mid week Lent 4 - mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 4-Mid day
February 27, 2008
John 19:5
Jesus I will Ponder Now


When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, Behold the man!

Introduction: “Behold the man!” That’s what Pilate said. Who is this Jesus? How will you perceive Him? How will you react to Him? What has He done to deserve all this? Our chorale for this evening penned by Johan Sebastian Bach gives us much to contemplate.

I.     Behold, the Savior of the world. Jesu, who for me didst die, Livest now forever.

A.  Christ died –

1.   He died for every sinner.

2.   He died for me!

B.  But now He lives –

1.   Death could not hold Him.

2.   He now lives and reigns through all eternity.

II.  Behold Him who will hold us in death. When my hour of death draws nigh, Let me waver never.

A.  Each must face death.

1.   It is appointed for man once to die and after that face judgment. -Hebrews 9:72

2.   Death is a curse which sinful humans have brought upon themselves. “The soul that sins it shall die.” - Ezekiel 18;4,20

B.  Yet we can face death confidently in Jesus.

1.   Because Christ defeated death by His own death we can now see death as a gate which leads to eternal life.

2.   When facing our own demise terrors of conscience may seize us. Only Christ can keep us faithful. “Be Thou faithful until death and I will give Thee the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10

III.   Behold Him who will keep us. May I e’er to Thee be turned, O my faithful Savior.

A.   By our own reason or strength we can not come to Him.

1.   We are blind, dead and enemies of God.

2.   Our sin prevents us.

B.  Thus He sends us His Holy Spirit who…

1.   Calls us  - by the Gospel

2.   Gathers us – into His body the Church

3.   Enlightens us – with His gifts

4.   Sanctifies us – keeps us holy

5.   Keeps us – in the one true faith

IV.  Behold him who will receive us into His glory. Give me but what Thou has earned, More I do not pray for.

A.  What has Christ earned?

1.   We now have peace with God.

2.   We are given access to the Father’s throne - room of grace.

3.   We have received forgiveness from all sin.

4.   We’ve been given the hope of heaven with mansions glorious.

B.  With all these gifts what more do we need?

1.   The Christian can now be content.

2.   There is nothing lacking for Christ has the sufficiency to supply us with all that we may ever need.

Conclusion:     

I am content my Jesus liveth still
In whom my heart is pleased.
He hath fulfilled the Law of God for me,
God’s Wrath He hath appeased.
Since He in death could perish never
I also shall not die forever.
I am content! I am content!

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Lent mid-week 4

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lent 4
February 27, 2008
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel anoints David as king - God selects our leader
The light for vision

 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD'S anointed stands here before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Introduction: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend, or ruler. As a national election looms in front of us, what leadership qualities are we looking for in our leaders on the national, sate and local level? Bringing it closer to home, you may ask yourself, what do I see in a person that I would choose that person to work for, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he/she appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king. We continue under the theme God’s dealing with people. In selecting a leader the Lord gives both vision and direction. 

What do you see in a person?

1.      Observe the person’s appearance — v. 12; “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” 

When God wants a servant, what does He look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God’s choice, but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance.  

Our first impressions are usually deceptive and incomplete. We tend to judge people based on their appearance, their mannerisms (smile, handshake, liveliness, etc.) and their tone. However, reality runs deeper than what is visible at the surface.  Yet, most people would believe your appearance says who you are just as your clothes tell others who you are.

Eliab.  whose name means “God is Father.” Appeared to be the heir apparent.  He is a fine physical specimen, and Samuel thinks that he is surely the chosen one.  But, God says, “I have refused him.” The word “refuse” simply means to “reject.”  Eliab might have looked pleasing outwardly, but something in his character disqualified him from being the king. 

Transition: Observing the person’s appearance might be important to some. Better yet, look at the person’s occupation.

2.      Consider the person’s occupation — v. 11; “So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

David’s occupation could have quickly disqualified him. He was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time - but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. In our world today students can spend years preparing themselves for a marketable career.

A question could be asked, do we judge a person based on their occupation?   Do we give preference to people based on their income?   Are there certain jobs we might consider to be “beneath us”?  

"When we pray the Lord's Prayer," observed Luther, "we ask God to give us this day our daily bread. And He does give us our daily bread. He does it by means of the farmer who planted and harvested the grain, the baker who made the flour into bread, the person who prepared our meal." We might today add the truck drivers who hauled the produce, the factory workers in the food processing plant, the warehouse men, the wholesale distributors, the stock boys, the lady at the checkout counter. Also playing their part are the bankers, futures investors, advertisers, lawyers, agricultural scientists, mechanical engineers, and every other player in the nation's economic system. All of these were instrumental in enabling you to eat your morning bread. [1]

Occupations are important in our world yet their importance goes far beyond what is often seen on the surface.

Transition: Considering a person’s occupation is important in choosing a leader better yet observe the person’s background.

3.      Look at the person’s background — v. 3; “Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”

A person’s background, his upbringing, his schooling, and his family are often important factors in determining a person’s ability to rule. Samuel was to go to a certain family - the family of Jesse. From this family a certain member was to be selected as the future king. Yet it was the Lord Himself who would elect that person who would be king. We can only judge what is available to us lying on the surface. It is the Lord Himself who alone judges the heart.  

Transition: Considering a person’s background is critical in choosing a leader. Better yet, examine the person’s heart.  

4.      Examine the person’s heart and spirit — vv. 7, 13;“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.” -the very best!

Says the Lord God, I don't see things how you see things, Samuel look again.  What humans consider unworthy, unacceptable, undesirable God counts as extremely important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. David’s youth was against him, for a king needed experience and maturity.

Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger. He lived a life of suffering, rejection, betrayal and scorn. His was not a noble death applauded by the religious elite. Yet our Lord Jesus in His suffering, humiliation, agony, and bloody sweat; and at a cross where He took our sins upon Himself. His death which He died on a cross - it was this miserable death which has saved us.   

Conclusion: When looking for the marks of greatness and the qualities for leadership do not be fooled by what appears on the surface. They are but a façade. The Lord, He judges the heart. He saw in David a man after His own heart. His own Son, a Second David, bore your sins in His own body that you might die unto sin and live unto righteousness.  In these precious wounds we find peace with God and clemency for your sins and offenses.   

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

[1] introduction by Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Institute director and World Magazine editor:

Lent 3

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Lent 3
February 24, 2008
John 4:5-26
“I am the Water of Life”
Who is the Man Going to the Cross?

“Eternal Lord, Your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear Your word and obey it, so that we become instruments of Your redeeming love.”

Today is an import day in the life of our congregation. We commemorate this day 170 years of mission and ministry. Today is a day for us to recall and remember and for us to consider the sacrifices our fathers in the faith made for us. Milestones of faith happened here. People will say in this coming year, “This is the place where I was baptized, confirmed, and reared in the faith.”

This is the place where it all started – where the seeds of faith were planted and nurtured - by faithful pastors and teachers – kingdom workers – servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we have dedicated the new Lutheran Service Book this day we pray that this resource will be a blessing to us and that our worship would remain Christ centered.  Our Savior addresses the true roots of worship in our Gospel lesson for today. Worship according to our Savior does not depend on vestments, settings, or liturgies. The only two requirements are that our worship be rooted in spirit and truth. Thus, in our worship, may Jesus Christ be glorified. May He remain at the center of all that we do.   

In Lent we ask the question, “Who is this man going to the cross”? Jesus is known as a friend of sinners. He associated with them because He knew they needed Him for a fuller life. In our Gospel lesson, we find Him talking with a loose woman of a despised race.

It is interesting to see how Jesus deals with this woman as He desires to bring her to faith in Him.  As the Messiah His desire is to change her life. The power of life-giving water is given to a Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at a well.  As Jesus has an encounter with this woman He offers to her a changed life as she exchanges her life for His. On this Anniversary day – this is our story too, experiencing that great exchange – God‘s mercy and forgiveness purchased at the cost of His own Son. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

Today we witness and hear the dialogue between Jesus and a woman at the well.

I.        What Jesus might have done — He could have had a monologue.

A.     Jesus could very well have refused to speak to this Samaritan woman. Such was the custom of the day. Samaritans and Jews had little to do with each other. Each viewed the other as having compromised the faith.    

B.     Jesus could have condemned her for her immoral life and nationalism. He chooses however to deal differently. He breaks through the moral problem by accepting a woman of doubtful character. He does not isolate Himself from a sinner. He addresses her sin and calls her to repentance.

Transition: Jesus in dealing with this woman illustrates how He chooses to deal with each of us. On this day in which we thank the Lord for the many blessings He has showered down upon our Friedheim family may we be especially thankful for the forgiveness of sins, life, salvation which each of us receive as a gift.

II.     Notice how Jesus guides the conversation.

A.     He begins on common ground: water  (Vv. 7-9.)  

The passage gives an insight into the human-divine Jesus. We see His humanity: He is tired from walking and thirsty from the noonday heat. Like any of us, He asks for a drink of water. On the other hand, His divinity shows: He offers living water of eternal life, as He teaches about true worship of God, and admits that He is the Messiah.

B.     A transition to spiritual water (Vv. 10-15.)  

The woman’s respect for her past prevented her from seeing the great opportunity of the present. She asks, “Are you greater than our father Jacob?”  Yet, the Savior offers her the greatest gift of all – the Father’s grace through Christ. Jesus gave us His life and He gave it freely that any who comes to Him He will certainly not cast out.

C.     Next, the moral question (Vv. 16-19.) 

We can not longer hide or equivocate.  We can’t quibble or fudge. We are dead to rights. Our own sin condemns us, especially when Jesus through the preaching of the Law shows us our sin. “Sir, the woman said, “I can see that You are a prophet.” Thus, what is wrong in our life must be made right if we are to have satisfaction. 

Jesus stimulates in us a desire for the gift of God. “But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (V. 14)

D.     Religious questions (Vv. 20-24.)

Jesus shows us where to find God’s gift. We may be perplexed as to which church is right.  “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 

Both Samaritans and Jews claimed to know the perfect will of God yet they argued as to where He was to be found.  The true church is present where God’s Word is taught purely and the sacraments are administered according to Christ’s command.  There we find the gift of God – salvation.

True worshipers are not bound to any particular place or ritual. Jesus declares, ‘Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.’ (V. 21) The worship of God is in spirit and in truth. He is not bound to any outward group or building. Church organizations can cease to exist. What a wonderful promise – on this our 170th anniversary – True worshipers, who make up the church, will continue throughout time.

E.      Jesus reveals Himself - The Messiah (Vv. 25-26.)

Jesus reveals Himself to us in the Word. “I who speak to you am He!” We can have Him now, as we are, in our emptiness and thirst, for He is the gift that satisfies.

Conclusion:  John reminds us, “Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Our meditation begins with the woman’s question. “Could this Jesus be the Christ?  Do you know the gift of God? As He spoke to the woman so He speaks to you this day. “I who speak to you am He.”

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

Mid-week Lent 3 Mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 3-Mid day
February 20, 2008
John 18:15-27
Jesus I will Ponder Now

Introduction:  The story of Peter is your story. It is also my story. Peter is so strong; so sure of himself, so bold – yet so often he stumbles, fumbles, flops and falls. Johan Sebastian Bach in a beautiful chorale tells a powerful account concerning Peter’s failure. Let’s see how the story unfolds.

I.   “Peter gave it scarce a thought when he God rejected.”

A.   Peter was so sure of himself. He felt secure in his faith.

1.    After all, he was one of the twelve and of the twelve, one of the three whom Jesus gathered together to be part of His inner circle.

2.    He was fixed firmly in his own ability to stand confidently with the Savior. Just hours before Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter had pledged his loyalty to the Savior.  “And [Simon Peter] said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death. But Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, before a [single] cock shall crow this day, you will three times [utterly] deny that you know Me.” - Luke 22:33-34

B.   When he would eventually deny the Savior he thought he was only finding a limb on which to climb. It was for him a way of “saving face.” “I wasn’t really denying my Lord,” he could argue, “It was merely a case of “mistaken identity.” Peter said to the crowd, “You’re talking to the wrong man!”

1.  What happens in our life? – Do we give a “false witness” when we, for example, compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in at work, or at school?  What price will we pay to acquire acceptance, approval, acquiescence?

2.   Every time we sin willfully we are doing nothing short of what Peter did on that fateful night.

3.    Like Peter we often “give it scarce a thought” when we compromise principle for convenience or for what is expedient at the time.

C.   We too are tempted.

1.    In the beginning we are tempted [by the Devil] - to think - “it’s nothing.”

2.    In the end we are told [again, by the Devil] - “it can’t be forgiven.”

Transition: It was bad enough for Peter to deny his Lord. But upon looking into the eyes of the Savior Peter was seized with guilt. Luke reminds us: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord how He had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” (Luke 22:61) With one look Peter’s world crumbled!

II.     “At Christ’s look he fled distraught, weeping and dejected.”

A.   Confronted by his denial Peter was crushed.

1.    This is what the Law does to us.

2.    It is a necessary ingredient in preaching!

B.   We too are crushed when confronted with the Law.

1.    Nathan said to David “Thou art the man”   - 2 Samuel 12:7

2.    Contrition and repentance are necessary   for restoration and forgiveness.

Transition: As Jesus fixed His gaze on Peter thus He must look on us.

III.   We ask Jesus to “look on me” – “Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me” – Psalm 51:11

A.   “Jesus fix Thy gaze on me”

1.    Press me, pursue me.

2.    Never let me go! “I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee” -Hebrews 13:5

B.   “True repentance teach me” Remember the 5 “R’s” of repentance…

1.    Responsibility – we own up to our sin.

2.    Remorse – we are heart sorry.

3.    Repair – we attempt to fix what we’ve broken - inasmuch as we are able.

4.    Repeat not! – We don’t return to visit!

Note: These four steps; leading to repentance, come from Dr. Laura Schlesinger, she’s a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. She suggests; quite convincingly, that this is all we need to right a wrong. Yet, one component is missing. A 5th step is necessary; the final step, which separates Christians from the rest of the world; a step, which turns from following rules to establishing a relationship with God Himself. The 5th step necessary: 

5.    Reconciliation - through Christ alone!

Transition: Repentance is not merely a one time act – it must be a daily process. Thus we pray…

IV.  “When Thou evil there doest see through my conscience reach me.”

A.   Jiminy Cricket from Disney’s ‘Pinocchio’ would suggest to us; “let your conscience be your guide”

B.   Our text would suggest even stronger let your conscience and the cruel and bloody cross of Calvary be your guide!

Conclusion: After the resurrection Peter and Jesus had another heart to heart meeting. Three times Jesus would ask Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John would remind us in his gospel account, “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him for a third time do you love Me?” – John 21:17

Roman Catholics maintain that Peter was the first Pope.  To this day Protestant parishes in Europe will place a rooster instead of a cross on the top of their spires as a not so friendly reminder of Peter’s seedy past. Not much has changed over the years. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Have you had to be reminded of that moment only to relive it once again?  

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior! 

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

Mid-week Lent 3

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 3
February 20, 2008
Exodus 17:1-17
Moses brings water out of a rock - God supplies our needs

The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”  Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?” But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

“Eternal Lord, Your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Help us to hear Your word and obey it, so that we become instruments of Your redeeming love.”

Upon the Lord’s direction, Moses brings water out of a rock for the wilderness people. God’s people are in the wilderness and they are thirsty. This is one of a series of complaints of the Israelites during their forty-year stay in the wilderness. This episode follows the pattern of all the others. The people first complain to Moses, Moses takes the complaint to the Lord, and our heavenly Father graciously answers their need always according to His mist gracious will. In this case, Moses is directed to strike a rock, out of which comes water. The account points out the faithlessness of the people by threatening Moses and by putting God to the test. The obedience of Moses and the goodness of God are demonstrated in addressing and answering the need. In this instance, there was the sin of putting God to the test:  they demand and answer. Is God with us or not?

Introduction: Are we a God-abandoned people? When needs are not met, when adversity strikes, when God is silent and apparently absent, we might question whether God is with us or not.

That was the question of the thirsty Israelites at Massah. They were desperate to know. Has the Lord left us?

Their lives depended on the answer. If God had indeed left them then why should they continue on their journey?  Why not simply give up or at least return back to Egypt.  If God was with them, then they would have to answer a deeper question - why is there no end of our suffering?

As long as we have tribulation, we will be asking this question. Why does God respond in this manner?  There are right and wrong ways in finding the answer to this question, this question of suffering.  As we continue with our theme throughout this year’s Lenten journey - of God’s dealings with His people - we discover this night that God supplies our needs for He is the source of our life even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Tonight we ponder: Is God with us or not?

I.        There is the wrong way of testing God.

A.     The children of Israel came to Moses with demands for proof of God’s presence. Surely there was no sin in needing or asking for water. Why should they die of thirst? The sin of the people was putting God to the test, of proving whether He was with them or not. They wanted concrete, physical proof in terms of water. In another wilderness, Jesus told Satan, “You shall not tempt (test) the Lord thy God.” To demand a sign or proof of God’s care discloses a lack of faith. Faith trusts in the Lord providence regardless of circumstance

B.     The children of Israel came to Moses insisting that the Lord act on their request, give us water. On the surface this doesn’t appear to be alarming. After all we are to take our needs to the Lord. Israel fell into sin when the demanded that the Lord act at their beckoned call.  We do not have the right to summon the Lord and demand that He do as we command. The children of Israel acted presumptuously. We dare not come to the Savior with on our own terms. We dare not come demanding for Him to act as we see fit. Our petitions must be presented with the qualifier “Thy will be done, Lord, Thy will be done.”  Thus we hear in the book of Deuteronomy 4:2 what the Lord says, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”  This moved Martin Luther to pray, Dear God, I am Your creature. You have sent me a cross and suffering and say to me: Suffer a little for My sake and I will reward you well. Dear God, because it is Your will I will gladly suffer. Amen.

Transition:  We know that the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature oppose the good and gracious will of God. We look to Jesus who has clearly spoken, My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:40)

II.     The right way of trusting God; is in finding the God who is with us —

A.     We find God clearly in His Word, whether it is proclaimed, taught, read, studied, or shared. We should therefore call upon Jesus’ name in every trouble, as we pray, praise, and give thanks. The Psalmist reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) and again, “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)  The Bible gives us countless examples, the ten lepers called upon Jesus in their trouble. (Luke 17:L11-13) The grateful stranger thanked Jesus and glorified God for his healing (Luke 17:15-16) Hannah petitioned and thanked God for the gift of a son (1 Samuel 1-2)     

B.     We find Christ clearly in the Sacraments.  St. Paul would remind us, “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?...If we have been united with Him in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” (Romans 6:3,5) We are called to be living in our baptism, recalling that we truly are children of God because of the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Thus you and I are called to pray, “O Lord, I am Your sin; You are my righteousness. Therefore I triumph and am secure; for my sin cannot overpower Your righteousness, not can Your righteousness let me be or remain a sinner!  Blessed Lord God of mine, my Mercy and my Redeemer, in You only do I trust, never let me be ashamed! (M Luther 1483-1546)  

You come on a regular basis to this altar to receive the gifts of God rejoicing in your inheritance which can not be taken from you. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us, “By one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy...where these [sins] have been forgiven, there is n longer any sacrifice for sin!” (Hebrews 10:14, 18) The body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament are the one perfect sacrifice offered to God once and for all on the cross and are now given to us in the Sacrament together with all the blessings and benefits which this sacrifice has won for us. We call it ‘the Sacrament of the Altar’ because an altar is a place of sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed His body and blood on the cross for the sins of the world once for all. In the Sacrament of the Altar, He distributes this same body and blood until the end of time.

C.     According to the Father’s perfect will He answers our prayers. What a privilege it is to take our burdens, cares, joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace, bearing the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And then - being thankful as the Savior answers each petition according to His gracious will.

Conclusion:  The right way of trusting God; is in finding the God who is with us — in His Word, in His blessed Sacraments, in prayer.

Lord Jesus, this I ask of Thee, Deny me not this favor; When Satan sorely troubles me, Then do not let me waver. Keep watch and ward, O gracious Lord, Fulfill Thy faithful saying: Who doth believe He shall receive An answer to His praying.  [The Will of God Is Always Best - The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis]

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

Lent 2

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Lent 2
February 17, 2008
John 3:1-17
“I am the Son of Man”
Who is this man going to the cross?

The power of faith is demonstrated as Jesus has an Encounter with a professor: new birth is the result.

Who is this man going to the cross? When it comes to understanding spiritual truth, some can become like Nicodemus in our Gospel lesson for this morning. They just do not understand the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus, a teacher, did not understand the need for and method of spiritual rebirth. What we need to understand is that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of the Law.  In our Gospel lesson for this morning we see the power of faith as Jesus has an Encounter with a professor. The result is new birth and a new relationship with God.

Do you understand —

I.        That God the Father loves you? — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  (Vv. 16-17).

A.     The Father truly loves you.

B.     Because of His great love – He sent His only Son into our world. John will remind us, “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”[1] He came into this world both in time and space.

1.      He entered this world – in time – “in those days when Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)[2]

2.      He was born in space – “In Bethlehem in Judea,- for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’[3]  

Transition: Do you understand that the Father loves you? Do you understand that Christ died for your sins?

II.     That Christ died for your sins? —  “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  (Vv. 13-15).

A.     All our good intentions. All our resolutions to do better. All of our efforts could offer what the Son accomplished.

B.     Faith must look to Christ and Him alone to be our one redeemer.

Transition: Do you understand that the Father loves you?  Do you understand that Christ died for your sins? Do you understand that faith brings eternal life?

III.   That faith brings eternal life? —   “that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Vv. 15, 16).

A.     Faith is nothing more then trust.

B.     Faith is nothing more then taking God at His Word.

Conclusion:  What must you know to have this new birth in God? Only three points are necessary. On this day know and believe that the Father loves you. Know and believe that Christ died for your sins. Know and believe that faith brings eternal life. Know and believe!  Who is this man going to the cross?

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

[1] John 1:14

[2] Luke 2:1-2

Mid-week Lent 1 mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 2-Mid day
February 13, 2008
John 18:15
“Simon Peter also followed in Jesus’ path and another disciple”

Introduction: Following Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter and John follow behind the soldiers as Jesus is lead to Annas. Annas just so happened to be the father-in-law of Caiaphas – who had been appointed to serve as high priest.

It wasn’t left to chance that Jesus was sent to have an audience with Annas. Annas was the principle player within the Jewish Council. He made sure to keep a power hold within the court, keeping tight control within his family power base.

History tells us that four of Annas's sons were among those who succeeded him. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, held office from A.D. 18 until 36, during the time of Jesus' active ministry.

Although others held the priestly office, Annas seems to have been the elder statesman and the power behind the throne.

Together these two men; Annas and Caiaphas, brokered much influence within the temple and the court - It was Caiaphas who had given counsel and warning to the Sanhedrin that it was expedient that one man should die for the sake of the people.            -John 18:14

Peter and John follow behind – they desire to see what will occur next.

I.        With Peter and John we view Christ’s Passion.

A.     “Yet, O Lord, not thus alone make me see Thy Passion.”

1.      During this holy season we meditate on what Christ did and endured to earn our salvation.

2.      We mark His arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion.

B.     “But its cause to me make known and its termination.”

1.      The cause for which Christ was arrested, tried, scourged and crucified was to win for me salvation.

2.      When Christ died – all of our sin died. Our sins, with all evil lusts were all drowned and killed.

Transition: But we do more then merely observe Christ’s action. We recall, affirm and believe what Christ has done. He suffered and died that I may receive salvation and life.

II.     We also recall the impact of Christ’s suffering.

A.     “Ah! I also and my sin wrought Thy deep affliction.”

1.      It was my sin and mine alone which caused Jesus to suffer and die.

2.      It is my sin which caused me to be separated from the Father, from Christ, and my neighbor.

B.     “This indeed the cause has been of Thy crucifixion.”

1.      Christ suffered for me because I can do nothing to earn my salvation. My sin robs me of fellowship with God or with my neighbor. “Lord if You should mark iniquity who shall stand…”   Psalm 130:3

2.      Because Christ has suffered for me and on my behalf I now enjoy the blessings that come from Christ’s bloody cross; salvation, forgiveness, life eternal.

Conclusion: Peter and John remain in the wings to see what will transpire next. What happens is that Jesus is abandoned by God and by men to take on our sin to Himself and thus win for us salvation. “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.”*

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

*I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table” from The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO