Proper 28

Proper 28

15 November 2015

Mark 13:1-13

“It is necessary that this good message be preached to all the nation’s first." - Mark 13:10

The daylight hours are even shorter now that daylight savings time in Indiana has finally ended. When we fell back one hour on the first Sunday of November. We come now to the last two Sundays of the Church year. As we count down the days before the last Sunday of the Church year – Christ the King Sunday, we remember that the time is short. We are living in the latter days.

The times in which we live. Remind us of the Lord’s sure promise – Before the Lord’s return this Gospel must be proclaimed to the nations. As we anticipate, Christ’s sure and certain return. We must be about the Father’s business. Living and sharing the faith.

I.        First – The Gospel message of Jesus Christ must be preached before the end of the age.

Jesus says in Matthew 24:14, “This Good News about the Kingdom will be spread throughout the whole world, as My followers tell the people of all the nations what they have seen and heard and know. And then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14 (Julian Anderson)

A.     This Gospel must first be preached to all the nations before the end of the age.

1.      It will be proclaimed as a testimony to the nations.

a.       A testimony that Jesus Christ alone is Lord. Of all the religious figures to every walk this earth. Many claimed to have a new directive. Many claimed to have a different insight. What makes Jesus Christ different is He alone claimed to be God. He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

b.      A testimony that He has won for us salvation and life.  Jesus Christ won for you salvation and life by going to the cross to suffer and die there. Then He victoriously rose from the dead. This, again, is what gives Jesus distinction. Even if there were one who claimed to be God. Jesus proves to be God alone by rising from the dead. If you want to destroy Christianity. You will have to explain away two realities. You will have to explain away the resurrection of Jesus Christ bodily from the tomb. And also, explain away the changed lives of those who witnessed His resurrection. The early followers of Jesus Christ after the resurrection even simply stated, “We are witnesses of these things.”

2.      Only after this message has been proclaimed will the end come.

a.       When the gospel message has been proclaimed in all the earth the end will come. Already the Gospel has proclaimed on every continent. What then will be the signal that the end will come?

b.      When the last person is converted. Then the end will come. The probability of Christ returning in your lifetime is higher now then every before. This could very well be the Last Generation!

c.     In a strong and significant sense, these words of Jesus have been fulfilled.  The expression, which has come to define my children's generation is the word “terrorism.” We all know where we were on that Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001.  People still recall the weather that day. It was clear blue sky and a beautiful day. But where were you three days later? On that day, the National Cathedral hosted the service three days after the terrorist attacks. The Rev. Billy Graham spoke. News outlets from virtually every corner of the world were present. Airing the event live. And on that day, September 14, 2001 the gospel of Jesus Christ was literally preached around the world as a testimony to the nations. In one moment, the world heard that saving gospel of Christ.

B.     If we want to hasten the time of Christ’s return we will want to be mission minded.

1.      So even more may hear this most valued message.

2.      So even more might be converted. St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

II.     This Gospel will be preached – it is a specific message – it is the message of the cross – St. Paul reminds us, “I desire to know nothing among you save Jesus and Him crucified.”

A.      The message we proclaim is a message of the cross.

1.      For it was on the bloody cruel cross of Calvary where Jesus bore the sins of all.

2.      It was at the cross where Jesus was winning for the world salvation, life, an eternal victory.

B.     This is what must give you a clear distinction.

1.      Where Christ and Him crucified permeates all you do.

2.      Where Christ is the center of our entire work in this parish. In our school.  In our homes.  In our lives. So we live blessed and forgiven lives- in sacramental living.

III.   To all the nations – Every tribe, clan, nation – In the book of Revelation, John gives us a picture of what heaven will look like. “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:  “Amen!  Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:9-12)

A.     America continues to be the melting pot.

1.      177 years ago, immigrants looked a lot like us.

2.      Not so today – consider immigration trends in America today.

ü     When a White person dies in America today only one will take his place due to birth or immigration. 1/1 There is no growth amongst Caucasians in America today;

ü     When a Black person dies in America today three will take his place due to birth or immigration. 3/1;

ü     When a Hispanic dies in America today eight will take his place due to birth or immigration.  8/1 As of the 2000 census there were more Hispanics in the US then African-Americans. And that number continues to climb.

ü     When an Asian dies in America today 15 will take his place due to birth or immigration.  15/1

B.     We no longer have to go to foreign lands to be engaged in mission work. There are people living within the shadows of this church who have yet to hear of the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. America today is the third largest mission field in the world.  The largest Burmese population outside the country of Myanmar happens to live in Allen County and its environs.  The state department brought them here because of persecution. Not imagined persecution. Of the Starbucks verity. This was severe and significant persecution. Catholic charities took care of them for a while. Now it's the Lutherans. Specifically your brothers and sisters at New Life Lutheran Church, which started as a mission to Gypsies, and then refocused on African immigrants is now concentrated on this significant people group.  

And there are people living in this community “without a prayer.”  They didn’t wake up this morning thinking of the destiny of their immortal soul. They have no concept of God except for what is played in the imagination of their own heart. They are living their lives “without a prayer” of “being numbered with the saints in glory everlasting.”

1.      Consider Lutheran Hour Ministry’s theme, “Bringing Christ to the Nations and the nations to the church.” These are our marching orders. Reaching out into the world. With the saving message of Jesus Christ.

2.      Where is your mission field? Its where you live and flourish. This text is for each of us – to share Christ with whomever we meet. “It is necessary that this good message be preached to all the nation’s first."

May God use you to be His feet and hands. Gossip the gospel where you work and live. By word and deed, become a sermon in shoes. Become a blessing others. And in all things remember to be thankful.

_____________

Words – 1,455

Passive Sentences –8%

Readability –75%

Reading Level -5.8

Time in the Word - Pentecost 25 Proper 28

Time in the Word
 November 9-14, 2015

Proper 28
Preparation for the Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s Theme is simply “The Coming End of the World.” Mark’s “Little Apocalypse,” Chapter 13, is being used to introduce the theme of the end times. Sunday’s Gospel deals with the events of disaster and persecution that mark the birth-pangs of the final end of the world. The Old Testament lesson was chosen to harmonize with the Gospel for it, too, speaks of the end of time and God’s deliverance of His people. The Epistle lesson continues the discussion of Christ as high priest, but indicates that after His once-for-all sacrifice, He is waiting in His exalted state for the defeat of His enemies. As the church year comes to a close, it is fitting to dwell on the end of the world and the return of Christ.

Collect for Proper 28 – O Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A prayer for home and family - Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.   

  

Monday, 9 November 2015—Psalm 48:11-14, Antiphon, Mark 13:13b–The one who endures to the end will be saved.   The words of the Antiphon are simple, direct, and profound. If you endure to the end, you will be saved. Lord grant while worlds endure we keep God’s teachings pure throughout all generations!  

Tuesday, 10 November 2015—Psalm 16; key verse, verse 11— You will show me the path of life. The Psalm for this week reminds us that God is our refuge in trying times and assures us that God will not abandon us in our trials.

Wednesday, 11 November 2015—Daniel 12:1-3–At a time of great trouble, both the living and the dead will be delivered and the wicked condemned. This week’s Old Testament lesson comes from the prophet Daniel. It deals with the Persian period of history and predicts the end of history. At the end there will be great trouble in the world, but God’s people will be delivered because Michael, Israel’s angelic guardian, will come to their rescue. The saved will be those living and dead who have their names in the book of life, a list of God’s faithful people. Here is a statement of the resurrection from the Old Testament. The dead will be raised for eternal life or for eternal death (“contempt”).  This life is not the end, but the final verdict comes at the resurrection.

Thursday, 12 November 2015—Hebrews 10:11-18 – After His perfect sacrifice, Jesus is seated at God’s right hand until all of His enemies are defeated.  The one supreme sacrifice of Christ removes the necessity of repeated sacrifices of animals. These repeated sacrifices cannot remove sin. Jesus’ one sacrifice perfected the faithful. After the perfect offering, Jesus is seated now at God’s right hand waiting for all evil forces to be subjected to Him. This once-for-all-time offering initiated a new covenant which cancels all former covenants and their sacrifices. It is a new covenant of forgiveness. Since there is forgiveness in and through the new covenant, there is no need of other sacrifices for sin.

Friday, 13 November 2015 – Mark 13:1-13 – Before the end of the world comes, there will be natural disasters and Christ’s followers will be persecuted.  This chapter from Mark’s Gospel, is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” It is the last long teaching of Jesus in Mark, as though it were a farewell speech. The destruction of the temple is predicted and the disciples privately asked Jesus when this would occur and what would be the signs of the end. But these signs mark only the beginning of the end: earthquakes, wars, and persecution. The end will not come until the Gospel is preached to all nations. When will the end come? When the last pagan is converted.

Saturday, 14 November 2015—Hebrews 12:1-3; Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 17:14 is the inspiration for the hymn, For All the Saints (LSB 677).  Soon we will close out the church year. As citizens of the United States, we are also citizens of another country – the Kingdom of Christ in glory. This week we have celebrated Veteran’s Day honoring those who have served in the armed forces of our nation. At the same time, we honor Christ who has served us defeating our last great enemy death and opened for us the gate which leads to eternal life.

Collect for Pentecost 24 - O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus Christ, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Peace - O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sources:

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

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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

Pentecost 25 - Proper 28

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebrating our 174^th Year

Pentecost 25 - Proper 28

18 November 2012

Mark 13:1-13

O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness;

“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (v.1)  Do we today admire our handiwork and invite the Lord to join us in our praise of our institutions? Do we say boastfully with Nebuchadnezzar, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power?” (Daniel 4:30) Our personal Babylon may be our career, our business, or the institution that we serve – they are all under the judgment of God’s purposes. If our accomplishments, no matter how splendid, do not conform to His purposes, we shall also hear the verdict; “There will not be left one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (v.2)  How shall we interpret Jesus’ reply to Peter, James, John, and Andrew?

1. We like to admire human achievement. This is a good thing. It’s important for us to remember the great things God had done in our midst. Next year we will celebrate our congregation’s 175^th anniversary. This is a wonderful thing. The Lord has helped us. The Lord has blessed us. The story of our success shows that the Lord has given many gifts to His people. Without Him, we can do nothing. However, there is also a word of caution for us to heed.

 A.      The disciples of our Lord were clearly shocked by Jesus’ reply that the magnificent temple would be destroyed. Their questions – and we continue to ask similar questions – concerning their possible involvement in the predicted calamity.

When will it happen? By what sign can we know this? Obviously, there was more than mere curiosity. They were hoping for good times to come. They were looking for restoration and glory. They were looking forward to the day when it would be their time to lead. They would be in charge. They would be in control. They would call the shots.

Their questions contained the implied knowledge that our Lord’s prediction also entailed a massive future shift in the lives the people of God. They would reap the benefits.  However, Jesus announced the beginning of judgment. 

B.      Our questions today also seek to know the mystery of the future. When will this happen? How will it come about? What are the signs of Christ’s coming?  However, if that were possible, we would become distant, detached observers of events not directly associated with our lives – as though we were asking for information regarding a scheduled game or a TV spectacle.  However, when God deals with His creation, no one may assume the role of a securely uninvolved spectator. The predicted event will involve us all.

2. His answers

A.     This Gospel must first be preached to all the nations before the end of the age.

It will be proclaimed as a testimony to the nations.  A testimony that Jesus Christ alone is Lord. Of all the religious figures to ever walk this earth many claimed to have a new directive. Many claimed to have been given a different insight. What makes Jesus Christ different is He alone claimed to be God. He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

A testimony that He has won for us salvation and life.  Jesus Christ won for you and me salvation and life by going to the cross to suffer and die there. Then He victoriously rose from the dead. This, again, is what gives Jesus distinction. Even if there were one who claimed to be God, Jesus proves to be God alone by rising from the dead. If you want to destroy Christianity, you will have to explain away both the resurrection of Jesus Christ bodily from the tomb and the changed lives of those who witnessed His resurrection. The early followers of Jesus Christ after the resurrection even simply stated, “We are witnesses of these things.” ²

Only after this message has been proclaimed will the end come. When the gospel message has been proclaimed in all the earth, the end will come. Already the Gospel has proclaimed on every continent. What then will be the signal that the end will come? When the last person is converted, the end will come. The probability of Christ returning in your lifetime is higher now than ever before. This could very well be the Last Generation!

B.      If we want to hasten the time of Christ’s return we will want to be mission minded. So even more may hear this most precious message.

So even more can be led by the Holy Spirit to be converted and to believe. St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

C.  This Gospel will be preached – it is a specific message – it is the message of the cross – St. Paul reminds us, “I desire to know nothing among you save Jesus and Him crucified.”

The message we proclaim is a message of the cross. For it was on the bloody cruel cross of Calvary where Jesus bore the sins of all.  It was at the cross where Jesus was winning for the world salvation, life, an eternal victory. This is what must give us a clear distinction.

Where Christ and Him crucified permeates all we do.  Where Christ is the center of our entire work in the parish, in our school, in our homes, in our lives. So we live forgiven lives- in sacramental living.

D.   To all the nations – Every tribe, clan, nation – In the book of Revelation John gives us a picture of what heaven will look like. “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:  “Amen!  Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!”

America continues to be the melting pot. 174 years ago, immigrants looked a lot like us. Not so today – consider immigration trends in America today.

®             When a White person dies in America today only one will take his place due to birth or immigration. 1/1 There is no growth amongst Caucasians in America today;

®              When a Black person dies in America today 3 will take his place due to birth or immigration. 3/1;

     

®             When a Hispanic dies in America today 8 will take his place due to birth or immigration.  8/1 As of the 2000 census (twelve years ago) there were more Hispanics in the US then African-Americans and that number continues to increase.

®             When an Asian dies in America today 15 will take his place due to birth or immigration.  15/1

We no longer have to go to foreign lands to be engaged in mission work. There are people living within the shadows of this church who have yet to hear of the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  There are people living in this community “without a prayer.”  They didn’t wake up this morning thinking of the destiny of their immortal soul. They have no concept of God except for what is played out in the imagination of their own heart. They are living their lives “without a prayer” of “being number with the saints in glory everlasting.”

Consider Lutheran Hour Ministry’s theme, “Bringing Christ to the Nations and the nations to the church.” There are our marching orders. Reaching out into the world with the saving message of Jesus Christ. Where is your mission field? It’s where you live and flourish.

Conclusion: This text is for each of us – to share Christ with whomever we meet. May God use you to be His feet and hands. 

Time in the Word - Pentecost 25 - Proper 28

Sunday’s Theme is simply “The Coming End of the World” Mark’s “Little Apocalypse,” chapter 13 is being used to introduce the theme of the end times. Sunday’s Gospel deals with the events of disaster and persecution which mark the birth-pangs of the final end of the world. The Old Testament lesson was chosen to harmonize with the Gospel for it, too, speaks of the end of time and God’s deliverance of His people. The Epistle lesson continues the discussion of Christ as high priest, but indicates that after His once-for-all sacrifice, He is waiting in His exalted state for the defeat of His enemies. As the church year comes to a close, it is fitting to dwell on the end of the world and the return of Christ.

Collect for Proper 28 –O Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 12 November 2012—Psalm 48:11-14, Antiphon, Mark 13:13b– The one who endures to the end will be saved.   The words of the Antiphon are simple, direct, and profound. If you endure to the end you will be saved. Lord grant while worlds endure we keep God’s teachings pure throughout all generations!  

Tuesday, 13 November 2012—Psalm 16; key verse v.11— You will show me the path of life. The Psalm for this week reminds us that God is our refuge in trying times and assures us that God will not abandon us in our trials.

Wednesday, 14 November 2012— Daniel 12:1-3– At a time of great trouble, both the living and the dead will be delivered and the wicked condemned. This week’s Old Testament lesson comes from the prophet Daniel. It deals with the Persian period of history and predicts the end of history. At the end there will be great trouble in the world, but God’s people will be delivered because Michael, Israel’s angelic guardian will come to their rescue. The saved will be those living and dead who have their names in the book of life, a list of God’s faithful people. Here is a statement of the resurrection from the Old Testament. The dead will be raised for eternal life or for eternal death (“contempt”).  This life is not the end, but the final verdict comes at the resurrection.

Thursday, 15 November 2012—Hebrews 10:11-18 – After his perfect sacrifice, Jesus is seated at God’s right hand until all of His enemies are defeated.  The one supreme sacrifice of Christ removes the necessity of repeated sacrifices of animals. These repeated sacrifices cannot remove sin. Jesus’ one sacrifice perfected the faithful. After the perfect offering, Jesus is seated now at God’s right hand waiting for all evil forces to be subjected to Him. This once-for-all-time offering initiated a new covenant which cancels all former covenants and their sacrifices. It is a new covenant of forgiveness. Since there is forgiveness in and through the new covenant, there is no need of other sacrifices for sin.

Friday, 16 November 2012 – Mark 13:1-13– Before the end of the world comes, there will be natural disasters and Christ’s followers will be persecuted.  This chapter from Mark’s Gospel, is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” It is the last long teaching of Jesus in Mark, as though it were a farewell speech. The destruction of the temple is predicted and the disciples privately asked Jesus when this would occur and what would be the signs of the end. But these signs mark only the beginning of the end: earthquakes, wars, and persecution. The end will not come until the Gospel is preached to all nations. When will the end come? When the last pagan is converted.

Saturday, 17 November 2012—Hebrews 12:1-3; Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 17:14- is the inspiration for the hymn, For All the Saints. (LSB 677) Soon we will close out the church year. As citizens of the United States we are also citizens of another country – the Kingdom of Christ in glory. This week we have celebrated Veteran’s day honoring those who have served in the armed forces of our nation. At the same time we honor Christ who has served us defeating our last great enemy death and opened for us the gate which leads to eternal life.

 Collect for Pentecost 24—O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleans our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus Christ, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Peace: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for home and family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

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

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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

Pentecost 25 - Proper 28

Luke 21:5-19
Doing Your Best when things are at their worst

We are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power, nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a world-wide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-kill many times over. What can Christians do about it? We could hide, or flee (but where?) or commit suicide. In this morning’s Gospel the Savior calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for our best – Jesus gives us a promise of wisdom in time of persecution.

1. Witness for Christ – V. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. (See Philippians 1:12)

2. Feel secure in God’s protection – V. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. Unique to Luke is this phrase. It is the experience of Daniel’s three companions in the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:27). See also Acts 27:34.

3. Endure until the end – V. 19By standing firm you will gain life. Luke stresses that those who persevere, even if they lose physical life, will preserve spiritual life.

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

Time in the Word Pentecost 25 Proper 28

The End of the World

The theme for this coming week’s theme deals with the theme of the end of the world. In the Gospel (Luke 21:5-9) Jesus tells us what will happen as He gives us signs of the end. Judgment is pronounced in the Old Testament lesson (Malachi 4:1-2a) as the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. In the Epistle lesson (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13) Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs. We work until the end comes. Today’s world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of the Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The lessons have other options to propose. What can be done about the world? Burn – God’s fire both destroys and restores – Malachi 4:1-6 Earn – Work while waiting for the end – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 – Warn – An opportunity to witness to the world – Luke 21:5-19

Collect for the 25th Sunday of Pentecost: O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, being ever mindful of the end of all things and Your just judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You forever hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father of all that is good, keep us faithful in serving You, for to serve You is our lasting joy. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Proper 28: O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 98: Lord, we sing to You a new song, for Your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb You have given us a glimpse of Your future and in Your victory over death Yu have shown us now we shall overcome the last enemy. Ads the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise You for Your great triumph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for the hope of eternal life: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raise in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, 08 November 2010—Psalm121:1-2, 5,7-8 antiphon, Luke 21:33—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray the words promised by the Savior, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. The world is surely coming to an end. This is more noticeable as the days become shorter and as the church year is drawing to a close. Yet we need not fear. Our Savior has given us a wonderful promise. Every word He has given us will be fulfilled. Although the world passes away He word will never pass away.

Tuesday, 09 November 2010—Psalm 98 — This week’s psalm is a song to God the Victor. He comes to rule His kingdom. Let the whole world go wild with joy. Three stanzas progressively extend the call to ever wider circles – the worshiping congregation at the temple, all the people of the earth and the whole creation. The first stanza recalls God’s revelation of His righteousness (vs. 2) in the past; the last stanza speaks confidently of His coming rule “in righteousness.” (vs.9) The middle stanza is enclosed by the jubilant cry, “shout for joy” (Vv. 4, 6)

Wednesday, 10 November 2010—Malachi 4:1-6— Think of the end of he4 world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. The un of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn’t lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us in the Son of God. When He rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When He comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greed with the phrase, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Thursday, 11 November 2010—2 Thessalonians3:6-13— Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to love on earth! Or, put it this way: you have a terminal disease which will kill you within one year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul’s day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly. They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. Throughout history there have been groups of people convinced of Jesus’ immediate return – they quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school and lived in a commune. What would you do? Paul encourages us to keep busy and to work until the end comes. See especially verses 10-13.

Friday, 12 November 2010—Luke 21:5-28 — Many believe we are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power; nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-ill many times over? What can a Christian do about it? We could hide or flee but where? In the passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for us to be at our best – to feel secure in God’s protection and to endure until the end. See especially verses 18-19.

Saturday, 13 November 2010—Isaiah 28:16, 41:10; 43:1-7- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is How Firm a Foundation. (LSB #728). We need not fear the end of time for our faith has its foundation in the words and work of our Savior Jesus. As we sing this magnificent hymn tomorrow we can be confident that our Lord will sustain and guide us to the end.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 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
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use