April

 

St. Paul reminds us, we do not “boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) Rejoicing in this Gospel, we “bear one another’s burdens,” in love, according to “the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Rejoice in the Gospel – This life that you live. Your struggles. Your anger. Your weakness. Your woes.  Your sorrows - your Lord knows all, even your joys exactly. Because Jesus became a man.

The coming of Jesus into our world changes everything. For we do not have a God who was too proud to know His people. Or a God content to rule from a great distance. Or a God whose majesty was too awesome for us to behold. We have just the opposite. Jesus is the only one, who experienced the very same humanity, the very same problems, and the very same challenges that you do.

No, you do not walk this road alone. Jesus is the God who came down from heaven. He was that man. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:3-5

Behold, Christ’s cross.  He did this by Himself suffering an unjust arrest, by Himself being killed most unfairly. Jesus, the most righteous One–the only perfectly righteous One–He would be arrested, tried, and put to death, when it was clear He was entirely not guilty.

On His cross, your sins became His. Your troubles His burdens. He died your death, only to rise again. Look to His cross for your every burden in life. While the world spins, the cross stands!

Tell others your pain; you won't receive the care you expect. Tell Jesus, and you'll see He knows your sorrows better than you do. Tell others your sins, they will judge you. Tell Jesus, and see He how He has taken them all away.

He did this all for you, for you and for all the perplexed people of this world. Justice is done. All the wrongs and the sins are paid for by Jesus’ holy blood on the cross.

Now your fears and your worries have a place to go to find an answer. To the cross of Christ. Remember always we are Easter people. Confident in the LORD’s guidance, we shall overcome for we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

 

April 2020

As we approach the season of celebrating the death and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ our community is currently at a literal standstill. Gov. Holcomb has issued stay-at-home order in response to the corona virus pandemic. The order goes from March 25 through April 7.  This order has been extended to April 30. Church services have been canceled through the  end of the month as part of the state's prohibition on large groups.

We will be broadcasting live each Sunday on radio station WZBD and hope to live stream our services over the internet. We will communicate with you as we approach the observance of Holy Week. We solicit your patience and cooperation.

In thirty-eight years of parish ministry – never have I experience anything of this magnitude and scope. I am certain you have never seen the likes as these as well. We are entering into unchartered waters. We look to our Captain; our Savior Jesus to navigate and steer the ship of state the church and direct us.

Certainly your presence is missed at services. When we are able to resume gathering safely we will rejoice in the Lord’s mercy and the fact that each day we are Easter people. When we resume let us not forsake our gathering together.   

Right now, we are surrounded by anxious people. Many fear catching a virus which cannot be seen; from a total stranger, who innocently or  inadvertently violates your space.

Some fear shut downs. And job loss. And the failure of financial security.

Some fear losing those we love. They fear hunger and homelessness. Others fear what life will look like post-COVID 19.  Some fear feeling trapped in their own homes. Many simply fear the loss of control - this outbreak has caused in our own lives.

Early in His earthly ministry Jesus was invited to a wedding. Whose? We do not know. (I have an opinion as to the identity of this nameless couple but that’s for another time.)  No sooner had the festivities begun disaster stuck. Mary discovers there isn't any wine. “They have no more wine!” (John 2:4). It's this little detail; no wine, that brings about an emotional collapse. Consumed in the moment, and pre-occupied with what she wanted to be a nice day, Mary simply vents her frustration for all to see: "They have no wine."

Mary lamented: "They have no wine." You might lament: "I have no job. My kids are a mess. I have no purpose. I'm a failure. I have let everyone down. This fear consumes me.”

Your situation is not a surprise to Jesus. He is neither shocked. Astonished. Or annoyed. Your situation.  Which is taking all of your time and attention. - Take it to the Lord in prayer.  

Your anxiety.  Which is troubling you. – Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Your helplessness.  Indicates how much you need Him. Take it to the Lord in Prayer.

Mary presents a need. But does not dictate to the Lord how He should respond. In her request we have a model of intercession. That makes a need known to the Lord.  With humility. 

And a recognition that it is His will that should be done. She instructs the servants, “do whatever He tells you.”

If you have found God to be silent. If it feels as if God has left you, you're not looking at the right place. Look at the cross. And you'll see the Son of God who has taken your sins as His own.

The Redeemer who suffered your every sorrow of this life entered time and space to free you from it all. The Mediator has made peace between you and God by His precious blood so that heaven now belongs to you.

If you feel desperate and if you feel God is letting you sit in it, that's because you are and He is, but only because you're looking at what you lack. And if you're looking at nothing, no wonder you feel worse. Look instead to your Savior and His boundless love for you in giving His life for yours.

And keep looking, for in His resurrection, the Lord Jesus, who took your sins as His own, now declares His righteousness to be yours.

Keep looking, that's what Mary did, even after He rose from the grave and ascended to heaven above. After Jesus' ascension, the church continued to gather, and the Book of Acts specifically names Mary, His mother, among the number, who "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship." [i]

We do not know where this pandemic will lead us. Yet one thing is certain. Christ will never abandon you. His promise is sure. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  - Hebrews 13:5 Money, will not save you. Positive thoughts and pious platitudes are simply inadequate. Like silly hash-tags, which fade over time. Trust not in rulers. They are but mortal. Place all your trust in Christ your Lord. He suffered for you on Calvary’s cross and rose victoriously on Easter to give you His life.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! In His hands you are safe. Fare thee well child of Christ. Fare thee well. Until we meet again.

  

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[i] Credit for some of this article’s content is taken from a sermon delivered by former fieldworker Pr. Tim Daub   “The Wedding at Cana Desperate for Jesus” 1.14.2018

April

In his classic children’s series, “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” C S Lewis describes for us the transformational change, which will certainly occur when the King breaks into time and space. “Wrong will be right when Aslan comes in sight at the end of his roar sorrows will be no more when he bares his teeth, winter has met its death and when he shakes his main we shall have spring again!”

Springtime is lush with rebirth, new beginnings, and new growth. The temptation is to rush to the Easter celebration of the resurrection. But first, we must embrace the process of Lent, which leads us through the desert days of sacrifice to fully embrace the joy of Easter. In Lent, we dedicate ourselves to the disciplines of prayer, study, worship, and service. We will continue on this process throughout this month of April as we anticipate the celebration of the Easter resurrection.

Spring planting is anticipated in April. Yet it can’t be rushed. We cannot hurry the normal growing process. Seeds need time to sprout, take root, and grow. Yelling at them will not work! It all takes time. We live in a culture, which places an inordinate amount of pressure to rush through. Seeds teach us that we need to learn to wait, to develop patience as we mature and grow. The temptation is to become impatient.   The excitement of immediate gratification is a product of our time.  The transition from Lent to Easter teaches patience and trust.

During this month of April as we experience a shift from Lent to Easter, learn the lessons from seeds, which soon will be sown in our fields, gardens and flower beds. Not all grow at the same rate. There is diversity in the rate of growth. Some start early, others late. Late sprouts often become early bloomers. Growth is rarely even. Yet, it is the Lord who gives the increase.

A busy and productive month of April is upon us. Take advantage of the opportunity placed before you. Bloom where you are planted, be a blessing, gossip the Gospel, be a sermon in shoes.

April

The resurrection of Jesus Christ happened 2,000 years ago. How can we, who are so far removed from that first Easter, be sure it happened? So much depends on whether it is true. Without the resurrection there is no hope for life beyond the grave. Without the resurrection there is no assurance that God is in control. Without the resurrection there is no guarantee that love is greater than hatred. How do we know that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is real?

First, there is circumstantial evidence – an empty tomb. Listen to verse 6 of our text for today “the angel said: “here is the place where they laid Him.”  On the way to the tomb, the three women were asking themselves “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?” The question indicates that they did not expect a resurrection even though they must have heard Jesus say several times, “and on the third day I will rise again.”

If the resurrection were a fabrication, a hoax, the question would not be asked. Well, who did roll away the stone?  Mark does not tell us. We learn from St. Paul that God Himself raised up Jesus. (Romans 4:24; 8:11) He moved the stone! Man could not do it – not the stone of death. All the kings’ horses and all the kings’ men would not be able to conquer death. This was the Father’s act of grace and victory!

The young man mentioned in Mark’s gospel identifies the risen one as the man Jesus from Nazareth who was crucified. This gives reality to the Easter story.  The risen Christ is not a spirit. The resurrected person was Jesus from the town of Nazareth. He was killed on a cross. He was truly dead and buried.

There is no room here for a “spiritual” or a “symbolic” resurrection! We must not spiritualize the account of the first Easter. It was not a resurrection of the spirit or the soul of Jesus. The body, the whole person of Jesus, rose from the dead on that first Easter.

Then there is the witness of God’s messenger, an angel, as well as the testimony of the Word of God. Listen to verse 15: “And entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting at the right wearing a white robe and they were amazed. And he said, “why seek the living among the dead. He is not here, He is risen from the dead.”

There is no such thing as a dead Christ. Why seek the living among the dead?  He will not be found in the tombs of the dead. He is alive! Why seek Him there?

The grave could not hold Jesus in. He rose from the dead on the third day. The disciples’ testimony is true. “We are witnesses of these events; We have seen Him with our own eyes.” This Jesus who was crucified is now alive forevermore. The grave could not hold Him. See the place where they laid Him. He is not here. He is risen from the dead!

Finally, there is the experience of the living Christ – He will be seen in Galilee, “there you will see Him just as He said.”(Mark 16:7)  The angel instructs the women to tell the disciples, and Peter, to meet Jesus in Galilee as Jesus had told them. In Mark’s account of the resurrection the risen Christ does not appear. He will meet them in Galilee.  Thus we are reminded by the message of the angel to heed the word of the Savior. Time and again He predicted His bodily resurrection.  The women found the tomb empty. Where would they find Him?

They find Him at the very place where Jesus had directed them – in Galilee. Likewise, in your life, you find the risen Savior at the place where He has directed us – in the waters of Baptism, in the elements of Bread and Wine, in His very words and promises of Holy Scripture. The women hurried off to Galilee and there they found Him as the angel predicted. Will you too find Him where He has directed you? Search the Scriptures. There you will find Him alive. He cannot deny Himself. Jesus is risen just as He said!  Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

April

The most important week in the life of the Christian will fall this month of April. We will observe Christ’s arrest, trial, conviction, suffering, and death. We will then gather to celebrate the Resurrection and proclaim together, “Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!” 

These events are not only the foundation and substance of our faith. The events of Holy Week helps us make senses of this life we live. We live in a broken world. We live in a world compromised by sin. Suffering is the consequence. Sorrow is the result and by-product.  Yet we always have hope. Jesus is the God who came down from heaven. He entered time and space to bear our sin, suffer innocently and the rise victoriously. He was that man. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” –Isaiah 53:3

As you observe the events of  the work of Christ you now have opportunity to share His story with others. As you have embraced this new life in Christ may it be reflected in your life, your witness and your conversation.  Christ’s peace be yours!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,

From death’s dread sting Thy servants free

That we may live and sing to Thee.

Alleluia!

I close again simply to say thank you for the unexpected acknowledgement of thirty years in ministry! Tammy and I are both overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness and generosity you have expressed to us. It has been a joy to be a part of your lives in times of celebration and sadness. It has been an honor to be a part of your joys and sorrows and life's milestones while we, together, worship our God and seek to share His love & peace. We are blessed!  – Acts 2:42

April

April 3,                  2^nd Sunday in Easter – Divine Service Setting 1

                                John 20:19-31 – That you might believe

April 10                 3^rd Sunday in Easter –Divine Service Setting 3 without communion

                                John 21:1-14 The Good Shepherd Feeds His Sheep

April 17                 4^th Sunday in Easter – Divine Service Setting 2

                                John 10:22-30 The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep  

April 24                 5^th Sunday in Easter – Matins

Examination of the Confirmation Class of 2016

O God, for our redemption You gave Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross and by His glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of the enemy. Grant that all our sin may be drowned through daily repentance and that day by day we may arise to live before You in righteousness and purity forever;

We are now in the Easter season. Because of a cross and empty tomb we stand as a forgiven people. Because Jesus lives we to shall live. Easter has always been for Christians the feast of feasts. There is no event more important to the Christian. Its primacy was shown by the fact that the resurrection was celebrated each Sunday and for this reason each Sunday of the church year is considered a festival. The importance of Easter can be seen in the fact that Easter is preceded by a period of preparation – the Lenten season of 40 days. Easter is now observed for a season of 50 days. Easter is so important that the entire church year revolves around it.

Other festivals and seasons depend upon the date of Easter, which varies from year to year. The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22. The last time it occurred was 1818 and the next time will be 2285. The latest possible date for it is April 25. The last time it occurred was 1943 and the next time will be 2038.

The early followers of Jesus based their faith based upon an historical rising from the dead. The uniqueness of Christianity and the truth of Christ as the Son of God depends on the resurrection. Do we today profess to believe in the real resurrection because we know that the whole Christian faith depends on it? The resurrection is the basic good news of the gospel. Without it, Christianity has nothing to say that other religions have not already said.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and his appearance we are bold to say:

1.      Jesus’ resurrection was a resurrection of the body – not a soul leaving the body at death.

2.      Jesus’ resurrection was not a physical resurrection like Lazarus’ but it was a resurrection of a spiritual body that could not die again because of its immortal nature. See – 1 Corinthians 15:32-44

3.      This risen body was both recognizable and unrecognizable. Jesus could eat and still pass through closed doors. See- Luke 24:42, John 20:19

4.      The resurrection was an act of God. Jesus did not rise on his own power or desire. The Father promised through the prophets that He would destroy death and save His people. He sent His Son to die and rise again. It was the Father who raise Jesus from the dead. See- Acts 11:30

5.      The resurrection is not a happy ending to a tragic story to make people feel good. The resurrection is an integral part of the cross. (This is why we have a crucifix in the front of our church!) The two are inseparable – death and resurrection. The resurrection confirms Jesus as the Son of God and assures man that Jesus is the Christ.

6.      The resurrection confirms the words and promises of Jesus. It gives hope to mortals that death was destroyed and life with Christ is made possible for all eternity.

7.      The resurrection is a personal experience. Christ lives in me. Or, am I a deluded fool? Do I really know Jesus, talk to Him in prayer? Am I giving my life to a corpse? Ultimately, the resurrection is not something of proof, demonstration, nor argumentation. It is a matter of personal faith based upon personal experiences with the risen Christ.

We are Easter people. The resurrection of Jesus is the power of God. It is the Father’s work. It is the miracle of miracles. With God, all things are possible!

    

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever;