Litany for National Day of Remembrance

National Day of Remembrance Litany

This litany is composed for the occasion of remembrance of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. 
 
Lord, as we the world pauses today to look back and to look forward, we pause to pray to you, our only defender and the author of peace…

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth, 
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again, 
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,
Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,
Have mercy upon us.

By the blessing and sending of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel,
Have mercy upon us.

By the liberation of the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s hand and the renting of the Sea,
Have mercy upon us.

By the witness and courage of your holy prophets of old,
Have mercy upon us.

By the Incarnation of the Word into the world,
Have mercy upon us.

By the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the Good News, the healing of the sick, the casting out of evil, and the raising of the dead,
Have mercy upon us.

By the agony of the cross, and the victory of the Resurrection,
Have mercy upon us.

From the forces of evil, and from deadly acts of terrorism,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the fear that grips us as individuals and as a people,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the senseless hatred that hardens hearts and minds,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From war and violent conflict of all stripes,
Good Lord, deliver us.

We do beseech you to hear us, good Lord, that on this anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, that you would rule and govern our hearts, and the powers of this world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to protect this nation, and the peoples of the whole world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold the military of this nation, and all nations, who strive to bring peace and freedom to all your children,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to root out the causes of terror and war in all places and among all people,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that your peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you on this day to uphold all those who lost people dear to their hearts during the attacks, and in the conflicts which have followed in their wake,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to surround widows and children, parents and loved ones, the injured and maimed with a hope in your trust, your abiding Presence, and life everlasting,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold all those who maintain peace and safety in our local communities and abroad,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to shine your light into the darkness, that all would see and know you, and your ways.
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Grant us your peace.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, whose heart is glad when all your children live together in unity; we lift to you the grief of our hearts, hoping that you will not only comfort those hearts, but change them; that we may be the people you have created, and called us to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

National Day of Remembrance

National Day of Remembrance

11 September 2019

1 Timothy 2:1-8

For some of us the events of 9.11 will be forever etched in our minds. We can remember where we were, what we were doing. The thoughts the emotions we experienced the enormity of it all; as the events of that Tuesday morning in September played out before us on television. 

My children in particular, at the height of innocence saw their world change drastically in just a few short hours.  Lydia specifically was starting confirmation instruction when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were decimated. She would attend a memorial service commemorating the 10th Anniversary within weeks of moving to New York City. Today, students who are beginning their freshman year of college have no recollection of September 11, 2001. They were yet to be born. There is now an entire generation. Raised in a post-9.11 world.  

How has our society, our culture changed in these past eighteen years?  Do we become righteously indignant at the abuses of our society? Dr. King dreamed of a day in America where men would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sadly that day has not yet arrived. We give lip service to the concept that all men are created equal. Why then are the rich more equal than others?  Why afflict the poor? And reward only the wealthy?

When it comes to a solution. We must realize that it depends on more than one person’s efforts or one response to correct the condition. It is not merely a national and a societal problem which needs our attention. It is a spiritual struggle. As such, Paul urges us to pray. That we may have a society where there is peace and righteousness.  

Because God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, He urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. Christians should so pray without anger or quarreling. But adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. For the Lord does not forget the poor of the land. (Amos 8:4) He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. And that, my friends, is why we are here tonight.

For a better world we are commanded to pray.  We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society. I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. Vv. 1-2

We pray for all to come to God through Christ. He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. Vv.3-4

Tonight, on this National Day of Remembrance we pause to consider the necessity of prayer. Paul urges us to pray. For all people. Especially those in high positions. That we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Paul urges us to pray. With lifted hands. Lifted up to the Source of our help. He urges us to pray. With open hand. To receive what we ask in faith. Paul encourages us to pray. With holy hands. Free from hatred and anger. Instead, filled with forgiveness and love.

Tonight, as Christians, we act as we are given to do. We pray. For our nation, for our society and our culture. For our neighbors and our families. We pray for that peace which only Christ can give. We pray for opportunities to trumpet the Gospel. For this is the desire of our Father who wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If there is to be peace it will come only through the prince of peace Jesus Christ our Savior who gave Himself as a ransom for all. 

That His peace may permeate a world gone mad with violence…let us pray to the Lord. 

Words –720

Passive Sentences –16% 

Readability –74.7% 

Reading Level –5.6 

Image of the New York City Skyline, copyright © Google Images

Proper 19 C

Proper 19 C

(September 11-17)

Ezekiel 34:11–24

1 Timothy 1:(5–11) 12–17

Luke 15:1–10

Jesus Christ Is the Good Shepherd of His Sheep

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). As He had mercy on Paul in order to “display his perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:16), so also does He seek out His sheep “from all the places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Ezekiel 34:12). To deliver His flock, He “will seek the lost … bring back the strayed … bind up the injured, and … strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:16), and “they shall no longer be a prey” (Ezekiel 34:22). He sets over them one great Good Shepherd, the Son of David, who “shall feed them and be their shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:23). For Christ Jesus is the one man who, “having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them” would “leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it” (Luke 15:4). When He finds the lost one and brings it home rejoicing, “the angels of God” and all the company of heaven rejoice with Him, with great joy (Luke 15:7, 10).

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

The accusation was leveled against Jesus:  “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1). What the Pharisees meant by this accusation was that Jesus was eating with those who were identified as public sinners—e.g. tax collectors and harlots. To eat with someone was to demonstrate fellowship with that person. How could Jesus display eating-fellowship with such public sinners, thus apparently condoning their sin?  Of course—as Scripture explains that all have sinned—every time Jesus eats with people He is eating with sinners.

As one considers the fifteenth chapter of Luke one realizes that an appropriate title for the entire chapter is Repentance.  Thus at the close of His first parable Jesus explains, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”  Similarly in explaining the parable of the lost coin Jesus summarizes:  “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  The remainder of the chapter also deals with repentance, as it concludes with the parable of The Prodigal Son.

So when Jesus “ate with sinners” He was not condoning sin, but He who could read the heart was dining with those whom He knew to be penitent sinners.  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Ps. 51:17).


Now Jesus, the sin offering for mankind, has given to His Church the ultimate meal relating to repentance and forgiveness—the Sacrament of the Altar.  Though we correctly magnify the reality that in this meal sinners are eating the very body and blood of Christ given and shed at the cross for the forgiveness of sins, yet the early church—more so than today—magnified the fact that Christ at this Supper was/is also dining with His people.   Jesus had promised not to eat or drink until there would be fulfillment in the kingdom (Luke 22:16-18).  Christ’s death, resurrection and the pouring forth of the Spirit at Pentecost, marked the fulfillment in the kingdom. Now whenever God’s kingdom comes through Holy Communion it is apparent from Jesus’ own words that He is drinking the fruit of the vine and eating the “Passover” with His disciples.  He is both the Supper’s host and its food.

It may seem strange that while Christians eat and drink of Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper He is there dining with them.  Such mysteries in Holy Communion parallel the very mysteries of the person and work of Jesus.  Consider that He is both the Priest and the sacrifice, both the Shepherd and the lamb, and both God and man.  In His Blessed Sacrament we miraculously yet truly eat the body and blood of the crucified One, and yet the risen One now dines with His people as surely as He did during those forty days after His resurrection. The Sacrament of the Altar stands as a perpetual reminder of these foundational gospel-mysteries. Truly the Lord Jesus gives to us a sort of double fellowship in the Lord’s Supper.  Penitents fellowship with Him as they eat His body and blood given and shed at the cross, and they fellowship with Him as He yet chooses to “receive sinners and eat with them.”

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15.1 

Ἦσαν δὲ αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ τελῶναι καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 

15.2 

καὶ διεγόγγυζον οἵ τε Φαρισαῖοι καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγοντες ὅτι Οὗτος ἁμαρτωλοὺς προσδέχεται καὶ συνεσθίει αὐτοῖς.

And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

15.3 

 εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην λέγων•

So he told them this parable: 

15.4

Τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ ἀπολέσας ἐξ αὐτῶν ἓν οὐ καταλείπει τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ πορεύεται ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό;

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 

15.5 

καὶ εὑρὼν ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους αὐτοῦ χαίρων,

And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 

15.6 

 καὶ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὸν οἶκον συγκαλεῖ τοὺς φίλους καὶ τοὺς γείτονας, λέγων αὐτοῖς• Συγχάρητέ μοι ὅτι εὗρον τὸ πρόβατόν μου τὸ ἀπολωλός.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 

15.7 

λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὕτως χαρὰ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ἔσται ἐπὶ ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι ἢ ἐπὶ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα δικαίοις οἵτινες οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν μετανοίας.

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

15.8 

Ἢ τίς γυνὴ δραχμὰς ἔχουσα δέκα, ἐὰν ἀπολέσῃ δραχμὴν μίαν, οὐχὶ ἅπτει λύχνον καὶ σαροῖ τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ ζητεῖ ἐπιμελῶς ἕως οὗ εὕρῃ;

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 

- δραχμὴν Greek ten drachmas; a drachma was a Greek coin approximately equal in value to a Roman denarius, worth about a day's wage for a laborer

15.9 

καὶ εὑροῦσα συγκαλεῖ τὰς φίλας καὶ γείτονας λέγουσα• Συγχάρητέ μοι ὅτι εὗρον τὴν δραχμὴν ἣν ἀπώλεσα.

And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 

15.10 

οὕτως, λέγω ὑμῖν, γίνεται χαρὰ ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπὶ ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι.

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Footnotes:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 19

Pentecost 14 - Proper 19

September 9 – 14, 2019

Forgiveness is the theme running through the lessons for this coming week. God’s attitude toward sinners is shown in Jesus’ association with sinners and in His joy when sinners repent. If God did not forgive sinners would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In the Old Testament lesson the Lord promises to send a true shepherd who will not only tend to them but search them out and rescue them. Of course, our true shepherd is the good shepherd our savior Jesus Christ. God forgives and accepts His own people. In the Epistle Paul tells of the mercy of forgiveness he received by his faith in Christ even though he called himself the chief sinner. The basic factors of forgiveness are found in all our lessons. Forgiveness discloses the nature of God – a God of mercy. On the other hand, forgiveness reveals the nature of humans as sinners standing in need of forgiveness. God’s act is forgiveness. Our part is repentance.

Collect for Proper Nineteen: Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, You are just and Your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love You with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer Bible Readings for this Week:

September 09  Reading #17 Jacob’s family- Genesis 25-35 Selective Verses

September 10 Reading #18 Joseph’s dream- Genesis 37 Selective Verses

September 11                       Chapel

September 12 Reading #19 Joseph sold by brothers- Genesis  37 Selective Verses

September 13 Reading #20 Joseph in Egypt- Genesis  39 Selective Verses

This week’s Catechism Review: Commandments 6, 7 with meaning

Review these stories and commandments with you student each day

Monday, 09 September 2019—Psalm 30:2-5; antiphon, Psalm 30:11a, 12b—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” God answers and the psalmist David vows to prolong his praise forever. Dancing and joy replace wailing and sackcloth so that songs of praise not silence may attend the acts of God.

Tuesday, 10 September 2019—Psalm 119:169-176 —In the psalm for the day, David uses the Hebrew letter “Taw” to explain that it is the Lord who will direct and save His people. No one else can defend or save. As Psalm 119 is drawing to a close, prayers for deliverance now become dominant. Drawing the analogy of a shepherd rescuing the flock the Psalmist directs us to repent “I have strayed like a lost sheep Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.” (v. 176)

Wednesday, 11 September 2019—Ezekiel 34:11-24— The Lord makes a bold statement. He commits Himself to shepherd the flock. He promises to restore His people as He Himself will bring them out. This is all fulfilled in the person and work of our Savior Jesus as the Lord predicts that His servant David will be prince among them. This prophecy was written well after David had died. Thus a ruler like David and from his line, great David’s greater Son would shepherd the people. This prophecy can only be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Under His rule and authority there would be one flock and one shepherd who would feed them with the bread from heaven. See John 6:32-40; 10:16 as Jesus fulfilled these words.

Today marks the eighteenth anniversary when the war on terror came to American soil.  For our children– never in their lives have they not known of a time when Americans were not fighting a war on terror. Vigilance is still need. We pray for peace at the same time we pray for those who stand in harms way defending our liberties. Serious sacrifices have been called for by so many. Today reflect on the sacrifices others have made for you in the cause for freedom as we recall the ultimate sacrifice made by the Savior that we may be freed from sin and guilt. A service of remembrance will be held this evening September 11 at 7 pm

Thursday, 12 September 2019—1 Timothy 1:12-17— Paul witnesses to God’s mercy in forgiving him as chief of sinners. Here is a statement that everyone can and should accept. It sums up the whole mission and nature of Christ. We usually avoid general statements because investigation often shows that there are exceptions. Here there are no exceptions. This statement is most certainly true and should be accepted as the truth.

No one can deny theses three statements; 

1. “Christ came into the world” God became human.

2. “Sinners” the truth about every man, woman, boy and girl. 

3. “Save” Christ came not to judge, condemn but to reconcile sinners back to God.

Friday, 13 September 2019—Luke 15:1-10— Twice in the Gospel for Sunday tells us of the joy in heaven when a sinner repents. We can see the smile on the Father’s face. The choirs of angels are singing. The archangel’s trumpets are blaring. How much joy is indicated when sinners repent in the average church today? Is there a party spirit of great joy when a person is baptized or confirmed or renews his faith? Evangelism is the happy time of the church because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. So we ask why God is happen when we repent. God’s will is fulfilled. He desires everyone to return to Him for He loves each person. Repentance means a wayward child has come back. This makes God happy, for His will is done. God’s portion is His people. God is happy for the sinner’s sake. Prior to repentance the sinner was going down the road leading to death. Now he has avoided destruction and is coming to life, love and light. This is God’s desire for every person because He loves each.

Saturday, 14 September 2019— Acts 4:11-12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, (LSB #575). The defense of the faith from the first Century to this 21st Century is the fact that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. What the prophets of old foretold all find their completion in Jesus Christ. Therefore there is salvation in no one else. Jesus is not one of several options. There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Collect for Pentecost 16 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House

The image of Christ the Good Shepherd by Wm Dyce is found here: http://www.biblicalart.com/biblicalsubject.asp?id_biblicalsubject=789&pagenum1

Pentecost 13 - Proper 18

Pentecost 13 – Proper 18

Luke 14:28-32

08 September 2019

Look Before You Leap

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[1]  

You buy a car. But can you make the monthly payments, pay the taxes, insure the car, and pay the maintenance, repairs and the gas?

You matriculate to college. But are you focused and disciplined? To write the term papers, and pass the exams. 

You agree to take a job. But are you willing to get up early each workday? Deny yourself leisure. And put forth the effort of doing a good job? 

You jump into marriage. But are you able to pay the bills, make the sacrifices, educate the children, and stay home at night to baby-sit? 

These we can understand. But have you ever considered the const of being a follower of Christ? If you desire to follow the Christ you must ask yourself, am I prepared to count the cost? 

Choose my friend. But choose wisely.

There’s a tendency to enter into ventures without considering, what is required. When this is done, many are unable to fulfill the conditions. All might be lost. Jesus in our parable urges us to count the cost. 

Jesus uses two different circumstances to illustrate His point. Discipleship requires a conscious commitment, make with a realistic estimate of the ultimate personal cost. The practical nature of the circumstances Jesus so vividly pictures underlines the fact that Christian discipleship is not some theoretical abstract ideal but a hard reality of life.

1. Do I want to be a Christian? If so, do not become a “rash disciple.”

A. The foolish tower-builder began to build. Without knowing whether he could complete the project.

B. The king will not go to war with insufficient troops. Lest he is forces to sue for peace.

C. Do not enlist as a disciple, a follower of Christ, without first counting the cost.

1. Some follow Jesus only for the loaves and fish.

a. The desired for Him to be their bread king.

b. They were following for selfish ulterior motives.

2. Some follow Jesus for selfish reasons.

a. Some follow Christ for business or social advantages. In another parable, Jesus explains: “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” – Matthew 13:22

They do not hear the word “with joy.” Yet never permit the message about the kingdom to control them. Life has too many other commitments. That slowly chokes the struggling plant. So that it never matures and bears fruit.

The competing “thorns.” – The worries of this life. Devotion to wealth snuffs out spiritual life. “Deceitfulness” is how the Savior describes these temptations. One many not even be aware of the choking that is going on until it is too late. 

This warning is timeless. What you think will save or satisfy may in fact be the one thing that will rob you of life and happiness. Choose. But chose wisely. Your dream might turn into a nightmare. 

b. Jesus asks His disciples, “Will you also go away?” –John 6:67-68

c. Jesus wants steadfast disciples. “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) 

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Transition:  Do not become a rash disciple. Instead, know the cost.

2. Do I know the cost?  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciples.” – Luke 14:33

A. Our possessions are gifts of God. Always for our good. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

B. Possessions can prove to be a stumbling block to discipleship. “For the Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” -1 Timothy 6:10

C. Desire Christ over riches. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” –Matthew 6:24 Because God gives you abiding riches. Which include:

1. The forgiveness of sin. “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. “ -1 John 1:7

2. The assurance of the abiding love of God. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  – Psalm 73:23-35

3. The hope of heaven. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” -2 Timothy 4:8

Transition: The demands and costs are high. Choose, but choose wisely.

3. Am I willing to pay the price?

A. Life is a gift, which we seek to preserve and enjoy.

B. The time may come when you must determine - between your life and Christ. Which is more important? Choose – but choose wisely.

1. Christ predicts that persecutions will come. “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:20

2. There is danger to choosing life instead of Christ. “But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:33

3. Christ encourages us to take up our cross daily. “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” – Luke 6:22-23

C. Prefer Christ over life. Because Christ gives real life.

1. He gives you life in fellowship with God now. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. “ – 1 John 1:3

2. He gives eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

A wise man once said, “He who loves liberty more than life, let him follow me.” Jesus said, “He who loves Me more than family, possessions, and life itself let him follow Me.”  Lord, help me to choose wisely. Help me always to desire Christ – over anything else.

______________________

Words-1,230

Passive Sentences – 1%

Readability – 81.1%

Reading Level – 4.4

Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

Collect for Pentecost 16, Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Proper 18 C

Proper 18 C

(September 4-10)

Deuteronomy 30:15–20

Philemon 1–21

Luke 14:25–35

Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You

A disciple of Jesus Christ will “bear his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all that he has” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26) in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and good, death and evil” (Deuteronomy 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.” (Philemon 14).

Some Salty Thoughts
Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Jesus states in Sunday’s mini-parable, “Salt is good.”  Salt has been used to illustrate many things.  Consider it here to be that which purges, purifies, and ultimately preserves what it has rendered good.

Such “good salt” can first be understood to be Christ and His life in this sinful world.  He—the good salt—can alone reverse the rottenness of this world and give it preservation. Even in the kingdom of the left His words of wisdom and instruction were salt in a putrid world of vain philosophies and worldly wisdom.  His words about issues such as love, marriage and morality stand as law-related salt to preserve a culture and society gone awry in these matters.

Christ’s miraculous and powerful presence was the salt that purged the decay of disease and demons, even calling forth the dead from their graves. Those healed, exorcised or resurrected by Christ were then freed in Christ to lead lives of salt-created purity.

The foundation of mankind’s rottenness is sin.  All of Christ’s salty words and works would initially be welcomed as people perceived Him to be an earthly philosopher and provider. Thus at first Christ received a wondrous welcome.  But His salty words began to expose corruption.  In a short while His salt in this sin-fouled, putrid world would be declared “unsalty” and He, being perceived as not even good enough for the manure pile, would be thrown out of Jerusalem to be trampled underfoot, being nailed to a stinking cross.

Christ is however such good and powerful salt that His rejection becomes the saving salt for the world.  He rises from the dead to establish a salt that preserves into eternity.  The salt of His word, drawn from the salt mine of His cross and empty tomb, purges the corruption of sin.  His salted people then—armed with His salty word— become themselves the salt of the earth.

However, even as Christ’s saltiness would be perceived by the worldly as useless, so now Christians—though themselves being salt for the purification and preservation of a society—find the world declaring them to be “unsalty” and worthless, not even good enough for a manure pile. The Savior thus predicted time and again the reality of persecution, even martyrdom.  So Christians face the same expulsion and rejection as their Lord.   Sadly such rejection occurs even within families, so that those family members who reject Christ are to be “hated”—that is they are not to be accepted in relation to their non-Christian counsel and beliefs.

So what is the outcome?  Even as Christ was preserved, rising victorious from the decay-causing grave, so too Christ’s salty people are preserved.  Indeed the salty salvation of Christ is such a powerful preservative that the Lord will preserve our going out and our coming in—even the going out of death and the coming in of resurrected bodies into heaven—from this time forth and even forevermore.

copyright © 2019 Indiana District - Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

Luke 14:26 - Jesus provides chastisement "and does not hate" division in the family mentioned for the fourth time. Who do you fear and trust in? Everything must die. Hate means renunciation. We die to self.

[27]

ostiV ou bastazei ton stauron eautou kai ercetai opisw mou ou dunatai einai mou maqhthV

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27 - whoever does not carry his own cross cannot be my disciple. To carry the cross means to die. We do bear our own cross. But we do not choose it.  The aim is faithfulness. The aim is Christ. Look to the giver not the gifts.

[28]

tiV gar ex umwn qelwn purgon oikodomhsai ouci prwton kaqisaV yhfizei thn dapanhn ei ecei eiV apartismon

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

[29]

ina mhpote qentoV autou qemelion kai mh iscuontoV ektelesai panteV oi qewrounteV arxwntai autw empaizein

For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,

[30]

legonteV oti outoV o anqrwpoV hrxato oikodomein kai ouk iscusen ektelesai

saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

Luke 14:28-30- For which one of you who wants to build a tower will first consider the money if he has enough to complete it? Jesus is the only disciple. He is the one who was ridiculed, mocked, rejected. When you start to build  - know where it leads to. Jesus was the one ridiculed, mocked from the cross," he saved others himself he cannot save." The world mocking says, you did not consider the cost."

[31]

h tiV basileuV poreuomenoV eterw basilei sumbalein eiV polemon ouci kaqisaV prwton bouleusetai ei dunatoV estin en deka ciliasin upanthsai tw meta eikosi ciliadwn ercomenw ep auton

"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

[32]

ei de mh ge eti autou porrw ontoV presbeian aposteilaV erwta proV eirhnhn

If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.

Luke 14:31-32 Jesus is the one who went against legions as an army of one. He knew the cost and entered the war willingly.  In his parables Jesus will always flip common sense on its head.

[33]

outwV oun paV ex umwn oV ouk apotassetai pasin toiV eautou uparcousin ou dunatai einai mou maqhthV

In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

 Luke 14:33 - all from among you who does not renounce is not worthy to be my disciple.  We need now to renounce Resources that which we have by nature.

[34]

kalon oun to alaV ean de kai to alaV mwranqh en tini artuqhsetai

"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

[35]

oute eiV ghn oute eiV koprian euqeton estin exw ballousin auto o ecwn wta akouein akouetw

 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.

 Luke 14:34-35 - salt cannot loose its saltiness. Even when thrown out it still serves a purpose.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

September

God rejoices. When sinners repent. Angels and archangels laud and magnify the king of heaven. Every time a soul is added to the kingdom. Evangelism is happy time of the church. Because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. 

By Jesus’ acts of mercy we now have access to the Father’s throne-room of grace. Every request, ever petition, every cry is heard by your Father in heaven.  Every request is answered. According to the Father’s will.  You can be assured that the Father’s will is being fulfilled in your life.

The same motivation, which moved the Savior to break into time and space to save and redeem you is the same motive to sustain and keep you. Remember the Catechism. He “guards and keeps us in the one true faith and keeps us with Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is why you’re a part of this Friedheim Family – you are incorporated into a community of faith called the Church. There are no soloists in God’s choir. None going it alone. You are a part of this Friedheim family known as the Church. We each need each other. As part of the family of faith we enjoy each other, we grow together, we support and encourage each other.

The Church is family. The family of God. Welcome to the family. In this family you experience the Father’s love and welcome. You are accepted. By the Savior’s action the Father’s will is fulfilled. And the Father is happy for your sake.

Our final summer mid-week service will conclude on Wednesday, September 11 at 7 pm. We will gather in the sanctuary to reflect on the historic events which transpired on September 11, 2001. The gathering church is a called to offer supplication and prayer as St. Paul reminds us in his letter to Timothy; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3

In the midst of our hurried lives it is good for us to reflect on those evens which shaped our national culture, society and world. Yet more than reflect this service is an opportunity for the people of our congregation to gather to pray and ask the Lord to lead us in the way of peace. Recalling His guidance in the past we will gather on the National Day of Service and Remembrance commemorating the 18th anniversary of the attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the sacrifice of those on Flight 93. That it would please God to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence, to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that Christ’s peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all. 

Your attendance at this service of remembrance is encouraged and welcomed.