Wrestling with Theology: Recent Episodes
Rev. Doug Minton
Join me as I wrestle with the truth and understanding of God's Word from a Lutheran perspective. There is also a fantasy wrestling league which is run weekly.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240620.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
Peoria, IL
Bart Gunn vs Wyldcard
'Southern Psycho' Elliott Russell vs Kendall Windham
Rick Steiner vs Vampire Warrior
Illinois Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company (c) vs 'Superstar' Bill Dundee &
'Macho Man' Randy Savage
Bunkhouse Buck vs Erik Watts
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe (c) vs Chris Candido
2 Cold Scorpio vs Terry Taylor
Big Bubba Rogers vs Big Boss Man
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Jerry 'The King' Lawler
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240613.mp3
"I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain" (Galatians 4:11).
With all the problems that the Galatians have encountered, Paul was worried about them. They had basically reversed most of everything he taught. He was worried that all of his work was in vain.
In this verse, Paul shows his spiritual fatherhood over the Galatian churches. He worries over them as a parent over a wayward child. How many of you have looked at your child, at one point or another, and asked the same question about your child? How could I have spent so much time and energy and you won't listen to me?
This struggle every parent and every pastor understands well. All the labor we put into our children and our congregation but people still turn aside to the left and the right. But do we labor in vain? Absolutely not! All labor done in Christ is not in vain. It will bear abundant fruit, but it might take some time. And God gives us the strength to wait patiently for His fruit. Amen.
State Farm Center
Champaign, IL
Hector Guerrero vs Steve Southern
Big Boss Man vs Vampire Warrior
Interstate 74 Title Match: Ahmed Johnson (c) vs Grappler
'Southern Psycho' Elliot Russell vs Chris CAndido
Bart Gunn & Bunkhouse Buck vs Iron Mike Sharpe & Kendall Windham
Nikita Koloff vs Moondog Spike
Erik Watts vs Great Kabuki
Big Bubba Rogers vs Trevor Murdoch
Jerry Lawler vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Dustin Rhodes
"You observe days and months and seasons and years!" (Galatians 4:10).
Christians all over the world argue over the celebration of holy days. Lutherans have several. The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics have even more. The Evangelicals have almost none. And everyone says their number is correct. And everyone condemns those who celebrate one they don't like.
But holy days and seasons aren't evil in themselves. St. Paul writes to the Romans, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (14:5). No one should condemn you because you celebrate or don't celebrate their day. However, you cannot condemn anyone for not celebrating your day. "The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. ... [T]he one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God" (Romans 14:6). In everything you do, give thanks to God. Amen.
"How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world?" (Galatians 4:9).
In relation to God's power and glory, everything in the world is weak and worthless. The elementary principles that drive the doctrines of demons are especially weak and worthless. The Galatians had come out of this mindset. They had exchanged the weak and worthless for divine power and glory.
But some wanted to go back. Paul has to ask the question burning on his mind: "Once you've tasted God's goodness, how can you possibly want to go back? You want to go back to the world's bitterness?" Some of the Galatian Christians wanted to go back to the world's bitterness. They didn't want Christ's sweet Gospel.
How about you? Do you want to turn back? Do you want the weak and worthless? Or do you want true power and glory? Choose God's sweet power and glory. You will be greatly blessed. Amen.
"But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God" (Galatians 4:9).
As a child of God, you are known by God. It's not that you've found Jesus. It's that Jesus has written your name in the Book of Life. "Anyone not found written in the Book of Life [will be] cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
Those whom God knows are in the Book of Life. Those who are not in the Book of Life will hear the words spoken to the foolish virgins, "Truly I say to you, I do not know you" (Matthew 25:12). No one wants to hear these words from our Lord.
But your name is written in the Book of Life because God has made you alive through your Baptism (Ephesians 2:5). In your Baptism you can rejoice. Not that you know God. But that you are known by God. Amen.
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods" (Galatians 4:8).
Idols enslave you. There is no freedom in their worship. The only freedom comes through worshipping the one true God. Leaving Him as the top priority in your life. Not putting anything else in the top spot in your life.
Even though you feel that you're in charge, you're really a slave. A slave to your own thoughts and desires because these idols have no power of their own. They receive power because you give it to them.
The Galatians understood that. They had experiencedthe great freedom the Gospel brings. No more enslavement. Only the freedom of being a child of God. Amen.
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240606.mp3
"So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God" (Galatians 4:7).
Because you are no longer a slave, God has made you His heir. What is your inheritance? Everlasting life in Heaven. Jesus died on the cross with His will written in the Scriptures but delivered through the Lord's Supper. His last will and testament to His disciples were these simple means where He gives you His true body and blood so that your sins are forgiven.
The Christian's great inheritance culminates in the absence of sin. At the end of earthly life, the believing Christian receives Heaven. "And there shall be no more curse" (Revelation 22:3). "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Your inheritance, dear Christian, is everything becoming new. Because God has made you, dear Christian, new. Amen.
The beginning of the Akbar Era of the PWA!!!
BMO Harris Bank Center
Rockford, IL
Funeral for Southern Dynamite
Terry Taylor & Hector Guerrero vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Rick Steiner
'Superstar' Bill Dundee & 'Macho Man' Randy Savage vs Sheepherders
Interstate 74 Title Match: Ahmed Johnson (c) vs Grappler
Illinois Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company (c) vs 'Southern Psycho' Elliot Russell & Steve Southern
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Tully Blanchard vs Nikita Koloff
American Tag Team Titles Match: 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard (c) vs 'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
American-World Title Unification Match: Goldust (c) vs Brian Adams
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:6).
You are God's son or daughter. In your Baptism, God sent His Holy Spirit into your heart to give you faith. And there is nothing that shows this faith than crying out to God. This faithful outcry comes because you live in this fallen world.
The Holy Spirit guides you in your prayers. You can go from cries of anguish to shouts of exaltation in faith. The Psalms show you how to pray in the Spirit. The Spirit that cries, "Abba! Father!" because you are His child. Amen.
"God sent forth his Son ... so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).
Adoption is one of the greatest metaphors of the Christian's relationship with God. From your birth, you were a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). In your Baptism, God claimed you as His own child. You were adopted as His son or daughter. No longer a child of wrath. A child of grace and mercy.
God sent Jesus to show you grace and mercy. Adoption is a gracious and merciful act done by parents. To take an unwanted child and make him or her feel wanted. God did this when He took you from being a condemned child of wrath and made you a saved child by grace.
God adopted you to be His son or daughter. And all Heasks is that you live like it. Amen.
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240530.mp3
Shirk Center, Bloomington
Remember Their Legacy
Interstate 74 Title Match: Ahmed Johnson © vs Disco Inferno
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Lance Storm © vs Chris Candido
American Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 © vs Badd Company
Living Legend Battle Royale
Dearly Departed Battle Royale
American Heavyweight Title Match: Jim Duggan © vs Billy Travis
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Goldust
World Tag Team Titles Cage Match: Sheepherders © vs 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard
As we continue our survey of the history surrounding the Lutheran Reformation, we are reminded that the Roman Church is not sitting by idly as Luther and everyone else runs around making changes. The Roman Church had been in flux for more than a century before Luther posted the 95 Theses.
In this month's episode, we look to what the Roman Church is doing from the Council of Constance (1414-1418) up until the Council of Trent (1545-1563). Here, we will come across Jon Hus, John Wyckliffe, and Ignatius of Loyola.
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240523.mp3
United Center
Billy Travis vs Steve Southern
Ahmed Johnson vs Dexter Poindexter
Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido vs Brett Wayne Sawyer & Eric Embry
Disco Inferno vs Great Kabuki
PG-13 vs Iron Mike Sharpe & Kendall Windham
Last Chance Match: Octagon & Psicosis vs Akbar's Choice
Non-Title Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240516.mp3
"God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the Law" (Galatians 4:4-5).
Renaissance Coliseum
Interstate 74 Heavyweight Title Match: Disco Inferno © vs Ahmed Johnson
Eddie & Doug Gilbert vs Kendall Windham & Iron Mike Sharpe
Octagon & Psicosis vs Mike Jackson & Tommy Rogers
Iceman King Parsons vs Butch Reed
Austin Idol vs Chris Candido
Tully Blanchard vs Dustin Rhodes
1 Contender for World Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company vs 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard
"In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world" (Galatians 4:3).
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240509.mp3
"I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father" (Galatians 4:1-2).
State Farm Center
Hacksaws vs Lance Storm & Disco Inferno
PG-13 vs Sheepherders
Big Bubba Rogers vs Jerry Lawler
1 Contender for American Heavyweight Title Match: Billy Travis vs Rolando Freeman
Round Robin Tournament Tiebreaker!!!
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" (Galatians 3:29).
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240502.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches -- FINAL ROUND!!!
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Jushin Liger vs Psicosis
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Goldust vs Wyldcard
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Doug Gilbert vs Eric Embry
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Paul Diamond
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Kendall Windham vs Psicosis
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Dustin Rhodes vs Wyldcard
Other Matches
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Brett Wayne Sawyer vs J.C. Ice
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Pat Tanaka vs Steve Southern
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World Heavyweight Title MAtch: Eddie Gilbert (c) vs Tully Blanchard
Evil Destroyed (Revelation 20:7-10)
7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240425.mp3
United Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Wyldcard
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Goldust vs Psicosis
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Doug Gilbert vs Paul Diamond
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Eric Embry
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Kendall Windham vs Wyldcard
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Dustin Rhodes vs Psicosis
Other Matches
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Tommy Rogers & Mike Jackson vs Lance Storm & Disco Inferno
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Austin Idol vs Great Kabuki
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Jerry Lawler vs Octagon
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World Tag Team Titles vs Akbar's Booking Position Barbed Wire Match: 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard (c) vs Sheepherders
Before we focus strictly on the Reformation by Luther and his co-workers in Germany, we are going to look at the Reformation around the world. Much of these were sparked by Luther, but they took on a life of their own.
This month, we look at one of the early enemies of Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and his attempt to create a theocracy in Zurich. Zwingli's mantle was quickly picked up in Geneva by John Calvin, who has about as much influence over the Reformation as Luther. Part of that influence included the creation of the Dutch Reformed Church after Calvin's death but ensconced in Calvin's teaching.
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240418.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Iceman King Parsons
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Goldust vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Doug Gilbert vs Goldust
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Kendall Windham
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Paul Diamond vs Iceman King Parsons
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Eric Embry vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Other Matches
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Billy Travis vs Rolando Freeman
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American Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 (c) vs Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240411.mp3
State Farm Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Goldust vs Iceman King Parsons
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Doug Gilbert vs Kendall Windham
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Dustin Rhodes
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Paul Diamond vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Eric Embry vs Iceman King Parsons
Other Matches
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Ahmed Johnson vs Dexter Poindexter
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Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Lance Storm (c) vs Chris Candido
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American Heavyweight Title Match: Big Bubba Rogers (c) vs Jim Duggan
15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240404.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Dustin Rhodes
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Goldust vs Kendall Windham
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Doug Gilbert vs Iceman King Parsons
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Paul Diamond vs Psicosis
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Eric Embry vs Wyldcard
Interstate 74 Title Match: Disco Inferno (c) vs Wolfie D
Austin Idol vs Jerry Lawler
American Heavyweight Title Match: Big Bubba Rogers (c) vs ??
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240403.mp3
Victory in Lent #8
Reading: Ezekiel 37
Hymn: Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
Psalm: 51:8-15
Victory in Lent #7
Reading: Deuteronomy 31
Hymn: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
Psalm: LSB #926
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240328.mp3
Victory in Lent #6
Reading: Ezekiel 36
Hymn: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle
Psalm: 96
United Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Paul Diamond vs Wyldcard
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Doug Gilbert vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Jushin Liger vs Kendall Windham
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Eric Embry vs Psicosis
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Iceman King Parsons
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Goldust vs Dustin Rhodes
World Tag Team Titles Match: 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard (c) vs Sheepherders
Doug Gilbert's Contract: 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Butch Reed
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240327.mp3
Victory in Lent #1
Reading: Genesis 1-3
Hymn: All Mankind Fell in Adam's Fall
Psalm: 33:1-11
Imperial Diets
What is an Imperial Diet? We look at a handful of these imperial legislative
meetings that have a profound impact on the Reformation.
1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240321.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Eric Embry
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Goldust vs Paul Diamond
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Doug Gilbert vs Psicosis
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Wyldcard
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Kendall Windham vs Iceman King Parsons
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Dustin Rhodes vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Other Matches
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Interstate 74 Title Match: Disco Inferno (c) vs Rolando Freeman
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Billy Travis vs Butch Reed
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'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Pat Tanaka
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Octagon vs Jim Duggan
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240320.mp3
17b And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” 19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 22 and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240314.mp3
State Farm Center
Round Robin Tournament Matches
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Jushin Liger vs Paul Diamond
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Goldust vs Eric Embry
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'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert vs Wyldcard
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Psicosis
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Kendall Windham vs Iron Mike Sharpe
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Dustin Rhodes vs Iceman King Parsons
Other Matches
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Jerry Lawler vs Mike Jackson
-
Brett Wayne Sawyer vs Steve Southern
-
Big Bubba Rogers vs Tommy Rogers
-
Hacksaws vs Rolando Freeman & Billy Travis
-
American Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 (c) vs Disco Inferno & Lance Storm
-
World Tag Team Titles Match: Wyldcard & 2 Cold Scorpio (c) vs Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido
BMO Harris Bank Center
Extension: Goldust
Round Robin Tournament Matches
-
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Psicosis
-
Iceman King Parsons vs Wyldcard
-
Eric Embry vs Kendall Windham
-
Paul Diamond vs Dustin Rhodes
-
Goldust vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert
-
Jushin Liger vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Other Matches
-
Interstate 74 Title Match: Disco Inferno (c) vs Pat Tanaka
-
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Lance Storm (c) vs Great Kabuki
-
Rolando Freeman & Billy Travis vs Sheepherders
-
'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Octagon
-
World Heavyweight Title Match: 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert (c) vs Tully Blanchard
9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” 11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 14 “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” 15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240307.mp3
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ 8 For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240229.mp3
United Center
Signing: Big Bubba Rogers
Round Robin Tournament Matches
-
Paul Diamond vs Kendall Windham
-
Wyldcard vs Iron Mike Sharpe
-
Jushin Liger vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert
-
Iceman King Parsons vs Psicosis
-
Dustin Rhodes vs Eric Embry
-
Goldust vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Other Matches
-
Jerry Lawler vs Ahmed Johnson
-
Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido vs Mike Jackson & Tommy Rogers
-
American Heavyweight Title Match: Raven (c) vs Big Bubba Rogers
While we live with five hundred years of the Reformation behind us, we are taking a look at the early years of Luther's career at the University of Wittenberg and the first few years of the Reformation before it becomes the major political focus of Europe in the mid-16th century.
95 Theses Commentary: https://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/theology-pages/luthers-95-theses/
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240222.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
Round Robin Tournament Matches
-
Wyldcard vs Psicosis
-
Great Kabuki vs 2 Cold Scorpio
-
Paul Diamond vs Wolfie D
-
Iceman King Parsons vs Iron Mike Sharpe
-
Dustin Rhodes vs Kendall Windham
-
Jushin Liger vs Goldust
15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240215.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
St. Valentine's Day Massacre
Interstate 74 Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe (c) vs Disco Inferno
Sheepherders vs Badd Company
Heartbreakers Rumble
World Tag Team Titles Match: Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido (c) vs 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Lance Storm
American Heavyweight Title Match: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs Raven
World Heavyweight Title Match: Tully Blanchard (c) vs ??
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240214.mp3
6b When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240208.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Dexter Poindexter vs Rolando Freeman
Billy Travis vs Kendall Windham
1 Contender for Interstate 74 Title Match: Kendall Windham vs Disco Inferno
Brett Wayne Sawyer vs Chris Candido
1 Contender for Illinois Title Match: Lance Storm vs Eric Embry
2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard vs Sheepherders
Badd Company vs PG-13
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Raven
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240207.mp3
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240201.mp3
Shirk Center
Disco Inferno vs Billy Travis
1 Contender for the Interstate 74 Title Match: Ahmed Johnson vs Dan Spivey
Bob Holly vs Kendall Windham
Eric Embry vs Brett Wayne Sawyer
Sheepherders vs Badd Company
Raven vs Octagon
World Tag Team Titles Match: Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido (c) vs 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard
Non-Title Match: Dustin Rhodes vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240131.mp3
17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240125.mp3
United Center
Non-Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Ahmed Johnson
Eric Embry vs Great Kabuki
Disco Inferno & Lance Storm vs Tommy Rogers & Mike Jackson
Badd Company vs Wyldcard & 2 Cold Scorpio
Sheepherders vs PG-13
1 Contender for the American Heavyweight Title Match: Raven vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
World Heavyweight Title Match: Tully Blanchard (c) vs Dustin Rhodes
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240124.mp3
In this episode, we look at the events and people of the 15th century which allowed for the Reformation to be sparked by Luther. We look at important people and events that shaped the world in the 15th century.
12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240118.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
1 Contender for the World Tag Team Titles Match: Wyldcard vs Butch Miller
Dexter Poindexter vs Rolando Freeman
Brett Wayne Sawyer vs Billy Travis
Triple Threat Match: 2 Cold Scoprio vs Jushin Liger vs Tommy Rogers
PG-13 vs Lance Storm & Disco Inferno
Chris Candido vs Bob Holly
Goldust vs Bubba Ray Dudley
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Raven
World Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company (c) vs Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240117.mp3
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.
4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240111.mp3
State Farm Center
Signing: Eric Embry
J.C. Ice vs Tommy Rogers
Wolfie D vs Mike Jackson
1 Contenders for World Tag Team titles: 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard vs Sheepherders
Disco Inferno vs Rolando Freeman
Interstate 74 Heavyweight Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Lance Storm vs Billy Travis
Eric Embry vs Great Kabuki
Brett Wayne Sawyer vs Chris Candido
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Octagon
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Raven
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240110.mp3
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. 2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” 5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_240104.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Signing: Ahmed Johnson, Skandar Akbar, Brett Wayne Sawyer
Extension: Lance Storm, Jushin Liger, Kendall Windham
Departure: Brad Armstrong, Cowboy Ron Bass
Ahmed Johnson vs Dexter Poindexter
Octagon vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Chris Candido vs Brett Wayne Sawyer
Bob Holly vs Tully Blanchard
Goldust vs Bubba Ray Dudley
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Raven
American Heavyweight Title Match: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs Jerry Lawler
Nine-Team Tag Team Battle Royale
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_240103.mp3
"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231228.mp3
"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Fiserv Forum
Christmas Chaos '23
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Dan Spivey
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Bob Holly
World Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 (c) vs Badd Company
Raven vs Brad Armstrong
American Heavyweight Title Match: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs Goldust
World Heavyweight Title Match: Tully Blanchard (c) vs Jerry Lawler
Last Battle of Wisconsin - Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231227.mp3
"On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...
a partridge in a pear tree."
In order that
Who is listed?
Anabaptists
Schwenkfeldians
New Arians
Anti-Trinitarians
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231225.mp3
O Emmanuel,
our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us,
O Lord our God.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Emmanuel.mp3
O King of the nations,
the ruler they long for,
the cornerstone uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whom You formed out of clay.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/King-Desire.mp3
O Dayspring,
splendor of light everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Dayspring.mp3
6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” 8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” 9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231221.mp3
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
You open and no one can close,
You close and no one can open:
Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Key.mp3
United Center
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Octagon, Psicosis & Jushin Liger vs Great Kabuki &
Sheepherders
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Dan Spivey
Raven vs Brad Armstrong
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Bob Holly
Six-Man Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 & Iceman King Parsons vs Badd Company &
Cowboy Ron Bass
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231220.mp3
O Root of Jesse,
standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Root-Branch.mp3
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Adonai.mp3
This article provides a glorious testimony that God's Church will exist and abide in opposition to all the gates of Hell [Matthew 16:18]. Likewise, it teaches what God's true Church is, so that we may not be offended by the great authority of the false church (Romans 9:24-25). (SD XI 50)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231218.mp3
O Wisdom,
proceeding from the mouth of the Most High,
pervading and permeating all creation,
mightily ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/antiphons/Wisdom.mp3
1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231214.mp3
Renaissance Coliseum
Signing: Mike Jackson, Tommy Rogers
Billy Travis vs Wyldcard
Television Title Match: Ahmed Johnson (c) vs Kendall Windham
Great Kabuki vs Steve Southern
Chris Candido vs Iron Mike Sharpe
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Bob Holly
Badd Company vs Tommy Rogers & Mike Jackson
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
Raven vs Dustin Rhodes
Jerry Lawler vs Brad Armstrong
World Heavyweight Title Match: Tully Blanchard (c) vs Goldust
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231213.mp3
Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith--just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
Among the theologians of the Augsburg Confession there has not yet arisen any public dispute at all about the eternal election of God's children that caused offense and has become widespread. Yet this article has been brought into very painful controversy in other places. Even among our theologians there has been some agitation about it. Furthermore, the theologians did not always use the same expressions. By the help of divine grace, we want to prevent disagreement and separation in the future among our successors on account of this teaching. Therefore, as much as in us lies, we want to present an explanation of this teaching here. Then everyone may know what our unanimous doctrine, faith, and confession is also on this article. For the teaching about this article--if taught from, and according to, the pattern of the divine Word--neither can nor should be regarded as useless or unnecessary, much less as offensive or harmful. For the Holy Scriptures not just in one place or randomly, but in many places, thoroughly discuss and explain this teaching. Furthermore, we should not neglect or reject the teaching of the divine Word because of abuse and misunderstanding. But for that very reason, the true meaning should and must be explained from the foundation of the Scriptures in order to turn away all abuse and misunderstanding. (SD XI 1-3)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231211.mp3
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law or by hearing with faith?
11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231207.mp3
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law or by hearing with faith?
United Center
Extension: Duane Gill
Departure: Jeff Jarrett
Dan Spivey vs Dexter Poindexter
Television Title Match: Ahmed Johnson (c) vs Kendall Windham
Octagon & Psicosis vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Chris Candido
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Bob Holly
Great Kabuki vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Raven vs Brad Armstrong
Iceman King Parsons & Austin Idol vs Sheepherders
World Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 (c) vs Bob Holly & Rolando Freeman
American Heavyweight Title Match: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs Bubba Ray Dudley
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231206.mp3
Predestination, or God's eternal election, covers only the godly, beloved children of God. It is a cause of their salvation, which He also provides. He plans what belongs to it as well. Our salvation is founded so firmly on it that the gates of Hell cannot overcome it (John 10:28; Matthew 16:18). (Ep XI 5)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231204.mp3
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231130.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Signing: Raven, Steve Southern
2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard vs Lance Storm & Disco Inferno
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Ahmed Johnson
Raven vs Steve Southern
Iceman King Parsons vs Psicosis
Badd Company vs Sheepherders
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Jeff Jarrett
Goldust vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
American Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler (c) vs Dustin Rhodes
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231129.mp3
We believe, teach, and confess that the community of God (in every place and at every time according to its circumstances) has the power to change such worship ceremonies in a way that may be most useful and edifying to the community of God. (Ep X 4)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231127.mp3
13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231123.mp3
United Center
Extension: Lance Storm
Departure: Tim Horner
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Duane Gill
Rolando Freeman vs Tim Horner
Iceman King Parsons & 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Chris Candido
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Disco Inferno
Octagon vs Jushin Liger
Great Kabuki vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Lance Storm vs Psicosis
Brad Armstrong vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
World Tag Team Titles Match: PG-13 (c) vs Badd Company
World Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs Tully Blanchard
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231122.mp3
This article has also been disputed among some theologians who have subscribed to the Augsburg Confession: When and in what manner did the Lord Christ, according to our simple Christian faith, descend to Hell? Was this done before or after His death? Did this happen only to His soul, only to the divinity, or with body and soul, spiritually or bodily? Does this article belong to Christ's passion or to His glorious victory and triumph? (Ep IX 1)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231120.mp3
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231116.mp3
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 2:21
Fiserv Forum
Paul Diamond vs J.C. Ice
Pat Tanaka vs Wolfie D
1 Contender for the Television Title Match: Disco Inferno vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Rolando Freeman
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Wyldcard
Great Kabuki vs Lance Storm
Bob Holly vs Chris Candido
Octagon & Psicosis vs Lightning Express
Non-Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass vs Jeff Jarrett
World Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs Tully Blanchard
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231115.mp3
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
There is and remains in Christ only one divine omnipotence, power, majesty, and glory, which is peculiar to the divine nature alone. But it shines, manifests, and exercises itself fully--yet voluntarily--in, with, and through the received, exalted human nature in Christ. In glowing iron there are not two kinds of power to shine and burn. But the power to shine and to burn is a property of the fire. Since the fire is united with the iron, it manifests and exercises this power to shine and to burn in, with, and through the glowing iron. From this union also the glowing iron has the power to shine and to burn without changing the essence and the natural properties of fire and iron. (SD VIII 66)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231113.mp3
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!
Galatians 2:17
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:16
7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231109.mp3
And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.
Galatians 2:13
Renaissance Coliseum
Departure: Bugsy McGraw
Paul Diamond vs Wolfie D
Pat Tanaka vs J.C. Ice
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Billy Travis
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Bugsy McGraw
Disco Inferno vs Jushin Liger
Dan Spivey vs Bob Holly
2 Cold Scorpio vs Psicosis
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Brad Armstrong
Non-Title Match: Jerry Lawler vs Tully Blanchard
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231108.mp3
For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.
Galatians 2:12
In fulfilling Christ's office, the person does not act and work in, with, through, or according to only one nature. It works in, according to, with, and through both natures. As the Council of Chalcedon expresses it, one nature works in communion with the other what is a property of each. Therefore, Christ is our Mediator, Redeemer, King, High Priest, Head, Shepherd, and so on, not according to one nature only (whether it be the divine or the human), but according to both natures. This teaching has been treated more fully in other places. (SD VIII 46-47)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231106.mp3
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Galatians 2:11
1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231102.mp3
State Farm Center
Signing: Jushin Liger, Great Kabuki
Extension: Bobby Heenan, Gary Hart
Badd Company vs Sheepherders
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Tim Horner
Great Kabuki vs Jushin Liger
Chris Candido vs Octagon
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Non-Title Match: Goldust vs Dustin Rhodes
'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Tully Blanchard
American Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler (c) vs Bubba Ray Dudley
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231101.mp3
We believe, teach, and confess that now, since the Incarnation, each nature in Christ does not exist by itself so that each is, or makes up, a separate person. These two natures are so united that they make up one single person, in which the divine and the received human nature are and exist at the same time. So now, since the Incarnation, there belongs to the entire person of Christ personally not only His divine nature, but also His received human nature. So without His divinity, and also without His humanity, the person of Christ or the incarnate Son of God is not complete. We mean the Son of God who has received flesh and become man [John 1:14]. Therefore, Christ is not two distinct persons, but one single person, even though two distinct natures are found in Him, unconfused in their natural essence and properties. (SD VIII 11)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231030.mp3
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. 18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” 19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231026.mp3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Departure: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Wyldcard vs Rolando Freeman
Billy Travis vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Sheepherders vs Duane Gill & Dexter Poindexter
Television Title Match: Kendall Windham (c) vs Dan Spivey
Disco Inferno & Lance Storm vs Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Cowboy Ron Bass
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Lightning Express
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Jeff Jarrett
World Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company (c) vs PG-13
World Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231025.mp3
The Sacramentarians have asserted that the divine and human natures in Christ are united personally in such a way that neither has real communion. This means (in deed and truth) that they do not share with the other nature what is unique to either nature. They share nothing more than the name alone. For they plainly say, "The personal union does nothing more than make the names common." In other words, God is called man, and man is called God. Yet this happens in such a way that the divine has no real communion (that is, in deed and truth) with humanity. And humanity has nothing in common with divinity, its majesty and properties. Dr. Luther and those who agreed with him have contended against the Sacramentarians for the contrary teaching. (Ep VIII 3)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231023.mp3
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231019.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Castbox (https://castbox.fm/channel/id1442260) or your favorite podcast app.
United Center
Departure: Brickhouse Brown
Wyldcard vs Bugsy McGraw
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Kendall Windham
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Disco Inferno & Lance Storm vs Sheepherders
Non-Title Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Brad Armstrong vs Chris Candido
Dustin Rhodes vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis vs Octagon & Psicosis
Bob Holly vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
World Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs Jeff Jarrett
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231018.mp3
This month's Podcast of the Month at OSLC:
History That Doesn't Suck is a bi-weekly American History podcast by Professor Greg Jackson from Utah Valley University. He takes us on a chronological journey through storytelling.
In this episode, he is speaking with Ken Burns about his upcoming film The American Buffalo, which will premiere on PBS tonight (10/16).
Some refer to Ken Burns as a historian, but he would be quick to tell you that he considers himself a storyteller.
His latest documentary The American Buffalo is a sort of biography of the American bison, or the buffalo as they are more commonly known. The fact is, we would only know of buffaloes from history books if it weren't for a collective effort to save this species from the brink of extinction in the late 19th century. It's a remarkable story of how conservationists and hunters alike pulled together to repair some of what had been pulled apart by unchecked slaughter and displacement of wildlife and indigenous peoples.
More can be found about HTDS at https://htdspodcast.com
There are many teachings among Christians that are false and divide Christians from being able to truly have Communion together. This week, we look at the listing of them from the Roman Church and the Sacramentarians. Almost all of these are still readily taught today.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231016.mp3
Subscribe on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/27tIOK9gdKZ0HrEgIJ4DiJ) or your favorite podcast app.
1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2 but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231012.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
Fiserv Forum
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Octagon vs Billy Travis
Lance Storm vs Psicosis
'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes vs Disco Inferno
Lightning Express vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Jeff Jarrett
World Tag Team Titles Match: Badd Company (c) vs PG-13
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs 2 Cold Scorpio
American Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler (c) vs Tully Blanchard
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231011.mp3
It is not our faith that makes the Sacrament, but only the true Word and institution of our almighty God and Savior, Jesus Christ. His Word always is and remains effective in the Christian Church. It is not invalidated or rendered ineffective by the worthiness or the unworthiness of the minister, nor by the unbelief of the one who receives it. This is just like the Gospel. Even though the godless hearers do not believe it, the Gospel is and remains nonetheless the true Gospel, only it does not work for salvation in the unbelieving. So whether those who receive the Sacrament believe or do not beleive, Christ remains nonetheless true in His words when He says, "Take, eat; this is My body." He makes Himself present not by our faith, but by His almighty power.
It is a deadly, shameless error that some people cunningly pervert this familiar rule to say that faith makes Christ's body present and partakes of it, rather than the almighty power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (SD VII 89-90)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231009.mp3
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wrestling-with-theology/id1437457035?mt=2&uo=4) or your favorite podcast app.
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter. 11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_231005.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/wrestling-with-theology-2) or your favorite podcast app.
Renaissance Coliseum
Rolando Freeman vs Dexter Poindexter
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Kendall Windham
Lance Storm vs Duane Gill
Iceman King Parsons & 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Chris Candido
2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard vs Sheepherders
Brickhouse Brown vs Bubba Ray Dudley
American Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler (c) vs Great Muta
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_231004.mp3
All the circumstances of the Holy Supper's institution testify that these words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (which in themselves are simple, plain, clear, firm, and beyond doubt), cannot and must not be understood other than in their usual, proper, and common meaning. For Christ gives this command at the table and at supper. There is certainly no doubt that He speaks of real, natural bread and of natural wine. Also, He speaks of oral eating and drinking, so there can be no metaphor (i.e., a change of meaning) in the word bread, as though Christ's body were a spiritual bread or a spiritual food of souls. Christ is careful not to use metonymy either. In other words, there is no change of meaning in the word body. He does not speak about a sign for His body, or about or figurative body, or about the power of His body and the benefits that He has earned by the sacrifice of His body
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_231002.mp3
Subscribe on Google Podcasts (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZmViOWM4L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz) or your favorite podcast app.
1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3 and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. 4 And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” 5 And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, 7 but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230928.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Anchor (https://anchor.fm/rev-doug-minton) or your favorite podcast app.
State Farm Center
Signing: Sheepherders, Octagon, Psicosis
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Kendall Windham
Sheepherders vs Octagon & Psicosis
Mississippi Mud Match for the World Heavyweight Title!!!
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230927.mp3
Against the Sacramentarians' opinion, this is what is taught in the Augsburg Confession from God's Word about the Lord's Supper: "That the body and blood of Christ are truly present and distributed to those who eat the Lord's Supper" [AC X 1]. The contrary doctrine is rejected (namely, that of the Sacramentarians, who presented their own confession at the same time at Augsburg. They said that the body of Christ, because He has ascended to Heaven, is not truly and essentially present here on earth in the Sacrament). (SD VII 9)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230925.mp3
Subscribe on Podvine (https://podvine.com/podcast/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
BMO Harris Bank Center
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Wyldcard
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Bugsy McGraw
Disco Inferno vs Bob Holly
2 Cold Scorpio vs Rolando Freeman
Billy Travis vs Jeff Jarrett
Lightning Express vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Lance Storm
American Heavyweight TItle Match: Sting (c) vs Jerry Lawler
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230920.mp3
To explain this controversy, it must be noted in the beginning that there are two kinds of Sacramentarians. Some are openly crass Sacramentarians. They declare in plain, clear words what they believe in their hearts, that in the Holy Supper nothing but bread and wine is present, distributed, and received with the mouth. Others, however, are crafty Sacramentarians. They are the most harmful of all. In part, they talk very fancy, using our own words. They pretend that they also believe a true presence of the true, essential, living body and blood of Christ in the Holy Supper. However, they say that this happens spiritually through faith. Nevertheless, under these fancy words they hold precisely the former crass opinion, namely, that in the Holy Supper nothing is present and received with the mouth except bread and wine. For with them the word spiritually means nothing other than the Spirit of Christ or the power of Christ's absent body and His merit that is present. But for them Christ's body is in no mode or way present, except above in the highest heaven. They say we should elevate ourselves into heaven by the thoughts of our faith. And there--not at all in the bread and wine of the Holy Supper--we should seek Christ's body and blood. (Ep VII 3-5)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230918.mp3
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7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon. 12 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
United Center
Signing: Bob Holly, Wyldcard
Extension: 2 Cold Scorpio, Lance Storm, Dan Spivey, Iron Mike Sharpe, PG-13
Bob Holly & Rolando Freeman vs 2 Cold Scorpio & Wyldcard
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Tim Horner
Iceman King Parsons vs Cowboy Ron Bass
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Brad Armstrong
1 Contender for the American Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler vs Tully Blanchard
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Badd Company
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230913.mp3
We believe, teach, and confess that, even though people who are truly believing
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230911.mp3
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1 And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3 Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230907.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Fiserv Forum
Hard Day's Night
Extension: Badd Company
Departure: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Facade, Honky Tonk Man
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Jeff Jarrett & Kendall Windham vs Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis
2 Cold Scorpio vs Disco Inferno
PG-13 vs Badd Company
Lance Storm vs Michael Hayes
Honky Tonk Man & Iceman KIng Parsons vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Brad Armstrong vs Rolando Freeman
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Marty Jannetty & D'Angelo Dinero (Open Invitation)
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Terry Gordy
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230906.mp3
From the beginning of the world these two proclamations have always been taught alongside each other in God's Church, with a proper distinction. The descendants of the well-respected patriarchs, and the patriarchs themselves, called to mind constantly how in the beginning a person had been created righteous and holy by God. They know that through the fraud of the Serpent, Adam transgressed God's command, became a sinner, and corrupted and cast himself with all his descendants into death and eternal condemnation. They encouraged and comforted themselves again by the preaching about the woman's seed, who would bruise the Serpent's head (Genesis 3:15); Abraham's seed, in whom "all the nations of the earth [will] be blessed" (Genesis 22:18); David's son, who should "bring back the preserved of Israel" and be "a light for the nations" (Isaiah 49:6; see also Psalm 110:1; Luke 2:32), and who "was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities ... and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). (SD V 23)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230904.mp3
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12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
13 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230831.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Renaissance Coliseum
Facade vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Jesse James Armstrong vs Pat Tanaka
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs D'Angelo Dinero (Open Invitation)
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Dexter Poindexter
Jeff Jarrett vs Rolando Freeman
Bugsy McGraw vs Jerry Lawler
Billy Gunn vs Tully Blanchard
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
American Heavyweight Title Match: Sting (c) vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Eight-Man Tag Team Match: PG-13, 2 Cold Scorpio & Kendall Windham vs Brickhouse Brown, Billy Travis, Lance Storm & Disco Inferno
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230830.mp3
First, regarding the necessity or voluntary nature of good works, it is clear that in the Augsburg Confession and its Apology these expressions are often used and repeated--good works are necessary. Likewise, they say it is necessary to do good works, which necessarily follow faith and reconciliation. Likewise, we necessarily are to do, and must do, the kind of good works God has commanded. In the Holy Scriptures themselves teh words necessity, needful, and necessary, as well as ought and must, are used to describe what we are bound to do because of God's ordinance, command, and will. (See Romans 13:5; 1 Corinthians 9:9; Acts 5:29; John 15:12; 1 John 4:21). (SD IV 14)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230828.mp3
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10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230824.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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State Farm Center
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Tim Horner
Brickhouse Brown vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Kendall Windham vs Billy Travis
2 Cold Scorpio vs Rolando Freeman
Disco Inferno & Lance Storm vs PG-13
Michael Hayes vs Brad Armstrong
American Heavyweight Title Match: Sting (c) vs Junk Yard Dog (Open Invitation)
1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title: Bubba Ray Dudley vs Terry Gordy
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Bob Backlund (Open Invitation)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230823.mp3
Afterward, a schism arose between some theologians because of the two words necessary and free. The one side argued that the word necessary should not be used about the new obedience, which, they say, does not flow from necessity and coercion, but from a voluntary spirit. The other side insisted on the word necessary. They say obedience is not our option, but regenerate people are obliged to render this obedience. (Ep IV 3)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230821.mp3
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8 The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230817.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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BMO Harris Bank Center
Kendall Windham vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Caprice Coleman (Open Invitation)
Jeff Jarrett vs Rolando Freeman
PG-13 vs Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
Badd Company vs Lightning Express
American Heavyweight Title Match: Sting (c) vs Greg Valentine (Open Invitation)
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230816.mp3
''And they glorified God because of me.'' (Galatians 1:24).
How many times have people glorified God because of you? And were they the right people? We seek to glorify God in our lives. We seek to have God glorified by our lives.
We see this in Jesus' own words, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16). God is glorified through your good works. You do not earn salvation by them. They show your salvation. And people take notice.
Let us hope that they take notice and praise the good rather than remember our sins. Amen.
''And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy"'' (Galatians 1:22-23).
In the fifteen days he was in Jerusalem, Paul only saw Peter and James (Galatians 1:18-19). No other Christian saw him or knew him by sight in Judea.
How can that be? It's not really all that hard. Take yourself out of Iroquois County. Or whatever small town you're listening in. Put yourself in Chicago or Minneapolis or St. Louis. How long would it take for you to be known by many people? More than fifteen days. That's for sure!
Even though they didn't know his face, the Christians in Judea still glorified God because the great persecutor had seen the Light. They rejoiced because Jesus had removed their fear. Amen.
''Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.'' (Galatians 1:21).
After his meeting with Peter, Paul finally returned home to Tarsus. Tarsus was the capital of the province of Cilicia. What a surprise it probably was for his neighbors growing up to hear his testimony! Definitely one with twists and turns like John Grisham novel.
The hometown boy who had left to sit at the feet of the great Gamaliel. The man they had heard stories of his barbarism against Christians. The man who came to preach the very Gospel he once tried to silence.
Paul came home. A very different man from the boy who had left. Not only had he earned a great education. He had seen the Messiah risen from the dead. And this story he proclaimed to everyone he met. It means that much. Amen.
This is false because it is directly opposed to the declaration of Paul, "[Blessed is] the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works" (Romans 4:6). Paul's reason is that we receive both salvation and righteousness in one and the same way. In fact, when we are justified through faith, we receive adoption at the same time and are made heirs of eternal life and salvation. For this reason Paul uses and emphasizes the exclusive terms, that is, those words by which works and our own merits are entirely excluded. He uses "by grace," "apart from works," as forcibly in the article about salvation as in the article about righteousness. (SD III 53)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230814.mp3
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''Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days'' (Galatians 1:18).
In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul tells the congregation about two visits with Peter. One good. One not so good. This is round one.
Three years after his conversion, Paul finally comes to meet Peter. What a meeting that must have been! The self-proclaimed chief of the Apostles and the one-time greatest persecutor of the Way. Anyone watching and knowing the history would have expected a fist fight to break out.
But it was peaceful. Fifteen days together and no fireworks. However, there was no time for Peter to have taught Paul the entire Gospel in that short time. Paul adds this historical note to firm up his assertion that his Gospel is from Christ and not from any man.
The two met as brothers who had never met. They departed each other's company with lives that would never be the same. May you have this privilege with a Christian man or woman in your life. Amen.
6 Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. 7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230810.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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''Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem'' (Galatians 1:18).
Not only did Paul go back to Damascus to preach. He stayed there for three years. Three years without speaking to one of the Apostles. Three years of rumors about this persecutor turned preacher. Three years of uncertainty. After this time, Paul finally returned to Jerusalem.
Three years away. Three days of blindness before his Baptism. Three days Jesus stayed in the tomb. Coincidence? I think not.
I believe it was a very deliberate time away from the Apostles. Why? Paul didn't need Peter's approval to preach. He was called by Jesus Christ, just like the Twelve. He answered the call and let God guide his course. Very good role model for your Christian life. Amen.
United Center
Rolando Freeman vs Facade
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Jeff Gaylord (Open Invitation)
Jeff Jarrett & Kendall Windham vs Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis
Disco Inferno vs Brad Armstrong
Fabulous Freebirds vs PG-13
Lance Storm vs Jerry Lawler
Iceman King Parsons vs Tully Blanchard
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Tommy Rich (Open Invitation)
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Sting
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230809.mp3
''I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus'' (Galatians 1:17).
After Paul's time in Arabia, he went back to Damascus. The place where he had seen Jesus. The place where he had to be snuck out over the wall in a basket to protect his life (Acts 9:23-25).
It takes great courage to go back to a place where they wanted to kill you. That zeal made him a great Gospel preacher. Paul went back and helped Ananias and the disciples in Damascus to build the congregation. Build it into a great center of the Church for centuries. Up until the Muslim takeover of Syria.
Paul's zeal led the congregation in Damascus. It still leads congregations throughout the world today. Everywhere that St. Paul's words are read in worship. His words inspire you because they are God's Word. Given to you through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
''Nor did I go up to Jerusalem ... but I went away into Arabia'' (Galatians 1:17).
The Arabian peninsula has been a great place in Christian history. Abraham and Isaac sojourned there in their time. Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt to Mount Sinai. Paul went there to study and reinforce his newborn faith. Many early Church fathers fled into Arabia to live as hermits in the desert.
Paul's excursion into Arabia is the epitome of our need to find that quiet place. The place where we can meditate on God's Word. Paul went into Arabia because he could meditate most effectively there.
This quiet time is necessary for your prayer life to flourish. Without the distractions of this world, you can think upon the things of the world to come. Amen.
''[God] was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles'' (Galatians 1:16).
God reveals His Son to everyone. It may be by vision or by word. But God reveals Jesus to everyone. To Paul, Jesus appeared on the Damascus road. To the Gentiles, He sent Paul.
This calling to preach to the Gentiles transformed the Christian Church. Several in the Jerusalem Church wanted Christianity to be for Jews only. They cringed whenever they heard about an Apostle or deacon speaking to a Gentile. They wanted to make sure that any Gentile coming to faith in Jesus became a Jew as well. But that is not what Jesus called Paul to do.
Jesus called Paul to preach Him to all creatures. The same calling that He gives to you. Share your faith as Paul did. Don't think you can do it? Pray about it. Ask for God to show you the opportunities He is giving you to share your faith. He will give you the strength to do it. Amen.
One side has contended that the righteousness of faith, which the apostle calls God's righteousness, is God’s essential righteousness. They say this is Christ Himself as God's true, natural, and essential Son, who dwells in the elect by faith and moves them to do right. And so He is their righteousness. Compared with this great ocean of righteousness, the sins of all men are as a drop of water.
Against this, others have held and taught that Christ is our righteousness according to His human nature alone.
In opposition to both these groups it has been unanimously taught by the other teachers of the Augsburg Confession that Christ is our righteousness not according to His divine nature alone, nor according to His human nature alone, but according to both natures. For He has redeemed, justified, and saved us from our sins as God and man, through His complete obedience. Therefore, the righteousness of faith is the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and our adoption as God’s children only on account of Christ's obedience. Christ's obedience alone--out of pure grace--is credited for righteousness through faith alone to all true believers. They are absolved from all their unrighteousness by this obedience.
Besides this controversy, other disputes have been caused and stirred up
because of the Interim. Other disputes about the article of justification
will be explained in antitheses, that is, listing the errors that are contrary
to the pure teaching in this article. (SD III 2-5)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230807.mp3
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1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230803.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Fiserv Forum
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Bugsy McGraw
Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons vs Fabulous Freebirds
Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Octagon & Psicosis (Open Invitation)
Cage War: Spectaculars vs Jarrett's Gang
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230802.mp3
One side has held that Christ, according to His divinity alone, is our Righteousness, if He dwells in us through faith. Contrasted with this divinity, dwelling in us through faith, the sins of all people must be regarded as a drop of water compared to a great ocean. Others, on the contrary, have held that Christ is our Righteousness before God according to His human nature alone. (Ep III 2)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230731.mp3
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13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230727.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Renaissance Coliseum
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Facade
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Elix Skipper (Open Invitation)
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
Badd Company vs Dexter Poindexter & Duane Gill
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs Sting
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Crash Holly & Dean Malenko (Open Invitation)
Cage War: Spectaculars vs Jarrett's Gang
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230726.mp3
In conversion God changes stubborn and unwilling people into willing people through the drawing of the Holy Spirit. After such conversion, in the daily exercise of repentance, a person's regenerate will is not idle, but also cooperates in all the Holy Spirit's works that He does through us. How this happens has already been explained well enough above. (SD II 88)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230724.mp3
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9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230720.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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State Farm Center
Departure: T.D. Steele
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Dexter Poindexter
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Crash Holly (Open Invitation)
Tully Blanchard vs Duane Gill
Non-Title Match: New Age Outlaws vs Sting & Bubba Ray Dudley
Non-Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass vs Iceman King Parsons
Badd Company vs Lightning Express
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs Sabu (Open Invitation)
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Michael Hayes
Cage War: Spectaculars vs Jarrett's Gang
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230719.mp3
All who want to be saved ought to listen to this preaching. For the preaching and hearing of God's Word are the Holy Spirit's instruments. By, with, and through these instruments the Spirit desires to work effectively, to convert people to God, and to work in them both to will and to do. (SD II 52)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230717.mp3
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''And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people'' (Galatians 1:14).
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230713.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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''For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it (Galatians 1:13).''
''For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it (Galatians 1:13).''
BMO Harris Bank Center
Extension: Missy Hyatt, 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Rolando Freeman vs Bugsy McGraw
Billy Travis vs T.D. Steele
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Jeff Jarrett & Kendall Windham vs Disco Inferno & Lance Storm
Jerry Lawler vs Brickhouse Brown
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Sid Vicious (Open Invitation)
Iceman King Parsons & Honky Tonk Man vs Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard
Brad Armstrong vs Michael Hayes
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Badd Company
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs Kane (Open Invitation)
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs A.J. Styles (Open Invitation)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230712.mp3
''For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12).''
Third, in this way, too, the Holy Scriptures do not credit the human powers of the natural free will with conversion, faith in Christ, regeneration, renewal, and all that belongs to their effective beginning and end. They do not credit free will the whole way, half way, or in any way, even in the smallest or most trivial way. They credit conversion solely and completely to the Holy Spirit's divine work, as also the Apology teaches. (SD II 25)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230710.mp3
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''For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel (Galatians 1:11).''
12 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230706.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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United Center
Extension: Billy Gunn
Billy Travis vs Kendall Windham
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Disco Inferno vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
2 Cold Scorpio vs Rolando Freeman
Jeff Jarrett vs Lance Storm
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Facade
PG-13 vs Badd Company
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230705.mp3
One side has held and taught that a person cannot from his own powers fulfill God's command or truly trust in God, or fear and love Him, without the Holy Spirit's grace. Nevertheless, a person still has enough of his natural powers left before regeneration that he is able to prepare himself to a certain extent for grace adn to agree (although weakly). However, he cannot accomplish anything by these powers, but must give up in the struggle if the Holy Spirit's grace is not added.
Both the ancient and modern enthusiasts have taught that God converts people and leads them to the saving knowledge of Christ through His Spirit, without any created means and instrument; in other words, without the outward preaching and hearing of God's Word. (SD II 3-4)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230703.mp3
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9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230629.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Fiserv Forum
Contract Signing: PG-13
Departure: Rick McGraw
Kendall Windham vs Disco Inferno
Rolando Freeman vs Rick McGraw
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
PG-13 vs Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Dexter Poindexter
Jeff Jarrett vs Lance Storm
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Duane Gill
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230628.mp3
The will of mankind is found in four different states: (1) before the fall; (2) since the fall; (3) after regeneration; and (4) after the resurrection of the body. The chief question in this article is only about the will and ability of mankind in the second state. That is, what powers in spiritual matters does a person have after the fall of our first parents and before regeneration? Can a person by his own powers--prior to and before his regeneration by God's Spirit--get ready and prepare himself for God's grace? Can a person accept
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230626.mp3
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7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230622.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Renaissance Coliseum
Contract Signing: Disco Inferno, Lance Storm, Kendall Windham, Trish Stratus
Rolando Freeman vs T.D. Steele
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Iceman King Parsons vs Bugsy McGraw
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Jerry Lawler
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Lightning Express
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Badd Company
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Terry Gordy
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230621.mp3
Original sin is like a spiritual poison and leprosy, as Luther says [LW 7:233]. It has poisoned and corrupted the whole human nature. So we cannot show and point out to the eye, human nature by itself or original sin by itself. (SD I 33)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230619.mp3
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''For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).''
''But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9).''
5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230615.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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''But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8).''
State Farm Center
Contract Signing: Jeff Jarrett, Rolando Freeman, Percy Pringle III
Rolando Freeman vs Duane Gill
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Michael Hayes vs Billy Travis
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Brad Armstrong (c) vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Jeff Jarrett vs Honky Tonk Man
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs Austin Idol
Tully Blanchard & Chris Candido vs Badd Company
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Goldust
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230614.mp3
''But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8).''
''I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7).''
Original sin and human nature (corrupted by original sin) cannot and should not be distinguished as though the nature were pure, good, holy, and uncorrupted before God, while original sin alone (which dwells in human nature) is evil. (SD I 29)
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/cc_230612.mp3
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''I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6).''
3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230608.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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BMO Harris Bank Center
Departure: Black Bart, J.J. Dillon
Facade vs Tim Horner
Television Title Match: Dan Spivey (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
1 Contender for Illinois Heavyweight Title: Jerry Lawler vs Cowboy Ron Bass
2 Cold Scorpio vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Billy Gunn vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Jesse James Armstrong vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Iceman King Parsons & Honky Tonk Man vs Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/pwa_230607.mp3
Is original sin really, without any distinction, a person's corrupt nature,
substance, and essence? Is it the chief and greater part of his essence (i.e.,
the rational soul itself in its highest state and powers)? Or even after the
fall, is there a distinction between original sin and a person's substance,
nature, essence, body, and soul, so that the nature itself is one thing and
original sin is another, which belongs to the corrupt nature and corrupts the
nature? (Ep I 1)
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1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcast/dd_230601.mp3
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Pocket Casts (https://pca.st/h74P) or your favorite podcast app.
Television Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs Dan Spivey
American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy (c) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams
Dearly Departed Battle Royale
Living Legend Battle Royale
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Lightning Express
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Sting
Formula of Concord, Introduction
We believe, teach, and confess that the only rule and norm according to which
all teachings, together with all teachers, should be evaluated and judged [2
Timothy 3:15-17] are the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and New
Testament alone. (Ep Rule 1)
We eagerly desire to be found loyal to the once-delivered Augsburg Confession
and its unanimously accepted Christian meaning. Through God's grace we desire
to abide firmly and constantly by the Augsburg Confession in opposition to all
corruptions that have entered. (SD Rule 19)
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6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
Television Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Dan Spivey
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Bugsy McGraw
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Jerry Lawler
2 Cold Scorpio vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard vs Dexter Poindexter & Duane Gill
Badd Company vs Billy Travis & Brickhouse Brown
Daily Prayers
Table of Duties
Christian Questions & Their Answers
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1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/wrestling-with-theology-2) or your favorite podcast app.
Tim Horner vs Duane Gill
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Dexter Poindexter
Bugsy McGraw vs Billy Travis
Television Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Dan Spivey
Iceman King Parsons vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Best-of-3 Falls Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Brad Armstrong © vs Tully Blanchard
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Sting
Best-of-3 Falls American Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Gordy © vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
''I am astonished that you are so quickly desertinghim who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel(Galatians 1:6).''
This verse is one of the reasons for dating Paul'sepistle to the Galatians as early into his ministry. Paul went through theprovince of Galatia in his first missionary journey (Acts 14). He was on thereturn trip to Jerusalem when he heard about the Galatians' problem.
Paul left Galatia because Jews from Iconium andAntioch were stirring up trouble (Acts 14:19-20). That trouble continued afterPaul left. Maybe even within weeks, the new Christians were being hassled intoaccepting the Jewish Law before becoming Christian.
Paul couldn't believe the fickleness of their faith.They had been given Jesus, but they had quickly turned their back on Him. Theyhad to be reprimanded for their desertion to a different Gospel. A Gospel thatis no Gospel at all. More on that next time. Amen.
''I am astonished that you are so quickly desertinghim who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel(Galatians 1:6).''
Paul was astonished that the Galatians were forsakingthe Gospel he had preached to them. Paul couldn't believe his ears. It wassimply too amazing to believe.
I wonder how astonished Paul would be in theChristians in America. If he were writing an epistle to our churches, would hebe astonished that we had departed from what he had preached to us through hisepistles? I would think so.
He would beastonished at how many people twist his own words so many different ways. Adifferent Gospel is being preached in many churches. Not the one Jesuspreached. Not the one Paul proclaimed. And it's astonishing that there are sofew voices lifted up against it. Paul would speak up for the truth. Will you?Amen.
So you have, from God, both the command and the promise of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Besides this, from yourself, you have your own distress, which is
around your neck. Because of your distress this command, invitation, and
promise are given. This ought to move you. For Christ Himself says, "Those who
are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" [Matthew 9:12].
In other words, He means those who are weary and heavy-laden with their sins,
with the fear of death, temptations of the flesh, and the devil. If,
therefore, you are heavy laden and feel your weakness, then go joyfully to
this Sacrament and receive refreshment, comfort, and strength [Matthew 11:28].
If you wait until you are rid of such burdens, so that you might come to the
Sacrament pure and worthy, you must stay away forever. In that case Christ
pronounces sentence and says, "If you are pure and godly, you have no need of
Me, and I, in turn, no need of you." Therefore, the only people who are called
unworthy are those who neither feel their weaknesses nor wish to be considered
sinners. (LC V 71-74)
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''[Christ] gave Himself for our sins to deliver usfrom the present evil age (Galatians 1:4).''
Our world is definitely in an evil state. It was evilwhen Paul wrote to the Galatians. It was evil when Christ was born atChristmas. Then again, Jesus only came because the world was evil.Jesus came to deliversinners from a sinful world. The world had been turned upside-down. Jesus cameto set it aright again. To set the world aright, to deliver sinners, Jesus gaveHimself up. In an upside-down world, Jesus' deliverance looks to be backwards.He gives life through His death. But His death sets the world aright. Deliverancefrom evil is yours because Jesus gave Himself into death for you. Amen.
''[Christ] gave Himself for our sins to deliver usfrom the present evil age (Galatians 1:4).''
Jesus gave Himself for our sins. He wasn't forced intoit. No one else gave Him. He gave Himself.
The Priest also became the Sacrifice (LSB #624.3). Hesacrificed Himself to deliver you. This precious gift of His body and blood onthe cross gives us the forgiveness of sins. It promises us everlasting life. Itcleanses us from our sins.Jesus gave Himself todeliver us from this present evil age. An age of terrible sorrow and struggles.But Jesus gave Himself to deliver us from it. Amen.
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.
8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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''Paul, an apostle--not from men nor through man, butthrough Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1).''
People don't make other people Apostles or prophets orpreachers or teachers. God gives them those offices (Ephesians 4:11). God givesthese gifts to the Church.
Paul was appointed an Apostle by the risen Lord Jesus.On the Damascus Road, Paul came face-to-face with the Savior he waspersecuting. Even St. Ananias was dubious of the Lord's call, but Jesus says,"He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, andthe children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer forMy name's sake" (Acts 9:16-17).
Jesus appointed Paul to be an Apostle because he couldgo between Jewish and Gentile culture in a way that the other Apostlescouldn't. Jesus appointed Paul to be sent to all nations, just as He commandedthe disciples before His Ascension (Matthew 28:18-19).
Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. And for thisreason we listen to His words. Because the words are all about Jesus. Amen.
Bugsy McGraw vs Tim Horner
Iceman King Parsons vs Duane Gill
Black Bart vs Jerry Lawler
Round Robin Round 11: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Billy Gunn
Non-Title Match: Brad Armstrong vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Round Robin Round 11: Jesse James Armstrong vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 11: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Round Robin Round 11: Chris Candido vs Sting
Round Robin Round 11: Television Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 11: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Sting
Non-Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Terry Gordy
''Paul, an apostle--not from men nor through man(Galatians 1:1).''
Many false teachers in Galatia said that Paul madehimself an Apostle. That he wasn't a true Apostle. But Paul says that hisApostleship is not '''FROM''' men. He didn't make himself an Apostle. HisApostleship is not '''THROUGH''' men. He didn't need someone else to make himan Apostle.
Many people today who call themselves Apostles. Butthey are not. They have appointed themselves so that they might gain a largerfollowing. They weren't there with Jesus, but they claim that they were.
There are entire churches that base their pastoralauthority completely on an unbroken succession of ordinations from the TwelveApostles. Can I trace my ordination back to one of the Twelve? No. Maybe it'sthere, but it doesn't matter. Even St. Paul wrote to St. Timothy not "todevote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculationsrather than the stewardship from God that is by faith" (1 Timothy 1:4).
No one could claim to bring Paul into his Apostolicoffice. Jesus did it all Himself. Jesus called Paul so that He might beglorified to all the nations. Including the Galatians. Amen.
St. Paul calls himself an Apostle. Can he really be anApostle? After all, the Bible lays out the qualifications for an Apostle. Theydisqualify Paul.
When seeking Judas' replacement, Peter says, "Ofthese men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in andout among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was takenup from us, one of these must become a witness iwth us of Hisresurrection" (Acts 1:21-22). Paul fits none of these criteria.
So, how does Paul get away with calling himself anApostle? This is the point he has to make over and over again to thecongregations he planted. Other Christian leaders would come in and tell thecongregation that Paul wasn't a '''REAL''' Apostle. That they carried God'sWord from the real Apostles. That they were correcting where he had noauthority to speak.
But Paul combats themin Galatians and elsewhere. We'll see his defense of his Apostleship in thenext couple of meditations. Until then, know this. Paul is an Apostle becauseJesus called him to be an Apostle. Amen.
Such people must learn that it is the highest art to know that our Sacrament
does not depend upon our worthiness. We are not baptized because we are worthy
and holy. Nor do we go to Confession because we are pure and without sin. On
the contrary, we go because we are poor, miserable people. We go exactly
because we are unworthy. This is true unless we are talking about someone who
desires no grace and Absolution nor intends to change. (LC V 61)
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As we begin a study of St. Paul's epistle to thechurches in Galatia, we begin with the question: Who is Paul?
Paul was raised in Tarsus in Cilicia. He was raised ina strict Jewish home. He went to Jerusalem as a youth to study at the feet of Gamaliel,the greatest rabbi among the Pharisees.
As a strict Pharisee, Paul persecuted the Way (whatChristians were originally called) and imprisoned many. He makes his firstappearance in the Bible as the stands by while the Sanhedrin stones St. Stephento death (Acts 7:58; 8:1). He was blinded by an appearance of Jesus on the roadto Damascus (Acts 9). Through his conversation with the risen Savior he hadbeen persecuting, Paul becomes a Christian.
Simply being a Christian wasn't enough for Paul. Hewas zealous as a persecutor (Philippians 3:6). He was equally as zealous as amissionary for the Church. As a Roman citizen, Paul was able to go places wherethe other Apostles were not. In so doing, Paul established many congregationsthroughout Asia and Macedonia where he also wrote many epistles. Galatiansbeing one of the earliest.
It is this man--persecutor turned missionary--to whomwe listen for this series as he instructs the Galatians about their issues.Issues that are the same today. Amen.
1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.
Other Scriptures looked at this week:
Ezekiel 1:4-28
Isaiah 6:1-8
Daniel 7:9-14
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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2 Cold Scorpio vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Round Robin Round 10: Iron Mike Sharpe vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Dan Spivey vs Jerry Lawler
Round Robin Round 10: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Billy Gunn
Round Robin Round 10: Chris Candido vs Tully Blanchard
Fabulous Freebirds vs Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis
Round Robin Round 10: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 10: Jesse James Armstrong vs Sting
1 Contender for the World Tag Team Titles Match: Lightning Express vs Badd Company
Round Robin Round 10: Television Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs Sting
Now, what is the Sacrament of the Altar?
Answer, "It is the true body adn blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in and under
the bread and wine, which we Christians are commanded to eat and to drink."
Just as we have said that Baptism is not simple water, so here also we say
that though the Sacrament is bread and wine, it is not mere bread and wine,
such as are ordinarily served at the table [1 Corinthians 10:16-17]. But this
is bread and wine included in, and connected with, God's Word. (LC V 8-9)
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14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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United Center
Tim Horner vs Rick McGraw
Facade vs NWO Sting
Iceman King Parsons vs Billy Travis
Round Robin Round 9: Television Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Honky Tonk Man
Round Robin Round 9: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Chris Candido
Round Robin Round 9: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Billy Gunn vs Brad Armstrong (c)
Round Robin Round 9: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 9: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong vs Brad Armstrong (c)
Round Robin Round 9: American Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams (c) vs Terry Gordy
Sting vs Jerry Lawler
Non-Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Michael Hayes
What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and
wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and St. Paul write:
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when
He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: "Take,
eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me."
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given
thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the
new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
These words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," shows us
that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us
through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also
life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written
here: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words, along
with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament.
Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: "forgiveness of sins."
Who receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that
person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given
and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."
But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and
unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.
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7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Fiserv Forum
Badd Company vs Lightning Express
Round Robin Round 8: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Chris Candido
2 Cold Scorpio vs Cactus Jack
Sting vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Round Robin Round 8: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Honky Tonk Man
Round Robin Round 8: Billy Gunn vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 8: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Brad Armstrong
Round Robin Round 8: Jesse James Armstrong vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 8: American Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams (c) vs Brad Armstrong
Non-Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Tully Blanchard
Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:9
Over the last couple of months, we went through the Table of Nations that descended from Noah’s sons. Now, we see how they went to settling throughout the world. When they wouldn’t go out on their own, God sent them out.
So also today, God disperses His people and His Word all around the world. You are witnessing part of that now as you listen to this radio devotion. Christian radio programs have covered the globe through radio waves and the Internet. Although God dispersed the people and confused the languages, He has also provided the technology to provide everyone in the world with His Word. Thank Him today for this great blessing. Amen.
Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech. Genesis 11:7
To remove the unity among the tower builders, God came down and confused their language. Making everyone think that his neighbor was babbling. Everyone wandered around, trying to find someone they understood.
Have you ever been somewhere that you didn’t understand the language? Maybe you took Spanish in high school, but being among native Spanish speakers all day makes you crave finding someone who speaks English.
God confused the languages, but it was not a final judgment upon the people. It was for them to fulfill His commandment to fill the earth. To further show this, God brought together people from all over the world for the Feast of Pentecost in Acts 2. Everyone heard the Apostles preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their own native language. Babel was reversed that day so that the Gospel could spread to all the world. Amen.
When I urge you to go to Confession, I am doing nothing else than urging you to be a Christian. If I have brought you to the point of being a Christian, I have thereby also brought you to Confession. For those who really desire to be true Christians, to be rid of their sins, and to have a cheerful conscience already possess the true hunger and thirst. (Exhortation 32)
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And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6
When people are united in one purpose, they seem to be unstoppable. When a football team’s offensive line is working together in unison, the quarterback can do whatever he wants in the pocket. He can throw downfield. He can hand the ball to the running back.
With only one language and one dialect, the tower builders were unstoppable. Nothing they put their mind to do would be out of reach for them. Once again, they could magnify their sinfulness in any manner. Just as it was in the days of Noah.
God would not have that. He had commanded that they disperse throughout the world. They wanted to stay put. While their unity was prevalent, they weren’t going anywhere. Next time, we will see God remove that unity in order that He might bring salvation to all. Amen.
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
Names are important. They allow differentiation between things. You know the difference between an apple and an orange simply by their names.
As human beings, we want to distinguish ourselves from everyone else. But we often seek to do it in sinful ways. The tower builders wanted to enclose humanity. Exactly the opposite of what God had commanded Noah and his children: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1).
In the same way, Christians are called not to seek their own name but the name of Jesus. We gather in congregations so that we may grow in our faith. However, we are not to enclose our faith within the four walls of our church buildings. We are called for our congregations to radiate our faith into the world around us.
We celebrate Easter this month. The news of Christ’s resurrection did not stay in Jerusalem. It did not stay with the Twelve Apostles. It has gone out into all the world so that everyone may know the one name under Heaven by which we must be saved. Amen.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
When Cain built the first city, it was to stand against the agrarian roots of his parents and siblings. A way to stand firm, even though God had banished him from their presence.
When Noah’s descendants come together, they want more. They not only want to stand firm. They want to get themselves into Heaven. Inside this city, “a tower with its top in the heavens.” They want to make a way to enter God’s presence to express their opinions.
But if they would have only followed Noah’s faith, they would see the true way to enter God’s presence. Not building a tower. Not climbing a ladder. Falling to your knees in prayer. Opening your heart to God, pouring out your desires. Through faith in the risen Christ, you know that you are heard. He has opened Heaven through His resurrection. So you may enter His presence with thanksgiving through Christ. Amen.
Renaissance Coliseum
T.D. Steele vs Brickhouse Brown
Rick McGraw vs Cactus Jack
Dan Spivey vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Round Robin Round 7: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 7: Billy Gunn vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 7: Television Title Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Brad Armstrong (c)
Round Robin Round 7: Jesse James Armstrong vs Chris Candido
Round Robin Round 7: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels (c) vs Sting
Round Robin Round 7: American Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams (c) vs Honky Tonk Man
And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. Genesis 11:2
As Cain and his descendants settled “east of Eden,” we have the peoples descending from Noah coming “from the east” to settle in Shinar. But where is “the land of Shinar”?
Shinar is the valley between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This is one of the most important regions in the Ancient Near East. Babylon was here. So were Nineveh, Asshur, Haran, and Ur. It was a very prominent and fertile place.
Sensing the fertility of this plain, the descendants of Noah’s sons come together and settle there. God wants His children to be in one place, having one mind and spirit, but this unity takes a turn, as we will see next time. Amen.
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. Genesis 11:1
Not only are their fifty major languages spoken. There are multiple dialects in each of these languages. Just think of the difference between speakers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Boston, Tennessee, and California. We may all be speaking English, but we use words in different ways.
If only we would have “the same words” to spread the Gospel! Even among Christians with “the same words,” there is a difference in what they mean. Even the core words like salvation, faith, and grace have different meanings depending on which denomination is using them.
As we seek to spread the Gospel in every language, we need to use “the same words” with the same meanings. We need to base those meanings in what God says in His holy Word. Only then can we begin to see the unity that God desires of all His children. Amen.
What is Confession?
Confession has two parts.
First, that we confess our sins, and
Second, that we receive Absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as
from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are
forgiven before God in Heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of,
as we do in the Lord's Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only
those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.
Which are these?
Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a
father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker? Have you been
disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or
quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by your words or deeds? Have you stolen,
been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?
What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His
Church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold
forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.
Where is this written?
This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus
breathed on His disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive
anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not
forgiven." (John 20:22-23)
What do you believe according to these words?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His
divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners
from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and
want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in Heaven, as if
Christ our dead Lord dealt with us Himself.
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Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. Genesis 11:1
What would it be like if there were only one language spoken in the world? It’s mind boggling. We live in a world where there are over fifty major languages spoken. We can’t think of a world with only one language.
In the beginning, there was only one language. There was no need to have multiple languages because everyone was part of one family. In Heaven, there will likely be only one language spoken again.
Until then, we must work to spread God’s Word in every language so that everyone may hear the Good News of Jesus crucified and risen for their sins. Amen.
Reading: Daniel 3
Hymn: LSB #442, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor"
LSB #931, "All You Works of the Lord"
Reading: Deuteronomy 31
Hymn: LSB #429, "We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died"
LSB #926, "Song from Deuteronomy"
Reading: Exodus 14
Hymn: LSB #423, "Jesus Refuge of the Weary"
LSB #925, "Song of Moses and Israel"
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part V: Calvary
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part IV: The Praetorium
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on RadioPublic (https://radiopublic.com/wrestling-with-theology-6Na4AJ) or your favorite podcast app.
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part III: The High Priest's Palace
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
State Farm Center
2 Cold Scorpio vs Brickhouse Brown
Iceman King Parsons vs Bugsy McGraw
Badd Company vs Duane Gill & Dexter Poindexter
Round Robin Round 6: Television Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Brad Armstrong
Round Robin Round 6: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 6: Jesse James Armstrong vs Honky Tonk Man
Non-Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Michael Hayes
Round Robin Round 6: Billy Gunn vs Sting
Round Robin Round 6: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 6: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Chris Candido
World Tag Team Titles Match: New Age Outlaws (c) vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part II: Gethsemane
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Our Baptism abides forever. Even though someone should fall from Baptism and
sin, still we always have access to it. So we may subdue the old man again.
But we do not need to be sprinkled with water again [Ezekiel 36:25-26; Hebrews
10:22]. Even if we were put under the water a hundred times, it would only be
one Baptism, even though the work and sign continue and remain. Repentance,
therefore, is nothing other than a return and approach to Baptism. We repeat
and do what we began before, but abandoned. (LC IV 77-79)
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The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part I: The Lord's Supper
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Pocket Casts (https://pca.st/h74P) or your favorite podcast app.
BMO Harris Bank Center
Black Bart vs Dexter Poindexter
Billy Travis vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Facade vs Michael Hayes
Cactus Jack vs Brickhouse Brown
Dan Spivey vs nWo Sting
Round Robin Round 5: Honky Tonk Man vs Brad Armstrong
Round Robin Round 5: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 5: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Sting
Round Robin Round 5: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong (c) vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Round Robin Round 5: Chris Candido vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 5: American Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Billy Gunn (c)
If God did not accept the Baptism of infants, He would not give the Holy
Spirit nor any of His gifts to any of them. In short, during the long time up
to this day, no person on earth could have been a Christian. (LC IV 50)
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8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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United Center
Billy Travis vs Duane Gill
Bugsy McGraw vs T.D. Steele
Tim Horner vs nWo Sting
Round Robin Round 4: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Tully Blanchard
Round Robin Round 4: American Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong
vs Billy Gunn (c)
Round Robin Round 4: Chris Candido vs Brad Armstrong
Non-Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Michael Hayes
Round Robin Round 4: Television Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams (c) vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Round Robin Round 4: Honky Tonk Man vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 4: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Sting
In the second place, since we know what Baptism is and how it is to be
regarded, we must also learn why and for what purpose it is instituted. We
must learn what it profits, gives, and works. For this also we cannot find a
better resource than Christ's words quoted above, "Whoever believes and is
baptized will be saved" [Mark 16:16] (LC IV 23)
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1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Castbox (https://castbox.fm/channel/id1442260) or your favorite podcast app.
Fiserv Forum
Tim Horner vs Rick McGraw
Black Bart vs Dan Spivey
Iceman King Parsons vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Round Robin Round 3: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong
(c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Round Robin Round 3: American Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido (c) vs Billy Gunn
Round Robin Round 3: Honky Tonk Man vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Fabulous Freebirds vs Badd Company
Round Robin Round 3: Television Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert (c)
Round Robin Round 3: Sting vs Brad Armstrong
Round Robin Round 3: Tully Blanchard vs Terry Gordy
World Heavyweight Title Match: Raven (c) vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
I encourage again that these two--the water and the Word--by no means be
separated from each other and parted. For if the Word is separated from it,
the water is the same as the water that the servant cooks with. It may indeed
be called a bathkeeper's baptism. But when the Word is added, as God has
ordained, it is a Sacrament. It is called Christ's Baptism. (LC IV 22)
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Let's introduce the letters to the seven church in Asia Minor. We also take a look at the timeline given by Dispensationalists as their interpretation of these letters.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
Renaissance Coliseum
nWo Sting vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Bugsy McGraw vs Billy Travis
Michael Hayes vs Brickhouse Brown
Cactus Jack vs T.D. Steele
Dan Spivey vs Tim Horner
Round Robin Round 2: Honk Tonk Man vs Billy Gunn
Round Robin Round 2: American Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido (c) vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Round Robin Round 2: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Round Robin Round 2: Tully Blanchard vs Brad Armstrong
Round Robin Round 2: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong
(c) vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Round Robin Round 2: Sting vs Terry Gordy
World Tag Team Titles Unification Match: 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & 'Fallen
Angel' Christopher Daniels (World) vs New Age Outlaws (American)
FIRST
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command
and combined with God's Word.
Which is that Word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: "Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
SECOND
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives
eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God
declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: "Whoever believes and is
bapitzed will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark
16:16)
THIRD
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the Word of God in and with the water does these
things, along with the faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For
without God's Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the Word
of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a
washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus,
chapter three:
"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that,
having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of
eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying." (Titus 3:5-8)
FOURTH
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance
be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should
daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: "We were therefore buried with Him
through Baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the
dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans
6:4)
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17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
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State Farm Center
Facade vs Cactus Jack
Iceman King Parsons vs Brickhouse Brown
Round Robin Round 1: Television Title Match: Iron Mike Sharpe © vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Round Robin Round 1: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Billy Gunn
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Billy Travis
Badd Company vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
Round Robin Round 1: American Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido © vs Honky Tonk Man
Round Robin Round 1: Brad Armstrong vs Terry Gordy
Round Robin Round 1: Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong © vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Round Robin Round 1: Tully Blanchard vs Sting
The Seventh Petition
But deliver us from evil.
What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
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14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Anchor (https://anchor.fm/rev-doug-minton) or your favorite podcast app.
BMO Harris Bank Center
Automatic Qualifiers for the Round Robin Tournament for #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Title.
American Heavyweight Title – ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Illinois Heavyweight Title – Jesse James Armstrong
Television Heavyweight Title – Iron Mike Sharpe
World Tag Team Titles – ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
American Tag Team Titles – New Age Outlaws
Singles Champions’ titles will be on the line in every round!!
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Brad Armstrong vs Pat Tanaka
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Tully Blanchard vs Paul Diamond
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Brickhouse Brown
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Terry Gordy vs Billy Travis
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Dan Spivey vs Honky Tonk Man
Round Robin Tournament Qualifying Match: Sting vs Black Bart
American Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams © vs Chris Candido
The Sixth Petition
And lead us not into temptation.
What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.
Subscribe on Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: February 12, 2023
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
645, "Built on the Rock"
394, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
686, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
921, "On What Has Now Been Sown"
Sermon Theme: God Gives the Growth
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 119:1-8
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Matthew 5:21-37
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: February 5, 2023
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
411, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
578, “Thy Strong Word”
618, “I Come, O Savior, to Your Table”
625, “Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread”
631, “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”
425, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Sermon Theme: Secret and Hidden Wisdom
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 112:1-9
Isaiah 58:3-9a
Matthew 5:13-20
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/27tIOK9gdKZ0HrEgIJ4DiJ) or your favorite podcast app.
BREAKING NEWS!! Raven defeated Great Muta on Friday, February 10, for the World
Heavyweight Title.
Billy Travis vs Façade
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs ??
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong © vs Tully Blanchard
Heartbreakers Rumble Match
American Heavyweight Title Match: ’Dr. Death’ Steve Williams © vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
World Tag Team Titles Match: Ravishing Gentlemen © vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
World Heavyweight Title Match: Raven © vs Great Muta
Egypt fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim. Genesis 10:13-14
Of all the nations surrounding Israel, no one caused them more trouble than the Philistines. As you go through Joshua, Judges and the books of Samuel, it seems that Israel is constantly at war with the Philistines. Not surprising since they descend from Egypt. There must be a connection there.
In the wars between Israel and the Philistines, it seems the Philistines have the upper hand most times. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant. Goliath blasphemed God for forty days. The Philistines overtook King Saul and killed all his sons so that Saul committed suicide.
Our enemies often seem to have the upper hand and continually winning our battles with them. However, as Israel ultimately triumphed over the Philistines, we too have triumphed over our enemies. Jesus has defeated sin, death and the devil for us. For that, we thank and praise, serve and obey Him. Amen.
Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.” Genesis 10:8-9
We typically use Nimrod as an insult. However, Nimrod was the first “mighty man” in history. He might even have been considered almost a superhero by his neighbors.
As the first “mighty man,” he had the influence to build the first empire in the world. As Cain built the first city, Nimrod built several cities and united them under his governance.
With all these things, Nimrod ought to be a compliment. However, Nimrod is probably one of the first people to see what happens when you have power. Power allows us to focus on ourselves and our own needs and desires. We often forget to focus on other’s needs and desires and how we can fulfill them. A true “mighty man” in the Scriptures looks to help others in their time of need. Amen.
The Fifth Petition
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.
Subscribe on Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/wrestling-with-theology-2) or your favorite podcast app.
The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Genesis 10:6
“Cursed be Canaan,” is the first mention of Canaan in the Scriptures. His descendants are to be the servants of his brothers and cousins’ descendants.
Generations later Noah, as God brings Israel out of Egypt, God promises them the land of Canaan. He commands the Israelites to annihilate the Canaanites. Unfortunately, Israel does not fulfill this commandment from God. The remaining Canaanites would be a thorn in Israel’s side for most of their history as a nation.
The Canaanites show us that God will use our own sins to discipline us. The Canaanites were God’s instrument of discipline in the Promised Land. We receive the consequences of our sins sometimes as our sins are committed against us. We betray, and we are betrayed. We lie, and we are lied to. You might call it poetic justice, but God uses it to call you to repentance. Amen.
The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Genesis 10:6
One of Israel’s great antagonists were the Egyptians. They were enslaved for over four hundred years to the Egyptians. Yet even after they were free from slavery, Egypt was still foremost in their minds as the great superpower in the world. Whenever Israel would find itself being attacked by another nation, their first thought would be to get help from Egypt.
When God talks to Israel about who He is, one of His favorite titles for Himself is: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). When He identifies Himself, He shows His rejection of Egypt. When Hezekiah seeks Egyptian help against the Assyrians, he is taunted, “You are trusting now in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it” (2 Kings 18:21).
The Psalm reminds us, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes … in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 118:9; 146:3). Was Egypt a place for Israel to place their trust? Absolutely not. Where should you place your trust? In the triune God alone—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wrestling-with-theology/id1437457035?mt=2&uo=4) or your favorite podcast app.
The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Genesis 10:6
As we get to Ham’s sons, we have some of Israel’s greatest antagonists throughout their history.
Ham’s firstborn, Cush, is better known as Ethiopia. Cush settled in the upper Nile region south of Egypt. Considerably far-flung to the eyes of the Israelites, Cush was one of the places from where the scattered remnant would return to Israel. The fact that Israelites were in Cush is seen from the Ethiopian eunuch who was travelling back from Jerusalem in Acts 8. He was reading a copy of the scroll of Isaiah. Philip the Evangelist shared the Gospel with him. Tradition says he established the Church in Ethiopia. Christianity has thrived in Ethiopia throughout the centuries so that even today, the largest Lutheran church body in the world is the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. Although Cush was the son of Ham, God’s blessings still rest upon his descendants. Amen.
Fiserv Forum
Extension: Dan Spivey
Tim Horner vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Rick McGraw
Bugsy McGraw vs Cactus Jack
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Billy Gunn
Non-Title Match: Jesse James Armstrong vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Non-Title Match: ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Dan Spivey
Fabulous Freebirds vs Jimmy Wang Yang & T.D. Steele
Chris Candido & Tully Blanchard vs Badd Company
From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations. Genesis 10:5
Japheth’s descendants spread out along the Mediterranean Sea from Asia Minor to Spain. They also spread into northern Europe as far as Wales, especially around the coasts. When God speaks about the coastland peoples, He is speaking of Japheth’s descendants. They are the most widespread of Noah’s descendants.
The people who live in the coastlands are the most industrial people. They can trade with people by land and by sea. They can facilitate trade with those who live further inland. Not sure about that? Look at any map from any time in human history. The largest cities are next to the water. God considers even the coastlands to be places where His blessings are distributed. Amen.
The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. Genesis 10:4
Jephthah’s grandson Tarshish was made famous by the prophet Jonah. When Jonah was called to preach to Nineveh, he sought to find a boat from Joppa going the opposite direction (Jonah 1:1-3).
Tarshish is the Hebrew name for Tartessus in southwestern Spain. It was truly considered the end of the ancient world. There were no ports beyond that point that the Israelites would do business.
Tarshish shows the ultimate extreme of the west as compared to the east. “As far as the east is from the west, so far does [God] remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Yet Jesus also promises, “Many will come from the east and the west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 8:11). There is no place where you can go where God’s Word will not be proclaimed to remove sin and bring blessing. Even way out there in Tarshish. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer, Fourth Petition (LC III 71-84)
The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.
What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
Subscribe on Anchor (https://anchor.fm/rev-doug-minton) or your favorite podcast app.
The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. Genesis 10:2
Japheth’s second son Magog has one of the more well-known names. Gog and Magog are referenced in both Ezekiel and Revelation. They are the ultimate enemies of God’s people Israel.
Magog is the ancestor of the Scythians of southern Russia. The Scythians are only mentioned in the Scriptures once: “Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). The Scythians were barbarians, a wild and savage race. But Paul tells us that even the most savage person is still able to believe the Gospel and be saved. Amen.
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Google Podcasts (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZmViOWM4L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz) or your favorite podcast app.
Renaissance Coliseum
Signing: Rick McGraw
Extension: Christopher Daniels
Departures: Rough & Ready
Façade vs Black Bart
Rick McGraw vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Duane Gill
Honky Tonk Man vs Dexter Poindexter
Tully Blanchard vs Michael Hayes
Iceman King Parsons vs Billy Gunn
Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis vs Lightning Express
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Terry Gordy
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert © vs Jesse James Armstrong
Sting vs NWO Sting
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 29, 2023
Order of Service: Hymn Sing with Divine Service 4
Hymns:
837, "Lift High the Cross"
842, "Son of God, Eternal Savior"
953, "We All Believe in One True God"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own (verses 1, 2 & 6)
628, "Your Table I Approach"
629, "What Is This Bread"
750, "If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee"
427, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory"
Sermon Theme: Christ Crucified
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 15
Micah 6:1-8
Matthew 5:1-12
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday after the Epiphany / Sanctity of Life Sunday
Calendar Date: January 22, 2023
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
930, "All You Works of God"
649, "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds"
814, "O Bless the Lord, My Soul"
Sermon Theme: Blessed for Life
Sermon Text: Psalm 41
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-25
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 15, 2023
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
540, "Christ, the Word of God Incarnate"
696, "O God, My Faithful God"
625, "Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread"
809, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
643, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing"
702, "My Faith Looks up to Thee"
Sermon Theme: God Is Faithful
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 40:1-11
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
This morning, I had the privilege of being the guest pastor on KFUO's Thy Strong Word. We studied Esther 3, where Haman seeks to destroy the Jews because Mordecai refuses to pay homage to him.
Here is the intro from KFUO:
Esther is Queen, but King Ahasuerus has elevated one of his officials, Hamann, to prime minister and given him authority to rule over all the other officials. One of those officials, Mordecai, a Jew, and a cousin and father figure to Esther, refuses to bow down to Hamann as instructed. Hamann responds in anger and devises a plan to destroy all the Jews.
The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.
Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.
Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.
The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.
How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.
This is His good and gracious will.
Subscribe on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/27tIOK9gdKZ0HrEgIJ4DiJ) or your favorite podcast app.
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Podcast Addict (https://www.podcastaddict.com/podcast/2285812) or your favorite podcast app.
State Farm Center
Paul Diamond vs T.D. Steele
Jimmy Wang Yang vs Pat Tanaka
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Billy Travis vs Façade
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Iceman King Parsons
Michael Hayes vs Brad Armstrong
Tully Blanchard vs Honky Tonk Man
Terry Gordy vs Dan Spivey
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Chris Candido
American Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels © vs New Age Outlaws
The Second Petition
Thy kingdom come.
What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.
How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wrestling-with-theology/id1437457035?mt=2&uo=4) or your favorite podcast app.
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
You can find the Louis Brighton Revelation Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Revelation-Concordia-Commentary-Louis-Brighton/dp/0570063124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525680&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
You can find the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary at https://smile.amazon.com/Reformation-Heritage-Bible-Commentary-Revelation/dp/0758627610/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2QO0FKSL7II4U&keywords=brighton+revelation&qid=1672525894&sprefix=brighton+revelation%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3
Subscribe on Audible (https://www.audible.com/pd/Wrestling-with-Theology-Podcast/B08JJMW83M) or your favorite podcast app.
BMO Harris Bank Center
Extension: J.J. Dillon
Departure: Mance Warner
Bugsy McGraw vs Façade
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Iron Mike Sharpe
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Duane Gill
Chris Candido vs Dexter Poindexter
Cactus Jack vs Dan Spivey
NWO Sting vs Billy Travis
Sting vs Billy Gunn
Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart vs Lightning Express
Badd Company vs Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons
World Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.” Genesis 9:27
While they would not inhabit the same geographical area, Japheth’s descendants would have the same blessing as Shem’s descendants. The Savior would not descend from Japheth, but the coastlands are always called to faith through the Prophets. “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1)
Japheth’s descendants would be among those who “dwell in the tents of Shem” by faith. It is the same as God will say to Shem’s descendant, Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Shem has the promised Savior among his descendants. But that promised Savior isn’t just for those descended from Shem. He is for all who have Shem and Japheth’s faith in the Savior. Amen.
The First Petition
Hallowed be Thy name.
What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.
How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!
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May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.” Genesis 9:27
In the Table of Nations in the next chapter, Japheth descendants expand into the coastlands and islands of the Mediterranean Sea. While they may not be the most numerous of peoples, Japheth’s descendants take up the most territory.
Most of us who are listening to these meditations descend from Japheth. They stretched around the coastland of the Mediterranean and settled most of Europe. England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain. Most of the original peoples in those countries descended from Japheth.
God truly enlarged him and his posterity. Most of world history has revolved around this part of the world. Japheth’s territory was truly enlarged by God’s great blessing. Your territory may also be enlarged by God’s blessing. If you take the time to bless and praise Him. Amen.
He also said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant. Genesis 9:26
Noah prophesies that Shem will be blessed by the LORD. It will be Shem’s descendants who are peculiarly blessed. Shem will be the ancestor of Abraham, and the ancestor of Jesus.
Shem has the revered place among Noah’s three sons. Ham has the least among the three. His descendants will be the servants of the other two. They will not have places of prominence for long. They will spend most of their time as servants to the other nations.
This is the first distinction between masters and servants in the Scriptures. God is taking the next step in narrowing the funnel to take us from all the nations of the earth to focus on our Savior. That Savior would come from Shem and be the LORD, the Master of all. Amen.
What is the Millennium? What is the Rapture? What is the difference between premillennialism and postmillennialism? What is Dispensationalism? What is the Great Tribulation?
These are questions that are the primary concern of the Futurist interpretations of the book of Revelation. As they have been popularized by the Left Behind series and Hal Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth, what are the major problems with these interpretations? Listen to this episode and you will find out!
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When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” Genesis 9:24-25
When Noah sobers up, he finds out what happens. Surprisingly, he doesn’t curse his son. He curses his yet-to-be-born grandson, Canaan. Canaan would become Ham’s most notorious child, as we will see next month. The curse of the father moves on to the children, as God will later reveal to Moses, “I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me” (Exodus 20:5).
Canaan would be the ancestor of the nations that God would command the Israelites to exterminate from the Promised Land. The Israelites are the children of Shem. The Canaanites would be the servants of the Israelites.
This curse would manifest itself in the multitude of abominations the Canaanites would make with their idols. They lived out the curse so that God would issue the command for their destruction.
Destruction is the result of God’s curse. Sin is cursed and will result in eternal condemnation if not covered by Christ’s blood. Amen.
United Center
Contract Signing: Dexter Poindexter, Sting
Extension: Honky Tonk Man
Duane Gill vs Dexter Poindexter
Façade vs Billy Travis
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Sting vs Mance Warner
Honky Tonk Man vs Cactus Jack
Jesse James Armstrong vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Iceman King Parsons vs NWO Sting
Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart vs T.D. Steele & Jimmy Wang Yang
Fabulous Freebirds vs Rough & Ready
American Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin © vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. Genesis 9:23
Once they heard Ham’s report about Noah, his older sons grab something to cover their father’s nakedness. So that they would not see it, they walked backwards into Noah’s tent.
Why do they walk backwards? They are fulfilling the Fourth Commandment. They are honoring their father. They don’t want to bring any further ridicule and shame upon their father. He has done enough of that himself. Shem and Japheth sought to keep what was left of their father’s dignity. Just as we seek to keep the dignity of those whose sins we know, especially those who would be ashamed of those sins as Noah was. Amen.
And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. Genesis 9:22
Noah’s youngest son Ham sees his father’s nakedness in his tent. Instead of covering Noah up respectfully, he goes out and tells his brothers outside the tent. Not simply telling the facts, but loudly proclaiming the hilarity of their father’s condition.
Ham’s sin isn’t the sight. It’s the words. He’s breaking the Eighth Commandment. Luther tells us in the Large Catechism, “I can indeed see and hear that my neighbor sins. But I have no command to report it to others. Now, if I rush in, judging and passing sentence, I fall into a sin that is greater than his.”
This is exactly what Ham is doing. He sees Noah’s sin, but he goes off to spread the word around instead of doing as his brothers will do next time. Amen.
The Introduction
Our Father who art in heaven.
What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.
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Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. Genesis 9:20-21
This is the first mention of wine in the Scriptures. As is the Holy Spirit’s prerogative, He shows it both as God’s gift but also the abuse of it.
Noah was likely a farmer before the Flood. After leaving the Ark, he goes back to the vocation that he understands. He plants a vineyard and enjoys the fruit of his labor.
However, he enjoyed it to excess. In his drunkenness, he staggered back into his tent and lay there naked. Likely blacked out drunk.
We often think of Noah’s faithfulness and his blamelessness in his generation. But Noah was a sinner like you and me. A sinner saved through his Savior’s blood. Amen.
Preterism is the interpretation of Revelation where everything has already happened. In this interpretation, the world has been waiting since at least John's day for Jesus' Second Coming.
The Continual Historical interpretation involves the linear interpretation of the events described in Revelation with world history. It is reading Revelation in one hand with the newspaper in the other.
The Idealist interpretation treats the book of Revelation as a fable or inspirational story to illustrate the battle of good and evil in the world.
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"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Fiserv Forum
Contract Signing: Brad Armstrong, Tim Horner, Duane Gill
Extension: Bugsy McGraw, Cowboy Ron Bass
Departure: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams (MCW), Bubba Ray Dudley
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Terry Taylor (MCW Brew City Champion)
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Tim Horner vs Bugsy McGraw
Brad Armstrong vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Chris Candido vs Tully Blanchard
MCW Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Sabin © vs Rhyno
Dan Spivey vs Iceman King Parsons
American Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels © vs New Age Outlaws
NWO Sting vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
World Tag Team Titles Match: Fabulous Freebirds © vs Ravishing Gentlemen
"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Our Father who art in Heaven,
hallowed by Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Renaissance ColiseumChristmas Chaos ‘22Departure: Gino HernandezTelevision Title Strap Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Iron Mike Sharpe#1 Contender for the Illinois Heavyweight Title Texas Death Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Cactus JackIllinois Heavyweight Title on a Pole Match: Chris Candido © vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie GilbertDouble Dog Collar Match: New Age Outlaws vs Badd CompanyWorld Heavyweight Title Barbed Wire Match: Great Muta © vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
The Third Article: Sanctification
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.
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"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...
a partridge in a pear tree."
O Emmanuel,
our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us,
O Lord our God.
O King of the nations,
the ruler they long for,
the cornerstone uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whom You formed out of clay.
Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and Heaven.
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre!
Psalm 150:1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens!
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O Dayspring,
splendor of light everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
State Farm Center
Contract Signing: Facade
Façade vs Billy Travis
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown © vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Bugsy McGraw vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Jesse James Armstrong vs Iceman King Parsons
Gino Hernandez vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Non-Title Match: Chris Candido vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Sting vs Billy Gunn
Dan Spivey vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:17
We no longer fear a repeat of Noah’s Flood. However, we do still fear the final judgment. The rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant. It is not the sign, but it is an important sign. The signs point us toward God’s covenant. A covenant revealed in multiple facets throughout history. Noah’s facet is simply the most recent in our journey through the early chapters of Genesis.
When God gives us a sign of His covenant, it points both to His judgment and His mercy. The is the most basic understanding of Law and Gospel. The most important sign of God’s covenant with all flesh is the cross. In the cross is the fullness of Law and Gospel displayed. God’s judgment came down on Jesus’ sinless life. God’s mercy is poured out on us through the Sacraments. Mysteries powered by the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.
God’s covenant is simple: He seeks to show mercy. Unfortunately, many don’t want His mercy. They believe the cost of His mercy is too high. How foolish they are! His mercy is free. He simply wants you to accept it like Noah accepted God’s mercy in the Flood. Amen.
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
You open and no one can close,
You close and no one can open:
Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:12-13
Rainbows are welcome sights after a heavy storm. They are a beautiful reminder of God’s mercy. Every time it rains, we have the opportunity to remember God’s mercy for every living creature.
Why does God give us constant reminders? Because we are very forgetful humans. We forget things so quickly. We need the reminders.
This is why the Church structures the year around the major events in Jesus’ life and ministry. The beginning of our year is the season of Advent. The joyful anticipation of Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. We then move quickly toward the reason for His birth: His death on the cross for the forgiveness of the sin of the world. Good Friday and Easter are the central event in all of human history. We repeat the cycle every year so that it is always before us.
The repetition of the reminders bring us a solid foundation to build our lives upon. The solid foundation of God’s promise of mercy for all who fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. Amen.
The Third Article: Sanctification
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.
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O Root of Jesse,
standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you … never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:8-11
An old Gospel song comes to mind whenever I hear these words. The chorus goes: “It’s gonna rain, it’s gonna rain you better get ready you better get right God showed Noah the rainbow sign it won’t be water but fire next time.”
God established His covenant with Noah and all the animals that survived the Flood: “Never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” He never promises that He will not destroy the earth again. He simply says He won’t use water. But He promises us a “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17) where we will live with Him forever. What will happen to the old heavens and earth?
God says through Isaiah, “For behold, the LORD will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire” (Isaiah 66:15). Paul reminds us that everything in our lives will be tested with fire. The good will survive, but the evil will perish (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Amen.
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.
And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” Genesis 9:5-6
This is the basic text for the proper Christian understanding of capital punishment. “If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him” (Leviticus 24:19). “If there is harm, then you shall pay life for life” (Exodus 21:23).
God comes throughout the Scriptures talking about His recompense: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35). “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might … His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him” (Isaiah 40:10). “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
God’s recompense is the just reward for our sin. However, God is also merciful. He could have destroyed Noah and his family, but He wanted to show His mercy. Mercy that is yours if you turn to Him today in faith. Amen.
Psalm 146:3-4 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
Psalm 147:10-11 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor His pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.
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But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. Genesis 9:4
Your life is in your blood. Without blood, nothing in your body works properly.
When God allowed us to eat meat, He commanded that we drain the blood completely from the animal. Blood is the central focus of every sacrifice: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Leviticus 17:11). God prepared the sacrifice of blood to atone for your sins.
Then He turns around and gives it back to you in the Lord’s Supper. Jesus gives His body and blood with the bread and wine so that we have forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. He tells His disciples, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:53-54).
Your life is in your blood. Without blood, nothing works within you. Without the blood of Christ, nothing works for you. Amen.
BMO Harris Bank Center
Contract Extensions: Badd Company, Terry Gordy
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Brickhouse Brown
Cactus Jack vs Mance Warner
Honky Tonk Man vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido © vs Iceman King Parsons
Non-Title Match: Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Tully Blanchard
Streetfight: Sting vs Bubba Ray Dudley
World Tag Team Titles Match: Fabulous Freebirds © vs New Age Outlaws
Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. Genesis 9:3
I have to admit. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.
In the beginning, God commanded Adam and Eve, and all their descendants, to eat only plants. While I like vegetables, I am enjoying a cheeseburger as I am writing this meditation.
Under Moses, God sets Israel apart by prohibiting certain foods. Leviticus 11 has the breakdown of clean and unclean foods. God doesn’t go back on His word. He desires to set Israel apart from every other nation, even in the foods that they eat. This distinction was to make everyone else question, “What’s special about them?”
Food need not separate us from one another. Vegan, vegetarian, carnivore. It doesn’t matter.
Luther reminds us of what is most important regarding food as he explains the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread”: “God gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all wicked people; but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.” Whatever we eat, we must remember that God has given it to us to bless us. Amen.
The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. Genesis 9:2
“It is more afraid of you than you are of it.” You’ve heard these words about almost any scary creature that has crawled or slithered near you. You probably didn’t believe those words. But these words have a ring of truth.
The animals are afraid of us. This fear was first placed on them at the Fall, when sin broke the natural relation between man and beast. The fear is now upgraded to dread.
Why the upgrade? The dominion given to Adam in the very beginning is broken down into a desire for domination. We can hunt animals for food, but some hunt only for sport. We can train animals to be helpful to those with disabilities, but some train them for the circus. We can patiently domesticate them to be pets, but some quickly seek to squash them into submission.
As God’s image-bearers, we fear what is also afraid of us. However, Jesus promises us life everlasting where fear and dread are gone. Love and honor will be restored. Amen.
The Second Article: Redemption
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Plate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
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And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Genesis 9:1
Noah received the same blessing given to our first parents: “Be fruitful and multiply.” It is the one blessing that is repeated generation after generation. God blesses each generation with the ability to “be fruitful and multiply.” To bring forth the next generation to serve Him.
Noah and his sons were given the same commandment as our first parents: populate the world with your children. He wants to bless each married couple with children. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3).
But children are not God’s only blessing. As we will see the rest of this month, God’s Word is His greatest blessing. As we prepare for Christmas, we await the arrival of the Word made flesh like you and me. The Word who came to bless us so that our faith may “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” Amen.
Psalm 143:2 Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is rigtheous before You.
Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!
Psalm 145:15-16 The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing.
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Wintrust Arena
Contract Signing: Iron Mike Sharpe
Iron Mike Sharpe vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
Brickhouse Brown & Billy Travis vs Jimmy Wang Yang & T.D. Steele
Dan Spivey vs Honky Tonk Man
Michael Hayes vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Badd Company vs Rough & Ready
Sting vs Terry Gordy
New Age Outlaws vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
Title vs Title Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels (American Tag) vs Chris Candido (Illinois) & Tully Blanchard
The First Article: Creation
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean?
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
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Psalm 140:12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer rise as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
Psalm 142:5 I cry to You, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
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Fiserv Forum
Departure: Italian Stallion
Brickhouse Brown vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Billy Travis
Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart vs Ravishing Gentleman
MCW Tag Team Titles Match: Tony Garea & Ace Darling © vs Flash Flanagan & Ace Austin
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Gino Hernandez
Non-Title Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Chris Candido
1 Contender for the World Tag Team Titles: New Age Outlaws vs Badd Company
American Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin © vs Terry Gordy
Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: November 27, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
355, "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
342, "What Hope! An Eden Prophesied"
Sermon Theme: The Mountains of the LORD
Sermon Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 21:1-11
Early in the fourth century, a north African pastor named Arius began teaching that Jesus Christ was not truly God. The Church responded decisively in AD 325 with a statement of faith (The Nicene Creed), which confessed that Jesus is, in fact, true God. Toward the end of the fifth century, another creed was written that delved further into the mystery of the Trinity. Though attributed to Athanasius, a fourth-century opponent of Arius, this anonymous creed clearly came at a later stage in the debate.
The Athanasian Creed declares that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and our Lord's incarnation are "the catholic faith." In other words, this is what the truth Church of all times and all places has confessed. More than fifteen centuries later, the Church continues to confess this truth, confident that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given himself for our salvation.
The text of the Athanasian Creed may be found in the Lutheran Service Book on pages 319-320.
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Psalm 139:13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
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Young Arena
Contract Signing: Brickhouse Brown (5/24/23), Billy Travis (4/12/23)
Billy Travis vs Italian Stallion
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Brickhouse Brown
Iceman King Parsons vs Tully Blanchard
Honky Tonk Man vs Cactus Jack
Gino Hernandez vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
New Age Outlaws vs Badd Company
World Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Bubba Ray Dudley
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:10-22)
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I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Liturgical Date: Last Sunday of the Church Year
Calendar Date: November 20, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
610, "Lord Jesus, Think on Me"
534, "Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor"
621, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
516, "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying"
680, "Thine the Amen"
422, "On My Heart Imprint Your Image"
Sermon Theme: Weep for Yourselves
Sermon Text: Luke 23:27-43
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 46
Malachi 3:13-18
Colossians 1:13-20
Renaissance Coliseum
Departure: Great Muta (back to MCW, retains title)
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Black Bart
1 Contender for Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Cactus Jack
Jesse James Armstrong vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Sting vs Tully Blanchard
Dan Spivey vs Terry Gordy
Badd Company vs Rough & Ready
Bubba Ray Dudley vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
American Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin © vs Blackjack Mulligan
This morning, we look to the fourth-century Church Father Ambrose of Milan’s conclusion to the Flood from his book On Noah:
Let us examine with greater attention the meaning of the words “the Lord said in His heart, I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” [Genesis 8:21]. He will not add that He intends to destroy again, as He had already done, every living creature for the entire duration of earth. Even though He had punished the whole of mankind, He knew that the punishment of the Law is more suitable to raise fear and to teach the doctrine than to change the nature that can be corrected in some people but not changed in everybody. Therefore God punished so that we might fear and forgave so that we might be preserved. He punished once in order to give an example that would have raised fear, but He forgave for the future, so that the bitterness of sin would have not prevailed. One who is intent upon punishing sins too often is considered to be more obstinate than strict. Therefore God says, “I will never again curse the ground because of man,” that is, He punishes a few, forgives many, because He intended to show His mercy for the whole of mankind without the necessity of producing in human hearts a false security mixed with a kind of neglect.
Liturgical Date: Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: November 13, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
733, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
508, "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
735, "Have No Fear, Little Flock"
348, "The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns"
Sermon Theme: Destruction Is Coming
Sermon Text: Luke 21:5-28
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 98
Malachi 4:1-6
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
The First Article: Creation
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean?
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.
He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.
He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.
All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.
This is most certainly true.
The Second Article: Redemption
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Plate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord.
Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,
that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,
just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.
This is most certainly true.
The Third Article: Sanctification
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.
On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.
This is most certainly true.
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Genesis 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Genesis 8:15-17 Then God said to Noah, “Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.”
Genesis 8:14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out.
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Mance Warner vs T.D. Steele
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Jimmy Wang Yang vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Billy Gunn vs Dan Spivey
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido © vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
American Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin © vs Sting
Non-Title Match: Great Muta vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Genesis 8:8-9 Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to the Ark.
Liturgical Date: All Saints' Day
Calendar Date: November 6, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
676, "Behold, a Host Arrayed in White"
932, "Jesus Sat with His Disciples"
601, "All Who Believe and Are Baptized"
"Praise God for Saints Who Have Gone Before Us"
510, "A Multitude Comes from the East and the West"
669, "Come, We That Love the Lord"
659, "Lord of My Life"
Sermon Theme: Hunger Satisfied
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:6
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 149
Revelation 7:9-17
1 John 3:1-3
Genesis 8:6-7 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth.
What does God say about all these commandments?
He says, I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments." (Exodus 20:5-6)
What does this mean?
God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.
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Genesis 8:4 and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
Psalm 136:1-9 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalm 136:23-26 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
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Television Title vs Sawyer Leaving Match: Black Bart © vs Buzz Sawyer
Michael Hayes vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
American Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion © vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Bad Company vs Rough & Ready
Iceman King Parsons & Honky Tonk Man vs Cactus Jack & Tully Blanchard
Streetfight: Bubba Ray Dudley & Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Great Muta & Sting
You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor's
inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help
and be of service to him in keeping it.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant,
his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our
neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them
to stay and do their duty.
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Psalms 135:13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
Psalms 137:1 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
Psalms 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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Contract Extension: Honky Tonk Man
Departure: Bart Gunn
Mance Warner vs ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne
Television Title Handicap Match: Black Bart © vs Rough & Ready
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Bugsy McGraw
Italian Stallion vs Gino Hernandez
Iceman King Parsons vs Cactus Jack
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Chris Candido
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Tully Blanchard
World Tag Team Titles Match: Fabulous Freebirds © vs Smokin’ Gunns
World Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Raven
Liturgical Date: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: October 23, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
572, "In the Shattered Bliss of Eden"
745, "In God, My Faithful God"
433, "Glory Be to Jesus"
Sermon Theme: Brotherly Love
Sermon Text: Genesis 4:1-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 5
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-17
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor,
betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of
him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
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"If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4)
"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:2)
"For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: 'This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'" (Psalm 132:13-14)
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity." (Psalm 133:1)
"Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!" (Psalm 134:2)
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Contract Extension: Chris Candido
Television Title Match: Black Bart © vs T.D. Steele
Bugsy McGraw vs Buzz Sawyer
Brew City Heavyweight Title Match: Col. DeBeers © vs Blackjack Mulligan
Terry Gordy vs Bart Gunn
Michael Hayes vs Billy Gunn
MCW Heavyweight Title Match: Kevin Nash © vs Chris Sabin
Non-Title Match: Honky Tonk Man vs Jesse James Armstrong
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Sting
World Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.
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Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark.
God remembers His creation “for good” (Nehemiah 13:31). When God “remembers” someone, He has some blessing prepared for them. Ten generations after Noah, “God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow” of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:29). A couple generations later, “God remembered Rachel … and opened her womb” (Genesis 30:22). When God sent Moses to Egypt to deliver Israel, it was because “God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24). God remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20). When God remembers His people, the blessings flow freely. Amen.
Genesis 7:24 And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.
We tend to think only of the rain when we talk about the Flood. But the rain is only the beginning of the Flood’s work. For another 150 days—five months—the water stands on the earth. What is important about this point?
From this time, all the remains of the people and animals killed in the Flood sink to the bottom. Sediment deposits covered these remains, giving us the fossils we have today.
In the layers of the Grand Canyon, almost 400 miles from Los Angeles Harbor, layers of fossils of sea creatures exist nearly 8000 feet above sea level. 400 miles from the Indian Ocean, sea fossils exist high up in the Himalayas. Where did these fossils come from? They were deposited during the Flood. There’s no other scientific explanation. God gives us the true answer. Amen.
Songs of Ascent II (Psalms 125-129)
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever." (Psalm 125:1)
"He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing His sheaves with Him." (Psalm 126:6)
"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table." (Psalm 128:3)
"May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!" (Psalm 129:5)
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Genesis 7:21-23 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark.
When the Flood’s waters are at their height, only those in the Ark are left. When God’s final judgment comes, only those in the Church will be left. They will live with Him forever. Amen.
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Black Bart
Michael Hayes vs Bart Gunn
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs T.D. Steele
Iceman King Parsons vs Cactus Jack
Chris Candido vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
Terry Gordy vs Billy Gunn
Bubba Ray Dudley & Stone Cold vs Great Muta & Sting
Genesis 7:19-20 And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep.
Was there a safe place for people outside the Ark? No. “The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep.” How tall was the water? Fifteen cubits is about 270 inches or 22.5 feet over the mountains. The waters of the Flood rose to a level of a bit over 29,050 feet above sea level. That would be fifteen cubits above the tip of Mount Everest. Nowhere was a safe place except the Ark. The Church is today’s Ark. Amen.
The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do lead a sexually pure and decent life
in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.
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Genesis 7:16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the LORD shut him in.
After Noah and his family and all the animals were inside the Ark, God closed the door. The great door Noah had put in the side of the Ark was closed and kept closed by God’s almighty power.
God closes the door as both judgment and mercy. No one outside the Ark could open the door to get in. No one inside the Ark could fall out of the Ark. Those inside were safe. Those outside were condemned.
The Ark’s door gives us a picture of Jesus’ cross. Those in the shade of the cross will have everlasting life. Those not shaded by the cross will have everlasting death. Are you under the shadow of Jesus’ cross? Now is the time to seek its refuge and reward. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: October 9, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
398, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
846, "Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old"
855, "For All the Faithful Women" (with verse 7)
845, "Where Charity and Love Prevail"
Sermon Theme: The Moabite Queen
Sermon Text: Ruth 1:1-19
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 111
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Luke 17:11-19
Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened.
When God sent forth the Flood, it was not only rain from the sky that fell. “The fountains of the great deep burst forth.” The reservoirs beneath the earth burst forth. Very likely, this formed a tsunami wave that broke upon the whole earth. This is also very likely how the earth broke into the continents we have now. The breaking forth of the water from under the earth was likely the bulk of the water that stood upon the earth.
But the rain came down as well. “The windows of the heavens were opened.” This was likely the first time rain fell on the earth. And it was a torrential downpour. The water came upon the earth from above and below. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: October 2, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
614, "'As Surely As I Live,' God Said"
850, "God of Grace and God of Glory"
637, "Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord"
629, "What Is This Bread"
630, "Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling"
720, "We Walk by Faith"
Sermon Theme: Unworthy Servants
Sermon Text: Luke 17:1-10
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 62
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
2 Timothy 1:1-14
"In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me." (Psalm 120:1)
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?" (Psalm 121:1)
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" (Psalm 122:1)
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till He has mercy upon us." (Psalm 123:2)
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8)
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Renaissance Coliseum
Contract Signing: Sting (5/31/23)
Trade: Jimmy Golden for ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams (HCW) [7/19/23]
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Buzz Sawyer
Non-Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs Blackjacks
T.D. Steele & Jimmy Wang Yang vs Rough & Ready
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Gino Hernandez
Badd Company vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
1 Contender for Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Cactus Jack vs Iceman King Parsons
Interview: Bubba Ray Dudley & Stone Cold challenge Sting & Muta to a match
World Tag Team Titles Streetfight: Smokin’ Gunns © vs Fabulous Freebirds
You shall not murder.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his
body, but help and support him in every physical need.
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"Long have I known from Your testimonies that You have founded them forever." (Psalm 119:152)
"Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to Your promise!" (Psalm 119:154)
"Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:164)
"My tongue will sing of Your Word, for all Your commandments are right." (Psalm 119:172)
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State Farm Center
Contract Extension: Billy Gunn (7/12/23)
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Bart Gunn
Jimmy Wang Yang vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Iceman King Parsons vs Tully Blanchard
Jesse James Armstrong vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Cactus Jack vs Gino Hernandez
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs Chris Candido
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Billy Gunn
American Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and
other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
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Liturgical Date: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: September 25, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
798, "The God of Abraham Praise"
708, "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart"
673, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home"
Sermon Theme: No Second Chances after Death
Sermon Text: Luke 16:19-31
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 146
Amos 6:1-7
1 Timothy 3:1-13
"All the wicked of the earth You discard like dross, therefore I love Your testimonies." (Psalm 119:119)
"My eyes long for Your salvation and for the fulfillment of Your righteous promise." (Psalm 119:123)
"Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:135)
"Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live." (Psalm 119:144)
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Trade: 'Ravishing' Rick Rude for Great Muta (MCW)
Contract Signing: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Contract Extension: 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw (c) vs Buzz Sawyer
~~~~
AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT
Terry Gordy vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Gino Hernandez
~~~~
American Tag Team Titles Match: 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion (c)
vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie
Gilbert
~~~~~
AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH!!!
World Tag Team Titles Match: Smokin' Gunns (c) vs Fabulous Freebirds
Genesis 7:7 And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood.
Liturgical Date: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: September 18, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
966, "Before You, Lord, We Bow"
844, "Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace"
627, "Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior"
639, "Wide Open Stands the Gates"
617, "O Lord, We Praise Thee"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
Sermon Theme: Pray for Everyone
Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 113
Amos 8:4-7
Luke 16:1-15
Genesis 7:6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth.
Genesis 7:4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.”
"Forever, O LORD, Your Word is firmly fixed in the heavens." (Psalm 119:89)
"I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my
meditation." (Psalm 119:99)
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
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Genesis 7:4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.”
Paul Diamond vs Italian Stallion
Black Bart vs T.D. Steele
Pat Tanaka vs Bart Gunn
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Bugsy McGraw
~~~~~
PWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Great Muta
Honky Tonk Man vs ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol
~~~~~
Iceman King Parsons vs Chris Candido
Billy Gunn vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
~~~~~
World Heavyweight Title Match!!
Genesis 7:2 Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate,
Genesis 6:19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female.
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and
other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
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Liturgical Date: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: September 11, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
609, "Jesus Sinners Doth Receive"
430, "My Song Is Love Unknown"
864, "Shepherd of Tender Youth"
711, "Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us"
Sermon Theme: I Will Find My Sheep
Sermon Text: Ezekiel 34:11-24
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 119:169-176
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
Genesis 6:17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die.
Contract Signing: Jesse James Armstrong (6/7/23)
Contract Extension: Bugsy McGraw (1/18/23)
Departure: Jimmy Jack Funk, David von Erich, Kerry von Erich
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Bart Gunn
Cactus Jack vs Bugsy McGraw
American Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Jesse James Armstrong vs Billy Gunn
~~~~~
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT - ROUND OF 8!!
Great Muta vs Blackjack Mulligan
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Honky Tonk Man
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs A.J. Styles
‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol vs Chris Candido
The Fourth Commandment (LC I 103-130)
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and
other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
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"Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments." (Psalm 119:66)
"Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments." (Psalm 119:73)
"My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your Word." (Psalm 119:81)
Subscribe on Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/wrestling-with-theology-2) or your favorite podcast app.
Contract Signing: Bad Company (12/14/22)
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Mance Warner
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels & ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden
Michael Hayes vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
Bad Company vs Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons
~~~~~
WORLD TITLE TOURNAMENT MATCHES!!!
'Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs A.J. Styles
Chris Candido vs David von Erich
‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams vs Terry Gordy
Gino Hernandez vs ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word,
but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
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Liturgical Date: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: August 28, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
837, "Lift High the Cross"
842, "Son of God, Eternal Savior"
748, "I'm But a Stranger Here"
Sermon Theme: Eternal City
Sermon Text: Hebrews 13:1-17
Other Lectionary Readings:
Proverbs 25:2-10
Psalm 131
Luke 14:1-14
"Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart." (Psalm 119:34)
"I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in Your commandments, which I love." (Psalm 119:46-47)
"This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life." (Psalm 119:50)
"At midnight I rise to praise You, because of Your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:62)
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8/21/22 HCW
Tully Blanchard vs Honky Tonk Man
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Big Bubba Rogers
8/24/22 Renaissance Coliseum
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Buzz Sawyer
‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs Rough & Ready (1:41/20)
Iceman King Parsons vs Terry Gordy
Cowboy Ron Bass vs ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude
Chris Candido vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
David von Erich vs Abdullah the Butcher
Kane vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Liturgical Date: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: August 21, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
791, "All People That on Earth Do Dwell"
968, "My Lord, What a Morning"
510, "A Multitude Comes from the East and the West"
508, "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
625, "Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread"
Sermon Theme: New Heavens and Earth
Sermon Text: Isaiah 66:18-23
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 50:1-15
Hebrews 12:4-24
Luke 12:22-30
You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts,
lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise,
and give thanks.
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"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!" (Psalm 119:1)
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word." (Psalm 119:9)
"I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!" (Psalm 119:19)
"I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32)
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8/12/22 MCW
Blackjack Mulligan vs Big Boss Man
Great Muta vs Raven
8/14/22 HCW
‘Wildfire’ Tommy Rich vs Big Bubba Rogers
Crush vs Tully Blanchard
Kerry von Erich vs Honky Tonk Man
Goldust vs Bubba Ray Dudley
8/17/22 State Farm Center
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Bart Gunn
Cactus Jack vs Kerry von Erich
1 Contender for the Illinois Heavyweight Title Mississippi Mud Match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Billy Gunn vs Iceman King Parsons vs Michael Hayes vs Cowboy Ron Bass
8/17/22 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR!!!
Terry Taylor vs Gino Hernandez
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams (10:31/30)
‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol vs Bugsy McGraw (12:41/15)
8/17/22 IOWA STATE FAIR!!!
Harley Race vs A.J. Styles
American Tag Team Titles Match: Buzz Sawyer & Chris Candido © vs Mance Warner & Jimmy Jack Funk
Make it with lower, second, and third decks. (Genesis 6:16)
A three-fold structure is very common in the Scriptures. The three levels of living spaces in the Ark confess the Trinity. God seeks to be with His creation, as He has from the very beginning. Even in the Ark, God wanted to be with His creation through His works of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Noah, his family, and the animals lived in the Ark for over a year. During that time, God continued to do His creative work through causing new animals to be born so that they may repopulate the earth.
The fact that anyone or anything is in the Ark confesses God’s desire to redeem His creation. Even though man has grieved His heart, God still seeks to redeem and save His creation.
After creation and redemption, God seeks to help His people grow in the faith. To grow in holiness before Him. God sent the Flood as a manner of re-creating the world in a manner similar to the Garden of Eden. He is working with sinners, but He seeks to make them holy through His Word of promise. Amen.
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
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Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. (Genesis 6:16)
To survive forty days and nights of steady rainfall, the Ark needed a roof. To survive the storms of this life, the Church also has a roof. The roof serves Christians as a great reminder of God’s salvation.
If you look at the roof in most church buildings, it looks like the bottom of a boat turned upside down. The Church serves as the roof for refuge from the cares of the world. Inside, you find salvation in Jesus’ cross. You hear the Gospel being preached in its truth and purity. You see the Sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution.
These serve as the roof where you can seek refuge under Jesus’ cross for salvation from the world’s storms. Amen.
This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. (Genesis 6:15)
If you have been to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, you know that the Ark was massive. Answers in Genesis have made a wonderful full-scale recreation of Noah’s Ark. If you have not been there, I encourage you to go.
A cubit is between 14 and 18 inches in length. The Ark was around 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. One and a half football fields in length. Half the width. Five stories high. A great sign of God’s salvation that Noah’s neighbors could ignore. But ignore it they did. To their doom. But the Ark still stands for you in Christ’s Church. More next time. Amen.
Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:14)
Noah covered the Ark inside and out with pitch to make it waterproof. To seal up the cracks between the boards so that the rain stays on the outside. Everyone is safe inside the Ark from the storm and the waves on the outside.
Christ’s blood covers the Church just like the pitch covered the Ark. The storm and waves still beat against the Church today. Christ’s blood covers the Church, giving salvation and refuge to all who enter with faith. Christ’s blood covers every individual Christian through Baptism.
Christ makes you stormproof through the water and His blood. The world’s storms and waves may crash and break against you, but you will not fall because of your faith in Christ. Amen.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 118:29)
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Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:14)
What is “gopher wood”? This is the only time the Hebrew word is used in the Old Testament.
Most people consider it to be cypress. The main reason for this is Solomon’s construction of the outer doors of the Temple from cypress (1 Kings 6:34). Cypress is a very sturdy wood that is able to withstand the elements. The original cypress doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome stood for 1100 years before it was rebuilt in the 16th century.
Salvation came to Noah through the wood of the Ark. Salvation comes to us through the wood of Jesus’ cross. It is no accident that Jesus died on a wooden cross. God brings salvation through wood. Amen.
8/5/22 MCW
Disco Inferno vs Jimmy Jack Funk
Raven vs Mance Warner
Blackjack Mulligan vs Black Bart
Great Muta vs Chris Kanyon
8/7/22 HCW
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Earthquake Ferris
American Heavyweight Title Match: Ted DiBiase vs Kerry von Erich ©
Terry Funk vs Crush
Big Bubba Rogers vs Michael Hayes
‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne vs ‘Wildfire’ Tommy Rich
Tully Blanchard vs Bart Gunn
Honky Tonk Man vs Bob Backlund
Randy Orton vs Goldust
8/10/22
BMO Harris Bank Center
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs T.D. Steele
Dr. X vs Bugsy McGraw
David von Erich vs Rhyno
Sabu vs Chris Candido
Gino Hernandez vs Brad Rheingans
Terry Taylor vs T.D. Steele
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Al Perez
Abdullah the Butcher vs Rough
‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol vs Killer Tim Brooks
8/10/22 WISCONSIN STATE FAIR!!!
Buzz Sawyer vs Raven
Kevin Nash vs Blackjack Mulligan
Disco Inferno vs Big Boss Man
Brew City Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Ace Austin
World Tag Team Titles Best-of-3 Falls Match: Smokin’ Gunns © vs Fabulous Freebirds
And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (Genesis 6:13)
The Flood would bring the end of all flesh on the earth. The earth so corrupted by sin. Everything that had the breath of life would be wiped out. The only living things that would survive outside the Ark would be the aquatic life. Noah and his family would be saved in the Ark. Everything else would be destroyed.
In the final judgment, everything will be destroyed once and for all. There will be no escape except through the Ark of the Church. “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Call upon Him in faith today. Amen.
Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. (Genesis 6:11)
The Flood is a wonderful foreshadowing of the final judgment. We look out at the world today, and we think that the earth is full of violence. That it cannot get any worse than it is now. Every generation says the same thing. Every generation so far has been wrong. The world continues to be filled with violence. And the violence only escalates with every generation.
Sin creates violence, whether it is Adam and Eve’s blame game in Genesis 3 or Cain’s striking down of Abel in Genesis 4. As long as the world is filled with sin, the world will be filled with violence. As man continues to explore sin’s depths, the depths of violence deepens.
The violent seek to take the kingdom of Heaven by force (Matthew 11:12). However, Jesus uses the worst of the world’s violence to bring salvation through the cross of Calvary. Amen.
I am also a doctor and preacher; yes, as learned and experienced as all the
people who have such assumptions and contentment. Yet I act as a child who is
being taught the catechism. Every morning--and whenever I have time--I read
and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer,
the Psalms, and such. I must still read and study them daily. Yet I cannot
master the catechism as I wish. (LC Preface 7)
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Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. (Genesis 6:11)
What does it mean to be corrupt? Literally, to be on the way to ruin. Because of sin, the entire earth had become like a banana with a greasy, black peel. No one wants that.
God promises the Flood because of this horrible corruption. God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), but sin cannot stand in His presence. Even now, God promises that those who persist in their sinful corruption “will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
For Noah’s generation, it was a Flood of water that would destroy the corruption. In the final judgment, corruption will be destroyed forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). Amen.
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up
the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to
the LORD in the presence of all His people." (Psalm 116:12-14)
"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His
steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 117)
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8/3/22 United Center
Contract Extension: Bubba Ray Dudley (1/11/23)
'Dr. Death' Steve Williams vs Billy Gunn
Television Title Match: Jimmy Wang Yang © vs Harley Race
Marty Jannetty vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Terry Gordy vs Adrian Adonis
Seth Rollins vs Iceman King Parsons
Rick Rude vs Bobby Fulton
A.J. Styles vs Ready
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Kane
8/3/22 MCW
Fiserv Forum
Jimmy Golden vs Ace Austin
Italian Stallion vs Kevin Nash
Buzz Sawyer vs Col. DeBeers
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs Big Boss Man
The deplorable, miserable condition that I discovered recently when I, too, was a visitor, has forced and urged me to prepare this catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple form. (SC Preface 1)
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64 men from the PWA, MCW, HCW and "free agents" come together to battle to become the next World Heavyweight champion!!!
"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!" (Psalm 113:3)
"When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion." (Psalm 114:1-2)
"The LORD has remembered us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron; He will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great." (Psalm 115:12-13)
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Fiserv Forum
Departure: Brian Pillman
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Jimmy Wang Yang
MCW Tag Team Titles Match: Blackjacks (c) vs Tyson Kidd & Sabu
Iceman King Parsons vs Cowboy Ron Bass
Bubba Ray Dudley vs T.D. Steele
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Chris Candido
'Nightmare' Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs Rough & Ready
American Heavyweight Title Match: Kerry von Erich © vs David von Erich
Terry Funk vs Gino Hernandez
Terry Gordy vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude © vs Mystery Opponent
The Gospel assigns those who preside over Churches the command to teach the Gospel [Matthew 28:19], to forgive sins [John 20:23], to administer the Sacraments, and also to exercise jurisdiction (i.e., the command to excommunicate those whose crimes are known and to absolve those who repent).
(Tr 60)
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Liturgical Date: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: July 24, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
909, "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
596, "All Christians Who Have Been Baptized"
649, "Blest Be the Tie"
Sermon Theme: Bodily Dwelling Deity
Sermon Text: Colossians 2:6-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 138
Genesis 18:20-33
Luke 11:1-13
"The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." (Psalm 110:1)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding." (Psalm 111:10)
"For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever." (Psalm 112:6)
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Contract Extension: Eddie Gilbert (11/16)
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Italian Stallion
HCW Tag Team Titles Match: 'Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase & 'Wildfire' Tommy Rich (c) vs Uptown Boys
Chris Candido vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
HCW Heavyweight Title Match: Randy Orton (c) vs A.J. Styles
Fabulous Freebirds vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
Ravishing Gentlemen vs Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden
World Tag Team Titles Match: Smokin' Gunns (c) vs Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: July 17, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
930, "All You Works of God Bless the Lord"
576, "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"
622, "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared"
631, "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face"
643, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing"
763, "When Peace Like a River"
Sermon Theme: Reconciled Aliens
Sermon Text: Colossians 1:21-29
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 27:7-14
Genesis 18:1-10a
Luke 10:38-42
It is clear that the Roman pontiffs, with their followers, defend godless doctrines and godless services. And the mark of Antichrist plainly agree with the kingdom of the pope and his followers. For Paul, in describing the Antichrist to the Thessalonians, calls him an enemy of Christ, "Who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He is not speaking about heathen kings, but about someone ruling in the Church. He calls him the enemy of Christ, because he will invent doctrine conflicting with the Gospel and will claim for himself divine authority.
(Tr 39)
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"Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!" (Psalm
108:12)
"For He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who
condemn his soul to death." (Psalm 109:31)
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Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs Black Bart
Mance Warner vs Jimmy Golden
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Bart Gunn
Iceman King Parsons vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Billy Gunn vs Chris Candido
Cowboy Ron Bass vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
Fabulous Freebirds vs 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams © vs Honky Tonk Man
These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
Noah was not perfect. He was not sinless. However, in comparison with everyone around him, he was a saint.
He walked with God because he listened to the stories of how God had blessed his ancestors since the Creation of the world. After all, his lifetime overlapped with six of the previous seven generations of his family. All of whom had lived alongside Enoch, the only other person who was said to walk with God (Genesis 5:24). God took Enoch into Heaven. God used Noah to bring salvation and a new start to the world.
In Christ, you get to walk with God. You get to have a special relationship with Him like Noah and Enoch. You get to be blessed by Him in your life. Amen.
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:8)
Having the LORD’s favor is truly a gift from God. You haven’t earned it. You don’t deserve it. It is a gift, pure and simple.
So it was with Noah. Moses calls Noah a righteous man in the next verse, but what is he being compared to? The absolute darkness of sin. The absolute darkness of life without Christ, the Light of the world.
God’s favor is His overlooking of your ignorance of His will and Word. Graciously forgiving your sins so that He may use you as His instrument to do His will. He did it with Noah, Abraham, David, Paul, and many, many others throughout history. All of them found favor because God forgave their sins. Amen.
In all these passages, Peter is the representative of the entire assembly of the Apostles, as appears from the text itself. Christ does not ask Peter alone, when He says, "Who do you say that I am?" [Matthew 16:15]. What is said here to Peter alone in the singular number, "I will give you [singular] the keys; and whatever you [singular] bind" [16:19], is elsewhere expressed in the plural [e.g., Matthew 18:18,] "Whatever you [plural] bind"; [John 20:23,] "If you [plural] forgive the sins of anyone"). These words show that the Keys are given to all the Apostles alike and that all the Apostles are sent forth alike.
(Tr 23)
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Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: July 10, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
851, "God of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
845, "Where Charity and Love Prevail"
539, "Christ Is the World's Redeemer"
678, "We Sing for All the Unsung Saints"
Sermon Theme: Hope Laid Up in Heaven
Sermon Text: Colossians 1:1-14
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 41
Leviticus 19:9-18
Luke 10:25-37
And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart. So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:6-7)
How sad it is that the crown of God’s creation becomes something He regrets making! Something He wants to blot out!
How great is man’s wickedness? God wants to blot out everything from the face of the earth because of it! Just as the entire world was cursed with Adam, so also everything created from the dust of the earth is condemned in the Flood.
Sin grieves God’s heart. God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). We grieve God by forsaking Him with our sin. As we will see next time, only Noah found favor in His sight. Only Noah brings a spark of light in a dark, dark world. Amen.
The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)
Why does God send the Flood? “Every intention of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually.” Many try to get rid of original sin from Christianity, but you can’t do it. Without original sin, why is there so much evil? You can’t answer the question.
God’s wrath comes because of man’s great wickedness. Wickedness passed down from generation to generation. Without Christ, there is no good inside you. In Christ is the only place where there is any good. We will hear in a few days that “Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
Noah wasn’t without sin. He found favor because of Christ’s coming sacrifice for sin. The same sacrifice in which you find favor. Amen.
"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress" (Psalm 107:6).
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The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. (Genesis 6:4)
The Nephilim were the “mighty men … of old, the men of renown.” These were the men who were the models for all the heroes of the world. The children of the gods and goddesses and mortals in mythology.
While our heroes are typically the “good guys,” the Nephilim were more like the archvillains of our comic books and movies. They used their size and strength to terrorize and oppress regular mortals. Their reputation was well-known throughout the world. And people feared them.
The true mighty man of history, the real man of renown, is Jesus. He is true God and true Man. He has almighty power to do whatever He wants. What does He want? Does He want to oppress you? No. He wants to save you. He has done that through His death and resurrection. Amen.
Contract Extension: Italian Stallion (2/1/23)
Television Title Match: Bugsy McGraw © vs ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne
Michael Hayes vs Italian Stallion
'Flyin' Brian Pillman vs Jimmy Jack Funk
American Tag Team Titles Match: Buzz Sawyer & Chris Candido © vs Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Honky Tonk Man
American Heavyweight Title Match: Kerry von Erich © vs ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol
World Tag Team Titles Match: Smokin’ Gunns © vs Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. (Genesis 6:4)
The Nephilim are one of the mysteries of the Flood. These were giant men, the product of fallen angels and women. They were well-known for their size and strength. Goliath was likely one of the Nephilim. They were around before the Flood “and also afterward.”
They were one of the root causes of the increased sinfulness that grieved God’s heart. Not only the sinfulness of their human mothers. The truly demonic influences of their fathers. These joined together with their size caused them to be a great nuisance on the earth. They were one of the things God wanted to rid the world of through the Flood.
Goliath lived many centuries after the Flood. The Nephilim may have been destroyed in the Flood, but the demonic “sons of God” started over again just as God did. Evil continues today. Amen.
Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” (Genesis 6:3)
God’s Spirit will not abide with sinful man forever. Sinful man will die. Death can be seen as a horrible punishment, but it can also be a blessing.
Death is initially a punishment and outgrowth of sin (Genesis 2:16-17; James 1:15). Death can be a horrible sight to behold. Most everything we do in medicine and science is designed to make us live longer, but a longer life isn’t necessarily a great thing.
What if you were born in 1902, 120 years ago? What would you have seen? Two World Wars. The Great Depression. Korea. Vietnam. Desert Storm and Shield. 9/11. And these are just a few things. What more is to come? Who knows!
Death also brings about a blessing. God has imposed a limit of the suffering that you will have to survive or see in this life. God’s grace has put a limit on those days. Overall, it’s 120 years or less. Your days are numbered, but they are numbered by God’s grace. Amen.
The Roman pontiff claims for himself that he is
Second, he adds that by divine right he has both swords, that is, the authority also to enthrone and depose kings<, regulate secular dominions, and such>.
Third, he says that to believe this is necessary for salvation. For these reasons, the Roman bishop calls himself
These three articles we hold to be false, godless, tyrannical, and destructive to the Church.
(Tr 1-4)
Melanchthon goes on to use Luke 22:24-27; Matthew 18:2; John 20:21; Galatians 2:7-10 and 1 Corinthians 3 to prove this from Scripture.
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Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: July 3, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
856, "O Christ, Who Called the Twelve"
533, "Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure"
521, "Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken"
673, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home"
844, "Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace"
830, "Spread the Reign of God the Lord"
Sermon Theme: Lambs Amidst Wolves
Sermon Text: Luke 10:1-20
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 66:1-7
Isaiah 66:10-14
Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18
When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. (Genesis 6:1-2)
“There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them” (Job 1:6). The “sons of God” are the angels. As we come to the Flood, these are likely the angels who fell with Satan. That is the best description of these, especially as we will see in a few days.
But Jesus turns changes things. “For in Christ you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26). Your sonship comes through your Baptism. Whether you are male or female, you are considered a son of God because historically only sons received the inheritance. Since Baptism gives everyone the inheritance of faith, everyone who has been baptized—whether male or female—is called a son of God.
Being a son, you receive the inheritance of Heaven. Which is what God has wanted from even the creation of man. The inheritance restored for all who look forward to everlasting life in Heaven. Amen.
God always remembers His covenant with His people, even if they are enslaved
like Joseph (Genesis 40-41) and Daniel and his three friends (Daniel 1;
3:8-12).
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Contract Signing: Black Bart
Television Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne © vs Bugsy McGraw
Jimmy Jack Funk vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
Cowboy Ron Bass & Black Bart vs Jimmy Wang Yang & T.D. Steele
Non-Title Match: Billy Gunn vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels &
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Fabulous Freebirds vs Rough & Ready
Non-Title Match: Kerry von Erich vs Terry Funk
"If the bishops would be true bishops and would devote themselves to the Church and the Gospel, we might grant them to ordain and confirm us and our preachers. This would be for the sake of love and unity, but not because it was necessary. However, they would have to give up all comedies and spectacular display of unchristian parade and pomp. But they do not even want to be true bishops, but worldly lords and princes, who will neither preach, nor teach, nor baptize, nor administer the Lord's Supper, nor perform any work or office of the Church. Furthermore, they persecute and condemn those who do discharge these functions, having been called to do so. So the Church should not be deprived of ministers because of the bishops" (SA III X 1-2).
"They have neither the authority nor the right to ban marriage and to burden the divine order of priests with perpetual celibacy. They have acted like anti-Christian, tyrannical, desperate scoundrels, and by this have caused all kinds of horrible, outrageous, innumerable sins of unchastity, in which they themselves still wallow. Now, neither we nor they have been given the power to make a woman out of a man or a man out of a woman, or to nullify either sex. So they have had no authority to separate such creatures of God, or to forbid them from living honestly in marriage with one another. Therefore, we are unwilling to agree to their outrageous celibacy, nor will we tolerate it. We want to have marriage free as God has instituted it, and we want neither to repeal nor hinder His work. For Paul says that this ban on marriage is the 'teachings of demons' (1 Timothy 4:1-3)" (SA III XI).
"We do not agree with them that they are the Church. They are not the Church. Nor will we listen to those things that, under the name of Church, they command or forbid. Thank God, a seven-year-old child knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd [John 10:11-16]. For the children pray, 'I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.' This holiness does not come from albs, tonsures, long gowns, and other ceremonies they made up without Holy Scripture, but from God's Word and true faith" (SA III XII).
"I do not know how to change in the least what I have previously and constantly taught about justification. Namely, that through faith, as St. Peter says, we have a new and clean heart [Acts 15:9-11], and God will and does account us entirely righteous and holy for the sake of Christ, our Mediator [1 Timothy 2:5]. Although sin in the flesh has not yet been completely removed or become dead [Romans 7:18], yet He will not punish or remember it" (SA III XIII 1).
"Since monastic vows directly conflict with the first chief article, they must be absolutely abolished. It is about them that Christ says, 'Many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and they will lead many astray' (Matthew 24:5, 23-24). He who makes a vow to live as a monk believes he will enter upon a way of life holier than ordinary Christians lead. He wants to earn Heaven by his own works, not only for himself, but also for others. This is to deny Christ. They also boast from their St. Thomas Aquinas that a monastic vow is equal to Baptism. This is blasphemy" (SA III XIV).
"The declaration of the papists that human traditions serve for the forgiveness of sins or merit salvation is unchristian and condemned. As Christ says, 'In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men' [Matthew 15:9]. Again, 'the commands of people who turn away from the truth' [Titus 1:14]. When they declare that it is a mortal sin if someone breaks these ordinances, this, too, is not right" (SA III XV 1-2).
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Liturgical Date: Third Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: June 26, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
605, "Father Welcomes"
688, "'Come, Follow Me,' the Savior Spake"
430, "My Song Is Love Unknown"
Sermon Theme: Rebukes from the Son
Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-62
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 16
1 Kings 19:9b-21
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Israel grew complacent in their conquest of the Promised Land (Joshua 13:1-7; Judges 1).
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6/22/22
Wintrust Arena
Contract Signing: Bugsy McGraw
Contract Extension: J.J. Dillon
Departure: Steve Armstrong
Bugsy McGraw vs T.D. Steele
Television Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne © vs Mance Warner
Jimmy Golden vs Steve Armstrong
Gino Hernandez vs Jimmy Wang Yang
American Tag Team Titles Match: Chris Candido & Buzz Sawyer © vs Rough & Ready
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams © vs Honky Tonk Man
Non-Title Match: Kerry von Erich vs Billy Gunn
Iceman King Parsons & Italian Stallion vs Fabulous Freebirds
We will now return to the Gospel, which does not give us counsel and aid against sin in only one way. God is superabundantly generous in His grace: First, through the spoken Word, by which the forgiveness of sins is preached in the whole world [Luke 24:45-47]. This is the particular office of the Gospel. Second, through Baptism. Third, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourth, through the power of the Keys. Also through the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren, "Where two or three are gathered" (Matthew 18:20) and other such verses [especially Romans 1:12]. (SA III IV)
Join me as I go through the Gospel's vehicles as Article IV forms the outline for Articles V-IX.
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Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after Pentecost
Calendar Date: June 19, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
594, "God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It"
849, "Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness"
623, "Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray"
570, "Just As I Am"
744, "Amazing Grace"
686, "Come, Thou Fount, of Every Blessing"
Sermon Theme: Do Not Torment Me!
Sermon Text: Luke 8:26-39
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 3
Isaiah 65:1-9
Galatians 3:23-4:7
Stumbling Blocks (Psalm 106:28-33)
Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam could only bless them through
God's Word. Eventually, Balaam convinced Balak to cause them to worship Baal
instead of YHWH (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:12-17).
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6/15/22
Fiserv Forum
Contract Extension: Terry Gordy, Jimmy Wang Yang
Television Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne © vs Mance Warner
MCW Brew City Heavyweight Title Match: Al Perez (c) vs Sheik
Michael Hayes vs Italian Stallion
Iceman King Parsons vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Honky Tonk Man
Gino Hernandez vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol
Terry Funk vs Bubba Ray Dudley
World Tag Team Titles Triple Threat Match: Smokin’ Gunns © vs Uptown Boys (HCW) vs Blackjacks (MCW)
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude © vs David von Erich
Liturgical Date: Trinity Sunday
Calendar Date: June 12, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
802, "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
498, "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest"
578, "Thy Strong Word"
798, "The God of Abraham Praise"
Sermon Theme: Our Majestic Triune God
Sermon Text: Psalm 8
Other Lectionary Readings:
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Acts 2:14, 22-36
John 8:48-59
"In Christians, this repentance continues until death. For through one's
entire life, repentance contends with the sin remaining in the flesh. Paul
testifies that he wars with the law in his members (Romans 7:14-25) not by his
own powers, but by the gift of the Holy Spirit that follows the forgiveness of
sins [Romans 8:1-17]. This gift daily cleanses and sweeps out the remaining
sins and works to make a person truly pure and holy" (SA III III 40).
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“When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son and called his name Noah, saying, ‘Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands’” (Genesis 5:28-29).
Unreliable Spies (Psalm 106:24-27)
Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan. Two sought to hold to God's promises to
take the Promised Land. The other ten terrified the people into forty years of
wandering around in the Wilderness (Numbers 13-14).
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6/1/22
Young Arena
Departure: PG-13
Contract Signing: Michael Hayes, Iceman King Parsons
T.D. Steele vs Mike Jackson
Television Title Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer © vs ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne
'Hacksaw' Butch Reed vs Kendall Windham
'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Billy Gunn
Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden vs Mance Warner & Jimmy Jack Funk
Fabulous Freebirds vs Honky Tonk Man & Iceman King Parsons
HCW Tag Team Titles Match: Uptown Boys © vs Baron von Raschke & Boris Zhukov
American Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich © vs Kerry von Erich
6/8/22 LAST CARD IN SIOUX FALLS!!
Sanford Pentagon
Contract Extension: T.D. Steele, Rough & Ready
Contract Signing: Cowboy Ron Bass
Mance Warner vs T.D. Steele
Jimmy Jack Funk vs Steve Armstrong
Television Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne © vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer
Cowboy Ron Bass vs Iceman King Parsons
Michael Hayes vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
Jimmy Golden vs Terry Funk
Non-Title Match: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams © vs Honky Tonk Man
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Chris Candido
Non-Title Match: Smokin' Gunns vs Rough & Ready
Terry Gordy vs David von Erich
Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. (Genesis 4:22)
His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. (Genesis 4:21)
"Whenever the Law alone exercises its office, without the Gospel being added,
there is nothing but death and Hell, and one must despair, as Saul and Judas
did [1 Samuel 31; Matthew 27:5]. St. Paul says, through sin the Law kills.
[See Romans 7:10.] On the other hand, the GOspel brings consolation and
forgiveness. It does so not just in one way, but through the Word and the
Sacraments and the like, as we will discuss later. As Psalm 130:7 says against
the dreadful captivity of sin, 'with the LORD is ... plentiful redemption'"
(SA III III 7-8).
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Liturgical Date: Pentecost
Calendar Date: June 5, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
497, "Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord"
569, "In Adam We Have All Been One"
659, "Lord of Our Life"
637, "Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord"
621, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
503, "O Day Full of Grace"
Sermon Theme: Man's Potential
Sermon Text: Genesis 11:1-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 143
Acts 2:1-21
John 14:23-31
Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. (Genesis 4:20)
"This hereditary sin is such a deep corruption of nature that no reacon can
understand it. Rather, it must be believed from the revelation of Scripture.
(See Psalm 51:5; Romans 6:12-13; Exodus 33:3; Genesis 3:7-19.) Therefore, it
is nothing but error and blindness [what] the scholastic doctors have taught
in regard to this article" (SA III I 3).
"But the chief office or force of the Law is to reveal original sin with all
its fruit. It shows us how very low our nature has fallen, how we have become
utterly corrupted. The Law must tell us that we have no God, that we do not
care for God, and that we worship other gods [Romans 3:10-18]--something we
would not ahve believed before or without the Law. In this way, we become
terrified, humbled, despressed. We despair and anxiously want help, but see no
escape [Romans 7:21-24]. We begin to be an enemy of God and to complain, and
so on [Romans 5:10]. This is what Paul says, 'The Law brings wrath' (Romans
4:15). Sin is increased by the Law, 'The Law came in to increase the trespass'
(Romans 5:20)" (SA III II 4-5).
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Why would Aaron build a golden calf like those in Egypt (Exodus 32)?
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5/25/22
Renaissance Coliseum
Contract Extension: Bart Gunn
Jimmy Jack Funk vs T.D. Steele
Mance Warner vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Television Title Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer © vs Bart Gunn
'Nightmare' Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs Rough & Ready
American Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer & Chris Candido © vs PG-13
Non-Title Match: 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Honky Tonk Man
'Flyin' Brian Pillman vs Terry Funk
Kerry von Erich vs Terry Gordy
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude © vs David von Erich
"Therefore, just as little as we can worship the devil himself as Lord and
God, we can endure his apostle, the Pope, or Antichrist, in his rule as head
or lord" (SA II IV 14).
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Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: May 22, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
770, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
476, "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow"
556, "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice"
Sermon Theme: Ask in My Name
Sermon Text: John 16:23-33
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 148
Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27
Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses and Aaron. God causes the earth
to open up and swallow them and all their possession (Numbers 16).
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5/18/22
State Farm Center
Contract Extension: Terry Gordy
J.C. Ice vs T.D. Steele
Bart Gunn vs Wolfie D
Television Title Mississippi Mud Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer © vs Italian
Stallion vs Jimmy Jack Funk vs Jimmy Wang Yang vs Steve Armstrong vs Mance
Warner
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels © vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
American Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich © vs Kerry von Erich
The papistic Mass conflicts with the chief article of the Christian faith on the most basic level.
Monasteries were originally established as places for advanced theological education.
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The Israelites had forgotten God's works while enslaved in Egypt, but they will be brought out (Exodus 3:13-22).
In the Wilderness, the Israelites demand food other than manna (Numbers 11:31-35).
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BMO Harris Bank Center
Rockford, IL
Television Title Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer © vs Jimmy Wang Yang
American Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich © vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Best-of-5 Falls Six-Man Tag Team Match: 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne, Honky Tonk Man & Italian Stallion vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude, 'Gentleman' Chris Adams & 'Hot
Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
These articles are the foundation of what Lutherans could not and would not surrender to Rome.
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"To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD" (Genesis 4:26).
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: May 8, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
657, "A Mighty Fortress"
709, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
725, "Children of the Heavenly Father"
740, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"
Sermon Theme: No One Will Snatch Them
Sermon Text: John 10:22-30
Other Lectionary Readings:
Acts 20:17-35
Revelation 7:9-17
"And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, 'God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him'" (Genesis 4:25).
1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
4 Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them,
5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
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United Center
Departures: Shane Douglas, Eric Embry
Contract Signings: Kerry von Erich, Jimmy Jack Funk, Alexandra York
Wolfie D vs T.D. Steele
Jimmy Golden vs ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne
Television Title Match: ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer © vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Honky Tonk Man vs Mance Warner
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Billy Gunn
American Tag Team Titles Match: Eric Embry & ‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman © vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer & Chris Candido
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs Shane Douglas
Kerry von Erich vs Gino Hernandez
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol © vs ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: May 1, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
465, "Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds"
688, "'Come, Follow Me,' the Savior Spake"
547, "The Lamb"
639, "Wide Open Stand the Gates"
620, "Jesus Comes Today with Healing"
680, "Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise"
475, "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing"
Sermon Theme: Go Fish!
Sermon Text: John 21:1-14
Other Lectionary Readings:
Acts 9:1-22
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:1-14
4/20/22 LAST CARD IN MINNEAPOLIS!!
Target Center
Contract Extension: Mance Warner (1/18/23)
Departure: Lanny Poffo
Television Title Match: Jimmy Golden © vs J.C. Ice
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Italian Stallion
World Tag Team Titles Match: Smokin’ Gunns © vs ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude & ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol
Gino Hernandez vs Shane Douglas
Tower of Doom Match: Bubba Ray Dudley, Jimmy Wang Yang & Jimmy Golden vs David von Erich, Terry Gordy & Terry Funk
4/27/22
Fiserv Forum
Departure: S.D. Jones
Mance Warner vs Jimmy Wang Yang
Television Title Match: Jimmy Golden © vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer
Billy Travis vs Ace Darling
Eric Embry vs Italian Stallion
Disco Inferno vs Terry Taylor
MCW Brew City Title Match: Dr. X © vs Chris Kanyon
‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Abdullah the Butcher
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Terry Gordy
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol © vs David von Erich
Genesis 4:19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
Luther sought a true ecumenical council to settle the issues between Rome and Wittenberg.
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Genesis 4:19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech.
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: April 24, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
487, "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain"
471, "O Sons and Daughters of the King"
763, "When Peace, Like a River"
Sermon Theme: Doubting No More
Sermon Text: John 20:19-31
Other Lectionary Readings:
Acts 5:12-21
Psalm 148
Revelation 1:4-18
Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech.
Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech.
Liturgical Date: Easter
Calendar Date: April 17, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
457, "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
488, "He Is Arisen! Glorious Word"
461, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
466, "Christ Has Arisen! Alleluia"
474, "Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen"
490, "Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won"
Sermon Theme: Why Do You Seek the Living among the Dead?
Sermon Text: Luke 24:1-12
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 16
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Genesis 4:17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.
Genesis 4:17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.
As we prepare to go into the Smalcald Articles, we take a look at Reformation history from Luther's posting of the 95 Theses against indulgences until the council declared to take place in Mantua, Italy, for which Luther prepared the Smalcald Articles.
Genesis 4:16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Reading: Daniel 3
Psalm: LSB #931, "All You Works of the LORD"
Hymn: LSB #442, "All Glory, Laud and Honor"
Reading: Deuteronomy 31
Psalm: LSB #926, "Song from Deuteronomy"
Hymn: LSB #429, "We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died"
Reading: Exodus 14
Psalm: LSB #925, "Song of Moses and Israel"
Hymn: LSB #423, "Jesus, Refuge of the Weary"
He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He remembers His covenant forever, the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that He made with Abraham, His sworn promise to Isaac, which He confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance." (Psalm 105:7-11)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part IV: The Praetorium
Jimmy Wang Yang vs Savannah Jack
‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne vs ‘Leaping’ Lanny Poffo
Mance Warner vs Italian Stallion
#1 Contender for Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer
Eric Embry vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
PG-13 vs Rough & Ready
‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman vs Shane Douglas
‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs Chris Candido
Texas Tornado Match: Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden vs David von Erich & Terry Gordy
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part III: The Palace of the High Priest
We are pleased with the ancient division of power into (a) power of the order and (b) power of jurisdiction. Therefore, the bishop has the power of the order, that is, the ministry of the Word and Sacraments. He also has the power of jurisdiction. This means the authority to excommunicate those guilty of open crimes and again to absolve them if they are converted and seek absolution [John 20:23]. (Ap XXVIII 13)
Liturgical Date: Palm Sunday
Calendar Date: April 10, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching with Confirmation
Hymns:
442, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor"
441, "Ride on, Ride on, in Majesty"
443, "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
660, "Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus"
422, "On My Heart Imprint Your Image"
922, "Go, My Children, with My Blessing"
Sermon Theme: The LORD Vindicates His People
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 32
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
John 12:12-19
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part I: The Lord's Supper
These all look to You, to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are filled with good things. When You hide Your face, they are dismayed; when You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When You send forth Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the ground. (Psalm 104:27-30)
Television Title Match: Jimmy Golden © vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer
Streetfight: PG-13 vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Butch Reed
HCW Tag Team Titles Match: Bobby Fulton & Rip Rogers © vs S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele
Seth Rollins vs Adrian Adonis
HCW Hawkeyeverse Title Match: Tully Blanchard © vs Ted DiBiase Jr.
Randy Orton vs ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams
Terry Gordy vs Shane Douglas
American Heavyweight Title Match: Gino Hernandez © vs David von Erich
World Heavyweight Title Match: ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol © vs A.J. Styles (HCW champion)
We have repeated some of our reasons and, in passing, have dismissed the adversaries' objections. We have collected these matters, not simply because of the adversaries, but much more because of godly minds, that they may see the reasons why they should condemn hypocritical and fictitious monastic services. All such things certainly are done away with by this one saying of Christ, "In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). Therefore, the vows themselves and the observances of meats, lessons, chants, vestments, sandals, girdles are useless services in God's sight. All godly minds should certainly know that the following opinions are simply pharisaic and condemned:
(a) these observances merit the forgiveness of sins,
(b) we are regarded righteous because of them,
(c) we receive eternal life because of them, and not through mercy because of Christ. (Ap XXVII 69)
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Calendar Date: April 3, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
644, "The Church's One Foundation"
430, "My Song Is Love Unknown"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own" (vv 1, 2, 6)
575, "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"
427, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory"
431, "Not All the Blood of Beasts"
435, "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: I Am Doing a New Thing
Sermon Text: Isaiah 43
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:8-14
Luke 20:9-20
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1)
Television Title Match: ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne © vs Jimmy Golden
S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele vs Rough & Ready
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Electrified Cage Match: Bubba Ray Dudley vs David von Erich
Elimination Match: ‘Universal Heartthrob’ Austin Idol, ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude, ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & Italian Stallion vs ‘Mad Dog’ Buzz Sawyer, Chris Candido, ‘Leaping’ Lanny Poffo & Mance Warner
Second, religious exercises, obedience, poverty, and celibacy--provided the latter is not impure--are adiaphora. Therefore, the saints can use them without impiety, just as Bernard, Francis, and other holy men used them. They used them to restrain the body, so that they might have more freedom to teach and to perform other godly offices, not that these works themselves are, by themselves, works that justify or merit eternal life. Finally, these exercises are of the type that Paul says, "Bodily training is of some value" (1 Timothy 4:8). [Ap XXVII 21]
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday in Lent
Calendar Date: March 27, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
686, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
571, "God Loved the World So That He Gave"
420, "Christ, the Life of All the Living"
Sermon Theme: My Strength and My Song
Sermon Text: Isaiah 12
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
"Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!" (Psalm 102:2)
'Leaping' Lanny Poffo vs Italian Stallion
Television Title Match: 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne (c) vs Mance Warner
Non-Title Match: Eric Embry & 'Flyin' Brian Pillman vs Rough & Ready
Non-Title Match: 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer
Lumberjack Match: Bubba Ray Dudley vs David von Erich
'Ravishing' Rick Rude vs Terry Funk
World Tag Team Titles Best-of-3 Falls Match with Managers Banned from Ringside: Smokin' Gunns (c) vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man
Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. (Genesis 4:15)
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday in Lent
Calendar Date: March 20, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
761, "Rock of Ages"
421, "Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own" (verses 1, 2 & 6)
627, "Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior"
433, "Glory Be to Jesus"
419, "Savior, When in Dust to Thee"
917, "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise"
Sermon Theme: Why Will You Die?
Sermon Text: Ezekiel 33:7-20
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 85
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
"It is very clear that a vow is illegitimate if the person who makes the vow thinks that the forgiveness of sins before God is merited by it or satisfaction is made before God for sins. This opinion clearly insults the Gospel, which teaches that the forgiveness of sins is freely granted to us for Christ's sake, as has been said at some length before." (Ap XXVII 11)
Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. (Genesis 4:15)
When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. (Genesis 4:12)
"Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him." (Psalm 98:1)
"Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them. In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them; they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings." (Psalm 99:6-8)
"For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
"I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music." (Psalm 101:1)
When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. (Genesis 4:12)
Departure: Dirty White Boy
Television Title Match: 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne (c) vs Steve Armstrong
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Billy Gunn
#1 Contender Match for the Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Brad Armstrong
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs Bart Gunn
American Tag Team Titles Match: S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele (c) vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman & Eric Embry
Bubba Ray Dudley & Jimmy Golden vs Chris Candido & 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer
David von Erich & Terry Gordy vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. (Genesis 4:11)
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday in Lent
Calendar Date: March 13, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
708, "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart"
422, "On My Heart Imprint Your Image"
454, "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
Sermon Theme: Mend Your Hearts and Your Ways
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 26:8-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 4
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. (Genesis 4:10)
Our adversaries have no references and no command from Scripture for defending the use of the ceremony for freeing the souls of the dead. (Ap XXIV 89)
This belief, that such services and sacrifices atone, remains and always will remain in the world. Carnal people cannot tolerate that the honor of an atoning sacrifice belongs solely to Christ's sacrifice because they do not understand the righteousness of faith. Rather, they assign equal honor to the rest of the services and sacrifices. (Ap XXIV 97)
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. (Psalm 96:10-13)
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. (Psalm 97:1-2)
Italian Stallion vs T.D. Steele
'Leaping' Lanny Poffo vs 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer
Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong (c) vs 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Bart Gunn
Jimmy Golden vs Terry Gordy
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs Billy Gunn
'Flyin' Brian Pillman vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Eric Embry vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Bubba Ray Dudley vs David von Erich
Shane Douglas vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
The Sacraments are signs of God's will toward us and not merely signs of people among one another. (Ap XXIV 69)
Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Lent
Calendar Date: March 6, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
424, "O Christ, You Walked the Road"
656, "A Mighty Fortress"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own" (verses 1, 2 * 6)
420, "Christ, the Life of All the Living"
619, "Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior"
431, "Not All the Blood of Beasts"
423, "Jesus, Refuge of the Weary"
Sermon Theme: We Cried to the LORD
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 91:1-13
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
"But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out." (Psalm 94:22-23)
"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." (Psalm 95:1-7; Venite)
Video of David and Gordy abducting Southern Dynamite
Southern Dynamite's background
Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong © vs Ken Wayne
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs Bart Gunn
Honky Tonk Man vs Billy Gunn
MCW Brew City Heavyweight Title Match: Dr. X © vs Al Perez
Lanny Poffo Mance Warner vs Rough & Ready
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Raven
American Heavyweight Title Match: Gino Hernandez © vs David von Erich
MCW Tag Team Titles Match: Blackjacks © vs Tony Garea & Ace Darling
World Heavyweight Title Match: Austin Idol © vs Big Boss Man (MCW champion)
"The main proofs for our belief are in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Yet, the adversaries twist mutilated passages from this Epistle against us, as in this very passage [5:1], where it is said that every high priest is ordained to offer sacrifices for sins. Scripture immediately adds that Christ is the High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-6, 10). The preceding words speak about the Levitical priesthood and show that the Levitical priesthood was an image of Christ's priesthood. The Levitical sacrifices for sins did not merit the forgiveness of sins before God. They were only an image of Christ's sacrifice, which was to be the one atoning sacrifice, as we said before. To a great extent the Epistle speaks about how the ancient priesthood and the ancient sacrifices were set up not to merit the forgiveness of sins before God or reconciliation, but only to illustrate the future sacrifice of Christ alone. In the Old Testament, saints had to be justified by faith, which receives the promise of the forgiveness of sins granted for Christ's sake, just as saints are also justified in the New Testament. From the beginning of the world all saints had to believe that Christ would be the promised offering and satisfaction for sins, as Isaiah 53:10 teaches, 'when His soul makes an offering for sin.'" (Ap XXIV 53-55)
Liturgical Date: Transfiguration of Our Lord
Calendar Date: February 27, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
414, "'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here"
413, "O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair"
417, "Alleluia, Song of Gladness"
Sermon Theme: His Coming Departure
Sermon Text: Luke 9:28-36
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 99
Deuteronomy 34
Hebrews 3:1-6
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. (Psalm 93:1)
Contract Extension: Eric Embry
Departure: Rugged Rod Price
Savannah Jack vs Italian Stallion
#1 Contender for TV Title Match: 'Nightmare' Ken Wayne vs Rugged Rod Price
Eric Embry vs 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer
Honky Tonk Man vs Dirty White Boy
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Terry Funk vs Chris Candido
Bubba Ray Dudley & Masked Wrestler vs David von Erich & Terry Gordy
Armstrong Brothers vs Dangerous Duo
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol & 'Ravishing' Rick Rude (c) vs Smokin' Gunns
"There are two kinds of sacrifice and no more. One is the atoning sacrifice, that is, a work that makes satisfaction for guilt and punishment. It reconciles God, or reconciles His wrath and merits the forgiveness of sins for others. The other kind is the eucharistic sacrifice, which does not merit the forgiveness of sins or reconciliation. It is practiced by those who have been reconciled, so that we may give thanks or return gratitude for the forgiveness of sins that has been received, or for other benefits received." (Ap XXIV 19)
"Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." (Psalm 90:1-2)
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11-12)
'Leaping' Lanny Poffo vs T.D. Steele
Mance Warner vs 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer
Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong (c) vs S.D. Jones
Brad Armstrong vs Chris Candido
'Nightmare' Ken Wayne & Italian Stallion vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Rugged Rod Price
No DQ Match: Bubba Ray Dudley vs David von Erich
Dangerous Duo vs Rough & Ready
#1 Contender for the World Tag Team Titles Falls Count Anywhere Match: Smokin' Gunns vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man
World Heavyweight Title Match: 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol (c) vs Gino Hernandez
At the outset, we must again make this preliminary statement: we do not abolish the Mass, but religiously keep and defend it. Masses are celebrated among us every Lord's Day and on the other festivals. The Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have been examined and absolved. And the usual public ceremonies are observed, the series of lessons, of prayers, vestments, and other such things. (Ap XXIV 1)
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: February 13, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
704, "Renew Me, O Eternal Light"
394, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
797, "Praise the Almighty"
729, "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus"
Sermon Theme: Blessed Is the Man
Sermon Text: Psalm 1
Other Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 17:5-8
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
Contract Signings: Bubba Ray Dudley, 'Leaping' Lanny Poffo, Mance Warner
Departure: Missy Hyatt
Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong © vs Nightmare Ken Wayne
Mance Warner vs Kendall Windham
'Leaping' Lanny Poffo vs Goldust
Rugged Rod Price vs Seth Rollins
David von Erich & Terry Gordy vs Buzz Sawyer & Chris Candido
World Tag Team Titles Match: Rick Rude & Austin Idol © vs Bobby Fulton & Rip Rogers (HCW champions)
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Butch Reed
Great Muta vs Tully Blanchard
Terry Funk vs Baron von Raschke
Smokin’ Gunns vs Uptown Boys
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man vs Ted DiBiase & Tommy Rich
World Heavyweight Title Match: Austin Idol © vs Big Bubba Rogers (HCW champion)
Marriage should be strongly defended by the strictest laws and warning examples. People should be encouraged to marry. This duty belongs to public officials, who should maintain public discipline. Meanwhile, the teachers of the Gospel should do both of these things: encourage unchaste people to marry; encourage others not to hate the gift of chastity. (Ap XXIII 55)
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (OSLC's 90th Anniversary)
Calendar Date: February 6, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
669, "Come We That Love the Lord"
912, "Christ Is Our Cornerstone"
609, "Jesus Sinners Doth Receive"
570, "Just As I Am"
649, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
895, "Now Thank We All Our God"
Sermon Theme: Seek and Save the Lost
Sermon Text: Luke 19:1-10
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 14:12b-20
Luke 5:1-11
"And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him. I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens. If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. (Psalm 89:27-36)
Video of Hawkeye Championship Wrestling
Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong © vs Nightmare Ken Wayne
Dirty White Boy vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Rugged Rod Price vs Rough & Ready
Non-Title Match: S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele vs PG-13
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Candido © vs Honky Tonk Man
American Heavyweight Title Match: Brad Armstrong © vs Gino Hernandez
Eric Embry & Flyin’ Brian Pillman vs Smokin’ Gunns
David von Erich & Terry Gordy vs Dangerous Duo
World Heavyweight Title BodySlam Challenge: Rick Rude © vs Austin Idol
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 30, 2022
Order of Service: Hymn Sing with Divine Service 4
Hymns:
809, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
721, "Lead Me, Guide Me"
847, "Christ, Our Human Likeness Sharing"
953, "We All Believe in One True God"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own"
631, "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face"
842, "Son of God, Eternal Savior"
739, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
Sermon Theme: Formed in the Womb
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13
Luke 4:31-44
"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalm 84:10).
"Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land" (Psalm 85:9).
"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me" (Psalm 86:15-17).
"On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob" (Psalm 87:1-2).
"Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon? Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" (Psalm 88:10-12)
Contract Extension: Brian Pillman
- Italian Stallion vs T.D. Steele
- Nightmare Ken Wayne vs Savannah Jack
- Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong (c) vs S.D. Jones
- Bart Gunn vs Eric Embry
- Brian Pillman vs Billy Gunn
- Honky Tonk Man vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
- 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Rugged Rod Price vs PG-13
- 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Great Muta
- Non-Title Match: Terry Funk vs Brad Armstrong
- #1 Contender for the World/American Heavyweight Title Match: Gino Hernandez vs Shane Douglas
- Title War: David von Erich (World) & Terry Gordy vs Rick Rude & Austin Idol (World Tag Team) vs Chris Candido (Illinois) & Buzz Sawyer
Our adversaries do not require celibacy through superstition. They know that chastity is not ordinarily practiced. The adversaries fake superstitious opinions to fool the ignorant. They should be hated more than the Encratites, who seem to have erred by a show of religion. These Epicureans willingly misuse the appearance of religion. (Ap XXIII 50)
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 23, 2022
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
583, "God Has Spoken by His Prophets"
395, "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
582, "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage"
Sermon Theme: One Body
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 19:7-14
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Luke 4:16-30
Rugged Rod Price vs ‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne
Italian Stallion vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Television Title Tag Team Match: Buzz Sawyer © & Chris Candido vs Savannah Jack & Steve Armstrong
MCW vs PWA Elimination Match: Terry Taylor, Brad Rheingans, Tony Garea, Chris Sabin & Ace Darling vs Smokin’ Gunns, Dangerous Duo & Terry Funk
American Tag Team Titles Match: Dirty White Boy & Gino Hernandez © vs S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele
MCW Tag Team Titles Match: Tyson Kidd & Sabu vs Blackjacks
Honky Tonk Man & ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs PG-13
MCW Heavyweight Title Battle Royale
We cannot approve this law about celibacy that the adversaries defend, because it conflicts with divine and natural law and disagrees with the very canons of the councils. It is clearly superstitious and dangerous. It produces countless scandals, sins, and corruption of public morals. Our other disagreements need some discussion by the doctors. But in this matter the subject is so clear to both parties that it requires no discussion. It only requires as judge a man who is honest and fears God. Although we defend the clear truth, the adversaries still have created certain reproaches for mocking our arguments. (Ap XXIII 6)
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 16, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
498, "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest"
402, "The Only Son from Heaven"
636, "Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness"
398, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
Sermon Theme: Same Spirit, Different Gifts
Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 128
Isaiah 62:1-5
John 2:1-11
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. (Psalm 81:11-12)
They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. (Psalm 82:5)
Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83:17-18)
Contract Signings: Italian Stallion, Rugged Rod Price
Contract Extension: Brad Armstrong
Italian Stallion vs Rugged Rod Price
‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne vs Wolfie D
#1 Contender for Television Title Match: Steve Armstrong vs J.C. Ice
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Eric Embry
Dirty White Boy vs ‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman
Illinois Heavyweight Title Triple Threat Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Gino Hernandez vs Chris Candido
American Heavyweight Title Match: Brad Armstrong © vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
Smokin’ Gunns vs Rough & Ready
Austin Idol vs Terry Gordy
There is no doubt that using both parts in the Lord's Supper is godly and in agreement with Christ's institution and Paul's words. For Christ instituted both parts, not for a portion of the Church, but for the whole Church. Not only the presbyters, but the entire Church uses the Sacrament by Christ's authority, and not by human authority. (Ap XXII 1)
Liturgical Date: Baptism of Our Lord
Calendar Date: January 9, 2022
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
605, "Father Welcomes"
405, "To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord"
594, "God's Own Child, I'll Gladly Say It"
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
Sermon Theme: Enthroned above the Flood
Sermon Text: Psalm 29
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 43:1-7
Romans 6:1-11
Luke 3:15-22
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us. (Psalm 79:1-4)
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Psalm 80:3)
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Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
‘Nightmare’ Ken Wayne vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Triple Threat Match: Honky Tonk Man vs Gino Hernandez vs Chris Candido
‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs Shane Douglas
Promo – Southern Dynamite, Sheik
Raven vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Great Muta vs Dirty White Boy
PG-13 vs Rough & Ready
Eric Embry & Brian Pillman vs T.D. Steele & S.D. Jones
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs Terry Funk
Non-Title Match: Brad Armstrong vs Terry Gordy
World Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich © vs Austin Idol
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"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after Christmas
Calendar Date: January 2, 2022
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
373, "See Amid the Winter Snow"
359, "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
368, "Angels We Have Heard on High"
376, "Once in Royal David's City"
393, "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
385, "From East to West"
WHM #164, "We Three Kings of Orient Are"
Sermon Theme: Give Me Understanding
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 3:4-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 119:97-104
Ephesians 1:3-14
Luke 2:40-52
Granted, the blessed Mary prays for the Church. Does she receive souls in death? Does she conquer death? Does she make alive? What does Christ do if the blessed Mary does these things? Although she is most worthy of the most plentiful honors, yet she does not want to be made equal to Christ. Instead she wants us to consider and follow her example. (Ap XXI 27)
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"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of teh LORD, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. (Psalm 78:2-4)
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"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Television Title Match: Savannah Jack © vs Buzz Sawyer
Steve Armstrong vs Dirty White Boy
S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele vs Eddie Gilbert & Raven
PG-13 vs Rough & Ready
American Heavyweight Title Match: Brad Armstrong © vs Great Muta
Gino Hernandez vs Christopher Daniels
Smokin’ Gunns vs Brian Pillman & Eric Embry
David von Erich & Terry Gordy vs Nightmares
World Tag Team Titles Match: Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man © vs Austin Idol & Rick Rude
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Introductory Music: "Merry Christmas from the Whole Fam Damily" by Cledus T. Judd
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Our Confession approves honoring the saints in three ways. The first is thanksgiving. We should thank God because He has shown examples of mercy, because He wishes to save people, and because He has given teachers and other gifts to the Church. These gifts, since they are the greatest, should be amplified. The saints themselves, who have faithfully used these gifts, should be praised just as Christ praises faithful businessmen (Matthew 25:21, 23). The second service is the strengthening of our faith. When we see Peter's denial forgiven, we also are encouraged to believe all the more that grace truly superabounds over sin (Romans 5:20). The third honor is imitation, first of faith, then of the other virtues. Everyone should imitate the saints according to his calling. The adversaries do not require these true honors. They argue only about invocation, which, even if it were not dangerous, still is not necessary. (Ap XXI 4-7)
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"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Liturgical Date: First Sunday after Christmas
Calendar Date: December 26, 2021
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
389, "Let All Together Praise Our God"
386, "Now Sing We, Now Rejoice"
388, "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
Sermon Theme: Richly Dwelling Word
Sermon Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Other Lectionary Readings:
Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
Psalm 111
Luke 2:22-40
Liturgical Date: Christmas Day
Calendar Date: December 25, 2021
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
387, "Joy to the World"
367, "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
383, "A Great and Mighty Wonder"
388, "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
Sermon Theme: Tabernacled among Us
Sermon Text: John 1:1-14
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 2
Hebrews 1:1-6
Liturgical Date: Christmas Eve
Calendar Date: December 24, 2021
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
379, "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
384, "Of the Father's Love Begotten"
387, "Joy to the World"
366, "It Came upon the Midnight Clear"
364, "Away in a Manger"
363, "Silent Night"
Sermon Theme: Great Light in the Darkness
Sermon Text: Isaiah 9:2-7
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14
"On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...
a partridge in a pear tree."
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and He pours out from it, and all the wicked of teh earth shall drain it down to the dregs. (Psalm 75:8)
Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around Him brings gifts to Him who is to be feared, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. (Psalm 76:11-12)
You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples. You with Your arm redeemed Your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Psalm 77:14-15)
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Antiphon:
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and their | Savior:
Come and save us, O | Lord our God.
Hymn Verse:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Promo – Gilbert/Raven
Television Title Match: Savannah Jack © vs Buzz Sawyer
Brian Pillman & Eric Embry vs S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele
Promo - Chris Candido & J.J. Dillon
Chris Candido vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Non-Title Match: Honky Tonk Man vs Gino Hernandez
Christmas Chaos Final Card
Terry Funk vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Raven vs Terry Gordy & Mystery Opponent
‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs Dirty White Boy
Armstrong Brothers vs PG-13
Smokin’ Gunns vs Nightmares
#1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title Match: Shane Douglas vs Austin Idol
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Antiphon:
O King of nations, the ruler they long for,
the cornerstone uniting all | people:
Come and save us all,
whom You formed | out of clay.
Hymn Verse:
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Antiphon:
O Dayspring, splendor of light ever- | lasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shad- | ow of death.
Hymn Verse:
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Cross-posted from KFUO (https://www.kfuo.org/2021/12/20/thy-strong-word-122021-matthew-538-48-unbelievable-mercy-to-unbelievable-sinners-turn-the-other-cheek/):
Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 5:38-48.
Jesus never allows us to assume that the Christian life will be easy. He quells any extremist thoughts concerning our enemies that we are not only to turn our cheeks but to love them. We are called to follow the example of Christ, not to fear evil since He has had the victory. Jesus is Love and therefore we love as He first loved us. This calling is not easy or the cause of despair, but shows us Christ’s perfect life and love which reminds us that He will provide for all of our needs. “O Holy Spirit, help us to live a holy life of generosity, love toward our neighbor, and love toward You. Help us to turn the other cheek, to pray for our enemies, and to be perfect by the blood of Christ. In His name, Amen”
Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: December 19, 2021
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
361, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
356, "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came"
781, "We Give Thee But Thine Own"
357, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
624, "The Infant Priest Was Holy Born"
632, "O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee"
373, "See Amid the Winter's Snow"
Sermon Theme: Ruler from a Small Town
Sermon Text: Micah 5:2-5
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 80:1-7
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
The human will has freedom in the choice of works and things that reason understands by itself. To a certain extent reason can display public righteousness or a righteousness of works. (Ap XVIII 70)
The adversaries accept Article XIX. In it we confess that only God and He alone has created all nature and preserves all things that exist. Yet the cause of sin is the will of the devil and people turning away from God, according to the say of Christ about the devil, "When he lies, he speaks out of his own character" (John 8:44). (Ap XIX)
Our consciences understand that the adversaries condemn the clear truth, whose defense is necessary for the Church and increases Christ's glory. Therefore, we easily look down on the terrors of the world, and we will bear with a strong spirit all suffering for Christ's glory and the Church's benefit. (Ap XX 83)
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Antiphon:
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
You open and no one can close,
You close and no one can | open:
Come and rescue the prisoners
who are in darkness and the shad- | ow of death.
Hymn Verse:
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Antiphon:
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do | homage:
Come quickly to de- | liver us.
Hymn Verse:
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree,
Free them from Satan's tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow'r to save,
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Antiphon:
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on | Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and re- | deem us.
Hymn Verse:
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the Law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Antiphon:
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High,
pervading and permeating all creation,
mightily ordering | all things:
Come and teach us the way of | prudence.
Hymn Verse:
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ord'rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
God's Defense (Psalm 74)
Remember Your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage! Remember Mount Zion, where You have dwelt. (Psalm 74:2)
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Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
Shane Douglas vs Steve Armstrong
American Tag Team Titles Match: Nightmares © vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy
Austin Idol vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Christmas Chaos Update
Chris Candido vs Great Muta
Non-Title Match: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Raven
‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs Terry Funk
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The Gospel does not introduce laws about the public state, but is the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life in the hearts of believers. (Ap XVI 58)
The adversaries accept Article XVII without qualification. In it we confess that Christ will appear at the consummation of the world. He will raise up all the dead and give eternal life and eternal joys to the godly, but He will condemn the ungodly to endless punishment with the devil. (Ap XVII)
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Liturgical Date: Third Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: December 12, 2021
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
849, "Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness"
345, "Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding"
349, "Hark the Glad Sound"
917, "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise"
Sermon Theme: Restored Fortunes
Sermon Text: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 85
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 7:18-28
My heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Brian Pillman
Promo – HTM/Adams
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Gino Hernandez
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Brad Armstrong
Promo – David von Erich
Terry Gordy vs Terry Funk
Promo – Austin Idol
Chris Candido vs Rick Rude
Promo – Shane Douglas
1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title Match: Shane Douglas vs Austin Idol
We cheerfully maintain the old traditions made in the Church for the sake of usefulness and peace. We interpret them in a more moderate way and reject the opinion that holds they justify. (Ap XV 38)
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Liturgical Date: Second Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: December 5, 2021
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
347, "Comfort, Comfort Ye My People"
344, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own"
343, "Prepare the Royal Highway"
636, "Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness"
508, "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
Sermon Theme: What Shall We Do?
Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-14
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 66:1-12
Malachi 3:1-7b
Philippians 1:2-11
"May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, 'God is great!'" (Psalm 70:4)
"Upon You I have leaned from before my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of You." (Psalm 71:6)
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory." (Psalm 72:18-19)
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Television Title vs $5000 Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
Raven vs 'Flyin' Brian Pillman
1 Contender Match for the American Tag Team Titles: S.D. Jones & T.D. Steele vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy
'Ravishing' Rick Rude vs Eric Embry
Non-Title Match: David von Erich vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Armstrong Brothers vs Rough & Ready
Smokin’ Gunns vs PG-13
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Mystery Opponent © vs Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
$10,000 16-Man Battle Royale
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No tradition was set up by the Holy Fathers for the purpose of meriting the forgiveness of sins, or righteousness. Rather, they were instituted for the sake of good order in the Church and for the sake of peace. (Ap XV 13)
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Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: November 28, 2021
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
331, "The Advent of Our King"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
357, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Sermon Theme: The LORD Is Our Righteousness
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 19:28-40
"Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me." (Psalm 69:1-2)
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Pro Wrestling America from Detroit!
T.D. Steele vs Wolfie D
Rough vs J.C. Ice
S.D. Jones vs Jimmy Golden
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
American Tag Team Titles Match: Nightmares © vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Raven vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man
Rick Rude vs Chris Candido
Terry Gordy vs Terry Funk
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Austin Idol
Stretcher Match to End It All: Brad Armstrong vs Billy Gunn
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Liturgical Date: Last Sunday of the Church Year
Calendar Date: November 21, 2021
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
578, "Thy Strong Word"
336, "Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending"
621, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
680, "Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise"
816, "From All That Dwells Below the Skies"
348, "The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns"
Sermon Theme: Righteousness Is Near
Sermon Text: Isaiah 51:4-6
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 93
Jude 20-25
Mark 13:24-37
If we call Sacraments "rites that have the command of God, and to which the promise of grace has been added," it is easy to decide what are true Sacraments. For rites instituted by human beings will not be called true Sacraments. For human authority cannot promise grace. Therefore, signs set up without God's command are not sure signs of grace, even though signs perhaps instruct the unlearned or admonish about something. Therefore, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Absolution (which is the Sacrament of Repentance) are truly Sacraments. For these rites have God's command and the promise of grace, which is peculiar to the New Testament. When we are baptized, when we eat the Lord's body, when we are absolved, our hearts must be firmly assured that God truly forgives us for Christ's sake. At the same time, by the Word and by the rite, God moves hearts to believe and conceive faith, just as Paul says, "Faith comes from hearing" (Romans 10:17). But just as the Word enters the ear in order to strike our heart, so the rite itself strikes the eye, in order to move the heart. The effect of the Word and of the rite is the same. It has been well said by Augustine that a Sacrament is a visible Word, because the rite is received by the eyes and is, as it were, a picture of the Word, illustrating the same thing as the Word. The result of both is the same. (Ap XIII 3-5)
"Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel--He is the one who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:35)
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Pro Wrestling America from Chicago!
S.D. Jones vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
T.D. Steele vs Dirty White Boy
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack
PG-13 vs Rough & Ready
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Raven
‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol
Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man © vs Gino Hernandez
Terry Gordy vs Chris Candido
World Heavyweight Title Cage Match: David von Erich © vs Rick Rude
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The adversaries object that revenge or punishment is necessary for repentance, because Augustine says that "repentance is revenge punishing" and so on. We grant that revenge or punishment is necessary in repentance. Yet it is not necessary as merit or price, as the adversaries imagine that satisfactions are necessary. But revenge is in repentance formally, that is, because rebirth itself happens by a continuous putting to death of the oldness of life. The saying of Scotus may indeed be very beautiful, that penitence is so called because it is "holding to punishment." But what punishment, what revenge, does Augustine speak about? Certainly true punishment, true revenge, namely, contrition, true terrors. Nor do we exclude here the outward putting to death (mortification) of the body, which follows true grief of mind. (Ap XIIb 51)
Liturgical Date: Second-Last Sunday of the Church Year
Calendar Date: November 14, 2021
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
697, "Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death"
508, "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
793, "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven"
521, "Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken"
Sermon Theme: Shine Like the Stars
Sermon Text: Daniel 12:1-3
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-13
"Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion, and to You shall vows be performed." (Psalm 65:1)
"Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me!" (Psalm 66:20)
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us." (Psalm 67:1)
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Chris Candido promo
Jimmy Golden vs Savannah Jack
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs T.D. Steele
Bart Gunn vs Danny Davis
Steve Corino vs Ken Wayne
Billy Gunn vs Steve Armstrong
Raven vs ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams
Non-Title Match: Honky Tonk Man vs Gino Hernandez
‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels vs Eric Embry
Terry Funk vs Brad Armstrong
Austin Idol vs Chris Candido
Terry Gordy vs Rick Rude
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Christ's death is a satisfaction not only for guilt, but also for eternal death, according to Hosea 13:4, "O Death, where are your plagues?" It is freakish to say that the satisfaction of Christ redeemed from the guilt, but our punishments redeem from eternal death. (Ap XIIb 43)
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Liturgical Date: All Saints' Day
Calendar Date: November 7, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
837, "Lift High the Cross"
932, "Jesus Sat with His Disciples"
601, "All Who Believe and Are Baptized"
673, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home"
676, "Behold, a Host, Arrayed in White"
677, "For All the Saints"
678, "We Sing for All the Unsung Saints"
Sermon Theme: Comfort for the Mourning
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:4
Other Lectionary Readings:
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 149
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation." (Psalm 62:1)
"Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You." (Psalm 63:3)
"Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!" (Psalm 64:10)
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Monday morning, November 1, 2021, I voided every wrestler's contract. All the champions were re-signed with the PWA to one year contracts. The rest of the wrestlers on the roster were given the option to sign short-term contracts (up to one year). Also, fewer slots are now available.
The new roster of the PWA is:
World Heavyweight champion David von Erich
World Tag Team champions 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino
American Heavyweight champion Great Muta
American Tag Team champions 'Ravishing' Rick Rude & Chris Candido
Television champion Buzz Sawyer
Illinois Heavyweight champion Honky Tonk Man
Gunns 4 Hire members Billy Gunn, Jimmy Golden, Terry Funk, Bart Gunn
Strong Army members Brad Armstrong, Steve Armstrong, Eric Embry, Nightmares Ken Wayne & Danny Davis
'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Austin Idol
Savannah Jack
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Raven
S.D. Jones
Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Wolfie D
J.C. Ice
Rough & Ready
Dirty White Boy
Gino Hernandez
Terry Gordy
T.D. Steele
PG-13 vs Rough & Ready
Jimmy Golden vs S.D. Jones
Gino Hernandez vs T.D. Steele
Billy Gunn vs Savannah Jack
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Bart Gunn
‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
1 Contender for the American Heavyweight Title Scaffold Match: Honky Tonk Man vs Raven (Muta’s stipulations)
American Tag Team Titles Match: Chris Candido & Rick Rude © vs Nightmares
Terry Gordy vs Dirty White Boy
Terry Funk vs Eric Embry
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta © vs Raven
World Tag Team Titles Match: ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino © vs Armstrong Brothers
World Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich © vs Austin Idol
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Like the complete listing of sins, we hold that canonical satisfactions are not necessary by divine Law for the forgiveness of sins. Neither were those ancient displays of satisfactions in public repentance necessary by divine Law for the forgiveness of sins. The teaching about faith must be kept, that we receive the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake through faith, not for the sake of our works that precede or follow. (Ap XIIb 19)
Liturgical Date: Reformation Day
Calendar Date: October 31, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Hymn Sing with Communion (Divine Service 4)
Hymns:
577, "Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast"
834, "O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth"
656, "A Mighty Fortress"
953, "We All Believe in One True God"
781, "We Give Thee But Thine Own" (verses 1, 2, 6)
609, "Jesus Sinners Doth Receive"
571, "For God So Loved the World"
355, "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide"
686, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
Sermon Theme: A Mighty Fortress
Sermon Text: Psalm 46:11 & LSB #656
Other Lectionary Readings:
Revelation 14:6-7
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
My God in His steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. (Psalm 59:10)
With God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes. (Psalm 60:12)
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (Psalm 61:2-3)
Chris Candido vs Dirty White Boy
Savannah Jack vs Ken Wayne
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Terry Funk vs Raven
Honky Tonk Man vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Smokin' Gunns vs PG-13
Rick Rude vs Gino Hernandez
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino (c) vs Armstrong Brothers
World Heavyweight Title Match: David von Erich (c) vs Curt Hennig
We also keep Confession, especially because of the Absolution. Absolution is God's Word, which by divine authority, the Power of the Keys pronounces upon individuals. Therefore, it would be wicked to remove private Absolution from the Church. If anyone despises private Absolution, he does not understand what the forgiveness of sins is or the Power of the Keys is. (Ap XIIb 2-4)
Liturgical Date: Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25B)
Calendar Date: October 24, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
819, "Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good"
936, "Sing Praise to the God of Abraham"
750, "If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee"
Sermon Theme: Israel's Father
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 126
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:4)
For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 57:10)
The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth." (Psalm 58:10-11)
Ken Wayne vs Wolfie D
Danny Davis vs J.C. Ice
Chris Candido & Rick Rude vs Rough & Ready
Rasta the Voodoo Mon vs Dirty White Boy
Steve Corino vs Raven
Jimmy Golden vs Savannah Jack
Curt Hennig vs Gino Hernandez
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Smokin' Gunns vs Jason Kincaid & Eric Embry
Terry Funk vs Bubba Ray Dudley
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Jesse James Armstrong
Consciences cannot be made at peace unless they know it is God's command and the very Gospel that they should be firmly confident that sins are forgiven freely for Christ's sake, and that they should not doubt this. (Ap XIIa 88)
Liturgical Date: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24B)
Commemoration of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Calendar Date: October 17, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
783, "Take My Life and Let It Be"
730, "What Is the World to Me"
645, "Built on the Rock"
622, "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared"
848, "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service"
632, "O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee"
921, "On What Has Now Been Sown"
Sermon Theme: Enjoy the Days God Gives You
Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 119:9-16
Hebrews 4:1-13
Mark 10:23-31
I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. (Psalm 52:8)
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." (Psalm 53:1)
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. (Psalm 54:4)
Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the rigtheous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
Bobo Brazil vs Austin Idol
Jimmy Golden vs Savannah Jack
Terry Funk vs Brad Armstrong
Iceman King Parsons vs Jerry Lawler
Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
'Ravishing' Rick Rude vs Curt Hennig
Nightmares vs Jimmy Golden & Iron Mike Sharpe
Jesse James Armstrong vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs David von Erich
When the adversaries speak of faith, saying that it comes before repentance, they understand faith this way: not that faith justifies, but that, in a general way, it believes that God exists, that punishments have been threatened to the wicked, and so on. In addition to this faith, we require that each one believe that his sins are pardoned. (Ap XIIa 60)
Liturgical Date: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23B)
Calendar Date: October 10, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
915, "Today Your Mercy Calls Us"
753, “All for Christ I Have Forsaken"
855, “For All the Faithful Women" (verse 12 - Dorcas)
743, "Jesus, Priceless Treasure"
Sermon Theme: One Thing You Lack
Sermon Text: Mark 10:17-22
Other Lectionary Readings:
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 3:12-19
Our God comes; He does not keep silence; before Him is a devouring fire, around Him a mighty tempest. HE calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that He may judge His people. (Psalm 50:3-4)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)
Chris Candido vs Ladies' Choice
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Jimmy Golden vs Savannah Jack
Terry Funk vs Eric Embry
Armstrong Brothers vs Rough & Ready
Curt Hennig & Austin Idol vs Smokin' Gunns
Television Title Four Corners Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Buzz Sawyer vs Iron Mike Sharpe vs Jason Kincaid
Nightmares vs PG-13
Jesse James Armstrong vs David von Erich
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino (c) vs Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
To deliver godly consciences from these mazes of the learned persons, we have attributed these two parts to repentance: contrition and faith. If anyone desires to adda third--fruit worthy of repentance, that is, a change of the entire life and character for the better--we will not oppose it. We separate from contrition those useless and endless discussions regarding grief from loving God and from fearing punishment. We say that contrition is the true terror of conscience, which feels that God is angry with sin and grieves that it has sinned. This contrition takes place when sins are condemned by God's Word. The sum of the preaching of the Gospel is this: to convict of sin; to offer for Chrsit's sake the forgiveness of sins and righteousness, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life; and that as reborn people we should do good works. (Ap XIIa 28-29)
Liturgical Date: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22B)
Calendar Date: October 3, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
903, “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”
572, “In the Shattered Bliss of Eden”
738, “Lord of All Hopefulness”
685, “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”
858, “O Father, All Creating”
624, “The Infant Priest Was Holy Born”
422, “On My Heart Imprint Your Image”
Sermon Theme: Naked and Unashamed
Sermon Text: Genesis 2:18-25
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 128
Hebrews 2:1-13
Mark 10:2-16
Great is the LORD an greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth. Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great king. (Psalm 48:1-2)
Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? (Psalm 49:5-6)
BIG CARD THIS WEEK!! 21 BIG MATCHES!!
Savannah Jack vs Eric Embry
DEADLY DOZEN TOURNAMENT ROUND 9
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Steve Corino
Bobo Brazil vs Chris Candido
Iceman King Parsons vs Ken Wayne
Jerry Lawler vs Honky Tonk Man
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
Buzz Sawyer vs Billy Gunn
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Jason Kincaid
DEADLY DOZEN TOURNAMENT ROUND 10
Jerry Lawler vs Chris Candido
Bobo Brazil vs Steve Corino
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Ken Wayne
Iceman King Parsons vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Billy Gunn
Buzz Sawyer vs Honky Tonk Man
1 CONTENDER FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: David von Erich vs Curt Hennig
DEADLY DOZEN TOURNAMENT ROUND 11
Iceman King Parsons vs Chris Candido
Buzz Sawyer vs Ken Wayne
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Steve Corino
Bobo Brazil vs Billy Gunn
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Honky Tonk Man
Jerry Lawler vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
In Article XII, the adversaries approve of the first part, in which we present this: those who have fallen after Baptism may obtain the forgiveness of sins whenever and as often as they are converted. They condemn the second part, in which we say that the parts of repentance are contrition and faith. They deny that faith is the second part of repentance. O Charles, most invincible Emperor, what should we do? This is the very voice of the Gospel: through faith we obtain the forgiveness of sins. These writers of the Confutation condemn this voice of the Gospel. Therefore, we can in no way agree to the Confutation. We cannot condemn the voice of the Gospel; it is beneficial and full of comfort. (Ap XIIa 1-2)
Liturgical Date: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21B)
Calendar Date: September 26, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
802, "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
681, "Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit"
922, "Go, My Children, with My Blessing"
Sermon Theme: Jealousy All Around
Sermon Text: Numbers 11
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 104:27-35
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." (Psalm 45:6)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:7, 11)
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)
"For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!" (Psalm 47:7)
Jimmy Golden vs Jason Kincaid
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Brad Armstrong
Cage Match: Goldust & Rasta the Voodoo Mon vs Bubba Ray Dudley & Buzz Sawyer
Cage Match: Iceman King Parsons vs David von Erich
Cage Match: Terry Funk vs Curt Hennig
Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Raven
Nightmares vs Rough & Ready
Billy Gunn vs Savannah Jack
Television Title Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs S.D. Jones
Jesse James Armstrong vs Bart Gunn
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino (c) vs PG-13
The three Sacraments that the Reformers kept from the Roman Church are accepted insofar as they agree with the Roman doctrine. Issues with each are taken up elsewhere. Baptism is covered under Ap II. The Lord's Supper is taken up in detail in Ap XXII and XXIV. Confession continues to be discussed in Ap XIIA, which starts next week.
Liturgical Date: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20B)
Calendar Date: September 19, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
454, "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
851, "Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
725, "Children of the Heavenly Father"
649, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
547, "The Lamb"
637, "Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord"
845, "Where Chairt and Love Prevail"
Sermon Theme: Ruthlessly Seeking
Sermon Text: Psalm 54
Other Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 11:18-20
James 3:13-4:10
Mark 9:30-37
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)
Rounds 7 and 8 of the Illinois Heavyweight Title Deadly Dozen Tournament!
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 7
Bobo Brazil vs Ken Wayne
Chris Candido vs Steve Corino
Iceman King Parsons vs Chris Adams
Jerry Lawler vs Buzz Sawyer
Christopher Daniels vs Honky Tonk Man
Rick Rude vs Billy Gunn
Goldust vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Television Title Match: Dutch Mantell © vs Ladies’ Choice
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 8
Jerry Lawler vs Ken Wayne
Bobo Brazil vs Rick Rude
Iceman King Parsons vs Honky Tonk Man
Buzz Sawyer vs Steve Corino
Christopher Daniels vs Chris Candido
Chris Adams vs Billy Gunn
''And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).''
Jesus gives a bold promise to all Christians. He will be with you wherever you go. There is nowhere you can go where Jesus is not with you. At least until the end of the age.
At the end of the age, the promise will end for those who will be condemned to eternity in Hell. In Hell, God is not present. That's what makes it Hell.
However, for those who believe in Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, the promise never ends. We will be taken from this vale of tears into a place that is beyond description in its beauty. A place where Jesus will always be with us. A place where we will see God face to face.
Oh, what a day that will be! The day when faith becomes sight. When we can see and walk and talk with Jesus always. Amen.
''Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).''
A renewed focus on discipleship seems to come along to the Church every couple of years. All kinds of different programs are put forward to help in the discipleship process.
But what does Jesus say about discipleship? What program would He use? The same one He gives right before He ascends into Heaven. Make disciples by Baptism and teaching.
Baptism is how you enter the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. According to Christ's command, this can be done for infants and for adults. He tells Christians to make disciples by baptizing all nations. He doesn't give a minimum age.
He also doesn't give a minimum age for Christian teaching. Many people don't bring their small children to worship or Sunday School because they believe they're not old enough to learn anything.
But sociologists have released study after study explaining that the ripe age for children to learn is from two to five years of age. Their minds are absorbent sponges during these years. They observe and absorb everything around them. Including whether their parents show them that worshipping God is important.
What have you taught your children? Or your grandchildren? Is worship important for you? If not, why would you think it would be important to them? We're losing the discipleship battle with our children. They're becoming more disciples of SpongeBob instead of Jesus. What can we do to stop this? Teach. If necessary, we need to use our words. But we definitely need to '''SHOW''' our children who we should be discipling after. Amen.
The adversaries perhaps require that the Church be defined in the following way. To them, the Church is the supreme outward monarchy of the whole world. In this Church the Roman pontiff's power is unquestioned. No one is allowed to argue against it or criticize it. ... Therefore, the pope must necessarily be lord of the whole world, of all the kingdoms of the world, of all things private and public. (Ap VII 23)
Liturgical Date: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19B)
Calendar Date: September 12, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
849, “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness"
521, “Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken"
533, “Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure"
545, "Word of God, Come Down on Earth"
Sermon Theme: Help My Unbelief!
Sermon Text: Mark 9:14-29
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 50:4-10
Psalm 116:1-9
James 3:1-12
''And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).''
This verse causes no small bit of concern and confusion for interpreters. Hasn't Jesus always been God in the flesh? How could all authority be given to Him just now? After His resurrection? Didn't He already have it before?
Of course He had all authority before. Jesus' statement is for the strengthening of the Apostles' faith. While He had all authority before, they did not understand it. Nor were they ready to hear it.
Now, they are ready to hear. They have seen Him risen from the dead. They understand now that nothing has dominion over Him. That He has all authority. Even over death.
This authority even over death gives Him greater authority in your mind in regards to your sin. He has authority to condemn your sin. He also has authority to forgive your sin. Sin you give up your authority over so that you might be forgiven. Amen.
''And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted (Matthew 28:17).''
Jesus appeared to the Apostles on the Galilean mountain. They worshiped Him, but some of them were doubtful as to what was going on. Unfortunately, this hasn't changed since the Apostolic Church. People still come to worship, even stand in the pulpit, and are filled with doubt about what they hear and teach. They worship with doubt.
Doubts about the same things the Apostles doubted. Did Jesus '''REALLY''' rise from the dead? Was He '''REALLY''' the Messiah? Is He '''REALLY''' God in the flesh? Can He '''REALLY''' forgive me for my doubts?
The firm and confident answer to each of these questions is: Yes. Jesus '''DID''' rise from the dead. He '''IS''' the Messiah. He '''IS''' God in the flesh. He '''DOES''' forgive every sin, including doubt.
There is only one sin that will not be forgiven: unbelief. There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Unbelief leaves no room for the possibility that it might be true. Doubt has that room for truth, but is uninformed. Jesus comes to the Apostles on the Galilean mountain to give them that information. He is not dead. He is alive forevermore. And He is giving them His power. Power to change doubt into solid faith. Amen.
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:1-3)
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. (Psalm 41:13)
''And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble (Matthew 28:14).''
After the guards left, the elders had one more problem to take care of. Eventually someone would tell Pilate what happened at Jesus' tomb. There was no stopping the rumors and whispers about something like this.
But the chief priests promised that they would keep the guards' jobs intact. They would find a way to placate, pacify and satisfy Pilate's desires to keep a riot from happening (Matthew 27:24).
How would/did they do that? The Bible doesn't tell us. But Pilate was apparently placated with their hoax. Their hoax continues still today.
Pilate was placated. It was the most likely, most rational explanation of Jesus' resurrection. Accepting this, everyone stayed out of trouble. They may have put out an all points bulletin for the thieving disciples, but Pilate was just grateful to be done with the whole Jesus mess.
Are you grateful to be done with the whole Jesus mess when you leave worship on Sunday? Or Are you '''SO''' done with the whole Jesus mess that you no longer go to worship? Neither of these options are good. Keep listening this month and see how to stop being done with the whole Jesus mess. Learn how to revel in His presence on Sunday morning and every moment of your life. Amen.
S.D. Jones vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Curt Hennig vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert
Jason Kincaid vs Jerry Lawler
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Bubba Ray Dudley
1 Contender for World Heavyweight Title Match: Terry Funk vs Savannah Jack
Iceman King Parsons vs Rick Rude
Television Title Match: ‘Dirty’ Dutch Mantell © vs Buzz Sawyer
PG-13 vs Smokin’ Gunns
Jesse James Armstrong vs David von Erich
American Heavyweight Title Match: Raven © vs Great Muta
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker © vs #1 Contender
''And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep'" (Matthew 28:12-13).''
The soldiers went to the elders. They were given their marching orders. The frozen hearts begin the greatest hoax in human history. Spreading the same story that they had tried to persuade Pilate to guard Jesus' tomb. The Apostles stole Jesus body while they were sleeping.
Matthew would note, "This saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day" (28:15). Even today, almost two thousand years later, this is a common teaching among Jewish circles about Jesus' resurrection. Matthew includes this part of his Gospel to let us know the truth about the soldiers' statements.
The soldiers took their money and left. The elders were left to figure out where to pick up from here. Jesus would never be their Messiah. However, "a great many of the priests became obedient to the Faith" (Acts 6:7). Those who knew better would later become Christians because they couldn't keep the hoax alive.
The hoax is a dead lie. Jesus is the living reality. Don't listen to the hoaxes of the world. Even those that come from the religious experts. Dig into the Word and find what God wants you to believe. Amen.
''While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place (Matthew 28:11).''
After the angelic earthquake and the revelation of the empty tomb, the guards began to stir. They stayed at their post until the women had left. They knew they weren't going to be able to blame this catastrophe on this handful of weak women.
They had thawed from their supernatural freezing, and their minds were reeling. What do we do? Do we go back to the elders and tell them what happened? Do we just head for the hills and hide for the rest of our lives?
They decide to go into Jerusalem and tell the chief priests. So the chief priests knew the truth about the resurrection. But that didn't change their minds about Jesus. He was still not the Messiah they were looking for.
Instead of coming to faith in Jesus, they froze their hearts against Him. Do not have a frozen heart. Let the good news of Christ's resurrection warm your heart with His love. Amen.
They have condemned Article VII of our Confession, in which we said that the Church is the congregation of saints. The adversaries have added a long essay stating that the wicked are not to be separated from the Church, since John the Baptist has compared the Church to a threshing floor on which wheat and chaff are heaped together (Matthew 3:12), and Christ has compared it to a net in which there are both good and bad fish (Matthew 13:47). (Ap VII 1)
Liturgical Date: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18B)
Calendar Date: September 5, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
797, “Praise the Almighty”
659, “Lord of Our Life”
528, “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
621, “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
631, “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”
632, “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee”
398, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”
Sermon Theme: Be Opened!
Sermon Text: Mark 7:31-37
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146
James 2:1-10, 14-18
''And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (Matthew 28:9-10).''
As most of the angelic visions in the Bible begins, Jesus' first message to the women running back to Jerusalem is, "Do not be afraid." With Jesus' resurrection, there is no more need to fear anything. As Jesus Himself said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell" (Matthew 10:28).
With Jesus' resurrection, the women have nothing to fear. The religious leaders can only kill them. They cannot take away their salvation. They cannot take away their faith in Jesus. So Jesus tells the women to boldly continue their joyful running. But to deliver a message to the Apostles: "Meet me in Galilee."
Be not afraid. Christ is risen! He is not dead! Even beheadings and crucifixions by ISIS cannot take away your faith or your salvation from you. You will overcome everything through Christ. Amen.
''So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples (Matthew 28:8).''
Having seen the angel, the women rushed from Jesus' empty tomb. Joyous that Jesus had been raised from the dead. He was alive! Now they needed to tell the disciples.
While they were excited over the news, any angelic appearance causes fear. A heavenly being gives you a message. It's frightening because these angels stand in holy God's presence.
But the message given is always a joyous message. And it is everyone's duty who hears it to joyfully pass it along to those around us.
Do you know someone who doesn't know Jesus? Rush to them with His message. Be joyful and tell them the good news of Easter resurrection. Amen.
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! (Psalm 38:1)
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! (Psalm 39:4)
''Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you" (Matthew 28:7).''
Jesus said that His journey's end through His Passion would end in the same place it began. Galilee. In the area around the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Around Capernaum. The mountain of Transfiguration. His home region.
The women were sent to the disciples. The message was given them to go to Galilee. From there, Jesus would send them out into all the world. They would be witnesses of His resurrection. They would get the privilege of proclaiming salvation to people throughout the Roman Empire.
But first, they had to go to Galilee. Where Jesus had told them to go. And from there, in Galilee, the Church begins to grow and stretch throughout the world. Amen.
Danny Davis vs Ladies' Choice
Jason Kincaid vs Bubba Ray Dudley
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Ken Wayne
Curt Hennig vs Jerry Lawler
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Raven vs Rough & Ready
Terry Funk vs Eric Embry
Television Title vs Leaving PWA Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Buzz Sawyer vs Steve Corino
Billy Gunn & Jimmy Golden vs Armstrong Brothers
American Tag Team Titles Match: Chris Candido & Rick Rude vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs Savannah Jack
''He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay (Matthew 28:6).''
He told you He wouldn't be here. That's the angel's message. He has risen from the dead. He is no longer in the tomb.
Many people make pilgrimages to the Holy Land. They worship in the Church of the Sepulchre. Jesus' burial place. But He's no longer there. Just as He wasn't there on Easter morning.
Where is He then? Where He proclaims Himself to be. "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). Jesus can be found where His people are gathered around His Word.
You can find Jesus in His Word. Open it today so that you might see Him. Amen.
''But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified (Matthew 28:5).''
Who are you looking for? The women at the tomb were looking for the dead Jesus. But Jesus wasn't there. He had been raised. But they did not know that yet.
The women came to the tomb because they were listening to the prophets. Isaiah had once said, "Seek the LORD while He may be found" (55:6). But they weren't listening to Jesus. Jesus had said, "On the third day I will rise again." But they didn't hear that.
The women went to the tomb to find Jesus' corpse. They found an angel, sitting on top of the stone. "Fear not." You should have known better. "I know you seek Jesus." He's not here. Go where He said you can find Him. Find Him in His Word. Where your salvation by His death and resurrection is proclaimed. Amen.
Even though the adversaries claim the name of the Church for themselves, we know that Christ' Church is with those who teach Christ's Gospel, not with those who defend wicked opinions contrary to the Gospel. (Ap V 279)
Liturgical Date: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17B)
Calendar Date: August 29, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Hymn Sing with Divine Service 4
Hymns:
WHM #228, "Old Rugged Cross"
566, "By Grace I'm Saved"
458, "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands"
781, "We Give Thee But Thine Own"
801, "How Great Thou Art"
861, "Christ Be My Leader"
622, "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared"
740, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"
Sermon Theme: What Comes Out Defiles
Sermon Text: Mark 7:14-23
Other Lectionary Readings:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 119:129-136
Ephesians 6:10-20
''Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard (Matthew 27:65-66).''
Once again, Pilate tells the chief priests and Pharisees to do it themselves. He wanted them to take care of Jesus. When they wouldn't, he washed his hands of the whole affair before sentencing Jesus to death. This time, he had more authority in the situation. "You have a guard of soldiers. You do it yourself."
What do you think the guards were thinking when they were given this assignment? What must they have done wrong to have them guarding a dead man's tomb? They didn't do anything wrong. In fact, God used them to be the first non-believing witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. They were stricken with fear and became as dead men (Matthew 28:4). Afterward they were paid off so that no one would believe in the resurrection.
But Jesus' resurrection happened. Believe in it. The guards secured the tomb until the third day, but Jesus' resurrection secures your eternity. He has secured everlasting life for you so that you may live for Him in this life. Amen.
''The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first" (Matthew 27:62-64).''
Even on the holiest of Sabbaths of the year, the chief priests and the Pharisees wanted to prove that Jesus was an imposter. But Jesus is not an imposter. '''YOU''' are the imposter. '''YOU''' are the one who pretends to be more than you are. But '''HE''' is the real deal. Jesus doesn't pretend. That's part of the sinful nature.
Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day, as He prophesied. He died and rose to redeem pretenders. Pretenders like you and me. Pretenders who act like we're more than we are. As we pretend, we pretend that we don't have sin. Or that sin doesn't bother us. But Jesus really took on human flesh so that He could redeem pretenders.
Pretend no longer. Embrace Christ as your Savior from sin. He doesn't pretend to redeem you. His redemption is real. Amen.
The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (Psalm 37:32-34)
''And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away (Matthew 27:59-60).''
Joseph's faith in and reverence for Jesus is shown in his provisions for burial. Wrapping His body in a clean linen shroud. Placing His body into His own tomb. Joseph had this tomb cut out for himself and his family. But he gives it to Jesus. This is the tomb where Jesus rose from the dead. According to Church tradition, no one else was ever buried in that tomb.
On Good Friday, Joseph didn't know what he was doing at this point. But his burial gift is very symbolic for your life. Jesus was buried in Joseph's tomb. And Christians, through Baptism, are buried in Jesus' tomb.
Jesus died your death. He laid in your tomb. Borrowed it for three days so that He could give you everlasting life. Three days' rest exchanged for eternity. His death for your life.
Jesus borrows a tomb so that when He opens the tomb on Easter morning you may know that He has opened Heaven for you. Amen.
New Contracts: Bubba Ray Dudley and Ladies' Choice
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Ladies' Choice
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Brad Armstrong
Brickhouse Brown vs Bart Gunn
Curt Hennig vs David von Erich
1 Contender for the American Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust vs Raven
Television Title Match: Jason Kincaid (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
American Heavyweight Title Match: Honky Tonk Man (c) vs #1 Contender
Jesse James Armstrong vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Billy Gunn vs Savannah Jack
World Tag Team Titles Match: Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown (c) vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino
''He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him (Matthew 27:58).''
Emboldened by his faith, with none of the Apostles' permission, Joseph goes before Pilate. He asks for Jesus' corpse. Being wealthy, he would be allowed an audience with the governor. Even in the first century, money talks.
Joseph stands before the Roman governor as a simple Jew seeking to keep the holy Sabbath of the Passover undefiled. He wants the cursed bodies from the crosses taken down. He specifically asks for Jesus' body.
Pilate is still reeling from the political firestorm of Jesus' trial. He didn't want to upset things further with the Jewish Sanhedrin by not allowing burial for the condemned. Especially at the Passover. Millions of Jews would have rioted had the Romans desecrated the highest feast of the year.
Joseph asks and receives Jesus' body for burial. A burial that takes over your burial. Amen.
''When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57).''
Joseph of Arimathea was a shy disciple. He wouldn't publicly profess his belief in Jesus while Jesus was alive. Out of fear, he kept quiet as the rest of the Sanhedrin plotted to put Jesus to death.
But after Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph was emboldened. He came forward as the sun was going down. His riches did not serve as a source of security for him. He was willing to leave it all behind for Jesus now.
This is what Jesus wishes the rich young ruler would have done in Luke 18. But the rich young ruler went away sad because he trusted in his riches. Joseph no longer needed his riches. He professed his faith in Jesus regardless of the consequences.
This is supposed to be the motto for the end-times Christian. We strive to enter Heaven, shrugging off everything that weighs us down. This is how we run the race of the Christian faith, following Joseph's example. Amen.
Here the adversaries reply that eternal life is called a reward and that, therefore, it is merited in a wholly deserving way by good works. We reply briefly and plainly. Paul calls eternal life a "gift" (Romans 6:23), because by the righteousness presented for Christ's sake, we are made at the same time sons of God and coheirs of Christ. (Ap V 235)
''There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 27:55-56).''
The women who had been so close to Jesus in His ministry now stood off at a distance. They wanted to be there for Him at the end as well. They were among Jesus' most faithful followers. Where the Apostles wouldn't show their faces, the women were there to offer their moral support.
These women would be the great witnesses of the resurrection. They were there at His death. They would be there at the empty tomb. They become His great proclaimers.
Their ministry was one of simple service. Misguided sometimes, but they followed Jesus with their whole heart. They were where they needed to be. Not for Jesus. For themselves. Are you where you need to be? Amen.
''When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54)''
The Gospel writers make a concerted effort to show faith among the unlikely. Especially since the established religious authorities had no faith in Jesus. It is the most unlikely that express their faith. The Syro-Phoenician woman. Jairus. The thief on the cross.
Here we have a hardened soldier who has witnessed many executions. Death was nothing new for him. It was an everyday occurrence for him. Each of them blended together. Nothing new would be found in these executions. Just three more Jews who needed to be wiped off the face of the earth.
But all the miracles that surrounded Jesus' execution. The way He died. '''THIS''' was different. No human being could ever just '''WILL''' himself to die. But Jesus did just that. And that was enough to convince him that this Jesus was the Son of God. And his testimony helps cement your faith. Amen.
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! (Psalm 35:1)
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7)
''And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many (Matthew 27:51-53).''
When Jesus breathed His last, not only was the Temple curtain torn. The entire earth shook. Rocks were split. Graves were opened.
This can happen with any regular earthquake. But this was a divine earthquake. A quake specifically sent by Jesus' power. Not just His omnipotent power as Creator of Heaven and earth. His resurrecting power of bringing new life to the dead.
'''MANY''' of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised from the dead. After Easter morning, they went into Jerusalem and showed themselves to the people. They were sent into Jerusalem to proclaim Jesus' resurrection. And the Church numbered 120 some fifty days later. As they were among the first to proclaim the resurrection, they may be there to welcome you when you enter Heaven. Amen.
Falls Count Anywhere Match: Iron Mike Sharpe vs Savannah Jack
Television Title Match: Jason Kincaid (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
Lethal Lottery Tournament to Become the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title!!
24 Men + Random Tag Team Drawings = Total Chaos!!
Bobo Brazil
Brad Armstrong
Rick Rude
David von Erich
Curt Hennig
Iceman King Parsons
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Austin Idol
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eric Embry
Billy Gunn
Raven
Brickhouse Brown
Jesse James Armstrong
Terry Funk
Steve Corino
'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Great Muta
Goldust
Bart Gunn
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Chris Candido
Jimmy Golden
Jerry Lawler
''And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).''
A curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in Temple. Through that curtain only one person could pass. And only once a year at that. One specific day. One specific time. An intricate ritual preceded the high priest being able to pass through the curtain.
What was so special about this curtain? This curtain separated God from His people. On the one side of the curtain, the priests and Levites represented the people before God as their pastors. On the other side was the holy, righteous God. Whom no one can see without dying (Exodus 33:20).
When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain was torn in two. From the top to the bottom. From God toward man. God tore the curtain to allow access to Him through Christ.
In Christ, you now have unrestricted access to your heavenly Father. You may come before Him in prayer, as we do in the Lord's Prayer, without having to ask someone else to intercede for you. Because Jesus intercedes for you in Heaven. And He will hear your prayer. Amen.
''And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His Spirit (Matthew 27:50).''
"It is finished" (John 19:30). Jesus cried out with all that He can muster with one of His final breaths. Salvation had been attained. Sin had been atoned for. Jesus had nothing else to live for. He had suffered everything that He needed to suffer to satisfy God's wrath. Then He yielded up His Spirit.
"I have the power to give [My life], and I have the power to take it back again" (John 10:18). Jesus has fulfilled His prophecy. He laid down His life. Three days later, He would take it back up again. '''HE''' yielded up His Spirit. He was not killed. He willed Himself to die. To die for you.
Jesus' death gives you life. His sacrifice is the one that finally appeases God. All the Old Testament sacrifices only pointed to this once-for-all sacrifice. God and man dying for the sin of the world. Because He died, you live. Because He gave Himself up, you are given the keys to the Kingdom. Because He yielded up His Spirit, you are saved by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12B)
Calendar Date: August 15, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
842, "Son of God, Eternal Savior"
696, "O God, My Faithful God"
624, "The Infant Priest Was Holy Born"
625, "Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread"
633, "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing"
655, "Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word"
Sermon Theme: Living Bread
Sermon Text: John 6:51-69
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 34:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-10
Ephesians 5:6-21
We are regenerated and receive the Holy Spirit for the very reason that the new life may produce new works, new dispositions, the fear and love of God, hatres of lustful desires (concupiscence), and so on. (Ap V 228)
''And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him" (Matthew 27:47-49).''
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!" Jesus cries out the first line of Psalm 22. He very likely prayed the entire psalm on the cross as He hung there. This may be the sermon that changes the repentant thief's heart from railing to repenting.
But those around Jesus thought He was calling for Elijah the prophet. They mocked Him as though He thought He could bring about the Messiah's coming. The Jewish leaders were waiting for Elijah to return as Malachi prophesied (4:5).
Would Elijah come to save Jesus? No. Elijah had already come. Jesus told the people that John the Baptizer was Elijah who is to come (Matthew 11:14). Jesus was not calling for Elijah. He was crying out to His Father. The Father who had forsaken Him for you. The Father who has redeemed you in Jesus' being forsaken. Amen.
''And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)''
Jesus was truly forsaken by both God and man. Hanging between Heaven and earth, He was truly alone. Suffering Hell's torment for you.
Being forsaken by God is to exist in Hell. Without the Light of God's presence. Always groping about in the flaming darkness. Weeping. Gnashing your teeth. Recoiling from the destroying worm that never dies (Isaiah 66:24; Mark 9:48).
This is Jesus on the cross in those three dark hours. He was forsaken so that you might be welcomed. Jesus atoned for your sin by taking your place. He suffered your torment. He did your time in Hell.
Because of this blessed exchange, you have the blessing of Heaven's gate open for you. It is open as long as you are a member of Christ's body, the Church. Do not forsake the Savior who was forsaken by God for you. Amen.
''Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45).''
From noon until three, the entire world was utterly dark as Jesus hung on the cross. Three hours. The whole world darkened. St. John calls this to mind in Revelation when the fourth trumpet sounded: "Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night" (8:12).
The entire creation saw--and even felt--the three dark hours. Foreshadowed in the Exodus from Egypt by the three dark days of the ninth plague (10:21-29).
God turned out the lights while Jesus was on the cross. He turned His back on His Son. Jesus had become the rottenness of the entire world's sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). The holy God cannot stand sin. So He forsook Jesus because Jesus was now your sin.
These dark hours bring about the great Light of the resurrection. Without God placing your sin upon Jesus' shoulders, your sins would still be on you. You would still be responsible for atoning for them. But Jesus is your atonement. Because He hung on the cross. Even after God forsook Him for your sake. Amen.
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Savannah Jack
S.D. Jones vs Brickhouse Brown
Armstrong Brothers vs Smokin' Gunns
Eric Embry vs Terry Funk
PG-13 vs Nightmares
Austin Idol vs Rick Rude
Television Title Match: Jason Kincaid (c) vs Jimmy Golden
Great Muta vs Raven
Curt Hennig vs David von Erich
American Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs Honky Tonk Man
How will a conscience know when a work was done by the inclination of this habit of love so that it is possible to conclude that the work merits grace in a wholly deserving way? This very distinction has been created to dodge the Scriptures. (Ap V 200)
''So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way (Matthew 27:41-44).''
Jesus was reviled by all when He was on the cross. He is reviled by all when we sin against Him. Does Jesus deserve it? No. But He gives forgiveness to those who repent of their reviling.
You don't wish to revile Jesus. But He stands waiting for you to repent so that He can forgive you. Forgiveness that was also for the chief priests, the scribes and the elders who taunted Him on the cross. Forgiveness for everyone who believes in Him. Amen.
''And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Matthew 27:39-40).''
The chief priests and elders were filled with haughtiness over Jesus' complete helplessness on the cross. They make fun of Him while using His own words of boasting against Him. Certainly Jesus never boasted. Boasting is sinful. And Jesus never sinned.
But those who derided Him wanted Him to prove He was the Messiah. A demand they had made over and over again throughout His ministry. Over and over again they demanded that Jesus perform some miracle to prove His Messiahship.
But when He proves Himself as the Messiah, they don't see it. They see Him dying on the cross. They don't see sins being forgiven through His death. They see another wannabe Messiah getting His just desserts. They don't see God's salvation being proclaimed to the whole world.
Head wagging has no place in the Christian life. The Christian life is about humility. Not boasting except in Jesus' crucifixion. Not unless it's in His work for your forgiveness. Amen.
''Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left (Matthew 27:38).''
James and John wanted it. But they weren't the ones whom God had appointed. They wanted to sit on Jesus' left and right when He entered His kingdom. Instead of two of His greatest disciples, the people at Jesus' left and right were common criminals. Robbers. Thieves. Not those who we would consider worthy of such a great honor.
But we look at the honor wrong. Just as we look at Jesus entering and ruling His kingdom wrong. Jesus doesn't enter and begin to rule His kingdom after He ascends into Heaven. Jesus enters His kingdom on the Cross. He begins to rule as the nails were driven into His hands.
Positions of honor are not given to those who strive after them. They are given to those who believe they are unworthy of such honor. So we see from the repentant thief (Luke 23:39-43). He felt unworthy of the honor of being crucified next to the Messiah. With one of his last breaths, he confesses his faith and is welcomed into Paradise with Jesus. A robber in this life. A saint waiting for you in the next. That's the great honor we should strive for. Amen.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8)
''And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37).''
This morning we discuss the most familiar four letters in the Bible: INRI. Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum. Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The charge that was nailed over Jesus' head. Why He was crucified. Because He was the King of the Jews.
Although the chief priests piled up bogus charge after bogus charge against Jesus, none of them stuck. Only the charge that God Himself had given against Jesus. He was the King of the Jews. The Messiah. The Suffering Servant. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is the charge that sticks to Jesus. The only thing that found basis in fact.
St. John records that Pilate refused to change the charge after it was posted. "What I have written I have written" (19:20-22). It will not change. Jesus of Nazareth is the King of the Jews. But He is also the King of the Gentiles because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who died to provide entrance into His kingdom. Amen.
''And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots (Matthew 27:35).''
Trophies can take many forms. We have the traditional trophies with the brass plate detailing either an accomplishment or simply participation in an event. Trophies can be t-shirts or signed pictures from celebrities.
Trophies for Roman soldiers took darker forms. Pieces of fallen enemies' armor. For soldiers on crucifixion duty, the trophy was the condemned person's clothing. But there had to be a fair way of deciding who got the clothing. After all, they are trophies. Trophies go to the winners. At least they used to.
So the soldiers cast lots--dice--to see who would get each piece of clothing. Winner takes all. But the winners weren't winners. They were eyewitnesses of the greatest event in human history, but they were oblivious to what was really going on. They were too busy chasing trophies.
But the old hymn reminds us, "Go, spread your trophies at [Jesus'] feet and crown Him Lord of all" (LSB #549.5). In comparison to Jesus' death on the cross, our trophies are garbage. To be dumped at the foot of the cross to receive the ultimate trophy. The water of Baptism for the salvation of your soul. To have the trophy of Christ's shed blood for the forgiveness of your sin. This is the trophy we should strive for daily. Amen.
Rounds 5 & 6 of the Illinois Heavyweight Title Deadly Dozen Tournament!
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Savannah Jack
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 5
Chris Candido vs Ken Wayne
Bobo Brazil vs Chris Adams
Iceman King Parsons vs Steve Corino
Billy Gunn vs Jerry Lawler
Christopher Daniels vs Buzz Sawyer
Steve Austin vs Honky Tonk Man
Television Title Match: Jason Kincaid (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE LETHAL LOTTERY TOURNAMENT ROSTER
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 6
Chris Adams vs Jerry Lawler
Honky Tonk Man vs Bobo Brazil
Iceman King Parsons vs Buzz Sawyer
Billy Gunn vs Chris Candido
Christopher Daniels vs Ken Wayne
Steve Austin vs Steve Corino
''And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it (Matthew 25:33-34).''
Golgotha. The Skull. Fitting place for the deciding battle between good and evil to take place. Fitting place for the Son of God to crush the serpent's head.
On this hill outside Jerusalem, the first Gospel promise will be fulfilled. Eve's offspring's heel will be wounded. The serpent's head will be crushed.
In this epic battle, Satan offers Jesus wine to numb the pain of the crucifixion. But Jesus refused to drink it. There would be no numbing of man's salvation. Jesus would drink the entire cup of God's wrath down to the very dregs. No dilution. No numbing. Jesus took it all.
And He took it all so that you might be saved. Your salvation doesn't come with anything extra attached or expected. Your salvation is the free gift of God through Jesus' death. Celebrate Jesus' willingness to suffer everything full-force for you today. Amen.
''As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross (Matthew 27:32).''
Have you ever been at the wrong place at the wrong time? Simon of Cyrene was definitely at the wrong place at the wrong time on Good Friday. Minding his own business, the Roman soldiers "compel" him to carry Jesus' cross. Most infamous example of wrong place, wrong time.
But God continues His great pageant of irony in Jesus' Passion. Simon isn't the one in the wrong place. Jesus is the one who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jesus isn't carrying His cross. He's carrying '''YOUR''' cross. He's carrying Simon's cross. The Almighty Son of God is so weakened that He cannot carry the cross anymore. Now, Simon, a sinner for whom Jesus is dying, must carry it.
Jesus must accept help in order to make your salvation happen. Not that Simon cooperated in any way other than carrying the cross. That doesn't merit him anything. Salvation only comes through Jesus crucified. And Jesus couldn't physically carry the cross to Golgotha. But He continued to carry your sins all the way down the road. He carried them and crucified them so that they are dead to you and you are dead to them. All through Jesus' death. Amen.
Our teaching, we hope, is readily understood by pious minds and brings godly and wholesome consolation to terrified consciences. ... People of sound mind can easily judge the faith that believes we are cared for by God, that we are forgiven and heard by Him. It is something that surpasses nature. (Ap V 182)
If anyone wants a distinction between faith and hope, we say that the object of hope is properly a future event, but that faith is concerned with future and present things. Faith receives the forgiveness of sins offered in the promise in the present. (Ap V 191)
How does the grain offering (Leviticus 2) help us understand Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and our own sacrifices of praise? Listen and find out!
''Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. (Matthew 27:27-31)''
No one likes to be mocked. The shame that comes with the mockery also causes us not to want to mock anyone. However, that thinking goes out the window when it comes to mocking God.
The soldiers unknowingly mocked God with their mockery of Jesus. However, they were fully aware that their religious habits and temple worship were mockeries of the worship that happened in Jerusalem.
In fact, all religion is a mockery of the Christian faith. Every religion in the world mocks God by making Him in human image. Since God is in man's image, He does basically whatever we want. Whatever we think is right and good is what He considers right and good. This is why the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses were so ... ungodly.
But the true God created man in His image. Imprinted on us the true values of what is good and right. Many of these good and right are counter-cultural. Just like salvation through God's death. God the Son had to sacrifice Himself on the cross so that you might be saved.
Mocking God is no small crime. But God offers forgiveness to those who submit to His image. Revealed to us in His Word. Clothing us with salvation just as He was stripped for our salvation. Amen.
''So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24-26)''
Pilate does the only thing he can do to save his job and possibly his life. He washes his hands of Jesus. Literally. He takes out a basin of water and declares himself innocent of the guilt of Jesus' blood.
Basically a reverse Baptism. Not being washed in the blood of the Lamb. Washing off the Lamb's blood. Not wanting it on him.
Pilate only saw guilt concerning the execution of an innocent man. He could not see the Lamb of God standing before him. Taking away his sins with his wrongful death. Pilate wanted nothing to do with Jesus after he could not free Him.
In your Baptism, you aren't washed free of Jesus. You are covered in Jesus' blood and righteousness. Your guilt is taken away. You are declared sinless in Christ.
Exactly what Pilate wanted. Except he tried to do it backwards. Yours is not the work that forgives your sin. Christ's work forgives your sin. Washing you clean to live before Him in holiness forever. Amen.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2)
For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. (Psalm 33:4-5)
''The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" (Matthew 27:21-23)''
The crowd screamed for Jesus' blood. They wanted to see Him hanged from a cross as an example of what happens to peace disturbers. And Jesus '''HAD''' disturbed the peace with His radical teachings on God and grace.
But that's what Jesus came to do. He says, "You must not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34 NEB). The night He was betrayed, He told Peter, "All who take the sword die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52 NEB). Jesus was prepared to die by God's sword.
And God's sword is His Word (Ephesians 6:17). God promises throughout the Old Testament that Jesus would die. Jesus is the sacrifice of all sacrifices. He is the Suffering Servant. He is the one who died and yet lives. Crucified to appease the riotous mob. Crucified to appease an angry God. Crucified to forgive sinners of all sin. You have been forgiven in Christ. Believe in Him and you also will live even though you may die. Amen.
Rounds 3 & 4 of the Illinois Heavyweight Title Deadly Dozen Tournament!
Savannah Jack vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 3
Steve Corino vs Ken Wayne
Bobo Brazil vs Jerry Lawler
Chris Candido vs Buzz Sawyer
Honky Tonk Man vs Billy Gunn
Iceman King Parsons vs Christopher Daniels
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Chris Adams
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer (c) vs Jason Kincaid
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 4
Jerry Lawler vs Steve Corino
Christopher Daniels vs Chris Adams
Chris Candido vs Honky Tonk Man
Bobo Brazil vs Buzz Sawyer
Iceman King Parsons vs Billy Gunn
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Ken Wayne
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs Bobo Brazil
''Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." (Matthew 27:19)''
Who hasn't had a nightmare? Someone chasing you. Being lost somewhere that looks familiar but really isn't. Monsters and demons. We're not told what type of nightmare Pilate's wife had. We just know it gave her the impression that Jesus was the reason.
She sends a message to her husband, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man." In the midst of all the accusations against Jesus, a typically disinterested third party declares Him righteous. Soeone completely distant from the proceedings proclaims Him righteous.
Jesus doesn't want remote proclamations. Jesus wants close proclamations. While Pilate's wife proclaims Jesus righteous, this is the same as when the demons early in His ministry would call Him the Son of God. Distant proclamation emphasizes the distance between Jesus and proclaimer.
Jesus wants no distance. That is why He calls each Christian brother and sister. Children of His heavenly Father. He wants closeness between Himself and His followers. Those who are closest to Him are those He wants to hear proclaim His righteousness. He chose Apostles to begin the Church. He sends pastors to preach in His Church.
Pilate's wife's dream brought her to proclaim. But salvation through Jesus isn't a bad dream. It's the dream of all mankind since Adam come true. Jesus has made it come true for you. Amen.
''Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. (Matthew 27:15-16)''
Continuing the irony of Jesus' Passion, Barabbas is offered to be released instead of Jesus. Barabbas. "Son of the Father" in Aramaic. He is released instead of Jesus. The Son of God.
Two sons are offered to you this morning. Both call themselves "Son of the Father." One is a notorious murderer and seditionist. The other is a compassionate teacher and preacher. Whom do you choose?
The world quickly agrees to Barabbas. He is the most like us. He is the picture of our sinfulness. He reflects his father's unrighteousness.
Jesus is foreign to us. He is the picture of perfection. He reflects His Father's holiness.
Barabbas was released because of man's sinfulness. Jesus was killed for man's sinfulness. But not only that. Jesus was killed to give you His righteousness. Righteousness that allows you to also be a son or daughter of your heavenly Father. A holy child of the heavenly King. Sins forgiven. Eyes lifted towards Heaven. Waiting for the Son's return. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12B)
Calendar Date: July 25, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
809, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
752, "Be Still, My Soul"
544, "O Love, How Deep"
Sermon Theme: Rainbow
Sermon Text: Genesis 9:8-17
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 136:1-9
Ephesians 3:14-21
Mark 6:45-56
Liturgical Date: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11B)
Calendar Date: July 18, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
646, "Church of God, Elect and Glorious"
748, "I'm But a Stranger Here"
645, "Built on the Rock"
763, "When Peace Like a River"
641, "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart"
711, "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us"
Sermon Theme: Fellow Citizens
Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Other Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Mark 6:30-44
Christ often connects the promise of forgiveness of sins to good works, yet not because He means that good works are an atoning sacrifice (for they follow reconciliation. Christ makes this connection for two reasons. One is because good fruit must necessarily follow. He reminds us that if good fruit do not follow, the repentance is hypocritical and fake. The other eason is that we have need of outward signs of so great a promise. A conscience full of fear has need of much consolation. (Ap V 154)
''When [Jesus] was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. (Matthew 27:12-14)''
Before Pontius Pilate, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7: "Like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth." The chief priests and elders continued to pile charge upon charge against Him. But Jesus didn't answer them a single word.
This amazed Pilate. He had seen many people come before Him. Some guilty, some wrongly accused. But he had likely never seen anyone come before him and not respond to any of the accusations. The guilty might brag about getting away with it for so long. The innocent would protest their innocence.
But Jesus said nothing. Not one word. He hung His head in your guilt. He didn't say, "But I'm dying for what you have done." Not before Pilate. But in your heart. When He comes in as your Savior, He says, "I stood silent for you. I died with gracious words on My lips for you. I rose again for you. Nevermore to be silent." Amen.
Savannah Jack vs Jason Kincaid
Bobo Brazil vs Curt Hennig
1 Contender for American Heavyweight Title: Honky Tonk Man vs Raven
Television Title vs $1000 Lumberjack Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Buzz Sawyer
Iceman King Parsons vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
World Tag Team Titles Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell & David von Erich (c) vs Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown
WarGames Match: Strong Army vs Gunns 4 Hire
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (Psalm 30:11).
"Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God" (Psalm 31:5).
''Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me." (Matthew 27:9-10)''
The chief priests' purchase of the potter's field fulfills one more Messianic prophecy. Even the purchase price was known to the prophet Jeremiah six hundred years before. The purchase price is "the price of Him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel." We must remember this when we talk to our Jewish neighbors. Or talk about Jews in general.
Not all of the sons of Israel turned their back on Jesus. Just some. But all of the sons of Israel needed a Savior. All the sons of Adam need a Savior. All the daughters of Eve need a Savior.
This Savior had a price of His head. This Savior paid that price. Not with the thirty pieces of silver for the potter's field. With His holy, innocent, precious suffering and death. The potter's field that was bought with the money is a symbol of the grave that you and I share with all sinners. The grave that Jesus overcame with His death and resurrection. Amen.
July 14, 2021
Wintrust Arena
Chicago, IL
First two rounds of the Deadly Dozen Tournament for the Illinois Heavyweight Title!
Savannah Jack vs Nightmare Danny Davis
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 1
Steve Corino vs Billy Gunn
Bobo Brazil vs Christopher Daniels
Honky Tonk Man vs Ken Wayne
Buzz Sawyer vs Chris Adams
Iceman King Parsons vs Jerry Lawler
Steve Austin vs Chris Candido
Television Title vs Leaving PWA Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Deadly Dozen Tournament Round 2
Ken Wayne vs Billy Gunn
Jerry Lawler vs Christopher Daniels
Honky Tonk Man vs Steve Corino
Chris Adams vs Chris Candido
Iceman King Parsons vs Bobo Brazil
Steve Austin vs Buzz Sawyer
''So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. (Matthew 27:7-8)''
When we think of bloody fields, we think of places like Gettysburg, Antietam or the shores of Normandy. But outside Jerusalem is probably one of the most underrated bloody fields in history. The chief priests couldn't put the thirty silver pieces back in the temple's treasury. That wouldn't be kosher. But it would be kosher for them to use the blood money to buy a field to bury strangers.
One Church tradition says that this potter's field was the same place where Judas hanged himself. But Judas' blood money paid for the field. It was paid for with the price of blood.
Your heart is a bloody field. Not only the blood that flows through your body. The blood that was poured upon you in your Baptism. The blood that clothes you with perfect righteousness.
Through Christ's blood, your heart has been purified. A burial place for the stranger to God that is your sinful nature. The resurrection place of the Christian inside you. The place where faith resides and hope belongs. Amen.
''But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money." (Matthew 27:6).''
There are few things more despicable to sensible people than blood money. Throughout history, bounty hunters have been thought of as about as evil as the criminals they were chasing. Doing anything to secure the money placed on someone else's head.
In God's continual series of ironic twists, the chief priests cannot take the thirty pieces of silver because it's "blood money." But God accepts Jesus' blood as the payment for our sins. Something else the chief priests couldn't accept.
Jesus paid the price for your sin. Not with gold or silver. He paid for it with the blood He shed on the whipping post and the cross. His passion evidences His great love for you.
As he head near the Christmas holiday, Jesus' death brings us back to the wise men who brought Him presents as a child. One present was myrrh. Embalming fluid. Even these foreigners knew that Jesus was born to die. To shed His blood as payment for you. Amen.
First, the Law cannot be obeyed unless we have been reborn through faith in Christ, just as Christ says in John 15:5, "Apart from Me you can do nothing." (Ap V 135)
Liturgical Date: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10B)
Calendar Date: July 11, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
555, "Salvation unto Us Has Come"
743, "Jesus, Priceless Treasure"
659, "Lord of Our Life"
Sermon Theme: Plumb Line
Sermon Text: Amos 7:7-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 85:8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
''Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." (Matthew 27:3-4).''
After Judas betrayed Jesus, he tried to make it right. He tried to give the money back. But the chief priests didn't want it. "What is that to us? See to it yourself," they told him.
The chief priests had bought into the lie of self-righteousness. They tell Judas to work out his salvation. To pay for his own sins himself. There is no forgiveness there for him.
Self-righteousness is the natural religion of man. When we look back to Greek and Roman mythology, everyone had to make sure that the gods were on their side by constant sacrifices and worship.
Self-righteousness is nothing more than swimming in the stormy sea of your own doubt. Doubt is a hurricane that continues to swirl around you. Like it swirled around Judas as he threw the money down at the chief priests' feet before taking his own life.
The doubts of self-righteousness only lead to one destination: your soul's destruction. There is only one way to avoid that destination. Don't listen to the doubts. Don't try to save yourself. Throw yourself down at Jesus' feet. Beg for forgiveness. And He will give it to you. Amen.
''Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:3-5)''
Judas had betrayed Jesus. He thought he was helping get Jesus' kingdom moving. But it quickly turned bad. Judas knew that Jesus was going to die. He wanted to give the money back so he could--maybe--rescue Jesus.
He repented of his sin, but there was no forgiveness to be given. Judas was in the wrong place. The chief priests and the elders could not give him forgiveness. Only Jesus could forgive him.
Dejected and mournful, Judas goes out and does what he thinks will save his soul. To offer himself for his sin. But in this mindset he condemns himself. As with the other disciples, Judas didn't understand what Jesus was trying to teach them. It wasn't until after Jesus died and rose again that they understood. But Judas can't wait that long. He condemns himself in his unbelief. Belief in Jesus gives forgiveness. Amen.
"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness."
(Psalm 29:2)
''And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor (Matthew 27:2).''
As we compare our Lord's Passion to His birth in this Advent season, we see one great irony. Pilate got what Herod the Great wanted. Herod the Great got what Pilate wanted.
Herod the Great wanted Jesus dead as a baby (Matthew 2:13). He slaughtered the innocent boys of Bethlehem, trying to kill Jesus. Herod wanted Jesus dead because He could make Himself a contender for the Jewish crown. Herod didn't want to give up his power.
Pilate wanted Jesus to go free. He didn't want anything to do with killing Jesus. He tried every way he could imagine to free Jesus. He offered the current public enemy number one, only to find out that Jesus was even more of an enemy of the public. At least the public who was vocal that Friday morning.
In the end, Jesus was saved from murderous Herod. Jesus was murdered under the downcast, sorrowful eyes of Pontius Pilate. What Herod salivated about, Pilate wept about. The holy, innocent Child was rescued so that He might grow into the holy, innocent Man who would die for you and me. Amen.
Fiserv Forum
Milwaukee, WI
Savannah Jack vs J.C. Ice
Armstrong Brothers vs Smokin' Gunns
Honky Tonk Man vs Raven
Curt Hennig vs David von Erich
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino vs Nightmares
Jimmy Golden vs Eric Embry
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Goldust
American Tag Team Titles Match: Sawyer Brothers (c) vs Chris Candido & Rick Rude
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs Bobo Brazil
''When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death (Matthew 27:1).''
When dawn broke on Good Friday, it was the opposite of the first day of Creation. On the first day, all was dark before God said, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). On Good Friday, all was light before the elders and chief priests said, "Let him be condemned!"
The darkness of Satan's domain became prevalent that morning. His dark powers worked through the envious Jews to have the sinless Son of God condemned to death for blasphemy. He worked to make the light darkness. And for that day it worked.
The Lord of Life was condemned to death. And Satan's minions cheered the verdict. But when dawn broke on the third day, Easter morning, everything was once again reversed. The dead Savior rose from the grave. "God's recreation of the new day." God has recreated you through Jesus' death and resurrection. Satan's dark power has been conquered and you may rejoice in your Savior. Amen.
How does the holocaust--the whole burnt offering--point us to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? How can we find comfort in our daily lives that Jesus' sacrifice is for us?
This is the first of a five-part monthly series on the Old Testament sacrifices in Leviticus 1-7.
''Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:69-75).''
Peter denied Jesus three times. Just as Jesus prophesied. But Peter wept bitterly. He was remorseful for his sin. And He was given forgiveness.
Have you denied Jesus? If you are hearing this message, it is not too late to come with your bitter weeping to ask Him for forgiveness. If you want to hear forgiveness proclaimed to you, my door is always open. Repent and be forgiven. Amen.
"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
(James 2:24)
"The subject matter itself shows that the works spoken of here follow faith and that such faith is not dead, but living and effective in the heart."
(Ap V 125)
''Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death." (Matthew 26:65-66)''
Jesus is accused of blasphemy. But it's not Caiaphas' proclamation of blasphemy that hurts us. It's God's proclamation of blasphemy that hurts us. Jesus is crucified for blasphemy. But it's not His blasphemy. It's '''YOUR''' blasphemy.
Jesus died for your blasphemy. Every time you've spoken against Jesus. Every time you've remained silent when you should speak up. Every time you bad-mouthed your fellow man. This is the blasphemy for which Jesus died.
Blasphemy that happens every day. There is not a day when we're not speaking against Jesus. Not a day when we're silent when we should speak up. Not a day when we're not bad-mouthing our neighbor.
You are guilty of blasphemy against the First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me." Your blasphemy makes yourself your god instead of the one true God. Your blasphemy tears down the people who were created in God's image. Your blasphemy sent Jesus to the cross.
But Jesus died on the cross to forgive you of your blasphemy. Believing in Christ, you have the forgiveness of all your sins. Including your blasphemy against Him. After all, His first word from the cross is, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Amen.
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9B)
Calendar Date: July 4, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
583, "God Has Spoken by His Prophets"
832, "Jesus Shall Reign"
631, "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face"
617, "O Lord, We Praise Thee"
830, "Spread the Reign of God the Lord"
Sermon Theme: No Honor
Sermon Text: Mark 6:1-13
Other Lectionary Readings:
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
''And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:63-64).''
The question is asked. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Will Jesus declare His Godhood or not? Was this His time? Would He reveal His glory to the Jews now?
He doesn't reveal His glory outwardly. But He reveals everything verbally. Jesus attests to the truth of Caiaphas' statement. But Jesus continues to confess His glory.
"From now on." From this moment forward. "You will see the Son of Man seated." Jesus. The Son of Man. Seated on a throne. Seated in authority over the Sanhedrin. "Seated at the right hand of Power." Jesus has absolute judgment over life and death. Heaven and Hell. "And coming on the clouds of Heaven." Jesus would leave, but He would come back. He departs to Heaven and returns from Heaven to exercise His judgment.
Jesus is the Son of God. He is seated at the right hand of God's Power. He is coming back. And all will confess His glory on that Day. Amen.
"Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore He instructs sinners in the Way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble His way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies."
(Psalm 25:8-10)
''And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." (Matthew 26:62-63).''
After hearing all the various charges, Caiaphas glares at Jesus who stands in silence. Befuddled by our Savior's silence, he demands that Jesus tell him whether He is the Messiah, the Son of God, or not.
Is Caiaphas thinking about Isaiah 53? The Suffering Servant's silence as a sheep before its shearers? Probably not. Caiaphas is typically seen in history as an opportunist. That's how he achieved the high priesthood. He was more of a politician than a theologian.
So he adjures Jesus. He solemnly charges him. On the pains of God's eternal wrath. Are you the Christ? The question that everyone wanted to ask Jesus. But many don't want to hear the answer.
Jesus hadn't said anything in his trial. Would He answer the question this time? We'll find out next time. But I ask you. Is Jesus the Christ? Is He '''YOUR''' Messiah? Amen.
Xcel Energy Center
Minneapolis, MN
Brad Armstrong vs Bart Gunn
Savannah Jack vs S.D. Jones
Honky Tonk Man & Chris Adams vs Eddie Gilbert & Raven
Jerry Lawler vs Steve Corino
Austin Idol vs Christopher Daniels
Six-Man Tag Match: Jimmy Golden & PG-13 vs Eric Embry & Nightmares
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs Dutch Mantell
Buzz Sawyer vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Lumberjack Match: Jesse James Armstrong vs Billy Gunn
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs Bobo Brazil
''At last two came forward and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'" (Matthew 26:60-61).''
As the Jewish Sanhedrin tried to come up with some probable cause for Jesus to be executed. They needed proof. And they needed two or three witnesses to agree (Deuteronomy 17:6).
Finally two come together and remember Jesus saying His statement from John 2. He was standing in the Temple when He said it. And the threat of destruction of property is punishable by law. Especially when it comes to the Jerusalem Temple. It was the center point of the city of Jerusalem and the region of Judea. Everything that was inherently Jewish hinged on the Temple.
With this statement, and these two witnesses, they could bring Jesus before Pilate on charges of insurrection and treason.
But the Temple was destroyed. And Jesus rebuilt it on the third day. This Temple is Jesus' body. Just as you, as a believer in Christ, are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). With His resurrection, Jesus has promised to rebuild your temple as well on the Last Day. No matter what charges lie against you. Clothed in His righteousness, you live in His forgiveness. And your temple will be raised. Amen.
''Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward (Matthew 26:59-60).''
The chief priests called the entire Sanhedrin together so that they might deal with this misguided, itinerate rabbi Jesus. They knew that there wasn't anything based in truth that they could accuse Him of. They had tried it. The Pharisees wanted to tangle Jesus in His words about Church and State (Matthew 22:15-22). The Sadducees then came to call Him a blasphemer for His teaching on the resurrection of the dead (22:23-33). Then the Pharisees came back with the question about the greatest and most important commandment (22:34-40).
The entire Jewish aristocracy was in an uproar against this one man. Somehow Jesus had found Himself in the midst of the religious civil war between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Somehow? Really? Like Jesus hadn't known exactly what He was doing. The two sides of the civil war had broken away from Jesus' Word in the Scriptures. In the civil war, it wasn't the Pharisees vs the Sadducees as the main event. The civil war was, is and will be until Jesus returns, sinners vs. the Savior. We sinfully seek to discredit Jesus because we think we can justify ourselves.
But the whole of Scriptures shows us that we cannot justify ourselves. That's the false testimony of the devil. The true testimony of Scripture shows our desperate need for Jesus as our Savior. The one perfect sacrifice for the sins of every man, woman and child who has ever lived and ever will live. The Savior in whom no false testimony could be found. Amen.
"If I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
(1 Corinthians 13:2)
"If anyone should cast away love, even though he has great faith, he does not keep his faith."
(Ap V 98)
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8B)
Calendar Date: June 27, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
461, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
738, "Lord of All Hopefulness"
WHM #323, "God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again"
Sermon Theme: Abundance and Need
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15
Other Lectionary Readings:
Lamentations 3:22-33
Psalm 30
Mark 5:21-43
''Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered (Matthew 26:57).''
After the disciples fled, Jesus '''ALLOWS''' Himself to be led away to Caiaphas the high priest. Jesus '''ALLOWS''' Himself to face the great blasphemy that would unfold over the next few hours.
The Cornerstone would be rejected. The sinless Son of God was called a sinful son of Satan. The One blasphemed against was convicted of blasphemy.
Jesus '''ALLOWS''' everything to be turned upside down. After all, He came into the world because it was upside down. He came to turn it right side up.
He allowed Himself to be put to death so you may be made alive. He allowed Himself to be spat upon so that you may be exalted. He allowed Himself to be put on trial to prove your faith.
The soldiers may have physically led Jesus away. But Jesus was, in reality, leading them to fulfill God's plan of salvation. Jesus led them so that you might be saved. Amen.
''Then all the disciples left him and fled (Matthew 26:56).''
After all the brave boasting and posturing among the disciples, everyone ran for the hills when the soldiers arrested Jesus. The soldiers didn't care about the disciples. They were after Jesus. No one else mattered. '''HE''' was public enemy number one.
Of the twelve disciples in Gethsemane, we see that three went back into Jerusalem. The others might have gone to Bethany. They went wherever they thought they could hide.
The three who stayed somewhat near Jesus were John, Peter and Judas. John's family was well-known and established in Jerusalem. Peter was curious of what would happen. Judas wanted to see the fireworks.
John walks in with the crowd because he knows the high priest. He brings Peter into the courtyard by speaking to the doorman. Peter denies knowing Jesus. Judas hangs himself because the fireworks never happened. Jesus was going to be condemned to death. And it was all Judas' fault. So Judas flees to the one place he deems worthy of himself. The grave.
Judas is the only one who fled who was not forgiven. He wouldn't stick around to receive forgiveness. He thought he had no other choice. But the other eleven were forgiven on Easter evening. Forgiven by the resurrected Jesus. Just like you. Amen.
It is wonderful to know that the YHWH Sabaoth ("The LORD of Hosts") is also your Shepherd.
''[Jesus said:] "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me" (Matthew 26:55).''
Why did you have to sneak around at night to find Me? I've been right in front of you, but you wouldn't touch me. But this was done to fulfill the Scriptures.
The chief priests and the elders of the Jews did not want to start a riot among the common people. They were afraid of the common person's devotion to this Galilean teacher. He wasn't even a trained rabbi, but His following kept growing. At the beginning of Holy Week, the Pharisees said, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him" (John 12:19).
The chief priests and the elders had confronted Jesus before, but they always lost the war of words. They were always put to shame because Jesus put them in their place. They had to find a way to put Him in His place. To do that, they had to sneak around in the dark. They had to come out with swords and clubs, like they were chasing a hardened criminal.
But Jesus came to be numbered with the criminals (Isaiah 53:12). Criminals like you and me. He hung on the cross for you. To bring robbers and criminals to Him. To forgive all your sins. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America
Fargodome
Fargo, ND
~~~~~
Released: Jushin Liger, Great Kabuki
Signed: Brad Armstrong, Bart Gunn
~~~~~
Savannah Jack vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Jerry Lawler vs Curt Hennig
Rick Rude vs Great Kabuki
Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Raven
Bobo Brazil vs Chris Candido
PG-13 vs Jesse James Armstrong & Eric Embry
Billy Gunn & Jimmy Golden vs Nightmares
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Terry Funk
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Goldust
World Tag Team Titles & Television Title Match: Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown (TV) (C) vs David von Erich & 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
~~~~~
PWA is removing the house shows from the circuit of the territory. There will only be the Wednesday cards beginning next week.
''[Jesus says:] "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53).''
This morning's verse lends itself to one of the great mysteries of the Bible: How many angels did God create? This leads to the idle speculation like, "How many angels can fit on the head of a pin?"
But this verse has nothing to do with the number of angels. While Jesus says that He could call down 64,800 angels with a single command, this has nothing to do with the number of angels. It has everything to do with Jesus' divine power.
Peter had already declared Jesus to be the "Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). But do they get it? Of course not. Peter wouldn't strike Malchus' ear defending Jesus if He understood what it meant for Jesus to be God incarnate.
Jesus tells the disciples that He needs '''NO''' defending. God's plan of salvation is Jesus' willing, uncomplaining submission to death by crucifixion. Submission to being forsaken by God (Psalm 22:1). If He wanted to be defended, if He wanted to show off His divine power, He could have.
But He was on His way to Calvary. There was no stopping the world's salvation now. It would all be finished within the next day. Finished for you. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7B)
Calendar Date: June 20, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
WHM #295, "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart"
717, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save"
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
395, "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
620, "Jesus Comes Today with Healing"
722, "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me"
Sermon Theme: The LORD--Our Help
Sermon Text: Psalm 124
Other Lectionary Readings:
Job 38:1-11
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
''Then Jesus said to [Peter], "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:53).''
For my periodic Star Trek reference, the warrior race of the Klingons have a warrior's creed: "Today is a good day to die!" Warriors want to fall in battle.
And Christians are no different. While we abide by Jesus' chastisement, we are warriors in spiritual battle "against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). In the following verses to the Ephesians, St. Paul outlines the Christian's armor. Only one piece is offensive: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).
As Christians, we live and die by the sword of the Spirit. While Jesus chastises the use of a physical sword, He prophesies that the Apostles and all those who follow after them--you and me--will live and die by the sword of God's Word. You and I might not be called by God to die, but you and I are called to be martyrs. Witnesses. We witness to Jesus and His Word. If that makes us unpopular, we take comfort that people didn't like Jesus either. They crucified Him. But by His death, we live. And we can die in peace.
The Klingon creed can be the Christian's as well: "Today is a good day to die" in Christ. Amen.
"They do not find peace of conscience in these works. In true terrors, heaping up works upon works, they eventually despair because they find no work pure
''And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear (Matthew 26:51).''
One of the disciples, whom John identifies as Simon Peter (18:10), takes his sword and wildly swings it. It finds Malchus' ear and severs it. Jesus' Messianic revolution was finally beginning. Peter smiled widely with bloodlust as he saw visions of himself charging into Jerusalem. Slashing down the elders and chief priests. Placing Jesus on David's throne, with his own throne nearby.
He could see himself being lifted high as the great warrior-priest of the house of Israel. Another Samson. A great and strong redeemer judge of Israel.
But Jesus doesn't have these revolutionary ideas. His revolutionary ideas involve His death and sacrifice. Ideas that no one wants to hear. Peter and the others want a political revolution. Jesus seeks a revolution of the heart. A bloodless revolution. A revolution of repentance. No swordplay in His revolution.
Jesus heals the ear and chastises Peter, as we'll hear next time. Jesus willingly goes with the mob to be crucified. To be stricken, smitten and afflicted for you. Amen.
''Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do" (Matthew 26:50).''
Even when Judas comes to betray Jesus, Jesus still calls him friend. This word "friend" has a twofold aspect of forgiveness.
First, Jesus gives Judas the possibility of forgiveness of his sin of betrayal. Yes, Judas had turned his back against Jesus, but Jesus stood ready to forgive him. Judas' betrayal was necessary for Jesus' death to align with the Passover. So Jesus could die at the proper time. According to the Father's plan.
Judas was not fulfilling God's will by this sin. Nor was he receiving a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. Judas stands condemned before God for betraying Jesus. But Jesus offers him forgiveness. But as we remember the story, Judas refuses Jesus' forgiveness.
Secondly, Jesus encourages the other disciples to forgive Judas. And they do forgive him. Each of the disciples has to ask themselves the question, "Am I any better?" And they have to answer, "No. I have betrayed Jesus too."
We are all Judases. We have all betrayed Jesus. But Jesus still calls us "friend" and extends His forgiving hand to us. Amen.
''Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him (Matthew 26:48-49).''
Judas gave the sign of whom he kissed to be arrested. As he leads the crowd to hand Jesus over to the chief priests, he walks straight up to Jesus and kisses him. Making a mockery of Psalm 2: "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (v12).
Judas didn't trust in Jesus. He was the disciples' treasurer and a thief (John 12:6). He traded the Savior's life for thirty measly pieces of silver. His betrayal stole the confidence from the other disciples. Sure, Jesus predicted His betrayal by one of the disicples. Yes, the disciples all swore that it wouldn't be them. Yep, they all promised they'd rather die than run away. But that was all theory. When it came to fruition, when it was practical, their confidence fell.
But Jesus was betrayed and put to death so He could forgive fallen confidence. To restore the fallen, like you, into a glorious position standing before Him in Paradise. Kiss the Son, but kiss him with the "holy kiss" of greeting from a Christian to his or her Savior (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). Amen.
American Tag Team Titles Tournament
(Must be a winner in every match!)
First Round:
Chris Candido & Rick Rude vs Billy Gunn & Jimmy Golden
Jesse James Armstrong & Eric Embry vs Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino
Curt Hennig & Austin Idol vs Eddie Gilbert & Raven
Sawyer Brothers vs PG-13
Savannah Jack vs Ready
Semifinals
Honky Tonk Man vs Terry Funk
American Tag Team Titles Match
World Tag Team Titles vs Television Title Match:
Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown (World Tag Team champions)
vs
David von Erich & Dutch Mantell (Television champion)
(Mantell's Television Title is on the line for the first 15 minutes of the 60 minute time limit!)
''While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people (Matthew 26:47).''
Jesus was a political threat to the Jewish people and the Roman Empire. Such a threat that the soldiers needed to come out in full riot gear to apprehend Him. It was an all-out manhunt to apprehend one man.
But Jesus was more than a political threat. He was a serious religious threat. In "God's country", the religious scene is the most important aspect of life. Jesus came to turn the world upside down. The chief priests and elders didn't want their lives turned upside down. They had worked hard to ensure their spots at the top of the religious totem pole. Now Jesus threatened to put them on the bottom.
I'm sure many in the crowd wanted Jesus to resist arrest. They wanted an excuse to use the swords and clubs to take care of Jesus. That would alleviate their problem with Pontius Pilate. They come heavily armed so that they might get rid of the Son of God. And He overcomes them with only His Word as a weapon. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6B)
Calendar Date: June 13, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
804, "O Worship the King"
500, "Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid"
577, "Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast"
790, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
Sermon Theme: A Tender Twig
Sermon Text: Ezekiel 17:22-24
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 1
2 Corinthians 5:1-17
Mark 4:26-34
''While [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas came, one of the Twelve (Matthew 26:47).''
How many times have you been betrayed by someone close to you? If you've been through junior high and high school, you've had it happen plenty. You sink under the darkness wondering, "Why didn't I see this coming? Why is she being so mean to me? Why would he hurt me like that?"
But Jesus didn't ask these questions. These questions are laced with the sin of selfishness. And Jesus didn't sin. But He is constantly sinned against.
You and I are Judas. Jesus was not just betrayed once in the Garden of Gethsemane. He's betrayed over and over again every day. Judases surround Him as He proclaimed on the cross: "Dogs encompass Me; a company of evildoers encircles Me. They have pierced My hands and feet ... They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots" (Psalm 22:16-18).
Jesus is betrayed by every sin. Judas' sin. Your sin. My sin. But we must ground everything in our life with Jesus' first word from the cross: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). And Jesus forgives each and every betrayal against Him. Offering you everlasting life with Him. Amen.
''Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:40-41)''
Three times Jesus prayed. Three times He came back to find the disciples sleeping. Their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak.
The spirit is willing because it is being willed by the Holy Spirit. We want to worship God. We remember His words to the Samaritan woman: "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
The spirit is always willing to worship. But religion seems such a fleshly thing. Therefore we have many in our lives today who are "spiritual, but not religious." And that cannot be.
Religion is the expression of the Spirit. Especially as the Spirit is revealed in the proclamation of God's holy Word. The Word that is the basis for religion. The revealed religion of the Son of God who gave Himself for your sin. Amen.
Psalm 22 brings us to the agony, darkness, despair and hope of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
This episode ends with the chanting of Psalm 22 from this year's Maundy Thursday service at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL.
''He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39)''
Jesus' prayer is simple. "If there is another way for salvation, let me do that.. Not what I want to do, but what You have planned for Me to do."
Jesus is extremely sorrowful. The distress of His upcoming Passion weighed heavily on His heart. Jesus must have felt like Atlas, holding up the world on His shoulders. And He was. The sins of the world were on His shoulders.
The weight of your sins were piled up on Him. He bore them so that you might be relieved of them. In your Baptism and when you receive Holy Absolution, the weight of your sins is removed from you. They are placed on His cross. Buried with Him in the tomb. Left behind because the cup would not pass from Him.
There was no other way for salvation. A life had to be given in exchange for yours. And Jesus willingly suffered for your sins. So that you might joyfully live for Him. Amen.
''Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38)''
Have you ever been so depressed that you wanted to die? It's not a fun temptation of the devil to go through. Hollywood is enamored with it. How many movies and television shows have done a spin-off of Jimmy Stewart's "It's a Wonderful Life"? I've run out of fingers and toes. And those are just the movies and shows I've seen personally.
Depression leads you down a dark and scary road from which some never return. There can be so many symptomatic reasons. But ultimately, depression is one of the devil's tools to keep people from being found by Jesus. From not believing His love for them.
Jesus was exceedingly sorrowful. He was tempted with depression in the oil press of Gethsemane. After having left eight of the Apostles behind, Jesus brings His inner circle further into the garden. But these three He sets as a guard so that He might pray in peace.
Jesus didn't fall into the temptation of depression. He overcame. Three times He prays that God's will be done in the coming days. In John 17, He prays for the disciples to be strengthened in their faith. Faith in the One who overcomes temptation. Jesus our Savior. Amen.
June 9, 2021
Young Arena
Waterloo, IA
Roster Changes: NONE
Honky Tonk Man vs Raven
Austin Idol vs Rick Rude
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Chris Candido vs Buzz Sawyer
Television Title Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Nightmare Danny Davis
World Tag Team Titles vs Iceman's Deadly Dozen Spot Falls Count Anywhere Match: David von Erich & 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown
American Heavyweight Title Match: Goldust (c) vs Great Muta
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs Bobo Brazil
''Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. (Matthew 26:36-37)''
Gethsemane. Chaldean for "oil press." Where our Lord was pressed under sorrow and deep distress.
We talk about being '''VERY''' upset. Months ago (and maybe still now), many in the listening audience of these meditations were distressed over the situation at the hospital. Some were pressed down by the weight. Whether they were patients, staff or board members.
Being pressed in an oil press is not a pleasant experience. Jesus characterizes it next time as being "exceedingly sorrowful." All He could do was leave His disciples behind Him and encourage them to pray. Pray for Him. Pray for themselves. Pray in anticipation and preparation for what was to come. Jesus' time was at hand.
Having been put through the oil press of Gethsemane and then hung out on the cross of Calvary, Jesus has overcome. Instead of distressed, He is glorified. Your Gethsemane is here in this life. But in the life to come, Jesus waits to give you everlasting life. Amen.
''Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Matthew 26:34)''
What heart-breaking words Peter heard that Thursday night. The prophecy of his denial of Jesus. Not just once but three times. Three times Peter would be asked if he was one of Jesus' disciples. Three times Peter would say, "I don't know the man." Three times Peter would give into fear instilled in his heart by the devil.
Jesus says, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). Satan wanted to shake Peter's faith to the core. But Jesus prays for Peter's faith not to fail.
And Peter's faith doesn't fail. He does sin, but his faith is still intact. Peter's denial illustrates the biblical doctrine of ''simul iustis et peccator.'' Simultaneously saint and sinner. Every Christian is both saint and sinner. Our sin will not be destroyed until the Last Day.
Peter's denial of Jesus leaves him looking like the rooster as it crows the sun's first rays. All cockiness and little backbone. But after he is forgiven, Peter becomes a pillar of the early Church. A pillar upon which much of Christianity would later be built. Amen.
"We teach that rewards have been offered and promised for the works of believers. We teach that good works have merit, not for forgiveness of sins, for grace, or for justification (for these we receive only through faith), but for other rewards, bodily and spiritual, in this life and after this life." -- Ap V 73
''Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." ... Then Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" (Matthew 26:33-35)''
St. Peter was always the boastful sort. His frequent boasts and arrogance help to see him as Andrew's older brother. Probably the oldest of the four Bethsaida fisherman disciples.
His boasting in Gethsemane cements this idea a bit more. "Even if all are made to stumble." I'm better than everyone else. You can count on me, Jesus. I'm going to stand next to you come Hell or high water.
But when it comes time to stand up, Peter lays down. When it comes time to put up or shut up, Peter tucks his tail between his legs and runs. What a great boast on Peter's part.
But Peter later receives absolution. Jesus forgives him of his sins of boasting and denying. Jesus forgives all sin. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven except unbelief. Peter believed himself to be a great sinner from the moment Jesus looks at him from Caiaphas' house until that moment of forgiveness on the beach.
Yes, Peter sinned. But he was forgiven. Yes, you have sinned. You also may be forgiven. My door is always open to hear your confession and to proclaim Jesus' forgiveness to you. Receive the forgiveness Jesus died to give you. Amen.
''And the sheep of the flock will be scattered (Matthew 26:31)''
Sheep love their shepherd. When the Shepherd is smitten, the sheep scatter. Just as the Apostles would do when Jesus is arrested.
Without the shepherd, the sheep don't know where to go. They have no one to follow. So they go to the four corners. Any direction that would take them away from the wolves.
The greatest betrayal was that one of their own was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Judas brought the wolves to take out the Shepherd. The wolves scattered the sheep. They later regrouped, but they were still scared of the wolves coming after them.
Jesus rises to regather the sheep. They came together in fear. He gives them boldness. He gathers them under His care and brings them to their eternal pasture in safety. Amen.
What are the acceptable words and meditations? Those that are God-pleasing. These three psalms give us great examples of the words and meditations that God accepts.
''I will strike the Shepherd (Matthew 26:31)''
Stricken. Smitten. Afflicted. No. I'm not bringing Lent back just yet. Still a few months until we once again spend time remembering our Savior's suffering. But as we walk through St. Matthew's Passion narrative, we see that every day is a day to remember our Lord's suffering.
Jesus quotes Zechariah's prophecy of Jesus' betrayal (13:7): "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion."
The sword of God's judgment and justice is preparing to strike Jesus. The torments of Hell were about to be unleashed upon Him. Unleashed because our sin has been unleashed upon the whole world.
Jesus came in the flesh to be struck by God's sword. The only-begotten Son offered Himself to be stricken in your place. He suffered the punishment you deserve. He was struck for you. Struck so that you might feel God's grace. Amen.
Contract Extension: Jesse James Armstrong (March 23)
The Illinois Heavyweight Title and a Deadly Dozen tournament to crown the first champion were announced at the beginning of this card. Twelve qualifying (DDQ) matches for the tournament were held tonight. All twelve men will face each other in a massive round-robin tournament. The wrestler with the most wins throughout the tournament will be crowned the champion.
Tonight's Card:
DDQ Match: Billy Gunn vs Brett Wayne Sawyer
DDQ Match: Jerry Lawler vs Jushin Liger
DDQ Match: Great Kabuki vs Honky Tonk Man
DDQ Match: Iron Mike Sharpe vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
DDQ Match: Bobo Brazil vs Curt Hennig
DDQ Match: Jimmy Golden vs Nightmare Ken Wayne
DDQ Match: Rasta the Voodoo Mon vs Buzz Sawyer
Television Title Match: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
DDQ Match: Steve Corino vs Nightmare Danny Davis
DDQ Match: Jesse James Armstron vs Chris Candido
DDQ Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs S.D. Jones
DDQ Match: David von Erich vs Iceman King Parsons
DDQ Match: 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Austin Idol
World Heavyweight Title Match: Undertaker (c) vs 'Ravishing' Rick Rude
''Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night" (Matthew 26:31).''
On the night that was to be their greatest challenge in faith, all the disciples failed. Failed miserably. They stumbled when Judas and the mob came to get Jesus. That night, they didn't want to be counted with Jesus. They wanted nothing to do with Jesus.
How many nights is that your issue? How many nights do you want nothing to do with Jesus? Everyone stumbles. Especially Christians. But you say, "I'm getting better." That may be true, but you're not perfect. Not in the least.
The Apostles stumbled over Jesus. We stumble over Jesus. He is the stumbling block for all people.
But when we stumble over Him, He catches us. His arms are stretched out on the cross. He forgives our stumbling over Him. He is hard to understand. His way is not easy. There are stumbles all along the way. But there is mercy along the way as well. Mercy for all who stumble. Amen.
Even though the Roman Church declares that Baptism takes away original sin and therefore the need for Jesus as Mediator after Baptism, Christ is still the Christian's Mediator. We can never get around the accusations of the Law. All of our righteousness before God comes solely for Christ's sake. His mediation and intercession brings us that righteousness.
''I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29).''
In Heaven, we will be in a perfect communal relationship. In Heaven, all the divisions of the denominations will be gone. In Heaven, everyone will be in altar fellowship with everyone else.
We know this because Jesus says He will drink the wine of His blood in Heaven. The Eucharistic joy will continue in Heaven. What a joy it will be to sit at the great table in Heaven and share Jesus' body and blood with Jesus Himself. Forever praising Him as our Savior and Redeemer. The God-Man who tears down the walls of division.
Until then, we work to find that true unity here on earth. Not settling for slight agreement. Seeking a united understanding of our Lord and His Church. If we can achieve that, we can say that we have Heaven on earth. But, if and when we fail at this, we can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus will make all things new on the Last Day. Especially new Christian unity. Amen.
This morning's meditation are the Words of Institution as found in St. Matthew's Gospel, chapter 26, verses 26-28:
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
''Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so" (Matthew 26:25).''
Sometimes there are questions that you don't ask because you don't want the answer. You're afraid of the answer you might get. With the same trepidation as the other Apostles, Judas asks Jesus.
Judas had already been influenced by Satan. Even possessed by Satan. And yet he is still there at the Last Supper. Because Satan enjoys being in the presence of Christians.
Judas was named, but he was named quietly. Judas goes out to betray Jesus. To betray Him into the hands that should have welcomed Him. Keep your hands open to receive Him. Amen.
Psalm 18 is a wonderful Psalm that speaks of God being our Fortress, Refuge, Strength, Shield, and many other things. This Psalm was used as the liturgy for an Advent Midweek service in 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN.
In this episode, listen to the reading of the Psalm and the sermon that was preached in 2012.
''The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24).''
The primary thought of the suicidal is that it would be better for everyone if he or she had not been born. That God made a mistake with them. This is the plot of "It's a Wonderful Life" and all its derivatives.
Would it '''REALLY''' have been better for '''EVERYONE''' if any one person had not been born? Would it really be better for '''ANYONE''' if '''YOU''' had not been born?
We find this statement to be true especially for Judas. Dante, in his ''Inferno'', declares that Judas is one of the three frozen in the deepest part of Hell. He's stuck there with Brutus and Cassius, Julius Caesar's assassins. Being eternally devoured by Satan. It would have been better for him had he not been born.
But it would not be good for you. Jesus had to be betrayed. The Jewish leaders would not move against Him. If Jesus not been betrayed He would not have died. And your sins would not be forgiven. But Jesus was betrayed. He did die. And He rose again to open the gates of Heaven for you who believe in Him. Amen.
World Tag Team champions Bobo Brazil and S.D. Jones face a gauntlet against four teams. Each match has them defending their titles and their winning streak:
- 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels & Steve Corino
- Billy Gunn & Jimmy Golden
- Chris Candido & Rick Rude
- Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown
'Dirty' Dutch Mantell and David von Erich, seeking to have one more shot at the World Tag Team champions, also face a gauntlet against four teams. Each match has Mantell defending his Television Title in the first fifteen minutes of the twenty-minute time limit:
- PG-13
- Honky Tonk Man & 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
- Jesse James Armstrong & Eric Embry
- Curt Hennig & Austin Idol
If both teams survive their gauntlets, which are taking place at the same time in two rings on the arena floor, they will meet in a no time limit, no disqualification match to end it all. There will be no rematches between these two teams for another ninety days after this match.
How far will each team make it? Will the "Brawl to End It All" happen? Listen and find out!
''Jesus answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me" (Matthew 26:23).''
The questions swirled. Each of the Twelve asked Jesus if he would betray Jesus. Jesus answers the group with a vague statement. "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me." Each of the Twelve had dipped their hand in the dish with Him. They all had dipped their bread into the oil. Each of them still had to question in their hearts, "Is it I?"
Their hearts sank with the understanding that they could possibly be the one who betrayed Jesus. The one who would fulfill the prophecy in Psalm 41: "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." Which of the Apostles would lift his heel against Jesus? We know it's Judas, but the Apostles are left to wander and question in their hearts.
All of them betrayed Jesus when they fled from Gethsemane. Each of us betray Jesus when we sin against Him.
We who have dipped our hand in the dish with His body and blood constantly betray Him. But we can continue with the prayer in the prophetic psalm: "But You, O LORD, be gracious to me" (41:10). Amen.
Liturgical Date: Pentecost
Calendar Date: May 23, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
503, "O Day Full of Grace"
498, "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest"
496, "Holy Spirit, Light Divine"
643, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing"
Sermon Theme: Filled with the Holy Spirit
Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21
Other Lectionary Readings:
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 139:1-12
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
''When it was evening, He reclined at table with the Twelve. And as they were eating, He said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:20-21).''
Imagine being one of the Apostles. You're sitting at the table with your closest friends. Your rabbi is celebrating the greatest of all Old Testament feasts. As you're eating, He says, "One of you will betray Me."
A friend's betrayal is very hurtful. The accusation is not made lightly. Feelings are deeply hurt by the accusation. Not just the accusation's target. Everyone who is associated with him. Can anything he or she has done be trusted? Doubts start to swirl.
Jesus' accusation cuts through to the heart of each Apostle. Each of them asking, "Is it I?" Jesus' revelation causes each of His disciples, even now, to question themselves. Would I betray Jesus? Yes. Every time you pass an opportunity to speak His Word or to care for one of your fellow men, you betray Jesus. Every sin betrays Jesus. But thanks be to God that Jesus' betrayal by Judas brought forgiveness of sins for your every betrayal of Him. Amen.
If anyone doubts whether sins are forgiven him, he dishonors Christ. For he judges that his sin is greater or more effective than Christ's death and promise, even though Paul says, "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more" (Romans 5:20). This means that mercy is more comprehensive than sin. -- Ap V 28
''Jesus said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples'" (Matthew 26:18).''
"My time is at hand," Jesus finally says. Other times He says the opposite. But this time, walking into Jerusalem on Thursday morning, His time is at hand. His time of manifesting God's mercy and love on the cross is at hand.
Before He could be lifted up as the sacrifice for the entire world, He had to celebrate the Passover. The Lamb of God began the Passover eating and drinking with His disciples. But the Lamb offered by Him for His disciples would be the last lamb sacrificed for the Passover. Because Jesus is the eternal Passover lamb. The Lamb all the other lambs pointed to.
Jesus' time was near. All the Old Testament Scriptures were about to be fulfilled in His death and resurrection. He keeps the Passover so that He can point it to Himself and what would happen in the next couple of days. Days that are most important to us as Christians. Amen.
''Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?" (Matthew 26:17)''
The time of Jesus' sacrifice coincides with the annual Passover. Much is said around Easter about the Passover. But Passover is only the first day of a much larger feast. The Feast of Unleavened Bread.
A week-long feast of fasting. The Feast of Unleavened Bread prohibited the use of leaven. The bread could not rise when baked. Unleavened because the Israelites did not have time for the bread to rise before they were ejected out of Egypt.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread continues today. Not a week-long annual feast. A weekly feast where Jesus comes among us with His body and blood in, with and under the bread and wine of Holy Communion. The greatest treasures of the universe given in the simple form of unleavened bread. A great feast is offered to you. Attend the feast as often as you are able. Receive the divine food of Heaven from your pastor. Receive your Savior. Amen.
''And from that moment [Judas] sought an opportunity to betray Him (Matthew 26:16).''
We talk about people being an opportunist. Seeking the opportunity to enhance themselves at the expense of another. So Judas seeks the opportunity to betray Jesus into the hands of the chief priests and elders.
What was Judas' motive? Was it greed? Or was it something a bit more understandable to the rest of the Apostles?
All of the Apostles were waiting for Jesus to declare Himself to be the Messiah and take His place on David's throne in Jerusalem. They wanted the positions of authority in Jesus' kingdom. They often argued about it.
What if Judas' betrayal of Jesus was an effort to speed things up? Jesus' kingdom wasn't coming fast enough. Judas thought this would be the best way to achieve everyone's goals for Jesus. So he looked for a time where Jesus would be easily taken without the crowds. Like the chief priests, Judas didn't believe that a riot would be a good idea.
An opportunity that allowed Jesus' kingdom to come as He died for the sins of the world. An opportunity that all thought was lost. But in His death, Jesus saves us from our sins and the opportunities that they seek against us. Amen.
Only four matches on the card!
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Jimmy Golden
AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: Jesse James Armstrong (c) vs Goldust
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH: Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones (c) vs Sawyer Brothers
EIGHT MAN TAG TEAM CAGE WAR:
Strong Army (Jesse James Armstrong, Eric Embry, State Patrol)
vs
Gunns 4 Hire (Billy Gunn, Jimmy Golden, PG-13)
''Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15).''
Judas sneaks off from the rest of the disciples and arranges to be paid to betray Jesus. How much was Jesus' life worth to Judas? Thirty pieces of silver. If we were to take these pieces at about an ounce each. Roughly twenty dollars an ounce. Judas judged Jesus' worth to be roughly six hundred dollars.
Six hundred dollars for a human life. You can't even get a ticket to the Super Bowl for that little! And how much more should a human life be worth than one ticket to a football game?
Why did Judas betray Jesus? Preachers and commentators have all kinds of reasons. St. John attributes the disciples' disgust at the woman's anointing of Jesus solely to Judas, saying, "This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief" (John 12:4-6).
Betrayal of trust is stealing from the friendship that is supposed to be among each one of us. When trust is betrayed, a piece of each person's soul is stolen by the devil. A theft that is not easily repaired.
Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a shallow move of a wayward disciple, driven by the devil. But God uses Judas' betrayal to send Jesus to the cross so that He might die for your sins. Amen.
''Wherever this Gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her (Matthew 26:13).''
How do you want to be remembered hundreds of years after your death? Do you want to be remembered at all?
We can't see into the motives of her heart. But we can see that her one act of service is one of the most famous events in the history of Christianity. While some of the other events of Holy Week are more memorable, her act of love still shines through the history of Holy Week as an act of devotion for Christians to imitate.
Just as we come to the altar to receive Jesus' body and blood in remembrance of Him. We serve our neighbor in memory of the unnamed woman. Harassed by the disciples. Praised by her Lord.
How much greater is it to be praised by our Lord than to be ridiculed by those around us for an act of kindness? As St. Paul says, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Suffering ridicule even from our fellow Christians is nothing compared to the glory to be revealed to us. As it was revealed to her by her Savior. Amen.
"We are to keep the Law when we have been justified by faith, and so grow in fulfilling the Law more and more by the Spirit. Furthermore, we are not talking about ceremonies, but about the Law that addresses the movements of the heart, namely, the Ten Commandments" (Ap V 3). Even at this point, "That Law always accuses us. It always shows that God is angry" (Ap V 7).
The veil of the Law is still spread over those who seek to hold both the Law and the Gospel as complementary and equal. Only when the Gospel is preached in its truth and purity is the veil taken away to see God's true teaching. Only when the Gospel is predominant in our preaching can we begin to fulfill God's most holy Law.
Liturgical Date: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: May 16, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
594, "God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It"
491, "Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels"
493, "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing"
469, "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
617, "O Lord, We Praise Thee"
474, "Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen"
Sermon Theme: The Replacement
Sermon Text: Acts 1:12-26
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-15
John 17:11b-19
''A woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table. [Jesus said,"] In pouring this ointment on My body, she has done it to prepare Me for burial" (Matthew 26:7, 12).''
The woman who had been seen by the disciples as a waster of material resources is praised by Jesus for her service. The highest praise that could be given to anyone at that time. This woman was preparing Him for His burial. Because His burial would be a rushed affair. Everyone wanted to be back home with their families at sundown to begin the Passover. They rushed through the process. And the women, maybe even this woman, had to come back on Easter morning to finish the job.
But this woman had, knowingly or unknowingly, put the disciples back in mind that Jesus had come in the flesh to die. She anointed Him so that He would be ready when He was buried.
Sometimes we find that those who are supposed to be great leaders in the Church often need a reminder of what's important. And what's important is that Jesus died for you. This message cannot be repeated too often. It's forgotten way too easily. It needs to be repeated over and over again. It is the most important message. The message of forgiveness. The message of life through death because Jesus did not stay buried. But He rose on the third day so that the gates of Heaven will be opened for you when you arrive. Amen.
''For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:11).''
One of the great appeals of the idealistic, futuristic science-fiction movies and programs is the solution of the world's greatest problems. Especially poverty. As a lifelong Star Trek(TM) fan, the financial equality of everyone is a great draw to listen to the ideas of the futuristic setting. But there was an outside influence that brought about the end of poverty on Earth.
Human beings cannot eliminate poverty unless we get rid of every material thing that grants us a bit of status among our neighbors. To get rid of poverty, we have to get rid of the riches as well. To balance everything out so that everyone has equal access. One of Karl Marx's great economic goals with his theories on social development.
Since human nature doesn't like to share, Marxism and Communism have been declared for the last seventy years or so as one of the ultimate evils of mankind. A spawn of the devil, you might say. But this is the way that the early Church lived and worked. There were those in the Church who would sell property on occasion to help those in need.
It was never enough. It will never be enough. Jesus says it Himself, "You always have the poor with you." The poor will always be here to help. But above all, we must cling to Jesus and His righteousness. Because He left the disciples to die on the cross for your sins. Amen.
Psalm 15: Who Shall Dwell in Your Holy Hill?
Psalm 16: You Will Not Abandon My Soul
Psalm 17: In the Shadow of Your Wings
''And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me (Matthew 26:8-10).''
A couple of days before the crucifixion, Jesus' disciples still didn't quite get what Jesus had come to do. They understood what we call the Social Gospel. They wanted to be known as the people who took care of the poor. They wanted to be known as the guys who could feed thousands of people with a few loaves and fish. They wanted to be known as the guys who could cast out demons. They were too busy doing.
So when this woman comes in and anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, they thought that it was a waste. None of them remembered the three times Jesus had said that He was coming to Jerusalem to die. They wanted to be known as the benevolent disciples of Jesus. Always willing to sell something in order to advance the Gospel.
But the Gospel doesn't have anything to do with giving the poor money or even food. The Gospel has everything to do with Jesus dying on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. The sins of both the rich and the poor. The poor may not be readily taken care of financially, but they can be spiritually taken care of by proclaiming Jesus' death for them. Jesus' death for you. Amen.
BREAKING NEWS!
-
The Ohio State Athletic Commission has ruled that they will no longer sanction PWA cards in Ohio.
-
The Bankers Life Field House in Indianapolis has pulled our contract in favor of a weekly contract with Big Time Wrestling.
May 12, 2021
United Center
Chicago, IL
Wolfie D vs Lt. James Earl Wright
J.C. Ice vs Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker
Honky Tonk Man vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Raven vs Brickhouse Brown
Iron Mike Sharpe vs Brickhouse Brown
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell (c) vs Iceman King Parsons
Curt Hennig vs Terry Funk
SUBMISSION MATCH: Austin Idol vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Billy Gunn & Jimmy Golden vs Sawyer Brothers
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH: Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones (c) vs Rick Rude & Chris Candido
14-MAN BATTLE ROYALE FOR THE #1 CONTENDER FOR THE AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
''Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people" (Matthew 26:3-5).''
While Jesus "calls His shot" about being crucified at the Passover, the chief priests and elders didn't want to do it. They didn't want to risk the Romans' wrath by starting a riot among the common people. Jerusalem's population during the Passover swelled to many times its normal population. They saw that the uproar would be disastrous for them personally but also very deadly for the people of Judea.
What do they do? They find themselves forced to have Jesus crucified at the Passover. The chief priests and the elders thought they were in charge of what would happen to Jesus. But Jesus was in charge of what happened to Himself. He says, "I lay down My life that I may take it up again" (John 10:17). Jesus is in charge of His death and resurrection. Not the elders. Not the chief priests. Not even Pontius Pilate.
Jesus is crucified on the day of the Passover so that He might be the one, eternal Passover lamb whose blood shields all who flee to Him for refuge and hide under His blood. The blood that saves you from eternal death. Amen.
''When Jesus had finished all these sayings, He said to His disciples, "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified" (Matthew 26:1-2).''
The crucifixion. Looming over the disciples like a rain cloud. Ready to burst. Two more days, Jesus says.
Here Jesus "calls His shot." Not only is He going to be crucified. He's going to be crucified on the Passover. He is the Passover Lamb. The firstborn of all creation. The firstborn who died for the rest of humanity.
Jesus' crucifixion links to the deaths of the Egyptian firstborn sons with the tenth and final plague in the Exodus. The angel of death passed over the Israelites who had the Passover lamb's blood painted on the doors of their houses. In Christ, the angel of death passes over you because the doors of your heart have been painted with Christ's blood in your Baptism. You who have walked through the waters of Baptism will land in the Promised Land of Heaven. Amen.
Melanchthon ends his comments on justification as he prepares to take on the Confutation's outrageous doctrine of love. Before he gets to that, he brings in Ambrose and Augustine to prove the orthodoxy of justification by faith.
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: May 9, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
487, "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain"
475, "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing"
465, "Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds"
490, "Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won"
Sermon Theme: Faith Gives Forgiveness
Sermon Text: Acts 10:34-48
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-8
John 15:9-17
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:44-46).''
Those who will be cursed on the Last Day refused to serve some. Whether it's because of their race, color, religion or sexual orientation, no one is allowed to refuse to serve these people. In most cases, these are the "least of these" that Jesus seeks to save. When we refuse to serve anyone, we refuse to serve Jesus.
Unfortunately, there may be many Christians who hear these horrible words on the Last Day. And this is cause for great concern in God's Church. Satan has brought so much into our own lives that we buy into his lies that there are some who are unworthy of our service. But no one is unworthy of your service.
Serve everyone you come into contact with without prejudice. Jesus came and served you with salvation without prejudice. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Jesus has served everyone with His sacrifice on the Cross. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me' (Matthew 25:41-43).''
No one wants to hear the words, "Depart from Me, you cursed." No one wants to be cursed. Being cursed means that you are outside of someone's favor. And no one wants to be out of God's favor.
Every religion other than Christianity has the same focus: we must atone for our sins before an angry God. That we must make ourselves acceptable to God. But all these religions are cursed. No one can atone for their sins before God. Atonement can only be made by the holy Son of God on the cross of Calvary. The self-sacrifice of the One who had departed from His heavenly throne to become a curse for you that you might become a blessing. Amen.
This week we are Digging Deeper into four Psalms of David. These Psalms show that there are many themes that run throughout the Psalms, especially those written by David, that are drawn from everyday life and the struggles we have with our faith. In each and every case, David ends on the high note of God's gracious salvation that only comes through His great mercy.
''And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me' (Matthew 25:40).''
Jesus' words about the greatest and least often leave us scratching our heads. Especially when He talks about the greatest and least in the kingdom of Heaven.
But on the Last Day, believers will be known for their work even among the least. Whether you know their name or not. Jesus counts that service as if it had been done for Him.
Hebrews points this out wonderfully, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (13:2). Many Christmas stories have this theme of angels being welcomed by unsuspecting people. But this attitude of service needs to be done all year round. Because '''YOU''' are one of the least of these for whom Jesus died. Amen.
May 5, 2021
Fiserv Forum
Milwaukee, WI
Roster Changes: NONE
Honky Tonk Man vs Great Kabuki
NO-DQ TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert & Raven vs PG-13
State Patrol vs Jesse James Armstrong & Eric Embry
Billy Gunn vs Curt Hennig
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Great Muta
Terry Funk vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH: Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones (c) vs Chris Candido & Rick Rude
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TRIANGLE MATCH: Austin Idol (c) vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Undertaker
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' (Matthew 25:37-39).''
Christians are people who willingly do God's will without thinking about it. So the sheep must ask when they served Jesus. They were simply living their Christian life. Fulfilling their vocation. Not looking for a reward. Simply living life.
Christians take care of others. Christians established the first hospitals. Christian mission societies were established first to take care of people's needs. This was the beginning of the Salvation Army. A place where Christians joined together to take care of the downtrodden.
Do Christians always know what great works they are doing? No. Knowing isn't the point. Christians serve. Whether they are recognized for it or not. Because they will be recognized for it on the Last Day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me' (Matthew 25:34-36).''
Jesus speaks the words we want to hear to the sheep on His right. "Come, you who are blessed by My Father." Through faith in Jesus, we have been blessed by God the Father. This blessing comes from the holy Trinity. The Father sent the Son to die for the sins of the world. The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit so that people can believe in His atonement.
"Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Being blessed by God the Father, the sheep are able to walk into the kingdom prepared for them. Prepared from the foundation of the world. The kingdom of Eden. Paradise re-established for believers.
The kingdom has been prepared for you. Jesus also says, "In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again to take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2-3). Prepared from the foundation of the world, Jesus comes back to bring us into the Paradise of Eden. Where we were created to live forever. Now we have that eternal life as an inheritance. Because we believe and follow Him. Amen.
Melanchthon goes through the Scriptures, especially St. Paul's epistles, to explain how the Scriptures teach that we are justified by faith alone. He pulls from both Testaments to show that the entire Scriptures are united in this doctrine.
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left (Matthew 25:32-33).''
All the nations being gathered before Him, Jesus will separate the people. Sheep and goats are easily distinguished. Before Jesus, all people are easily distinguished as either a sheep or a goat. The sheep will be on the right. The goats on the left.
The right-hand side has always been seen as a high place of authority. Everyone wants to be the right-hand man or woman of their employer. They want to be seen as indispensable. And the sheep are truly indispensable. They have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. They receive God's blessings in their lives and in eternity.
The goats on the left are ornery. They may have called themselves Christian in their lives, but they refused to live as a Christian. They wanted to have everything on their own terms. But Jesus will not allow this. They are placed on the left, separated from God's holy ones, to mark them as being unholy in their lives and in eternity.
And there is no crossing over from the left to the right. On the Last Day, you will not be able to change over from a goat to a sheep. Just as you cannot make a goat into a sheep or vice versa. On the Last Day, everyone will be confirmed in the way they lived according to Christ.
Embrace Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and be His sheep. Then you will be placed on His right with His holy ones. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday of Easter (Confirmation)
Calendar Date: May 2, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
645, "Built on the Rock"
417, "Alleluia, Song of Gladness"
601, "All Who Believe and Are Baptized"
633, "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing"
537, "Beautiful Savior"
480, "He's Risen, He's Risen"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: Guide Me
Sermon Text: Acts 8:26-40
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 150
1 John 4:1-8
John 15:1-8
Original Broadcast: June 2014
''When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-32).''
When we consider the idea of the nations being gathered together, a couple of ideas come to mind. A few months ago, eighty-eight nations gathered together in Sochi, Russia, for the Winter Olympics. In two years, we'll be looking forward to more than two hundred nations gathering together for the Summer Olympics in Rio. Others think of the one hundred ninety-three nations of the United Nations. Those who seek to bring peace and concord to the whole world. Both of these thoughts seek to promote peace among the nations while celebrating the achievements of each nation.
Only when the Son of Man comes to judge the living and the dead will there truly be peace and concord throughout the world. But no one will celebrate how they achieved this peace. How they helped it come to pass. All eyes will be on Jesus. Either cheering His arrival or mourning their departure into the eternal fires of Hell.
And when Jesus comes back, it will not be many or most of the nations gathered together. '''ALL THE NATIONS''' will be gathered before Him. And He will judge everyone according to their deeds. Have they done evil in His sight? Have they been washed in His blood? These are the questions that will be answered on that Day. May your answer be "Yes, Lord," to both. Amen.
''So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away (Matthew 25:28-29).''
As human beings, we have a major sin problem. It gives us false hope. We think that what we have will make us happy. But in the end, we will have nothing. Even what we think we have will be taken away from us.
We often think that we have God's favor when things are going well for us. However, it's those times when things are going well for us that we need to be worried about ourselves. When we trust in ourselves, what we have will be taken away. When we trust in what Jesus gives us, we will have more given to us. Because what we have in this life is much less than what we will have in Heaven. Amen.
#122
April 28, 2021
Target Center
Minneapolis, MN
Fired: ‘Dangerous’ Doug Gilbert, Mance Warner, Shane Douglas
Departures: NONE
Arrivals: State Patrol, PG-13
Raven vs Honky Tonk Man
State Patrol vs PG-13
Brett Wayne Sawyer vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Buzz Sawyer vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Chris Candido vs Curt Hennig
Television Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
Rick Rude vs David von Erich
Eric Embry vs Terry Funk
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
World Heavyweight Title Match: Austin Idol vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
''He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest (Matthew 25:24-27).''
The man who hid his talent has such a low view of his master. He describes him as a "hard man". One who harvests where he doesn't plant. Gathering where he doesn't scatter.
Jesus is the "hard man" for those who don't believe in Him. Unbelievers have a low view of Jesus because they see Him as one who puts His nose where it doesn't belong.
Believers praise Him that He does. If He didn't harvest what His disciples planted, you and I would have no chance of Heaven. If He didn't gather where the devil scatters, he would be most miserable in the eternal fires of Hell. Our heavenly reward is His gathering and harvesting. Amen.
''Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master' (Matthew 25:19-23).''
The master comes back from his journey. He settles accounts with the three servants. The first two immediately come up to him to show him the great profits the gifts he had given them had made for them.
The master praises both servants because of their usage of the gifts that he gave them. He tells each of them, "Enter into the joy of your master." They are not only praised for their use of the gifts. They are allowed to sit at his table as one of his great managers.
Jesus does this as He promises those who use their gifts to proclaim Him before men to be able to sit at the feast of salvation with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the blest when He comes into His kingdom which has no end (Matthew 8:11). Use your gifts and you will find your seat at that wondrous table as well. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: April 25, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
463, "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia"
709, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
469, "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
749, "There Is a Balm in Gilead"
Sermon Theme: No Other Salvation
Sermon Text: Acts 4:1-12
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
''He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money (Matthew 25:16-18).''
When you're given something, the person who gives it to you expects you to use it. In today's verses, we have the three servants who received the talents from their master. Two of the three "went at once" and started using his talents in the market and doubling their gifts. But the one who only received one went and hid it in a hole in the ground. He refuses to use it.
God has given you certain gifts. They might be as valuable as the five-talent man. They may be as the two-talent man. They might even be as the one-talent man. God gives them to you according to your ability. He gives them to you to use them.
Not everyone can be a pastor or missionary or evangelist. But everyone can be a witness for Jesus. And everyone is a witness of Jesus. But it is your responsibility to use the gifts God gives as your witness.
Do not fear being rejected by those who do not believe in Jesus. "Fan into flame the gift of God ... for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Use your gifts to witness properly to Jesus. If you aren't sure about how, find a mature Christian and ask them. Having fanned their gifts into flame through their life, they will help you fan yours into flame. Amen.
''To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away (Matthew 25:15).''
Jesus gives each person gifts of faith according to their own ability. And these gifts differ from person to person. St. Paul writes, "Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so that His people would learn to serve and His body would grow strong" (Ephesians 4:11-12 CEV).
Not everyone can be a pastor. Not everyone can be a missionary. But everyone can be a gifted Christian. Everyone can gladly receive the gifts that Jesus offers us so that we might help the rest of the Church grow. Each gift is given with respect to the recipient. If you ever wander about the worth of your Christian gifts, just remember the holy One who knows exactly what you need when you need it. He will keep you and help you nourish His gifts to you. Amen.
''For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property (Matthew 25:14).''
In this parable, Jesus foreshadows His ascension into Heaven. He is going on a journey. Not because He needs to go somewhere else. Because we need Him to be in Heaven.
We need Him in Heaven because He is our Mediator before the Father. He intercedes for us with His heavenly Father so that our sins are forgiven. His sitting at God's right hand is the basis for our hope of salvation.
Yes, it might be easier if Jesus had stayed behind with His creation. But His death, resurrection and ascension were all necessary for our salvation. Without them, we might again become complacent with being able to run to Jesus whenever we're in trouble.
But we can '''NOW''' run to Jesus in prayer whenever we're in trouble. Just because Jesus has gone on His journey into Heaven doesn't mean He can't hear us. He hears us and promises to answer us. Amen.
Psalms 9 and 10 are combined in most of the ancient translations of the Psalter. This is seen in the Greek, Latin and Syrian. The Hebrew separates them, so the English versions also separate them. Great words about God's judgment and justice. Not exactly what we think when we consider those words.
''Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour (Matthew 25:13).''
Many people try to predict the end of the world. And they have many different methods for doing such. There are many preachers today who read the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. They interpret the Bible by the headlines in the paper. Trying to figure out the secret code God has left behind in the end-time prophecies. But there is no secret code. Jesus says Himself, "You know neither the day nor the hour." A couple of months ago, we heard Him say, "But concerning that Day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36).
Jesus refused to know when the Day of His return would be. He didn't want to set a date for everyone to become complacent. If you knew that Jesus was going to come back October 14, 2198, would you care about Jesus right now? Would you care about the Christian faith? Or the fate of the persecuted Christians around the world? Of course you wouldn't. There probably wouldn't even be congregations meeting for worship every Sunday. So many would not worry until their deathbed about their salvation because there's no imminence with Jesus.
But Jesus' return is imminent. We don't know the day or the hour. Jesus doesn't tell us so that we continue to watch for Him. That we're concerned about our eternal salvation. And the salvation of those around us. Jesus is coming soon. Watch and be ready. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: April 18, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
590, "Baptized into Your Name Most Holy"
458, "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands"
464, "The Strife Is O'er, the Battle Done"
457, "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
468, "I Am Content"
629, "What Is This Bread"
488, "He Is Arisen! Glorious Word"
Sermon Theme: Name Gives Strength
Sermon Text: Acts 3:11-21
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 8
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36-49
''And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you' (Matthew 25:10-12).''
When the roll is called up yonder will you be there? Will your name be on the heavenly roll?
While the foolish virgins went to find more oil, the bridegroom took those who were ready. The foolish virgins ran to the house where the wedding feast was being held. They banged on the door, demanding to be let in with everyone else. But the bridegroom says, "I do not know you."
What would you do if Jesus told you, "I do not know you"? My prayer for everyone who hears my meditations is that no one hears this statement from our Lord. I pray that each of you listening to this believes in Jesus and finds your name on the heavenly roll so that you may be brought into the marriage feast of the Lamb that never ends. Amen.
''Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves' (Matthew 25:7-9).''
When the eternal Bridegroom Jesus Christ comes to bring the dawn of the eternal Day, everyone will be brought before Him. And everyone will trim their lamps with the oil of their faith.
The foolish ask the wise to borrow some of their oil. But no one can borrow faith from anyone else. Everyone will be judged fit for entrance into the eternal wedding feast on the basis of their own faith.
But Jesus also says, "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed" (Matthew 17:20). It doesn't take much faith. Only faith in Jesus' death and resurrection for you. Faith in His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
That is all that is necessary for you to enter Heaven. Faith in His forgiveness of your sins. Forgiveness proclaimed in every Gospel message. Amen.
''As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept (Matthew 25:5).''
In the parable, the bridegroom delayed in bringing the wedding procession to the virgins. While they were waiting they grew sleepy.
This is the biggest problem cited among Evangelicals. They had such great fire and energy to do God's will when they were saved. But as the years go on, that energy seems to die out. They grow tired of the Christian life after a while.
For those in liturgical churches, it seems like the energy hardly ever spikes. The repetitive nature of the liturgy seems to drown out the energy. But the liturgy is the lifeblood of the Church. It has been passed down for millenia. Our ancestors chanted and sang very much the same things we still sing and chant today. God's Word spoken to us and confessed by us to be true. While the liturgy '''APPEARS''' so rote and boring, it is truly what '''KEEPS''' the Chrisitan faith alive.
God's Word grants life everlasting to those who hear the Gospel message of the eternal Bridegroom's coming. While we may grow tired, we can never quit. We must keep the faith and stand on it. Even though we may grow tired in this life, Jesus has promised rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). So come to Him, through the liturgy, and be strengthened in His Word. Amen.
Raven vs Honky Tonk Man
Quarterfinal Matches in the World Heavyweight Title Tournament
David von Erich vs Rick Rude
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Undertaker vs Austin Idol
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Shane Douglas
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Buzz Sawyer
Semifinal Matches in the World Heavyweight Title Tournament
Rick Rude vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Austin Idol
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH: Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones (c) vs Fabulous Freebirds
''Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps (Matthew 25:2-4).''
Of the ten virgins in the parable, the distinction is made between the wise and the foolish based on whether they brought oil for their lamps or not. The flask of oil is each one's gift of faith. Faith makes you wise to salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). And this parable is the first of three parables in this chapter talking about the judgment on the Last Day.
When the bridegroom comes, the foolish ask the wise to share their oil. When Jesus comes back, many who had not believed in Christ before will beg their Christian neighbors for some of their faith. But they will not be able to give any. No one can believe for another. No one can be saved for another. Faith cannot be transferred.
The foolish believe they can be "good enough" by themselves. But when the days grow long and it seems that Jesus is never coming back, many will allow their faith to grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Their faith is not strong enough to believe God's promise, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Be wise and strengthen your faith in your crucified and risen Savior. Be in the Word. Go to church. Strengthen your faith that it may last even when it seems that Jesus is going to wait forever to come back. Amen.
This month we'll consider Jesus' parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Let us hear it today:
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
''In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51).''
Of the seven times that the phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is mentioned in the Bible, six of them are in St. Matthew's Gospel. St. Matthew has a specific theme of judgment in mind for his readers.
The place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a place of "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). It is also called a "fiery furnace" (Matthew 13:42, 50). It is also the place where hypocrites will be cut up into pieces (Matthew 24:51).
This is a place we don't want to be. It is a place of judgment and bitter agony. A place where God refuses to make Himself present to the inhabitants. A place "where the unhappy prisoner, without light, or company, or comfort, spent his days and nights in weeping from grief, and in vainly gnashing his teeth from indignation. The image expresses the fact that the wicked who are lost will be shut out from the light of heaven, and from peace, and joy, and hope; will weep in hopeless grief, and will gnash their teeth in indignation against God, and complain against his justice" (Barnes' Notes).
St. Matthew wants to make sure that his readers, both then and now, do not end up in this place. Therefore he warns us to hear our Lord's call and respond in faith. Because those with true faith will not weep or gnash their teeth in eternity. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday of Easter
Calendar Date: April 11, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
606, "I Lay My Sins on Jesus"
471, "O Sons and Daughters of the King"
411, "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"
649, "Blest Be the Tie"
Sermon Theme: One Heart and Soul
Sermon Text: Acts 4:32-35
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 148
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31
''But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites (Matthew 24:48-51).''
A wicked servant is one that is unprepared for his master's return. A wicked servant actually abuses his fellow servants.
Jesus likens this abusive servant to those Christians who don't care about their fellow Christians. Who boil everything down to where nothing matters anymore in the faith. Those Christians barely deserve the name Christian. They don't wish to bear Christ's name. Nor do they wish to build up their fellow Christians.
Be prepared for Christ's return. Don't abuse your fellow Christians. Build each other up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly matters more than anything else. Amen.
''But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Matthew 24:43-44).''
Everyone wants Jesus to give them a warning shot before He comes back. That's the thrust behind the questions about the signs of His return. Our sinful nature wants to be able to do whatever it wants and be assured of the opportunity to repent before the End.
That's what is so appealing about the Rapture. That there is a seven-year warning before Jesus comes back to judge the living and the dead. But Jesus doesn't give us any type of warning. He gives the illustration of being a thief who comes by night to steal and to plunder.
Jesus is coming to steal the souls of those who believe in Him. To plunder the devil's kingdom. To pillage the kingdoms of this world before He burns everything (2 Peter 3:7-12).
Jesus is coming as a thief. May He steal you so that you may live with Him forever. Amen.
Faith in Christ justifies and forgives sins. This faith, justification and forgiveness can only come through the Word. Especially when that Word was made incarnate and gives these gifts freely through His life, death and resurrection.
''But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Matthew 24:43-44).''
Everyone wants Jesus to give them a warning shot before He comes back. That's the thrust behind the questions about the signs of His return. Our sinful nature wants to be able to do whatever it wants and be assured of the opportunity to repent before the End.
That's what is so appealing about the Rapture. That there is a seven-year warning before Jesus comes back to judge the living and the dead. But Jesus doesn't give us any type of warning. He gives the illustration of being a thief who comes by night to steal and to plunder.
Jesus is coming to steal the souls of those who believe in Him. To plunder the devil's kingdom. To pillage the kingdoms of this world before He burns everything (2 Peter 3:7-12).
Jesus is coming as a thief. May He steal you so that you may live with Him forever. Amen.
''Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming (Matthew 24:42).''
The Lord is coming. We should neither slumber nor sleep. We need to stay awake to see the Lord coming. To be expecting Him to come at any moment.
Being asleep, you can't pay attention to what's going on around you. You are unaware of the things being said or done. And we don't want to miss the glad news of the final trumpet when Christ descends.
Of course, we won't be able to sleep through the final trumpet. But spiritual drowsiness and sleep will keep us from hearing that wonderful call, "Come up here!" (Revelation 4:1) Stay awake with the spiritual caffeine of God's Word coursing through your soul so that you may be ready when He calls you home. Amen.
''Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left (Matthew 24:40-41).''
The popular book series ''Left Behind'' takes these verses from Matthew and illustrate the Rapture. However, those who teach the Rapture have these verses backwards. Taken in context, these verses continue from the illustration of Noah's ark. In Noah's days, the ones who were left behind were Noah and his family. Eight souls in all (1 Peter 3:20). The righteous were left behind.
Those who teach the Rapture say it will be the righteous who are taken away. The many sinners will be left behind. Completely opposite of the biblical record.
Who will be left behind? Those who will live with Jesus forever in Heaven. Left behind to glory in His presence forever. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Easter Morning
Calendar Date: April 4, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
457, "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
488, "He Is Arisen, Glorious Word"
461, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
466, "Christ Is Arisen! Alleluia!"
480, "He's Risen, He's Risen"
490, "Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won"
Sermon Theme: Jesus Has Swallowed Up Death Forever
Sermon Text: Isaiah 25:6-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 118:19-29
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Mark 16:1-8
''For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:37-39).''
When Jesus comes back, life will be going on like normal. Certainly everything will be worse than it is now, but that's no different than it was in previous generations.
Noah spent a century building the Ark. In the century, he thought that humanity couldn't get more depraved than it already was. But it has. The original sin that we have inherited from Adam and Eve continues to fester within us. Each successive generation is worse than the previous.
When Jesus comes back, people will be carrying on life as usual. They will be eating and drinking and getting married. Many will have no care for what is going on around them with their fellow men. But let us look for the Son of Man when He comes so that we will not be swept away with the sinful into Hell. Amen.
Reading: Daniel 3
Hymn: LSB #442, "All Glory, Laud and Honor"
Psalmody: LSB #931, "All You Works of the Lord"
Reading: Job 19:20-27
Hymn: LSB #461, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
Psalmody: Psalm 16
Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-11
Hymn: LSB #451, "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted"
Psalmody: Psalm 51:8-15
Reading: Deuteronomy 31:19-30
Hymn: LSB #429, "We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died"
Psalmody: LSB #926, "Song from Deuteronomy"
Reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28
Hymn: LSB #454, "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
Psalmody: Psalm 96
Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
Hymn: LSB #973, "Thy Word Is a Lamp unto My Feet"
Psalmody: Psalm 42
Reading: Exodus 14:10-15:1
Hymn: LSB #423, "Jesus, Refuge of the Weary"
Psalmody: LSB #925, "Song of Moses and Israel"
Reading: Genesis 6-9 (selected verses)
Hymn: LSB #430, "My Song Is Love Unknown"
Psalmody: Psalm 29
Reading: Genesis 1-3
Hymn: LSB #562, "All Mankind Fell in Adam's Fall"
Psalmody: Psalm 33:1-11
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part V: Calvary
Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"
''But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36).''
When will these things be? Jesus' disciples have always wanted to know the time for the fulfillment of the prophecies that have been made. Many people throughout the centuries have attempted to predict when Jesus would come back. But Jesus Himself tells us that no one knows but God the Father. We won't know when Jesus is coming back until we see Him coming back in the clouds.
Jesus places Himself in the category of the ignorant. Not because He is a lesser God than the Father. That the Father had kept this from Him. As true man, Jesus chose not to have this knowledge. In His human nature, He would not access this information from His divine nature.
It didn't matter to Jesus when He was coming back. The disciples didn't understand everything before He left. Why would He be worried about when He came back? He needed to teach them back then. He needs to teach us now.
If Jesus prioritizes the Church's teaching over speculation, why do we prioritize the speculation? Why do we '''WANT''' to know something that Jesus doesn't? Because we're sinful human beings. No one knows. No one needs to know. We must simply spend our lives sitting at His feet, learning of Him as He commands us. Amen.
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part IV: The Praetorium
Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"
''Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35).''
The 2010 book ''Heaven Is for Real'' got everyone buzzing about the "other side" once again. Everything this four-year-old boy saw in his visit to Heaven. The question often posed to me about this book is, "Is it true?" My beginning answer is "Yes and no."
I find it hard to believe that a child would make up a vision like this. According to his father, there were some things that he would not have known from before his birth. And these find themselves as prominent themes in the book.
However, I have to say that this is not the Heaven we will receive when Jesus comes back. The problem with Colton's vision of the current Heaven is the fact that the angels have weapons. They have weapons because Satan is still allowed in Heaven. This comes from the book of Job. Satan comes into God's presence to seek permission to torment Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7). The current Heaven is fallen because of Satan's rebellion against God.
So Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away." Everything that God created "very good" in the six days of creation will pass away and be re-created. The only thing that will not be destroyed after Christ's return is Hell. It was not part of the original creation. It was created for the devil and his angels because of their rebellion (Matthew 25:41). The lake of fire will continue to exist into eternity, but there will be a new Heaven and a new earth, as Isaiah prophesied (65:17-25; 66:22-24). This new Heaven and new earth will be "very good" as they were in the beginning. But this time there will be no rebellion. Only glory in God's presence. Amen.
The final 5th Wednesday WrestlExtravaganza!!
We look at the early years of the Survivor Series PPVs as they began with a great gimmick concept and have basically gone away from it by 2000.
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part III: The Palace of the High Priest
Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"
''Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Matthew 24:34).''
This generation. The generation Jesus was speaking to. This generation would see all the great things of the End Times.
The abomination of desolation. The sun darkened. The Son of Man in the air. All these things Jesus' generation saw all the great signs He prophesied.
The End Times began with the crucifixion. Jesus becomes the abomination of desolation as He takes on the sins of the world. The sun darkens as God turns His back on His Son. Jesus is suspended in the air. With everyone looking up towards Him.
That generation saw the greatest event in world history. And they've given us their testimony. Through their testimony we believe and hope for His return. Amen.
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part II: Gethsemane
Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"
''From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates (Matthew 24:32-33).''
The fig tree was one of the most plentiful trees in the Middle East. It was also one that could be used as a sign of the changes in season. When the leaves would come out, it was late spring and getting close to summer. A notion we'd love to have right now as we look out on the cold and snow outside our windows.
The sign of the fig tree can be used as a sign of the End Times. When we see all the signs that Jesus has given in this chapter. That we have covered these past two months. We will know that He is near.
Where are we in all these signs? We've seen them all. Every sign that Jesus gives has come. The end is near. He is standing at the gates of Heaven, waiting for the moment that God the Father will send Him to bring the elect home. Amen.
Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Part I: The Lord's Supper
Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"
Liturgical Date: Palm Sunday
Calendar Date: March 28, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
442, "All Glory, Laud and Honor"
443, "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
441, "Ride on, Ride on in Majesty"
334, "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You"
Sermon Theme: Ride on, King Jesus!
Sermon Text: Zechariah 9:9-12
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 118:19-29
Philippians 2:5-11
John 12:12-19
''And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:31).''
While Jesus descends toward the earth, He will send out His angels into the world to gather and harvest the souls of the righteous. Earlier in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus speaks of the angels as harvesters going out into the field of the world to gather the righteous into the barns of Heaven and the unrighteous into the fires of Hell (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43). Later in the same chapter, He speaks of the angels as fishermen gathering the good fish into containers and throwing the bad fish away into a fiery furnace (Matthew 13:47-50).
Also, in His parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Lazarus "was carried by the angels to Abraham's side" (Luke 16:22). The angels gather the righteous into Heaven. And the righteous will come from all over the world. From all denominations. Because the elect aren't the members of one denomination or another. You are one of the elect if "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). In your true confession and faith, you firmly believe that you will be gathered by the angels to join your Father in Heaven. And this faith and confession causes the elect to say with St. John, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). Amen.
''Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30).''
The final sign of the End Times is "the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory." At this point, time stops. There is no more time after Jesus returns. It is eternity outside of time.
"All the tribes of the earth will mourn." There will be no second chances. Our faith in this life will determine our reward after Jesus appears. Unfortunately, for the bulk of the people on the earth, they will mourn when they see Him coming back. But we who believe that Jesus died, rose and ascended for us will receive eternal life with Him. We will rejoice when we see Him. We may even dance as the angels come to retrieve us. To bring us home to be with Jesus. Amen.
Sweet Sixteen round from the World Heavyweight Title Tournament!!!
Rick Rude vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
TV TITLE MATCH: Buzz Sawyer (c) vs Shane Douglas
Billy Gunn vs Austin Idol
Jesse James Armstrong vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Goldust vs 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Undertaker vs Michael Hayes
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Curt Hennig
David von Erich vs Jimmy Golden
''Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Matthew 24:29).''
The Bible is filled with the image of the heavens being shaken when God comes down from Heaven. St. Peter culminates the great list of passages, saying, "But he Day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed" (2 Peter 3:10).
When Jesus returns to the earth, everything will be undone. This fallen creation. Sin. Death. Everything will be reborn as the long-awaited new heavens and new earth finally appear "in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:12).
Then the righteous of the Lord will live with Him forever in the Paradise He has promised to those who believe.
The tribulation will be severe, but it will be short. Thanks be to God for His wondrous mercy! Amen.
''Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather (Matthew 24:28).''
Vultures seek out death. It seems as though they were created for this purpose. But we know that God created everything "very good" (Genesis 1:31). When God created the vultures, they had an entirely different purpose. How do we know? There was no death in the Garden of Eden. God created the world so that there would be no corpses for the vultures to gather around.
But after sin entered the world and wrecked creation, the vultures also were changed. They sought corpses. Not that they would kill. They sought what was already dead. So also, many in this world do not seek to kill the Christian faith. They seek to circle around those whose faith has already been killed.
How do you keep the vultures away from you? Feed your faith. Be in the Word. Gather together with the saints in worship. Pray for God's strength to get you through this day. As your faith grows and thrives, you'll not see the vultures around you. Brush them off as you brush the dust off your Bible. Live in Christ as He lives in you. Amen.
''For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:27).''
For those who are waiting for a secret rapture of Christians to take them away from the troubles of the Great Tribulation, I have to say that Jesus says otherwise. "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west." Everyone will be able to see Jesus when He returns. There is nothing secret about this appearance. When Jesus returns, there will be no mistaking it.
As lightning lights up the darkened skies of a storm, so Jesus also lights up the world through His appearing. As we go through this Epiphany season in the Church Year, Jesus lights up the world again and again. Showing us by His ministry that we are children of a most merciful God. Jesus appears as a man, but He is God in the flesh. Again and again, He jolts His disciples by proving His divinity by His great miracles and teachings.
But the lightning isn't the only thing that happens when Jesus returns. St. Paul tells us, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to mee the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
When Jesus returns, everything will change. And there will be no mistaking His appearing. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fifth Sunday in Lent B
Calendar Date: March 21, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
594, "God's Own Child, I'll Gladly Say It"
430, "My Song Is Love Unknown"
697, "Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death"
620, "Jesus Comes Today with Healing"
617, "O Lord, We Praise Thee"
436, "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
Sermon Theme: The New Covenant
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 119:8-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
''Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:23-24).''
Is it possible for someone who is saved to fall from God's grace? Unfortunately, it is. While Jesus says, "No one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28), He elsewhere says that the wedding guest without the garment of faith will be cast out into outer darkness (Matthew 22:11-13). No one may snatch us out of His hand, but that doesn't mean we can't jump out of His hand.
It is faith that brings us into the kingdom of Heaven. Without faith, we cannot enter Heaven. Unfortunately there are many who have been raised in our churches and succumbed to the worldly social pressures and left the faith.
Baptism isn't enough. We need faith to go along with it. Many have been baptized that have fallen away from the truth of the Gospel. They no longer believe Jesus is their Savior. Therefore He must hand them over to their foolishness (Romans 1:22-23). Trading God's truth for the devil's lie.
Is it possible to fall from God's grace? Yes it is. But to prevent that, be in the Word so you will not fall for the devil's lie. Amen.
''For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short (Matthew 24:21-22).''
As the days until the Last Day become fewer, the world will be getting worse and worse. The Great Tribulation, which everyone is looking for, is here. Now. But the tribulation continues to get worse every day.
But the tribulation is also evidence of God's mercy. "If those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short." God shows His love for His fallen creation in not letting the days of the Great Tribulation to continue on without end. Because of the Church, God cuts short the days.
God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). But if the days were lengthened, there's the possibility that no one would be saved. Everyone would fall away from the faith if there were no end to it.
But God ends the evil. When Jesus comes back, all the evil will be abolished and nothing but good will remain. And in His goodness we wish to live forever. Amen.
''Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20).''
St. John Chrysostom writes on this morning's verse (''Gospel of Matthew, Homily 76'' 1):
:Recall that this discourse is addressed to the Jews. He is speaking here of the ills that should overtake them. He is not speaking primarily to the Apostles, who did not keep the Jewish Sabbath day. They were nowhere around when Vespasian did these things. Indeed, most of the Apostles would soon be dead or in other distant parts of the world.
:It is to the Jews that He says "Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath." Pray that it not be in winter, because of the difficulty of the season. Pray that it not be on the Sabbath day, because of the absolute authority exercised by the Law. For they had need of flight, and of the swiftest flight. The Jews would not dare to flee on the Sabbath day, because of the Law.
The Sabbath commandment is to be kept among us, but we're not to withdraw from our Sabbath duties in order to flee persecution. In fact, the Sabbath gathering of the saints is actually the most appropriate place to be when the persecution comes. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, "God did not create the winter of misfortunes. Winter means the time that we are possessed by the fleshly passions" (''Fragment 269'').
At the End, the world will be given up to the fleshly passions, but Christians are called to live by the Spirit and not by the passions of the flesh. Amen.
Psalms 7-8 give us great resources for prayers as we live our lives.
Psalm 7 speaks of our self-awareness as we cry out to God against those who are railing against us without cause. While asking God to judge them, we also acknowledge that we are by no means acquitted of any wrongdoing that we might not be aware of (1 Corinthians 4:4).
Psalm 8 serves as the basis for our praise to God by remembering the great honor and glory due to His most marvelous name.
''"So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!" (Matthew 25:15-19)''.
The Abomination of Desolation is anything that rises up against Christ. As the world turns more and more against Christ and the Gospel, the Abomination of Desolation raises its head just a bit more.
The Abomination is anything that takes Jesus' place as the center of your spiritual life. The Abomination is "standing in the holy place." And when the worst of the abomination happens, it will be distressful for everyone who lives in those times. But most especially for those who believe. At that time, the cares of this world should not weigh us down. We cannot go back into the world for anything or anyone who wishes to stay behind. It is at this point, the point of desolation, that we must remain strong in the faith so that we might receive the crown of life from our Lord. Amen.
''And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).''
Much ink has also been spilt about what Christians have to do so that Jesus will come back sooner. This verse is often used for mission festivals that Jesus cannot come back until the Gospel has been preached to every nation on earth.
This is the "deepest, darkest Africa" argument. Unfortunately for America, we've lost our Christian distinctiveness. The "deepest, darkest" continent in the world is becoming North America. The fastest-growing Christian continent is Africa. Missionaries from Africa will soon be coming to "deepest, darkest" America to preach the Gospel.
The Gospel of the kingdom is proclaimed in our midst every Sunday at faithful congregations like Trinity. The Gospel saves because it is the testimony of Christ and His salvation to every nation. Ours included. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday in Lent B
Calendar Date: March 14, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
420, "Christ, the Life of All the Living"
686, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
702, "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"
422, "On My Heart Imprint Your Image"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: Looking Up for Salvation
Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 107:1-9
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
''"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:9-13).''
Much ink has been spilt in the last century about the seven-year tribulation at the end of the world. But this isn't what Jesus says when He speaks of a tribulation in Matthew 24. Tribulation is the struggle to live the Christian life in the midst of persecution.
The Great Tribulation began with the Fall into sin in the Garden of Eden. It continues until Jesus comes back. Tribulation comes to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The world hates those who believe in Jesus. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19). Endure until Jesus comes back and you will be saved and you will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). Amen.
''As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains" (Matthew 24:3-8).''
As Jesus is on his way back to Bethany, He stops at the Mount of Olives to teach His disciples about the end of the world. And He gives very generic signs. Signs that have happened ever since the world fell into sin. Wars. Famines. Earthquakes. Wars have happened around the world ever since Cain and Abel. Famines are constant in many places. Earthquakes shake the earth all the time. None of these can be pointed to as the one that will bring about the end of the world.
Jesus says, "These are but the beginning of the birth pains." St. Paul says, "For we know that the entire creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now" (Romans 8:22). The pains of childbirth will continue until the day of the heavenly childbirth. The Last Day when our mortal bodies put on immortality and we live forever with Jesus in Heaven. Until then, we suffer along with the rest of the creation until Jesus returns to make everything "very good" (Genesis 1:31) once again. Amen.
''Jesus left the Temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the Temple. But He answered them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down" (Matthew 24:1-2).''
Buildings don't matter to Christians. It's not the building that makes us the Church. Because '''WE'RE''' the Church, the building becomes important. We define the building. The building doesn't define us.
Around the world, church buildings are being burned down because people cannot stand the Christian message. The Christian message is so foreign to the way of the world that people try to stamp it out.
Around the world, Christians continue to confess their faith even when their church building is burning or has burned to the ground. The building isn't important. The faith in their heart is important. The Holy Spirit's work in their lives, even as they suffer persecution.
This doesn't mean that we shouldn't gather together in a building as Christians. Jesus wants us to gather together as Christians. But the building doesn't make us Christians. Faith in Jesus makes us Christians. Were all the church buildings in the world torched to the ground, Christians would still be able to praise and worship their God. God dwells within you through faith. Amen.
Opening Round Matches in the World Heavyweight Title Tournament
Great Kabuki vs David von Erich
Iron Mike Sharpe vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert
Billy Gunn vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Mance Warner vs Ross von Erich
Marshall von Erich vs Eric Embry
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs Buzz Sawyer
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Jesse James Armstrong
The beginning of a new feud at the end of the card. Listen all the way to the end!!
''[Jesus said:] "For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'" (Matthew 23:39).''
Jesus speaks these words as it was becoming evening on Holy Tuesday. He would not reappear in Jerusalem until Thursday. As He begins to leave Jerusalem for the night, He focuses Jerusalem's attention further on the fact that she has turned her back on her Messiah. She has once again allowed Satan to distract her from God's truth.
Jesus doesn't appear in Jerusalem again until He comes to celebrate the Passover as a pious Jew. At this time, we have the place where people come to see Jesus. The Lord's Supper. Where faithful Lutherans around the world sing, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Jesus foretells the institution of His body and blood given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus comes to you with the bread and wine. Physically there so that we receive Him.
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Jesus came in the flesh to save people from their sins. Being blessed by His sacrifice, you may rest secure that your sins have been forgiven. That you see Jesus as He comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.
''"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing" (Matthew 23:37).''
Jerusalem was God's capital city. The place where He desired His name to dwell. Where Melchizedek, "the king of righteousness", served as king and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18). Where God has always sought to show forth His peace to the world.
But Jerusalem would not allow itself to dwell in peace. Especially not in God's peace. The prophets God sent to her were killed and stoned for proclaiming God's Word. God sent the prophets so that Jerusalem would have God's peace. But they wouldn't listen.
God sent the prophets to gather together the Israelites so that they might repent and experience God's forgiving peace. So also God sends pastors to His Church. Not as life coaches. Not as self-help gurus. God sends pastors to proclaim Jesus' message: "Repent and believe the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). Believing the Gospel is the salvation of your soul. Amending your life by the power of His grace is the Christian life.
God sends pastors to sinners so that they might be gathered together as His children. Don't be like Jerusalem. Hear God's voice and gather together under His wings for your soul's salvation. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday in Lent B
Calendar Date: March 7, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
645, "Built on the Rock"
425, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"
539, "Christ Is the World's Redeemer"
622, "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared"
623, "Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray"
850, "God of Grace and God of Glory"
Sermon Theme: The Temple Is Clean!
Sermon Text: Mark 2:13-22
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 19
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
''You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23:33-36)''
As Jesus ends His woes against the scribes and the Pharisees, He brings back John the Baptizer's line of preaching. "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Matthew 3:7). At the end of His ministry, Jesus comes around full-circle. The scribes and Pharisees are still vipers seeking to strike out at Him if they have the chance.
But they must come to admit that they are responsible for not listening to the words of the prophets. Especially the words from and about Jesus. Everyone who refuses to listen to the words of the Gospel must answer the question: "How are you to escape being sentenced to hell?"
The only correct answer to the question is Jesus. You cannot escape the fires of Hell without Jesus' intervention. Without Jesus, you will find yourself with the demons in Hell. With Jesus, you will find yourself with Abel, Zechariah and all the righteous in Heaven. May you take Jesus' words to heart and find yourself with the righteous. Amen.
''Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets (Matthew 23:29-31).''
Many people, when they hear the Scriptures being read, shake their head at the unbelief documented in its pages. They say, "If I were there, I would have believed. If I were there, I wouldn't have denied knowing Jesus. If I were there, I would have proclaimed Him the Savior from the very beginning."
Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. The Pharisees and scribes suffered from this affliction as well. They said the same thing about the times of the Old Testament prophets. If they would have been alive at that time, they would have believed the words and maybe even stopped them from being killed. But they were seeking to kill the One to whom the prophets pointed. The Pharisees and scribes wanted to honor the headstones of the prophets, but they wanted the Son of God dead.
Their thoughts and future actions lead them to witness against themselves that they were "sons of those who murdered the prophets." They were of the "same cloth" as those who had persecuted God's messengers in the Old Testament. They talked out of both sides of their mouths. They would not accept the truth.
The truth is: If you were there in Bible times, you'd act and behave the same way everyone else did. Why? You're a sinner just like them. Whether you'd fall into the category of the Pharisees and scribes seeking Jesus' death or St. Peter denying knowing Jesus or the rest of the Apostles fleeing when Jesus was arrested. But Jesus offers forgiveness for those who repent of their sins. Not worrying about "If I were there" but "When I get there." Amen.
"Lastly, it was very foolish for the adversaries to write that people who are under eternal wrath merit forgiveness of sins by an act of love, which springs from their mind. For it is impossible to love God unless forgiveness of sins is received first by faith. The heart, truly feeling that God is angry, cannot love God unless He is shown to have been reconciled. As long as He terrifies us and seems to cast us into eternal death, human nature is not able to take courage. It cannot love a wrathful, judging, and punishing God." -- Ap IV 36
From this last point in Melanchthon's introduction to the article on Justification by faith, we see the great divide between the medieval Roman Church and the Evangelical Church of the Reformers.
He ends his introduction with just as harsh a condemnation:
"Not a syllable exists about this faith in the teaching of our adversaries. Therefore, we find equal fault with the adversaries because (a) they teach only the righteousness of the Law, and (b) they do not teach the righteousness of the Gospel, which proclaims the righteousness of faith in Christ." -- Ap IV 47
''"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matthew 23:27-28).''
Jesus takes the last woe one step further with this one. Not only are the Pharisees and scribes dirty inside. They are dead inside. They are white-washed tombs.
We can think of the great beauty of the Taj Mahal or many of the ancient European cathedrals dedicated to the saints. They look beautiful on the outside, but we must remember that they were built to store a dead person's bones. These tombs look beautiful, but they are still tombs.
The Pharisees would not have their sins forgiven so they were still dead in their trespasses. Dead men cannot have life. Not without Jesus. Their attempts to live by the Law were futile. They were dead. No eternal life in them. This is their great hypocrisy.
Many Christians walk around in their hypocrisy. Sitting in the pew Sunday after Sunday but not believing what they hear from the pulpit. Put away your hypocrisy and embrace what your Lord teaches in the Bible. In His words you will find eternal life. Amen.
''"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean" (Matthew 23:25-26).''
The Pharisees looked wonderful on the outside. They looked righteous and clean. However, they were dirty inside. Their sin was hidden, but Jesus could see through their facade.
The Pharisees tried their hardest to make themselveslook clean, but they were more like children who shove everything into the closet when Dad tells them to clean the room. Dad knows the trick. He goes over to the closet door and opens it up. The child cringes in anticipation even before the door is open. He knows that everything will spill out when the door is flung open.
Jesus flings open the closet door where the Pharisees have hidden their sins. Not to gloat over finding them. To call them to repentance. Jesus doesn't want sins hidden. He wants them forgiven. He died on the cross to take yours away. Why would you still want to hide them anyway? Amen.
''Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! (Matthew 23:23-24)''
In American Christianity, especially the mainstream denominations, there is a Pharisaic neglect of the weightier matters of Christian doctrine. The pastors have brought about a reduction of the Gospel message to become only "Jesus loves everyone." Therefore, since Jesus loves everyone, no one will be condemned to Hell. No divisions should be allowed to be had in Christianity. Everyone should be able to belong to one Church.
God's love is a very weighty matter, but it has become so watered-down by scholars, teachers and pastors trying to make it the primary thing of the Christian faith. God's love caused Him to create the world for our sake, as the Shepherd of Hermas tells us (Commandment XII 4:2). His love gave us the Torah through Moses. His love sent Jesus into the world to die for us.
And it is this manifestation of His love that is the weightiest matter in the Christian faith. In God's justice, He placed all of your sins upon Jesus as He died on the cross. Jesus suffered Hell's torments that were destined for you because of your sins. In God's mercy, He counted Jesus' suffering as sufficient for the reconciliation of the entire world. Everyone who believes in Jesus' death and resurrection will be saved. In God's faithfulness, He promises to lead and to hear all the faithful as they take up the weightier matters.
Blindly guided by our sinful human emotions, the basis for most of our hurt between denominations, leaves us swallowing the camel while we try to strain out the gnat. Let us come together, as members of "the one holy catholic and apostolic Church," and truly talk about the weightier matters. Not blindly guided by our emotions. Standing upon the just, merciful and faithful Word of God as the basis for our unity in Christ. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday in Lent B
Calendar Date: February 28, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
437, "Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed"
436, "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
708, "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart"
685, "Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus"
Sermon Theme: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-38
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 22:23-31
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Romans 5:1-11
''Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? (Matthew 23:16-17)''
In the Second Commandment, we're commanded not to swear oaths. The Jewish leaders would not deny that oaths against God's name were sinful. Especially since the commandment reads, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). Since oaths using God's name were forbidden, the Pharisees allowed oaths to be made using God's Temple. However those oaths made using God's Temple weren't necessary to be fulfilled. However, the Temple's treasury made the oaths necessary to be fulfilled.
As with many people, the Pharisees were blinded by money. The gold of the Temple's treasury meant everything. So also those who had money were considered more important than those without. Blinded by the money, the Temple was unimportant. The place where God had promised for His name to dwell. You cannot take God's name in vain in any greater way than to say where He wanted His name to dwell.
The Pharisees were blinded so that they guided people into making vain oaths. But all oaths are binding before God. We're commanded not to take oaths to keep from making vain oaths. Jesus also tells us, "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil" (Matthew 5:37). We're simply commanded to be definite in our words. Anything more than basing it on our creation in God's image comes from the devil. God seeks for us to have the integrity that our word is our bond. His Word is His bond. Amen.
''Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves (Matthew 23:15).''
One of the head Pharisees in the New Testament era was Gamaliel. A man who was cautiously concerned about the movement known as the Way. He wasn't a fan of Jesus, but he wasn't going to lay his hands on Jesus' followers without reason. He himself said, "Keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to over throw them. You might even be found opposing God" (Acts 5:38-39).
One of Gamaliel's prize students was Saul of Tarsus. A man who would become the greatest and most ruthless opponent of the Christian faith. He took Gamaliel's teachings to heart, but he lived them out with such zeal that the whole Church was afraid of him. He had become "twice as much as child of hell as" Gamaliel.
But God had great plans for Saul. His zeal would make him a great preacher and teacher for the Church as he travelled around the world, preaching the Gospel as the Apostle Paul. Amen.
''But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in (Matthew 23:13).''
The scribes and the Pharisees were so engrossed in keeping up their hypocritical facade that they were shutting the Kingdom of Heaven to everyone. They tried to make sure that those unworthy sinners and tax collectors were not in Heaven. They did not belong there. No one belonged there unless they were one of their number.
While trying to keep other people out of Heaven, they were managing to keep themselves out of Heaven. The more they worked to keep others out, the more they kept themselves out. This is the problem with being a hypocrite. Lying about what you believe makes you believe the lies. And lies keep you out of Heaven. Because lies come from the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44).
The devil wants to shut the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven in everyone's face. He wants to keep everyone out of Heaven. He isn't allowed in Heaven. So he wants to keep the doors closed. He nudges us to keep with the Pharisees' hypocrisy. To keep ourselves out of Heaven. He wishes for us to keep him company for eternity in Heaven.
God wants you to be with Him for all eternity. He sent Christ into the world so that He could open the gates of Heaven for everyone who believes in Him. Jesus died and rose from the dead so that the gates of Heaven will be thrown wide open on the day when you arrive to meet Him. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America vs Big Time Wrestling!! Cross-promotion show with 12 big matches!!
Surprises abound in this card! You NEED to listen to this one until the end!
February 24, 2021
Bankers Life Field House
Indianapolis, IN
Arrival: David von Erich, Rasta the Voodoo Mon, Eric Embry
Departure: Moondogs
Eric Embry vs Rasta the Voodoo Mon
Chris Candido vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Brett Wayne Sawyer (PWA) vs 'Colorado Kid' Mike Rapada (BTW)
Billy Gunn (PWA) vs Sami Callihan (BTW)
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs Michael Hayes
Von Erich Brothers vs Moondogs
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Jesse James Armstrong
PWA VS BTW ELIMINATION MATCH #1
Rick Rude, Terry Gordy, Undertaker, David von Erich & Terry Funk (PWA)
vs
Ricky Morton, Tom Pritchard, Fabulous Lance, Reno Riggins & Chris Benoit (BTW)
Curt Hennig & Goldust (PWA) vs Bully Ray & Mark Briscoe (BTW)
PWA VS BTW ELIMINATION MATCH #2
Bobo Brazil, Austin Idol, 'Gentleman' Chris Adams, Iceman King Parsons & Buzz Sawyer (PWA)
vs
Big Show, Nikita Koloff, Krusher Kruschev, Kurt Angle & Earthquake (BTW)
PWA VS BTW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH: Sting (PWA) vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley (BTW)
''Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).''
Self-exaltation is never a good idea. Professional wrestling storylines are filled with stories of people believing they are the best in the world, only to be humbled by an "unexpected" loss. Professional wrestling is definitely one of those sports where self-exaltation is appreciated and encouraged. However, professional wrestlers also find themselves more often among those battling depression, substance abuse and rage than other athletes. They wind up humbled by the very weaknesses they try to cover up.
Humility is the virtue Jesus praises more often than any other. It is the virtue that underlies the faith of the centurion in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman who wanted nothing more than the crumbs (Matthew 15:21-28) that fell from the Bread of Life (John 6). Jesus would rather hear prayers from the humble, saying, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner," than He would an arrogant prayer from someone wanting to tell Jesus just how blessed '''HE''' should feel for having a follower like him (Luke 18:9-14).
Humility will be rewarded in Heaven. Humility is what helps the faithful persevere in the face of persecution. Humility is what is rewarded when those who have been faithful unto death receive the crown of life from their Savior.
Jesus isn't looking for arrogant, hot-headed professional wrestlers for His kingdom. There are certainly many Christians in the professional wrestling industry. But Jesus wants warriors in His army that are humbled by their sins and their need for a Savior. Being humbled by salvation, they are able to battle more effectively because they see their lives being exalted by Christ through their humility. Amen.
Psalms 4-6 have some great messages for us as we continue to call out to our heavenly Father in faith.
''The greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11).''
Everyone wants to be the best at whatever they do. Athletes dream of the day where they can hoist the championship trophy over their head. They want to proclaim that they are the best in the world.
But Jesus doesn't see greatness that way. The eternal Son of God calls everyone who follows Him to imitate Him in everything they do. Jesus didn't come into the world to be served. He came into the world to serve sinners. He showed His greatness by making Himself the least of everyone.
The great saints of the Church have been those who were servants. In the past, we think of Francis of Asisi, Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Mary of Bethany. In our time, both Pope Francis and LCMS President Matthew Harrison are known around the world for their servant hearts for people hurting from disease or catastrophe. Their care and concern are for those to whom they are ministering.
Great Christ-like examples of what it means to be great servants. Great servants are those who humble themselves so they can help others. Great servants seek to find ways to help without all the hype and back-patting that athletes seek when hoisting their championship trophies. A great servant's championship trophy is much greater. "Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). Jesus has an eternal trophy in Heaven for each of His great servants. Including you. Amen.
Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Lent B
Calendar Date: February 21, 2021
Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
547, "The Lamb"
656, "A Mighty Fortress"
423, "Jesus, Refuge of the Weary"
631, "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face"
637, "Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord"
424, "O Christ, You Walked the Road"
Sermon Theme: Where Is the Lamb?
Sermon Text: Genesis 22:1-18
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 25:1-10
James 1:12-18
Mark 1:9-15
''But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ (Matthew 23:8-10).''
Jesus commands us to call no one Rabbi or Father. But what about the great number of Jewish people who call their teachers rabbis? What about the great number of Christians who call their priests or pastors Father? Are they sinning against God's commandment? Absolutely not.
Those who are called rabbi and father are in a position of Scriptural authority over those God has placed under their spiritual care. The same Jesus who says, "Call no man your father on earth," inspires the author of the epistle to the Hebrews to write, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (13:17).
You owe reverence to your spiritual leaders. God has given them the job of watching over your souls. They have a great responsibility before their Creator. With the reverence comes the titles. Jesus wants you to make sure that when you reverence your spiritual leader that you don't replace God with your spiritual leader. That you're not making your spiritual leader an idol.
Reverence your pastor. Love him or her as a brother or sister in Christ. But do not put them up on a pedestal alongside God. Before everything else, they are servants. More about that next time. Amen.
February 10, 2021
Rocket Mortgage Field House
Cleveland, OH
Arrivals: Iron Mike Sharpe, Jerry Lawler, Ross & Marshall Von Erich, Chris Candido, Rick Rude
Jerry Lawler vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Terry Gordy vs Billy Gunn
#1 Contender Match for the Television Title: 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell vs Michael Hayes
Chris Candido & Rick Rude vs Curt Hennig & Goldust
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs #1 Contender
Austin Idol vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Dangerous Duo vs Von Erich Brothers
Steve Corino vs Jushin Liger
Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown vs Fabulous Freebirds
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Jimmy Golden
''They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others (Matthew 23:5-7).''
Pharisees are the best known class of hypocrites. They make themselves look good so they don't have to worry about doing much. They were the Kardashians of the Jewish religious scene. Everything was grandiose and made to bring attention to themselves. The more attention and prestige they had in town, the more they were loved and honored by the people.
Jesus had witnessed them clamoring for their spots at the great banquets held by people in the towns He visited. He saw and was disgusted by it. Telling this parable, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:8-11).
Do not seek honor. Let honor be bestowed upon you because of your character. Be humble with the honor and God will exalt you on the Last Day. Amen.
''They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger (Matthew 23:4).''
Pharisaism isn't anything that belongs just to the New Testament times. It doesn't just belong to the Jewish religion. Pharisees are everywhere.
This especially comes into play with Christian freedom. We are free in Christ. But those who hold fast to the belief of "once saved, always saved" or to Calvin's "irresistible grace" struggle with salvation being a license to sin. "As long as I've been saved," they say, "I can do whatever I want."
The preachers of this view place great burdens upon those who seek salvation. But they, having already been saved, do whatever they want. And no one is allowed to rebuke them.
The Pharisees place heavy burdens upon you. But Jesus places a light one. While the Pharisees want you to do A, B and C, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Amen.
''The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice (Matthew 23:2-3).''
Jesus says to practice what you preach. Do what you believe is faithful to God's holy, inspired, infallible Word.
Many believe that preaching and practicing have nothing to do with each other. That you can sit in church and go through worship and then live how you want to live. Just as long as you've given God His hour of the week. The rest of the week belongs to you. This is hypocrisy. How can you do what you profess to be evil? How can you ignore the evils professed around you? Because you don't want to be an outcast? "Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20). Jesus was an outcast because He practiced what He preached.
Are you in a church that teaches in line with everything you believe? If so, praise God for that blessing. If not, why are you there? Family tradition? Marital blackmail? Is it because you're working to get things changed to the way they were? Is it because you don't really care? Then why bother going to church at all?
Practice what you preach. You preach what you believe. So practice it. If you're in a church that doesn't align with your beliefs, find a church that does. Stand up for your beliefs and do not compromise. Jesus says, "Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). Amen.
''The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat (Matthew 23:2).''
People like to be in charge. They want to have the authority. But they also want to be able to shift the blame. This fit the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' day to a T. The entire twenty-third chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel is devoted to the hypocrisy of the scribes and the Pharisees. Those who could only preach from the traditions of the elders. Not from God's Word.
They held Moses' seat, but it had devolved into an honorary position. They clamored, schemed and plotted for the honors that went with being in Moses' seat. But they were unworthy of the office. They could sit in the chair, but they couldn't fill Moses' shoes as the religious leader of Israel. They were inadequate in their tasks because they sought to bring themselves honor instead of honoring God.
Jesus decries the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites throughout this chapter. We'll spend these next couple of months dealing with Jesus' words to these hypocrites. May we learn from these words not to imitate them. Amen.
Does God owe you forgiveness? Can you truly love God if you don't believe in Him? Did/does the Roman Church secretly subscribe to the Pelagian heresy?
''Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, "How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, "'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet"'? If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. (Matthew 22:41-46).''
The Christ was prophesied to be a descendant of David. David himself calls Him Lord. Even in the Psalms, the clear teaching of Jesus being both God and man is clearly defined. But it confuses our reason and logic.
Christ Jesus is David's son. Christ Jesus is David's Lord. In His death and resurrection, He defeated all His enemies. At His ascension, the Father set Him upon His heavenly throne until the end of the ages, when all of Christ's enemies are placed under His feet for all eternity. Amen.
This historic sermon is also being read by the head elder at Our Savior, Milford, IL today (February 14, 2021).
Liturgical Date: Transfiguration of Our Lord B
Calendar Date: February 11, 2018
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
413, "O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair"
244, "Phos Hilaron"
414, "'Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here"
821, "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus"
424, "O Christ, You Walked the Road"
Sermon Theme: One and Only Tabernacle
Sermon Text: Mark 9:2-9
Other Lectionary Readings:
2 Kings 2:1-12
2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 4:1-6
''But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:34-40).''
To love is the greatest commandment. Everything in the Christian faith hangs on love. Love for God and love for neighbor. We show love for our neighbor only if we have love for God. We have love for God if we believe He sent Jesus to die for us. In His love we love our neighbor. Amen.
''[Jesus says:] "And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living" (Matthew 22:31-32).''
Jesus shocks the Sadducees completely. Telling them, "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." The leaders of the Sanhedrin. The great theologians of their age. They didn't know the Scriptures. The Scriptures that speak about the resurrection of the dead. The Scriptures where God calls Himself "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6). God speaks of Himself this way in the present tense as He speaks to Moses.
Jesus references this passage in the books of Moses because the Sadducees only believed the books of Moses to be inspired by God. Other than this obscure reference to the afterlife, the doctrine of the resurrection is not spoken of in the books of Moses. However, the doctrine runs in the background for much of the books of Moses.
High Priest Caiaphas was a Sadducee (Acts 5:17) and therefore refused to believe in the resurrection of the dead. So when he asks Jesus if He is the Son of God and Jesus talks about Him "coming on the clouds of heaven", he has no choice but to declare His statement blasphemy because that means Jesus will rise from the dead (Matthew 26:63-65).
But God is a God of the living. The Bible is filled with examples of His love for people and the sure confidence that the saints had in the resurrection of the dead. Therefore Jesus says, "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." The Scriptures teach the resurrection of the dead. And God gives us the power to believe and hope in it, even in our darkest times. Amen.
''[Jesus says:] "In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30).''
This is probably the most misunderstood passage in the entire Bible. Many people take this verse to mean that we become angels when we die. That is '''NOT''' what Jesus is saying. Angels and humans are completely different creatures. Angels serve their purpose unseen in the heavenly and earthly realms. Humans serve their purpose in the eyes of others.
Jesus says here that we will become '''LIKE''' the angels. Like them only in that we will not be married in Heaven. Marriage is an earthly arrangement. It was instituted because the one thing God saw as "not good" in His creation was Adam being alone (Genesis 2:18). In Heaven, we won't be alone. We'll be in the presence of God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We'll be surrounded by His glory that fills Heaven and earth.
This also doesn't mean that we should demean marriage. Or make marriage meaningless. Marriage is necessary for this life. For the procreation of children. For the mutual care and satisfaction of husband and wife. St. Paul says, "It is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9).
In Heaven, there will be no burning with passion. There will be no need for marriage. But on earth, we need marriage. We need husbands and wives to love and honor each other. We need to teach our children to hold marriage in honor and keep the marriage bed undefiled both before and during their marriage (Hebrews 13:4).
When we do these things properly, then we are like the angels while living in this world. Going about ministering in God's perfect will to those around us. Amen.
''The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died."'' (Matthew 22:23-27)
The Sadducees' question seems absurd to those who do not understand the story of Tobit from the Apocrypha. In the book of Tobit, Tobit's relative Sarah was a young woman with whom the demon Asmodeus was in love with. She had been married seven times, but the demon killed each bridegroom before they could consummate their marriage (Tobit 3:7-9). It was not until Tobit's son Tobias defeated Asmodeus with the angel Raphael's help, that she was freed from the demon's influence.
Tobias was the next in line within the tribe of Naphtali to fulfill Deuteronomy 25:5 for Sarah (Tobit 6:12). Deuteronomy 25:5 tells us that a brother must become his widowed sister-in-law's husband to raise up a child for his deceased brother. This also seems absurd to modern ears. How many men would want to marry their brother's wife? How many women would want to marry their husband's brother? But this was the Law of Moses to continue the names and lineage of those in Israel so that no one's inheritance would be eliminated from Israel. God wants to bless all His people. Therefore He gave this law.
Tobias and Sarah were married and lived a long and happy life together. Would she be Tobias' wife in Heaven or one of her seven previous husbands? Listen next time to find out! Amen.
''[The Pharisees and Herodians asked:] "Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:17-21).''
Trying to entangle Jesus in a religion vs society war, the Pharisees and Herodians bring the question of paying taxes to an oppressive government to Him. They were malicious in their conniving for this question. Both the Pharisees and the Herodians could use Jesus' answer to get Him sentenced to death.
But Jesus, the Son of God, gives the perfect answer. He asks for a denarius. Today He'd ask for a dollar bill. "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" He asks. The adversaries are forced to say that it's Caesar's likeness and his inscription. Jesus wants to remind His audience of what He would pray in a couple days in John 17. God's people are in the world but not of the world. While we are in the world, if we use the world's resources and benefits, we owe a debt to the world for using those resources and benefits.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." As Christians, we're to realize that we borrow everything we have. Nothing is ours to own. Everything is given to us to manage in our earthly lives. And we do well to remember this and render proper homage to God who gives us everything and to those instruments and agencies through which He provides for us. That even means paying taxes. Amen.
''Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:15-17)''
Here come the great enemies of Jesus and each other. The Pharisees were the religious know-it-alls. The Herodians were the social sell-outs to Herod the Great. They hated each other, but for this one moment they joined forces. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. They had such a common hatred for Jesus that they could tolerate their differences to ask a question that would satisfy both groups' desires to "entangle Him in His words."
Both groups want to know His answer to the tax question. The Pharisees can use a positive answer to encite the crowds against Him because He is siding with the Romans against His own people. The Herodians can use a negative answer against Him because He is telling the people of Judea that they should revolt against Rome.
Would He get entangled? Of course not. His time is near. He's in His last week of His earthly ministry. Now all His enemies are coming at Him full force. Even teaming up with their own enemies to bring about the death that would ultimately save the world. Amen.
''For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).''
Jesus truly calls many to faith. In fact, He calls all to faith. But few are chosen and elected for salvation. This is one of the greatest questions in Bible studies: Why are some saved and not others?
Many people try to answer this question. Some say it's all God's omniscient doing. God has chosen some for salvation. The rest are destined for Hell because God hasn't chosen them. Everything is in God's hands.
Others say it's all man's doing. Man either chooses to believe God or man chooses to reject God. Everything is in my hands.
The biblical answer to the question is that God calls everyone to faith. Man, in his sinful state, has no power or ability except to reject God. Man cannot accept God's salvation. Faith must be given by the Holy Spirit. It is not something that you can create within yourself. Simply put, "many are called, but few are chosen" because many choose to reject God's Word. They choose not to believe in the God who created heaven and earth. But those who cling to God's Word are saved and chosen for eternal salvation. Amen.
''"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth' (Matthew 22:11-13).''
In the ancient Middle East, the host of a major feast, especially a wedding feast, would provide garments for their guests. This is likely the trend of having a color scheme for weddings. This may also have been a way for the host to know if someone had crashed his party.
In the parable of the wedding banquet, Jesus tells us about one such party crasher. The original invitations were spurned by the intended guests. The host went out and invited anyone. Those who accepted the invitation were dressed in the appropriate wedding garments. But one refused to coordinate. He refused to give into "peer pressure." He wanted to be in the party on his own terms. And he gets cast into the outer darkness.
This parable is one of the easiest judgment parables that Jesus speaks in St. Matthew's Gospel. Especially when the wedding crasher is thrown into the outer darkness where "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The place of weeping and gnashing of teeth is the outer darkness of Hell. Those who refuse to accept the wedding garments of the King of Kings will not be allowed in His kingdom.
You were clothed with the proper wedding garments when you were baptized. "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). He places His wedding garments on you so that you may celebrate with Him in the marriage feast of the Lamb in Heaven in eternity (Revelation 19:6-9). This is the feast we receive a foretaste of every time we receive Jesus' body and blood in Holy Communion. The feast that we don't need to crash because Jesus invites everyone to believe and so partake. Amen.
This morning's meditation is Jesus' parable of the Wedding Banquet from Matthew 22:1-14:
The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."' But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."
''Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them (Matthew 21:42-45).''
Anyone in construction can tell you that the cornerstone is the most important part of the building. Not just because it can be engraved with the construction date. Because the entire foundation is set against and aligned with the cornerstone.
If the cornerstone is out of place, the entire building will be out of whack. Just as the foolish builder built his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26), the building built on a foundation with the cornerstone out of place will crumble.
Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. If we build our lives upon Him and His Word, our lives will be aligned properly with Him. If we reject Him as the cornerstone of our lives, we find ourselves on a shifting foundation that will cause us to slide right into the fires of Hell.
As the cornerstone of the one true faith, Jesus will either exalt you or crush you when He comes to judge the living and the dead. Are you built on Him as the cornerstone? Or have you rejected and replaced Him? Build on Christ and be blessed. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Septuagesima
Calendar Date: January 31, 2021
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
534, "Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor"
555, "Salvation unto Us Has Come"
827, "Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling"
Sermon Theme: Do You Begrudge My Generosity?
Sermon Text: Matthew 20:1-16
Other Lectionary Readings:
Exodus 17:1-7
1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5
''Finally [the vineyard owner] sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons" (Matthew 21:37-41).''
In the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus points out to the chief priests and elders of the Jews that they are the wicked tenants God has rented out the vineyard of His people Israel. They were in charge of the Temple. They led worship and provided religious and spiritual counsel to the rest of the Jewish population. God had sent many prophets into their midst to bring about the fruits of faith, but they were heckled, imprisoned and even killed by the priests of their days.
God finally decides to send His Son into the vineyard. "In the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4) Jesus came to His people to bring faith and redemption. The chief priests and elders wanted nothing to do with the true Way. They had made their fortunes by their Temple worship. Jesus was a threat to their livelihood. They wanted it all, but Jesus was going to take it all away from them.
So they devised ways to kill Him so that His teachings would die out. But Jesus wouldn't stay dead. According to the early chapters of Acts, even some of the priests in Jerusalem converted to Christianity before they were dispersed in persecution (6:7). Did some of them hear this parable from Jesus' lips? We can't be sure. But every person must understand that they have killed the Son of God with their sins. Your sins killed Jesus just as if you drove the nails into the cross yourself. You killed the Son, but the Son rose from the dead to give you eternal life through faith in Him. Amen.
This morning's meditation is Jesus' parable of the Wicked Tenants from Matthew 21:33-41:
There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons."
January 27, 2021
Little Caesars Arena
Detroit, MI
Great Kabuki vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs Mance Warner
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert
Non-Title Match: Sawyer Brothers vs Moondogs
Jesse James Armstrong vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams
Iceman King Parsons vs Billy Gunn
Goldust & Curt Hennig vs Dangerous Duo
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta (c) vs Jushin Liger
Austin Idol vs Undertaker
TRIPLE MAIN EVENT!!!
World Tag Team Titles Match: Fabulous Freebirds (c) vs Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Sting
Loser Leaves PWA Elimination Match: GenThree (Flex Kavana, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Jimmy Golden, Nattie Neidhart, Lacey von Erich) vs Extreme Horsemen (Steve Corino, Curtis Axel, Terry Funk, Justin Credible, Madusa Miceli, Annie Social)
''What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)''
In this short parable, Jesus contrasts the chief priests and the elders with the tax collectors and the prostitutes. The tax collectors stole money even though God commands, "Thou shalt not steal." The prostitutes sold their bodies for money even though God commands, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Both groups did exactly what God told them not to, but Jesus says they will enter Heaven before the religious.
The religious were those who studied and enforced God's laws while not practicing them (Matthew 23:3). They wanted everyone else to believe that they were doing God's will when they refused to listen to the commands themselves.
The kingdom of God is all about faith. Working in God's vineyard is having the faith to believe He will provide for you as He did for Adam and Eve in the Garden. John came baptizing for repentance. The tax collectors and prostitutes flocked to him because they found in him forgiveness. The chief priests and elders chose to argue rather than to listen to John. No one has '''EVER''' argued someone into the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is about accepting the gift of forgiveness Christ gives you. Nothing more. Nothing less. Amen.
''And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers." (Matthew 21:12-13)''
Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem and heads straight to the Temple. He clears out the Temple because it has gone from being a house of prayer into a den of robbers. Solomon built the Temple so that the Israelites would have a place to praise God and pray to Him. The Temple was the place where God caused His name to dwell among His people.
Instead of being adorned with helpful items for worshipping God, the Temple had become a marketplace. Worship had become big business for the priests. The same happens now with the television preachers. They are more worried about selling their wares and lining their own pockets. Most don't bother with preaching about sin and salvation. They want to preach self-help. Robbing people of their faith. The faith they are supposed to be proclaiming.
What would you rather have? A house of prayer or a den of robbers? Thank your pastor for all they do for your soul. Amen.
''Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:20-28)''
Salome wanted her sons to be glorified in Jesus' kingdom. But she didn't understand the true glory of Jesus' kingdom. Jesus' glory is in His suffering. Therefore Jesus tells Salome, but also all of the Twelve, "You will drink My cup." Jesus prophesies that Christians will suffer for the sake of His name. Christians will not rule as kings in this world. Christians serve as slaves. Slaves of Jesus. Who drank the cup of God's wrath down to the dregs for you. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Transfiguration of Our Lord
Calendar Date: January 24, 2021
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
414, "'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here"
413, "O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair"
417, "Alleluia! Song of Gladness"
Sermon Theme: A Lamp Shining in a Dark Place
Sermon Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21
Other Lectionary Readings:
Exodus 34:29-35
Matthew 17:1-9
''And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."''
Jesus wanted His disciples to know what was going to happen in the near future. He didn't reveal all of the events that would start with His death. They wouldn't have been able to fathom them. We still, almost two thousand years later, cannot fathom them either. And we're living in them!
Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the last time. He wanted His disciples to know what was going to happen so they wouldn't be taken by surprise. He wanted to make them ready. But He must later say, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
When we hear Jesus telling the disciples about His betrayal, we often think of His institution of the Lord's Supper. But that was the fourth time He had told the disciples what was going to happen. Jesus was to be betrayed because His opponents would not take steps against Him (Matthew 26:55). One of His own would betray Him. Just as each one of His own betrays Him daily in our sins. But the betrayal was not the end. He was to suffer and die for the sin of the world. But His death wouldn't be the end. He rose from the dead on the third day.
Jesus' betrayal was necessary for our salvation. He had to die as the eternal Passover lamb so that He could take away the sin of the world. Without His sacrifice, you would not have the forgiveness of sins. Without His death, we would be dead. But Jesus died and rose again! He has opened the gates of Heaven to us. We may stand before our heavenly Father for all eternity. Praise the Lord for what He has done for you. Amen.
''So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20:16)''
In the kingdom of Heaven, everyone is the same. Jesus describes this as the last being first and the first being last. In Heaven, there is no first or last. Everyone is the same under Christ Jesus.
He is the head of the body. Each of us are members. All necessary to each other for survival and proper functioning of the body. All of us are equal because all of us are redeemed sinners.
Whether we hold an office in the congregation or not, we are all the same before Jesus. None of us are better or worse than another. We are all called to be Christians. To let the Gospel reign in our lives and show others the way to Jesus. The one who makes everyone equal. Amen.
''Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' (Matthew 20:10-15)''
The laborers who arrived at the eleventh hour were given the denarius the master had agreed to pay them. Those who had toiled all day long thought they would get more. They had worked longer. They had to work during the hottest part of the day. But they received only the denarius they had agreed upon.
They grumbled and the master is upset. It's his money to do with what he pleases. He says, "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?"
Jesus uses this parable as a picture of the kingdom of heaven. You are the laborer, called at whichever hour of life you were called in your Baptism. The denarius is your soul's salvation. It's the same salvation for those who were brought to the font as infants and those who were baptized in the hospital shortly after birth as it is for those who didn't obey God's command for Baptism until much later in life. It's the same salvation.
Those who were baptized as infants cannot and should not complain because God gives the same faith and salvation to us who were baptized later. Salvation is salvation. There is no distinction. God is generous enough to give those who come to Him late in life the same as those who have been His child from before they can remember. Isn't God wonderfully generous? Amen.
This morning's meditation is Jesus' parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16:
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."
''Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." (Matthew 18:23-35)''
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Calendar Date: January 17, 2021
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
394, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
402, "The Only Son from Heaven"
399, "The Star Proclaims the King Is Here"
Sermon Theme: Jesus Manifested His Glory
Sermon Text: John 2:1-11
Other Lectionary Readings:
Exodus 33:12-23
Ephesians 5:22-33
''Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22)
One of the greatest practical questions ever asked. "How often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?" I have nine brothers and sisters. How many times do I have to forgive them before I can say enough is enough?
In the Old Testament, God seems to draw the line at four: "For three transgressions ... and for four, I will not revoke the punishment" (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6). The rabbis said that forgiveness for the same sin had only to be given three times. At the fourth time, the sinner was beyond forgiveness.
But where does that leave us? Is there a sin you've committed four times? Of course there is. There's probably a sin or two that you've committed four times since you've gotten up this morning.
But Peter wants to make himself seem better and giving people seven times. But Jesus turns it around and says seventy-seven times. Not that we're to keep count. We're to continue forgiving those who sin against us. Just as Christ continues forgiving us every time we sin against Him. What would happen if Christ stopped forgiving you? You'd be left with no recourse. You'd be condemned to hell for all eternity. All because Jesus would be unwilling to forgive you. But Jesus died on the cross so that you might have the full forgiveness of your sins. And in this forgiveness He only asks that you be grateful. Listen next time for what happens to the ungrateful. Amen.
''For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (Matthew 18:20)''
How many people does it take to start a Bible study or worship service? Two or three. Jesus says, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them." Jesus is in the midst of any group of people--no matter how small--who call upon His name in faith.
We don't need a quorum to be able to worship God. We simply need the faith to believe that He is in our midst. I've heard before that Bible study and worship are completely different animals. And that's very true. Worship is a much higher form of God's presence in our midst than Bible Study. But Jesus is also in our midst every time we open His Word.
Open God's Word with your brothers and sisters. It doesn't matter how many are there. As long as God's Word is studied and proclaimed in its truth and purity. Amen.
January 13, 2021
Wintrust Arena
Chicago, IL
Arrival: Undertaker
Departure: NONE
Billy Gunn def. Dutch Mantell (7:12)
Iceman King Parsons def. 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert (8:00)
Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer def. Brickhouse Brown (c), DQ (2:16)
Jesse James Armstrong def. Shane Douglas (14:31)
Austin Idol def. 'Gentleman' Chris Adams (8:04)
American Heavyweight Title Match: Great Muta def. 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert (c) (26:49)
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Extreme Horsemen (Corino/Credible/Funk) def. GenThree (Kavana/Chavo/Golden) (24:22)
World Tag Team Title Match: Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones def. Fabulous Freebirds (c), DQ (23:31)
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels def. Goldust (29:52)
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) def. Sting, DQ (7:41)
''And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17)''
What does Jesus mean that we should treat those who refuse to listen to the Church and remain in their sins "as a Gentile and a tax collector"? Are we to hate them? Absolutely not. We are to continue to love them. We are to continue to pray for them. Pray that they turn from their sins and be reconciled to their heavenly Father.
This is how Jesus treated Gentiles and tax collectors. He called them to believe in Him. To renounce their sins and follow after Him. Matthew and Zaccheus were tax collectors. Luke and the Philippian jailer were Gentiles. Where would Christianity be if Jesus' followers did not love Gentiles and tax collectors? Almost everyone listening to this meditation wouldn't care. There wouldn't be the churches in our towns if the Apostles did not seek out and pray for the Gentiles and the tax collectors.
How are we to treat those who refuse to repent of their sins? We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that He will grant them the Holy Spirit so that they might see and believe their need for His forgiveness. The forgiveness that is the same for all of us. Amen.
''If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. (Matthew 18:15-17)''
This formula is the basis for church discipline in our congregations. But how often is it actually used? How often is discipline used in the Church? Not very often. And when it should be done, it typically comes in the form of gossip in the church's fellowship hall. Everybody knows about the sin going on, but nobody wants to do anything about it.
The first two steps are skipped so that the church may take care of it instead of each of us bearing each other's burdens, confessing our sins to one another and absolving those who sin against us. We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." How can we say that we forgive those who trespass against us when we talk to everyone else but those who have trespassed against us?
Brotherly admonition is for brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage each other to be more Christ-like. To be the "little Christs" He has called us to be in our Baptism. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Baptism of Our Lord
Calendar Date: January 10, 2021
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 2
Hymns:
487, "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain"
405, "To Jordan's River Came Our Lord"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: I Will Exalt You
Sermon Text: Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17
Other Lectionary Readings:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Matthew 3:13-17
''What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14)''
There always seems to be at least one sheep in every flock that likes to stray off every now and then. And it's the Shepherd's job to find this straying sheep. And finding this one, He rejoices over it.
Many put this in the Pastor's lap. All those who have strayed are to be brought back into the fold of the Church by the Pastor only. The problem with that is it takes away the responsibility that Jesus puts onto each Christian for brotherly admonition. We'll have more on that next time.
The straying sheep know they're straying from the fold. So when Pastor calls or knocks on the door, they know what he wants. They know why he's there. They know what he's going to say. And they'll agree with it wholeheartedly. But nothing usually happens. The Pastor's supposed to do that.
It's their brothers and sisters in Christ who live and work with them that should also support their pastors in this venture. If the straying sees that only the Pastor wants them there, they won't want to come back. But if they see that the ninety-nine miss them among their midst, they're more likely to come back.
Each of us knows people in our circle of close friends who have wandered away from God's assembly. Reach out to them. Let them know that you would like to see them back in church. There's no telling how much a simple word might do when coming from a sincere friendly heart. Amen.
''Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. (Matthew 18:7-9)''
Temptation is everywhere. We can't get away from it. And if we want to get rid of it in our lives, we have to literally rip ourselves apart to keep ourselves away from temptation. This is what we need to do if we want to save ourselves from temptation. We have to rip ourselves apart.
But that's what sin does. It rips apart what God has created. Remember one of the last lines of most of the church weddings you've been to: What God has joined together let not man put asunder. Sin puts asunder what God has joined together in a person. Sin changes each person.
Yielding to temptation is bad enough. But causing someone else to fall into temptation is worse. Both are sin. But one is internal. The other is external. Yielding to temptation primarily hurts yourself. Tempting another primarily hurts them.
Jesus says, "It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame ... [or] with one eye than ... to be thrown into the hell of fire." Temptations come, but Jesus always provides a rescue for you. Lean on Him when temptations come, and you will be able to enter life eternal. Amen.
''Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4).''
Everyone wants to be the greatest. The best. They want to be number one. That no one else can say that they are better. This exalted state is what we pride ourselves on.
But the kingdom of God doesn't work that way. It's the biggest and baddest that gets the top spot in Heaven. It's the lowest and least that gets the top spot. It's the reverse of the way our world works. Then again, our world is upside-down of where it's supposed to be.
We are not to exalt ourselves. Exalting ourselves is the ultimate idolatry. Seeking our own exaltation, we worship ourselves. Setting ourselves up as the very idol that we struggle to rid our lives of. We aren't to exalt ourselves.
St. James reminds us, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up" (4:10). Our exaltation comes from God. From standing before Him on Judgment Day and hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. ... Enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21).
God is in the exalting business. Jesus humbled Himself so that He might lift us up with Him. But we must be humble before the Lord, so all our boasting can be in Him. Amen.
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
''And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes'' (Matthew 7:28-29).
Some people just have that presence. They walk into the room and everyone turns to listen to what they have to say. I'm not talking about those goofy celebrities that everyone just wants to hear what foolishness they'll say next. I'm talking about those who have a true presence and are revered for their authority.
The Jewish scribes of Jesus' day had that celebrity presence. But they had to borrow their celebrity from those who had taught them. It wasn't their authority. It was someone else's. There was always a cop-out if they were getting bogged down in an argument.
But Jesus didn't have that. His authority wasn't borrowed. His authority was His from all eternity. The eternal Son of God. Incarnate in the flesh. Condescending to us to reveal salvation through His death and resurrection. This is His authority. He is God. When He speaks, everyone will listen. Even if they don't listen now.
So listen to Him and be astounded as the eternal Son of God comes to you with His authority to save you on the Last Day. Amen.
"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
''Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it'' (Matthew 7:24-27).
Build on the true Rock of Jesus Christ and your house will stand firm in the storms of this life. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday after Christmas
Calendar Date: January 3, 2021
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns:
725, "Children of the Heavenly Father"
385, "From East to West"
370, "What Child Is This"
Sermon Theme: Fight or Flight?
Sermon Text: Matthew 2:13-23
Other Lectionary Readings:
Genesis 46:1-7
1 Peter 4:12-19
"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Starrcade was the first of the major PPVs in pro wrestling. We look at the cards for these PPVs from 1983 to 2000.
"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
''On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness''' (Matthew 7:22-23).
"I never knew you." Words we don't want to hear Jesus tell us. The unwitting wolves, who didn't know that they were working against God's kingdom, will be shocked to hear these words. They'll say, "We did all these great works in Your name." But He will say, "It was never in My name. It was always to bolster your name."
Whose name are you building up? Yours or Jesus'? Build up Jesus' name so that He is glorified in everything we do. In His glory we will be glorified. And we won't hear those dreadful words, "Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness." Amen.
"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
''Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven'' (Matthew 7:21).
Lip service isn't real service. Not everyone who says they speak for God does. Many are the wolves in sheep's clothing that Jesus prophesied about. They are the many antichrists that had already come into the world even in the Apostolic times (1 John 2:18).
Only true faith brings entrance into Heaven. "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life" (John 6:40). Entrance requires faith. Doing God's will is believing what God has revealed about Himself and us in His holy Word. Those who refuse to teach the whole counsel of God will not have eternal life (Acts 20:27). They might be surprised to find themselves hearing the words that we will hear next time. Words none of us want to hear. Amen.
"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:17-20).
God created trees to bear fruit according to their own kind (Genesis 1:11). He created every tree to produce good fruit. But not each one does.
Sometimes the root or the trunk of the tree is so rotted that it's not able to produce fruit. Sometimes the root is diseased enough to turn even the sweetest Honey Crisp apples into Granny Smith's.
But a healthy tree will bear good fruit. And Jesus calls us to be healthy trees, just as John the Baptizer did (Luke 3:9). We're called to bear the fruits of good works. Deeds done in faith that Jesus '''HAS''' saved us. Not that we're saving ourselves. Jesus has done it. He has planted us by streams of water (Psalm 1:3). He nourishes us and causes us to prosper so that His name might be glorified in our lives. Amen.
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15).
Not everyone can be taken at face value. There are people who are going to try to deceive you. But Jesus isn't telling you to adopt a "Don't Trust Anyone" attitude. That's the devil's lie that he wants to implant in your mind.
Jesus encourages us to know when the wolves come to us in sheep's clothing. To know enough of what we believe, teach and confess to know when someone is trying to lead us astray. This involves Bible study. Both individual and group. As we come to the end of the school year, many churches in our area take a break from Sunday morning Bible studies for the summer. I encourage you to take advantage of those congregations, like Trinity, that continue to have Bible studies during the week.
Be in God's Word and you will well-equipped to battle the wolves when they come. Amen.
"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14).
Two of the greatest rock anthems ever written were Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and AC/DC's "Highway to Hell." While written quite independent of each other, they diverge from Jesus' talk of salvation at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Salvation by works of the Law is a very tricky business. The gate to enter into eternal life is very narrow. The gate to enter into eternal death is very broad. It is very much like a staircase as opposed to a highway. The road that leads to destruction seems very pleasant. That's why we have such a problem with sin in our world today.
But the narrow gate is found at the end of a hard road. Even after a long life of sacrifice and suffering, the narrow gate is still only opened by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Only by faith in Jesus will He open the gate that He unlocked in His resurrection. By faith you will enter into eternal paradise with Him. Amen.
Liturgical Date: First Sunday after Christmas
Calendar Date: December 27, 2020
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
367, "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
389, "Let All Together Praise Our God"
374, "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child"
Sermon Theme: Presented for You
Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40
Other Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 11:1-5
Galatians 4:1-7
"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
"On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree."
- Crucifixion
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...
a partridge in a pear tree."
The seventh and final daily devotion on the "O Antiphons."
O Emmanuel,
our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
The sixth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O King of the nations,
the ruler they long for,
the cornerstone uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whome You formed out of clay.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:34)
Today's Trouble We're only guaranteed today. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we ask for our daily bread to come to us today. Whatever we need in order to make it through today. We're not promised tomorrow. Being anxious about what's going to happen tomorrow only distracts us from what IS going on today.
Today has enough trouble and enough to worry about all in itself. Each day, each moment, is filled with many possibilities for its resolution. What will become of today? Focus on it and what needs to be done. What needs to be done tomorrow can wait until tomorrow. '''IF''' tomorrow comes. Amen.
The fifth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Dayspring,
splendor of light everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)
Seek First God's Kingdom As with the First Commandment, we should always seek after God's Kingdom in everything we do. How are my actions today seeking after God's kingdom? How were my actions last night seeking after God's kingdom? Am I striving to increase in God's blessing of righteousness?
These are the core questions of life. We believe more is better. That's why TV preachers who don't talk about sin are so popular. It's all about stuff now. God can only bless me by giving me more stuff. I'm under punishment if I don't increase. But is it the sheer increase that's God's favor being shown to you?
God has not gifted everyone for the priesthood or the public ministry. Seeking God's kingdom doesn't mean giving up everything to go into church work. Seeking God's kingdom can come as a farmer, a doctor, a lawyer, a father, a mother. Doing everything you do for God's glory (Colossians 3:17). Seek God's kingdom how He has gifted you today. All His eternal blessings will come to you. Amen.
The fourth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
You open and no one can close,
You close and no one can open:
Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
The third of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Root of Jesse,
standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
The second of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you,
even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
(Matthew 6:28)
Lilies of the Field With all the talk of anxiety, Jesus comforts us with just how '''VALUABLE''' we are to God. God takes care of the entire universe. But He pays special attention to '''US'''. We're not just little blips on His radar screen. We are the '''TARGETS''' of His time and energy.
Jesus did not become a lily of the field to bring salvation. He did not become a dog or a cat or a bird or even a sheep to bring salvation. He became a human being to bring salvation into the world. To start the new creation.
God has created a very beautiful world for us to live in. He causes it to continue from one day to the next. All under His power. His grace. His providence and goodwill. This grace and providence and goodwill He gives especially to you in His Word. Amen.
The first of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Wisdom,
proceeding from the mouth of the Most High,
pervading and permeating all creation,
mightily ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour
to his span of life?
(Matthew 6:27)
Add an Hour? Anxiety is a dangerous weapon Satan uses to bring us down from the security our lives typically find in Christ. Anxiety can come from the diagnosis of an illness. It can come from the death of a loved one. It can come from filling out the family medical history form at the doctor.
We can go through life trying to figure out what we can do to make ourselves live longer. But no matter what we try, we're still gonna die. Our days have been numbered (Lamentations 4:18). Not one worry can make one of those days longer or add another day. God has given us a particular number of days in this world.
While we cannot do anything to make our lives longer, we can live out each day to the fullest. As Moses prayed for himself and each of us, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
Wisdom is the antidote for anxiety. Gaining godly wisdom and trusting in God's grace, you will find yourself being less anxious in this life. Amen.
The Tabernacle is erected at the bottom of Mount Sinai on the first day of the first month of the second year of Israel's history. Also, a review of the book of Exodus at the very end of this Digging Deeper broadcast.
"Do not be anxious about your life."
(Matthew 6:25)
Don't Be Anxious Jesus' words this morning are definitely easier said than done. Who within the sound of voice has '''NEVER''' gotten anxious? It's impossible. You could even say Jesus was anxious in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).
Jesus' anxious agony was filled with faith in His Father's plan of salvation. "If it be possible." If there was another way, but Jesus knew from all eternity that this was the only way. Did He pine over the choices in front of Him? Absolutely not. He straightened up and made sure the Apostles were ready for what was going to happen to Him.
His anxiety was not for Himself. His anxiety was for His Apostles. His anxiety was even for you. "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word" (John 17:20). Jesus prayed for you in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was anxious for you to believe in Him through the Apostles' word. The Word that has been handed down to us in the Bible. Read it and bid the anxious thoughts of life begone as God reveals Himself as Creator and Father of all who will be raised to everlasting life. Amen.
"No one can serve two masters,
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and money."
(Matthew 6:24)
Two Masters It's hard for two people to sit in a chair with arms. Sitting on one another's lap makes the situation more uncomfortable. There is only room for one to sit comfortably.
The tightest chair is the throne of your heart. There is truly only room for one in the chair. Trying to fit multiple things in that chair becomes more of a juggling act than actually accomplishing anything. Those in the chair will battle for who actually gets to sit in the chair. In that battle, you lose.
You win when you devote yourself to God and love Him. You win when God sits on your heart's throne. You win when God is your chief priority. Amen.
The eye is the lamp of the body.
So, if your eye is healthy,
your whole body will be full of light,
but if your eye is bad,
your whole body will be full of darkness.
(Matthew 6:22-23)
Lamp of the Body The eye allows either the light of the Gospel or the darkness of sin into your soul. While Jesus reminds us that it's what comes out of a person that makes them unclean (Matthew 15:11), what we allow into our souls through our eyes alters our inmost desires.
If we allow our eyes to be filled with things that are expressly against God's will, our eyes are diseased and our soul will not be far behind. If we fill our eyes and our minds with those things which are pleasing to God, our eyes are healthy and our souls refreshed by the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul encourages us: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: December 13, 2020
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 2
Hymns:
334, "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You"
344, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"
347, "Comfort, Comfort Ye My People"
Sermon Theme: All Flesh Is Grass
Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:1-8
Other Lectionary Readings:
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 11:2-10
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth ...
but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven ...
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21)
Where's Your Treasure? Where's your treasure? What do you give value to? Your family? Your church? Your job? Your hobbies? All of these are great and valuable things. But these treasures cannot be your highest prize.
St. Lawrence, a third-century deacon of the Church of Rome, is a great example of one who had their treasure in the right place. The prefect of Rome was persecuting the Church and had condemned Pope Sixtus to death. The prefect demanded that Lawrence turn over the great treasures that the Church had hidden away from the Empire. Lawrence came back three days later with all the poor and sick people of the congregation. "This is the Church's treasure!" He was immediately condemned to be roasted alive on an iron grill.
The Church's treasure is not gold or silver. It cannot be counted in dollars and cents. It's much greater than that. It's the souls which are cared for within it. The souls of those for whom Jesus has died. These are the treasure of the Church. The Christian's treasure? Being able to live with God forever in eternity. Amen.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites,
for they disfigure their faces ...
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others
but by your Father who is in secret.
(Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting Fasting is a commanded spiritual discipline designed to promote meditation. Jesus doesn't say, "If you fast." Jesus says, "When you fast." Jesus commands us to fast from time to time. But Jesus doesn't want us announcing our fasting.
Doesn't Lent announce our fasting? No. The Lenten fast prepares our souls for the great celebration of Easter. It focuses our meditation toward Jesus' suffering. It makes us ready for His resurrection.
But Lent isn't the only time we can and should fast. Many Christians have fasted many other times during the year. There are no laws for fasting except to make it a personal matter. Not a public service announcement.
Fasting isn't just depriving yourself of something for a time. Fasting is focusing your energies so that you may better understand your relationship with God. Fasting doesn't always take something away. Fasting can mean adding something to your daily routine. Taking away or adding to, fasting focuses our minds on Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday Night Warriors
December 9, 2020
Xcel Energy Center, Minneapolis, MN
Justin Credible vs Brett Wayne Sawyer
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Billy Gunn
Mance Warner vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert
Great Kabuki vs Jushin Liger
Bullwhip on a Pole Match: Buzz Sawyer vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
World Tag Team Titles Match: Dangerous Duo (c) vs Terry Gordy & Mystery Partner
Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs Moondog Spot
Great Muta vs Jesse James Armstrong
American Tag Team Titles Match: Extreme Horsemen (c) vs GenThree
World Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Sting
For if you forgive others their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses,
neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:14-15)
Forgive Forgiveness is often one of the hardest Christian practices to master. By nature, we don't want to forgive. But we want to be forgiven. We want to hold people accountable until we feel that they've paid the price for their sins.But we never EVER want to be the one held accountable.
We seek forgiveness from our heavenly Father. We hear all the time about Jesus' free forgiveness for everyone. We hear about unconditional forgiveness. But Jesus here tells us forgiveness is conditional. But we read the condition the wrong way. We're not forgiven because we forgive. We forgive because we're forgiven.
Has God forgiven us all our sins through Jesus' death on the cross? Yes. How do we see this? By His grace, we become better at forgiving those who have wronged us. He points to His forgiveness toward us and says, "I've forgiven so much. Can't you forgive so little?" Amen.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door
and pray to your Father who is in secret.
(Matthew 6:6)
Pray in Secret Prayer can happen anywhere. It doesn't have to be a public prayer in worship. It can be a private prayer. You in your room before going to bed. After waking up in the morning. In the waiting room or at the bedside of a loved one in the hospital. In the car while you're driving to work. Just don't close your eyes while praying and driving.
Sometimes, they're even silent prayers because "we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Romans 8:26). Prayers need not even be vocal for God to hear them.
God hears every prayer offered in Jesus' name. Prayer offered in faith in Him as Savior. These are His words: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." God's kingdom comes with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray as we ought. Whether in public or in secret. Amen.
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.
For they love to stand and pray
in the synagogues and at the street corners ...
And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do,
for they think they will be heard for their many words.
(Matthew 6:5-7)
Proper Prayer In the congregation I attended in high school, there was a deacon whom I dreaded seeing listed as the closing prayer in the evening services. His prayers were almost as long as many sermons. Granted, most everything He said was a quotation from the Bible. But he would continuously pile up Bible quotations until they came to mean almost nothing.
I can't say that I can see into his heart to know that he was just filling up time in the service. Many might say that the prayers I use in worship are too long. But the prayers are filled with petitions asking for God's guidance and "deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress."
God doesn't answer prayers because they are wordy. God answers prayers that are focused toward Him as our help in every situation. Prayers may be long. They may be short. But the content of the prayers is important. Pray God-focused prayers. Prayers like the one our Lord gave us. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Second Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: November 13, 2016
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Prayer & Preaching
Hymns:
348, "The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns"
508, "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
355, "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide"
Sermon Theme: Elijah Is Coming!
Sermon Text: Malachi 4:5-6
Other Lectionary Readings:
Romans 15:4-13
Luke 21:25-36
But when you give to the needy,
do not let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing,
so that your giving may be in secret.
(Matthew 6:3-4)
Left and Right Give generously. These are Jesus' words to you this morning. "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). You cannot be cheerful if you're keeping track of each penny that you're giving away. With apologies to the accountants who might be listening, bookkeeping is not a cheerful thing. Balancing to make sure both sides of the ledger are equal. Not cheerful.
No one is cheerful trying to balance life. Worrying that everything must be fair. God is not fair. In salvation He gives you more than you could possibly ever deserve. He withholds from you what you do deserve. He gives His grace away freely. He doesn't count who gets more grace than someone else. He rewards you according to His graciousness. Grace that neither His left hand or His right hand keeps track of. Amen.
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people
in order to be seen by them,
for then you will have no reward
from your Father who is in Heaven.
(Matthew 6:1)
To Be Seen Are you an exhibitionist Christian? Do you like people to see how righteous you are? Do you like to get a pat on your back for your religiosity? Then Jesus has strong words for you. You have already received your reward. The praise of others is all you can count on.
There is no eternal reward for exhibitionism. Exhibitionism is hypocritical. Jesus doesn't condemn good deeds. He condemns the announcement, "Hey, everybody! Look at me!" Your good works aren't supposed to point to yourself. Your good works are supposed to point to Jesus. Point to Jesus with your good works today. Amen.
Apology of the Augsburg Confession II on Original Sin and Article III on The Two Natures of Christ
Amen, that is, so shall it be.
Make strong our faith in You, that we
may doubt not but with trust believe
that what we ask we shall receive.
Thus in Your name and at Your Word
we say, "Amen, O hear us, Lord!"
(LSB #766.9)
Amen Amen. It shall be so. We end each prayer with the sure and certain confidence that God has heard and will answer our prayer. This confidence leaves all doubt about God's existence or knowledge or care behind. Saying "Amen", we are firmly grounded in God's love and care for each one of us.
When you pray, do not doubt that God hears your prayer. Do not doubt that God will answer. Even though God may answer the prayer with a "no", we still say, "Amen, it shall be so," because we will receive an answer. It's not a name-it-and-claim-it thing. It's a faith thing. It's believing Jesus' words, "Whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you" (John 16:23). It shall be so. Amen.
From evil, Lord, deliver us;
the times and days are perilous.
Redeem us from eternal death,
and, when we yield our dying breath,
console us, grant us calm release,
and take our souls to You in peace.
(LSB #766.8)
Deliver Us In the final petition of the Lord's Prayer, Jesus encourages us to pray for the hope of all creation. We seek to be delivered from eternal death.
Eternal death is the eternal torment and condemnation in the fiery pit of Hell. No one wants to spend eternity in Hell. Many so-called Christian pastors and theologians have outright denied the existence of Hell. Where we can agree with these misguided souls is that God does not want anyone to go to Hell. God did not create Hell for people. God created Hell for the devil and his angels.
We seek peace in life. We seek peace in death. Peace is the knowledge of God's compassionate mercy given to them so that you might spend eternity in Heaven. This is the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Peace that is eternity in glory. Amen.
Lead not into temptation, Lord,
where our grim foe and all his horde
would vex our souls on every hand.
Help us resist, help us to stand
firm in the faith, a mighty host,
through comfort of the Holy Ghost.
(LSB #766.7)
Temptation God tempts no one (James 1:13). God is incapable of tempting anyone. God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Why would He want to make our lives more miserable by tempting us to fall away from His will? He wouldn't.
He strengthens us through His Word so that we might resist the devil's urges to forsake God's will and Word. He gives us faith to believe that He is the true God. He comforts us by the Holy Spirit that we will overcome the battle once and for all on the Last Day. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
God does not let us suffer beyond our measure but gives a way of escape in every temptation. Our problem is looking for the escape. Many times we're too busy in the midst of temptation to look. Sometimes we find ourselves deeper in the temptation because we're looking too hard for the escape. Resist the temptation and pray for deliverance from every one of them. Amen.
Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Advent
Calendar Date: November 29, 2020
Location: Triune God, Brooklyn Center, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 2
Hymns:
331, "The Advent of Our King"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
355, "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide"
Sermon Theme: Salvation Is Nearer
Sermon Text: Romans 13:11-14
Other Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Matthew 21:1-9
Liturgical Date: First Sunday in Advent (Year B)
Calendar Date: December 3, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
343, "Prepare the Royal Highway"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
346, "When All the World Was Cursed"
627, "Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior"
338, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
Sermon Theme: You Are Unclean
Sermon Text: Isaiah 64:6
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 80:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 11:1-10
Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore,
that they may trouble us no more;
we, too, will gladly those forgive
who hurt us by the way they live.
Help us in our community
to serve each other willingly.
(LSB #766.6)
Forgive Our Sins Forgiveness is the most difficult gift we ask for in our prayers. Oh, certainly, we might be eager to receive our own forgiveness of sins. But being able to forgive others when they sin against us. That's our biggest problem. We want to hold grudges.
It's been that way since Adam and Eve. After they were banished from the Garden, I'm sure they spent the next nine hundred years arguing over whose fault it was that they were cast out of Paradise. That their children were born as sinful beings. Adam would likely say, "You're the one who listened to the serpent." Eve would respond with, "You were right there with me. You didn't stop me from taking the fruit." On and on probably went, day after day.
But forgiveness is what we need to exercise every day. Not just asking for forgiveness. Giving forgiveness. We don't live in a perfect world. Our lives will never be perfect. But we strive to make it better. The only way to better society is to be a forgiver. Forgivers make the world a better place to live by being forgiving. Be a forgiver today and always. Amen.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and let us all be clothed and fed.
Save us from hardship, war, and strife;
in plague and famine, spare our life,
that we in honest peace may live,
to care and greed no entrance give.
(LSB #766.5)
Daily Bread In the Lord's Prayer, daily bread does not just concern the loaf of bread on the table. It covers the entirety of everything we need to support this body and life. God gives us everything we need to survive. It is our duty, in this petition, to accept these gifts with thanksgiving and praise.
With our thanksgiving, we make all of our petitions known to God. We ask for food to eat. Clothes to wear. Government to allow us to lead peaceful lives. Weather appropriate for the season. Rain for the crops. Snow for the snowmobilers and the snowman builders.
All of these blessings, and more, we ask in this petition. And God requires of us to recognize His gifts in these blessings and thank Him for them.
Lord, bless us with everything we need today and grant us thankful hearts to receive them from Your hand. Amen.
It's Pro Wrestling America from the FargoDome!!
-
Sawyer Brothers vs Dutch Mantell & Terry Gordy
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Lacey von Erich vs Annie Social
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Mixed Tag Team Match: Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Nattie Neidhart vs Curtis Axel & Madusa Miceli
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Television Title Match: Brickhouse Brown (c) vs Moondog Spot
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Non-Title Match: GenThree (Flex Kavana & Jimmy Golden) vs Extreme Horsemen (Steve Corino & Mystery Partner)
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Jushin Liger vs Great Kabuki
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Billy Gunn vs Jesse James Armstrong
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World Tag Team Titles Match: Dangerous Duo (c) vs Curt Hennig & Goldust
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Loser Leaves PWA Lumberjack Strap Match: 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Mr. Electricity' Steve Regal
Your gracious will on earth be done
as it is done before Your throne,
that patiently we may obey
throughout our lives all that You say.
Curb flesh and blood and every ill
that sets itself against Your will.
(LSB #766.4)
Gracious Will "God's [good and gracious] will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let His kingdom come" (SC III 8). The Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer is a prayer for the First and Second Petitions to be answered. Every day we fight against those who don't want God's name to be kept holy and those who don't want God's Kingdom to come through His Son.
As Christians, we want God's will to be done in our lives. Many times His will is not our will. But we bow to His will because He is the Almighty. The Omniscient Lord of all. He sees the big picture of how these things will affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
Jesus Himself prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that God's will be done. This prayer we continue to pray according to our Lord's example. It may not be what we want. But we believe that God works everything--EVERYTHING--out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). May God's good and gracious will be done in your life. Amen.
Your kingdom come. Guard Your domain
and Your eternal righteous reign.
The Holy Ghost enrich our day
with gifts attendant on our way.
Break Satan's power, defeat his rage;
preserve Your Church from age to age.
(LSB #766.3)
Kingdom Come God's Kingdom is not a kingdom of this world. God's Kingdom is a proclamation of the Gospel. It is the Church in its purest form. The one holy, catholic and apostolic Church we confess in the creeds. This kingdom does not come with a metal sword. It comes with the sword of the Spirit, God's Word (Ephesians 6:17).
This vocal sword proclaims Jesus' "eternal righteous reign" on earth as it is in Heaven. God reigns over all the earth for the sake of His Church (Romans 8:28). He enlightens Christians with His gifts that allow us to work in the world for the spreading and advancement of God's eternal, gracious kingdom.
The sword of the Spirit brings us new life. It breaks Satan's power over our sinful nature. Its proclamation fuels Satan's rage, as he is constantly reminded of his defeat at Jesus' tomb. Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit continues to preserve the Church against every satanic attack (Matthew 16:18).
Through the Holy Spirit, God enriches you so that you may be held in His arms for all eternity. Amen.
Your name be hallowed. Help us, Lord,
in purity to keep Your Word,
that to the glory of Your name
we walk before You free from blame.
Let no false teaching us pervert;
all poor deluded souls convert.
(LSB #766.2)
Hallowed Name Jesus' name needs not to be hallowed, kept holy, by us. It is holy in itself. The glory of His name leads us to walk blameless before Him. Each Christian has been baptized into His holy name. In that Baptism, He presents each of His children blameless before Him (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Many come in the name of the Lord Jesus to pervert the Gospel message (Luke 21:8ff). St. Paul reminds us, "But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach to you a Gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8). Cursed be anyone who would use Jesus' name to perpetuate a lie. The Gospel is the proclamation of Jesus' holy name for each and every soul who hears it. May the pure and holy name of Jesus be a blessing to you today. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Last Sunday of the Church Year [Proper 29A]
Calendar Date: November 26, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Matins
Hymns:
850, "God of Grace and God of Glory"
348, "The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns"
677, "For All the Saints"
Sermon Theme: When Did We
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 95:1-7a
Ezekiel 37:11-16, 20-24
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Our Father, who from Heaven above
bids all of us to live in love
as members of one family
and pray to You in unity,
teach us no thoughtless words to say
But from our inmost hearts to pray.
(LSB #766.1)
Our Father In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to call God "our Father". Through faith He promises that we are all one members of one family. In this family, He calls for us to live in love and unity. Being of one mind and one spirit with all believers worldwide (Ephesians 4:4).
As St. James reminds us, "With [our tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God" (3:9). Our thoughtless words and our blessings of our Maker come from the same tongue. "These things ought not to be so" (James 3:10). We should live in unity and learn to bridle our tongues.
From our inmost hearts. From the very core of our being. We pray to our heavenly Father. We ask His forgiveness for our thoughtless words. We ask Him to bring us into the unity He seeks for all those of His family. Amen.
"You have heard that it was said,
'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good,
and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
(Matthew 5:43-45)
Love Your Enemies Taking sides is in our very nature. You are either for me or against me. There can't be any fence-sitting on most issues. You're either on one side or another. Either a friend or an enemy. Even with the modern word "frenemy"--the supposed middle ground--you're seen as an enemy that must be tolerated.
Jesus doesn't ask us to tolerate our enemies. He doesn't tell us to put up with them. He tells us to love our enemies. Not a friendly love. Not brotherly love. Agape love. Unconditional love. Love that knows that your enemy may always be your enemy. Love that sent Jesus to the cross.
"While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Romans 5:10). Jesus didn't die for His friends. Jesus died for His enemies. Living out the love of God that "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Jesus loved you while you were His enemy. How much more should you share that love with your enemies? Enemies made, like you, in God's image. Amen.
This week we Dig Deeper into the well-known story of the Golden Calf and the aftermath that takes on a life of its own throughout the Wilderness Wandering.
"Give to the one who begs from you,
and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
(Matthew 5:42)
Give Freely Everything you have isn't yours. Everything you have was given to you. Given to use. To manage. To steward. "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). Why should you be stingy with the abundant blessings that God has given to you? He who gave to you so freely from His gracious bounty. Why hoard it all for yourself? Jesus gave everything--including His life--for you. Why do you want to keep things to yourself?
Give it away freely. "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:3). Give your blessings to those who need them, but don't keep track of who was given what. Jesus is not going to ask you to give an account of who you gave what. Jesus is going to ask you to give an account of what you've given that you've received.
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) illustrates this wonderfully. They were judged based upon their action or their inaction. They didn't even know what they had done or not done. But Jesus tells everyone, "As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me. ... As you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me" (Matthew 25:40, 45).
Consider your giving in light of what you've been given. Amen.
"If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
(Matthew 5:39)
Turn the Other Cheek Although our natural inclination is to seek revenge, Jesus tells us to refrain. In fact, we're to take it and let it roll off of us like water off a duck's feathers. Jesus gives three instances where we're not only to take what is given to us but be willing to accept more.
If someone slaps your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Why should we accept trouble or give more than we're asked? "The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). As Christians, we know we will suffer because this world hates Jesus: "I chose you out of the world," Jesus says, "therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19).
The world hates you. It will always hate you as you bear Christ's name. But rejoice in that name. The name that is the promise of much more wonderful things. "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Amen.
"You have heard that it was said,
'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'"
(Matthew 5:38)
Eye for an Eye Revenge is so exacting. So exact. When we're wronged, we want to pay back just as much as was done to us. If a dollar is stolen, we want to take a dollar back. If our dog is run over, we want to run over the driver's dog. We understand this "eye for an eye" mentality.
Jesus quotes what God says in the Law in Exodus 21:23-25. We find it fair as long as we're in charge of the value of the damage expected to be repaid to us. But what about the debt--the damage--we've caused with our sins? St. Paul says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The value of the damage of your sins is your life. Your life has to be taken away to repay the damage.
Jesus became Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), so that He might repay your debt for you. God's revenge on your sins has been meted out with Jesus' death on the cross of Calvary. Full repayment has been made. Nothing else needs to be added. All you need, especially in this Christmas season, if to believe that He was born to pay your debt for you. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Second-Last Sunday of the Church Year (Proper 28A)
Calendar Date: November 19, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: unknown
Hymns:
Sermon Theme: Happiness from a Hard Man
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:14-30
Other Lectionary Readings:
Zephaniah 1:7-16
Psalm 90:1-12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old,
'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'
But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
or by the earth, for it is his footstool,
or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
And do not take an oath by your head,
for you cannot make one hair white or black.
Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No';
anything more than this comes from evil."
(Matthew 5:33-37)
Faithful Oath Everything you say should be "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." You should be a person who can be taken at your word. Strive to make sure that you're upright enough that people will believe you simply because you say so. Amen.
"It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell."
(Matthew 5:29)
Throw It Away "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Perfection is perfection. Everything that hinders you from attaining perfection needs to be thrown away.
If your eye can't help its lustful stares, tear it out of its socket and throw it in the trash can. If your hand can't stop sinning, cut it off and throw it away in the trash can. These extreme measures are necessary if you want to try to keep the commandments and earn Heaven by yourself.
But thanks be to God that we have the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ. That He fulfilled the Law perfectly where we cannot. By His grace we are saved. "He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). He was thrown away in the tomb so that you might live forever. Amen.
"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife,
let him give her a certificate of divorce.'
But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife,
except on the ground of sexual immorality,
makes her commit adultery,
and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
(Matthew 5:31-32)
Divorce Divorce is not the answer to marital problems. It is not the cure. It just adds another problem. There is one valid reason for divorce: sexual infidelity. Other than that, there is very little reason to justify a divorce in God's eyes.
Divorce brings baggage into a relationship that needs not be there. Baggage that is just as likely to break up the new relationship as it did the old.
Divorce is not the answer. God has given you your spouse. Love, honor, cherish and forgive the one you are with now. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America live from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD!!!
Nattie Neidhart & Lacey von Erich vs Annie Social & Madusa Miceli
Billy Gunn vs Brett Wayne Sawyer
Buzz Sawyer vs Mance Warner
Jimmy Golden vs 'Dirty' Dutch Mantell
Television Title Match: 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Mr. Electricity' Steve Regal
American Tag Team Titles Match: Extreme Horsemen (c) vs GenThree
American Heavyweight Title Match: Sting (c) vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent
has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
(Matthew 5:27-28)
"You Shall Not Commit Adultery" Unlike popular thinking, adultery isn't just the physical act of marriage betrayal. Adultery begins in the heart. Unholy desires for another person. This is adultery. Lustfully looking at that man or woman. Wishing you could be "lucky enough" to sleep with them. Wondering what they would look like with less on. This is adultery.
It happens every day. Every where. Television shows are full of it. And all of it is considered normal. Normal human behavior. Humans are sexual beings, but sex was given to be expressed and enjoyed inside the marriage bond. God compares His relationship with His people to a marriage. As Hebrews tells us, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous" (13:4). Israel went into exile for their adultery. What do you think will happen if you don't repent of yours? Amen.
[Jesus continues:] "If therefore you are presenting your oferring at the altar,
and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way;
first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering."
(Matthew 5:23-24)
Leave Your Offering In many Lutheran congregations, there is a time for sharing God's peace before Communion. This was instituted on the basis of these verses. To clear up any problems that there might be between congregational members before we come before the altar to receive Christ's body and blood in the Sacrament.
Jesus wants us to settle our problems amongst ourselves like the family He has created us to be. To love one another. To bear each other's burdens. To forgive when forgiveness is needed.
Jesus wants us to forgive each other when we sin against each other. Not wait for someone to come and ask for forgiveness. To seek out those who have sinned against us. Offer them your forgiveness. Then we are in the proper mindset to worship our Lord. Amen.
[Jesus continues:] "You have heard that the ancients were told,
'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER' and
'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.'
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother
shall be guilty before the court;
and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,'
shall be guilty before the supreme court;
and whoever shall say, 'You fool,'
shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell."
(Matthew 5:21-22)
Do Not Be Angry "Be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
Anger is not an easy thing to overcome. Anger happens for the simplest of reasons. A slight misunderstanding. A misspoken word. A deed done (or not done) without thinking.
Our anger burns in us. Anger that leads us into the greater fires of Hell if we do not repent.
But Jesus does not get angry with you when you repent. His anger, righteous and holy as it is, comes on the Last Day. When those who refuse to repent must deal with wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16). Are you angry? Ask for forgiveness. From the other person. From God. Repent and receive His forgiveness. Be saved from the fires of Hell. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third-Last Sunday of the Church Year (Proper 28A)
Calendar Date: November 12, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: unknown
Hymns: unknown
Sermon Theme: Where's the Bridegroom?
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Other Lectionary Readings:
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
[Jesus continued:] "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees,
you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven."
(Matthew 5:20)
Surpassing Righteousness You want to get into Heaven? Jesus says you have to be better than scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes studied the Law. They made sure that God's people were obeying His Law. The Pharisees lived self-righteous indignation. The holier-than-thou attitude. They brought that extra helping of guilt because you're not good enough for God.
They refused to practice what they taught. They loved to be out-and-about in town, showing off how righteous they were. If you want to get into Heaven on your own, you have to do better than them. In fact, you have to do it as good as Jesus. Perfectly. You cannot make one single mistake. Ever.
Too late? Thank God that He sent a Savior. A perfect Savior who gives you His robe of righteousness at Baptism (Isaiah 61:10). In Him your sins have been covered. Your name is written in the Book of Life. You are seen by God as holy and perfect. You may enter the kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
Bonus episode for a couple of passages that are sprinkled in the midst of the Tabernacle description that have some good things to say to us.
[Jesus continued:] "But whoever keeps and teaches them,
he shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven."
(Matthew 5:19)
Great in the Kingdom Sinfully, we want to be considered "great in the kingdom of Heaven." We want to be able to come to Jesus on Judgment Day and have a long list of all the great things we have done for Him. Why we should have one of the "great" spots in Heaven. We want to rationalize ourselves by what we do. After all, John says the Final Judgment comes by our deeds, what is recorded in the judgment books (Revelation 20:12).
But every time the Apostles asked the question among themselves, Jesus shot them down. Greatness in the kingdom isn't about a long list of great deeds and accomplishments. Greatness in the kingdom is simple. "Whoever keeps and teaches" God's commandments. Faith is greatness in the kingdom of God. Believing that your name is written in the Lamb's book of life. Not because you're such a great person. Because He's such a great Savior. Not keeping that to yourself. Teaching your children, grandchildren, neighbors. Letting them see your great Savior. Amen.
How do Roman Catholics and Lutherans differ on the teaching of original sin and concupiscence? Is it really just a difference in definitions? Or, is there a severe amount of double talk and contradiction going on with the Scholastic theologians?
Look at these questions as Melanchthon helps us to understand that original sin and concupiscence infect our whole being for our whole life. More will come next month in the Confessional Corner!
[Jesus continued:] "Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others,
shall be called least in the kingdom of Heaven."
(Matthew 5:19)
Least in the Kingdom This verse provides a great contrast that many find uncomfortable. Jesus talks about there being people labeled "least" and "great". No one wants to be "least". Everyone wants to be "great". Throughout the Gospels, the disciples never argue about which one of them is the "least". They want to know who is "great" in the kingdom of God. Greatness is very much preferred in our fallen state.
But what is Jesus saying about these whom He calls "least in the kingdom of Heaven"? His brother, St. James, echoes Jesus' thought in his epistle, "Whoever keeps the whole Law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all" (2:10). Even the "least of these commandments", when broken, means that you have violated the whole Law. You cannot undo sin.
But Jesus doesn't leave you hanging. Jesus continues to hold the door of Heaven open for you. Even for a horrible sinner there is the opportunity for repentance. So Jesus is calling to you. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, "O sinner, come home." Come and be the least in the kingdom. Repent and be forgiven. Amen.
[Jesus continued:] "For truly I say to you, until Heaven and earth shall pass away,
not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished."
(Matthew 5:18)
Not the Least Stroke "For I, the LORD, do not change" (Malachi 3:6). The King James Version renders this verse as "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law." Not only can you not change the letter of the Law. You must make sure that all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed.
Why should all this care be taken? We're dealing with God's Word. What should be the most important thing in our life. After all, it is this Word that everything revolves around in the final judgment. As St. John sees in Revelation, "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds" (20:12).
John gives us great insight into the Final Judgment because those who believe in Jesus will NEVER be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5). Their names are written in that book in the blood of the Lamb. It cannot be erased. It can be crossed out through faithless living. By taking out the jots and tittles. Changing the letter of the Law because it doesn't suit you. It doesn't feel good. Did it feel good for Jesus to be nailed to the cross for YOUR sins? Amen.
[Jesus said:] "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill."
(Matthew 5:17)
Fulfill the Law A recent letter to the editor encouraged us to vote and live as Jesus would have us. Jesus followed the Ten Commandments. He didn't come to get rid of the Old Testament. He came to fulfill the Old Testament. He came to live it out perfectly because we cannot.
Society wants us to abolish the Law. It wants us to abolish the Scriptures that God has revealed to us. As we'll see next time, "not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law" (5:18). Jesus says that nothing will change from the Law. What Moses said was sinful and an abomination to God is still an abomination. It doesn't matter what society tells us. We have an eternal Word from Heaven.
That Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14). He walked and talked with us. Explained to us the Father's will. Continue to listen to His words and not the satanic voices of the world around us for what is right and what is wrong. Amen.
Liturgical Date: All Saints' Day
Calendar Date: unknown
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: unknown
Hymns:
563, "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness"
510, "A Multitude Comes from the East and the West"
677, "For All the Saints"
676, "Behold, a Host Arrayed in White"
Sermon Theme: All Saints Means All Saints
Sermon Text: Revelation 7:2-17
Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,
12,000 from the tribe of Gad,
12,000 from the tribe of Asher,
12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,
12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,
12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,
12,000 from the tribe of Levi,
12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,
12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,
12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,
12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 149
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
"In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may praise your good works
and give glory to your Father in Heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
Praise Your Good Works As Christians we're instructed to be humble. The Bible says, "Humble yourselves" (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). This humility is to not look at ourselves. We strive to point others to Jesus. Not say, "What a good boy am I!"
How are we supposed to understand Jesus' words here? The same way St. James understands them, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith BY MY WORKS" (2:18). Our good works are not the foundation of our faith. Our good works are the product of our faith. They prove our faith. "So faith, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).
Dead faith cannot praise God. Dead faith cannot lead others to praise God. Dead faith has no light. Dead faith has no Jesus. No Jesus, no good works.
How do you humble yourself? You point to Jesus through your works. Your light shines by your faith in Him. Faith shown by good works. Good works that give glory to your heavenly Father. Give glory to Him today with your works. Amen.
"Let your light shine before others."
(Matthew 5:16)
Let Your Light Shine "This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, all the time, let it shine." The children's hymn holds us accountable for letting the light of our faith shine before our neighbors. This was the original purpose for the Israelites in the Old Testament. They were set apart--sanctified--to let their faith show to the nations around them. Their problem? They showed their neighbors their faith, but they said it was just the same as their neighbors'.
The issue hasn't changed. In America, tolerance is demanded for all religious views--with the exception of Christianity's intolerant views. Jesus being the only Savior from sin. Personal accountability for sin and the existence of Hell. These things are not tolerated in our society today.
Does that make them less true? If society says something is ok, does that make it true for Christians? No. We cannot take our morality or faith from what is popular at the moment. Christianity doesn't follow fads. Christianity follows Jesus. His Light shone to the whole world and He commands us to shine our lights as well. Amen.
Young Arena - Waterloo, IA
World Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler (c) vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
World Tag Team Titles Match: Electric Gentlemen (c) vs Dangerous Duo
American Tag Team Titles Match: Extreme Horsemen (c) vs GenThree
Curt Hennig & Austin Idol vs Bobo Brazil & S.D. Jones
Television Title Match: Doug Gilbert (c) vs Justin Credible
'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels vs Great Muta
#1 Contender Match for Television Title: Brickhouse Brown vs Mance Warner
Great Kabuki vs Goldust
'Dirty' Dutch Mantell vs Buzz Sawyer
Moondog Spot vs Kendall Windham
"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."
(Matthew 5:15)
Lampstand December 31, 1982 will always be etched in my mind. Shortly before 11pm, my family was coming home from a New Year's Eve party at church. Coming home to a house engulfed in flames. Very traumatic time for a five-year-old to think of all his belongings on fire.
That house fire was caused by an electrical short. But it could easily have happened with a candle or oil lamp remaining lit. When you light a candle or a lamp, you place it out where it can be seen. Even if it's just to provide a scent for the room, you don't light it and put it under something. That could cause the house to burn down.
We light candles and lamps so that we can see when there is no other power available. But the light is of no use if you can't see it. So also is faith. St. James writes, "Faith by itslef, if it does not have works is dead. ... Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (2:17-18).
Faith is not to be kept inside us. Faith is to be shown and to give light to others. Faith is how people know whose we are. Faith is the fire that burns within our bones, waiting to enlighten those around us, as Jeremiah says (20:9). Enlighten your neighbors with your lampstand of faith today. Amen.
"A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
(Matthew 5:14)
City on a Hill In the ancient world, many cities were placed upon hills. Rome is known as the city on seven hills. Jerusalem was also built on seven hills. They were built on hills because they would be more easily defensible. It's harder to mount a siege going uphill than it is downhill.
Most of these great cities were also walled. You can't miss a city's wall if it's on top of a hill. You just can't miss it! That's the way Jesus wants your faith to be. He wants you to live your life so that no one can question that you're a Christian.
The word Christian means "little Christ". In your Baptism, you were called to be just like Him. In Confirmation vows, you promised to follow His example. His life, death and resurrection were a city set on a hill. Not just any hill, but the hill of Calvary. Faith and life are established on that hill. Live on that hill today. Amen.
"You are the light of the world."
(Matthew 5:14)
Light of the World As a baptized Christian, you have the true Light of the world living inside you. Jesus also says, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12). "The true Light, which gives light to everyone, ... gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:9-12).
As you join Christ's body in Baptism, Jesus' Light comes into you. You shine as a light bulb to those around you. This is why people look to you as a Christian. You have the true Light within you. They want to see what you do with it. So Jesus tells you, "Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Jesus' Light gives you the ability to shine in God's great glory. All of the great virtues of the Christian faith are given through this Light. All the great things Christians strive to show in their lives come from Jesus' Light: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). All these gifts come through Jesus' Light.
Celebrate your enlightenment by Him and let your light shine for your neighbors today. Amen.
"If salt has lost its taste,
how will its saltiness be restored?"
(Matthew 5:13)
Lost Saltiness "You are the salt of the earth," Jesus told us last time. But what if you have lost your saltiness? How can it be restored? Jesus tells us that this cannot be done by us: "It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet."
What do we do about those Christians who have lost their saltiness? Who refuse to be in worship with their brothers and sisters? There's very little we can do of ourselves. We can remind them of the great blessings and benefits of being in worship. We can encourage them to hear God's Word as it is read and proclaimed.
But it is not up to us. We can come with God's salty Word and let the Holy Spirit do His work. But each of us have the inborn ability to resist the Holy Spirit. Our natural hard-heartedness causes us to lose our saltiness. We cannot create the saltiness because it is given to us by God.
Once strong Christians can lose their saltiness and be considered as good for nothing. Only through the Holy Spirit and prayer can the saltiness be restored. If you know someone who needs their saltiness restored, talk with them. But also pray for them that they may be brought back to the benefits of their Savior. Amen.
"You are the salt of the earth."
(Matthew 5:13)
Salt of the Earth Salt is one of the most important commodities in the ancient world. Before the invention of refrigeration, packing meat in salt was the only way to preserve it.
Although salt is now used more for flavoring than as a preservative, it still has that preserving characteristic. Jesus wants His followers to have that preserving power. Luther teaches us in the Small Catechism that this preservation comes through the power of the Holy Spirit: "The Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith."
The Holy Spirit's preservation comes through the great means of the Church: the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins and the life everlasting. By these means, the Holy Spirit grants us faith and keeps us together with the whole Christian Church on earth in the one true faith in Jesus Christ.
"You are the salt of the earth," Jesus says. Be salt and use your God-given gifts to preserve the faith of those around you. Amen.
We quickly summarize Exodus 27-30 by looking at the Bronze Basin and the Altar of Burnt Offerings before going into the Consecration of the Priesthood and the clothing particular to that role.
Blessed are you when others revile you
and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in Heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matthew 5:11-12)
Reviled Being hated for your faith is nothing new. All the prophets of the Old Testament were reviled for their message. All but one of the Apostles were martyred for their faith. St. Paul has to defend his own honor to his congregations because others have come along and reviled and slandered him. "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Persecution comes because of steadfast faith. No one is persecuted for mediocre faith. Think that God must have forsaken you because you're being persecuted? Think again! The persecution is the proof of God's presence. Who would say that God wasn't with the prophets? That He wasn't with the Apostles? No one.
Just as the prophets and Apostles, your reward will be great in Heaven. Your reward will be Heaven. What's some name-calling or injuries or even death compared to everlasting life? Not much if you ask me. Amen.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
(Matthew 5:10)
Persecuted for Righteousness Persecution is not fun. It isn't enjoyable to be ridiculed for your beliefs. In America, we have probably the worst persecution in the world. No. It's not typically physical persecution. It's mental, emotional and psychological persecution.
As with abuse, physical persecution isn't the worst. The physical pain will fade away. The bones will mend. But the mental, emotional and psychological scars never go away. They influence the victim much more deeply than bruises and disfigurements. They go straight to the core of our being.
As the hurt goes to the core, so does God's forgiveness. In fact, it goes so deep that it removes the hurt completely. The persecuted are blessed because they have faith not in this life but in the life to come. A life with no pain. A life with no struggles. A life where all of God's righteousness is praised forever.
The Kingdom of Heaven is yours in Christ. Nothing that happens in this life can shake you from that foundation. Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:9)
Peacemakers Peacemakers are simply those who work to make peace. In several places around the world, peacemakers and peacekeepers are synonymous. That's because these areas have been under the influence of UN security forces who have made and kept peace there.
These peacemakers do it with machine guns. But this is not the peacemaking that Jesus commends. Jesus seeks peacemakers who imitate Him. He made peace by laying down His life and taking it back up again (John 10:18).
He doesn't make peace between neighbors. He doesn't make peace between countries. Jesus makes peace between God and man. He reconciles the sinner in the hand of the angry God. God is no longer angry.
All Christians are peacemakers because they tell out the great news of this reconciliation--this peace--to those around them. They don't hold it tight to their chest, being stingy. They give as freely as the Lord gives to them. Give someone this peace today. Amen.
Liturgical Date: 20th Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 24A]
Calendar Date: October 18, 2020
Location: Glory of Christ, Plymouth, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
940, "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name"
734, "I Trust, O LORD, Your Holy Name"
719, "I Leave All Things to God's Direction"
781, "We Give Thee but Thine Own"
Sermon Theme: Chosen by God
Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our Gospel came to you not only in Word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 96:1-9
Isaiah 45:1-7
Matthew 22:15-22
Liturgical Date: 20th Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 24A]
Calendar Date: October 22, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Hymn Sing
Hymns:
940, "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name"
398, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
704, "Renew Me, O Eternal Light"
740, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"
953, "We All Believe in One True God"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: Cyrus the Christ
Sermon Text: Isaiah 45:1
Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed.
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 96:1-9
1 Thessalonians 1:1-9
Matthew 22:15-22
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
(Matthew 5:8)
Pure in Heart Moses is one of the most pure in heart people we have in the Bible. Not perfectly pure. Maybe not even Ivory soap pure. But he was called by God to be His spokesman to the children of Israel.
Moses asked to see God. "I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen" (Exodus 33:23). Why? "Man shall not see Me and live" (Exodus 33:20). Man is not pure in heart. Man is very impure in heart. "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthew 15:19).
To be pure in heart Jesus must cleanse your heart. He must drive out sin's dirt and filth. He must replace it with His Light and Life. Once His Light and Life inhabit your heart, you will be able to see God in the glories of Heaven. No veiling. No looking at His back. You will see Him face to face. Amen.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.
(Matthew 5:7)
Merciful Jesus seems to be telling us that we get what we give. This isn't exactly what He says throughout His teachings. He doesn't say we get what we give. He says we get much more than we give. And it works both ways. If we give evil, we get much more evil back to us in the fires of Hell. If we give good, we get much more good back to us in the glories of Heaven.
One of the greatest goods you can give is mercy. "Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve. Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve."
Mercy ignores the problems in life. Not that they don't exist. They don't matter. You can't stand someone? God tells you to be merciful to them. Someone has hurt you? God tells you to be merciful to them. Someone has betrayed you? God tells you to be merciful to them.
After all, this is the Man who said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do," as the nails were being hammered into His hands (Luke 23:34). He was merciful to you, asking God to forgive your sins that put Him on the cross. How can you not be merciful to others? Amen.
October 14, 2020
Bankers Life Field House
Indianapolis, IN
Ric Titan vs Kendall Windham
Ace Darling vs Rip Rogers
TV Title Match: 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert (c) vs Justin Credible
American Heavyweight Title Match: Sting (c) vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert
Special Challenge Non-Title Match: Extreme Horsemen vs Flex Kavana & Mystery Partner
World Heavyweight Title Elimination Match: Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Austin Idol vs Terry Funk vs Jerry Lawler vs Curt Hennig vs Christopher Daniels
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
(Matthew 5:6)
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Nothing feels better than being satisfied. Whether it's being proven right or not being able to push yourself away from the table. As Americans, these situations come much more often than being hungry and thirsty.
I'm not talking about simply being a bit parched after spending time out in the heat. I'm not talking about "having the munchies." I'm talking about being truly hungry and thirsty. Like the infamous images from the "Save the Children" infomercials. Not having ANY food for days. Not having clean water to drink. This is hungry and thirsty.
Hungering and thirsting for righteousness begins by admitting you have none. Like the children starving for food around the world, you have no source of righteousness that you can claim for yourself. Scrounge around in the recesses of your being. You won't find any righteousness.
Righteousness only comes from the Righteous Judge. Righteousness comes by being declared righteous by Jesus when He forgives your sins. Confess your sinfulness and unrighteousness and you will be satisfied by His holiness and righteousness. Amen.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
(Matthew 5:5)
Meek Years ago, the Ziggy comic strip had a very thought-provoking comic that has stuck with me ever since. Ziggy stands on a hilltop, looking into the sky. He asks, "If the meek inherit the earth, what will the inheritance tax be?"
Profound question that seeks a profound answer. This morning, I have it for you. The inheritance tax to inherit the earth is your sin. Being meek, we have no ambitions for world domination. We don't try to remake the earth in our image. We seek God to remake us in His image. It was in His image we were first created. We've striven to reclaim that lost image ever since.
Give Jesus your sin. Don't keep it for yourself. You cannot do anything with them or about them. Give them to the One who can take them away through His death and resurrection. Amen.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
(Matthew 5:4)
Mourn We don't like to mourn. In only the last couple of years, Slayton has lost several well-loved individuals. Their families still mourn their loss. How can Jesus call them blessed?
St. Paul picks up on this theme as he writes to the congregation in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18):
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Amen.
Liturgical Date: 19th Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 23A] Calendar Date: unknown
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: unknown
Hymns:
Sermon Theme: Wrong Clothes Sermon Text: Matthew 22:12-13 And he said to him, "Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?" And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Other Lectionary Readings: Psalm 23 Isaiah 25:6-9 Philippians 4:4-13
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3)
Poor in Spirit Everyone seeks to be rich. Everyone wants to better themselves. We think that it comes from making ourselves richer. More popular. Even more righteous.
But Jesus says it comes by being poor. You cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven without becoming poor. "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20).
Jesus made Himself poor. He took on the form of the poorest of the poor so that all might inherit the kingdom of heaven through Him.
The greatest inheritance is available to you. But it's only through Jesus. Nothing about you. All about Him. Believing that is being poor in spirit. Amen.
Therefore, my brothers, I implore you by God's mercy
to offer your very selves to Him:
a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for His acceptance
the worship offered by mind and heart.
(Romans 12:1 NEB)
Personal In the seventh and final place, worship must be personal. You cannot worship for anyone else. No one else can worship for you. YOU are implored by St. Paul through God's mercy to offer your entire self--mind, body and soul--to God.
Your offering of mind, body and soul is a living sacrifice. A sacrifice that continues to give each and every time you come to worship. A sacrifice that continues out into the world as you live your life. As Jesus sacrificed Himself and rose from the dead, our sacrifice is not one that ends in death. It lives in our hearts and lives. It controls our lives. It drives us to live our lives for Jesus.
By God's mercy and through His guidance, live your life for the One who died for you personally. Amen.
As we sit in the Confessional Corner this month, we begin our look at the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. This month we look at Philipp Melanchthon's greeting to you, the reader, as well as the first article where the Roman theologians admit that we have the same understanding of the Trinity.
But the priesthood which Jesus holds is perpetual,
because He remains forever. That is why He is also able
to save absolutely those who approach God through Him;
He is always living to plead on their behalf.
(Hebrews 7:24-25 NEB)
Intercessory Prayer In the sixth place, worship should revolve around intercessory prayer. St. Paul calls us to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). What is Jesus doing in Heaven right now? He is interceding for you. He is pleading for the souls of all Christians throughout the world. He is pleading for those who have fallen away from the faith. He is pleading for those who have yet to be called to faith. Jesus "is always living to plead on their behalf."
Corporate worship is surrounded and grounded in intercessory prayer. Throughout the liturgical service we're praying and interceding for everyone. That is our portion of the worship "W". We intercede for those who are sick. Those who are recovering from surgery. Those who have lost loved ones. These intercessions dominate our worship because we need them. In these intercessions, we find ourselves and our worship grounded in the prayers and intercessions Jesus taught us in the Lord's Prayer.
Jesus always intercedes for us at the Father's right hand because we always need them. Imitate your Savior. Intercede for those you know who are in need. Amen.
We ought to see how each of us may best arouse others to love and active goodness,
not staying away from our meetings, as some do,
but rather encouraging one another,
all the more because you see the Day drawing near.
(Hebrews 10:24-25 NEB)
Habitual Worship, in the fifth place, should be habitual. God commanded in the Old Testament for every male to present himself before the Temple in Jerusalem three times a year (Exodus 23:14-17; 34:23-24). The three great feasts of the Old Testament--Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles--were to be held in Jerusalem. Every male was to be there. It was to be habitual that these three feasts were set aside to make the pilgrimage to God's holy place to worship.
Even in the first century, the writer to the Hebrews has to deal with Jewish Christians who wanted to throw off the Law completely. Anything that was the basis of the Mosaic Law was to be done away with. Even habitual worship. Whenever they remembered was good enough for them. But the writer to the Hebrews tells them that they need to be in worship habitually. Especially now that we're in the Last Days.
"The Day [is] drawing near." Jesus is coming back. You should be ready. The best way to be ready for Him is to be habitually in His house, receiving His gifts. Amen.
"God is spirit, and those who worship Him
must worship in spirit and in truth."
(John 4:24 NEB)
Spirit and Truth As we reach the hinge of the worship acrostic, we have the most important aspect of worship. True worship is spiritual. The traditional liturgical order is spiritual worship. God is spirit. "All Scripture is breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16). The traditional liturgy is filled with quotations of Scripture.
These Spirit-breathed messages of reconciliation bring comfort to our troubled souls. God's Word distributes the medicine our souls desperately need. The Holy Spirit daily and richly preserves us in God's grace through our Baptism.
Our worship is spiritual because God requires us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. True worship is filled with the Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit as you worship Him this weekend and hear His truth for yourself. Amen.
Liturgical Date: 18th Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 22A]
Calendar Date: October 1, 2017
Location: Trinity, Slayton, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns:
909, "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
544, "O Love, How Deep"
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
547, "The Lamb"
617, "O Lord, We Praise Thee"
644, "The Church's One Foundation"
Sermon Theme: Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song
Sermon Text: Isaiah 5:1-7
Let me sing for My beloved My love song concerning His vineyard … For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant planting; and He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!
Other Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 80:7-19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
[The seraphim] were calling ceaselessly to one another,
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts:
the whole earth is full of His glory.
(Isaiah 6:3 NEB)
Reverent The seraphim ceaselessly worship God the Father in His presence. These angelic beings proclaim God's holiness to all creation. As Isaiah sees this glimpse of Heaven, he sees their reverent worship. "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; yet with these eyes I have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts," he cries out in despair (Isaiah 6:5).
When we come into worship, we must remember that we are coming into the presence of the LORD of Hosts, God Almighty, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we come into His presence, we should enter with the respect due the Creator and Redeemer we are worshipping. In olden days, people came into the sanctuary in silent meditation to prepare their minds and hearts for worship. Now, there is much visiting even as the service is beginning.
As you come into the LORD's sanctuary this week, think of the respect, honor and reverence with which you should enter His presence. Amen.
To sum up, my friends: when you meet for worship,
each of you contributes a hymn, some instruction, a revelation,
an ecstatic utterance, or the interpretation of such an utterance.
All of these must aim at one thing:
to build up the church.
(1 Corinthians 14:26 NEB)
Orderly The shape godly worship has been summarized as a "W". It begins with God coming down to us with His blessings in the Invocation and the Confession and Absolution of sins. Then we return back to Him with prayers and praise. He comes back with His Word and we return with prayers and praise. When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, He comes back to us with His Son's body and blood for the strengthening of faith and the forgiveness of sins. We receive God's benediction. Then we go out into the world to live out our faith.
In the continuous back-and-forth of this "W", we find that order is necessary. If we invert the order, making the shape an "M", everything will begin and end with us. We'd be worshipping ourselves. Not being worthy of worship, worship cannot revolve around us. Therefore the Church melded together a liturgy, a worship order, over the centuries so that everything might be done "to build up the church."
Who can build up the church? Only God. Who can keep the billion-plus Christians around the world together in one heart, mind and purpose? Only God. Who should we accept as the author of the order for worship? Only God.
Order is necessary for godly worship. Let us strive to keep that order as God builds us up together as the body of Christ. Amen.
The first sixteen WrestleManias were some of the PPVs that wrestling fans looked forward to for the first quarter of the year. Check out https://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/2020/09/30/wwt-92-wrestlemania-1-16/ for a rundown of major matches and available videos.
Thou art worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honour and power,
because Thou didst create all things;
by Thy will they were created, and have their being!
(Revelation 4:11 NEB)
Worthy Are you worthy to be in worship on Sunday? No, you're not. No one is worthy to be in worship. We're all sinners. We are not worthy to be in God's holy presence. He condescended to us. Jesus Christ came in the flesh. He made us worthy to be in the Father's presence. He took our sins upon Himself.
Worship comes from the Old English word worthship. Worthship gives honor and proclaims glory and power to someone who IS worthy to be worshipped. Worship is about WHO we are honoring and not HOW we honor Him.
Many people who leave a church do so because "I didn't get anything out of worship." You're not in worship to GET anything out of it. The fact that you're in worship should be enough. You yourself are not worthy to be in God's presence. But Jesus has made you worthy of worshipping through His blood. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Pierced through Hands and Feet
Prophecy:
A throng of evil ones has surrounded me
like a pack of wild dogs;
They pierced my hands and ripped a hole in my feet.
(Psalm 22:16 Voice)
Fulfillment:
[Jesus said:] "Reach out and touch Me.
See the punctures in My hands;
reach out your hand, and put it to My side;
leave behind your faithlessness, and believe."
(John 20:27)
Thought:
The holy wounds of Jesus' crucifixion remain even after He rose from the dead. Many of the statues we have of Jesus show those glorified scars. These will be the only "imperfections" allowed in Heaven. The only wounds that will never be allowed to heal. Not as a sobering reminder of the price of our admission to Heaven. A glorious reminder of all God was willing to do to bring us into Heaven. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Sour Wine
Prophecy:
Even more, they gave me poison for my food
and offered me only sour vinegar to drink.
(Psalm 69:21)
Fulfillment:
A jar of sour wine had been left there, so they took a hyssop branch
with a sponge soaked in the vinegar and put it to His mouth.
(John 19:29)
Thought:
The thirst got to Jesus. He asked for a drink. At this point, any drink would do. As long as it was liquid, that's all that mattered. Something to quench the dreadful dryness in His mouth. Even the sour wine would be welcomed. A momentary bit of comfort to bring about eternal comfort for those who follow Him. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Thirsty
Prophecy:
I am weary of howling;
my throat is scratched dry.
(Psalm 69:3 Voice)
Fulfillment:
Jesus knew now that His work had been accomplished, and the Hebrew Scriptures were fulfilled. He said, "It is finished."
(John 19:28 Voice)
Thought:
The howling from the pain became excruciating. On the cross, Jesus howled and howled as the judgment upon sin was carried out upon Him. Jesus' thirst points towards our own thirst for righteousness. His is the righteousness we seek. The righteousness offered for the sins of the world. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America from the Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, OH!! THREE TITLE MATCHES!!
World Heavyweight Title Match
Jerry Lawler vs Terry Funk
World Tag Team Titles Match
Electric Gentlemen vs Moondogs (c)
Austin Idol vs Undertaker
Buzz Sawyer vs Dutch Mantell
Television Title Match
Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Doug Gilbert
Ric Titan vs Mike Rapada
Mance Warner vs Iron Mike Sharpe
Sawyer Brothers vs Youth in Action
Flex Kavana vs Steve Corino
Curtis Axel vs Rip Rogers
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Mocked
Prophecy:
Everyone who sees me laughs at me;
they whisper to one another I'm a loser;
they sneer and mock me, saying,
"He relies on the Eternal;
let the Eternal rescue him."
(Psalm 22:7-8 Voice)
Fulfillment:
The people stood looking on, and their rulers jeered at him: "He saved others: now let him save himself, if this is God's Messiah, his Chosen." The soldiers joined in the mockery and came forward offering Him their sour wine. "If you are the King of the Jews," they said, "save yourself."
(Luke 23:35-37 NEB)
Thought:
Reliance on God is no laughing matter. David would find that God would crush his taunting enemies in battle. Jesus overlooked the rude remarks and chose to save His enemies from the same death they were about to inflict upon Him. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Gambling for Clothing
Prophecy:
They make a game out of dividing my clothes among themselves;
they cast lots for the clothes on my back.
(Psalm 22:18 Voice)
Fulfillment:
[One soldier said to the others:] "Don't tear it. Let's cast lots,
and the winner will take the whole thing."
(John 19:24 Voice)
Thought:
In David's time, as well as in Jesus', nakedness indicated poverty and servitude. God's greatest king of Israel and His only Son both needed to experience the worst of humanity before they could unite Israel and save humanity, respectively. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Silent
Prophecy:
And in the face of such oppression and suffering--silence.
Not a word of protest, not a finger raised to stop it.
Like a sheep to a shering, like a lamb to be slaughtered,
he went--oh so quietly, oh so willingly.
(Isaiah 53:7 Voice)
Fulfillment:
Then Pilate said to Him, "Do you not hear all this evidence that is brought against you?";
but He still refused to answer one word,
to the Governor's great astonishment.
(Matthew 27:13-14 NEB)
Thought:
Amazingly Jesus said nothing in His defense; just maybe He did so because He was taking our place of punishment. So in saying nothing, He said everything! Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: False Witness
Prophecy:
False witnesses step forward;
they ask me strange questions for which I have no answers.
(Psalm 35:11 Voice)
Fulfillment:
There were plenty of people willing to get up and accuse Jesus falsely,
distorting what Jesus had said or done.
(Mark 14:56 Voice)
Thought:
David may not have had the answers to the questions asked by his enemies, but Jesus would choose not to address the false accusations at all. There was nothing to say against the false witness. Many times we make the mistake of saying too much. Distorting the truth for our own thoughts. Take a lesson from Jesus and learn to keep quiet. Quiet and listening for the truth. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Dishonored
Prophecy:
Those who hate me without reason
are more than the hairs of my head;
they outnumber my hairs, those who accuse me falsely.
How can I give back what I have not stolen?
(Psalm 69:4 NEB)
Fulfillment:
[Jesus said:] "If I had not worked among them and accomplished what no other man has done,
they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have both seen and hated both Me and My Father.
However, this text in their Law had to come true:
'They hated Me without reason.'"
(John 15:24-25 NEB)
Thought:
During Jesus' lifetime, those who were supposed to know better hated Him because He fought against their system of beliefs. During the last day of His earthly life, His enemies far outnumbered His friends. He was dishonored without reason. Have you dishonored Him without reason? Turn back and repent. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Marred Face
Isaiah 52:14
Just as people used to be shocked by you,
even so his appearance was disfigured;
His form—once glorious—was marred until it hardly seemed human.
Mark 15:16-19
The rest of the soldiers in the detachment gathered there, hundreds of them. … For a long while they beat Him on the head with the reed.
Thought:
Many soldiers beat Jesus on the head and face with what equates to a police officer's nightstick. Such a beating would have inflicted many wounds and would have caused Jesus to be almost unrecognizable and horribly disfigured.
Jesus took on your soul's disfigurement onto Himself in a very physical way. God made Him who knew no sin to become sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was beaten until He was basically unrecognizable as Himself because He had become your sin. With your sin now crucified in Him, you may rejoice that your Redeemer lives. Amen.
Why would God command Moses and the Israelites to construct such a flimsy house for Him to dwell? Because the Son of God would do the same thing when He tabernacled among us in our own human flesh.
Scripture References for this Episode:
Exodus 26:1-37
Exodus 27:9-19
Exodus 35:30-36:38
Exodus 38:9-20
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Scourged
Isaiah 50:5-6
The LORD, the Eternal, has helped me to listen,
and I do as He says. I have not been rebellious or run away from God's work.
But it's been hard. I offered My back to those who whipped me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not turn away from humiliation and spitting.
Matthew 27:26-30
So Pilate released Barabbas, and he had Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified. … They spat on Him and whipped Him on the head with His scepter of reeds.
Thought:
Jesus allowed Himself to be scourged. He followed His own teaching, “When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek” (Matthew 5:39 CEV). He allowed Himself to be humiliated before the Roman soldiers to take away your humiliation before God. Through Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection, you may enter the pearly gates of Heaven with your head held high because Jesus has invited you into His midst. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Money Problems
Zechariah 11:13
“Give My deserved portion of your fee to the potter,” the LORD said.
And I did as He told me. I took the thirty shekels of silver—the noble price of my valuable service—and gave them to the potter in the Eternal One's temple.
Matthew 27:4-7
Judas said, “I can't keep this money! I've sinned! I've betrayed an innocent man! His blood will be on my hands.”
The chief priests and elders replied, “We're through with you, friend. The state of your soul is really none of our affair.”
Judas threw down the money in the Temple, went off, and hanged himself. The chief priests looked at the silver coins and picked them up. “You know, according to the Law, we can't put blood money in the Temple treasury.”
After some deliberation, they took the money and bought a plot of land called Potter's Field.
Thought:
Judas had a problem with the thirty pieces of silver that were burning a hole in his pocket and in his soul. When he offers to return the money seeking forgiveness, the chief priests and elders want nothing to do with him. Judas, in unforgiven remorse, goes out and hangs himself because he cannot find forgiveness. Had he only waited three more days! He could have been forgiven just like Peter. But Judas cannot wait. He feels that he must take matters into his own hand.
Don't be like Judas. Don't take things into your own hands. Leave them in Jesus' nail-pierced hands. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Thirty Pieces
Zechariah 11:12
If you think it is right, give me what I have earned. If you don't, then keep it for yourselves.
They took thirty pieces of silver, the price set as my wages, the price of a slave.
Matthew 26:14-15
At that, one of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests.
“What will you give me to turn Him over to you?”
They offered him thirty pieces of silver.
Thought:
“Every man has his price.” That was the tagline given to Ted DiBiase's “Million Dollar Man” gimmick in the World Wrestling Federation. And how true that statement is.
The love of money can cause us to betray even our best friend. The exiles paid Zechariah the same amount to dissolve their covenant with God as the Jewish leaders paid Judas to abandon his loyalties to Jesus. The love of money is the root of all sorts of evils.
What's your price? Not thirty pieces of silver, but the holy, precious, innocent suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Perfect God and perfect Man given for you. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Forsaken
Zechariah 13:7
Sword, begin to stir; be ready to strike My shepherd,
to strike the man at My side.
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will scatter.
I'll turn My hand against the little ones.
Mark 14:50
When they saw the armed crowd take Jesus into custody, the disciples fled.
Thought:
God struck Jesus the Shepherd and the disciple sheep were scattered. Everyone fled from Gethsemane because they were afraid of being arrested with Jesus. Even loud-mouthed Simon Peter, who had boasted that he would even die with Jesus rather than forsake Him, ran scared from the soldiers. But Jesus had to be left alone, forsaken by all, in order to pay for our sins alone. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Betrayed
Psalm 41:9
Even my best friend, my confidant,
who has eaten my bread will stab me in the back.
John 13:26
Jesus said, “I will dip a piece of bread in My cup and give it to the one who will betray Me.”
He dipped one piece in the cup and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. After this occurred, Satan entered into Judas.
Thought:
“Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar.” Those were Caesar's last words in Shakespeare's play. Caesar was absolutely surprised by the betrayal. Jesus knew it was coming. He had given David the prophecy a millennium beforehand. And Jesus didn't make it not happen. Jesus wanted it to happen because the chief priests and scribes had already determined not to arrest Jesus during the Feast. But Jesus was to die as the true Passover Lamb. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America comes to you this week from Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, MI!!
Among the matches on the card:
World Heavyweight Title Match: Jerry Lawler vs Terry Funk
American Tag Team Titles Match: Extreme Horsemen (c) vs Iceman King Parsons & Brickhouse Brown
Austin Idol and Flex Kavana make their PWA debuts in Detroit!!
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: Triumph
Zechariah 9:9
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion!
Shout jubilantly, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Look—your King is coming;
He is righteous and able to save.
He comes seated humbly on a donkey,
on a colt, a foal of a donkey.
John 12:12-13
The next day a great multitude that had come to the Feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!
The King of Israel!
Thought:
Palm Sunday was the beginning of the greatest week in human history. Jesus entered Jerusalem as the true King of Israel. The King of Israel that would die by the end of the week. But the King of Israel who would rise from the dead as the new week began. Palm Sunday was Day One. Easter is Day Eight. And Day Eight is the day that everything changes. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: First and Last
Isaiah 41:4
Who has performed these deeds and accomplished this purpose?
Who calls each generation into being from the first on down?
It is I, the Eternal One your God.
I am the first.
And to the very last, I am the One.
Revelation 1:11, 17-18
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the very beginning and the very end. … This is not the time for fear; I am the First and the Last, and I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now.
Thought:
Jesus and the Father are inseparable from one another. Both are eternal. Both were there at the very beginning. Both will be there at the very end. They have “performed these deeds and accomplished this purpose.” Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: TENDER SHEPHERD
Prophecy:
He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
And carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
Fulfillment:
The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:2-4
Thought:
Jesus, like a shepherd lead us. Call each of us by our name. The name you have given to us in our Baptism. The name that makes us one of Your sheep. Protect and save us from the ravenous wolves that seek to destroy Your flock. Carry us close to Your heart and gently lead us. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: BROKENHEARTED
Prophecy:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives
And release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1
Fulfillment
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me.”
Matthew 11:4-6
Thought:
As the Savior of the world, Jesus came healing the various problems that broke people’s lives. Jesus came to the blind and they saw. He came to the lame and they walked. He came to lepers and they were cleansed. He came to the deaf and they heard. He came to dead Lazarus and raised him from the dead. The brokenhearted were being bound up by His supernatural power. The supernatural power that binds your broken heart for everlasting life. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: GOD’S SERVANT
Prophecy:
Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on Him
And He will bring justice to the nations.
Isaiah 42:1
Fulfillment:
While [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
Matthew 17:5
Thought:
On the mountain of Transfiguration, God tells Peter, James and John that Jesus is His Son, His chosen servant, with whom He is well pleased. He is the one to whom we should listen. He is God’s servant who didn’t even consider equality with God something to be grasped but made Himself a servant. He became obedient to God unto death. A death for you so that you might live forever with Him. Amen.
The last four articles of the Pontifical Confutation of the Augsburg Confession give us some of the Roman Church's most pressing concerns with the Lutheran Reformation. However, we see a great deal of double talk in these articles. By this point in the Confutation, they were only gearing up for their conclusion that the Lutheran elector, princes and cities must submit to the Pope and the Roman Church or else face both the ecclesiastical and secular wrath they would bring down upon Germany.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: ANOINTED BY THE SPIRIT
Prophecy:
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—
The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and of power,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:2
Fulfillment:
Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. … Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Luke 4:18-21
Thought:
In his hometown synagogue, Jesus took His turn reading the Scriptures during the Sabbath service. But this Sabbath was different. The Scripture was being fulfilled right before their eyes. The Holy Spirit was anointing Jesus to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. The great time of God’s blessing that is yours forever through Jesus. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: TAKEN TO EGYPT
Prophecy:
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
And out of Egypt I called my son.
Hosea 11:1
Fulfillment:
When [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him.”
So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.
Matthew 2:13-15
Thought:
Israel had once sought refuge in Egypt from a worldwide famine. After four hundred thirty years, God had to deliver them from evil Pharaoh’s slavery through His servant Moses. Now the child Jesus, only about two years old, had to seek refuge because another angry king wanted Him dead. Even as a child, Jesus was not liked by the authorities because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: BORN IN BETHLEHEM
Prophecy:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are small among the clans of Judah,
Out of you will come from Me one who will be ruler over Israel,
Whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
Micah 5:2
Fulfillment:
So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. … While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
Luke 2:4-7
Thought:
Bethlehem was King David’s birthplace. Having the Messiah be born in the same town would not surprise Micah’s listeners. However, Bethlehem was a much smaller city during Herod’s reign. Only a few dozen families lived there. In this small town, the Lamb of God would be born to take away the sin of the world. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECY: BORN OF A VIRGIN
Prophecy:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Fulfillment:
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. …
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.”
Luke 1:26-31
Thought:
God brings about the impossible task of forgiving the sins of the whole world by having a virgin give birth to His Son. A woman with whom God was greatly pleased. Not by what she had done. By what God wanted to do through her. Her son would be the Savior of the world. The Savior who would die for your sins. Amen.
MESSIANIC PROPHECIES
HEIR TO THE THRONE OF DAVID
Prophecy:
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
Establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:7
Fulfillment:
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.
Luke 1:32-33
Thought:
Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, God promised Judah that the Messiah, David’s eternal descendant, would reign over God’s kingdom on David’s throne. He will reign in justice and righteousness forever because He IS the zeal of the LORD Almighty. Amen.
Twenty matches to crown the first PWA Television champion!! Feuds are started.
Tournament Seeds
-
Iceman King Parsons
-
Dirty White Boy
-
Dutch Mantell
-
Doug Gilbert
-
Iron Mike Sharpe
-
'Rugged' Rod Price
-
Brickhouse Brown
-
Curtis Axel
-
Buzz Sawyer
-
Will Ospreay
-
Sonjay Dutt
-
Reckless Youth
-
Amazing Red
-
Lord Zoltan
-
Ric Titan
-
Brett Wayne Sawyer
-
Mance Warner
-
Moondog Spot
-
Moondog Spike
-
Flaming Youth
-
Mike Rapada
NOTE: Found the Empty Arena match from April 1981 between Jerry Lawler and Terry Funk I referenced in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcHA6ZGf2ao Enjoy!
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you.
Avoid the pointless discussions and contradictions
of what is falsely called knowledge.
Although some claim to have it,
they have abandoned the faith.
May grace be with all of you!
(1 Timothy 6:20-21 ISV)
True Knowledge Many people want to acquire knowledge. Solomon says (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18):
I dedicated myself to using wisdom for study and discovery of everything that is done under heaven. God uses terrible things so human beings will struggle with life. I observed every activity done on earth. My conclusion: all of it is pointless様ike chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight; what is not there cannot be counted. I told myself, "I have become greater and wiser than anyone who ruled before me in Jerusalem遥es, I have acquired a great deal of wisdom and knowledge." So I dedicated myself to learn about wisdom and knowledge, and about insanity and foolishness. And I discovered that this is also like chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom there is much sorrow; the more someone adds to knowledge, the more someone adds to grief.
Solomon is touted as the wisest man who ever lived. He sought out any and every source of knowledge available to him in his day. He discovered that worldly knowledge leads to sorrow because it is incomplete. Only through God's grace does true knowledge come to human hearts. Through true knowledge, knowledge of Jesus' death and resurrection to forgive your sins, comes faith that carries us from this world into the next. Amen.
Tell those who are rich in this age not to be arrogant
and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches.
Instead, let them place their confidence in God,
who lavishly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
They are to do good, to be rich in good actions,
to be generous, and to share.
By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves
that is a good foundation for the future,
so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19 ISV)
Tell the Rich Have you been blessed by God with great riches? Don't be arrogant about it. Instead use it to do good for the people around you. Have you been blessed by God with being broke? Don't be depressed about it. Use it to do good for the people around you.
Everyone should work to better the people around them. Not for your own ego. For the sake of your soul. Building upon the foundation of your faith, your confidence in God, you are "storing up treasures for yourselves in Heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal, because where your treasure is, they your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).
Where's your heart? In this age or in the age to come? If it's not in the age to come, it's time to refocus and redo your priorities. Treasures on this earth will do us no good in the age to come. Keep your focus on things that will last from this age to the next. Amen.
St. Paul's Testimony Since you are in the presence of God,
who gives life to everything,
and in the presence of the Messiah Jesus,
who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,
I solemnly charge you to keep these commands stainlessly and blamelessly
until the appearance of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
At the right time, he will make him known.
God is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords.
He alone has endless life and lives in inaccessible light.
No one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him.
Honor and eternal power belong to him! Amen.
(1 Timothy 6:13-16 ISV)
But you, man of God, must flee from all these things.
Instead, you must pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith.
Keep holding on to eternal life,
to which you were called
and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses.
(1 Timothy 6:11-12 ISV)
Fight the Good Fight Every Christian is a warrior. But not every Christian warrior has the same function. As we "fight the good fight of faith", we must have the proper equipment in order to fight effectively. Paul lists these things for Timothy: righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance and gentleness. These are all internal things. They aren't great weapons of war. They are disciplines which help us to better manage the battle we face every day.
How do we pursue these great internal disciplines? We get into the proper fighting stance. Not with our fists raised ready to strike. Down on our knees. Hands folded. Head bowed. The warriors who have all the proper equipment are prayer warriors. Not those out on the frontlines of the battle. Those behind the lines, praying for God to strengthen those warriors. To bring about these disciplines and virtues in themselves and in those around them.
Some of the strongest Christian warriors I've known have been prayer warriors. They might not have been the most knowledgeable of the Scriptures. They might not have been the most eloquent speakers. But they understood their need to be in prayer with their heavenly Father. The heavenly Father who has already won the war through Jesus' victory over sin, death and the devil on the cross of Calvary. They might not have known it all, but they knew what was important: We might lose the battle today, but we have won the war through Jesus Christ. Amen.
What is so great about the Tabernacle's furniture? What is God confessing in each of these pieces? He confesses Jesus' Incarnation, intercession and glory through each piece of furniture He puts into the Tabernacle. Our own sanctuaries were once customarily adorned in similar ways. They give our hearts, souls and minds avenues to worship all the great mysteries God has revealed in His Word through His Son, the Word incarnate, Jesus Christ.
But people who want to get rich keep toppling into temptation
and are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires
that plunge them into destruction and ruin.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Some people, in their eagerness to get rich,
have wandered away from the faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.
(1 Timothy 6:9-10 ISV)
Love of Money St. Paul spends the end of his first epistle to Timothy talking about money. He encourages Timothy to teach his people not to develop a love of money. A love for the things of this world that leads into temptation. Those who want to get rich keep toppling into temptation. They are trapped by their desires to grab more and more so that they begin to believe that it's okay to do anything to get it. They will sell themselves, body and soul, for the sake of earning a few extra dollars. Throwing away much for the sake of a little.
Gordon Gekko proclaims in the movie Wall Street, "Greed is good." Greed makes everything seem right. As long as I get what I want and no one gets hurt, it doesn't really matter. Greed--the love of money--bears many children. Children that are even greater sins that cause a lot of pain and cause them to wander away from the faith. Wandering away from the faith, they plunge into their own destruction and ruin.
Don't take the plunge! Be content with what you have. Don't topple into greed's temptation. Greed is not good. Greed just brings more sorrow to your life. Contentment brings happiness. Amen.
Nothing to this world we bring;
from it take we nothing.
With food to eat and clothes to wear;
content we are in everything.
(1 Timothy 6:7-8 ISV)
Nothing In, Nothing Out Paul reminds Timothy of Job's words during his heartache (1:21): "I left my mother's womb naked, and I will return to God naked. The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken. May the name of the LORD be blessed."
Except those who believe in karma, everyone understands that we come into this world with nothing. No one has literally come out of their mother's womb with a silver spoon in their mouth. We all begin this life as helpless, little babies. As babies, we were most happy when our diaper was dry and our belly was full. When either one of those needs weren't met, we wailed our heads off until our parents figured out what was wrong. We were only content with that dry diaper and full belly.
In America, we have problems differentiating between wants and needs. We NEED food to eat and clothes to wear. We WANT designer label clothing and T-bone steaks. We're just as comfortable with homespun clothing and macaroni and cheese as we are with Abercrombie and Fitch® and lobster.
Are you consumed by wants or needs? Or are you content with the blessings God has given you? As you brought nothing into the world, you deserve nothing in this life. As you can take nothing with you, the accumulation of great wealth and picky tastes is "utterly pointless" as Solomon tells us (Ecclesiastes 1-2).
Are you making your life "utterly pointless"? Turn it around today and ask God to help you be content with what He has given you. Amen.
They think that godliness is a way to make a profit.
Of course, godliness with contentment does bring a great profit.
(1 Timothy 6:5-6 ISV)
Godliness Many television preachers try to tell you that the Christian life of godliness is all about being profitable. Having the perfect job. The perfect family. Even the perfect teeth. To them, godliness is supposed to be profitable for you so that you will be more willing to share the good news of Jesus. But striving after this perfection drives people crazy. It continues to leave them uncertain of their standing before God because someone else always seems to have something more.
St. Paul encourages Timothy to teach contentment. To teach the people in Ephesus to be satisfied with what they have, whether much or little. Being content brings a great profit because we understand and accept that everything we have is a gift to us from our heavenly Father.
Many believe and accept that God will not give us more trouble and heartache than we can bear. Why is it that these same people cannot believe or accept that God will also not give us more possessions and good things than we can bear? Why do they believe that there is always something more, something greater, that they need? Be content with what you have. Everything you have is a gift from God. Praise God for it and use it as a blessing for yourself and all those around you. There is the great profit of godliness. Amen.
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their own masters
as deserving of the highest respect,
so that the name of God and our teaching may not be discredited.
Moreover, those who have believing masters should be respectful to them,
because they are fellow believers.
In fact, they must serve them even better,
because those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them.
(1 Timothy 6:1-2 ISV)
Not Discredited Slavery was common in the ancient Roman Empire. Typically it was entered into because of financial disaster. Christians were both slaves and masters. Christians who served and those who owned were to deal with each other in a truly Christian manner.
When a Christian was both slave and master, the mutual respect was doubled. The reputation of every Christian rests on how each Christian acts. If one Christian acts in an unchristian way, what does that say about the rest of us? Don't discredit the name of the Lord who died for you because you fail to be respectful. Amen.
Tournaments to crown the first ever PWA American Heavyweight and Tag Team champions!!
Great matches that would have made ANY promoter happy all through these tournaments.
Great feuds also begin through matches in these tournaments: Shane Douglas and Atsushi Onita; Sting and Eddie Gilbert; Mike Rapada and Sonjay Dutt?
The sins of some men are obvious,
reaching the place of judgment ahead of them;
the sins of others trail behind them.
In the same way, good deeds are obvious,
and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
(1 Timothy 5:24-25)
Precedes and Follows Our reputation often precedes us wherever we go. We want those welcoming us to have AT LEAST a neutral view towards us. We'd prefer a positive, warm reception. Reputation is key to human interaction. Without at least a neutral reputation, life is unbearable.
That's the problem we have in this life. We don't like other people to have a better reputation than what we have. So we tend to tarnish their reputation so that ours looks better. But what does Jesus say about that type of behavior? "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean" (Matthew 15:19-20). Slander, tarnishing a person's reputation, is ranked up there with murder, theft and sexual immorality. Those are considered the BIG sins. But Jesus counts them all equal.
We're to work to keep our reputation intact. We're to work to help keep our neighbor's reputation intact. Our reputation often precedes us. It often also follows us. We try to run from the way things were somewhere else. Everything just catches up with us eventually. We cannot hide from our reputation. What's your reputation, Christian? Is it worthy of the Name? Amen.
Stop drinking only water,
and use a little wine
because of your stomach
and your frequent illnesses.
(1 Timothy 5:23)
Drink a Little Wine There are Christians who have a problem with alcohol consumption. They have valid concerns. I also have valid concerns about it. Alcohol is a gift of God. It has been shown throughout history that it does have some medicinal value. However, like any gift of God, it can be abused and misused.
Should Christians abstain from wine completely? Absolutely not. Our Lord Jesus Christ took a cup of wine and blessed it as He instituted the Lord's Supper. It wasn't grape juice. It wasn't something in between. It was wine. Alcoholic wine.
As with all God's gifts, everything must be done in moderation. Nothing--whether considered good or bad--should be used to an unhealthy extreme. As Solomon tells us, "If you find honey, eat just enough--too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house--too much of you, and he will hate you" (Proverbs 25:16-17).
Nothing should be taken to extremes. God gave us everything we have been given. He appoints us as stewards over these gifts. Proper stewardship keeps us using all things in moderation. Amen.
I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels,
to keep these instructions without partiality,
and to do nothing out of favoritism.
(1 Timothy 5:21)
No Favoritism St. Paul takes what St. James has already written to remind Timothy about the dangers of showing favoritism. St. James writes "to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (1:1; 2:1-4):
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
St. James goes on to remind us that God didn't show favoritism in salvation. He didn't choose the richest people to be Christians. He chose the "poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who loved Him" (2:5).
God has always chosen the underdog. The poorest of the poor. Look at the Christmas story. Jesus is born in a stable. Born to a backwoods carpenter and his wife. Not a king or nobleman. A lowly carpenter is our Savior. No favoritism in God. Only divine goodness and mercy shown to all mankind. Amen.
Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly,
so that the others may take warning.
(1 Timothy 5:20)
Public Rebuke The two-edged sword of God's Word is properly wielded when the pastor uses both blades. There is the defensive blade that deflects the devil's temptations and accusations. But there is also the offensive blade that cuts deeply into the sin-sick soul. No one likes to be rebuked for their sins. They definitely don't want it publicized. But that's the preacher's job.
Even through these Moments of Meditation, I publicly rebuke sins that should not be shrugged off as being "not so bad." There are many things that are "not so bad" that are damning to our souls. Just because something is "not so bad" doesn't mean that it's good. A gallon of water with a teaspoon of bleach is "not so bad" but the bleach is still not good for you to drink. It might not do anything destructive the first time. But if you keep drinking it like that, you'll eventually tear yourself up from the inside. "Not so bad" isn't always good.
What is good is that the black-and-whiteness of the Bible is kept intact. God doesn't deal in millions of shades of grey. He deals in black and white, right and wrong, life and death. Preachers condemn sin because God condemns sin. Preachers praise good works because God requires good works from His children. God's two-edged sword must be properly used. To rebuke those who have sinned. To show others not to follow that example. That's God's Word in action. Amen.
The worker deserves his wages.
(1 Timothy 5:18)
A Worker Deserves His Wages Jesus tells His disciples these words as He sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of Heaven. He wants them to see that everything they receive as His preachers is given to them because of their proclamation. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14).
Unfortunately, the two passages St. Paul quotes in the same verse to be taken together aren't taken together in our standard practice as Americans. "The worker deserves his wages" is taken to mean that those who best muzzle God's Word are the ones who receive the highest wages. Many television preachers muzzle God's Word so much that it comes out to be some sanctimonious garbage like "God helps those who help themselves."
The Bible never says that. The Bible says the exact opposite. God helps those who cannot help themselves. God helps sinners who cannot help but sin. The preacher who is truly worthy of his wages preaches this message because it is God's Word to a lost and condemned people. The message that you should hear every Sunday in worship. Amen.
Do not muzzle an ox
while it is treading out the grain.
(Deuteronomy 25:4)
Do Not Muzzle the Ox St. Paul quotes this verse to Timothy in order to make sure that Timothy doesn't allow the Scriptures to be muzzled in the congregation in Ephesus. If you muzzle an ox, the ox will focus primarily on the muzzle over its mouth. It will blind itself to everything around it. Paul warns Timothy to not let that happen in the Church.
I have been in congregations where they have muzzled the preacher. They give the preacher a list of doctrines and topics that he cannot preach about. They seek to muzzle God's Word because they don't want to hear about their pet sins. The things they don't want to admit are wrong because they are part of everyday life in the congregation.
We are God's creatures. We're not allowed to tell Him what His Word can and cannot say to us. Did Jesus give into the pressures of the Pharisees and scribes? Did He change His message to better suit their ears? No. He made it harder. He added gasoline to the fires of hatred burning in their hearts.
As sinners, we don't want to hear about our sin. But we want to hear that God has forgiven us. But forgiven us of what? If the Scriptures are muzzled about our sin, what good does forgiveness do us? Amen.
In this month's Confessional Corner, we look at the first few articles in the Roman Confutation of the Augsburg Confession where they complete reject and condemn Lutheran theology on:
- Justification
- Good Works
- The Lord's Supper in Both Kinds
- Priestly Celibacy
- Mass
Next month, we will finish off the Confutation before going into the Apology. Here is where the rubber begins to meet the road in the Lutheran Reformation!
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well
are worthy of double honor,
especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
(1 Timothy 5:17)
Double Honor Did you honor your pastor this past Christmas? Your pastor takes the time to preach and teach God's Word to you and the rest of your congregation every week. If you are greatly enriched by either their teaching or preaching, they are deserving of honor. If you are greatly enriched by BOTH their teaching AND their preaching, they deserve double honor.
Preaching and teaching are the main jobs of pastors. These are the very visible means by which every pastor's worthiness is measured. How many times have you heard someone say, "You need to come hear our pastor"?
Do the pastors want that to be said about them? Yes and no. We want people to come hear us preach. But we don't want people to come because of us. We want people to come because of what we say. Not how we say it. Delivery can certainly help or hinder the message. But the message needs to be the focus. Those who direct the congregation well make the message the main thing and not themselves. A double honor needs to be bestowed upon them. Amen.
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family,
she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them,
so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
(1 Timothy 5:16)
Deaconess As the office of deacon was instituted initially for the sake of the distribution to the widows (Acts 6), the office of deaconess was first given for the sake of the widows. These women began their ministry to the widows in their own families. Later, the office would take on a more universal position. The deaconess could offer a different ministry than the deacon. Women tend to be more empathetic ministers than men.
Later, there also came the notion that deaconesses could be used in the public ministry of the Church. Not preaching. "To give the enemy no opportunity for slander" (1 Timothy 5:14), the deaconess helped with Baptism of adult women. The office of deaconess served to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ especially to the women of the community.
Everything begins at home. The office of deaconess was first fulfilled by women who took care of the needs of the widows in their own family. After they were taken care of, they moved on to helping other widows in the congregation and then women at large. This is the background of our congregation's ladies groups. The idea that Christians should take care of each other so that they lack nothing. And the Church greatly benefits from the fellowship and harmony that ensues. Amen.
Besides, they get into the habit of being idle
and going about from house to house.
And not only do they become idlers,
but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
(1 Timothy 5:13)
Busybodies and Gossips Busybodies is something that we tend to think of as not being that terrible. However, the Apostles place it as one of the most horrible of sins. Paul places gossips alongside murder, greed, envy and malice. And it definitely is.
Busybodies and gossips don't physically kill anyone, but they tarnish and ruin reputations. That is far worse. Luther writes in his Large Catechism, "Over and above our own body, spouse, and temporal possessions, we have yet another treasure, namely, honor and good report, with which we cannot dispense. For it is intolerable to live among men in open shame and general contempt. Therefore God wishes the reputation, good name, and upright character of our neighbor to be taken away or diminished as little as his money and possessions, that every one may stand in his integrity before wife, children, servants, and neighbors" (I 255-256).
Many people have had their lives made a living hell because of busybodies and gossips. This is the background of cyber-bullying that leads so many young people to take their own lives. The gossips and the busy-ness of talk about and around people leads to a living hell on earth. How would you like to live with your reputation so sullied that you were afraid to stick your head out of the front door to get the mail? Jesus reminds us, "Do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12). Amen.
As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list.
For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ,
they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves,
because they have broken their first pledge.
(1 Timothy 5:11-12)
Young Widows to Marry True widows who had no one to care for them were registered with the congregation for help. Younger widows have a greater desire to remarry. Part of that registration was a vow of celibacy for the rest of their lives. What twenty-something or thirty-something widow is going to make such a vow? To completely write off any chance of finding love and remarrying? This is the pledge or vow that Paul cautions Timothy not to allow them to make.
St. Paul continues, "I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander" (1 Timothy 5:14). Paul also says, "If they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9). Burning with passion gives Satan the perfect opportunity for slander. Younger widows need not have this burden placed on them. So Paul tells Timothy to allow them to remarry. No judgment will befall them because they are keeping themselves pure in regards to their passion. Amen.
If anyone does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for his immediate family,
he has denied the faith
and become worse than an unbeliever.
(1 Timothy 5:8)
Doesn't Provide What's worse than an unbeliever? A believer who doesn't provide for their family. That goes for blood family as well as spiritual family. In our rural area, many of our congregations are experiencing hard economic times. Not ready to close the doors just yet. Just needing a bit more cash flow like there was twenty years ago.
The problem? Apathy. People just don't care about the congregation that brought them to faith. Too many people believe that the Church is only a place to get pitched, hitched and ditched. To be baptized, to get married and to be buried. If it's not one of those times, don't bother them with it. But what assurance do they have that the congregation will still be there for them?
Too many people aren't making provisions as they once had. Are you one of those who are members "in name only"? Your name's on the membership list, but you can't remember the last time you stepped foot into the building? It's time to change that now. Get back to church. Your congregation needs you. Congregations cannot continue on life support for very long. Don't risk the Gospel being taken out of Slayton because you're too busy. Occupy Church. Amen.
July 29’s WrestlExtravaganza episode covered the first 17 Clash of the Champions from Jim Crockett Promotions and World Championship Wrestling. Below are some of the links for matches and entire cards from those broadcasts:
https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/2020/07/27/wwt-83-links/
The widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
(1 Timothy 5:6)
Pleasure in Death I can't help but think of Blanche Devereaux from The Golden Girls when I read this verse. Blanche was about as feisty a woman in her late-sixties as she probably was in her twenties and thirties. Her entire life revolved around the next man that would sweep her off her feet. Not the way a Christian widow should act.
Paul is not saying that every widow should throw herself on her husband's funeral pyre after the funeral. There is still life left for them to live. Life should not revolve around the pursuit of pleasure. Your god is NOT your belly (Philippians 3:19). Life doesn't consist of getting from one pleasure to another. Life revolves around higher pursuits.
The widow who lives for pleasure has little room for God. After all, what good will pleasures do if she has no one to share them with? The God-pleasing pleasures of this life are to praise the God who created us and share our joy with everyone around us. Amen.
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God
and continues night and day to pray
and to ask God for help.
(1 Timothy 5:3-5)
Honor Widows Widows come in every age and every circumstance. They can be young, many of whom are widows because of the War on Terror. They can be old, having been married to their spouse for decades with tons of children and grandchildren. They can be of either age, having no family. The honor that is due each of them is different.
Those who are truly widowed. Who have no one and are all alone. Who have no family to take care of them. They require more assistance than those who have help. The Church must come to their aid where there is no family. We see this in Acts 6 when the office of deacon was instituted. The deacon's ministry was given so that the Apostles would not have to "give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables" (Acts 6:2).
The widow who is truly in need only has her God and her faith to turn to. And if the Church refuses to help, what good is it doing for her? The Church should be the first place they turn for help. Help to do the things that their husbands had once done. As little as cleaning out the gutters in the fall and spring. As big as fixing the car when it is needed. Everyone has something they can do to serve their neighbor who has no one else to turn to. Amen.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly,
but exhort him as if he were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers,
and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
(1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Family of God The congregation of believers should be seen as God's family in that place. Each member of the congregation has his or her own role in the family. Older men as fathers. Older women as mothers. Younger men as brothers. Younger women as sisters.
Sure, families fight and have their problems within themselves, but they take care of things within the family. Everyone wants to live together in peace and harmony. We have that peace and harmony by treating them with the proper and due respect. When we can do that "with absolute purity," we can live in Christ's peace as we live as a family with Christ as our head. Amen.
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do,
you will save both yourselves and your hearers.
(1 Timothy 4:16)
Persevere in Doctrine People cringe when they hear the word "doctrine." "Doctrine divides," they say. They say it like it's a bad thing. But what if it were actually a good thing. Let me give you a list of things that doctrine divides and tell me whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. It divides:
- The ones just wanting to be fed from the ones willing to take up their cross.
- The false conversions from the true conversions.
- The ones under law from the ones under grace.
- The swine from the pearls.
- The profane from the holy.
- The tares from the wheat.
- The goats from the sheep.
- The wolves from the flock.
- The hirelings from the shepherds.
- The “other gospels” from the one true Gospel.
- The false christs from the one true Christ.
- The darkness from the Light.
- The lies from the Truth.
- The myths from the facts.
- The wicked from the righteous.
- The wide gate from the narrow gate.
- The broad road from the narrow road.
- The many paths from the only Way.
Doctrine divides because God wants it to divide. That's why He tells us to persevere in it so that we stay in the proper group with all His saints. Amen.
Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
to preaching and to teaching.
(1 Timothy 4:13)
Devote Yourself In this simple statement we see the purpose of the congregation. The Scriptures are to be read publicly. That also means someone needs to be there to hear them. A congregation must be present and in the Word.
Preaching is to occur. The Scriptures not only read but explained and applied. Does the preacher need to have them explained and applied to him? Yes, but that occurs in the preparation of the sermon. Does the preacher do that for his own benefit? Yes, but what good is it if just the preacher understands? Where would the Christian Church be if there were no preaching.
But preaching primarily proclaims the truth of the Christian faith. It doesn't allow for questions. Not many preachers allow their sermon to be interrupted because someone in the congregation has a question to ask. There needs to be an outlet for the congregation to grow in their knowledge and have the ability to ask questions to gain the knowledge of the faith.
Be the Church. Be in the worship service to hear God's Word being read and proclaimed. Be in Bible studies where you can be with other Christians learning the faith and all its blessings. Amen.
The first card of Pro Wrestling America from the Target Center in Minneapolis!
Tournaments for the World Heavyweight and Tag Team Titles!
What will happen? Listen to find out.
Set an example for the believers
in speech, in life, in love,
in faith and in purity.
(1 Timothy 4:12)
Set an Example Paul reminds Timothy that as a pastor he is an example to his congregation and to the community around him. This is one of the crosses that every pastor must bear. The example to everyone no matter whether the person is a member of the congregation or not. And it's not just the idea that the pastor should be a living Bible.
Not just speech and life. But an example in love, faith and purity. Every aspect of life becomes an example to others. And not just pastors. Each Christian is a living Bible for their neighbor. That's what Jesus points out when He says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and iwth all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40). Amen.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.
(1 Timothy 4:12)
Because You Are Young Youth is often seen as a great benefit. Vitality. Energizing. Vibrant. Youth can also be seen as a great detriment. Inexperienced. Immature. Unfit.
Many people hearing this devotion this morning are likely older than their pastor. This was the case with Timothy in Ephesus as well. He was a young punk pastor who looked more like many of his members' children and grandchildren. Many wouldn't come to him because he just wouldn't understand.
Paul encourages Timothy not to let those who looked down on his youth to get to him. No one should discount a pastor's call just because he's young. God knows that a young pastor is better for a congregation than an older pastor at different points in the congregation's life. That's why God sends a young pastor. For the congregation in Ephesus, young Timothy was who God knew would be best for them.
Whether your pastor is older or younger than you, thank God for your pastor. Thank Him for allowing your pastor to shepherd your congregation. God knows what He is doing. Amen.
We have put our hope in the living God,
who is the Savior of all men,
and especially of those who believe.
(1 Timothy 4:10)
Savior of All Men Salvation's invitation is universal. Jesus died for everyone. He is everyone's Savior. But not everyone will be saved by Him. Not that He wants anyone to be condemned. He wants everyone to be saved. Only those who believe in His sacrifice will be saved.
Jesus saves, but only those who believe Jesus' message will be saved. Without faith, there is no hope. Without hope, there is no salvation. Believe in Jesus and His sacrifice for you. You may then receive His reward of salvation and everlasting life. Amen.
The blood of the covenant is splashed upon the people in Exodus 24 as they promise to do all that the LORD has said. Exodus 25 begins the preparations for the Tabernacle. Quick question ... what would you do if the offering plate came in on a Sunday with over $64 million in it? That was the equivalent offering of the gold, silver and bronze given by the Israelites to construct the Tabernacle at the foot of Mount Sinai.
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
(and for this we labor and strive),
that we have put our hope in the living God.
(1 Timothy 4:9-10)
Our Hope in the Living God Why is the Christian's hope in the living God? Because the living God has made us His children. Paul and Timothy labored and strove to make sure that everyone would accept and understand the greatness of our hope. This hope is not wishful thinking. This hope is the surety and certainty that all who are baptized are children of the living God.
What does it mean to put our hope in Him? Exactly what God requires of us in the First Commandment. "We should fear, love and trust in God above all things." By fearing, loving and trusting God, our hope lies in the heart of God our Father who loves us so much that He gave us Jesus. And that statement deserves your full acceptance. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
For physical training is of some value,
but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
(1 Timothy 4:8)
Both This Life and the Next A group of country music legends came together in the late 1990's to form the group "Old Dogs". One of their songs was entitled "Still Gonna Die". The song goes through everything you can possibly do to make your physical life last longer. But in the end you're still gonna die. What does your physical training and striving mean?
Training in godliness is primarily spiritual. It looks not to this life only but also to the life to come. Physical training looks just to this life. Spiritual to this life and the next. Where is the bulk of your training and striving? Is it physical or spiritual? Are you building up for this life only? Or for this life and the next? Meditate upon that this morning. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
rather, train yourself to be godly.
(1 Timothy 4:7)
Train Yourself to be Godly Mythology and old wives' tales tend to give us a mixed message of how the world works. There are a great number of times that they contradict each other to further confuse the true meaning. But that's not what it means to be godly.
Being godly is following the example of our Lord Jesus. Being godly takes the straightforward message of the Law and the Gospel to heart. No mixed messages here. Straight talk from God about what He expects of you and how you cannot fulfill it. How Jesus came to fulfill the Law for you. How you are to live in Him.
God's Word doesn't mince words. It doesn't give mixed messages. It tells you as it is. You're a sinner. Jesus is your Savior. Being godly is simply believing that and living that in your daily life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
If you point these things out to the brothers,
you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus,
brought up in the truths of the faith
and of the good teaching that you have followed.
(1 Timothy 4:6)
A Good Minister What makes a good minister? Powerful voice? Good looks? Very personable personality? All of these help, but St. Paul says a good minister is one who preaches Jesus. Good news or bad news. A good minister preaches Jesus no matter what.
Jesus isn't always the most popular person in human history. There are times where Jesus and His Word are greatly accepted and appreciated. But when Jesus send His people out to rebuke sin, He becomes public enemy number one. Everyone likes Jesus when He's talking about loving other people, being nice to people, being a role model.
A good minister preaches Jesus regardless of His popularity. A good minister is often not the most popular person in town because he answers to a higher calling. He doesn't tailor his sermons to the whims of the congregation. He tailors his sermons to the truth of the Law of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing makes him waver in his stand for Jesus. This is what Paul wants Timothy to preach and for all Christians to hear and learn. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
Because it is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer.
(1 Timothy 4:5)
Consecrated by the Word of God and Prayer Why are we commanded to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving in the Lord's Prayer? Because it has been consecrated by God's Word and prayer. We say grace before meals that God may bless the food. We pray that God will cause it to nourish our bodies and strengthen us for the remainder of the day.
It's this consecration, this setting apart, that makes the difference in our lives. Just because it's been prayed over doesn't make it more holy than the same thing that hasn't been prayed over. It's just been set apart. We pray over a home-cooked meal. We pray over a cheeseburger from McDonald's®. Neither becomes greater because of the prayer. The prayer simply calls upon God's Word that says He will bless us as we accept what He gives with thanksgiving.
By invoking God's Word in our prayers over our food, we're simply asking God to use the food as He originally intended it. As we invoke His name in prayer for everything else in life, we're doing the same thing. We pray for our families that they may be the blessing that God created the family to be. We pray for our employment or lack thereof so that it might be the blessing that God wants it to be in our lives. Everything set apart in prayer is set apart that God's will for its proper use be done and the blessings He desires for them to be might be realized.
Consecrate your day today with God's Word and prayer that it may be a blessing to you and everyone you meet today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
For everything God created is good,
and nothing is to be rejected
if it is received in thanksgiving.
(1 Timothy 4:4)
Nothing to be Rejected What would happen on Christmas or your wedding anniversary if the person you gave a gift to wasn't thankful for the gift? What if they rejected it? Wouldn't you be devastated? How do you think God feels every time you aren't thankful for what He has given you? When you take His gifts for granted?
God wants everything in all creation to be accepted with thanksgiving. This means that there is nothing in this world, except sin, that should be rejected. God has not given us sin. He has died for sin. He gives this forgiveness to you as a gift. It's yours freely, but are you thankful for it? Or have you rejected it?
Many reject it unconsciously. Life becomes too busy for church and faith. "We'll get around to it when we find time," they say. God says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you" (Isaiah 49:8). St. Paul continues the thought, "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Life should never get so busy that you reject being in God's house. The fact that you have the privilege to worship Him should bring you there.
God is not to be rejected. Those who reject Him He will reject on the Last Day. Look at your life. Are you too busy for God? If so, reorder your priorities to be in worship on the Lord's Day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
They forbid people to marry
and order them to abstain from certain foods,
which God created to be received with thanksgiving
by those who believe and know the truth.
(1 Timothy 4:3)
Received with Thanksgiving Martin Luther once used this verse to proclaim against the Anabaptists his love of beer. He used this verse to show that everything that goes into making a pint of Wittenburg ale was created by God. God granted the wisdom to create the recipe that combined all the ingredients. Therefore beer is a creation of God that should be received with thanksgiving.
Is Paul saying that? Maybe. Maybe not. He looks to the thoughts behind the teachings. What brings people to believe that these things should be abandoned? The primary idea is that the material world and everything that is in it is evil. Nothing good can come from the material. Therefore there was no need for marriage to curb the desires of the fleshly passions. There is no need to eat most things for the nourishment of the body.
But what does God say about His physical creation? "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). God has given us the entire physical creation. He commands us to receive it with the thanksgiving due to the reception of a gift. We pray this every time we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." Not just that God gives it to us. But that we receive it with thanksgiving. Thank God for all the gifts He has given to you. Amen.
Pro Wrestling America (PWA) is a fantasy wrestling league designed to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the promoting and booking of a wrestling federation. In this episode, I go through the history that lead to the development of the PWA as well as the starting roster that will be highlighted on the PWA episodes.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars,
whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
(1 Timothy 4:2)
Seared with a Hot Iron Those who promote the demonic teachings about which St. Paul warns Timothy have been seared in their conscience. They are permanently set in their ways. They have abandoned and forsaken the Christian faith to the point that they cannot return. They are too tightly held in Satan's grasp. They had made shipwreck of their faith (1 Timothy 1:19-20). The boat cannot be put back together.
What keeps God from being able to bring these people back into the fold? Their lack of repentance. God cannot forgive them for their sins because they don't want to be forgiven. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sins. This is why Paul can talk about men like Alexander and Hymenaeus were handed over to Satan. Why Judas Iscariot will not be in Heaven. There's no repentance. Their conscience has been seared and it cannot be undone.
But there is still hope for you. Have you abandoned the faith? Have you followed after the idiotic teachings of the demons running around in our world today? There's still time for you. Repent and come back to the Lord who died for you. Come back before your conscience is seared and your eternal fate is permanently set. Embrace the faith delivered once for all and find the forgiveness of your sins. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2011
Monthly Theme: 1 Timothy
The Spirit clearly says that in later times
some will abandon the faith
and follow deceiving spirits
and things taught by demons.
(1 Timothy 4:1)
Abandon the Faith St. Paul warns Timothy this morning that there will be a time when people will abandon the Christian faith. They will follow deceiving spirits. They will believe things taught by demons. They will abandon what the Apostles and the Prophets teach about Jesus. They will go after meaningless and trivial things like eating only certain foods or abstaining from marriage to make yourself more holy in God's eyes.
Certainly God forbade certain foods from Israel in the Levitical system. But that was taken away by Jesus and His fulfilling of the Law for us. St. Peter had to learn this before he could minister to Cornelius. There is nothing unclean any more because Jesus has made all things clean (Acts 10:15).
But the other side, forbidding marriage, is something that God has never taught. God instituted marriage to be the institution through which children may be brought into the world with a mother and a father. God created marriage. Why would He go back on His own creation? It makes no sense.
That's why St. Paul has these words of warning for St. Timothy. It's an abandonment of the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Stand firm in the faith that has been delivered to you and you will stand forever. Amen.
He ... was taken up to Heaven.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
Taken Up In the Bible, three people were taken up into Heaven: Enoch, Elijah and Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit took the first two men so that God's mysterious purposes might be fulfilled.
But when Jesus was taken up, there was no mystery to it. He ascended into Heaven in the sight of His eleven Apostles from the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-11). As Jesus went away, He blessed His Apostles and charged them to preach the Gospel to all the nations, baptizing and teaching them everything He had commanded them (Matthew 28:18-20). Not only did Jesus speak about it, but His angels came down to say to the Apostles, "Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw Him go to Heaven" (Acts 1:11).
Jesus was taken into Heaven so that He might return. As He told His Apostles the night He was betrayed, "And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to Myself, so that you will be where I am" (John 14:3). Jesus was taken up so that He might take you up on the Last Day. You who have heard the preaching. You who have believed in Him. You who have been called by His name. You will be taken up as well. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Location: Good Shepherd, Marshall, MN
Order of Service: Service of Prayer and Preaching
Hymns:
696, "O God, My Faithful God"
895, "Now Thank We All Our God"
Sermon Theme: Live Peaceably
Sermon Text: Romans 12:14-21
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
He was preached among the nations.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"Preached among the Nations" One of the days in the Church Year that many pastors and lay readers dread the readings is the Feast of Pentecost. Whenever Pentecost rolls around, we have the reading from Acts that lists all the places that were represented by the people in the Temple on that Day of Pentecost (2:5-11). These were people who had come from all over the ancient world. From as far west as Rome and Libya. As far south as Arabia and Egypt. As far east as Media. As far north as Pontus. They were scattered throughout the world. And they all came to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast.
But they were all chosen by God to hear St. Peter's sermon, and the sermons of the other eleven Apostles, in their own languages. Three thousand of them were baptized after hearing the sermons preached. They went back home, scattered throughout the world as they were, and began to preach to their families and friends. Jesus' secret was being preached throughout the world by the end of the year when He was crucified. Christian congregations were cropping up around the world. All because of one Word spoken in Jerusalem. The Word of Jesus Christ.
Revelation tells us of the sealing of all God's people from the four corners of the earth. The sealing in the faith as the Great Tribulation comes upon them. These are those of the great multitude who had washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). These are from "every race, tribe, nation and language". And they call on the name of the Lord for their salvation. The same Lord is Lord of all (Romans 10:12). "He was preached among the nations." Thank God that He was and that you have heard that message. Amen.
He ... was believed in throughout the world.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
Believed Throughout the World Not only was Jesus taught throughout the world, he was believed throughout the world within a year of His resurrection and ascension. The Holy Spirit worked through the preaching of God's Word by those three thousand baptized souls from the first Christian Pentecost. When they came home, they preached Jesus and He was believed for the salvation of their souls.
Peter wrote to the Church, "We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:16). The stories about Jesus come from eyewitnesses to His ministry. We can go back and check these things out. These things really happened. The Gospel is not a "once upon a time" fairy tale. The Gospel is historical. The Gospel is reliable. The Gospel is believable.
Jesus has been believed throughout the world because He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). He doesn't give lofty promises that He cannot keep. He keeps every promise that He has given, including that He rose from the dead on the third day. He keeps His promises for you and for me. Believe the promises. Amen.
He ... was seen by angels.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"Seen by Angels" The two most important times in Jesus' life were witnessed by the angels: His birth and His ressurection. At His birth, the angels sang to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:14). After His resurrection, an angel sat on the stone he had rolled away from Jesus' tomb. He said to the women, "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has been raised, just as He said. Come and see the place where He was lying" (Matthew 28:5-6).
The two most important events in human history were witnessed by the angelic hosts. Angels appear many other times in the Bible to deliver messages. After all, the word angel means "messenger". They are sent from God's presence to deliver His messages. And the greatest message of all is the message of Jesus Christ. As St. John says in his Gospel, "We saw His glory, the glory which He received as the Father's only Son" (1:14). We also have seen His glory. Not in the great miracles. Not walking around with us along the way. We see His glory in the sacred pages of the holy revelation He has given us in the Bible. We see His glory as we come to His table and receive His body and blood with the bread and wine of Holy Communion. We see His glory in the lives of our fellow Christians.
Show forth His glory and be a messenger like God's holy angels. Bring God's message to someone who doesn't know it today. Amen.
The Roman theologians wrote a Confutation of the Augsburg Confession so that they could refute every false teaching that the Lutheran princes had announced at the Diet. Of the twenty-eight articles in the Confession, the Roman theologians accept eight with no problem. Another ten articles were accepted with qualifications. The other ten are outright rejected.
This month, we look at the articles which need qualifications before Rome can accept the Lutheran confession.
He ... was shown to be right by the Spirit.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"Right by the Spirit" How was Jesus "shown to be right by the Spirit"? We look back to His Baptism: "While He was praying, Heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit came down upon Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from Heaven, 'You are My own dear Son. I am pleased with You'" (Luke 3:21-22). The dove coming down and lighting on Jesus' head proved Him to be the Messiah. He was the Anointed One promised by God through His prophets.
Beyond this one instance, we have Jesus' entire ministry. The Holy Spirit came out of His mouth through His words as He taught the people. They were convicted of their sins by His teaching. Whether they came to faith through the words or not, they realized "He wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, He taught with authority" (Matthew 7:29). Every other teacher taught off the authority of previous teachers. They had no authority in themselves. But Jesus had authority because He had the Holy Spirit.
Today, every Christian is given the Holy Spirit in their Baptism. They have the authority through Jesus to teach as He taught. To teach with authority, as He gave us to do in His Great Commission. You are "right by the Spirit" because you have been baptized. Through your Baptism, share the good news of God's amazing secret in Jesus. Amen.
He appeared in human form.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"Appeared in Human Form" The fifteenth century hymn "O Love, How Deep" has some great words for us to meditate upon this morning (LSB #549.2):
God sent no angel to our race Of higher or of lower place, But wore the robe of human frame And into this lost world God came.
To redeem the lost world from man's sin, God had to become man. God in human flesh had to pay the penalty for both the original sin of Adam and Eve and the sins they and their descendants perpetrated since then. When God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, He said, "If you do, you will die the same day" (Genesis 2:17). Jesus came to die. He didn't come to be a miracle worker. He didn't come to be a guru. He didn't come to be an example for how to live. He came to die to pay for Adam and Eve's sin.
But what about us? What about our sins? Jesus was God and man so that His death would cover every sin. God's death shows His deep love for His creation. No other sacrifice could be made. No angel. No animal. Nothing else in all creation. Only the sacrifice of the one who was fully God and fully man could grant salvation. That's the great secret of the Christian faith. That is what needs to be proclaimed today. Amen.
No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"Secret of Our Religion" What is the secret of our religion? The Man Jesus Christ. As St. Paul describes through the rest of this verse, and we'll cover throughout this month, the humanity of Jesus is the secret of our religion. Many say that they have no problem with Jesus' humanity, but we are much more willing to accept His divinity. The idea that the Virgin Mary had to change the Son of God's diapers baffles us.
Jesus' earthy humanity gets under our skin because we can't believe that God would do things that way. But that's exactly what God needed to do to save us. He needed to get under our skin. He needed to take on our flesh so that He could redeem our flesh.
Most religions have no problem with having a god. Most religions have no problem with their primary minister being a human. The problem with Christianity is that our God and our primary minister are both God and man. As both God and man, He was solely able to deliver us from our sins through His death and resurrection.
This is the secret of our religion. But it's not a secret that God wants us to keep to ourselves. God wants this to be the worst-kept secret in the history of the world. He wants everyone to know about it and to believe it (1 Timothy 2:4). Spread the secret today of the God who became man. Amen.
No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
"No One Can Deny" St. Paul writes to his young protege Timothy that the Christian faith cannot be denied. Jesus Himself said it to His disciples, "If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to Me, I will do the same for him before My Father in Heaven. But if anyone rejects Me publicly, I will reject him before My Father in Heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).
The issue is simple. If we deny knowing Jesus in this life, He will deny knowing us in the next life. For centuries, Christian martyrs have been given the opportunity to deny Jesus. They were unafraid of dying because they knew that Jesus had died for them. That He had purchased and won for them the glories of everlasting life. Martyrs for the faith firmly believe and do not deny their Lord because God hasn't called them to hide their faith. We have been called to boldly proclaim the faith and its secret to the whole world. What's the secret of our religion? Tune in next time to find out.
May God bless and keep you in the true faith until then. Amen.
You will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household,
which is the Church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth.
(1 Timothy 3:15)
Conduct Yourselves Paul's instructions to Timothy are to show how everyone ought to behave in God's household. Why should we behave in God's household? Because we are God's children. Everyone in the family needs to know the rules. The rules of the Church of the living God are the Law and Gospel handed down to us by the Apostles and prophets. These form the pillar and foundation of the Truth. The Truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
We conduct ourselves as obedient children of our heavenly Father. As we continue our series through the Pastoral Epistles, we'll see these instructions ever more clearly. Keep yourselves immersed in God's Word as He gives it to you through me each weekday morning. It will do well for your soul. Amen.
Liturgical Date: Third Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 7] (Year A)
Location: Three Strands Lutheran Parish, Pipestone, MN
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns:
-
728, "How Firm a Foundation"
-
659, "Lord of Our Life"
-
696, "O God, My Faithful God"
Sermon Theme: Dread Warrior
Sermon Text: Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten.
God outlines the Church Year for the Israelites. Each feast has its purpose to remind us of what God has done for us for salvation as well as daily life.
Although I hope to come to you soon,
I am writing you these instructions so that,
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought
to conduct themselves in God's household.
(1 Timothy 3:14-15)
Delayed St. Paul was delayed in his intended visit to Ephesus and his student, his "son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), Timothy. Paul wanted to give the instructions enclosed in his first epistle to the young pastor in person. However, that was not likely to happen as he was imprisoned.
This delay was nothing new to Paul. Throughout his three missionary journeys, Paul was often delayed in his travel arrangements. Many times there were places he wanted to go, but he would be hindered by circumstances beyond his control.
Delays are inevitable. But one delay need not happen in your life. The delay of being the Christian God has called you to be. Don't delay. Be in the Word. Share your faith. Live the life God has called you to live. Amen.
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
(1 Timothy 3:13)
Good Standing Everyone wants to have good standing in life. We want people to pat us on the back and tell us that we've done a good job. But our best job is the job of Christian. A disciple of Jesus Christ. A follower who keeps himself or herself in the faith.
That is why pastors encourage their parishioners to entrench themselves in God's Word. To read it and meditate upon it daily. This spiritual discipline allows you to become a better disciple. A better follower. A better Christian.
Do you want "Your Best Life Now"? Get in the Word. Read what God has to say today. You will find yourself in good standing then. Amen.
They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
(1 Timothy 3:9)
Clear Conscience The hardest thing for Christians who take the Bible seriously is to keep their conscience clear. To keep what they believe. To survive the onslaughts of the world. To maintain a faithful witness to Jesus no matter what.
Society wants to pressure Christians into accepting non-Christian and anti-Christian ideas into their beliefs. One who holds the idea that "all roads lead to Heaven" cannot "with a clear conscience" govern the Church. One who holds the idea that Jesus died on the cross only to give us an example of selfless love cannot "with a clear conscience" govern the Church.
How do you keep a clear conscience? Be addicted to the Word. Don't listen to the outside influences that try to drive us away from the true faith. What does God say in the Bible? Listen to Him. He's the One to whom you will have to answer on the Last Day. Amen.
Deacons likewise must be ... not addicted to much wine,
not greedy for dishonest gain.
(1 Timothy 3:8)
Addicted Addictions seem to be the most prevalent problems in our lives. They seem to be everywhere. There seems to be addictions for everything. Two of the greatest addictions throughout history have been alcohol and money. There is never enough of either to fulfill the wants and desires of those caught in their demonic clutches. While both are useful, both can be terribly misused.
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). These two statements from two of the wisest men ever to live bring the startling truth to life. While alcohol has its medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23), it's most common use is as an escape from problems. While money is necessary to buy the necessities of life, it's more commonly used as a measuring stick between neighbors.
Neither of these should be brought up in the Church. Both alcohol and money are gifts from God. They should be used for the purposes for which God created them. The one thing we should be addicted to is Jesus and His Word. Addiction to that will bring about great and everlasting consequences. The consequence of Heaven. Amen.
Deacons likewise must be ... not double-tongued.
(1 Timothy 3:8)
Not Double-Tongued Serpents are noted for their forked tongues. Two prongs that can give and take away at the same time. Exactly the way the serpent was in Eden. He gave a promise of being God-like and took exactly that away from Adam and Eve. God's image was lost in mankind at that moment.
God doesn't give with one hand and take away with the other. He is a giving God. This has been lost in us. We want to give but be able to take away with the very same action. Ever since Eden, we've had nothing good within our flesh (Romans 7:18). We live double lives with double tongues.
But in Baptism we have been renewed and given again that image, although it is incomplete in this life. We struggle against the doubleness inherent in our sinful nature. But we should always look towards the true double: the God-man Jesus Christ. He gives His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. He gave His life so that we might live forever with Him in Heaven. These are not double-tongued promises. These are straightforward statements of the Lord of Life. Amen.
Here is part 2 of the Reformers' statements on the relationship between Church and State, especially the bishop's power in both secular and ecclesiastical circles. In this portion, most of the emphasis is based upon the implementation of infinite traditions that burden consciences. What power and rights does the Scripture give to bishops in regards to establishing traditions and customs? Is there any canon law that is immutable (unchageable) that can never be undone?
Finally, we come back to the thesis of the entire Augsburg Confession: "We ask only this one thing that they allow the Gospel to be taught purely, and that they relax a few observances that they claim it is sinful to change" (AC XXVIII 77). Everything in the entire Lutheran Reformation hinges on this one request.
Deacons likewise must be dignified.
(1 Timothy 3:8)
Dignified As we move to the office of deacon, St. Paul tells us they are similar. "Deacons likewise must be dignified." Dignity encompasses many of the required virtues of pastors and deacons. Dignity is truly honor and nobility.
Being dignified, deacons and pastors conduct themselves properly. This is why we hold them to a higher standard. That's also a reason people don't want to take these positions in congregations. They don't want the higher standard. They want to be "just one of the guys". To be like everyone else.
But God calls each Christian to the same higher standard. We are all called to be dignified and do things properly. A major reason that there are so many divisions in the Christian Church today. How are things done and said properly? People have historically differed on these things. But we are still holding ourselves to the higher standard of dignity. A dignity that is only given to us from God the Father. Amen.
The people outside the Church must speak well of him, or he may fall into disgrace and the devil's snare.
(1 Timothy 3:7)
Not Fall into Disgrace With a pastor's involvement in the community groups and organizations, he brings a higher level of respect to himself. I've seen many places in small towns just like ours where a pastor who wasn't very community-minded was run out of town because no one would stand up for him when his name was being drug through the mud.
This is Paul's idea when he warns about the pastor falling into disgrace. If no one stands up for you when untrue rumors are flying around, what's to keep you from falling? As with any other Christian, it's your responsibility to stand up and correct what you know to be untrue when it is spoken about someone else. This is especially true and necessary when it comes to pastors. Whether it's your pastor or not whose name is being drug through the mud, it's your responsibility to stand up for them. One day it might just be you who needs someone to stand up for them. How would you feel if no one wanted to stand up for you? Amen.
Follow my journey from a kid in the non-denominational Church of Christ to a Lutheran pastor in southwest Minnesota.
This presentation was given at the Higher Things Youth Conference at Valparaiso University in 2017.
The people outside the Church must speak well of him.
(1 Timothy 3:7)
Outsiders Speak Well A pastor shouldn't only be respected inside the congregation and the Church at large. He should also be respected by those outside the Church.
He has to be known within the community as something other than the pastor of his congregation. This is why some pastors join community groups like Kiwanis International or the Lions Club. Why some pastors get involved with other community recreational activities. They need a reference point outside the congregation in order to relate to the community in which they serve.
If your pastor isn't involved in such community action, encourage them to do so. Many contacts made outside of the congregation may impact the congregation greatly in the future. Amen.
He should not be a recent convert, or he may feel proud and so be condemned with the devil.
(1 Timothy 3:6)
Not a New Convert One of the greatest revelations made to many of my classmates in seminary was that I had to wait before I began seminary. There is the requirement that everyone seeking to become a pastor must have been a Lutheran for at least two years. Granted, many of my classmates were lifelong Lutherans. They didn't understand why this restriction existed.
But think about it. Would you want someone who just started going to your church last month to become your pastor? Of course not. You'd want someone to know what he's talking about. You'd want someone who fulfills all the rest of the list of prerequisites for pastors. You'd want someone who has their feet firmly planted in what they're teaching.
Not a new convert. Someone who knows what he's doing. Otherwise everything might go to his head and he might end up condemning himself and the congregation through his own pride and arrogance. The last place anyone in church wants to be is Hell. How can someone who's just learning the faith lead others? He can't. He needs first to be led and then he will be able to lead. To lead his flock to Heaven and not Hell. Amen.
He should manage his own family well and have his children obey him as he treats them very seriously. If anyone doesn't know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?
(1 Timothy 3:4-5)
Family Manager Management is a great burden for the pastor. The administrative tasks that must be done to keep a congregation going from week to week. If the pastor is unable to do that, he doesn't need to be in the office.
Mismanagement is one of the greatest problems in the Church today. Churches leave the authority of God's Word because they have been mismanaged by their pastors. All the things that have been accepted by these churches that God condemns in the Bible comes from mismanagement. God calls all Christians to manage His Word well. That's why He gives us the Sabbath. To manage His Word properly. By properly managing His Word, we manage our lives and our eternities well. Amen.
In the final "Common Ground" episode, we look at the first two Sacraments in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Baptism and Confirmation. Is there anything inherently different between Lutherans and Catholics as we look at Baptism? What is the major difference in Confirmation that Lutherans do not agree with?
[The pastor must be] not a lover of money.
(1 Timothy 3:3)
Not a Lover of Money Except for those you see on television asking for donations to keep their ministries on the air, no one becomes a pastor because they're going to make a lot of money. You don't see pastors signing contracts to preach for $20 million a year. For many, if they get $20,000, they consider themselves blessed.
While St. Paul does write, "Those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14), pastors should have their ministry be the primary source of their income. But pastors aren't to become greedy with their congregations and say that they DESERVE to be paid more than they are. In this economy, some churches are lucky to barely survive by paying their pastor a nominal wage.
The pastor doesn't work for the money. He works for the ministry of God's Word. Ministry is a service by nature. It's not done by those who love money. It's done by those who love the Lord. Amen.
[The pastor must be] not quarrelsome.
(1 Timothy 3:3)
Not Quarrelsome Building on the idea of being gentle and not violent, the pastor is also called to not be quarrelsome. Not out looking for a fight.
But that's the way many people view pastors who faithfully preach God's Word. God's Word comes to us and often points to the very darkest portion of our souls, disturbing our sins and bringing them to the light. No one wants their sins brought to light. We strive to keep our sins in the darkness, but the pastor's job is to bring them to light.
So the pastor looks to be out for a fight, but is he? Certainly not. He comes to proclaim God's Word to a specific people in a specific place with a specific set of circumstances. These things bring about a very personal proclamation. The pastor isn't being quarrelsome. He's being faithful to what God has called him to do. God calls us to do His will. And His will isn't quarrelsome. Amen.
[A pastor must be] not violent but gentle.
(1 Timothy 3:3)
Not Violent but Gentle How do the Scriptures talk about God? He is love. He is the faithful Father and Husband of His Bride, the Church. He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:10). "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart," Jesus says (Matthew 11:29).
Several times in the Gospels Jesus' disciples want to take violent action against those who opposed them. James and John wanted to call down fire from Heaven because a Samaritan village didn't accept the Gospel (Luke 9:54). Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the high priest's servants who came to arrest Jesus (John 18:10). In both instances, Jesus rebukes the disciples for their violent tendencies. They were forgetting that Jesus is "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29).
As Jesus' representative to the congregation, the pastor is also to be gentle instead of violent. But gentleness is not pacifism. It is the firmness of being able to declare the truth in a very loving way (Ephesians 4:15). Being gentle, the pastor is able to diffuse tense situations without lashing out. Gentleness is love in action. Love shown to all people. Amen.
[A pastor must be] no drunkard.
(1 Timothy 3:3)
Not a Drunkard Do you want a drunk pastor? Me neither. Drunkenness lowers inhibitions. Drunkenness loosens the tongue. The last thing anyone wants in a pastor is a loose tongue.
A loose tongue causes all kinds of problems. The pastor is supposed to be the one person you can trust with all your deepest secrets. The pastor must keep his tongue tight about what he is bound not to discuss. Drunkenness clouds a person's judgment. Cloudy judgment makes for bad choices.
A pastor is most vulnerable to the bad choices that he makes. Not because he made them. Because he has a congregation that's affected by everything that he does. He's the public embodiment of the congregation. The example for all as Jesus is his example. Amen.
An overseer must be ... able to teach.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Teacher One of the chief responsibilities for a pastor is to teach. This is the pastor's most noticeable work. He's seen as the guy in the pulpit. The one who speaks God's Word in the congregation. A pastor must be able to take what is in the Bible and apply it to the lives of all the people in the congregation.
This application is a moving target as the demographics of the congregation change over time, and even week to week. In many congregations, the typical Sunday service can have worshippers that range from newborns into Christians in their nineties. This moving target makes the pastor's teaching and preaching role the most difficult part of his job.
Can each pastor effectively teach the same as each other pastor? No. Each pastor has his own abilities and specialties. Some are more people-oriented and able to apply things personally. Others are more academic and have a bit harder time in application to "regular life". But each pastor is blessed with his own gifts. Praise God for your pastor's gifts, even if they don't quite work for you, and offer suggestions for him to improve his teaching styles. He will appreciate the constructive input. Amen.
In this last section of 1 Clement, the Roman presbyters make one final push for the headstrong and arrogant party to step down from the offices they had usurped so that they might receive Absolution from the rightful presbyters. Prayers are also offered for all to confess their sins and receive forgiveness.
An overseer must be ... hospitable.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Hospitable Hospitality seems to be a dying virtue. No longer are we likely to be invited to someone's home to get to know them. We're more likely to meet at a "neutral location" in order for everyone to be comfortable.
A pastor's hospitality is a great portion of his attitude, both actual and perceived. This is often put to the test when the phone rings at two in the morning. A member in distress. Does the pastor tell the member (or the member's family) to wait and call back in the morning? I hope not. He's not likely to be that person's pastor much longer. Or the pastor who gives the secretary strict orders that he's not to be bothered by anything short of death before lunch. How often will this pastor be called upon? He's more likely to be passed over for the next pastor in town who's more "open" and "friendly".
Let's bring back hospitality. Be willing to have company. Be available for people who may just need your help or a safe place to talk. Your relationships will be much better for it. After all, Jesus opened everything He had for you. What's your front door in comparison? Amen.
Now an overseer must be ... respectable.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Respectable You have to earn respect. It's much easier to earn respect if you show respect. The idea behind being respectable is that you are respectful. How is it that a pastor can hear the confession of horrible sins, pronounce God's absolution and not look at the person differently afterwards? We show the person, no matter what sin has been committed, the respect they are due because they were people for whom Jesus died.
Respect given turns into respect earned. To be respected, you must be respectable. To those in your circle of friends but also outside your circle. Jesus said, "If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" (Matthew 5:46). As Christians, we're called to love the loveless as Jesus did. As the Lenten hymn puts it, "Love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be" (LSB #430.1).
Once you were loveless and Jesus showed you love. Once you were unrespectable and Jesus showed you respect by dying for you on the cross. Show that same respect to those around you, friend or not, and you will be seen as respectable by all. Amen.
Now an overseer must be ... self-controlled.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Self-Controlled Among the rest of the pastor's qualifications, one of the greatest is the need for self-control. If one cannot control their own person, how can this same person be expected to control a congregation of hundreds of people?
Self-control is one of the greatest and most misunderstood virtues in the world. While it involves self-sacrifice, it focuses primarily on restraint. As with temperance, it is the promotion and protection of limits. Temperance is from outside influences. Self-control deals internally.
Self-control is one of God's great gifts. It is a gift that needs to be practiced. Therefore we have some of the struggles in our lives. Struggles God sends in order to help us exercise greater self-control in our lives. Exercise our soul's God-given strength to go beyond what we think is possible. Giving God all the glory and honor for the strength that we continue to receive from Him. Amen.
Now an overseer must be ... temperate.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Temperate What does "temperate" mean? Why is "temperance" such a good thing? Temperance is the practice of moderation. As Paul in Philippians 4:5, "Let your moderation be known to all men" (KJV). All things are lawful for God's children (1 Corinthians 10:23), but everything needs to be in moderation and in its appropriate circumstances. All things are gifts from God to be used properly.
But proper usage indicates that there is also the chance to misuse. A temperate attitude, which pastors are required to have, does not get angry easily. How many voters assemblies have you been to that have erupted into a heated argument or discussion? How many were calmed by a few words from the pastor? A few sage, temperate words from God's representative? Temperance leads through the commotion much like God leading the children of Israel through the waters of the Red Sea in the Exodus. Temperance leads to calmness. Amen.
In the Torah, there were many sections of laws that were binding on Old Testament Israel to set them apart from the kingdoms around them. In this section, we speak about the need for restitution, justice in civil proceedings and proper worship.
Now the overseer must be ... the husband of one wife.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Monogamy Having talked last month about women's ordination, I want to take this moment to bring another great point in the relationship of the genders. Pastors should be married, but Paul makes the great statement that it must be a monogamous marriage. One husband, one wife. As the Gospel spread throughout the world, this became an important issue. Many societies throughout history have embraced the idea of polygamy. When the Gospel came to them, they were charged to put away their extra wives and husbands for the sake of the Gospel. Many did this willingly because they saw what marriage is: a picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church.
As examples, Pastors are to also show how to reverently live as a happily married person. An example of respect for their spouse and children. God's monogamy gives us the salvation of our souls through the forgiveness of our sins. Be thankful for God's one Bride. The Bride of which the baptized have become part. Amen.
Now the overseer must be above reproach.
(1 Timothy 3:2)
Above Reproach What does it mean to be "above reproach"? And why do pastors need this? Actually, all Christians are called to be above reproach. Each of us is called to live the life that Christ has called us to. "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). God has created good works for us to do. Being "above reproach" means doing those works. Being the people God has called us to be so that we don't provide stumbling blocks for our weaker brothers and sisters in the faith. Be above the reproaches and accusations of the world so that your heavenly Father might be glorified in your lives.
Pastors are especially charged in this way because we are set up as examples to the congregation. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Hebrews 13:17). Give praise to God for your pastor and pray for God to keep them above reproach. Amen.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If anyone set his heart on being an overseer,
he desires a noble task.
(1 Timothy 3:1)
Noble Task The office of pastor is definitely a noble task. God puts pastors in charge of large numbers of people and the well-being of their souls. If that's not a noble task, please tell me what is. Think about it for a moment. Your pastor is entrusted and charged with the maintenance of your soul. It doesn't matter whether you saw him last Sunday in church or you've never even met him because it's been so long since you were last in church.
Pastors get the short end of the stick when it comes to reputation. We're the fuddy-duddies or the do-gooders because we're tasked with the proclamation of God's Law and Gospel. We do this because we are overseers. We oversee the health and welfare of the souls God has given us. A very noble, very stressful position.
What can you do about it? Pray for your pastor. And let them know that you're praying for them. They need the encouragement just as much, if not more, than you do. They need to know that their labor is not in vain and that people do actually care for them. Pray that your pastor may remain faithful to their God-given calling. Amen.
But women will be saved through childbearing--
if they continue in faith, love and holiness
with propriety.
(1 Timothy 2:15)
Continue in Holiness Continuing in faith and love we receive holiness. Jesus' holiness and righteousness which hung on the cross for our sins. We receive this as a gift. He takes our sinful stain and gives us the white robe of His righteousness and holiness. The robe that has been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
This holiness is a gift to us just like faith and love. Holiness shapes our lives. After we've come to grips with what Jesus has done for us, we have no choice but to change our lives in conformity to His righteousness and holiness. We live in this world as redeemed and forgiven sinners who seek to praise their Creator and Redeemer. Seek to praise Him in your life today. Amen.
But women will be saved through childbearing--
if they continue in faith, love and holiness
with propriety.
(1 Timothy 2:15)
Continue in Love After continuing in faith, we're to continue in love. Love doesn't form faith. Faith forms loves. "We love because God first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God loved us enough that He sent His Son into the world to redeem the world. To redeem sinful mankind and save us from ourselves. This Son was born through natural childbirth and was Love incarnate.
We continue in love because God is love. By continuing in faith, we continue in love as it is formed by the faith in the Son of God who loved us to death. This is the love with which we're to live our lives and love each other. Being willing to give up our lives, if necessary, for another. Just as Jesus died for us. Amen.
But women will be saved through childbearing--
if they continue in faith, love and holiness
with propriety.
(1 Timothy 2:15)
Continue in Faith Right after the unusual sound bite, Paul goes on to clarify his statement. Not the actual act of giving birth would mean salvation to women. It's the Child who would be born. The Christ who would be born to take away the sins of the world. Israel's Messiah. A sinner's best friend. The act of giving birth doesn't make a woman holy. It's the faith in the one Child born to save the world.
Jesus came to show us how to live the faith and achieve Heaven through His blood. Not that we earn it. We're given it as a gift when His heavenly Father adopted us into His family. St. Paul calls us to continue in the faith that we are in that blessed state right now. To continue to believe that His blood shed for us has taken away all our sins. Amen.
Melanchthon tackles the distinction between Church and State in the last article of the Augsburg Confession. By the time of the Reformation, many of the clergy had also achieved high ranks within the civil government. Is this by divine right? No. I also talk about the place of the wedding ceremony in this distinction.
But women will be saved through childbearing.
(1 Timothy 2:15)
Saved Through Childbearing Now we've come to one of St. Paul most misunderstandable sound bites. Women will be saved by childbearing? Does that mean that a mother with ten or more children is more holy than a woman with only a couple? What does that mean for the woman unable to have children? Does that mean that Nadya Suleman is one of the most holy women in America because she has fourteen children? What about Michelle Duggar and her nineteen?
No. Paul's nowhere near saying anything like that. Duggar, Suleman and any others who have enough kids to form their own football team aren't any holier in God's sight than a woman who has tried for years to have children and for whatever reason hasn't been able to conceive. Think about women like Sarah and Elizabeth. They were both "well advanced in years" (Luke 1:18). They were given very prominent places in God's plan of salvation by the single child they delivered in their old age.
St. Paul is talking about the one childbirth that means more than any of the rest. The birth of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary. This childbirth would bring salvation not only to Mary but to all people because Jesus was born to shed His blood for the forgiveness of everyone's sin. This is the saving childbirth. Not just for women, but for all people. Amen.
For Adam was not the one deceived;
it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
(1 Timothy 2:14)
The Woman Deceived Paul reminds Timothy that Adam was not deceived by the serpent. Eve was deceived. That doesn't excuse Adam for his part in the sin: "She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:6). Both are to blame for their sins, just as each of us are to blame for our sins.
Mankind has been playing the "blame game" ever since the Garden. Adam blamed Eve and God for their sin. Eve blamed the serpent. No one wanted to take blame for their own actions. They were kicked out of the Garden for it.
All people are sinners. There's no way around it. We can't avoid it. But what we can do is own it. Say, "Yes, I did that; but I'm laying it at the foot of Jesus' cross because He died for that sin. Can you forgive me?" Doing that, we're no longer deceived but realize that we're redeemed by Christ the crucified. Amen.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
(1 Timothy 2:13)
Adam Formed First St. Paul proposes what is known as the "order of creation" argument. Adam was formed from the earth before Eve was formed from his rib. Therefore Adam has supremacy over Eve. Many feminists will use similar logic to say that since Eve was formed last that she is the greatest of God's creatures and therefore should have supremacy over Adam. The two sides of this mirror just lash out at each other instead of understanding where each other is coming from.
If you disagree that Adam was formed first, come talk to me. We'll walk through the Genesis account and see where God shows this quite plainly. Now, which one is supposed to have supremacy over the other? I believe that, in the beginning, there was no supremacy. That Adam and Eve were truly equal with each other, as God calls us to be in marriage. They were the ideal marriage until they fell into sin.
The chicken-and-egg scenario never contributes an intelligent answer to any argument. Does it matter which came first? Does it matter whose creation was dependent on who? No. What is important is how God has handed down His revelation to us. This revelation puts the man in charge of the Church's affairs and women as the dutiful listeners. Don't get involved in the political banter between sides. Get involved in God's Word and see what He says about the situation. Amen.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man.
(1 Timothy 2:12)
Assume Authority Women aren't to assume a man's authority. A better word would be usurp. To better understand Paul's statement, we need to look at Judges 4-5. The only female judge listed in the Bible's history was Deborah. She was called to that role by God, but she determined to defer much of her judgments to the mighty men of the armies of Israel.
She commanded Barak, the leader of Israel's army, to go and attack Sisera. The LORD was going to give Israel's enemies into their hand. But Barak refused to go unless Deborah went. Deborah wanted to refuse his request, but she turned it on its head. The army would rout their enemies, but Barak would get no credit for their defeat: "But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman" (Judges 4:9). Sisera died at the hands of a woman named Jael, who drove a tent peg through his skull (Judges 4:21). Barak received no credit because he gave up his authority. He handed it over because he didn't want it anymore.
Deborah didn't use her calling to usurp Barak's authority. She was faithful in her calling to judge Israel and let the LORD deliver them from their enemies. May we all seek to follow her example. Amen.
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
(1 Timothy 2:11)
Learn in Quietness St. Paul sounds harsh when he tells women to learn in quietness and submission. It's not harshness. It's a calling to go with nature. Women are better listeners than men. I'll admit it. That's one reason why men are more suited to be pastors. If you come to us and confess your sins, we're bound by our ordination vows not to divulge them. Not that we'd probably remember what was said anyway.
Think about it. When you have a problem and want to talk it out, who do you go to? Your mom. Your sister. Your best girlfriend. It's almost always a woman who is the answer to the question. Women are better listeners. That's one reason Paul gives that women shouldn't be pastors. Their wonderful, natural role as the quiet listener. Amen.
In this episode of Common Ground, we see that the liturgy plays an important role in the life of the Church. It is the pulse of the Spirit as He moves through the congregation. However, the fact that there is only one Holy Spirit does not mean that there is only one true, pure form of the liturgy. The liturgy is influenced by the culture in which it is prayed, but it also produces a new culture that connects all Christians together.
but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.
(1 Timothy 2:10)
Godliness Paul wraps up his words about women's beauty by reminding us what our clothing is and should be. All who have been baptized have been clothed with Christ's righteousness (Galatians 3:27). A Christian's proper clothing is the good works that God has given him or her to do. This continues the image of the Disney Princesses who are beautiful both inside and outside because their beauty shines from within through the good works they do for others.
Paul says this is what is proper for women and men who profess godliness. Those who want to be like God imitate God. They do the things that He would do. This is Paul's calling to all Christians. Imitate God and thereby be assured of salvation because we are about our Father's business, even as the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:49).
Godliness is being like God. How godly are you? Are you exercising modesty and self-control? Are you professing the need for good works in your life? If you are, praise God for His gifts to you. If not, pray that He might help you to become more godly, to become more like Him. Amen.
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel,
with modesty and self-control,
not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire
(1 Timothy 2:9)
Moderation Paul continues his thought with a call for moderation in how a woman presents herself. Image is everything, but beauty is only skin deep. That's what the world tries to tell our girls as they grow up. It's only the outside that matters. That men want a woman who is voluptuous yet dense. That men are only interested in a woman's outside.
This leads girls to want to be Cinderella. Not the girl who was beautiful inside and out even in the rags as she scrubbed the kitchen floor on her hands and knees. They want the beautiful princess that the Fairy Godmother makes her into. The woman who walks into the room and everyone stares at her.
God doesn't want that. God wants His daughters to be Cinderella before the Fairy Godmother enters. The girl who had a beautiful spirit and didn't need the elegant trappings of those who tried to make themselves look better. God calls for this moderation in all His daughters so that He can give them His blessings. True beauty, as God sees it, is on the inside. Image is nothing. Beauty isn't skin deep. It shines through the skin from the inside. That's the beautiful self-control God calls His children to exercise. Amen.
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel,
with modesty and self-control,
not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire
(1 Timothy 2:9)
Modest Women Now, we get into controversial territory. St. Paul has been taken to task for his words concerning women in the Church for the last century.
When we come to the issue of a woman's role in the Church, many have different interpretations. Many see Paul as being a chauvanist. But the Holy Spirit, through Paul, is trying to break the mold that had been set up among the pagans. Look at all the pagan religions of the ancient world. They had gods and goddesses, but women were still demeaned as little more than property and playthings. Women had great roles in the worship of these gods but only as sex objects to be exploited.
God wanted the women who truly believed in Him not to feel exploited. He wanted to protect them as any father wishes to protect his daughter. God calls for women to adorn themselves modestly so they will not invite exploitation. Not that women are responsible for what men say, do or think about them. But God wants us to live lives of holiness, not giving the opportunity for sin. Being modest, we're reminded of the modesty Christ had when He came down and humbled Himself to become like us, refusing to use His divine power and becoming as helpless as us so that He might save us. Amen.
I desire therefore that the men pray in every place,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing.
(1 Timothy 2:8)
Lifting Holy Hands Paul calls for men everywhere to lift up their hands in worship. Not in wrath or disputing but in holy worship and praise of God. The Bible talks many times about people going to war with each other, people slaying each other, by lifting up their hands against them. Paul says, "None of that. Use your hands for what God gave them to you. Worship Him through praise and prayer."
Paul calls for the raising up of hands as we see in worship when we receive the Lord's forgiveness of our sins. When we receive the Lord's benediction. When we lift our hearts to the Lord in prayer and praise, elevating our thoughts to things above as Jesus has said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Treasure the things that are above. The things in the heavenly places. Then you will find yourself on the path that God has set before you. Amen.
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--
I am telling the truth; I am not lying--
a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(1 Timothy 2:7)
Teacher in Faith and Truth One of the great tasks of preachers is to teach. St. Paul spent so much time in many of the cities where he established churches because he needed to do more than preach. He needed to teach the people. He didn't have a book with a bunch of pre-written sermons they could read off when they came together. He needed to appoint leaders in the congregation. And those leaders needed to be taught to be able to preach for themselves.
That's the great challenge today: getting people to come hear the teaching. Sure, they'll come and hear the sermon, but they're too busy to stay for the Bible class following. It's not that important to them. Some take the faith very seriously and devote the time to make sure they are well-fed both by proclamation and by study.
This year, I've challenged Trinity's members to read the entire Bible. To take a few minutes from their day to be with their Lord in meditation and prayer. To learn from the feet of their Master. I invite you to take up the same challenge. Even though it's March, it's never too late to start. Amen.
The Roman presbyters get to the point of how peace can be restored to the congregation in Corinth.
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--
I am telling the truth; I am not lying--
a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(1 Timothy 2:7)
Appointed St. Paul was appointed to be an Apostle and a preacher. He reminds the Corinthians that he was not sent to baptize. He was sent to preach the Gospel. He didn't preach because he wanted to preach. St. Paul preached because that is what God had appointed for him to do.
God has a plan that covers everything. No. I don't know what it is, not even completely for myself. But I believe that there is a plan. There is something that He has appointed each one of us to do. The problem is finding out what it is.
Today I'm challenging you to prayerfully consider what you are doing with your life today. Is it what God wants you to do with His gift of today? Pray for guidance to live today and every day as He has appointed for you. Amen.
[Christ Jesus] gave Himself as a ransom for all,
the testimony to which was borne at the proper time.
(1 Timothy 2:6)
Ransom for All C.S. Lewis captures the idea of Christ's ransom for all with his character named Ransom in his Space Trilogy. A voice speaks to him, "It is not for nothing that your name is Ransom. My name is also Ransom" (Perelandra). Elwin Ransom's battle with the Un-Man on Perelandra to keep that world from falling into sin echoes Jesus' battle with Satan over your soul.
St. Jude shows us this from the early years of Israel's history: "But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you'" (v9). Michael came to retrieve Moses' body and bury it (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). He didn't just let Satan have it as his own because Moses had been ransomed by Jesus.
Jesus has ransomed you by His death on the cross. He has taken you out from under God's wrath and put you into His loving arms. You have been ransomed by the one whose name is also Ransom. Amen.
How is Jesus' atonement limited among Mormons? What are the three levels of Mormon Heaven?
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus.
(1 Timothy 2:5)
One Mediator As St. Paul continues to discuss the need for prayer for all people, he also reminds us about the one Mediator who prays for us before our heavenly Father. The one Mediator who we know for certain is able to pray for us and bring our petitions before the Father is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One of the arguments in Luther's Reformation was the invocation and prayers to the saints. Luther pointed to this passage as he spoke against the abuses against the Gospel as the saints had been elevated to a greater standing than God.
We have one Mediator. Jesus Himself has invited us to approach Him and bring our petitions to Him. We have no need for any other mediators between us and God. God took care of that when He became flesh and dwelt among us. Amen.
SuperClash 85 September 28, 1985 Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL
Full Card Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvZVgs-t-iKgWXs4BTcphXMfSYs07TlUg
Matches:
AWA World Light Heavyweight Title Match Steve Regal (c) vs Brad Rheingans
AWA World Women's Title Match Candy Divine (c) vs Sherri Martel
IWA World Heavyweight Title Mil Mascaras (c) vs Buddy Roberts
Six-Man Tag Team Match Greg Gagne, Scott Hall & Curt Hennig vs Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel & Larry Zbyszko
NWA World Midget's Title Match Little Tokyo (c) vs Little Mr. T
Asian Six-Man Tag Team Title Match Jumbo Tsuruta, Giant Baba & Genichiro Tenryu (c) vs Harley Race & Long Riders
WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title Match Kerry von Erich (c) vs Jimmy Garvin
NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Title Match Russians (c) vs Crusher, Dick the Bruiser & Baron von Raschke
Body Slam Match for $10,000 Jerry Blackwell vs Kamala
AWA World Tag Team Title Match Road Warriors (c) vs Fabulous Freebirds
AWA America's Title Match Sgt. Slaughter (c) vs Boris Zhukov
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match Ric Flair (c) vs Magnum T.A.
AWA World Heavyweight Title Match Rick Martel (c) vs Stan Hansen
SuperClash II May 2, 1987 Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
Full Card Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvZVgs-t-iKgHli9p_wGFAisq_QRF8E8-
Matches:
Buck Zumhofe vs Sheik Adnan al-Kaissie
D.J. Peterson vs Super Ninja
AWA World Women's Title Match Sherri Martel (c) vs Madusa Miceli
AWA World Heavyweight Title Match Nick Bockwinkel (c) vs Curt Hennig
Six-Man Tag Team Match Midnight Rockers & Ray Stevens vs Buddy Wolfe, Doug Somers & Kevin Kelly
Jerry Blackwell vs Boris Zhokov
Jimmy Snuka & Russ Francis vs Terrorist & Mercenary
SuperClash III December 13, 1988 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL
Full Card Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvZVgs-t-iKjHuFsbJImHWFhZyrD401Dz
Matches:
Six-Man Tag Team Match Guerrero Brothers (Chavo, Mando & Hector) vs Rock 'n' Roll RPMs & Cactus Jack
WCWA World Light Heavyweight Title Match Jeff Jarrett (c) vs Eric Embry
Jimmy Valiant vs Wayne Bloom
WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title Match Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Brickhouse Brown
Mixed Tag Match for AWA Women's Heavyweight Title AND AWA World Tag Team Titles Wendi Richter (Women's) & Top Guns vs Badd Company (Tag) & Madusa Miceli
AWA International TV Title Match Greg Gagne vs Ron Garvin
Nine-Woman Lingerie Battle Royal Featuring The Syrian Terrorist, Bambi, Peggy Lee Leather, Laurie Lynn, Brandi Mae, Malibu, Nina Pocohantas & Luna Vachon
Boot Camp Match Sgt. Slaughter vs Col. DeBeers
WCWA World Tag Team Titles Match Samoan Swat Team (c) vs Michael Hayes & Steve Cox
Indian Strap Match Wahoo McDaniel vs Manny Fernandez
AWA vs WCWA World Heavyweight Title Unification Match Jerry Lawler (AWA) vs Kerry von Erich (WCWA)
Rock & Roll Express vs Stud Stable SuperClash IV April 8, 1990 St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN
Matches:
Jake Milliman vs Todd Becker
Brad Rheingans & D.J. Peterson vs Texas Hangmen
Baron von Raschke vs Col. DeBeers
Tully Blanchard vs Tommy Jammer
John Nord vs Kokina Maximus
AWA World Heavyweight Title Match Masa Saito (c) vs Larry Zbyszko Special Referee: Nick Bockwinkel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaNV7eCe6yY
Trooper & Paul Diamond vs Destruction Crew
How do the Israelites respond to God speaking to them the Ten Commandments from the top of Mount Sinai?
How does God expect us to worship Him?
How does God expect us to honor and support ourselves and our neighbors?
These are all questions that begin to be answered in these chapters!!
Articles of Faith 2 - "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."
What do Mormons teach from this statement?
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Adam's Fall brought death into the world. All mankind is fallen, but God wanted it that way.
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Children cannot sin, nor are they accountable for sins, until they are eight years old.
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The punishment for sin is "endless" torment in Hell, which will be destroyed one day. Many will go into Heaven's "basement" while others will go into the oblivion as the "sons of perdition."
Why are monastic vows so dangerous? Do the Reformers think there is a good place for monasteries in our lives? Would you join a monastery today, after what we've gone through so far with the COVID-19 situation?
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:3-4)
God's Desire God desires that everyone be saved. Throughout the Scriptures, He reminds us, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" (Ezekiel 33:11). God seeks for repentance. He has since Adam and Eve fell in the Garden. He immediately sought to give them forgiveness, but they refused to repent. They failed to see the Truth right in front of them. They had a forgiving, merciful God, but they were afraid because they were naked.
God doesn't want to send anyone to Hell. But God also doesn't want to spend eternity with anyone who doesn't want to be with Him. How pleasant would Heaven be if everyone went to Heaven, including the people who wanted nothing to do with God? It'd be Hell for them because they'd be stuck in Heaven. That's not God's desire.
God's desire is that everyone would come to Him in repentance and receive the forgiveness of sins won by Jesus on the Cross. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. Amen.
Responsive Prayer 2 (Lutheran Service Book p. 295)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
For kings and all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and reverence.
(1 Timothy 2:2)
Quiet and Peaceable Lives In our prayers for all people, we include those who exercise authority over us as President and Vice-President, Congress, Governor, Mayor, Representatives. These people are especially in need of our prayers. They are held responsible for the well-being of our daily lives. A great responsibility for such a few people. A great burden for those few people.
This burden is not taken lightly by anyone. It is a very deliberate undertaking. An undertaking requiring godliness and reverence. An undertaking that seeks God's guidance in their actions. Pray for those who serve you in government. They need to be lifted up to our Father in Heaven for special gifts to complete their vocation. Amen.
Responsive Prayer 2 (Lutheran Service Book p. 295)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
First of all, therefore, I urge that supplications,
prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings
be made for all people.
(1 Timothy 2:1)
Pray for All Paul gives Timothy the rundown for all four types of prayers. Supplications. Earnest desires. Prayers. Speaking to God. Intercessions. Mediations for reconciliation. Thanksgivings. Being thankful for God's blessings.
These prayers he urges to be said for all people. No one is exempt from your prayers. Your spouse. Your parents. Your children. Your best friend. Your worst enemy. It doesn't matter. You're called to pray for everyone.
How hard is it to pray for everyone? For some people, it can be very difficult. That person who cuts you off in traffic. That person driving so slow in front of you. The terrorists who want to kill you because you are who you are. These can be difficult to pray for, but God commands it. Pray for everyone. Everyone needs them. Amen.
We take a brief look at the similarities in the liturgy between the Roman Catholic Missal and the Lutheran hymnals. Why are there so many similarities? What is the biggest difference in our focus on the liturgy?
Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander,
whom I handed over to Satan
that they may learn not to blaspheme.
(1 Timothy 1:19-20)
Delivered to Satan Here are some of Paul's hardest words to handle. He handed people who were supposed to be Christians over to Satan. What kind of psychopath does that! That's giving up completely on them, isn't it? These two men were great antagonists of Paul. They taught that the general resurrection of the dead had already happened (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). That everything was over and there was no more need for the Christian Church. They refused to see the resurrection of the body that the Creed confesses. They went about sowing seed of despair among all who called upon Jesus' name.
Paul handed them over to Satan, in the same way that Judas handed Jesus over to the Jewish leaders. But even for Paul it wasn't a complete rejection and condemnation of these two men. He handed them over to Satan "that they may learn not to blaspheme." He wanted them back in the orthodox faith. He wanted to see them in Heaven on the Last Day. He wanted them to believe properly.
Some times it's best to let people alone in their sins and errors so they can find the way out for themselves. It's not a horrible burden we're putting upon them. It's church discipline in action. They aren't behaving and believing as they should as Christians. Therefore we should not treat them as Christians. They are endangering their own salvation and the salvation of any who fall under their influence. Paul delivered them over to Satan so they would see their sin and repent of them. That's the drive of all discipline, that people may repent. Amen.
Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith
(1 Timothy 1:19)
Shipwrecked Faith Paul knew about shipwrecks. He had been in three of them (2 Corinthians 11:25). He knew what it was like to float on top of the boat's debris throughout the night until you either washed up on shore or another boat found you.
Every time I read this passage, it reminds me of the Titanic. The unsinkable ship found an iceberg that didn't believe the hype. The ship was never able to be used again after the shipwreck. So too, Paul says, of people who shipwreck their faith.
How do you shipwreck your faith? You embrace ideas and beliefs that can't be found in the Bible because they're not there. You shipwreck your faith by believing that what God calls abominations are acceptable. After a while, like the Titanic, your faith is no longer useful to you. It won't be able to help you stand on the Last Day.
Jesus doesn't want you to shipwreck your faith. He wants to carry you in the ark of His Church. He wants you to base your life on the Baptism He gave to you. There you were clothed in His righteousness and given the gift of life everlasting. Amen.
Hear what the LDS Church believes and teaches about the Holy Ghost from Articles of Faith 7 and 2 Nephi 31-33.
Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life Thou givest--to both great and small--
In all life Thou livest, the true Life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish--but naught changes Thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light that hides Thee.
Text: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
by W. Chalmers Smith, 1824-1910 (altered)
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1-2)
However, for this reason I obtained mercy,
that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering,
as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
(1 Timothy 1:16)
Longsuffering Longsuffering is exactly what it sounds like. It's suffering long, enduring the pains of whatever is going on in our lives. Many times that means putting up with people that irritate us. We get irritated so easily. Have you ever wondered how irritated God gets with you? Your constant sinning. Your constant "I promise I'll never do it again." Your constant doing it again.
How irritating are you? Irritating enough that Jesus came to suffer the death you deserve. Irritating enough that even after your Baptism Jesus still forgives your constant sinning. But your level of irritation is overpowered by Jesus' longsuffering.
Jesus became flesh and died to show that there is nothing we sinners can do that will remove us from His graces, as long as we repent. And He'll wait, but don't push the waiting. He has placed a time limit of your life or the end of the world. There will be no more waiting and longsuffering then. The judgment will come and you will receive your reward. Your reward is with Jesus. Will it be the mercy He obtained for you on the Cross? Only if you repent and ask for His forgiveness. Then you will have His everlasting life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 timothy 1-2)
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,
of whom I am the foremost.
(1 Timothy 1:15)
Chief of Sinners Before his conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus was definitely the foremost sinner. He approved of Stephen's stoning (Acts 8:1). He went throughout Palestine, arresting Christians for their faith. It was on one of these trips, to the city of Damascus in Syria, that Jesus called Saul to be the foremost missionary of the first century of the Church Age.
From the foremost sinner to the foremost missionary and theologian. It's a dramatic change, but God is a dramatic God. His drama unfolds as we open the pages of the Bible. We start with a perfect world. Then man sins. For four thousand years, God continued to send promises to man that the sin would be atoned for. Then, "when the fullness of time had come" (Galatians 4:4), God sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
You were once lost, but now you are found in Christ Jesus, who came to save sinners like you. Amen.
The Roman presbyters speak about faithfulness in vocation through the examples of Moses, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Paul. They implore the "headstrong and arrogant" to step down from their usurped authority and reinstate the deposed presbyters.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me
with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
(1 Timothy 1:14)
Abundant Grace Jesus' grace is abundant and overflowing to those who love Him. The abundance of grace comes to us through faith and love. Grace, faith and love are all linked together in Christ. By His grace, we believe. By His grace, we love. Our faithful reaction to Him is governed by His grace. Without His grace, we have nothing.
The most wonderful thing about Jesus is that He doesn't give us just enough. He gives in abundance. He makes our cup overflow, as Psalm 23 reminds us. Jesus pours His grace into our cup and doesn't stop at the brim. His grace continues to pour out upon us. It flows out of our cup and spills out into the lives of our neighbors.
The grace Jesus poured onto St. Paul overflowed his cup and spilled out to all the churches he founded throughout the Empire. His cup overflowed into many others' cups. If it weren't so, we might not be here today as Christian people. Or there might not be that many of us. Jesus' grace has poured out from one believer to another since the beginning of the world. It's a never-ending chain. You are a link in that chain.
What links are attached to you? Don't hinder Jesus' overflowing grace, but allow Him to work through you to bless others. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord,
because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service.
(1 Timothy 1:12)
Trustworthy Paul thanks Jesus because Jesus believe Paul is faithful. Not just believes that Paul is faithful. Jesus makes Paul faithful. Faithful to the point of being considered trustworthy with a great work for the kingdom of God. Jesus sets up people to do His work that He knows will do a great job. How does He know? First of all, He's God. But secondly, He appoints people for specific tasks.
Jesus does this both inside and outside the Church. Inside the Church, Jesus appoints Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so on. Outside the Church, Jesus appoints all those who are in government. While not all in government are morally good, Jesus still appoints them and gives them the tools and the abilities to govern.
What has Jesus appointed for you to do? Every station you find yourself in in this life is what Jesus has appointed you to do: parent, child, caregiver, employer, employee, teacher, student. All these things have great responsibilities attached to them. Take a moment today to pray that God will continue to strengthen you so that you might continue to be faithful and trustworthy in your calling. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
I thank Him who has given me strength,
Christ Jesus our Lord.
(1 Timothy 1:12)
Strengthened Paul is one of the strongest Christians in history. He was the greatest missionary in the first century of the Christian era. He was the Apostle to the Gentiles. It wasn't his own ability and personality that made him so effective. It was Jesus. Jesus strengthened him so he could minister and plant churches throughout the Roman Empire.
Jesus strengthens all Christians through faith. Everyone who calls Jesus Lord receives this strength. But you can only call Jesus Lord through the Holy Spirit dwelling within you (1 Corinthians 12:3). Jesus gives you the strength to withstand the trials and temptations the devil, the world and your sinful flesh. With Jesus' help, you are able to live the life you have been called to live. The Christian life of humble self-sacrifice for God's glory. Humble strength from a God who was willing to humble Himself to save you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just
but for the lawless and disobedient,
(1 Timothy 1:8-9)
The Law is Good Paul reminds us that the Law, as are all of God's gifts, is good. But the Law wasn't given for the righteous. The Law was given for the unrighteous. And Paul lists many of the sinful categories of people for whom the Law was given:
for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.
The Law was given for sinners. The Gospel is given for the saints. And who are the saints? The same people we just mentioned, but they are repentant sinners who seek to avoid these great shames and vices. The Law is given to correct sinners. The Gospel is given to forgive those who repent. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies,
which promote speculations rather than
the stewardship from God that is by faith.
(1 Timothy 1:4)
Genealogies Genealogies are wonderful things. Tracing your family's history back to see where you've come from is a noble task. Family history and pride are part of what makes America a wonderful country in which to live. But genealogies are just for information, not for boasting.
The Jews in Paul's time, and even today, make a big deal about their genealogies. They seek to prove themselves as God's chosen people by linking themselves back to Abraham through one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. They pride themselves and trust in human relationships to be pleasing to God.
But physical relationships cannot save you. Only the spiritual relationship of faith with Jesus can save you. Your ancestors cannot save you. Your ancestors only brought about your sinful nature. Jesus saves you. Amen.
The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 and Luther's Small Catechism. Part 2 coming this weekend with verses 18-25.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies,
which promote speculations rather than
the stewardship from God that is by faith.
(1 Timothy 1:4)
Myths Mythology is a great study in human knowledge and understanding. Mythology belongs to the realm of sociology or philosophy, not religion. Mythology brings about a man-centered perspective of the universe. I'm not discounting the fact that man is the greatest creature in the universe. But everything in the physical and spiritual realms do not revolve around man.
They revolve around God and how He has revealed Himself to man. God's revelation is not in myth, it's in fact and real history. God doesn't deal with "once upon a time". God deals with "now" and "not yet". He deals with His promises to you now, in this life. Promises to deliver you out of your trials and tribulations. He deals with His promises that are "not yet" fully realized. The promises that we won't fully see until we reach Heaven.
Myths provide insight into human thinking and understanding. But God's revelation deals with His truth for you through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia,
remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons
not to teach any different doctrine
(1 Timothy 1:3)
False Doctrine False doctrine is the worst problem Christianity faces today. It's the worst problem Christianity has faced throughout its history. Not all of it is purposeful deception. Sometimes, as in the case of Apollos, it's an honest misunderstanding of the doctrine (Acts 18:24-28). But Paul takes aim at those who purposely spread false doctrine through the Church.
Paul's teachings against false doctrine permeate his writings. Except in Romans, Paul deals with a congregation or individual that has experienced false doctrine in their midst. He also says , "But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8).
Jesus Himself says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). He rules out everything but Himself as the proper way of understanding and getting into Heaven. Paul teaches the same thing. False doctrine leads us astray. Pure doctrine leads us to Jesus and everlasting life. Amen.
What do Mormons think about God? How do they view the Trinity? Is there one God? Or are there many gods? Who are the Heavenly Father and Jesus?
These questions and more answered today!
Original Broadcast: January 2011
Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior
and of Christ Jesus our hope,
To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
(1 Timothy 1:1-2)
Children in Faith Paul begins his Pastoral Epistles with a letter to Timothy, his "true child in the faith." How does one become a child in the faith? That's the easy part. Becoming a child in the faith only takes becoming a disciple. Being taught God's Word.
Why does Paul begin his Pastoral Epistles this way? Because Timothy, as the pastor in Ephesus, has been made the spiritual father of the congregation. That's the role of all pastors. To be a father to the flock that God has given him. As the spiritual father, the pastor has the responsibility of disciplining and encouraging his children. That's what Paul does with Timothy in the two letters he addressed to him. He's disciplining and encouraging his "child in the faith."
May you view your pastor in that role. Listen to him as your spiritual father. Accept his discipline as well as his encouragement for the strengthening of your faith for this life and the life to come. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,
which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
for God gave us a spirit not of fear
but of power and love and self-control.
(2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Spirit of Fear St. Paul tells us that we don't have a spirit of fear, but Isaiah tells us that the Spirit of the fear of the LORD rested upon Jesus and upon us. What is it? Do we have a spirit of fear or not? We have that Spirit of fear, but it's not a fearful spirit. It's a spirit of reverence as we reverently fear God as He calls us to pay Him homage as our Creator, Redeemer and Friend.
Only through the Spirit of the fear of the LORD can we properly worship the LORD. With the proper reverence, we see that this Spirit is the basis for all other facets of the Holy Spirit's gifts. Once we can properly worship and revere our God, will the Spirit's power, knowledge, wisdom and understanding rest upon us. Only through reverence and proper worship may we fan into flame the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
We know that "all of us possess knowledge."
This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.
If anyone imagines that he knows something,
he does not yet know as he ought to know.
(1 Corinthians 8:1-2)
Spirit of Knowledge Knowledge is a great and wonderful blessing, but knowledge can be wrong. We send our children to school to gain knowledge. But even this knowledge is incomplete. We cannot know everything we need from our classes at school. We need another source of knowledge. This more complete knowledge is available only through revelation.
St. Paul reminds us that even those of us with advanced knowledge still don't know as we ought to know. Not unless we have the revelation of the Holy Spirit to guide us into that more complete knowledge. Failure to achieve this knowledge can be devastating for our souls. This knowledge isn't just facts. It's being able to see things as God sees them and react as God would have us react. It's doing things from God's perspective and not our own. The Holy Spirit guides us so that we may know as we ought. Amen.
Can Lutherans fast? Or is that too Roman Catholic? If so, what restrictions does God give us? Is there one prescribed way for everyone? Or can we choose our own way? Melanchthon answers these questions through the last half of article 26 of the Augsburg Confession this week.
Original Broadcast: December 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.
(Micah 3:8)
Spirit of Power The prophets and the Apostles were given the spirit of power in order to do great and mighty works. Many were given the power to do miracles. The spirit of power was not given to everyone, but everyone who has been baptized has been given a powerful Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives many gifts. Your gift might not be powerful signs and wonders like the prophets and Apostles. But you have a very powerful gift in the powerful message that you have been given. A message of repentance that declares your transgressions and sins, but also declares a message of forgiveness of sins. The greatest gift each and every Christian has to give is the power to forgive the sins of those who sin against, as we pray in the Lord's Prayer.
A powerful gift from a powerful Spirit. We can forgive because we have been forgiven. We are a powerful, forgiving people. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
[Jesus said:] "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in My name,
will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
(John 14:26)
Spirit of Counsel Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Counselor. A counselor with whom we can talk and discuss the problems in our lives. Just as a human counselor may help us to see how things in our past have affected us both positively and negatively, the Holy Spirit counsels us with the reassuring, firm Word of God. He reminds us of Jesus' promises of forgiveness and life everlasting through His life and death. Jesus' promise of peace in the words that follow our text: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
The Holy Spirit as Counselor teaches God's Word. He instructs us in the true picture of the world and our place in it. He counsels us not to lose heart but to trust in His promises for our lives. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
In that same hour [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding
and revealed them to little children;
yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will."
(Luke 10:21)
Spirit of Understanding The Holy Spirit is also a spirit of understanding. Wisdom and understanding are two different things. One may have wisdom without understanding. One may also have understanding without wisdom. Wisdom can be seen as common sense, and understanding can be seen as street smarts.
Understanding comes from experience. Wisdom comes from the revelation of instinct. Understanding takes what happens to us in this life and puts the puzzle pieces together into a coherent picture. The Holy Spirit guides us so that we see the proper picture to place the puzzle pieces in the right place.
Without understanding, the picture is incomplete. Without the Holy Spirit, you are incomplete. With the spirit of understanding, you are complete. You are able to know the Father's will. Amen.
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom,
for Moses had laid hands on him.
So the people of Israel obeyed him
and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.
(Deuteronomy 34:9)
Spirit of Wisdom The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of wisdom. The Holy Spirit grants the wisdom of God to each and every person in whom He dwells. Wisdom encourages faith. St. Paul prays that the Ephesians might receive this spiritual gift for the building up of everyone (1:17).
The spirit of wisdom brings understanding and knowledge of things beyond human comprehension. How can Jesus' life and death mean anything for me and my salvation? That's a question we cannot answer without the spirit of wisdom. Wisdom also brings about leadership among believers. We seek wise teachers to help us along our journey through this life and into the next. Wisdom brings people to Christ. And Christ brings people to Heaven. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Decemer 2010
Monthly Theme: God's Spirit
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
(Isaiah 11:2)
Resting Spirit God's Spirit is a resting Spirit. He rests upon those in whom He dwells. At Jesus' Baptism, John the Baptizer bore witness about Jesus, "I saw the Spirit descend from Heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit'" (John 1:32-33). Isaiah's prophecy came true in the Jordan River.
The Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus to show John that He was the long-awaited Messiah. The Holy Spirit rests upon each of us in our Baptism. The Holy Spirit makes each one of us God's child. We have been sealed "with the seal of the living God" as part of Revelation's 144,000 (7:2). Resting upon Jesus, the Holy Spirit fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy. Resting on you, the Holy Spirit guides us to do the same things through faith. Amen.
Here is the Common Ground episode that you have been waiting for. The one I've been dreading. Let's talk about Purgatory. Not only Purgatory but everything that happens after we die. Resurrection, judgment, Heaven and Hell as well. Let's walk through what happens when we die and what we can expect for all eternity.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
think about such things.
(Philippians 4:8)
Good Thoughts As St. Paul finishes up his epistle to the Philippians, he makes sure we understand the type of desires and thoughts we should have. Good thoughts. True. Noble. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable.
These good thoughts should fill our minds. Fill them to the point that we have no room for the evil thoughts that bring about sin. As we fill our minds with thoughts that are pleasing to God, we can become more like God. This is a major reason behind the push to memorize Scripture. The more we fill our minds with God's Word, the more we'll become like God.
This is what all people want. We want to be like God. God wants us to be like Him. That's why He repeats throughout the Scriptures: "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:1). Holiness can only come from holy thoughts. Holy thoughts come from His Word. Study it as you begin your day. Amen.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:4)
Interests Ever since my Pastor Profile was published in the Worthington Daily Globe, I get an occasional ribbing from a parishioner or a colleague about my interests. One of the most recent looked at my professional interests with all the big theological words and then my personal interests of old-school professional wrestling and role-playing games.
These are my interests. I enjoy reading extra-biblical material. I enjoy watching people beat each other up. But my sermons aren't riddled with allusions to these things. As a pastor, I'm bound to make sure that the illustrations I use drive home the point of the sermon. Not to draw attention to myself and alienate those who don't understand the illustrations.
Many times we become too engrossed in our own interests. God calls us to be engrossed in our neighbors' interests so that we may better minister to them. Being better ministers to our neighbors, we show our love for them as we have been loved by God.
Show interest in your neighbors' interests. Jesus showed interest in yours as He came down to save you from your sins. Show the same courtesy to the neighbors for whom Jesus also came. Amen.
March 2020 marks the 190th anniversary of the publication of the Book of Mormon. The main question we must ask ourselves, as we look at our Mormon neighbors, is "Are Mormons Christian?" This series will seek to show that Mormons are definitely not Christian, even though they use a lot of the same terminology that orthodox Christians use.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
(Colossians 3:5)
Idolatry St. Paul sets before us the fruit of our sinful nature. All of it is summarized as idolatry. As the First Commandment serves as the platform where the other nine are built from, the Ninth and Tenth Commandments form a summary of the other eight to remind us that sin begins in the heart. Sin doesn't begin with an external action or word. It begins with an internal thought and desire.
Every sin we commit is a sin of desire. Sins manifest themselves differently, but they all come from internal desires. So every sin is idolatry, not only of action, but of thought. We sin because we think we can be God. We sin when we try to be God. We sin because we are not God.
But God forgives our sins through His Son Jesus Christ. The man who had no evil desires. Who had no idolatry because He was God in the flesh. God who forgives you today. Amen.
[Jesus said:] "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(Luke 12:15)
Possessions Despite what most financial wizards say, you are not the sum of your portfolio. No matter what you have or don't have in your 401(k), your mutual funds, your stocks and bonds. No matter how much you have in your bank accounts. No matter how much you can charge on the credit cards in your purse or wallet. None of this make you you.
You are a creature made by God. Made specifically a certain way. Your own abilities. Your own likes and dislikes. Your own mind. No two of us are alike. God spent His time making each one of us unique. Formed us in our mother's womb.
He has also given us all of our possessions. Everything has been given as a project for stewardship. Our possessions are not given us to help us rate ourselves against our neighbors. They are given us to rate ourselves and our faithfulness to the Lord who gave us life and has offered us the chance at redemption. Amen.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye,
and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
(Genesis 3:6)
Desirable Coveting is a desire. Not a desire to have something LIKE someone else has. It's a desire to have our neighbor's particular thing.
Eve displays this as the serpent convinced her that eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil would make her wise like God. It would give her God's wisdom.
Knowledge is desirable. God wants us to desire knowledge. That's the crux of all the wisdom literature in the Bible. God wouldn't have given us books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes if He didn't want us to seek after wisdom.
He wants us to seek wisdom at His feet. He doesn't want us to take it. He wants to give it. Desire not to take. Desire to receive. Amen.
We continue our reading of 1 Clement as we see the early Church's understanding of the congregation and her need for each and every one of her members. Again, the encouragement is to be around the Word so that we might properly worship our God and bear witness to His glory.
Philemon A reading from St. Paul's epistle to Philemon, verses 8-20:
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you--I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus-- I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother--especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it--to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
The Tenth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.
(Romans 7:8)
Death by Commandment We rightfully relate death to sin. Rightfully so, but what about sin's relationship to God's commandments? Of course sin is the breaking of the commandments. But St. Paul regards the common frailty of humanity in the seventh chapter of his epistle to Rome. Whenever he wants to do good, evil is always there. He never seems to get ahead.
He goes on to say, "The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me" (v10). Trying to fulfill the commandments proves to be death to everyone. We try to keep the commandments, but we see that we continue falling short. But that's why Jesus came.
He kept the Law completely and perfectly. He did it for you because you cannot do it yourself. He gives you His righteousness. He came to make you righteous so that you might enter His kingdom and spend eternity in Heaven.
He took away your sin. He took away your death. He gives you life and immortality through faith. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
(Philippians 4:11)
No Matter What No matter what I'm content, Paul says. Whatever the circumstances. What circumstances could St. Paul possibly have had?
He writes to the Corinthians, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move" (2 Corinthians 11:23-25).
How many of these can you say are places where you can be content? in which of these circumstances can you find contentment? Without Christ, it's impossible. With Christ, all things are possible. St. Paul was in Christ. You are in Christ. You can be content no matter what. You are the only one standing in contentment's way. It's your attitude. Adopt Christ's attitude, as St. Paul did, and learn to be content always. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean.
(Matthew 15:19-20)
Evil Thoughts In discussing cleanness and uncleanness, Jesus drives right to the heart of the matter. He goes to the heart. The seat of the passions. Where everything has its beginning. Jesus begins His litany of sins against the Second Table with "evil thoughts." Every action begins as a thought. Sin is conceived in thought. St. James says, "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (1:15).
Jesus came to die to save us even from our thoughts. His first word from the cross shows this: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). They don't know. They're not thinking straight. Their thoughts deceive them.
Do not be deceived. Jesus loves you and has rescued you even from your most evil thoughts. Praise Him for that today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
Keep your lives from the love of money and be content with what you have,
because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)
Never Left, Never Forsaken Here is the true essence of contentment: God's promise. He has promised us through Moses that He will never leave nor forsake us. He will always be there for us.
Be content with what you have. You have God involved and concerned about your life. He is so involved and so concerned that He came into the flesh to endure life as we know it. He lived your life. He died your death. He opened your grave with His resurrection.
He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. What more can you want? Everything else we strive for in this life is trivial compared to this assurance of everlasting life. St. Paul takes this tact as he writes the text for our next devotion: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11). Amen.
On this Ash Wednesday, we are Digging Deeper into Exodus 18-19 as the Israelites get to Mount Sinai and part of Israelite governance is established as well.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
(1 Timothy 6:10)
For the Love of Money In 1973, the O'Jays released the song "For the Love of Money" that has become better known as the theme song for Donald Trump's "The Apprentice". The song describes the depths of evil that people will commit just for money. Through the song, "Money is the root of all evil / do funny things to some people" repeats.
Money does do strange things to people. For many, it's seen as the solution to all their problems. The one thing money will NOT DO is solve your problems. The only thing that will solve your problems is Jesus Christ.
Your problems are caused by sin. The only solution to sin is Jesus Christ. You cannot redeem yourself. You can only be redeemed by Jesus' blood shed on the cross. You cannot purchase it. It is a free gift that a loving Savior hands out to all who believe in Him. Your loving Savior's arms are outstretched to you this morning. Will you not run into His loving embrace? Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(1 Timothy 6:6)
Contentment The commandments on coveting rest securely on the idea of contentment. Contentment is "a resting or satisfaction of mind without disquiet" (Webster's Dictionary).
Being content, being satisfied with our position in life, is the greatest gain we can have. The happiest people in this world may not have the greatest clothes, the greatest car, the greatest house. But they are content with what they have. They are satisfied with their life, their work and their relationships.
Are you one of them? If not, can you be? Absolutely. We have everything we need through God's calling us to be His children. We have the promise of everlasting life. Paradise is waiting for us. With these things being ours in Jesus Christ, how can you not be content with your position in life? Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
Naboth's Vineyard This morning's reading is simply a reading of 1 Kings 21:11-16:
So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth has cursed both God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead." When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.
Original Broadcast: September 2010
Monthly Theme: Ninth Commandment
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
(SC I, 17-18)
Ninth Commandment The final two commandments prove to us that sin is not just an external action. The commandments on coveting show us that internal thoughts, plots and strategies are also under divine scrutiny for their sinfulness.
The final two commandments underlie our confession when we say to God, "I have sinned against you in thought, word and deed." They bring us the understanding Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount as He expands the Law from only external actions to thoughts about the actions as well.
But God does not want to condemn us because of our thoughts. He sent Jesus to remind us of these commandments as He also taught us about the salvation that He brings. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
Love covers a multitude of sins.
(1 Peter 4:8)
Love Covers St. Peter echoes St. Paul's words to the Romans: "For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ" (5:15-17).
Love truly covers a multitude of sins. Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3. We don't see Jesus coming to die for their sins in Genesis 4. In fact, it is more than four thousand years later. Many others sinned between Adam and Jesus. But Jesus' love covers all of the sins from Adam's sin in the Garden to the last sin committed right before Jesus returns on the Last Day.
Jesus' love covers your sins. That's God's true Word for you. May you find His comfort in it today. Amen.
What effect does adding a few traditions and customs make to a congregation or the Church as a whole? Not much unless you make them mandatory. The medieval Roman Church had done just that. This week, Melanchthon discusses three ways in which this insistence on traditions and customs as being necessary for salvation caused great damage to the Church and to individual consciences as well.
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
If your brother sins against you,
go and show him his fault,
just between the two of you.
(Matthew 18:15)
Show Fault Here we have the Eighth Commandment in action. This is the first verse of the major text concerning church discipline. But, moreover, it is the way Christians should communicate with each other when they sin against each other. When someone sins against you, don't spread it around town. You wouldn't want them to do that with your sins, would you?
Sins are to be handled one-on-one. When you sin, you should go to the one whom you have sinned against to receive forgiveness. Since every sin is a sin against God, you may also seek Absolution from Him. But don't just seek forgiveness from Him. Although your sins may be forgiven by God, your relationship with your neighbor still needs to be repaired. You cannot go about your life as if everything is ok if you have not been reconciled with the neighbor you've sinned against.
As God has forgiven you, so also you should forgive those who come to you and ask it. Jesus reminds us, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" and, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 6:14-15; 7:12).
Ask and you will receive. Jesus wishes to give you His forgiveness. So do those who you have sinned against who are true believers in Christ. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
(1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). God's love protects us from harm so that we don't suffer from everlasting death. We receive everlasting life because of Jesus' protecting love for us.
Jesus' protecting love leads us to trust His Word. He has never lied to us. His Word always does what it says. We receive what He has promised.
That leads to the hope of the future blessings. We're told that we are citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). But we live in this world that is so against Jesus. We hope for the day when we will realize all the great promises Jesus has given us.
This hope helps us persevere through the struggles of this life. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). God's love gives us all these things and holds us in His hands so that we need not worry about anything. God has provided all these things for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
Each of you must put off falsehood
and speak truthfully to his neighbor,
for we are all members of one body.
(Ephesians 4:25)
One Body As members of the same body of Christ, Christians need to get along with each other. We cannot have unity in the body of Christ if we are continually conflicting with each other. Conflict is so easily accomplished by spreading falsehood. Falsehood among God's people is the greatest problem we have in relating to each other in Christ's love.
Honesty is stressed through the commandments because falsehood is the complete opposite of God, who is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). As we are members of Jesus' body, we are part of His Truth. Truth and falsehood cannot stand next to each other. One must give way to the other.
Jesus is the Truth. As Jesus' body, we're called to stand on the Truth. His Word says what it means. His Word is the firm foundation for our lives. We stand together under His Word so that we might stand before Him throughout all eternity. Amen.
This is a previous version of the sermon being preached this morning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley, MN.
Liturgical Date: Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns: #496, "Holy Spirit, Light Divine"
394, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
645, "Built on the Rock"
553, "O Christ, Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire"
650, "Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling"
707, "Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways"
Sermon Theme: Life and Death, Blessing and Curse
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus
that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.
At last two came forward and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'"
And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make?
What is it that these men testify against you?"
But Jesus remained silent.
(Matthew 26:59-61)
Jesus' Trial Jesus refused to answer the false accusations. There was no reason to answer. His words would continue to be twisted. His words of comfort were turned into words of condemnation. Jesus prophesied His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. However, the Sanhedrin wasn't able to understand. They didn't want to understand.
But you, dear Christian, can understand. You have the Holy Spirit, who allows you to understand Jesus' words. Jesus proclaimed His Word so that you might know the forgiveness of sins that He gives to you. Such wonderful words need not be twisted. They should be taken as He spoke them. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate.
And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment,
Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?"
And when he said, "Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,"
Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right,
but there is no man designated by the king to hear you."
Then Absalom would say, "Oh that I were judge in the land!
Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice."
And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him,
he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment.
So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
(2 Samuel 15:1-6)
Absalom Absalom stole the hearts of his father's servants away from them. He did it by bad-mouthing his father, King David. It didn't take much after that to physically take over the kingdom, once he'd lied his way into the hearts of the common people.
Jesus doesn't work that way. He doesn't sneak into your heart. He pounds on the door with the powerful knock of His Word. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and He with me" (Revelation 3:20).
A king truly worthy of believing. A king who can raise Himself from the dead. A king who promises you everlasting life. Amen.
There is much in common between Lutherans and Roman Catholics on the doctrine of the forgiveness of sins. This is just a brief summary. There will be more to come once we get into the Sacraments in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
If anyone has material possession and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him,
how can the love of God be in him?
(1 John 3:17)
No Pity God is love. Everyone agrees about that. No one wants to live in a world where God is hate. That would have Mars, Ares, Thor and Odin running things. Then again, hate isn't the true opposite of love.
Apathy is the true opposite of love. Having no passions, no pity whatsoever. That would be having Allah rule everything. Allah, according to the Qu'ran, is a true god of apathy. Allah controls everything--good and bad--for his own purposes. The Qu'ran goes on to say that eternal salvation is completely and totally up to Allah. Even the best and most faithful Muslim can find himself in Hell if Allah chooses to put him there. Who wants that kind of god?
Thanks be to God that we have a God who loves us. One who doesn't leave our salvation in doubt until the Last Day. He sent us the assurance of our salvation in this life through His Son. Everyone who believes in Jesus has the assurance NOW that they have the forgiveness of sins. There are no questions about it. Everything is done by Him. Thanks be to God for His mercy. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Bless Our Native Land"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 150-157
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, Interpretation of Romans
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:4)
Look to Others While teaching a fourth grade religion class during seminary, I was introduced to a nice little acronym about the Christian life: GOY. God, Others, Yourself. The proper order of priorities. We look to God. Then we look to others. Then we look to ourselves.
How often we fail to do such a little thing! We want to look out for number one. That's the only way we feel that anything useful gets accomplished. After all, the old saying goes, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
How old is that saying? Even older than the earth. Literally. God would have to save humanity. He would have to die. No one else could do it. Despite the promises of the Law, we cannot fulfill them perfectly. He has to save us by becoming one of us and giving His life for all of humanity. He had to do it Himself, but He was always looking out for your benefit. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
[Judas] said this, not because he cared for the poor,
but because he was a thief,
and having charge of the moneybag
he used to help himself to what was put into it.
(John 12:6)
Judas Talk about stealing from God! Judas was a thief. He was known to be a thief, but Jesus still entrusted him with taking care of the books. Judas knew EXACTLY how much was in Jesus' treasury at any given time. He counted all the contributions. He kept the books. He skimmed off the top.
Is it any wonder that he betrayed Jesus? There wasn't much to trust, but Jesus put him into a place of authority among His Apostles. It just goes to show what Jesus tried to tell everyone while He was on earth: "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
Jesus uses sinners to bring people to Him. He's doing that right now. This sinner, on the other side of the microphone from you, has been called by God to bring the Gospel of repentance to you. To bring you to the cross of Jesus Christ. To bring you the forgiveness of your sins. Amen.
Zaccheus stood and said to the Lord,
"Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.
And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."
(Luke 19:8)
Zaccheus Zaccheus was a wee little man. We know the song. We learned it as kids going through Sunday School. But what more do we see about Zaccheus other than his short stature?
He was a tax collector in Jericho. He was very rich, as many tax collectors were. He had extorted more than what he was authorized. He admits as much when he promises to repay fourfold, echoing King David's words after he heard Nathan the prophet's parable about Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:6). This repayment was in line with the Mosaic law (Exodus 22:1).
Jesus forgives Zaccheus all of his sins. But does Jesus say that he doesn't have to pay the people back? No. That promise was made by a forgiven sinner in sheer gratitude for all that Jesus had done in forgiving his sins. Salvation came to Zaccheus' house because of his repentance. Salvation came through Jesus Christ. He is your salvation too. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel.
This is what I have done:
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia,
two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels,
I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."
(Joshua 7:20-21)
Achan Achan's sin was twofold. He coveted and then he stole. He stole just a few things from the destruction of Jericho. It was stealing because God had commanded that everything in Jericho be destroyed and burned except Rahab and her family. It was such a little thing, but it caused great calamity.
Israel was defeated by Ai because of Achan's actions. A little action but BIG repercussions. It goes to show that there are no "little sins" in God's eyes. Every sin leads to condemnation in the pit of Hell (James 2:10). Israel suffered physically because of Achan's sin, but the suffering wasn't over. Although he was stoned to death as the temporal punishment, he had repented of his sin. Jesus died for his sin and your sins. Amen.
The Roman presbyters continue to encourage the congregation at Corinth to return to the ways that Paul had taught them through the Scriptures. Most especially, they encourage them to do the good works God has given them to do instead of continuing with the internal struggle between the "headstrong and arrogant" party and the deposed presbyters.
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously.
(Psalm 37:21)
Generous Probably the greatest form of stealing in the world is the lack of generosity. This especially comes in hard economic times when we see the need to account for every penny. It's hard to be generous when there always seems to be more bill at the end of our pay check.
But God calls us to be generous. Jesus tells us, "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). As stewards of God's blessings in this world, He charges us to share them where we see need. This is the essence behind Big Weld's motto in the movie Robots: "See a need, fill a need."
What we have is not ours. We're only managers of what has been given to us. May we be as generous with our material blessings as our heavenly Father has been with our spiritual blessings. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Oh, Blest the House"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 105-111
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4
Commentary: Ambrosiaster, Ephesians 6.5.1
Original Broadcast: July 2010
Monthly Theme: Seventh Commandment
[Jesus said:] "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
(Matthew 7:12)
From God We use this passage all the time to talk about how we should treat each other. But we seldom use it to see how we should treat God. Why is that? This month I want to talk to the thieves. Today, I want to talk specifically to those who steal from God.
How do you steal from God? Breaking His commandments. Showing Him no regard whatsoever. Making Him take a back seat to everything else in your life.
This is the biggest problem in millions of congregations throughout the country. People who want nothing to do with God except to be seen as being attached to a particular congregation. They steal God's glory by profaning His name by their lives. They want to be called Christians, but they won't come into Christ's assembly except for "special occasions."
How would you feel on Judgment Day if God said, "You wanted nothing to do with Me during your earthly life. I want nothing to do with you for eternity." This is exactly what Jesus means when He says, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).
I'm begging you. "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (Joel 2:13). Return and repent of stealing His glory. He has promised to forgive you, but you must do it while there is still time. On Judgment Day, there will be no second chance. Return to Him where He wants His people to assemble. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
Let marriage be held in honor among all,
and let the marriage bed be undefiled,
for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
(Hebrews 13:4)
Honor Marriage The commandment against adultery speaks very highly of marriage. Unfortunately, we live in a world that speaks so dispicably about marriage. Think about what's portrayed on television for our children every day. Marriage is seen as boring and dull. Promiscuity is seen as the exciting road that leads to all the pleasures that you could ever want. But the Bible says that all these pleasures have been reserved for marriage.
The world tells us, "Sex sells." That it does, but what does it sell? Empty promises. False hope. Deeper despair when the high wears off.
What does marriage bring? Promises fulfilled through reliance on each other. Hope for life knowing the ongoing love of a spouse. Deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. Which would you rather have? Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain sing as I am.
But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.
For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(1 Corinthians 7:8-9)
Better to Marry St. Paul puts forward a strong defense for staying single and celibate throughout life. For those, like him, who were called to deliver the Gospel, they had fewer strings to tie them down. They didn't have to worry about leaving behind a wife or husband. They didn't have to worry about what might happen to their children if something happened to them.
But Paul also realizes that this is not possible for everyone. There are some who simply cannot survive on their own. They need to marry for their own sanity. It is far better to marry than to burn with lustful passions. Marriage is the appropriate place for those passions to reside and be fulfilled.
Jesus says, "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into Hell" (Matthew 5:29). Marriage is necessary and God-pleasing. If you're married, thank God for your spouse. If you're widowed, thank God for all the blessings that he gave you and your spouse during your time together. If you're not married yet, pray that God will provide you a faithful spouse. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity,
to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie
and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.
(Romans 1:24-25)
Bad Trade Throughout history there have been some terrible trades that have bothered the traders for a long time afterwards. The Boston Red Sox traded away Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. For eighty-six years the once dominant Red Sox couldn't win a World Series. The Curse of the Bambino was powerful.
Listen to the even worse trade involved in homosexuality: "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. ... Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them" (vv26-32).
Homosexuality is a bad trade that needs not be made. But God has forgiveness for those who acknowledge God and repent of these sins. Amen.
Through 2020 and 2021, the WrestlExtravaganza segments will go through major series of supercards through the 80s and 90s.
World Class Championship Wrestling held "Star Wars" supercards between 1981 and 1987. I go through each of the twenty-one cards in this series with the major matches that defined WCCW as a territory and the "Golden Age of Pro Wrestling".
The biggest matches from these cards can still be found on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbZ5GPMd7GU
Christmas Star Wars 1982 - World Heavyweight champion Ric Flair vs Kerry von Erich in a steel cage match with Michael Hayes as a special second referee. This is the match where Kerry's head is slammed in the cage door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXOcFrhtNN8
Thanksgiving Star Wars 1985 - American Tag Team Title Cage Match: Gino Hernandez & Chris Adams vs Kerry & Kevin von Erich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hlUghr1Anw
Christmas Star Wars 1987 - The final nail in WCCW's coffin - Fritz von Erich's heart attack angle
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
[Jesus said:] "Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."
(Matthew 19:9)
Adultery Immediately following Jesus' injunction that God frowns on divorce, He gives the one true grounds for divorce: sexual immorality. The breaking of the marital bond by one or both spouses is the only reason Jesus gives for the dissolution of marriage.
Jesus points us back through the entire Old Testament. God continually calls Himself Israel's Bridegroom. The Bridegroom of an adulterous wife. The covenant of God's marriage to Israel was broken many times throughout history. And Israel didn't care. So God divorced her and sent her into exile in Babylon. He took her back, but she prostituted herself again with the peoples around her.
He took her back again through the birth of their son Jesus. But she would not accept Him. The divorce became final once again. Israel wanted to play the harlot. God let her go and married to Himself a faithful Bride: all those who believe in Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Christ Sits at God's Right Hand"
Small Catechism: Third Commandment
Large Catechism: I 79-86
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 19.4-5
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
[Jesus said:] "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
(Matthew 19:6)
Put Asunder Jesus answers the question about no-fault divorce with these words. He was asked flat out, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" (v3). Jesus responds that it's not lawful to divorce. Divorce is not within God's plan. Divorce was only granted "because of the hardness of your heart" (v8).
Why is the human heart so hard? If you're married, you're married to a sinner. If you're dating, you're dating a sinner. We are surrounded by sinners throughout our lives. We're stuck with sinners everywhere we turn.
In the marriage rite, God joins two sinners together. God joins the marriage partners together. Who dares to break up something that God has put together? Both sinners involved in the marriage. We strive against our spouses from time to time. We strive against God for giving us this spouse from time to time. God wants marriages to stay together. Marriage is until death parts the couple. That's God's bottom line. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
(Genesis 2:24-25)
One Flesh Through the sexual union, the two involved become one flesh. The sexual union brings a physical, emotional and spiritual bond between the two involved. Many have used this to show that the sexual union is tantamount to marriage in both theological and psychological arenas.
The opening chapters of the Bible show that men and women were created to search out spouses of the opposite sex and become one flesh with them. This comes most clearly from God's own words, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28).
Only the union of a man and a woman can be fruitful. Why do so many people not understand? Why don't they see God's hand in this design? We're a fallen race. One of the many things we have to repent of is our sins against God's gift of marriage. If you are guilty of one of these sins, repent, receive God's forgiveness and live as God wants you to live. Amen.
Original Broadcast: June 2010
Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone;
I will make him a helper fit for him."
(Genesis 2:18)
Not Alone The one thing God said that wasn't good was that Adam was alone. God had brought all the animals before him to name. None were a suitable match for him. None to help him fulfill the "Be fruitful and multiply" directive.
A lonely world. A world that wasn't good yet. An incomplete world.
God made Eve for Adam. Eve filled the gap in Adam's world. Eve completed Adam. It was now very good. Creation wasn't perfect until man and woman were together. Creation is ruined when you try to separate the two. This month we'll discuss the attempts to separate the two. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
(1 John 3:15)
Longing Hatred "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer," St. John says. This hatred is an extension of the anger that sits very deep in the heart. This was the hatred that Cain had over Abel because God accepted Abel's sacrifice. This was the hatred that Esau had when Jacob stole the blessing that was rightfully his. This was the hatred that brought about the great persecution of the disciples because of Jesus' teachings.
This hatred is the seed which Satan plants into our hearts to distance us from other people. To keep us from loving one another as Jesus has called us to do. As we've seen through the series on this commandment, there truly is no life within a murderer because murderers do not love. And life only comes through love because God is love. Let us set aside the hatred that Satan poisons our lives with.
"By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (v16). Let us lay aside everything, even our own lives, so that our brothers and sisters may know the love of Christ. Amen.
God gave Israel four miraculous provisions in the first month of their Wilderness Wanderings:
-
Bitter water made sweet
-
Manna, bread from Heaven, in the morning
-
Quail in the evening
-
Water from the rock
After all these provisions, many of which follow after the Israelites throughout their Wanderings, God brings them into their first battle against the Amalekites. All these things show us that God provides for us in the midst of our worst moments, in the midst of our complaining. Not because we are so wonderful. Because He is so gracious.
Original Broadcast: May 2010 Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Substances Substance abuse is one of the breakings of the commandment against murder that people tend to overlook until it happens to someone close to them. What do you tend to say to someone close to you that's abusing drugs or alcohol? "You're killing yourself!" Drugs and alcohol have the ability to alter a person's perceptions of the world around them. They can contaminate body and spirit. They can further harm these precious gifts until they give out. This doesn't mean that we cannot use these. Many of these things are gifts from God our Father to help us live better in this fallen world. Today, the big drug problem is prescription drugs--drugs that were developed to control the effects of various diseases that rage through our bodies. They were merciful gifts given by our Creator to help us. But we fallen human beings tend to abuse all of God's merciful gifts. These gifts have been given for our benefit as they can be when they are used properly. Let us strive to properly use ALL the gifts that God has given to us. We can then work to purify ourselves by not contaminating our body and spirit. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Great Redeemer"
Small Catechism: Second Commandment
Large Catechism: I 51-56
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, On Jeremiah 5.23.5-6
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
Then [Jesus] said to His disciples, "Therefore I tell you do, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ...
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"
(Luke 12:22-25)
"Worry Not" Many people worry about their lives. Some even worry to death about their lives. But Jesus reminds us of a few things in His comments to His disciples in Luke's 12th chapter. God is in control. We are not. We might not understand His reasons, but He has promised to see us through.
Unfortunately, some do not take this encouragement from our Lord. They decide to take their own life instead. The struggles and troubles of this world become too much for them. They despair that they aren't doing a good enough job with their life. They forget what God teaches us in His Word.
Suicide is considered by many to be one of the (if not the only) unforgivable sin. Suicide takes our focus away from God and turns it completely upon the self. Suicides see God as having let go of the wheel of their life and said He didn't care about them anymore.
Jesus says just the opposite. When the world seems out of control, it's not that God has lost control. The devil has simply made himself more visible in your life. And it's an honor to have him turn his attention towards you. Jesus told Simon Peter, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:31-32).
Jesus prophesied Peter's denials of Jesus and also His restoration on the beach after Jesus' resurrection. Peter needed not worry about His stumbles. He knew his Savior. He knew where he could find forgiveness of sins. You have the same source. Jesus Christ waits for you to cast your cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He will give your soul rest. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
[Jesus said:] "I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
(Matthew 5:22)
Keep Not Angry Jesus had just begun His Sermon on the Mount. Having gone through the Beattitudes, He started to clarify the Law for His hearers. "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you whoever is angry with his brother WITHOUT A CAUSE shall be in danger of the judgment" (vv21-22).
Jesus comes and lifts the Law off the page. He says don't look just at the letter of the Law. Look to the Spirit behind the Law. It's not just the outward act of murder that is bad. It's the internal anger that leads a person to want to murder his neighbor. The outward act is the visible manifestation of the piling up of the inner anger towards another. The first angry thought is just as sinful as the murderous act.
With this in mind, we see how this is probably the commandment that we break the most. How often we get angry with people for little things. Shoot! How often we get angry with the computer sitting in front of us because it didn't do what we wanted it to do! We're angry people. It's our nature. But we pray that God forgives us our anger as it does just as much damage to the person we're angry against as if we had killed them.
Let us always continue to pray that the Lord will strengthen us so that we will not succumb to our natural inclinations toward anger. Keep not anger in your heart. Let God's love flow through you to everyone around you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart.
(Jeremiah 1:5)
In the Womb Jeremiah claims to have an "unusual" birth. A birth like that of Samson, John the Baptizer and Jesus. One where there was a distinct mission for the child that was to be conceived and born. Jeremiah says that God called him from his mother's womb to be a prophet.
This point goes so far in the understanding of life and its origins. Conception begins life. God has plans for people even when they are in the womb. God doesn't give missions and plans to inanimate objects. God doesn't have a plan for the animals of the world. God has plans for human beings.
Even before conception, God made these plans. What could God's plan be for your child if you're pregnant? What could God's plan be for the child you're trying to conceive? We'll only know when they are allowed to be born and to explore their God-given gifts through life in His world.
God doesn't wait until birth to count the child as precious. Neither should we. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
(Proverbs 31:8)
Euthanasia Who cannot speak up for themselves? Those who don't understand their plight. Their mental capability has been diminished either due to age and disease or to genetic defect. They don't understand and it's not their fault.
But there are those who believe that because they cannot understand their plight they don't deserve to take up valuable resources within the healthcare industry. They don't make a contribution to society so they're useless.
There is not a useless person in God's sight. If there were, Jesus would not have come to earth to save the world. John 3:16 would instead read, "For God so loved the useful that He gave His only Son so that whosoever useful believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Thanks be to God that we have a Savior who came to the earth specifically for the useless. To redeem us and give us everlasting life despite the fact that we are completely useless and destitute in our own salvation. Christ came not to shun those who have been labeled "useless." He came to call the "useless" to Himself as He did with the tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners of Judea and Galilee. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2010
Monthly Theme: Fifth Commandment
[God said:] "Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in His own image."
(Genesis 9:6)
Killing After the Flood, God gave the directive to Noah and to all his descendants that murder is not acceptable in His sight. Man was made in God's own image. Killing someone else can be seen as an acting out on our part a desire to kill God. Each and every human being has been created by God in the womb and should be cherished above all things in this world.
As we look at different foci of this commandment, let us all see that the greatest gift that God gives to us--aside from salvation--is life. Amen.
Private Confession and Absolution is NOT just an item, a relic, of the Roman Catholic Church. It is a treasured possession of the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church which has been given away because of previous abuses. It is every Christian's right to be able to come and confess their sins to their brother or sister in Christ and hear the wonderful words of the Absolution, the forgiveness of all their sins by Jesus shedding His blood on the cross.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Small Catechism: First Commandment
Large Catechism: I 26-27
Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9
Commentary: Bede, Homilies on the Gospels 2.18
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
[Jesus said:] "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's,
and to God the things that are God's"
(Matthew 22:21)
"Render Unto Caesar" Jesus was asked what was supposed to be an impossible question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (v17) If He says, "Yes," the Pharisees and the Herodians would decry Him as an enemy of Israel and have Him put to death. If He says, "No," they would turn Him over to Pilate to have Him executed as an enemy of the state.
No-win scenario? Not with Jesus. Jesus answers the question the only way it should be answered. Taking a denarius, He asked, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They are forced to answer, "Caesar's." If you use Caesar's money, you must pay the taxes he determines. That's being a good citizen and steward of the government that God has given you.
We must always remember that everything we have truly comes from God. The government is one of the many agencies he uses to provide these blessings. Is it lawful for the government to impose some sort of repayment for this service? Absolutely. God set that apart a long time ago with the sacrifices. The priests provided for their families through what God had given to them through the sacrifices. Taxes are inevitable. But we should look at them as a way we can praise God for the gift of the government He has given to us. Amen.
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
(Galatians 6:6)
Share One of the great benefits of the Office of the Holy Ministry is the fatherhood given to those who occupy it. The preaching and teaching tasks of the ministry do offer the position of spiritual father to those who are taught. This is why there is such a need to be in public Bible study. The give and take between teacher and student makes Bible study so beneficial for everyone.
In a public Bible study, we share our experiences, our understanding, our knowledge, our struggles and our hardships. We help each other better understand things with this sharing. This is St. Paul's exhortation to the Galatians. The desire to share how God has led us through our lives as we study His Word. We look at the "lamp to our feet and a light for our path" (Psalm 119:105) as it casts light upon where we've been and where we're going.
Mutual sharing of experiences opens new doors of possibilities for everyone. As Jesus tells the church in Philadelphia: "I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut" (Revelation 3:8). These public Bible studies are those open doors that God sets before you. It's your choice whether you walk through or not. I invite you to walk through our open doors any Sunday and Wednesday mornings. Amen.
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
(Proverbs 23:22)
Listen Solomon gives a good reason why we should honor our father and mother. They're the reason we're here. Without our parents, we wouldn't have been born. Without our father and mother coming together, we would not exist. But it isn't just because they gave you life. It's because they continue to be there as an influence throughout your life.
For good or for ill, your parents do play a significant role in your development as a child and into adulthood. Many children say, "I'm never going to be like them!" growing up. But what happens when they're in their thirties and they have children of their own? They're just like their mother or father. Why? The influence that parents have over children.
If this is so among human parents, how much more should it be for our heavenly father? How much more He should influence and affect our lives through His Word. Have you been influenced by Him today? "Listen to your Father who gave you life" and you will be blessed. Amen.
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:1-4)
Children The heart of this commandment is family life. Parents and children regarding each other in the way that God established them in their vocations. Children are to obey their parents as the first of their God-given authorities. Parents are the first role models. The family is where we learn how society works. Children are to learn from their parents.
On the flip side, parents are to teach their children properly. Parents are to instruct their children in what is expected of them and hold the children accountable when their fail in their responsibilities.
After all, that's how we naturally view our heavenly Father. We see the need to uphold our end of the bargain or else He's going to send us to Hell for failing to keep His Law. Thanks be to God that He isn't such a harsh Father. He's a forgiving Father, forgiving us every time we repent of our failures and throw ourselves upon His mercy.
The promise still applies. Honoring the authority figures God has placed in your life will grant you long life--eternal life--with Him in Heaven. Amen.
How do we find Common Ground with Roman Catholics on the idea of the "communion of saints"? Is it a focus on holy things or holy people? And how does the Blessed Virgin Mary figure into all this? We focus on these questions this week on Wrestling with Theology.
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God,
and those that exist have been instituted by God.
(Romans 13:1)
Authorities St. Paul lived in one of the greatest times of peace in human history. The Pax Romana held sway in the Roman Empire from 27BC to 180AD. There was a great peace for Roman citizens and imperial cities. St. Paul is writing to the Christians in the capital city. These Christians lived right in the heart of the Empire. They experienced the greatness of the Pax Romana.
Paul is writing to a church that would be forced from their homes a decade later by the very governing authorities to which they were to be subject. These Christians would later be tortured and burned by Emperor Nero for their faith. How can Paul write these words and expect Christians to abide by them when the government turns against them?
We have the same thing throughout the world today. In Communist and Muslim countries, Christians are persecuted and martyred for professing the Christian faith. But these same Christians believe Paul words, "those that exist have been instituted by God." But it's just one of the great tragedies of our fallen world. They pray, as we do, that God will cause these nations to embrace His Word and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Those who suffer glory in their sufferings, knowing that Heaven waits for them after death. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"
Small Catechism: First Commandment
Large Catechism: I 13-21
Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9
Commentary: Barnabas 14:4-7
Original Broadcast: April 2010
Monthly Theme: Fourth Commandment
Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love and trust in God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
Who are parents and other authorities?
Parents are fathers, mothers, and guardians; other authorities are all those whom God has placed over us at home, in government, at school, at the place where we work, and in the church.
Honor these authorities today. Amen.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike.
Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
(Romans 14:5)
Holidays Different holidays are special to different people. Right now, we're in the middle of the holy days of Lent. These forty days are special to some Christians. These forty days aren't any different from other days to other Christians. Is it a sin to celebrate Lent? No. Is it a sin to omit this celebration? No.
How can it not matter? St. Paul's words ring, "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." How and if we celebrate different holidays is part of our Christian freedom. We can celebrate them. We can not celebrate them. It's our choice, but it's a very serious choice.
St. Paul continues this discussion with a simple reminder: "None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (vv7-8).
We are the Lord's possession. How we choose to celebrate being His possession is in our hands. But we must always keep in mind not to quarrel over our opinions nor to impose our opinions as necessary for everyone to believe. They are our opinions and "each of us will give an account of himself to God" (v12). Amen.
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming..."
The Apostles' Creed gives us the most basic expression of the Christian faith. For centuries, it was divided into twelve articles. Each of these articles are non-negotiable when contemplating the faith.
"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping..."
The eleven faithful Apostles were those sent by Jesus into the entirety of the Roman Empire to spread the Gospel of salvation through His death and resurrection.
"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping ..."
The Ten Commandments form the basis of God's moral Law. They have also formed the basis of most societies and cultures throughout history, whether they were revealed to them or not.
And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window,
sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer.
And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
(Acts 20:9)
Sleeping in Church We've all done it before. It was a long Saturday night. One of the kids was teething or throwing up or out well past curfew. We still got up in the morning and made it to church, but when the pastor begins the sermon we begin to drift off to sleep. The more we fight to stay awake, the harder it is to stay awake.
St. Paul had gotten a bit long-winded. That might be an understatement. His sermon went on past midnight. That's one long worship service. No wonder Eutychus fell asleep! It was becoming a VERY long day. Eutychus wanted to hear the Word. He wanted to hear Paul preach. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mark 14:38).
Our flesh is definitely weak, but Jesus took on our weak flesh so that He might save us from our frailty. He told St. Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, we are strong because we are strengthened through God's Word in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The exciting year of 2020 begins with a look at 1 Clement 26-30, where God's salvation shines forth as the most important thing in life.
"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing..."
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes,
they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:46-47)
Together Daily The earliest congregation in Jerusalem met daily, both in the Temple as well as in their own personal homes. They met in the Temple courts for the public proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah. They met in homes to share in Holy Communion.
This daily celebration of their newfound Christian freedom is wonderful. It serves as an example to us. Not only should we be in the worship services of our local congregation. We should also be in God's Word on a daily basis. While we may not be able to have a worship service every day, we should set aside a piece of the day in order to study God's Word. Make that a practice today. See where God will take you in His Word. Amen.
"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight maids a-milking..."
Jesus began His ministry to His disciples by giving the Sermon on the Mount. The introduction to that sermon were eight Beatitudes to show how God blesses His people.
While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks. ... And all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(Numbers 15:32-36)
Sticks and Stones Kids say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." In this story, we have a man breaking the Sabbath by picking up sticks. In response to this sin, he was stoned to death. For a few sticks, his bones were broken and his life taken away by stones. All of this because he refused to listen and obey God's Word.
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can kill you. Especially when you ignore the words of life. Jesus once said to those seeking to kill Him, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it it they that bear witness about Me" (John 5:39). Simon Peter would ask Jesus shortly thereafter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Jesus is the Word of eternal life. Those who refuse to listen to Him find themselves forever tormented in the lake of fire. Those who do listen to Him find themselves forever glorified in His presence. Don't ignore the Word. It's a matter of life and afterlife. Amen.
"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming..."
"Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous deeds" (Psalm 119:164).
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
(Psalm 137:5-6)
Peanut Butter The psalmist declares a curse upon himself if he forgets Jerusalem. If he forgets the place where God has caused his name to dwell. In a world that is ruled by the vast majority of right-handed people, the thought of not being able to use your right hand is horrifying.
Much worse, though, is the thought of your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth. Not being able to talk. Like your mouth is eternally full of peanut butter. Being able to open your mouth slightly but not make yourself clear. It's beyond comprehension.
The psalmist says the same thing about forgetting Jerusalem. Forgetting God is incomprehensible. He looks for comfort in this life. He knows comfort only comes from God's Word. The essence of the Sabbath. God's Word making it holy so that it may also be holy among us. Amen.
"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a-laying..."
God created the world in six days. God could have done it differently, but He is a God of order.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.
On it you shall not do any work ...
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea,
and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
(Exodus 20:8-11)
Remember God set aside the Sabbath day so that we might remember. Jesus tells us, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). God made the Sabbath not because He was tired. God made the Sabbath because we become tired.
We need to rest. We need to recharge. We need to reflect. Reflect upon the activities of the previous week. Reflect upon the activities of the upcoming week. Reflect upon God's Word as it speaks about those activities. Reflect upon the great things God has done in the Creation of the world. Reflect upon the great things He does in our lives.
Remember the Sabbath day. Keep it holy and be blessed by Him who made it holy for you. Amen.
"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five golden rings..."
Moses wrote five books that have served as the basis for understanding God's will and plan for Creation since He led Israel out of Egypt. These books are to be greatly treasured by all who read the Bible.
"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds..."
The four Gospels give us a complete and perfect picture of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem to save us from our sins.
Merry Christmas!
The Israelites cross the Red Sea and are baptized into Moses. The Egyptians are crushed while they pursue their former slaves. Many things to bring out in this extended episode.
"On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three French hens ..."
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
[Jesus said:] "This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
(Matthew 15:8-9)
Lip Service The greatest misuse of God's name is simply giving lip service to God. This is one of the great complaints made by people against churches who have a rich liturgical heritage. Those churches that have the order of service printed in their hymnals and used week after week are accused of misusing God's name by rote repetition that just gives lip service to God instead of actual worship.
The problem with these complaints is that those making the complaints are doing exactly what the Pharisees did in Jesus' day. They want a break from the traditional, historic view of the worship service and teach their own views as the doctrines of God.
A great understanding can come from this passage in understanding worship as Gottesdeinst, "Divine Service". Worship is God coming down and serving us with His Word. This is why the historic church had a liturgy that comes strictly from God's Word. We hear God's words of Law and Gospel and we respond with His Word in thanksgiving for all He has done for us in Christ Jesus.
Worship taken straight out of the Bible isn't lip service. It is the right usage of God's name as He reveals His Word and gives His blessings to us. Think about that as you worship this weekend. Amen.
"On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtledoves..."
God gives two words to His people. The Old and New Testaments give us the promise of the Savior.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering,
anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens or a sorcerer
or a charmer or a medium or a wizard or a necromancer,
for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.
And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you.
(Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Avoid Satanic Arts You can almost pick the channel on the cable lineup and they will have at least one show with some sort of paranormal activity going on. It seems the further along we go through history, the more fascination people have with paranormal activity.
Any of the Canaanite practices listed seek the aid of demons. We're not to call upon demons for anything. We're to call upon God for everything. God drove out the Canaanites because of these practices. He refused mercy to them because of their hard-heartedness. Call upon God to soften your heart that you may receive help when you call upon God--and not demons--through His Son Jesus Christ in every trouble. Amen.
"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree."
As the first gift, and the most repeated gift, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sins is the most important gift that our one real true love gives us.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
(Acts 23:12)
One Bad Oath More than forty men made this pact. They swore to God that they would ignore their own bodies and their own health until Paul was dead at their feet. Many soldiers have made similar oaths before going into battle. They would set aside their own personal comfort for the common good. One small problem. This pact took place several years before Paul was finally executed.
How many of them do you think made it those many years and fulfilled their vow? None of them. But the commandment against breaking vows was easily set aside by the rabbis as long as the intention was there to fulfill it if at all possible.
God doesn't do vows this way. As with everything else, He holds everyone to a higher standard than we humans do. As St. James tells us, "Let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation" (5:12). God holds you to the standard that what you say is what you'll do. Make that your practice starting today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
[Jesus said:] "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of Heaven,
but the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven."
(Matthew 7:21)
Not Everyone A loving God wouldn't send anyone to Hell. That's the classic American, quasi-Christian understanding of the afterlife. A loving, grandfatherly God who cannot even think of sending someone to Hell--much less create a place like that.
But Jesus says otherwise. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven." Entrance into Heaven will not be simply calling Jesus Lord as everyone will do on the Last Day (Philippians 2:10-11). It's not knowing the right words to say that will get you into Heaven.
It's the faith behind the words. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3). Without the Holy Spirit, no one can call on God as He has commanded us. With the Holy Spirit, we're comforted with God's guarantee that He will hear us. Jesus' words ring true: "Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). Amen.
O Emmanuel,
our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
(James 3:9-10)
Cursing and Blessing "These things ought not to be so." There are many things that ought not to be so. The greatest of these is how we use our tongues. We sit in worship for an hour on Sunday morning and sing praises to our heavenly Father. The other 167 hours of the week we're cursing other people sometimes for the simple fact that they've crossed our path or they did something that annoyed us.
Other people, made in the image of God, are the ones we wish God would do something horrible to. That's exactly what we're doing when we curse someone else. We're asking God to do something terrible to whomever we curse.
How can we both bless God and curse His creatures? We've been given God's name in our Baptism, but we still retain the sinful nature that seeks to trip us up every step of the way.
Call upon God to help tame your tongue so that it is used for blessing Him and His creation. This can only be done through Him. Pray for His help today. Amen.
O King of the nations,
the ruler they long for,
the cornerstone uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whome You formed out of clay.
O Dayspring,
splendor of light everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
You open and no one can close,
You close and no one can open:
Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
[An angel of the Lord said to Joseph:]
"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins."
(Matthew 1:21)
Jesus Hymnwriter William How wrote: "Jesus! Name of priceless worth to the fallen of the earth for the promise that it gave, 'Jesus shall His people save'" (LSB #900.3).
Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world. That was God's plan of salvation. He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17). He came "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
Everything Jesus did was for the lost and for the fallen of the earth. He came to exalt the fallen into His kingdom through His death and resurrection. Thank Jesus today for His coming to redeem your fallen soul. Amen.
O Root of Jesse,
standing as an ensign before the peoples,
before whom all kings are mute,
to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 118:1)
Give Thanks God's steadfast love certainly endures forever. When God gave us the commandment concerning His name, He gave us the proper usage. It's proper for us to use God's name to call upon Him "in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks" (SC I, 4).
God created us to receive His gifts and be thankful for them. We expect those who receive gifts from us to be thankful. We should be even more thankful for all the great gifts that God has given to us, including the ability to wake up this morning and worship Him. Amen.
The most important event in the entire Divine Service is the reception of Holy Communion. The Mass is THE doctrine that separates Lutherans from all other Christians. It also serves as the springboard for many of the other articles about the abuses that had snuck into the Roman Church at the time of the Reformation.
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
Original Broadcast: February 2010
Monthly Theme: Second Commandment
God said to Moses,
"I AM WHO I AM."
Then He said, "Say this to the people of Israel,
'I AM has sent me to you.'"
(Exodus 3:14)
I AM I AM. Two simple words with a great amount of meaning. Some translations even take this name of YHWH to mean "I exist" or "existence" in general. The world exists because God exists. Without God, there is no existence.
When Moses asks God who to say that He is, God gives him this name to remind the people of Israel that they exist because of Him. God was calling His people out of the house of slavery.
So in Baptism God also calls His people out of slavery to sin. In Baptism He puts His name on you to remind you that you exist because of Him. Through His sent messengers, like Moses, He brings His deliverance to you. Revel in His deliverance today. Amen.
O Wisdom,
proceeding from the mouth of the Most High,
pervading and permeating all creation,
mightily ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
To whom then will you liken God,
or what likeness compare with Him?
An idol! A craftsman casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and casts for it silver chains.
He who is too impoverished for an offering
chooses wood that will not rot;
he seeks out a skillful craftsman
to set up an idol that will not move.
(Isaiah 40:18-20)
Idol Mockery Isaiah takes a moment during his prophesying to show the complete lunacy of those who worship idols. They wish to replace the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the best they can do is an unmoving, lifeless, worthless statue that they bow down to and pray to for help. What's that going to do for them?
Isaiah uses these stern words to remind us how great our God truly is. Nothing compares to our God or to what He can do for you. Throw away the worthless idols in your life and cling to the living, breathing God who created you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
So [Jeroboam] took counsel and made two calves of gold.
And he said to the people, "You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough.
Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt."
(1 Kings 12:28)
Jeroboam's Calves King Jeroboam I had a problem. Sure, he was the king of the northern tribes of Israel. But the people were still going to Jerusalem to worship. All that money was being taken out of his country and given to his enemy.
Jeroboam had to take action. He took counsel and followed in the path of Aaron at the base of Mount Sinai. But Jeroboam did one better. Instead of one golden calf, Jeroboam made two and centrally located them so that no one had to go very far--and NO ONE had to go to Jerusalem--to worship God.
Jeroboam solved the impending economic crisis in Israel by creating a new religion and calling it by the name of the one true God. This sin began the downward spiral that led to Israel's exile into Assyria. Jeroboam's own family was destroyed in the next generation for this sin.
Idolatry has serious consequences. That's why Jesus should be the center of your life and faith. Your life will be blessed forever through Him. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
Then the Philistines took the ark of God
and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon.
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day,
behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD.
(1 Samuel 5:2-3)
Dagon Bows Down The Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant. They brought it into Dagon's rebuilt temple. After they went to bed, Dagon's statue fell in worship before the Ark. Every morning they set Dagon back up in his place. Every night, even Dagon bowed down before the Ark of the Covenant.
On the Last Day. "Every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).
John Milton, in his Paradise Lost, personified many of the false idols of the pagan nations around Israel as demons in Lucifer's army. Dagon will be one of the many who will confess Jesus as Lord to their eternal detriment.
The Philistines returned the Ark to Israel to keep from suffering other troubles. They did everything except repent of their sins. Repentant of your sins, you may return to the LORD and receive His forgiveness as you bow the knee to Him. Amen.
In this week's Double Dip! episode, we have a look at current alternatives for wrestling outside the WWE. We take a brief look at NWA, MLW, Innovate, ROH, AEW and Impact. Hear an honest appraisal of each of these organizations.
On Common Ground, we look at the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church as mandated by the Catechism and the Pope. How does that structure help or hurt the Roman Church? How has the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod organized itself? Is having a visible and tangible hierarchy beneficial for the Church?
These questions and more are answered on this week's Wrestling with Theology!
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to rejoice,
and they said, "Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand."
(Judges 16:23)
Destruction of Dagon Samson had been captured by the Philistines. His head had been shaved and his strength was gone. The Philistines believed they could now conquer Israel once and for all. To celebrate their great fortune, they gather together for a great feast. They're thanking Dagon, their god, for his provision.
They brought Samson out to entertain them since he was now just a circus act for their personal amusement.
Samson, acknowledging his own sin and self-idolatry, asked God for one more moment of strength. Not for himself and his own glory, but for God's glory. God granted his wish and Samson literally brought the house down.
He destroyed the temple of Dagon by pushing apart its supporting pillars. In his life, Samson glorified himself. In his death, Samson glorified God. He learned a little too late this great meaning of life. Learn from Samson's mistake and glorify God through your life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, beware let you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves.
(Deuteronomy 4:15-16)
"You Saw No Form" Moses gives the all important understanding for the prohibition against worshipping graven images. On the top of Mount Sinai, what did the Israelites see? They saw smoke. They saw fire. They heard thunder. That's the image the Israelites were given as they were told, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt" (Exodus 20:2).
How do you worship the one true God? The way He tells you: "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). How do you visualize the Spirit? You can't.
Worship is spiritual because faith is spiritual. You cannot visualize faith. Therefore you cannot visualize God, the object of our faith. May you continue to worship God in Spirit and truth as He desires. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
[Aaron said:] "I said to them, 'Let any who have gold take it off.'
So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
(Exodus 32:24)
The Cow "Moses, I swear to you, this calf just jumped out of the fire! I thought it was a sign from God!"
Can't you just hear the conversation between Moses and Aaron? Moses wants to know where the large golden calf the Israelites are fanatically worshipping came from. Aaron says it just jumped out of the fire. He tried to tell Moses he viewed it as some sort of sign from God.
Don't get me wrong. God gives signs to people. The only problem is that we don't tend to see and understand the signs at the time. God gives them to us yet we don't see them. Sometimes we even see signs that aren't there.
Was the calf a sign from God? Of course not. It was an abomination made by Aaron's own hands because he gave into the pressure of the people. That's the most basic form of idolatry. Giving into the pressure and wishes of the people around you.
Moses stood by God that day. Stand by God and you too will be blessed. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2010
Monthly Theme: First Commandment, Graven Images
You shall not make for yourself a carved image,
or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth.
(Exodus 20:4)
Graven Images God's prohibition is clear. No images are allowed to be worshipped. Moses made images--including cherubim and bronze serpents--but they weren't to be worshipped. They were images for the edification and comfort of the Israelites. These images were signs of God's mercy toward His people.
Graven images can't do that. Only God can show mercy. He wishes to be merciful to you today. May you accept His merciful offering. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
For every house is built by someone,
but the builder of all things is God.
(Hebrews 3:4)
God the Builder Many movies contain a scene of the Manhattan skyline with all the skyscrapers. We look at the magnificent buildings and marvel. What great minds dreamed up some of those massive towers? The writer to the Hebrews speaks about great architects. Every building has a builder. The building says a lot about the builder. So what about the builder of everything?
As a magnificent city skyline fills us with awe, the wonders of nature should just floor us. The magnificent trees, the vast prairies, the deep canyons, the people who surround us. Everything God has made is so extremely wondrous.
We wonder about man's creations. We should be filled with awe about what God has done. God has created everything with His glory. Let us praise Him for that. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
[Jesus said:] "And this is eternal life,
that they know You the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
(John 17:3)
"Only True God" There is only one God. Only through faith in the one true God can you have eternal life. It's not enough to believe that there is only one God. You also must believe that He sent Jesus Christ.
This Jesus was sent to be our righteousness (Jeremiah 33:16). He lived and die in perfect active and passive obedience and righteousness so that He might save us from our sins. Jesus prayed that everyone would come to a proper knowledge and understanding of Him and His Father.
This Jesus came as a baby in Bethlehem. He was sent to suffer, die and rise again for you. His righteousness is given to you by faith. Faith that believes in eternal life: God the Father who sent His Son into the world for you. Amen.
Can we call the Triune God the Demiurge? How does the resurrection form our lives as individual Christians as well as Christian congregations? How does the phoenix figure into the picture of the resurrection?
These questions and more are wrestled with as we look through chapters 20-25 of 1 Clement.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
[Jesus said:] "No one can serve two masters,
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and money."
(Matthew 6:24)
Two Masters It's hard for two people to sit in a chair with arms. Sitting on one another's lap helps makes the situation more uncomfortable. It's just not comfortable. There is only room for one to sit comfortably.
The tightest chair is the throne of your heart. There is truly only room for one in the chair. Trying to fit multiple things in that chair becomes more of a juggling act than actually accomplishing anything. Those in the chair will battle for who actually gets to sit in the chair. In that battle, you lose.
You win when you devote yourself to God and love Him. You win when God sits on your heart's throne. You win when God is your chief priority. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
"I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols."
(Isaiah 42:8)
God Doesn't Share One of the many things we try to teach our children is the ability to share. We try and we try, but sometimes that doesn't happen. They don't want to share. Unfortunately, they have a most wonderful role model: God Himself.
He says Himself through the prophet Isaiah, "My glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." God doesn't want to share His glory with anyone or anything. That's why He gave us the First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me."
He won't share because there is no one or no thing in the earth or in Heaven that is worthy of glory and praise than the Triune God alone. It is an abomination to give anyone or anything higher glory or praise than God Himself. That's why Luther defined this commandment with the words: "We should fear, love and trust in God above all things." God shares His glory with no one. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.
(Proverbs 3:5)
"Trust in the LORD" God has made Himself known to us. He has revealed His wisdom to us in His Word. His desire is that we trust His Word. He "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
Coming to the knowledge of the Truth means having faith in Jesus Christ, who is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). Lean upon Him in everything and you will never be disgraced.
Leaning on ourselves, we search aimlessly for what we do not have. Leaning on Him, we find ourselves. We find ourselves in His love and care. We find ourselves at peace with Him through His work for us on the Cross. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims His handiwork.
(Psalm 19:1)
God's Glory God's glory shines through everything He does. We look at the great things He has done throughout history: the Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Crossing of the Red Sea. We should also look at His most glorious creations: each other.
The world wishes to tell us that we came about by sheer accident and chance. But we look at the smallest parts of us and wonder at our Creator's great power and wisdom.
Think about your eyes. We see all God's handiwork through these little orbs that are so incredibly complex. They couldn't have arisen by random chance. Through these magnificent creations of God, we see all the great wonders of God that declare His glory and proclaim His handiwork. Take a moment to look around today to see these great things. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2009
Monthly Theme: First Commandment
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God,
the LORD is one.
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
One God The first creed of the Israelites stresses the unity and the oneness of God. Throughout history, man has tried to figure out God. Throughout history, man has placed many labels and limitations on God. Many cannot fathom the idea of one all-powerful being who created everything as we confess in the Creed. They made gods of everything in life so that they could better understand God.
But God reveals Himself to be only one. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is the one who set the world into motion and guides it on the path He has laid out. There is no other.
We look at His majesty and power and cringe sometimes. We need not fear because He calls Himself "our God." He comes to us and makes us His people to receive blessings from His hand. Amen.
We cover the end of the Exodus event and Israel's expulsion from Egypt. We wrestle with the questions that the Exodus brings up this week:
-
What is the theological significance of the firstborn?
-
How many people left Egypt in the Exodus? Were they all Israelites?
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How does the Passover and Exodus link to our liturgical worship today?
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How does Israel deal with foreigners who seek to belong to God's covenant people?
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
[Jehoshaphat] gave [his sons] great gifts of silver, gold and valuable possessions ...
but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram,
because he was the firstborn.
When Jehoram had ascended the throne ...
he killed all his brothers with the sword.
(2 Chronicles 21:3-4)
Loving Brother What a loving brother Jehoram was! His allotted inheritance as the firstborn son of the king was the entire kingdom, but he wasn't satisfied with that. He killed all his brothers so that he could gain their inheritance as well. This isn't a surprise since his wife was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. He showed his love for his six brothers by executing them.
Jehoram isn't the model we use as a loving brother. We don't look to someone who makes himself an only child to see a loving brother. We look to the Cross. We look to the font. In both of these places, we see Jesus our loving older brother. Not a brother who kills his younger brothers and sisters. A brother who gives His life and is executed on their behalf. A brother who brings new brothers and sisters into the family. Through Baptism we become children of God. Through Baptism Jesus becomes our brother. A brother who loves us greatly.
A brother who doesn't take our gifts away but urges us in the way that we should use those gifts. A brother who loves the family enough to do everything necessary to keep it united. Thank Him for that great loving gift this morning. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
"Inquire first for the word of the LORD."
(2 Chronicles 18:4)
Too Good To Be True Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, allied himself in marriage with King Ahab of Israel. During one of their alliance meetings, Ahab talks Jehoshaphat into battle against Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat, who "walked in the earlier ways of his father David" (17:3), said, "Inquire first for the word of the LORD."
Jehoshaphat didn't want to undertake such a great task without consulting God's Word through His prophets. Ahab brought four hundred prophets, maybe the same four hundred prophets that battled Elijah, who all prophesied great victory for the two kings in battle.
Jehoshaphat thought it rather odd that all four hundred would prophesy the exact same thing with the exact same words. He asks Ahab, "Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?" Ahab said, "There is yet one man ... but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me" (vv6-7).
Jehoshaphat knew that some things were too good to be true. Many times these things turn out to be not as good as they claim. There is one thing that is as good as it seems. That's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We inquire of the Lord and we find out that He sent Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus died and offers you everlasting life. This life comes by faith. The Gospel isn't too good to be true. It's the ultimate good and God's ultimate gift to you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
[Azariah said to Asa:] "The LORD is with you while you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you,
but if you forsake Him,
He will forsake you."
(2 Chronicles 15:2)
Seek and Find It's the basic understanding of life. If you seek something, you will find it. If you forsake something, it is forsaken. This is kinda the basic idea that we have in this life. After all, Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).
God called Azariah to speak these words to King Asa, the fourth generation after David. Asa had seen the fruits of the three previous kings in Judah. Something had to be done. God sent His Word through Azariah to instill the need for God in Asa's heart.
God is with those who are with Him. Those who believe in Him have Him in their corner, taking up their needs as their heavenly Father. Those who seek God where He promises to be found find Him. Those who forsake God are forsaken by God. If you don't want God, God doesn't have use for you. However, if you turn and repent of forsaking God, He will forgive you. This is the reformation that Asa began in Judah. This is the reformation God does in your life through His Word. Heed His Word and find Him with you always. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,
as David his father had done.
(1 Kings 15:11)
Asa vs Idols It's the fourth generation of the Davidic kingdom and we FINALLY get to someone who does what is right. Asa put away the idols that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had put up in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. He put all the male cult prostitutes out of the land. He destroyed his own mother's idol. "The heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days" (v14).
Asa demanded a reformation in the hearts, minds and souls of the people of Judah. He demanded that they return to the LORD their God. Asa sought just as the prophet Joel: "Return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love" (2:13).
Because of Asa's reforms, God forgave the sins of the people. Asa's call for repentance brought about God's relenting of the disaster that awaited them. God forgives all who come to Him in faith and repent of their sins--confessing them and begging for mercy and help to keep from doing them. God is a forgiving God, "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love." This steadfast love drives us to love all those around us, emboldening us to speak about His love shown to us on a daily basis. Amen.
The second half of the look at the marriage of priests. God created humans as sexual beings, seeking relationship with each other. He ordained marriage to house the proper use of those urges. No one is able to demand that anyone give up this genetic wiring. However, that's exactly what has happened in the Roman Catholic Church. Should priests be allowed to marry? Will that fix the problems in the Roman Catholic Church?
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
Nevertheless, for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem,
setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem,
because David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
(1 Kings 15:4-5)
A Lamp is Given David was a man after God's own heart. Solomon his son turned his heart away from the LORD. Rehoboam his son did what was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Abijam his son wasn't any better. Another generation where God's will wasn't being done by His people. Another generation of people who were walking further away from God.
Everything is going against Him, but God is a faithful God. He had promised David that his descendants would sit upon the throne in Jerusalem as long as the people remained faithful to God's Word (1 Chronicles 17:11-14).
Despite everything going against Him, God continues to hold His promise. Despite everything you do against God's will, He continues to hold His promise to you in your Baptism. With the water and the Word, God called you His own child. Despite everything you might do to anger Him, He still loves you and calls you His child through the sacrifice of His Son for the forgiveness of your sins. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
[Shishak] took away everything.
(1 Kings 14:26)
Shishak Four years after tearing the kingdom apart by taking the bad advice, Rehoboam faces an outside threat. Pharaoh Shishak attacked Jerusalem and took EVERYTHING from the Temple--the Temple Solomon built. Rehoboam replaced the stolen golden shields his father made with bronze shields of his own making. Rehoboam would cover and handle the error he had made.
Sound familiar? Goes all the way back to the Garden. Adam and Eve sinned, saw that they were naked and were ashamed. They sewed fig leaves together to cover their shame. That didn't last long. Same with Rehoboam. The replacements weren't as good in quality or workmanship. It wasn't the same as the original.
Same with us. We do something wrong and instantly try to find a way to cover it up. A child climbs onto the kitchen counter and reaches for a cup in the cupboard. While trying to get the cup, his mother's favorite hot chocolate mug falls to the floor and shatters into a dozen pieces. The son wants to make it better so he grabs a pack of chewing gum, chews it up and sticks the pieces back together with the chewed gum.
Is the mug the same as it was? No. It's worse. Is our lives the same when we try to cover our sins with our own works? No. It's worse. We can't fix ourselves. We are beyond human repair. We require the divine repair shop of Confession and Absolution. There's the only place we can find the fix for our problem. Only through Jesus' words of forgiveness are our sins covered. Don't try to fix yourself. Go where the problem can be fixed. Go to Jesus and His forgiveness of all your sins. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2009
Monthly Theme: Judah's Kings
[Rehoboam] spoke to [the people of Israel] according to the counsel of the young men, saying,
"My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke.
My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions."
(1 Kings 12:14)
Divided Kingdom Rehoboam, Solomon's son, reigned in Solomon's stead after his death. Like his father, Rehoboam had problems with Jeroboam son of Nebat. When Jeroboam came back seeking Rehoboam's pardon, Rehoboam sought out counsel.
His older advisors, who had served his father, told him to grant the pardon and save the kingdom. He turned to his good friends, all around his age. They told him, "Make it tighter." He liked the younger counsel and took it. The country was split out from underneath him. Jeroboam took all the tribes except Benjamin and Judah.
Rehoboam should have listened to Moses: "You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God" (Leviticus 19:32). Had Rehoboam heeded Moses' words and the counsel of his older advisors, he might have been able to keep the Twelve Tribes of Israel together. However, he let his youthful lust for power and dominance take out his inheritance from him.
How often do we take the road of youthful exuberance that goes against even common sense? Too many times. St. Paul writes about this in the seventh chapter of his epistle to the Romans. It's an issue with authority. We want to be our own authority and rid our lives of all others. We take pride in ourselves and our viewpoint. We want nothing else. If that's the case too often, we end up not wanting Jesus.
Jesus isn't what we generally want. Often He leads us the opposite direction. Why? He has the wisdom not only of gray hair but being with the Father when the world was created. Jesus has seen everything because He is God. His way is the right way. May we follow that through our lives. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
[Solomon] had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines.
And his wives turned away his heart.
(1 Kings 11:3)
Too Many Wives What was Solomon thinking? 700 wives? 300 concubines? 1000 wives total? That's absolutely insane! No one man needs that many wives!
Solomon's wives were all wonderful women I'm sure, but they weren't a good influence on him. Among his wives were Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. With each new wife, a new god or goddess was brought into the palace. Many times Solomon would see the paltry workmanship of the handmade idol and order a new one to be crafted in gold and silver and all of his other riches.
God became angry with Solomon and wrenched part of the kingdom away from him. God continued to keep His promise to David. One of Solomon's sons would continue David's perpetual kingdom, but he would only have part of the kingdom. Only one of the Twelve Tribes, the Tribe of Judah. It was a grievous punishment for a grievous sin.
Solomon wasted his riches on his own personal pleasure. He reflects on this in Ecclesiastes. But his story is a reminder that everything we have is a gift from God. Our gift to use as we see fit. We can be a blessing by using it or a curse by wasting it. God calls you to use the gifts He gives you wisely. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
Now when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD,
she came to test him with hard questions.
(1 Kings 10:1)
Queen of Sheba Solomon's reputation had spread clear to Sheba, somewhere south of Canaan. She came on her own errand. She wasn't like the rulers of other nations, seeking to court Solomon's favor. She was there to settle her curiosity. She had heard about Solomon and wanted to see for herself what this great king was really like.
Reputations become legendary for powerful figures. Look at all the things being said about President Obama. Is he the Messiah or the Antichrist? He's neither. He's simply a man elected to rule his country. The hardest part of the job is the extreme expectations of those he governs.
That's all the Queen of Sheba had for Solomon: high expectations because of his reputation. And she was blown away once she got there. When she saw everything that was Solomon's, "there was no more breath in her" (v5). When she caught her breath, she said, "The half was not told me" (v7).
Reputation can be a good thing. While it might bring about instant labels and preconceived ideas about you, you still have the ability to overcome or excel these ideas and labels just as Solomon did.
The biggest label you can have in this life is "Christian." Everyone has preconceived ideas as to what "Christian" means. Strive to be so Christ-like in your Christian walk that you blow away the preconceived ideas so that there's no more breath in them. This is the work of Christ-like faith following in Christ's footsteps. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt,
in the fourth year of Solomon's reign,
in the month of Ziv, which is the second month,
he began to build the house of the LORD.
(1 Kings 6:1)
The Temple is Built Four hundred eighty years after God called Moses from the burning bush, His house was finally being constructed. It's not that God needed a house. He was fine with the Tabernacle, but it was the solemn desire of both David and Solomon to build a more magnificent structure to be the central point of Israel's religious life. Certainly the Temple far exceeded the simple elegance of the Tabernacle.
As we learn from St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, "Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands" (Acts 7:48). God, however, does wish to be among His people. He wants to be the central focus of their lives. He wants to be the central focus of their communities. Therefore many towns and cities were built with the church building first and then the members' homes. Having a designated place to worship was the central desire for building a new settlement.
The desire to worship God comes to all people. Our church buildings look nothing like Solomon's Temple, but we treat them with the same dignity and respect. David wrote in the Psalms, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD'" (122:1). That joy should permeate our lives so that we see worship not as something we can check off our "to-do" list, but worship is time that we get to come into the presence of our Heavenly Father and bless Him for all the things He has given to us. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
And the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other."
(1 Kings 3:25)
Prostitutes In one of the most popular stories of Solomon's wisdom, two prostitutes come before him. They're suing each other for the custody of one of their children. Both had children but one rolled over on top of hers and crushed it to death. She then switched the babies in the middle of the night. The other found out and they went to court.
In a spark of divine wisdom, Solomon saw a way to get right to the heart of the matter. Both women claimed the living child to be theirs. He ordered a sword to be brought and the child split in half. Both women would get half. Of course, the real mother stopped the proceedings and said to give the baby to the other woman. Solomon awarded the giving mother custody of the child.
It wasn't just common sense that brought Solomon to this solution. It was truly wisdom from above. From that time on, "all Israel ... stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of OGd was in him to do justice" (v28). Solomon's wisdom became legendary. This wisdom compiled the book of Proverbs at his hand. This wisdom made there be no world ruler like Solomon in all of recorded history. This wisdom is also available to you if you make God's Word available to your heart and soul. This wisdom brings you Jesus. This wisdom brings you the forgiveness of all your sins at His Word. May you seek this wisdom today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
[Solomon prayed to God:] "Give Your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern Your people,
that I may discern between good and evil,
for who is able to govern this Your great people?"
(1 Kings 3:9)
Prayer for Wisdom Solomon has become King of Israel. What was he going to do now? God appears to him in a dream and tells Solomon, "Ask what I shall give you" (v5). All these things could have gone through Solomon's mind. One thing that made its way through the fog of everything else: "I am but a little child" (v7). How can someone so small do such a great task?
Solomon's humility "please the Lord" (v10) so much that He said, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies ... I give you a wise and discerning mind ... I give you also what you have not asked" (vv11-13). God gave Solomon everything he could dream of. Wisdom, riches, long life, peace throughout his reign. All these gifts were his.
Solomon, in his youth, understood that he could not govern the people by himself. He needed God's help. As he grew older, he stopped trusting in God for help and relied on himself and his wisdom. This is the tendency of people. Jesus often set a child in the midst of His disciples and lauded the child for his or her faith: "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Mark 10:15). As we grow older, we tend to leave that childlike faith for a more rational understanding. But God calls us back to that simple, childlike faith. The same faith Solomon had which acknowledged his own frailty and need for God.
You need God just as much in your daily life. No matter your age, you still need to rely upon God. That's the epitome of the First Commandment where we learn "We should fear, love and trust in God above all things." Amen.
Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king."
(1 Kings 1:5)
A Usurping Brother David was getting old and senile. It was time for someone to take over. The only problem is that there are several who want the throne. The most prominent among them was Adonijah, David's fourth born and oldest living son. He makes himself king only to be humbled by God.
When Solomon's throne is established according to David's proclamation, Adonijah has no other choice but to come before his younger brother and begs for forgiveness. Solomon grants forgiveness but later has him executed as an enemy of the state.
Adonijah usurped his brother's throne and was cast down by God. This shows Jesus' statement, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Adonijah wanted to be the king, but God made him least among his brothers, suffering a fate much like that of his older brothers.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Jesus consistently taught humility through His example. He humbled Himself even to the point of death so that He might be exalted by God and that He might exalt everyone who believes in Him. By faith, you will be exalted when you are raised from the dead on the Last Day to enter into Heaven with Him forever. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
A messenger came and told David,
"The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."
(2 Samuel 15:13)
Absalom Rebels David's final punishment for his sins with Bathsheba comes to fruition. His son Absalom spends four years at the city gate of Jerusalem politicking to the people. When someone would come to seek an audience with David, Absalom would say, "Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you. ... If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice" (vv3-4).
For four years, Absalom worked for the hearts of the people to drive them away from his father David. Eventually he succeeds. He proclaims himself king. He has even some of David's closest advisors and friends on his side. David was on the run again.
They say, "Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it." Once again, David was on the run because the king the people demanded became his enemy. History is full of parallel events. Many things happen over and over again as the circle of life keeps on rolling. It's faith in God and His breaking of the circle through His Son that we cling to so that we don't get run over by it. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace.
From the roof he saw a woman bathing.
(2 Samuel 11:2)
Bathsheba David took a walk in the early evening air. While surveying his capital city, his gaze lingered when he saw Bathsheba bathing in the court of her house. While she probably wasn't the first woman he'd seen from his roof, his eyes lingered and he began to lust after her because she was very beautiful.
David shows how something as simple as a look can be devastating to the soul. St. James writes, "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (1:15). Simply out for an evening walk, David didn't think it would change his life forever.
David brought the woman into his chamber and committed adultery with her. When she became pregnant, David brought her husband back from the battlefield. When Uriah wouldn't sleep with his wife, David sent him to his death. Bathsheba brought forth a son and he died within a week. Years later, King David became an enemy of the state as one of his own sons rebelled against him.
All of this from one simple, seemingly innocent walk on the roof to catch some fresh air. Just shows how little a hole our sinful nature needs to squeeze through and cause all kinds of problems. David repented of his sin and Bathsheba became his favorite wife. They were happy and it was through their son Solomon that Jesus was born for you. God uses sinners every day to do His will because the best Christian is a redeemed sinner who places their trust in God. Trust in God and see what He can do through you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David,
Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window.
And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD,
she despised him in her heart.
(2 Samuel 6:16)
Dancing King The Swedish pop group ABBA had the hit song "Dancing Queen". It's very prominent in the musical "Mamma Mia!" In the Bible, we have a dancing king. Dancing is generally associated with happy events. We dance at weddings but not at funerals.
David went out to greet the Ark of the Covenant as it finally made its way into Jerusalem. He was so happy and excited that he began leaping and dancing in celebration. He was overcome by the Holy Spirit and was rejoicing greatly in the presence of God.
Such should worship be every Sunday. Maybe not all the jumping and dancing, but something more lively than looking like we're going to our execution. Worshipping our God should be joyous and based on St. Peter's words to Jesus in John 6: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v68).
David was a dancing king who loved his God. His legacy lived on many generations after his death because he was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Your legacy may live on for generations as well as long as you are a man or woman after God's heart. Strive for that goal throughout your life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
[David said:] "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed,
or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD."
(1 Samuel 24:6)
Saul is Spared David was on the run. Much like a fox being chased by hounds. Many times Saul caught up to David. Many times Saul made a nearly fatal slip in his paranoid delusions.
Once in the cave of En-gedi, David snuck up on Saul and cut the corner off of his robe (v5). Another time David took Saul's spear while he slept (26:9-12). Both times David taunted Saul for his lack of vigilance in his own personal safety.
Despite the smile on David's face, he still maintained his innocence in any revolutionary goings-on in Israel. He says, "This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands ... Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you" (v10).
David knew that he would be king after Saul's death. David also knew that Saul's life was in God's hands. As David told his friend Abishai, "Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?" (26:9). You have laid a hand on the LORD's anointed. You are the reason Jesus was nailed to the Cross. But you are the one redeemed by His love for you that sent Him to die for your sins. Go in peace. God has spared you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him,
because he loved him as he loved himself.
(1 Samuel 20:17)
Jonathan David and Jonathan were the best of friends. Truly an example of what Jesus said about friendship: "Greater love has no one that this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Jonathan was the king's son. David was the king's greatest enemy. How could they live like that? How could they be friends with this disparity?
Jonathan knew all that had happened to David from his anointing to be king, through the battle with Goliath and finally as the enemy of the state. But Jonathan knew the real David. David wasn't a revolutionary leading the cheers of the people: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7). David was a humble shepherd who was forced into the limelight by a God who picked the runt of the litter.
Jonathan knew that David was not safe anywhere in Israel. David had to be on the run, but before they parted, Jonathan said, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD" (v42).
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jonathan ran the risk of losing his life for being David's friend, but God kept both of them safe because of their mutual love and affection for each other. The great love that we are to have for each other. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.
(1 Samuel 17:16)
Goliath For forty days the giant Goliath of Gath came out to challenge any Israelite in one-on-one combat. Don't worry about all the great tactical strategizing that would be required for a full-scale war. Let's just get this over with mano y mano.
No one answered. Goliath came out twice a day, every day, to badger the cowering Israelites. Still no one answered. Everyone knew that they wouldn't win physical combat with the giant. Great wealth, the king's daughter, many things promised to the man who would win. But no takers.
David came, quite by coincidence--God's coincidence, to the battlefield to check on his older brothers. Goliath came out. David burned with righteous anger at the blasphemies spoken by the Philistine.
David answered the challenge. The runt of the litter challenged the giant bully. The runt of the litter won the battle because he believed in God's deliverance of His people.
The runt of the litter delivered his people from the boastful giant. Another runt of the litter, who was also the Son of God, delivered His people from the boastful devil. Through this Son of God, you have the power to overcome the giants that boast before you because He has taken away their power with His death and resurrection. Believe in Him and you can overcome your giants. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp.
He is a brave man and a warrior.
He speaks well and is a fine-looking man.
And the LORD is with him."
(1 Samuel 16:18)
David the Harp Player "Music tames the savage beast" (William Congreve). The demon plaguing Saul was no different. The only solace that Saul received was when there was music being played in his presence.
He sent out his servants to find someone who was quite skilled with the harp. They find David. Not only a good harp player, but a brave warrior, well-spoken and handsome. Talk about your Renaissance man. David could do just about anything.
So David came into Saul's court. The runt of the litter was called into the king's service.
David played the harp for Saul to soothe his troubled soul. This is probably when David wrote many of the psalms we have in the Bible.
The Psalms span the entire range of human emotion. The same thing that Saul did on a daily basis. A great pastoral heart David had. As any good king should have for his people. David was a servant king who would later have a descendant who is the true Servant King, the King who became a servant to free His people from their sins. David's service showed forth Jesus' service. The service that you and I are to emulate. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2009
Monthly Theme: King David
The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul? ...
I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem.
I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
(1 Samuel 16:1)
Runt of the Litter God sends Samuel to the town of Bethlehem. He enters the house of Jesse and proclaims that one of his sons will be king. Jesse had seven sons.
The oldest six sons stood before Samuel. Samuel had great things to say about all six, but not, "This is the one." After the sixth son, Samuel said, "Is there anyone else?" Jesse said, "The youngest ... is tending the sheep" (v11). The other six looked at each other. David was the runt of the litter. No one picks the runt of the litter!
But God picked the runt of the litter. He picked him to be His king, His nation, His treasure. You are the runt of the litter. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Timothy 1:15). Each of us is the chief of sinners because we're all equal in God's sight. Each of us is the runt of the litter.
Through the runt David, God brought the Messiah. What may he do through you? Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer,
"Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it,
lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me."
But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly.
Then Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.
(1 Samuel 31:4)
Saul's Suicide Death with dignity. That's been the great cry of those seeking to make euthanasia legal in more places. We don't want people to suffer. That's quite true. So let's make sure they don't have to suffer and kill them right now.
That's Saul's predicament as he faces a terrible defeat at the hands of the Philistines. His three sons. The great majority of his army. All dead. Just he and his armor-bearer left. They took their own lives so that the Philistines wouldn't. The next day, the Philistines took the bodies of Saul and his sons and put them up as shrines in their temples.
Suicide is a very touchy subject. It seems that many find that to be their only escape from a rough life. There have been recent suicides in the area. I had three high school classmates commit suicide as sophomores. The unbearable pain just won't go away.
Job felt the same thing. His wife even told him, "Curse God and die" (2:9). He suffered about as much, if not more, than any other human being has other than Jesus Christ. And He was the first to receive death with dignity. He rose from the dead. Death could not keep him trapped in the tomb.
And Jesus promises the same thing to you. If you believe that Jesus died and rose for your sins, you too will die with dignity knowing that you will be raised from the dead to live in Heaven with Him forever. Saul never turned back to God. God had abandoned him so he abandoned God. That's was Saul's big mistake: shutting God out of his life. Don't do that. Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). Is your door closed? Open it and let God come in today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
Then Saul said to his servants,
"Seek out for me a woman who is a medium,
that I may go to her and inquire of her."
And his servants said to him, "Behold, there is a medium at Endor."
(1 Samuel 28:7)
Witch of Endor Samuel died. Saul was still king. Saul still wanted David dead, but he had a problem with the pesky Philistines. In fact, David was fighting WITH the Philistines. Knowing that Samuel was the greatest military advisor he ever had--after all, his military advice came directly from God--he needed advice once again. Only one problem. Samuel's dead.
During the time he listened to God, Saul had put out all the magicians and mediums and soothsayers. Now he needed their help. No help was coming from God. So he disguised himself and went. When Samuel appeared, he was greatly annoyed, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" (v15). Even in death, the animosity between Saul and Samuel never let up.
Saul was another Bible character who always did things rashly. He never thought things through. He jumped the gun whenever he thought he knew what was coming next. Samuel shot him down by saying, "Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?" (v16).
What do you do when God becomes your enemy? You do the same thing you did the last time He was your enemy. You come to where He has promised to be, His Word and His Sacraments, and receive the gifts He gives there. Among those gifts are faith, salvation and everlasting life. Saul thought he had it right by going to Samuel this time, but it proved to be further his undoing. It was too little too late.
Is it too little too late for you? Not if you're listening to this broadcast. While you are drawing breath, you have the opportunity to become God's child instead of His enemy. My door is always open for those seeking to learn more about God. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
Then a harmful spirit from the LORD came upon Saul,
as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. ...
And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear.
(1 Samuel 19:9-10)
Saul Seeks David After being rejected by God, Saul knew what would happen next. The kingdom was already out of his hand. God had given it to the shepherd boy David. Saul wanted to kill David. David was the greatest general in Israel's army. He was also the king's son-in-law. David had to be killed.
I think everyone, even those who believe the fulfillment of the Ten Commandments is just external actions, would agree that Saul was breaking the commandment: "You shall not murder." That's pretty obvious. But there's something you should look at again.
Our verse says, "Then a harmful spirit from the LORD came upon Saul." You could almost say that God drove Saul crazy. Was it on purpose? Yes. Was it personal? Yes. Was it because Saul was a pitiful king? Yes.
God did to Saul exactly what He had done to Pharaoh before Israel left Egypt. Saul and Pharaoh had hardened their hearts against God's Word. God used that against them. He showed them what it really meant to have a hard heart. What it really means to be rejected by God.
Saul's "harmful spirit" was a messenger from God, punishing him for his sins. God doesn't always work like that. But He has given us His Word that He has sent a "Helper" to help guard you from rejecting God and thereby being rejected by God. The Holy Spirit strengthens you as you "read, mark, learn and inwardly digest" God's Word. May you take a few moments today to do just that. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
And Samuel said to [Saul], "I will not return with you. For you have rejected the Word of the LORD,
and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel."
(1 Samuel 15:26)
Saul Rejected Another day, another sin by Saul. Saul was ordered to destroy the Amalekites for how they had harassed Israel during their wilderness wanderings, but he kept the king and the best of the livestock. He completely refused to honor God's wishes in this matter. Therefore God rejected Saul.
Rejection by other people is devastating enough, but rejection by God is completely different. Dante summarizes this as he begins his descent into the Inferno. The sign above the gate of Hell said (Canto III, 1-9):
I AM THE WAY INTO THE DOLEFUL CITY,
I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL GRIEF,
I AM THE WAY TO A FORSAKEN RACE.
JUSTICE IT WAS THAT MOVED MY GREAT CREATOR;
DIVINE OMNIPOTENCE CREATED ME,
AND HIGHEST WISDOM JOINED WITH PRIMAL LOVE.
BEFORE ME NOTHING BUT ETERNAL THINGS
WERE MADE, AND I SHALL LAST ETERNALLY.
ABANDON EVERY HOPE, ALL YOU WHO ENTER.
God created Hell for those who rejected Him, Satan and his angels. But Satan made sure that they would not be alone. He tricked Adam and Eve into thinking of a better Paradise than Eden, but it ends up being "the doleful city."
Rejection by God requires you to "abandon every hope" because there is no second chance. But the Good News is that Jesus came to earth to be rejected for you. He suffered the Hell your sins deserve while He hung on the Cross. By believing that His rejection means your acceptance, you will not enter "the doleful city" but the city where the streets are made of gold. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
[Saul] waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel.
But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him.
(1 Samuel 13:8)
Impatient Sacrifice Saul grew impatient and worried. Samuel was taking his sweet time and the natives were getting restless. The Philistines were just on the next hill, waiting to attack. Saul had to take action.
Impatience is probably the greatest American problem. We can't wait for anything. If it's not happening now, we don't want to hear about it. But much of what is important requires waiting. In the Creed, we confess that we live in a constant state of waiting. We're waiting for Jesus to come back and judge the living and the dead.
Many of us, like Saul, get tired of waiting and just expect Him to never come. So we live like it. We teach like it. Everything has to deal with what's happening now. We forget all about the future and the "big picture" by just looking at the here and now.
But even though, like Samuel, Jesus tarries past our expectations of Him, He is coming back to judge the living and the dead. Saul had the kingdom taken away from him for his actions. Will the kingdom be taken away from you for being too impatient? Consider that today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
[Samuel said:] "But today you have rejected your God,
who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses,
and you have said to Him, 'Set a king over us.'
Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD."
(1 Samuel 10:19)
Saul Anointed King Samuel goes and does as the people demand and God approved. He goes to find the first king of Israel. He brought the entire congregation of Israel together. Starting with Reuben, he went tribe-by-tribe until God proclaimed the king to come from Benjamin. Benjamin came forward clan-by-clan until the Matrites were chosen. The clan came forward family-by-family until Saul was chosen. "But when they sought him, he could not be found" (v21).
Maybe Saul had the right idea. Everybody wants a king, but they want a king who will rule their way. Millions of people demanding to be heard and followed in their ideas. Saul was probably right for running away from such a stressful job, but it was the job that God had given to him. The job he had been born for.
Each of us has been placed on this earth for a specific task. Some of us find it earlier, some later. We see how God has skilled us and gifted us with certain abilities, talents and gifts that are best used in certain instances.
Many times, especially when we're younger, our task is not so clear. Prayer is needed that God might show us where He wants us and what He wants us to do with our lives in His service.
Join me in a prayer this morning. Gracious Lord, be with us this day and enlighten our lives so that we may see Your purposes for us that we might live and walk fully in Your ways. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2009
Monthly Theme: King Saul
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together
and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him,
"Behold, you are old and your sons don't walk in your ways.
Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations."
(1 Samuel 8:4-5)
A King Demanded What a pickle Samuel found himself in! The people were starting a revolution to redo the government. How would you feel about someone telling you to appoint your successor for your job knowing that the job would significantly change with this new appointment?
Samuel wasn't happy about it. He got extremely upset with it, but God even told him to do it. He lists all the reasons why having a king is a terrible idea. But the people say, "No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations" (vv19-20).
Israel wanted a king so they could be like everyone else. Peer pressure takes its toll on everyone. Despite how we like to be independent, inwardly we really want to have people accept us so we crumble when people want something that we don't.
But Jesus didn't crumble. He came to save His people. His people rejected Him and put Him on the Cross, but He didn't crumble. He died there for sinners. Sinners who succumb to the pressures of being like everyone else. It's hard for Christians to take stands against things because everyone wants to be just like everyone else. But Christians have the strength of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them as long as they feed their souls with God's Word. Filled with His Word, we can overcome the pressures around us so that we might live as He would have us. May God strengthen you today in His grace. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
Jephthah made a vow to the LORD:
"If You give the Ammonites into my hands,
whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me
when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's,
and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering."
(Judges 11:30-31)
Jephthah's Fateful Vow Jephthah's vow. What can you say about it? Maybe he should have been a little more specific. When he returns from devastating the Ammonites, he wishes he had been a bit more specific in his vow. The first thing to come out and meet him on his return--his only daughter. She comes out dancing with tambourines. He rips his clothes.
What would normally be a wonderful family reunion after a successful military campaign turns into heart-rending turmoil. Jephthah wrestled with whether he should fulfill his vow to God or not. He wanted to spare his daughter because she was his only child. But he knew that God would punish him for not fulfilling the vow.
It was the daughter's voice that broke through the internal struggle: "My father, you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised" (v36). So he did. He offered his only child as a burnt offering to God. A symbol of what God Himself would do later for Jephthah, his daughter and all people when Jesus died on the Cross as a burnt offering for the sins of the human race. What Jephthah rashly vowed and struggled to keep, God vowed from the very beginning of the world and saw it through to the very end. His Son dead on a Cross as an offering for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you,
nor will my son rule over you.
The LORD will rule over you."
(Judges 8:23)
Gideon Refuses to Rule It's the first time we have people of Israel wanting a king. With God's help, Gideon defeated the Midianites and delivered freedom to Israel. For his reward, they wanted to make him king: "Rule over us--you, your son and your grandson--because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian" (v22).
It was the same in our own country two centuries ago. George Washington made great strides in the colonies' struggle for independence. In recognition of his heroics in battle, many in the Continental Congress wanted to proclaim Washington the king of America. He flatly refused, just as Gideon, because the colonies wanted to re-create the tyranny they had just overthrew.
Gideon knew better. Israel had been set up with one king--God. There was room for no one else to have the power. Gideon humbly took the role and office of judge that God had given to him. Forty years he judged. He personally and Israel as a nation both prospered greatly during his time in office.
Who is the king of your heart? Is it God or someone/something else? If it's not God, pray for the strength to be able to overthrow the tyrant currently reigning in your heart and place the compassionate, caring Father on the throne. Amen.
The Roman Catholic Church has denied priests the right to marry and have children. Is this biblical? Is this historical? This episode is part one of answering these questions from the 23rd article of the Augsburg Confession.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
[Gideon said:] "Look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor."
(Judges 6:37)
Gideon's Fleece We pick up where we left off last time. Gideon still isn't sure that God wants him to deliver Israel. One final set of proofs that Gideon needs to see that this is truly God's way and not one of Satan's tricks. He still wasn't quite sure that this was what God really wanted.
So, he devised the fleece test. He placed a wool fleece on the threshing floor and said that if God wanted him to deliver Israel that the fleece would be wet and the ground around it dry when the dew came in the morning. He woke up the next morning and saw it just as he had requested of God--wet fleece, dry ground. Still not completely convinced, he tells God that he wants it reversed the next morning. Next morning he wakes up to wet ground and a dry fleece.
God was truly calling him. Gideon was slow of heart. James probably had Gideon in mind when he writes, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak" (1:19).
What is God calling you to do? God's callings come in such great variety. Not always in the form of delivering a nation from its enemies. Sometimes it's as simple as being a good parent, good child, good brother or sister. Just ministering to the people in your life in the little things you do every day. You don't need a fleece to tell you if God wants you to do something good for someone else. As Nike® would say, "Just do it." Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
"But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? ...
The LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."
(Judges 6:13)
Gideon's Doubts Gideon asked the question that's on everyone's mind. Yes, someone actually asked God about the reason for evil in the world. Especially evil to God's chosen people. Does God give him an answer? Absolutely. He says, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" (v14). Gideon continued to pry into that assignment because he was the youngest son in the smallest family of weakest clan of Manasseh, the smallest tribe. How could someone as insignificant as him deliver Israel?
Only with God's strength. That's the only way to overcome the doubts of God's presence when calamity strikes the lives of the faithful. Peter tells us that very thing, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12).
God's answer throughout Scripture to this question is that you are asking the wrong question. The question isn't, "Why is this happening to me?" The question should be, "What good will God make out of this testing?" The testing will come. The Bible promises that. It's not our place to doubt God's Word, as Gideon did. It's ours to take hold of the calamity that has befallen us and strive to see God's hand in it and God's path through it. St. Paul reminds us, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. ... But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Trials come, but God is still at work. Trust in Him and believe that He will see you through. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
Sisera, however, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,
because there were friendly relations between Jabin king of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite.
(Judges 4:17)
Sisera Sisera was the commander-in-chief of Jabin's forces. When Deborah and Barak pressed the battle, he fled in fear. He found a tent among his allies that he could hide in. While he hid, the woman who offered her tent to him killed him in his sleep. The death of a coward. Amazing how both armies in the battle were commanded by cowards.
Are you a coward? Do the problems in life intimidate you to the point that you run to any and every possible hiding place? Why is it? People turn to alcohol and drugs so they can escape into an altered version of reality. Others seek the hedonistic rush of promiscuous sexual activity. Why do you run? What's so great about the problems in your life that you have to run and hide?
Why not go to the one place where you can find true help--your heavenly Father? Are your sins so great that you're unworthy of His attention? Do you see Him as a vindictive Judge instead of a compassionate Father? We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "forgive us our trespasses" and "deliver us from evil." Do we truly believe that God will grant these petitions that we ask on our knees? Certainly He will. He promises to hear us whenever we call upon Him in the name of His Son.
The next time the troubles and problems of this world chase after you run to your heavenly Father. He will take care of you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
(Judges 4:4)
Deborah and Barak Deborah. The only female judge of Israel. The only prophet among the judges. Why is she numbered among all the men? The man who was supposed to be the commander of Israel's army, Barak. He refused to go into battle without her. He refused to accept his responsibility before God. Before going into battle, Deborah tells Barak, "Because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman" (Judges 4:9)--more about that next time.
Ten thousand men follow Deborah and Barak into battle. Sisera, the commander of the armies of Hazor, fled in terror. This battle led to the complete destruction of Hazor by the Israelites (Judges 4:24). Judges 5 is the victory song for the Israelite army. Deborah praised herself highly saying, "Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel" (v7). Deborah ruled as judge and almost "queen mother" for forty years in Israel because the surrounding nations knew that God fought for them. The same God who fought for you on the Cross. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge,
and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. ...
But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers,
going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them.
(Judges 2:18-19)
The Judges After Joshua's death, God sent judges to the children of Israel. They ran from Othniel until Samuel anointed Saul to be king. A span of around three hundred years. These men and women governed the Israelites in much the same way as Moses and Joshua had. With God's help, each judge delivered the Israelites from oppression of their enemies. While the judge lived, Israel was blessed and followed God's commandments. Once the judge was dead, Israel returned to the idols of their neighbors. Just like many of us do every week. We come and we sit in church for an hour on Sunday morning or Saturday evening. Then the other 167 hours of the week we're our own people following our own idols that we set up for ourselves--our jobs, our toys, our entertainment. The book of Judges is a sketch of what is commonplace throughout American society. Hopefully these meditations will bring us from this and lead us to always look to God for His help and guidance. Amen.
What is the Common Ground between Lutherans and Catholics regarding the question, "What is the Church?" Find out the answer to that question and several others as we go through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its confession of what it means to be "Church."
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
YHWH will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
(Psalm 121:8)
Going Out and Coming In As we look this morning at the petition, "But deliver us from evil," we take the one thing that's constant throughout life: God is with us all the time. This blessing is given many times at confirmations and ordinations. It's a great comfort for those receiving it. How comforting it is to be reminded of the everlasting presence of our Creator and Preserver God.
We pray in this petition that God would be with us throughout our days and "finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in Heaven" (SC III, 8). That's the ultimate deliverance from evil--when we are brought to our heavenly Father's place in Heaven where there is no evil. A place of perfect peace. A place where we can truly rest from our struggles in this world. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
[Jesus said:] "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
(Mark 14:38)
Temptation Temptation is all around us. For many, temptation lurks around every corner. We pray that God will "lead us not into temptation." We understand Jesus' words to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
The new man in each baptized Christian wishes to do God's will, but the old man of sin that still clings to us wants to do our own thing. Our sinful nature wants to yield to every temptation that appeals to us. After all, that's why temptations are so hard to beat. They're very appealing.
The only way to defeat temptation and not yield to it is through prayer. Even the disciples had to find this out when one demon simply refused to be cast out by them. Jesus responded, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (Mark 9:29). Your temptations are uniquely your own, but the same solution works for everyone--pray about them. Jesus will help strengthen your spirit by the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
(Proverbs 28:13)
Confess and Forsake Hiding our sins doesn't work. We cannot hide them from God. Everything is seen by Him. As David reminds us, "Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7). There is nowhere that we can go where God is not there. He encompasses everything. We will not prosper by thinking that we can hide our sins from God.
The best way to deal with our sin is to confront it directly. To confess it and forsake it. By confessing our sins to God and vowing to forsake them, we obtain God's mercy. Only through Confession can Absolution be obtained. The Bible is filled with passages that remind us that Christians are sinners in the hands of a merciful God. By confessing and forsaking our sin, we receive the promised mercy. May you confess and forsake your sins today. Amen.
riginal Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
The eyes of all look to You,
and You give them their food in due season.
You open Your hand;
You satisfy the desire of every living thing.
(Psalm 145:15-16)
"The Eyes of All Look to You" Everyone and everything looks to God for everything we need. As this petition shows us, "God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving" (SC III, 5a). God opens His hand and gives blessings to everyone.
Christians acknowledge by faith that everything comes from God. Everything comes from the Father as its primary source. It can be the crops in the field, the feed for the animals, the cuts of meat at the store or the wonderful electronic gadgets that make life easier. All these things come from God and we owe Him the thanks for each and every one of them. Amen.
Submission and humility are on the minds of the Roman presbyters as they write chapters 14-19 of their epistle to the Corinthians.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
[Jesus said:] "For this is the will of My Father,
that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life,
and I will raise him up on the Last Day."
(John 6:40)
"Thy Will Be Done" The Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer requests "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Luther's explanation of this petition shows that this petition, being the third and final petition concerning God's eternal attributes, is a summary of the previous petitions.
"God's will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let His kingdom come" (SC III, 4b). "We thus ask that all opposition to God's will might be removed from the earth, and especially from our own hearts. We ask for the freedom to conform our desires and deeds more fully to God's, so that we might be completely delivered from our sin. We yield ourselves, in life and in death, to God's will" (PCUSA Catechism, Question 129).
This petition, at least for me, is the hardest petition to pray. As Christians, we truly do want God's will to be done. As sinners, we only want God's will to be done if it's done on our time table. But what is God's will? To believe in His Son so that we may inherit eternal life and be raised again on the Last Day. We want the Last Day to get here now. We want to be rid of the problems that we pray against in the rest of the Lord's Prayer. Part of faith is believing that God is in control. That faith will lead you through this life and into the everlasting life for which we wait. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
[Jesus said:] "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe the Gospel."
(Mark 1:15)
"Thy Kingdom Come" The first recorded words of Jesus in St. Mark's Gospel show the Second Petition in all its clarity. Jesus is bringing about the Father's kingdom by His preaching in the world.
In the Heidelberg Catechism, the Second Petition means: "Rule us by Your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to You. Keep Your Church strong, and add to it. Destroy the devil's work; destroy every force which revolts against You and every conspiracy against Your Word. Do this until Your kingdom is so complete and perfect that in it you are all in all" (Question 122).
In Luther's Catechism, "God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity" (SC III, 3b).
In both of these catechisms, the end result is the same. God's kingdom comes by itself through His Word and His grace. It comes as people believe in the Gospel presented by Jesus Himself.
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the Gospel" today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
[Jesus said:] "In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
"Let Your Light Shine" Jesus wants your good works to shine. After all, the works you do in Jesus' name are meant for others. The works you do are done to show the Easter joy in which you live. That joy brings out the shine of the Christian life.
Jesus tells us in the preceding verses, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house" (vv14-15). Your works cannot be hidden because they show your true affiliation.
May your works give glory to God as your light shines in the darkness of the world, illuminating the Savior who died and rose for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
See what kind of love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
(1 John 3:1)
"Our Father" "Our Father who art in Heaven. ... With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all confidence we may ask Him as dear children as their dear father" (SC III, 1).
God calls us His children through the washing of Baptism. That's the love that He has given to us. He takes away our sin, buries it into the grave where Jesus was buried and clothes us with Jesus' perfect righteousness.
What kind of love is this? It's God's merciful love. God's fatherly love which does everything necessary for us to be His children. Amen.
Original Broadcast: May 2009
Monthly Theme: The Lord's Prayer
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O YHWH, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)
Meditations of the Heart In April 2000, a mysterious little prayer became the sensation of American Evangelicalism. This prayer, spoken by a man named Jabez, is found in the midst of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles.
Jabez prayed, "Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" (1 Chronicles 4:10). The chronicler says, "And God granted what he asked."
What does this mean? Jabez wanted more stuff and God gave it to him. That's what the book told us and all we had to do was repeat the prayer daily for so long and we'd have our hearts' desires. But is that always good?
Maybe not. You should be like David, praying that your heart's meditation and your words be acceptable to God. The words and meditations that Jesus gave us in the Lord's Prayer we know are acceptable because He told His disciples, "When you pray, say" (Luke 11:2). Then our words and meditations are acceptable to our Father in Heaven. That we can be assured of. Amen.
This week we begin our look into the event of the Exodus itself with the institution of the Feast of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 12:1-28.
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Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
[Jesus said:] "This is eternal life: that they may know You,
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent."
(John 17:3)
Life Everlasting The last line of the Creed talks about the life everlasting. But what is "life everlasting"? Jesus defines it as knowing God and Him. And knowing God means believing and trusting in Him. Everlasting life only comes through Jesus Christ. It's as He says to His disciples on Maundy Thursday: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
Everlasting life is Christianity. Christianity is the everlasting life that we seek. You want to live forever? Believe in Jesus. Trust Him and follow Him all the days of your life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last He will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
(Job 19:25-27)
My Redeemer Lives This is one of the most requested readings for the funeral of one who dies with faith in Jesus. It's requested so often because it is a beautiful, faithful picture of life after the resurrection of the dead.
Many people don't believe that we will rise bodily from the dead. They believe that we'll simply float around like spirits in some higher plane of consciousness. But that's not what the Bible teaches. The Bible shows that we will have bodies after our resurrection. Job confessed that. Jesus had a physical body when He appeared to Mary Magdalene and the disciples.
You too will have a physical body after the resurrection. It will be much like yours now yet without the blemishes, scars and wounds. In that body we'll see our Lord face-to-face for all eternity. It's a wonderful thing to consider each and every day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
In [Christ] we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God's grace.
(Ephesians 1:7)
Forgiven Richly St. Paul reminds the Ephesians that the forgiveness of sins comes from the hand of God. It is out of His "fatherly, divine goodness and mercy" that He gives us all things.
We're reminded of what the psalmist prayed, "If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O LORD, who can stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared" (130:3-4).
There is only forgiveness of sins through Jesus' death and resurrection. He paid the price for your sins so that God would count your faith as righteousness in His sight (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). And because God is "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15), He richly forgives you all your sins. Thank Him this morning for the richness of His forgiveness. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Communion of Saints The one holy Christian and apostolic Church, called the communion of saints in the Creed, is the congregating of Christians together for mutual edification and encouragement. We are encouraged to gather together habitually--not for ourselves, but for each other.
We don't go to church so that we can get something out of it. We go to church so that we can give to others. There's no definite way or form to do that. It can be something that we don't even expect. Sometimes it might just be our presence that brightens someone else's day. It might be saying, "Good morning," to someone we aren't in the habit of speaking to regularly. It can be as simple and profound as the saying together of the liturgy, bringing God's promises to the minds of everyone gathered in the sanctuary. That's where the community aspect of the Church comes into play. How we can encourage and build each other up. That's why we come to church. That's why, for centuries, the church was the center of community life around the world. That's what we need to work to reachieve. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
[You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets,
with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.
(Ephesians 2:20)
Apostolic Church The Nicene Creed has the line we've spent a lot of time dealing with this month as reading: "I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church." We've explored the rest of the words. Where do we get the idea for the "apostolic" Church? What book do we use to determine what we believe, teach and confess?
We look to the Bible to tell us what is to be believed, taught and confessed. A collection of books written by the holy prophets and apostles that God sent to proclaim either the coming Messiah or the Savior who has come. These books serve as the basis for doctrinal formulation, whether in the form of creeds or simply as the average Christian trying to make sense of what it says.
The Bible tells us, but it didn't drop out of the sky. God called the prophets and apostles to write these things down for our understanding. As St. John writes in his Gospel, "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name" (20:31). Pick up the apostolic Word of God today and see where it takes you in your life. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
[Jesus said:] "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
(Matthew 28:19-20)
The Church Catholic We continue our look through the Third Article of the Creed and find ourselves with the line, "I believe in the holy catholic Church." That's the original text of the Apostles' Creed. It's catholic with a small "c". The word meaning "universal."
The Church of Jesus Christ, according to every major confession, is where "the Gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered according to the Gospel" (AC VII, 1). The Church catholic is wherever you can find the Gospel of Jesus Christ being proclaimed and the Sacraments of Communion and Baptism being administered. Just as Jesus directed the disciples in His Great Commission.
The Church of Jesus Christ is truly catholic in the fact that it does span the entire world. Billions of people worldwide flocking together around the proclamation of the Gospel and the Sacraments that our Lord instituted. That's the worldwide Church to which all who believe in Jesus belong. Amen.
This week we wrestle with the Veneration of the Saints (AC XXI) and receiving both kinds (body and blood) in the Lord's Supper (AC XXII).
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy,
cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word,
and to present her to Himself as a radiant Church,
without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
(Ephesians 5:25-27)
The Holy Church Jesus' Church is a holy Church. It is holy because He made her holy. St. Paul reminds us that it was Jesus' death and resurrection that brings about any sort of holiness among Christians. That was how He made her holy in giving Himself up. But that's not where Paul finishes his statement.
He says Jesus cleanses her "by the washing with water through the Word." That's Baptism. That's the only washing that takes the dirt and grime of sin and washes it away completely. Not just plain water, but water under the power and authority of the Word of Christ.
Just as the Church is made holy through Baptism, so are the Christians within that Church. You who have been baptized, who have been washed with the water through the Word, are holy. Holy because Jesus died and rose for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Easter 2009
Monthly Theme: Third Article Gifts
[Jesus said:] "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.
I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice,
and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd."
(John 10:16)
One Church Jesus says there is only one Church. As we go through this month, we'll look into what the Third Article of the Creed says about the Church of Jesus Christ.
We look at the world today. We don't even have to look outside our own neighborhoods. We have Lutheran churches, Catholic churches, Reformed churches, Methodist churches, Presbyterian churches and other churches. Churches all across the theological spectrum. How can there be only one Church with all these differences?
That's the question that's plagued theologians of every stripe. But the answer is really simple. There is only one Church because there is only one Savior. The one who died on Good Friday and rose on Easter morning. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
And when the centurion, who stood facing Him, saw that in this way He breathed His last,
he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
(Mark 15:39)
Centurion's Confession When we look at the events of our Lord's Passion, we generally think about His disciples and the women who followed Him from Galilee. But what about the Roman soldiers who were simply doing their jobs as they executed enemies of the state? They were simply doing their job. That's evidenced by the personal effects of the condemned were handed over to the soldiers in charge. They cast lots for His clothes after they lifted Him up onto the Cross (v24). What about them?
Well, nothing major comes about for them because the majority of them see nothing out of the ordinary with this batch of executions. But one, possibly the chief of the soldiers on crucifixion duty that day, saw something completely out of the ordinary. This centurion, an officer of great rank in the Roman army, saw Jesus will Himself to die. He knew that no ordinary person could do such. Only a god could do that. Does that mean that this centurion immediately became a Christian? No. The Roman religious scene was a hodge-podge of many assimilated pantheons of Gods. The Romans borrowed gods from every region that they had conquered.
But the centurion's confession is truly remarkable because, even if he was still a pagan, he attested to the physical Incarnation of God in Jesus of Nazareth. This centurion knew that there was something truly special about this Galilean. It could only be that He was a son of one of the gods. He had to be divine in nature. Even the pagans at Jesus' death had to admit that God had come into the flesh. And He came into the flesh for you. Amen.
riginal Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice,
"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means,
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
(Mark 15:34)
Forsaken Stricken. Smitten. Afflicted. Forsaken. All words to describe Jesus at the ninth hour of the day on Good Friday. This fourth Word of Jesus on the Cross comes as a quote of the twenty-second Psalm. He had hung between Heaven and earth for six hours--rejected by men, forsaken by His Father.
He was forsaken because He had become sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus had committed no sin, but as He was nailed to the Cross, He became the very embodiment of sin as your sins and the sins of everyone who had ever lived, is living now and ever will live, were placed on His shoulders. That's why there was darkness for three hours. That's why there's the agony in His voice. That's the only place where forgiveness can be found.
He was forsaken so that you would be accepted. He took the punishment for your sin so that you would be found not guilty. He left this world without a friend so that you could sing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Your friend laid down His life so that you could have eternal life. He was forsaken so that you would never feel forsaken. Amen.
riginal Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
(Mark 15:33)
Three Hours of Darkness For three hours the horrible wrath of God was seen in the pitch darkness that overtook the earth. During the middle of the day, at high noon, instead of being the brightest part of that day, everything went black. No light could be found anywhere in the land of Judah.
It was the time of forsaking. It was the time of God the Father turning His back on His Son. It was the time of great sorrow and agony. All God's wrath was coming full-force at Jesus as He hung upon the Cross. The punishment for all the sins of the world was being meted out during those three hours. Your sins were atoned for during this time of darkness.
On Good Friday, our focus is generally on what happened after the three hours of darkness. Jesus' seven words from the Cross are after the time of darkness. But it's in the darkness, in the forsaken realm without light, that we find the light of our salvation shining through. Jesus suffered once for all your sins so that He might draw you "out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Amen.
This week we wrestle with who the Holy Spirit is and what He does in the Church and the world. Our understanding of the Third Person of the Trinity helps to shape many of the other doctrines of the faith. We need to look at this very closely, especially as subtle differences can make drastic changes in our theology.
Original Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out as against a robber,
with swords and clubs to capture Me?
Day after day I was with you in the Temple teaching,
and you did not seize Me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled."
(Mark 14:48-49)
Finally Arrested? It had been four days since Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem with the procession of palms and pilgrims shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (11:9). Four days that He'd been in the Temple grounds and no one's touched Him. But He knew that this was His last Passover on earth. He just had to wait.
So Jesus was still waiting as Judas Iscariot led the mob to arrest Him. He had declared it time when He spoke to Judas, saying, "What you are doing, do quickly" (John 13:27). As they come to Him, armed to the hilt, ready for a fight, I can almost see Jesus chuckle at the sight. He asks the question, knowing that no one is going to given Him an answer. Why hadn't they taken Him while He was right in front of them? They weren't going to do it during the feast (v2). They wanted to wait until Jerusalem's population had shrunk back down to a more normal, more manageable, number.
But Jesus wasn't going to wait any longer. You could paraphrase His question, "Have you FINALLY come out to arrest Me? It's about time." What about you? Have you finally decided that Jesus really is who He said He is? Jesus would say to you, "It's about time," and welcome you into His family. Amen.
riginal Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
And [Jesus] said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.
Remove this cup from Me.
Yet not what I will, but what You will."
(Mark 14:36)
"Remove This Cup From Me" Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane a great prayer, a dark prayer. A prayer even though He already knew the answer. In His sorrow, He looks for a way for salvation without the Cross. Jesus isn't backing out. He's giving us yet one more example of how we should pray.
Many times our prayers consists of "I want" statements. I want a bigger house. I want a better job. I want my kids to act like civilized human beings. But we often forget one major clause to put in our prayers: "Yet not what I will, but what You will." St. James, the brother of our Lord, writes to the Church this very same thing: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'--yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that'" (4:13-15).
Everything for which we pray we must pray, first of all, that God's will is done. Jesus does this as He is waiting for Judas to come and hand Him over. Jesus knows the struggles and the pain that awaits Him over the next several hours, but even He, the Son of God, leaves everything in the hands of His heavenly Father. If Jesus does this in His darkest hour, shouldn't you as well? Amen.
Original Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
[Jesus said:] "And wherever he enters, say to the master of the house,
'The Teacher says, Where is My guest room,
where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?'"
(Mark 14:14)
"Where is My Guest Room?" In preparation for the Feast, Jesus sent two of His disciples to Jerusalem. It was time for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate the Passover. The only problem was location. Where would they celebrate it? Where would Jesus be welcome?
Where is Jesus welcome today? he asks the question in the end times to the church in Laodicea: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eath with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). The pictures given of this verse show Jesus standing outside a house with no knob on the outside of the door. The only way for Jesus to enter is to be brought in from the outside.
The question remains: "Where is My guest room?" Is there a guest room open in your heart for Him? Will you let Him celebrate the Passover there? Will you let Him bring His all-for-one sacrifice into your life and forgive you of your sins? Amen.
Original Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
[Jesus said:] "She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for burial.
And truly, I say to you, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in memory of her."
(Mark 14:8-9)
"Anointed My Body ... For Burial" An expensive waste of resources. That's what the disciples thought of this woman's actions. Three hundred days' worth of wages broken and poured over Jesus' head. In times of economic hardship, three hundred days of salary isn't always guaranteed. Almost a year of salary used in such a way that is deemed wasteful and lacking in stewardship.
But Jesus chastises His disciples for their short-sightedness. He knew what a faithful, selfless act this sacrifice truly was. Almost a year's worth of money used in anointing to prepare for His burial. This sacrifice was an object lesson to the disciples. The woman hadn't intended it that way, but Jesus uses it to point His disciples' thoughts to what He'd been trying to teach them--His death and burial.
Jesus finishes His statements to the disciples with a reminder, "For you always have the poor with you ... But you will not always have Me" (v7). Jesus' departure was soon. The disciples' intentions were good with their statements, but they were missing the big picture that was staring them in the face. May you, like the woman, see the big picture right in front of you. Jesus dead for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: Lent 2009
Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark
It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest Him by stealth and kill Him,
for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people."
(Mark 14:1-2)
"Not During the Feast" The chief priests and scribes wanted Jesus dead. They knew that He was a threat to their way of life. They knew that Jesus, like every good Jew, would be in Jerusalem for the Feast. If they could find a way to delay His departure from the feast, they could take Him out of the equation quietly. They could be rid of Him once and for all. One more false prophet out of the way. But God had a different plan.
Where the scribes wanted to wait, God wanted Jesus to fulfill the Passover sacrifice. That being said, God wasn't going to let them wait. God allowed Satan to enter Judas Iscariot so that everything happened on God's time table and not anyone else's time table. God, once again, was showing that His will will be done when He wants it to be done. Jesus was sent to be the ultimate Passover lamb. The Passover lamb must be sacrificed at the Passover. Jesus sacrificed Himself for you when the time was right. That sacrifice is what we look at this Lenten season. Amen.
As I return from a brief hiatus, we move back into the Apostolic Fathers, taking a look at 1 Clement 9-13. This section follows a similar path to Hebrews 11-12, referencing the faith of the Old Testament saints. The Roman presbyters encourage us to imitate the humility of saints like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot and Rahab.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
(John 3:5-6)
The Second Birth Nicodemus came to Jesus by night with questions. Everyone understood that there was something special about Jesus. As Nicodemus puts it, "No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him" (v2). Nicodemus was a seeker looking for answers to his questions. Jesus' response gave him more questions: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (v4). Jesus answers with our theme verse.
The kingdom of Heaven is open to those who have been born of the water and the Spirit--those who have been baptized. The Holy Spirit brings this about as St. Peter told the crowd at Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Baptism gives the gift of the Holy Spirit, namely, faith. Baptized Christians are enlivened with the Spirit's presence as their soul is converted from a dead mass into a living, breathing works-producing entity destined for Heaven.
This second birth is required because we are all born sinners in our first, fleshly birth. The second birth, with the water and the Spirit, brings us out of our sins and into the works that God has prepared for us to do in our lives (Ephesians 2:10). This second birth delivers us from the evil one and grants us admission into the kingdom of Heaven where we are able to spend eternity with Jesus. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
(Psalm 51:13)
Converted A key word in the work of the Holy Spirit is "conversion". But we don't typically talk about it today in the same sense that the Bible teaches it. Today, we generally talk about conversion in relation to marriage. Two people get married, one is Lutheran the other Catholic. Many times one "converts" to the other. But that's not what the Holy Spirit talks about when He discusses His role in conversion. The Holy Spirit's work of conversion isn't a lateral move from one denomination to another like converting miles to kilometers. It's a complete transformation from one thing into something completely different.
It is the transformation of a sinner into a saint as King David talks about in our theme verse this morning. David rejoices in the fact that He has received forgiveness of his sins with Bathsheba. In the aftermath, he promises to teach others who are straying from the Lord's commands so that they might turn and be converted into saints walking along the path of the Lord.
This conversion only takes place through the Holy Spirit and His work through the Gospel. As only God in the flesh could make an atoning sacrifice that cleansed every sin, so also only God can convert the heart and soul of the sinner. That change is the greatest of pleasures in Heaven as Jesus said, "There will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7). May we think likewise. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.
(Romans 10:17)
"Faith Comes By Hearing St. Paul reiterates the necessity of hearing the Word of God to create, renew and strengthen faith in believers. Coming to church on a rare occasion or allowing your Bible to collect dust on the shelf doesn't facilitate this reaction to faith. In fact, it can actually harm your faith. Think of it this way. How long has it been since you've been in worship or opened your Bible to hear God's Word? Now, imagine that you've not eaten in that same amount of time. That's the status of your soul. Starving. Wasting away from malnutrition. No nourishment likely to come either if past history is any indication. Why is that? Why is it that you don't neglect the needs of your body but you neglect the needs of your soul?
Now, of course, I'm not talking to everyone today because there are still many people who come to worship regularly. Many people still read their Bible on a regular basis. These are they who have little fear with what is going on with the world and all the struggles going on. They know who is in charge of things and whose they are. They are regularly and richly blessed every time they hear the Word of God proclaimed either from their pastor's lips or their own as they read it themselves.
The spiritual banquet for your soul is plentiful and always ripe and in season. Faith is begun by first hearing the Word of God. Faith is fed, nourished and strengthened through continual hearing of the Word of God. Feed your soul. Don't let your faith waste away into spiritual death. There's so much to live for. There's so much still yet to learn that will make you grow beyond your wildest imagination. Come and see. The banquet is always prepared for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6)
Keeps Me in the One True Faith "Always finish what you start." That's a bit of wisdom we've probably all received while growing up. There's no point in leaving a job half-finished. So it is with the Holy Spirit. He doesn't just start everything by calling, enlightening and sanctifying us and letting us go about our own business as if He didn't have a care. He's right beside believers as they encounter and interact with the world around them.
St. Paul gives us many examples of this through his epistles to the various congregations throughout the Roman world in the first century. The Holy Spirit was very evident through His work in the lives of the believers. It was in the flashy miracles of the Apostles. More importantly, it was in the everyday life of the believer as they faced persecution for their beliefs.
For many of them, the day of Jesus Christ came quite quickly as they were put to death for being Christian in an anti-Christian world. But they went to their deaths unwavering in their faith because the Holy Spirit was there with them, keeping them strong in the faith that He had begun in them. The same faith He has begun in you as well. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness,
but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
(Titus 3:5)
Sanctified St. Paul reminds Titus that salvation is not by works. It is solely by God's grace through the washing of Baptism. Sanctification only occursbecause the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel and enlightened us with His gifts. Salvation is a precious gift that the Holy Spirit has for each baptized Christian.
The strict sense of sanctification is how the Holy Spirit directs and empowers believers to lead godly lives. Paul tells the Corinthians, "You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). It's the direction that the Holy Spirit places us in our lives as He helps us to fight against our sinful human nature and its natural blindness, death and enmity against God.
By sanctifying us, the Holy Spirit puts us into Christ's kingdom both in Heaven and on earth. That is why He continues to work through the Word and Sacrament ministry of the Church on earth. That is why He calls and invites all to hear the wonderful message of Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation at the local congregations each and every Lord's Day. Make plans to be there yourself this Lord's Day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed,
and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:3)
Enlightened After the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel, He enlightens us with His gifts. What gifts are these? Primarily the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He also gives us the ability to fear, love and trust in God above all things that we confess in the First Commandment. It's only through these gifts that we can truly worship God.
That true worship is the ability to call Jesus our Lord. That is the only thing that we can say about Jesus once we've been filled with the Holy Spirit in our Baptism. We call Him our Lord because He has saved us from our sins. No Christian can call Jesus accursed. Therefore, faith is the greatest spiritual gift we can receive.
That faith brings us together in the one true faith that we confess in the Creed. That faith is what binds us together as Christians--all those who believe in Jesus as their Lord. The faith that brings together everyone in the common confession of Jesus. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
(Romans 10:14)
Called by the Gospel St. Paul goes through this series of questions throughout the last half of Romans 10. He leads this through the conclusion: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (v17). The series begins with the assurance from the prophet Joel: "Everyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (2:32). Paul's logical chain of questions is brought about by this promise. How can salvation happen without belief? How can belief happen without hearing someone preaching? Preaching is only good if the Holy Spirit is present.
The Word of God still brings faith today through the Sacraments as the Word of God is added to the physical element. Augustine's definition of the Sacrament shows the greatness and effectiveness of the Word of God on a daily basis. In the Sacraments we receive the forgiveness of sins that allows us to call on the name of YHWH and so be saved. That Word comes through the Holy Spirit as it is proclaimed and read to us and by us.
Have you heard the Word of God? Do you believe the Word of God? If so, take its own promise that it is a wealth of knowledge that even a lifetime of study will not reach the bottom. Pick it up today and see just how deep it is. Amen.
Original Broadcast: February 2009
Monthly Theme: Holy Spirit (Apostles' Creed)
For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?
So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:11)
Third Person The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the most mysterious member of the Trinity. He doesn't garner much attention for what He does. But His work is everywhere. By way of analogy, I generally explain the Holy Spirit's work as that of a spotlight operator.
The Holy Spirit's job is the revelation of the Gospel to the saints. Everything He does reveals something about the Gospel. At Jesus' Baptism, John the Baptizer explained that the Holy Spirit's descent as a dove was God's sign to him as to who the Messiah was. The Holy Spirit reveals to us everything we need to know about Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. He does this because He indwells in all Christians and is the Third Person of the Trinity. He knows both sides of the human-divine equation.
So also, Martin Luther begins his explanation of the Third Article of the Creed in His Small Catechism: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him." Everything we need to know we got from the Holy Spirit. This month we'll look more at what He does in our lives. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
[Jesus said:] "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and the angels with Him,
He will sit on His throne in heavenly glory.
All the nations will be gathered before Him,
and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
(Matthew 25:31-32)
Judge of the Living and the Dead Jesus is coming back. He has promised that through His disciples. As we confess in the Creed, He will come back to judge the living and the dead. What does that mean for us? Jesus has promised that, just as He came the first time into human history to purchase our salvation, He will come again in human history and there will be people and Christians still alive at that time. Jesus tells St. Peter in the last chapter of St. John's Gospel, "If it is My will that he [John] remain until I come, what is it to you? You follow Me!" (21:22)).
When Jesus returns on the Last Day, everyone will rise who has ever lived. Those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior will inherit eternal life. Those who refused to believe or fought against Him will inherit eternal death as they suffer the eternal torments of Hell. Those are the judgments to be handed out.
This morning we draw another day closer to that Last Day. How will you be judged? Will you be one of the rewarded faithful or one of the condemned faithless? There is a sure-fire way to make sure you are among the rewarded faithful. Dig into His Word. Get your Bible off the shelf and really read it to see what it says about Jesus, about you and about life in this world. Then, go to church. Hear that same Word being proclaimed in its truth and purity. Let the fellowship of believers strengthen your faith and resolve as you continue in this life and prepare for the life to come. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
[Christ] is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
(Romans 8:34)
He Sits When we confess that Jesus "sits at the right hand of the Father," we are not locating Him in a fixed position. When we arrive in Heaven, there will not be a neon sign directing us, showing us the point that is "the right hand of God." There's no such fixed place. Why? Because God's right hand is everywhere because God is everywhere.
Many will disagree that the humanity of Jesus cannot be everywhere all at once like His divinity, but that's not what the Bible teaches us. David prophesied that God would say to His Messiah, "Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool" (Psalm 110:1).
Throughout the Bible and much of antiquity, the right hand was synonymous with power and authority. That's where we get the phrase "right-hand man". He or she is the one who has been given all the authority of the one who originally and rightfully possesses it. When we confess that Jesus sits at the right hand of God, we are confessing that He is the one through whom God has given all His authority and power, just as Jesus told His disciples, "All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18).
As St. Paul tells the Romans, Jesus has all this authority and uses it to intercede for us before God the Father. As we have begun a new year on the calendar, let us make a resolution to thank our Lord and Savior for His intercessions daily. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.
(Acts 1:9)
Ascended Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
For forty days after He rose from the dead, Jesus continued to appear to His disciples. On the fortieth day, there was a bit of difference in the appearance. Well, maybe not in the appearance but definitely in the withdrawing from His disciples. He was talking and all of a sudden this cloud comes along underneath His feet and lifts Him up into the air.
Many churches have a statue of the risen Jesus with His arms extended in a blessing. These statues are based on the ancient tradition that Jesus was blessing His disciples as He was taken up into Heaven and Luke just doesn't record the words. It's a very comforting pose so that we might be given comfort. After all, Jesus had just told them not too much earlier, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus is with you as you go through your days on this earth. Although He physically ascended into Heaven, His Spirit dwells in His saints throughout the world so that the work of His Church may be done. That work continues until He returns again. More on that next time. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
(Matthew 28:5-6)
"The Tomb is Empty!!" Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Mary Magdalene, Salome and Joanna went to the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week after the Passover. It was the third day since Jesus had been crucified and buried. They had come to complete the preparations for proper burial for Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had hastily wrapped His body just before sunset on Friday. He had to be buried before the Sabbath began. They reach the tomb and see that the stone had been rolled away.
Scared--petrified would probably be a better word for it--they looked into the tomb. They didn't see a body. Instead, they saw an angel sitting where the body had been laid. He said, "Do not be afraid." Yeah right! You go to a tomb expecting to see a corpse and an angel is there instead. I'd be afraid.
He says, "You seek Jesus ... He is not here, for He has risen, as He said." Jesus had told His disciples many times that He would die and then rise again on the third day. They just didn't understand. Would you? Jesus is not in the tomb. He has risen! He has become the everlasting life that He has promised to each and every child of the Father. His resurrection seals it. Therefore all we can respond is "Alleluia! Praise the Lord!" Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
(1 Peter 3:18-20)
"He Descended into Hell" Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We begin our Easter meditation series with the most controverted event of Easter weekend--Jesus' descent into Hell. After Jesus died and was buried, He was made alive by the Holy Spirit. The first thing He did after being made alive was descend into Hell--not to be further punished for our sins, but to proclaim His victory over death and Hell.
As I said, this is one of the most controverted items in the Bible. "Where does the Bible say Jesus descended into Hell?" some ask. The answer is clear from this passage from St. Peter's first epistle. "He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison." Who were those spirits in prison? Those who "formerly did not obey ... in the days of Noah." What happened to those who did not obey in the days of Noah? They were killed in the Flood and were condemned to Hell.
Jesus went to proclaim His victory to those already hardened in their sin. He did not go to convert people from Hell. He went to say, "I have defeated sin, death and Satan. I am the one you were to believe in, but you refused to believe." The Gospel comes to the living so that we can cling to it while we are dying, knowing that Jesus has defeated all His enemies. Amen.
Original Broadcast: January 2009
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Exaltation (Apostles' Creed)
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
(Matthew 23:12)
Exaltation The Second Article of the Creed is really two sections: Jesus' state of humiliation, or His Incarnation, and Jesus' state of exaltation. Looking at the Christmas story throughout December, we saw how everything in the Incarnation points to His death on the Cross. This month, as we also begin a new year, we'll see Jesus' state of exaltation as an effective "New Year's Day" for Jesus in His ministry and life.
The Creed contains the exaltation in the words: "He descended into Hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead."
As we look through these phrases from the Creed, we see what St. Paul also said about Jesus, "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). May that be your wish this morning--to bow the knee and confess Jesus as your Lord to the glory of Your Father in Heaven. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock.
(Matthew 27:59-60)
Buried! Jesus was buried by a "secret disciple" in Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph and Nicodemus were members of the Sanhedrin. Members who were apparently not present when Jesus stood on trial before them. If they were, they kept silent so that no one would know their true allegiance.
That anonymity worked well until Jesus was dead and needed to be buried before the Sabbath. Joseph had a tomb that he had just had cut for his own burial one day. But there was a greater need at this time. Jesus of Nazareth--the stricken, smitten and afflicted Suffering Servant--the Savior of the world, needed a place to rest.
So Joseph came out of hiding. He made his allegiance to Jesus known as he requested the body of Jesus from Pilate. He stuck his neck out, but was it just a little too late? Certainly not! We know the rest of the story. That on the third day Jesus rose again from the dead. The tomb was just a temporary dwelling place for Jesus' body while He continued to fulfill the Law of God for us even in His death. More on that later.
Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb so that we could "borrow" His righteousness for all eternity. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last.
(Mark 15:37)
He Died In each of the Gospel accounts, Jesus' death is recorded simply:
- "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yieled up His Spirit" (Matthew 27:50).
- "And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last" (Mark 15:37)
- "And having said this He breathed His last" (Luke 23:46b).
- "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished,' and He bowed His head and gave us His Spirit" (John 19:30).
The focus is not so much what happened and explaining how. The focus is seeing that Jesus, as God, willed Himself to die. St. John's Gospel says it most clearly, "It is finished!" There was nothing else to do so Jesus gave up His spirit. He willed Himself to die at that moment. Only God can determine when life begins and ends. Even in His death, Jesus is showing that He is God in the flesh as He dies on His terms and long before even the "crucifixion experts" had expected.
Jesus' death is for you. He died so that you might live. As you go through your day today, think about His death for you and all the gifts that come to you because of it: grace, peace with God, eternal salvation. All these are yours because He died for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
And those who passed by derided Him, wagging their heads and saying,
"You who would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself!
If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross."
(Matthew 27:39-40)
Crucified! It was a somber highlight for Passover. Pilate had planned a triple crucifixion to take place. Even though it was quite somber, many people turned out to view the "festivities". It's amazing just how depraved human nature actually is. Some people just seem to enjoy watching people die. That's gotten even into the major plot of many movies in the last few years. It's a sad condition of our society.
Jesus was crucified and many of the chief priests and elders followed him out to Golgotha to make sure that He really was crucified. They also wanted to taunt Him. All sorts of vain promises and oaths were made that they would believe if He'd take Himself down from the Cross.
But that wasn't in God's plan for the Messiah. In fact, being crucified was a central focal point of God's plan of salvation. We Christians--and Lutherans in particular--focus on a full Cross and an empty tomb. Only God in the flesh could will Himself to die and then resurrect Himself from the dead. This is Jesus crucified for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
so that you through His poverty might become rich.
(2 Corinthians 8:9)
Suffered The sufferings of Jesus are typically remembered only through the line in the Creed: "suffered under Pontius Pilate." But His sufferings didn't start there. "A scribe came up and said to Him, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head'" (Matthew 9:19-20). Jesus went from one place to another with nowhere to call home. You could say He wandered through the region of Galilee and Judea much like Israel wandered through the wilderness after leaving Egypt.
He suffered the pangs of poverty and desertion so that He might feel the same pains and frustrations that we do. Where were the disciples when He was on trial? St. John the Evangelist was there beside Him until the end. St. Peter was out in the courtyard denying Him. The rest had left the scene as soon as they had a chance. In a crowded room, He was truly alone. His sufferings began long before the Crucifixion. His sufferings began when Adam and Eve refused to repent for falling prey to the serpent's temptation in the Garden. The same time your suffering began. The suffering that He came to take away forever. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
And she gave birth to her firstborn son
and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths
and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room at the inn.
(Luke 2:7)
Born in a Stable Jesus was born in a stable. He was born in a stable and then laid in a feeding trough. Think about this scene. We have our little nativity sets that illustrate it, but they never really seem to do it real justice.
The tiny infant Jesus is bundled in little strips of cloth. Then He's basically laid down on a bale of hay or straw. Even with the swaddling cloths, surely stray pieces of straw poked and itched His skin. Then the animals probably didn't take too kindly to have an intruder in their food supply.
But there He was. The lowliest of births for the Savior of the world. A story that tends to get overlooked, but one that needs to be seen in its true color. May that color brighten your day. Amen.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son
and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths
and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room at the inn.
(Luke 2:7)
Born in a Stable Jesus was born in a stable. He was born in a stable and then laid in a feeding trough. Think about this scene. We have our little nativity sets that illustrate it, but they never really seem to do it real justice.
The tiny infant Jesus is bundled in little strips of cloth. Then He's basically laid down on a bale of hay or straw. Even with the swaddling cloths, surely stray pieces of straw poked and itched His skin. Then the animals probably didn't take too kindly to have an intruder in their food supply.
But there He was. The lowliest of births for the Savior of the world. A story that tends to get overlooked, but one that needs to be seen in its true color. May that color brighten your day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
And [Gabriel] said to [Mary],
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."
(Luke 1:35)
Conceived by the Holy Spirit A vital portion of the Christmas story tends to be set aside and reserved strictly for the Sunday before Christmas or its own holy day. But without Gabriel's proclamation to the Virgin Mary, we wouldn't have one of the greatest hymns of the Christian church--the Magnificat. Mary's joy about God's design for her life comes through very clearly. God, in all His infinite wisdom, decided to use Mary to be the mother of God.
Some have a problem with that name for Mary, but any Christian who believes that Jesus is God and man should have no problem saying that Mary is the mother of God, as long as it is clear that they are talking about God the Son. The Bible teaches that Jesus has been God from all eternity, but He only becomes man when He is conceived in Mary's womb. That's when humanity meets divinity. That's the ultimate meaning of Gabriel's words to Mary. God and man meet in the person of Jesus. Both as God and as man, He died on the Cross, bearing your sins. Your story starts with Gabriel's announcement. Amen.
God declares that His final plague and judgment upon the land of Egypt is coming. We also take this moment to review the first nine plagues and their judgments against the false gods of Egypt. All of this takes place as we dig deeper into Exodus 11.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
To [the Israelites] belong the patriarchs, and from their race,
according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
(Romans 9:5)
Our Lord While we focus at Christmas that Jesus is true man, flesh and blood after ourselves yet without sin, we must also remember that Jesus is also true God. He comes from the race of God's Old Testament people, but He is also the Husband that kept calling His Bride back to Himself through the prophets. Since the Israelites would not listen to the prophets, they were taken into exile into the land of Babylon for seventy years. After returning from exile, they continued to ignore the prophets of their time and of the previous generations. Finally, it came time to have the final Word on the matter.
St. Paul writes to the Galatians, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ... So you are no longer a slave, but a son, then an heir through God" (4:4-7). None of this would have happened had not Jesus been true God in the flesh. No miracles. No resurrections. No forgiveness of sins. All of this happened because the Word of God came in the flesh. Praise God the Word for His coming in the flesh today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
[The angel Gabriel said:] "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
(Luke 1:35)
His Only Son The first stop we ahve in the New Testament about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, comes to us from the lips of an archangel. Imagine the scene: your thirteen or fourteen-year-old daughter comes in from doing her chores and says that an angel has appeared to her and told her that she would give birth to the Son of God. How would you as the father or mother of this teenage girl react to the news?
It's not the most common of news, but it's news that had been foretold seven centuries before. The prophet Isaiah said, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (7:14). It should come as no surprise that the news should come, but, of course, it wasn't really expected that anyone would receive the wonderful news herself.
The enfleshment of the story begins with the Word of God. That word comes alive every time it is read and proclaimed. Watch it come alive today, won't you? Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
[The angel said:] "She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
(Matthew 1:21)
Jesus Christ As we begin our look at the Christmas story, we need to take a moment to look at the person at the center. Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ and Messiah, who He is and what He does. In the next couple of devotions, we'll consider the first part, who He is. This morning, I want to look at what He does as is revealed in His name and His title.
First, we have the name Jesus. We have the words of the angel to St. Joseph, the guardian of our Lord, that explains the name. His name is Jesus because "He will save His people from their sins." The name Jesus, and its Hebrew equivalent Joshua, both means "He saves." That was His primary job on earth--to save us from our sins. That's why everything written in the Gospels point toward the Crucifixion and Resurrection. That's where His saving work comes to its completion.
Then we look at His title, the Christ. Both Christ and Messiah mean "the anointed one." Jesus was anointed to be the one who would bear the sins of the world on His Cross. He had been anointed from all eternity for that job. Even the name bears witness to what He came to earth to do. Consider that today as you go on your way. Amen.
Original Broadcast: December 2008
Monthly Theme: Jesus' Humiliation
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
(John 10:10)
In Color Jamey Johnson has the song "In Color." In it, he tells the story of a young man going through his grandfather's pictures with him. The refrain repeats itself over and over, "A picture's worth a thousand words but you can't see what those shades of gray keep covered. You should have seen it in color."
Unfortunately, that seems to be the way many people see the greatest and most central story in the Bible--simply words written in black and white on paper. Just a simple story like any other. But it is so much more than a mere story to be dusted off once a year and read. It's a story that quite literally takes on flesh and blood and walks around with us. In living color, you might say.
That's what Trinity wishes to do this Christmas season, but also throughout the year--to present the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in bold, living color. We'll do that especially when it comes to the week of Christmas with our Sunday School Christmas program and our Christmas Eve service. You are invited to either of those services to see the story leap off the page as it takes flesh and blood even in our midst.
The story of Christmas is a great one, but you should really see it in color. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being,
sustaining all things by His powerful Word.
(Hebrews 1:3)
God Sustains Not only does God provide everything. God sustains everything as well. Much of this is done in His provision. God sends rain to nourish the crops with water. He provides sunshine for growth and the production of fruit. He provides the mental acumen to create newer, better-producing hybrids of plants so that more crop can be produced in the same amount of space. All this God does to help sustain His creation.
This is also what He calls us to do. The original commandment given to Adam and Eve was this: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion ... over every living thing" (Genesis 1:28) God commands us to be proper stewards of His creation. Not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. The popular environmentalist philosophy applies here: "Leave the world a better place for those after you."
That God does, but He encourages us to do as well. This is our great responsibility as God's children in this world. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
The eyes of all look to You,
and You give them their food at the proper time.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
(Psalm 145:15-16)
God Provides This common introduction to the "common table prayer" used by many Christians truly brings a great message for each of us. God provides everything that we need. As Luther says in his explanation of the First Article of the Creed, "[God] richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life."
Simply put, everything we have comes from God. Our food, life, jobs, family, hobbies, recreation. It all comes from God. He gives it to us "out of His fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him."
We don't deserve all the gifts that God gives to us. The greatest gift we don't deserve is His Son. Jesus came into the world, not because we're such great people, but because we're completely unworthy of His attention. He died on the Cross to pay for your sins because He wants you to be with Him forever in Heaven. That's His provision for all who believe in Him. That's His greatest provision for you this morning. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
They deliberately forget that long ago by God's Word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.
(2 Peter 3:5-6)
Evolved We tend to think of ourselves as an evolved society. As Americans, we look at the preceding world powers in history and scoff at their lack of knowledge of things we take for granted. We tend to think of ourselves as having evolved to be better than them.
What are we doing? We're actually doing the same thing that the people in the time of Noah were doing. We "deliberately forget" God.
Evolution takes place without God. Now, we're looking at a world and a country that has evolved to a point past the "need" for God. But God reminds us through His Word what happens to those who forget or move past their need for Him. They wind up being swept away by their own desires and out of God's presence forever.
Have you evolved to a point where you don't need God anymore? I hope not, but it is not too late to come back. The Last Day has not arrived yet and you may still repent so that God may move you to truly grow in His Word so that you will not be swept away on the Last Day. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,
putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.
(2 Peter 2:4)
Angels and Demons The greatest creation on the invisible side are the angels and demons. Although God did not create the demons as evil, they are angelic beings who were determined not to serve God in Heaven. They thought, as Milton so poignantly put it, "It is better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven" (Paradise Lost).
The demons were not expelled from Heaven to rule Hell. They were expelled from Heaven to be punished in Hell. Jesus reminds His disciples of this reality in His parable of the sheep and goat judgment. In it, the Judge says to the goats on his left, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). Hell was not prepared for human inhabitants. It was prepared for Satan and his demons and devils.
Jesus also said, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God" (John 3:18).
Angels and demons are real, and like us, on the Last Day the unrepentant will be punished for their stubbornness and the repentant believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness through Christ. May that faithfulness guide you today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command,
so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
(Hebrews 11:3)
Maker of Heaven and Earth We end the First Article of the Apostles' Creed with the words, "maker of heaven and earth." But what is meant by this statement? It's completed in the Nicene Creed by the line that follows: "all things visible and invisible."
Often, we consider simply what we see with our eyes as the extent of what God created in the first six days. But St. Paul reminds the Colossians, "By [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" (1:16). There are many things we cannot see with our naked eyes: the wind, the expansiveness of the universe, and subatomic particles are just a few.
Without many of these things, our world would not function. Granted, in southwest Minnesota, we prefer days where the wind isn't gusting over 50 mph. But then we'd have to rake our leaves instead of leaving them to be blown into our neighbor's yard. Even the invisible things created by God are marvelous. Tune in next time to hear about more of the invisible creation. Amen.
Original Broadcast: November 2008
Monthly Theme: First Article
[Jesus said:] "I am returning to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God."
(John 20:17)
God and Father In one of His first post-resurrection appearances, Jesus comes to Mary Magdalene as she is weeping in the Garden of Gethsemane. She had just been to the tomb and seen it empty. She was worried that someone had taken Jesus' body away from them. She wonders about what all this means for her.
Jesus appears to her to comfort her in her sorrow. He gives her this message to deliver to the rest of the disciples, "I am returning to My Father and your Father". Jesus tells Mary to remind the disciples that they share the same Father in Heaven. This message comes to us. We, as spiritual descendants of the Apostles, receive the same reminder. We have the same Father in Heaven. He continues to be with us throughout our lives.
The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ reigns in Heaven for the sake of His chosen people in the Church. He adopted us through Baptism and made us His children. Therefore, we can be bold to come before Him and call Him our Father. Amen.
This week's episode covers Article XX of the Augsburg Confession, concerning Good Works.
"For I the LORD your God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
(Exodus 20:5-6)
My Way Frank Sinatra sang, "I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and ev'ry highway; and more, much more than this, I did it my way" ("My Way").
God would probably amend the song, "You want a life that's full? You could travel down each highway, but, at the end, you'll see that it has to be done My way."
Our verses this morning come to us at the tail end of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods." But the promise and the threat cover all ten. The threat comes as God promises to punish those who disobey His commandments even to the third and fourth generation.
But the promise comes to those who strive to keep the commandments and beg for God's forgiveness when they break them. All the commandments were given to show us that we cannot keep them perfectly. That's why Jesus came to fulfill the Law and not abolish it (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly and gave you His righteousness and holiness in Baptism so that you could be counted among the thousands upon whom God shows His steadfast love. How is God showing you His steadfast love today? Look around and see His graciousness. Amen.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:
sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and covetousness, which is idolatry.
(Colossians 3:5)
Death Sentence The death sentence is a subject that still divides Americans and Christians. Should we have such a stiff penalty, even for horrible crimes? Do we have the right to impose such a penalty? I'm not going to answer those questions this morning. I'm going to talk about the death sentence that each Christian should put his or her self under.
John Calvin writes, "Another benefit of baptism is, that it shows us our mortification in Christ and new life in him. ... [W]e are admonished by baptism, in like manner as Christ died, to die to our lusts, and as he rose, to rise to righteousness ... so those who receive baptism with true faith truly feel the efficacy of Christ’s death in the mortification of their flesh, and the efficacy of his resurrection in the quickening of the Spirit" (Institutes of the Christian Religion 4.15.5).
This is the daily work of sanctification being done through us by the Holy Spirit. He brings us back to the remembrance of our Baptism as we daily put off the old man and put on the new man "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). This cannot be done unless we put our evil desires to death. That death comes through Baptism and our daily remembrance of it. Take a moment to thank God for bringing you to Baptism and putting to death your sinful desires. Amen.
Keep your life free from love of money,
and be content with what you have, for he has said,
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)
Content The writer to the Hebrews tells us to keep our lives free from the love of money. St. Paul tells St. Timothy, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Timothy 6:10). St. Paul further tells the Romans, "I would not have known what it is to covet if the Law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness" (7:7-8).
All of this coveting leads to the opposite conclusion to St. Paul towards the end of his life: "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11). How can St. Paul say that? The last line of our meditation verse this morning. Jesus' words: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." When you have the Savior's promise never to leave or forsake you, you have everything you need in life. Is it enough for you? That's all we need. Everything else we have in our lives are added blessings. How content are you this morning? Amen.
A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
(Proverbs 19:5)
No Escape Michael Peterson sang, "Don't lie and then you can look the whole world in the eye" ("Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie"). That's the problem with liars. They have to keep track of what lie they've told to whom. Just one slip by saying the wrong thing to the wrong person destroys everything. You've been exposed as a liar and no one will trust you again. There's no escape from being seen with suspicion after that.
God encourages us to use our words to defend and speak well of our neighbors. Look at Jesus' example of this. Even when He was hanging on the Cross, being executed for a crime He didn't commit, being hackled by the chief priests and elders, He says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Even after all the murderous lies told about Jesus, He still defends and speaks well of even His enemies as He asks His Father to show mercy to them. There's something that we shouldn't want to escape from. Amen.
The wicked borrows but does not pay back,
but the righteous is generous and gives.
(Psalm 37:21)
Borrowers It seems that everyone hates a borrower. We're not sure whether or not we'll be repaid. We wonder why this person wants to borrow this item. What are they going to do with it? All these questions are there because we know people who don't intend to pay it back.
Luther writes in a sermon on John 6, "Our Lord God does not bestow more on one than on another only to have us misuse it for purposes of arrogance and luxury but to have us more willingly help others, who need it, and to save for them and for us." God gave us things so that we can use them for others. St. Benedict also used this idea when he wrote his rule for monasteries. He takes the example of the apostolic church and exhorts Christians to imitate them: "Let all things be common to all, as it is written (Acts 4:32), and let no one say or assume that anything is his own" (Rule of Benedict 33).
That's where the psalmist comes to us this morning. What we have has been given to us so that we may give to others in need. Look around this morning and see who the Lord may have put in your life in order to give to them. Amen.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 631-682
Part I. The Profession of Faith
Section II. The Profession of the Christian Faith
Chapter 2. I Beleive in Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God
Article 5. "He Descended into Hell, on the Third Day He Rose Again"
Article 6. "He Ascended into Heaven and Sits at the Right Hand of the Father"
Article 7. "From Thence He Will Come to Judge the Living and the Dead"
Let marriage be held in honor among all,
and let the marriage bed be undefiled,
for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
(Hebrews 13:4)
Honor Marriage The commandment against adultery speaks very highly of marriage. Unfortunately, we live in a world that speaks so dispicably about marriage. Think about what's portrayed on television for our children every day. Marriage is seen as boring and dull. Promiscuity is seen as the exciting road that leads to all the pleasures that you could ever want. But the Bible says that all these pleasures have been reserved for marriage.
The world tells us, "Sex sells." That it does, but what does it sell? Empty promises. False hope. Deeper despair when the high wears off.
What does marriage bring? Promises fulfilled through reliance on each other. Hope for life knowing the ongoing love of a spouse. Deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. Which would you rather have? Amen.
"Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image."
(Genesis 9:6)
Eye for an Eye In this discourse by God to Noah after departing the Ark, we have the first of the "eye for an eye" passages. God reminds Noah that He made man in His image in the beginning. Our first parents fell from that image through their sin in the Garden. It was the first in a series of events that finally lead to the destruction of all life on earth through the waters of the flood. The people were punished for their sinfulness.
God sets down His Law that all life is sacred. Humanity is the crown jewel of God's Creation. We desecrate that jewel by allowing abortion and euthanasia to continue to murder people created in the image of God day after day. We should reform our lives and our beliefs so that we point out that all life is sacred. Punishment comes down from on high because of murder because man was created in God's image. That image was tarnished by sin, but it has been reclaimed through Baptism into Jesus Christ's death by murder and resurrection. Take a moment to think about that as you go about your day today. Amen.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
(Ephesians 6:1-3)
With a Promise St. Paul calls this "the first commandment with a promise" because God gives a promise for its fulfillment: "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
We honor our parents by showing them the respect they deserve as God's representatives and providing them what they need or require. That is their due for their position in life as our parents.
The promise comes through our reception of the blessings of God. These blessings are a life filled with the love of God and many years. This is the abundant life that God promises to those who believe in Him.
We best show our faith in Him by honoring those He has put over us in every aspect of life. May we continue to do that all the days of our lives. Amen.
"Six days shall work be done,
but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest,
a holy convocation. You shall do no work.
It is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwelling places.
(Leviticus 23:3)
Day of Rest The Third Commandment takes us from acknowledgment to personalization to worship. Now that God has told us that He is the only true God and has given us His name, we're given the commandment regarding how we are to worship Him.
Sabbath, meaning rest, was a day that was dedicated to God. Anyone caught not dedicating the day to God was put to death. Why? Because the refusal to set aside time for God shows a refusal to let God reign in the heart. Refusal to let God reign in your heart shows the truest form of unbelief.
Unbelief doesn't allow for the proper worship of God. And what is proper worship? When we fear, love and trust in God so that we don't despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear it. That's proper worship: Gladly hearing and learn God's Word whenever and wherever you can. Amen.
"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain,
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."
(Exodus 20:7)
Not Guiltless After His existence as the only true God, God moves onto His name. We should not take the Lord's name in vain. What does the phrase "in vain" mean? Primarily, it means using His name uselessly or carelessly. Like many of us, God doesn't want His name to be used in such a way that it shows that we don't care or need Him.
He also tells us through this commandment how we should treat His name. He commands us to call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. God gives us His name so that we can use it properly. We do that when we pray to Him for guidance in our lives in good times and bad.
Using God's name uselessly, He will not hold you guiltless. Guiltlessness only comes through repentance. Repentance starts as we pray "Hallowed by Thy name". Amen.
"I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols."
(Isaiah 42:8)
God Doesn't Share One of the many things we try to teach our children is the ability to share. We try and we try, but sometimes that doesn't happen. They don't want to share. Unfortunately, they have a most wonderful role model: God Himself.
He says Himself through the prophet Isaiah, "My glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." God doesn't want to share His glory with anyone or anything. That's why He gave us the First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me."
He won't share because there is no one or no thing in the earth or in Heaven that is worthy of glory and praise than the Triune God alone. It is an abomination to give anyone or anything higher glory or praise than God Himself. That's why Luther defined this commandment with the words: "We should fear, love and trust in God above all things." God shares His glory with no one. Amen.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
(Romans 13:10)
Commandments God gives us Ten Commandments to govern our lives in a moral and ethical manner. The only problem is that He didn't give us the proper numbering. I apologize in advance to my non-Lutheran listeners, but I'll be using the Lutheran numbering this month because I'm Lutheran.
But the one thing we agree on no matter how we number them is that "love is the fulfilling of the law." We can summarize all Ten Commandments in one word: love. When asked, "What is the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Mark 12:28-31). Keep this in mind as you go through your day today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty,
nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches,
but on God ... thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future,
so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Truly Rich For whatever reason, stewardship has always revolved around money. Stewardship's not just about money. In fact, stewardship goes so much further than money. Stewardship is all about eternity. It's primarily spiritual and not material.
St. Paul tells St. Timothy to charge the rich in this age to put their trust in God so that they can be truly rich. Being truly rich comes by understanding that Christian have everlasting life here and now even though we are still in the world.
We're not to focus entirely on either end of the spectrum. We're not to focus on our eternal destination to the detriment of our life here. We're also not to focus on our lives here to the detriment of our eternal destination.
The bottom line is proper Christian stewardship is the manifestation of our eternal destination in our world here and now. Properly seen, stewardship is merely Christian living and Christian living is stewardship. How's your stewardship going today? Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
[Jesus] did not count equality with God something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
(Philippians 2:6-7)
A Servant If we go all the way back to the Old English meaning of steward, we see that it is, above all, a "household keeper". In its basic essence, a steward is a servant to the master of the house. And that's what we see Jesus being praised for by St. Paul: becoming a servant--a steward of God.
When Jesus was preparing the Apostles for His death, He sat in the upper room on Maundy Thursday and washed everyone's feet. That was the steward's job in the house. He was to make sure that everyone who entered had the dust and dung washed off his feet as he entered the house. He teaches throughout His ministry, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
Jesus truly made Himself nothing in His Incarnation. But as He said to His disciples after washing their feet, He says to all Christians, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 15:15). Jesus was the servant for everyone He came into contact with. That's the example He gives for His faithful stewards. We're to be everyone's servant. Be a faithful steward today by being a servant to someone in your life. Amen.
This week is a double-dip of study with this month's Confessional Corner and Digging Deeper.
Confessional Corner: AC XV-XIX
Digging Deeper: Exodus 9:13-10:29
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this:
that one has died for all,
that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
Controlled No one likes to give up control. It doesn't matter if it's the remote control for the television or preparing for surgery. No one wants to feel that they are out of control or under someone else's control.
However, Christians understand that their entire lives are controlled by the love of Christ. It's this love that generates a Christian's every loving and faithful act. It's Christ's love that brings about true stewardship. As St. Paul said, "Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). The opposite is also true. Whatever DOES proceeds from faith is righteous.
But we can't do anything righteous of our own. But we do produce righteous fruits because we are controlled by Christ's love. And the ultimate showing of Christ's love is His death on the Cross and resurrection from the grave. It's because He has done all that for us that we can desire to be good stewards of the world and faith that He has given to us. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
(Romans 12:2)
"Be Transformed" St. Paul reminds us that Christians are to be in the world but not of the world. Jesus prayed for this while in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was crucified. But what does it mean to be transformed?
Transformation is really the opposite of conformation. Conformation is simply blending into the society that is around you. It's like a chameleon blending into the background for defensive purposes. Transformation is becoming something completely different. It's like Luigi on Cars talking Lightning McQueen into white-wall tires: "They say, 'Look at me! Here I am!'"
In our world today, Christians being faithful stewards tend to stick out. Why? They're allowing themselves to be transformed by the Gospel into the image of God so that they can "discern what is the will of God" and thereby become better stewards of God's gifts to them.
But just because we're not supposed to be of the world, that doesn't mean that everything related to stewardship is church-related. It simply means that the Church should be a beacon to the world around her. Being a beacon, she is still in the world working to proclaim the life-changing power of the Gospel to all mankind. Faithful stewardship tends to lead to great evangelism because the transforming Gospel is at work in Christ's people. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,
as good stewards of God's varied grace.
(1 Peter 4:10)
"God's Varied Grace" They say no two snowflakes are exactly alike. They say no two fingerprints are exactly alike. They say no two people--not even identical twins--are exactly alike. The same is true when it comes to the gifts that God gives to each of His children.
St. Peter reminds us this morning that each of us have different gifts. Some are great organizers. Some are great speakers. Some are great servants. St. Peter tells us further in his first epistle that all these gifts should be done "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (4:11).
The great thing with the variety of gifts that God gives is that everyone has their own personal way they can be good stewards. However, this great individuality does not diminish our connection or our need for the rest of the body of Christ. St. Paul goes into this in his first epistle to the Corinthians (12:12-31). Each of us are individually members of the body of Christ, but we are not the body by ourselves.
Both St. Peter and St. Paul remind us that our best service to the body of Christ is to use the special gifts that God has given to each of us for the service of the body of Christ and the world around us. Together we can do more than being separated. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life ...
and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
(Ephesians 4:22-24)
Old and New St. Paul writes to the Ephesians that we should put off the old self and put on the new self. All this is done through the renewal in the spirit of our minds. What does this have to do with stewardship?
Christian stewardship can only be done by those who have been renewed in their minds by the Holy Spirit. Only Christians can properly practice stewardship. But there is no "cookie-cutter" approach to Christian stewardship that works for everyone. Stewardship is a discipline that can be done by any Christian, regardless of our spiritual maturity. In fact, stewardship is one of the best ways to grow spiritually. By modeling our Savior's stewardship from the Gospels, we can learn more clearly the benefits of stewardship for our faith.
Seeing that purpose for stewardship, we see that there should be no stewardship program that appeals to our sinful nature. Every stewardship program should be aimed at every Christian's spiritual growth, striving to better emulate the true righteousness and holiness that is the image of God in which we've been re-created. Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
The earth is YHWH's and the fulness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein.
(Psalm 24:1)
Renters David brings about the next logical step we need to see in our understanding of proper Christian stewardship. Everything belongs to God. He created it and He has entrusted it to us.
With that trust, we become, in a sense, renters of this world. Although we may own land or houses, we still have no control over the land after we're gone. We're here for as long as our "rent check" holds out. Our "rent check" is the length of days that God has assigned to each one of us.
Those who own rental property understand that the Owner wants the Renter to manage the property well. So it is with God. He wants us to properly manage our lives and all its resources, including the world around us, for His purposes. Everything we do should be done with thanksgiving for the Owner who has given us the privilege of living in His world. Not forgetting the Owner, we'll be better Renters and provide positive examples to those around us of proper Christian stewardship. How's your "rent check" being used? Amen.
Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death,
in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of God the Father,
we too might walk in newness of life.
(Romans 6:4)
"Newness of Life" This month we'll meditate on Christian stewardship. What is it? What isn't it? That we'll see firsthand as we look at St. Paul's words to the Romans this morning.
"We were buried ... with Him." We are connected to Jesus in His death. It is His death that grants us "newness of life." Proper Christian stewardship starts with the acknowledgment that we are God's stewards. He owns us through His Son's death and resurrection.
As that connects us to our salvation, it also shows that Christian stewardship goes far beyond what you put into the offering plate on Sunday morning. Christian stewardship IS the "newness of life" that St. Paul says we have through Jesus Christ. Has your life been a good example or bad example of Christian stewardship? Keep following our meditations this month to make it even better. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Desperado" by the Eagles
And [the thief] said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And He said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:42-43)
Desperado The repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus is the greatest example that it’s never too late to come to faith. He’s nearing his dying breath when he truly believes that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
Many have used this to wait and make “deathbed confessions” to purge a lifetime of sin at the very last moment. The Eagles had one of their greatest hits with “Desperado.” The closing line of the song comes to mind every time I read about the repentant thief:
You better let somebody love you, before it’s too late.
Jesus tells the church in Laodicea, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
Are you continuing to keep the door to your heart closed as Jesus stands and knocks? Or has your door been opened by His gift of faith? Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Big Bad John" by Johnny Cash
He is without father or mother or genealogy,
Having neither beginning of days or end of life.
(Hebrews 7:3)
Drifter This verse from Hebrews about Melchizedek brings to mind Johnny Cash’s song, “Big Bad John.” “Nobody seemed to know where John called home. He just drifted into town and stayed all alone.” John was a miner who was looked up to by the other miners, mostly because he was so huge. But when a timber cracked at the bottom of the mine, John sacrificed himself so that the other twenty miners could escape.
As a type of Christ, Melchizedek shows that the true priest-king would come from outside the world. Therefore, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Unlike Melchizedek, Jesus has a human mother to show that God does intervene in the history of the world to accomplish His purposes. His greatest purpose is the salvation of mankind.
Much like Big John, Jesus took the brunt of the punishment of the collapsing mine that is our sinfulness and buried it in the grave. No one opened the mine after it collapsed. No man opened the tomb of Jesus. He opened Himself as He raised Himself from the dead to assure the forgiveness of your sins by His sacrifice to God the Father. Take a moment to thank Him today for saving you from your collapse. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner
[The serpent] said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
(Genesis 3:1)
"Long Black Train" Josh Turner’s first hit was the song “Long Black Train.” In one of the verses, the engineer’s said to be “makin’ you wonder if the ride is worth the pain … waiting on your heart to say, ‘Let me ride on that Long Black Train.’”
From the very beginning, Satan has been convincing people that true happiness comes in a world without rules, without boundaries, without cares. From the beginning of time, men and women have been falling for his lies. We see it almost all the time on television nowadays.
Satan makes life without rules and with “true freedom” seem so beautiful. Turner continues in the song, “That train is a beauty, makin’ everybody stare but its only destination is the middle of nowhere.” The “Long Black Train” of Satan seems so appealing, but it leads to nothing of what is promised.
The only person who ever gives you everything and exactly what He promises is Jesus Christ. He’s not flashy. “He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). He was born to humble beginnings. But He promises heavenly rewards to His brothers and sisters who have been adopted by His Father in heaven.
His way has rules. His way has boundaries. His way has cares. But He is the one who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Standing Outside the Fire" by Garth Brooks
But who can endure the day of His coming,
And who can stand when He appears?
For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap.
(Malachi 3:2)
Inside or Outside? Garth Brooks sang, “Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire.” The prophet Malachi shows that God’s presence is like a refiner’s fire—refining us until we’ve been purified. As the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” puts God’s words concerning it: “The flames will not hurt you; I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine.”
The question I have for you today is: “How hot are ya?” Do you feel the heat from the trials of your life? Or are you rather cool because your life has been very easy? If you’re in the first group, I give you the same words Jesus gave to St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) and also, “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
If you’re in the second group, ask yourself this question: Why don’t I feel the refiner’s fire? Could it be that there’s really nothing to refine? Could it be that Satan doesn’t consider me a threat to his kingdom? Could it be that God sees me as “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16) and wants to spit me out of His mouth?
Garth was right. Life is “merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire.” It’s time to jump into the fire and really LIVE as a child of God, knowing that His grace is sufficient for you. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Me and God" by Josh Turner
[Jesus said:] “For where two or three are gathered in My name,
there am I among them.”
(Matthew 18:20)
Not Just Me and God The greatest asset of American civil religion is its individualistic nature. The greatest problem with American civil religion is its individualistic nature. Every American enjoys his or her freedoms. Unfortunately, this idea of political freedom also crosses into the Church. Many people—including people at Trinity—believe that they’re free to come to church or not on Sunday morning. They’ve bought into the American civil religion creed of “It’s me and God.” Josh Turner’s song, “Me and God,” summarizes it very succinctly in the final lines: “We’re a team … me and God.”
Jesus Himself says differently. He says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name…” Church doesn’t happen with just one person. Church was based on Christian fellowship. The one thing we need most in our Christian lives is interaction with other Christians in and around God’s Word.
It’s not just you and God. And you’re not a team. As a Christian, you are a slave of Jesus Christ—just as Paul identified himself in his epistles.
What’s your view of God? Is He your best friend or is He the Creator of the universe that you bow before and vow to give up your very life if He asked you? Ponder that question today. Amen.
This week, we wrestle with the commonalities between Lutherans and Roman Catholics on Jesus' State of Humiliation
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "I Saw God Today" by George Strait
[Jesus said:] “No one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
(Matthew 11:27)
Seeing God George Strait’s song, “I Saw God Today,” shows just how much we take God for granted in our everyday life. Over the last decade or so, many television shows and movies have focused on people seeing God in their everyday lives. But, in real life, we understand that God doesn’t always show up in a very prominent, visible way. Most of the time, He appears in the most subtle of ways.
The chorus of “I Saw God Today” could probably be said by about anyone in America today. The prominent moment in the song is the birth of a child. That’s a subtle way of seeing God’s continuing creative power today as a newborn coming out of his or her mother’s womb.
So God also appears in church in subtle ways. He comes in the form of a humble man standing before a group of people to read and proclaim God’s Word. He comes in the simple form of water as it is poured over a sinner to redeem him from his sins. He comes in bread and wine to continue to strengthen faith in the hearts of believers.
Have you seen God today? Have you seen Him lately where He promises to be where His Word is faithfully taught? Look for Him today. He’s always around to be found. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.
(Matthew 4:1)
The Devil's Undoing One of my favorite country music songs of all time is “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”. It tells of the fiddling duel between a young man named Johnny and the Devil himself.
The story begins:
The Devil went down to Georgia. He was lookin’ for a soul to steal.
He was in a bind ‘cause he was way behind, and he was willin’ to make a deal.
The song continues to tell a story much like the Temptation of Jesus recorded in the Gospels. While the Devil was not “way behind” when he tempted Jesus, he wanted to make sure that he would never fall behind. If he could successfully tempt Jesus, God’s family would be eliminated. The Devil would finally win the war and be greater than God.
Finally, the Devil makes a deal with Jesus. Everything in the world could be His simply by bowing down to Satan. Jesus refuses and Satan is defeated. He has to leave just as when he laid the golden fiddle at Johnny’s feet. Jesus successfully withstood the temptation.
You stumble and fall into temptation all the time. But, because of your baptism into the body of Christ, you receive forgiveness for your stumblings because Jesus won the battle in the wilderness. Take a moment to thank Him for your victory today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: August 2008
Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music
Country Song: "Three Wooden Crosses" by Randy Travis
And when they had mocked Him …
They led Him away to crucify Him….
Then two robbers were crucified with Him,
one on the right and one on the left.
(Matthew 27:31-38)
"Three Wooden Crosses" In 2003, Randy Travis had the hit song, “Three Wooden Crosses.” It talks about four people riding on a midnight bus to Mexico. An eighteen-wheeler runs a stop sign and slams into the bus, killing three of the four passengers. The chorus records the deaths:
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows.
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you,
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.
The story continues with what each of the dead passengers had left behind. The greatest legacy was when the preacher gave the hooker his Bible and she read it to her son. She instilled the faith into him and he become a preacher himself.
What legacy will you leave when you die? Will it be a lucrative business or knowledge passed on to another generation? Or will it be your faith in Jesus Christ as your One and Only Savior? Faith is the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind. Share yours with someone today. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
Now [Elkanah] used to go up year by year from his city to worship
and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh
(1 Samuel 1:3)
YHWH Sabaoth (Lord of hosts) Our final name to meditate upon this month is the most prominent name for God in all the prophetic writings ... YHWH Sabaoth, LORD of hosts or LORD of armies. Two hundred thirty times this name for God shows up in the prophetic writings. Why? Most of the prophets found themselves proclaiming the Word of God to a nation at war.
YHWH Sabaoth brings to mind pictures of great generals who led troops into battles like George Washington, Robert E. Lee and George S. Patton. It was YHWH who lead them into battle and defended them. It's still the same today. We pray that God would protect our military from harm and danger. How do we know that we can ask for that? Because He is YHWH Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts.
He also leads you into your everday battle and protects you from the devil. But you shouldn't take it for granted. St. Paul reminds us, "Put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11). A general doesn't lead his troops into battle without the proper equipment. Read Ephesians 6 and see what YHWH Sabaoth gives to His soldiers for protection. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba
and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.
(Genesis 21:33)
El Olam (Everlasting God) El Olam, "Everlasting God," is a very rare name for God. In fact, it only occurs twice in the Old Testament. First, Abraham calls upon the name of YHWH, El Olam. Second, Isaiah reminds Israel that YHWH is El Olam, the Everlasting God, "the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable" (40:28).
God is the God of eternity. He always has been. He always will be. There's no getting around it. He's here. And He's here for you. Through Jesus, He gives you everlasting life. You too will live forever because the Triune God is the Everlasting God. Have you pondered where your lot will lie in eternity? Talk to the Everlasting God and call me if you have any questions. I'm more than happy to answer them if I can. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him,
"I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless..."
(Genesis 17:1)
El Shaddai (God Almighty) God makes changes when He reveals Himself as El Shaddai, "God Almighty." El Shaddai changed Abram's name to Abraham, established the covenantal sign of circumcision and changed Sarai's name to Sarah (Genesis 17:5, 10-11, 15). It was the blessing of El Shaddai that Isaac gave to his son Jacob before sending him away to find a wife from his mother's family (Genesis 28:3). It is El Shaddai that changed Jacob's name to Israel (Genesis 35:10-11).
Things change when El Shaddai is around. Why? Because He's God Almighty. He is omnipotent. He can do anything. The greatest thing He did was have compassion on a worthless lump of sinful flesh like you and send His Son to die on the cross to pay for your sins so that you became, not a worthless lump of sinful flesh, but a valuable vessel for righteousness to do His bidding. He's changed you for His purposes. Have you been fulfilling them or your own? Ask El Shaddai to change you if you need it. Amen.
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord,
I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant,
but I am slow of speech and of tongue."
(Exodus 4:10)
Adonai (Lord) This morning's name, Adonai, is one of the most prolific names of God in the Old Testament. It's the name that would be substituted for the personal divine name YHWH when it was read in the Temple and the synagogue. However, it's very seldom used by itself when addressing God or describing God. It's mostly found in the compound Adonai YHWH--Lord GOD (GOD in all capitals in our versions). This is the most common name used for God in the books of Moses.
Adonai, in its basic sense, means "master." Adonai, in reference to God, shows that He is the ruler of all things. God is the master of life in this world and the next. God is the Christian's master. St. Paul reminds the Romans, "you who were once slaves to sin ... having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness" (5:17-18). The master of righteousness is God. Spend a few moments this morning speaking to Adonai, your master, and see what He has planned for you to do for all eternity. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_30_Reading
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.
(He was priest of God Most High.)
(Genesis 14:18)
El Elyon (God Most High) God calls Himself El Elyon when Abraham meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of El Elyon. Truly this name means "God Most High" ... the highest and most powerful God there is. This is the name through which Abram is blessed by Melchizedek. This is the name through which the three young men were delivered from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:26). It was through this name that Nebuchadnezzar was placed as king of Babylon (Daniel 5:18). It is this name that the demoniac in the land of the Gerasenes gave to Jesus: "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" (Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28).
This is the name that shows that the Triune God is above every other so-called god in our world. Who is your God? Is it God Most High? Or is it something else? Search your soul and see who or what is truly the most high priority in your life. If it is not the true God, turn to Him and repent. If it is the true God, turn to Him and thank Him for the gift of faith He has given to you. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_29_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_28_Reading
This week we look at a couple of episodes of Memphis studio wrestling. Below are the links to the program video. Do you agree with my thoughts on these episodes?
July 5, 1985 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5GFMA7vIFk
jULY 12, 1986 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AdoNO7Zqyk
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_27_Reading
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
God also said to Moses,
"Say this to the people of Israel,
'The LORD, the God of your fathers,
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'
This is My name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
(Exodus 3:15)
YHWH (LORD) YHWH is the most prominent name for God. In fact, it's the personal name that He wants His children to call Him. As He defines Himself to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). In our English bibles, it's either translated LORD (with all capital letters) or it's spelled out Jehovah.
This was a priceless treasure for the children of Israel that they would be able to call upon the God who rules the universe using His personal name. However, they took care never to call Him by that name because of the Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). In order not to use it in vain, they decided not to use it at all and stick to the generic Elohim or Adonai (which comes later in the series).
This priceless treasure is also given to His children today as it shows His desire for a personal relationship. He has called everyone by name in Baptism and He gives us the charge to call upon Him by name as well. Call upon Him this morning and keep that relationship going or begin one today if you don't have one. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_26_Reading
Original Broadcast: July 2008
Monthly Theme: Names of God
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
(Genesis 1:1)
Elohim Elohim is the basic name for God in the Hebrew language. This month we'll meditate on the various names that God gives Himself in the Old Testament. Each name expresses a different aspect of God's character. This morning we start with the most basic and earliest.
In good grammatical Hebrew, Elohim is plural and denotes gods in general. Even the idols of the nations were called Elohim. But God takes this name upon Himself in the beginning for two reasons. First, to proclaim Himself as the true God of the universe--its Creator and Preserver. Second, it helps to proclaim the plurality of persons in the Godhead. The plural nature points towards (but doesn't absolutely prove) the Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The basic notion of God is expressed in Elohim as primarily the creative aspect of God. You should spend some time today thanking God for His Creation--and especially His creation of you. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_25_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Last Battle
The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues,
did not repent of the works of their hands
(Revelation 9:20)
Narnian Revelation Lewis' portrayal of the Book of Revelation in Narnia is extremely outstanding. The greatest intricacy worked itself into Narnian daily life as the sheer apathy towards all belief. When Tirian and his company captured Puzzle the Donkey to expose the Ape's lie, they shows him to a group of Dwarfs. The Dwarfs didn't care anymore whether there was a Tash or Aslan or any meaning in life at all. "We're on our own now. No more Aslan, no more Kings, no more silly stories about other worlds. The Dwarfs are for the Dwarfs" (83).
Today there is a non-competitive worldview concerning religion. There's the mentality that "all roads lead to Heaven." There's also, "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you believe." That's complete nonsense. It does matter. It matters greatly.
Belief in Jesus' sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins as the ONLY way to get into Heaven makes the difference between everlasting glory and everlasting torment. What matters more than that? Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_24_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Silver Chair
But [Thomas] said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails ... I will never believe."
(John 20:25)
Caspian Lewis' portrayal of the resurrection of the greatest Narnian-born hero, King Caspian X, deeply shows the intricate message of the Gospel weaved into the entire Narnia saga. Aslan brings out blood from his paw. He instructs Eustace to bring a thorn--"The thorn was a foot long and sharp as a rapier" (238).
Then Eustace set his teeth and drove the thorn into the Lion's pad. And there came out a great drop of blood, redder than all redness that you have ever seen or imagined. And it splashed into the stream over the dead body of the King.... And the dead King began to be changed.... suddenly he leaped up and stood before them--a very young man, or a boy" (238-39).
It was the single drop of blood that filled the stream covering the corpse of Caspian that brought about his resurrection. What is it that brings about our resurrection? A single drop of blood from the body of Jesus. But does Jesus stop there? No. He continues to lavish and wash us in His blood through Baptism and Holy Communion. Jesus doesn't just give us what we need. He gives in abundance. Pray to Him this morning to thank Him for the great kindness He shows to you by superabundantly supplying what you need. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_23_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
I fed you with milk, not solid food,
for you were not ready for it.
(1 Corinthians 3:2)
"I Have Another Name" In the last moment that a Penvensie can set foot in Narnia, Lucy becomes distraught. It's not that she'll miss Narnia. It's that she'll miss Aslan. The only problem was that Aslan wasn't confined to Narnia. His country was outside the world of Narnia--finding it was the quest of the Dawn Treader.
Aslan reveals to Lucy and Edmund that he is known in our world: "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there" (247).
Lucy and Edmund were too old. Narnia is a place only for the children of Adam and Eve. So St. Paul tells us that the stages of the Christian faith mature from milk to solid food. Just as an infant goes from his mother's milk to strained food to solid food.
Aslan told the children that it was time for them to go on to the next stage: learning about him in our world as the God who became Man to purchase the forgiveness of sins. What stage are you in? Are you still with the milk or are you in the solid food? Trinity has opportunities for all to grow in their faith in every stage. Contact me if you're interested in growing in your faith with us. Amen.
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_22_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan and commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_21_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_20_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian
For I wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
(Romans 9:3)
Of Mice and Men My favorite character in Narnia is Reepicheep the Mouse. His charisma, bravery and courage make up for the fact that he is the smallest of the great Narnian heroes. All these attributes come into play after Aslan has recaptured Narnia.
During the battle, Reepicheep was badly wounded. Much to his shame, his tail had been cut off. He begged Aslan to regrow his tail. Aslan refused.
Aslan asked, "Why have your followers all drawn their swords may I ask?" (209). The other mice would not allow themselves to have a tail it were forbidden from Reepicheep. Aslan relented and the tail grew back.
St. Paul had the same sacrificial spirit towards his Jewish brethren. He would rather see himself thrown into Hell if it would save some of his unbelieving brethren. Paul tells us to imitate the sacrificial nature of Christ who came down for you and allowed nothing to hinder your salvation. Look at your life. Is there someone you would not wish to be cut off or dismembered for? Your Lord asks you, "Why?" What is your answer? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Large Catechism: II 26-30
Scripture: John 1:1-14
Commentary: Athanasius, On the Incarnation 9.1-4
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_19_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Horse and His Boy
Then [Jesus] said to Thomas,
"Put your finger here, and see My hands;
and put out your hand, and place it in my side.
Do not disbelieve, but believe."
(John 20:27)
"I Am True Beast" One of the greatest shames in this world is that people don't want to see Jesus for who He really is. We talked last time about Jesus not being safe. There are some throughout the church's history who haven't even wanted to see Jesus as being human. Lewis characterizes this through the character Bree the Horse. He comes to the point where he even allegorizes Aslan's being a lion. Aslan appears in the midst of Bree's allegory.
"Now, Bree," [Aslan] said, "you poor, proud, frightened Horse draw near. Nearest still, my son. Do not dare not to dare. Touch me. Smell me. Here are my paws, here is my tail, these are my whiskers. I am true Beast" (201).
Jesus says the same sort of things to Thomas a week after His resurrection. It was one of the many proofs that Jesus gave to His disciples to prove His physical resurrection. Jesus tells Thomas the same thing that Aslan tells Bree: "I am true man." Think about the true Man as you go through your day. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Beautiful Savior"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, First Article
Large Catechism: II 12-19
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 22.1-2
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_18_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
[Jesus said:] "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."
(Matthew 10:34)
"Not a Safe Lion" I believe Mr. Beaver summarized Aslan well to any newcomers to Narnia: "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good" (80).
In the same way, Jesus is not safe. A newcomer to Christianity sometimes has problems when we get to a statement by Jesus like we have before us this morning. We're used to seeing Jesus as a kind, loving person who would never say anything not "nice" to anyone. Everyone wants a safe Jesus, but the Jesus the Bible shows us is not safe. He is like Aslan someone where "if there's anyone who can appear before [him] without their knees knocking, they are either braver than most or else plain silly" (80).
Jesus is not safe, but as Mr. Beaver reminds us, "He's good." He's good because He was the one who came to die for the sins of the world. He is the one who makes you whole through His sacrifice and life. That wasn't a "safe" solution. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "When the Roll Is Called up Yonder"
Small Catechism: Close of the Commandments
Large Catechism: I 311-318
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
Commentary: Jerome, Letter 133.13
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_17_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia, The Magician's Nephew
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to GOd,
for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
(Romans 8:7)
"He Thinks Great Folly" After Aslan has created Narnia, he comes to a scared stiff Andrew. Polly asks Aslan to "unfrighten" Andrew. Aslan replies, "He thinks great folly, child ... he has made himself unable to hear my voice. ... Oh Adam's sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good" (185).
Andrew was absorbed in the study of magic because there might be a way to travel between worlds. In his pride and arrogance, he thought that this gave him power over other worlds. He refused to listen to anything that said otherwise.
We naturally desire what feels good and what pumps up our own ego. But when we stand before God, we realize, like Andrew, just how naked we are. We see that we've done things for ourselves and not for God. It was too late for Andrew. He could only receive a brief respite from his torments. It's not too late for you to turn to God and ask for forgiveness and guidance. Do that today. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment
Smalcald Articles: II IV 9-14
Scripture: James 1:12-18
Commentary: Bede, Epistle of James
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_16_Reading
Original Broadcast: June 2008
Month Theme: Chronicles of Narnia
In Him we live and move and have our being.
(Acts 17:28)
From Narnia C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia are a great exposition of the Gospel story set in a different world with different sets of circumstances. Once you look past the idea of Talking Beasts and magic, you see that these "children's stories" have much greater and broader meaning.
One of my Seminary professors is very adamant about using non-biblical literature in Bible studies and sermons. Although I have not done so much in sermons, I thought this would be a great time to focus our devotional thoughts on these great works of literature and see what Lewis had in mind for us to learn about our Savior Jesus.
St. Paul understood this as he even used pagan poets in his preaching depending upon the audience before him. Because, as our quote from Epimenides of Crete explains, everything relates back to God in some fashion. So I hope you enjoy these meditations from Narnia. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Here We Are but Straying Pilgrims"
Small Catechism: Ninth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 300-308
Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-16
Commentary: Ambrose, On Naboth 1.1
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_15_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_14_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_13_Reading
But they urged Him strongly, saying,
"Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent."
So He went in to stay with them.
(Luke 24:29)
"Abide with Me" Henry Lyte's last verse of "Abide with Me" expresses the burning of the disciples' hearts--both on the way and at the table after Jesus disappears from their sight. It's a plea and prayer as they begin to understand what happened that Passover weekend. Lyte writes:
"Hold Thou Thy Cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me."
The prayer is a wonderful reminder to us that we shouldn't just ask Jesus to abide with us while things are going good. We should ask Him to abide with us at all times--in life and even in the midst of the struggles of death--so that He can show us His mercy and love poured out for us from the Cross. Take a moment to pray and ask for Jesus to abide with you this morning. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "A Beautiful Life"
Small Catechism: Eighth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 263-269
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-6
Commentary: Ambrose, On the Duties of the Clergy
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_12_Reading
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
(Genesis 1:1)
"How Great Thou Art" Carl Gustaf Boberg wrote (LSB #801.1):
"O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!"
It's a very simple, powerful statement in this verse of the hymn. We look around and see that He is a powerful Creator. But just looking at Creation won't tell us much about God except that He is powerful and has a unique perspective and even a sense of humor at times. In order to learn more about GOd, we need to go where He has revealed Himself to us--Holy Scriptures. The pages of the Bible reveal many things about God that we cannot find just by looking at nature: His holiness, His hatred of sin, His sending of His Son, His plan of salvation for fallen sinners. For all these things, and even more, we need to study the Bible. Take a few moments today to. Read--even for just a few minutes--and see what the Bible reveals to you today about your great God. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Mansions over the Hilltop"
Small Catechism: Seventh Commandment
Large Catechism: I 222-231
Scripture: Joshua 7:10-26
Commentary: Basil, Preface on the Judgment of God
Quick overview of Articles 4 through 14 of the Augsburg Confession.
For a more detailed look at these articles and the rest of the Confessions, check out https://www.kfuo.org/category/concord-matters/ .
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary.
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_11_Reading
You are My friends if you do what I command you.
(John 15:14)
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Joseph Scriven wrote the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" to celebrate and honor the friendship that Jesus offers to each one of His baptized brothers and sisters. Scriven wrote, "What a privilege to carry ev'rything to God in prayer" (LSB #770.1). Jesus continued our meditation theme this morning with these words: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you ... so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you" (v16).
It is a privilege to have Jesus mediate and intercede for us before the Father. However, it is a privilege that often either gets abused or neglected in our hectic daily lives. We abuse the privilege by asking for frivolous things. We neglect it by making excuses that we're too busy to take a moment to pray to the Lord who has given us life in this world and new life in the world to come. Don't abuse or neglect this gift and privilege that you have as a Christian. Take a moment. Stop and pray to thank God for all the blessings that He has given to you and make your heart's requests to Him. We have Jesus' promise: "Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you." May that promise strengthen you today. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Father, All Creating"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 211-216
Scripture: Matthew 19:1-10
Commentary: Origen, Commentary on Matthew 14.19
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_10_Reading
Amazing grace--how sweet the sound--
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see!
(LSB #744.1)
"Amazing Grace" The grace of God is truly an amazing thing. Scripture comes with so many references to God's coming to sinners and making them His people. Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). Jesus tells many parables concerning searching for lost items. All these show the wonderful, amazing grace of God that He would come and find sinners who wanted nothing to do with Him and make them a people of His own through the preaching of His Word.
That amazing grace never loses its amazing quality. The hymn continues, "When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun" (LSB #744.5). The only way we can spend eternity with God is because of His grace. Without it, we'd be condemned to Hell. But God has been amazingly gracious to you and given you eternal life. Take a moment to ponder this amazing gift and to thank the amazing Giver. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Shepherd of Tender Youth"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 200-205
Scripture: Titus 2:11-14
Commentary: Gregory of Nyssa, On Virginity 13
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_9_Reading
"Fear not, for I am with you;
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)
"How Firm a Foundation" What a firm foundation we have as Christians. That foundation is well-said in the hymn, "Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love; and then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn, like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne" (LSB #728.5). God tells us that nothing changes from the moment we're baptized--even as infants--until the day we're called to glory--even if we live past one hundred. Nothing changes with Him. He still holds us in His arms like precious lambs.
What greater consolation and promise do you need? No matter how far you stray, God will still come and embrace you as His precious lamb when you turn in repentance. How firm is your foundation? If it's not quite firm, I ask you to look through Isaiah 40-43 and see how many times that God tells you how firm your foundation really is. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Angry Words, O Let Them Never"
Small Catechism: Fifth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 188-194
Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26
Commentary: Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 11
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_8_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_7_Reading
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_6_Reading
And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by the waves;
but [Jesus] was asleep.
(Matthew 8:24)
"Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" This story was the setting for Edward Hopper's hymn "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," a prayer asking Jesus to guide us through our lives. He calls life on earth as a tempestuous sea with "unknown waves", "hidden rock and treach'rous shoal" (LSB #715.1). Throughout all this, the prayer continues, "Chart and compass come from Thee. Jesus, Savior, pilot me."
There's a popular bumper sticker that says, "Jesus is my co-pilot." Doesn't that sticker make you think, "Isn't Jesus sitting in the wrong chair?" Jesus does guide you, as a Shepherd guides His sheep, throughout this life. Spend a little time today looking through His Word for the direction He has for you to go in your life. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Bless Our Native Land"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 150-157
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, Interpretation of Romans
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_5_Reading
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
in whom I take refuge,
(Psalm 18:2)
"A Mighty Fortress" Luther wrote the words to one of his greatest hymns thinking of the many psalms that talk about God being the fortress for believers. In the second verse, he writes, "With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected; but for us fights the valiant One, whom God Himself elected" (LSB #656.2).
God being a fortress is a great comfort for Christians. Being a Christian is like living inside an ancient, impenetrable fortress. The feeling that no one can come in and take you away. That's Christianity. We are in the great fortress of the valiant One who has promised, "I give them eternal life ... and no one will snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28). What greater security could anyone ever had?
This security is yours because not only does Jesus keep you safe in His hands He fights for you against your enemy--the devil. No attack works against the defense made by Jesus. That is a guarantee that was brought to you when He saved you at your Baptism. It's the guarantee that stays with you as long as you live in Him. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Oh, Blest the House"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 105-111
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4
Commentary: Ambrosiaster, Ephesians 6.5.1
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_4_Reading
Common Ground - Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART I, SECTION TWO, CHAPTER TWO, ARTICLES 2-3 (paragraphs 422-511)
And the four living creatures ... never cease to say,
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"
(Revelation 4:8)
"Holy, Holy, Holy" St. John's Revelation brings us a picture of the throne room of Heaven. Surrounding God's throne, four living creatures worship God, singing as we do, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, all Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea" (LSB #507.4).
That's the point of creation. "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). The Psalms are filled with encouragement for all God's works to praise Him. Because that is what Heaven is--one eternal worship service, praising God for everything He has done.
Of course, the biggest thing that God has done is give us salvation. We sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" because He has made us holy by giving us the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus and everything that He has accomplished for us. You have been declared holy by God because Jesus died for you. Think about that as you praise God for how holy He is. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Christ Sits at God's Right Hand"
Small Catechism: Third Commandment
Large Catechism: I 79-86
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 19.4-5
Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan
http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_3_Reading
"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into Heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into Heaven."
(Acts 1:11)
He's Coming Back Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The words of the angels on top of the Mount of Olives ring true still today. They are words of hope. The disciples had just asked, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (v6). They wanted a bit of comfort so that they could be sure that they had not just wasted the last three-plus years of their lives following Jesus.
What a silly thing to say, we tend to think today. Many say, "If I were living back with the disciples, I would definitely believe Jesus." Don't be so sure. We have twenty centuries of history and tradition forming the basis of our faith. The disciples lived in the moment. Ask anyone who grew up during the Depression or World War II. Many during that time thought that things would turn around very quickly. But they lagged on for years. Living in the moment doesn't provide much hope. In fact, it generally tends to confuse us when things don't add up.
That's why the angels were sent with their message--to give the disciples hope. They wanted to see Jesus' kingdom come. They were told they would have to wait, but that He would return. In fact, He would return in the same way He left--on a cloud. Throughout the centuries, Christians have believed--and rightly so--that they were living in the last times. That they were living during the time that Revelation spoke about. How true that is. We are certainly living in the last times today, but so were the disciples who descended the Mount of Olives after Jesus was taken into Heaven. The last times have lasted for two thousand years and will continue until the Last Day. And through all these days, we still have the same promise and hope: Jesus is coming back! Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Great Redeemer"
Small Catechism: Second Commandment
Large Catechism: I 51-56
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, On Jeremiah 5.23.5-6
Our monthly look at the Apostolic Fathers sees us looking at the epistle of 1 Clement as a whole and taking a look at what the titles "bishop", "presbyter" and "deacon" mean in the Apostolic Age.
And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.
(Acts 1:9)
Ascended Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
For forty days after He rose from the dead, Jesus continued to appear to His disciples. On the fortieth day, there was a bit of difference in the appearance. Well, maybe not in the appearance but definitely in the withdrawing from His disciples. He was talking and all of a sudden this cloud comes along underneath His feet and lifts Him up into the air.
Many churches have a statue of the risen Jesus with His arms extended in a blessing. These statues are based on the ancient tradition that Jesus was blessing His disciples as He was taken up into Heaven and Luke just doesn't record the words. It's a very comforting pose so that we might be given comfort. After all, Jesus had just told them not too much earlier, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus is with you as you go through your days on this earth. Although He physically ascended into Heaven, His Spirit dwells in His saints throughout the world so that the work of His Church may be done. That work continues until He returns again. More on that next time. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"
Small Catechism: First Commandment
Large Catechism: I 13-21
Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9
Commentary: Barnabas 14:4-7
Theme: Good Shepherd
Text: John 10:11-16
11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Rev. Doug Minton
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
Robbinsdale, MN
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
(1 Corinthians 11:54-56)
"Death is Swallowed up in Victory" Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
On the Last Day, when all the great wondrous mysteries have unfolded and we stand before God in our new imperishable, immortal, spiritual bodies, we will see the fulfillment of our passage this morning. St. John the Evangelist takes this one step further as he summarizes Heaven in his Revelation: "[God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (21:4).
There will be no more death because there will be nothing but everlasting life for those who believe in Jesus and everlasting torment to those who do not believe in Jesus. Why will there be no more death? Because sin will be done away with. And with the destruction of sin, God will destroy all the fruits of sin: death, sorrow and pain. These will all be gone because they have been swallowed up in Christ's victory over the grave when He rose from the dead.
That victory is given to you by faith in Jesus. Therefore you have this victory over death already. That's why Christians need not fear death but anticipate what lies beyond: a world with no sin, no sorrow, no pain, nothing that is unnatural to the way God created the world when He saw it was "very good". That's the victor's prize in this life. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 5
Large Catechism: V 33-38
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:26-34
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Homilies on Genesis 60.16
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
(1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
"We Shall Not All Sleep" Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Paul gives us a mystery. Personally I like mysteries. I grew up reading Agatha Christie novels and watching shows like Perry Mason, Matlock and Murder, She Wrote. There's a great deal of fun that can be had with a good Whodunit? story. Paul gives us a great mystery to ponder this morning.
Not everyone will die before the Last Day. There will still be believers on the earth. They will not have been taken away to avoid tribulation. They will be on earth, persevering just like every other saint that has ever lived through persecution and trial. Not everyone will die, but everyone will be changed. The change from the mortal body to the immortal will be instantaneous. One moment we'll be in our normal bodies. The next we'll be in our heavenly bodies. "For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on the immortal" (v53).
How will this happen? I don't know. Paul doesn't tell us. He probably doesn't know either. Why will this happen? Because God said it would. When will this happen? When Christ returns. What other answers do I have? Not many. That's why Christianity is a faith and not just a set of facts. We're not given all the answers. That gives us many mysteries to discover in the Scriptures. I invite you to open your Bible today and see what mysteries lie there for you today. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 4
Large Catechism: V 28-32
Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
Commentary: Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures 13.33
What you sow does not come to life unless it dies....
What you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel ...
But God gives it a body as He has chosen.
(1 Corinthians 15:36-38)
The Resurrection Body Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Jesus gave many parables to the crowds that followed Him through Judea and Galilee. Many of them took imagery from agriculture. Paul picks up on that thread here and goes with it to tell us about the Last Day--the day we will be raised to a new glory just as a corn or soybean plant has more glory than the seed sown in the ground.
Paul says, "What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable" (v42). What is sown into the ground--the body that we bury--is perishable. In fact, it's already dead because of sin. But St. Paul is talking about the great harvest of Jesus Christ on the Last Day. It will be much like the day when He came to Bethany, four days after Lazarus had been buried, and raised him from the dead with the shout, "Lazarus, come out!" On the Last Day, there will be no names being called. Jesus will come with the shouts of the archangel and say, "Everyone, come out!" All the dead will be raised--the faithful and the faithless--to be judged. And each and every person will be given the glorious resurrection body to spend eternity either in Heaven or Hell.
The resurrection body is imperishable and immortal. It is the spiritual body that will be given to you as you finally become the image of the Redeemer who has saved you from your sins. That glorious thought leaves us with nothing to say other than, "Alleluia!" Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 3
Large Catechism: V 20-27
Scripture: John 6:35-51
Commentary: Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John 4.2
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
(1 Corinthians 15:26)
Last Enemy Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
When Christ destroys His enemies, the last enemy will be death. Not that His resurrection does not trump the power of death. His resurrection shows that death has no power over Him. But ... how many good, faithful, God-fearing Christians do you know who have died? Too many. Death still has power over us. Jesus conquered death in His own body, but it still plagues us today.
Death is the one certainty that we all dread yet Christians also anticipate. Many people have come along to try to say that death is a natural part of life. Death ain't natural. Death is not what God had intended for us. Death was only brought about because of the sin of our first parents. That is why we dread death.
Dear Christian friends, you have no need to dread death. In fact, you should anticipate death because God through Jesus has made death not the end but the beginning. Death for a Christian is simply a gateway into everlasting life in Heaven with God. That is what we anticipate greatly. Unfortunately, many of us will have to endure the pangs of death in order to celebrate that reality more grandly, but Paul reminds us elsewhere, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Think about that today. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 2
Apology: XXII 1-4
Scripture: John 6:53-58
Commentary: Hiliary of Poitiers, On the Trinity 8.13-14
For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
(1 Corinthians 15:25)
He Reigns Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
St. Paul continues His expounding of the Christian faith in the resurrection with the basis for what is the only line in the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed where the verb is in the present tense: "and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty." Jesus is doing what now? He's sitting at the right hand of God, reigning. And He will do that until He has defeated all His enemies.
St. Paul obviously has in mind the psalm generally prescribed for Ascension: "The Lord says to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool'" (110:1). When will Jesus stop reigning? When all His enemies are conquered and made a footstool for Him. These enemies--Satan, death and our sinful flesh--must be conquered before Jesus will relinquish His reign.
How does that happen? Through God's will being done as His Word is faithfully preached and the Sacraments are rightly administered for the salvation of sinners. When that is accomplished, Jesus will return.
"What can I do?" you might be asking. The only thing you can do is simple: support the work of the Church that is doing God's will so that God can conquer the forces of the evil one so that He may rescue us and bring us to be with Him in Heaven. That's what you can do--support the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments--because that is what Christianity is based upon. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "What Is This Bread?"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 1
Large Catechism: V 8-14
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16-21
Commentary: Ambrose, Letter 45
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
(1 Corinthians 15:20)
First Fruits Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Here is the other side of the coin from last time. Jesus has been raised from the dead. Therefore He will be the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
This word "firstfruits" comes from the very beginning of the Mosaic ceremonial Law. When the Israelites first took possession of the Promised Land and reaped its first sanctified harvest, they were to present the first portion of the harvest to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving for God's providence (Leviticus 23:9-14). This is also in line with God's covenantal command with Israel: "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn" (Exodus 13:2).
So also Jesus is "the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29). Those who fall asleep--those who die with faith in Jesus Christ--will rise again. Paul continues his thought: "For as by a man came death, but a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (vv21-22).
This should be the main hope for all Christians--to be raised with Jesus Christ on the Last Day so that we may worship him throughout all eternity in all righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Is this your hope? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Built on the Rock"
Small Catechism: Office of the Keys
Augsburg Confession: XXVIII 1-17
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20
Commentary: Peter Chrysologus, Sermon 132.4-5
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
(1 Corinthians 15:17-19)
Purpose Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Some have come around Corinth since Paul left from his last preaching visit and started spreading the teaching that there is no resurrection of the dead. And the worst part about it--some of the Corinthian Christians bought it! If there is no resurrection from the dead, there is no Christianity. It's as simple as that.
Many people try to disprove the resurrection of Jesus, but they can't do it. They try all sorts of excuses: the disciples went to the wrong tomb; the disciples moved the body to propagate the biggest hoax in human history; Jesus never really died. All sorts of ways to disprove and remove the resurrection from Christianity. The biggest problem: many of these are coming from people calling themselves pastors standing in the pulpits in so-called Christian churches. What a wretched time we live in when even the people called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the story His death and resurrection--want to take the most important part of the message away.
Paul points this out very clearly way back in the first century--just three decades after Jesus' crucifixion: If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (v17). It's as simple as that. Christianity falls if there is no resurrection because that is the chief cornerstone of our faith--that Jesus rose from the dead so that He could raise us from the dead on the Last Day. If that's not the Christian's chief hope, what is? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Church's One Foundation"
Small Catechism: Office of the Keys
Apology: XI 63-67
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
Commentary: Theodore of Mopsuestia, Fragment 92
Wrestling Profile: Big Bubba Rogers/Big Boss Man
Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-raaC9wQofc (Big Bubba Rogers vs One Man Gang)
Digging Deeper: Exodus 7:1-8:15 (Plagues of Water into Blood and Frogs)
[Jesus] appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all ... he appeared also to me.
(1 Corinthians 15:5-8)
Appearances Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
One of the greatest warning labels known to man would have to be: Objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear. Nowhere is that truer than at church. St. Paul reminds the Corinthians what is "of first importance" (v3)--Jesus died, rose and appeared to His disciples.
The resurrection was substantiated by numerous appearances to many people throughout the Church in the forty days between Easter and Ascension. But listen to how Paul describes Jesus' appearance to him: "Last of all, as to one untimely born" (v8).
What was the proof Paul had of the resurrected Christ? Jesus appeared to him. What is your proof of the resurrected Christ? Jesus appears to you. Every time you assemble around Word and Sacrament, Jesus is present (Matthew 18:20). This is especially seen in the Sacrament of the Altar itself as Jesus' Body and Blood are given to you with the bread and wine. Jesus appears to you every time you commune. Who can you tell about your risen Lord today? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "As Surely As I Live, God Said"
Small Catechism: Confession & Absolution
Large Catechism: Exhortation, 15-19, 32-35
Scripture: John 20:19-23
Commentary: Ambrose, Concerning Repentance 1.2.6-7
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.
(Matthew 28:5-6)
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part IV
Large Catechism: IV 74-86
Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-27
Commentary: Jerome, Ephesians 2.4.21
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
(1 Peter 3:18-20)
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent from Heaven"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part III
Large Catechism: IV 32-37
Scripture: John 3:1-8
Commentary: Justin Martyr, First Apology 61
Theme: Victorious Passage
Reading: Exodus 14
Psalmody: Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18 (or LSB #925)
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "I Bind unto Myself Today"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part II
Large Catechism: IV 23-27
Scripture: Romans 6:1-11
Commentary: Origen, Commentary on Romans
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
PART IV: THE PRAETORIUM
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part I
Large Catechism: IV 14-18
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16
Commentary: Cyprian, Letter 58
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
PART III: THE PALACE OF THE HIGH PRIEST
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Seventh Petition
Large Catechism: III 112-124
Scripture: Psalm 121
Commentary: Cassiodorus, Expositions of the Psalms 120.1-2
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O God of Mercy, God of Might"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Sixth Petition
Large Catechism: III 99-111
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
Commentary: Augustine, Galatians 51
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Drawn from the Four Gospels
PART I: THE LORD'S SUPPER
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Renew Me, O Eternal Light"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Fifth Petition
Large Catechism: III 85-98
Scripture: Psalm 51
Commentary: Augustine, Sermon 19.3
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
(Matthew 28:1)
Rested Jesus was dead. There was a guard outside His tomb to make sure that His disciples didn't come to steal the body. What was Jesus doing? The same thing He did at the end of the first week of time: "And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done" (Genesis 2:2).
The Creation account continues: "So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy" (Genesis 2:3). Jesus, being the Second Person of the Trinity and God incarnate, certainly would not use the Sabbath day as the day of resurrection. Why? The Jews, who honored and worshipped the Sabbath day of rest, would never accept Him as their Messiah because He would have broken the Sabbath. After all, if picking up sticks in the yard on the Sabbathwas considered work punishable by stoning (Numbers 15:32-36), obviously raising one's self from the dead would be considered work and not rest.
But the Sabbath was made for rest. That's what God had designed it to be. Just as He worked six days, on the seventh day He had finished His work of Creation. Jesus had spent the bulk of Holy Week in Jerusalem teaching or suffering for the sins of the world. On the seventh day, He rested from His work that He had completed when He cried out with a loud voice, "It is finished! and gave up His ghost (John 19:30).
Jesus rested on the Sabbath after His death so that He could rise again on the first day of the week--symbolizing the newness of life and creation because of God's plan of salvation. More on that when we get to Easter. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Will Take Care of You"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Fourth Petition
Large Catechism: III 71-84
Scripture: Psalm 145:14-21
Commentary: Bede, Homilies on the Gospels 2.14
The chief priests and Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while He was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples go and steal Him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead'..."
(Matthew 27:62-64)
Sealed! The Jewish leaders were still worried. They were so worried that they didn't even bother keeping their own laws about the Sabbath but came before Pilate to make this request. They were still afraid about what Jesus had said when He was still alive.
The Jewish leaders ask that Pilate post a guard outside Jesus' tomb to make sure no one tried to fabricate a resurrection from the dead. Pilate turned it around and put that responsibility on the Jewish leaders. So a group of the Temple guards were dispatched to the garden near Golgotha to make sure that Jesus stayed in the tomb until after His statement was refuted. They sealed the stone so that no one could move it. Then the guards sat and waited. Tune in next time to see what they waited for. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Thy Will Be Done"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Third Petition
Large Catechism: III 59-70
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Commentary: Ignatius to Polycarp 6:1-2
And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock.
(Matthew 27:59-60)
Buried! Jesus was buried by a "secret disciple" in Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph and Nicodemus were members of the Sanhedrin. Members who were apparently not present when Jesus stood on trial before them. If they were, they kept silent so that no one would know their true allegiance.
That anonymity worked well until Jesus was dead and needed to be buried before the Sabbath. Joseph had a tomb that he had just had cut for his own burial one day. But there was a greater need at this time. Jesus of Nazareth--the stricken, smitten and afflicted Suffering Servant--the Savior of the world, needed a place to rest.
So Joseph came out of hiding. He made his allegiance to Jesus known as he requested the body of Jesus from Pilate. He stuck his neck out, but was it just a little too late? Certainly not! We know the rest of the story. That on the third day Jesus rose again from the dead. The tomb was just a temporary dwelling place for Jesus' body while He continued to fulfill the Law of God for us even in His death. More on that later.
Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb so that we could "borrow" His righteousness for all eternity. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Day Full of Grace"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Second Petition
Large Catechism: III 49-58
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14
Commentary: Leo the Great, Sermons 57.5.1-2
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
(Matthew 27:51a)
Curtain Ripped in Half Jesus is hanging on the Cross, suffering the torments of the Father's wrath against sin. The sin that belongs to you and me. As He "yielded up His spirit," the curtain in the Temple was torn in half. This curtain was the one piece of material that blocked access to God. This curtain divided the Holy Place (where the priests did their service) from the Most Holy Place (where the glory of God resided). This was the curtain that only the high priest could enter through and that only once a year.
Jesus' death was not only the physical crucifixion but also a spiritual sign. Jesus' death provided direct access to God. Now there is no barrier between us and God. No more need to go through countless intercessors in order to be heard by God. Complete direct access to our heavenly Father. That is why Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer--the prayer that starts out, "Our Father who art in Heaven." Not "Jesus' Father", but "our Father." He is our Father by faith through the work of Jesus Christ.
That work showed itself most noticeably when the curtain--the one barrier between a holy God and sinful men--was torn in half. Now, you have direct access to your heavenly Father because Jesus died in your place. You have the right to come to Him whenever you wish. That's your freedom as a Christian. Take advantage of that freedom and use it often. Your Father in Heaven is waiting for you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, First Petition
Large Catechism: III 35-48
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Commentary: Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 10
And those who passed by derided Him, wagging their heads and saying,
"You who would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself!
If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross."
(Matthew 27:39-40)
Crucified! It was a somber highlight for Passover. Pilate had planned a triple crucifixion to take place. Even though it was quite somber, many people turned out to view the "festivities". It's amazing just how depraved human nature actually is. Some people just seem to enjoy watching people die. That's gotten even into the major plot of many movies in the last few years. It's a sad condition of our society.
Jesus was crucified and many of the chief priests and elders followed him out to Golgotha to make sure that He really was crucified. They also wanted to taunt Him. All sorts of vain promises and oaths were made that they would believe if He'd take Himself down from the Cross.
But that wasn't in God's plan for the Messiah. In fact, being crucified was a central focal point of God's plan of salvation. We Christians--and Lutherans in particular--focus on a full Cross and an empty tomb. Only God in the flesh could will Himself to die and then resurrect Himself from the dead. This is Jesus crucified for you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Introduction
Large Catechism: III 17-23
Scripture: Psalm 103
Commentary: Fulgentius of Rupse, On the Forgiveness of Sins 2.10.4
And [the soldiers] stripped [Jesus] and put a scarlet robe on Him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and put a reed in His right hand. And kneeling before Him, they mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
(Matthew 27:28-29)
Mocked! The movie "The Passion of the Christ", I've been told, depicts this mocking of Jesus in very graphic detail. Truly, it was a very bloody time.
The laughing mockery of the soldiers as they dressed Jesus up as a king and then beat and spit upon Him. How little they realized that they were telling the truth. Jesus was the King of the Jews. There is no denying that Jesus fulfilled everything that the promised Messiah was supposed to do.
The mockery continues today. Every time we think that we can do something to help our salvation, it is just like walking up to Jesus on the Cross, spitting in His face and saying, "I don't need you."
But God will not be mocked. Jesus was mocked by the soldiers as part of His Passion. When the mockery is over, the King of the Jews and the Gentiles takes His throne as He is lifted up on the Cross. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 61-65
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6
Commentary: Jerome, Ephesians 1.1.4
The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" And they said, "Barabbas."
(Matthew 27:21)
Twist of Fate It was a quirky twist of fate that Jesus had on the morning of Good Friday. Here the crowd was faced with a choice. Do they release the Son of God or the notorious criminal named Barabbas (whose name means, "Son of the Father")?
No matter who the crowd chooses, one "Son of the Father" will be released and the other condemned. That's a choice that we have on a daily basis. Which "Son of the Father" do you choose?
The choice is Jesus as our suffering, dying Savior or Jesus as a great moral teacher and example. We live in a society that wants to be able to get along and not have people "rock the boat."
But Jesus is all about "rocking the boat." When He came to earth, it was to turn everything that we know about God and us upside down and inside out. We come to see that our relationship with God is not made better by our works but by Jesus' Passion. His mercy and sinless life is what makes every baptized Christian acceptable to God.
Which "Son of the Father" have you chosen? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "When All of God's Singers Get Home"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 51-56
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-12
Commentary: Oecumenius, Commentary on 1 Peter
Sermon from the "Hosanna to the Son of David" series
Order of Service: Responsive Prayer 2
Hymns: #357, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
525, "Crown Him with Many Crowns"
549, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"
Sermon Theme: It's Good to Be the King! (Adonijah)
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 1:1-31
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
4201 Regent Ave N
Robbinsdale, MN
Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 198-421
First Article of the Apostles' Creed
And throwing down the pieces of silver into the Temple,
[Judas] departed, and he went out and hanged himself.
(Matthew 27:5)
Hanged! Judas was sorrowful--not truly repentant--but sorrowful that Jesus had been condemned and things weren't going the way he had hoped. He tried to reason with the chief priests and elders, but they weren't interested in releasing Jesus. There was nothing else Judas could do. He was so depressed, and as many extremely depressed people throughout history, Judas decided that his life was no longer worth living. So he hanged himself.
Suicide seemed Judas' only option so he took it. But suicide should never be an option. God has told us through St. Paul, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God ... He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but ... He will also provide the way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Judas' "way of escape" was the same as Peter's. After His resurrection, Jesus restored Peter and forgave him for denying Him. Judas had the same opportunity, but he took matters into his own hands.
What a tragic end to a life with so much promise! A life just like yours with so much promise--especially the promise of a forgiving Savior who died to take away your sins so that you may live with Him forever. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Our God, He Is Alive"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 35-39
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10
Commentary: 1 Clement 28
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. And they bound Him and led Him away and delivered Him over to Pilate the governor.
(Matthew 27:1-2)
Bound, Led and Delivered The overnight trial over, the chief priests and elders decided it was best to put Jesus to death. He refused to defend Himself so there was no other choice but to kill Him for blasphemy. After all, that's what the Law of Moses tells us: "Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death" (Leviticus 24:16).
There was only one problem: the execution had to be done by the Roman authorities. In the case, Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. So they bound Jesus, led Him through the streets in the early morning light and delivered Him to Pilate's doorstep.
Being good Jewish men, they wouldn't go any further because they would be considered unclean and not be able to partake of the Passover. So they handed Jesus over to Pilate so that he could take care of Him for them.
Things are not looking good for Jesus at this time, but they only get worse. Tune in next time to see how much further down Jesus goes. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Augsburg Confession: XVII
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Commentary: Ambrose, On Belief in the Resurrection 2.47-48
And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus,
"Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."
And he went out and wept bitterly
(Matthew 26:75)
Denied! It's one of the worst feelings in the world. You've betrayed one of your best friends by saying you don't know who they are. It points to your integrity, your friendship and your backbone.
This is what St. Peter suffered as Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin. While Jesus was saying nothing, Peter was doing what Peter did best--saying things that would get him in trouble. Not once, not twice, but three times he denied even having ever heard of Jesus. Why? To keep himself out of trouble.
Don't get me wrong. I like St. Peter. In fact, he and Thomas are my favorite Apostles. Why? I relate to them very well. There are times, like Peter, where I want to keep myself intact and not cause problems. There are other times where I do stick my neck out. Unfortunately, like St. Peter, I often do both at the wrong time.
Peter wanted to have nothing to do with the impending punishment that was coming to Jesus, but he wanted to be there just to see what would happen. So should you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Large Catechism: II 31-33
Scripture: John 20:1-10
Commentary: Hesychius of Jerusalem, Easter Homily 5-6
And the high priest arose and said to Him,
"Do you answer nothing? What is it these men testify against you?"
(Matthew 26:62)
Silent Before the Sanhedrin Caiaphas, the high priest in Jerusalem, was woken from his sleep by news that excited him greatly. Jesus of Nazareth had been arrested. Now, the Sanhedrin wanted a trial before dawn so that there wouldn't be such an uproar in the city about the arrest.
The leaders of the people feared the people. They didn't want to have to defend and justify themselves. They wanted something nice, quick and easy. And that's what Jesus gave them. Jesus didn't try any fancy finagling of the Law to excuse Himself. In fact, He gave no defense whatsoever. He was silent before the Sanhedrin.
Manufactured evidence stacked higher and higher against Him, but He stayed silent. People told bold-faced lies about Him and He said not a word. He was silent because no one listening would believe Him anyway. He was silent because His upcoming actions would speak louder than any other words. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Large Catechism: II 26-30
Scripture: John 1:1-14
Commentary: Athanasius, On the Incarnation 9.1-4
Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying,
"Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him."
(Matthew 26:48)
Betrayed! "Betrayed by a kiss." That's how the Passion of Christ began. That's how we'll begin our devotions this Lenten season.
Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, one of Jesus' closest associates, betrayed Jesus into the hands of those who wanted Him dead. One of Jesus' hand-picked disciples. How does THAT happen?
What Judas did was absolutely horrible. What Judas did alienated him from everyone. What Judas did was exactly what Jesus wanted.
WHAT?! Jesus WANTED Judas to betray Him? Jesus had been right in front of His enemies for most of the last week. It was time for Jesus to sacrifice Himself. Jesus didn't tell Judas to do it, but God used it to keep His plan of salvation in motion. That plan of salvation ends with Jesus dying--something that Judas didn't expect when he betrayed Jesus.
Tune in next time to see what happens next! Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Beautiful Savior"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, First Article
Large Catechism: II 12-19
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 22.1-2
Wrestling Profile: Review of the March 22, 1986 episode of World Championship Wrestling on TBS.
Video posting on Green Friday Wrestling on Facebook on March 29, 2019 at noon CST.
Confessional Corner: Augsburg Confession I-III (God, Original Sin, Jesus Christ)
[Jesus said:] "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
(Matthew 5:13-20)
"Not to Abolish the Law" After the Beatitudes, Jesus continues to admonish and encourage His disciples about the life we are to lead. He does not burden us with a new Law. Instead, He gives us reassurance. He says, "I have not come to abolish [the Law] but to fulfill them."
When we look at our lives, we see that we don't keep the Law as we should. We've broken commandment after commandment since the day we were born. When you first think about Jesus' statement, don't you wish that Jesus would have abolished the Law? You wouldn't feel so bad then. But why didn't Jesus abolish it? Because it is the Word of God. Nothing abolishes the Word of God.
Jesus, being God in the flesh--God with us, might have been able to get rid of it, but that is not what He came to do. He came to be your substitute. He came to fulfill the very Law that condemns you. He came so that He could offer His obedience to God in exchange for your disobedience. This is what He did at the Cross. He became your disobedience--your curse. "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree" (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:22-23). In exchange, you got His righteousness and blessedness.
The Law is not abolished. It is fulfilled. By being a child of God and an heir with Jesus Christ, you are seen by God not as one who has broken the Law but as one who has kept it perfectly because you have been clothed with Christ in Baptism (Galatians 3:27). May the righteousness and blessedness of Christ be yours. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "When the Roll Is Called up Yonder"
Small Catechism: Close of the Commandments
Large Catechism: I 311-318
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
Commentary: Jerome, Letter 133.13
"Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain,
and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him."
(Matthew 5:1-2)
The Great Discipler Our meditation this morning shows Jesus as the Great Discipler. This is the beginning verse of the Sermon on the Mount--one of the greatest sermons that we have from the lips of the Savior.
Jesus was walking around, teaching His disciples when He saw the great number of people thronging to hear what He had to say. To say He had a "captive audience" would be an understatement. As St. Matthew says at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, "the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (7:28-29).
Jesus was one who knew how to teach. He could adapt His message to the audience before Him. Of course, He had an advantage because He's God, but He gives us a great example. Almost everyone can think of at least one person--a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, an uncle or aunt--who helped to shape their lives. That's the role of a mentor--a discipler.
Jesus calls each of His disciples to be disciplers. In His final instructions, He says, "[While going] make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). As Christians--disciples of Christ--we're to make disciples. We start with our families--parents and grandparents passing on the faith the their children and grandchildren--but it goes throughout our lives as we go to school, as we work and as we talk with our friends and neighbors. Discipling is in every aspect of life. May the Lord bless you as you fulfill this task today and always. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment
Smalcald Articles: II IV 9-14
Scripture: James 1:12-18
Commentary: Bede, Epistle of James
"The people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned"
(Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 9:2)
"The People Dwelling in Darkness" Isaiah's prophecy rings loud and clear as Jesus begins His ministry in the bustling seaport of Capernaum. This city in the region of Galilee had become quite dark in the preaching of the Word of God because of the secular influences of Herod the Great and his children.
America is another place where the people live in darkness. You can't hardly turn on the TV without being assaulted with sinful images--murder, sexual immorality, profanity, vulgarity, degradation. And that's not even counting the cable channels! America has definitely plunged itself into the darkness of our sinful, carnal natures.
That's the "Christian nation" so many are proud to live in. We wonder how we could have let it get so bad. The answer: Every American is a sin-filled human being, dwelling in the darkness of sin. But the Church is a beacon of light for the world. St. John says in his Gospel, "In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (1:4-5). Jesus teaches us, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14).
Our job as Christians is to be the light of the world. We're to shine brightly so that our neighbors who are dwelling in darkness have a witness to the truth of God's Light. Does that mean we have to be perfect? No. We'll never attain perfection, but we have something even greater. We have grace from the true Light that covers our sins with His Blood so that we may serve as a greater example of Jesus' goodness. May He cause "your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Here We Are but Straying Pilgrims"
Small Catechism: Ninth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 300-308
Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-16
Commentary: Ambrose, On Naboth 1.1
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
(John 1:29)
"Behold, the Lamb of God" The day after John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he was teaching his disciples. He saw Jesus from a distance and tells his disciples, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The symbolism is this statement is so deep that it has taken many, many centuries to fathom and the bottom still hasn't been reached. But I'll try to make some sense out of it in this brief moment.
The lamb was a great symbol in the Old Testament. For most of the sacrifices, the preferred animal to be offered was a lamb. At the great feast of the Jews, the Passover, the only acceptable sacrifice was a lamb. If a family couldn't afford a lamb, they joined together with their neighbors so that everyone could celebrate the feast.
We talk about Jesus being our Passover lamb as we begin to interpret His sacrifice for our sins. His sacrifice is what every sacrifice instituted by God in the Old Testament pointed towards. The Old Testament sacrifices were only valid for the forgiveness of sins and redemption of the people because there was the promise of a coming, once for all sacrifice by the Messiah.
Jesus is the Lamb of God because He took away the sins of the world. He is the Lamb of God who has taken away your sins. His sacrifice for you was a great investment in you. Make a resolution today to give Him a good return on His investment. Study more about this Lamb of God. Invest in Him and the returns are everlasting. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "A Beautiful Life"
Small Catechism: Eighth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 263-269
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-6
Commentary: Ambrose, On the Duties of the Clergy
Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now,
for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness"
(Matthew 3:15)
"To Fulfill All Righteousness" Jesus comes to John the Baptist as one of the many people who came to John to be baptized. John objected, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (3:14). John knew that he was standing in the presence of the Messiah. And he knew his place in the pecking order.
Jesus shows Himself to be a condescending Lord. Jesus condescends to a place of submission even to John. This is the humility that St. Paul encourages us to imitate (Philippians 2:5). Jesus relinquishes His rights for this moment so that righteousness might be fulfilled.
What does it mean "to fulfill all righteousness"? Jesus submitted to a baptism of repentance so that His righteousness might wash off of Him. When Jesus was baptized, He had no sins to confess and repent. When you and I entered the waters of Baptism, our sins were washed away. They were washed away because the righteousness that washed off Him in the Baptism by John is washed onto us. We come out of Baptism sinless not because we've done some great act. We come out sinless because His righteousness has now been given to us.
Jesus was baptized so that He could fulfill all righteousness. That righteousness is the same that Abraham had so many centuries ago: "And [Abraham] believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Your faith that believes that your Baptism has washed away your sins is counted by God as righteousness. Righteousness has been fulfilled for you in Jesus' Baptism. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Mansions over the Hilltop"
Small Catechism: Seventh Commandment
Large Catechism: I 222-231
Scripture: Joshua 7:10-26
Commentary: Basil, Preface on the Judgment of God
Wrestling Profile: Sting (60th birthday)
Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb_a7c5Pmoc - WCW World Heavyweight Title Match: Ric Flair (c) vs Sting (Great American Bash '90)
Apostolic Fathers: Didache 9-10
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?
For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him"
(Matthew 2:1-2)
"We Saw His Star" The story of the Epiphany is one of the most well-known stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. Wise men from the east saw that a great event was occurring so they followed a star much different than the rest to see what had happened.
It led them to Judea and the city of Jerusalem. When there, it disappeared. Why? It wasn't necessary at that time. God had brought the wise men to inform Herod of the birth of Christ. Since they were brought to the Holy City, they figured the great event was the birth of a new king of the Jews. So they went to the most likely place--Herod's palace.
When they asked about the child who had been born, Herod became very troubled. "For this to happen," he must have thought, "it has to be the Christ--the Messiah." So he assembled the great scribes of Jerusalem and found that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem.
That's the great thing about Epiphany. It's an "Aha!" moment for everyone. Here are these FOREIGNERS coming to the king of Judea to tell him about the Messiah's birth. FOREIGNERS came to tell the Jews about the birth of THEIR Savior! What a troubling thought for Herod and the Jewish leaders! What a glorious thought as we see that our God did not send Jesus into the world only for the Jews. Jesus Himself tells us, "For God so loved THE WORLD, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Jesus came into the world to save everyone. The first proclamation of this came as a star being shown to a group of Gentile astrologers. And everyone who believes in Jesus as their only Lord and Savior will be saved. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Father, All Creating"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 211-216
Scripture: Matthew 19:1-10
Commentary: Origen, Commentary on Matthew 14.19
Wrestling Profile: Eddie Gilbert
Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mwh-r7tArw (Gilbert's last recorded match in the NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament)
Digging Deeper: Exodus 5-6
"In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples--of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious."
(Isaiah 11:10)
Root of Jesse Isaiah also calls Jesus the Root of Jesse. Basically, this means that Jesus comes from the line of Jesse, who was the father of King David. This continues the long line of prophecies about Jesus and the line of King David. When David desires to build a temple for God, God tells him that his son Solomon will build the Temple. After that, God says, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to Me a son. I will not take My steadfast love from him, as I took it from who was before you, but I will confirm him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever" (1 Chronicles 17:12-14).
Unfortunately, the line of David who ruled over Israel ended with their exile to Babylon during Zedekiah's reign. Another king from the line of David never sat on the throne as the king of Israel or Judah again. That line seemed to disappear for a while until the end of the Old Testament. Then a renewed wave of national pride and heritage went through the Jews. Any and every person who had any ancestral relationship to David came forward to remove the oppressing governments, but none succeeded. It was only the one who had also given David his life and his throne who could break the tyranny of oppression--not of earthly governments but the spiritual tyranny of Satan because of our sins.
Jesus came from the family of Jesse, but He was also the one who chose the family of Jesse to send Himself into the world to forgive your sins. Receive that forgiveness of sins today. It is the true Christmas gift. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Shepherd of Tender Youth"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 200-205
Scripture: Titus 2:11-14
Commentary: Gregory of Nyssa, On Virginity 13
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit."
(Isaiah 11:1)
Shoot of Jesse Even though it looks like the family tree of Jesse has been cut down, leaving only a stump behind, Isaiah prophesies that a shoot will grow from it. The Messiah, who would fulfill the promise of God that David's son will sit on the throne forever, was still to come. Isaiah brings an almost springlike quality to the prophecies about the Messiah. Spring is the season where new growth begins. What once was dead during the winter lives again through the warmth of the spring sun.
So it would be for the children of God. New growth would occur. One from the house of David would come and take His rightful place on David's throne. Although it seemed that the entire family of King David had been decimated by rival kings and governors who wanted to make sure that there were none left with noble blood, Mary and Joseph continued to survive in their backwater town of Nazareth. From the house of David, Jesus was brought into the world through Mary's womb and raised under Joseph's fatherly guidance. Jesus is the shoot who not only withstood the winter of life in this sin-filled world, He brings that new growth and new life through His resurrection. This new life is yours as His free gift. If you have not owned Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what better time to receive this gift than during the Christmas season. Just as with God, my door is always open and my ear always ready to listen. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Angry Words, O Let Them Never"
Small Catechism: Fifth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 188-194
Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26
Commentary: Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 11
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
Prince of Peace The final name in Isaiah's list seems to be the most prevalent today. The "Prince of Peace" is what everyone wants. However, many think this title for Jesus promotes a more tolerant people--people who don't mind what goes on in the world as long as it doesn't affect them.
The idea that peace means tolerance of everything is far from the truth. Peace is not a tranquility of mind and body. It is a cessation of war. The peace that Jesus brings is the end of the war that is in each one of our hearts.
Jesus rules as a "Prince" as He is lifted on the Cross. There He battles the final battle against Satan. He wins. Satan did everything he could. He even killed Jesus, but Jesus raised Himself from the dead. Jesus brings the Peace that we no longer have to worry about the outcome of the war. Jesus won the victory for you. All of His merits that He gained in His war you receive from His hand. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Bless Our Native Land"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 150-157
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, Interpretation of Romans
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
Everlasting Father We can find it hard to see Jesus as being referred to as "Everlasting Father". We've become quite accustomed to Jesus being called the Son of God. He IS the Son of God. Yet Isaiah can also call Him the "Everlasting Father".
Why? Because of what a Father is. A Father is the benefactor of the family. He is the protector and provider. Jesus provides salvation for the family of those who have been baptized into His death.
He is "Everlasting" because what He dispenses to His family is as everlasting as He is. A more literal way of translating this would be "benevolent with treasure". That treasure is the everlasting life we have as the children of God. This is the greatest treasure that can be given to anyone and you have it through your Baptism. As we come to the celebration of the beginning of our Savior's life, remember that He was born to deliver this treasure to you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Oh, Blest the House"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 105-111
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4
Commentary: Ambrosiaster, Ephesians 6.5.1
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
Mighty God Isaiah continues his line of titles and names for Jesus with "Mighty God". Is this necessarily that Jesus is God? No, not necessarily. This is the generic word for "God" in the Old Testament used here. It had various meanings from the one True God to any of the false gods and idols worshipped by the pagans to mighty heroes of war.
However, is this a place to quibble about which word for God is used? No. This is talking about the ruler who is to be born that will be above every ruler that has been before Him. We know in our hearts that the ultimate ruler of the universe is God Himself. From Him every other government gets its authority (Romans 13:1). This prophesied ruler will be like God in His ruling. He will be "Mighty" like God. He will fight for His people to bring them the peace He desires to give them.
This fight Jesus had as He allowed the nails to be placed into His hands and be lifted up on the Cross. He fought what seemed like most to be a losing battle. Everyone--including Satan--thought that Satan had defeated the Son of God, but Good Friday was not the end of the battle but the beginning. The end came on the third day as Jesus rose from the dead, breaking the bonds of death that could have no mastery over Him. Jesus is the conquering hero who forty days after His resurrection ascended into Heaven to be received as a divine hero who liberated you and me from the bondage of sin. Let us always remember our Mighty Jesus even as we see Him lying as a babe in the manger. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Christ Sits at God's Right Hand"
Small Catechism: Third Commandment
Large Catechism: I 79-86
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 19.4-5
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
Wonderful Counselor This morning we begin looking at the most familiar passage of names for Jesus in the Old Testament prophets. We begin with "Wonderful Counselor". What is a "Counselor"? And what does it mean for Jesus to be a "Wonderful Counselor"?
Let's first look at the word "Counselor". It seems to be a simple enough word. Generically, it's someone who gives advice. In ancient times, however, it was also a title for the ruler of the land. After all, the king or queen was the highest authority in the land so everyone sought their advice.
Now, let's see the word "Wonderful". It truly means "full of wonder" in the Hebrew. It's an extraordinary, hard to be understood item. Isaiah's not calling Jesus hard to understand. On the contrary, grasping just how much He understands about life and the Law and God fills people with wonder. It's all over the Bible--especially in His enemies. They're filled with awe and wonder over all the things He knows without their strict instruction. He was a simple man who had profound ideas.
This combination of words brings about the ideal of such a ruler who inspired awe and wonder in their subjects over their knowledge. Solomon is touted to be the smartest man to ever live. Isaiah here is prophesying about a ruler coming that's EVEN SMARTER than Solomon. Not a man endowed with God-given wisdom, but the God Himself who bestows that wisdom on those who have faith in Him as their Savior from sins.
This is the Jesus who is ruling the hearts and minds of His followers. This is the Jesus who we can only sit and stare in awe and wonder over all the things He has done for us through His birth, life and death. Spend a moment to think on these things. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Great Redeemer"
Small Catechism: Second Commandment
Large Catechism: I 51-56
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, On Jeremiah 5.23.5-6
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and you will call His name Immanuel."
(Isaiah 7:14)
Immanuel Isaiah prophesies that a virgin will conceive and bear a son. What a preposterous notion! Being pregnant and still a virgin? Impossible! In the story where our meditation takes place has God testing King Ahaz for a sign from God. Anything he wants. Ahaz refuses so God gives one anyway. A sign that cannot happen unless God makes it happen.
How fitting that the Messiah would be brought forth from a virgin and given the name Immanuel. A name which means "God with us" in Hebrew. A sign that could only come from God, the Lord and Giver of Life. The child born of the virgin, as it is said in St. Luke's Gospel, "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (1:32).
So there's Jesus--God in the flesh, God with us. Immanuel. God with us to take away our sins. Born a baby in a stable and laid in a manger. Born a baby to die a man on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus truly is Immanuel--God with us. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"
Small Catechism: First Commandment
Large Catechism: I 13-21
Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9
Commentary: Barnabas 14:4-7
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
(Psalm 8:1, 9)
"How Majestic Is Your Name" We're continually assaulted with images and signs of the coming Christmas season. But what do we have before us? Christmas. The name of Christ is at the heart of the word. Just as He should be at the heart of this season and every season of life. Throughout the month of December, we'll look at various names given to Jesus by the prophets who proclaimed His first coming--especially Isaiah. All of this will be done under the auspices of David's statement, "how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
When we talk about a "majestic" name, it means something. Something rich and honorable--like a king or the President of the United States. But the name of Jesus is much more rich and honorable than any other. As St. Peter said before the Jewish Sanhedrin, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). What better way can we explain "majestic" than that? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 5
Large Catechism: V 33-38
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:26-34
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Homilies on Genesis 60.16
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
(Revelation 14:13)
God's Stewards live with an Awareness of the Present and Future, of Time and Eternity God's stewards live intentionally in the light of God's eternal purpose while being firmly committed to His rule in the here and now.
Christians live in a "now, not yet" conundrum. Those who have been baptized have eternal life and all Christ's blessings now, but they are not yet complete and perfect. As we celebrated All Saints' Day at the beginning of this month, we remembered those who have gone before us who now "rest from their labors" (Revelation 14:13). We were also reminded that we are the saints of God while still living on this earth. As St. Paul writes to the Philippians, he addresses his letter "to the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi" (1:1b). Did he write this letter to a group of dead people? No. He wrote it to others in the same "now, not yet" conundrum.
Truly blessed are those who die in the Lord, but even more so those of us who continue to live under Him in this world. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 4
Large Catechism: V 28-32
Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
Commentary: Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures 13.33
Wrestling Profile: Dudley Boyz/Team 3D
Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbtMyTpYQXI (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match at WrestleMania 17)
Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 142-184
[Jesus said:] "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
(Matthew 20:26b-28)
God's Stewards are Served and Serving God's stewards recognize that their stewardship involves a Gospel-powered style of life which is demonstrated in servanthood within all the arenas of life.
We live in a consumer-driven socity. Unfortunately, this gets brought into the church as well. We think that by sitting in the pews we are the customers of the service. How many times have you left a worship service saying, "I didn't get anything out of it"?
If you're thinking that's a problem, you're right. You should never leave a service saying that because you have received God's Word asit was proclaimed from the pulpit. If you observed Holy Communion, you received Christ's Body and Blood. In the Lutheran Church, we call our main Sunday service the "Divine Service". Why? Because God comes down to us and serves us with His Word and Sacraments so that we may be equipped to go out and serve others. May you see this blessing that God has for you in His service. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 3
Large Catechism: V 20-27
Scripture: John 6:35-51
Commentary: Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John 4.2
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
We love because he first loved us.
(1 John 4:11, 19)
God's Stewards are Loved and Loving God's stewards recognize that their stewardship flows out of God's act of love for them in Christ, which empowers them in turn, to love others in acts of Christ-like love.
Your stewardship is a gift from your loving God. Everything that you have been given in this life is because God loves you. Therefore, the best use of your earthly possessions is to distribute them among other people. This is truly showing love to our neighbors.
It's not a love that tries to earn favor from God. It's a love that comes because we have been shown favor by God. As St. John so succinctly puts it, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
This is why St. Paul can say, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law" (Romans 13:10). The basic Law that surrounds our life is to love our neighbor as ourselves with everything we have. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 2
Apology: XXII 1-4
Scripture: John 6:53-58
Commentary: Hiliary of Poitiers, On the Trinity 8.13-14
[Jesus prayed:]
"I do not ask that you take them out of the world,
but that you keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world,
just as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth;
your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I have sent them into the world.
(John 17:15-18)
God's Stewards are in the World, but not of the World God's stewards recognize that the Lord sets them apart from the world and by the transforming power of the Gospel sends them into the world to live out the Gospel.
During His last night on earth, Jesus didn't ask for His disciples to be spared from the troubles of this life. In fact, He specifically prayed to keep His disciples and all Christians after them IN the world. But He also teaches us not to be OF the world. Not to be a part of the world. We've been sanctified--set apart--for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. This we have before us because we have been given the truth of the Gospel--the most precious news that can be given to our world. It's our job to proclaim this message to the world while not being influenced by our world. May we work to keep our proclamation of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners free of worldly, sinful influence. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "What Is This Bread?"
Small Catechism: Lord's Supper, Question 1
Large Catechism: V 8-14
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16-21
Commentary: Ambrose, Letter 45
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
(Romans 12:4-5)
God's Stewards are Uniquely Singular, yet Profoundly Plural God's stewards recognize that their lives are not solo performances but are personal responses to God, lived out within the community of faith to benefit the whole world.
"No man is an island," or so the saying goes. Everything that we do affects those around us. It may be a very active, direct effect. It may be more subtle. As the population of the world continues to boom and the Internet continues to make this a smaller world, we become increasingly more and more connected to each other. That's both good and bad.
We don't have to worry about being turned over to the authorities as in some countries, but we do have to worry about the faith that is taught in our congregations being altered from Scripture. Little by little, the core beliefs of many churches are being hacked away by the whims of our American society. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (1 Corinthians 5:6b). May we always work to cleanse out the leaven of our society so that we may continue to be the pure church of Jesus Christ on earth. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Built on the Rock"
Small Catechism: Office of the Keys
Augsburg Confession: XXVIII 1-17
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20
Commentary: Peter Chrysologus, Sermon 132.4-5
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
(1 Peter 2:9-10)
Saints and Sinners God's stewards rejoice in and live out what God has declared them to be through the cross. At the same time His stewards recognize they are sinners who fight sin and its consequences each day.
God has called us to be a chosen race and a royal priesthood. He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. But we also live in this world that is filled with sin. In fact, we are still filled with the inclination to sin. We fight this battle daily as the temptation to sin seems to grow daily. It's the same battle every day. We fight. Some times we win. Some times we lose. But we know that we have already achieved the final victory over sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He gives us His victory when He calls us to be His people. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Church's One Foundation"
Small Catechism: Office of the Keys
Apology: XI 63-67
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
Commentary: Theodore of Mopsuestia, Fragment 92
The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
(Genesis 2:15)
God's Stewards are Managers, Not Owners God's stewards have been entrusted by God with life and life's resources and given the privilege of responsibly and joyfully managing them for Him. When God first created Adam and Eve, He put them in the Garden of Eden to work it. He did not set them there saying, "This is yours to do with as you like." He said, "I have given this to you to work and keep it for me." That is our job as stewards in this world. We are to be managers of what God has given us and not think of ourselves as the owners of this world. It is this mentality that led to Adam and Eve's downfall--a desire to be owners instead of just managers. Let us all strive to see ourselves as the managers God has called us to be so that we may truly enjoy the fruits of our labors in His world. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "As Surely As I Live, God Said"
Small Catechism: Confession & Absolution
Large Catechism: Exhortation, 15-19, 32-35
Scripture: John 20:19-23
Commentary: Ambrose, Concerning Repentance 1.2.6-7
Wrestling Profile: Ric Flair
Wrestling LInk: WrestleMania 24 - Career Threatening Match - Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpLoiDNAOYY
Confessional Corner: Nicene & Athanasian Creeds
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
God's Stewards are God's Stewards God's stewards are stewards by virtue of creation and their re-creation in Holy Baptism; therefore, they belong to the Lord.
Everything we have--including the breath we breathe--we owe to God our heartfelt thanks. If He wanted, He could take them away from us, but He gives them to us freely out of His own fatherly, divine goodness and mercy.
As St. Paul says, every Christian is "a new creation." That means that God has even more of a claim on us since He has washed away our sins in Baptism through the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore we should accept our role as His stewards of our earthly possessions with a focus to spread God's kingdom throughout our world. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Advent of Our King"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part IV
Large Catechism: IV 74-86
Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-27
Commentary: Jerome, Ephesians 2.4.21
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 5:10)
"Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake" Persecution isn't the greatest thing to consider for anyone. Who likes to be harassed? Even worse, there are still those around the world who deal with just that--harassment for their faith.
What many American Christians consider persecution would probably be considered almost acceptance in many other places in the world. We have to deal with at most being laughed at for our beliefs. That's much better than those who are losing their lives over their Christian faith.
What are they persecuted for? The righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ alone. We can't make ourselves righteous and that makes some people afraid. The sinful nature desires those religious systems who seek to wrest Heaven from God instead of having it handed to us freely.
But it is a free gift. Righteousness and Heaven are yours--for free. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent from Heaven"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part III
Large Catechism: IV 32-37
Scripture: John 3:1-8
Commentary: Justin Martyr, First Apology 61
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God."
(Matthew 5:9)
Peacemakers This phrase by Jesus is a great comfort to all of us. It tells us that Christians--the sons of God--should be people who make and love peace. That is one of the great virtues of Christianity--peace. St. Paul opened each of his epistles with the words: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; etc.).
St. Paul blessed each congregation as well as every preacher should before he gets up to preach. After all, those who preach should be seen as peacemakers--not trying to quell every problem that happens in their congregations, but providing spiritual counsel for those congregations. Peacemakers are not problem-solvers. They are ones who trust in the true spiritual counsel that comes from the Word of God. That's the source of true peace. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "I Bind unto Myself Today"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part II
Large Catechism: IV 23-27
Scripture: Romans 6:1-11
Commentary: Origen, Commentary on Romans
Wrestling Profile: WWA Bruiser Bedlam Wrestling (3/1/86)
Apostolic Fathers: Didache 8 & Excursus on Fasting
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God."
(Matthew 5:8)
"Pure in Heart" Are you pure in heart? Is there really anything "pure" in this world? Even Ivory™ soap can only boast of being 99.44% pure. But 99.44% pure isn't pure enough for God. God wants hearts that are completely free of all corruption, impurities and sin. The only way He can get that is by cleansing your heart Himself by means of Baptism.
How pure is your heart? In the Bible, "heart" is the center of all life--physical and spiritual. It is where the passions, thoughts, desires and affections originate. Jesus said concerning our hearts, "What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart ... evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthew 15:18-19). Your heart's not very pure. But through Baptism, Absolution and Holy Communion He gives you a pure heart. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness"
Small Catechism: Baptism, Part I
Large Catechism: IV 14-18
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16
Commentary: Cyprian, Letter 58
"Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy."
(Matthew 5:7)
"Merciful" The merciful will receive mercy. You reap what you sow. That's basically the idea Jesus starts here in the Sermon on the Mount and expounds in many parables throughout the rest of His ministry.
"Mercy" in the Bible is the external act of sympathy in response to the misery of another. Mercy is what caused Jesus to come down from Heaven to assume our human nature--yet without sin--so that we may be delivered from the misery of eternity in Hell. His Incarnation at the first Christmas was the beginning. He showed sympathy to everyone around Him during His earthly ministry.
Jesus' death on the Cross was the conclusion as He suffered the misery and torments of Hell in your place so that you could receive His mercy and have the slate of your sins wiped away to show as if there had never been a sin there in the first place. That's mercy. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Seventh Petition
Large Catechism: III 112-124
Scripture: Psalm 121
Commentary: Cassiodorus, Expositions of the Psalms 120.1-2
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied."
(Matthew 5:6)
"Those Who Hunger and Thirst" Jesus gives us a wonderful message in this seemingly complicated sentence. But it becomes clear once you see how it interrelates to itself. In the Bible, to "hunger" means to crave something with an ardent, eager desire. To "thirst" means to painfully feel the longing for something in your soul.
Jesus praises us when He sees that earnest desire and painful longing for righteousness. He wants each of us to understand that we're not perfect by ourselves. That we need Him in order to be righteous in His sight. It's not a desperate search. It's a methodical search, digging through the layers that shroud your soul, so that you may become open to His grace, mercy and peace.
Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be satisfied. This points to His references to the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) and the "Living Water" (John 4:13-14). Those who come to Jesus will be satisfied--not just for now, but for all eternity--as the psalmist writes, "For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fill with good things" (107:9). Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O God of Mercy, God of Might"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Sixth Petition
Large Catechism: III 99-111
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
Commentary: Augustine, Galatians 51
"Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth."
(Matthew 5:5)
"The Meek" Who are the meek? And what is meekness? It's a display of patience in the reception of injury. The meek don't surrender their rights as human beings, they trust that God will avenge the wrongs done to them as He has promised (Romans 12:19).
Meekness shows itself most clearly as Jesus stands before Annas on Good Friday morning. A guard struck Him, saying, "Is that the way you answer the high priest?" Jesus replied, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why did you strike Me?" (John 18:22-23). He didn't give up His rights. In fact, He demanded that His rights be upheld, but it wasn't in malice but in a pursuit of justice where He knew that He'd find no justice.
When the Bible speaks of inheritance, it signifies the great inheritance that every Christian receives in Baptism and through faithful, meek service will see first-hand on the Last Day. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Renew Me, O Eternal Light"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Fifth Petition
Large Catechism: III 85-98
Scripture: Psalm 51
Commentary: Augustine, Sermon 19.3
"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted."
(Matthew 5:4)
"Those Who Mourn" Every one of us have mourned over something in our lives: the loss of a parent, a child, a beloved pet, a brother, a sister, a friend. Many things have been "lost" in our lives that leave us sad with their absence.
However, those who have lost loved ones who believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior have the good news that they will see their loved one once again. They will be reunited on the Last Day when the eternal misery of this fallen world is destroyed as God creates a new heaven and a new earth so that we may have eternal joy. There will be no need for mourning since there will be no tears in Heaven. There is nothing but comfort for those who have persevered through the losses of this life and remained faithful to Jesus. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Will Take Care of You"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Fourth Petition
Large Catechism: III 71-84
Scripture: Psalm 145:14-21
Commentary: Bede, Homilies on the Gospels 2.14
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."
(Matthew 5:3)
"Poor in Spirit" The poor in spirit are those who understand that they are beggars before a righteous God. We are spiritually destitute because we know that we haven't been as faithful to God as we ought. We walk around many times only as spiritual zombies, seeking in vain to find ourselves "good enough".
But what does Jesus say about those who are poor in spirit--those who understand they are spiritually bankrupt? They have the kingdom of Heaven. The holy Christian and apostolic Church on earth is populated by people who know that they are beggars before God. Beggars who must accept His mercy for everything we have--including, but not limited to, our salvation through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Thy Will Be Done"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Third Petition
Large Catechism: III 59-70
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Commentary: Ignatius to Polycarp 6:1-2
***"For His steadfast love endures forever."
(Psalm 136:1b)***
The hundred and thirty-sixth psalm has our great refrain for meditation this morning. In fact, it has our refrain twenty-six times. Every verse ends with the words, "for His steadfast love endures forever".
The psalmist goes through the entire history of the children of Israel from Creation until they arrived at the Promised Land. He starts with the greatness of God. He goes through the account of Creation then through the Exodus and then up to the banks of the Jordan River.
The praise of the psalmist isn't just the great abstraction of all the greatness of God. The praise comes down to the very concrete. The praise of God's working through each and every one of our lives.
The God praised for delivering the children of Israel through the Red Sea is the same God who works in your life today. "For His steadfast love endures forever." Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Day Full of Grace"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Second Petition
Large Catechism: III 49-58
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14
Commentary: Leo the Great, Sermons 57.5.1-2
***"The Lord will keep you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore."
(Psalm 121:7-8)***
This passage is used right after the Baptism of a new Christian. It is a blessing upon him or her that God will always be with them wherever they go. This is the same type of blessing that God commanded through Moses concerning the Law: "You shall teach them diligently to your children ... when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise" (Deuteronomy 6:7).
There's a saying among at least my generation: "Wherever you go, there you are." Kinda obvious, but the point is that wherever you go, you're guaranteed to have whatever you have on you. God commanded the Israelites to learn the Torah so well that they could teach it wherever they went. It was to be everywhere because God is everywhere. As He promised in this psalm and fulfills in our everyday lives, He keeps us every step of our lives--even if we don't know whether we're coming or going. God has a vested interest in you because you are His special creation.
He preserves your coming in and your going out through this life so that you will see His protection and movement all the days of your life. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, First Petition
Large Catechism: III 35-48
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Commentary: Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 10
***"The Lord says to my lord:
'Sit at My right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.'"
(Psalm 110:1)***
We know what a footstool is used for. What does God mean here? The imagery here is militaristic in nature. In the Ancient Near East, it was customary at the end of a battle for the losing king to be thrown down face first at the feet of the winning king. The winning king would then step on the losing king’s neck. The losing king was literally made a footstool for the winning king.
We’ve been on both sides of this scene. Adam and Eve were conquered by a single temptation by Satan. His foot came crashing down across their necks as humanity's slavery to sin began. But God gives the promise: one of their descendants will crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Satan thought he had won forever, but Jesus took everything that Satan had--even death--and conquered him completely.
Satan has been conquered by the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan has been thrown down from Heaven face first onto the ground as the footstool for the Savior's feet. Jesus has conquered every weapon in Satan's arsenal. And He has done it for you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer, Introduction
Large Catechism: III 17-23
Scripture: Psalm 103
Commentary: Fulgentius of Rupse, On the Forgiveness of Sins 2.10.4
***"Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!"
(Psalm 100:4)***
Praise and thanksgiving. That's how we're supposed to enter God's gates. We're to do this because it's God's will. We do this because it is what we owe God as our Creator and Shepherd, but we also do this to celebrate our gratitude for everything He has done for us.
He wants the relationship He had with our first parents back. He wants Paradise again. A perfect, lush world with no thorns, snares, droughts or floods. Perfect bliss is what He wants. This should send our hearts into a frenzy with joy and excitement. This is how we should come into His presence when we go to church. Worship is a glad affair, not a sad affair. We should see it as a festive occasion to come and worship God. It's not a drab, somber obligation that hangs over our head like a dark rain cloud.
You go to hear the Word of God and receive His Body and Blood through Holy Communion. You are being prepared for everlasting life. Be glad to go to church. It has great rewards for you. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 61-65
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6
Commentary: Jerome, Ephesians 1.1.4
***For He will command His angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you strike your foor against a stone."
(Psalm 91:11-12)***
Pop culture enjoys the idea of guardian angels. There have been many television shows that have focused on these angels. All coming from this morning's psalm.
Satan even used this idea as he tempted Jesus. He took Jesus up to the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem and said, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down" (Matthew 4:5-6). He quoted our verses this morning as encouragement.
Just as Satan tempted Jesus, many people do what they want and hope their guardian angel is there to catch them.
Guardian angels are not to be thought of as at your beck and call. They are God's gift to you to protect you from the attacks of the devil. Treat them as such. They are not to be taken for granted even as we should not take our salvation by faith through Christ for granted. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "When All of God's Singers Get Home"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 51-56
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-12
Commentary: Oecumenius, Commentary on 1 Peter
Wrestling Profile: New Age Outlaws
Wrestling Link: First Title win against the Road Warriors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW9nlWiqJcQ
Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part I, Section 1, Chapter 2 (paragraphs 50-141)
***"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God,
you will not despise."
(Psalm 51:17)***
God has always been a God who demanded sacrifices. As Hebrews says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (9:22). But even for the Israelites, there was still the Gospel message. The Israelites offered sacrifices day and night, slaughtering bulls and goats and sheep left and right. But they knew that the sacrifices weren't the end of it all. They pointed to the sacrifice of the Messiah.
After all, the proper sacrifices that God wanted were a broken spirit and a contrite heart. A broken spirit understands that there is nothing it can do to reconcile itself to God. A contrite heart is one that is willing to make confession for the things it has done wrong.
This is what God wants--penitent sinners who want nothing but God's mercy to be given to them. That's how a broken spirit and contrite heart promote themselves through life. How are your sacrifices? Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Our God, He Is Alive"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Third Article
Large Catechism: II 35-39
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10
Commentary: 1 Clement 28
Series: Familiar Psalms
Original Broadcast: September 2007
***"Even 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."
(Psalm 23:4)***
The valley of the shadow of death. That's an apt description of our fallen world. We have a war that's been raging for six years since the attacks on the World Trade Center. We worry about our military personnel. We worry about another terrorist attack may occur.
On top of that, we have natural disasters that shake us to our core. Bridges collapsing. Rivers flowing over their banks. Millions of dollars in damage. Dozens of lives lost. What what about the crops? The list of worries keeps piling up.
But David placed his confidence in the rod and staff of the Lord. They comforted him because he knew that nothing that could happen in this world can take him away from those things which the Lord had promised him. As St. Paul writes, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Augsburg Confession: XVII
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Commentary: Ambrose, On Belief in the Resurrection 2.47-48
The first of the classic Moments of Meditation that originally aired from September 2007 until March 2018 on KJOE-FM 106.1 in Slayton, MN.
Series: Familiar Psalms
Original Broadcast: September 2007
***"He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers."
(Psalm 1:3)***
The man who walks in the counsel of the Lord is like a tree planted by streams of water. Not just any tree, but a massive oak tree sitting beside a crystal clear stream of water. That's the man who walks in the counsel of God. The image of a tree comes through the entire Bible. Adam and Eve start in the Garden of Eden where they are to take care of the trees. One tree in the middle was the Tree of Life. In St. John's Revelation of Heaven, the Tree of Life stands in the midst of Heaven. From the throne, the River of Life extends. On both sides of the river, the Tree of Life bears its fruit each month.
The image of the tree by the stream of water is one of security and peace. In Christ Jesus, we have that security and peace. We who have been baptized in the River of Life find ourselves in the shade of the Tree of Life. Everything we do prospers because we are found in Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Large Catechism: II 31-33
Scripture: John 20:1-10
Commentary: Hesychius of Jerusalem, Easter Homily 5-6
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, Second Article
Large Catechism: II 26-30
Scripture: John 1:1-14
Commentary: Athanasius, On the Incarnation 9.1-4
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Beautiful Savior"
Small Catechism: Apostles' Creed, First Article
Large Catechism: II 12-19
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 22.1-2
Wrestling Profile: Jim Crockett Promotions
Wrestling Link: Starrcade '83 - World Heavyweight Title Match: Harley Race (c) vs Ric Flair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNotxff_MI
Confessional Corner: Third Article of the Apostles' Creed
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "When the Roll Is Called up Yonder"
Small Catechism: Close of the Commandments
Large Catechism: I 311-318
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21
Commentary: Jerome, Letter 133.13
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment
Smalcald Articles: II IV 9-14
Scripture: James 1:12-18
Commentary: Bede, Epistle of James
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Here We Are but Straying Pilgrims"
Small Catechism: Ninth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 300-308
Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-16
Commentary: Ambrose, On Naboth 1.1
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "A Beautiful Life"
Small Catechism: Eighth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 263-269
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-6
Commentary: Ambrose, On the Duties of the Clergy
Wrestling Profile: Missy Hyatt
Wrestling Link: Missy Hyatt vs Dark Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTLzCCPdwsg
Apostolic Fathers: Didache 5-7
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Mansions over the Hilltop"
Small Catechism: Seventh Commandment
Large Catechism: I 222-231
Scripture: Joshua 7:10-26
Commentary: Basil, Preface on the Judgment of God
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "O Father, All Creating"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 211-216
Scripture: Matthew 19:1-10
Commentary: Origen, Commentary on Matthew 14.19
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Shepherd of Tender Youth"
Small Catechism: Sixth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 200-205
Scripture: Titus 2:11-14
Commentary: Gregory of Nyssa, On Virginity 13
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Angry Words, O Let Them Never"
Small Catechism: Fifth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 188-194
Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26
Commentary: Anonymous, Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 11
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "God Bless Our Native Land"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 150-157
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, Interpretation of the Letter to the Romans
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Oh, Blest the House"
Small Catechism: Fourth Commandment
Large Catechism: I 105-111
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4
Commentary: Ambrosiaster, Epistle to the Ephesians 6.5.1
Wrestling Profile: Midnight Express
Wrestling Link: Midnight Express vs Rock & Roll Express
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bIDgotzoAM
Digging Deeper: Exodus 3:7-22
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Christ Sits at God's Right Hand"
Small Catechism: Third Commandment
Large Catechism: I 79-86
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Commentary: John Chrysostom, Hebrews 19.4-5
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "The Great Redeemer"
Small Catechism: Second Commandment
Large Catechism: I 51-56
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
Commentary: Theodoret of Cyr, On Jeremiah 5.23.5-6
Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns: #344, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"
405, "To Jordan's River Came Our Lord"
601, "All Who Believe and Are Baptized"
Sermon Theme: To Fulfill All Righteousness
Sermon Text: Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
4201 Regent Ave N
Robbinsdale, MN
"Farther along we'll know all about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by."
Office Hymn: "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"
Small Catechism: First Commandment
Large Catechism: I 13-21
Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9
Commentary: Barnabas 14:4-7
Wrestling Profile: Skandar Akbar
Wrestling Link: YouTube Playlist of the entire Skandar Akbar-Eric Embry feud in WCCW in 91 (45 videos) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUUb0DQvCAgSTtiEifm1ey10Hu5BXJwq6
Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part 1, Chapter 1 (paragraphs 26-49)
Sermon for the Epiphany
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns: #399, "The Star Proclaims the King Is Here"
395, "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
394, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
918, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
Sermon Theme: Wise Men Still Seek Him
Sermon Text: Matthew 2:1-12
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
4201 Regent Ave N
Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Profile: Rock & Roll Express
Wrestling Link: #13 - Great American Bash 86 - Ric Flair vs Ricky Morton Cage Match - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5diwfg
Confessional Corner: Jesus' State of Exaltation (Second Article of the Apostles' Creed)
Wrestling Profile: Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan
Wrestling Link: Hulk Hogan Joins nWo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTOElx4nT6w
Apostolic Fathers: Didache 4
Sermon for the First Sunday after Christmas
Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching
Hymns: #367, "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
390, "Let Us All with Gladsome Voice"
937, "Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace"
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:33-40
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
4201 Regent Ave N
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Wrestling Profile: Fabulous Freebirds
Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfQj5UFjQw8 (Fabulous Freebirds vs Von Erich Brothers "Come As You Are" match from 5/6/84 at Texas Stadium)
Bible Study: Exodus 3:1-6
The seventh and final daily devotion on the "O Antiphons."
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.
The sixth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people: Come and save us all, whom You formed out of clay.
The fifth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The fourth of the daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
The third daily devotion on the "O Antiphons."
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage: Come quickly to deliver us.
The second of the seven daily devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns: #346, "When All the World Was Cursed"
344, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"
632, "O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee"
338, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
Sermon Theme: Are You the One? Sermon Text: Matthew 11:1-10
1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" 4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
The first of the seven devotions on the "O Antiphons."
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.
Wrestling Profile: Waldo, Lance, Lacey, Ross & Marshall von Erich
Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 11-25
Sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent
Order of Service: Prayer & Preaching
Hymns: #355, "O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide"
361, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
588, "Jesus Loves Me"
Sermon Theme: There Will Be Signs Sermon Text: Luke 21:25-36
26 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent
Order of Service: Divine Service 1
Hymns: #341, "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates"
332, "Savior of the Nations, Come"
331, "The Advent of Our King"
343, "Prepare the Royal Highway"
Sermon Theme: Blessed Is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord Sermon Text: Matthew 21:1-9
1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Profile: World Class Championship Wrestling & the von Erich Family Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbZ5GPMd7GU (NWA World Heavyweight Title Steel Cage Match - Ric Flair (c) vs Kerry von Erich - Christmas Star Wars 12/25/82) Confessional Corner: Apostles' Creed, 2nd Article, State of Humiliation
Wrestling Profile: Stone Cold Steve Austin Match Profile: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Savio Vega (Caribbean Strap Match) https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x25th1h Apostolic Fathers: Didache 2-3
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Profile: Memphis Wrestling - CWA/USWA & Jerry Lawler
Jerry Lawler vs Ric Flair in WMC studios - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x25th1h
Bible Study: Exodus 2
Sermon for Thanksgiving
Order of Service: Vespers
Hymns: #892, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come"
895, "Now Thank We All Our God"
Sermon Theme: Give Thanks Sermon Text: Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Profile: Curt Hennig Common Ground: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1-10
Sermon for All Saints' Day
Order of Service: Divine Service 4
Hymns: #673, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home"
676, "Behold, a Host Arrayed in White"
601, "All Who Believe and Are Baptized"
547, "The Lamb"
678, "We Sing for All the Unsung Saints"
Sermon Theme: Mercy to the Merciful Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-12
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Glossary: announce team Wrestling Profile: Nikita Koloff Apostolic Fathers: Intro to the Apostolic Fathers, Intro to Didache & Didache 1 Text
Sermon for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Order of Service: Divine Service 3
Hymns: #611, "Chief of Sinners Though I Be"
669, "Come, We That Love the Lord"
832, "Jesus Shall Reign"
662, "Onward Christian Soldiers"
Sermon Theme: Wrestling with the Spirit Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Glossary: face, heel & tweener Wrestling Profile: Barry Darsow Bible Study: Exodus 1
Wrestling Glossary: booker Wrestling Profiles: Brady Boone, John Nord & Tom Zenk Common Ground: Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Constitution regarding the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity (October 7, 2018)
Sermon Theme: Stairway to Heaven Sermon Text: Genesis 28:10-17
Genesis 28:10-17 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 4201 Regent Ave N Robbinsdale, MN
Wrestling Glossary: territory & promotion Wrestling Profile: American Wrestling Association and Verne & Greg Gagne Confessional Corner: Introduction to the Book of Concord
Preview for the upcoming weekly podcast that brings together the mystique of old school pro wrestling as well as good, solid Lutheran theology.