The Jews Continue in Their Unbelief

Daniel 9:3-10
Hebrews 2:10-18
February 21, 2010

Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” - John 12:37, 44-50


Disturbing isn’t it? “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous sings in their presence they still would not believe.” Miracles in and of themselves will not produce faith. Works and wonders as spectacular as they may be will not produce trust and confidence. Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle - he returned Jesus back to Pilate to have the Savior executed. What convincing proof is necessary to create faith? The person who listens to the voice of the Savior and keeps His word is found in Him. Jesus equated belief in Him with belief in God (cf. John 14:1; 1Jn 2:23). The Father and the Son are inseparable; though they are two personalities, they work as one being. Jesus spoke of the Father as the one who had sent Him. Jesus is the light that illumines the darkness of those who are missing from the Father’s table.

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [1]

[1] Collect for the First Sunday in Lent Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Lent 1 -Facing Life with Jesus – Facing temptation

O Almighty and eternal God, we implore You to direct, sanctify, and govern our hearts and bodies in the ways of Your laws and the works of Your commandments that through Your mighty protection, both now and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

In this season of Lent we are on a forty day spiritual journey where we will walk with Jesus as we face the issues of life. Each of us need to face life as it is with Jesus for without Him we can not stand, but with Him, we will be able take life as it comes to us. Today, as we face life with Jesus- we face temptation.

When the Devil was defeated in the wilderness, he did not give up. He waited for another opportunity. Jesus was never free from temptations. It is true with Christians as well. The closer you get to Christ the more you are going to be tempted. The Devil never quits unless you surrender or you die. This calls for you and me to be constantly on the watch, ever to be prepared. Let us consider several things we need to know about the Devil.

1. The first thing we learn about the Devil is that He is real. Listen to verses 1-2 of our text for today: “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil.” Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose 0 to be tempted by a specific person. That person was the devil. The problem with temptation, for certain people, is that they do not come to realize that temptation comes from a specific source. Temptation comes from a certain person and that person is the devil.

The devil is not someone made up in the minds and the imagination of people. He is a real person with real motives and real causes. He has a plan of attack. He has a certain procedure in which he operates.

Created good he opposed the Lord and fell. In the book of Revelation we are told: ‘And there was a war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9) The devil is a real person. A fallen angel who opposes all that is good. He has lost his home in heaven and now prowls upon this earth.

Transition: Not only is the Devil a real person we also see from our text the source of temptation.

2. The source of temptation. Jesus was tempted by the Devil. Not only is the Devil a real person he is one who has come to seduce, entice and lure us away from God as he tempts us. This is his strategy. He plan is to wage war on Christians. Having lost the war in heaven and having lost his place in heaven the Devil now lives upon this earth choosing to pick on God’s children. Quite clearly we can see that the Devil is nothing but a big bully. What do we say about such people? They prey upon the weal. They can not defeat someone their own size so they lie in wait for one weaker and more vulnerable.

Transition: This is a picture of the Devil. He is real. He is a real person. His strategy is the dilution and the destruction of Christians and all others that fall victim to his prey. But how does he operate. He attacks with half truths.

3. He attacks with half truths. On three different occasions the devil tempted Jesus by saying two little worlds if and you. “If you are the Son of God command this tome to be bread…” To you I will give all this authority and their glory - it has been delivered to me and I give it to whom I will if you, then, will worship me, it shall be yours.” If you are the Son of God throw yourself down from here…” What the devil has to say was true. Jesus was the Son of God. The devil put that truth into his temptations but he used the truth with a smattering of lies so as to make any of the truth which he spoke a half truth. This is the tactic of the evil ho puts a little truth in every lie to make it sound like truth. And with that half truth he deceives and leads astray all who would listen to him.

The only way for us to confound and defeat the devil is to gird ourselves with God’s truth. Every time Jesus was tempted by the devil the only weapon that He used with the Scriptures – the Word of God. Without being armed the Scriptures we are lost and we will not be able to stand up to the devil. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Arm yourself with God’s Word. It is the only tool we have to fight off the temptations of the devil. This is what Jesus used to fight temptation. If that was the only weapon that Jesus used can we try any other?

Transition: Our own efforts can not work against temptation. Only God’s Word will work in defeating Satan and his cunning ways.

4. From our text for today we also see that the Devil never quits. He is persistent. On three different occasions Jesus was tempted. Each time there was a different approach. The Devil came to Jesus again and again with one temptation after the other to wear Him down and draw Him out. The Devil came when Jesus was weak after having fasted for 40 days. So also when we are weak and vulnerable that is the time we are most susceptible to be lead astray by the Devil’s lies. And after Jesus stood the testing this time we are told that the Devil left Him but only until another opportune time. Again and again, and again Jesus was tempted. So likewise the Devil will be persistent in his temptations seeking to entrap us and lead us astray in any way that he can,

Conclusion: We battle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and rulers in spiritual places. The devil is someone that we should take seriously. Jesus took him seriously by defeating him in the desert and at the cross. As we live our life facing temptation may we look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who has resisted the Devil and promised to give us His Word and his grace to face temptation. This is how you and I face life with Jesus. This is how we face temptation when it happens and when it comes. Look to Him to fight the Devil for us. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (‘The Book of Books in Pictures’), ©WELS.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

Ezekiel 39:21-29
Philippians 4:10-20
February 20, 2010

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” - John 17:20-26

Jesus said to pray – for believers and non-believers. He wants everyone to know that He is your Savior and that God sent Him to die on the cross to take away your sins. Jesus loves everyone and wants everyone to love Him and everyone else. He forgives all sins and died for us. God loved everyone before the world was even creat3ed or thought of. Good knew what was going to happen on the earth before it was made. He knows what will happen in ten years from now and what you are thinking about as you read this. He loves you and me and wants us to know that He died for us. God wants us to savor ever second of our lives because each second is a gift from God.

Kayla Johnson

O God, who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do, mercifully grant that by Thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[1]

[1] Collect for Sexagesima Sunday The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Baroque Festival this Weekend

Saturday 20 February 8 pm - Early Instruments/Organ Recital
Zion Lutheran Church 2313 S. Hanna St. Ft. Wayne, IN

An informal recital that introduces and demonstrates used at the time of Bach isi open to all music enthusiasts. Come and learn about pitch, temperament and style.

Instruments: J. S. Bach Suite No. 1 in C Major (BWV 1066)
Organ: J. S. Bach O Lamm Gottes unschuldig (BWV 656)

Sunday 21 February 4 pm - Vocal Concert
Zion Lutheran Church 2313 S. Hanna St. Ft. Wayne, IN

G.F. Handel Brockes Passion

Come and hear the Collegium's extraordinary blend of beautiful singing and fine instrumental playing. You will be uplifted, inspired, and moved, and will always heart the joy!

photo found at The Bach Colegium - Ft. Wayne http://www.bachcollegium.org/index.php

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Ezekiel 18:1-4; 25-32
Philippians 4:1-9

February 19, 2010



I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. - John 17:9-19

Jesus our Savior speaks to us when He says that we should pray for everybody and not just ourselves because He is our one and only God. Therefore we can come to Him as true children ask their true Father. We should not pray for the things of this world but we should pray for everyone including our neighbors and elders. He gave us His word, He will keep us forever, He will forgive us from all our sins.

He will keep us from the evil one for we are not from this world we are from God’s kingdom. Our sins have been forgiven by Christ Jesus who died on the cross and rose again on the third day. Jesus says, “sanctify them by your truth your word is the truth.” The truth is powerful. It has the power to make us children of God and to keep us from sin.

Kaitlyn Jenkins

O Lord, we beseech Thee favorably to hear the prayers of Thy people that we, who are justly punished for our offenses, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness for the glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Savior.[1]

[1] Collect for Septuagesima Sunday The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Jesus prays for Himself and His disciples

Habakkuk 3:1-18
Philippians 3:12-21
February 18, 2010

After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. - John 17:1-8

Have you noticed that the Bible is packed full of prayers? Today’s scripture is Jesus’ prayer to the Father for Himself and for His disciples before He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. We are to follow Jesus’ example and know that we can pray to our Lord for all things and at all times. God will always answer our prayers; however, it’s not always the answer we are looking for. God knows our needs and what is best for us. We need to pray and then watch and wait for God’s answer and glorify Him at all times.

Lord,
As I sit here day by day,
Be ever in my mind I pray.,
Make me joyful, make me sure
Of Your promises that endure.
God, You’re awesome! And You’re wise!
Make me see life through Your eyes.
Thank You, Father, God above.
Thank You, Jesus, for Your love
Thank You, Spirit, for Your power
And the pace You send this hour.

Alex Miller

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of Your people who call upon You, and grant that they may know and understand the things they ought to do and also may have grace and strength to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[1]

[1] Collect for Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Lent is a time of reflection

As you examine your life in following Christ it is time as we enter into the season of Lent that we examine our conscience, our lives and our faith.

In regard to yourselves
Have you through mediocrity, excused yourself from guilt because a sin is habitual, or caused by social pressure. Acted because of whims and feeling. Used time ineffectively. Organized myself so intensely that I am no longer capable of spontaneous generosity.

Through Disorder and Lack of Planning
Used material possessions improperly. Been weak in making and hold to decisions. Lacked perseverance and logic in carrying things out. Left work half-done, without serious reason. Been discouraged by difficulties or setbacks. Failed to take time for being alone for reflection and study of God’s Word.

Through Pride and Vanity
Been Vain, praise-loving, proud, smug. Indulged in allowing my feelings to be hurt. Acted out of ambition or the desire to be noticed. Failed to recognize my limits and accept them. Make snap judgments and comments to give the impression I know all about a subject.

In regard to others have we against charity
Loved other selfishly; wanted to monopolize other’s affections, been jealous. Considered no one but myself. Never felt real anguish for the misery of others. Passed by indifferent to others troubles. Had habitual contempt for others; less educated people, by people of different racial, national, or economic groups. In any way stifled the personal development of another. Sought to be respected without respecting others. Often kept others waiting. Not paid entire attention to a person speaking to me. Talked too much of myself, and not given others a chance to express themselves. Failed to try to understand others. Out of selfishness or pride expected to be served. Failed to help a person in distress. Seen only those who friendship might prove profitable. Abandoned my friends in their difficulties. Said hurtful things. Done harm, by remarks (false or true) that blackened others’ charter. Betrayed a trust; violated a confidence. Given scandal by the split between the life I lead and the principles I advertise as mine.

In regard to my family, have you in family matters
Made my family and its affairs my sole occupation. Failed to be a full partner and source of strength to my spouse. Taken for my own use an unfair share of what our family has (Clothes, car, and free time.) Failed to respect the individuality of another even a child. Expected more of a child than I have courage to do myself. Talked idly and indiscreetly about the faults of those close to me.

In regard to church have you by thoughts
Thought of the church as a sect or party rather than as the mystical body of Christ. Never read or reflected on the Holy Scriptures. Not held myself responsible for my part in the inadequacy of Christians.

In regard to the church, have you by words
Criticized irresponsibly the leadership of the church both clerical and lay. Ignored the teaching authority of the church, replacing it with my own authority.

In regard to the church, have you by acts
Used church organizations to justify my own personal hang-ups. Rand away from trying to solve the church’s internal problems. Acted to support the church only when it met my approval.

In regard to the church, have you by omission
Not tried to make the church more vital. Failed to contribute sacrificially for the material needs of the church. Neglected to pray for those in authority.

Toward God have you
Waited for God to manifest himself instead of looking for him in the realities of life. Not relies on God to do the rest, after I’ve don all I can. Not see and loved God in other persons. Not loved others in God. Not thought of Jesus Christ as my close bold-brother; giving up trying to make him my model. Centered the cross on my walls but not in my life. Talked about Christ, without really truing to live out the Gospel. Not found time to pray. Prayed only to ask never to adore, never to thank, never to act as a member of the body of Christ never to love. Thought of spiritual life as something to do only after everything else has been taken care of.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world. Grant us Thy peace.

Source:
From Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur, IN

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use