Time in the Word - Trinity

Time in the Word
21- 26 May 2018
Preparation for next week, The Feast of the Holy Trinity

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 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, our Lord. 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.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

On Trinity Sunday, we make special note of the work of all three persons of the Trinity who procure and assure our salvation. A good supplemental reading to the readings for the day is to be found in St. Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, verses 3–11 of the first chapter. Paul explains how the Father chose us in eternity and predestined us for salvation. The work of redemption was accomplished through the shedding of blood—the blood of the Son of God, who assumed flesh, that He might redeem us. The Holy Spirit has brought us the Word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, that we might trust in the merits of Christ.Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown his mercy to us. (from Sunday’s Introit)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)

  

Monday, 21 May 2018—Psalm 16:8–11; Antiphon, Liturgical Text—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to him because he has shown his mercy to us. The Triune God has first shown His mercy to us in providing for our salvation, and our response is to give glory to Him.

Tuesday, 22 May 2018—Psalm 29—This psalm is a hymn of praise to the Lord for all His mighty acts, but especially His mercy in blessing His people with peace. When created, man was in perfect harmony with God. But the fall made us His enemies. We cannot restore peace with God; it is the work of the Holy Trinity alone: the Father, who conceived the plan of our salvation, the Son, who came to earth and died for our transgressions, and the Holy Spirit, who brings us into a right relationship with God through the Means of Grace, Word and Sacrament.

Wednesday, 23 May 2018—Isaiah 6:1–8—Isaiah received a vision of the Lord enthroned in His majesty and a call to be a prophet of God. Because he is a Son of Adam, and therefore a man of unclean lips, Isaiah is terrified to be in the Lord’s presence, for it spells doom to those under sin’s curse.

But an angel sent by God absolves Isaiah of his sin with a burning coal, and Isaiah accepts the mantle of prophecy. We, like Isaiah, must acknowledge our sin and tremble before a holy God. But we must also trust in the absolution won by the Son of God and pronounced by His called and ordained servants.

Thursday, 24 May 2018—Acts 2:14a, 22–36—On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was given power by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God faithfully and authoritatively. He proclaims Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins and the redemption of sinners, and tells his audience, men of Israel, how the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah. Here, he quotes Psalm 16, a portion of which serves as the Introit for Sunday.

Friday, 25 May 2018—John 3:1–17—Another man of Israel, Nicodemus, came to Jesus by night, probably because he feared his fellow Pharisees. He had seen the signs (miracles) that Jesus was able to do, and knew that such a one must have been sent by God. Jesus tells Nicodemus how to be born from above, in Holy Baptism, the washing of water with the Word of God. He also points to His own death, again in fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. As God showed His love to a rebellious, yet repentant people in providing the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9), so He shows His love by providing His Son, to take away a problem far worse than snake bites, which kill only the body: Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, takes away the sin of the world.

Saturday, 26 May 2018—Sunday’s hymn of the day, God Loved the World So That He Gave (LSB 571) is John 3:16 set to music. Herein is the sweet Gospel clearly proclaimed: Christ Jesus saves your soul from death; That is the firmest ground of faith. The final stanza rightly praises all three persons of the Trinity for their work in accomplishing our salvation.

Collect for Trinity Sunday—Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Image © Higher Things

Pentecost

Pentecost
May 20, 2018
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
When the Counselor comes
“Now I am going to Him who sent me”

Today is Pentecost.  It is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Promised by the Savior. Jesus refers to the Spirit as the Comforter. Other words that could be inserted here to describe the Spirit might be a helper, a counselor a supporter, a sponsor.

  What does Jesus mean when He says that He will send the Comforter?   The Comforter is often called an Advocate. An advocate is a defense attorney; one who speaks for a defendant before the judge. In a court of law. As Jesus promises us that the Comforter will come this can only be good news for you.  It is the Spirit Himself, which will plead your case before the mercy seat of God.

Jesus reminds us: "And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment." (v.8) When the good counselor comes. He will convict the world.

1. In regards to sin.

The Spirit will convict the world. This is the Spirit’s work through the Law.  He speaks this word. “Because they do not believe in me.” The Lutheran reformers said, "Christ's Spirit must not only comfort, but also through the office of the Law 'convict the world concerning sin.' [FC SD V 11}

It is noteworthy that Jesus says "sin" has to do with the matter of belief. The Spirit teaches us that sin at its heart is not a matter of actions or morality, but has to do with whether and how we will receive and believe in the Son as the one whom God has sent into the world. Yes. Doctrine and teaching is extremely important! 

John the Baptist testifies to the arrival of Jesus the Christ with these words - "Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."(1:29). Later, Jesus will say, "This is the judgment that they did not believe in the one whom God sent.”-John 3:18 

Paul explains to us; “But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural men do not believe in Christ.  In and of himself natural man cannot come to Christ. His sin blinds him to God. 

It will take the Holy Spirit to bring man to the knowledge of salvation. Now man can know naturally that there is a God; namely, that God exists through creation and the conscience. Yet this is a limited knowledge.  Creation tells us that there is a God who has established this world. The conscience tells us that there is a system of justice and natural law common to all men.  

It is only by the Holy Spirit working through His Word that man comes to the right knowledge of God. Which leads to saving faith. This is what we call Spirit directed supernatural or revealed knowledge of God. 

In the final analysis, sin is unbelief and the refusal to trust in God. Yet, despite your sin, God is unshakably, constantly, eternally your friend. Nothing. Not even your sin. Breaks God's bond and loyalty to you. For this reason Christ entered time and space. He entered your world. To be your substitute. To carry your burdens, and your cares. And at the cross. He exchanged your misery and brokenness. To offer you salvation and life. 

Transition:   When the Spirit comes, He will convict the world not only of sin but also concerning righteousness.

2. The Spirit will convict the world in regards to righteousness.

Jesus says, the Spirit convinces us about "righteousness," which has to do with Jesus returning to the Father. “Because I am going back to the Father, where you cannot see me no longer.” Jesus returns to the Father. Which proves His mission on earth is complete.

The glory of the Son of Man has been seen in Jesus’ entering into our world. In His life. His work. His death. His resurrection. In His return back to the Father. In His glorious Ascension. Jesus has fulfilled all scripture.  

How can we discern the will of God for our lives? We find God’s will being perfected in us as He returns to the Father and then the turns us back to His Word. It is there, in the Word, that we see clearly, what the Father would want us to know. It is only in and through the Word that we know the Father’s perfect will. 

Peter reminds us in his second epistle: “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”  2 Peter 1:21 or as David reminds us, “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 

Transition:   When the Spirit comes, He will convict the world concerning judgment.

3. The Spirit convicts the world in regards to judgment.

Because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 

The truth about judgment is that living in the light means bringing faults and failures out into the open where they can be healed. Judgment is not just about condemnation. It is about telling the truth, healing and reconciliation.

The Spirit convinces us about judgment. And that judgment is that because of the work and action of Jesus the prince of this world, the ruler of this world, has been condemned.  If there is to be any judgment, it will have to do with those who would not believe in the Son. If there is any condemnation, it will fall on those who refuse to believe in that Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

“For God sent the Son into the world not for the purpose of standing in judgment over the world but in order that through Him the world might be saved.” John 3:7 

Now the issue of judgment has been met. Salvation has come in Jesus. The Son’s work is done. His mission is fulfilled. Now the Spirit has come. To make good on His promises. To convince those who hear the witness of the Son that indeed this good news is true. 

The Spirit has been sent to convict the world and convince you that Jesus is in charge of your life and your future. He holds you in the hallow of His hand. The Savior rules upon His throne and the Spirit stands as your advocate. To defend and sustain you. This Advocate; the Spirit of truth, the  Counselor, your Helper, convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness and judgment. He stands for you. To intercede. And plead your case before the Father. All is well.  The Spirit has come. As promised by the Savior.

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Pentecost study notes

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Study notes

(20 May 2018)

Series B

Ezekiel 37:1–14

Acts 2:1–21

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15

The Holy Spirit Brings the Dead to Life by the Righteousness of Christ

In returning to His Father by way of the cross and resurrection, Christ Jesus sends “the Helper” to His Church, that is, “the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father.”

The Spirit testifies of Christ and glorifies Him, by taking what is His and declaring it to the world in the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (John 15:26; 16:7, 14).

He convicts the world of sin by the word of the Law, He forgives sins and justifies sinners by the Word of the Gospel, and He bestows the faith that says “Amen” to this righteousness of God (John 16:8–11).

Therefore, the Lord pours out His Spirit on the apostles, that by their preaching, the Spirit should be given to His entire Church. As the multitudes are gathered from all the nations by “this sound,” that is, by the preaching of “the mighty works of God” in Christ Jesus, so does God the Father pour out the Spirit of His Son “on all flesh” (Acts 2:6, 11, 17).

The Lord God breathes upon the slain, and so shall they live; for so the Lord has spoken, and He shall do it (Ezekiel. 37:5–14).

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation;

Pentecost Gospel  -John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

John 15:26 -  Ὅταν ἔλθῃ ὁ Παράκλητος ὃν ἐγὼ πέμψω ὑμῖν παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὃ παρὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορεύεται, ἐκεῖνος μαρτυρήσει περὶ ἐμοῦ

When the “Advocate” (comforter, helper, Paraclete) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.

- I will send..."the One who proceeds from the Father."

Jesus is the Spirit of the Son - see Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6; 1 Peter 1:11 

Western Christians rightly understand this passage to imply a double procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son. 

John 15:27 - καὶ ὑμεῖς δὲ μαρτυρεῖτε, ὅτι ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστε.

You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

John 16:4a- ἀλλὰ ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν ἵνα ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἡ ὥρα αὐτῶν μνημονεύητε αὐτῶν, ὅτι ἐγὼ εἶπον ὑμῖν.

But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

John 16:4b -ταῦτα δὲ ὑμῖν ἐξ ἀρχῆς οὐκ εἶπον, ὅτι μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἤμην.

I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

John 16:5 - νῦν δὲ ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πέμψαντά με, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐρωτᾷ με Ποῦ ὑπάγεις;

 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?

John 16:6 - ἀλλ’ ὅτι ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν, ἡ λύπη πεπλήρωκεν ὑμῶν τὴν καρδίαν.

But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.

John 16:7 - ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω ὑμῖν, συμφέρει ὑμῖν ἵνα ἐγὼ ἀπέλθω. ἐὰν γὰρ μὴ ἀπέλθω, ὁ Παράκλητος οὐ μὴ ἔλθῃ πρὸς

 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

John 16:8 - καὶ ἐλθὼν ἐκεῖνος ἐλέγξει τὸν κόσμον περὶ ἁμαρτίας καὶ περὶ δικαιοσύνης καὶ περὶ κρίσεως

And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about* sin and righteousness and judgment

- "Convict" - This is the Spirit's work through the Law.

"Christ's Spirit must not only comfort, but also through the office of the Law 'convict the world concerning sin' [FC SD V 11}

Advocate's proving the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (Verse 8) may have been a key in what set the early followers of Jesus apart as a radically transforming faith:

The world is wrong about sin...confessing that Sin is not genetic; it is not inherited; it does not alienate us from God - does not create a chasm between us and God.

The truth about sin is that God is unshakably, constantly, eternally our friend. Nothing, not even our sin breaks God's bond and loyalty to us.

It is noteworthy that Jesus says "sin" has to do with the matter of belief. The Spirit teaches us that sin at its heart is not a matter of actions or morality, but has to do with whether and how we will receive and believe in the Son as the one whom God has sent into the world.

John the Baptist testifies to the arrival of the Son with the words "Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"(1:29). Later John says, "This is the judgment that they did not believe in the one whom God sent (3:18).

Sin stands exposed precisely at the opportune moment of decision between faith and unbelief. Jesus says that it is always for us the moment of that decision (Greek kairos; see 7:6). The Spirit's role is to bring Christ present for us and so to face us with that point of decision and faith.

John 16:9 - περὶ ἁμαρτίας μέν, ὅτι οὐ πιστεύουσιν εἰς ἐμέ.

About sin, because they do not believe in me;

- In the final analysis, sin is unbelief and the refusal to trust in God

John 16:10 - περὶ δικαιοσύνης δέ, ὅτι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα ὑπάγω καὶ οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτέ με

about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer;

The world is wrong about righteousness.

Righteousness (being right with God) is not about paying debts owed to God; it is not about fulfilling obligations to God.

The truth about being right with God (i.e., "righteousness") is that while nothing ever breaks God's bond with us sometimes even the best of friends have to apologize and make up.

Jesus says, the Spirit convinces us about "righteousness," which has to do with Jesus returning to the Father. That Jesus is at the point of returning to the Father is the signal that the role of Jesus in his sending and mission has been completed. Righteousness has to do with Jesus' testimony that all that the Father has given him to do has been accomplished in his death and resurrection. The glory of the Son has been truly seen. God's righteousness has been made known in God's love and sending of the Son. Now the Spirit will be present to continue to convince the disciple community that this is true.

John 16:11 - Ἔτι πολλὰ ἔχω ὑμῖν λέγειν, ἀλλ’ οὐ δύνασθε βαστάζειν ἄρτι

              about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

The world is wrong about judgment.

Judgment is not about being condemned eternally; it is not about being forever cut off from God.

The truth about judgment is that living in the light means bringing faults and failures out into the open where they can be healed. Judgment is not about condemnation; it is about telling the truth, healing and reconciliation.

The Spirit convinces us about judgment, and that judgment is precisely that in the actions of the Trinity the ruler of this world has been condemned. If there is then any judgment, that judgment has to do with all that would not believe that what God is about in the Son is to show God's love and to bring that abundant life to those whom the Son has chosen and for whom he has given his life as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. "For God sent the Son into the world, not for the purpose of standing in judgment over the world, but in order that through him the world might be saved" (3:17).

Now that issue of judgment has been met. Salvation has indeed come in the fulfillment of the Son's mission. Now the Spirit has come to make good on that promise and to continue to convince those who hear the witness of the Son that this is indeed good news and true. Such conviction is also the invitation to join in that witness which is indeed for all the world to hear --  to become agents of that same convincing for those "other sheep" for whom Jesus also died and was raised, to the end that all may be one, even as the Father, Son and Spirit are one in purpose and mission.

John 16:12 - ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν πᾶσαν• οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅσα ἀκούει λαλήσει, καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

John 16:13 - ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν πᾶσαν• οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅσα ἀκούει λαλήσει, καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

John 16:14 - ἐκεῖνος ἐμὲ δοξάσει, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λήμψεται καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

                      He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

John 16:15 - πάντα ὅσα ἔχει ὁ Πατὴρ ἐμά ἐστιν• διὰ τοῦτο εἶπον ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λαμβάνει καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

When the Spirit comes He will convict the world concerning sin, concerning righteousness and concerning judgment.

   

1. In regards to sin

      A. Because men in and of themselves do not believe in Jesus

      B. He’ll talk about sin and the fact that natural men do not believe in Christ

2. In regards to righteousness

      A. Jesus said: “Because I am going back to the Father, where you can not see me no longer.”

      B. He speaks to this world about what is right in God’s sight.

3. In regards to judgment.

      A.      Because the prince of this world strands condemned. 

      B.      The old evil foe- Satan - now stands condemned.   

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Η ΚΑΙΝΗ ΔΙΑΘΗΚΗ Text, by Eberhard Nestle, courtesy of sites.google.com/site/nestle1904/

Time in the Word - Pentecost

 Time in the Word

May 14-19, 2018
Preparation for next week, the Feast of Pentecost

Prayer for the Seventh Sunday in Easter:O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper, we implore You, the work of farmers, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A Prayer for the coming of the Spirit: Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

For blessing on the Word: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This coming Sunday is the Festival of Pentecost. It is obvious that the theme is on the Spirit. In the Gospel lesson, the Spirit causes living water to flow from the heart. The dead are made alive by the Spirit in the preaching of the Word (Old Testament lesson).  The disciples are emboldened by the Spirit to speak in languages which foreigners could understand (Epistle lesson). In the Psalm there are references to the Spirit who creates and renews creation. The hymn of the Day is a prayer for the Spirit to come upon the church.

Collect for Pentecost: O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 14 May 2018—Psalm104:24, 27-28, 30—The antiphon is a liturgical text, “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Alleluia.” The Psalmist refers back to the week of creation. When He had finished all that He had made, not only was the Lord satisfied but it was very good indeed. All that the Lord commands, creates, and sustains is very good indeed. On the Feast Day of Pentecost we see that the Lord is serious concerning His Word going out throughout the whole creation. Persons are converted; believers are sustained and strengthened in the faith as the Lord uses His Word for these purposes.

Tuesday, 15 May 2018—Psalm139:1-16; key verse, verse 17—“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” This psalm verse reminds us that God’s words, thoughts, and actions are all connected and closely related. The Lord made a promise to send His Son and acted in time. He made a promise to redeem and save the world and so He did. He promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. The events of Pentecost affirm that the Lord is serious about the promises He makes and keeps. Everything concerning your salvation, witness, and walk is linked to the Lord’s promises and the fulfillment of them. The Psalmist affirms what the Lord has done. 

Wednesday, 16 May 2018—Ezekiel 37:1-14—The Spirit through the preached Word raises the dead. Ezekiel preaches the Word to the dry bones of Israel and they come to life.  Ezekiel is a prophet to the exiles in Babylon. This lesson comes from the section of the book that predicts a restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. He sees the Hebrews in exile as dead in hope because they are separated from the holy city and temple. God commands Ezekiel to preach to the dead bones and the Spirit brings life to the bodies and then the Spirit to the bodies. Through the preached Word, the Spirit of God brings new life and hope to a defeated, exiled people.

Thursday, 17 May 2018—Acts 2:1-21—The Spirit gives power to witness in foreign languages.  On Pentecost the disciples receive the Holy Spirit and Peter explains the happening. Luke gives an account of the Spirit’s coming upon the gathered disciples in Jerusalem on Pentecost accompanied by a mighty wind and tongues of fire. Then the reaction of the crowd is given – the disciples are accused of being drunk.  Peter responds by explaining the experience as fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that at the end of the era the Spirit would come to all. The overall purpose of the event is salvation for all who call upon God. The Spirit gave the disciples power to speak in the languages of the people assembled in Jerusalem, that all peoples might hear the Gospel. The prophecy of Acts 1:8 is beginning to be fulfilled.

Friday, 18 May 2018—John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15—The Spirit produces living water in believers in Christ.  Believers in Christ are given the Spirit.  On the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus is in Jerusalem disputing with religious leaders as He taught in the temple.  At the end of the Feast, Jesus invited the thirsty to come to Him and drink. Out of the hearts of believers in Christ will come the living water of the Spirit.

Saturday, 19- May 2018— Luke 11:13;1 Corinthians 12:13; John 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:14—The hymn of the Day is “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” {LSB 497}.  In this much loved hymn, we pray that the blessings of the Spirit would sustain the Christian in his walk and life.

 Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, © WELS Permission to use this copyrighted item is limited to personal and congregational use.

Ascension

Almighty God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

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Time in the Word - Easter 7

Time in the Word
May 7-12, 2018
Preparation for next week, 7^th Sunday of Easter

Prayer for the 6^th Sunday of Easter:O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for Agriculture:  Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper, we implore You, the work of farmers, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A Prayer for Ascension: Almighty God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

For blessing on the Word: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This coming Sunday will be the Sunday after the Ascension. Jesus has departed and the church is on its own. The disciples are left alone to confront the challenges of living in a fallen world. Before He departs, Jesus prays for His friends. The First Lesson shows the infant church with the problem of a vacancy in leadership and prays to the ascended Lord for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas. Though Jesus has ascended, Christians are not alone in the world. This thought is conveyed in the Second Lesson as well as in the Gospel. The suggested hymn deals with the church without the physical Jesus and urges the people not to fear, for God has chosen to give them the kingdom.

Collect for the Seventh Sunday in Easter O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom Y9ou promised from the Father, for You live and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 7 May 2018—Psalm 27:1a, 4-5, 10, 14; antiphon, Psalm 27:7—The antiphon is “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!” The cry of the Psalmist is a prayer for deliverance from treacherous enemies. These remain unspecified, whether from inside or outside the kingdom or both. The chief weapon is a false charge intent on discrediting the king. When people say all manner of things falsely against us, we need not retaliate. Rather we are take our burdens, concerns, and sorrows to the throne room of grace and be thankful as the Savior answers each petition according to His perfect and good will.

Tuesday, 8 May 2018—Psalm 1 key verse v.6 —“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” This psalm verse gives us both Law and Gospel. The ways of the wicked will be met with the full brunt of Law – the ultimate judgment for unbelief and sin. The righteous, on the other hand, not by any merit on their behalf but completely by grace,will be delivered on the last day. This of course is Gospel. The destinies of two lifestyles are the destinies of those who have chosen them.

Wednesday, 9 May 2018—Acts 1:12-26—The Post–Ascension church prays for guidance. The church is living between Jesus’ departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The time has come to fill the vacancy caused by Judas’ suicide. The one to be chosen as a replacement is to be one who shared the experience with Jesus from the time of His baptism to His Ascension and one who can witness to the Resurrection. Two men met the qualifications: Joseph and Matthias. God and not the church elected Matthias. The church merely asked the ascended Lord which of the two He had chosen. After prayer, Matthias was chosen to be one of the Apostles. The church’s leadership ranks were now filled and ready for the Spirit’s coming.

Thursday, 10 May 2018—1 John 5:9-15—Everything we do in life all boils down to faith. Faith is simply another word for “trust.” Trust simply means to take God at His Word. Note and give special attention to verse 10 which is critical. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony god has given about His Son.  This is the same thing the Savior said to Nicodemus who came to visit the Savior at night. Read John 3:15-18. See how clearly that this universal truth is woven throughout the Scripture and that the Scriptures interpret themselves namely that each passage explains the other more clearly. Forty different men over a period of some 1,500 years wrote 66 books that in reality make up one book. These books have one doctrinal viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.

Friday, 11 May 2018—John 17:11b-19—The Post-Ascension church confronts the world. In this high priestly prayer, Jesus is aware that He is going to leave the world and His disciples will be left in a fallen world. Think of what the world did to Him! Will not the disciples face the same opposition? Naturally, the disciples would be afraid. Thus, Jesus prays for His followers, not that they should be taken out of the world as He is about to do, but that they should be protected from the Devil and the world. He prays that they may be one as He and the Father are one. They are to be made holy in His Word. As He was sent into the world, He sends them into the world for the same purpose He was sent.

Saturday, 12 May 2018— Luke 12:32, Matthew 25:34; Psalm 103:3-5; Matthew 28:20b – The hymn of the Day is “Have no fear, little flock”– {LSB 735} As the Easter season draws to a close, we have no fear as our  Lord and Savior lives and reigns through all eternity. He has promised to send us His Holy Spirit. Thus this new hymn reminds us that we are safe in His almighty hand. 

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

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

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, © WELS Permission to use this copyrighted item is limited to personal and congregational use. 

Confirmation

Confirmation

6 May 2018

Psalm 46:1

Strength through Christ

Lord God, our refuge and strength, when the restless powers of this world and the waters of hell rise up against Your holy city, watch over it and keep it safe. By the river that flows from the throne of the Lamb. Purify this New Jerusalem as Your chosen dwelling, for You are with us, our stronghold now and forever.1  

Growth…and maturity…are a common theme throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we are reminded concerning Samuel, “Now Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man.”2  Luke would remind us, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”3  

Likewise, King Solomon gives the same advice, “So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding.”4  

You have studied Scripture. To which, Jesus reminds us, “You search the Scriptures for in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”5 

This road you have taken. It does not end today. Far from it. It is a life long journey. Which leads to eternal life. Today we pause. To thank Jesus for where He has taken you. And to be reminded that as this processes continues. He walks with you – every step of the way. 

The passage of Scripture you have chosen for this day is from Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

“God Is Our Refuge and Strength, a Very … Present Help … In Trouble.”

Now, what do we do, when trouble comes? Three things are outlined for us in this Psalms 46.

First, realize when trouble comes that God is a Refuge for His people. Secondly, realize, (according to verse five,) that God is a Resident among His people. He is present. He remains with you. Thirdly, realize that, (according to verse four,) God sends a River of blessing to His people. 

It is the understanding of these three things that equip people to cope with the trouble that either will come, or has come, or is still here.

We can experience a deep security in the words of Psalm 46. That however much the earth shakes, a more powerful God is with us. And for us. Wherever we find ourselves. We rest in this knowledge. Not that the darkness will always turn to dawn—but in the confidence that God in Christ says to us, “I am with you always.”6 

God is our refuge and strength. Always ready to help. In times of trouble. So we will not fear. 

The first two words in this Psalm again bring so much confidence. GOD IS...

1. God is your refuge. - Refuge – protection, a place of shelter and safety.

God is for us as a place to which we may flee for safety.  A source of strength to us in danger. The word, “refuge,” means to “flee,” and then “to flee to” - or to “take shelter in” - a place, to which one would flee in time of danger - as a lofty wall; a high tower; a fort; a fortress. See Psalm 18:2, Proverbs 18:10 

The idea here is, that the people of God, in time of danger, may find Him to be what such a place of refuge would be. 

2. God is your strength. - Strength – power, an avenue of might and means.

God is the source of strength. Especially to those who are weak and defenseless.  That we may rely on his strength, “as if” it were your own. Or, that you may feel as safe in His strength as though we had that strength ourselves. You may make it the basis of your confidence as really as though the strength resided in our own arm. 

3. God is your VERY present help. - A very present help -an abundantly available help – a constant companion and comforter, “very much” when you need Him.

A very present help - The word “help” here means “aid,” or “assistance.” The word “trouble” would cover all that can come upon us which would give us anxiety or sorrow. 

The word “present” - means “is found,” or “has been found;” that is, He has “proved” Himself to be a help in trouble. 

The word “present,” means He is near to you. Or, close by you. “He has been found” to be, He has always “proved” Himself to be such a help, and that, therefore, we may now confide in him. 

The word “very,” is added, to remind us, that this is “most certainly true.” It is true. God had always been found to be such a helper, and, “therefore,” there is nothing to fear.

God is with us – this is the refrain throughout the psalm – God is available to you. God is accessible. At just the right time. When you need Him the most. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

The God in whom we trust. Despite natural disasters. And historical threats. The God who will finally bring an end to wars (Ps 46:9). The God who’s “with us.” Takes its ultimate expression in the sending of the one named Immanuel— Jesus –God with us. 

Remember, God is your refuge. He is your strength. So we should not fear – No matter what happens. God is reminding us. To be still. And know He is God. He is in control. He will provide. And He will make a way.

It’s in God that we can find our true security. No matter what happens. Be it in our personal finances, our family, our friendships, or any other aspect of our life.

Finally, let’s also be reminded of what the Psalmist writes in verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46 reminds us that we are in both the desert and in the Promised Land. In short, this Psalm is a strong affirmation of trusting God in the most troublesome situations. The opening statement, God is our refuge and strength (verse 1) as well as the recurring refrain, The Lord of hosts is with us; “the God of Jacob is our fortress (verses 7 and 11) each serves as reinforcements to God’s presence and God’s protection.

God is with us. Even when the world around us might seem to be falling apart. In the midst of unpredictable natural disasters that threaten to change and destroy the earth, God’s people are not to fear, Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling (verses 2-3). In the midst of political calamity, the voice of God can be heard, “The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts(verse 6). In the midst of pain or strife. God will bring peace.“Be still, and know that I am God.”   (verse 9).

These words are clear: “A mighty fortress...is our God.” Fare thee well. Child of God. God is with you. Throughout your journey of faith. 

 1 Collect for Psalm 46 - For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
 2. 1 Samuel 2:26
 3. Luke 2:52 
 4. Proverbs 3:4-5

 5. John 5:39\
6.  Matthew 28:20
That refrain is central to the psalm, and central to the refrain is “with us,” in Hebrew. The preposition translated “with” is an important one throughout the Bible. It may link the individual to God (Judges 6:16; Ps 23:4; Jeremiah 2:8; Acts 18:10) or it may speak of the Lord and the community (Ps 46:7, 11).

Words –1,325

Passive Sentences –84.7%
Readability – 3%
Reading Level – 3.9