Isaac

Isaac, the long promised and awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, was born when his father was 100 and his mother 91. The announcement of his birth brought both joy and laughter to his aged parents (so the name “Isaac,” which means “laughter”). As a young man, Isaac accompanied his father to Mount Moriah, where Abraham, in obedience to God’s command, prepared to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. But God intervened, sparing Isaac’s life and providing a ram as a substitute offering (Gen. 22:1–14), and thus pointing to the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world. Isaac was given in marriage to Rebekah (24:15), and they had twin sons, Esau and Jacob (25:19–26). In his old age Isaac, blind and feeble, wanted to give his blessing and chief inheritance to his favorite—and eldest—son, Esau. But through deception Rebekah had Jacob receive them instead, resulting in years of family enmity. Isaac died at the age of 180 and was buried by his sons, who by then had become reconciled.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 16

The Cross of Christ is the Way into the Kingdom of God

With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Is. 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord’s glory “among the nations” (Is. 66:19). Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ’s disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Proper 16 O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayer for pardon, growth in grace, and divine protection: O Lord, our God, we acknowledge Your great goodness toward us and praise You for the mercy and grace that our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, and our hearts have known. We sincerely repent of the sins of this day and those in the past. Pardon our offenses, correct and reform what is lacking in us, and help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Inscribe Your law upon our hearts, and equip us to serve You with holy and blameless lives. May each day remind us of the coming of the night when no one can work. In the emptiness of this present age keep us united by a living faith through the power of Your Holy Spirit with Him who is the resurrection and the life, that we may escape the eternal bitter pains of condemnation.

By Your Holy Spirit bless the preaching of Your Word and the administration of Your Sacraments. Preserve these gifts to us and to all Christians. Guard and protect us from all dangers to body and soul. Grant that we may with faithful perseverance receive from You our sorrows as well as our joys, knowing that health and sickness, riches and poverty, and all things come by permission of Your fatherly hand. Keep us this day under Your protective care and preserve us, securely trusting in Your everlasting goodness and love, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 15 August 2016—Psalm 117; antiphon, Psalm 96:6a; 115:18—Psalm 117, the shortest of the psalms, comprising only two verses, is paired with an antiphon that announces, Splendor and majesty are before him; we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord. The splendor and majesty of the Lord are shown chiefly in His steadfast love toward us and in His faithfulness, which endures forever.

Tuesday, 16 August 2016—Psalm 50:1–15—This psalm of Asaph speaks of the Lord as a mighty Judge. The Lord will judge all men based on their faithfulness and trust in Him, not on the outward show of ritual and religion. We must ever be on our guard, that we do not just ‘go through the motions,’ but that our hearts are right: that is, that we trust not in ourselves, nor in any earthly rulers or things, but solely in God the Lord for our salvation. He alone can accomplish it, and He delights in our trust in Him. Call upon me in the day of trouble, He exhorts us, and promises, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

Wednesday, 17 August 2016—Isaiah 66:18–23—In this, the last chapter of the great Gospel-drenched Book of Isaiah, the Lord speaks to His faithful. They will rejoice at the revelation of His glory, especially at the Last Day, when this present age shall pass away and God will bring forth new heavens and a new earth. The adoration of the Lord by the faithful shall never cease. Tragically, however, the torment of those who have rebelled against the Lord shall also not cease. Let us, then, ever remain faithful to the Lord and to His Word, that we may be counted among those whom the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, brings in from all the nations.

Thursday, 18 August 2016—Hebrews 12:4–24—We continue our reading through the latter chapters of Hebrews with an exhortation to remain faithful, even when suffering or persecution befalls us. We are not to regard such as punishment, but as discipline, as from a loving Father. the goal of such discipline is not the suffering, but the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Friday, 19 August 2016—Luke 13:22–30—Christ Jesus was born for one purpose: to suffer and die for the sins of the world. In the Gospel reading for Sunday, we see Him journeying toward Jerusalem, where His mission will be accomplished. Along the way, He performed many miracles and also taught the people, as He does here. A common question, then as now, is, ‘Who will be saved?’ Instead, Jesus answers the question, ‘How will they be saved?’ The answer is, only through Christ. He is the narrow door through which the heavenly banquet is entered. He counsels us to strive and to struggle to enter. Our struggle is against our own flesh and blood, which wants eternal life on its own terms, and against the demonic forces of the devil, who wants all men to be damned. We are not to delay in entering the door, that is, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, and turning our backs on the devil, the world, and our sinful desires. For those who reject Christ, there is only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Saturday, 20 August 2016—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, A Multitude Comes from the East and the West(LSB #510), uses the imagery of the feast from the Gospel reading. Partaking of the unending feast in the kingdom of heaven will be the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, along with all the faithful from the East and the West, people from every nation under heaven. What they have in common is their trust in the goodness of the Lord.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Face of Christ: http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Pentecost 13 - Proper 15

Proper 15

14 August 2016

Luke 12:49–53

Luke 12:51

The fire of God’s Word divides

Go in Peace or to Pieces

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead.

He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us.

Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).

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;

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. - Luke 12:51

These are difficult words to be sure. We usually think of Jesus in terms of the Prince of Peace. Our Gospel lesson reminds us there is another side of Jesus and His effect. He can also cause trouble, controversy, disharmony, and division.

Jesus will have no cheap peace. Sometimes He says, “Go in peace,” but other times people go to pieces in terms of disagreement and division. Jesus is telling us that it is not His way to have peace at any price; agreement with falsehood, compromise with evil. When Jesus enters as truth, love, and goodness people divide themselves pro and con.

It is said that wherever St. Paul preached there was either a revival or a riot.

With Jesus, there is no neutral ground: you are either for or against Him. The division occurs even in the close-knit family: some for, some against – Jesus.

How Jesus causes division.

1. He speaks the Truth.

A. If the Word had not been preached the world would have gone on undisturbed. But the preaching of the Word causes divisions, not because of God or because of the Word, but because of the utter sinfulness of man.

B. This is why Jesus came preaching both Law as well as Gospel. In the Gospel of John, the Savior reminds us, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well.

If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both my Father and me. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.” - John 15:22-25

The sin of Jesus' enemies are both deliberate and inexcusable. The miracles Jesus performed and the words He had spoken were clear. They were light and life. But they would have noting of it. They could not take Jesus’ clear word. Human nature has not changed. People will embrace Him and champion His cause or they will reject, refuse and revolt.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise.

2. He refuses to compromise principles.

A. The sinless Christ suffered at the hands of His own people. They finally brought Him to death. The fire of God is not necessarily an eternal flame. Luther “The Gospel is sometimes like a refreshing summer shower. It can go from one place to the other.” Where is the center or world Christianity today? It resides in the continent of Africa.

B. The fire of God can and sadly sometimes goes out.

1. By the water of worldliness.

2. By smothering the fire by the cares of this life.

3. By letting it burn out for lack of fuel. Sometimes it’s rust out instead of burn out.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise, and when He lives by love.

3. He lives by love.

A. The fire of God’s love can and must be used for good.

1. The fire is contagious.

2. If a Christian is on fire for God, those who come in contact are set on fire too.

B. Christians, followers of Jesus are to be spiritual arsonists. As we gossip the Gospel, we want to deliberately set others on fire with the Gospel of Christ.

1. Jesus tells us “I have come to set fire to this earth”

2. Where will the next fire be set? Who will set it? What will be the result riot or revival?

Christ’s suffering in the fire for us enables us to endure the heat. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, “endured the cross despising the shame” {Hebrews 12:2}

He did all this for you. In the midst of our struggles we “consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself” so that we do not grow weary or fainthearted.” He suffered itself in your place when His Father forsook him so that you will not be rejected.

Your baptism into His baptism of death is the pledge that you will be with Him in Paradise. He uses the fiery trials you experience as a Christian to refine, purify and disciple you. True. The cost of discipleship is great, but He paid the ultimate price in your place and now uses even trials for your benefit.

Words –1,035

Passive Sentences –8%

Readability –78%

Reading level – 5.8

Face of Christ - http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Lawrance

“Early in the third century AD, Lawrence, most likely from Spain, made his way to Rome. There he was appointed chief of the seven deacons and was given the responsibility to manage Church property and finances. The emperor at the time, who thought that the Church had valuable things worth confiscating, ordered Lawrence to produce the ‘treasures of the Church.’ Lawrence brought before the emperor the poor whose lives had been touched by Christian charity. He was then jailed and eventually executed in the year AD 258 by being roasted on a gridiron. His martyrdom left a deep impression on the young Church. Almost immediately, the date of this death, August 10, became a permanent fixture on the early commemorative calendar of the Church.” Source: Treasury of Daily Prayer

Pentecost 12 - Proper 14

Proper 14

7 August 2016

Luke 12:22–34

Luke 12:32-40

"Your Faith is Showing!"

In this sinful, troubled world. It is altogether too easy to succumb to the cares of the world and become anxious. But your heavenly Father, who desires only what is best for you, provides not only for your earthly needs, but also, more importantly, has provided for you eternally. You can rest secure in the fact that you have a loving and gracious Father who knows your needs and provides for them.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

If it is true faith. It will show!  No one can hide it. If one has it, one would not want to hide it. As the old g song sings, "hide it under a bushel NO! I'm gonna let it shine…"  Some are not sure that they have faith. They know they should have it. Would like to be sure they have it. They feel the need for even more faith. As for you. It is self- evident. Your faith is showing.

1. Your faith is showing when you receive the kingdom v. 32 -… Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is not earned. As if, it was the result of some reward. It is not payment for services rendered. It is certainly not a commodity or a service. Which can be bought or purchased at a store or business? It is received as a gift. Jesus said, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!"   

The Kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer. It comes in the form of a gift. It comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity. This gift is received by faith. It is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. This is a true sign that your faith is showing when you know that all that you have comes from the Father’s hand. As Christians, we believe and confess that Christ’s present yet hidden reign as king is being extended by the Spirit through the Gospel. It will be fully revealed when Christ returns in glory.

2.  Your faith is showing when you seek spiritual values - vv. 33-34 – “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ” 

Last Sunday's lesson focused on the values, which we hold that make up the ingredients of our life. Jesus continues on this theme. He reminds us. Your chief focus must be on spiritual values as your chief priority.

It takes faith to be less concerned about accumulating earthly goods then spiritual treasures.  Jesus reminds us; your heart will always be where your riches are. What if you lost everything - what if it was all stolen or taken away? - Would your life be over?

Lay-up treasure - spiritual treasure - treasures in heaven. Where they will never decrease; because no thief can get to them and no moth can destroy them. When you seek spiritual values as your first priority, your faith will certainly be showing         

3.  Your faith is showing as you watch and wait for Christ's return - vv.35-40 – “ Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,  and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.  If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.  You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “  

Christ is coming soon. Are you ready to leave this world to meet the Savior in glory? Are you ready for a Son rise? Are you ready to meet the Savior face to face? Before you can be prepared, according to Jesus' own words, you must first believe Christ is returning and coming soon.  Could Christ return tonight? Do you really believe this? If so, your faith is showing!

Your faith is showing! It is showing as you've been received into the kingdom as you continue to seek spiritual values; as you patiently watch and wait for Christ's return. Come Lord Jesus - come even today! Amen!

Words – 896

Passive sentences – 11%

Readability –83.4%

Reading level –4.5

Joanna, Mary, Salome Myrrh bearers

Almighty God, Your crucified and buried Son did not remain in the tomb for long., Give us joy in the tasks set before us, that we might carry out faithful acts of service as did Joanna, Mary and Salome, offering to You the sweet perfume of our grateful hearts, so that we, too, may see the glory of your resurrection and proclaim the Good News with unrestrained eagerness and fervor worked in us through Lord Jesus Christ who rose and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

August

Aug 7     Proper 14 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 ~   Luke 12:32-40 "Your Faith is Showing!"

Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith, and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life;

Aug 14  Proper 15 ~ Prayer and Preaching ~ Luke 12:51 “The fire of God’s Word divides”

Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way;

Aug 21 Proper 16 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 ~ Luke 13:22–30 “The Cross Is the Way into the Kingdom”

O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Aug 28 Proper 17 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 without Communion ~ Luke 7:12-14

“Look who’s coming to dinner.” 

O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by Your Holy Spirit to follow the example of Your son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride.

With the coming of the month of August, another school year will begin. Our annual meeting of our Wyneken Association will be held at St. John Parish Hall on August 1, 2016 Not only will the budget for the 2016-2017 school year be set but we will also have an accounting of the functioning of our school along with various reports and updates concerning our school’s ministry.

Under the theme “Do everything in Love” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14 we will begin our forty-eighth year by the grace of God. Because of your sacrificial, first-fruits giving we have been able to make our contributions to our school and fulfill our obligations. The Thrivent Choice and SGO funding sources have helped our congregation reach our goals in a timely manner. Your continued support of our church’s school is deeply appreciated.  As we continue to support our school, we pray the Lord’s blessings on all our endeavors.