+ 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!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Lorraine Ethel Ruwe funeral sermon
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
As we look at this verse, let us first look at the big picture. We know that God works for the good of all people, including Lorraine. This was most evident on the day we appropriately call GOOD Friday. It was the day in which our Lord was mocked, beaten, spat upon, falsely accused of blasphemy, sentenced to crucified, died, and was buried. We call this day because “good” because God worked through His own suffering and death for the good of sinful people—people such as Lorraine,and also you and me. It is also a “good” Friday because we know it does not end with His death. Christ rose again on the third day—that was also forour good. All these things that God worked for thegood of sinful people were all planned out by theheavenly Father thousands of years before—all to giveforgiveness, life, and salvation.
At that time, God made the promise of a Savior. This was necessary because our first parents, Adam and Eve, disobeyed our Lord by eating fruit they were told by God not to eat. Sin was now part of the world, and everyone, from Adam’s children on through Lorraine andus, would be affected by it. In God’s perfect timing, He sent Jesus into the world to go through punishment of death and the victory of rising from the dead, so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life.
Lorraine was a believer. She knew and believed she was sinner; she also knew and believed in Jesus Christ as her savior from sin. She knew of Jesus’ love for her, and our Lord used her in so many different ways.
We know that Lorraine had some difficult andextenuating circumstances through her earthly life. But God used that for the good of people that Lorraine knew. God used Lorraine to be a wonderful witness to many people. Last night at the visitation, people talked about how she rode her bike around the neighborhood telling people about church. She was always among the first to greet people as they walked into church. She invited people from Chestnut Corners to come to church with her. A number of people joined our church, and a number of those people became Christians.
Lorraine was also a believer in receiving the body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of her sins and the strengthening of her faith. I think it’s safe to say that anyone who was at the congregational voters’ meeting on December 14, 2003 will remember that meeting for the rest of their lives. At this meeting, we voted on whether we should have Holy Communion every week. That was the 3rd of 3 issues that we had to vote on. As we voted on the 1st issue, the President of the congregation, after introducing the issue, asked if there were any questions. Lorraine raised her hand and said, "I think we should have communion every Sunday!" The President said, "We'll get to that, soon." Later, we went to the 2nd issue. After talking about the President asked if there were any questions. Once again Lorraine raised her hand, and our President I'm sure knew what was coming, but yet he called on her, and once again she said, "I think we should have communion every Sunday!" The President said, "we'll get to that in a moment." We then discussed the issue of having communion every week. After much discussion, the congregation voted by a nearly 2 to 1 ratio to have Holy Communion every week. Now, I do not know this for sure, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if what Lorraine did at that meeting influenced the way some people voted.
Faith Lutheran Church was everything to Lorraine, especially due to the fact that it was her parents, Gus and Ella, who were charter members of the congregation. Studying the Bible, listening to God’s Word in church, and receiving Holy Communion was very special and very important to her. Seeing to it that others saw that as important in their lives meant a great deal to her as well. Yes indeed, God worked through Lorraine in so many amazing ways; Lorraine was used for the good of people from different places, including but not limited to: Faith Lutheran Church, Chestnut Corners, and Flora Health Care Center.
As her earthly life is now complete, we will certainly miss her. However, we do rejoice that her heavenly life has only just begun. As we continue on through our earthly lives, let us remember and ponder in our hearts the love God showed for and through Lorraine.
Let us rejoice in the fact that because Jesus lives,Lorraine lives too. And because Jesus lives, all believers in Christ shall live with Him in His heavenly kingdom one day.
Thanks be to God; He gives us the victory through ourLord Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we look at this verse, let us first look at the big picture. We know that God works for the good of all people, including Lorraine. This was most evident on the day we appropriately call GOOD Friday. It was the day in which our Lord was mocked, beaten, spat upon, falsely accused of blasphemy, sentenced to crucified, died, and was buried. We call this day because “good” because God worked through His own suffering and death for the good of sinful people—people such as Lorraine,and also you and me. It is also a “good” Friday because we know it does not end with His death. Christ rose again on the third day—that was also forour good. All these things that God worked for thegood of sinful people were all planned out by theheavenly Father thousands of years before—all to giveforgiveness, life, and salvation.
At that time, God made the promise of a Savior. This was necessary because our first parents, Adam and Eve, disobeyed our Lord by eating fruit they were told by God not to eat. Sin was now part of the world, and everyone, from Adam’s children on through Lorraine andus, would be affected by it. In God’s perfect timing, He sent Jesus into the world to go through punishment of death and the victory of rising from the dead, so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life.
Lorraine was a believer. She knew and believed she was sinner; she also knew and believed in Jesus Christ as her savior from sin. She knew of Jesus’ love for her, and our Lord used her in so many different ways.
We know that Lorraine had some difficult andextenuating circumstances through her earthly life. But God used that for the good of people that Lorraine knew. God used Lorraine to be a wonderful witness to many people. Last night at the visitation, people talked about how she rode her bike around the neighborhood telling people about church. She was always among the first to greet people as they walked into church. She invited people from Chestnut Corners to come to church with her. A number of people joined our church, and a number of those people became Christians.
Lorraine was also a believer in receiving the body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of her sins and the strengthening of her faith. I think it’s safe to say that anyone who was at the congregational voters’ meeting on December 14, 2003 will remember that meeting for the rest of their lives. At this meeting, we voted on whether we should have Holy Communion every week. That was the 3rd of 3 issues that we had to vote on. As we voted on the 1st issue, the President of the congregation, after introducing the issue, asked if there were any questions. Lorraine raised her hand and said, "I think we should have communion every Sunday!" The President said, "We'll get to that, soon." Later, we went to the 2nd issue. After talking about the President asked if there were any questions. Once again Lorraine raised her hand, and our President I'm sure knew what was coming, but yet he called on her, and once again she said, "I think we should have communion every Sunday!" The President said, "we'll get to that in a moment." We then discussed the issue of having communion every week. After much discussion, the congregation voted by a nearly 2 to 1 ratio to have Holy Communion every week. Now, I do not know this for sure, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if what Lorraine did at that meeting influenced the way some people voted.
Faith Lutheran Church was everything to Lorraine, especially due to the fact that it was her parents, Gus and Ella, who were charter members of the congregation. Studying the Bible, listening to God’s Word in church, and receiving Holy Communion was very special and very important to her. Seeing to it that others saw that as important in their lives meant a great deal to her as well. Yes indeed, God worked through Lorraine in so many amazing ways; Lorraine was used for the good of people from different places, including but not limited to: Faith Lutheran Church, Chestnut Corners, and Flora Health Care Center.
As her earthly life is now complete, we will certainly miss her. However, we do rejoice that her heavenly life has only just begun. As we continue on through our earthly lives, let us remember and ponder in our hearts the love God showed for and through Lorraine.
Let us rejoice in the fact that because Jesus lives,Lorraine lives too. And because Jesus lives, all believers in Christ shall live with Him in His heavenly kingdom one day.
Thanks be to God; He gives us the victory through ourLord Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus Gives His Peace--No Doubt About It!--April 15, 2007 sermon
"Jesus Gives His Peace—No Doubt About It!"
John 20:19-31
First Sunday after Easter
April 15, 2007
+ "Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
John 20:19: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, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
PRAYER:
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we come to You once again to give You thanks and praise for the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. We know that You used people like St. John to proclaim Your truth so that we may believe and have life in Your name. Yet, in spite of that, we still have doubt and lack of faith and trust in You. Forgive us for that, O Lord, and keep us mindful that Your Word is truth and the truth is because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all of our sins, and we do have eternal life in Your name. 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.
It is a gross understatement to say that Satan is a cunning, crafty, conniving devil. We saw examples during the Lent season as we read about his tempting of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and how he even tempted Jesus in the wilderness. One Sunday in Lent, we read where Jesus refers to Satan as "the father of lies."
Satan actually thought that Good Friday was a day of victory and celebration for him. His arch-nemesis, Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried. Jesus would interfere with Satan and his domain no more. Right?
Wrong! Satan was soundly defeated. And Jesus went to hell to show Satan that he was defeated. Jesus won the victory. He is risen. Sin, death, and Satan's power have all been defeated forevermore.
However, do those facts discourage Satan from trying to lure people away from Christ and His truth? No way. In fact, he begins trying to work on the disciples the very day that Jesus rose from the dead. You see, as Jesus was with the disciples during His earthly ministry, He talked about how He would suffer crucifixion and death in the hands of evil people. He also mentioned that He would rise again on the third day. That last part didn't register with the disciples over that weekend. Satan had them convinced that it was indeed all over after Jesus' death. Jesus' predictions finally clicked with John when he went to the tomb that morning. But for Peter and the rest of the disciples, there was nothing but doubt and fear. Satan had the disciples very fearful of what a potential future without Jesus would be like. After all, with Jesus gotten rid of, what was going to prevent the Jewish leaders from getting rid of His closest followers next?
That fear caused the disciples to have the doors locked when they were together that evening. Suddenly Jesus appears. Satan was trying to convince them that it was simply a ghost, nothing more. However, Jesus says to them, "Peace be with you." And then He shows them His hands and His side. They now know that this is indeed their Teacher and Friend. It finally registered with them that Jesus, who is the Word and the Truth did just as He said He would do.
It is also important to note that Jesus gives the greeting, "Peace be with you." This greeting was very common among the Hebrews. However, when Jesus says "Peace be with you" there is so much more. Jesus talking about a peace that passes all understanding, (Philippians 4:7) a peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). It is a peace that gives the assurance of Christ's presence in which sins are forgiven and life everlasting is assured. Having Christ's peace and seeing His hands and side enabled the disciples to realize that Jesus was in deed alive, and it ultimately showed that the father of lies is just that—the father of lies.
Satan, though, is not one to miss an opportunity to lure someone away from Christ. He knew full well that there was one disciple, Thomas that was not present that evening. So, when the disciples mentioned to Thomas that they seen the resurrected Christ, Satan was on the warpath very subtly trying to tell Thomas that his friends are lying to Him. Through Satan's crafty schemes, Thomas says he won't believe Christ is risen unless he's able to see and touch the holes in His hands and side.
Jesus, the Word and the Truth, once again shows how much more powerful He is against the father of lies. He appears to Thomas and before anything He gives Him the greeting "Peace be with you." Jesus then lets Thomas see and touch the nail marks in His hands and the area of His side that was pierced. Thomas makes the confession, "My Lord and my God." Thomas now knew that Jesus was living. Thomas also had the Lord's peace—the assurance of sins forgiven and life everlasting.
Now we get into the "how does this story apply to us" portion of the sermon. Even though Jesus had proven to His disciples that He had risen from the dead, don't think for a moment that Satan didn't try to keep luring the disciples away from Christ even after those events that occurred within one week of each other. Satan tries to do that with all of Christ's followers. And the more faithful people are to Christ, the harder Satan is going to try to lure them away. He did it to Adam and Eve and their children; he tried to do it with Christ and failed miserably; he did it to the disciples; and he's done it every living human being ever since, including you and me.
Many times every day, Satan is tempting us to do things that we know are against what God desires for us to do. Yet, as mentioned at the beginning of the sermon, Satan is a cunning, crafty, conniving devil. He can make any sin so appealing to our sinful natures that it becomes so easy to fall for those temptations. The thought of being "like God" was very appealing for Eve that day in Eden. He is that way with all of us, too. He'll twist God's word any which way possible to make us think that God won't mind if we sin "just this once. Once we have sinned, the Satan does a 180 and says, "I gotcha now! You've really done it to God this time! No way he's going to forgive a sinner like you!" Thus, Satan plants doubt into us, and we find ourselves questioning God's love and forgiveness.
Once again, Jesus, the Word and the Truth, shows how much more powerful He is then the father of lies. He does forgive us for all of our sins, no matter how often or how severe they are, He forgives you and me. As He said, "Peace be with you" to the disciples, and then to Thomas, He says it to us too. The peace that Jesus gives is for you. You have the peace of Christ that assures you that as a baptized child of God, you are forgiven for all of your sins. You have the peace of Christ that assures that the Holy Spirit is always present in our lives, guiding us through our good times and our times of trouble, and also keeping us in God's Word of truth. You have the peace of Christ that assures that when you come to this altar, you are receiving the very body and blood that was given and shed for you on the cross. You have the peace of Christ knowing that because Jesus lives, you live also—not just here on earth, but also in His heavenly kingdom.
My dear friends, that is what this Easter season that we celebrate now and every Sunday is all about. Just as Christ gave the disciples the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins, Christ also gives that to the church. When you come to church each Sunday, you know that you are going to hear God's Word and Truth, which says to you, "Your sins are forgiven." Because you are very special to our Lord, He gives you His peace free and unconditionally. And the victory Christ won on Easter Sunday is yours now and forever.
Thanks be to God; He 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 20:19-31
First Sunday after Easter
April 15, 2007
+ "Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
John 20:19: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, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
PRAYER:
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we come to You once again to give You thanks and praise for the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. We know that You used people like St. John to proclaim Your truth so that we may believe and have life in Your name. Yet, in spite of that, we still have doubt and lack of faith and trust in You. Forgive us for that, O Lord, and keep us mindful that Your Word is truth and the truth is because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all of our sins, and we do have eternal life in Your name. 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.
It is a gross understatement to say that Satan is a cunning, crafty, conniving devil. We saw examples during the Lent season as we read about his tempting of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and how he even tempted Jesus in the wilderness. One Sunday in Lent, we read where Jesus refers to Satan as "the father of lies."
Satan actually thought that Good Friday was a day of victory and celebration for him. His arch-nemesis, Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried. Jesus would interfere with Satan and his domain no more. Right?
Wrong! Satan was soundly defeated. And Jesus went to hell to show Satan that he was defeated. Jesus won the victory. He is risen. Sin, death, and Satan's power have all been defeated forevermore.
However, do those facts discourage Satan from trying to lure people away from Christ and His truth? No way. In fact, he begins trying to work on the disciples the very day that Jesus rose from the dead. You see, as Jesus was with the disciples during His earthly ministry, He talked about how He would suffer crucifixion and death in the hands of evil people. He also mentioned that He would rise again on the third day. That last part didn't register with the disciples over that weekend. Satan had them convinced that it was indeed all over after Jesus' death. Jesus' predictions finally clicked with John when he went to the tomb that morning. But for Peter and the rest of the disciples, there was nothing but doubt and fear. Satan had the disciples very fearful of what a potential future without Jesus would be like. After all, with Jesus gotten rid of, what was going to prevent the Jewish leaders from getting rid of His closest followers next?
That fear caused the disciples to have the doors locked when they were together that evening. Suddenly Jesus appears. Satan was trying to convince them that it was simply a ghost, nothing more. However, Jesus says to them, "Peace be with you." And then He shows them His hands and His side. They now know that this is indeed their Teacher and Friend. It finally registered with them that Jesus, who is the Word and the Truth did just as He said He would do.
It is also important to note that Jesus gives the greeting, "Peace be with you." This greeting was very common among the Hebrews. However, when Jesus says "Peace be with you" there is so much more. Jesus talking about a peace that passes all understanding, (Philippians 4:7) a peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). It is a peace that gives the assurance of Christ's presence in which sins are forgiven and life everlasting is assured. Having Christ's peace and seeing His hands and side enabled the disciples to realize that Jesus was in deed alive, and it ultimately showed that the father of lies is just that—the father of lies.
Satan, though, is not one to miss an opportunity to lure someone away from Christ. He knew full well that there was one disciple, Thomas that was not present that evening. So, when the disciples mentioned to Thomas that they seen the resurrected Christ, Satan was on the warpath very subtly trying to tell Thomas that his friends are lying to Him. Through Satan's crafty schemes, Thomas says he won't believe Christ is risen unless he's able to see and touch the holes in His hands and side.
Jesus, the Word and the Truth, once again shows how much more powerful He is against the father of lies. He appears to Thomas and before anything He gives Him the greeting "Peace be with you." Jesus then lets Thomas see and touch the nail marks in His hands and the area of His side that was pierced. Thomas makes the confession, "My Lord and my God." Thomas now knew that Jesus was living. Thomas also had the Lord's peace—the assurance of sins forgiven and life everlasting.
Now we get into the "how does this story apply to us" portion of the sermon. Even though Jesus had proven to His disciples that He had risen from the dead, don't think for a moment that Satan didn't try to keep luring the disciples away from Christ even after those events that occurred within one week of each other. Satan tries to do that with all of Christ's followers. And the more faithful people are to Christ, the harder Satan is going to try to lure them away. He did it to Adam and Eve and their children; he tried to do it with Christ and failed miserably; he did it to the disciples; and he's done it every living human being ever since, including you and me.
Many times every day, Satan is tempting us to do things that we know are against what God desires for us to do. Yet, as mentioned at the beginning of the sermon, Satan is a cunning, crafty, conniving devil. He can make any sin so appealing to our sinful natures that it becomes so easy to fall for those temptations. The thought of being "like God" was very appealing for Eve that day in Eden. He is that way with all of us, too. He'll twist God's word any which way possible to make us think that God won't mind if we sin "just this once. Once we have sinned, the Satan does a 180 and says, "I gotcha now! You've really done it to God this time! No way he's going to forgive a sinner like you!" Thus, Satan plants doubt into us, and we find ourselves questioning God's love and forgiveness.
Once again, Jesus, the Word and the Truth, shows how much more powerful He is then the father of lies. He does forgive us for all of our sins, no matter how often or how severe they are, He forgives you and me. As He said, "Peace be with you" to the disciples, and then to Thomas, He says it to us too. The peace that Jesus gives is for you. You have the peace of Christ that assures you that as a baptized child of God, you are forgiven for all of your sins. You have the peace of Christ that assures that the Holy Spirit is always present in our lives, guiding us through our good times and our times of trouble, and also keeping us in God's Word of truth. You have the peace of Christ that assures that when you come to this altar, you are receiving the very body and blood that was given and shed for you on the cross. You have the peace of Christ knowing that because Jesus lives, you live also—not just here on earth, but also in His heavenly kingdom.
My dear friends, that is what this Easter season that we celebrate now and every Sunday is all about. Just as Christ gave the disciples the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins, Christ also gives that to the church. When you come to church each Sunday, you know that you are going to hear God's Word and Truth, which says to you, "Your sins are forgiven." Because you are very special to our Lord, He gives you His peace free and unconditionally. And the victory Christ won on Easter Sunday is yours now and forever.
Thanks be to God; He 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. +
April 22, 2007--back from a hiatus
Hi everyone! Sorry about the one-week hiatus. Had an ultra-busy week with a couple funerals and didn't get a chance to do my daily tidbits. I spent a majority of free time sleeping. We certainly continue to pray for the families and friends of Ollie Saeger and Lorraine Ruwe. We give thanks to God for bringing these dear ones to the faith and that because of Jesus, they both enjoy eternal life in His heavenly kingdom.
As I type this, Scott Rolen just hit a 2-run triple to give the Cards a 9-7 lead over the Cubs. Question for Card fans: Are you now beginning to wish that every day was Sunday?!? :)
Today, there will be posts of the sermons from today and last Sunday, the 2 funerals, and Bible class from today and last Sunday.
Blessings!
As I type this, Scott Rolen just hit a 2-run triple to give the Cards a 9-7 lead over the Cubs. Question for Card fans: Are you now beginning to wish that every day was Sunday?!? :)
Today, there will be posts of the sermons from today and last Sunday, the 2 funerals, and Bible class from today and last Sunday.
Blessings!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Tidbits for April 13, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News
- I saw Lorraine Ruwe in Mt. Vernon today. She is the same as when I saw her Monday. I read Scripture and prayed with her. She is in the hands of her Lord.
- Join us this Sunday. Gene Pieplow will lead Bible class at 9:00. Children are more than welcome to join us at Sunday school. Worship is at 10:15. Pastor's sermon is based on John 20:19-31.
- All the women are invited to an LWML meeting at church this Monday evening at 5:30.
- Join us for basketball in the gym on Sunday afternoon at 1:00.
+ Other tidbits
- The Cardinals did not get an opportunity to extend their winning streak as their game with Milwaukee was postponed. The Cubs had a 5-0 lead going into the 5th inning against the Reds, and we'll just say it went downhill from there. :(
+ Bible verse reflection: John 20:19c
Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The resurrected Christ appears before the disciples and shows them His hands and side, and says "Peace be with you." This was a common Hebrew greeting, but when Jesus says it, it's more than a mere greeting. The peace Jesus gives is the peace the world cannot give (John 14:27) and it is a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Through Jesus' peace we know that our sins are forgiven; we have the assurance that our Lord will give us His strength, comfort, and guidance through all our earthly lives; we have assurance of knowing that because we believe in Jesus, we have everlasting life! As I sign off this evening, I say to you, "Peace be with you."
+ FLC News
- I saw Lorraine Ruwe in Mt. Vernon today. She is the same as when I saw her Monday. I read Scripture and prayed with her. She is in the hands of her Lord.
- Join us this Sunday. Gene Pieplow will lead Bible class at 9:00. Children are more than welcome to join us at Sunday school. Worship is at 10:15. Pastor's sermon is based on John 20:19-31.
- All the women are invited to an LWML meeting at church this Monday evening at 5:30.
- Join us for basketball in the gym on Sunday afternoon at 1:00.
+ Other tidbits
- The Cardinals did not get an opportunity to extend their winning streak as their game with Milwaukee was postponed. The Cubs had a 5-0 lead going into the 5th inning against the Reds, and we'll just say it went downhill from there. :(
+ Bible verse reflection: John 20:19c
Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The resurrected Christ appears before the disciples and shows them His hands and side, and says "Peace be with you." This was a common Hebrew greeting, but when Jesus says it, it's more than a mere greeting. The peace Jesus gives is the peace the world cannot give (John 14:27) and it is a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Through Jesus' peace we know that our sins are forgiven; we have the assurance that our Lord will give us His strength, comfort, and guidance through all our earthly lives; we have assurance of knowing that because we believe in Jesus, we have everlasting life! As I sign off this evening, I say to you, "Peace be with you."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Ada Schlabach--Funeral Sermon
John 14:1-6, 19, 27:
“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.
Because I live, you will live also.
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. Amen.
John chapter 14 is full of wonderful promises given by our Lord. In the Gospel reading that was just read, Jesus promises that in His Father's house are many mansions and that Jesus prepares a place for all believers--including Ada. Later on 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 Ada, 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, Ada 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. We heard it from Isaiah 25 where it was foretold that Jesus would swallow up death forever. We listened to "Comfort Ye" at the beginning of this service today; those are direct words from Isaiah 40 where the people were told to take comfort in the fact that a Savior was to come. We heard words about making rough places plan and the crooked made straight. That is analogy of how our sins would be forgiven through the Christ that 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 Ada, where Ada is now living. Ada firmly believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she is in the place that was prepared for her.
Jesus mentions the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. It is true that Ada's earthly life is complete and she will be missed. But she lives because of Jesus. Because Jesus died on the cross, Ada is forgiven, and you and I are forgiven. And because Jesus lives, Ada lives in heaven.
Ada was always at peace with her Lord Jesus Christ. She had Jesus' peace. On a personal note, it was my privilege to be Ada's pastor for the last 5 years. Every time I visited with her, she was always at peace; she always mentioned that she believed in Christ, and she gladly received Christ's body and blood for the forgiveness of her sins and for the strengthening of her faith. She had the love of Jesus in heart. Because Jesus loved her, she was able to be a friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. God's love enabled her to be loving to her friends at Flora Healthcare. She enjoyed being a friend, listener to the residents, anything to make their day better. All this she did because Jesus loved her.
Ada knew and believed in Jesus as her Savior, and that the Savior was born her, lived a perfect life for her, died for her, and rose for her so that she would have eternal life. That is the message that Ada knew and believed. That is the message that Ada would desire for all of you to know believe. More importantly, that is the message that our Lord desires for all of you to know and believe. Jesus was born for you, Jesus lived a perfect life for you, Jesus died for you, Jesus rose for you.
As we continue with our earthly lives, let us always ponder in our hearts and minds the love Jesus had for Ada and how that is why Ada is living in heaven, and let us always remember the love that Jesus has for all of us. He gives us His peace. In His' 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.
“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.
Because I live, you will live also.
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. Amen.
John chapter 14 is full of wonderful promises given by our Lord. In the Gospel reading that was just read, Jesus promises that in His Father's house are many mansions and that Jesus prepares a place for all believers--including Ada. Later on 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 Ada, 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, Ada 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. We heard it from Isaiah 25 where it was foretold that Jesus would swallow up death forever. We listened to "Comfort Ye" at the beginning of this service today; those are direct words from Isaiah 40 where the people were told to take comfort in the fact that a Savior was to come. We heard words about making rough places plan and the crooked made straight. That is analogy of how our sins would be forgiven through the Christ that 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 Ada, where Ada is now living. Ada firmly believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she is in the place that was prepared for her.
Jesus mentions the promise that because He lives, all believers shall live also. It is true that Ada's earthly life is complete and she will be missed. But she lives because of Jesus. Because Jesus died on the cross, Ada is forgiven, and you and I are forgiven. And because Jesus lives, Ada lives in heaven.
Ada was always at peace with her Lord Jesus Christ. She had Jesus' peace. On a personal note, it was my privilege to be Ada's pastor for the last 5 years. Every time I visited with her, she was always at peace; she always mentioned that she believed in Christ, and she gladly received Christ's body and blood for the forgiveness of her sins and for the strengthening of her faith. She had the love of Jesus in heart. Because Jesus loved her, she was able to be a friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. God's love enabled her to be loving to her friends at Flora Healthcare. She enjoyed being a friend, listener to the residents, anything to make their day better. All this she did because Jesus loved her.
Ada knew and believed in Jesus as her Savior, and that the Savior was born her, lived a perfect life for her, died for her, and rose for her so that she would have eternal life. That is the message that Ada knew and believed. That is the message that Ada would desire for all of you to know believe. More importantly, that is the message that our Lord desires for all of you to know and believe. Jesus was born for you, Jesus lived a perfect life for you, Jesus died for you, Jesus rose for you.
As we continue with our earthly lives, let us always ponder in our hearts and minds the love Jesus had for Ada and how that is why Ada is living in heaven, and let us always remember the love that Jesus has for all of us. He gives us His peace. In His' 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.
Tidbits for April 12, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News
- Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:00 AM
- Worship at 10:15. Sermon will be based on John 20:19-31
- I will visit with Lorraine tomorrow in Mount Vernon. I will let you know how that goes.
+ Bible Verse Reflection: Luke 24:1-7
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”
Once again we look at where the women approached the tomb of Jesus on that first Easter morning. As Jesus was living on earth, He mentioned on a number of occasions that He would be delivered to the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and the third day rise again. This seemed to go in one ear and out the other with a lot of people, because when Christ died on Good Friday, people thought that was the end. It never registered with the women or the disciples that all of this was to take place to fulfill God's plan of salvation. So often we forget about what our Lord says in His Word and we do our own thing and/or we don't demonstrate faith or trust in our Lord. Putting it simply, we go our own way. However, that is why Jesus did everything that He did on that Good Friday and Easter Sunday; it was to forgive us for our many shortcomings. He came that we may have forgiveness and life everlasting.
+ FLC News
- Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:00 AM
- Worship at 10:15. Sermon will be based on John 20:19-31
- I will visit with Lorraine tomorrow in Mount Vernon. I will let you know how that goes.
+ Bible Verse Reflection: Luke 24:1-7
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”
Once again we look at where the women approached the tomb of Jesus on that first Easter morning. As Jesus was living on earth, He mentioned on a number of occasions that He would be delivered to the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and the third day rise again. This seemed to go in one ear and out the other with a lot of people, because when Christ died on Good Friday, people thought that was the end. It never registered with the women or the disciples that all of this was to take place to fulfill God's plan of salvation. So often we forget about what our Lord says in His Word and we do our own thing and/or we don't demonstrate faith or trust in our Lord. Putting it simply, we go our own way. However, that is why Jesus did everything that He did on that Good Friday and Easter Sunday; it was to forgive us for our many shortcomings. He came that we may have forgiveness and life everlasting.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Tdibits for April 11, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ Other tidbits
- The Cubs did not lose today! The game was postponed, but that is beside the point! They did not lose! Cards get another late inning victory and a sweep in Pittsburgh for a 5-1 road trip.
+ Bible verse reflection: Matthew 28:5-6
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
Imagine being in the ladies' shoes on that early Sunday morning. You simply plan to go to the tomb to place spices on Jesus' body. As you approach the tomb, you see some things that you definitely did not expect. The stone was rolled over and the guards were scared out of their minds. You see angels and then you hear a message that Jesus has risen! You probably wouldn't know what to think, let alone what to say. The women were afraid, yet they were filled with joy. They (and we) have great reason to have great joy! Christ rose again so that we have the victory of eternal life and salvation. We can live our lives with the joy that we are forgiven and have the victory of everlasting life!
+ Other tidbits
- The Cubs did not lose today! The game was postponed, but that is beside the point! They did not lose! Cards get another late inning victory and a sweep in Pittsburgh for a 5-1 road trip.
+ Bible verse reflection: Matthew 28:5-6
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
Imagine being in the ladies' shoes on that early Sunday morning. You simply plan to go to the tomb to place spices on Jesus' body. As you approach the tomb, you see some things that you definitely did not expect. The stone was rolled over and the guards were scared out of their minds. You see angels and then you hear a message that Jesus has risen! You probably wouldn't know what to think, let alone what to say. The women were afraid, yet they were filled with joy. They (and we) have great reason to have great joy! Christ rose again so that we have the victory of eternal life and salvation. We can live our lives with the joy that we are forgiven and have the victory of everlasting life!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Tidbits for April 10, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News:
- The family of Ada Schlabach thanks you for your prayers and support. Thanks be to God who gave Ada the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! The sermon will be posted on the blog tomorrow, as it is at church at the moment.
- Lorraine is doing the same as yesterday. I will update when it becomes necessary to do so.
- Brad Fruend is at home doing well. He goes for a doctor's appointment tomorrow.
+ Other tidbits:
-Cubs lose again--wait a minute; the point of having this blog was to talk about NEWS! Anyway, The Cards are in the bottom of the ninth tied at 2, thanks to a 2 run single by Scott Spiezio in the top of the ninth.
+ Bible verse reflection: 1 Corinthians 15:57
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one ever likes to hear the law in the sermon any more than a pastor likes to preach it. We don't want to hear that we are sinful people who are deserving of everlasting death. However, the truth is not always what we want to hear and this truth is something that we need to hear. To hear the truth of our sinfulness does enable us to really appreciate and hold firm to the sweet words of the Gospel--that we have VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took the punishment that deserve by fulfilling the law perfectly, by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. What great reason to celebrate during this Easter season.
+ FLC News:
- The family of Ada Schlabach thanks you for your prayers and support. Thanks be to God who gave Ada the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! The sermon will be posted on the blog tomorrow, as it is at church at the moment.
- Lorraine is doing the same as yesterday. I will update when it becomes necessary to do so.
- Brad Fruend is at home doing well. He goes for a doctor's appointment tomorrow.
+ Other tidbits:
-Cubs lose again--wait a minute; the point of having this blog was to talk about NEWS! Anyway, The Cards are in the bottom of the ninth tied at 2, thanks to a 2 run single by Scott Spiezio in the top of the ninth.
+ Bible verse reflection: 1 Corinthians 15:57
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one ever likes to hear the law in the sermon any more than a pastor likes to preach it. We don't want to hear that we are sinful people who are deserving of everlasting death. However, the truth is not always what we want to hear and this truth is something that we need to hear. To hear the truth of our sinfulness does enable us to really appreciate and hold firm to the sweet words of the Gospel--that we have VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took the punishment that deserve by fulfilling the law perfectly, by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. What great reason to celebrate during this Easter season.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Tidbits for April 9, 2007
+ Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
+ FLC News:
- Brad Fruend's ankle surgery went as well as expected today, for which we give thanks to God. He and Sherry anticipate getting the biopsy report within the next couple weeks. In the meantime, Brad is at home tonight and resting comfortably. Thanks for your prayers and support.
- Lorraine Ruwe was sent to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She is in ICU with a high temperature, kidney failure, and is on a ventilator. She is certainly in the hands of her Lord and we pray for His will to be done.
- The visitation for Ada Schlabach was this evening at Frank and Bright funeral home. The funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM. The sermon will be posted on this blog spot website after the service tomorrow.
+ Other tidbits:
- The Cubs lose their home opener. :( They gave up a 9th inning homer to lose 5-3. New season. Same story. Congrats to Card fans on winning their game today, 3-0 in Pittsburgh's home opener.
+ Bible verse reflection:
John 14:19--Because I live, you will live also.
What powerful words spoken by Jesus here. It certainly gives us great reason to celebrate during this Easter season. Yes, Jesus died on Good Friday, but He rose again. He lives! Sin is defeated! Death is defeated! The devil is defeated! Because Jesus lives, all believers will live, not just here on earth, but more importantly, we have eternal life in our Lord's heavenly kingdom. As we anticipate the day when we go home, we know that Jesus is with us as we live here on this earth. Even though our earthly lives are full of sin, we are assured that because Jesus died, we are forgiven. Because Jesus lives, all believers shall live also.
+ FLC News:
- Brad Fruend's ankle surgery went as well as expected today, for which we give thanks to God. He and Sherry anticipate getting the biopsy report within the next couple weeks. In the meantime, Brad is at home tonight and resting comfortably. Thanks for your prayers and support.
- Lorraine Ruwe was sent to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She is in ICU with a high temperature, kidney failure, and is on a ventilator. She is certainly in the hands of her Lord and we pray for His will to be done.
- The visitation for Ada Schlabach was this evening at Frank and Bright funeral home. The funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM. The sermon will be posted on this blog spot website after the service tomorrow.
+ Other tidbits:
- The Cubs lose their home opener. :( They gave up a 9th inning homer to lose 5-3. New season. Same story. Congrats to Card fans on winning their game today, 3-0 in Pittsburgh's home opener.
+ Bible verse reflection:
John 14:19--Because I live, you will live also.
What powerful words spoken by Jesus here. It certainly gives us great reason to celebrate during this Easter season. Yes, Jesus died on Good Friday, but He rose again. He lives! Sin is defeated! Death is defeated! The devil is defeated! Because Jesus lives, all believers will live, not just here on earth, but more importantly, we have eternal life in our Lord's heavenly kingdom. As we anticipate the day when we go home, we know that Jesus is with us as we live here on this earth. Even though our earthly lives are full of sin, we are assured that because Jesus died, we are forgiven. Because Jesus lives, all believers shall live also.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Satisfaction Guranteed--Easter Sunday sermon
“Satisfaction Guaranteed”
Isaiah 53:10-12
Easter Sunday
April 8, 2007
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
Isaiah 53:10-12: Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
PRAYER:
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we come to You this day with thankful hearts, for You have given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You for sending Him to live a perfect life on earth and to make the perfect sacrifice. We thank You that because He lives, we shall live also—not just here on earth, but with You in Your everlasting kingdom. 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.
On this holiest day of the church year the Scriptures bring us a message of great comfort and joy: satisfaction is now guaranteed. In fact, the Scriptures assure as that on this Easter Sunday, we have a triple guarantee of satisfaction.
1.) God the Father is satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sin. The resurrection of our Lord guarantees the Father’s satisfaction.
2.) Jesus Christ Himself is satisfied with His own work. On Easter morning He reaped the reward of His suffering. His resurrection is the Father’s affirmation that His Son succeeded and that His Son should be well satisfied.
3.) All of us, here today have great reason to be satisfied. We are satisfied because we are justified. Christ has earned for us forgiveness, righteousness, and victory. He has restored us to the good graces of our heavenly Father.
Easter Sunday guarantees that the Father is now satisfied. Without the work of His Son, God the Father would never have been satisfied with us. God’s demands on us would have remained unmet. Certain prerequisite conditions would never have been fulfilled.
God has high standards. In fact, His standard is perfection: “You shall be perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). “You shall be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Perfection is too high of a standard for us to achieve.
We so often fail to even satisfy the expectations of people whose standards are far less than perfect. How often you have disappointed your boss by not getting the job done on time or by not doing it right (the first time, or ever)? How often have you failed to satisfy your spouse and children by not spending enough time with them and not loving them wholeheartedly? How often have we let down a friend who was counting on us? If we so often disappoint others who do not expect us to be perfect, think of how many more times—and to what greater degree—we fail to satisfy the God whose standard is perfection.
Our shortcomings are not excusable simply because they are common to all humanity. Throughout Isaiah 53 God repeatedly refers to our shortcomings as sin, iniquity, and transgression. For our offenses against God, we deserve damnation to hell forever.
God’s anger at our sin merits severe punishment, and God has indeed given out that punishment—but not to us. God was pleased to crush Jesus severely. Heaped upon Jesus Christ were all of our iniquities and transgressions—all the ways and all the times we have failed to satisfy God and failed our fellow man.
During the six weeks of Lent and Holy Week, we have examined what God’s servant has done for us:
“Who Has Believed?” On Ash Wednesday, we pondered how Christ overcame unbelief and skepticism, and powerfully rescued all humanity. He is the arm of the Lord, strong to save!
Appearances Can Be Deceiving. Judged by outward appearances, the crucified Christ held no attraction. But He took upon Himself the ugliness of our sin, that we might be gloriously clothed in His righteousness before God.
“By His Wounds We Are Healed.” We mortals are characterized by sickness and disease. Christ was familiar with sickness, smitten and afflicted, Christ was pierced for our transgressions. The wounds in His body, now risen, promise is the healing of bodily resurrection.
Stray Sheep. We all like sheep have gone astray. We are lost and vulnerable to the wolf. The Good Shepherd became a sheep and laid down His life to bring us back into the fold of salvation.
Knowing When to Keep Quiet. Countless are our sins of speech especially against the 2nd, 4th, and 8th Commandments. A silent lamb led to the slaughter, Jesus kept quiet when He could have spoken out. By suffering and dying in silence, He atoned for all our talk.
Is There No Justice? Travesties and miscarriages of justice are all around us. Christ suffered the greatest injustice of all: stricken for our transgressions, He was cut off from the land of the living. Through Him, God has accomplished His own plan of justice: our justification by grace alone.
Bloodbath. The sprinkling of blood of sacrificed animals on the people ratified the old covenant, and the people were forgiven. On Maundy Thursday, Christ instituted a new covenant in His own blood. His body and blood, given and shed for us, are given us in the Lord’s Supper for the forgiveness of our sins.
A Rich Burial. Christ died “with wicked men.” But then His state of humiliation was over. The Father provided for His Son an honorable burial, in a grave owned by a “rich man.” By His temporary rest in the grave, Christ has sanctified our graves and made them temporary. The internment of every Christian is a rich burial with the wealth of forgiveness and the treasured promise of bodily resurrection.
In all of those ways, we see how Jesus Christ was the faithful, obedient Servant who never failed to satisfy His heavenly Father. Through Him, the Lord’s desire was accomplished. On this Easter Sunday, God proved to the world that He was completely satisfied—satisfied with His Son and satisfied with each of us baptized believers in His Son.
God the Father is not the only one who is satisfied; Jesus Christ is satisfied too. Our text promised that after Christ would take away our sin, “He will see seed, He will live long….He will see the result of His soul’s suffering and be satisfied.”
What a feeling it must have been for our Lord Jesus Christ! For 33 years He had lived in humility and obedience, rarely revealing that He is indeed God the Son, possessor of heavenly glory. He was flogged, beaten, crucified—out of love for us. But now His suffering is over forevermore! Today, Jesus rose from the grave triumphant, knowing that He has conquered sin, death, and the devil for eternity! The battle is over! The war is won! Victory is His! How satisfied Jesus must have been that first Easter morning!
Our text mentions two results. 1.) Jesus Christ "will live long.” He has burst the bonds of death! Death no longer has any hold on Him! 2.) Jesus “will see seed.” By the power of His resurrection, we are reborn by water and the Spirit, baptized children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, adopted heirs of all God’s promises. Jesus is satisfied knowing that He has procured a royal multitude, a kingdom of priests.
That makes us satisfied too. We derive our satisfaction as Christians from the events of this day.
What does Easter mean to you personally? Is it just another holiday, the time to color eggs and talk to kids about a bunny? Does Easter make a difference in your life during the rest of the year that because of what Jesus has done for you, you desire to come to church week after week so that your faith is strengthened through God’s Word and Sacraments? Does Easter give you true, lasting satisfaction?
So many products in the stores are advertised with the phrase “satisfaction guaranteed.” Offers for magazines tell us that our satisfaction is guaranteed because we can cancel our subscription at any time. Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools come with warranties guaranteeing that if they break down, the manufacturer will repair or replace them to our satisfaction. But so often these products do not give us satisfaction or live up to their guarantees.
Easter is different. Easter is not a human product, nor is it something God is trying to sell in order to turn a profit. Easter satisfaction is something God gives to us free of charge. It comes already fully guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection. God has already made good on His promise today.
In our text, God says about His faithful Servant, “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.” God has given Jesus Christ His reward for winning the victory over sin, death, and the devil. Our Lord shares His reward with many others. He gives us a portion of His prize. He gives us His own perfect righteousness; He gives us new and eternal life; and He gives us the promise that our frail bodies will be raised incorruptible on the Last Day. These are blessings and promises that we receive in the Lord’s Supper today.
Easter grants us the triple guarantee: God the Father is satisfied with the work of His Son. Jesus Christ now sees the fruits of His labor and is satisfied. We are joyfully satisfied with the salvation Easter day brings to us. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Amen.
+ The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our risen Lord. Amen. +
Isaiah 53:10-12
Easter Sunday
April 8, 2007
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
+ Grace, mercy, and peace be unto all of you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. +
Isaiah 53:10-12: Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
PRAYER:
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we come to You this day with thankful hearts, for You have given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You for sending Him to live a perfect life on earth and to make the perfect sacrifice. We thank You that because He lives, we shall live also—not just here on earth, but with You in Your everlasting kingdom. 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.
On this holiest day of the church year the Scriptures bring us a message of great comfort and joy: satisfaction is now guaranteed. In fact, the Scriptures assure as that on this Easter Sunday, we have a triple guarantee of satisfaction.
1.) God the Father is satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sin. The resurrection of our Lord guarantees the Father’s satisfaction.
2.) Jesus Christ Himself is satisfied with His own work. On Easter morning He reaped the reward of His suffering. His resurrection is the Father’s affirmation that His Son succeeded and that His Son should be well satisfied.
3.) All of us, here today have great reason to be satisfied. We are satisfied because we are justified. Christ has earned for us forgiveness, righteousness, and victory. He has restored us to the good graces of our heavenly Father.
Easter Sunday guarantees that the Father is now satisfied. Without the work of His Son, God the Father would never have been satisfied with us. God’s demands on us would have remained unmet. Certain prerequisite conditions would never have been fulfilled.
God has high standards. In fact, His standard is perfection: “You shall be perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). “You shall be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Perfection is too high of a standard for us to achieve.
We so often fail to even satisfy the expectations of people whose standards are far less than perfect. How often you have disappointed your boss by not getting the job done on time or by not doing it right (the first time, or ever)? How often have you failed to satisfy your spouse and children by not spending enough time with them and not loving them wholeheartedly? How often have we let down a friend who was counting on us? If we so often disappoint others who do not expect us to be perfect, think of how many more times—and to what greater degree—we fail to satisfy the God whose standard is perfection.
Our shortcomings are not excusable simply because they are common to all humanity. Throughout Isaiah 53 God repeatedly refers to our shortcomings as sin, iniquity, and transgression. For our offenses against God, we deserve damnation to hell forever.
God’s anger at our sin merits severe punishment, and God has indeed given out that punishment—but not to us. God was pleased to crush Jesus severely. Heaped upon Jesus Christ were all of our iniquities and transgressions—all the ways and all the times we have failed to satisfy God and failed our fellow man.
During the six weeks of Lent and Holy Week, we have examined what God’s servant has done for us:
“Who Has Believed?” On Ash Wednesday, we pondered how Christ overcame unbelief and skepticism, and powerfully rescued all humanity. He is the arm of the Lord, strong to save!
Appearances Can Be Deceiving. Judged by outward appearances, the crucified Christ held no attraction. But He took upon Himself the ugliness of our sin, that we might be gloriously clothed in His righteousness before God.
“By His Wounds We Are Healed.” We mortals are characterized by sickness and disease. Christ was familiar with sickness, smitten and afflicted, Christ was pierced for our transgressions. The wounds in His body, now risen, promise is the healing of bodily resurrection.
Stray Sheep. We all like sheep have gone astray. We are lost and vulnerable to the wolf. The Good Shepherd became a sheep and laid down His life to bring us back into the fold of salvation.
Knowing When to Keep Quiet. Countless are our sins of speech especially against the 2nd, 4th, and 8th Commandments. A silent lamb led to the slaughter, Jesus kept quiet when He could have spoken out. By suffering and dying in silence, He atoned for all our talk.
Is There No Justice? Travesties and miscarriages of justice are all around us. Christ suffered the greatest injustice of all: stricken for our transgressions, He was cut off from the land of the living. Through Him, God has accomplished His own plan of justice: our justification by grace alone.
Bloodbath. The sprinkling of blood of sacrificed animals on the people ratified the old covenant, and the people were forgiven. On Maundy Thursday, Christ instituted a new covenant in His own blood. His body and blood, given and shed for us, are given us in the Lord’s Supper for the forgiveness of our sins.
A Rich Burial. Christ died “with wicked men.” But then His state of humiliation was over. The Father provided for His Son an honorable burial, in a grave owned by a “rich man.” By His temporary rest in the grave, Christ has sanctified our graves and made them temporary. The internment of every Christian is a rich burial with the wealth of forgiveness and the treasured promise of bodily resurrection.
In all of those ways, we see how Jesus Christ was the faithful, obedient Servant who never failed to satisfy His heavenly Father. Through Him, the Lord’s desire was accomplished. On this Easter Sunday, God proved to the world that He was completely satisfied—satisfied with His Son and satisfied with each of us baptized believers in His Son.
God the Father is not the only one who is satisfied; Jesus Christ is satisfied too. Our text promised that after Christ would take away our sin, “He will see seed, He will live long….He will see the result of His soul’s suffering and be satisfied.”
What a feeling it must have been for our Lord Jesus Christ! For 33 years He had lived in humility and obedience, rarely revealing that He is indeed God the Son, possessor of heavenly glory. He was flogged, beaten, crucified—out of love for us. But now His suffering is over forevermore! Today, Jesus rose from the grave triumphant, knowing that He has conquered sin, death, and the devil for eternity! The battle is over! The war is won! Victory is His! How satisfied Jesus must have been that first Easter morning!
Our text mentions two results. 1.) Jesus Christ "will live long.” He has burst the bonds of death! Death no longer has any hold on Him! 2.) Jesus “will see seed.” By the power of His resurrection, we are reborn by water and the Spirit, baptized children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, adopted heirs of all God’s promises. Jesus is satisfied knowing that He has procured a royal multitude, a kingdom of priests.
That makes us satisfied too. We derive our satisfaction as Christians from the events of this day.
What does Easter mean to you personally? Is it just another holiday, the time to color eggs and talk to kids about a bunny? Does Easter make a difference in your life during the rest of the year that because of what Jesus has done for you, you desire to come to church week after week so that your faith is strengthened through God’s Word and Sacraments? Does Easter give you true, lasting satisfaction?
So many products in the stores are advertised with the phrase “satisfaction guaranteed.” Offers for magazines tell us that our satisfaction is guaranteed because we can cancel our subscription at any time. Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools come with warranties guaranteeing that if they break down, the manufacturer will repair or replace them to our satisfaction. But so often these products do not give us satisfaction or live up to their guarantees.
Easter is different. Easter is not a human product, nor is it something God is trying to sell in order to turn a profit. Easter satisfaction is something God gives to us free of charge. It comes already fully guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection. God has already made good on His promise today.
In our text, God says about His faithful Servant, “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.” God has given Jesus Christ His reward for winning the victory over sin, death, and the devil. Our Lord shares His reward with many others. He gives us a portion of His prize. He gives us His own perfect righteousness; He gives us new and eternal life; and He gives us the promise that our frail bodies will be raised incorruptible on the Last Day. These are blessings and promises that we receive in the Lord’s Supper today.
Easter grants us the triple guarantee: God the Father is satisfied with the work of His Son. Jesus Christ now sees the fruits of His labor and is satisfied. We are joyfully satisfied with the salvation Easter day brings to us. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Amen.
+ The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus our risen Lord. Amen. +
A Rich Burial--Good Friday sermon
“A Rich Burial”
Isaiah 53:9
Good Friday
April 6, 2007
Isaiah 53:9: And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
The final honor accorded an important person is a rich burial. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt built the pyramids for their tombs and lined them with gold (most of which was plundered by grave robbers). The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands as American landmarks. A towering tombstone or a granite mausoleum is a lasting tribute to honor the one whose name is inscribed there.
On Good Friday, Christ’s death was in the company of “wicked men,” but according to God’s plan He received the honor of a burial by “a rich man,” Joseph of Arimathea, who gave Christ a tomb that was suitable for a righteous, noble, and wealthy man—a rich burial. All baptized believers are buried with the lavish riches of God’s grace in Christ, which promises resurrection and the priceless inheritance of eternal life.
Our Good Friday text is a carefully nuanced prophecy about the end of Jesus’ earthly life. We will quote each part of the literal translation that conveys the specific details uttered by Isaiah some 700 years before Christ.
Our verse begins “And they made His grave with the wicked.” God the Father is the one who assigned to Christ His grave. The circumstances of Good Friday are not haphazard accidents of history. Rather, all took place according to God’s detailed, preordained plan. And that prophetic plan was for Christ’s grave to be among “wicked men.” That first phrase might imply a dishonorable internment for Jesus, a pauper’s grave, a meager memorial suitable for a common criminal. Yet our verse continues, “but with the rich at His death.” That 2nd line would indicate an honorable, opulent inhumation.
So how was Christ treated—as shameful or honorable, poor or rich?
As Jesus Christ died and was buried on this day nearly 2,000 years ago, He fulfilled both lines of our verse. Jesus was assigned a grave with wicked men and with a rich man in His death. Moreover, His rich burial holds great promise for each of us.
The first part of God’s plan made use of the scheme of Jesus’ enemies. They plotted to kill the one who claimed to be King of the Jews, even though His kingdom was not of this world. They bribed Judas to betray Him. Jesus was arrested and led through a series of sham trials before Jewish leaders and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who unjustly condemned Jesus crucifixion and death.
In the narrative of Jesus’ death, we find violent criminals not unlike the Muslim terrorists who, on 9/11, attacked New York City for the sake of their religious cause. They imagined that they, who were serving God, but were really serving the devil.
Instead of freeing Jesus, Pilate freed Barabbas, a murderer. On Christ’s right and left, the Romans crucified 2 “evildoers.” Thus, Jesus “was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). The sinless Son of God was pined away beside malefactors, although “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” Such was the death planned for Jesus by His enemies. In this way, the 1st line of our verse was fulfilled: God assigned Jesus’ grave with wicked men.
Jesus’ death in the company of sinners capped His earthly ministry to and among sinners. Christ came to be known as the “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34) because He associated with tax collectors and prostitutes, the poor and the lowly, those who were despised and scorned. Now also in His death, Christ identifies with sinners, executed as a criminal in the company of wicked men. His sole possession—a robe—became the soldiers’ gamble. Forsaken, stripped of all dignity, and bereft of any possession, He dies in utter poverty.
This was God’s plan to bring us salvation. Jesus’ death in the place of sinners procured the forgiveness of sins for all humanity. Isaiah expresses this most memorably in Isaiah 53:5: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
By grace alone and through Baptism into Christ’s atoning death, God takes away our sin and clothes us in the robe of Christ’s perfect righteousness. He who died in poverty gives us a share of the victor’s spoils—the riches of eternal life. Isaiah foresaw this as well. We read in Isaiah 53:11-12: My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.
In ancient Israel, as today, it was an honor to be buried next to your relatives. A man buried in the family plot slept with his fathers. It was a dishonor to be consigned namelessly to a public cemetery. To be denied any burial was an abomination and God’s curse. According to the old Jewish law, even the most accursed criminals who were executed were to be buried, lest the corpse defile the land. But the Gentile Romans, who were not accustomed to Jewish laws, often left crucified victims on the cross, to be attacked by birds of prey and other scavengers, to suffer the most horrific humiliation even after death. Christ’s enemies may have envisioned such a dishonor for Him.
But God the Father would not permit such disgrace to mock His Son after His death. As Jesus prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit,” and breathed His last, He completed the redemption of all humanity for all time. Jesus’ state of humiliation was over. Rich glory awaited.
God’s plan was that after Christ died in the company of “wicked men,” He was to be “with a rich man in His death.” Joseph of Arimathea was “a good and righteous” Jewish man who had become a follower of Christ. He took a bold step of faith. God moved him to ask Pontius Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph wished to give Christ His last honors. It took a brave man to request the body of a criminal, for by doing so he declared his allegiance to the one who had been executed, and he could be next.
Joseph was a “rich man.” His wealth included owning a tomb in a garden near Golgatha. Joseph had gone to the expense of having a tomb hewn out of solid rock—the most secure type of grave (though it could not hold the risen Lord). It was not the tomb of Joseph’s ancestors, but a tomb that no one else had ever laid in. Joseph may have prepared it for his own resting place. But out of love for the Lord who had taken his place on the cross, Joseph wanted Jesus to take his place in his costly tomb. Into the virgin tomb was placed the virgin’s Son. The sin of the first Adam caused humanity’s expulsion from the garden paradise. But the Second Adam leads humanity back to paradise through His burial and resurrection in another garden.
Most of us can’t afford an imposing stone edifice for our grave. Nevertheless, at the cemetery we pray: Almighty God, by the death of Your Son Jesus Christ You destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb You sanctified the graves of Your saints, and by His glorious resurrection You brought life and immortality to light so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope.
My dear friends, always ponder in Your heart and mind we can never be robbed of God’s priceless riches in Christ, which do avail. We have forgiveness of sins through Christ’s crucifixion “with wicked men.” As baptized believers God deems us to be Christlike: to have done nothing wrong nor to have any deceit in our mouth, because Christ has taken away our sins. That is why we call this day GOOD Friday.
The promise of resurrection is ours through His rest “with a rich man in His death.” The promise of resurrection is also ours because of something that occurs even after Jesus’ body enters its resting place. We’ll talk to you again on Sunday! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Isaiah 53:9
Good Friday
April 6, 2007
Isaiah 53:9: And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
The final honor accorded an important person is a rich burial. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt built the pyramids for their tombs and lined them with gold (most of which was plundered by grave robbers). The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands as American landmarks. A towering tombstone or a granite mausoleum is a lasting tribute to honor the one whose name is inscribed there.
On Good Friday, Christ’s death was in the company of “wicked men,” but according to God’s plan He received the honor of a burial by “a rich man,” Joseph of Arimathea, who gave Christ a tomb that was suitable for a righteous, noble, and wealthy man—a rich burial. All baptized believers are buried with the lavish riches of God’s grace in Christ, which promises resurrection and the priceless inheritance of eternal life.
Our Good Friday text is a carefully nuanced prophecy about the end of Jesus’ earthly life. We will quote each part of the literal translation that conveys the specific details uttered by Isaiah some 700 years before Christ.
Our verse begins “And they made His grave with the wicked.” God the Father is the one who assigned to Christ His grave. The circumstances of Good Friday are not haphazard accidents of history. Rather, all took place according to God’s detailed, preordained plan. And that prophetic plan was for Christ’s grave to be among “wicked men.” That first phrase might imply a dishonorable internment for Jesus, a pauper’s grave, a meager memorial suitable for a common criminal. Yet our verse continues, “but with the rich at His death.” That 2nd line would indicate an honorable, opulent inhumation.
So how was Christ treated—as shameful or honorable, poor or rich?
As Jesus Christ died and was buried on this day nearly 2,000 years ago, He fulfilled both lines of our verse. Jesus was assigned a grave with wicked men and with a rich man in His death. Moreover, His rich burial holds great promise for each of us.
The first part of God’s plan made use of the scheme of Jesus’ enemies. They plotted to kill the one who claimed to be King of the Jews, even though His kingdom was not of this world. They bribed Judas to betray Him. Jesus was arrested and led through a series of sham trials before Jewish leaders and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who unjustly condemned Jesus crucifixion and death.
In the narrative of Jesus’ death, we find violent criminals not unlike the Muslim terrorists who, on 9/11, attacked New York City for the sake of their religious cause. They imagined that they, who were serving God, but were really serving the devil.
Instead of freeing Jesus, Pilate freed Barabbas, a murderer. On Christ’s right and left, the Romans crucified 2 “evildoers.” Thus, Jesus “was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). The sinless Son of God was pined away beside malefactors, although “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” Such was the death planned for Jesus by His enemies. In this way, the 1st line of our verse was fulfilled: God assigned Jesus’ grave with wicked men.
Jesus’ death in the company of sinners capped His earthly ministry to and among sinners. Christ came to be known as the “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34) because He associated with tax collectors and prostitutes, the poor and the lowly, those who were despised and scorned. Now also in His death, Christ identifies with sinners, executed as a criminal in the company of wicked men. His sole possession—a robe—became the soldiers’ gamble. Forsaken, stripped of all dignity, and bereft of any possession, He dies in utter poverty.
This was God’s plan to bring us salvation. Jesus’ death in the place of sinners procured the forgiveness of sins for all humanity. Isaiah expresses this most memorably in Isaiah 53:5: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
By grace alone and through Baptism into Christ’s atoning death, God takes away our sin and clothes us in the robe of Christ’s perfect righteousness. He who died in poverty gives us a share of the victor’s spoils—the riches of eternal life. Isaiah foresaw this as well. We read in Isaiah 53:11-12: My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.
In ancient Israel, as today, it was an honor to be buried next to your relatives. A man buried in the family plot slept with his fathers. It was a dishonor to be consigned namelessly to a public cemetery. To be denied any burial was an abomination and God’s curse. According to the old Jewish law, even the most accursed criminals who were executed were to be buried, lest the corpse defile the land. But the Gentile Romans, who were not accustomed to Jewish laws, often left crucified victims on the cross, to be attacked by birds of prey and other scavengers, to suffer the most horrific humiliation even after death. Christ’s enemies may have envisioned such a dishonor for Him.
But God the Father would not permit such disgrace to mock His Son after His death. As Jesus prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit,” and breathed His last, He completed the redemption of all humanity for all time. Jesus’ state of humiliation was over. Rich glory awaited.
God’s plan was that after Christ died in the company of “wicked men,” He was to be “with a rich man in His death.” Joseph of Arimathea was “a good and righteous” Jewish man who had become a follower of Christ. He took a bold step of faith. God moved him to ask Pontius Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph wished to give Christ His last honors. It took a brave man to request the body of a criminal, for by doing so he declared his allegiance to the one who had been executed, and he could be next.
Joseph was a “rich man.” His wealth included owning a tomb in a garden near Golgatha. Joseph had gone to the expense of having a tomb hewn out of solid rock—the most secure type of grave (though it could not hold the risen Lord). It was not the tomb of Joseph’s ancestors, but a tomb that no one else had ever laid in. Joseph may have prepared it for his own resting place. But out of love for the Lord who had taken his place on the cross, Joseph wanted Jesus to take his place in his costly tomb. Into the virgin tomb was placed the virgin’s Son. The sin of the first Adam caused humanity’s expulsion from the garden paradise. But the Second Adam leads humanity back to paradise through His burial and resurrection in another garden.
Most of us can’t afford an imposing stone edifice for our grave. Nevertheless, at the cemetery we pray: Almighty God, by the death of Your Son Jesus Christ You destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb You sanctified the graves of Your saints, and by His glorious resurrection You brought life and immortality to light so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope.
My dear friends, always ponder in Your heart and mind we can never be robbed of God’s priceless riches in Christ, which do avail. We have forgiveness of sins through Christ’s crucifixion “with wicked men.” As baptized believers God deems us to be Christlike: to have done nothing wrong nor to have any deceit in our mouth, because Christ has taken away our sins. That is why we call this day GOOD Friday.
The promise of resurrection is ours through His rest “with a rich man in His death.” The promise of resurrection is also ours because of something that occurs even after Jesus’ body enters its resting place. We’ll talk to you again on Sunday! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bloodbath--Maundy Thursday sermon
NOTE: The sermons for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday are taken from a Lenten series called "Our Suffering Savior" written by Rev. Christopher Mitchell. The series is based on Isaiah chapter 53.
“Bloodbath”
Isaiah 52:15
Maundy Thursday
April 5, 2007
Isaiah 52:15: So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.
What images does the word bloodbath bring to your mind? Perhaps you think of a terrible scene of bloodshed, such as a recent Muslim terrorist bombing in the Middle East or something closer to home. Those sorts of tragedies are often described as a bloodbath.
Our text for this evening speaks of another bloodbath—one ordained by God for our own good. During the past 6 weeks of Lent we have been meditating on Isaiah’s portrait of Jesus, the Suffering Servant of the Lord. Our passage for tonight promised that Christ “will sprinkle many nations.” When Jesus’ blood is sprinkled on us, we are washed clean of our sins. We are bathed in God’s forgiveness and coated with Christ’s own righteousness. We are washed in the blood of the Lamb. In that sense, we experience a bath in His blood—a bloodbath.
Our Christian faith is founded on that shedding of Christ’s blood for us, on His death and resurrection. To receive beneficially the priceless blessings Christ gives to us in His Holy Supper, we must understand and believe what God tells us about this sacred outpouring of blood.
In His Word, God has some severe and sobering things to say about sin. 2 verses summarize what Scripture says about God’s judgment: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4, 20). Original sin, which we all inherited from Adam, makes us mortal. Our original and actual sins make us deserve the sentence of eternal death in hell. Sin leads to death, and in biblical imagery death involves the spilling of blood. Therefore, we may say that sin results in an evil bloodbath.
In order for sin to be forgiven, God requires blood to be shed. God summarizes His theology of sacrifice by saying, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In the Old Testament, God prescribed a variety of animal sacrifices, and God granted the penitent believers the forgiveness of sin. When certain animals were sacrificed and their blood was shed, the sins of the people were forgiven. The Old Testament tells gives many examples of this.
Isaiah prophesies about Jesus Christ, “He will sprinkle many nations.” What is the significance of Christ sprinkling us with His blood? The Old Testament shows us vivid, concrete events that anticipated what Christ would do for us. The sprinkling of blood was a part of the old covenant. When God first established His covenant with Israel through Moses as a mediator, He instructed Moses to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animals on the congregation of Israel. (Exodus 24:8). This blood was called “the blood of the covenant.” When the blood was sprinkled on the people, they entered the covenant with God and became members of the covenant people—the visible Old Testament church. They were heirs of God’s covenant promises of forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life. As the blood was sprinkled upon them, the believing people received the grace of God.
In the Old Testament, there were many sacrifices in which God told the priests to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animal. Often the blood was sprinkled on the altar before God. In this way, the life of the animal was offered to God in place of the lives of the sinful people. At other times, the blood was sprinkled on the people. The life of the animal was in its blood (Leviticus 17:11). The wages of sin is death, and the people’s sin—placed on the animal—required the life of the animal to be poured out with its blood. When the blood of the animal was sprinkled on the people, God conveyed to them forgiveness and life.
In our passage, the prophet Isaiah looks beyond the sacrifices of the Old Testament to the coming of Jesus Christ. Isaiah receives a vision of how Jesus will sprinkle many nations with His own outpoured blood. In some ways it would be similar to the Old Testament sacrifices and sprinklings, yet it would be far greater, with the highest, most heavenly gifts for those covered by His blood (Hebrews 12:24).
The greatest difference is that Jesus Himself was sacrificed for us. Jesus was marred and disfigured as He suffered on the cross for us. Unlike the Old Testament priests, all of whom were sinful people like us, Jesus Christ alone is sinless, blameless, and perfect. He had no need to make sacrifice for His own sins. He did so only for our sakes. He is the eternal Son of God. For this reason, His suffering and death had infinitely more value than the slaughter of animals. His death pays for the sins of the entire world. Because His sacrifice was of infinite and universal value, Christ only made it once—for all time and for all people. Once did it. His one sacrifice accomplished what the daily repetition of animal sacrifices, year after year, was never able to accomplish: full pardon and peace for every man, woman and child.
And how do we receive this forgiveness? This is where the sprinkling comes in. In the Old Testament “the blood of the covenant” was sprinkled on the people—literally and physically—to bring them into the covenant of God. The leaders of the people then ate and drank in God’s presence and communed with Him.
We are washed with the blood of Jesus Christ simply through faith in what He has done for us. It is as simple as that.
Our merciful God has provided not just His Word, but also His Sacraments, that He may pour His overflowing, super-abounding grace upon us. As we receive communion, we receive the body and blood of Christ, given and shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Just as the Old Testament believers received forgiveness when the blood was sprinkled on them, we receive God’s forgiveness together with Christ’s body and blood.
So in worthy reception of this Sacrament, as well as through the hearing of the Word, we may say, to use Old Testament language, that the atoning blood of Christ is sprinkled on us. To put it another way, we may say that our robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The blood of Jesus’ Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). We bathe in the grace of God, earned for us by Christ’s blood. We undergo that kind of forgiving bloodbath.
People in our modern culture may have a hard time accepting these things. Some may be skeptical that this actually occurs when we approach the altar and receive those elements. Some may think that this talk about Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper is just a figure of speech, symbolic, or even pretend, make-believe.
The people of the Old Testament had no doubt whether the flesh and blood of the animals was real. They saw with their own eyes real animals being sacrificed for their real sins, and they could feel the real blood of those sacrifices as it was sprinkled on them.
Holy Communion is even more real, because the more perfect forgiveness earned for us by the blood of Jesus Christ comes to us in a more complete and intimate way. We do not trust subjective sensations of sight and touch to believe. We have a surer word, from God the Son: “This is My blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins”—a most precious and holy bloodbath, for where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Bloodbath”
Isaiah 52:15
Maundy Thursday
April 5, 2007
Isaiah 52:15: So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.
What images does the word bloodbath bring to your mind? Perhaps you think of a terrible scene of bloodshed, such as a recent Muslim terrorist bombing in the Middle East or something closer to home. Those sorts of tragedies are often described as a bloodbath.
Our text for this evening speaks of another bloodbath—one ordained by God for our own good. During the past 6 weeks of Lent we have been meditating on Isaiah’s portrait of Jesus, the Suffering Servant of the Lord. Our passage for tonight promised that Christ “will sprinkle many nations.” When Jesus’ blood is sprinkled on us, we are washed clean of our sins. We are bathed in God’s forgiveness and coated with Christ’s own righteousness. We are washed in the blood of the Lamb. In that sense, we experience a bath in His blood—a bloodbath.
Our Christian faith is founded on that shedding of Christ’s blood for us, on His death and resurrection. To receive beneficially the priceless blessings Christ gives to us in His Holy Supper, we must understand and believe what God tells us about this sacred outpouring of blood.
In His Word, God has some severe and sobering things to say about sin. 2 verses summarize what Scripture says about God’s judgment: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4, 20). Original sin, which we all inherited from Adam, makes us mortal. Our original and actual sins make us deserve the sentence of eternal death in hell. Sin leads to death, and in biblical imagery death involves the spilling of blood. Therefore, we may say that sin results in an evil bloodbath.
In order for sin to be forgiven, God requires blood to be shed. God summarizes His theology of sacrifice by saying, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In the Old Testament, God prescribed a variety of animal sacrifices, and God granted the penitent believers the forgiveness of sin. When certain animals were sacrificed and their blood was shed, the sins of the people were forgiven. The Old Testament tells gives many examples of this.
Isaiah prophesies about Jesus Christ, “He will sprinkle many nations.” What is the significance of Christ sprinkling us with His blood? The Old Testament shows us vivid, concrete events that anticipated what Christ would do for us. The sprinkling of blood was a part of the old covenant. When God first established His covenant with Israel through Moses as a mediator, He instructed Moses to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animals on the congregation of Israel. (Exodus 24:8). This blood was called “the blood of the covenant.” When the blood was sprinkled on the people, they entered the covenant with God and became members of the covenant people—the visible Old Testament church. They were heirs of God’s covenant promises of forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life. As the blood was sprinkled upon them, the believing people received the grace of God.
In the Old Testament, there were many sacrifices in which God told the priests to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animal. Often the blood was sprinkled on the altar before God. In this way, the life of the animal was offered to God in place of the lives of the sinful people. At other times, the blood was sprinkled on the people. The life of the animal was in its blood (Leviticus 17:11). The wages of sin is death, and the people’s sin—placed on the animal—required the life of the animal to be poured out with its blood. When the blood of the animal was sprinkled on the people, God conveyed to them forgiveness and life.
In our passage, the prophet Isaiah looks beyond the sacrifices of the Old Testament to the coming of Jesus Christ. Isaiah receives a vision of how Jesus will sprinkle many nations with His own outpoured blood. In some ways it would be similar to the Old Testament sacrifices and sprinklings, yet it would be far greater, with the highest, most heavenly gifts for those covered by His blood (Hebrews 12:24).
The greatest difference is that Jesus Himself was sacrificed for us. Jesus was marred and disfigured as He suffered on the cross for us. Unlike the Old Testament priests, all of whom were sinful people like us, Jesus Christ alone is sinless, blameless, and perfect. He had no need to make sacrifice for His own sins. He did so only for our sakes. He is the eternal Son of God. For this reason, His suffering and death had infinitely more value than the slaughter of animals. His death pays for the sins of the entire world. Because His sacrifice was of infinite and universal value, Christ only made it once—for all time and for all people. Once did it. His one sacrifice accomplished what the daily repetition of animal sacrifices, year after year, was never able to accomplish: full pardon and peace for every man, woman and child.
And how do we receive this forgiveness? This is where the sprinkling comes in. In the Old Testament “the blood of the covenant” was sprinkled on the people—literally and physically—to bring them into the covenant of God. The leaders of the people then ate and drank in God’s presence and communed with Him.
We are washed with the blood of Jesus Christ simply through faith in what He has done for us. It is as simple as that.
Our merciful God has provided not just His Word, but also His Sacraments, that He may pour His overflowing, super-abounding grace upon us. As we receive communion, we receive the body and blood of Christ, given and shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Just as the Old Testament believers received forgiveness when the blood was sprinkled on them, we receive God’s forgiveness together with Christ’s body and blood.
So in worthy reception of this Sacrament, as well as through the hearing of the Word, we may say, to use Old Testament language, that the atoning blood of Christ is sprinkled on us. To put it another way, we may say that our robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The blood of Jesus’ Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). We bathe in the grace of God, earned for us by Christ’s blood. We undergo that kind of forgiving bloodbath.
People in our modern culture may have a hard time accepting these things. Some may be skeptical that this actually occurs when we approach the altar and receive those elements. Some may think that this talk about Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper is just a figure of speech, symbolic, or even pretend, make-believe.
The people of the Old Testament had no doubt whether the flesh and blood of the animals was real. They saw with their own eyes real animals being sacrificed for their real sins, and they could feel the real blood of those sacrifices as it was sprinkled on them.
Holy Communion is even more real, because the more perfect forgiveness earned for us by the blood of Jesus Christ comes to us in a more complete and intimate way. We do not trust subjective sensations of sight and touch to believe. We have a surer word, from God the Son: “This is My blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins”—a most precious and holy bloodbath, for where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
He Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
A very blessed Easter to all of you. It was a very busy morning but a great one. I preached at Trinity Lutheran Church in Iuka, IL (where I currently serve as vacancy pastor) at 6:00 AM followed by their Easter breakfast! I then went to Faith Lutheran Church in Flora, IL (where I am called to serve as pastor) for their 9:00 AM breakfast-yes, I ate light at both churches! Divine Service was at Flora was at 10:15. After all the Holy week and Easter services at both churches, I was definitely tired, but you know, it was a good kind of tired. I had a nice nap after church, and now I am getting this blog website going, while I watch my all-time favorite movie, "The Sound of Music" which is on ABC Family at this present time.
It is my desire to provide sermons, devotions, and other tidbits. Please feel free to share comments or ask questions!
God Bless you this Easter Day!
Pr. Tim Hahn
It is my desire to provide sermons, devotions, and other tidbits. Please feel free to share comments or ask questions!
God Bless you this Easter Day!
Pr. Tim Hahn
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