I'm back (again!) My computer at home has been giving me some trouble lately, but hopefully things will stay better now. I will post sermons from the past few weeks up later, but here are some other things to tell you about...
+ Congratulations Graduates! Congrats to Heather Hamilton and Whitney Kirby as they graduate this evening; Lyndi Greenwood and Brent Higgason as they graduated on Sunday; and to Becky Laird (graduated from U of I), Luke Miller (graduated from Concordia University in Seward, NE), and Brittany Schafer (graduated from University of Illinois in Springfield) God's blessings in your future endeavors!
+ FLC tidbits
- Thanks to the ladies who came to the LWML meeting. Next one is Monday, June 18th at 5:30.
- VBS is being scheduled for June 11-15 from 6-8 PM. We are in need of snack donations and helpers. If you can help, let Pastor Hahn, Karen McMahon, or Cindy Hockman know right away. Ages for students is Ages 3-6th grade. Bring your kids and encourage your kids to bring their friends!
+ Cub rant! Boy it would be nice if the Cubs could actually hold on to a lead in the late innings. Losing a game when you have a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth? AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!! I'm still waiting for a good Lou Piniella tirade! I should be happy though--they did take 2 outta 3 from the Sox this past weekend--though I would have preferred a sweep!
+ Cardinal talk: It seems early in the season the Cardinals had good pitching but poor hitting. Now it's good hitting, but poor pitching. Gee, I expect that kind of play from the Cubs, not the Cards. Take heart, Cardinal fans...your team does play in a very weak division!
And now for some really good news....
+ Pastor Hahn has a significant other in his life!!! :) Yes, it is true! Her name is Darcy Huckleberry. She is a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and lives in Highland, IL. How did we meet, you might ask? We were matched on eharmony. Darcy has definitely been a wonderful blessing to me. You will have a chance to meet her this Sunday as she will be joining us for worship. Please pray for us that we may have a wonderful, Godly relationship.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Tidbits for May 3, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News
- The May newsletter will be available this Sunday.
- Keep the morning of Mothers' Day (May 13) open! We will be having a Mother's Day breakfast at church at 9 AM. All husbands, fathers, and sons are asked to bring food items and help prepare for this special day for all mothers. There will be a sign up sheet on Sunday.
+ Other tidbits
- Deepest sympathies to the Cardinals organization and their fans upon the death of pitcher Josh Hancock.
- Cubs win 5 out of last 6, and playing good fundamental baseball in the process!
- Go Bulls! Beat Detroit!
+ Words from Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
+ FLC News
- The May newsletter will be available this Sunday.
- Keep the morning of Mothers' Day (May 13) open! We will be having a Mother's Day breakfast at church at 9 AM. All husbands, fathers, and sons are asked to bring food items and help prepare for this special day for all mothers. There will be a sign up sheet on Sunday.
+ Other tidbits
- Deepest sympathies to the Cardinals organization and their fans upon the death of pitcher Josh Hancock.
- Cubs win 5 out of last 6, and playing good fundamental baseball in the process!
- Go Bulls! Beat Detroit!
+ Words from Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tibits for April 24, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News
- Brad Fruend did get a biopsy report regarding his ankle, and the results were negative! Thanks be to God. Brad and Sherry appreciate your prayers and support!
- Nonnie Hoffee has been moved from Emerald Glen to Richland Care Center. Since I was last at Emerald Glen, she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and her situation prompted this move. Please pray for her.
- Today is the 5 year anniversary of when I was given my call to Faith. At this time 5 years ago, Pastor Juhl and I were nervous as we awaited the evening approached, and then we find out we are going to 20 miles apart. Speaking of Iuka, their congregation will be getting a student from the St. Louis seminary. Their call service is tomorrow evening. Vernon Quandt (Iuka congregational president) and I will be going to the service and meeting this gentleman. It looks like the vacancy will be over either in June or July.
+ Other Tidbits
-Interesting weekend at Wrigley to say the least. The Cubs have a runner out at second advancing on a walk (That would ONLY happen to the Cubs!), Jason Marquis shuts down his old team, and the Cards win a slugfest with some more strange plays on Sunday! Now, if only the Cards could always play like it's Sunday. As for the Cubs, they are playing like, well...the Cubs! Round 2 this weekend at Busch!
+ Bible verse reflection--Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
As we live our lives in this world, we have the assurance of God's goodness and mercy. Every day we live is a day filled with God's grace. He gives us His peace that only we can give; He gives us forgiveness all of our sins; He allows to come to Him in prayer; He gives food, home, and loved ones to gives us support--in a nutshell, everything we have is a gift from Him, including eternal life in heaven, which we look forward to having one day!
+ FLC News
- Brad Fruend did get a biopsy report regarding his ankle, and the results were negative! Thanks be to God. Brad and Sherry appreciate your prayers and support!
- Nonnie Hoffee has been moved from Emerald Glen to Richland Care Center. Since I was last at Emerald Glen, she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and her situation prompted this move. Please pray for her.
- Today is the 5 year anniversary of when I was given my call to Faith. At this time 5 years ago, Pastor Juhl and I were nervous as we awaited the evening approached, and then we find out we are going to 20 miles apart. Speaking of Iuka, their congregation will be getting a student from the St. Louis seminary. Their call service is tomorrow evening. Vernon Quandt (Iuka congregational president) and I will be going to the service and meeting this gentleman. It looks like the vacancy will be over either in June or July.
+ Other Tidbits
-Interesting weekend at Wrigley to say the least. The Cubs have a runner out at second advancing on a walk (That would ONLY happen to the Cubs!), Jason Marquis shuts down his old team, and the Cards win a slugfest with some more strange plays on Sunday! Now, if only the Cards could always play like it's Sunday. As for the Cubs, they are playing like, well...the Cubs! Round 2 this weekend at Busch!
+ Bible verse reflection--Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
As we live our lives in this world, we have the assurance of God's goodness and mercy. Every day we live is a day filled with God's grace. He gives us His peace that only we can give; He gives us forgiveness all of our sins; He allows to come to Him in prayer; He gives food, home, and loved ones to gives us support--in a nutshell, everything we have is a gift from Him, including eternal life in heaven, which we look forward to having one day!
April 22, 2007 Bible Class--Psalm 23
BIBLE STUDY – Psalm 23
April 22, 2007
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The dictionary defines the term “shepherd” as “a person who tends sheep.” (Source: merriamwebster.com)
When we read the Christmas story from Luke 2, we read about shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks of sheep when the angel of the Lord told them about Jesus being born.
When we look at our Gospel reading for this morning from John 10:11-16, we see Jesus talking about being the Good Shepherd. He tends to His sheep—us, His people. It’s important to note that Jesus is the GOOD shepherd. He is not just any shepherd; He is a beautiful, noble, and excellent shepherd. Jesus goes on to say that a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep—which, of course, is what Jesus would do a few months later.
Because Jesus is our good and great shepherd, we have everything we need. When we look at the meaning of 1st Article of the Creed, we confess that God gives us everything that we need to support our bodies and our lives. Not only do we have all the physical things that we need, but we also have God’s gifts of forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life. What more do we need?
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
After a long, hard day, we look forward to lying down on the bed, or simply lying on the couch to rest. The term “green pastures” is a metaphor for all that makes life to thrive and prosper.
Take a look at Ezekiel 34:11-16 (the Old Testament reading for this morning. Look especially at verse 14.
“Still waters” literally means “waters of resting places.” That is, restful waters—waters that provide refreshment and well-being.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
As a shepherd leads his sheep in paths that offer safety and well-being, so it is that our Lord guides us in ways that cause us to be secure and prosperous.
Our lives were first restored the day in which we were brought to the font to be baptized. Through baptism in to Christ’s death and resurrection, God restored us from being children who were born into sin to being His forgiven children. Because our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored.
As mentioned earlier, God guides us in ways that cause us to be secure and prosperous. Because we have Jesus our good shepherd, we are assured of being defended against all danger and being guarded and protected from all evil. We also have the Holy Spirit who is our helper, guide, and comforter. The Holy Spirit continually leads us on the right path, by directing us to God’s Word, leading us to do what is right, and reminding us that even when we do wrong, we are forgiven through Jesus. (For more insight take a look at Proverbs 3:5-6)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Even as we live in a sin-darkened world where the consequences are death, we have no need to be afraid. This assurance that God gives to us, He gave to people throughout the Bible. Just a couple examples of this: Look at Joshua 1:9, along with Isaiah 43:1-13.
A shepherd uses a rod for counting, guiding, rescuing, and protecting. A staff is an instrument of support. Our Lord does this for us and much, much more.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
What David is talking about here is the Shepherd-King receives David at His table as his vassal king and takes him under His protection. In the ancient Near East, covenants were often concluded with a meal expressive of the bond of friendship.
In this world where there are enemies of our Lord, we are blessed to have a church that we can go to where we, who have our Lord’s protection, come to His table as His honored guests and we receive His very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. That is foretaste of the feast to come in heaven, where we will sit in the table of the heavenly banquet.
“You anoint my head with oil” refers to a customary treatment of an honored guest at a banquet. At God’s table we receive a lot more than mere customary treatment; we receive the precious gift of Himself.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
We’ve read in the previous five verses, about comparisons of life on earth and life in the world to come. This last verse sums it all up. As we live in this sin-filled world, we have God’s rich and abundant goodness and mercy. Because of the mercy that we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we will live in heaven forever and ever.
April 22, 2007
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The dictionary defines the term “shepherd” as “a person who tends sheep.” (Source: merriamwebster.com)
When we read the Christmas story from Luke 2, we read about shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks of sheep when the angel of the Lord told them about Jesus being born.
When we look at our Gospel reading for this morning from John 10:11-16, we see Jesus talking about being the Good Shepherd. He tends to His sheep—us, His people. It’s important to note that Jesus is the GOOD shepherd. He is not just any shepherd; He is a beautiful, noble, and excellent shepherd. Jesus goes on to say that a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep—which, of course, is what Jesus would do a few months later.
Because Jesus is our good and great shepherd, we have everything we need. When we look at the meaning of 1st Article of the Creed, we confess that God gives us everything that we need to support our bodies and our lives. Not only do we have all the physical things that we need, but we also have God’s gifts of forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life. What more do we need?
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
After a long, hard day, we look forward to lying down on the bed, or simply lying on the couch to rest. The term “green pastures” is a metaphor for all that makes life to thrive and prosper.
Take a look at Ezekiel 34:11-16 (the Old Testament reading for this morning. Look especially at verse 14.
“Still waters” literally means “waters of resting places.” That is, restful waters—waters that provide refreshment and well-being.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
As a shepherd leads his sheep in paths that offer safety and well-being, so it is that our Lord guides us in ways that cause us to be secure and prosperous.
Our lives were first restored the day in which we were brought to the font to be baptized. Through baptism in to Christ’s death and resurrection, God restored us from being children who were born into sin to being His forgiven children. Because our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored.
As mentioned earlier, God guides us in ways that cause us to be secure and prosperous. Because we have Jesus our good shepherd, we are assured of being defended against all danger and being guarded and protected from all evil. We also have the Holy Spirit who is our helper, guide, and comforter. The Holy Spirit continually leads us on the right path, by directing us to God’s Word, leading us to do what is right, and reminding us that even when we do wrong, we are forgiven through Jesus. (For more insight take a look at Proverbs 3:5-6)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Even as we live in a sin-darkened world where the consequences are death, we have no need to be afraid. This assurance that God gives to us, He gave to people throughout the Bible. Just a couple examples of this: Look at Joshua 1:9, along with Isaiah 43:1-13.
A shepherd uses a rod for counting, guiding, rescuing, and protecting. A staff is an instrument of support. Our Lord does this for us and much, much more.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
What David is talking about here is the Shepherd-King receives David at His table as his vassal king and takes him under His protection. In the ancient Near East, covenants were often concluded with a meal expressive of the bond of friendship.
In this world where there are enemies of our Lord, we are blessed to have a church that we can go to where we, who have our Lord’s protection, come to His table as His honored guests and we receive His very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. That is foretaste of the feast to come in heaven, where we will sit in the table of the heavenly banquet.
“You anoint my head with oil” refers to a customary treatment of an honored guest at a banquet. At God’s table we receive a lot more than mere customary treatment; we receive the precious gift of Himself.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
We’ve read in the previous five verses, about comparisons of life on earth and life in the world to come. This last verse sums it all up. As we live in this sin-filled world, we have God’s rich and abundant goodness and mercy. Because of the mercy that we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we will live in heaven forever and ever.
April 15, 2007 Bible Class--John 20:19-31
Holy Gospel Reading – John 20:19-31
INTRODUCTION: As we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord last Sunday, our Holy Gospel reading was taken from the first part of John, chapter 20. (v.1-18) Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb had been opened and went and got Peter and John. Peter left the tomb bewildered; John, however, saw and believed. After the disciples left, Jesus appears before Mary. Today, the second Sunday of Easter, the story from John’s account continues. The setting is the evening of the very first Easter.
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews,
It had been quite an eventful day to say the least. Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb had been opened and later saw Jesus. John knew Jesus had risen. Peter and the rest of the disciples were in a very confused and fearful state of mind. After what the Jewish leaders had done to Jesus, and with Jesus’ body now “missing,” the disciples thought that the Jewish leaders would come after them next. To say that they did not feel secure is quite the understatement. To make them feel safer, the doors were locked.
Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Somebody did get by the locked doors, though it was not a Jewish leader that was out to get the disciples; it was the King of Jews, the resurrected Jesus Christ. As Jesus said this, He showed the disciples His hands and His side, and the disciples were overjoyed. What do you suppose was going through the minds of the disciples as Jesus first appeared? Read Luke 24:37-39 for help. Do you suppose it is fair to single out Thomas as the one who doubted?
Jesus appears to them and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.” “Peace be with you” was a common greeting amongst the Hebrews, but when Jesus says these words there is a much deeper meaning. He is giving them peace that the world cannot give (see John 14:27); He is giving them the peace that passes all understanding (see Philippians 4:7).
Discuss together what the idea of “peace” means to you. In other words, when you hear the word “peace” what ideas come to your mind?
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Our Lord would give the disciples a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which would occur 50 days from that point. However, on this first Easter evening, Jesus gives the disciples the Holy Spirit to sustain them in their mission.
And the key to the disciples’ mission was the forgiveness of sins, and with the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gave the disciples the authority and power to forgive sins. This is the heart of Christianity and the church. Jesus won forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection. Still, there are those who refuse to repent of their sins and thus shun forgiveness. Others will repent and look for the assurance that they are forgiven. Jesus extended His authority to His disciples and to the church to forgive penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from impenitent sinners.
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Earlier, I asked the question, “Do you suppose it’s fair to single out Thomas as the one who doubted?” And while it is true that the disciples had some doubts, there is a significant difference between the other disciples and Thomas. Thomas heard from actual eyewitnesses; he got news people who had seen the risen Christ with their own eyes. They didn’t see the empty tomb; they saw HIM. Thomas wanted visible, physical proof for Himself.
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
A week later, the disciples and Jesus are again together with the doors shut, only this time Thomas is with Him. Once He again He gives His special greeting of peace. He then enables Thomas to place his finger into His hands and his hand into His side.
And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas had no need to examine this situation any further. He made a bold confession of Christ, “My Lord and My God!”
Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did indulge Thomas’ need to see Him. But that privilege would never be available to anyone else—the only exception was Saul, and that was by a special vision. Others (us), without an opportunity to literally look at Jesus, would still be called to faith and receive God’s blessings in Him. Jesus works such faith in His Word and by His Holy Spirit. And as Christians we are blessed—we “who have not seen and yet have believed.”
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
With Jesus’ resurrection, John reached the climax of his gospel. There were things Jesus did with His disciples that John didn’t even write about. The things that are written in John’s gospel, however, have a purpose in the lives of the readers—including us. John was not trying to “wow” us Jesus’ miracles. Rather, John called the miracles “signs.” They were signs that pointed to something, to someone beyond the readers—Jesus, the Messiah, our Savior, who would perform the greatest miracle through His death and resurrection. Because of that miracle we have forgiveness, life, and salvation.
John wrote all that he wrote so that we may believe and that by believe we have life in the name of Jesus. What we read in the Gospel strengthens our faith and secures our lives forever in Jesus.
INTRODUCTION: As we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord last Sunday, our Holy Gospel reading was taken from the first part of John, chapter 20. (v.1-18) Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb had been opened and went and got Peter and John. Peter left the tomb bewildered; John, however, saw and believed. After the disciples left, Jesus appears before Mary. Today, the second Sunday of Easter, the story from John’s account continues. The setting is the evening of the very first Easter.
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews,
It had been quite an eventful day to say the least. Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb had been opened and later saw Jesus. John knew Jesus had risen. Peter and the rest of the disciples were in a very confused and fearful state of mind. After what the Jewish leaders had done to Jesus, and with Jesus’ body now “missing,” the disciples thought that the Jewish leaders would come after them next. To say that they did not feel secure is quite the understatement. To make them feel safer, the doors were locked.
Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Somebody did get by the locked doors, though it was not a Jewish leader that was out to get the disciples; it was the King of Jews, the resurrected Jesus Christ. As Jesus said this, He showed the disciples His hands and His side, and the disciples were overjoyed. What do you suppose was going through the minds of the disciples as Jesus first appeared? Read Luke 24:37-39 for help. Do you suppose it is fair to single out Thomas as the one who doubted?
Jesus appears to them and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.” “Peace be with you” was a common greeting amongst the Hebrews, but when Jesus says these words there is a much deeper meaning. He is giving them peace that the world cannot give (see John 14:27); He is giving them the peace that passes all understanding (see Philippians 4:7).
Discuss together what the idea of “peace” means to you. In other words, when you hear the word “peace” what ideas come to your mind?
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Our Lord would give the disciples a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which would occur 50 days from that point. However, on this first Easter evening, Jesus gives the disciples the Holy Spirit to sustain them in their mission.
And the key to the disciples’ mission was the forgiveness of sins, and with the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gave the disciples the authority and power to forgive sins. This is the heart of Christianity and the church. Jesus won forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection. Still, there are those who refuse to repent of their sins and thus shun forgiveness. Others will repent and look for the assurance that they are forgiven. Jesus extended His authority to His disciples and to the church to forgive penitent sinners and to withhold forgiveness from impenitent sinners.
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Earlier, I asked the question, “Do you suppose it’s fair to single out Thomas as the one who doubted?” And while it is true that the disciples had some doubts, there is a significant difference between the other disciples and Thomas. Thomas heard from actual eyewitnesses; he got news people who had seen the risen Christ with their own eyes. They didn’t see the empty tomb; they saw HIM. Thomas wanted visible, physical proof for Himself.
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
A week later, the disciples and Jesus are again together with the doors shut, only this time Thomas is with Him. Once He again He gives His special greeting of peace. He then enables Thomas to place his finger into His hands and his hand into His side.
And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas had no need to examine this situation any further. He made a bold confession of Christ, “My Lord and My God!”
Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did indulge Thomas’ need to see Him. But that privilege would never be available to anyone else—the only exception was Saul, and that was by a special vision. Others (us), without an opportunity to literally look at Jesus, would still be called to faith and receive God’s blessings in Him. Jesus works such faith in His Word and by His Holy Spirit. And as Christians we are blessed—we “who have not seen and yet have believed.”
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
With Jesus’ resurrection, John reached the climax of his gospel. There were things Jesus did with His disciples that John didn’t even write about. The things that are written in John’s gospel, however, have a purpose in the lives of the readers—including us. John was not trying to “wow” us Jesus’ miracles. Rather, John called the miracles “signs.” They were signs that pointed to something, to someone beyond the readers—Jesus, the Messiah, our Savior, who would perform the greatest miracle through His death and resurrection. Because of that miracle we have forgiveness, life, and salvation.
John wrote all that he wrote so that we may believe and that by believe we have life in the name of Jesus. What we read in the Gospel strengthens our faith and secures our lives forever in Jesus.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd--April 22, 2007 sermon
“Jesus is the Good Shepherd”
John 10:11-16
The Second Sunday after Easter
April 22, 2007
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
John 10:14: “I am the good shepherd; and I know Mysheep, and am known by My own.”
PRAYER:
Lord God, our heavenly Father, we come to You giving You thanks that You are the Good Shepherd and that You care for us day by day. You provide us with everything we need physically, but more important You provide us with everything we need spiritually—forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Forgive us for the times we take things in life for granted, and help us to remember that we all we have is a gift from You because of the great love You have for all of us. And now may the words of my mouth and the meditation in our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who owns you, for He created you in your Mother’s womb through the seed of your Father, and blessed you with His gift of life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and amknown by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One who guided you safely through your birth by the caring hands of birthcare providers, and blessed you with His gift of lifein this world.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides youwith pasture, first at your parents’ table and later at your own table, feeding you the food that nourishes and strengthens your body for all the days of your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides you with clothing for your body, at the first first when your parents bundled you up in love and now by your dressing of yourself in the wrap that covers you in modesty, protects you from the weather, and displays to the world the blessing of such clothing that The Lord Himself provides to you throughout your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides youwith shelter, first within your family’s household and later providing you with one of your own, which protects you from the heat and the cold, keeps you safe from wild beasts and wild men, and gives you a place that you can call your home throughout the days of your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who teaches you through your parents and your teachers to understand the universe He has created and to recognize your place in it, as a sheep living among goats. He teaches you how to serve both those in your own sheepfold and all who are outside of it, with your skills and your intellect,your body and your mind, working love toward your family members, your friends, the stranger--anyone whom God Himself brings into your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who owns you, His lamb, for He created you by the gracious work of Your Heavenly Father through the seed of His Word by the power of The Holy Spirit in the womb of Mother Church, and blessed you with His gift of everlasting life.“
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and amknown by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who led you to the quiet waters of Baptism at the hand of your Pastor, graciously and gently washing your wool in those grace-filled waters to remove the stain of your sin, giving you the gift of eternal life in the world to come.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who is with you in comes to rescue you when you have wandered away from Him, calling you gently back into His fold, that you might enjoy the life He has in store for you--life under God’s blessing now, and life with God forever.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who has the VoiceWho speaks to you, “I forgive you all of your sins,”and by His gracious proclamation to you all of yoursins are forgiven, and to you new life is given--evenlife in the world to come.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who guides you bythe rod of His Law and the staff of His Gospel, prodding you and pointing the way for you along the paths of righteousness--His righteousness--for the sake of His Saving Name. He provides the only way toGod--He is The Way--for it is solely by faith in The One Whose Name is Jesus that we are guided safely through the valley of sin and death sin not unto evil, but unto life everlasting.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who invites you to come to His altar so that He may feed you with the very Flesh and Blood of the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world and your sin, and becomesone with your flesh and blood, strengthening you foryour walk through this life into eternal life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You dwell with Him now. And you shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
In Jesus name. Amen.
+ The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior. Amen. +
John 10:11-16
The Second Sunday after Easter
April 22, 2007
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
John 10:14: “I am the good shepherd; and I know Mysheep, and am known by My own.”
PRAYER:
Lord God, our heavenly Father, we come to You giving You thanks that You are the Good Shepherd and that You care for us day by day. You provide us with everything we need physically, but more important You provide us with everything we need spiritually—forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Forgive us for the times we take things in life for granted, and help us to remember that we all we have is a gift from You because of the great love You have for all of us. And now may the words of my mouth and the meditation in our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who owns you, for He created you in your Mother’s womb through the seed of your Father, and blessed you with His gift of life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and amknown by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One who guided you safely through your birth by the caring hands of birthcare providers, and blessed you with His gift of lifein this world.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides youwith pasture, first at your parents’ table and later at your own table, feeding you the food that nourishes and strengthens your body for all the days of your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides you with clothing for your body, at the first first when your parents bundled you up in love and now by your dressing of yourself in the wrap that covers you in modesty, protects you from the weather, and displays to the world the blessing of such clothing that The Lord Himself provides to you throughout your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who provides youwith shelter, first within your family’s household and later providing you with one of your own, which protects you from the heat and the cold, keeps you safe from wild beasts and wild men, and gives you a place that you can call your home throughout the days of your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who teaches you through your parents and your teachers to understand the universe He has created and to recognize your place in it, as a sheep living among goats. He teaches you how to serve both those in your own sheepfold and all who are outside of it, with your skills and your intellect,your body and your mind, working love toward your family members, your friends, the stranger--anyone whom God Himself brings into your life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who owns you, His lamb, for He created you by the gracious work of Your Heavenly Father through the seed of His Word by the power of The Holy Spirit in the womb of Mother Church, and blessed you with His gift of everlasting life.“
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and amknown by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who led you to the quiet waters of Baptism at the hand of your Pastor, graciously and gently washing your wool in those grace-filled waters to remove the stain of your sin, giving you the gift of eternal life in the world to come.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who is with you in comes to rescue you when you have wandered away from Him, calling you gently back into His fold, that you might enjoy the life He has in store for you--life under God’s blessing now, and life with God forever.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who has the VoiceWho speaks to you, “I forgive you all of your sins,”and by His gracious proclamation to you all of yoursins are forgiven, and to you new life is given--evenlife in the world to come.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who guides you bythe rod of His Law and the staff of His Gospel, prodding you and pointing the way for you along the paths of righteousness--His righteousness--for the sake of His Saving Name. He provides the only way toGod--He is The Way--for it is solely by faith in The One Whose Name is Jesus that we are guided safely through the valley of sin and death sin not unto evil, but unto life everlasting.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You know Him as the One Who invites you to come to His altar so that He may feed you with the very Flesh and Blood of the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world and your sin, and becomesone with your flesh and blood, strengthening you foryour walk through this life into eternal life.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he knows you. And you know Him.
You dwell with Him now. And you shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
In Jesus name. Amen.
+ The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior. Amen. +
Monday, April 23, 2007
Oliver Raymond Saeger funeral sermon
John 14:1-6: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:19: Because I live, you will live also.
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Lord pour out an extra measure of His love andcompassion upon you—Ruby, Mike and Vicki, Paul and Judy, Brenda and Martin, and all you grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.+
Throughout God’s Holy Word, we come across many promises that are made by our Lord. But these are not just any promises. For one thing, our Lord kept (and still keeps) every last one of His promises. But these are promises that guarantee forgiveness, life and salvation. In the Gospel reading that was justread, Jesus promises that in His Father's house aremany mansions and that Jesus prepares a place for all believers--including Ollie. Later on in the chapter, in verse 19, Jesus gives the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. Verse 27 promises that we have God's peace--it is not a peace that the world gives, but a peace that passes all understanding. However, before we focus in on these promises of our Lord and how they were meaningful for Ollie, it is important to remember a promise that God had made long before Jesus ever spoke these words.
We read in the book of Genesis about how Adam and Eve ate the fruit from a tree that they were told by God not to eat. From then on, Adam and Eve, and everyone that descended from them, Oliver included (along with all of us), had a sinful nature. God made a promise that He would send a Savior to forgive the sins of all people. The Old Testament continued to repeat that promise. God sent prophets to proclaim to the people that the Savior was to come.
And when the time had come, Jesus was born as a baby in the manger in Bethlehem. He would minister to the people on the earth, and it was while He was on earth where He made the promise of God's heavenly mansions, and a place was being prepared for all believers. The Lord also prepared a place in His heavenly mansions for Ollie, where Ollie is now living. Ollie firmly believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he is in the place that was prepared for him.
Jesus mentions the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. It is true that Ollie's earthly life is complete and he will be missed. But he lives because of the love that Jesus had—and still has for him. Because Jesus died on the cross, Ollie was forgiven of all sins, and you and I are forgiven. And because Jesus lives, Ollie lives in heaven.
Ollie was always at peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had Jesus' peace. On a personal note, it was my privilege to know Ollie for the last few years and it was a real privilege and honor given to me by my Lord to be his pastor in the last few weeks of his earthly life. I know that the previous pastors in this congregation that I know personally would consider being Ollie’s pastor a privilege and honor from the Lord as well. In the years that Ollie was a member here, he received God’s Word of peace, and He received the peace that comes from receiving Christ’svery body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. That was only foretaste of the feast that Ollie is now enjoying in heaven!
The love of Jesus also important to Ollie outside the church. Most importantly, it was important in the home. Because Jesus loved Ollie, Ollie certainly loved his Lord. Jesus love also enabled Ollie to love Ruby, his dear wife of 60 years. Jesus’ love enabled Ollie to love his children—Mike, Paul, and Brenda along with their dear spouses. Jesus’ love enabled Ollie to be a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Jesus’ love enables Ollie to be a very dear friend to many people. Ollie loved because Jesus first loved him.
Jesus said in earlier in the book John (11:25-26) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me with live even though He dies, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? Ollie did! Ollie knew and believed in Jesus as his Savior, and that the Savior was born him, lived a perfect life for him, died for him, and rose for him so that he would have eternal life. That is the precious Gospel message that Ollie knew and believed. That is the precious Gospel message that Ollie would desire for all of you to know believe. More importantly, that is the precious Gospel message that our Lord desires for all of you to know and believe. The Savior was born for you, the Savior lived a perfect life for you, the Savior died for you, the Savior rose for you—all so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
As we continue with our earthly lives, let us always ponder in our hearts and minds the love Jesus had for Ollie and how that is why Ollie is living in heaven,and let us always remember the love that Jesus has for all of us. His death and resurrection gives to each ofus His peace.
Thanks be to God; He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
John 14:19: Because I live, you will live also.
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Lord pour out an extra measure of His love andcompassion upon you—Ruby, Mike and Vicki, Paul and Judy, Brenda and Martin, and all you grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.+
Throughout God’s Holy Word, we come across many promises that are made by our Lord. But these are not just any promises. For one thing, our Lord kept (and still keeps) every last one of His promises. But these are promises that guarantee forgiveness, life and salvation. In the Gospel reading that was justread, Jesus promises that in His Father's house aremany mansions and that Jesus prepares a place for all believers--including Ollie. Later on in the chapter, in verse 19, Jesus gives the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. Verse 27 promises that we have God's peace--it is not a peace that the world gives, but a peace that passes all understanding. However, before we focus in on these promises of our Lord and how they were meaningful for Ollie, it is important to remember a promise that God had made long before Jesus ever spoke these words.
We read in the book of Genesis about how Adam and Eve ate the fruit from a tree that they were told by God not to eat. From then on, Adam and Eve, and everyone that descended from them, Oliver included (along with all of us), had a sinful nature. God made a promise that He would send a Savior to forgive the sins of all people. The Old Testament continued to repeat that promise. God sent prophets to proclaim to the people that the Savior was to come.
And when the time had come, Jesus was born as a baby in the manger in Bethlehem. He would minister to the people on the earth, and it was while He was on earth where He made the promise of God's heavenly mansions, and a place was being prepared for all believers. The Lord also prepared a place in His heavenly mansions for Ollie, where Ollie is now living. Ollie firmly believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he is in the place that was prepared for him.
Jesus mentions the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. It is true that Ollie's earthly life is complete and he will be missed. But he lives because of the love that Jesus had—and still has for him. Because Jesus died on the cross, Ollie was forgiven of all sins, and you and I are forgiven. And because Jesus lives, Ollie lives in heaven.
Ollie was always at peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had Jesus' peace. On a personal note, it was my privilege to know Ollie for the last few years and it was a real privilege and honor given to me by my Lord to be his pastor in the last few weeks of his earthly life. I know that the previous pastors in this congregation that I know personally would consider being Ollie’s pastor a privilege and honor from the Lord as well. In the years that Ollie was a member here, he received God’s Word of peace, and He received the peace that comes from receiving Christ’svery body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. That was only foretaste of the feast that Ollie is now enjoying in heaven!
The love of Jesus also important to Ollie outside the church. Most importantly, it was important in the home. Because Jesus loved Ollie, Ollie certainly loved his Lord. Jesus love also enabled Ollie to love Ruby, his dear wife of 60 years. Jesus’ love enabled Ollie to love his children—Mike, Paul, and Brenda along with their dear spouses. Jesus’ love enabled Ollie to be a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Jesus’ love enables Ollie to be a very dear friend to many people. Ollie loved because Jesus first loved him.
Jesus said in earlier in the book John (11:25-26) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me with live even though He dies, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? Ollie did! Ollie knew and believed in Jesus as his Savior, and that the Savior was born him, lived a perfect life for him, died for him, and rose for him so that he would have eternal life. That is the precious Gospel message that Ollie knew and believed. That is the precious Gospel message that Ollie would desire for all of you to know believe. More importantly, that is the precious Gospel message that our Lord desires for all of you to know and believe. The Savior was born for you, the Savior lived a perfect life for you, the Savior died for you, the Savior rose for you—all so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
As we continue with our earthly lives, let us always ponder in our hearts and minds the love Jesus had for Ollie and how that is why Ollie is living in heaven,and let us always remember the love that Jesus has for all of us. His death and resurrection gives to each ofus His peace.
Thanks be to God; He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)