Saturday prior to Proper 15

 

This week, the final two stanzas of O Living Bread from Heaven (LSB 642) serve as the hymn of the day. Having received from the Lord Jesus Christ living bread, we seek to serve Him with holy fear, living as wise, not foolish ones, during our days on earth, and looking forward to the day when we leave this world below, and enter Heaven, where joys unmingled flow.

 

3 You gave me all I wanted,
That food can death destroy;
And you have freely granted
The cup of endless joy.
Ah, Lord, I do not merit
The favor you have shown,
And all my soul and spirit
Bow down before your throne.

4 Lord, grant me that, thus strengthened
With heav'nly food, while here
My course on earth is lengthened,
To serve you, Lord most dear.
And when you call my spirit
To leave this world below,
I enter, through your merit,
Where joys unmingled flow.

As a hymn-writer Johann Rist takes high rank. He wrote some 680 hymns, intended to cover the whole ground of Theology, and to be used by all ranks and classes, and on all the occasions of life. Naturally enough they are not of equal merit, and many are poor and bombastic.

Rist meant them rather for private use than for public worship, and during his lifetime they were never used in the church at Wedel. But they were eagerly caught up, set to melodies by the best musicians of the day, and speedily passed into congregational use all over Germany, while even the Roman Catholics read them with delight. Over 200 may be said to have been in common use in Germany, and a large number still hold their place. Unfortunately many are very long.

But speaking of Rist's better productions, we may say that their noble and classical style, their objective Christian faith, their scriptualness, their power to console, to encourage, and to strengthen in trust upon God's Fatherly love, and their fervent love to the Savior (especially seen in the best of his hymns for Advent, and for the Holy Communion), sufficiently justify the esteem in which they were, and are, held to this day. 1

Sources:

 Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 1. https://hymnary.org/person/Rist_Johann 

Friday prior to Proper 15

 

John 6:51–59—Jesus declares that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. It is through Him alone that we can be forgiven, that our sins can be removed, that we can partake of eternal life. Through Word and sacrament, Christ feeds us, bestowing faith and nourishing it. The bread that He gives does not just satisfy for a short time, like earthly food; whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

The word “eat” occurs no less than eight times in our reading for today. What does it mean”? Is Christ to be literally eaten? It is a metaphor that is saying, “believe in me,” and “come to me.” It is a way of saying that Christ is to be taken into one’s life, digested so that Christi permeates the whole of life; body, mind, and spirit. As food is taken into the body, is lost in the body, and brings strength to the body, so Christ is to become a part of us. Or is it, you become a part of Christ’s body; the church?

And yes, Christ is to be literally ingested. Jesus says, “My flesh is food…my blood is drink.” The word is not “seems” nor “represents,” the word is “IS.” Is this the basis for the view that the bread of Holy Communion is the real, physical body of Jesus? Not many can accept this view. Nor can many accept the view that the bread of Holy Communion is only a symbol of the reality of Christ’s body. By the words, “IS” Jesus means to say that he really and truly is in the bread without becoming bread. Christ permeates material so that in eating the bread, the communicant at the same time partakes of Christ.  

By eating and drinking the bread and wine of the Eucharist we have the exalted experience of a mystical union with Christ. He abides (exists, remains) in us and we in him. The believer and Christ are one. This makes the Holy Communion the peak of religious experience, the apex of worship. To be one in Christ is life’s greatest experience. 1

Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work and those under employed. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, St. Louis

2. Collect for the Unemployed/underemployed, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Thursday prior to Proper 15

 

Ephesians 5:6–21—An exhortation to walk as wise men who understand the will of God.

In this section of our reading from the book of Ephesians, St Paul continues his instruction of how we ought to live. Since Christ has made us His own, and, since, by Word and Sacrament, we have eaten the living Bread that comes down from heaven, we ought to walk, not as unwise, but as wise. 

We ought not to allow ourselves to be deceived by charlatans masquerading as men of God; we ought not to take part in the sins that the world takes pleasure in; we ought, rather, make the best use of time, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Because the days are evil, Christians are to make most of the time that remains before the end and the return of Christ. The wise will understand the will of God in terms of right living in a broken world. Christians are to be willed not with alcohol but with the Spirit. They will not carouse as drunkards but celebrate by praising with singing and thanking God. 

Paul urges us to make the “most” of our time. Many are content to just get by. We have a neutral attitude of “live and let live.” We go through life content with second best. The time is short. There is a world to save. A Christian dare not be satisfied with anything less than the best. Each Christian covets Jesus saying to him/her, ”She/he has done what he/she could.” 1

Collect for Proper 15: Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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

2. Collect for Proper 15, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Wednesday prior to Proper 15

 

Proverbs 9:1–10—In the Old Testament reading, we continue our education in the way of wisdom from the wisest man who has ever lived, Solomon. Here, he gives wisdom a personality, and we start to understand that the personification of wisdom is Christ our Lord, for it is Christ who invites us to eat of His bread and drink of His wine. These are His body and blood, which He gives for the life of the world.

The way of wisdom

Vv. 1-6 Wisdom’s generous invitation.

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars;

She has slaughtered her meat,

She has mixed her wine,

She has also furnished her table.

She has sent out her maidens,

She cries out from the highest places of the city,

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

“Come, eat of my bread

And drink of the wine I have mixed.

Forsake foolishness and live,

And go in the way of understanding.

 

Wisdom has built her house: Proverbs 8 described wisdom as a woman with blessings and benefits for those who listened and obeyed. Now Solomon pictures wisdom as a woman of generous hospitality who invites all (Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!).

The primary idea is that wisdom’s house is large, well-appointed, and unshakable. Through the centuries, various commentators have not been able to resist seeing some symbolic meaning in her seven pillars.[1]

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[2]

Collect for Pentecost 13: Merciful Father since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His ways; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[3]

Luther's Seal, Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

---

[1] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/proverbs-9

[2] Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St, Louis

[3] Collect for Pentecost 13, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday prior to Proper 15

 

—Psalm 34:12–22—This is a continuation of the psalm for last Sunday. In the antiphon for Sunday (verse 11), David calls us to listen to him, that he may teach us the fear of the Lord: one who is not foolish, and acknowledges the Lord, will turn away from evil and do good; he will seek peace and pursue it. These righteous ones will the Lord deliver out of all their troubles.

In verses 15-16 David teaches – We live under the watchful eye of God.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous: David continued to instruct his men, teaching them about the watchful eye and attentive ear of God upon His people. This was another aspect of the reward for those who lived the obedience described in Psalm 34:13-14.

The face of the LORD is against those who do evil: It was important for David’s men to also know that – particularly under the Old Covenant – there were not only blessings for obedience, but curses for disobedience. Those stuck in their evil and rebellion could find their remembrance gone from the earth. 1 

Collect for Psalm 34: Lord, graciously heart us, for we seek You alone. Calm our bodies and minds with the peace which passes understanding and make us radiant with joy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  2

Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 3

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-34 

2. Collect for Psalm 34, For All the Saints: A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.1 The Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1994 Delhi, NY

3. Collect for Home and Family, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Monday prior to Proper 15

 

Psalm 111:1–5, 9; Antiphon, Psalm 111:10—Atheist groups a few years back took out ads on city buses in cities across the U.S., even in Indiana South Bend and Bloomington, that proclaim that there is no God. ‘You Can Be Good Without God’; ‘In the Beginning, Man Created God’ etc. What utter nonsense! 

Proof of God’s existence are all around. We see it in the wonderful creation of this universe. We see it in the human conscience and our system of justice. We also see a revealed knowledge of God found in the Scriptures. 

The psalmist tells us what it truly means to be wise: to fear the Lord, to recognize all that He has done for us. Those so-called ‘atheists,’ far from disbelieving in a god, have made themselves their own god, and a very poor one at that.

The subject of bread continues as we make our way through John 6. The theme for this Sunday after Pentecost is Incarnating the Christ. Christ is the Living Bread who came down from Heaven, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who gives His flesh for the life of the world.

We can find this Living Bread nowhere else but in Christ. As Peter answered, when asked by Jesus if he wanted to leave, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” – John 6:68 After Jesus ascended into heaven, when called before the Jewish council, Peter would proclaim again, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Come, feast on the Living Bread. Gladly hear His Word, and eat His Body and Blood, given for you for the remission of all your sins

Collect for Psalm 111: Merciful and gentle Lord, the crowning glory of all the saints, give us, your children, the gift of obedience, which is the beginning of wisdom, so that we may be filled with your mercy and that what you command we may do by the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Psalm 111,For All the Saints: A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.1 The Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1994 Delhi, NY

Pentecost 13 - Proper 15

Pentecost 13 – Proper 15

August 19, 2018

John 6:51-69

Eat & Live

The body and blood of Jesus are in, with and under the bread and wine given for us Christians to eat and to drink. Instituted by Christ Himself. This we believe, teach and confess. Yet, many fail to understand the importance and significance of the Lord’s Supper. Is it only a long, drawn-out service? Why is it that many within our Synod are recommending the weekly celebration of the Sacrament?  Jesus does not mention the supper in these words exactly or precisely. There are, however, serious teachings for us to consider. By faith, you receive the whole Christ.

What is this Supper?

1. It is the receiving of Christ
2. It is uniting with Christ
3. It is living in Christ

1.      It is the receiving of Christ – V.55 “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink”

1. The power and presence in this supper is found in The Word of Christ. The hymn writer suggests and reminds us – “God’s Word is our great heritage.” Whenever the Christ is found. Whether it is read, taught, preached or shared there we find the power of God working and accomplishing its ordained purpose, which is to bring you closer to Him, strengthening your faith, increasing your faith.
    
2. Applying this word to those visible gifts the Savior has given to us will accomplish the very same things He intends with His spoken Word. In the Sacrament of Baptism and in His Supper Christ’s Word is given to you as a sign and a pledge of His love. It is The Word with a sign. A question could be asked, ‘how do I know Christ cares for me?”  Look at the gifts He offers to you – He gives you His Word – It is His very promise. He has given you Baptism. Where you are incorporated into His family. He gives you His Supper. - Where His very body and blood is offered. In these gifts. Christ gives you Himself. As a sign of His love.

Transition: What is this supper? It is a receiving of Christ. It is also a uniting with Christ.

2.      It is the uniting with Christ – V.56 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”

1. Whenever we come we remain in Him.  What is it that we Christians need? We need to remain in Christ. When you come. You are remaining in Him. Families gather together. To enjoy each other. To connect with one another. Connection to the family is important within God’s Family. You come to be connected to Him – You commune with Him.

2. But Christ also comes in this meal – He is really present and comes to you in this meal. You come to remain in Him. He comes to remain in you!  This has always been the Savior’s intention. – To come to you.  John reminds us, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1)  Christ broke into time and space to deliver us from the bondage of sin. He comes to us every time this meal is offered. Christ has given you His sure and abiding word “whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me and I in him. (v.56)

Transition: What’s in this supper? It is a reception of Chris. It is a uniting with Christ. It is a living in Christ.

3.      It is living in Christ – Vv.57-58 – “Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. “

1. In these Words. We have recorded the 10^th time. Christ reminds us that He has come down to us. You live in Christ. Who refused to be absent. Or indifferent. His intention is to remain with you. Here is His promise – “The one who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”

2. We find purpose and meaning by what we do. During the Labor Day weekend we recall the various vocations and professions among us. We focus on who we are according to our life’s work. It’s a great opportunity for our youth. Especially as school has begun.  To think of their future. – “What shall I be?” is a very important question to ask. 

 

3. Yet we also remember today. Not only who you are. But WHOSE you are. You are a child of the lamb. Who was slain. Who now lives and reigns throughout all eternity. He has determined to come to you. In this special way. – In His Word. And in His meal. His intention has always been to abide and dwell with you.

What is this supper? We have visited three components this morning. It is a receiving of Christ. It is the uniting with Christ. It is a living in Christ.  May the Lord so fellowship with you. As He come to you. In this significant way.

_______________

Words-850

Passive Sentences-10%

Readability –83.6%

Reading Level -3.7

Image © Higher Things

Time in the Word - Pentecost 13 - Proper 15

Time in the Word

 August 13-18 2018

Proper 15

Preparation for next week, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The subject of bread continues as we make our way through John 6. The theme for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost is Incarnating the Christ. Christ is the Living Bread who came down from Heaven, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who gives His flesh for the life of the world.

We can find this Living Bread nowhere else but in Christ. As Peter answered, when asked by Jesus if he wanted to leave, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” After Jesus ascended into heaven, when called before the Jewish council, Peter would proclaim again, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Come, feast on the Living Bread. Gladly hear His Word, and eat His Body and Blood, given for you for the remission of all your sins.

Collect for Proper 15 Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer the Unemployed and the under-employed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work and those under employed. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Pentecost 13: Merciful Father since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His ways; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 34: Lord, graciously heart us, for we seek You alone. Calm our bodies and minds with the peace which passes understanding and make us radiant with joy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 13 August 2018—Psalm 111:1–5, 9; Antiphon, Psalm 111:10—Atheist groups are taking out ads on city buses in cities across the U.S., even in Indiana (South Bend and Bloomington, so far), that proclaim that there is no God (‘You Can Be Good Without God’; ‘In the Beginning, Man Created God’). What utter nonsense! What through-and-through foolishness! The psalmist tells us what it truly means to be wise: to fear the Lord, to recognize all that He has done for us. Those so-called ‘atheists,’ far from disbelieving in a god, have made themselves their own god, and a very poor one at that.

Tuesday, 14 August 2018—Psalm 34:12–22—This is a continuation of the psalm for last Sunday. In the antiphon for to-day (verse 11), David calls us to listen to him, that he may teach us the fear of the Lord: one who is not foolish, and acknowledges the Lord, will turn away from evil and do good; he will seek peace and pursue it. These righteous ones will the Lord deliver out of all their troubles.

Wednesday, 15 August 2018—Proverbs 9:1–10—In the Old Testament reading, we continue our education in the way of wisdom from the wisest man who has ever lived, Solomon. Here, he gives wisdom a personality, and we start to understand that the personification of wisdom is Christ our Lord, for it is Christ who invites us to eat of His bread and drink of His wine. These are His body and blood, which He gives for the life of the world.

Thursday, 16 August 2018—Ephesians 5:6–21—In this section of our reading from the book of Ephesians, St Paul continues his instruction of how we ought to live. Since Christ has made us His own, and, since, by Word and Sacrament, we have eaten the living Bread that comes down from heaven, we ought to walk, not as unwise, but as wise.

We ought not allow ourselves to be deceived by charlatans masquerading as men of God; we ought not take part in the sins that the world takes pleasure in; we ought, rather, make the best use of time, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, 17 August 2018—John 6:51–69—Jesus declares that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. It is through Him alone that we can be forgiven, that our sins can be removed, that we can partake of eternal life. Through Word and sacrament, Christ feeds us, bestowing faith and nourishing it. The bread that He gives does not just satisfy for a short time, like earthly food; whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Saturday, 18 August 2018—This week, the final two stanzas of O Living Bread from Heaven (LSB 642) serve as the hymn of the day. Having received from the Lord Jesus Christ living bread, we seek to serve Him with holy fear, living as wise, not foolish ones, during our days on earth, and looking forward to the day when we leave this world below, and enter Heaven, where joys unmingled flow.

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, August 13 - The Creation Part 2 - Genesis 1:20-2:3

Tuesday, August 14 - Man in Paradise - Genesis 2:7-9, 15-18, 21-25

Wednesday, August 15 – Chapel Day

Thursday, August 16 - The Fall of Man - Genesis 3:1-7

Friday, August 17 - First Promise of a Savior – Genesis 3:18-24

From the Small Catechism – 1^st & 2^nd Commandments

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

For All the Saints: A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.1 The Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1994 Delhi, NY

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS

Luther’s Seal © Ed Rajas  Higher Things

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

Pentecost 13 - Proper 15

Proper 15

14 August 2016

Luke 12:49–53

Luke 12:51

The fire of God’s Word divides

Go in Peace or to Pieces

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead.

He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us.

Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. - Luke 12:51

These are difficult words to be sure. We usually think of Jesus in terms of the Prince of Peace. Our Gospel lesson reminds us there is another side of Jesus and His effect. He can also cause trouble, controversy, disharmony, and division.

Jesus will have no cheap peace. Sometimes He says, “Go in peace,” but other times people go to pieces in terms of disagreement and division. Jesus is telling us that it is not His way to have peace at any price; agreement with falsehood, compromise with evil. When Jesus enters as truth, love, and goodness people divide themselves pro and con.

It is said that wherever St. Paul preached there was either a revival or a riot.

With Jesus, there is no neutral ground: you are either for or against Him. The division occurs even in the close-knit family: some for, some against – Jesus.

How Jesus causes division.

1. He speaks the Truth.

A. If the Word had not been preached the world would have gone on undisturbed. But the preaching of the Word causes divisions, not because of God or because of the Word, but because of the utter sinfulness of man.

B. This is why Jesus came preaching both Law as well as Gospel. In the Gospel of John, the Savior reminds us, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well.

If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both my Father and me. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.” - John 15:22-25

The sin of Jesus' enemies are both deliberate and inexcusable. The miracles Jesus performed and the words He had spoken were clear. They were light and life. But they would have noting of it. They could not take Jesus’ clear word. Human nature has not changed. People will embrace Him and champion His cause or they will reject, refuse and revolt.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise.

2. He refuses to compromise principles.

A. The sinless Christ suffered at the hands of His own people. They finally brought Him to death. The fire of God is not necessarily an eternal flame. Luther “The Gospel is sometimes like a refreshing summer shower. It can go from one place to the other.” Where is the center or world Christianity today? It resides in the continent of Africa.

B. The fire of God can and sadly sometimes goes out.

1. By the water of worldliness.

2. By smothering the fire by the cares of this life.

3. By letting it burn out for lack of fuel. Sometimes it’s rust out instead of burn out.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise, and when He lives by love.

3. He lives by love.

A. The fire of God’s love can and must be used for good.

1. The fire is contagious.

2. If a Christian is on fire for God, those who come in contact are set on fire too.

B. Christians, followers of Jesus are to be spiritual arsonists. As we gossip the Gospel, we want to deliberately set others on fire with the Gospel of Christ.

1. Jesus tells us “I have come to set fire to this earth”

2. Where will the next fire be set? Who will set it? What will be the result riot or revival?

Christ’s suffering in the fire for us enables us to endure the heat. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, “endured the cross despising the shame” {Hebrews 12:2}

He did all this for you. In the midst of our struggles we “consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself” so that we do not grow weary or fainthearted.” He suffered itself in your place when His Father forsook him so that you will not be rejected.

Your baptism into His baptism of death is the pledge that you will be with Him in Paradise. He uses the fiery trials you experience as a Christian to refine, purify and disciple you. True. The cost of discipleship is great, but He paid the ultimate price in your place and now uses even trials for your benefit.

Words –1,035

Passive Sentences –8%

Readability –78%

Reading level – 5.8

Face of Christ - http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm