Pr. DFD : Pentecost 3 Proper 5

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Friday, June 7, 2024

Saturday prior to Proper 5

Ephesians 6:10-18 -Sunday’s hymn of the day, Rise! To Arms! With employ you.(LSB 668)Human effort is inadequate. Yet God’s power is invincible. Thus the warning, we do not last out against human opponents as though they were the real enemy. Nor can we assume that the battle can be fought using merely human resources. We battle against dark evil forces. Thus we arm ourselves with the Gospel and it is Christ, our champion who battles for us in the war against temptation, doubt, the devil and our own sinful self.

This hymn, in the Church Militant section of Lutheran Service Book, is a bold encouragement to Christians to “put on the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). The text is by Wilhelm Erasmus Arends (1677-1721), a Lutheran Pastor in Crottorf, in the Western part of Germany. The tune, WACHET AUF, was written for the text “Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying.” The composer, Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608), was a German Lutheran pastor who wrote both text and tune for the hymn “Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying” (LSB 516) and “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” (LSB 395).

Stanza One:

Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you, O Christians, lest the foe destroy you; For Satan has designed your fall. Wield God’s Word, the weapon glorious; Against all foes be thus victorious, For God protects you from them all. Fear not the hordes of hell, Here is Emmanuel. Hail the Savior! The strong foes yield To Christ, our shield, And we, the victors, hold the field.

When our Lord was tempted by Satan He did not use His divine powers, but the Word of God, the “sword of the Spirit,” as St. Paul writes in Ephesians 6. We Christians, then, also use the Word and prayer, which is speaking back to God the promises He’s given us, in our daily fight against the Devil. We need not fear the hordes of hell, for Christ has won the victory. 1

Prayer for the aged: Almighty God and gracious Father, in Your mercy look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress, or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help and, as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of Your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. Amen 2

Sources:

1. https://www.graceauburn.org/kantors-hymn-studies/2018/5/25/rise-to-arms-with-prayer-employ-you-lsb-668

2. Lutheran Service Book © 206 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Friday prior to Proper 5

Mark 3:20-35—The only unforgivable sin is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. The first and last sections of this reading deal with Jesus’ family. Between the two is Jesus controversy with the scribes who accuse Him of being possessed by and being an instrument of the devil Jesus’ family considers Him crazy and the scribes consider Him “possessed.” After dealing with the scribes, we are taken back to His family which comes for Him. Jesus explains that His family is not one of blood relationship but those who do the will of god. Both family and religious leaders misunderstand Jesus. To accuse Jesus of having an evil spirit is to commit the unpardonable sin. It is a sin of failing to see in Jesus the presence of the Holy Spirit, who gives Him power and authority to case out demons. Those who do God’s will have a spirit akin to His.

The word “never” is a hard word. One who sins against the Holy Spirit can “never” get forgiveness. The sin is to claim that Jesus has an evil spirit. If He does, then the sinner will never repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness. He/she is sure that he/she has done no wrong. Jesus is the one who is wrong. Because of this delusion, a person can never be forgiven. This person is never forgiven because he/she never comes to Christ to be forgiven.

A filial connection with Christ depends on doing the will of God. It is not one who hears the Word, respects the Word not knows the Word. The emphasis is upon doing the will of God. Doing has an prerequisites; the knowing and hearing of the Word. 1

Collect for Proper 5 (June 5-11) – Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever 2

Sources:

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Thursday prior to Proper 5

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1—Christians have the hope of eternal life with Christ. Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in the presence of God through His grace. This results in thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even though he is wearing out physically.

But, spiritually he never grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will give him a new, spiritual body. This is good news especially for our senior citizens. A Christian grows older and better says St. Paul. The body is wearing out – eyesight dims, legs get weak, breath is shorter, hearing is difficult. This is natural and can be expected. Yet, inside, the Christian is getter ever stronger because the child of God is renewed daily by the Spirit. A Christian is ever young in spirit, strong in faith. 1

Paul can never get away from “grace.” It is God’s forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul, and justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to persist, regardless of adversities.

A Prayer for seasonable weather: Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2

Sources:

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Wednesday prior to Proper 5

Genesis 3:8-15— God calls Adam to account for his sin. Here we see the consequences of the fall into sin. When the LORD confronts Adam, he flees and hides because of his fear of God. He realizes He is naked, which is considered an abomination. This results in his sense of shame. When the LORD asks for an explanation of his sin, both Adam and Eve blame others.

Where is Adam? He is not where he should be. Because of his sin, he has run away to hide. Sin always separates us from God. We hide because sin breeds fear of God. Not that God comes to Adam after he sinned. God is concerned about the quality of our lives. Sin disturbs and grieves God. Always God asks for an accounting. 1

Sin may be forgiven but punishment goes with sin as the Scriptures teach, “the wages of sin is death.” No one escapes the penalty of doing wrong. God’s justice demands satisfaction. The Father is satisfied because of the death of His own Son.

What excuse or what explanation do we have for our disobedience, Adam sins again by refusing to admit his guilt. He blames Eve. Eve blames the serpent. It is also a common expression in our day too, “I have done no wrong.”

With the words of the hymn we must confess:

“In Adam we have all been one,
One huge rebellious man;
We all have fled that evening voice
That sought us as we ran. ” 2

Instead of hiding sin or making vein excuses simply confess your sin and then plead for the Lord’s mercy which is found in the satisfactory work of Jesus Christ on the cross raised for you for forgiveness and life.

A Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 3

Sources:

Monday, June 3, 2024

Tuesday prior to Proper 5

Psalm 130—This psalm is a testimony of trusting in God especially in trying times. The Psalmist begins, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice…” David knew he was a sinner, and yet the Lord hears his cry out of the depths of his predicament. In difficult times we turn to Him who knows our situation and in mercy has redeemed and saved us. This psalm consists of a cry from a person with heaviness of heart, presumably because of sin, who begs God to lift him above himself, his sin, and his troubles.

There are times in all of our lives where finding our hope in Christ seems like a fruitless endeavor—or at best, a wrestling match where you can never quite grasp the hope you so desperately long for. Your prayers crumble under the weight of your guilt, and you don’t know how to climb out of the hole you find yourself in. 1

That’s where the psalmist begins Psalm 130.

Psalm 130 is a Psalm of Ascent; one ascending from the depths of despair to a joyful confidence in the God of the gospel. The Psalms of Ascent were likely sung by pilgrims journeying up to worship in Jerusalem at annual festivals. As God’s people traversed the dirt roads and winding paths to the city, these psalms would fill their lips and act as prayers to tune their hearts for hope-filled worship. 2

Collect for Psalm 130: God of might and compassion, you sent your Word into the world as a watchman to announce the dawn of salvation. Do not leave us in the depths of our sins, but listen to your Church pleading for the fullness of your redeeming grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources:

1. https://www.kevinhalloran.net/finding-gospel-hope-in-prayer-a-reflection-on-psalm-130/

2. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Ed. F. L. Cross and Elizabeth A. Livingstone. 3rd ed. rev. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Monday prior to Proper 5

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the Lord God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Genesis 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent.

Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:14–17).

The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit Psalm 8:7-9; is a cry for the Lord’s intervention in our lives. The Antiphon, Psalm 28:2 reads— “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands, toward Your Most Holy Place.” The Most Holy Place was the inner sanctuary of the temple, where the ark of the covenant stood. It was God’s throne room on earth. David desired the Lord’s presence. In worship, God comes to us through His Word and in His meal to strengthen, comfort, and support us.

Collect for Psalm 8: Almighty Lord, amid the grandeur of your creation you sought us out, and by the coming of your Son you adorned us with glory and honor, raising us in him above the heavens. Enable us so to care to the earth that all creation may radiate the splendor of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Proper 5 Series B notes (Pentecost 3)

Proper 5 – Series B
Mark 3:20-35
Study notes
Genesis 3:8–15
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the Lord God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Genesis 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent.

Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:14–17).

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark 3:28-29

Clearly, as quoted in Mark 3:29, Jesus is singling out the unique attitude one is to have toward the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit: …whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. Jesus paid for all sin by His holy precious blood, so how can any sin be unforgiveable? To answer this question one must discern the unique work of the Holy Spirit, a work not directly ascribed to the Father or the Son.

That unique work of the Holy Spirit is the miracle of connecting sinful human beings to the salvation earned by the cross and empty tomb of Jesus. This conversion miracle is described as “being born of the Spirit,” or “believing in Jesus.” As recorded in John 3, Jesus explains this miracle of being born of the Spirit: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [5,6]. Later in John 3 Jesus explains the results of believing or not believing in Him: Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God [18]. Here we see the horrible consequence of not being connected to Christ’s salvation—of not believing in Jesus. Jesus explained that such an unbeliever is condemned already. Why does such a person stand condemned? If someone does not believe in Christ’s salvific work, they remain in their sins; there is no forgiveness: unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins [Jn 8:24].

In his Small Catechism, Luther described the foundational work of the Holy Spirit this way: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…” If it is essential for one’s forgiveness and eternal salvation that one believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and if we are totally incapable of doing this, then one begins to realize why the sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgiveable. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject and profane His person and work. This can and does happen as one rejects the Gospel by which the Holy Spirit comes to sinful man. When one persistently rejects the Gospel and thus the Spirit’s powerful work of conversion, such a person remains apart from Christ Jesus, and thus apart from His cleansing blood, and thus apart from eternal life.

So how does one know whether he/she has committed this most horrendous sin? First of all, a person who has committed the unforgiveable sin does not care one way or the other. If you are concerned about whether you have committed the unforgiveable sin, then you have not committed it. Second, do not rely on your own efforts or zeal in relation to Jesus, but realize the tremendous value of Holy Baptism. Jesus, as quoted above in John 3, describes this wondrous sacrament as the foundational means by which we are regenerated and thus justified in Christ Jesus. He describes it as being born of water and the Spirit. Are you baptized? Then you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, you have been born again NOT by any effort you have set forth, but by the Holy Spirit, and whether you “feel” this or not, it is an objective reality. And unless you have rejected the Gospel given to you in Holy Baptism, you remain a forgiven child of God. You have not committed the unforgiveable sin.

Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The work of Christ

1. Jesus had triumphed over the Prince of demons

2. In doing so, Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin.

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

4. Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

20 Καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς οἶκον · καὶ συνέρχεται πάλιν ὁ ὄχλος, ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἄρτον φαγεῖν.

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.

he entered a house, because of the crowd they were not even able to eat.

21 καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθον κρατῆσαι αὐτόν, ἔλεγον γὰρ ὅτι ἐξέστη.

And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

after they had heard this his family (or those who were with him) went to seize him, they began to say "he's crazy!" "Standing outside of himself."

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

22 καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς οἱ ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων καταβάντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Βεελζεβοὺλ ἔχει καὶ ὅτι ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.

23 καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς ἐν παραβολαῖς ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς · Πῶς δύναται Σατανᾶς Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλειν;

And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 καὶ ἐὰν βασιλεία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δύναται σταθῆναι ἡ βασιλεία ἐκείνη ·

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Indeed if a kingdom is divided that kingdom cannot stand...Satan is divided against himself...he knows no other way other than destruction and division even destroying himself.

25 καὶ ἐὰν οἰκία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δυνήσεται ἡ οἰκία ἐκείνη σταθῆναι ⸃·

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

:25-26 the strong man controls the house...another kingdom is breaking in to destroy and plunder.

By death - death is defeated, by a curse the curse is gone.

Satan's only power is to distort God's word.

26 καὶ εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἀνέστη ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἐμερίσθη, οὐ δύναται στῆναι ἀλλὰ τέλος ἔχει.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.

27 ἀλλ’ οὐδεὶς δύναται ⸃ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ εἰσελθὼν τὰ σκεύη ⸃ αὐτοῦ διαρπάσαι ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον τὸν ἰσχυρὸν δήσῃ, καὶ τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει.

But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

28 Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι πάντα ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς υἱοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων, τὰ ἁμαρτήματα ⸃ καὶ αἱ βλασφημίαι ὅσα ἐὰν ⸃ βλασφημήσωσιν ·

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,

all sins and blasphemies and whatever they blaspheme can be forgiven...

29 ὃς δ’ ἂν βλασφημήσῃ εἰς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, οὐκ ἔχει ἄφεσιν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ ἔνοχός ἐστιν αἰωνίου ἁμαρτήματος.

but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness...is guilty of an eternal sin.

:29-30 equates blasphemy of the Holy Spirit with the unpardonable sin = unyielding refusal to believe the Gospel and a rejection of the Holy Spirit's work to create faith in Jesus. It is "an eternal sin..." Guilt of this sin brings on into everlasting condemnation and punishment established for Satan and his evil angels. See Matthew 25:41; 1 John 5:16

:22-30 Those who refuse to recognize Jesus as God's Son and acknowledge his work as manifestations of the Holy Spirit remain under the dominion of Satan. BUT Jesus has overcome Satan. Those baptized into Christ have received not only Him but also His promised Holy Spirit.

30 ὅτι ἔλεγον · Πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον ἔχει.

for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

31 Καὶ ἔρχονται ⸃ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ ⸃ καὶ ἔξω στήκοντες ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτὸν καλοῦντες αὐτόν.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.

32 καὶ ἐκάθητο περὶ αὐτὸν ὄχλος, καὶ λέγουσιν ⸃ αὐτῷ · Ἰδοὺ ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ζητοῦσίν σε.

And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers[a] are outside, seeking you.”

Note: Mark 3:32 Other manuscripts add” and your sisters”

People who barely know Jesus are seated next to Him, eagerly listening, while His family is outside, trying to get close enough to make Him stop!

:31-35 Earthly relations are crucial, yet one's relationship to God and His family of faith are even more important, since they form an eternal communion.

Loyalty to God takes precedence over loyalty to blood relations. This is still hard to hear today, as the temptation to put relationships with family and friends above God can be overwhelming. The Lord wants us to have both relationships, and have them as healthy as they can be. He stands first in our lives because he placed Himself last, to humbly bear our sin and make us children of God.

33 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτοῖς λέγει ⸃· Τίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου ἢ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου;

And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

34 καὶ περιβλεψάμενος τοὺς περὶ αὐτὸν κύκλῳ ⸃ καθημένους λέγει · Ἴδε ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου ·

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

35 ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποιήσῃ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, οὗτος ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀδελφὴ καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν.

For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Pentecost 3 - Proper 5

Pentecost 3 – Proper 5

June 10, 2018

Mark 3:20-35

The Work of Christ

Jesus has defeated the devil and released us from the bondage of sin and death.

Why pray such prayers? They appear so formal. Yet they continue to teach us the reality of our faith. Consider this morning’s Prayer of the day. It teaches us about the work of Christ.

1. Jesus has triumphed over the prince of demons.

This we affirm every time we witness a Baptism. From our baptismal rite we hear, “The Word of God teaches that we are all conceived and born sinful and are under the power of the devil until Christ claims us as His own. We would be lost forever unless delivered from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. But the Father of all mercy and grace has sent His Son Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sin of the whole world, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”[1]

Back in the garden the Lord promised our first parents that He would send the Savior. From our Old Testament lesson the Lord asks two simple questions. “Where are you?” and then, “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

But the Lord did not allow Adam and Eve to wallow in their misery and filth. He gave His promise of the Savior. To the serpent He said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” In the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Satan’s kingdom came to a crashing end.

2. Jesus has freed us from the bondage to sin.

Jesus’ battle with Satan would be decided in a way no one could have predicted. Bearing all sin on the cross. The Father condemned His only Son so you would never be condemned. He did this for you. Jesus suffered eternal judgment. For you. When Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” your sin was gone. Satan's only power is to distort God's word. The strong man controls the house. But another kingdom is breaking in. To destroy and plunder. By Jesus’ death - death is defeated. And by a curse. The curse is gone.

Christ now declares, “I forgive all sin.” Christ’s promise defeats Satan. His victory was not a physical contest of biceps and triceps or a contest of wits. He defeated Satan in His weakness..

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

Jesus has overcome Satan. Those baptized into Christ have received Him and also His promised Holy Spirit. “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,” v28 All sins and blasphemies and whatever they blaspheme can be forgiven.

You are free. Christ’s victory over Satan means you belong.

If Satan cannot shake your trust in Christ’s forgiveness, he’ll try to make you feel like an outsider. He will say, “You don’t fit with these people. What you did. Was so much worse. If they knew who you really are. They would march you to the church door. And tell you to leave and not come back.”

We are susceptible to these accusations. It is our nature to compare ourselves with others. What we fail to see that in comparing we are trying to justify ourselves.

Christ silences Satan with this promise: “You belong to My family.” “And His mother and His brothers came, and standing outside they sent to Him and called Him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers’ are outside, seeking You.” And He answered them, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God He is My brother and sister and mother.” (Vv. 31–35).

4. Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

And what is the will of the Father? “God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.”[2] His good and gracious will is that you believe in Christ.

This past week two prominent persons in the public view lost their lives due to suicide.3 They ended their life in disparate despair. So what could you say to someone. Whose sin was so dark. That that they question God’s ability to forgive? More important. What does Jesus Christ say to you? When you face similar darkness. He says, “I forgive all sin. Your shame your brokenness is gone. I welcome you. You are loved...regardless."

You are free. Forgiven. And you belong. Christ’s victory over Satan had set you free from sin’s prison. Jesus does the same for you. And all who seek His favor. In Christ, you are free.

Words-925

Passive Sentences –1%

Readability-82%

Reading Level -4.3

[3] Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, who died this past week. Escalating suicide rates have affected nearly every demographic group and place, according to new federal data.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Proper 5 notes

Pentecost 3 - Proper 5

Mark 3:20-35

Study notes

Genesis 3:8–15

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the Lord God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Genesis 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent.

Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:14–17).

The work of Christ

1. Jesus had triumphed over the Prince of demons

2. In doing so, Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin.

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

4. Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

20 Καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς οἶκον · καὶ συνέρχεται πάλιν ὁ ὄχλος, ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἄρτον φαγεῖν.

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.

Jesus entered a house, because of the crowd they were not even able to eat.

21 καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθον κρατῆσαι αὐτόν, ἔλεγον γὰρ ὅτι ἐξέστη.

And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

After they had heard this his family (or those who were with him) went to seize him, they began to say "he's crazy!" "Standing outside of himself."