– Romans 10:5-17 The message of Salvation is to all

 

The Lord. Who laid the foundation of the earth.” (Job 38:4) Is the Author and Giver of life.  Who governs all things by His Word. His wisdom and power. Are beyond our understanding. Except.  As He reveals Himself in the Incarnate Word, Christ Jesus. He has “entered into the springs of the sea.” And “walked in the recesses of the deep.” (Job 38:16), And He draws near to you in mercy. Have you been “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves?”  Tossed about by hostile winds?  (Matthew 14:24).  

 

Christ the Crucified Comes to Save Us by the Word of Faith

 

1. In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we do not always recognize the Lord Jesus.

A.        But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us. (Matthew 14:27, 31) 

B.        “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) 

 

2. And now we call upon Him in faith. 

A.        Because we have heard “through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).

B.        “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).

 

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

August 08 – Saturday prior to Pentecost 11 - Proper 14

Psalm 107: 23–26 -Tomorrow’s hymn of the day is Eternal Father, Strong to Save (LSB #717). is a hymn written by William Whiting in 1860 inspired by the dangers of the sea described in Psalm 107. This hymn is commonly associated with seafarers, particularly in the naval armed services, and is often referred to as the "Navy Hymn." This hymn also has a long tradition in civilian maritime settings and is regularly called upon by ship's chaplains and sung during services on ocean travels.

The first stanza, from the original Navy Hymn, proclaims the supremacy of our heavenly Father over the sea. The next two stanzas declare the authority of the Son and the Holy Spirit over the land and the air, respectively. Finally, the fourth stanza affirms the sovereignty of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, over all our foes. Let us put our trust in God alone for protection from all our enemies, whether physical or spiritual.

The Story Behind Eternal Father, Strong to Save

The original hymn was penned in 1860 by William Whiting, an Anglican churchman from Winchester, United Kingdom. Whiting grew up near the shores of England, and at the age of thirty-five had felt his life saved by God when a fierce storm nearly destroyed the ship he was traveling on, instilling a faith in God's control over the rage and calm of the sea. As headmaster of the Winchester College Choristers' School some years later, he was approached by a student about to travel to the United States, who expressed to Whiting a tremendous fear of the ocean voyage. Whiting shared his experiences of the ocean and wrote the hymn to "anchor his faith". Whiting is commonly believed to have been inspired by Psalm 107, which describes the power and danger of the seas in great detail:

"Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away."

1 Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm does bind the restless wave,

Who bids the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

 

Source:

https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/eternal-father-strong-to-save/

Image by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

August 07 – Friday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

 

Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus’ walking on the sea frightens the disciples. Jesus sends the disciples by boat to the other side of the lake while he went up a mountain to pray. When the boat was far from shore, a terrible storm developed, and the disciples were frightened. Three hours before dawn they had a greater reason to be scared. They saw a figure walking on the water. When Jesus assured them that it was he and not a ghost, Peter asked Jesus to let him come to him by walking on the water. When Peter saw the waves, he lost faith and began to sink. In desperation he cries to Jesus for help. Jesus took him to the boat, the wind stopped, and the disciples in awe confessed that Jesus was the Son of God.

It is easy to have faith when all goes well. It is not much of a test of faith when we sit in comfort and prosperity during church services. Faith is seen like a lamp when night comes. The disciples had a night experience on the sea when their faith was challenged. We need a faith that will not fail in times of crises. A faith needed for troubled times.

The disciples were “made” to go to sea. Jesus wanted and needed to be alone to pray about John’s recent murder by Herod. In their obedience they ran into trouble, a storm at sea. There is a fundamental truth here. As Christians we will get trouble, hardship, and crisis as we obey God’s commands. Jesus never promised all sunshine for his followers.

The fourth watch came between three and six in the morning, the darkest time of the night. Jesus came to the storm-tossed disciples after they futilely struggle against the storm throughout the night. A person’s extremity is God’s opportunity to rescue.

“Lord save me!” That was the cry of Peter. It is the cry of the voice of faith May this be our cry. Whatever the situation Jesus is able to help. Fear came knocking at the door, Jesus answered, and fear went away! May that be your experience throughout your journey of faith and your walk with Jesus as He orders your days and directs your path.

Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Image by Backhuysen, Ludolf. Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, Tenn.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Backhuysen,_Ludolf_-_Christ_in_the_Storm_on_the_Sea_of_Galilee_-_1695.jpg

Collect for Proper 14, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

August 06 – Thursday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

Romans 10:5–17—How are we saved? By grace alone (sola gratia) by faith alone (sola fide) in the merits of Christ alone (solus Christus). This salvation extends to Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) alike. But how are we to receive such saving faith? By Scripture alone (sola scriptura). Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

That is why Paul quotes Isaiah: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! For the preaching of the Good News of the Gospel engenders saving faith.

Christ the crucified comes to save us by the word of faith. In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we might not always recognize the Lord Jesus. But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us. (Matthew 14:27, 31) 

Paul assures us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) In every circumstance call upon Him in faith.  Christ remains near and constant. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8) Daily spend time with him in worship prayer and study. As you draw near to him in his word he will uplift and strengthen you. This is Christ’s enduring promise to you. 

Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer in time of spiritual doubt and affliction: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, You have given to all who believe exceedingly great and precious promises. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may without all doubt trust in Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that our faith in Your sight may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collects from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

August 05— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

 Job 38:4–18—Job had questioned God, as to why He would let such great calamities befall him. Job had experienced the most devastating loss of family and fortune, had been struck down with a most painful disease, and was accused by his friends that his misfortune resulted from his own sinfulness – which he felt was a gross misrepresentation of his character. Job responds as most of us would – he questions God. “Why?” “Why had such things happened?

The Lord responds with a series of questions. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? was one of several unanswerable questions, which the Lord fired at Job in quick succession. Tell Me, if you have understanding!!

In response, the Lord answers Job by recounting His creation of all things, His ongoing involvement and dominion over that creation. God is not subject to nature; nature is subject to God. We as weak humans, created beings that we are, have no right to question our benevolent Creator, but simply to trust that what He does, he does for our benefit.

The cross of Christ is a divine participation in every aspect of our humanity, including our suffering. (See Hebrews 2:16-17) We may not see answers for suffering, “but we do see Jesus ... now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). When experiencing suffering anguish distress and affliction we need not ask why but instead look to Christ who has suffered for us and sustains us in the midst of our own suffering.

We see Jesus and, seeing him, it is enough.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving-kindness and heart of sweet compassion, and thank You that in my times of deep distress and suffering, You have gently brought other people alongside me, to walk with me through the different seasons of my life, to comfort and encourage, to help and to advise. Thank You for all those whom You have used to draw near to me, to be Your hands to help, Your arms to support and Your heart to love. Thank You that You never forsake us nor leave us comfortless, but so often send showers of refreshment through Your many faithful witness and other avenues of support.

Image Ed Riojas copyright Higher Things 

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-the-Suffering

August 4, — Tuesday, prior to Pentecost 11 – Proper 14

Psalm 18:1–6—It is likely that King David wrote this psalm near the end of his life, as it is very similar to the psalm recorded in 2 Samuel 22, just before his last words. Here he recounts many of the terrible situation in which he found himself over the course of his life, and tells how the LORD delivered him. He says, In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. 

When we find ourselves in bad situations, we ought to remember that the LORD has already delivered us from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. St Paul would remind us, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 While John teaches in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

There are times when fear challenges faith. Numerous places in Scripture set fear against faith, love, and trust, so we must frankly admit that the fears we’ve talked about must (rightly) push us to examine our faith. This is God’s world. It is deeply flawed and broken, but it is still His good creation (Psalm 24). He has provided for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ, and He has promised—and we know it is true—that through Christ we find forgiveness, peace, and joy; that one day the curse over this broken world will be lifted at the final return of Christ; and that God will raise the dead in Christ and create a new heaven and new earth, where there is no more mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).

Christ stands ready to defend us throughout our lives.  To follow Christ is to be a people of hope. And our hope is not in vain, because it is invested in the God of the universe, who has extended Himself lavishly on behalf of His children. He can aid us in conquering our fears. “Be of good cheer,” our Lord said, just before his own horrific death on our behalf, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 

Collect for Psalm 18 – Lord God, our stronghold and our salvation, give us such strength of life that we may reach out to our neighbor without counting the cost, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church, Vol. II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1995 Delhi, NY 

Christ the Door copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

August 3 —Monday prior to Proper 14

 Psalm 34:4–8; Antiphon, Psalm 34:1—1 Samuel 21:10–15 provides the background story to this psalm. 

Talk about a manic Monday and a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. This was the worst place to which David could have gone. It was the very city of Goliath, whom he had slain, and whose sword he now wore.

David, the one chosen by God to be king, in a moment of weakness when pursued by King Saul and his armies, sought refuge with the Philistines, the enemy of Israel. 

David realized his mistake and the truth of what he declares in verse 8: Blessed is the man who takes refuge in the LORD! When we are tempted to look elsewhere than to the LORD for rescue, let us also remember this psalm of David, and then bless the LORD at all times.

David thought praising God was to magnify Him – that is, to make Him larger in one’s perception. Magnification does not actually make an object bigger, and we can’t make God bigger. But to magnify something or someone is to perceive it as bigger, and we do that regarding the LORD our God.

Remember, you have been saved by grace through faith in Christ.  In faith you are able to testify with David, that you also sought the Lord for the forgiveness of sin, and He graciously delivered you out of the hands of the enemy - triumphing over sin and death, and redeeming your life from the pit.

What a gracious God we have. For while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, and together with David and a cloud of witnesses, we are able to confirm “I also sought the LORD, and He answered me. And He delivered me from all my fears. - Yes, we can rejoice and say with all the saints: I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD. The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I will bless the LORD at all times.. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD. The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!”

Collect for Psalm 34 - Lord, graciously hear us, for we seek you alone. Calm our bodies and minds with the peace which passes understanding, and make us radiant with you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. II copyright © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY 

Proper 14 Series A (Pentecost 11)

Job 38 (he did not see the whole picture) Psalm 18 Romans 10:5–17 (Matthew 14:22–33) Peter rescued after walking on water with Jesus Peter calls upon the Lord and is saved. 

"The message of Salvation is to all"

Context of Romans 10 our aim is to proclaim Christ's work, how he comes to us...

Jews rejected as they attempted to keep the law rejecting the righteousness of the Gospel. Why?

1. Ignorance of the Gospel

2. Rebelliousness

3. Trying to establish their own righteousness They did hear but Paul does not answer why Israel rejected.

Romans 11 does not attempt to answer why but points us to Gentiles being grafted in with a warning not to reject. But Paul does return to the promise...

We are given to trust not to understand everything...

Not to understand God but to be addressed by Him We can not explain God but are called to trust His promises The overarching theme is the compassionate/suffering God Romans 9 is not about election but selection a people not a person 

LSB #587 "I Know My Faith Is Founded" WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE HYMN

:5-8 the righteousness of faith

:6 personification of righteousness, context is Deuteronomy 30:9-14 the commandment is right here, near to you, Christ fulfilled the Law For us. The word near you is Christ. He is here, near you. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot ascend or descend. Yet Christ became incarnate and is the center of all. Christ is the goal and the fulfillment of the Law.  (See John 3) 

:6 is the central verse, the Word of God is not powerless. It has not failed. But cannot be understood by the ways of the world. It is not reasonable. The way it has always been with God. Contrary to worldly expectations. 

:9 this is not a check off of what you must do to be saved. This is the response of faith. It confesses and believes what has already been proclaimed to you. 

The Word comes to you in a located way through preaching (see Vv.14-15)  God's word is placed on you so you can call on him. 

:14-17 it's impossible to believe without the word, preaching, or preachers. The Lord always works through means.

:16 yet not everyone has believed but no explanation is given. 

:17 a summary. Yet God is not surprised.  

The Lord. Who laid the foundation of the earth.” (Job 38:4) Is the Author and Giver of life.  Who governs all things by His Word. His wisdom and power. Are beyond our understanding. Except.  As He reveals Himself in the incarnate Word, Christ Jesus. He has “entered into the springs of the sea.” And “walked in the recesses of the deep.” (Job 38:16), And He draws near to you in mercy. Have you been “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves,” and "tossed about by hostile winds."  (Matthew 14:24). 

Christ the Crucified Comes to Save Us by the Word of Faith

1. In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we do not always recognize the Lord Jesus.

     A.  But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us. (Matthew 14:27, 31) 

     B. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13), 

2. And now we call upon Him in faith. 

     A. Because we have heard “through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).

     B.  “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).

Matthew 14:22-33

Summary:  This passage provides wonderful image of faith:  so powerful, yet so fragile.  Faith can move mountains.  This is good news.  The better news is that Jesus comes to us amid the storm.  The best news, I think, is that Jesus lets us stay in the boat when we only have little faith.

Key Words

απολυση (meaning "release", 14:22)   Jesus here "releases" the crowd.  Prior to the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples wanted Jesus to release the crowd.  Now that they have been fed, he is releasing them.  Also interesting is that now Jesus must compel (ηναγκασεν, from αναγκαζω) them to leave as well.

προσευξασθαι (meaning "to pray", 14:23)   The verb to "pray" is a middle voice verb.  Typically middle voice means the object and subject are the same, in that the subject is doing the verb to itself (for instance, shaving would be a good candidate in English for a middle voice verb!)  This would suggest that prayer involves some sort of movement, externally or internally, to prepare oneself for prayer.  I remember once I was invited "to assume the posture of prayer."

βασανιζομενον (participle form of βασανιζω meaning "torment"; 14:24)  This word can even mean torture (as in the beast at the end of Revelation)

θαρεσειτε (meaning "be of good cheer," 14:27)  I am fascinated by this.  Is Jesus here commanding faith?  Is it possible for the individual to suddenly turn one's disposition around?  I believe here that we are saved from this dilemma when we realize that the next words of Jesus to Peter are pure promise:  εγω ειμι.  "I am" says Jesus.  "I am" is not simple a declaration that Jesus is present, but that Jesus is God, for εγω ειμι is the same of God.  As Jesus says this, he reveals to Peter that he is indeed God and he is with Peter.  Without the promise of his presence and divinity, Jesus words to Peter would be cruel.  Why can Peter take courage?  Because Jesus is there with him, not because Peter needs to "get it together."

ει συ ει (meaning "since it is you", 14:28).  The word "ει" is often translated "if."  However, its translation is really governed by the tense of the verb to which it is linked.  If it is linked with a subjunctive tense verb, then it is building a hypothetical case; if it is linked with an indicative tense verb, then it is building a true case.  

Here it is used with an indicative verb, meaning Peter believes it is a true condition: Since it is you, command me.  [In the case of A, which is a true scenario, then B; rather than: In the case of A, which may or may not be true, then B.

ολιγοπιστε (from ολιγ meaning "few" and πιστε meaning "faith", "of little faith", 14:33) A gracious reminder that we can still be in the boat with Jesus and only have a little faith.  Having lots of faith is not a requirement for journeying with Jesus.[1]

He Prayed Alone

Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

 

“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23)

Echoing the Old Testament, the New Testament sets forth the principle that the Word of God and prayer are central (Acts 6:6; 1 Ti 4:5).  God’s Word is His means by which He accomplishes His wondrous and powerful acts, and prayer is our means whereby we in faith ask for God’s blessings, speaking back to Him His Word. 

Preaching from Sunday’s Gospel, likely most pastors—rightly so—will magnify the miraculous and instructive account of Jesus and Peter.  Let us not however overlook the importance of Jesus approaching His Father alone in prayer. As demonstrated by the perfect Man, both God’s Word and prayer—though having different functions—are equally valuable in the life of God’s children.

Though God’s children should indeed gather together for prayer, which is an integral part of worship, yet praying alone to God is magnified throughout Scripture.  Moses interceded for Israel for forty days in prayer (Deut 9:25).   

When Saul rebelled, Samuel cried to the Lord all night (1 Sam 15:11).  Daniel prayed daily in his closed room, facing Jerusalem (Dan 6:10).  The Apostle Peter, apparently as a habit, went to the housetop to pray (Acts 10:9).  

Praying in solitude is so important, our Lord spoke of it in His Sermon on the Mount:  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Mt 6:6).   Perhaps more important than this encouragement to pray alone is Jesus’ constant example to do so.  

As Jesus began His ministry Mark records, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed (1:35).  Luke speaks of this habit of Jesus: But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray (5:16).  Luke 6:12: In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.  

Note Gethsemane where Jesus, preparing to suffer horribly for mankind’s salvation, withdrew from the Apostles to pray (22:41).  In each Gethsemane account we find the stupendous struggle of Jesus, and His prayerful submission to the Father’s will. No doubt this perfect man prayed the Psalms in Gethsemane as he faced his excruciating destiny, bearing the sins, sicknesses and sorrows of mankind.

Why pray alone, when even at times no other human realizes you are doing it?  As the Spirit brings people to faith through the Word, so Christians will personally employ that faith by coming to God alone in prayer.  

Praying alone is perhaps the ultimate expression of a Christian’s faith.  No faithless person will pray alone to God. When we are alone with God, for what shall we pray?  Certainly for anything.  However praying to God is something that “improves” as one’s faith matures.  

Thus both John the Baptist’s followers and our Lord’s Apostles asked that they be taught how to pray (Luke 11:1).  In response to their request the Apostles received the foundational prayer—the Lord’s Prayer.  As we come to God in solitary prayer, the Lord’s Prayer is certainly foundational; likewise the Psalms are ready-made prayers for God’s people to read, to learn and to pray.  

Often (Like Moses, Samuel, Daniel and Jesus) we are driven to our knees in prayer when we face the trials of this life.  Many of the Psalms are cries of lament to God, and are appropriately prayed on such occasions (e.g. 13, 130, 70).  

Some wise theologians have said that when we mature in prayer we are consciously echoing God’s Word back to Him.  Thus we may mediate on a verse such as, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps 119:105).  

Appropriately we would be moved to pray, “Father, my path today is a dark path. Help me to consider your word that the path of this life and the path to eternal life be made bright through your Son who is the very heart of your Word.”  

We can similarly pray the Catechism, which is a condensation of the basics of God’s Word.  Though even the most mature Christian offers “imperfect” prayers, yet the blood of Jesus and the intercession of the Holy Spirit make them perfect before our Father.

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[1] http://lectionarygreek.blogspot.com/2008/08/matthew-1422-33.html

Pentecost 11 - Proper 14B

 

[1]

8 August 2021
John 6:35-51
Jesus speaks for Himself

People of Jesus’ day created a situation in which Jesus had an opportunity to explain for Himself who He was. Many ideas, opinions, and reports about Him circulated around the land. Today is no different. All kinds of things are said about Jesus – in books, lectures, sermons, and conversations. So what do you think about Jesus? Why not go directly to Jesus and let Him tell us who He is? Today we see what Jesus says concerning Himself. What does Jesus tell us about Himself?

1.       I am the bread of life –v.48 I am the bread of life. Jesus is the bread of life and whoever believes in Him has eternal life.

Like the Israelites in the wilderness, the people murmur against Jesus’ claim that He is the bread from heaven, implying that He is God’s Son. So who is this Jesus? In the Rock Opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” Mary claims “he’s just a man…he’s just a man” 50 years later opinions concerning Jesus Christ will vary.  Is He “just a man”? Or is He more?  

2.      I am from heaven – v.41 "Then the Jews began grumbling about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." Repeatedly Jesus said that He was the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. Here is a claim for divinity. It deals with the doctrine of the Incarnation.  

In his introduction John put it this way, “And the Word became flesh.” This was hard for Jesus’ contemporaries to accept. They saw Jesus only as a man and they knew His parents and family. It is still hard for contemporary persons to accept. Can one be God? Can the Infinite become finite; can the Spiritual become material? The Incarnation of Jesus Christ can only be accepted by faith. Thus, Jesus places much emphasis on “he who believes…” (v. 47) 

3.      I alone see God – v.46 I'm saying that no one has seen the Father. Only the one who is from    God has seen the Father.  No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is           in the bosom of            the Father, He has explained Him. (John 1:18)  There is an oneness between Jesus and the Father. No one can come to Jesus without being drawn by the Father. He who knows God also knows Jesus as the Son of God.

4.      I give eternal life – v.50 "This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a person may eat it and not die.  He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 6:36)   "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)  A person who believes in Jesus as the bread of life from heaven “has” eternal life. We do not get eternal life when we die. It begins before death – “today.”

Now is the time to receive and enjoy life in Christ which is everlasting. If we are not in heaven while on earth, we never will get to heaven when we leave this earth.  

In the Gospel of John Jesus comes to visit a grieving family. He speaks to Mary and Martha who were mourning the loss of their brother. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the live he who believe in me even though they die will live forever. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Then He asked them this question, “Do you believe this?" (John 11:26)  This is the ultimate question of which you must ponder. “Is Jesus the resurrection and life?”  The testimony of scripture is overwhelming. The 1^st Century disciples would simply say, “We are witnesses of these things!” Do you believe, “everyone who lives and believes in Him will never die”? How you answer that question determines your destiny.

Words-705
Passive Sentences – 5%
Readability – 76%
Reading Level –5.6

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[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Time in the Word - Pentecost 11 - Proper 14

Time in the Word

August 3-8 2015

Pentecost 11 -Proper 14

Collect for Pentecost 11—Gracious Father, Your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Grant that Christ, the bread of life, may live in us and we in Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Proper 14 – Gracious Father, You blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Grant that Christ, the bread of life, may live in us and we in Him, who loves and reigns with You and the holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Before the study of God’s Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate our study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For reconciliation – God of love, through Your Son You have commanded us to love one another. By the guidance of Your Word and Spirit, deliver us from impenitence and teach us the truth that we might confess our sins, receive Your forgiveness, and be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

For guidance in our calling – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For proper use of leisure – O God, give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life. Grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds that we may be opened to the goodness of Your creation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 For a right knowledge of Christ – Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For steadfast faith – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The theme for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost is “Eat and Live”. His own people, the Jews, grumbled when Jesus told them that He is the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. They saw Him only as a man, not the Savior who had been promised from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden after the Fall (Genesis 3:15). Their own expectations of God’s promised Deliverer blinded them to the fact that He was standing before them.

Christ Jesus offers His gift of eternal salvation to all who will receive it. He calls them, and the Father draws them to Him. But some, because of the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their sin, reject the good gift that God has for them. May we ever nourish our faith through our regular church attendance, hearing the word of God preached and proclaimed, and receiving the body and blood of Christ.

Monday, 3 August 2015—Psalm 34:8–10; Antiphon, Psalm 145:16—The antiphon should be familiar to us, as it is part of the prayer before a meal which Luther included in the Catechism. The psalmist David then says to taste and see that the Lord is good. How are we to do this? St Peter tell us that we should be like newborn infants, longing for the pure spiritual milk. We have tasted that the Lord is good, for we have heard His Word of forgiveness and salvation, we have eaten of His Holy Supper, and we long for more.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015—Psalm 34:1–8—The psalm appointed for next week is one taken from a bizarre incident in the life of David, when he pretended to be insane before Achish, a Palestinian king in the line of Abimelech. The entire story is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David exhorts us to extol the Lord at all times, for as the Lord delivered David in answer to his prayer, so He also has delivered us from sin, death, and the devil.

Wednesday, 5 August 2015—1 Kings 19:1–8—Despite the fact that the Lord had shown that He alone is the true God in Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal, wicked Queen Jezebel clung to her false gods and sought to kill Elijah. To escape, Elijah fled to the wilderness near Beersheba. There, the Lord fed him with bread. The Lord feeds us also; not through the ministrations of an angel, but by farmers, truckers, stock-boys, and grocery-store clerks. “God gives daily bread to everyone…we pray that He would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.”

Thursday, 6 August 2015—Ephesians 4:17—5:2—In this section of our reading from the book of Ephesians, St Paul tells us that, since we have been set free from bondage to sin and death, we should live outwardly in way that reflects our new life in Christ. We are to live as children of light, no longer living in the darkness of sin. Those in the world ought to see a difference in how Christians live versus how the rest of the world lives. As children of God, we imitate God, not the ways of the world.

  

Friday, 7 August 2015—John 6:35–51—“I am the Bread of Life,” declares Jesus. The bread that He gives is better than earthly bread, for that can only sustain the body while we sojourn in this earthly vale of tears. The bread that Jesus gives—the bread that Jesus is—sustains our souls for all eternity. Jesus gives Himself for the life of the world.

Saturday, 8 August 2015—Again this week, the hymn of the day is O Living Bread from Heaven (LSB 642). This second stanza proclaims that we have been led by the Lord to His house to receive His good gifts of forgiveness. We could not, and do not, do this on our own, but He leads us, and then feeds us with Word and Sacrament. The ‘food’ we receive in the Divine Service is better than the food we eat daily at our meals, for it is food that gives eternal life.

My Lord, You have led me

To this most holy place.

And with Yourself have fed me

The treasures of Your grace;

For You have freely given

What earth could never buy,

The bread of life from heaven,

That now I shall not die.

-Lutheran Service Book 642:2

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Pentecost 11 - Proper 14

Gracious Father, Your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Grant that Christ, the bread of life, may live in us and us in Him.

Who is this Jesus? Where did He come from? Who is He? His reference to His coming from heaven caused folks to cuss, fuss, and discuss. It made them murmur, complain, and disagree.

The conversation continues to this very day. We are no different. All kinds of things are said about Jesus in books, lectures, sermons, and conversations. Who is this Jesus? When He says He comes down from heaven many continue to have difficulty in accepting Jesus as the divine Son of God. The times in which we live are incredible. While 40% of the American population remains unchurched, yet everyone has their own opinion concerning the person of Jesus Christ.     ^[i]

Let’s go to the directly to Jesus and let Him tell us who He is. What does Jesus have to say concerning Himself?

1. I am from heaven. V. 41 - “They were grumbling about Him, because He said, “I am the bread that came down out of heaven.” John reminds us in the introduction to his gospel, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” As Jesus entered time and space He came to be your substitute. He does not merely claim to represent God. He demands that He be known to be God.

Only God can rain down bread from heaven in the form of manna. Only God can send ravens to feed a starving prophet who was holed up in a cave.

To make Himself equal with God caused many to grumble at Jesus. This is what caused many to walk away from Him. Are we to grumble too? He has promised to sustain and lead us. Do we trust Him? It takes faith to submit to His will and trust Him come what may. 

Jesus claims to have come from heaven. What’s more, He claims to have direct access to God.

2. I alone see God. V. 46 - “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.” Jesus is the only one who has seen the Father. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from god. Jesus will not lay claim to anything else but to be the only begotten Son of the Father. Not one who know God. Not one who understands God. Jesus makes an exclusive claim. He is the only one who has seen the Father.

Only Jesus has seen the Father. To have seen God meant sure and certain death. Moses had to shield his face. Jesus will make the sole statement – I alone see God.

Jesus claims to come from heaven. He claims to have seen the Father. He alone is the bread of life.

3. I am the bread of life. V.48 - “I am the bread of life.” Not to eat is to starve and die. Not to eat enough leads to weakness and disease. To eat the wrong things injures health. To eat too much results in obesity. Yet when we feat on Jesus, the bread of life we are satisfied. To feast on Jesus the bread of life a new life, which never ends begins. 

He is the one who creates life. With ten simple phrases, the entire created order was made. There is nothing that exists, whether on earth, or in heaven, which did not come by the created mouth of Jesus.

He sustains life. He spoke the universe into existence. He his promises to sustain and keep it. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.” (Genesis 8:22) Times and seasons, crested by the Savior Himself will never end until the end of time. This is His promise to you.

Jesus comes from heaven. He alone sees God. He creates and sustains the earth. He alone gives eternal life.

4. I give eternal life. V. 50 – “This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” As soon as the Bread of Life is eaten by faith, a new life, which never ends begins. Heaven is a present possession, for heaven is essentially life in Christ. In Christ, we get life now.

Do you trust these claims by the Savior? Do you believe He is God in the flesh? Do you believe He gives his life for this world? Do you believe His death on the bloody cross and an open tomb can give and sustain life?

In the midst of life, we are in death. Jesus claims if you feast on Him you will not die. Is this life possible? Jesus guarantees eternal life for you. By faith, you believe and live.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven,” Jesus said. “If anyone eats of this bread, He will live forever.” By faith, you trust Him. By faith, you receive Him. In faith, He will sustain you.

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[i] http://www.christianpost.com/news/majority-of-unchurched-are-christians-survey-finds-44715/ George Barna survey indicates 28 percent of the U.S. adult population is unchurched, or nearly 65 million people. When the number of children living with unchurched adults is also included, the number rises to 100 million people. Barna’s latest national survey on the unchurched, conducted August 2009 through February 2010, was based upon random samples of 4,020 adults. Of those adults, 1,144 where unchurched and 703 were self-identified Christians.