Pr. DFD : Pentecost 14 -Proper 16

Showing posts with label Pentecost 14 -Proper 16. Show all posts

Friday, August 23, 2024

Saturday prior to Proper 16

–Luke 17:5– This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Oh for a Faith that Will Not shrink”. The disciples, feeling incapable of measuring up to the standards set forth by the Lord, cry out to Him, “Lord, increase our faith!” This is the cry of faith asking the Lord to supply us in every need.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1) Parenting begins with parents remembering that they live in God’s kingdom ruled by God’s lavished love in Christ. The Gospel is the basis for parenting, not some how-to book with a list of rules. God’s underserved love in Christ reminds parents that having a child is not a right but a blessing. Parents do not merely produce children as an industry produces a product. They are entrusted with a child as a gift from God. All parenting flows from the gift of the heavenly Father.

A hymn which asks God to help us have the faith that overcomes the world is "O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink." The text was written by William Hiley Bragge Bathurst, who was born at Clevedale near Bristol, England, on Aug. 28, 1796, the son of Charles Bragge, a one-time member of Parliament from Bristol, who changed his name to Bathurst when he succeeded to his uncle’s estate at Lydney Park in Gloucestershire. William was educated at Winchester and at Christ Church College of Oxford, from which he graduated in 1818, and became an Anglican minister the following year. Beginning in 1820, he served at Barwick-in-Elmet near Leeds for 32 years.

During this time Bathurst completed his Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Use in 1830, published in 1831, from which this hymn, originally entitled "The Power of Faith," is taken. He also produced A Translation of the Georgics of Virgil and Metrical Musings or Thoughts on Sacred Subjects in Verse, both in 1849. In 1852, he resigned his ministry because of an inability to reconcile his doctrinal views with certain portions of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, especially regarding the baptismal and burial services, and retired to private life at Darley Dale near Matlock. On the death of an older brother in 1863, he succeeded to the family estate at Lydney Park in Gloucestershire, where he died on Nov. 25, 1877.

All told, Bathurst is credited with over 200 hymn texts as well as The Roman Antiquities of Lydney Park which was published posthumously in 1879. Various emendations have been made to the text of this hymn over the years, and several tunes have been used with it. Most of our books have used a tune (Azmon) composed in 1828 by Carl Gotthelf Glaser (1784-1829). It was arranged as a hymn tune in 1839 by Lowell Mason (1792-1872). Since this melody is most commonly associated with Isaac Watts’s "I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord." 1

Sources:

1. https://hymnary.org/text/o_for_a_faith_that_will_not_shrink

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Friday prior to Proper 16

Mark 7:1–13 – A good heart is the source of a good life.

In Sunday’s gospel lesson Jesus comes into conflict with the scribes and Pharisees over the Law and Tradition. To keep from breaking the Law, the scribes announced detailed laws and interpretations. The body of these scribal; pronouncements was known as the “oral law” of the Traditions of the Elders. Later the oral law was put into writing and is known today as the Talmud. Jesus distinguishes between the law o God and the traditions of men. Jesus is asked why he does not require his disciples to observe the tradition by washing their hands before eating. Jesus points to the heart as the source of good living. It is not a matter of dirty hands but a dirty heart. Vices come from a filthy heart and they make a person unclean. On the other hand, a good heart will produce good deeds. These works flow from a changed and cleansed heart.

Repeatedly, the word “defile” is used. It indicates the importance of appearing clean before a holy God. “Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? He who has clean hands…” It is the same as saying that a person cannot appear before God with sin. The problem was that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were interested primarily in external and ceremonial cleanliness and Jesus was concerned with internal cleanliness which dealt not with the body but with the heart. 1

Good living comes from a believing heart. The prophet Isaiah had denounced the religious leaders of his day. Jesus uses a quotation from this prophet to describe the tradition of the elders as “rules taught by men.”

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with man-made observances while failing to fulfill God’s Commandments. Such hypocrisy still abounds, as most people worry more about human opinions that what God thinks. Given our failures in this regard, it is a good thing that the Lord not only commands in His Word, but also graciously forgives and promises goodness. Thus, we ought to pray, “Lord, cleanse us each day from our sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant, sacrificial offering for us.”

Sources:

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Thursday prior to Proper 16

–Ephesians 5:22–33- Out of love for each other and reverence for Christ, Christians are to be subject to each other.

For the Christian, the Gospel does not overturn the order of life, but gives it new meaning. Each human relationship is reinterpreted “in the Lord.” Wives, children, and servants look on their husbands, parents, and masters as representatives of the Lord and submit to them. Husbands, parents and masters likewise views the ones entrusted to them as Christ viewed the church with self-sacrificing love.

In marriage the two become one flesh. Paul continues in his series with a passage dealing with the right attitude and conduct of husbands and wives. The relationship is modeled by the relationship of Christ and the church. As Christ is the head of the church a husband is head of his wife. Therefore, she is to be subject to him as the husband is subject to God and as the church is subject to Christ. Although it is not mentioned that a man is subject to God or that the husband should be subject to his wife, verse 21 which precedes the lesson states that each should be subject to the other for Christ’s sake. The wife should have no objections to being subject to her husband because he loves her as Christ loves the church as his own body. What does love have to do with it? It has everything to do with it.

Paul gives us an example for family relationships and duties. The example is expressed in the powerful word “as.” As Christ loves the church, a man is to love his wife. He is to love as deeply as Jesus loved the church –sacrificially. A husband is to love his wife “as” he loves his own body for the two are one flesh. If a man loves his wife as Christ loves the church what woman could object to being subject to him? Christ’s love is what compels each of us to love sacrificially; placing each before self. 1

Collect for Proper 16: 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 boldly confess Him to be the Christ and steadfastly walk in the way that leads to life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 2

Sources:

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Wednesday prior to Proper 16

–Isaiah 29:11–19The visitation of the Lord will bring death and destruction to Jerusalem. Yet the Lord promises to do wonderful things with His people. God desires genuine repentance, not hypocrisy. God has accomplished wonderful things for us through the gracious visitation of His son in our human flesh. In Jesus’ death and resurrection. God has turned the world upside down and removed our shame.

(11-12) The spiritual illiteracy of Jerusalem.

The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I am not literate.”

A book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate: Isaiah had likened Jerusalem to the blind and to the drunk. Here, he likened them to the illiterate. But this wasn’t a literal literacy, because the literate man received the vision of God, but to him it was like a sealed book. When the book of the vision was brought to the illiterate man, he did no better.

Read this, please: Many today read or receive God’s word like an illiterate man “reads” the newspaper. They can pick out a few words here and there, and they can certainly look at the pictures. They can sit with an open newspaper, enjoy themselves to some degree, and appear to be reading. But the true content of what is written has no impact on them.

This manner of talking the talk, but not having the heart, didn’t end in Isaiah’s day. Jesus quoted this passage from Isaiah when He rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy (Matthew 15:7-9, Mark 7:6-7). It didn’t end in Jesus’ day either.

God tells us how their hearts got far from Him – they have removed their hearts far from Me. God didn’t move away from His people; they removed their hearts from Him.

And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men: The people of Jerusalem had no fear of God in themselves; it had to be commanded by others. Their hearts did not respond to God, but only to men.

The wisdom of their wise men shall perish: Because Jerusalem’s pride had led them into spiritual blindness, sleep, drunkenness, illiteracy, and hypocrisy, God will destroy the wisdom of their wise men. Their wise men promoted the pride that led to all these evils.

Isaiah calls this a marvelous work and a wonder, for God to reject the wisdom of man and to display His wisdom. Paul was also amazed at the so-called "wisdom” of man, and how it compared to what was thought to be the foolishness of God: For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:21-25). 1

Grant, merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 2

Sources:

1. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/isaiah-29

Monday, August 19, 2024

Tuesday prior to Proper 16

Psalm 119:129-136 – The appointed Psalm for next week is taken from the longest Psalm and it under the Hebrew letter Pe. The Psalmist recalls the righteousness of God’s law and how they are a delight to follow. As we focus on the Lord and His precepts, we find direction in living.

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.

Your testimonies are wonderful: The psalmist again declared his wonder and pleasure in the word of God. It was a continuing source of fascination to him.

“The word ‘wonderful’ is equivalent to our use of the word miraculous. These testimonies are supernatural, superhuman.” (Morgan)

The testimonies are supernatural in their nature, being free from error. They are supernatural in their effects, as they instruct, elevate, strengthen, and comfort the soul.

“Therefore my soul keeps them;” The enduring, abiding delight he had in the word of God prompted greater obedience. This was obedience in more than outward action; it was obedience in soul. 1

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord. 2

Lord of all power and might, Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord we pray. Amen. 3

Sources:

1. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Monday prior to Proper 16

– Psalm 26 – Next week’s Introit is an appeal for God to take account of David’s moral integrity, his unwavering trust, and his genuine delight in the Lord. This is not a boast of self-righteousness, but an appeal to God. The Antiphon is taken from verse 8, “I love the house where You live, O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells.”

Collect for Psalm 26: Lord Jesus, Lamb without stain, image of the Father’s glory; Give us the strength to avoid sin and be faithful to you always. Lead us to the place where the Father dwells in his glory, that we may praise him with joy among His saints now and forever. 1

The True Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior.

The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25–26).

Some thoughts concerning our worship life together

Hearing the Word of God, the people respond with words of praise. The Gradual is a Proper. It is a portion of a psalm of other Scripture passage that provides a response after the Old Testament Reading. The Epistle lesson gives us God’s counsel on how His gracious Word is applied to the hearer and the Church. Often in this reading we hear how God’s Word accomplishes what it says-creating faith, bestowing forgiveness, strengthening God’s people in their struggles against sin, and enlivening in them the hope of eternal life. 2

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 3

Sources:

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

Pentecost 14 – Proper 16

August 26, 2018

Mark 7:1-13

Lord, cleanse us each day from our sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant sacrificial offering for us.

Mark 7:8
Using Religion to Avoid Religion

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of man”

It is a paradox. Yet effective. To use religion. To avoid the demands of religion. For example, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day built for themselves a religion of traditions and proceeded to use the traditions to escape the demands of true religion.

Jesus had a word for this sort of practice. – A word which we use to this day. – Hypocrisy. One of the issues of the 16^th Century Reformation. - Was the debate over the Bible vs. Tradition. Or to put it in another way in the form of a question: Whose voice will we listen to? The voice of God? Or the voice of the Church? The 16^th Century reformers repudiated those traditions that were found contrary to the Word of God. Is the Church today in need of another Reformation? Some believe that a reformation is long overdue. Let’s answer this simple question, which is your religion? Is it a religion of man’s traditions? Or, is it a religion based on God’s eternal Word?

1. A religion of man’s traditions.

A. Traditions can become a substitute for true religion.

1. Consider the religious leadership of Jesus day. They believed that they were godly. – They truly believed that they had a right connection with God. – Because they fulfilled the very letter of the law. Including all of the traditions. They believed that the external cleanliness of their lives. As was exhibited by their ritually clean hands, pots and pans and lounging couches. Made them clean before God!

2. It’s easy for us to look down our noses and to laugh at the notion. That maintaining ritually clean hands, pots and pans and couches actually makes one clean before God. Yet we can be guilty just as these leaders. When tragedy strikes our lives. Do we not sometimes wonder why God seems to take no notice of our godly and clean living? After all. We may argue. We’re faithful. In our church and communion attendance. We are regular. And generous. In our offerings. We work hard at our job. We raise our children rightly! We’re upright. And moral people! When such thinking occurs. We are making tradition our religion. Falling into the trap that externally living in compliance with God’s law somehow makes us clean and godly before Him.

B. When we live for tradition. Customs. And ceremonies. We soon lose their significance and meaning.

1. This may happen when we follow practices without knowing the reason why we are following them.

2. This may happen when we follow along blindly never questioning.

Yet cleanliness before God must flow from the inside out. From the heart out. It is the condition of the heart. Not the position of the body. That concerns the Savior. It is the state of the heart. Or inner life. That determines whether - Who we are - And what we do - Makes us clean before God.

Transition: We dare not let tradition to become like barnacles that gradually grow on a ship and impede its progress.

2. We need a religion based on God’s clear Word.

A. His Word will not fail you. What does His Word teach you? It teaches you that mere ritual washing. Or clean living. Will never do. However. His washing will always make you clean. Scripture put it this way. “When we were baptized into Christ Jesus. We were baptized into His death. We were buried with Him by our baptism. Into death. That as Christ was raised from the dead. By the glory of the Father. Even so. We also should walk in newness of life. For if we were united with Him in a death like His. We will certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His”. In baptism. You have been incorporated into the life. Death. And resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ is the only one who has ever lived a perfectly good clean life before God. He alone. Is the spotless Lamb of God. Who never soiled Himself with the stain of sin. Even though He was tempted as you are.

B. His Word gives salvation. And life. Jesus chose to cover Himself with the entire dirt and filth of your sin. And the Father chose to give Him your punishment for that sin.
And to give you His cleanliness. Purity. And life.

Now. In the waters of Baptism. The Father gives you Jesus’ clean. Holy life. As your own. And washes away the stain and dirt of your sin.

This is the Father’s idea of godliness. Not what you can do to look impressive before God. Rather it is what He has done for you. By the power of forgiveness in Baptism. You are able to really do what the religious leaders of Jesus’ day and our own hypocritical nature can only mimic. – Offer a life to God.

That is also externally clean and godly. In Jesus Christ. All your actions as God’s own child. – From the rituals of our worship. To the duties of our daily lives. Are now clean in God’s sight. No wonder the Scriptures call Baptism a “washing of regeneration” and “a renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

__________

Words-920

Passive Sentences-6%

Readability –80%

Reading Level-4.2

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

Time in the Word

Preparing for Pentecost 14 –Proper 16

August 20-25, 2018

The True Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior

The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25–26).

Monday, August 20, 2018 – Psalm 26 – Next week’s Introit is an appeal for God to take account of David’s moral integrity, his unwavering trust, and his genuine delight in the Lord. This is not a boast of self-righteousness, but an appeal to God. The Antiphon is taken from verse 8, “I love the house where You live, O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells.”

Tuesday, August 21, 2018 – Psalm 119:129-136 – The appointed Psalm for next week is taken from the longest Psalm and it under the Hebrew letter Pe. The Psalmist recalls the righteousness of God’s law and how they are a delight to follow. As we focus on the Lord and His precepts, we find direction in living.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 –Isaiah 29:11–19The visitation of the Lord will bring death and destruction to Jerusalem. Yet the Lord promises to do wonderful things with His people. God desires genuine repentance, not hypocrisy. God has accomplished wonderful things for us through the gracious visitation of His son in our human flesh. In Jesus’ death and resurrection. God has turned the world upside down and removed our shame.

Thursday, August 23, 2018 –Ephesians 5:22–33For the Christian, the Gospel does not overturn the order of life, but gives it new meaning. Each human relationship is reinterpreted “in the Lord.” Wives, children, and servants look on their husbands, parents, and masters as representatives of the Lord and submit to them. Husbands, parents and masters likewise views the ones entrusted to them as Christ viewed the church with self-sacrificing love.

Friday, August 24, 2018 – Mark 7:1–13Good living comes from a believing heart. The prophet Isaiah had denounced the religious leaders of his day. Jesus uses a quotation form this prophet to describe the tradition of the elders as “rules taught by men.”

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with man-made observances while failing to fulfill God’s Commandments. Such hypocrisy still abounds, as most people worry more about human opinions that what God things. Given our failures in this regard, it is a good thing that the Lord not only commands in His Word, but also graciously forgives and promises goodness. Thus, we ought to pray, “Lord, cleanse us each day from our sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant, sacrificial offering for us.”

Saturday, August 25, 2018 –Luke 17:5– This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Oh for a Faith that Will Not shrink”. The disciples, feeling incapable of measuring up to the standards set forth by the Lord, cry out to Him, “Lord, increase our faith!” This is the cry of faith asking the Lord to supply us in every need.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1) Parenting begins with parents remembering that they live in God’s kingdom ruled by God’s lavished love in Christ. The Gospel is the basis for parenting, not some how-to book with a list of rules. God’s underserved love in Christ reminds parents that having a child is not a right but a blessing. Parents do not merely produce children as an industry produces a product. They are entrusted with a child as a gift from God. All parenting flows from the gift of the heavenly Father.

Some thoughts concerning our worship life together …

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, August 20 – Cain & Abel – Genesis 4:1-16

Tuesday, August 21 – From Adam to Noah – Genesis 5:1-32

Wednesday, August 22 – Chapel Day

Thursday, August 23 - The flood –Genesis 6-9

Friday, August 24 - Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:1-9

From the Small Catechism – 3^rd & 4^th Commandments

Sources:

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

Proper 16

21 August 2016

Luke 13:22–30

The Cross of Christ Is the Way into the Kingdom of God

Almighty God, You gave Your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon Himself. Grant that we, Your adopted children by grace, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The words of Jesus. Are not always puppy dogs and rainbows. The words of Jesus are often serious, severe, dangerous, and life threatening. Mark them well. “Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know you…I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ Vv.26-27

The devil knows your name. But calls you by your sin. Christ knows your sin. But calls you by your name.[1] In baptism, you were buried with Christ into His death. He raises you up. By His glorious resurrection. To live a new life. It’s not all about you. Christ proves this point by His words this day.

The faith is more than a simple expression of approval of Jesus. The articulation of a true faith is more than saying, “Jesus, he's my friend.” The confession of a true faith is more than, “Jesus is just alright with me.”[2] Today we need to consider the words of Jesus carefully.

People from every nation enter through the narrow door of righteousness. Every person would like to know if he is going to make it to heaven. “Heaven” is the same as being “saved,” as being “right with God.” Jesus makes it clear that not all who think they are going will get there. We need to know where we stand and know of the necessity of being in a right standing with Jesus Christ. On this subject, we must be clear.

Who then shall be saved?

1. Not necessarily one nation or race – v. 29 “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

A. The Father is no respecter of persons. Scripture is so clear on this matter. “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved”. {Acts 2:21} “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” {Romans 10:13}

B. It’s a matter of faith. “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” {Mark 16: 16} “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” {John 3:18} “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 3:36} “They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” {Acts 16:31}

Transition: Who then shall be saved? Not necessarily one particular nation or race. Nor those who claim church membership.

2. Not necessarily church people – Vv.26-27 ‘Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'

A. Your pious deeds. As good as they appear before your neighbor. Can’t cut it. The Lord is seeking a people with contrite hearts living in repentance. "Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.” {Luke 3:8} Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" {Luke 5:21}

B. But to those who seek Him. He is more then able to absolve and heal. The prayer of confession needs to be ours prayer daily. Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word and deed. We flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.[3]

Transition: Who then shall be saved? Not necessarily one particular nation or race. Nor those who claim church membership. It belongs to those who walk by faith.

3. But they who walk through the narrow door of obedience – Vv. 24-25 Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

A. The word “strive” in the Greek (“agonizomai,”) is from whence our word “agonize” comes. Think how many who were very confident that they should be saved because they placed their confidence in themselves. They had faith in their faith! Can they stand in the day of trial? Their confidences will deceive them. Do you agonize over your salvation or your neighbor’s? Do you agonize over the prevailing attitude of this world; which responds, with a shrug, and says, “Whatever!”?

B. Our Savior came to guide men's consciences. Not to gratify their curiosity. Ask not, how many shall be saved? But, Shall I be one of them? Ask not, what shall become of such and such person? Rather, what shall I do? And what will become of you? Strive to enter in at the strait gate. These words are directed to each of us. All that will be saved, must enter in at the strait gate. That gate, that narrow door, that entrance, is none other than the person and work of Jesus Christ.

You are redeemed, rescued and delivered from sin, death, and Satan’s power by grace through faith - not by good deeds, healthy habits, and life-style choices. The test of true faith is centered in Jesus Christ.

Words-1,115

Passive Sentences -11%

Reading Ease –83.6%

Reading Level – 4.4

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

[1] Quote attributed to Ricardo Sanchez

[2] “Jesus is just alright with me.” The Art Reynolds Singers, from their 1966 album, "Tellin' It Like It Is."

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

The Cross of Christ is the Way into the Kingdom of God

With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Is. 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord’s glory “among the nations” (Is. 66:19). Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ’s disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Proper 16 O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayer for pardon, growth in grace, and divine protection: O Lord, our God, we acknowledge Your great goodness toward us and praise You for the mercy and grace that our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, and our hearts have known. We sincerely repent of the sins of this day and those in the past. Pardon our offenses, correct and reform what is lacking in us, and help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Inscribe Your law upon our hearts, and equip us to serve You with holy and blameless lives. May each day remind us of the coming of the night when no one can work. In the emptiness of this present age keep us united by a living faith through the power of Your Holy Spirit with Him who is the resurrection and the life, that we may escape the eternal bitter pains of condemnation.

By Your Holy Spirit bless the preaching of Your Word and the administration of Your Sacraments. Preserve these gifts to us and to all Christians. Guard and protect us from all dangers to body and soul. Grant that we may with faithful perseverance receive from You our sorrows as well as our joys, knowing that health and sickness, riches and poverty, and all things come by permission of Your fatherly hand. Keep us this day under Your protective care and preserve us, securely trusting in Your everlasting goodness and love, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 15 August 2016—Psalm 117; antiphon, Psalm 96:6a; 115:18—Psalm 117, the shortest of the psalms, comprising only two verses, is paired with an antiphon that announces, Splendor and majesty are before him; we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord. The splendor and majesty of the Lord are shown chiefly in His steadfast love toward us and in His faithfulness, which endures forever.

Tuesday, 16 August 2016—Psalm 50:1–15—This psalm of Asaph speaks of the Lord as a mighty Judge. The Lord will judge all men based on their faithfulness and trust in Him, not on the outward show of ritual and religion. We must ever be on our guard, that we do not just ‘go through the motions,’ but that our hearts are right: that is, that we trust not in ourselves, nor in any earthly rulers or things, but solely in God the Lord for our salvation. He alone can accomplish it, and He delights in our trust in Him. Call upon me in the day of trouble, He exhorts us, and promises, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

Wednesday, 17 August 2016—Isaiah 66:18–23—In this, the last chapter of the great Gospel-drenched Book of Isaiah, the Lord speaks to His faithful. They will rejoice at the revelation of His glory, especially at the Last Day, when this present age shall pass away and God will bring forth new heavens and a new earth. The adoration of the Lord by the faithful shall never cease. Tragically, however, the torment of those who have rebelled against the Lord shall also not cease. Let us, then, ever remain faithful to the Lord and to His Word, that we may be counted among those whom the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, brings in from all the nations.

Thursday, 18 August 2016—Hebrews 12:4–24—We continue our reading through the latter chapters of Hebrews with an exhortation to remain faithful, even when suffering or persecution befalls us. We are not to regard such as punishment, but as discipline, as from a loving Father. the goal of such discipline is not the suffering, but the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Friday, 19 August 2016—Luke 13:22–30—Christ Jesus was born for one purpose: to suffer and die for the sins of the world. In the Gospel reading for Sunday, we see Him journeying toward Jerusalem, where His mission will be accomplished. Along the way, He performed many miracles and also taught the people, as He does here. A common question, then as now, is, ‘Who will be saved?’ Instead, Jesus answers the question, ‘How will they be saved?’ The answer is, only through Christ. He is the narrow door through which the heavenly banquet is entered. He counsels us to strive and to struggle to enter. Our struggle is against our own flesh and blood, which wants eternal life on its own terms, and against the demonic forces of the devil, who wants all men to be damned. We are not to delay in entering the door, that is, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, and turning our backs on the devil, the world, and our sinful desires. For those who reject Christ, there is only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Saturday, 20 August 2016—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, A Multitude Comes from the East and the West(LSB #510), uses the imagery of the feast from the Gospel reading. Partaking of the unending feast in the kingdom of heaven will be the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, along with all the faithful from the East and the West, people from every nation under heaven. What they have in common is their trust in the goodness of the Lord.

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