Pr. DFD

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Time in the Word - Pentecost 4 - Proper 6

Preparation for New Week Pentecost 3 – Proper 6

June 8-13, 2018

Collect for Pentecost 3: Blessed Lord, since 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 we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for the Church: Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end;

Prayer for the mission of the Church and her missionaries: Almighty and gracious God, You want all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Magnify the power of the Gospel in the hearts of Your faithful people that Your Church may spread the good news of salvation. Protect, encourage, and bless all missionaries who proclaim the saving cross that Christ, being lifted up, may draw all people to Himself,

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

The Parables of our Lord convey the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who are “able to hear it,” that is, “to His own disciples,” who are catechized to fear, love and trust in Him by faith (Mark 4:33–34). He “scatters seed on the ground,” which “sprouts and grows” unto life, even as “He sleeps and rises” (Mark 4:26–27). “On the mountain heights of Israel,” He plants a young and tender twig, and it becomes “a noble cedar.” Indeed, His own Cross becomes the Tree of Life, under which “every kind of bird” will dwell, and in which “birds of every sort will nest” (Ezekiel 17:22–25). His Cross is our resting place, even while now in mortal bodies, we “groan, being burdened” (2 Corinthians 5:1–4). Yet by faith we live for God in Christ, who for our sake “died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15). We know that, in His resurrected body, “we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Monday, 8 June 2015—Psalm 92:12–15; Antiphon, Psalm 92:1—This ‘Psalm for the Sabbath’ is a hymn of praise, in which the psalmist gives thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness. He declares us righteous and makes us flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. From ancient times, even until to-day, Lebanon has been known for its tall strong cedars: Cedars from Lebanon were used in constructing the temple, and the cedar appears on Lebanon’s national flag. We who are planted in the house of the LORD are strong in the LORD like these trees of renown.

Tuesday, 9 June 2015—Psalm 1—Luther wrote that the psalter is the Bible in miniature. If so, then the opening six verses are the portal leading into a treasure-house of communion with God. Who is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day in night? First, it is Christ. Secondly, it is all of us who have been incorporated into Christ—the holy Christian Church. The new man, created by Baptism, that comes forth daily and arises to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Wednesday, 10 June 2015—Ezekiel 17:22–24—Things looked bleak when Jerusalem fell and King Zedekiah died in exile (Ezekiel 17:11-21). Through the prophet Ezekiel, the LORD proclaims that He will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and…I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. This tender sprig will never be uprooted, for it is the promised Messiah, Jesus, who will be given the throne of His father David, and whose Messianic kingdom will be established forever.

Thursday, 11 June 2015—2 Corinthians 5:1–10—In Sunday’s epistle reading, St Paul looks forward to eternal life in heaven, when we shall live forever in our glorified bodies, no longer made frail by the ravages of sin. Paul has supreme confidence in what is to come, for his confidence rests, not in the whims of man, but in the surety of God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. The Christian, who lives by faith in the promises of the Lord, rejoices at the thought of being at home with the Lord.

Friday, 12 June 2015—Mark 4:26–34—These parables serve as both warning and encouragement to us. We have a role to play in the furtherance of God’s kingdom on earth by sharing the Good News of the Gospel with those around us, but we must never think that the triumph of the Kingdom is our triumph, for it is the Lord and His Word alone which are effective. But neither should we despair if the growth of the Lord’s Kingdom seems somehow unspectacular in our eyes. He alone is the Lord of the harvest (Mark 9:38); thus, we never cease praying “Thy Kingdom come” with patience and confidence.

Saturday, 13 June 2015—Sunday’s hymn of the day, Creator Spirit, By Whose Aid (LSB 500), is an eighth-century hymn written in praise of the Holy Spirit and the gifts He bestows on the Church. It first proclaims the Spirit as participating in the creation of all things, then testifies that He creates Christians by His gifts to us. The final stanza is a doxology: a hymn of praise to our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer for persecuted Christians: Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, grant courage that Your children may confess Your saving name in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help them to remember Your faithful people who sacrificed much and even faced death rather than dishonor You when called upon to deny the faith. By Your Spirit, strengthen them to be faithful and to confess You boldly, knowing that You will confess Your own before the Father in heaven, with whom You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Sources:

Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Pentecost 3 - Proper 5

Pentecost 3 – Proper 5

June 10, 2018

Mark 3:20-35

The Work of Christ

Jesus has defeated the devil and released us from the bondage of sin and death.

Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Why pray such prayers? They appear so formal. Yet they continue to teach us the reality of our faith. Consider this morning’s Prayer of the day. It teaches us about the work of Christ.

1. Jesus has triumphed over the prince of demons.

This we affirm every time we witness a Baptism. From our baptismal rite we hear, “The Word of God teaches that we are all conceived and born sinful and are under the power of the devil until Christ claims us as His own. 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 should not perish but have eternal life.”[1]

Back in the garden the Lord promised our first parents that He would send the Savior. From our Old Testament lesson the Lord asks two simple questions. “Where are you?” and then, “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

But the Lord did not allow Adam and Eve to wallow in their misery and filth. He gave His promise of the Savior. To the serpent He said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” In the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Satan’s kingdom came to a crashing end.

2. Jesus has freed us from the bondage to sin.

Jesus’ battle with Satan would be decided in a way no one could have predicted. Bearing all sin on the cross. The Father condemned His only Son so you would never be condemned. He did this for you. Jesus suffered eternal judgment. For you. When Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” your sin was gone. Satan's only power is to distort God's word. The strong man controls the house. But another kingdom is breaking in. To destroy and plunder. By Jesus’ death - death is defeated. And by a curse. The curse is gone.

Christ now declares, “I forgive all sin.” Christ’s promise defeats Satan. His victory was not a physical contest of biceps and triceps or a contest of wits. He defeated Satan in His weakness..

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

Jesus has overcome Satan. Those baptized into Christ have received Him and also His promised Holy Spirit. “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,” v28 All sins and blasphemies and whatever they blaspheme can be forgiven.

You are free. Christ’s victory over Satan means you belong.

If Satan cannot shake your trust in Christ’s forgiveness, he’ll try to make you feel like an outsider. He will say, “You don’t fit with these people. What you did. Was so much worse. If they knew who you really are. They would march you to the church door. And tell you to leave and not come back.”

We are susceptible to these accusations. It is our nature to compare ourselves with others. What we fail to see that in comparing we are trying to justify ourselves.

Christ silences Satan with this promise: “You belong to My family.” “And His mother and His brothers came, and standing outside they sent to Him and called Him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers’ are outside, seeking You.” And He answered them, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God He is My brother and sister and mother.” (Vv. 31–35).

4. Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

And what is the will of the Father? “God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.”[2] His good and gracious will is that you believe in Christ.

This past week two prominent persons in the public view lost their lives due to suicide.3 They ended their life in disparate despair. So what could you say to someone. Whose sin was so dark. That that they question God’s ability to forgive? More important. What does Jesus Christ say to you? When you face similar darkness. He says, “I forgive all sin. Your shame your brokenness is gone. I welcome you. You are loved...regardless."

You are free. Forgiven. And you belong. Christ’s victory over Satan had set you free from sin’s prison. Jesus does the same for you. And all who seek His favor. In Christ, you are free.

Words-925

Passive Sentences –1%

Readability-82%

Reading Level -4.3

[3] Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, who died this past week. Escalating suicide rates have affected nearly every demographic group and place, according to new federal data.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Proper 5 notes

Pentecost 3 - Proper 5

Mark 3:20-35

Study notes

Genesis 3:8–15

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the Lord God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Genesis 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent.

Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:14–17).

The work of Christ

1. Jesus had triumphed over the Prince of demons

2. In doing so, Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin.

3. Jesus helps us to stand firm against every assault of Satan.

4. Jesus enables us always to do the will of the Father.

20 Καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς οἶκον · καὶ συνέρχεται πάλιν ὁ ὄχλος, ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἄρτον φαγεῖν.

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.

Jesus entered a house, because of the crowd they were not even able to eat.

21 καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθον κρατῆσαι αὐτόν, ἔλεγον γὰρ ὅτι ἐξέστη.

And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

After they had heard this his family (or those who were with him) went to seize him, they began to say "he's crazy!" "Standing outside of himself."

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

22 καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς οἱ ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων καταβάντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Βεελζεβοὺλ ἔχει καὶ ὅτι ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.

23 καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς ἐν παραβολαῖς ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς · Πῶς δύναται Σατανᾶς Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλειν;

And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 καὶ ἐὰν βασιλεία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δύναται σταθῆναι ἡ βασιλεία ἐκείνη ·

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Indeed if a kingdom is divided that kingdom cannot stand...Satan is divided against himself...he knows no other way other than destruction and division even destroying himself.

25 καὶ ἐὰν οἰκία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν μερισθῇ, οὐ δυνήσεται ἡ οἰκία ἐκείνη σταθῆναι ⸃·

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

:25-26 the strong man controls the house...another kingdom is breaking in to destroy and plunder.

By death - death is defeated, by a curse the curse is gone.

Satan's only power is to distort God's word.

26 καὶ εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἀνέστη ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἐμερίσθη, οὐ δύναται στῆναι ἀλλὰ τέλος ἔχει.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.

27 ἀλλ’ οὐδεὶς δύναται ⸃ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ εἰσελθὼν τὰ σκεύη ⸃ αὐτοῦ διαρπάσαι ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον τὸν ἰσχυρὸν δήσῃ, καὶ τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει.

But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

28 Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι πάντα ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς υἱοῖς τῶν ἀνθρώπων, τὰ ἁμαρτήματα ⸃ καὶ αἱ βλασφημίαι ὅσα ἐὰν ⸃ βλασφημήσωσιν ·

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,

All sins and blasphemies and whatever they blaspheme can be forgiven...

29 ὃς δ’ ἂν βλασφημήσῃ εἰς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, οὐκ ἔχει ἄφεσιν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ ἔνοχός ἐστιν αἰωνίου ἁμαρτήματος.

but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

Whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness...is guilty of an eternal sin.

:29-30 equates blasphemy of the Holy Spirit with the unpardonable sin = unyielding refusal to believe the Gospel and a rejection of the Holy Spirit's work to create faith in Jesus. It is "an eternal sin..." Guilt of this sin brings on into everlasting condemnation and punishment established for Satan and his evil angels. See Matthew 25:41; 1 John 5:16

:22-30 Those who refuse to recognize Jesus as God's Son and acknowledge his work as manifestations of the Holy Spirit remain under the dominion of Satan. BUT Jesus has overcome Satan. Those baptized into Christ have received not only Him but also His promised Holy Spirit.

30 ὅτι ἔλεγον · Πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον ἔχει.

for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

31 Καὶ ἔρχονται ⸃ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ ⸃ καὶ ἔξω στήκοντες ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτὸν καλοῦντες αὐτόν.

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.

32 καὶ ἐκάθητο περὶ αὐτὸν ὄχλος, καὶ λέγουσιν ⸃ αὐτῷ · Ἰδοὺ ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ζητοῦσίν σε.

And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers[a] are outside, seeking you.”

Note: Mark 3:32 Other manuscripts add” and your sisters”

People who barely know Jesus are seated next to Him, eagerly listening, while His family is outside, trying to get close enough to make Him stop!

:31-35 Earthly relations are crucial, yet one's relationship to God and His family of faith are even more important, since they form an eternal communion.

Loyalty to God takes precedence over loyalty to blood relations. This is still hard to hear today, as the temptation to put relationships with family and friends above God can be overwhelming. The Lord wants us to have both relationships, and have them as healthy as they can be. He stands first in our lives because he placed Himself last, to humbly bear our sin and make us children of God.

33 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτοῖς λέγει ⸃· Τίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου ἢ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου;

And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

34 καὶ περιβλεψάμενος τοὺς περὶ αὐτὸν κύκλῳ ⸃ καθημένους λέγει · Ἴδε ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου ·

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

35 ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποιήσῃ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, οὗτος ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀδελφὴ καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν.

For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Time in the Word - Pentecost 3 - Proper 5

Time in the Word
4-9 June 2018
Preparation for next week, The Time of the Church Year Proper 5

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for seasonable weather: Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the aged: Almighty God and gracious Father, in Your mercy look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress, or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help and, as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of Your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. Amen.

Collect for Proper 5 (June 5-11) – Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 4 June 2018—Psalm 8:7-9;Antiphon,Psalm 28:2—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is a cry for the Lord’s intervention in our lives. “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands, toward Your Most Holy Place.” The Most Holy Place was the inner sanctuary of the temple, where the ark of the covenant stood. It was God’s throne room on earth. David desired the Lord’s presence. In worship, God comes to us through His Word and in His meal to strengthen, comfort, and support us.

Tuesday, 5 June 2018—Psalm 130—This psalm is a testimony of trusting in God especially in trying times. The Psalmist begins, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice…” David knew he was a sinner, and yet the Lord hears his cry out of the depths of his predicament. In difficult times we turn to Him who knows our situation and in mercy has redeemed and saved us. This psalm consists of a cry from a person with heaviness of heart, presumably because of sin, who begs God to lift him above himself, his sin, and his troubles.

Wednesday, 6 June 2018— Genesis 3:8-15— God calls Adam to account for his sin. Here we see the consequences of the fall into sin. When god confronts Adam, he flees and hides because of his fear of God. He realizes He is naked, which is considered an abomination. This results in his sense of shame. When god asks for an explanation of his sin, both Adam and Eve blame others.

Sin may be forgiven but punishment goes with sin. “the ages of sin is death.” No one escapes the penalty of doing wring. God’s justice demands satisfaction. The Father is satisfied because of the death of His own Son.

What excuse or what explanation do we have for our disobedience/ Adam sins again by refusing to admit his guilt. He blames Eve. Eve blames the serpent. It is s common expression in our day too, “I have done no wrong.”

Thursday, 7 June 2018—2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1—Christians have the hope of eternal life with Christ. Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in the presence of God through His grace. This results in thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even though he is wearing out physically. But, spiritually he never grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will give him a new, spiritual body.

Paul can never get away from “grace.” It is God’s forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul, and justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to persist, regardless of adversities.

Friday, 8 June 2018—Mark 3:20-35—The only unforgivable sin is blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. The first and last sections of this reading deal with Jesus’ family. Between the two is Jesus controversy with the scribes who accuse Him of being possessed by and being an instrument of the devil Jesus’ family considers Him crazy and the scribes consider Him “possessed.” After dealing with the scribes, we are taken back to His family which comes for Him. Jesus explains that His family is not one of blood relationship but those who do the will of god. Both family and religious leaders misunderstand Jesus. To accuse Jesus of having an evil spirit is to commit the unpardonable sin. It is a sin of failing to see in Jesus the presence of the Holy Spirit, who gives Him power and authority to case out demons. Those who do God’s will have a spirit akin to His.

The word “never” is a hard word. One who sins against the Holy Spirit can “never” get forgiveness. The sin is to claim that Jesus hs an evil spirit. If He does, then the sinner will never repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness. He/she is sure that he/she has done no wrong. Jesus is the one who is wrong. Because of this delusion, a person can never be forgiven. This person is never forgiven because he/she never comes to Christ to be forgiven.

Saturday, 9 June 2018— Ephesians 6:10-18 -Sunday’s hymn of the day, Rise! To Arms! With employ you.(LSB 668)Human effort is inadequate. Yet God’s power is invincible. Thus the warning, we do not last out against human opponents as though they were the real enemy. Nor can we assume that the battle can be fought using merely human resources. We battle against dark evil forces. Thus we arm ourselves with the Gospel and it is Christ, our champion who battles for us in the war against temptation, doubt, the devil and our own sinful self.

Image © Ed Rioja Higher Things

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Pentecost 2 -PROPER 4

Pentecost 2 – Proper 4

Mark 223-28

3 June 2018

Eternal God, Your Son Jesus Christ is our true Sabbath rest. Help us to keep each day holy by receiving His Word of comfort that we may find our rest in Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Sabbath was made for humanity. Not humanity for the Sabbath. The Law of Moses was given for us. To help us grow us in faith. They were not given as rock-set, unchanging restrictions to life. You are not defined by rules. But by a connection with the Divine. Your union with Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and custom are not scripture. They are, however, necessary, helpful and essential. Doctrines are a summation of Scripture. Practices are how these doctrines are applied to our lives personally. They are a short hand for powerful and productive ways to live a life of faith.

Today, many claim to be walking a journey of faith. They reason, “As long as I am seeking God. The path I take will be of my own choosing.” This logic is uniquely American. It’s marketing at its best. When Jesus is advertised as a product. When everything is done for effect. And the brand is what’s important.

As we have become consumers of spirituality in our culture; so the argument goes: “Since I’m on this journey. If I don’t like what I see. If I desire a different outcome. If I want a different result. I’ll shop elsewhere. To find a better deal. Because. After all. It’s my journey.”

If we are ever tempted to try on a new path. - We might just want to slow down. And pause. To take care. It may not be as helpful as we might think.

Doctrines and practices are well worn paths. On which we may safely travel. Boundaries protect. They let us feel safe. Well marked paths are good. Helping us in our life.

To do the opposite is a challenge just as well. Instead of looking for the new road to travel. Most folk want a safe place to park. This is where our story begins.

The Pharisees present a contrast to the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels. They keep the rules. While Jesus discards rules. In favor of humanity. The Pharisees are the main opposition to Jesus. They were a first century conservative sect of Jews. (Might we say, The Tea Party movement?) The Pharisees were popular on a grass roots level. Jesus encountered Pharisees often. Because His ministry occurred among the people.

Jesus is confronted with resistance. Why don't Jesus' disciples fast? John's disciples. They fast. The Pharisees’ disciples. They fast. This is a picky, critical, fearful question. "Why don't you do what we do?"

This happened as Jesus’ disciples were discovered picking and chewing on grain heads on the Sabbath. Jesus’ answer to this criticism comes as He takes the serious example of David eating the Bread of the Presence. Even in Scripture the Law was "broken," He says, because the law is made for man. Not the other way around.[1]

It is easier to follow the letter of the Law than it is to exercise the thought required by love. The priest fed David and his men because he recognized that his moral obligation superseded the ceremonial regulation.

Today, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach us regarding God’s rest.

The Sabbath is intended for physical and spiritual blessing. Certain work is permissible. Even on the Sabbath. Especially works of mercy. And work which is necessity. And these Pharisees. They knew the Scriptures well. “If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.” (See Deuteronomy 23:25)

Jesus’ guiding principle is simple. The Sabbath is made for man. Not the other way around. At issue for us is this question. Do you rightly keep the Sabbath? Or is the Sabbath keeping you?

1. We can enslave ourselves to the Sabbath if we regard the letter of the Law as sacred and sacrosanct at the expense of the Father’s intention.

A. The Pharisees tried to hold Jesus’ disciples to an interpretation of the Law that went way beyond God’s intent. “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Mark 2:24

B. Sometimes we concern ourselves more with “right” doctrine or “right” liturgy than with true worship. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6;6)

C. We can misuse the Sabbath on weekdays too.

1. When we are more concerned with our own needs than with the community or the hurting in our world. If we do so. We deny Christ.

To that end. We have been intentional in our outreach into our community. We focus on two acts of mercy. We partner with Pack Away Hunger _TM distributing 80,000 meals to food banks in our county the week-end before Holy Week.

We also reach out to families who have lost children due to stillbirth, early death or sudden infant death syndrome. We partner with three area hospitals who serve these families. Does this get butts in the seats? No.But that’s not the point. Our aim is to serve our neighbor in love as Christ has served us. Our aim is to be merciful. As Christ has shown mercy.

2. We can misuse the Sabbath when we insist on our rights but neglect our responsibilities. If so. We deny Christ. And that involves your attitude. So wrestle with that.

3. We can misuse the Sabbath when we are more interested in being loved than in loving. If so. We deny Christ. And that involves your motives. So consider your motives. And if your motives have not been rooted in Christ - bring it to the mercy seat of Christ!

2. The Father’s intention is for the Sabbath to keep you.

A. Jesus reaffirmed that “the Sabbath was made for man.” –Mark 2:38

1. Jesus served His disciples by defending them. Notice. Jesus does not condemn His disciples as the wander through the field. He never scolds them. He doesn’t tell them to knock it off, or to stop.

2. Instead, He used David as an example to explain two points.

a. The Sabbath is made to serve people.

b. Certain work is more important than regulations.

B. The Sabbath is intended for our physical and spiritual blessing.

1. Our bodies need a period of daily and weekly rest. “By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. “(Genesis 2:2-3)

2. Weary souls need rest, too. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

3. We remember the Sabbath day when we do necessary work on the Sabbath. Such as police fire, or medical work. This work is necessary. As it becomes work in a manner that glorifies God. Jesus said, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?” (Matthew 12:11)

4. We also remember the Sabbath when we do works motivated by love. Even if it is done on the Sabbath itself. “Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. “ (Matthew 12:12)

C. The Sabbath serves us when we celebrate sins forgiven. We “rest” in the forgiveness that is ours for the sake of the “Son of Man, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”[2]

Words-1,345

Passive Sentences – 9%

Readability-79%

Reading Level -4.4

[1] https://www.onemansweb.org/theology/mark-s-gospel/mark-2-18-28.html

Friday, June 1, 2018

June

With the coming of June we now turn to the second half of the church year. It is the Non-festival season of the church calendar referred to as the Pentecost season. This second half of the church year always includes the entire months of July, August, September and October and most or all of June and November. In some years, the season of Pentecost may include a portion of May, or a day or two in early December. This year the last Sunday in the season of Pentecost will fall on November 25 as we observe Christ the King Sunday.

Remember the Festival season of the church calendar finds its focus on the life of Jesus, which culminates in His glorious resurrection. Easter will fall either early or late. Ascension is always forty days after Easter. Pentecost always falls exactly fifty days after Easter. This year Easter fell on April 1. In 2019 Easter will be celebrated on April 21.

The color for the Sundays after Pentecost is green, a color of growth. It is during this season that Christians grow in the faith expressing that confidence which we have in Christ. Maintaining a reference to the Pentecost season is to emphasize that we Christians are living in the age of the Spirit, given at Pentecost. Just as the disciples were gifted and led by the Spirit, so too are we. We are a church still living from the Pentecost described in Acts chapter 2 as a helpful reminder that we continue to live in the wake of Pentecost.

The Old Testament readings are arranged so that we can experience a great amount of scripture,

The Epistle addresses the realities of conflict (II Corinthians), the promise of stability and unity (Ephesians), core practices of the faith (James), and the priestly nature of Christ and the church (Hebrews).

The Gospel during this season carries us through Mark’s account of Jesus teaching his disciples, largely in the area in and around the Sea of Galilee,

The number seven is identified with Pentecost because the Spirit brings the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit. From Isaiah 11:1-3 these gifts include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These sevenfold-gifts are portrayed in the two candelabras each containing seven branches.

During this season Christians are grateful for the Spirit and His gifts. The Spirit brings life; He calls, enlightens and gathers believers into His family the church. We also express our life in confidence. Hope results from the Spirit making all things new. With the Spirit comes new life and hope.