"But others, who are not such callous and wicked people, and who desire to be godly, must not absent themselves (from the Sacrament)...On the contrary, we go because we are poor, miserable people. We go exactly because we are unworthy...We always have this obstacle and hindrance to encounter: we look more upon ourselves than upon Christ's Word and lips....Therefore consider, and read yourself into this word you, so that He may not speak to you in vain...Here He offers to us the entire treasure that He has brought for us from heaven...It will cure you and give you life both in soul and body."
--- Large Catechism V:58-68
Monday, January 31, 2011
Evening Prayer 1-31-11
Reading:
2 Timothy 3:1-17
In today's reading, St. Paul is continuing to instruct Timothy in the way of the Christian life. St. Paul speaks of how the world appears to be and will become. People are going to be self absorbed, lovers of self, money, power mongers, immoral and all other horrible things. They live their lives as if God does not matter. Even worst is that St. Paul states these people appear to have godliness. They may for a moment appear to have things in order, but this is not the case at all. We are to flee from those that appear to have godliness while living like this. These are fakes and impostors of the faith, because they deny that God can change them because they do not believe in His power to do so.
So instead of being changed by the Holy Spirit, they run away from God and His Word. They may even appear to prosper for some time, but St. Paul teaches that their folly will be shown. Because at the end of their life, they have to give an accounting before God for what they have done in this life. These things are not going to bring them into a relationship with God. Despite them trying to deny God and His power one day they will have to stand face to face with Him and what will they say?
But for those whom the Holy Spirit calls, He opens their minds to see the Scriptures for what they are, the inspired, inerrant Word of God. We are to stay true to their teachings and not turn to new and strange doctrines. Because it is here in the Scriptures that we come to see Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation. We hear the Gospel that we are saved by His precious life, death and resurrection and that this is what makes us wise to salvation because we trust in Him alone. These Scriptures when we study them and meditate on them teach us, reprove us, correct us, and train us in righteousness so that we may be competent, equipped for every good work. The Scriptures show us and point us constantly to the Savior, Jesus Christ and keep us grounded in Him.
2 Timothy 3:1-17
In today's reading, St. Paul is continuing to instruct Timothy in the way of the Christian life. St. Paul speaks of how the world appears to be and will become. People are going to be self absorbed, lovers of self, money, power mongers, immoral and all other horrible things. They live their lives as if God does not matter. Even worst is that St. Paul states these people appear to have godliness. They may for a moment appear to have things in order, but this is not the case at all. We are to flee from those that appear to have godliness while living like this. These are fakes and impostors of the faith, because they deny that God can change them because they do not believe in His power to do so.
So instead of being changed by the Holy Spirit, they run away from God and His Word. They may even appear to prosper for some time, but St. Paul teaches that their folly will be shown. Because at the end of their life, they have to give an accounting before God for what they have done in this life. These things are not going to bring them into a relationship with God. Despite them trying to deny God and His power one day they will have to stand face to face with Him and what will they say?
But for those whom the Holy Spirit calls, He opens their minds to see the Scriptures for what they are, the inspired, inerrant Word of God. We are to stay true to their teachings and not turn to new and strange doctrines. Because it is here in the Scriptures that we come to see Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation. We hear the Gospel that we are saved by His precious life, death and resurrection and that this is what makes us wise to salvation because we trust in Him alone. These Scriptures when we study them and meditate on them teach us, reprove us, correct us, and train us in righteousness so that we may be competent, equipped for every good work. The Scriptures show us and point us constantly to the Savior, Jesus Christ and keep us grounded in Him.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"This faith He Himself demands in the Word when He say,"Given...and shed for you," as if He said, "For this reason I give it, and ask you to eat and drink it, that you may claim it as yours and enjoy it." Whoever now accepts these words and believes that what they declare is true has forgiveness."
--- Large Catechism 5.34-35 (The Sacrament of the Altar)
--- Large Catechism 5.34-35 (The Sacrament of the Altar)
Evening Prayer 1-29-11
Reading:
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Today, we begin reading from St. Paul's letter to Timothy. Timothy was a disciple of Paul, who eventually became a Bishop in the Church. St. Paul had a fond relationship with Timothy and will call him a beloved child. St. Paul was Timothy's father in the faith. That is quite a gift to have St. Paul as your father in the faith. In his letter to Timothy, he warns him guarding the good deposit entrusted to him. What is is this good deposit?
The good deposit that St. Paul is speaking of is the faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He spells this out to Timothy in verses 8-10. In these verses St. Paul makes it clear that the faith is not about him, but rather about Jesus Christ and His perfect life and appearing and who abolished death and brought life and immortality to life. This faith, a bold proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who died for the sins of the world and rose again, must be guarded at all cost. If we begin to allow new teachings into the Church, the Church will lose its ability to give a bold witness to the love of God as found in Christ Jesus.
Part of this faith does involve suffering. It is a incorrect to preach a "prosperity theology" to the people. This theology effectually states that once you come to God, you will be healthy and wealthy. God will give you all the good things in life. It is also at times called "name it and claim it", so that we are the ones that are controlling God. Jesus tells His disciples in his Gospel that the servant is not above the master. (Matthew 10:24) If our Lord suffered for us and died, how can we expect anything better than Him. The difference is in how we approach it.
We may suffer, probably nothing compared to what St. Paul suffered, and he still responds that he is not ashamed of the testimony of Jesus because he knows whom he has believed. We know that our Savior has conquered sin, death and the devil. We may suffer in this life but we know that just as Jesus Christ was resurrected and glorified, so to shall we be glorified with Him if we stay in the true faith. We must protect this faith at all cost and not allow people to remove the Good News of Jesus Christ as the way of Salvation.
May God grant us faith in the face of suffering so that we may be bold to proclaim Jesus Christ as the victor King. Amen.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Today, we begin reading from St. Paul's letter to Timothy. Timothy was a disciple of Paul, who eventually became a Bishop in the Church. St. Paul had a fond relationship with Timothy and will call him a beloved child. St. Paul was Timothy's father in the faith. That is quite a gift to have St. Paul as your father in the faith. In his letter to Timothy, he warns him guarding the good deposit entrusted to him. What is is this good deposit?
The good deposit that St. Paul is speaking of is the faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He spells this out to Timothy in verses 8-10. In these verses St. Paul makes it clear that the faith is not about him, but rather about Jesus Christ and His perfect life and appearing and who abolished death and brought life and immortality to life. This faith, a bold proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who died for the sins of the world and rose again, must be guarded at all cost. If we begin to allow new teachings into the Church, the Church will lose its ability to give a bold witness to the love of God as found in Christ Jesus.
Part of this faith does involve suffering. It is a incorrect to preach a "prosperity theology" to the people. This theology effectually states that once you come to God, you will be healthy and wealthy. God will give you all the good things in life. It is also at times called "name it and claim it", so that we are the ones that are controlling God. Jesus tells His disciples in his Gospel that the servant is not above the master. (Matthew 10:24) If our Lord suffered for us and died, how can we expect anything better than Him. The difference is in how we approach it.
We may suffer, probably nothing compared to what St. Paul suffered, and he still responds that he is not ashamed of the testimony of Jesus because he knows whom he has believed. We know that our Savior has conquered sin, death and the devil. We may suffer in this life but we know that just as Jesus Christ was resurrected and glorified, so to shall we be glorified with Him if we stay in the true faith. We must protect this faith at all cost and not allow people to remove the Good News of Jesus Christ as the way of Salvation.
May God grant us faith in the face of suffering so that we may be bold to proclaim Jesus Christ as the victor King. Amen.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"What else is repentance but a serious attack on he old man, that his lusts be restrained, and an entering into a new life? Therefore, if you live in repentance, you walk in Baptism...For in Baptism are given grace, the Spirit, and power to suppress the old man, so that the new man may come forth and become strong."
-- Large Catechism 4:75-76
-- Large Catechism 4:75-76
Evening Prayer 1-26-11
St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor
Reading:
Romans 15:1-13
We are called in the Church to build each other up. This is what St. Paul is teaching at the beginning of today's lesson. Everyone in the Church is at different levels of maturity (both age and spiritually). So this means that each person has an opportunity to share what God has done in their lives. Often times it is those who have been on this earthly pilgrimmage longer that can reflect back over a lifetime and really see how God has led them throughout their lives. This is such a source of strength and comfort for those that are younger, and yet at times it seems people don't want to share. It is sometimes out of fear that they do not share their experiences and describe to the younger people how God has been faithful throughout their lives. It may not always feel like it right at the moment, but in hind sight they could always see the hand of God on their lives.
But what do we use to build up those in the Church. Do we offer them the newest "self help" book with the 12 ways to find happiness? I find these books disturbing because the problem normally is the "self" and the last thing that I really need is another set of "rules" to follow that I will not be able to keep anyway. They tend to just depress me. We are to hold out to them the Scriptures as St. Paul says, "that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 14:4). The Scriptures are there to be a source of comfort and encouragement, because in the pages of the Scriptures, you do not see perfect people who led perfect lives. Rather you see a perfect God showing mercy and grace to imperfect people and doing great things. You find the only true source of happiness is in knowing that God is in control, that Jesus Christ offered Himself for you, and has given you new life. This is what you find in the Scriptures to give you hope. You have examples of multiple people who fell and then were received back by God and then how God used them for great things. Nothing you can do can separate you from Jesus Christ! Do not let Satan deceive you on this point. Stand strong in the faith and may God grant you peace.
Reading:
Romans 15:1-13
We are called in the Church to build each other up. This is what St. Paul is teaching at the beginning of today's lesson. Everyone in the Church is at different levels of maturity (both age and spiritually). So this means that each person has an opportunity to share what God has done in their lives. Often times it is those who have been on this earthly pilgrimmage longer that can reflect back over a lifetime and really see how God has led them throughout their lives. This is such a source of strength and comfort for those that are younger, and yet at times it seems people don't want to share. It is sometimes out of fear that they do not share their experiences and describe to the younger people how God has been faithful throughout their lives. It may not always feel like it right at the moment, but in hind sight they could always see the hand of God on their lives.
But what do we use to build up those in the Church. Do we offer them the newest "self help" book with the 12 ways to find happiness? I find these books disturbing because the problem normally is the "self" and the last thing that I really need is another set of "rules" to follow that I will not be able to keep anyway. They tend to just depress me. We are to hold out to them the Scriptures as St. Paul says, "that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 14:4). The Scriptures are there to be a source of comfort and encouragement, because in the pages of the Scriptures, you do not see perfect people who led perfect lives. Rather you see a perfect God showing mercy and grace to imperfect people and doing great things. You find the only true source of happiness is in knowing that God is in control, that Jesus Christ offered Himself for you, and has given you new life. This is what you find in the Scriptures to give you hope. You have examples of multiple people who fell and then were received back by God and then how God used them for great things. Nothing you can do can separate you from Jesus Christ! Do not let Satan deceive you on this point. Stand strong in the faith and may God grant you peace.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote of the Day
"So we do likewise in infant Baptism. We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith (Luke 17:2, Ephesians 2:8). But we do not baptize it for that reason, but solely because of God's command."
- - Large Catechism 4:57 pg. 429
- - Large Catechism 4:57 pg. 429
Eveing Prayer 1-25-11
Reading:
Romans 14:1-23
Often times within the Church there is discussion around what is adiaphora. The term adiaphora, essentially refers to things are not forbidden nor commanded by God's Word. But this term has been applied rather loosely in many circles of today's Church. Essentially, at times it has come to mean that everything is up for grabs in regards to rituals and practice within the Church. This is not really what the Augsburg Reformers meant by this, and this is probably what St. Paul is speaking about in today's lesson.
St. Paul is reminding the Christians in Rome that we are not judge those that do not fast like they fast, or that abstain from foods, or keep or don't keep certain Holy Days. For in and of themselves these things are not what saves you. This does mean that days of Obligation that are imposed on the Christian should be avoided because you do not have the command of Holy Scripture to demand it of someone. Commonsense would tell you that if you are not attending Church and you are staying away from God's means of grace, you should be questioning where your faith lies. But those that keep Holy Days are not sinning if they are trusting by faith that God is there are present and not trying to earn themselves before God.
Often times people use this chapter of Romans to try to water down the faith. For example, if someone is living and adulterous life, this person should be called on it. This chapter does not mean that it is license to do what you want, because well they may walk away from God. Because again, certain things are commanded by God or forbidden by Him in the Scriptures. These we can not water down, if we do water it down, we are truly neglecting the faithful of the Word of God and denying its power to save.
Do not be afraid to hold fast to the Word of God and declare this to the world. This what we are commanded to do by our Lord. We are teach them (the world) all things that He have commanded. Do not be afraid to give a confession of your faith. But do not put up man made rules that you must eat foods, or that you must go to Church certain days to be saved. Because often these things creep in like a work, and man will take their eye off the perfect Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for the sins of the whole world which is our only hope.
Romans 14:1-23
Often times within the Church there is discussion around what is adiaphora. The term adiaphora, essentially refers to things are not forbidden nor commanded by God's Word. But this term has been applied rather loosely in many circles of today's Church. Essentially, at times it has come to mean that everything is up for grabs in regards to rituals and practice within the Church. This is not really what the Augsburg Reformers meant by this, and this is probably what St. Paul is speaking about in today's lesson.
St. Paul is reminding the Christians in Rome that we are not judge those that do not fast like they fast, or that abstain from foods, or keep or don't keep certain Holy Days. For in and of themselves these things are not what saves you. This does mean that days of Obligation that are imposed on the Christian should be avoided because you do not have the command of Holy Scripture to demand it of someone. Commonsense would tell you that if you are not attending Church and you are staying away from God's means of grace, you should be questioning where your faith lies. But those that keep Holy Days are not sinning if they are trusting by faith that God is there are present and not trying to earn themselves before God.
Often times people use this chapter of Romans to try to water down the faith. For example, if someone is living and adulterous life, this person should be called on it. This chapter does not mean that it is license to do what you want, because well they may walk away from God. Because again, certain things are commanded by God or forbidden by Him in the Scriptures. These we can not water down, if we do water it down, we are truly neglecting the faithful of the Word of God and denying its power to save.
Do not be afraid to hold fast to the Word of God and declare this to the world. This what we are commanded to do by our Lord. We are teach them (the world) all things that He have commanded. Do not be afraid to give a confession of your faith. But do not put up man made rules that you must eat foods, or that you must go to Church certain days to be saved. Because often these things creep in like a work, and man will take their eye off the perfect Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for the sins of the whole world which is our only hope.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quotes
"But it rests entirely on what I have said, that Baptism is nothing other than water and God's Word in and with each other (Ephesians 5:26). That is, when the Word is added to the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith is lacking. For my faith does not make Baptism, but receives it." - - Large Catechism 4:53
St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor
Today the Christian Church remembers St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor.
St. Timothy had Christian believers in his family. His mother, Eunice, was a Christian woman and was the daughter of a Christian woman named Lois (1 Timothy 1:5). Acts records that St. Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey and wanted Timothy to continue on with him (16:1-3). Over time, Timothy became a dear friend and close associate of Paul to whom Paul entrusted mission work in Greece and Asia Minor. Timothy was also with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, after Paul's death, Timothy went to Ephesus, where served as bishop and was martyred around AD 97. Timothy is best remembered as a faithful companion of Paul, one who rendered great service among the Gentile churches.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- - Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1148
St. Timothy had Christian believers in his family. His mother, Eunice, was a Christian woman and was the daughter of a Christian woman named Lois (1 Timothy 1:5). Acts records that St. Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey and wanted Timothy to continue on with him (16:1-3). Over time, Timothy became a dear friend and close associate of Paul to whom Paul entrusted mission work in Greece and Asia Minor. Timothy was also with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, after Paul's death, Timothy went to Ephesus, where served as bishop and was martyred around AD 97. Timothy is best remembered as a faithful companion of Paul, one who rendered great service among the Gentile churches.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- - Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1148
Evening Prayer 1-24-11
Reading:
Romans 12:14 -13:14
As the body of Christ, the Church and its members have the unique position of bringing the Word of God to those that are in need. Often the world makes it seem as if there is no hope, well, actually in the world there is really no hope. This world is fleeting and is temporal. Same thing with our body, we are so concerned over it and yet so often our body, (the flesh) is what tries to pull us away from God. But there is hope, and it is found in God's Son, Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus Christ calls you in Holy Baptism, He gives you His Holy Spirit so that you can walk in newness of life. We are to put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12), which is Jesus Christ. We guard ourselves up like a soldier heading off to battle. We take the Word of God, the Bible that is sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), for it is in the words of Holy Scripture that we come to see our Savior for who He is and what He has done. We hold up the Sacraments as means of God's grace and mercy towards us. These are our weapons to help us become victorious. Holy Baptism is where we die and live to Christ and have our sins forgiven. (Romans 6:1-8) The Communion, where Jesus comes to us in His Body and Blood to offer Himself to us, to forgive us, strengthen us, and renew us. (Matthew 26:26-29) The words of Holy Absolution that is spoken by the Pastor over us and if Christ Himself was speaking us. So that our souls can be quieted by the Good News that we are forgiven and loved by God on account of Jesus Christ alone. (John 20:22-23)
It is when we cast off our works of darkness, that God is able to transform us. When He does the transforming, we care about our neighbor, we weep with those that weep, we live in harmony with one another, we are humble because we know the gracious gift of God. We begin to live outside of ourselves and see the needs of others and respond to their need to show the gracious loving mercy of our Father in heaven. The Anglican Church has what they call a "JOY" offering. Joy is an acronym for Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last. This is the perspective that we are called to live in as a Christian, to place God and others before ourselves. May God grant this so that people may see our good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Romans 12:14 -13:14
As the body of Christ, the Church and its members have the unique position of bringing the Word of God to those that are in need. Often the world makes it seem as if there is no hope, well, actually in the world there is really no hope. This world is fleeting and is temporal. Same thing with our body, we are so concerned over it and yet so often our body, (the flesh) is what tries to pull us away from God. But there is hope, and it is found in God's Son, Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus Christ calls you in Holy Baptism, He gives you His Holy Spirit so that you can walk in newness of life. We are to put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12), which is Jesus Christ. We guard ourselves up like a soldier heading off to battle. We take the Word of God, the Bible that is sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), for it is in the words of Holy Scripture that we come to see our Savior for who He is and what He has done. We hold up the Sacraments as means of God's grace and mercy towards us. These are our weapons to help us become victorious. Holy Baptism is where we die and live to Christ and have our sins forgiven. (Romans 6:1-8) The Communion, where Jesus comes to us in His Body and Blood to offer Himself to us, to forgive us, strengthen us, and renew us. (Matthew 26:26-29) The words of Holy Absolution that is spoken by the Pastor over us and if Christ Himself was speaking us. So that our souls can be quieted by the Good News that we are forgiven and loved by God on account of Jesus Christ alone. (John 20:22-23)
It is when we cast off our works of darkness, that God is able to transform us. When He does the transforming, we care about our neighbor, we weep with those that weep, we live in harmony with one another, we are humble because we know the gracious gift of God. We begin to live outside of ourselves and see the needs of others and respond to their need to show the gracious loving mercy of our Father in heaven. The Anglican Church has what they call a "JOY" offering. Joy is an acronym for Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last. This is the perspective that we are called to live in as a Christian, to place God and others before ourselves. May God grant this so that people may see our good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Confessional Quotes
"Therefore, every Christian has enough in Baptism to learn and do all his life. For he has always enough to do by believing firmly what Baptism promises and brings: victory over death and the devil (Romans 6:3-6), forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38), God's grace (Titus 3:5-6), the entire Christ and the Holy Spirit with His gifts (1 Corinthians 6:11)." - Large Catechism 4:41
Evening Prayer 1-23-11
Reading:
Romans 11:25-12:13
Today during our Adult Bible Study we had a lengthy discussion regarding "Must someone go to Church." We discussed this for awhile dealing with the issue that we are "saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ" so we can not make it work that is necessary for salvation. However, the Scriptures are also quite clear that we are not forsake the gathering together as some have done. (Hebrews 10:25) So why should we go to Church?
In today's lesson to the Roman's St. Paul is teaching us that we are one body with many members. (Romans 12:4) The reason that we come to Church is that God has called us to be a part of His Body the Church. Each of us has been a given a gift that is meant to edify the body. When we don't go to Church, the body does not function at its fullest potential. Does this mean that all have the same gift? No, but each gift is just as important as the next. This is what St. Paul is teaching when he lists the gifts that can be given, some teach, some exhort, some give money, some lead, some do acts of mercy. So you see it does not matter what your gift, it is needed in the Body of Christ.
Some may say, "Let me stay away from the Church, because I can't give as much time, or I don't have money to give". St. Paul says these may not be your gifts, so why are you worrying about it. God has produced a gift in you that is needed in the Church. Each member is called to use the gift that God has given them to help edify the Church here on earth. St. Paul when he taught the Corinthian Church in his first letter is saying that if you compare this to your body, if we were all eyes or all ears, look at what we would miss out on. (1 Corinthians 12) The body could not function well if all we had were feet and no hands. So it is with the Church. If we all preached, who would be of service to others. If we all gave only money, who would teach and do works of mercy. Maybe prayer and fasting is your gift and you constantly lift up the Church and her members in prayer. Each gift is needed and God provides exactly what is needed in each congregation so that they can reach out to others with mercy and bring the Good News to those that need it.
So why go to Church? Because you are a needed. It does not mean that you earn brownie points before God, because your salvation is a gift from God. But your being in the Church allows her to function with all of its members and not limp along in bringing the Good News to the people.
Romans 11:25-12:13
Today during our Adult Bible Study we had a lengthy discussion regarding "Must someone go to Church." We discussed this for awhile dealing with the issue that we are "saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ" so we can not make it work that is necessary for salvation. However, the Scriptures are also quite clear that we are not forsake the gathering together as some have done. (Hebrews 10:25) So why should we go to Church?
In today's lesson to the Roman's St. Paul is teaching us that we are one body with many members. (Romans 12:4) The reason that we come to Church is that God has called us to be a part of His Body the Church. Each of us has been a given a gift that is meant to edify the body. When we don't go to Church, the body does not function at its fullest potential. Does this mean that all have the same gift? No, but each gift is just as important as the next. This is what St. Paul is teaching when he lists the gifts that can be given, some teach, some exhort, some give money, some lead, some do acts of mercy. So you see it does not matter what your gift, it is needed in the Body of Christ.
Some may say, "Let me stay away from the Church, because I can't give as much time, or I don't have money to give". St. Paul says these may not be your gifts, so why are you worrying about it. God has produced a gift in you that is needed in the Church. Each member is called to use the gift that God has given them to help edify the Church here on earth. St. Paul when he taught the Corinthian Church in his first letter is saying that if you compare this to your body, if we were all eyes or all ears, look at what we would miss out on. (1 Corinthians 12) The body could not function well if all we had were feet and no hands. So it is with the Church. If we all preached, who would be of service to others. If we all gave only money, who would teach and do works of mercy. Maybe prayer and fasting is your gift and you constantly lift up the Church and her members in prayer. Each gift is needed and God provides exactly what is needed in each congregation so that they can reach out to others with mercy and bring the Good News to those that need it.
So why go to Church? Because you are a needed. It does not mean that you earn brownie points before God, because your salvation is a gift from God. But your being in the Church allows her to function with all of its members and not limp along in bringing the Good News to the people.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Evening Prayer 1-22-11
Reading:
Romans 11:1-24
You have been grafted in.
Israel is God's chosen people, throughout the Old Testament. They were called by God to be a peculiar people, because they followed the One True God. The other religions of that time were following after false gods, and many were polytheistic (believing in more than one god). Israel was to be the fountain through which God was going to work and one day bring about salvation through the coming Messiah. The Israelites were also supposed to be a witness to the One True God and by their witness bring others to Him.
However, Israel really did not work at evangelizing too much. They were more concerned that they were the chosen people of God. They were concerned more about keeping the Law to earn their relationship with Him, than they were with reaching others that were completely lost because they were following a false god. Those outside of the Jewish faith were looked down upon as second class citizens and not really worthy of a chance at God.
It was because of the lack of faith that they were cut off from the tree. Their branches were broken off. And instead of them, God grafted in the Gentiles by faith. The Gentiles knew that they had no claim to be in a relationship with God so they realized that it was by God's grace that they were grafted into the Church, the new Israel. So it is with us today, we are grafted into the Church through God's grace alone. He does this through the proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments. In Holy Baptism, God takes you and puts a new name on you so that you are born again from above. You are at this point grafted into Christ and His life and Spirit flow through you. Jesus does not stop there, but to keep His life coming into you, He has instituted the Lord's Supper. It is here under the veil of bread and wine that Jesus Christ comes to you in His most Precious Body and Blood so that you can have His life, His forgiveness flow through you. You stay attached to the vine by having the life of Christ flow through you by means of grace through preaching and the Sacraments. Do not become proud that you did something to earn this, remember it is completely by God's act of grace and His instilling of faith in your life that you have this relationship with Him. Now take this Good News out to others to bring them to the Savior and praise Him everyday for this great gift.
Romans 11:1-24
You have been grafted in.
Israel is God's chosen people, throughout the Old Testament. They were called by God to be a peculiar people, because they followed the One True God. The other religions of that time were following after false gods, and many were polytheistic (believing in more than one god). Israel was to be the fountain through which God was going to work and one day bring about salvation through the coming Messiah. The Israelites were also supposed to be a witness to the One True God and by their witness bring others to Him.
However, Israel really did not work at evangelizing too much. They were more concerned that they were the chosen people of God. They were concerned more about keeping the Law to earn their relationship with Him, than they were with reaching others that were completely lost because they were following a false god. Those outside of the Jewish faith were looked down upon as second class citizens and not really worthy of a chance at God.
It was because of the lack of faith that they were cut off from the tree. Their branches were broken off. And instead of them, God grafted in the Gentiles by faith. The Gentiles knew that they had no claim to be in a relationship with God so they realized that it was by God's grace that they were grafted into the Church, the new Israel. So it is with us today, we are grafted into the Church through God's grace alone. He does this through the proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments. In Holy Baptism, God takes you and puts a new name on you so that you are born again from above. You are at this point grafted into Christ and His life and Spirit flow through you. Jesus does not stop there, but to keep His life coming into you, He has instituted the Lord's Supper. It is here under the veil of bread and wine that Jesus Christ comes to you in His most Precious Body and Blood so that you can have His life, His forgiveness flow through you. You stay attached to the vine by having the life of Christ flow through you by means of grace through preaching and the Sacraments. Do not become proud that you did something to earn this, remember it is completely by God's act of grace and His instilling of faith in your life that you have this relationship with Him. Now take this Good News out to others to bring them to the Savior and praise Him everyday for this great gift.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thoughts from Evening Prayer 1-21-11
Readings:
Romans 10:1-21
Office of the Keys
Our Lord in the Gospel gives the account that He breathes on the Apostles and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus then tells them that whatever sins the forgive will be forgiven and whatever sins they retain are retained. (John 20:22-23) This is really a weighty matter that was presented to the Apostles. These chosen 12 men where meant to be witnesses to the life of Jesus Christ and all that was done. They were called by God to a particular vocation, that of an Apostle or witness to Jesus Christ.
In giving the "Keys to the Kingdom", Jesus Christ was giving the Church on earth authority to teach and administer the Sacraments. Notice this same gift is not given to all, but only the Apostles. The Apostles were those that were called by God to this holy ministry. They were from the royal priesthood of all believers, but were meant to a servant of Christ's body here on earth. The Pastor (Apostle) is there to preach the Law and Gospel to the Church and to administer the Sacraments faithfully. The Pastor's have this particular office, not because of some intrinsic holiness, but because they have been called to faithfully preach the Word to the people, offer absolution in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ. And to celebrate the holy mysteries of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, both of which bring the Word of God directly to you in a physical manner.
The Pastor role is to bring the Good News to everyone, but they do it through the particular manner of preaching and administering the Sacraments. We are each called everyday as part of the royal priesthood to give a reason for the hope that is in us. If we confess Jesus Christ before the world, He will profess us before His Father in Heaven. We must be about telling others how Jesus Christ is the only hope that one can have of eternal life. He alone is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
Romans 10:1-21
Office of the Keys
Our Lord in the Gospel gives the account that He breathes on the Apostles and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus then tells them that whatever sins the forgive will be forgiven and whatever sins they retain are retained. (John 20:22-23) This is really a weighty matter that was presented to the Apostles. These chosen 12 men where meant to be witnesses to the life of Jesus Christ and all that was done. They were called by God to a particular vocation, that of an Apostle or witness to Jesus Christ.
In giving the "Keys to the Kingdom", Jesus Christ was giving the Church on earth authority to teach and administer the Sacraments. Notice this same gift is not given to all, but only the Apostles. The Apostles were those that were called by God to this holy ministry. They were from the royal priesthood of all believers, but were meant to a servant of Christ's body here on earth. The Pastor (Apostle) is there to preach the Law and Gospel to the Church and to administer the Sacraments faithfully. The Pastor's have this particular office, not because of some intrinsic holiness, but because they have been called to faithfully preach the Word to the people, offer absolution in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ. And to celebrate the holy mysteries of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, both of which bring the Word of God directly to you in a physical manner.
The Pastor role is to bring the Good News to everyone, but they do it through the particular manner of preaching and administering the Sacraments. We are each called everyday as part of the royal priesthood to give a reason for the hope that is in us. If we confess Jesus Christ before the world, He will profess us before His Father in Heaven. We must be about telling others how Jesus Christ is the only hope that one can have of eternal life. He alone is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thoughts From Evening Prayer 1-20-11
Reading:
Romans 9:19-33
In today's world, there are so many people saying that there are multiple ways to get to God. People like to approach the life of faith with the thought that it is something that they do. I must have faith and then I can find God. I must do something to move to God. If I keep the law then I am doing good, or if I only break a few commandments I am still ok. The Israelites did very much the same thing. They based their relationship with God on the fact that they were of the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the great Patriarchs. They based their relationship with God on how well the kept the Law, and how they kept themselves pure. But throughout the Old Testament, we see how they failed time and time again to attain the perfection they so desired.
These ways that were just written about do not foster a right relationship with God and they do not make you righteous. If anything, if we are trusting in our works, our "perfection", we are going to move into despair. You may say, I am really pretty good. But look at this way, if you had to right this moment stand before the Perfect, All Holy, Omnipotent God that demands perfection, would you really want to stand there and try to plead your case? You must be perfect to stand before God and be in His presence. Do you think that is the case for you? The Scriptures are clear, if you say you have no sin you deceive yourself and the truth is not in you. (1 John 1:8)
The Gentiles realized that as St. Paul was going out to preach to them they had to have faith and trust that God was moving among them. The faith, a heart that longs to trust in God is not something that we attain to. It is something that is given to us, as free gift. Our faith is given to us by God Himself when His Word is preached to you the Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts so that we can see Jesus Christ for who He is. It is when the Holy Spirit removes the scales from our eyes, that we realize we are totally lost if we had to stand before God. God knows that we are lost, so He sent His Son to be our rescue team. He came and lived among us and became like us in every way, except without sin. ( Hebrews 4:15) He took the punishment of our sins by dying on the Cross. He had no sin, He did not deserve to die. Yet He took our sin and nailed it to the cross and covered all of them with His most precious Blood. We are given faith to see Jesus, the God-Man, and then we cling to Him.
When we have to stand before God, either when we die or when our Lord returns, what do you want to bring to put before God? Do you want your works, your failures, your shortcomings, your personal righteousness? Is this what you want to bring? Or do you want to be able to say, "I am a Baptized Child of God, who is clothed in the righteousness of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He promised He would never leave me nor forsake me. He promised me a place at the banquet table. I am your child, O God, by adoption and grace because of Your Son." Hold fast to Jesus, He is the only mediator between God and man. Your works will fail, but Jesus will never fail.
Romans 9:19-33
In today's world, there are so many people saying that there are multiple ways to get to God. People like to approach the life of faith with the thought that it is something that they do. I must have faith and then I can find God. I must do something to move to God. If I keep the law then I am doing good, or if I only break a few commandments I am still ok. The Israelites did very much the same thing. They based their relationship with God on the fact that they were of the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the great Patriarchs. They based their relationship with God on how well the kept the Law, and how they kept themselves pure. But throughout the Old Testament, we see how they failed time and time again to attain the perfection they so desired.
These ways that were just written about do not foster a right relationship with God and they do not make you righteous. If anything, if we are trusting in our works, our "perfection", we are going to move into despair. You may say, I am really pretty good. But look at this way, if you had to right this moment stand before the Perfect, All Holy, Omnipotent God that demands perfection, would you really want to stand there and try to plead your case? You must be perfect to stand before God and be in His presence. Do you think that is the case for you? The Scriptures are clear, if you say you have no sin you deceive yourself and the truth is not in you. (1 John 1:8)
The Gentiles realized that as St. Paul was going out to preach to them they had to have faith and trust that God was moving among them. The faith, a heart that longs to trust in God is not something that we attain to. It is something that is given to us, as free gift. Our faith is given to us by God Himself when His Word is preached to you the Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts so that we can see Jesus Christ for who He is. It is when the Holy Spirit removes the scales from our eyes, that we realize we are totally lost if we had to stand before God. God knows that we are lost, so He sent His Son to be our rescue team. He came and lived among us and became like us in every way, except without sin. ( Hebrews 4:15) He took the punishment of our sins by dying on the Cross. He had no sin, He did not deserve to die. Yet He took our sin and nailed it to the cross and covered all of them with His most precious Blood. We are given faith to see Jesus, the God-Man, and then we cling to Him.
When we have to stand before God, either when we die or when our Lord returns, what do you want to bring to put before God? Do you want your works, your failures, your shortcomings, your personal righteousness? Is this what you want to bring? Or do you want to be able to say, "I am a Baptized Child of God, who is clothed in the righteousness of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He promised He would never leave me nor forsake me. He promised me a place at the banquet table. I am your child, O God, by adoption and grace because of Your Son." Hold fast to Jesus, He is the only mediator between God and man. Your works will fail, but Jesus will never fail.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Evening Prayer Lesson 1-19-11
Reading:
Romans 9:1-18
How do you earn the mercy of God?
What is the definition of mercy? It means:
These two definitions talk about the aspects of God's mercy towards us. He has ultimate power over us. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), so He controls our span of years. He formed us in our mother's womb and knows every hair on our head. He also knows that we all have a sin problem for all have fallen short of His glory that He intended for us. And yet He is merciful. So how do we earn it?
Does it depend on your lineage? When you read through Romans Chapter 9, St. Paul is quite clear that he feels sorry for his brothers and sisters who are Jewish because they have not embraced the Messiah. He is clear that they may be of the "physical" lineage of Israel, but they have missed the point that God was going to come into the flesh and offer Himself for the sins of the whole world. They had all of the promises, covenants, prophets and promises and yet he declares them cut off from the promises in Christ. So the lineage does not really matter in attempting to earn God's mercy.
How about good works? You may be thinking that I am pretty good person. I did not kill anyone, I have not cheated on my spouse or maybe you feel like you have not done any of the other "really big" sins. Maybe you constantly say your prayers as a means to earn favor before God. If you have broken any of the commandments you have broken them all. "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Jesus also teaches in the Gospel of Luke that even when we have done all that we should have done we can not boast before God. (Luke 17:10) So works does not earn you God's mercy.
The reading is quite clear, in case you missed it let me show it here :"So then it (mercy) depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." (Romans 8:16) God's mercy is unmerited on our part, it does not depend on our movement towards God. It is all about His movement towards us in compassion, clemency, and forgiveness because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to move towards God. He knows this, that is why He left the throne of glory and became man. He took our punishment of death upon Himself and then took His life back again on Easter Sunday. He did this so that God's judgment could always be kept perfect. We deserved death, so God was merciful and sent His Son to die for you so that you could have life and have it more abundantly. This the merciful God that we serve and worship. He came to us, to live among us and die for us, so that we could come to Him. Our God is merciful not because of anything that we can do, but because His Son has died for you while you were yet a sinner. Jesus Christ made your relationship right with God. It is a free gift that is there for you to take, completely unmerited and undeserved. Just take the gift and your life will never be the same.
Romans 9:1-18
How do you earn the mercy of God?
What is the definition of mercy? It means:
1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving:These two definitions talk about the aspects of God's mercy towards us. He has ultimate power over us. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), so He controls our span of years. He formed us in our mother's womb and knows every hair on our head. He also knows that we all have a sin problem for all have fallen short of His glory that He intended for us. And yet He is merciful. So how do we earn it?
Does it depend on your lineage? When you read through Romans Chapter 9, St. Paul is quite clear that he feels sorry for his brothers and sisters who are Jewish because they have not embraced the Messiah. He is clear that they may be of the "physical" lineage of Israel, but they have missed the point that God was going to come into the flesh and offer Himself for the sins of the whole world. They had all of the promises, covenants, prophets and promises and yet he declares them cut off from the promises in Christ. So the lineage does not really matter in attempting to earn God's mercy.
How about good works? You may be thinking that I am pretty good person. I did not kill anyone, I have not cheated on my spouse or maybe you feel like you have not done any of the other "really big" sins. Maybe you constantly say your prayers as a means to earn favor before God. If you have broken any of the commandments you have broken them all. "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Jesus also teaches in the Gospel of Luke that even when we have done all that we should have done we can not boast before God. (Luke 17:10) So works does not earn you God's mercy.
The reading is quite clear, in case you missed it let me show it here :"So then it (mercy) depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." (Romans 8:16) God's mercy is unmerited on our part, it does not depend on our movement towards God. It is all about His movement towards us in compassion, clemency, and forgiveness because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to move towards God. He knows this, that is why He left the throne of glory and became man. He took our punishment of death upon Himself and then took His life back again on Easter Sunday. He did this so that God's judgment could always be kept perfect. We deserved death, so God was merciful and sent His Son to die for you so that you could have life and have it more abundantly. This the merciful God that we serve and worship. He came to us, to live among us and die for us, so that we could come to Him. Our God is merciful not because of anything that we can do, but because His Son has died for you while you were yet a sinner. Jesus Christ made your relationship right with God. It is a free gift that is there for you to take, completely unmerited and undeserved. Just take the gift and your life will never be the same.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Confession of St. Peter
Today the Christian Church celebrates the "Confession of St. Peter". The Treasury of Daily Prayer has a great writing in it regarding this celebration.
The confession of St. Peter did not arise in the imagination of Peter's heart but was revealed to him by the Father. The reason this confession is important is seen in Jesus' response: "You are Peter (Greek Petros), and on this rock (Greek petra) I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). As the people of God in the Old Testament began with the person of Abraham, the rock from which God's people were hewn (Isaiah 51:1-2), so the people of God in the New Testament would begin with the person of Peter, whose confession is the rock on which Christ would build His Church. But Peters was not alone (the "keys" given to him in Matthew 16:19 were given to all disciples in Matthew 18:18 and John 20:21-23). As St. Paul tells us, Peter and the other apostles take their place with the prophets as the foundation of the Church, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The confession of Peter, therefore, is the witness of the entire apostolic band and is foundational in the building of Christ's Church. Thus the Church gives thanks to God for St. Peter and the other apostles who have instructed Christ's Holy Church in His divine and saving truth.
Collect (Prayer of the Day):
Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -Treasury of Daily Prayer, pg. 1129
The confession of St. Peter did not arise in the imagination of Peter's heart but was revealed to him by the Father. The reason this confession is important is seen in Jesus' response: "You are Peter (Greek Petros), and on this rock (Greek petra) I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). As the people of God in the Old Testament began with the person of Abraham, the rock from which God's people were hewn (Isaiah 51:1-2), so the people of God in the New Testament would begin with the person of Peter, whose confession is the rock on which Christ would build His Church. But Peters was not alone (the "keys" given to him in Matthew 16:19 were given to all disciples in Matthew 18:18 and John 20:21-23). As St. Paul tells us, Peter and the other apostles take their place with the prophets as the foundation of the Church, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The confession of Peter, therefore, is the witness of the entire apostolic band and is foundational in the building of Christ's Church. Thus the Church gives thanks to God for St. Peter and the other apostles who have instructed Christ's Holy Church in His divine and saving truth.
Collect (Prayer of the Day):
Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -Treasury of Daily Prayer, pg. 1129
Evening Prayer 1-18-11
Reading for Evening Prayer 1-18-11:
Romans 8:18-39
Is it wrong to speak of salvation as something that is hoped for?
When reading through tonight's reading St. Paul states that "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25) Our salvation is totally accomplished, finished and completed by the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is why He said from the cross, "It is finished." He offered Himself freely as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. That means all of your sins and all of my sins. It was personal when He died on the cross.
However, as we read yesterday, our lives are a dichotomy, we are sinner and saint at the same time. We do not fully perceive all that our salvation is to be. We still struggle in the flesh, we are tempted, we suffer, we complain, and ultimately we die. We die because of our sin, but we have hope. For the Scriptures state that "I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power, nor height nor depth, 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) We have hope that Jesus Christ who died in our place and rose again has defeated the grave. We have hope that as we profess in the great Creeds of the faith in the "resurrection of the body and life everlasting." Do you hear that though our bodies may decay and die there is coming a day, when our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will return? When that occurs our bodies will be resurrected, just like His. This is when we realize the full effect of the salvation that He has obtained for us.
In this life, though we will suffer, but as the reading states this present suffering are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. This glory is when Christ returns and we join Him in our resurrected bodies. This is when as Revelation teaches us that "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." (Revelation 21:4) When we are glorified with Christ we will no longer be tempted and tried. We will be able see our God face to face. We will be forever in His presence to sing the eternal praises to the Lamb upon the Throne, who died for us and obtained eternal life for us. This is our hope that we look forward, this is our eternal reward because of Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory! Amen.
Romans 8:18-39
Is it wrong to speak of salvation as something that is hoped for?
When reading through tonight's reading St. Paul states that "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25) Our salvation is totally accomplished, finished and completed by the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is why He said from the cross, "It is finished." He offered Himself freely as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. That means all of your sins and all of my sins. It was personal when He died on the cross.
However, as we read yesterday, our lives are a dichotomy, we are sinner and saint at the same time. We do not fully perceive all that our salvation is to be. We still struggle in the flesh, we are tempted, we suffer, we complain, and ultimately we die. We die because of our sin, but we have hope. For the Scriptures state that "I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power, nor height nor depth, 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) We have hope that Jesus Christ who died in our place and rose again has defeated the grave. We have hope that as we profess in the great Creeds of the faith in the "resurrection of the body and life everlasting." Do you hear that though our bodies may decay and die there is coming a day, when our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will return? When that occurs our bodies will be resurrected, just like His. This is when we realize the full effect of the salvation that He has obtained for us.
In this life, though we will suffer, but as the reading states this present suffering are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. This glory is when Christ returns and we join Him in our resurrected bodies. This is when as Revelation teaches us that "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." (Revelation 21:4) When we are glorified with Christ we will no longer be tempted and tried. We will be able see our God face to face. We will be forever in His presence to sing the eternal praises to the Lamb upon the Throne, who died for us and obtained eternal life for us. This is our hope that we look forward, this is our eternal reward because of Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Thoughts from Evening Prayer
Reading:
Romans 7:21-8:17
It is not hard to understand why Martin Luther was so moved by reading the book of Romans. St. Paul clearly points out many times that we are both sinner and saint. The Christian faith is really not an either/or proposition. We can be both. We continue to struggle against sin in this life, but we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This life is going to be filled with temptations and trials that are going to try to pull us away from Christ. St. Paul is teaching us that if we are holding onto trying to be the Law, we are going to fall woefully short in the expectation. It is not about our works, our adherence to the Law that places us in a right relationship with God.
St. Paul beautifully asks "Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) This is the answer, Jesus Christ by His perfect life, death and resurrection as defeated sin, death and the devil. Did you get that? He defeated the three major issues in life, (sin, death and the devil) . He kept the Law perfectly so that when we fall, we come back and trust in God's mercy and plead the perfect life of Christ.
He has given us new life in the waters of Holy Baptism. In Holy Baptism, we come as helpless people trusting that God through this gift, will forgive us our sins, give us the gift of faith, and unite us to Jesus Christ. We have been born again from above by the "water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). It is not just plain water but as the Small Catechism teaches, water with Word. It is a life giving fountain that produces faith in us and gives us hope that we have been united by Christ. We have becomes heirs of God kingdom and now we can call out "Abba, Father".
What a truly great gift our God has given us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. When sin tries to pull us away, we can say we have been given righteousness by the one that kept the Law perfectly. (Romans 8:3) When death approaches, we can say that one that died on the Cross to save me, has been raised from the dead, death no longer has dominion over him. (Romans 6:9) And when Satan tries to tempt us and tell us that God can not love us because of what we have done, we can say, "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins, and for ours only but for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2)
Romans 7:21-8:17
It is not hard to understand why Martin Luther was so moved by reading the book of Romans. St. Paul clearly points out many times that we are both sinner and saint. The Christian faith is really not an either/or proposition. We can be both. We continue to struggle against sin in this life, but we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This life is going to be filled with temptations and trials that are going to try to pull us away from Christ. St. Paul is teaching us that if we are holding onto trying to be the Law, we are going to fall woefully short in the expectation. It is not about our works, our adherence to the Law that places us in a right relationship with God.
St. Paul beautifully asks "Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) This is the answer, Jesus Christ by His perfect life, death and resurrection as defeated sin, death and the devil. Did you get that? He defeated the three major issues in life, (sin, death and the devil) . He kept the Law perfectly so that when we fall, we come back and trust in God's mercy and plead the perfect life of Christ.
He has given us new life in the waters of Holy Baptism. In Holy Baptism, we come as helpless people trusting that God through this gift, will forgive us our sins, give us the gift of faith, and unite us to Jesus Christ. We have been born again from above by the "water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). It is not just plain water but as the Small Catechism teaches, water with Word. It is a life giving fountain that produces faith in us and gives us hope that we have been united by Christ. We have becomes heirs of God kingdom and now we can call out "Abba, Father".
What a truly great gift our God has given us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. When sin tries to pull us away, we can say we have been given righteousness by the one that kept the Law perfectly. (Romans 8:3) When death approaches, we can say that one that died on the Cross to save me, has been raised from the dead, death no longer has dominion over him. (Romans 6:9) And when Satan tries to tempt us and tell us that God can not love us because of what we have done, we can say, "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins, and for ours only but for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
New Blog
My name is Dennis. I am an elder at Indian Valley Lutheran Church. I have decided to start a blog regarding topics that Lutheran Christians might find interesting. The goal of this blog is to promote historic Christianity as expressed in the Scriptures and in the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. This teaching is based in a proper balance of Law and Gospel and the full understanding that we, in our humanity, are totally depraved and can not begin to move towards God because we are separated from Him by sin. But God in His gracious mercy has not left us dead in our trespasses, but has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born, suffer, die, rise again and ascend into heaven so that you and I may have eternal life. He then gives us the gift of the Sacraments and in Holy Baptism daily forgives us of our sins on account of Christ, and then continues to feed us with His most precious Body and Blood in Holy Communion.
I pray that this site will be a place for you to be edified in your faith and may we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To God be the Glory!
Dennis
I pray that this site will be a place for you to be edified in your faith and may we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To God be the Glory!
Dennis
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