Holy Week 2009 mega-post

Christ is risen!

Cheryl has videos of excellent choirs singing during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Go over and listen.

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The readings for the Communion (4pm) service on Good Friday were Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; and the Passion narrative from John 18 and 19. The homily, however, was based on LSB 450, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded."

Christ's body was given up for us. Below: a short exposition of the verses of the hymn.

• Hands: bound in the Garden. How ironic! The One who created the universe by His hands allowed Himself to be bound by men, His creatures.
• Face: struck by the attendees of the high priest. Again a sinner injured Christ.
• Back: flogged by Pilate's orders. The Romans had metal spikes in the cat 'o' nine-tails used to tear the flesh - certainly poor preparation for carrying the Cross.
• Head pierced by the crown of thorns. These were not mere slivers - the soldiers took pleasure in digging the long thorns in.
• Shoulders: robed in fake purple. Then the King of the Jews was mocked.
• Lips: uttered not a word. He was a mute sheep being led to the slaughter. Yet "these lips have often fed me" with His Word.
• Hands/feet: nailed (not roped, as would be usual) to the Cross. This accelerated death, so that His legs were not broken.
• Side: pierced for the world. The Sacraments (blood + water out of the incarnate Word) flowed out.

"It is finished."

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Good Friday Tenebrae readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hosea 6:1-6; 1 Peter 2:21-25; Acts 4:1-12; John 19:17-30; and Lamentations 1:1-14.

"It is finished." Now rest in Jesus.

All is indeed finished - our complete reconciliation with the Father! Those words, rare today, were common on ancient debts, meaning "paid in full." Today's world is certainly "unfinished." Yet Jesus spoke these last words because He had accomplished the task for which He was appointed and about which all Scripture had prophesied: paying the full price for our sins. He was the Substitute for the entire Old Testament system of guilt and other offerings. Since He has paid the price for you, rest in Him.

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Easter vigil readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13; Exodus 14:10-15:1 (homily text); Daniel 3:1-30; and Mark 16:1-8.

What good news this evening! We've listened to the account of God's salvation throughout history; tonight we focus on the tangible joy of the Israelites who had passed through. The Red Sea being a type of baptism, this text fits with the Vigil's traditional purpose*. Because Christ rose on this day, defeating completely sin and death, we also have assurance that we will one day rise to meet Him.

Israel was terrified as Egypt approached. This was, in fact, sinful - what reason had they to forget God's power at a time like this? Then Moses spoke to them not to fear - "The LORD will fight for you!" Indeed He did. Moses and Israel in response sang a song of deliverance, of righteous joy at the defeat and death of their foes. We do too - Christ's death and resurrection are our sure hope. Christ has completed God's entire work for us. Let us rejoice!

*At this service, three adult catechumens were confirmed into the Church.

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Easter morning readings: Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and Mark 16:1-8 (sermon text).

Are we too comfortable with Easter? Contrast the astonished, fearful tombgoers. The empty tomb created this fear in their hearts, as did the accompanying angel. This was no Easter routine - we should take it seriously. His resurrection didn't sink in until Pentecost.

The women came with spices, fully expecting a dead body. Yet they found no stone, neither a body, but an angel. Instead of death, they saw God's reflected glory. When God shows man His glory, man cannot help but quake or collapse in fear. Our sin collides with God's holy glory. Often we live as if neither sin nor holiness really existed. We fill our lives with idols - even a favorite hobby can become our god.

Go to the tomb with the women, laying aside your idols. Don't think your good deeds by themselves mean anything. Begin your Easter with fear; let it be turned to joy by the angel's news. Then celebrate the Easter season for the next 50 days. God judged Christ sinfly in order to judge you sinless, sealing this forgiveness with Christ's own body and blood. Therefore cling weekly to these gifts and His words. Embrace your Brother. Live in His love. Do all to the glory of God.

He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Lent 4

Today's readings were Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10 (sermon text), and John 3:14-21.

This text is a Lenten one - v. 1 says that we were dead in sin. We were in the family of Satan. This is Law, pure and simple. But Gospel (v. 4ff) necessarily follows.

Law. Paul had in mind pagan Ephesian converts, but we're just as dead. We were enslaved to sin, having no spiritually-related free will. Although it's countercultural (others think of sin as a wound only) to think so, we must accept this truth. We can only hope that Someone resuscitates us. Around us, angels we can't see are battling the world's prince we can't see directly. He is always battling for the souls of God's children to make them children of wrath instead.

Gospel. "But" is the hinge of much of the Bible. Verses 8 and 9 differentiate Christianity from other religions - even our works are God's workmanship! Works should make others praise God, not our flesh. Verses 4-7 are slightly less familiar but still precious Gospel. Let us not take God's life-restoring food and drink for granted. He seats us in the heavenly places - meaning perhaps that we are in Paradise (His presence) already, adopted princes and princesses of God. We've been given precious privileges paid for by Christ's blood. Let that spill over into your life, O child of the Father.

Apologies for decreased posting frequency. The evil in the world is becoming too common.

Lent 3

Today's readings were Exodus 20:1-17 (sermon text), 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and John 2:13-22.

Family portraits don't match real life - family life isn't perfect. We see the same tension in the text: God's standards for us versus our inability to fulfill them. The Commandments, however, are never presented as a way of salvation. Only Christ is.

Commandment 1 is first because there has always been unending temptation to stray from the one true God, whether by worshiping Isis or Asherah, or by worshiping the gods of ourselves. God is a jealous God. He shows favor to those who love him (N.B. this is listed first) and keep His commandments. Commandment 2 - why is our God's Name the only one misused? Commandment 3: keep the Sabbath = work as unto the Lord. Luther's explanation turns it into a means of grace - be eager to receive preaching and the Word.

Commandment 4 - the first with a promise. Follow God's intended order of authority. The fifth and following Commandments prohibit sins against our neighbor. No comments accompany them in the text, for they flow naturally from the first four. We sin against the entire family of God when we break any Commandment. So how can we keep them? Perhaps that's not what we should be asking. Look to Christ; ask for forgiveness; receive it gladly, for God's Law is good and wise. Christ died for you; you are now free from sin to serve God with your whole heart.

Today and next week I am at my home church.

Lent 2

Today's readings were Genesis 32:22-32, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, and Matthew 15:21-28 (sermon text).

A pagan woman sought out the One who would heal her daughter. She recognized Him at Tyre and Sidon. Jesus first focused on Israel, not answering this Gentile's plea. She persisted, finally worshiping Him as the only true God. Although He tested her - remember while reading this that we, non-Jews, are also counted as "dogs" - her faith proved true and selfless, for she sought nothing for herself.

Jesus then healed her daughter, seeing her faith. But do we seek Him and likewise cry out for forgiveness? No; we persist in our sin. But Christ still intercedes for each member of His church. Particularly in Communion, He sanctifies us, strengthens our faith, and invites us to eat and drink of His very body and blood. Let us not take for granted these gifts we freely have.

Today's sermon was from an off-campus church; what sort of differences do you see?

Lent 1

Today's readings were Genesis 22:1-18 (sermon text), James 1:12-18, and Mark 1:9-15.

God's leading, showing, and testing of His children are the focus of today's readings. People are taken into the wilderness from their comfort zones. How do they hold up? How did Abraham, for that matter, hold up? God had told him that he would be the ancestor of the Messiah; Isaac ("laughter") then arrived; finally, God asked for the death of this only son of Abraham (!). Abraham obeyed Him nonetheless, trusting that somehow God would always pull through and keep His promise.

We usually begin Lent by focusing on sacrifice. We give up something for the season to remind us that the substitutionary Sacrifice that He makes is the true focus.

What of Isaac's trust in his father? He carried the wood for his own sacrifice, not knowing what God had asked. How does God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11 fit with this? He did indeed pull through. He may ask us to sacrifice something precious to us as well; sacrifice in the Israelites' time involved bloodshed to remind of sin's consequences.

God provided a "ram" - a male sheep, acceptable for sacrifice. What of Jesus being the "Lamb"? A ram was simply the more perfect version. Looking at Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice, we see that He is indeed perfect, having conquered all temptation for us. God's intention was for Him to be tempted - and to resist it. Now we can pray for faith also to resist Satan's ever-specific temptations. We indeed are led through the wilderness. But we do not walk alone, for we cannot manage on our own. We need Jesus.

If any of you, dear readers, are without Christ, please think on this.

Ash Wednesday II

Last night's readings were Joel 2:12-19 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. The sermon text was John 3:1-21, 19:39.

Nicodemus doubted, then believed. How is this connected to the Lenten season? He brought spices for Jesus' body after the Crucifixion. We normally associate Thomas with doubting. Yet Nicodemus, too, has a remarkable turnaround.

Nicodemus came at night - in John's gospel, signifying ignorance of God the Christ. When Judas left to betray Jesus, "it was night." In Nicodemus's case, he wasn't ignoranct of the Scriptures at all. Yet, although he doesn't really get it and is incredulous, he still comes to ask.

The word Christ used, "born again," can also be expressed "born from above." Jesus means the latter (Nicodemus misunderstands) and explains: water and the Spirit (the washing of Baptism, separate from the endless Pharisaical ablutions). Nicodemus could only understand tangible, physical things. But he needed also to see the spiritual depth of His words. Faith, living faith, is the key to this. And you can't obtain or sustain it yourself.

A certain part of Christ's message stuck and sticks today: John 3:16. During the trial, Nicodemus wanted to give Jesus a fair, public hearing. But he remained otherwise silent, like so many of us. Later came the last scene: Jesus was dead. Suddenly, unexpectedly, Nicodemus came with Joseph of Arimathea to embalm the body. Was this the moment of faith replacing doubt and unbelief? Probably. God's Word of love embodied had taken root.

May we not be silent when God opens the door for us to speak about Him.

Transfiguration 2009

Today's readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6, and Mark 9:2-9 (sermon text).

It's good to be here in God's presence! - even if it's only on account of habit. Think about the event of the Transfiguration... Peter, James, and John were sleeping, having reached the summit. The glorified, glowing Jesus Christ roused them suddenly. He now manifested the Father's glory, and these three disciples saw it. What a rare privilege! Moses and Elijah (representative of the Law and the Prophets, respectively) added to the wonder and grandeur. So it's a wonder that Peter was even able to say anything.

In the parallel Gospel accounts, we learn that the disciples were next terrified by God's voice, and rightly so. It's the same with us - alternate exultation and terror. Sin - our sin - terrifies. Spiritual experiences will, because of this, fall flat if they're based on our feelings. Subjectivity fails us.

But Jesus came, touched, and told them not to fear. This leads to another insight: look to Jesus, especially in "down" moments, rather than to your emotions. Spiritual highs are inconsistent and usually undependable. So look only to Jesus Christ, holding on only to Him. That's the message of the entire Word. God is present here, forgiving you your sins. Hold Him in your everyday life, as the disciples did. Follow Him wherever He leads you.

And so Lent begins.

Epiphany 6

Today's readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (sermon text), 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, and Mark 1:40-45.

Naaman was successful, respected, mighty - but he had leprosy. Like him, none of us is perfect. Yet we're still startled by sin and its effects. No one is holy; all are affected. We feel it when faced with perfection (human and divine both). The brighter His light, the darker our sin. It's always worse than we expected.

But when we're stunned by sin, a greater surprise comes: God's grace. It's a daily greeting - do we have ears and eyes to hear and see this marvelous medicine? Each time sin wounds, Christ heals, completely. According to Luther, God's grace is "exceedingly rich." Yet we doubt - can my wounds be healed? We are weak. But this is the appointed time for forgiveness.

Naaman's healing was unexpected. That made it all the better. God willingly healed an enemy of Israel, even though, he was too proud to accept it for free. Another surprise: no mystic rituals - only a common washing of water. Like he did, let God's surprises flow over you - look at His promises, listen to His voice, believe in Him because He is more than worthy of your belief and trust. See Him in the visible, physical elements - water, bread, wine - be surprised, and do not doubt. Through these and His promises, we may draw near.

Amen.

Epiphany 5

Today's readings: Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 (sermon text), and Mark 1:29-39.

Changes in life can be devastating, causing even illness and injury. Humans generally don't like this type of change - but what about Paul? He relishes change in order that he may be "all things to all people." Why does he do this? To bring some to Christ. The most drastic, vital change in Paul's (Saul's) life was his conversion near Damascus. From an enemy of God to a friend, by Jesus Christ's power, in an instant.

We're God's enemies naturally too. Left alone, we're blind and stupid. But faith in Baptism, Christ's light, changes and enlightens us forever. We go from sinner to saint. How marvelous! But look now how Paul willingly undergoes major changes - avoiding cultural taboos, for example - to become closer to people to become a better witness to them. Keep in mind that he never disobeys Jesus' teachings, though.

Today we also have missionaries who imitate Paul. They endure sometimes-painful, always-necessary changes for the sake of the Gospel. We as His ambassadors, remember that God gives us opportunities to do so - be judicious, but go along as far as able to become a more effective witness. Become like your witnessees, but DO NOT change the fact or the message that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not under any circumstances! Keep Him as Lord in your life that He may become the Lord of others' lives.

During this past week, each student attending chapel received an Ablaze! card. While I and many others don't agree with its goals and methods, the point is the same: share Christ's light with others by whatever means you have.

Epiphany 4

Today's readings were Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, and Mark 1:21-28 (sermon text).

In the text, Satan is in God's house (!) and not intimidated by Jesus (!). Christ resists this and all of Satan's temptations, even as He preaches the Gospel to many. This Word is powerful - before the demoniac's entrance, He was teaching with authority, giving spiritual life. Perhaps we're too used to the Word, not being astonished at the display of its raw power. But this same power brought us to Him.

Baptism used to be accompanied by an explicit exorcism - Satan must leave as God enters. It's just as real a miracle as the one in our text. Satan still distracts when we're in God's house - sometimes he's even right beside us. Become aware of this and resist him.

Before Lucifer and his angels fell from heaven, they met Christ at God's right hand. Christ came to defeat them - not a first encounter. Remember that God must empty us, too, before He fills us. Be possessed by Him. Be amazed that He triumphs over evil!

Have a blessed Sunday.

The conversion of Paul

Today's readings: Acts 9:1-22, Psalm 67, Galatians 1:11-24 (sermon text), and Matthew 19:27-30.

Listen to your older siblings in Christ. They can pass their knowledge on to you, and you to your younger siblings. Occasionally, siblings give bad advice (in which case: ask your parents!). But not with Paul - he's divinely inspired. He was responsible for the Galatians' safety. So he wrote the letter to them. They were falling from the one pure and true Gospel, so Paul exhorted them to return.

He'd experienced the wrong way (before Damascus) for years. He was zealous in this wrong road. Now he was instead zealous for the Gospel and protective of all his younger siblings. First he had heeded Jesus, his and our oldest Brother. Not only was Paul a convert, but he was also a preacher of the Gospel by grace.

We may not have persecuted the Church, yet we're still sinners. But we're also saved, found, and rescued by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Therefore, as His brothers and sisters, let us rejoice and exult and tell others! Listen to your older brothers and sisters in Christ, for they are there to give you the very Word of Life.

I go back to the unnamed institution of higher learning today. God bless all in college.

Life Sunday

Today's readings: Acts 4:8-13, Psalm 139, 2 Peter 1:1-15 (sermon text), and Mark 8:27-35.

God is life; we share Him with others, spreading this precious life to others. However, our society - even some Protestant churches - has no respect for human life. Let's look at Peter's confession. He confessed Jesus as the Christ, equivalent to YHWH, Life itself. Granted, Peter didn't understand the cross at this time, but his confession was still true.

God's life given to Adam and Eve was perfect and intended to be eternal. But the two chose to place themselves above life itself. Therefore sin is a perversion of life; abortion, a gory manifestation of sin. In ancient times, both abortion and infanticide were legal. Early Christians knew that life is precious, so they opposed both sins with all their might.

King Herod tried to kill infant Jesus too. But the Author of life had His own timetable, for He is after all the Lord of life. Now we have life in Him (see explanation to the 1st article of the Apostles' Creed). Therefore we need to protect life, whether it be unborn infants, the elderly, or anyone in between. God cares; we should too.

Next week's sermon notes will be posted later, possibly on Monday, since I won't have access to a computer for the better part of the day.

Christmas 3 (Christ's baptism)

Today's readings: Genesis 1:1-5 (sermon text), Psalm 29, Romans 6:1-11, and Mark 1:4-11.

In both the Old Testament and Gospel readings, the Trinity is present (although less obviously in the OT reading). Let's examine both.

Genesis 1:1 - God the Father is the creator of everything, including time. We tend to forget the big picture in the day-to-day, but God doesn't forget us. Pagans can never be at peace, conversely, because they don't know the true God. First He created matter.

But the Theory of Evolution (note large E) doesn't account for this origin of matter - it has to assume that matter is eternal (what did you know, it's an article of faith!). Yet we're the ones accused of hanging everything on faith... Evolution posits that all life is the result of mistakes and a huge amount of time. Creation, meanwhile, posits that all life is the result of a loving Creator and therefore less time.

The Trinity is present in Genesis 1:3 - the Father created all things along with the Son (John 1:1), while the Spirit hovered over the waters. Verse 26 speaks of "Us" (the Trinity talking among the Persons) creating man. Day 1 - light was created because Jesus is the Light of the world. The Father was well pleased with both light and Light. This Light guides us to walk by the right path, seeing God as the source of all things, of the meaning of life. Turn to the Word. Remember that light is separate from darkness.

Side note to old-earth creationists: Why would the text of Genesis have "evening and morning" for each day if the days were thousand-year periods?

Christmas 2

Today's readings: 1 Kings 3:4-15, Ephesians 1:3-14, and Luke 2:40-52.

There's another Christmas story told here: God on earth in a humble 12-year-old boy. He looks quite ordinary, so how could He be God's Son? The text states that God's favor was upon His only-begotten, so much so that Christ could extend the favor of God to all of mankind. Mary, Joseph, and the extended family were at Jerusalem because of the Passover. The irony: the Passover Lamb was already traveling with them! Jesus followed the law of Moses until the Crucifixion, the sin offering for the whole world. He and His family went up "according to custom" because Christ had to fulfill the Law perfectly.

He stayed behind in Jerusalem because the Temple was there, the dwelling of God's glory. His parents didn't do a head count. The teachers of the Law were rightly impressed with Christ's perfect knowledge of the Word (after all, He'd written it - and, of course, studied it from young childhood). Later He would be consumed with zeal for God's house. It shows our corresponding lack of commitment to the Word in favor of our word.

Pray that godly zeal would consume you - read the Word, guard it, meditate upon it, study it. You have much to understand, as Mary and Joseph did. Be submissive to God as Jesus submitted to His parents. Through His submission He forgave your sin.

And that is what Christmas is all about.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Today's readings: Jeremiah 31:15-17, Revelation 14:1-5, and Matthew 2:13-18 (sermon text).

Joseph protected his family in this reading. He is a prototype for all fathers, something spoken about infrequently in Scripture. How should one be a good father or husband? The Bible - unsurprisingly - is NOT about how to be a good person/father/mother/etc. So it doesn't talk much about it. It's about Christ.

We can glean five points from Scripture about parenting:

1. God is our true Father. Therefore, He is the model for all fathers.
2. God created an order for things. The first ranks of this order: Father > Son > husband > wife > children. Rejoice about this. Don't gripe.
3. This husbandly leadership should be done with love, respect, and honor (Colossians 3:19), not harshness.
4. Household leadership should be through teaching (one of the chief commands of Moses) - husbands teaching their wives and children what is right.
5. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:23).

We're all aliens in this world. Each human has a God complex, leading to a solitary, lonely, unfulfilled world. It's out of God's order. So go back to point 2. Adhere to it; accept that God is your Father. He loves you, is infinitely patient, and is the best Father. Therefore He enables human fathers to imitate Him too.

Advent 4

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27; and Luke 1:26-38 (sermon text).

Medieval paintings of this scene depict God's power: His word goes from Gabriel's mouth to Mary's ear, conceiving Jesus Christ. But let's look at Elizabeth first. Her pregnancy was no accident either; six months previously God had likewise spoken to Zechariah. Elizabeth, barren, had then conceived John. Now with Mary, God chose to act in an out-of-the-way manner in an out-of-the-way place, Nazareth.

The Bible has few personality details for Mary and Joseph. Why? Answer: It's NOT about them! It's all about and pointing to Jesus Christ! He is the only reason for our home - blotting out our sin (the cause of hopelessness). But Christmas is NOT about hope either! Why do we think that the Word's byproducts are more important than the Word Himself? Let Christmas be about Christ for once!

The story is profound, not sentimental. Here are the details, given, that we need to know about the characters:

• Joseph is descended patrilineally from David, a fulfillment of God's promise (see the OT reading) to build His house from David's seed.
• Mary is favored because God chose to favor her. It's the same way for us saved ones - we are made BY GOD into the favored ones of God! She also happens to be descended from David.
• "You shall call His name JESUS." Note well: it's not "Hope" or "Peace," but rather "Yeshua" (Savior). Therefore turn to Him, the Everlasting King of the Everlasting Kingdom.

God has forgiven you your sins and reversed the work of the first Adam. And that's what Christmas is all about.

Have a blessed last week of Advent and prepare for a Christmas Eve post! Feast your ears also on "In Dulce Jubilo" and "O Magnum Mysterium."

Advent 3

Today's readings were Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (sermon text); 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; and John 1:6-8, 19-28.

Christmas letters may sometimes describe a bad year - but think about many consecutive bad ones! Captivity, oppression, punishment for sin - this is what Israel had been experiencing. There was heartache everywhere; people were downtrodden. At this point, the prophecy in our text was made, fulfilled and quoted by Christ. The Spirit of the Lord rested on Christ Jesus ("Anointed Savior") at His baptism. Of course, the Jews thought that the fulfillment would be physical only: freedom from Rome's rule. However, the Gospel brings spiritual deliverance.

He also binds up the "shattered of heart" (literal rendering). God desires that all of our hearts be "broken and contrite" (Psalm 51:17) that He may restore them to us. We have sinned against Him; therefore our hearts are against him, and therefore they must be broken.

Then comes the year of the Lord's favor. This isn't necessarily a 365-day year, but rather an era in our lives. Present suffering won't compare. The expression comes from the Year of Jubilee (every 50th), where land was restored and families were brought together. The Year of the Lord's Favor is far greater, since it lasts an eternity!

The Day of Vengeance, on the other hand, is a sobering contrast. God will judge all. Many who sing Christmas carols do not understand the Cross and are therefore lost. But remember that God's grace (YEAR) is greater than His judgment (DAY). The saved, the believers, we have the former. Our eternity is with Him because of Christ.

God's blessings on you all the rest of this Advent and beyond!

Advent 1 (St. Andrew)

Today's readings were Ezekiel 3:16-21, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and John 1:35-42a (sermon text).

The best thing that ever happened to St. Peter was the event of Andrew, his brother, telling him about Christ. Andrew was a disciple of John (in fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and Malachi 3 and 4); John's purpose was to open the way for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

John's Gospel parallels Creation Week (in John, this ends at 2:1) to emphasize the fact of the new creation. John's disciples left him for Jesus because John had named Him the Lamb of God. This is our mission too: tell others about this Lamb, not just keep Him in your heart. All Jews were, since Abraham, anticipating the Messiah, especially at each Passover. Even though we don't pass on anticipations like this, we should still share the Messiah.

They had a different idea of what the Messiah should be, but at least Peter and Andrew had set their sights on the correct one. Christ enters our hearts likewise in the Sacraments and Word; then we pass Him on to others. Share the message of reconciliation that takes the place of judgment. The Gospel is a positive message, not just avoidance of hell (negation of negative). Therefore we look forward to being with our Abba - Daddy - forever. No matter how long it takes, Christ will come, fulfilling His Word. And we'll see Him face to face.

Spread the Gospel, telling of the Center of our lives, by word of mouth. We use our mouths to tell about other things - why not our most precious treasure, our Lord Jesus Christ? We have a sure eternity; spread it!

Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving 2008: sermon notes

Today's readings were Deuteronomy 8:1-10, Philippians 4:4-13, and Luke 17:11-19 (sermon text).

What is it like to be near - but never with - your family? What's it like to be slowly dying? Is this prison? No; it's leprosy in first-century Israel. It's existence, not life. Therefore Christ, upon seeing the ten lepers, effectively says "Get a life!" He likewise gives life to all, including those afflicted by various hurts of body and spirit.

The world tells Christians to "get a life" in a different, hostile sense. But is this religion of ours really a crutch? Not if it relies on Jesus, the only Way, only Truth, only Life. We have life because He is life. The nine Jewish former lepers who didn't return to give thanks didn't realize this.

The blood of Christ crucified is the cure for the terminal disease, sin, of all people. Hence, by it we are cleansed to stand before God, as the lepers did, and to give thanks with our own Blood brothers and sisters in the whole Church! Rejoice and give thanks for all God's gifts today, including this most precious one. Be like the one Samaritan who came back: understand your terminal disease (in fact, it has already killed you if you haven't repented), come to Christ, and thank Him for the forgiveness He gives.

This service was at my home church, as will be Sunday's.

Christ the King Sunday

...a.k.a. the last Sunday of the Church year! I'll be worshiping at my home church next Sunday to kick off Advent. Today's readings were Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; and Matthew 25:31-46 (sermon text).

Business - we sometimes use it as an excuse for self-time. Today's text puts time as a whole in perspective: when will Christ return? We see a picture of our glorious God, Judge, and King. He gathers all peoples of the world - all nations - who will then be separated like sheep and goats. Those who are His, on His right, are called "blessed of My Father." Wow! He has a place for each of those who are His.

Next, He commends the sheep (right) for their good deeds toward Him - rather, toward even the least of His brothers and sisters. They're dumbfounded. Likewise, He condemns the goats (left) for their lack of similar good deeds. The sheep and goats finally go in opposite directions.

Works-righteousness? No! Rather, what are we doing in anticipation of the end? Sure, He's coming soon. But He also comes often, unexpectedly, even daily or hourly. We don't "see" Him in this light too much. But the thing to remember is that Jesus, the Christ, entered time that He might empathize with us, for us, to forgive our misuses of time and ignorances of Him in the form of one of His brothers or sisters. Give of your time; don't use business as a club for self. Why? Because you are His sheep too.

Later this afternoon will be a concert. I'll try to find some links to well-performed versions of the pieces so you can enjoy it too.

Update:YouTube is notoriously deficient in this area. However, I did find this lovely recording (video) of SLANE (tune for "Be Thou My Vision"), which had a custom text written for my school's 2008-09 school year. Perhaps text later. My other favorite item of the evening was a setting of "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain" that I've sung several times at my home church.