The Renaissance Biologist

Advent 2

2009-12-06T12:43:00.002-06:00

My dear readers, here are *two* sermons for you today! The first is from a local-to-college church, and the second is from on-campus church. The readings were Malachi 3:1-7b, Philippians 1:2-11, and Luke 3:1-20. Sermon texts were all three at the first church and the Epistle on campus.

Sermon 1:

Nothing in life is easy, although it may seem that way. What about following Jesus Christ. The readings testify that living out a life in Christ is not all roses. Paul wrote Philippians from prison because he was a disciple. John, for obeying Jesus, got imprisoned and beheaded. "Follow Jesus, go to jail"? But our Lord suffered all and died for us. Then He arose and ascended.

Discipleship requires seeing this bigger picture. Is it worth it to stick it out? Yet it's God who signs us up to follow Him. He equips us to follow through on His commitment to us. Is it worth it? God is faithful to His promises: not theology of glory (guaranteed health, wealth, and peace) but theology of the cross (we will be perfected in heaven, our sealed future). The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, keeps us in this true faith. Life has hardships, but eternal life has peace. Though we may feel helpless, we're in for the long haul: heaven with Christ, our eternal Treasure, our true Friend.

Sermon 2:

Advent: a new day dawns. Our alarm tells us: "Awake!" A new church year approaches - the beginning of the end - a cause for alarm? Though Christ came in humility long ago, we pray for Him to come in power. When will this end come? What if He comes today? Are we ready?

We can't tell when He will come. But at every moment we must trust Him to keep us ready. The ultimate purpose of the Word is not to alarm but to strengthen us in our struggle with sin and its guilt. Take heart - the Word became not only man, but also sin for us! We rely on Christ's blamelessness, not ours. Therefore, rest assured of this, but don't roll over. Luther's analogy is of a pig, washed but immediately becoming dirty again. Wake up instead, to tell others about this wonderful Word. No tunnel vision or procrastination. Live while it is yet Today.

Soli Deo gloria.

Advent 1

2009-11-29T14:44:00.000-06:00

At my home church, as was Thanksgiving. Today's readings were Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 (sermon text), and Luke 21:25-36.

Jesus Christ tells us to stay awake and pray. Thus we meditate on the
Psalms today, praying especially 25:1-10. How to do it? (1) Morning/evening:
read a Psalm. (2) Stop after a verse or a few. (3) Pray to God, based on these
verses. Psalm 25 in particular, expressing David's feeling of utter confusion,
is appropriate for us in these times. He had been anointed Israel's next king -
Saul became furious and chased David as an enemy.

Section 1 (vv. 1-3): plea for God to prevent shame from coming; reminder
that those who wait for Him are never put to shame. Waiting on the LORD is
difficult, but its reward is an eternal seat with Christ.

Section 2 (vv. 4-5): suggests the Torah (whole counsel of God) to meditate
on.

Section 3 (vv. 6-7): humility, counting on God's mercy and forgiveness that
we need because we can't live up to God's standards. (Recall that "steadfast
love" is chesed in Hebrew: חסד). It means that "if we are
faithless, He will remain faithful." We abound in transgressions, haunting sins
from the past. But because of Jesus, God forgets them!

Section 4 (vv. 8-10): return to God's law - since He has removed the
pressure, we are now able to obey Him! He teaches sinners instead of casting
them from His presence. One can't teach a proud person - but can teach a humble person. His paths for those who keep His
covenant (unique - we believe in Him) "are steadfast love and faithfulness." He
completes our salvation, and we in return thank Him for His mercy.

Soli Deo gloria.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

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

God has given us both little and big things to thank Him for; the lepers
received their lives, a most precious gift. So have we. Details: Jesus is not
just wandering; His goal is Jerusalem, and there to die on the cross to give
everyone life. As leprosy is terminal and separates the afflicted from the
clean, making sufferers effectively dead, so also sin afflicts us, all sinners,
all in the same boat.

Dying makes us desperate. The lepers sought Jesus, who healed them - as
they went to fulfill the Law - by a word. One didn't finish the journey. He
returned to praise his Healer. A Samaritan, who should have been His enemy! We
follow the leper's example, returning on the Lord's Day to praise the Lord. This
Lord gave His life up to give us life. What unites diverse Christians is the
Christ inside. We have Life!

Soli Deo gloria.

Christ the King Sunday

2009-11-22T12:12:00.002-06:00

Today's readings were Isaiah 51:4-6, Jude 20-25 (sermon text), and Mark 13:24-37.

We're able to make foolish choices. But God's angels are there to intervene on our behalf. We are grateful and thankful to Him for sparing us in such close calls - of life, health, and faith. Close calls about faith are the most important; Jude devotes his epistle to them. He points to God as the only Savior from such events; while he had wanted to encourage his flock, circumstances demanded that he alert them to the close call they didn't know they were experiencing. Are we the same?

Many Christians today don't know what the Good News actually is: Christ became man, lived, died, and rose for us. They think that it's all about a change in our behavior, but it's really all about God's behavior. The results of the Gospel should not be confused with the Gospel itself.

Jude closes his epistle with an exhortation to build ourselves up in the faith by meditating on the Word, remembering our Baptism, receiving the Supper, and depending fully on God. God the Son is able to hold us up and to present us perfect before God the Father - how wonderful! In spite of all our faults, He still forgives and takes joy in doing so. Through Him we are blameless and innocent, though by nature we are sinful and guilty. We need a Justifier, and we have one in Jesus Christ alone. Rejoice!

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 24

2009-11-15T13:51:00.002-06:00

Today's readings: Daniel 7:9-14, 2 Peter 3:3-14, and Matthew 25:31-46 (sermon text).

In the parable today, we see that there are two people groups that count for anything at Judgment Day: those who believe in Jesus Christ, and those who don't. Regardless of belief, all will see that He is both Son of Man and Son of God. His blood has set us free; this is intended for all nations (Matthew 28:19). But all hear only when the Word is sent forth to all people and nations.

We are the sheep, who eat only what the Lord in His pasture feeds us. The goats will eat anything - false teachings, auto-salvation, teachings denying Christ's work. This text is often misinterpreted to call for social action. "Come--unto Me," says Christ to the blessed. These are those who eat of His body, something CHRIST does. "Inherit--the kingdom prepared for you." Not all sheep will come, for some become goats. He waits to give the kingdom because He says "Come" in patience, for He desires all to be able to enter.

Those who love the Lord honor His word, and the pastors who preach it. "He who hears you hears Me." Therefore pastors should distribute only Christ's words. Not our deeds, though His love spills over into service to each of our neighbors. To do so, we must first be hearers of the Word. This Word in Baptism immunizes us from hell's fires. God's word is not silent - so feed upon it! Later, with all the saints, we will worship Him forever.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 23

2009-11-08T16:46:00.002-06:00

Today's readings: 1 Kings 17: 8-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, and Mark 12:38-44 (sermon text). Although I do have a few minor issues with this sermon, it was good on the whole.

Practically, the widow's mite wasn't worth counting; it could do no useful work. To the eyes of Jesus, however, it was THE most significant. God measures what remains after the gift is given. Her gift was 100% - was it foolish investment? Impractical? A sign of dementia? But her gift mattered to the Master. The legacies of philanthropists fade, but since Christ's words will never pass away, this widow's legacy echoes forever.

Now let's preach Law: you should give 100% too! (Oops...bad theology!) Rather, try the Gospel angle: are we giving from excess (what we can spare, so it doesn't hurt us at all), or from poverty ("giving till it tickles," as Steve Green would say)? Can we spare it? Is it impractical, faith-based/ Is it based on others' expectations? Is it discreet? There's a warning here too, about the ostentatious law-teachers who sought only praise for giving.

We're all like this, for the Old Adam is a first-rate exhibitionist. Yet we have Christ as well, so our motives are for God - we seek no praise from others or from ourselves. Jesus sees faith in action, for which love is the motivation. With her pennies for heaven, the widow's mite points us to Christ, who gave 100% of Himself FOR YOU. His blood was offered to God for your redemption. Through this blood, we have an eternal inheritance! Therefore, we do all out of love.

Soli Deo gloria.

All Saints' Day 2009

2009-11-01T18:51:00.001-06:00

At my home church! Today's readings were Revelation 7:9-17 (sermon text), 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, and Matthew 5:1-12.

Saint John, in the reading, beheld the company of heaven--quite literally, our grandfathers' church. How do they worship there? They gather to stand around God's throne, clothed in white, holding palm branches, and singing hymns that speak God's Word back to Him. No other religion has the salvation promised by God--even Islam, the most similar to Christianity, has a paradise limited to men's sensual pleasure, a legalistic "salvation."

Let us return now to John's first vision: the kingly Lamb standing before candles that are the Church invisible. Sound familiar? It's not a "culturally relevant" way of worship (for pastors are the ordained hands and mouthpieces of Christ). It's your grandfathers' church.

Now to the Book of Life. All the universe didn't have anyone with the qualification, perfection, to open it. Even if we die for the faith, we cannot open it. But the Lamb has come to open the Book. May God grant that He will find your name therein. Those whose names are in it will get the privilege of adoring the one God, of falling on our faces in worship, the chief end of man, what heaven is all about. Christ has placed white robes on those, saints, He calls His children. He will be their light, peace, and comfort.

Soli Deo gloria.

Reformation 2009!

2009-10-25T14:38:00.004-05:00

We sang DS setting 5 today! The entourage to the church we visited today was bubbly afterward because of this. Today's readings were Psalm 46, Revelation 14:6-7, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36 (sermon text, which included my confirmation verse).

The Reformation is about God's gracious forgiveness of our sins - not about anti-Catholicism. Before this Word is spoken, we are possessed and oppressed by our sin, which was brought to life by the Law (Romans 7). Looking into this perfect Law of God, we always see our inability to reach it. No matter how hard we work, how much good we do, we cannot obtain the righteousness of God. The Law's demands - even love of neighbor - we cannot keep.

In this light, look at the Gospel text. Jesus is speaking of slavery to sin, of the heart and conscience, that gives birth to death. From this we cannot free ourselves; it is indeed a body of death, a corpse affixed to us. Particularly: personal sins - unmet spousal demands, a rebellious child - that we bring to God, our shoulders slumped. That is our slavery.

Abide in My word, says Jesus, and we as disciples will know the Truth that frees the conscience. Once this happens, we see "the righteousness of God" not as Law but as a Gospel gift! We don't do it; it is given to us apart from the Law. Christ's atoning sacrifice effected it; we are now sons of God, inheritors of His infinite gift of salvation. Drink now the Blood, the vessel of His mercy.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 20: something different

2009-10-18T12:56:00.004-05:00

Today's readings were Genesis 16:1-16, Romans 4:13-18, and Luke 24:36-49. However, in place of the sermon on this particular Sunday at the particular church we attended, a convert from Islam who is now preparing for the pastoral ministry spoke. During the service:

He was born in Kurdistan, part of Iraq (96% Muslim intersecting with 80% Arabic), beginning the Islamic equivalent of catechesis at age 7, as is typical. Interestingly, his first exposure to religion was hearing his friends, at age 5, talking about Easter. However, he soon learned plenty about Islam because there is no separation of religion from either state or schooling.
The more he learned, the more he became skeptical, eventually reading so much philosophy as to become an atheist. This lasted until Hussein invaded, forcing him to evacuate toward Iran along with his neighbors. A turning point occurred when God lowered storm clouds to protect him as he climbed out of reach of the guns of Hussein's army. Subsequently, he escaped to Iran (twice!), got some job experience with a cheese factory, and was granted political asylum in the US.
Once in the US, he ended up in Wisconsin, where he studied the Bible with a pastor, later comparing it in hindsight with the Quran. What stood out at him was the conditionality of Islam - Allah grants believers paradise only if they do good works and give all to him. Christianity is the exact opposite - God gives us all things and unconditionally has mercy. Christianity is also surety incarnate - since God did it all for you, your salvation is certain.

In the fellowship hall afterward:

The first step to evangelizing a Muslim friend is not evangelism. It's friendship. Make friends slowly and in-depth, avoiding religious conversation unless s/he brings it up.
Once you are good friends, ask about his/her religion.
After you listen, "Now let me tell you about what I believe." Start with the basics: Law (a pane of glass shattered by one pebble) and Gospel; knowing Christ from what is written about Him in the Bible; showing the depth/precision/long-range-ness of Old Testament prophecy; showing the utter reliability of New Testament eyewitnesses; knowing that Christ became man because man sinned, and He is the only perfect substitute.
Interestingly, one could use the Quranic statement that Jesus was the only prophet who never sinned (i.e. was perfect) as a logical step to show that He is divine (if someone does not sin, that someone is equivalent to God, whose distinguishing mark in this respect is holiness).
Some things must be taken on faith. If we could prove everything about Christianity, then it wouldn't be worth not believing in (not that it isn't!). Example: Trinity. Muslims generally think of it as 1 + 1 + 1, which logically does not equal 1. But, since the Trinity is in fact not three separate gods, it is rather 1 x 1 x 1, which equals 1.
Keep in mind that taqiyya is frequently used in Muslim evangelism. One can't necessarily trust that something your friend tells you is actually true. Hard words, yes.
Christianity is the only religion wherein man cannot save himself. God reaches down.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 19

2009-10-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

Today's readings: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 3:12-19; and Mark 10:17-22 (sermon text).

Whatever happened to Jesus's evangelism program? Talking about His own death had already lost Him plenty of followers. But the rich young man in today's text seemed like a perfect candidate for membership in any church: plenty of fiscal resources, eager devotion to God's commands, and good societal standing. He sought the Law, something he could keep more than others could. He was completely sincere in this - on his own terms - but completely misguided.

Jesus needs nothing we can give. So He went straight to the man's god: his money. Each of us has gods, which He attacked: lust (6th Commandment), anger (5th), money (9th). Therefore, when approaching God, you must allow 100% of you to be saved, to be controlled by God. This God-planted faith will sprout into works to love God and our neighbor.

Exhort one another to prevent hardening of conscience. Jesus gave all for and to us. We come as beggars to receive His gifts. When we have nothing, He offers not Law but Gospel. He dies our death to make us alive in Him, needing to do nothing to inherit eternal life. God must do all. Give up your Law, receive absolution, and taste sweet Gospel.

Soli Deo gloria.

Broken promises? Or just unmade ones?

2009-10-10T15:27:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't blogged about politics in a while, but this made me very angry. Not that I don't expect more taxes from the party in power, but seriously! Why don't politicians take the patience to do their research, come up with something that could possibly perform what they'd like it to perform, and maybe even apply a little bit of the scientific method to it? Our political history, it seems, is littered with transitional forms that either didn't make it or are corrupting the gene pool.

Pentecost 18

2009-10-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

We ventured this week to a congregation celebrating its 170th anniversary. Since it has many daughter churches around the globe, the pastor spent about 15 minutes at the beginning detailing some locations to which members had been sent in the past to proclaim the Gospel. The readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-22; 2 Corinthians 5:11-15; and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (sermon text).

This text is referred to as the gospel-within-the-Gospel. Here, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, who were mad at Him for eating with (i.e. accepting, noting unity with) sinners, tax collectors, the scum of society. One collector was Matthew; another, Zacchaeus. They worked on the Sabbath, extorting from their fellow men - yet Jesus ate with them. Today He eats with sinners too. He gives us His body and blood in the most unifying Supper of all.

In the parable-within-the-Gospel, the younger son said, in effect, "Father, I wish you were dead." But father says OK! Taking half of the inheritance, the son wastes it, then hires himself out to a citizen, literally "gluing" himself on. Since the gluee most likely doesn't want this elp, he gives a job geared to make the son quit. A Jew, feeding pigs? Strangely, the son accepts. Once starving, he decides to return to his father as a hired servant.

The village expects the father to beat his son. BUT Dad ran a long way to his son, having compassion, welcoming him back, and intervening. Thus, the father is the Christ figure - and we are both sons (prideful yet profligate). He welcomes us back, when we repent, with open arms. Therefore have mercy on your profligate siblings in Christ. For He welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 17

2009-09-27T14:04:00.000-05:00

Today's readings, at yet another church on our whirlwind tour, were Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; James 5:13-20; and Mark 9:38-50 (sermon text).

Today's Gospel text is very uncomfortable. Those who reject Christ are here promised eternal judgment. For this reason, the Church must always keep and treasure the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its truth and purity. We stand on this foundation; to neglect it is to reject salvation. The Gospel, exclusive, is the Church's salt - without it, we are no different from the world.

Let no one cause a believer to stumble either. An example: the ELCA's recent actions of condoning the office of the ministry held by practicing homosexuals. This not only attacks the person and work of Jesus Christ, but it also causes some to stumble. Call false doctrine what it is - the hand of the Body of Christ that causes the body to sin - because of the fact, not because we enjoy condemning.

Keep confessing the Truth alone. There is no other name by which we, crucified with Christ, may live. This makes us be separate from the world, not to exalt ourselves, but to keep the saltiness of the Gospel. Keep repenting of sin against the salt. Don't condone false doctrine - but also rejoice wherever the Gospel is proclaimed. "Whoever is not against us is for us." For God works through right doctrine, Christ crucified.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 16

2009-09-20T12:10:00.002-05:00

Today's readings, at yet another off-campus church, were 1 Kings 17:17-24, Ephesians 3:13-21, and Luke 14:1-11 (sermon text).

Today is the Lord's Day - unique, holy, set aside, a day of rest. It is also the weekly anniversary of the Lord's Resurrection. Today we celebrate His sacraments and receive His peace. Let your faith be strengthened today, living in this strengthened faith during the week ahead.

Going to church regularly requires self-sacrifice - but this yields lasting benefits. The Christian life is a striving to be like Christ, our Teacher. Sunday for Christians parallels the Jewish Sabbath, on which no customary work was done. On such a Sabbath, Jesus asked the Pharisees and teachers of the law whether it was lawful to heal or care for one's own on that day. "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" - Jesus Christ demonstrated this command especially on the Cross by having mercy on all of us.

The reading is not only a demonstration of mercy, but also a lesson in humility. Be humble that you may be exalted by the Highest, for prideful individuals will be shamed. Indeed, Jesus Christ humbled Himself to nothing - now He sits at the Father's right hand. Thus we learn about Him, our model.

Church is here for all - the hospital for sinners, with Jesus Christ as the Great Physician. Be humble; admit your sin. Live your life by faith in Christ, the God-Man, your Life. Kneel before Him in adoration, particularly on this holy day.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 15

2009-09-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

I worshiped at another local church this morning; today's readings were Proverbs 4:10-23, Galatians 5:16-24, and Luke 17:11-19 (sermon text).

The surface meaning of the text: one came back to praise God. The deeper meaning: God's grace and love (giving) and our faith (receiving). Real faith presumes to trust God, as the lepers did, for they came to Jesus, God incarnate. We also come to God not with trepidation - for His perfect love drives out fear - but with trust.

The lepers knew that they were entirely unworthy to approach God, or even think of doing so. Leprosy was an unclean disease. Therefore, like them, our faith (before anything else) assures us that, though we are unworthy too, we may ask of God. Faith doesn't try to strike a deal with God, for it knows that whatever merit it has is from Christ alone.

This is a beautiful lesson about faith: it stands on His merits, not on ours. This is also a lesson about love: it gives, expecting no return. Jesus Christ's motivation for healing and doing other good deeds was not Himself, but us. He proclaimed through miracles the gracious kingdom of God. Doing good is not for the doer's benefit if it is motivated by selfless love - although the nine didn't thank God, they still remained healed of their disease.

The term for giving love is agape. To this neighborly love Jesus calls us. As Luther noted, faith + love = a complete description of a Christian. We receive from God (faith) and give to our neighbor (love). The reason: sin is like leprosy - each person is a leper by nature. Unless we are purified by God's grace through God-given faith, we cannot be clean. Therefore thank God, praise Him, because you have been healed by the High Priest. Sin no longer condemns, for Jesus died for sin. Only unbelief now condemns. Therefore believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 14

2009-09-06T11:53:00.002-05:00

Today's readings were Isaiah 35:4-7a (sermon text); James 2:1-10, 14-18; and Mark 7:31-37. A special someone was the lector.

"Strengthen the hands and knees" sounds like part of a physical therapy syllabus - but the text speaks not of physically disabled people. Rather, a helping hand, often rejected, becomes feeble. And knees, when faced with difficult situations, become weak. But it is really a problem of a fearful (literally "hurried") heart. Isaiah speaks to us who have this problem, more crippling than a broken leg. God, through him, tells us to be strong, unbound, not afraid.

Why shouldn't we fear? God's answer: He is coming with vengeance!? Let's look at the context: Israel was besieged; God's wrath was against not Israel but her enemies. He slew 185,000 Assyrians for Israel, to deliver His people! Now look at our besieging armies - more spiritual than physical. The creation is groaning, a dangerous place burdening humanity with fear. Fear gives way to paralysis. But God tells us not to fear!

Jesus, while on earth, signaled the arrival of God's invading kingdom by reversing physical and spiritual paralysis. As a result of His life-sacrifice, you are a new creation by grace through faith, never to be forsaken by your Father! God has come; He will come again. Therefore actively proclaim and participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 13

2009-08-30T12:36:00.002-05:00

This was given at an unnamed church close to my unnamed higher education institution. Today's readings were Psalm 51; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Ephesians 6:10-20; and Mark 7:14-23 (sermon text).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus turns the tables on the hypocritical faultfinders. He declares all foods ceremonially clean, not able to defile a person. Neither filthy food, nor alcohol, nor anything we ingest - even if unhealthy - can defile us. The real problem, therefore, is the impurity of our hearts, the seriousness of our human situation. Apart from Him, our hearts are putrid. Even if we live otherwise uprightly, it is the sin committed by each of us - each of you - that makes the Old Adam in us abhorrent to God.

God's law is broken by both commission (doing bad) and omission (failing to do good). Trespasses are born of sinful thoughts coming from our hearts; these are what defiles us. No person is exempt. When we hear this sobering message from another's lips, we resist. We are not sinful because we sin; we sin because we are sinful.

Thank God! Our hope is not based in our hearts; it is based in God's heart! "Deliver us from evil," including the evil within. For this reason, He chose to become incarnate, the perfect Man, the God-Man, to take all our sins upon Himself without committing any sin Himself. He became sin for us! Therefore be strong in the Lord's strength. Use His gift-armor and weapon, His Word. Do not changes this Word, but pass it on, for it not only kills but also make alive. Be assured of your cleanness bestowed by God. For He is greater than your heart when it condemns you. Taste this sweet, clean Gospel.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 12

2009-08-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

Still at the unnamed in-between church. Today's readings: Psalm 78, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (sermon text), Colossians 3:18-24, and Matthew 11:25-30.

A will ensures that your valuable earthly possessions will go to your children. But what about heavenly possessions? Begin preparing these gifts before your children consciously understand - pass on your faith through prayer, Bible reading and meditation, and otherwise bringing up your offspring in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Otherwise, you may pass on your wealth but not your Treasure.

Do you blame others for your children's loss of faith, should that ever occur? Or do you rightly blame yourself? With all our idols, the failure is our own. But the forgiveness is God's! He intervenes, breathing new life into us in our death, reaching around us in our rejection of Him. Receive Him therefore, passing your faith down to the next generation.

Let His commandments first be upon your heart. Then constantly and consistently impress them on your children's hearts. Just as immersion leads to fluency because you leave your native language behind, so also it works with the Word. Even before your children understand, talk - not *to* your kids but just *about* the Word. Immerse yourself and your spouse in this Word. The children's immersion will follow.

Pray with and for your children. This is the Holy Spirit's work - creating faith and interceding for us. The entire home environment is important as well. Also, show your children how and why to share your faith. Show by your words and deeds the totality of God's love. God uses people as His hands. What are we, save vessels to be filled with and to share God's love?

Finally, remember that our best-laid plans will fail. But God still works.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 11

2009-08-16T12:05:00.001-05:00

I worshiped at an undisclosed WI church today. Today's readings: Psalm 34, Joshua 24:1-18 (sermon text), Ephesians 5:6-21, and John 6:51-69. I also heard the first children's sermon since going to my grandparents' church around 7 years ago.

We need "heroes of the faith," models of a life of trust in God. One such man was Joshua, a leader appointed by God during a crucial, difficult time. As the successor of Moses, his task was even harder: he had to enter the Promised Land; to dethrone pagan peoples, false gods, and outnumbering enemies; how to do it? Answer: God's promise to him was "I will never leave you or forsake you . . . do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth." God being with you, you trusting in God, obviates any fear of your enemies.

Joshua followed God's leading because he knew that God was faithful to fulfill His promises. Now, in our text, he addressed the people he led. Would they be faithful? Or apostate? Really no choice here - obviously the better choice is to serve the One who lives and saves! Obvious, yes, but easy, no. Then and now, many serve other gods - making an object the most important thing in your life. Examples: money, possessions, power, pleasure, technology, self. Gods of wood and stone? Not anymore. But they're still false gods.

The question remains for each of you who read this: Whom will you serve? Be not afraid to repeat Joshua 24:15. Look to the Source, Jesus ("YHWH saves"), the only One who can save - and has saved - you who believe in Him! Do not deny that you have sinned; otherwise you lie to God's face. Receive the One into your being who forgives all your sins.

Soli Deo gloria.

Pentecost 10

2009-08-09T16:18:00.002-05:00

Today's readings: Psalm 34, 1 Kings 19:1-8 (sermon text), Ephesians 4:17-5:2, and John 6:35-51.

As in the hymn, Elijah's soul lay still, and the Lord delivered him. In the story's historical context, Israel was divided, Jezebel and Ahab ruled, and she had just promised to kill Elijah. Some time beforehand, his God had won a contest with Baal; as a result, 850 prophets of Baal had been put to death. God had shown that He is in charge.

Jezebel was hopping mad, not even regarding her own life in her quest to get rid of this prophet. He promptly ran to the southernmost part of Judah - Beersheba - as far as possible away from the queen. In Beersheba, there was nothing but wilderness and the occasional scrubby broom tree. Under one Elijah sat, sinning twice: first, running away from God, and second, giving up. Then he slept disconsolately. (What would we do?)

But! God had mercy on Elijah, for His mercy has no end. He gave him food, roused him, and ordered him to take heart. Twice, God (the Father and the Son - "the Angel of the LORD") fed and watered him. Don't take lightly the food and drink He gives to us - His very own body and blood for our eternal sustenance.

The story concludes. The two meals gave him 40 days' and nights' strength to pilgrimage to the mountain of God, Horeb (aka Sinai). Let us draw strength from the Sacrament of the Altar as well to continue our pilgrimages.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Pentecost 9

2009-08-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

Today's readings were Psalm 145, Exodus 16:2-15, Ephesians 4:1-16 (sermon text), and John 6:22-35.

We cherish freedom and choices, especially here in the US. But Paul presents a no-choice ("one" only) lifestyle: live in the manner worthy of your calling. No other way than Jesus? How offensive! Boring! Intolerant! Those who slander Christianity like this don't understand true freedom: not individualism, but rather a conscience owned by Christ. Ironic? Perhaps. But life in any other manner is, by comparison to Christianity, so poor as to be a non-choice.

Chapters 1-3 of Ephesians lay the basis for the "therefore" in 4:1, preceding these instructions. Briefly: you were dead in sin; God knew you before the womb; He has resuscitated you. Now ask: why does mankind exist? Answer: Christ has ransomed all mankind; they are now to walk in way of Christ Jesus. One Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (the same), one Baptism (into Christ), one Father of all (the Father).

So your sinful self finds it hard to walk in Christ? The Old Adam tells you that there are other options? To refuse the means of grace? Answer him with the truth: he is death, dead. Not an option. Turn now to the work of God: "to believe in Him whom He has sent." Walk in His way thus: live your life to God and others; take a nap when your body tires; pray for your brothers and sisters.

Christianity isn't a bad option. It's the best and only real option!

Soli Deo Gloria.

Pentecost 8

2009-07-26T17:30:00.002-05:00

Today's readings were Psalm 136, Genesis 9:8-17, Ephesians 3:14-21 (sermon text), and Mark 6:45-56.

The preaching theme for the upcoming church year [at my home church] is spiritual exercises (a.k.a. piety). Today's Epistle reading sums up three components: physical gestures (bowing the knee before God), growing in the knowledge of the love of God, and growing in general spiritual discipline. Start with verse 14: bowing the knees (an example of a physical action accepted during worship) - we sing about it plenty, but tend to practice it only rarely, this expression of the faith. Later we'll learn other Scripture-based, physical gestures of piety.

What sort of piety should we have? Paul explains first the reason behind ours: the infinite nature of the glory of God. We seek to grow in the knowledge of Christ. However, the practice of spiritual exercises is alien or even "wrong" to members of the Baby Boomers. The culture is changing, though - piety is making a comeback. Now to answer the question: There exist good (Biblical) and bad (non-Biblical) forms of piety. Examples of Biblical piety are reading the Bible, growing in the knowledge of God, and expressing and applying that knowledge. The Small Catechism can be a starting point: daily (habitual) prayers, making the sign of the Cross (while kneeling or standing), etc. Get into these habits.

Christian piety always begins with God's glory, for we have been made in His image. All too often, we glory at most in the creation, rarely the Creator. His glory drives us to our knees, for "we daily sin much." So daily kneel before the Lord, whether physically or inwardly. Christian piety continues with growing in the knowledge of the love of Christ. This helps us deal with the tribulations we face daily. Why? Christ is in you! As a result of spiritual growth, grow also in spiritual discipline.

As the pastor told us, today's sermon is only a taste of the year to come. Unfortunately, I'll be gone at the unnamed institution of higher learning for much of it, though practicing these exercises is much more encouraged at that school.

Pentecost 7 (Too much good stuff)

2009-07-19T14:35:00.002-05:00

Today's readings: Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ephesians 2:11-22, and Mark 6:30-44 (sermon text).

The way of Jesus: too much good stuff, more than we expect, more than we deserve. This is one of the few events common to all four Gospels, so it's very important. Here, in Mark's book, normally fast-paced, he takes time to tell of this miracle.

If Jesus gives us any good stuff, it's far more than what we deserve from the Creator whom we have disobeyed. We deserve not even one breath of oxygen, but grace comes in! Solely because of His own decision, we receive our Lord Himself under the bread and wine, earthly blessings, and the indwelling Word.

Jesus, although exhausted, had compassion on the people who had no true shepherd. "The Lord is my Shepherd," the true Son of David, our true Leader. So the first "good stuff" was His presence with the people. Next: the meal procured by faith and thanksgiving of God the Son to the Father. Seating in 50s and 100s parallels the OT Exodus; twice God fed His people in the wilderness. Both these events also prefigure Christ's orderly feeding of today's flock in the Eucharist.

Too much good stuff. Another detail: His disciples distributed the meal and collected generous leftovers. Pastors distribute His gifts today, abundant gifts we need and are given by grace. We hardly notice it sometimes, but we need this nourishment daily. Cherish it.

Amen. Soli Deo gloria.

Oy

2009-07-13T18:18:00.002-05:00

Just a comment thread I find interesting to follow. Abortion vs. capital punishment, anyone?

Pentecost 6

2009-07-12T19:10:00.001-05:00

Today's readings: Psalm 85, Amos 7:7-15, Ephesians 1:3-14, and Mark 6:14-29 (sermon text).

John the Baptist lost his head to slake a woman's grudge. Thank God that this gruesome story isn't sugarcoated; God takes evil head-on, and here's a good example. The Bible is about Jesus Christ coming to us in our sinfulness, then forgiving our sins. Have a look.

Even Herod had heard of Jesus' name and wondered about the rumors. The earlier miracles had served to draw attention to His purpose; later they would diminish. Beginning at verse 16 is the connection: Jesus' fame made Herod think that John was resurrected. Verse 17 delves into the history of the incident; but first, let's deal with Herod. This man was one of the four sons of Herod the Great; he received Galilee as his jurisdiction. Then John came along, criticizing the wrongful marriage of Herodias (Philip's divorcee) and Herod. This caused a grudge. Oddly, Herod was protecting John - never converted, but liked to listen.

Next came the banquet. Intoxicated, Herod was recklessly generous. Herodias' daughter, faithful to her mother to a fault, returned to demand the Baptist's head. Now suddenly sobered, Herod fearfully complied, placating the mother by getting the law of God out of the way. There's a lesson to us in our culture: DO NOT compromise God's Word, putting your self-trust ahead of God-trust. In the end, our earthly bodies are just bones. The one thing needful is Christ. We need nothing else; He must increase as we must decrease.

Trust in God alone, not in your stuff. After all, He's indestructible.

VBS is this coming week, with a special visitor. Please pray for the kids.