Time in the Word - Advent 1

While many may seem rushed during this particular time of the year, spend some time with your Lord in devotion and prayer. Consider the many blessings He has given you as we begin to prepare for His coming as the promised Savior and Redeemer of the world.

The theme for the first Sunday of the Church year, Advent 1, falls under the theme, “The return of Christ.”  In the Old Testament lesson we learn that God will send a Messiah to execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In the Epistle, St. Paul reminds us to prepare for Christ’s return by being blameless in holiness. In the Gospel lesson, we are told to watch and pray as preparation for the sudden return of Christ.

Collect for Advent 1 – Stir up Your power, O Lord and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued  from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 22 November 2015—Psalm 89:6, 14-16, 18, Antiphon, Zechariah 9:9b – Behold your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation.  These words were fulfilled by Jesus when He entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. They hailed Him then but later rejected Him. How would Jesus fare if He were to enter our city today?  Christ is always coming to us whether we recognize Him or not. In which ways does He come to us? Hint: It all starts with the word “W” – Word, Wafer, Wine, and Water. Prepare for Him now while there is still time. There will come a time when time shall be no more.  

Tuesday, 23 November 2015—Psalm25:1-10; key verse, verse 6— Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.   The Advent season is a time spent in reflection. We remember the Savior’s prophecies and we see how He fulfilled them. We remember His promises to restore and forgive us and we see how He worked everything out according to the Father’s plan. As we prepare for the beginning of the Advent season, spend some time thinking of the many gifts and blessings the Savior has given you. How ought we respond with thankful and grateful hearts? How can thanksgiving be translated into thanks living?

Wednesday, 24 November 2015—Jeremiah 33:14-16–God’s promise to send a Branch from David will be fulfilled. In verse 14, God promises to fulfill a promise. Was not the promise fulfilled in Christ? Is there still a promise to be fulfilled? Has the promise been fulfilled in you? Let’s look at the one who is coming. Who is He? He is the Son of David - royalty (verse 15).  He is work in justice and righteousness (verse 15b). The result of His coming is salvation (verse 16).

Thursday, 25 November 2015—1 Thessalonians 3:9-13—Be blameless in holiness at the return of Jesus Christ. When Christ comes, we are to be pleasing to Christ. Paul explains what these requirements are. Who can meet them? Is it possible to meet these demands? Love – not only Christians but all people (verse 12).  Be blameless in holiness – not only before men but before God (verse 13).  How is such perfection obtained? It is found in the holy one of God. 

Friday, 26 November 2015 – Luke 21:25-36 – Conditions of the world prior to Jesus’ return. Of this we can be certain, the end will come. Will it be this generation? Consider verse 36. The signs of the end are clearly given in verses 25-26. Know the signs!  Thus in this Advent season we prepare for the end and for the celebration of Christ’s return. How might we do this? Consider verses 34-36.

Saturday, 27 November 2015—-Luke 19:28-40—These verses inspired the hymn, The Advent of Our King (LSB 331).  We come to the beginning of a new church year. The harvest is complete. Thanksgiving festivities have come to a close. We now prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. We anticipate Christ’s sure and certain return in glory. This year will it be a miserable or a merry Christmas? If you are prepared to meet Christ when He comes in the clouds of heaven you will be in the right frame of mind in celebration of His first Advent. Circumstances may change. Our perception to them is what is important.

Collect for the Glorious Reign of Christ — Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that he may lead home His bride, the Church, that we will all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A prayer for Christ’s return  – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A prayer of supplication – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because You desire not the death of a sinner but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live, graciously turn away from us the punishments which we by our sins have deserved and which have been borne for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant us ever to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.   

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Christ the King

Christ the King

22 November 2015

John 18:33-37

Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The signs of the end are all around us, constant reminders that “heaven and earth will pass away.” But all of these signs are centered in the Cross of Christ, whereby He has conquered sin and death, that we might be raised with Him in righteousness through His Word of the Gospel, which “will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). He is “the firstborn of the dead,” who in His great love “has freed us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5). His salvation is certain, because “His dominion is an everlasting dominion,” and His kingdom “shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).

For this purpose, He came into the world, to reign in love through His voice of the Gospel, which is the truth (John 18:37). So is the righteousness of Christ “a light to the peoples,” which “will never be dismayed,” because it is the justice of His Cross and Resurrection (Isaiah 51:4–6). As He “is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory,” so wait upon “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 20–24).

Christ's kingship is totally other than this world. Jesus explains to Pilate. Though He is a king. His kingship is not of this world.  Pilate has Jesus inside his court and the Jews are outside. Pilate is torn between the two. He is trying to make up his mind by asking Jesus questions. His first question is whether Jesus is a king. This is a political term and thus it is very dangerous. Jesus dodges the question by asking Pilate if this was his or others' opinion.

The other question concerns what Jesus has done. Jesus explains that His kingship is not of this world. This is proved by the fact that Jesus is not using force to defend Himself. Jesus explains that His mission in the world was to bear witness to the truth.

But, only those of the truth. And of God. Will accept His words as truth.  Therefore, with Pilate, we must ask, "What is truth?" Or, more telling, - from that epic move a few good men... "Can you handle the truth?"

Pilate asks, “Are you a king?” This peasant preacher. Jesus of Nazareth – Is He a king? This prophet. Who enters the capital city on a donkey – Could He be a king? Where are His palaces? His bodyguards? Is this a king, who stands here before Pilate with a crown of thorns on His head, a reed in His tied hands, and with rags for a regal robe? A King? – Are you kidding? Jesus is every inch a king because –

1. He was born a king
2. He lived as a king
3. He died as a king
4. He conquered as a king

I.        He was born a king – His is an eternal kingdom

Sages asked at His birth, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” –Matthew 2:2

A.     The wise men, who, “saw His star in the east,” came to worship Him.  ^[1]

B.     The response of these wise men to Jesus is entirely appropriate. And their actions serve as a model of all true discipleship. They seek Christ. (v. 2), And when they had found Him. They rejoice (v. 10), and worship Him (vv. 2, 11 a).  They offer Him gifts. Gifts that befit a king. (v. 11 b; cf. Psalm 45:7-9; 72:15)

II.     He lived as a king – A kingdom of power

“A ruler is most powerful…when he tends to the needs of his subjects.” –Danker

A.     Speaking to Pilate as He stood trial Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”^[2]

B.     It is the kingdom of heaven. And it belongs to another world. Christ is a king. And He has a kingdom. But it is not of this world. His kingdom is not by succession. Election. Or conquest. But by the immediate and special designation of the divine will and counsel.

Its nature is not worldly. It is a kingdom within men. (Luke 16:21), Set up in their hearts. And consciences (Romans 14:17). Its riches are spiritual. Its powers eternal. And all its glory within. The ministers of state in Christ’s kingdom have not the spirit of the world, (1 Corinthians 2:12.) 

In this kingdom. Its guards and supports are not worldly. Its weapons are spiritual. It neither needed nor used secular force to maintain and advance it. Nor was it carried on in a way hurtful to kings or provinces. It tended not to alter any national establishment in secular things. Nor opposed no other kingdom. But that of sin and Satan. 

Its tendency and design are not worldly. Christ neither aimed nor would allow His disciples to aim at the pomp and power of the great men of the earth.

Its subjects, however, they are in the world. Yet they are not of the world. They are called and chosen out of the world. Are born from. And bound for, another world. They are neither the world’s pupils. Nor its darlings. Neither governed by its wisdom. Nor enriched with its wealth. 

III.   He died as a king – A kingdom of His grace

“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” –INRI

A.     In His suffering, agony, crucifixion, and death He offers life and salvation to all who would believe in Him.  In His cruel death, the Father offers clemency to all who are convicted of sedition against Him.  C.S. Lewis in his book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” describes it this way, “”When an innocent victim who had committed no treachery dies in a traitor’s stead the table would crack and death itself begins to work backward.”  

B.     Do you believe this?  The cruel cross of Calvary always looms ahead of us. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you?  The surroundings and the circumstances of His death are the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.    

IV.  He conquered as a king – His kingdom of glory

“And He shall reign forever and ever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords” –Handle 

A.    In the book of Revelation St John writes, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. ¹² In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”  Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:  “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,”      

B.    As a son and daughter of this king. You have been given the hope and promise that you too will live and reign with Him in glory. This is your destiny. This is your eternity. 

Is this Jesus a king? Most certainly, He is – He was born. He lived. He died. A king. When He appears in glory. We shall see Him, as He is – The Alpha and the Omega – King of Kings. And Lord of Lord. “Even so come quickly Lord, even now, Amen”

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Words –1,325

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability –81.6%

Reading Level –4.5

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^[1] Matthew 2:2

^[2] John 18:36

Gone!

Must the winter come so soon!

Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving Eve

25 November 2015

Psalm 117  

“Praise the Lord in every circumstance”

Lord God, You have revealed Your kindness to all people. Gather the nations into Your Church, that in all the various tongues of this world one hymn of praise may be offered to You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the Psalter. It is also the Bible's central chapter. It is the very center of the 1,189 chapters. Found in Genesis 1 through Revelation 22. As Psalm 115 was national. And Psalm 116 personal. This Psalm is global.

Jesus’ disciples sang this psalm following the Last Supper. Prior to going out to the Garden of Gethsemane. God’s kindness and faithfulness has been shown in the past. And of this, we can be sure. It will continue forever. This Psalm is the inspiration for such great hymns as. “From all that dwell below the skies” and “Praise to the Lord the Almighty”

1. The Call to Praise – Praise the Lord, all you nations; laud Him, all you peoples. (vs.1) This word can be translated as “sing praise.”

A. The world in its totality is lovingly invited to praise Him. God has and will continue to show Israel His kindness and faithfulness. God commands praise from all peoples.

B. The world. By its tribes. Is loudly invited to adore Him. The Lord’s faithful love prevails over all.

C. Father, help me be a witness through my praise for You.

D. Lord, save Your people from all the nations.

2. The Cause for praise – For His loving-kindness toward us is great, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. (Vs.2 a-b)

A. The loving triumph of the Lord. The salvation of God’s people. Is the reason for universal praise. The gospel of Christ is ordered to be preached to all nations. And by His work of redemption. Those that were afar off. Are made nigh. They are made to be a part of God’s family. We are among the persons to whom the Holy Spirit here speaks. Whom he calls upon to join his ancient people in praising the Lord.

B. The lasting truth of the Lord. His loving-kindness toward us is great. The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

C. Thank You Lord. For Your steadfast faithfulness toward Your people.

D. In God's kindness there is mercy, because…

1. Our sin deserves the reverse of kindness. We get more than we deserve. That’s grace!

2. Our weakness requires great tenderness. Jesus knows your fears. He knows your doubts. Yet, He bestows on you Hs mercy and peace.

3. Our fears can only be so removed. And He replaces that fear with faith, which trusts His promises for Jesus’ sake.

The Command to praise – Hallelujah! (vs.2c) Thus, we have thanksgiving! In His attribute—He is always faithful. In His revelation—He is always infallible. In His action – it is always according to His promise.

Praise the Name of the Lord. For His loving-kindness toward us is great, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever

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Words –525

Passive Sentences –13%

Readability –81.2%

Reading Level -3.8

Time in the Word - Christ the King

The theme for the last Sunday of the church year is the King and His Kingdom.  Without any difficulty, the theme of kingship can be seen in the lessons. We now come to the end of the church year. Throughout the year, we have covered the life, work, and teachings of Jesus, and it comes to a glorious climax today with a “Hallelujah Chorus.” The Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ kingdom is not a worldly kingdom. The Old Testament lesson pictures the Son of Man upon His ascension receiving an eternal and universal kingdom. The King of kings will return to earth, according to the Epistle lesson. The refrain of the Psalm for the day could not be plainer: “The Lord is King.”

Collect for Christ the King – Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 16 November 2015—Psalm 39:4-5, 7-8, 12a, Antiphon, 2 Peter 3:13b–We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.  The Antiphon expresses the desire of every believing child of God – to be home with the Lord. This is our destiny. We are not earthbound. We are only strangers here – heaven is our home.

Tuesday, 17 November 2015—Psalm 93; key verse, verse 1 - “The Lord is King.”  This refrain is the theme of the entire day – The Lord is King. He is the king above all other kings, the one and true God. We offer Him our worship and praise for He is worthy of our worship, praise, glory and honor. He is truly the Christ, our King.

Wednesday, 18 November 2015—Daniel 7:13-14 – God gives the Son of Man an eternal kingdom.  A vision of the Son of Man’s presentation to the Lord who gave Him an indestructible kingdom.  Here we get the picture of one like a son of man appearing before the Lord, not coming to earth as in Mark 13. By the time of the New Testament, the Son of Man was conceived as an individual, a heavenly figure. Jesus used the term to signify His Messiahship. This is the proclamation of the final establishment of Christ’s kingly rule. It says that at the end all things in the world will be subject to Christ and that all nations will serve Him. This is the basis for Christian hope. 

Thursday, 19 November 2015—Revelation 1:4b-8 – The King of kings return will be seen by all. Christ the King of kings will return to the earth. This passage contains a greeting similar to Paul’s, a doxology, an announcement of Jesus’ return, and God’s declaration of His being alpha and omega. Grace and peace come from the Trinity: (God-father; Christ-son; Holy Spirit – “seven spirits,” the seven-fold gifts of the Spirit.)  The beginning and the end of the passage deal with God, but Christ is the subject of the central section. Jesus is a witness, the firstborn of the dead, the King of kings (death, resurrection and ascension.) Because of His love, Jesus redeemed us, made us a kingdom, and will come to judge the earth. 

Friday, 20 November 2015—John 18:33-37 – Christ’s kingship is totally other than this world. Jesus explains to Pilate that, though He is a king, His kingship is not of this world.  Pilate has Jesus inside his court and the Jews are outside. Pilate is torn between the two. He is trying to make up his mind by asking Jesus questions. His first question is whether Jesus is a king. This is a political term and thus it is very dangerous. Jesus dodges the question by asking Pilate if this was his or others’ opinion. The other question concerns what Jesus has done. Jesus explains that His kingship is not of this world. This is proved by the fact that Jesus is not using force to defend Himself. Jesus explains that His mission in the world was to bear witness to the truth. But, only those of the truth and of God will accept His words as truth.

Why was Jesus born? Here we have the answer in Jesus’ own words He was born to bear witness of the truth. He was sent by God. He was given a message. He had a destiny. Because of this, He had a reason to live and knew the meaning of life. In a world where many drift and are confused as to the way and wherefore of life, Christ has a message: Discover your divine destiny. As a follower of Christ, one’s mission is to bear witness to the truth – the truth of God’s love for a fallen humanity. 

Saturday, 21 November 2015—Colossians 1:5, 20, 23, 27; Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 2:24 - The hymn is O Jesus King Most Wonderful (LSB 554).  As you come to worship tomorrow, come expecting to offer your Savior the worship with which He is worthy. Come to offer Him your gift of adoration and praise. But do more than simply come to a worship service – in service worship Him.

Collect for the Glorious Reign of Christ — Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that he may lead home His bride, the Church, that we will all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A prayer for home and family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A prayer of supplication – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because You desire not the death of a sinner but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live, graciously turn away from us the punishments which we by our sins have deserved and which have been borne for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant us ever to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.   

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH 

Proper 28

Proper 28

15 November 2015

Mark 13:1-13

“It is necessary that this good message be preached to all the nation’s first." - Mark 13:10

The daylight hours are even shorter now that daylight savings time in Indiana has finally ended. When we fell back one hour on the first Sunday of November. We come now to the last two Sundays of the Church year. As we count down the days before the last Sunday of the Church year – Christ the King Sunday, we remember that the time is short. We are living in the latter days.

The times in which we live. Remind us of the Lord’s sure promise – Before the Lord’s return this Gospel must be proclaimed to the nations. As we anticipate, Christ’s sure and certain return. We must be about the Father’s business. Living and sharing the faith.

I.        First – The Gospel message of Jesus Christ must be preached before the end of the age.

Jesus says in Matthew 24:14, “This Good News about the Kingdom will be spread throughout the whole world, as My followers tell the people of all the nations what they have seen and heard and know. And then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14 (Julian Anderson)

A.     This Gospel must first be preached to all the nations before the end of the age.

1.      It will be proclaimed as a testimony to the nations.

a.       A testimony that Jesus Christ alone is Lord. Of all the religious figures to every walk this earth. Many claimed to have a new directive. Many claimed to have a different insight. What makes Jesus Christ different is He alone claimed to be God. He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

b.      A testimony that He has won for us salvation and life.  Jesus Christ won for you salvation and life by going to the cross to suffer and die there. Then He victoriously rose from the dead. This, again, is what gives Jesus distinction. Even if there were one who claimed to be God. Jesus proves to be God alone by rising from the dead. If you want to destroy Christianity. You will have to explain away two realities. You will have to explain away the resurrection of Jesus Christ bodily from the tomb. And also, explain away the changed lives of those who witnessed His resurrection. The early followers of Jesus Christ after the resurrection even simply stated, “We are witnesses of these things.”

2.      Only after this message has been proclaimed will the end come.

a.       When the gospel message has been proclaimed in all the earth the end will come. Already the Gospel has proclaimed on every continent. What then will be the signal that the end will come?

b.      When the last person is converted. Then the end will come. The probability of Christ returning in your lifetime is higher now then every before. This could very well be the Last Generation!

c.     In a strong and significant sense, these words of Jesus have been fulfilled.  The expression, which has come to define my children's generation is the word “terrorism.” We all know where we were on that Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001.  People still recall the weather that day. It was clear blue sky and a beautiful day. But where were you three days later? On that day, the National Cathedral hosted the service three days after the terrorist attacks. The Rev. Billy Graham spoke. News outlets from virtually every corner of the world were present. Airing the event live. And on that day, September 14, 2001 the gospel of Jesus Christ was literally preached around the world as a testimony to the nations. In one moment, the world heard that saving gospel of Christ.

B.     If we want to hasten the time of Christ’s return we will want to be mission minded.

1.      So even more may hear this most valued message.

2.      So even more might be converted. St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

II.     This Gospel will be preached – it is a specific message – it is the message of the cross – St. Paul reminds us, “I desire to know nothing among you save Jesus and Him crucified.”

A.      The message we proclaim is a message of the cross.

1.      For it was on the bloody cruel cross of Calvary where Jesus bore the sins of all.

2.      It was at the cross where Jesus was winning for the world salvation, life, an eternal victory.

B.     This is what must give you a clear distinction.

1.      Where Christ and Him crucified permeates all you do.

2.      Where Christ is the center of our entire work in this parish. In our school.  In our homes.  In our lives. So we live blessed and forgiven lives- in sacramental living.

III.   To all the nations – Every tribe, clan, nation – In the book of Revelation, John gives us a picture of what heaven will look like. “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:  “Amen!  Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:9-12)

A.     America continues to be the melting pot.

1.      177 years ago, immigrants looked a lot like us.

2.      Not so today – consider immigration trends in America today.

ü     When a White person dies in America today only one will take his place due to birth or immigration. 1/1 There is no growth amongst Caucasians in America today;

ü     When a Black person dies in America today three will take his place due to birth or immigration. 3/1;

ü     When a Hispanic dies in America today eight will take his place due to birth or immigration.  8/1 As of the 2000 census there were more Hispanics in the US then African-Americans. And that number continues to climb.

ü     When an Asian dies in America today 15 will take his place due to birth or immigration.  15/1

B.     We no longer have to go to foreign lands to be engaged in mission work. There are people living within the shadows of this church who have yet to hear of the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. America today is the third largest mission field in the world.  The largest Burmese population outside the country of Myanmar happens to live in Allen County and its environs.  The state department brought them here because of persecution. Not imagined persecution. Of the Starbucks verity. This was severe and significant persecution. Catholic charities took care of them for a while. Now it's the Lutherans. Specifically your brothers and sisters at New Life Lutheran Church, which started as a mission to Gypsies, and then refocused on African immigrants is now concentrated on this significant people group.  

And there are people living in this community “without a prayer.”  They didn’t wake up this morning thinking of the destiny of their immortal soul. They have no concept of God except for what is played in the imagination of their own heart. They are living their lives “without a prayer” of “being numbered with the saints in glory everlasting.”

1.      Consider Lutheran Hour Ministry’s theme, “Bringing Christ to the Nations and the nations to the church.” These are our marching orders. Reaching out into the world. With the saving message of Jesus Christ.

2.      Where is your mission field? Its where you live and flourish. This text is for each of us – to share Christ with whomever we meet. “It is necessary that this good message be preached to all the nation’s first."

May God use you to be His feet and hands. Gossip the gospel where you work and live. By word and deed, become a sermon in shoes. Become a blessing others. And in all things remember to be thankful.

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Words – 1,455

Passive Sentences –8%

Readability –75%

Reading Level -5.8

St. Martin of Tours, pastor

Lord of hosts, Your servant Martin the soldier embodied the spirit of sacrifice. He became a bishop in Your Church to defend the faith. Give us grace to follow in his steps so that when our Lord returns we may be clothed with the baptismal garment of righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; we give Thee thanks for all those Thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them Thy mercy and the light of Thy presence, that the good work which Thou has begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.