Posts
So we have Apostates inside our Church, "whom have crept in unawares" How do we deal with these "creeps"? Notice Jude does not ask us to roll up our Bible's and clobber these "certain men" but to look inside ourselves!
Jud 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jud 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
This is a fulfillment of prophecy! This should make you excited because prophecy is one of the many things that can be used to prove the Super Natural Orgins of the Bible.
Jud 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Jud 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
- Romans 10:17
- Ephesians 6:18
Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our witnessing endeavors.
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Many sermons could be preached on the above section of Scripture.
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Is Jesus God?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Epistle of Jude Lesson Three
Introduction:
(vs5) I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
- Ideally we as Christians should read all of these Old Testament Readings and know exactly what Jude is talking about.
“As for the root facts, the fundamental doctrines, the primary truths of Scripture, we must from day to day insist upon them. We must never say of them, ‘Everybody knows them’; for, alas! everybody forgets them.” (Spurgeon)
“The use of God’s Word is not only to teach what we could not have otherwise known, but also to rouse us to a serious meditation of those things which we already understand, and not to suffer us to grow torpid in a cold knowledge.” (Calvin)
- Israel’s Example (Numbers 14)
(vs6) And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
- (Genesis 6)
(vs7) Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
- (Genesis 19, Ezekiel 16:29)
(vs8) Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
- “Reject Authority” – (ie the Bible, beliefs, lifestyle)
(vs9) Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
- (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
- This proves to us that Michael is not Jesus, as some heretical groups have thought. Jesus rebuked the devil in His own authority, but Michael did not. “The point of contrast is that Michael could not reject the devil’s accusation on his own authority.” (Bauckham)
- Guideline for Spiritual Warfare
(vs10) But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
(vs11) Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
- (Genesis 4, Hebrews 11:4)
- (Numbers 22-25, 31)
- (Numbers 16)
(vs12) These are spots in your feasts of charity (Love Feast), when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
(vs13) Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
(vs14) And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
(vs15) To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
- Book of Enoch?
(vs16) These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
(vs5) I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
- Ideally we as Christians should read all of these Old Testament Readings and know exactly what Jude is talking about.
“As for the root facts, the fundamental doctrines, the primary truths of Scripture, we must from day to day insist upon them. We must never say of them, ‘Everybody knows them’; for, alas! everybody forgets them.” (Spurgeon)
“The use of God’s Word is not only to teach what we could not have otherwise known, but also to rouse us to a serious meditation of those things which we already understand, and not to suffer us to grow torpid in a cold knowledge.” (Calvin)
- Israel’s Example (Numbers 14)
(vs6) And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
- (Genesis 6)
(vs7) Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
- (Genesis 19, Ezekiel 16:29)
(vs8) Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
- “Reject Authority” – (ie the Bible, beliefs, lifestyle)
(vs9) Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
- (Deuteronomy 34:5-6)
- This proves to us that Michael is not Jesus, as some heretical groups have thought. Jesus rebuked the devil in His own authority, but Michael did not. “The point of contrast is that Michael could not reject the devil’s accusation on his own authority.” (Bauckham)
- Guideline for Spiritual Warfare
(vs10) But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
(vs11) Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
- (Genesis 4, Hebrews 11:4)
- (Numbers 22-25, 31)
- (Numbers 16)
(vs12) These are spots in your feasts of charity (Love Feast), when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
(vs13) Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
(vs14) And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
(vs15) To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
- Book of Enoch?
(vs16) These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Epistle of Jude Lesson Two
Epistle of Jude Lesson Two
Opening Prayer:
“Abba Father please open Your Word to our hearts and hearts to Your Service in Jesus Name, Amen.”
Introduction:
(vs3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(vs4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
“the common salvation” – This is not “common” as in cheap or something that everybody has but simply equally shared. What does this mean? How does this apply?
Back in the 80’s a survey poll found that 70% of Americans who go to church say that you can be a good Christian without going to church. Is this a true belief based on Jude’s idea of a “common salvation” (Hbr. 10:25)?
“I found it necessary” – No doubt Jude was following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Is this a lesson to us (through Jude’s action) to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision that we make?
“contend” – How does this jive with our age of “tolerance” (Gal. 1:6-9)? We can contend without being contentious!
We can “contend” in many different ways:
- Positive: Give an unmarred Christian Witness, Tracts, Support training of Faithful Christian Workers, etc. What are some other examples?
- Negative: Withhold Support from those who compromise the Faith either in message or actions. What are some other examples?
- Practical: Living uncompromised lives and give the credit to Christ who has done the “good work” in us.
"The truth is like a lion. Whoever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose and it will defend itself." – Spurgeon.
“the faith once for all time delivered” – What is “the faith” referring to?
“The faith is the body of truth that very early in the church’s history took on a definite form (cf. Acts 2:42; Romans 6:17; Galatians 1:23).” (Blum)
How does this apply to the Book of Mormon, Science and Health, etc?
“There is no other gospel, there will be none. Its content will be more fully understood, its implications will be developed, its predictions will be fulfilled; but it will never be supplemented or succeeded or supplanted.” (Erdman)
“For there are certain men crept in unawares” – How did these men creep in “unawares” (Matt. 7:15, 2Cor. 11:13-15)?
“who were before of old ordained to this condemnation” – What is this “condemnation”?
How do you recognize false teachers (Matt. 7:16-20)?
“turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” – Are we to use grace as a license to sin (Rom. 6:1-2)?
“and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” How is this done (actions, Theology)?
Closing Prayer:
“May the Testimony of Christ dwell richly in our lives and hearts as we enter Your Mission Field with Your Message of Forgiveness, Amen.”
Opening Prayer:
“Abba Father please open Your Word to our hearts and hearts to Your Service in Jesus Name, Amen.”
Introduction:
(vs3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(vs4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
“the common salvation” – This is not “common” as in cheap or something that everybody has but simply equally shared. What does this mean? How does this apply?
Back in the 80’s a survey poll found that 70% of Americans who go to church say that you can be a good Christian without going to church. Is this a true belief based on Jude’s idea of a “common salvation” (Hbr. 10:25)?
“I found it necessary” – No doubt Jude was following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Is this a lesson to us (through Jude’s action) to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision that we make?
“contend” – How does this jive with our age of “tolerance” (Gal. 1:6-9)? We can contend without being contentious!
We can “contend” in many different ways:
- Positive: Give an unmarred Christian Witness, Tracts, Support training of Faithful Christian Workers, etc. What are some other examples?
- Negative: Withhold Support from those who compromise the Faith either in message or actions. What are some other examples?
- Practical: Living uncompromised lives and give the credit to Christ who has done the “good work” in us.
"The truth is like a lion. Whoever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose and it will defend itself." – Spurgeon.
“the faith once for all time delivered” – What is “the faith” referring to?
“The faith is the body of truth that very early in the church’s history took on a definite form (cf. Acts 2:42; Romans 6:17; Galatians 1:23).” (Blum)
How does this apply to the Book of Mormon, Science and Health, etc?
“There is no other gospel, there will be none. Its content will be more fully understood, its implications will be developed, its predictions will be fulfilled; but it will never be supplemented or succeeded or supplanted.” (Erdman)
“For there are certain men crept in unawares” – How did these men creep in “unawares” (Matt. 7:15, 2Cor. 11:13-15)?
“who were before of old ordained to this condemnation” – What is this “condemnation”?
How do you recognize false teachers (Matt. 7:16-20)?
“turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” – Are we to use grace as a license to sin (Rom. 6:1-2)?
“and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” How is this done (actions, Theology)?
Closing Prayer:
“May the Testimony of Christ dwell richly in our lives and hearts as we enter Your Mission Field with Your Message of Forgiveness, Amen.”
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday Sermon - 1/18/09 - Listening Ears
Listening Ears
January 18, 2009
Text: John 1:43-51
Grace to you and peace from God the Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
According to the news report, 155 people boarded Flight 1549 on Wednesday, and all, amazingly enough, made it off alive! The story has been called "The Miracle of the Hudson." What a miracle it was. Landing the US Airways Airbus (A320) on the river without anyone dying is just incredible. Listening to the news, I heard that the plane nearly hit the George Washington Bridge, and the story would have ended so differently and tragically. Did you see the photo of the people standing on the wings floating aircraft waiting to be rescued? What an image, it looks like they are walking on water.
This morning, I have entitled my message "Listening Ears". I want to use this incident, this "Miracle on the Hudson" as the backdrop for our listening to God's call to us.
We heard moments ago in the OT reading how the boy samuel was called by God and how he had "listening ears." Then we heard the Lord called Philip to follow him, and how he also had "listening ears." The question is now put to us, how well are we listening to God's call?
God's message to us is clear and unmistakable. From personal experience and from the Bible itself, God has a message for us to heed.
First is a message of Law and judgement.
You and I are not perfect. We are sinners. We are violaters of the Highest Law. What I mean is that we have broken the Ten Commandments, God's holy and perfect Law. "There is no one righteous, no not one," says the Bible. (Romans 3:10) In the same chapter 3 of Romans it states, "For all of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." So when we knelt earlier to confess our sins, we were speaking the truth about ourselves. But how honest were we really? How seriously did we take the confession of sins? Did we even think about what er were saying?
Look at experience if you doubt what I say. It is still early in the morning, but have you said any unkind words today? Have thoughts of anger, jealousy, and critical Judgement of others crossed your mind? Do you think more highly of yourself so that pride and arrogance are your cheif sins?
The truth be told, we sin so much in so many ways we do not even realize probably not even a tenth (10%) of our sins. Perhaps that is why in Psalm 19 King David wrote, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." He goes on to add, "Keep your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression." (vv.12-13) Obviously, David wrote those words before he became entangled with Bathsheba. Bathsheba was married to a soldier in David's army by the name of Uriah. As king, David had him killed so he could have his wife.
Yes, we are sinful and unclean people. We could not begin to enumerate our sins like the Roman Catholics are instructed to do in the confessional. We are lawbreakers of the Divine Moral Code and justly we deserve to be punished.
We are helpless to redeem ourselves also. No matter how hard we try, we cannot be righteous. Even if we attended a 1,000 church services or gave all our money to the poor, it would not change our circumstance/condition.
And since we are sinners, we also die. From the Bible it says, "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23a) In other words, since we sin we die.
From experience we know that to be true. Death comes to all. I haven't seen or met anyone alive from the days of the American Revolution. Have you? Living here in Virginia, we hear alot about Thomas Jefferson, but he is no longer with us. We can travel to Church Hill and enter the sanctuary where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech. You can even hear his speech recreated by actors, but the man Patrick Henry you cannot meet.
Death, sin, and Satan are with us continually like our shadows. We cannot escape them, no matter how hard we try.
Sp God's message is clear, but that is only half the stroy. Hear now the good news!
"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow," promises God's Word. "If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9-10) Elsewhere it says, "As far as the east from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Ps. 103:12) Listen to Jeremiah 31:34, "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
We know that to be true because we have heard the Good News. John the Baptist announced to the people of his day when he said, pointing at Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) This Jesus of Nazareth lived a perfect life, sinless life. He kept and fulfilled the whole will and Law of God for us. He stood in our place when the justice of God was delivered. Hanging on the cross He cried, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Here a mystery of love and forgiveness that the Innocent One is condemned, while the guilty ones are set free.
Is that great news! For Christ's sake, we are forgiven! In addition, we have life and peace with God. This life leads then into eternal life as we pass through the gate of death and the grave.
Returning to the "Miracle on the Hudson," how many of those passengers were listening at the beginning of the flight when the flight attendants were giving the safety briefing? Few if any were listening. I know from experience that I myself have tuned them out having heard it all gefore. But that all changed on Thursday for the people of flight 1549. When the plane was falling out of the sky, and the order was given to "Brace yourselves", suddenly everyone was listening.
How about us? How well are we listening? Do we realize how desperate is our plight? Where would we be without the Good News of Forgiveness and life in Christ?
The passengers of Flight 1549 were so grateful that they were overcome with emotion. Exiting the floating plane and being rescued by the ferries and other watercraft, they now realized they were living of the rest of their lives. They will consider that a turning point in their lives. After all, how many people walk away from an airplane crash? It was a perfect deliverance, a miracle.
We too have been rescued from the threatening peril of our sins. And so we come, confessing our sin and receiving the Good News of pardon and peace in Jesus' Name.
The passengers who stood on the wings of the plane remind us that we stand on the promises of God. We are upheld by the tender mercies of our God. While we were helpless, just as the people were in the plane, so God send His Son to rescue us. The 57 year old experienced captain, Chesley B. Sullenberger 111, went through the airplane twice before exiting to make sure no one was left behind. We, too, have such a compassionate and flawless Savior.
Out of love for Him, we want others to know Him. Philip went and told Nathanael, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph."
His enthusiasm met skepticism when Nathanael replies, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Christ engages the skeptic with a touch of sacastic humor when he says, "Here is an Israelite in whom nothing is false." Jesus wanted the skeptic Nathanael as one of His disciples much to Nathanael's suprise.
The circuit is complete so to speak. The Lord called Philip, Philip found Nathanael, and Nathanael joins the band of disciples. During the Divine service, Godcalls to us through His Word and Sacraments "Come follow Me." We respond with grateful hearts allowing Him to exercise His Lordship over our lives. Through fellowship and worship, through study and prayer, through service and stewardship, we learn to follow Christ by having Him as the center of our lives.
How good it is to know that whatever we face, whether in life or in death, we have Jesus as the Captain of our souls. How moany of those people on Flight 1549 were prepared for eternty, we will probably never know, but we have the privilege and responsibility to do as Philip did. He invited Nathanael saying, "Come and see for yourself."
May God open our ears to listen and open ur lips that we may sing His praise so others too will hear and sccept His Word. Amen, God grant this for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Now the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts through faith in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.
January 18, 2009
Text: John 1:43-51
Grace to you and peace from God the Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
According to the news report, 155 people boarded Flight 1549 on Wednesday, and all, amazingly enough, made it off alive! The story has been called "The Miracle of the Hudson." What a miracle it was. Landing the US Airways Airbus (A320) on the river without anyone dying is just incredible. Listening to the news, I heard that the plane nearly hit the George Washington Bridge, and the story would have ended so differently and tragically. Did you see the photo of the people standing on the wings floating aircraft waiting to be rescued? What an image, it looks like they are walking on water.
This morning, I have entitled my message "Listening Ears". I want to use this incident, this "Miracle on the Hudson" as the backdrop for our listening to God's call to us.
We heard moments ago in the OT reading how the boy samuel was called by God and how he had "listening ears." Then we heard the Lord called Philip to follow him, and how he also had "listening ears." The question is now put to us, how well are we listening to God's call?
God's message to us is clear and unmistakable. From personal experience and from the Bible itself, God has a message for us to heed.
First is a message of Law and judgement.
You and I are not perfect. We are sinners. We are violaters of the Highest Law. What I mean is that we have broken the Ten Commandments, God's holy and perfect Law. "There is no one righteous, no not one," says the Bible. (Romans 3:10) In the same chapter 3 of Romans it states, "For all of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." So when we knelt earlier to confess our sins, we were speaking the truth about ourselves. But how honest were we really? How seriously did we take the confession of sins? Did we even think about what er were saying?
Look at experience if you doubt what I say. It is still early in the morning, but have you said any unkind words today? Have thoughts of anger, jealousy, and critical Judgement of others crossed your mind? Do you think more highly of yourself so that pride and arrogance are your cheif sins?
The truth be told, we sin so much in so many ways we do not even realize probably not even a tenth (10%) of our sins. Perhaps that is why in Psalm 19 King David wrote, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." He goes on to add, "Keep your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression." (vv.12-13) Obviously, David wrote those words before he became entangled with Bathsheba. Bathsheba was married to a soldier in David's army by the name of Uriah. As king, David had him killed so he could have his wife.
Yes, we are sinful and unclean people. We could not begin to enumerate our sins like the Roman Catholics are instructed to do in the confessional. We are lawbreakers of the Divine Moral Code and justly we deserve to be punished.
We are helpless to redeem ourselves also. No matter how hard we try, we cannot be righteous. Even if we attended a 1,000 church services or gave all our money to the poor, it would not change our circumstance/condition.
And since we are sinners, we also die. From the Bible it says, "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23a) In other words, since we sin we die.
From experience we know that to be true. Death comes to all. I haven't seen or met anyone alive from the days of the American Revolution. Have you? Living here in Virginia, we hear alot about Thomas Jefferson, but he is no longer with us. We can travel to Church Hill and enter the sanctuary where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech. You can even hear his speech recreated by actors, but the man Patrick Henry you cannot meet.
Death, sin, and Satan are with us continually like our shadows. We cannot escape them, no matter how hard we try.
Sp God's message is clear, but that is only half the stroy. Hear now the good news!
"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow," promises God's Word. "If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9-10) Elsewhere it says, "As far as the east from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Ps. 103:12) Listen to Jeremiah 31:34, "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
We know that to be true because we have heard the Good News. John the Baptist announced to the people of his day when he said, pointing at Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) This Jesus of Nazareth lived a perfect life, sinless life. He kept and fulfilled the whole will and Law of God for us. He stood in our place when the justice of God was delivered. Hanging on the cross He cried, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Here a mystery of love and forgiveness that the Innocent One is condemned, while the guilty ones are set free.
Is that great news! For Christ's sake, we are forgiven! In addition, we have life and peace with God. This life leads then into eternal life as we pass through the gate of death and the grave.
Returning to the "Miracle on the Hudson," how many of those passengers were listening at the beginning of the flight when the flight attendants were giving the safety briefing? Few if any were listening. I know from experience that I myself have tuned them out having heard it all gefore. But that all changed on Thursday for the people of flight 1549. When the plane was falling out of the sky, and the order was given to "Brace yourselves", suddenly everyone was listening.
How about us? How well are we listening? Do we realize how desperate is our plight? Where would we be without the Good News of Forgiveness and life in Christ?
The passengers of Flight 1549 were so grateful that they were overcome with emotion. Exiting the floating plane and being rescued by the ferries and other watercraft, they now realized they were living of the rest of their lives. They will consider that a turning point in their lives. After all, how many people walk away from an airplane crash? It was a perfect deliverance, a miracle.
We too have been rescued from the threatening peril of our sins. And so we come, confessing our sin and receiving the Good News of pardon and peace in Jesus' Name.
The passengers who stood on the wings of the plane remind us that we stand on the promises of God. We are upheld by the tender mercies of our God. While we were helpless, just as the people were in the plane, so God send His Son to rescue us. The 57 year old experienced captain, Chesley B. Sullenberger 111, went through the airplane twice before exiting to make sure no one was left behind. We, too, have such a compassionate and flawless Savior.
Out of love for Him, we want others to know Him. Philip went and told Nathanael, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph."
His enthusiasm met skepticism when Nathanael replies, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Christ engages the skeptic with a touch of sacastic humor when he says, "Here is an Israelite in whom nothing is false." Jesus wanted the skeptic Nathanael as one of His disciples much to Nathanael's suprise.
The circuit is complete so to speak. The Lord called Philip, Philip found Nathanael, and Nathanael joins the band of disciples. During the Divine service, Godcalls to us through His Word and Sacraments "Come follow Me." We respond with grateful hearts allowing Him to exercise His Lordship over our lives. Through fellowship and worship, through study and prayer, through service and stewardship, we learn to follow Christ by having Him as the center of our lives.
How good it is to know that whatever we face, whether in life or in death, we have Jesus as the Captain of our souls. How moany of those people on Flight 1549 were prepared for eternty, we will probably never know, but we have the privilege and responsibility to do as Philip did. He invited Nathanael saying, "Come and see for yourself."
May God open our ears to listen and open ur lips that we may sing His praise so others too will hear and sccept His Word. Amen, God grant this for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Now the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts through faith in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday Sermon 1/25/09 - What Really Matters
What Really Matters
January 25, 2009
Text: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
God's grace and peace be multiplied to you from the Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Visiting the shut-ins (homebound) members is rewarding. I never know quite what to expect when I visit with them. I the privilege and honor of bringing to them the Holy Supper of our Lord along with prayer and the Word of God. Part of our visit is spent conversing and catching up on what is new in our lives and in the church. Last week I heard a comical story from one of the shut-ins that I thought I would share with you.
The story is about a group of senior citizens traveling together on a bus. During the ride, one lady approaches the driver of the bus asking him if he would like some peanuts. The driver said, "Sure, I love peanuts." The lady opens her hand and gives him some and returns to her seat. A few minutes pass by, and the same women returns and offers to him some more peanuts. He thanks the women as she turns around to go back to her seat. This happens several times before the bus driver says, "Don't you like peanuts?" "Yes," replied the women, "I sure do." "Then why not eat them yourself?" "I would," she said, "But I do not have any teeth. I just like to suck the chocolate off them."
After that joke, I hope today's sermon does not leave a bad taste in your mouth. I just had to share that with you.
Earlier this week when I read over today's text, something jumped out at me. Both at the beginning and at the end of the text is a reference to time passing away quickly. The reading began, "What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short." Then at the conclusion it said, "For the world in its present form is passing away." Those statements are like bookends for what I am about to talk about. Sandwiched between those two quotations I see three areas of our lives to be impacted by the brevity of life. The three areas are: our relationships, second, our handling of our emotions, and, third, how we are to view our possessions or the things we buy. The theme for today's message is, "What Really Matters."
People have told me over the years, "The older you get, the faster the time goes." As I get older, it seems to be true. Here it is already, almost the end of January. We just celebrated Christmas, and in a matter of four weeks from today, February 25 is Ash Wednesday. From there we will embark on our Lenten journey. This year's Lenten theme, "Touched and Transformed by the Cross" is going to be especially fantastic! I get excited just thinking about it. During those six weeks of Lent, the fovus will be on six individuals whose lives were touched and transformed by the cross. But what makes this series fantastic is that all Lutheran Churches of the Missouri Synod in the greater Richmond area will preach on the same siz accounts. This is the first unified effort by our churches to do such a thing I am aware of. Touched and Transformed by the Cross is the beginning of a callective mission movement in our circuit. There are pre-service questions that we have made to help "grease the wheels" of our brains as we prepare our hearts for the Lord's leading. It should be quite a series.
Anyways, back to what I was saying, time sure does seem to fly quickly. With that thought, let us examine how that knowledge should impact our lives.
First, let us begin with relationships. "From now on" says the text, "those who have wives should live as if they had none." That sounds rather shocking, at first glance. Are we to understand that the Lord wants husbands to do as they want forgetting they are married? No, I think not. This is not an excuse for husbands to ignore their wives and do as they please. There has to be more.
What the Apostle Paul is teaching his audience that we ought to live in the knowledge that these special relationships or any relationship we have with others can be severed at anytime. There is a sense of urgency that he is trying to instill those who are listing. Now during the days of the Apostles, many were looking for the Second Comming of Christ. They thought that any day, Christ would return and put an end to the persecution and take the Church from this "vale of tears" to our home in heaven. That being the case, Paul wanted husbands and wives to realize these attachments will not last forever. I guess that is good news to those who wished they are not marries, but on the other hand, such knowledge ought to impact how we live and treat one another. It is a bad thing when a husband or wife leaves the house after having an argument. What guarantee do they have that they both will return that night safe and in good health? None. That fact is shown over and over again in the news. An airplane crashing into the Twin Towers or another one landing miraculously on the Hudson River foes to show that anything could happen. A couple ought to depart not in anger, but ought to realize that any given day cannot be recovered. There will be only one January 25, 2009, so we ought to make the most of it.
Husbands and wives, parents and children, even friends should learn what is important. Christian parents will want their children to know Christ. What I mean is not mere head knowledge such as facts, but a heart knowledge, that they revere Christ and put their trust in him.
The second thing sandwiched between this concept of time marching on is how we handle our emotions. It says, "Those who mourn, as if they did not; those who were happy, as if they were not." Those to are strange words. This is not saying that we are to deny our emotions. Emotions are important. YOu could say that emotions are the colors of the canvas for our souls. Who would want to attend a birthday party or retirement party of someone who wasn't happy? Celebrations like weddings or anniversary parties or graduations or confirmation parties are to be enjoyed. Celebrate and make the most of the occasion!
On the reverse side, there is a time to mourn and grieve. On the canvas of our life, there will be dark moments and hard times. Grieving, crying, and tears are a part of life, so what does it mean that we are not to mourn?
Again the answer may lie in the knowledge that everything passes away. The joy that we have now will not last forever. The sadness and loss may resemble a dark tunnel, but there is light at the other end.
The promise Christ has made, "Lo, I am with you always," gives us strength for the day and hope for tomorrow. Believeing Christ is with us in our times of joy and celebration as well as the times of sorrow and loss, comforts us in a way that words cannot express.
The third part of this quick passage time is how we view our possessions. Do we own our possessions or do our possessions own us? Listen again to the text, "Those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." We know thie to be true when rust corrodes our cars. Living here in Virginia, rust is not as bad as up north. The salt and the chemicals spread on the highways during the winter takes its toll on cars and trucks alike. If its not rust, then fire can destroy what you have. Aske Herb and Landis, they had a house fire several years ago. The California wildfires swept through the forest leaving charred remains in their path. Hurricanes and floods also testify that nothing is permanent.
The temporary nature of our possessions begs the question, "How then shall we live?" What really is important? What really matters?
There was a movie out last rear with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nocholson. The movie was "Bucket List." I did not see the film, but I have heard about the story line. An extremely rich man is dying and has only so many days to live. He develops his "bucket list" things he wants to do before he "kicks the bucket."
The question we ought to ask ourselves is "How would our bucket list look different as a Christian?" Instead of spending money on ourselves, we would want to see that some, if not all, was spent for God's purposes. There are missionaries who need support, Christian colleges like our Concordia Universities and the two Concordia Seminaries that also need our support. The church and its programs need financial backing as well. YOur "bucket list" might include having broken relationship restored.
Another aspect of time, and this will be the last point, is that we can lose track of time. We can be so absorbed in a project or task that not sure what time its is if someone were to ask.
The same can be true for our Christian faith. Hearing, meditating, and singing God's praises, may cause us to lose track of time. Instead of looking at our watches and wondering when service will be over, hearing the Good News of our salvation, may cause us to become lost in wonder, love, and praise. How can the Lord love us, poor, miserable sinners? Isn't that truly amazing?!
To conclude, time is passing away. We cannot turn back the hands of time. We can only make the most of the time the Lord gives us. Let us pray to the Lord to help us make the best use of the time we are given so we may live to his glory and for eternity. Amen.
January 25, 2009
Text: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
God's grace and peace be multiplied to you from the Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Visiting the shut-ins (homebound) members is rewarding. I never know quite what to expect when I visit with them. I the privilege and honor of bringing to them the Holy Supper of our Lord along with prayer and the Word of God. Part of our visit is spent conversing and catching up on what is new in our lives and in the church. Last week I heard a comical story from one of the shut-ins that I thought I would share with you.
The story is about a group of senior citizens traveling together on a bus. During the ride, one lady approaches the driver of the bus asking him if he would like some peanuts. The driver said, "Sure, I love peanuts." The lady opens her hand and gives him some and returns to her seat. A few minutes pass by, and the same women returns and offers to him some more peanuts. He thanks the women as she turns around to go back to her seat. This happens several times before the bus driver says, "Don't you like peanuts?" "Yes," replied the women, "I sure do." "Then why not eat them yourself?" "I would," she said, "But I do not have any teeth. I just like to suck the chocolate off them."
After that joke, I hope today's sermon does not leave a bad taste in your mouth. I just had to share that with you.
Earlier this week when I read over today's text, something jumped out at me. Both at the beginning and at the end of the text is a reference to time passing away quickly. The reading began, "What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short." Then at the conclusion it said, "For the world in its present form is passing away." Those statements are like bookends for what I am about to talk about. Sandwiched between those two quotations I see three areas of our lives to be impacted by the brevity of life. The three areas are: our relationships, second, our handling of our emotions, and, third, how we are to view our possessions or the things we buy. The theme for today's message is, "What Really Matters."
People have told me over the years, "The older you get, the faster the time goes." As I get older, it seems to be true. Here it is already, almost the end of January. We just celebrated Christmas, and in a matter of four weeks from today, February 25 is Ash Wednesday. From there we will embark on our Lenten journey. This year's Lenten theme, "Touched and Transformed by the Cross" is going to be especially fantastic! I get excited just thinking about it. During those six weeks of Lent, the fovus will be on six individuals whose lives were touched and transformed by the cross. But what makes this series fantastic is that all Lutheran Churches of the Missouri Synod in the greater Richmond area will preach on the same siz accounts. This is the first unified effort by our churches to do such a thing I am aware of. Touched and Transformed by the Cross is the beginning of a callective mission movement in our circuit. There are pre-service questions that we have made to help "grease the wheels" of our brains as we prepare our hearts for the Lord's leading. It should be quite a series.
Anyways, back to what I was saying, time sure does seem to fly quickly. With that thought, let us examine how that knowledge should impact our lives.
First, let us begin with relationships. "From now on" says the text, "those who have wives should live as if they had none." That sounds rather shocking, at first glance. Are we to understand that the Lord wants husbands to do as they want forgetting they are married? No, I think not. This is not an excuse for husbands to ignore their wives and do as they please. There has to be more.
What the Apostle Paul is teaching his audience that we ought to live in the knowledge that these special relationships or any relationship we have with others can be severed at anytime. There is a sense of urgency that he is trying to instill those who are listing. Now during the days of the Apostles, many were looking for the Second Comming of Christ. They thought that any day, Christ would return and put an end to the persecution and take the Church from this "vale of tears" to our home in heaven. That being the case, Paul wanted husbands and wives to realize these attachments will not last forever. I guess that is good news to those who wished they are not marries, but on the other hand, such knowledge ought to impact how we live and treat one another. It is a bad thing when a husband or wife leaves the house after having an argument. What guarantee do they have that they both will return that night safe and in good health? None. That fact is shown over and over again in the news. An airplane crashing into the Twin Towers or another one landing miraculously on the Hudson River foes to show that anything could happen. A couple ought to depart not in anger, but ought to realize that any given day cannot be recovered. There will be only one January 25, 2009, so we ought to make the most of it.
Husbands and wives, parents and children, even friends should learn what is important. Christian parents will want their children to know Christ. What I mean is not mere head knowledge such as facts, but a heart knowledge, that they revere Christ and put their trust in him.
The second thing sandwiched between this concept of time marching on is how we handle our emotions. It says, "Those who mourn, as if they did not; those who were happy, as if they were not." Those to are strange words. This is not saying that we are to deny our emotions. Emotions are important. YOu could say that emotions are the colors of the canvas for our souls. Who would want to attend a birthday party or retirement party of someone who wasn't happy? Celebrations like weddings or anniversary parties or graduations or confirmation parties are to be enjoyed. Celebrate and make the most of the occasion!
On the reverse side, there is a time to mourn and grieve. On the canvas of our life, there will be dark moments and hard times. Grieving, crying, and tears are a part of life, so what does it mean that we are not to mourn?
Again the answer may lie in the knowledge that everything passes away. The joy that we have now will not last forever. The sadness and loss may resemble a dark tunnel, but there is light at the other end.
The promise Christ has made, "Lo, I am with you always," gives us strength for the day and hope for tomorrow. Believeing Christ is with us in our times of joy and celebration as well as the times of sorrow and loss, comforts us in a way that words cannot express.
The third part of this quick passage time is how we view our possessions. Do we own our possessions or do our possessions own us? Listen again to the text, "Those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." We know thie to be true when rust corrodes our cars. Living here in Virginia, rust is not as bad as up north. The salt and the chemicals spread on the highways during the winter takes its toll on cars and trucks alike. If its not rust, then fire can destroy what you have. Aske Herb and Landis, they had a house fire several years ago. The California wildfires swept through the forest leaving charred remains in their path. Hurricanes and floods also testify that nothing is permanent.
The temporary nature of our possessions begs the question, "How then shall we live?" What really is important? What really matters?
There was a movie out last rear with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nocholson. The movie was "Bucket List." I did not see the film, but I have heard about the story line. An extremely rich man is dying and has only so many days to live. He develops his "bucket list" things he wants to do before he "kicks the bucket."
The question we ought to ask ourselves is "How would our bucket list look different as a Christian?" Instead of spending money on ourselves, we would want to see that some, if not all, was spent for God's purposes. There are missionaries who need support, Christian colleges like our Concordia Universities and the two Concordia Seminaries that also need our support. The church and its programs need financial backing as well. YOur "bucket list" might include having broken relationship restored.
Another aspect of time, and this will be the last point, is that we can lose track of time. We can be so absorbed in a project or task that not sure what time its is if someone were to ask.
The same can be true for our Christian faith. Hearing, meditating, and singing God's praises, may cause us to lose track of time. Instead of looking at our watches and wondering when service will be over, hearing the Good News of our salvation, may cause us to become lost in wonder, love, and praise. How can the Lord love us, poor, miserable sinners? Isn't that truly amazing?!
To conclude, time is passing away. We cannot turn back the hands of time. We can only make the most of the time the Lord gives us. Let us pray to the Lord to help us make the best use of the time we are given so we may live to his glory and for eternity. Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday Night Study Notes - Epistle of Jude Lesson 1
LIFELIGHT BIBLE STUDY
Each Wednesday evening.
Evening Schedule
5:45 Dinner and fellowship in the gym Luther Memorial School
6:30 Introductory briefing
Epistle of Jude Lesson One
Opening Prayer:
“Daddy God we come before you now to ask that you will open our eyes that we might grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s in your name that we pray – Amen.”
Introduction:
The Epistle of Jude was written in 65 AD.
There is no reason for a long introduction to this short little epistle, so lets just dive in.
(vs1) Jude (Judas), the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:
(vs2) Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
The name Jude means “praise” as is noted by his desire in vs. 3 to write of our “common salvation”. Do you live a lifestyle that is characterized by “praise” (home, work)?
Many in the New Testament were called bond-servants of Jesus Christ: Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, Tychicus, James, Simon Peter, Jude, and John - each of them called bondservants. We should all be servants (slaves Ex. 21) of Christ.
“The status of servanthood denotes his faith. He has abandoned his own will, subjugated himself completely to the will of Christ. The call of every believer is to do this very thing. There are only two wills in all of creation, the will of Christ and the ego.” - by Jerry Berggren
1 Corinthians 15:44-48 – your sight is either focused on The Creator or the creation.
Matthew 6:24 – Its got to be one or the other!
Rom. 6:22
How does the above apply to your walk?
This letter was written by the "brother of James," one of four brothers of Jesus (Mk. 6:3). What does this do to the Catholic teaching of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary?
The Hypostatic Union (Jesus is both God and man at the same time)
Jesus came in such human likeness that even his brothers did not recognize who He was until after the Resurrection.
What clear testimony this gives of the Deity of Christ!
Christ is One Person:
He is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9)
He is prayed to (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 1:1-2)
He was called God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8)
He was called Son of God (Mark 1:1)
He is sinless (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 4:15)
He knew all things (John 21:17)
He gives eternal life (John 20:28)
The fullness of deity dwells in Him (Col. 2:9)
He worshiped the Father (John 17)
He prayed to the Father (John 17:1)
He was called man (Mark 15:39; John 19:5).
He was called Son of Man (John 9:35-37)
He was tempted (Matt. 4:1)
He grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52)
He died (Rom. 5:8)
He has a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39)
Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-8, Col. 2:9 - Jesus was both God and man at the same time. How does knowledge of this help in confronting the Kingdom of the Cults? Are you scared to talk to Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses when they knock on your door?
"Sanctified" - "set apart, consecrated for God's exclusive purposes." What does this mean in relation to our Christian Walks?
“Preserved” – Jesus does not lose one of His! This is not an excuse to take grace as a license to sin as we will learn in vs. 4.
“Called” - One is a Christian because God has “called” you. Have you answered the call? What did we do to deserve this calling (2Tim. 1:9, 1Cor. 1:26-29)? How should we respond to this call (Eph. 4:1, 1Pet. 1:15, 2Pet. 1:10)?
Closing Prayer:
“Thank you Lord for the multiplication of: mercy, peace and love in our lives. Let us take these precious gifts with us as we face the world – Amen.”
Each Wednesday evening.
Evening Schedule
5:45 Dinner and fellowship in the gym Luther Memorial School
6:30 Introductory briefing
Epistle of Jude Lesson One
Opening Prayer:
“Daddy God we come before you now to ask that you will open our eyes that we might grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s in your name that we pray – Amen.”
Introduction:
The Epistle of Jude was written in 65 AD.
There is no reason for a long introduction to this short little epistle, so lets just dive in.
(vs1) Jude (Judas), the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:
(vs2) Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
The name Jude means “praise” as is noted by his desire in vs. 3 to write of our “common salvation”. Do you live a lifestyle that is characterized by “praise” (home, work)?
Many in the New Testament were called bond-servants of Jesus Christ: Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, Tychicus, James, Simon Peter, Jude, and John - each of them called bondservants. We should all be servants (slaves Ex. 21) of Christ.
“The status of servanthood denotes his faith. He has abandoned his own will, subjugated himself completely to the will of Christ. The call of every believer is to do this very thing. There are only two wills in all of creation, the will of Christ and the ego.” - by Jerry Berggren
1 Corinthians 15:44-48 – your sight is either focused on The Creator or the creation.
Matthew 6:24 – Its got to be one or the other!
Rom. 6:22
How does the above apply to your walk?
This letter was written by the "brother of James," one of four brothers of Jesus (Mk. 6:3). What does this do to the Catholic teaching of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary?
The Hypostatic Union (Jesus is both God and man at the same time)
Jesus came in such human likeness that even his brothers did not recognize who He was until after the Resurrection.
What clear testimony this gives of the Deity of Christ!
Christ is One Person:
He is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9)
He is prayed to (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 1:1-2)
He was called God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8)
He was called Son of God (Mark 1:1)
He is sinless (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 4:15)
He knew all things (John 21:17)
He gives eternal life (John 20:28)
The fullness of deity dwells in Him (Col. 2:9)
He worshiped the Father (John 17)
He prayed to the Father (John 17:1)
He was called man (Mark 15:39; John 19:5).
He was called Son of Man (John 9:35-37)
He was tempted (Matt. 4:1)
He grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52)
He died (Rom. 5:8)
He has a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39)
Heb. 2:9, Phil. 2:5-8, Col. 2:9 - Jesus was both God and man at the same time. How does knowledge of this help in confronting the Kingdom of the Cults? Are you scared to talk to Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses when they knock on your door?
"Sanctified" - "set apart, consecrated for God's exclusive purposes." What does this mean in relation to our Christian Walks?
“Preserved” – Jesus does not lose one of His! This is not an excuse to take grace as a license to sin as we will learn in vs. 4.
“Called” - One is a Christian because God has “called” you. Have you answered the call? What did we do to deserve this calling (2Tim. 1:9, 1Cor. 1:26-29)? How should we respond to this call (Eph. 4:1, 1Pet. 1:15, 2Pet. 1:10)?
Closing Prayer:
“Thank you Lord for the multiplication of: mercy, peace and love in our lives. Let us take these precious gifts with us as we face the world – Amen.”
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome to Bethlehem ...
Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Richmond Virginia welcomes you to our services. We appreciate your visit to this blog and our Church. If there are any questions you may have pertaining to our services please let us know.
Our Mission:
"God has called us, the people of Bethlehem, to proclaim His Word and extend the love of Christ to others."
"The Lord Bless you and Keep you ..."
"Lets us stand for the reading of The Word ..."
Our Ushers are ready to serve you!
Adult Sunday School is most fun! Presently we are discussing the Augsburg Confession (Click Here to read). Sunday School Starts at 8:45 am. Bring your Bibles!
Our Mission:
"God has called us, the people of Bethlehem, to proclaim His Word and extend the love of Christ to others."
"The Lord Bless you and Keep you ..."
"Lets us stand for the reading of The Word ..."
Our Ushers are ready to serve you!
Adult Sunday School is most fun! Presently we are discussing the Augsburg Confession (Click Here to read). Sunday School Starts at 8:45 am. Bring your Bibles!
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