Pr. DFD : Pentecost 4 Proper 7

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Saturday, June 20, 2015

Proper 7

Proper 7

Mark 4:35-41

21 June 2015

Almighty God, in Your mercy guide the course of this world so that Your Church may joyfully serve You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord...

Jesus is Lord. This is what faith communicates. It speaks. It confesses reality. And your reality, is this, Jesus is Lord! It is true. And it is certain.

In rapid succession, with one story, stacked, one after another, Mark will tell us clearly, “Jesus is Lord!” Jesus is Lord over nature. Over demons. Over death. Jesus is Lord. He stills the wind and calms the stormy sea. Jesus is Lord. The demon-possessed man, the one who had had legion, is sitting there, clothed and in his right mind. (Mark 5:15) Jesus is Lord. Jairus’ daughter is raised to life.

The disciples feared a great fear. “Who is this? That even the wind and the sea obey him?”

It has been quite a week, hasn’t it! With all this rain. And thunder! Make it stop! This is too much! Still, it comes! It’s easy to say, “Jesus is Lord!” when all is bright and sunny. But when storms come, as they do, it’s difficult and hard to prove. We falter when we lose focus and doubt.

Our flesh is always warring against our spirit. That’s where fighting and fears come from. And this lordship of Jesus is often veiled. Does the Father still love me in the midst of these storms and problems? Can Jesus help me when I’m up against so many great odds? Why is God silent? Why won’t He listen? This veil is uncovered in today’s Gospel. With the world of nature howling against the disciples, Jesus discloses His lordship.

“When evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side’. And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as He was.” (Vv.35-36) They took Jesus along with them just as He was. This is a clear reference to Jesus’ human nature. Jesus had told the disciples to have a boat ready for Him because of the crowd, which was about to crush Him.[1] He had been so busy teaching and preaching. The crowd was so huge that He didn’t even have time to eat.[2] He was exhausted and spent. No wonder He slept in the back of the boat!

These disciples. They were experienced fishermen. They knew these waters. There were times to fish. There were times to travel. And you did not go across to the other side when evening had come. That’s when the storms come. At night! Nevertheless, they went. At Jesus’ command.

A furious squall...a bad storm...happened. The boat suffers simply because it's there. They suffer because they were there. Sometimes bad things happen because they happen.

We cannot escape hard times. We are living outside of Eden. This is a fallen world. We are not perfect.

And hard times happen. Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan…until you get punched in the face!” Sometimes we get punched! It is not pleasant. It is not joyful. It is not easy. It’s hard. And difficult!

And these disciples. They understood their culture of their time. The waves implied turmoil. And the Sea indicated death. How’s that for trusting Jesus! And His word. Had He sent them off to die? Was this a test? Or a punishment?

We are being destroyed…NOW! They cry! And Jesus? Where is He? He’s on a cushion. Literally, He's asleep at the wheel.

Notice, the language. We're perishing! They cry out. And Jesus is included with them. But as they cry out to Him, they say, “it matters to you doesn’t it?” They ask, expecting a positive answer. They know they are in trouble. They seek Jesus, expecting His help.

Though seemingly asleep, Jesus can be wakened. This has always been the expectation of faith. We expect Jesus to intervene. We expect Jesus to act. We expect Jesus to hear us. David cried out in Psalm 89:8-9 “O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.”

And in Psalm 107, “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet. And be brought them to their desired haven.” (Vv. 28-30)

Jesus intervenes. He rescues by rebuking faithlessness and revealing Himself as the Master of the elements, to stifle storms and still the seas. Jesus literally says, “Shut up! Be muzzled!” Of course! This is rude language. But it's the enemy! Even the grave and the jaws of death are shut up for you. He speaks with authority. He doesn't grab a bucket. He goes to the source of the problem. And He delivers them.

Jesus unveils His power daily. Especially, in the midst of peril. When everything seems lost. He is always in control. The early Christians remembered this account in their persecutions. When you encounter peril or danger may we simply pray, Jesus, Savior, pilot me! Jesus does not explain each wave. Yet He weeps with those who weep. He mourns with those who mourn. He comforts, strengthens and He heals.

Faith prays. Because it knows nothing else. Like the infant. To her mother. She knows nothing other than to trust. Jesus always responds with His word of peace. He releases His grace in daily forgiveness. “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 cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Jesus concludes with a question. Why are you cowards? And there is no answer, other than to respond, “Lord I believe…help me in my unbelief.”(Mark 9:24) Lord I trust…help me when it is shaken. Lord I cling to You…never let go!

Mark reminds us, “They feared a great fear...who is this?” Fear? Yes, fear. As in the First Commandment, “we should fear, love and trust in God above all things.”

In this life, we will encounter storms. They cannot be avoided. They are part and parcel of our life. And yet, there is no better place to be,-then next to Jesus, asleep in His sleep over sin, over death, over the Devil.

Jesus, who didst ever guide me

Jesus, my strong helper be.

Jesus, save, whate’er betide me,

Jesus, make me trust in Thee.

Jesus let Thy grace attend me,

Jesus, still from sin defend me.[3]

_____________

Words –1,150

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability –86.9

Reading Level -2.8

[1] Mark 3:9

[2] Mark 3:20

[3] Jesus richte mein Beginnen – Jesus Shepherd My Beginning (J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Part IV)

A little bit of Christmas - because it is the first day of summer!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Time in the Word - Pentecost 4 - Proper 7

The Word of Christ Bestows Peace on His Creation through His Forgiveness of Sins -

Pentecost 4 – Proper 7

In his anguish and affliction, Job must be reminded that, as a finite creature, he is in no position to question the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Job’s “words without knowledge” are unable to penetrate the wisdom of the Lord (Job 38:1–2). For the Lord has “prescribed limits” and “set bars and doors,” so that “here shall your proud waves be stayed” (Job 38:9–11). That’s how He humbles us unto repentance. But also by His powerful Word He calms the “great windstorm” and the waves “breaking into the boat.” He does not permit the chaos of this fallen world to overwhelm us or bring us to despair. By the Word of His Gospel, He speaks “Peace” to us, which bestows the “great calm” of His New Creation (Mark 4:37–39). Therefore, do not be afraid, and do not receive this grace of God in vain. “Now is the favorable time,” and “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:1–2).

Collect for Peace: O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness;

Prayer for Peace: Almighty and everlasting God, King of Glory, and Lord of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are governed, by whose providence all things are ordered, the God of peace and the author of all concord, grant us, we implore You, Your heavenly peace and concord that we may serve You in true fear, to the praise and glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Prayer for one suffering from anxiety, apprehension, or fear: O most loving Father, You want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing except losing You, and to lay all our cares on You, knowing that You care for us. Strengthen [name] in [his/her] faith in You. Grant that the fears and anxieties of this mortal life may not separate [him/her] from Your love shown to us in Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Prayer at the close of the day: Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us at the end of the day, at the end of our life, at the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your holy Word ad Sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair, the night when death draws near. Abide with us and with all the faithful, now and forever.

Collect for Pentecost 4: Almighty God, in Your mercy guide the course of this world so that Your Church may joyfully serve You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 15 June 2015—Psalm 107:29–32; Antiphon, Psalm 107:28—This psalm recounts many of the things that the LORD has done for His people, and exhorts them to praise Him for them. In the section appointed for Sunday’s Introit, the LORD is given praise for manifesting His might by delivering His people from the storms of nature. This sets the theme for the day, where all the readings point to the authority of the Creator over His creation, and His continuing governance.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015—Psalm 124—This Song of Ascents, that pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem, praises the Lord for His deliverance of His people from catastrophes of nature. Twice, it is sung, If the Lord had not been on our side…Those who sing the psalm recognize that their only hope of salvation is in the Lord. We echo this in the daily offices, such as Matins and Vespers, and when we confess our sins in the Divine Service, when we repeat verse eight: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015—Job 38:1–11—At the end of the book of Job, God answers Job, who has demanded the opportunity to interrogate Him for the calamities which have befallen Job. God answers with an interrogation of His own: Who is Job to question the Creator of all things? The Lord, who laid the foundation of the earth and determined its measurements, who prescribed limits for the sea, knows what He is doing. How can the creature second-guess the Creator?

Thursday, 18 June 2015—2 Corinthians 6:1–13—In Sunday’s epistle reading, St Paul speaks of his experiences as Christ’s Ambassador of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). He tells of these things not to boast, but because what people see in the messenger affects the credibility of the message.

In verse 6, he speaks of the reason he was able to withstand these hardships and still bring forth the fruits of righteousness: it is solely the work of God, especially the Holy Spirit. God, the Creator of all things, is also able to create the New Man, who lives before God in righteousness and purity,

Friday, 19 June 2015—Mark 4:35–41—Terrified by a storm which came upon them quickly on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were powerless to escape it or overcome it. Jesus, however, through whom all things were created (John 1:3), is able to calm the seas by the command of His voice. After all, He is God, who brought all things into existence by speaking, ‘Let there be…’ (Genesis 1)

Saturday, 20 June 2015—Sunday’s hymn of the day, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (LSB 715), uses the imagery of a stormy sea to represent the trials and tribulations which are part of our lives as long as we live in this fallen, sinful world. But Jesus is able to still those seas, as He did the Sea of Galilee, and bring comfort to us. True comfort can come only through Jesus, for He is our Salvation.

The Revd Jeffrey M. Keuning, wrote this week’s “Time in the Word”. He serves St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Casey, and Zion Lutheran Church, Dexter, Iowa

Sources:

Artwork © WELS for personal and congregational use

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Pentecost 4 - Proper 7

Proper7

24 June 2012

Mark 4:35-41

Creatures in awe of Jesus’ authority over the creation

INTRODUCTION

A. Following a day full of teaching activity...

1. Jesus and His disciples got in a boat to sail across the Sea of Galilee –

2. A windstorm arose, beating waves into the boat –

3. Jesus was sleeping, but was wakened by His disciples fearing their lives –

4. Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the seas –

5. He then reproached His disciples for their fear and lack of faith

6. Filled with great fear, His disciples expressed their awe of Jesus to one another. –

B. The account of Jesus calming the storm is well-known...

1. Popular in many children's Bible classes

2. The setting for the song “Jesus Savior Pilot Me”

I. WE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM STORMS

A. WE FACE STORMS BECAUSE WE ARE HUMANS...

1. Being Jesus' disciples did not protect them from storms.

2. We live in a world where there are many storms, both literal and figurative.

3. Christians experience literal tornados, hurricanes, just like everyone else.

4. Christians likewise face storms such as sickness, accidents, disappointments, death.

5. Paul certainly experience the perils of storms and shipwrecks - 2Co 11:25-26 -- Three times I was beaten with rods; jonce I was stoned; three times I kwas shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, min perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; Jesus does not promise exemption from the normal storms of life.

B. WE FACE STORMS BECAUSE WE ARE CHRISTIANS...

1. Jesus warned that we will experience tribulation as His disciples - John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world

2. Paul did, and warned his fellow disciples - 2Corinthians 11:24-25; Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, Acts 14:22; strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 2Timothy 3:12 -In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

3. Peter wrote that we should not be surprised - 1Peter 4:12 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.-- Jesus does not promise exemption from the storms of religious persecution

Transition: So if we find ourselves in the midst of storms, whether literal or figurative, whether it’s because we are simply humans or because we are Christians, do not think it strange. Instead take heart knowing that…

II. JESUS HELPS US DEAL WITH STORMS

A. THROUGH FAITH...

1. During storms, we are often afraid ("we are perishing!") -

2. Jesus teaches that fear is indicative of a lack of faith –

3. To overcome fear in storms, we need to grow in faith!

a. Faith that God will protect us if it be His will - cf. Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

b. Faith that God will deliver us to His heavenly city even if we die - Psalm 46:4-5, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.--Jesus reveals the role of faith in the midst of storms.

B. THROUGH HIS WORD...

1. Jesus' words prepare us to withstand the storms of life - Matthew 7:24-27. Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

2. How to pray in order to be heard by God - Matthew 6:5-8 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

3. To lay up treasure in heaven instead of on earth - Matthew 6:19-20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

4. To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - Matthew 6:31-34 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -- Jesus shares the secrets to standing strong against the storms of life.

C. THROUGH PRAYER...

1. Jesus is key to receiving mercy and grace to help in time of need - Hebrews 4:14-16; Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

2. In anxious times, God offers peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus through prayer. -- Jesus stands ready to calm our hearts and minds when facing storms.

D. THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE...

1. The greatest "storm" all of us will face will be the Day of Judgment - 2Peter 3:7, By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

2. A day in which we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ - 2Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

3. But Christ shed His blood to spare us on that Day - Romans 5:6-10 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

4. By obeying the gospel, we can have our names added to the Lamb's book of life and escape condemnation for our sins - cf. Mark 16:15-16; He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. -- Jesus stands ready to save us and protect us from the "perfect storm" to come.

CONCLUSION

A. Everyone will face one or more storms in his or her life...

1. Whether literally or metaphorically

2. Whether atheist or believer

B. How shall we react when the time(s) come...

1. Shall we cry out like the disciples who were weak in faith ("we are perishing!")?

2. Or shall we weather the storms with confident faith and calm repose?

C. And how shall we stand on when the final storm comes...

1. The "perfect storm", that is, the Day of Judgment?

2. Shall we hear Jesus say, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"? Matthew 25:34

3. Or will we hear Him say, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels"? - Matthew 25:41

When Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, "Peace, be still", the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The disciples, with fear and amazement, said: "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" The wind and the sea obeyed Jesus. Shall we not obey Him who now has all authority in heaven and on earth? - Matthew 28:18-20

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Time in the Word - Pentecost 4- Proper 7

The Word of Christ Bestows Peace on His Creation through His Forgiveness of Sins

Collect for the Nativity of St John the Baptist (24June): Almighty God, through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, You once proclaimed salvation. Now grant that we may know this salvation and serve You in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 18 June 2012—Psalm 107:29–32; Antiphon, Psalm 107:28—This psalm recounts many of the things that the LORD has done for His people, and exhorts them to praise Him for them. In the section appointed for Sunday’s Introit, the LORD is given praise for manifesting His might by delivering His people from the storms of nature. This sets the theme for the day, where all the readings point to the authority of the Creator over His creation, and His continuing governance.

Tuesday, 19 June 2012—Psalm 124—This Song of Ascents, that pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem, praises the Lord for His deliverance of His people from catastrophes of nature. Twice, it is sung, If the Lord had not been on our side…Those who sing the psalm recognize that their only hope of salvation is in the Lord. We echo this in the daily offices, such as Matins and Vespers, and when we confess our sins in the Divine Service, when we repeat verse eight: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Wednesday, 20 June 2012—Job 38:1–11—At the end of the book of Job, God answers Job, who has demanded the opportunity to interrogate Him for the calamities which have befallen Job. God answers with an interrogation of His own: Who is Job to question the Creator of all things? The Lord, who laid the foundation of the earth and determined its measurements, who prescribed limits for the sea, knows what He is doing. How can the creature second-guess the Creator?

Thursday, 21 June 2012—2 Corinthians 6:1–13—In Sunday’s epistle reading, St Paul speaks of his experiences as Christ’s Ambassador of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:20). He tells of these things not to boast, but because what people see in the messenger affects the credibility of the message. In verse 6, he speaks of the reason he was able to withstand these hardships and still bring forth the fruits of righteousness: it is solely the work of God, especially the Holy Spirit. God, the Creator of all things, is also able to create the New Man, who lives before God in righteousness and purity,

Friday, 22 June 2012—Mark 4:35–41—Terrified by a storm which came upon them quickly on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were powerless to escape it or overcome it. Jesus, however, through whom all things were created (John 1:3), is able to calm the seas by the command of His voice. After all, He is God, who brought all things into existence by speaking, ‘Let there be…’ (Genesis 1)

Saturday, 23 June 2012—Sunday’s hymn of the day, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (LSB 715), uses the imagery of a stormy sea to represent the trials and tribulations which are part of our lives as long as we live in this fallen, sinful world. But Jesus is able to still those seas, as He did the Sea of Galilee, and bring comfort to us. True comfort can come only through Jesus, for He is our Salvation.

The Revd Jeffrey M. Keuning, Pastor wrote this week’s “Time in the Word”. He serves St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Casey, and Zion Lutheran Church, Dexter, Iowa

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Pentecost 4 - Proper 7

Galatians 3:26-29
“Who Do You Think You Are?”

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ

When Alex Haley, the author of Roots, appeared on the “Tonight” show with Johnny Carson, he received 18,000 letters asking him for help in finding who they are. Self-identity is the big question and problem for many today. A Christian should not have this problem, for Paul in our text tells who a Christian is. You are sons and daughters of God because.

1. You have faith in Christ. V. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. You have been re-born as children of God.

A. People with a promise see their origin as children created by their heavenly Father.

1. We no not live for ourselves.

2. Rather, we live for Him who died for us making us the children of God.

B. People with a promise see their relationship to God enhancing life.

1. Your life in Christ ought to make us better people.

2. As He has impacted us we in turn influence others. This what it means to be salt and light in the world. Jesus said, You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [Matthew 5:13-15]

Transition: You are people with a promise. You were reborn to be the children of God as you are clothed with Christ.

2. You have been baptized into Christ. V. 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. You are now clothed with Christ.

A. People with a promise find identity in their saving relationship with God through Christ.

1. Ours is not a religion but a living relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.

2. A relationship assumes there will be interaction, conversation, a bonding.

B. People with a promise find motivation and assurance through the role of Christ’s grace.

1. They know that by grace through faith they are properly clothed for the wedding banquet of God’s Son.

2. They are motivated to share their clothes with those who are needy, thus expressing their faith and love.

Transition: You are people with a promise. Reborn to be the children of God you are clothed with Christ as you were baptized in the Spirit of Christ.

3. You have put on Christ. V.27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. You have been baptized in the Spirit of Christ.

A. People with a promise are washed clean of unrighteousness.

1. The water of Baptism washes away sin and assures us of forgiveness.

2. The word of Baptism miraculously creates and sustains faith, whereby we trust in the saving promise of the Spirit.

B. People with a promise are born again into the kingdom of God.

Without the saving grace of Christ proclaimed to Abraham, we have no promise. The promised inheritance of salvation is not something we earn, nor is it something that can be taken away form us by a selfish generation of pleasure-seeking people who do not concern themselves with the future. The most precious inheritance that we can be communicated to us is that we are secure as divinely destined people with a promise of salvation.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use