Tag: Sermon (Page 1 of 19)

You are God’s child all the time, and He promises good in Christ.

Scripture

• Isaiah 44:6-8
• Romans 8:17
• Romans 8:28
• Matthew 13:22-43
• Psalm 119:51-64 (Repsponsory)

There are a lot of hard words in Isaiah — words of judgment and prophecies of things to come that are not good. While there are many difficult passages, there are also some real gems in there: wonderful Gospel and tremendous hope.

Today’s Scripture is one of my favorites, from Isaiah 55:10–11: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

God’s Word is powerful; “living, and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12); “breathed out” and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16); it is our basis, our rule, and our norm for all that we know about Him, and for all that we know and love about salvation. It tells us what He has done for us, and it reminds us of what we are to do as His people. Most importantly, it always accomplishes the purpose for which He sent it.

There are times when we worry about saying the wrong thing — and probably rightly so. There are plenty of times when we say the wrong thing and put not just one, but both feet in our mouth. But God never does. His words are perfect and right all the time. They divide between right and wrong, good and bad, godliness and evil. When we rely on His Word and rightly apply it, we cannot go wrong. It is life-giving, life-affirming, and it is Christ Himself — the Word made flesh (John 1:1).

That is why it is so important to get into the Word and to understand it, for it is the wisdom and knowledge of God. In It, we learn what God desires, who God is, what He has done, and what our eternal future holds. Because God’s Word succeeds in everything for which He sends it, why wouldn’t we want to take every opportunity — every single day — to get into it? Why wouldn’t we want to learn more and draw closer to Him?

May we always do so, because the ultimate success of His Word is Jesus Christ for our eternity.

Thank You, Lord!

“Gracious Lord, we praise and thank You for Your word, which does not return empty but accomplishes all for which You send it. Help us to get into Your word daily — to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest it so that it becomes an integral part of who we are, just as it is an integral part of sharing who You are and what You have done. May we always be immersed in It for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture

• Isaiah 55:10-13
• Psalm 65:9-13 (Repsponsory)

There are precious few people I know who aren’t busy; who would define themselves as almost perpetually tired; and, if you get down to it, sick of the way life tends to play out for them on regular basis.

“Sick and tired.”

How many of us have heard that? How many of us have said that? How many of us consistently feel that?

<<sigh>>

So when we hear Jesus’ words today, “come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” those words are soothing to the ears!

“Yes, please!”

Yes, there is a lot more to His words and the ones that follow than we might initially grasp.

Let’s break some of this down:

First, let’s understand that His invitation to come to Him is open to all.

Second, He invited those who “labor and…heavy burdened.” This is far more than those who are fatigued in this world. The context suggests those who are being burdened by the rules and regulations of the Law. Those who are burdened by the religious authorities. Those who are burdened by sin. Those who are being beat down in the never-ending attempt to be good; to be godly; to be perfect.

Those who are truly “sick and tired.”

Does that include you?

Then Jesus gives more in His invitation to come…“take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Learn what? That He is “gentle and lowly in heart.”

So how is Jesus’ gentleness and humility help us?

Because He was gentle and humble to His Father unto death on a cross to take away all burdens and labors! His humbleness and gentleness leads to a release from all that holds down, all that encumbers, and that comes against us. All that makes us “sick and tired” – spiritually, emotionally, and physically! And since He has fulfilled everything needed, His yoke and burden is now easy and light!

It is telling that the next section after our text in Matthew is Jesus showing that He is lord of the Sabbath. Not only is He lord of the Sabbath, He is the fulfillment of it! He is our full and eternal rest! He is the answer to all that makes us “sick and tired!” Everything!

Halleluia! Thank You, Jesus!

“Gracious Lord; we praise and thank You that in Your gentleness and humbleness You fulfilled all labors and burdens and now give us full and eternal rest from all that makes us “sick and tired.” Grant us to see that fulfillment when our sins and the Enemy try to burden us again so we see the Truth in You. In Your precious name do we pray; amen!”

Scripture

• Matthew 11:28-30
• Psalm 145:1-14 (Repsponsory)

It’s not surprising that people don’t like pain and suffering. It is unpleasant and to be avoided.

So it’s no surprise that when faced with the option of suffering or comfort, we choose comfort; we choose that which is easy; we choose that which benefits.

And some of the time that’s well and good.

But when it’s done to avoid doing the right thing, whether it is difficult or not, there’s a problem. Or when comfort is sought out instead of suffering for God, that’s a big problem.

We are called to Christ and to endure all – even death itself – rather than fall away from Him or serving Him. That is our call. That follows the pattern of Jesus Himself, who endured the cross, scorning its shame even to the point of death, in obedience to His Father and for our redemption.

There are even some Christians that take this to such an extreme as to not only deny that there should ever be suffering for a Christian, but to put off even the thought that this could, should or will happen.

“Get behind me, Satan!”

Jesus says very clearly in our text today that if we are choosing others or things or comfort or peace or anything above Him, we are not worthy of Him. If we do not take up our cross and follow Jesus, we are not worthy of Jesus. Our life is nothing without Him. Our life is forfeit without Him, because without Him, we would still be in death.

Suffering is a part of being a Christian. We don’t get to choose how that suffering looks or what it will entail, but we must always be ready to endure it to the very end; whatever it is;. for however long; in obedience and humility; in love; in response; to bring Jesus glory and to bring others to faith in Him. For that, let us endure anything and everything; any cross at anytime.

Jesus endured everything for us to save us. Including, literally, taking up His cross, bearing it for us. How can we not also and humbly – with amazing gratitude – respond in kind knowing that whatever cross it is that we are to bear, whatever sacrifice it is that we are to make, whatever suffering it is that we are to endure; it will end and we will find an eternal life in Jesus free from all of it.

Hallelujah and thank you Lord!

“Gracious Lord Jesus, Thank You for suffering all, even death on a cross, bearing it for our forgiveness; for our salvation; for our life. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to bear whatever cross, whatever sacrifice, whatever hardship, to bring You glory and others to faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Scripture

• Matthew 10:34-39
• Psalm 119:153-160 (Responsory)

In today’s reading, I think about different times and ways that we might present ourselves. We certainly present ourselves in the best light when we like someone and start dating, or when we’re going to a dance or maybe a Quinceañera.

There are a lot of situations and occasions in which we want to present ourselves in the best way possible and put our best foot forward. To let people see what’s best about us, not what’s worst.

But in our reading today, we’re told not to, “present [our] members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present [ourselves] to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and [our] members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Romans 6:13).

This got me thinking what it means to present ourselves and our members to sin or to God. When we do this we are offering ourselves up; we are giving ourselves over to; we are subjecting ourselves to.

We can either do that to evil and to sin, or to God and His righteousness, and His will. We can do it for good or bad; godliness and righteousness or ungodliness and evil.

It is a fascinating thing to think about the first time that we are presented: when we’re born. Dirty. Wet. Crying. Naked. Not our best view or best light!

And that’s what happens when we are presented in sin: we are dirty; we are unclean; we are selfish in the way that we act. We cry; we are separate; we are alone; we are cold; we are sinful. All of those things are true when we are in sin.

And yet. When we are presented to God through faith in Jesus, we are beautiful.

We were once slaves to impurity and lawlessness. We were once slaves to sin. We were once slaves to the devil. We were once slaves to our own passions. We presented ourselves to these things; we humbled ourselves and gave ourselves over to them.

How awful! How ugly! How horrifying!

But when Christ came He humbled Himself and presented Himself as a living sacrifice on our behalf, to forgive our sins, to make us right, to cleanse us before God. When He did those things, He presented us then, too – as perfect, as righteous, as just. And now as ones who can now also present all of our own members, all of our thoughts, all of our mind, all of our actions to God; in the same way; out of gratitude; out of thanksgiving; out of sincere, deep love. We can present ourselves and our members as a living sacrifice to God saying ‘we are Yours; we want to do what You desire; we want to be in You and Your grace. We want to live as You specify in Your word. We want these things. We present ourselves to You; to Your purpose; to Your will; to You in whatever way You see fit. We no longer want to present ourselves or be presented in any way that doesn’t bring You honor and glory and majesty; that doesn’t lift up others and point them also to You. We don’t want to do anything or be anyone that doesn’t present every fiber of our being to Your will and ways; to Your righteousness.’

Yes, there is still sin that still infects us and holds something over us, but let it be anathema! Let it be forever removed! Let it be forever shunned! For we are Yours, Lord; fully; in every way. That is our deep desire. That is our deep privilege.

Because of Jesus, who was presented for us and for our salvation and for our eternity.

Thank You, Lord! Thank You!

“Gracious Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You that Jesus was presented through His sacrifice on our behalf to make us wholly righteous and just so that we, too, can be presented to You as perfect. Grant that we live this way. That all of our thoughts, words, and deeds – that every member of our body – is presented to You in righteousness. In Jesus most precious name, do we pray. Amen.”

Scripture

• Romans 6:12-23
• Psalm 91:1-16 (Responsory)

God forgives and forgets. That’s rather impossible with us. We may forgive, but forgetting? Well, that’s another matter. And if someone has really wronged us, that too often manifests itself in how we treat them in the future. At the very least, they may not be receiving our Christmas card next year!

But God (thankfully!) is not like us.

It is an astonishing statement that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and that “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).

Truly staggering!

How? Why?

When we look at our own lives we see our persistence in sinning and that God came to save us, not just because of our sins or despite our sins, but while we were sinners – and in His transcendent love and mercy said, “Yep, you, sinner; I die to save you! You, one who comes against Me as My enemy, driving Me to the death – I die for you to make our relationship right!”

It is truly unfathomable!

And yet, it is true! And amazing! And jarring! And weighty! And beautiful! And ours!

And now that we are reconciled and saved; now that our hearts have been made new; now that we are full beneficiaries of His perfect mercy, grace, and forgiveness, we can live in that reconciliation with God and others. We can live, move, and have our being no longer as sinners and enemies, but as ones who are holy children, bent on sharing this reality and reconciliation Plan with others.

How wonderfully phenomenal! “Thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying for us and reconciling us while we were sill sinners and enemies. We have no means of thanking You enough, but pray that we live in this reality by the Holy Spirit in a way that befits Your people. Use us as Your ambassadors to live and share this reconciliation with others, pointing them to You in all that we do. In Your precious name do we pray; amen!”

Scripture

• Romans 5:6-15
• Psalm 100 (Responsory)

It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of the doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith and not of works.

And that doctrine is articulated so strongly throughout the entire book of Romans. St. Paul describes again and again, in beautiful and articulate ways, how and why it is important to understand that we are declared righteous and just before God through faith in Jesus and not by works of the law.

But we forget this sometimes. Or at least we forget that it applies to others and not just us. Sometimes we’re more willing to overlook our foibles rather than those of others; ascribing to them motivations and a heart that must be far from God if they’re doing things that are against God’s will, but understanding in our own heart that we mess up, even if we still love God.

But all who believe in Jesus are saved with a righteousness that comes by faith – just like Abraham. He received the promise of that righteousness before the Law was given on Mount Sinai to Moses and all the Israelites. His faith was credited to him as righteousness before that was to come about.

That was good for the Israelites, it’s good for us, and it’s good for the world. Because if we try even a little bit to make our salvation dependent upon our actions or upon the Law, we are not just in trouble, we are in a damnable situation.

But thanks be to God that that’s not the way things are, that’s not how God structured it, and that’s not the path for salvation. God knew this, and He knew that we couldn’t attain it. That’s why He did it for us. That’s why He gives it to us. That’s why He sends the Holy Spirit to inform our motivations and our heart for following the Law and not as a basis for it.

Praise God for His infinite and indescribable mercy!

“We thank you, Lord, for giving us a salvation – a righteousness – that comes through faith and not of ourselves. Help us to remember that in times of struggle, when we fail You and Your Holy Law, so that we can look to Your faithfulness which covers our actions. Help us to live a life of righteousness through the faith that You’ve bestowed. In the name of Jesus, who accomplished all of this for us. Amen.”

Scripture

• Romans 4:13-25
• Psalm 119:65-72 (Responsory)

Every Christian has jobs to do, given by God in His Word.

Today we are discussing one of them: making disciples.

It is a passing command of Jesus before He ascended. As we live, in our daily duties, as we encounter others, we are to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

So what is a disciple? The short answer is a follower or pupil.

But more important to the basic word is what it means for living – especially for a disciple of Jesus.

To be a disciple of Jesus requires change – in a person’s heart, their mind, and in their behavior.

And we are called to “make disciples.” But to do naturally involves other things as well.

1. We realize that the One actually doing the work is God and He works through the Sacraments; specifically in today’s text, through the Sacrament of Baptism in the name of the Triune God; because it is in His Name, through His power, by His doing that followers are made.
2. Disciples of Jesus are made by teaching, learning, and following God’s Holy Word. “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20).
3. God is allowing us to take part in His miracles here. God is inviting His disciples into the process of making more disciples. What an amazing privilege!

But let’s be clear and repeat: being a disciple means being changed; thoroughly; from the inside out. It means not just showing up for worship and Bible class, but immersing yourself in worship and study because your heart burns to draw nearer to God. It means acting in service for others because it is a part of your new being as a disciple who loves others like Jesus does. It means acknowledging your sins with heartfelt remorse and contrition, receiving His forgiveness with utter joy, and working intently to change your living so that behavior doesn’t continue.

We are called to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. We are called to make disciples of others through baptism and the teaching and living His good commands.

And all of this because God has made us disciples; forgiven us and bestowed His mercy and grace; given us His free Gift of salvation; made us ones who get to follow Him in everything!

And now He invites us to take part in the disciple-making business so others get to experience the same!

What an honor and privilege!

“Thank You, Lord, for making us Your disciples when we didn’t deserve it. For baptizing us and teaching us to observe all that You have commanded. Grant us a new and willing heart, mind, and spirit to live out our lives as faithful disciples and grant us that continued joy as more disciples are made for You! In and through Jesus’ precious Name do we pray. Amen!”

Scripture

• Matthew 28:16-20
• Psalm 8 (Responsory)