Pentecost 13 - Proper 19

Proper 19 (11–17 September)
O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Jesus just finished teaching how a church offender should be treated. This prompts Peter to ask how often one should forgive. Matthew adds a parable on forgiveness. Note the contrast in the debts: ten million versus ten dollars. Also, see the contrast in the mercy shown by the king versus the servant who was forgiven the huge debt. The contrast is relevant to the enormity of our sin against God in comparison to the sin committed against us. It is also plain to see that we can expect no more mercy from God than we give to our fellow men. The parable teaches that we are not to seek vengeance, but rather, to forgive. Unless we forgive, God will take back his forgiveness of us until we forgive. This is not an easy saying.

Why should I forgive? This is the question in many minds. The guilty person may not apologize, confess, or ask for forgiveness. Do we Christians forgive because the offender is worthy or deserving of forgiveness? Do we forgive because it is expected of us? A Christian does not forgive but for one reason — for Jesus’ sake. We forgive because of our relationship with God in Christ. Jesus spells this out. Why should I should forgive you?

1. Because Jesus ordered it — vv. 21-22. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

This passage deals not with the world, but with the church. The “brother” is a fellow Christian. This verse is related to last Sunday’s Gospel, which said, “If your brother sins against you.” It is assumed that the procedure was followed in 18:15-20, the brother realizes he has sinned. Again, “brother” indicates that Christians are sinners and stand in the need of forgiveness. The church, as is often said, is not a museum of saints, but a hospital of hopefully repenting sinners.

When faced with the option of forgiving or not forgiving there can be one answer – you forgive. My forgiveness does not hinge on my desire, my feelings, or even my wiliness to forgive. My forgiveness finds its basis on what Jesus has said to me. When someone sins against you – you, yes you are the one who must forgive.

The Greek word for “forgive” is “exaleiphein,” meaning, literally “to erase or wipe out.” Because Christians are imperfect human beings, the church is in need of forgiveness. Without it, members would live in friction, tension, disharmony, and disruption. Forgiveness is the oil that makes human relations move smoothly: Is the trouble with the church today the lack of forgiveness resulting in cliques and divisions?

2. Because God forgave me — vv. 23-27. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he, his wife, his children, and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

The King forgave His servant was unable to pay the debt. The debt was so huge that he could never bet back into the good graces of the King. The King forgave because the servant could not. The King forgave because He was good. That is what Jesus has done for you. God forgave not because you were good, not because you were deserving. He forgave because He loves you.

As God has shown mercy – were return mercy to others. That’s how forgiveness works. Out of His grace, Christ has made us new creatures. As Christ forgave so now you follow in the same tone when we deal with others.

3. Because God will judge if I do not forgive — vv. 28-35. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, went, and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger, his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Let not the sun go down on your anger. Refusal to forgive turns into rage and self-hate. It turns inward into depression. It can consume. It can destroy. These warnings serve us well to heed and consider. When we harbor and unforgiving spirit toward anyone judgment will befall us. When someone sins – forgive! Don’t dwell on the hurt and the hurt. Forgive as God in Christ has forgiven you.

This Sunday we begin another program year of education within our Friedheim family. On this day, especially we remember those whose lives have been sacrificed in a war on terror. The greatest lesson we could teach our youth comes from the lips of our Savior – forgive.

The point the Savior makes is simple. The difficulty comes when we are called to act. That time will come; later today, tomorrow, in a few days, before the end of this week we will be called to forgive. It might become difficult to forgive and you might even be tempted not to forgive, or to hesitate because of pride, or simply because of the rush that we feel when we see how much power gives us! This is true, the most powerful person on the face of the earth is the person who has the opportunity to forgive and will not.

Will seize the opportunity or will it be squandered? When the times comes, to do as the Savior has taught, forgive as He has commanded. Ask Him to help you. Remember His grace offered to you. May Jesus help each of us to forgive from the heart as the Master Teacher has taught us.

Church Expansion - week 13

Stone is poured for the base of the new drive

Geothermal wells 

In Memoriam

Lynn Fuhrmann

Born into this world - February 17, 1960

Baptized into Christ - March 13, 1960

Confirmed in the Faith – April 7, 1974

With Christ in Peace – September 7, 2011

You were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20

National Day of Remembrance

A litany composed for the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001

Lord, as we the world pauses today to look back and to look forward, we pause to pray to you, our only defender and the author of peace…

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth,

Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again,

Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,

Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,

Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,

Have mercy upon us.

By the blessing and sending of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel,

Have mercy upon us.

By the liberation of the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s hand and the renting of the Sea,

Have mercy upon us.

By the witness and courage of your holy prophets of old,

Have mercy upon us.

By the Incarnation of the Word into the world,

Have mercy upon us.

By the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the Good News, the healing of the sick, the casting out of evil, and the raising of the dead,

Have mercy upon us.

By the agony of the cross, and the victory of the Resurrection,

Have mercy upon us.

From the forces of evil, and from deadly acts of terrorism,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the fear that grips us as individuals and as a people,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the senseless hatred that hardens hearts and minds,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From war and violent conflict of all stripes,

Good Lord, deliver us.

We do beseech you to hear us, good Lord, that on this tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, that you would rule and govern our hearts, and the powers of this world,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to protect this nation, and the peoples of the whole world,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold the military of this nation, and all nations, who strive to bring peace and freedom to all your children,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to root out the causes of terror and war in all places and among all people,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that your peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you on this day to uphold all those who lost people dear to their hearts during the attacks, and in the conflicts which have followed in their wake,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to surround widows and children, parents and loved ones, the injured and maimed with a hope in your trust, your abiding Presence, and life everlasting,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold all those who maintain peace and safety in our local communities and abroad,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to shine your light into the darkness, that all would see and know you, and your ways.

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Grant us your peace.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, whose heart is glad when all your children live together in unity; we lift to you the grief of our hearts, hoping that you will not only comfort those hearts, but change them; that we may be the people you have created, and called us to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS
Artwork © by Ed Rojas © Higher Things© Higher Things 
Litany from  http://www.textweek.com/

Pentecost 13 - Proper 19 Time in the Word

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matt. 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant,” and “forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt 18:33, 35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Rom. 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Rom. 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Gen. 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones” (Gen 50:21). 

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Prayer for deliverance from sin: We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns... 

Prayers for the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks: 

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns… 

Prayer for our enemies: Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns… 

Prayer for the armed forces of our nation: Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty. Grant that in all things they may serve with integrity and with honor; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns… 

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns… 

Monday, 5 September 2011—Psalm 143:1–2; Antiphon, Psalm 143:9—Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. It is, like many of David’s other psalms, a plea to the LORD to rescue him from his enemies. David does not appeal to his own goodness or righteousness, however, but explicitly confesses that no one living is righteous before you. Therefore, he must beg the mercy of the LORD: In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! This is how we, too, must approach the LORD when we ask Him to rescue us from earthly and spiritual enemies—acknowledging, as we do in the catechism, that we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment, and acknowledging that He delivers us purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. 

Tuesday, 6 September 2011—Psalm 103:1–12—What a beautiful psalm of comfort! David praises the LORD for all His benefits to us: He forgives all our iniquity, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, and more. Why? Because the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 

Wednesday, 7 September 2011—Genesis 50:15–21—Joseph’s brothers had done the unthinkable—they had sold him into slavery and told their father that his son was dead, eaten by wild animals. Years later, they were astounded to find out that Joseph was still alive and serving in Pharaoh’s court, as the most powerful man in all of Egypt after Pharaoh. So long as their father was alive, they thought that they were safe from Joseph’s retribution; however, after Jacob’s death, they feared for their lives. Incredibly, Joseph forgave them. He recognized the hand of God at work in his life. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers ought to serve as an example to us, particularly when we find it so hard to forgive petty sins of others. 

Thursday, 8 September 2011—Romans 14:1–12—Our reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans continues with Paul warning us against judging other Christians—especially those new to the faith or weak in faith. Two extremes must be avoided: measuring and judging others by comparing them to ourselves or our own standards; and failing to use the Word of God to judge. Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. What will be the standard? The same as here on earth: God’s holy Word, as revealed to us in the Bible. 

Friday, 9 September 2011—Matthew 18:21–35—When we hear this parable, our first reaction is probably the same as the king’s: indignation and fury against the servant who was unmerciful, especially after he had been forgiven a far greater debt. We must ask ourselves: Are we like the unmerciful servant? God has forgiven all our sins at great cost—the life of His own Son. We ought to examine ourselves: Is there anyone against whom we hold a grudge, refusing to forgive because we have been wronged? If so, we are like the unmerciful servant. Rather, we ought to remember the Lord’s Prayer, where we plead, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. That is, we beg God’s forgiveness, and then pledge that we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us. 

Saturday, 10 September 2011—The hymn of the day, I Lay My Sins on Jesus (LSB #606), is a hymn of great comfort, as we sing of our confession of all our sins—laying them on Jesus—and also as we sing of our absolution, our forgiveness—He bears them all and frees us from the accursed load. What a relief our forgiveness in Christ is! What Good News that God forgives us for Jesus’ sake and receives us into His kingdom. 

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship 

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS 

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House 

This week's Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeff Kuening

Pentecost 12 – Proper 18

Proper 18 (4–10 Sept)
O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us, Your humble servants, Your holy inspiration, t h at we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Christian’s responsibility toward an erring brother – In love we seek to gain a brother. Matthew 18:1-20

Jesus gives a procedure for settling disputes among His followers. Jesus is teaching his disciples, the church. Since Christians are sinful, personal relations may be ruptured. If so, Jesus gives a threefold procedure to settle the differences. Moreover, Jesus gives the power of the keys to forgive or not to forgive to the community. The power of the gathering is demonstrated in prayer, which will be answered if the church agrees on the petition. When several gather in Jesus’ name, he promises to be with them. In these three cases, the church’s importance to faith and life is demonstrated.

Why can’t I be a Christian without joining the church? Many are asking this question today. Believing they can be a Christian outside the church, a percentage of the American population refuses to join the church. A study conducted last year of what is called the “Millennial Generation” indicated that only one in four is unaffiliated with any religion. “Far more than the share of older adults when they were ages 18 to 29.” Two out of three rarely or never visit a church, synagogue, mosque or temple, according to a survey conducted by Life Way TM Christian Resources. More of our twenty year olds are content to be spiritual without becoming religious. They are comfortable finding their own morality without attending a worship service. [see note]

What is the advantage of belonging to a group of Christians? Is the benefit great enough to justify joining? Some today see the church as a mere commodity - something we are asked to invest in. Is it something we put into because we get something out of it in return? So why go? We come, because we live in anticipation of what is to come. We come, not to be active, but to be passive. We come, not to be entertained, but to be quiet, to listen to the voice of the Shepherd. We come, not to see “what we can get out of the service,” but to receive from the Lord’s hand His gifts.

We come because we become a part of something greater then ourselves. We come to be a part of the life and rhythm of the church. Our participation is anything but haphazard. Church is not similar to going the grocery store – something that we can check off our list, a task we find ourselves forced to do during the week.
We go because we are called to be part of a family, a community of faith. Why can’t I be a good Christian on my own? We gather because of who we are. We come to a worship service and then, in service, we worship Christ. Consider the value of Christians getting together as church.

1. The church has been given the power of the keys — v. 18. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

The power of the keys is the authority given by Christ Himself that promises effectiveness in this ministry of reconciling us to each other. In the Catechism Luther asks the question, “What is the Office of the Keys?” [And, in this instance, the New English Version is probably a better or at least a clearer translation…] The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent. We go because we are called to be part of a family, a community of faith. Where is this written? The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. [John 20:22-23]

A. God alone forgive sins. But He works through His people. He does this to warn the straying and to comfort those who are penitent.

B. It is God’s Word that really does both the judging and the comforting in Christ.

Transition: What’s the value of Christians getting together in a church? We assemble to become a house of prayer.

2. When the church prays, prayers are answered Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. — v. 19.
What is the Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer? “Our Father, who art in heaven”. What does this mean? God would by these words, tenderly invite us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children as their dear Father.

A. We need to be a people of prayer. Without daily prayer, growth in God would be minimal at best. We can only be our strongest when we are seeking the Lord. May we here at Friedheim be remembered as being a house of prayer! Not just a church where we come to talk to God, where we come to a worship service but rather a place where we glory in His Name. Where in service, we praise His glorious name.

B. In prayer, we uphold one another. In our petitions, we are taking our needs, burdens, joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. And, we’re thankful as the Savior answers each petition!

Transition: As we gather to speak to our Lord He sakes back to us through His Word. That is why worship, by definition is more then things we do for God. Worship is passive. God is the one who is giving and we do nothing but receive the gifts He chooses to give us. He speaks to us specifically where He chooses to make Himself known in His Word and in His means of grace.

3. When the church assembles, Christ is present — v. 20. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

We must be fully aware of just who this ‘brother’ is about whom we are to be concerned.

A. We are not alone in this work. Christ is at the center of all that we do. He is the unseen, yet present guest in every conversation. We do not go it alone. Christ is present with and among us. Common faith in Christ links us together like mountain climbers who are time together in one cause. John would remind us in his first Epistle – We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does love remains in death. [1 John 3:14]

B. The church confirms the forgiveness of your sins. Based on our repentance and faith, the church assures us that God for Jesus’ sake has forgiven our sins. This confirms and assures us that our prayer for forgiveness has been answered.

C. The church is a channel for forgiveness. Through the church’s Word and sacraments, the Holy Spirit effects forgiveness of sins. God the Spirit forgives through the sacramental ministry of the church.

Who is “you”? “You” may be an individual Christian or “you” may be the group of Christians (church). It is worthy to note that this passage does not deal with the one who sinned but with the victim of sin. He who is sinned against is to take the initiative to get the matter settled. One would think the guilty one ought to settle accounts, but the sinner may not consider himself to be in the wrong. The victim is to show the sinner what harm he has done and an understanding needs to be reached that the Christian fellowship may not be disrupted by personal tensions.

Note: The Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette published June 6, 2010 by Ron Shawgo “Class of 2000 Revisited" The author interviewed members of the class of 2000 in 1997 when they were freshmen and then in the spring of 2010 after being out of high school for ten year.

Church Expansion -week 12

Gathering space

Sidewalks

Geothermal wells