Epiphany 3

"And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."(NASB)

Jesus came preaching, but what did He preach – law or gospel, or both? Mark gives us a summary of Jesus’ preaching. Since we honor and respect Jesus above all preachers, we would like to know the content of His preaching. What does Jesus have to say to us today? Our text gives us the answer…

Jesus preached the gospel of God

1. The time – "the time is fulfilled" – v. 15
Jesus began to preach in Galilee after John was put in prison. When John had finished his testimony, then Jesus began His public ministry. Notice what is happening here. The silencing of Christ's ministers shall not be the suppressing of Christ's gospel. John is imprisoned but the Gospel cannot be silenced. If some are laid aside, others shall be raised up. John’s imprisonment is the beginning of Jesus’ preaching. It is the signal for Jesus to carry on the same work that John had stated. Now Jesus is to begin with His message. And what is that message? Look at the second phrase of our verse for this morning.

2. The fact – "the kingdom of God is at hand" – v. 15
This is the message of what Jesus preached; "The gospel of the kingdom of God is at hand!" Christ came to set up the kingdom of God among us, that we might be brought into it, and that we might obtain salvation in His kingdom. He set up His kingdom by the preaching of His gospel, which brought about a power that has brought salvation and life.

Transition: The great truths Christ preached are found in our verse for this day. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. This time refers to the Old Testament, in which the kingdom of the Messiah was promised. A time was fixed for the introducing of God’s coming into this world. Jesus’ hearers on that day were not so well versed in those prophecies, nor did they observe the signs of the times, as to understand it themselves. Therefore Christ gives them His official notice; "The time once fixed in the past is now at hand. Glorious discoveries of divine light, life, and love, are now to be made; a new direction far more spiritual and heavenly than that, which you had been under, is now to commence."

3. The response – "repent and believe" –v.15
Notice how God keeps time. When the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand. Christ gave His hearers back then as well as us today the ability to understand the times that they might know what they ought to do. Christ tells us that that the kingdom is approaching. They must repent, and believe the gospel. They had broken the moral law, and could not be saved by their own good works for the hearers then as well as us today are condemned under guilt. They must therefore take the benefit of a covenant of grace, they must submit to a remedial law, and this is the evidence that God’s kingdom truly has come---there must be repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

By repentance, we must lament and forsake our sins, and by faith, we must receive the forgiveness of our sins. By repentance, we must give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith, we must give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins. Both of these; repentance and faith must go together.

We must not think that reforming our lives will save us without trusting in the righteousness and grace of Christ. Nor can we say that trusting in Christ will save us without the reformation of our hearts and lives. Christ has joined these two together, repentance as well as faith. And let no one think to put these two away. They will mutually assist and befriend each other. Repentance will quicken faith, and faith will make repentance evangelical; so that the sincerity of both together will be evidenced by a diligent conscientious obedience to all of God's commandments.

Thus with the arrest of John the preaching of the gospel by Jesus has begun, and thus it continues to this very. Still the call remains, repent, and believe; we are called upon to live a life of repentance and live a life of faith. That is the basis of the gospel message. That is our high Christian calling to this very day.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3

The theme for the third Sunday after the Epiphany is the concept of time. The word time is mentioned in each of the lessons. It was time for Jesus to begin His ministry and to call disciples, time for Jonah to preach to the people and time for them to repent; and it was time for Christians to live in the light of the end of time. As we seize the time to serve God in this generation we have security in the knowledge of God’s nature. The Hymn for the day has its focus on Christ our true and only light.

Collect for Epiphany 3— Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon of infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Prayers for the Epiphany Season – Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit, that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Gospel is a good report, discourse and proclamation of Christ, announcing that He is nothing else but pure goodness, love and grace. Such a report could not possibly be made concerning any other human being, or any of the saints. For, although the other saints were men of quite good repute, a report on them does not constitute the Gospel as such. It is Gospel only when the goodness and grace of Christ are proclaimed. Even though mention is made of famous saints and their doings, this does not make the report the Gospel. The Gospel bases Christian faith and confidence solely on the rock, Jesus Christ.  (Martin Luther)

Monday, January 16, 2012—Psalm113:1-2, 4, 7-8- The Antiphon, is taken from Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” These words are taken from a hymn to the Lord celebrating His high majesty and his mercies to the lowly. It was probably composed originally for the temple liturgy. As the Lord is enthroned on high, He is exalted over all creation.

Tuesday, January 17. 2012—Psalm 62—The key verse of this psalm is verse 8, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”

 The Psalmist commits himself to Good when threatened by the assaults of conspirators who wish to dethrone him. Verse three suggests a time of weakness and may indicate advanced age. Implicitly the psalm is an appeal to God to uphold him. No psalm surpasses it in its expression of simple trust in God. The little Hebrew word אַךְ (’ak) begins six of the twelve verses; it is short, but significant, having the meaning “only.” “My soul finds rest only in God.” “He only is my rock and my salvation.” “Find rest, O my soul, only in God.”

Wednesday, January 18, 2012- Jonah 3:1-5, 10—Jonah obeys God’s command to preach to Nineveh; the people and God repent. Jonah refuses to obey God’s command to preach to Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrians. After Jonah repents and is vomited out of a large fish Jonah obeys and preaches judgment to Nineveh. The coming disaster causes the government and people to repent. Thereupon God decides not to condemn the city. Jonah reflects the nationalistic concept of God. The Lord is not the God only Israel but of any would repent and trust the Lord. Judgment motivates repentance and God’s mercy is extended to any people who repent, regardless of nationality or race. God’s salvation depends on repentance and not on national origin. 

Thursday, January 19, 2012—1 Corinthians 7:29-31—Live in the light of Christ’s imminent return. This reading comes from the chapter dealing with marriage. The Lesson begins with life lives in relation to the end of the world and Christ’s return.  Paul teaches that the status quo in one’s life should be maintained, for soon the whole song will be over. A Christian is not to get involved with the world or to change his vocation. He is to continue doing what he has been doing, for the end of life on earth is near. Today’s life is to be viewed in relation to eternity. When this is done, the present issues of earthly life become insignificant. Paul is not teaching withdrawal from the world [such as the Amish community] but to tolerating and persevering in what we are now doing.

In verses 29-31 Paul uses the phrase “as though” five times. He urges us to live as though conditions did not exist. It is a kind of “make believe” style of life. Since the end of the world is at hand, we are to live as though the world no longer existed. It is a manner of living that does not take seriously the things of this passing world. Our interests and values are set upon Christ’s values.

Friday, January 20, 2012—Mark 1:14-20— Jesus begins his ministry and calls four disciples. Jesus has been ordained in his ministry at his baptism. He struggles with Satan in deciding upon the method of his ministry. With John the Baptist arrested, He feels the urge to begin His public ministry. He begins to preach in Galilee.

The content of his preaching is the gospel of God, the good news that the King is here. In the light of this, people are believing and repenting. Faith and repentance are not necessarily conditions of bringing or entering the Kingdom, but the response to the fact that the Kingdom is here in Jesus. Then, Jesus begins to choose his leaders by calling four men whose future will be catching men.

Jesus immediately called certain ones to be disciples. He knew whom he wanted and needed. He did not have to weigh the matter. There was no problem of making up his mind. In like manner the Disciples accepted the call. To be a Christian one does not need neither to weight doctrinal matters nor to consider theological alternatives. There is the certainty of responding to the challenge of the call to follow the Master. There is no hesitation, no need to think it over. In an instant one knows it is the right thing to do. 

Philip Melanchthon one of the co-writers of our Lutheran Confessions relied on this passage to show the proper Scriptural teaching that repentance always has two parts – contrition and faith.

Saturday, January 21, 2012—Luke 1:79- The hymn of the day is, “O Christ, Our True and Only Light.” (LSB 839) Those who are lost, separated from God are found only in Jesus Christ. In the season of Epiphany we see more clearly who Jesus really is. By His words and actions we come to the conclusion that He can only be God made flesh. See also Isaiah 9:1-2 and Malachi 4:2.   

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use. 

Epiphany 2

John 1:43-51
"Your Part in Church Growth"

Parishes across our Synod are asked to fill out numerous forms this time of year to show how much they have grown and in many areas across our country, there are churches that have not confirmed or baptized an adult in over 3 to 5 years. Here at Zion God has blessed us yet may mainline churches have been losing members. Churches all across our synod are losing members. By God’s grace, we have grown. (By close to 25% over the last twenty-five years.) That’s remarkably good but there is still room for us to grow.

Across our national church body, there has been a new interest in adding numbers to the church. In the nineteenth century, evangelism was identified with mass meetings, revivals, and evangelists. Today we happily have turned to a Bible based form of evangelism in terms of what some like to refer to as "personal evangelism". Recent statistics show that people join the church primarily through the invitations of friends. Sometimes it is called "relational evangelism". A Christian becomes a friend of a non-Christian; the believer invites him/her to church, and does what he-she can to help that unchurched friend. Our text gives an example of this type of evangelism when Philip brought Nathaniel to see Jesus. This morning let’s see how you can help the church to grow…

1. You must first follow Jesus – Listen to verse 43 of our text for this morning…"The next day He purposed to go forth into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Philip was called immediately by Christ Himself. Philip was called in a direct way: Jesus found Philip. Christ sought us, and found us, before we made any inquiries after Him. . Philip was brought to be a disciple by the power of Christ going along with that word, "Follow Me!"

Here we see the nature of true Christianity; it is following Christ, devoting ourselves to His will and His way, attending His movements, and treading in His steps. Here we see the efficacy of the grace of God, as it is the rod of His strength.

David reminds us in Psalm 23 "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me". We find our totality in Christ alone. The world says "find yourself…find happiness in pursuing your own goals and traveling your own road, set your own compass, carve out your own niche in this world" John, on the other hand reminds us simply "He must increase, I must decrease"

2. You "find" an unchurched person - verse 45 "Philip found Nathaniel…" We are told that Philip was of Bethsaida, and Andrew and Peter were so too, (v. 44). These first disciples received not honor from the place of their roots, but reflected honor upon it. Bethsaida signifies the house of nets, because mostly fishermen inhabited it; there Christ chose disciples, who were to be furnished with extraordinary gifts of the Spirit. They did not need the ordinary advantages of learning; their knowledge came from on high. "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25”

Bethsaida was a wicked place. On the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee, Philip the tetrarch rebuilt Bethsaida and renamed it "Julias", after Julia, the daughter of Caesar Augustus.

In Matthew 11:21 we are told how Jesus spoke out against that city when He said "… Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes“ Yet even there was a remnant, according to the election of grace.

What mistakes and weaknesses Philip labored under: he called Christ "Jesus of Nazareth," whereas he was of Bethlehem; he called Jesus the Son of Joseph, whereas Joseph was but Jesus’ supposed Son. Philip serves us well as an n illustration. Young beginners in religion are subject to mistakes, which time and the grace of God will rectify. It was his weakness to say, we have found Him. Christ found both of them (Philip and Nathaniel before they found Christ. Philip did not yet comprehend what all of this meant but he was intent on finding his brother and sharing Christ with him.

So often, the excuse is made, "I don’t know it all so I can’t witness for Christ!" Jesus doesn’t expect us to "know it all" as if we ever could. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic Philip told Nathaniel all that he knew. That is what we are expected to do; we are to simply share Christ and tell our family and friends to come and see.

3. You tell what Jesus means to you - verse 45 (continued,) "Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and {also} the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Philip had just a simple acquaintance with Christ, yet he steps aside to seek Nathaniel. Notice what is happening here. When we have the fairest opportunities of getting good to our own souls, yet ever then we must seek opportunities of doing good to the souls of others, remembering the words of Christ, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," (Acts 20:35). Philip simply said, “we have found him of whom Moses and the prophets have written".

Notice the joy that Philip has upon this new acquaintance with Christ: "We have found him whom we have so often talked of, so long wished and waited for; at last, he is come, he is come, and we have found him!"

4. You invite the person to see Jesus - verse 46 "And Nathaniel said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him," Come and see." Come and see. Let us not stand arguing here, and raising difficulties to ourselves, which we cannot get over; let us go and converse with Christ Himself and these difficulties, will all vanish! It is folly to spend that time in doubtful disputing. Granted, there is much to be said for wanting "pure teaching "and "correct doctrine" and yet much time is sadly spent over disputes that matter little in the final analysis. "When reckoned in the counsels of God, whose going to care anyway!"

Philip persuades his brother to experience Christ personally. This is what we are called to do to share Christ and to experience Him personally in our life. Philip says to his brother Come and see; not, Go and see, but, "Come, and I will go along with you".

Jesus would go forth into Galilee to call these two brothers... Christ will find out all those that are given to Him, wherever they are, and none of them shall be lost. In mercy, He has called and found us. Like Philip go forth this day as you share Christ with your family and friends inviting them to come and see.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 2

Prayers for the Epiphany Season – O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lord God, You showed Your glory and led many to faith by the works of Your Son. As He brought gladness and healing to His people, grant us these same gifts and lead us also to perfect faith in Him.

For divine guidance – Heavenly Father, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts to direct and rule us according to Your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for grace to receive the Word –Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your Holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God and men proceed in contrary ways. People settle first on whatever is best, and afterward they deal with what is worse. God first gives the cross and affliction, then honor and blessedness. He does this is because we seek to preserve the sinful flesh, which urges us to keep the Law by works and offer promises great and sweet. But the result has a stale taste. And although the flesh is intoxicated with great promises, it does not feel its wretchedness. Yet when the wine is digested and the false promises gone, the wretchedness appears. God, however, terrifies the conscience, sets on miserable wine, in fact nothing but water. Then He consoles us with the promises of the Gospel which endure forever. (Martin Luther)

Time in the Word

January 9-14, 2012

Preparation for next week, Epiphany 2

The theme for the second Sunday after the Epiphany is quite clear –the call of God. Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to discipleship in the Gospel. God calls Samuel to be his prophet in the Old Testament lesson. Through Paul and the church God calls us to glorify Him in our bodies. When we respond to God’s call, we appreciate His goodness and thus we break forth in praise.

How many today feel that they are carrying our a call of God? Probably, very few. For most, life is a matter of making a living as best they can and getting some enjoyment out of doing it. Under this philosophy, the one thing they look forward to is retirement – no work and all play! Christians are different. Their lives are a fulfillment of God’s call to a specific task.

God the Father calls you to a holy vocation – 1 Samuel 3:1-10

God the Son calls you to discipleship – John 1:43-51

God the Spirit calls you to glorify God – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Collect for Epiphany 2— Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, January 09, 2012—Psalm 40:1-5- The Antiphon, is taken from Psalm 40:10 “I do not hide you r righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truth from the great assembly. ” When speaking of the Lord we must center our conversation on His faithfulness and salvation which flows from righteousness. The word Epiphany literally means, I see, I understand, I see the light, I get it! In Epiphany we “get it!” This Jesus whom we have worshipped at Christmas truly is the Son of God. By grace, through faith, by the Spirit’s aid we are brought to a right understanding of spiritual things; finally we “get it!”

Tuesday, January 10. 2012—Psalm 139:1-10—The key verse of this psalm is verse 14,  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” The Psalmist is saying literally “Lord you know me as one who formed me yet I can not begin to comprehend this creature you have fashioned. I can only look upon him with awe and wonder.” Miracles happen all around us. Some might wonder if the Lord will support them in the New Year. The antiphon affirms He will. He acts in our lives so we can see that the plan He has for us and the path he has determined for us will be the best for us. Fare thee well child of God His sure hand shall guide you.    

Wednesday, January 11, 2012—1 Samuel 3:1-10— The child Samuel hears God’s call to be a prophet. In the temple at Shiloh, the boy Samuel is serving the priest Eli. He sleeps near the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence. One night Samuel is called. Twice he mistakes the voice of God for Eli’s. Then Eli instructs the boy to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” Samuel obeys and God speaks to him of future happenings in Israel.

Thursday, January 12, 2012—1 Corinthians 6:12-20— The human body is to glorify God. People in the Corinthian church were sexually immoral for religious reasons. They accepted the truth that Christ’s death on the cross fulfilled the law for them. Since they were saved by grace alone, they felt free to do what they pleased. Some of them participated in sexual perversion. Paul counters this thinking by giving a theology of the body. These words of Paul give us a divine perspective. We are not free to do as we please. The grace of God is not a license to sin.

Friday, January 13, 2012—John 1:43-51— Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael. When Jesus is in the area of John the Baptism, He calls Andrew and Peter as disciples. Then He goes to Galilee and calls Philip of Bethsaida. Philip asks Nathanael to come and see one, who he claims, is the Messiah.

At first Nathanael is skeptical and asks if anything good can come from an insignificant village of Nazareth. When Jesus tells Nathanael that he saw him under a fig tree at the time when Philip invited him, Nathanael changes his mind and calls Jesus the Son of God and King. Jesus did not want him to base his opinion on a miracle and promises that Nathanael will see greater things in the future.

Notice the word of Jesus’ call to Philip denotes a relationship between Christ and the Christian. To follow Jesus means we acknowledge and accept Him as shepherd, leader, and master. It is not an association of peers. There is no democratic relationship of equality. The word also indicates our position in the relationship. To follow Him does not mean we walk with Him (beside Him), nor before Him, but behind Him. He is first and we are second; He is leader and we are followers; He is master and we are servants.

Saturday, January 14, 2012—Matthew 16:24- The suggested hymn of the day is, “Come Follow Me, the Savior Spake” (LSB 688)   Nathanael is asked to follow as the Savior has directed him.  Some decisions we make are life altering. Where do we go for direction in life? We seek the Lord. As He has promised to guide us we too must follow. It would do us little good if we decide to head in the opposite direction from whence we should go. This much loved hymn speaks of the Lord guiding His own.

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use. 

The Baptism of our Lord

Mark 1:4-11
The Three Great Days of Your Life

What would you say was the greatest day of your life? A Wedding? A Graduation? Possibly Childbirth? A Christian has three great days of his/her life; they happen to be the day he is born into this world, the day he is born-again in baptism, and the day he is born into glory. What do you think? Are these the three most important days of your life? Let’s see why these are the three greatest days you will ever have…

1 The day of your birth – "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth" verse 9

Life is a great privilege and adventure. It began on your birthday. When you were born into this world, you became a part of the human race. You became a part of your family. You were given the gift of life and placed here upon this world to be a part of society; to contribute, to provide for others. You were given talents, abilities and gifts to praise God as you serve your neighbor. Yes, your birthday is important for it is the day that you were officially welcomed into this world and were recognized as a person living on this earth.

2 The day of your rebirth-Baptism- "was baptized by John" verse 9

Why is baptism the second greatest day in your life? From the old baptismal rite we recall these words "We also learn from God’s Word that we are all conceived and born sinful and are in need of forgiveness. 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 shall not perish but have eternal life." (LW Agenda pg. 91) Why is the day of your baptism such an important day? In baptism, we are given life- new life in Jesus.

A. New Birth is given in baptism- "The Spirit descending upon Him like a dove" –10 When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit fell on Him and from that moment He began His public work of proclaiming that the Kingdom of God had come. Likewise, when you were baptized you received the Holy Spirit into your life. You received the full measure of the Holy Spirit in your baptism. In your baptism, you were given a new birth, a washing away of your sins and a renewal of the Holy Ghost. There is nothing lacking in you – your baptism makes you complete!

B. When you were baptized you received an adoption into God’s family – the Father called Jesus "My beloved Son" –11 As Jesus was called God’s one and only Son so in your baptism God called you His only child. You are a part of a human family by virtue of your human birth – but what an even greater family you were born into when you became a part of God’s family! You are a child of God! You are a part of God’s family! Because of the wonderful gift of baptism, you are a child of the King!

Transition: The day you were born into this world, the day you are born again in baptism and finally, the third great and glorious day for you is the day that you are born into glory. That’s your third birthday!

3 The day you are born into glory. Jesus would again hear the voice of His Father will you hear His voice too?

A. "Well done good and faithful servant" were the words that Jesus heard as He accomplished all that the Father sent Him out to do. He came into this world to suffer and die for the sins of the entire world. He came to redeem and to save that which was lost. He came to redeem me a lost and condemned creature…He has purchased me from sin, from death and from the power of the devil not with gold or silver but with His holy precious blood and His innocent sufferings and death. Well done! is what the Father will say to you on the day that you enter into glory.

B. Enter into the glory I have prepared for you… That is what the Father will say to you because of the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. Jesus suffered and died for me so "that I might be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness" "Even as Jesus is risen from the dead so He lives and reigns through all eternity!" Jesus has said, "Because I live you will live also!" Jesus has said, "Were I am going there you will follow" Heaven is your destiny because Jesus Christ has risen to new life and bestows that life to you!

The year 2012 is fresh before us…like a virgin field of fresh fallen snow. A New Year should remind us of grace – God’s do over. We are entering into a new era. What will be said of this generation and of you as you live out your days in the year 2012 and beyond? May it be said of us that we have found the importance of these three important days of our lives. Live for Christ daily – make each day count! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

Prayers for Epiphany – O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers as we enter a new year – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Let us honor Christ’s baptism and celebrate this fest in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of human beings, for whom his every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all humanity, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is the light of heaven. You are to enjoy more and more the pure and dazzling light of the Trinity. For now you have received — through not in its fullness —a ray of its splendor, proceeding from the one God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory and power for ever and ever. (Leo the Great)

Time in the Word

January 2-7, 2012

Preparation for next week, The Baptism of our Lord

The first Sunday after the Epiphany is a special day – the baptism of our Lord. In the early church Epiphany was celebrated in terms of Jesus’ baptism. In keeping with the festival, the liturgical color is white. The Gospel lesson records the events of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. With His baptism Jesus will begin His earthly public ministry. John comes preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. He prepares the way for Jesus by telling the people that one is coming who will baptize with the Spirit. Then comes Jesus from Nazareth and is baptized by John.  According to Mark, this is a personal experience of Jesus, for He alone saw the dove and heard the Father’s voice. From this moment Jesus is the Son of God.  

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord—Father in heaven at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful to their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, January 2, 2012—Psalm 2:7-11, 12c- The Antiphon, is taken from Isaiah 42:1a “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” In ancient times the term “servant” meant something like “trusted envoy” or “confidential representative” but here there is more. This is the Lord’s chosen one, the one in whom the Lord delights, the one in whom the Lord’s Spirit is given. This is a prediction of Christ who comes to make our salvation a reality. With His baptism not only does the Savior begin His ministry but from here on there can be no turning back. Salvation will find its completion at a bloody and cruel cross and an empty tomb.

Tuesday, January 3. 2012—Psalm 29—The key verse of this psalm is verse 3,  The Voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.”  The Voice of God is the theme for Psalm 29 which blends with the theme for this coming Sunday that the Voice of the Father was heard by the Savior. In the thunderstorm, sometimes frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world.   

Wednesday, January 4, 2012—Genesis 1:1-5— The Old Testament lesson for the Baptism of our Lord reminds us once again that the Voice of God is important. In ten phrases the Creator of the Universe speaks the world into existence. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson will focus on Day 1. Merely by speaking God brought all things into being – see also Psalm 33:6, 9 and Hebrews 11:3. God’s first creative word called forth light in the midst of the darkness. Light is necessary for making God’s creative works visible and life possible. As you have been baptized God is re-creating faith in a once sin-darkened heart.

Thursday, January 5 2012—Romans 6:1-11— Paul will explain both the when and how of the Christian’s death to sin. Baptism is a means by which we enter into a vital faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a means of receiving God’s grace, and it depicts graphically what happens as a result of the Christian’s union with Christ. Through faith we are united with Christ, just as through our natural birth we are united with Adam. As we fell into sin and became subject to death in father Adam, so we now have died and been raise again with Christ – with baptism effects.

Friday, January 6, 2012—Mark 1:4-11—Sunday’s Gospel reading is St. Mark’s account of the baptism of our Lord. In Jesus’ baptism, God the Father proclaimed Jesus His Son, whom He loves. In His baptism, our sins are washed onto Jesus, and the baptismal waters sanctified, that they might wash our sins off us. We, too, are beloved of God. The day of our Baptism is one of the greatest days in our lives, when our old man was drowned in those sacred waters, and our new selves, righteous and holy, were brought forth to “live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

The Father declares that Jesus is His Son. Here Jesus receives the knowledge of His identity, His self-understanding, and of His mission in life as the messiah. Wasn’t Jesus God’s Son prior to His baptism or does this mean that this is the first time Jesus came to a realization of who He was? It is important to note that we only know who we are and what we are to do in relation to the Father. When we know whose we are, we know who we are. Baptism for us is the time of adoption as children of God. By His grace we are accepted as children of His kingdom. Baptism is the initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ.

Saturday, January 7, 20012— Matthew 3:13-17; Hebrews 2:17; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:21 - The hymn of the day for the Baptism of our Lord is, To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord (LSB 405) In this hymn reference are made to the Savior’s baptism. The Theme for the day emphasizes baptism as the time of the Spirit’s reception and the beginning of ministry.  

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1 ion. 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Election year thoughts

A national election will held on Tuesday, 6 November 2012. As a nation, we will be electing leaders on a local, state and national level. A yearlong debate will remain as the nation considers which individuals will be our country’s leaders. Discussions begin in earnest January 1.

According to the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms (referred by many as the doctrine of Church and State), we Christians recognize our president (and all elected leaders whether on the local, state or national level) as God’s man for this time - whether he knows and understands it or not. St. Paul in Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” For this reason we are directed to “give everyone what you own him: If you owe taxes, pay tassel if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect, if honor, then honor.” [Romans 13:7]

Daily we should pray for our leaders that the Lord would give them wisdom. They need the Lord’s direction to use their power for our country’s good so that we may live in peace and safety. They need divine guidance that we as free people might exercise our rights of free assembly and worship. We need to treasure our freedoms and support those who have sworn to protect them so that we can gossip the Gospel before the Lord returns in glory.

We live under a representative republic, which means we elect individuals to stand in for us for a certain moment of time. Every four years we inaugurate a head of state, not a king. When we are satisfied with our leader’s work, they are re-elected. If not, others will take their place. We are given freedoms in this great country: to speak our mind, to disagree, and to come together. Every time a new administration is elected, there is a peaceful transfer of the figurehead of power. There are no riots. Life does not cease. In all reality, not much changes. The bureaucrats keep their jobs.

We are living in challenging times. In many respects, we are entering uncharted waters. Some of these challenges we have not had to confront in over fifty years. Others have been looming over us for a while. Now they need to be addressed. We will need the best minds our country has to face the difficulties and challenges of our 21st Century. In this New Year, commit yourself to daily pray for those who serve as your representatives. Vigilance is needed. Serving both God and country is what makes us model citizens. Love God. Serve your neighbor. Be a sermon in shoes.