifts sanctified and keeps me in the one true faith.

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified". - 1 Corinthians 2:2

Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word, that we may trust in Thee.

As we are nearing the end of our Lenten journey - One Lord. O faith. One future. I would ask you this question. "What is it that you really need to know?" 

There are certain benchmarks along the way. You can't advance. Before you have reached a certain level.

Because it's school. Even though we are currently operating under home based instruction.  There will be assignments. There will be tests.

There are certain things you need to know. To get ahead in this world. And to get along in life. But of all the things you will ever learn. The most important. All boils down to two. A person. And a place.

1. A person - Jesus Christ

     A. This revelation is not found in man's wisdom. The wisdom of man. As much as he knows. Is still limited. Paul in our lesson for today tells us - some seek signs. While others demand proof. If you are seeking God by human means you will be terribly disappointed. 

     B. God's wisdom. Gives knowledge. And this knowledge is power. And the power of God leads us to know a person. The Lord Jesus. And it is the Holy Spirit which has led you to faith in Christ.

Five simple words. Sum up man's condition. "I believe that I cannot..." You cannot come to faith. You cannot find peace. You cannot find solutions. To your worst condition.

But..."the Holy Ghost." Creates faith. Sustains faith. And speaks peace. To a frightened world.

It is the Lord's Church. She is active and functioning. She is alive. Well. Engaged. Relevant. relational. Jesus and His live - are not distant. Closed. Or locked down!

Transition: Of the things you must know. They are but two. A person.  And a place

2. A place - Golgotha, the place of the cross. Which leads to redemption. 

     A. The proclamation of Christ and Him crucified is the power of God. This is what the Spirit works in you.

          1. Which makes you wise to salvation.

          2. It is your only weapon in God's arsenal you have at your disposal. Use it well. 

     B. It is the Word of the Gospel.

          1. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel..." says St. Paul, "for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes," - Romans 1:16

           2. It is all gift.   "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 

           3. And the Holy Spirit always makes it personal. For it is.  For you! 

Soon and very soon. The weather will break. Our farmers will get back to their fields. I will tend to my garden. In spring we should all smell like dirt. 

The Holy Spirit calls.Gathers. Enlightens. Sanctifies. And keeps.

1 He Calls - He plants the seed of faith into your heart by His Word.

2.He Gathers - In Baptism He brings you into His family the Church.

3.He Enlightens - The Holy Spirit causes growth toward the light of the gospel

4.He Sanctifies -The flowers and fruits of good works.

5.He Keeps - The Holy Spirit waters and nurtures the plant of faith through the Savior's means of Grace.  So that it remains ever green.

All you need to know boils down to two. A person and a place. Christ. And the cross. This is the Spirit's work. And we rejoice in it. 

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Words –685

Passive Sentences – 1%

Readability – 92.7%

Reading Level – 1.8

The Crucifixion Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use