Pentecost 15 - Proper 20

Pentecost 15 – Proper 20

22 September 2019

Luke 16:1-15

Too weak to dig, and too proud to beg? - Trust in the Merciful Master!

Keep, we pray You, O lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful and lead us to all thing profitable to our salvation;

It’s been eight years. Since my children left the house. It’s been fifteen years. Since they were both in high school.  I completely understand those of you who find yourself in that stage of life. It seems as though your mini-van has become your primary residence! 

It is a busy and hectic time in your life. And to be quite honest with you, there’s one thing I’ve learned to treasure on that short season of life now looking back. 

Whether it’s driving your student to practice or a rehearsal, whether it’s taking them to and from school or some particular outing; that is the exact time you are together. And it was those conversations we had together that were important.

An interesting dynamic about Mom or Dad’s taxi service is how invisible you become when you’re driving a vehicle full of teenagers. You’re simply driving.  And they are talking incisively. And you get to listen in on their discussions and exchanges as they banter about! And oh the conversations!  You become privy to information you never new! Or, in some instances, ever cared to know. 

Our Gospel reading for this morning is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching of the Father's mercy.  Jesus is teaching the disciples. But the Pharisees are listening. And so are you.  

“The Pharisees who were lovers of money also ridiculed Him.” Jesus responds, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your heart. What is highest among men is detestable, an abomination in the sight of God.”(vs.15)

What was it that drew the ire of the Pharisees? The fact that Jesus is showing how the Lord is rich in grace and mercy. The parables of Jesus always tell us something about Himself. And about the Kingdom. When you hear one of Jesus’ parables, He is always telling you something you should know about His love. His grace. His mercy. His kindness. His character. And, when Jesus teaches a parable there is always a surprise. Something you did not expect!

A manager is brought up on charges that he has wasted his Master’s possessions.  He’s forced to turn over the books and face an audit. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manger.” Did you notice the surprise?  The manager is accused. Not good. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manager.” Even worse! However he isn’t fired. He keeps his job!

Here is the first surprise! Mercy is unjust. The manager is busted for his wastefulness. He is told, “You can no longer be my manager.”  The Master expects obedience. He is just. 

But he does not throw his manager into prison. This does not make sense in man’s economy. It makes perfect sense in God’s.   

What wealth can you use to bribe God? –Stolen wealth.  That which belongs to another. That is not yours. That which you cannot buy or earn. That is all a part of God’s economy.

The innocent dies for guilty – that injustice is the foundation of the Kingdom. It is the shocking character of grace. – The Master gives the Kingdom away. The Father forsakes the Son. To have you. He accepts payment from the Son. As compensation for your sin.  More than you stole. He adds to your account. He adds a credit. And you end up with more than you attempted to steal. 

Jesus shows us the character of the Master. – Who does not fire the steward. And the steward banks on the character and the generosity of the Master. There are no Masters in this world like that. He goes too far. A Master we can never imagine. He is pleased with the steward. Because what the steward has done is give the Master’s things away. For free. This is the parable of the Merciful Master who gives away the Kingdom. For free –         

Who can receive you into eternal dwellings? Only God. Thus, Jesus concludes with this thought. - You cannot serve God and money. The steward teaches us a valuable lesson.  Money must never to be seen an end in itself. It is only a means to an end.

Employment does not last forever. Retirement does not last forever.  No matter the level of security anyone has amassed; all of us, sooner, or later, will end up in a plot of earth. Given eternity. How can any thing of a material nature have any lasting consequence?

So where do you place your trust? Trust not in princes they are but mortal. Trust not in yourself. You will fail. Trust not in anything except the mercy of God. Who loves you more than you could ever imagine. Who is content to give you His Kingdom. At the price of His own Son. Deserving has nothing to do with it. It all depends on the Father’s character. His good will. His clemency. His mercy. His grace.

Words – 880

Passive Sentences –4%

Readability – 79%

Reading Level – 4.0

Time in the Word - Proper 20

Time in the Word
Preperation for Pentecost 15 – Proper 20
16-21 September 2019

 The Right Use of Money

We now turn to the money chapter from Luke’s Gospel. In dealing with today’s theme, we must consider next Sunday’s lessons. Both deal with our material possessions. For this coming week’s Gospel the parable of the unjust steward is put in the framework of the following verses, 1-13.

Alone the parable does not deal with the above over-all theme, but interpreted in the light of the following verses, the Gospel deals with the proper use of money. The Old Testament lesson deals more with how we get our money rather than how we use it. On the surface, the Epistle does not seem to deal with money at all, but a closer study shows that the implication is, if we pray for secular authorities, we shall have a society in which there can be economic justice and this the conditions described by Amos in the Old Testament would be prohibited.

Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday of Pentecost: 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 our Lord .

Collect for Proper Twenty: O Lord, keep Your church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fail, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 113: Lord Jesus, surrendering the brightness of Your glory, You became mortal so that we might be raise from the dust to share Your very being. May the children of God, always bless Your name from the rising of the sun to its going down, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

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, our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer Bible Stories for this coming week:

September 16 #21. Joseph before Pharaoh- Genesis 41 Selected verses

September 17 #22 Joseph rises to power- Genesis 41 Selected verses

September 18         Chapel

September 19 #23 Joseph’s brothers in Egypt- Genesis 42 Selected verses

September 20 #24 Joseph’s brothers return- Genesis 43 Selected verses

Catechism Review: Commandments 8 & 9 with meaning

Review these stories and commandments with you student each day.

Monday, 16 September 2019—Psalm 119:137-140, 142; antiphon, Psalm 119:144—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. The Lord and His law is righteous. As we cling to God’s Word and follow it, we then shall live before God in righteousness, innocence and blessedness. 

Tuesday, 17 September 2019—Psalm 113 — Psalms 113 – 118 are a group of psalms linked traditionally with the Jewish feasts of Tabernacles [Harvest] and Passover. In Jewish homes, Psalm 113 and 114 are sung before the Passover meal. In the psalm for the week, we encounter God. He is beyond His creation, yet closely concerned for the humblest of His people. This is an apt description of God. This first song of praise begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah”, which means praise. Praise God forever.

Wednesday, 18 September 2019—Amos 8:4-7— God promises never to forget the rich persons’ oppression of the poor. Does it matter how we get our money? Should a Christian be glad for his money and not ask questions how it was made? Can a Christian in good conscience accept money derived from pornography, prostitution, or trafficked drugs? Should the church have investments in countries where civil rights are denied? In Amos’ day the people are rich but for all the wrong reasons. We still live in a world where the rich get richer and the get poorer. What is the answer to all this? 

The word of the Lord through Amos is the answer. The kind of wealth God condemns consists of the following 

1 Greed – vs. 5a - They cannot wait for the holy days to be over that they can make more money. Compare today’s commercialization of holy days: Sundays, Christmas, Easter. 

2. Dishonesty – vs. 6a – Short weights: today’s false advertising. 

3. Enslaving people – vs. 6a – Today we are making people slaves to debt by over-purchasing. 

4. Inferior products – vs. 6b – “Refuse of the wheat;” compare today’s scandal of overseas shipment of dirty wheat.

Thursday, 19 September 2019—1 Timothy 2:1-5— Paul urges prayer for all people, especially rulers, that we may live in peace. Paul talks about the hands of prayer. In recent years, there is a growing practice in some churches for people to raise their hands while praying, or some pastors hold out their hands with upraised palms when leading the people in prayer. 

In our Epistle Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions, that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Your hands in prayer are lifted hands – lifted up to the Source of our help, our Lord and Savior Jesus. Your hands in prayer are open hands – opened by faith to receive what we pray for. Your hands in prayer are holy hands – free from hatred and anger; filled with forgiving love.

Friday, 20 September 2019—Luke 16:1-15— The parable of the unjust steward. People need guidance on how to handle their money. Is it a virtue to be poor and a sin to be rich? Should a Christian despise money? Isn’t the love of money the root of all evil? In our Gospel lesson for Sunday Jesus has advice about money. He says that money can be your god. For a disciple this is an impossible situation, for no one can serve two gods. Trying to love two is impossible to do! Should a Christian then not strive to accumulate possessions? Where do you draw the line that money will not be in reality your god? John Wesley suggests a Christian should 1. Get all the money you can. 2. Save all the money you can. 3. Give all the money you can.

Saturday, 21 September 2019—1 John 3:16-18 - Sunday’s Hymn is “We Give Thee But Thine Own,” (LSB #781). Here is the definition of love. It is found in a person. It is found in an action. Jesus laid down His life for us. We in turn love and serve our neighbor. Actions speak louder then words. Thus John can say “If anyone has material possession and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? The faith is taught and it is caught. May we in love befriend and serve our neighbor.

___________________

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 15 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Image:  Two pennies ©  Google images 

Pentecost 15 - Proper 21

Proper 21 (25 Sept—1 Oct)
Almighty God, You exalted Your Son to the place of all honor and authority. Enlighten our minds by Your Holy Spirit that, confessing Jesus as Lord, we may be led into all truth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Questioning God – Do all things without grumbling or questioning - Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18

Paul, in appealing for unity, presents Jesus as the model of humanity and obedience. Paul pleads for unity in the congregation at Philippi. He uses Jesus as an example of humility. In this pericope, Paul shows the dual reality of the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His deity is indicated by the words, “in the form of God” and “equality with God.” His humanity is expressed in the phrases, “emptied himself,” “the likeness of men,” “in human form,” “obedient unto death.” This humility and obedience led to Christ’s exaltation. It is God’s will that every tongue confess him as Lord. In the light of this, Christians are to work out their salvation as God works in them.

It is quite self-evident that almost every church needs to be united in harmony and peace. An exceptional church does not have cliques and power structures competing with each other. The average pastor is constantly walking on eggs in trying to keep all parties happy and cooperative. Even Paul had the problem of a split church in Philippi. What can be done to have a united church? Paul writes the prescription. To have a united church -

1. Have the same mind — v. 2. Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Twice Paul uses the word in this verse to express the need for unity in the congregation. Like all congregations, there can be divisions among the members, cliques, and a party spirit. One of the dreads of the ministry is a divided or split congregation. What is the solution? It is for the members to have one mind and one spirit. They are to think alike and feel alike. What shall that one mind and one spirit be? It is the mind and spirit of Christ. Thus, the closer church members live to Christ, the closer they will be to each other in harmony and unity.

2. Have the same love — v. 2….having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Paul finds life on earth in Christ and anticipation of death as gain. Know the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? The optimist believes we’re living in the best of all possible worlds! The pessimist is afraid that he is right! Is this as good as life gets? According to Paul, life gets even better!

We live our lives in this world to serve the needs of people. This is how we serve Christ on this earth. When our work on earth is done, we gain even a greater relationship with Christ. In Christ, we are winners in this life and in the life, which is to come.

3. Have the same humility — vv. 3-5. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… What is the solution to lack of church unity? Paul urges his people to have the mind of Christ. His mind was one of humility demonstrated in his taking the form of a servant and dying on a cross. Humility is expressed by considering others better than yourself and being concerned more about others than yourself. Arrogance and pride divide and cause trouble while humility draws together into a unity.

Have this attitude among yourselves, which was in Christ. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

4. Have Christ at the center – Paul’s letter is peppered with joy. It is amazing because Paul wrote this letter when he was in jail for preaching the Gospel. How can one be so happy under such extreme circumstances? Your happiness does not depend on external circumstances or possessions. Joy is a matter of one’s spirit and attitude. Paul was happy because he had the privilege of suffering for the gospel, and because he had Christ.

Vv. 6-111 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Pentecost 15 Proper 21 - Time in the Word

Repent & Live

In the Lessons for this week, we deal with sin and an appeal to turn to God for mercy. The Gospel lesson tells of two sons, one of whom repented and entered the Kingdom even though at first he disobeyed the Father. Through Ezekiel God appeals to sinners to repent lest they die, for His will is for every one to live. In the Epistle lesson, Paul deals with the problem of disunity in the Philippian congregation resulting from selfishness and arrogance, and appeals for unity by adopting the humble mind of Christ. The suggested Psalm deals with the theme by asking God not to remember the sins of our youth and appealing to God’s mercy and steadfast love.

Collect for Proper 21 –Almighty God, You exalted Your Son to the place of all honor and authority. Enlighten our minds by Your Holy Spirit that, confessing Jesus as Lord, we may be led into all truth;

Lord God heavenly Father, since we cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

O God, You are the Strength of all who put their trust in You. Mercifully accept our prayer, and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Your help, grant us the help of Your grace that, keeping Your commandments, we may please You in both will and deed.

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.

A prayer before we study the Word Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

For Schools Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, September 19, 2011 – Psalm 147:1-5, Antiphon, V. 6 “The Lord lifts up the humble He casts the wicked to the ground.” Those who acknowledge that they are without resources in and of themselves, the Lord lifts up while others who trust in themselves will be cast down. This is the definition of faith.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - Psalm 25:1-10 -The Psalm appointed for next week has as the key verse, verse 6. “Be mindful of thy mercy, O Lord, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old” The Psalmist asks the Lord to remember the Lord’s long-standing mercy and love but not to remember his long-standing sin.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -God wants all to repent and live. - In Sunday’s first reading, God appeals to Israel to repent and live. Turn from evil to good and you shall live. With that we can agree, but the rub comes in making the turn. What will create a desire to change? Where does one get the power to break away from sin to walk in righteousness? The answer is in “a new heart and a new spirit.” But how does one get a new heart? This takes us to Jesus who said, “You must be born new.” Thus, one does not straighten out his life and then come to Jesus. He comes to Jesus as he is in sin and gets a new spirit. He then follows a new way of life.

Thursday, September 22, 2011 – Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18 -Turn from conceit to humility for unity.   Paul in the Epistle lesson appeals for unity in the Philippian congregation. Paul, in appealing for unity, presents Jesus as the model of humanity and obedience. Paul pleads for unity in the congregation at Philippi. He uses Jesus as an example of humility. In this lesson Paul shows the dual reality of the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His deity is indicated by the words, “in the form of God” and “equality with God.” His humanity is expressed in the phrases, “emptied himself,” “the likeness of men,” “in human form,” “obedient unto death.” This humility and obedience led to Christ’s exaltation. It is God’s will that every tongue confess Him as Lord. In the light of this, Christians are to work out their salvation as God works in them.

What is the solution to lack of church unity? Paul urges his people to have the mind of Christ. His mind was one of humility demonstrated in His taking the form of a servant and dying on a cross. Humility is expressed by considering others better than yourself and being concerned more about others than yourself. Arrogance and pride divide and cause trouble while humility draws together into a unity.

Friday, September 23, 2011 – Matthew 21:23-27 -The sinner who repents enters the Kingdom of God.  The Gospel lesson tells of two sons, one of whom repented and entered the Kingdom even though at first he disobeyed the Father. In the Parable of the two sons we learn a valuable lesson concerning sin and an appeal to turn to God for mercy. With this parable, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time (priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees) who condemn Jesus for His association with sinners (publicans, prostitutes, and so on). This one son who says, “I go” but does not, represents the religious leaders. The other son who says, “I will not go” but later changes his mind and obeys, represents the sinners. Moreover, Jesus points out that when the religious leaders saw sinners repenting upon hearing John the Baptist, they still did not repent. Consequently, the sinners will enter the kingdom before the leaders will.

Here is a case of repentance in action. One son refused to go to work in his father’s vineyard. Then he changed his mind and went to work. This about-face, change of mind from disobedience, from no to yes, from going in the wrong direction to turning in the right direction is the meaning of repentance. When the religious leaders heard the Baptist’s call to repentance, they did not heed it, while the sinners of the day did. It was shocking to the professional religious leaders that Jesus claimed the sinners and not the religious ones were in the kingdom.

Saturday, September 24, 2011 –John 8:31 -This passage is the inspiration for the hymn. “Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word.”  Faith clings to the Lord and His teaching. We are called to be faithful; faithful to the Lord, to His Word, to each other.

Sources:

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

Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO © 1980 pg. 83

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH pg. 253

Image © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

There is a common tendency to enter ventures without considering what is required. When this is done, many are unable to fulfill the conditions and all may be lost. In two parables Jesus urges us to count the cost. You buy a car, but can you make the monthly payments, pay the taxes, insure the car, and pay the maintenance, repairs and gas bills? You jump into marriage, but are you able to pay the bills, make the sacrifices, educate the children, and stay home at night to baby-sit? You matriculate to college, but are you qualified to writer term papers and pass exams? You agree to take a job, but are you willing to get up early each workday, deny yourself leisure, and put out the effort of doing a good job? These we can understand, but have we ever considered the cost of being a follower of Jesus Christ? If you desire to follow the Christ you must ask yourself, am I prepared to count the costs? Choose but choose wisely.

Jesus uses two different circumstances to illustrate his basic point: discipleship requires a conscious advance commitment, made with a realistic estimate of the ultimate personal cost. The practical nature of the circumstances Jesus so vividly pictures underlines the fact that Christian discipleship is not some theoretical abstract ideal but a hard reality of life.

1. Do I want to be a Christian? Do not become a “rash disciple”
A. The foolish tower-builder began to build without knowing whether he could complete the project.

B. The king will not go to war with insufficient troops, lest he is forced to sue for peace.

C. Do not enlist as a disciple, a follower of Christ, without first counting the cost.
1. Some followed Jesus only for the loaves and fish.
a. They desired for Him to be their bread king.

b. They were following for selfish ulterior motives.

2. Some now follow Jesus for selfish reasons.
a. Some follow Christ for business or social advantages. In another parable Jesus explains, The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

They do not hear the word "with joy" and never permit the message about the kingdom to control them. Life has too many other commitments that slowly choke the struggling plant, so that it never matures and bears fruit.
The competing "thorns"--the worries of this life and devotion to wealth snuff out spiritual life. "Deceitfulness" is how the Savior describes these temptations. One may not even be aware of the choking that is going on until it is too last. This warning is timeless. What you think will save or satisfy may in fact be the one thing that will rob you of life and happiness. Choose but choose wisely. Your dream might turn into a nightmare.

b. Jesus asks His disciples, “Will you also go away?” John 6:67-68

c. Jesus wants steadfast disciples; He who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13; Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Transition: Do not become a rash disciple. Instead know the cost.

2. Do I know the cost? In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
A. Our possessions are gifts of God, always for our good. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows James 1:17

B. Possessions can prove to be a stumbling block to discipleship. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.1 Timothy 6:10;

C. Choose Christ over riches, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” Matthew 6:24, because God gives you abiding riches.

1. The forgiveness of sins. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7


2. The assurance of the abiding love of God. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:23-25

3. The hope of heaven. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Transition: The demands and costs are high. Choose but choose wisely.

3. Am I willing and able to pay the price?

A. Life is a gift which we seek to preserve and enjoy.

B. The time may come when you must decide between your life and Christ. Which is more important? Choose – but choose wisely.

1. Christ predicts that persecutions will come. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

2. There is a danger to choosing life instead of Christ. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:33

3. Christ encourages us to take up our cross daily. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. Luke 6:22-23

C. Choose Christ over life because Christ gives you real life.

1. He gives you life in fellowship with God now. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

2. He gives eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26; Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

A wise man once said, “He who loves liberty more than life, let him follow me.” Jesus says, “He who love Me more than family, possessions, and life itself let him follow Me.” Lord, help me to choose wisely. Help me always to choose Christ over anyone or anything else.

Face of Christ

http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Time in the Word Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You
A disciple of Jesus Christ will “carry his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26), in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and prosperity, and death and adversity” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (Deut. 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness should not be as it were by compulsion, but of your own free will” (Philemon 14).

Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for Christian vocation: Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for agriculture: Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for industry and commerce: Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and in supplying our needs; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 30 August 2010—Psalm 119:28–32; antiphon, Psalm 119:27—The readings for Sunday reflect the theme of discipleship. Whose disciples shall we be? That is, in whom shall we place our trust? Let us be like the psalmist, who boldly pronounces, I have chosen the way of faithfulness . . . I cling to your testimonies, O Lord. This he can say with confidence, not because of anything in him, but because he prays, Make me understand the way of your precepts, and the LORD answers.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010—Psalm 1—The contrast between the righteous and the wicked is brought into sharp contrast in this, the first of the psalms. We know that we are not righteous in ourselves, but, since we are in Christ, His righteousness is our righteousness. Those who are in Christ are fit the description of the description of the blessed man, the righteous man, in the psalm.

Wednesday, 1 September 2010—Deuteronomy 30:15–20—In Moab (Deut 29:1), before they entered the Promised Land, Moses re-iterated the covenant between the LORD and His people, the Children of Israel. He reminded them of how the LORD led them out of bondage in Egypt and cared for them throughout their sojourn in the wilderness. Then, Moses tells the Israelites that they must follow one of two paths: to continue as God’s Chosen People or to turn their backs on the One who chose them, made them His own, preserved them, and promised to take them into a land where He would continue to shower blessings upon them. It seems that the decision would be easy to make: Choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, yet we know that most people, including most of the Jews, the descendants of the Children of Israel, have chosen instead the way that leads away from God, and into death, eternal death. Let us ever remain faithful to the One who provides life through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thursday, 2 September 2010—Philemon 1–21—During the summer months, our epistle readings make their way through some of the letters (epistles) in the New Testament. This summer, we read through Galatians, the first half of Colossians, and, last Sunday, we finished the latter portion of Hebrews. Sunday’s reading is from Philemon, but it is the only reading we shall have from that book, as it is only 25 verses long.

Philemon is a personal letter from St Paul to a man named Philemon. Paul intercedes for Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, who had stolen from his master, but subsequently became a Christian. In what is a model of Christian reconciliation, Paul pleads on behalf of Onesimus, just as Christ pleads to His father on our behalf. “We are Christ’s Onesimi,” wrote Luther, “restored by Christ, who, by giving up his rights, compelled the Father to lay aside his wrath.”

Friday, 3 September 2010—Luke 14:25–35—We are told that great crowds accompanied Jesus, but accompanying Him is not enough. A person must be ready and willing to turn his back on the things of this world: his family, his life, indeed, all he has. The things of this life must never stand in the way of our discipleship with Christ, that is, our faith in Him as the sole procurer of our salvation, and the only thing that matters.

Saturday, 4 September 2010—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways (LSB #707). Our readings speak of the necessity of being Christ’s faithful disciples, shunning the things and ways of this world. This, we can only do when the Lord guides our ways: He grants us grace to know and do His will.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) ©WELS

This week's Time in the Word was written by Pr. Jeffry Keuning serving St. John, Dexter and Zion Casey IA of the Iowa West Disitrict of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Pentecost 15 - Proper 19

Even the demons believe and shudder

Lord Jesus Christ, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts.

Jesus does all things well. That was the statement made concerning His authority of sickness and disease. Today we see the Savior demonstrate His mighty power over the father of lies the devil himself. Yes, the devil himself will acknowledge that God exists. He’s more spiritual then the one who has convinced himself in his own mind that there is no God. Says, James in his epistle, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil knows that God exists. Jesus by His exorcism of the boy with an evil spirit demonstrated how far He will go to win for you salvation.

1. Man is powerless with respect to dealing with the devil and his hoard.

A. The teachers of the law and Jesus’ disciples were drawing a crowd as they were arguing.
1. One could only imagine what they were cussing, fussing and arguing about.
a. Possibly they were arguing about form, method or procedure. They could not exorcise the demon because they weren’t doing it properly.
b. Possibly they were arguing about some hidden or buried sin from the past. They could not exorcise the demon because their faith was lacking or some sin which had not been addressed was hindering a healing.
2. The devil is delighted every time we take our focus off of Christ and make something else of more importance.
a. Can we be found guilty arguing about such things that take our focus off of the main reason why we are here? Churches have split apart over such matters as worship forms, a building design, personalities, etc with each claiming to be “more spiritual” committed and “godly” then the other.
b. St. Paul’s encouragement needs to be our chief focus “I determine to know nothing among you save, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

B. Who today can stand against the devil and his wiles?
1. By our very nature we are found to be blind, dead, and enemies of God.
2. Our sinfulness has driven a huge wedge between any significant relationship between God and our neighbor.

Transition: Man by his very nature is powerless against the devil. The devil’s mark on this world can be seen by all.

2. The devil can make life a living hell on earth.

A. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”

B. Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying “these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”
a. With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.
b. Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Transition: Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

3. Jesus once again is able to heal, restore and destroy.

A. He alone is able to destroy. The spirit shook the young man violently. It threw him into convulsions. It shrieked as it came out. The crowd thought he was dead. As he lay lifeless on the ground how many thought to themselves – fool, idiot! Serves him right turning his son over to that itinerate preacher! He alone is able to heal. He is returned to his father whole.

B. He alone is able to restore. How long had this family had to live not knowing? Not knowing when the spirit would seize him next. Not knowing how the spirit would try to destroy him. Imagine not knowing what the day would bring. Imagine not being able to plan for tomorrow because you are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of today! Imagine not even knowing there would be a tomorrow. And if there were a tomorrow - how would it turn out to be?

C. The young man is healed at the Savior’s command – restored, redeemed forgiven!

Read the text again. Jesus takes His disciples aside to show them the “big picture”. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days He will rise. (v.32) That, my friends, is where the victory took place. That is where your redemption was won - for you – at the cross and open tomb. Of course, the disciples couldn’t understand it –and neither can you unless you are focused on Christ. The words of Jesus spoken then - are directed to you – “Everything is possible for him who believes!” Lord I believe help me overcome my unbelief! Kyrie Eleison!

Time in the Word - Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

This coming Sunday’s theme: The Faith of a Christian is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year starting with Rally Day the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – 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.

Monday, 07 September 2009—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

Tuesday, 08 September 2009—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse v9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on vs. 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. V. 16 is very similar to the writing style of king David however they are very close to the events of king Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions Vv. 1-6, Vv. 7-14, Vv. 15-19.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009— Isaiah 50:4-10— The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to Vv. 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

Thursday, 11 September 2009—James 3:1-12 — The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, malice are all deadly.

Friday, 12 September 2009—Mark 9:14-29 — Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession. The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.”

How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!” Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”

With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 13 September 2009—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864) The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

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

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

Time in the Word - Pentecost 15 - Proper 19

This coming Sunday’s theme: The Faith of a Christian is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year starting with Rally Day the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – 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.

Monday, 07 September 2009—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

Tuesday, 08 September 2009—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse v9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on vs. 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. V. 16 is very similar to the writing style of king David however they are very close to the events of king Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions Vv. 1-6, Vv. 7-14, Vv. 15-19.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009— Isaiah 50:4-10— The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to Vv. 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

Thursday, 11 September 2009—James 3:1-12 — The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, malice are all deadly.

Friday, 12 September 2009—Mark 9:14-29 — Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession. The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!” Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”

With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 13 September 2009—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864) The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

Collect for Pentecost 15— 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, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for education – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, gracious enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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