Concordia Lutheran Church....

The Feast of Christ the King – November 22.2009....

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Doxology Time!....

2 Peter 3:13b and Psalm 39....

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†  In the Name of Jesus, Lord and Son †....

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May you be always able to focus on the goal, the incredible time when faith and hope fade from view, as the peace-filled love of God dawns with crystal clarity as you see Him reigning in all His glory!  Amen!....

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It is Doxology Time!....

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The massive cleanup has been accomplished.....

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The tasks are but a faded memory. ....

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The sun has set, and there is but a glow in the sky…....

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Everyone in the room almost simultaneously, takes a deep breath, as their bodies relax in almost an eerie quietness.  ....

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The stress of preparation and the anxiety that built all week, is satisfied by the completion of the day of feasting and fellowship, and the day is made complete, as all rest, and realize the blessing that has been shared.....

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That scene could be your home, or the home you visit this Thursday.  Even more perhaps, I believe it describes the feeling the moment after the judgment, the moment when we realize we are in God’s presence forever, and the celebration of God’s prodigals returning home, turns into the reality of eternity in His presence.....

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As we celebrate this, last worship service of the church year, as we prepare to feast at the table of the Lord, we spend this time, looking to that future.  We are not just looking to the future of 2010, or even 2011 or 2012.  We look towards “the” future, we focus our awareness and hope to that which is described in our Introit – and we look forward to that new heaven and that new earth, described as being the home of righteousness.....

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As we consider this future, may our hearts soar as we express with words of praise, the glory of God, Father, Son and Spirit!....

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·         Looking forward – 2 Pet 3:13....

o    New and Improved ....

o    New Completeness....

o    Righteousness dwells....

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In the introit this morning, the antiphon[i] is an incredible encouragement. It comes from Peter’s second epistle – a work written in the midst of persecution, and a time when the church was incredibly challenged by what was going on around it, in a world that didn’t make sense.  Hear the words again, ....

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“We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”....

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I wish that we could all, in these days, remember these words daily!   Not only remember them, but the incredible significance that they bring to our lives.  The words are loaded with meaning, and as we grasp that, we understand even more why God deserves not only all of our praise, but all of the glory, honor, praise!....

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Peter tells us we are looking forward to, awaiting eagerly, this new heaven and new earth.  The word new there, doesn’t just mean another, or a younger earth. It’s not just another edition of the same old thing, with the same old problems and the same old broken promises.  This isn’t about the 2010 new car, that has a couple of new upgrades and a newer looking coat of paint, but in 40,000 miles will be old again. Nor is it talking about the newer television or the new computer.  When God talks of a new creation, it is complete.....

The new heaven and the new earth – everything that is, as one commentator put it, everything that is life, and all that sustains and contains it.  In ancient times, they saw this in the idea of the egg – the new life in the yoke, being the earth, and the whites being all that in the universe that sustains life, the ecosystem, the heavenly bodies that provide light and heat and gravity and growth. The shell, being that which contains and protects it all – and the very concept of God – the egg – being all that, and more. ....

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All, except for God, recreated, made new, made pure and perfect.....

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Peter describes this, as the home of righteousness, the home of that which is just.  This isn’t just talking about just and righteousness as in our time – but just in the manner that everything is the way it should be- everything in creation, and everything working in harmony, in concord.  Everything so good, and complete, that it is like the perfect Thanksgiving feast, where every bite is savored, as is every word is likewise enjoyed!  And yet that doesn’t even begin to describe it, for the presence of God is not just felt, but experienced with every sense overwhelmed by His love, His purity, His glory!....

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·         Look back – Pslam 39....

o    The Short Measure....

o    Lifetime = nothing....

o    What am I waiting for?....

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Even as our introit looked forward to that incredible moment, it moves, for an instance, to look back, as the Psalmist leads us to pray,....

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O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure | of my days;*....

let me know how fleeting | I am!....

Behold, you have made my days a few | handbreadths,*....

and my lifetime is as nothing be- | fore you.....

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Maybe it is because I am older, but it seems like we should still be in September.  It does not seem like my son is almost 3, or that Kay and I have been married 20 years. Truly time flies, and in view of that, asking God to help us know the end makes it seem like it flies ever more quickly.....

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To consider how long our life is, or its value in the scheme of the universe, seems almost impossible.  As if I tried to find on one speck of sand on a beach. The psalmist isn’t exactly helping my self esteem, by indicating that a few hands could hide my life in the pages of time.  Realizing that all of my existence, the totality of my action is nothing in the sight of God, seems true and yet saddening.....

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There is pinch of truth in the atheistic concept of the value of man.  Looking at the stars and realizing that I am just one person of 6 billion, on a small planet in this system, dominated by a star much smaller than most of the stars in our galaxy, and that our galaxy is but one in the galaxies of the universe is indeed daunting.....

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Add to that, that our sin marks us, and stops us from living to our potential, that we are flawed and challenged.  Why would the Creator of all this bother with us, with me?  ....

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Many a philosopher dismissed Christianity for just this reason, that it does not seem logical that God would bother with us.  Yet, I believe that even puts more into perspective the incredible marvelous, nearly unbelievable love of God for you, and for me. He knows us, and in Him, the psalmist found His hope.  IN God who revealed his name that we may call upon Him, and encourages us to call Him our Dad, our Father, our Papa.....

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And yet, it is He who provides that hope – as the psalmists prayer is answered…....

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Deliver me from all my trans- | gressions.*....

Do not make me the scorn | of the fool!....

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear | to my cry;*....

hold not your peace | at my tears!....

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No wonder the psalmist, no wonder why we have hope…in the midst of a dark and challenged world.  The hope is found in Him.. it always has been.....

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·         A Closer Look....

o    What’s Missing – This is according to His promise!....

o    The connection to the Eucharist....

o    That leaves us with the doxology....

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We have dealt with the opening antiphon, the description of what we are looking forward to – the new heaven and new earth where all is perfect and uncorruptible.  We saw why we look back, understanding it is not for condemnation, but to show how glorious our deliverance from darkness to life is,....

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As we get to the closing antiphon, notice in the bulletin, that there is a letter “b” next to the verse citation.  That means it is only part of the verse.  I would have you hear it entirely, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2Pe 3:13 (NIV)....

This focus, this keeping focused on the prize, as the apostle Paul describes it, is not based on our own ideas, or our own speculation.  It is grasping that promise that God gives us, in Christ.  It is the hope into which we are baptized, as we are united, yes with His crucifixion and death, but also with His resurrection, and eternal life in the presence of the Father!....

I love how Luther described  how King David and we live out this focus, how he describes the now and not yet…....

“ (King) David looks into such a future, and he feels just as though the world had already ended and he had already risen from the dead and were seeing heaven, moon, and stars new before him. Indeed, he really did see it—but in faith and spirit. In Ms time he will see it with us and we with him in the revelation. The Prophets and Apostles proclaimed it to us. Isaiah says (65:17, 18): “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create.” And St. Peter says (2 Peter 3:13): “According to His promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” Such proclamation of the Prophets and Apostles took place through the Holy Spirit and cannot fail.^[1]....

Having looked at the antiphon and how it begins and ends the introit, and the body of the psalm, there are only a few words left for us.  And as we end another church year, they are indeed incredible words for us to say together… for it is doxology time....

Glory be to the Father and | to the Son*....

and to the Holy | Spirit;....

as it was in the be- | ginning,*....

is now, and will be forever. | Amen.....

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The Introit for The Last Sunday of the Year ....

Concordia Lutheran Church....

Pentecost 23  November 15, 2009....

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Confident We Enter....

Hebrews 10:11-25....

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†  In Jesus Name †....

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Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. ² But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.^[1] The Message, that we have been given the grace, mercy and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.....

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Russell....

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As the votes were counted, the smile on the man’s face was beaming.  You would think that as he heard vote after vote go against him, Half the ballots were accounted for, and no one else had bet set apart – His opponents were in despair and disbelief, even though the vote was going exactly as they had planned.  Yet Russell’s smile got bigger and bigger, and he enjoyed the moment immensely! They wanted him out – out of their lives, and out of the game.  They had done everything right…and still he smiled with an unbelievable level of confidence and assurance.....

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If you have never watched the television show Survivor, the scene I just described would not make sense.  People on a island try to survive, yet every few days, they get rid of one of the team – until there are two left.  Then those sent away vote for the winner.  ....

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Russell is a incredible player – some might even consider him arrogant.  But he has done something no one has ever done in 20 seasons of Survivor.  He found the “immunity idol,” a token you can play after a vote, which makes you immune to the vote.  They have them every season – and clues are given to some, based on games.  Russell, knowing there was one, looked without clues, and early in the game found a idol.  Never done before. And he played it 2 weeks ago…....

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The person who was voted off, didn’t play the other immunity idol in the game, and so it was placed back in the camp.  Russell’s opponents even knew – but decided no one else did – and plotted his demise.  They were sure they had him, because no one else knew.  When the votes were cast, 7 of eleven voted him.  Then, as the names were to be read… Russell stands up, and confidently hands the host the other idol!  His opponents were in shock, upset, and while his name was read, over and over.  The vote was meaningless, indeed it mocked those who would have condemned Him as they heard Russell, Russell, Russell, Russell, Russell, Russell.  And Russell stayed in the game, with a confident assurance and joy…  ....

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Hebrews tells us that we enter the holy place, the very presence of the Father, with such confidence, no, even more confidence than Russell.  Much more confidence… the key to which we shall discuss today.....

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The Count to Come....

          Our efforts meaningless....

          Yet people keep trying to!....

          Like Russell – they think effort will pay off....

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First, let’s define confidence.  The Oxford English Dictionary has several descriptions; one is the assurance that arises from an appreciation of one’s abilities.  The word in Greek also translates as being brash.  It’s the attitude that David had against Goliath, or that Jesus had when confronting the Sadducees on the issue of eternal life.  He had been there, they hadn’t.  ....

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Yet being confident can be a struggle, as Peter found out when he got out of the boat and set the distance record for walking on water by a human being who wasn’t also God.  He looked at the waves, he felt the wind, and he realized he was doing something he couldn’t do, as he began to sink.....

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We have trouble with confidence as well, though we might fake it enough that others might not know how worried we are.  Why is it that we don’t want people to know they struggle with life?  That we have doubts and fears, which distract us from God and yes, even sins that we try to hide?  Or using one of Jesus examples – why is it important to keep the outside of the cup clean, when we know that the inside is really what needs cleaning?....

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As you look at man-made religions, we find that mankind is still trying to do what the priests during Jesus’ day did.  You see back then, the sacrifice offered for sin did nothing.  There was no ark of the covenant, no mercy seat. On which the blood was to be poured.   There was nothing behind the curtain, the treasures there being removed during the Exile.  Yet the priests still offered sacrifices, and yearly one priest went behind the curtain, as if to offer the blood. ....

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The world does the same thing today, trying to find the confidence to approach God.  They read “the” latest books, they “do” all sorts of things, they make “bargains” with God, and maybe even put on our spiritual make-up, as we try to convince each other that we are mature, confident Christians.  But how long can confidence in our own abilities last?....

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Russell probably won’t have an immunity idol in his hand, the next time he needs one. Eventually, the game will end, and his time will be over.  Likewise, our game ends at some point, as we either will pass to judgment, or we reach out for help, realizing that our hope is not in our selves…....

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God’s Decree....

            The Covenant!....

            The Cleansing....

            Not a parial cleaning....

                        Perfected perfect tense – Sanctified – present....

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If life were like the game Survivor, we would spend all our time looking and hunting and chasing down the immunity idol.  Which no one could find.  Yet what if it was different?  What if, as we entered the area, the host walked up to us, shook our hand, and handed us one, as he winked......

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Our reading from Hebrews states that the Holy Spirit tells us how the game changes, and how confidence is restored.  ....

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¹⁶“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” ¹⁷then he adds,“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”....

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He further describes it as the reason we can draw near to God,....

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²²let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water....

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NO adversary can remove us from His presence, none can block our access to the Father.  For Christ Himself is the way, and has opened the way for us, by being our immunity from condemnation. ....

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It’s said another way in verse 14, ¹⁴For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.....

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I love that phrase, He has perfected – its already happened, but the effect is continual – for all time. And then He is still working on us – sanctifying us – making us Holy, fitting us with the gifts and abilities by which we work with God and each other.....

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The new and living way…....

          Enter with confidence....

          (Luther quote on prayer)....

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This is what should call us together, into His presence.  Whether here on Sunday morning, or for a Bible study, or just dinner. For we realize that God has given us His love, and part of that is each other.  To come alongside each other, and encourage each other, to help each other deal with life, and to pray for each other. ....

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Luther said it this way,....

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Not only are we the freest of kings, we are also priests forever, which is far more excellent than being kings, for as priests we are worthy to appear before God to pray for others and to teach one another divine things. These are the functions of priests, and they cannot be granted to any unbeliever. Thus Christ has made it possible for us, provided we believe in him, to be not only his brethren, co-heirs, and fellow-kings, but also his fellow-priests. Therefore we may boldly come into the presence of God in the spirit of faith [Heb. 10:19, 22] and cry “Abba, Father!” pray for one another, and do all things which we see done and foreshadowed in the outer and visible works of priests.^[2]....

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We are in the presence of God.  We don’t have to play a game, or pretend to have it all together or scheme to get ahead, or come across with some sort of false bravado.  Instead, we can share each other’s burdens, and encourage each other, in the midst of the storm, that God is calling to us, protecting us, guiding us.  And we can rest, confident in His love, assured by the grace He poured out on us in baptism, knowing His peace, which passes all understanding, and protects our hearts and minds in Christ/....

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AMEN?....

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Concordia Lutheran Church....

22^nd Week of Pentecost, November 8, 2009....

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“It’s Been Dealt With!!!”....

Hebrews 9:24-28....

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† In Jesus Name †....

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May you grasp  that you have been given the grace, the peace, and the mercy of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!....

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The Krisis....

                If you knew you were guaranteed to survive….....

                If you knew it had been dealt with…....

                Would you look to getting past it?....

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I have a challenge for all of you this morning.  I need a few of you to answer a question.  The question itself isn’t difficult, but perhaps answering it will be a little uncomfortable.  For some, to answer it will take some courage.  ....

Ready?....

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If you could be a superhero, which one would you be?  Why?....

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(get 4 or 5 answers)....

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Interesting….....

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As a culture, we are captivated by superheroes, and sometimes, super-villains. Heroes who can stand during the most severe crisis, despite a single devastating weakness.  Superman has kryptonite,  the Hulk had his anger, Aquaman was worthless out of water, Indiana Jones couldn’t deal with snakes, Batman had Robin.....

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Despite their weaknesses, there is a comfort that knowing, it is rare in a superhero movie for the hero to die, they will survive.  They know how to deal with a crisis, or at least know how to survive them.  It is no wonder that in tough economic times, superhero movies thrive.  We want to know that we to will survive our own crisis.  We want to know that there is a happy ending, or at least one where relief is found, until next time, at this same time, on this same channel.....

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That leads to my next question, perhaps a bit more rhetorical.  If you knew at the beginning of a crisis, that you would survive the crisis, would you act differently during it?  If you knew the problems in advance would be taken care of, would you look at the challenge differently?  Would you hesitate less about reaching out to someone else?....

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Our epistle reading from Hebrews today, tells of a true krisis, the greatest krisis and shares with us that we shall survive, that we shall thrive, that we shall know peace, God’s peace….....

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But let us first talk of the krisis.....

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The Krisis to come....

            Set to come…....

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It has been noted that during a crisis, true character is revealed. That we can judge a man or woman’s character by how they react in the midst of the trying time that follows the event.  That is consistent with the origin of the word, which is “to judge”.  ....

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When faced with a krisis, we reveal our true character, our morals, our values, our strengths, and yes, our weaknesses.  Even more we reveal who, and what we value. For the believer in Jesus, we also reveal the strength of our faith, and whether that has matured in Him. ....

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Will we follow through, or will we use the krisis as an excuse for breaking promises, and rude behavior.  Will we abandon morals based on His standards, will we chase after other gods, will we try to scheme to get what we think we need.  Will we attack the reputation of others, or ....

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According to our passage today, there is one final judgment.  It comes after what is common to everyone, that everyone will sooner or later face.  A judgment that appears final, that nothing can be hidden, all will be known.  A krisis of epic proportion, where we have to face the fact that we aren’t superheros, that we do have weaknesses, that we don’t measure up to the standards.....

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Hebrews tells us, “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”....

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It’s been dealt with....

          Once and for all....

          Once for Many......

Once for us....

          Face to face with the father....

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So what hope is there for us mere mortals? It too is found in our reading from Hebrews.  ....

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You see, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, it wasn’t just for one sin, or the sins of the people in one year.  The Old Testament sacrifice was a copy, of that which was planned from the beginning of the world.....

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Eve as the blood of the sacrifices would be brought to the Tabernacle, and later the temple, by a priest, and offered up to God, so Christ would offer up His own blood for the sins of many.  That just as the high priest would represent people in the holiest place, so too would Jesus enter the presence of God in heaven, to speak on our behalf.....

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In Revelation, chapter 20, the judgment scene pictures all people standing before the throne of God.  The first set of books are opened, and all are judged by what they had done. ....

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It is the equivalent of the judgment of the jury coming back, and based on what we had done, we are found guilty, for none except Jesus is not guilty.  But because of His sacrifice, only needed once, there is another book…. The book of Life. ....

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And if our name is there, as one of the people God has made his, we are not sentenced, for Christ already was, on our behalf.  And He is there, right there, in front of the Father, appearing on our behalf.....

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And now we wait, and celebrate, His coming for us!....

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I asked you, in the beginning, if you knew you would survive a crisis, how would you live through it.   We know we face a judgment to come, yet we are assured by the sacrifice of Jesus, and by His appearing before the Father, that we are not condemned. ....

Confident of that, can you survive the challenges of today?  The crisis of tomorrow?  ....

Hebrews tells us that Christ will come again, this time not to deal with sin, but to save us, to deliver us to the Father.  It says those who eagerly await Him…....

So let us look forward to that day, knowing that we shall dwell with God, in all His glory, for eternity.  For living in that way, is truly the gift of repentance, the complete changing of our mind, putting on that which is Christ. Not thinking of ourselves, for we know our lives are enmeshed with His. Repentance isn’t just being sorry, it is ling with another mindset, one focused on our rescue, one focused on how we live, knowing we survive the crisis of the Krisis.....

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So relax and know your Father in Heaven loves you.  Then you know peace.  His peace.  Which passes all understanding and guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.....

AMEN?....

Concordia Lutheran Church....

Pentecost 20, October 18, 2009....

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“Do Your Job Well”....

2 Timothy 4:1-18....

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† In the Name of Jesus †....

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You are the beloved Children of God, and I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ’s kindness and mercy will free you to enjoy complete peace!....

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Is it Law – or Gospel?....

            Do your Job Well!....

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Last week, as Deacon Mark stood in this spot, he made an observation that I hope you all caught.  That when Jesus invited the rich young ruler to come and share Jesus’ life, and sell all that he had, that the command wasn’t Law, but gospel.....

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Jesus wasn’t trying to test obedience as much as He was trying to free the man from the things that stopped him from relating to God. It wasn’t about pass/fail tests, but look, see the burden you have placed on yourself.  Jesus says, let me carry your heavy burden, and take mine yoke, for the burden is light.....

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I believe that same odd turn is seen here, in the Paul’s letter to his protégé Timothy. When in verse 5, the older apostle writes, “But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well.” 2Ti 4:5 (CEV) he is not burdening the young man, but instead showing him the blessing of the gospel.  ....

The problem is, that when we hear “do your job well!!”, or “go sell all you have and come follow me” we hear law.  Here is the challenge – for if you or I hear this as law, and bind ourselves to it, we will only be condemning ourselves in a week. We cannot, by our own reason and strength, stay calm, suffer, work hard as evangelists and do the job well.  Neither could have Paul, even with the blessing of being an apostle.  ....

Yet, if we realize the law would condemn us, we must look to see if it is gospel, we must see it as grace, and when we do….....

But first – let’s see if this “command” is one of Law….....

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If it’s Law…....

            Then God wants you to suffer and be “patient”....

            Then God wants you to have to “work”....

            Then God wants you betrayed, dismayed by those who reject God, those who abandon you”....

            Focused on your own work.....

            And you will stand condemned....

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A quick review, in scripture, when we talk about Law – we are talking about the commands that if you do not obey, you find yourself in trouble.  It’s what we call sin. If you don’t obey the 6^th commandment, and fool around on your present or perhaps future husband or wife, and you have sinned.  Spread stories about people, whether true or false, which is what Gossip is, and you have witnessed falsely about them. Misuse God’s name, or don’t take time to rest and you have sinned.....

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The nature of the Law is simple – God knows what is best for you, and the Ten Commands and the other laws are set up to describe life as it should be, as God guides us.   IF no one cheated on those God meant for them to share life with, if no one lusted and schemed after what belongs to others, if no one murdered others, either in thought or word, or deed, what kind of life would this be?....

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If Timothy is obedient to the direction Paul would set for his life, would all be well?  Paul isn’t just talking about bad suffering in verse 5 – it is a compound word that is the word for bad, horrible, and the word for suffering.  Earlier Paul had told Timothy to be ultimately patient – the word is one that primarily describes God in the Old Testament, and His patience with Israel.  In other words, hold off on God’s wrath or even our own, even as Paul will hope for those who abandoned and deserted him.  ....

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Indeed, Paul will describe the life he lives, almost to hold out an example to Timothy what awaits him.  He will have the people like Demas, who will walked away.  Others will leave to pursue ministry somewhere else, forgetting that Timothy exists. Others will be like Alexander, who purposefully challenged Paul’s words, and will cause pain as they oppose what the work of sharing Christ. ....

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To say that these commands are the Law –the submit yourself to this or you aren’t mine, is to claim that God would desire we suffer, that God would desire us to hurt, that God only cares about the results.  We then begin to focus on the numbers, and making ourselves feel like we have accomplished something.  We look for the inspiring stories in our lives, than the faithfulness of God to sustain us in the midst of the hard times.....

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Oswald Chambers on Serving....

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Oswald Chambers described this when he wrote:....

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The proof that we are rightly related to God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.....

One of the great snares of the Christian worker is to make a fetish of his rare moments. When the spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you say—‘Now I will always be like this for God.’ No, you will not, God will take care you are not. Those times are the gift of God entirely. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best, you become an intolerable drag on God; you will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously inspired. If you make a god of your best moments, you will find that God will fade out of your life and never come back until you do the duty that lies nearest, and have learned not to make a fetish of your rare moments.^[1] ....

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IF it’s gospel....

            We will have been found faithful....

            We will be first-fruits of others who God provides....

            You will realize God is standing beside you, endunamis’ing you…....

            And you will be safe from evil, and to His kingdom....

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In these words to Timothy, if it is law, it will condemn us.  So, could it be really gospel? Could this phrase “do your job well” be a way to realize the extent of God’s grace to us?  Could suffering, and being required to be patient be a door to seeing the intimate love and peace of God?....

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Paul will, even as he encourages Timothy to do his work, realize this.  Paul indicates his time is over, his race complete.  He even dare says that he has fought well, that he will receive a crown because he pleased God.  Pretty incredible words for a man who would also declare himself a wretch for being unable to stop sinning.....

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But if Paul, the chief of all sinners can be found faithful, can we?  Can we find ourselves doing the things we know should be done?  Telling people about Jesus, forgiving those who are unforgivable, being patient with those who try our patience, that we too could say that we hope their sins won’t be held against them?....

Yes. More than yes, for we are more than conquerors, as we live in the reality that we are joined to Christ in our baptism.  That we are made one with Him!....

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Look at verse 17 again,....

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17 But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it....

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Not only that, but God would keep him from all evil, and deliver Him to God’s incredible heavenly Kingdom.  But the strength is important to notice.  You need to be patient- lean on Jesus – He is there, right there with you.  In you lives the Holy Spirit, guiding you.  You are not alone. God has already, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, determined that you are righteous, because Christ was righteous.....

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Jim’s message –it’s not about Dad being good, it’s about Jesus being God......

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On Friday, I got to witness this.  It was at the funeral of a friend’s dad.  As the service started, the minister talked about all the good that Jim’s dad did, and how he deserved.  The sermon would have left most of us ready to proclaim Jim’s dad a saint, someone who spiritually left us in the dust.  And in light of that, many there felt that we fell short, and deserved God’s wrath. It wasn’t the pastor’s intent, but in view of the praise, people were more discouraged than uplifted.....

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Jim got up, following his uncle and aunt, to do the liturgy.  And he preached about the fact his dad wasn’t perfect, that he would have been embarrassed to have all this attention on him, rather than on Jesus.  Jim spoke about the fact that the day wasn’t about Jim’s dad’s faithfulness, but Christ’s faithfulness to his dad, and to us.  Jim spoke with power, about a God who could save and heal and in the midst of Jim’s own suffering, he did his job well.  That is what Paul was encouraging Timothy to do.....

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Jim did his job well.  He pointed to Jesus, his dad’s hope, Jim’s hope. Our hope.  He shared the message of Christ’s redeeming love. ....

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Things tough in life right now?  Point others to Christ. Hate being patient with others?  Point them to a Lord that is long suffering, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to Him.  Feel abandoned, or betrayed, realize that the Lord is right there with you! Everything working?  Point people to Christ now as well. ....

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For as you do, you will again realize how much God loves YOU, and those you know.  You will realize the incredible blessing that comes from being God’s.....

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You will show, more than that you will see, that His gift, the Father’s incredible, grace-filled, merciful gift of peace, which no one can know on their own, is truly yours.  And that the peace is guaranteed to be yours, for Christ is guarding you heart and soul. ....

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As the Lord stands by you…and empowers you to do His work…....

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Amen? ....

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this sermon was written and delivered by Deacon Don Harrell, back in September.  As I was about to post Deacon Jennings sermon (who preached this morning) I realized I never posted Don's.  It is a good thing for a pastor to be able to see two men develop in their ability in proclaiming Christ crucified, and know that they will deliver that message, when so delegated.

Easy Button....

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The young lady reaches over and removes the hat from the young man’s head (revealing his full head of hair) and places it on hers. They continue their conversation despite the distractions going on around them at the carnival booth they’re working and the 9 shots of Novocain the young man received earlier that morning.  She laughs at his jokes (which these days elicit  groans), smiles at him as he chats up those coming to the booth. His heart rate is around 180 and he doesn’t quite know how to react to her attention. After awhile, she says it’s time for her to go and starts to walk off. She’s thinking to herself “I’ve got his hat! He HAS to call me to get it back!” He realizes “She has my brother’s hat! I need to get that back or I’ll never hear the end of it from him!”  He runs over to her and she thinks to herself “He’s going to ask me out! …”I need my hat” he says. You can picture the disappointment on her face can’t you? It’s now obvious to just about everyone here what’s going on. But at the time, the young man had NO idea. The young lady eventually got her man, but that full head of hair has been gone for about a decade now. ....

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The Jews were also looking for their man. The Son of Man (uppercase S and upper case M). The one they pictured from Daniel 7: 13 “…and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came on like a son of man (lower case s and lower case m), and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” To the Jews, the Son of Man was the undefeatable world conqueror sent by God to put at their feet the “super powers” of those days, the Romans, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians and have them look up to Israel. They were so caught up in the image of the kingdoms of earth being subjected to them and a conquering king, in no way did they connect the Son of Man and a cross, even though many of Old Testament prophets gave them these signs. Micah told the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, Zechariah of His entering Jerusalem on a donkey and His betrayal for 30 pieces of silver. Isaiah foretold the miraculous birth and that He would preach the Good News to the poor and brokenhearted and David that the Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced and the soldiers would cast lots for his things. An invincible leader of the armies of heaven? Yes. Some one who would die an accursed death for all? No. Even though many Old Testament prophecies are clear the Messiah would be a Savior for their sins.....

Are we any different today? Do we not look for signs, that “easy button”? Lord if you will just send me a husband/wife, give me that perfect job, find me that house and heal my family member. God fill the seats in the church and in our school and then I will know you are here with me.  Whether married or single, employed or not, whether the school ministry of Concordia stays open or not, isn’t God still with us? Does any of that change Christ’s work on the cross? We open our business sections to look at our stocks, turn on the T.V. or radio to listen to what’s happening in world. We turn everywhere except where God wants us to…the cross, the cross where the power and wisdom of God is revealed. But also where we are smacked right between the eyes with the fact that we can not save ourselves, we…can not…save…ourselves.  ....

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This concept of the cross was offensive to the Jews and it was beyond thought for the Greeks. The concept of God becoming a man and relating to man on his level was inconceivable. The thought of undeserved forgiveness freely given with open arms was ridiculous. Then to be put to death, willingly, as the worst criminal, on an instrument so crude and degrading and then being called Lord and Savior?! Absurdity! It contradicted all human logic and wisdom, all philosophy on being in control of one’s destiny. It was a show of complete weakness! No, the Greeks were wisdom seekers. They had to prove that they were wise enough, that they had all the answers. So the Greeks went about chasing philosophy after philosophy, going from religion to religion and from teacher to teacher. Just like the Greeks, we today want to find and have all the answers to gain the approval of God. If only I could memorize the Small and Large Catechism, the Book of Concord and the Athanasian Creed, I would be acceptable in the eyes of God. We are constantly and consistently searching for ways to keep control of our lives. “How-To” books fill our shelves. We look to Palm and Tarot card readers, and astrology.  We want that “easy button”. ....

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It was pointed out that in last week’s children sermon I couldn’t focus on the crucifix around my neck but only on this empty cross. Why? I was asked. “Because His work is done.” I replied. “Is it really?” came the response. “Do you no longer sin?”  Do you no longer have the need for the saving grace of God found in the work of the cross? Yes and yes. But I also know this. All the answers are here at the foot of the cross, where we are reminded that His broken body and His shed blood have won life and salvation, where we have been freed from the guilt, punishment and power of sin through the suffering and death of Christ. This is that easy button, “given and shed for you.” ....

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. ....

Concordia Lutheran Church....

Pentecost 13, August 30, 2009....

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Make them Known….....

Deut 4:1-2, 6-9....

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 † In the Name of Jesus, the Messiah †....

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May the grace, the mercy and the peace of God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ fill your life, your children’s lives, their children’s lives….....

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It wasn’t quite a miracle, but it indeed it was a remarkable occurrence.  Men, from age forty-four to fifti-ish, gathered on a softball field in Buena Park yesterday, coming from all over Southern California. They played three complete slow-pitch softball games, plus ate a healthy meal of carne asada, before the third game.  What makes it a miracle was that, at least through the second inning of their third game, no ambulances were needed.....

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OK pastor – what does that have to do with today’s readings, and with our dedicating our teachers to what our Old Testament passage describes as ....

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Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children…....

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While I didn’t play, I did show up for the lunch, and got to watch a classmate blast a home-run.  Rick is one of the small group pastors at the largest church in southern California.  Doug, who was the catcher, is the senior pastor of a church in Duarte, and there were other pastors there as well.  Another guy, Gordon from Riverside, was a guest here a few months back.  What the men had in common – we all came from the same high school youth group.  Some were in high school in the late seventies, and were later volunteers when Rick and I were there in the eighties.....

As we ate lunch, we laughed over some of our past – and the fact that if our youth and youth workers pull some of the stunts we attempted…well, better to not go there.  But we also talked about what had worked, and how some of our training in the scriptures and in ministry in high school and after was some of the best training we have ever had.  ....

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Why it worked? Even with all our idiosyncricies, those who worked with us, did exactly that…. The made it known to us…....

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As I look at my past, and realize how Jon and Scotty, Doug and Gordon, the Spriggs brothers and so many others made it known to me, I urge you Tammie, and all the teachers, and everyone here…. Make them known to your children and your children’s children…....

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Make what known…....

            The things written in stone....

            The things you have seen?....

            ....

The question is what do we make known ?  If you read some commentators, they focus in the words statutes, the things of God, written in stone, and the rules, or actually, the rulings and judgments.  They talk about the fact that the Lord has the Law – the very description of the way in which we are to behave.  And people, when they hear the law – hear the “Thou shall not’s”.  If that is all there is to the law, then it will forever condemn us, for no one is able to keep it – completely.....

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But the law is more than just doing or not doing certain behaviors or doing certain others.  What is written in stone is not just the behaviors – hear the beginning, Exodus 20:1 I am YHWH, your God, who brought you out of Egypt, the place of your slavery.  It all starts with God, and the relationship He chose to have, with the people He would save, and call His. ....

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It is of vital importance to realize that this is one of those places, where LORD is spelled all in capitals, and is written because the Hebrew isn’t the word for Lord, but is the very sacred name of God.  The Israelites would not write the name of God, nor pronounce, but simply know – L-O-R-D – there it is!  It is the same there in verse 2 and verse 4, where you see the word LORD. ....

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In context, it is not just the statutes and rules that are to be made known – look at verse 9,  it is the things that the Israelites had seen – the very hand of God at work, delivering them from their captivity, and providing for them. ....

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 What needs to be made known – the very care of God in establishing us as His people, delivering us from sin.  The work He has done, not just in rescuing 2 million people from Egypt; but also His work, rescuing us, from our being caught up by sin and the power of satan, and the fear of death.....

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Not just what He delivered us from – but what He delivered us to.. a relationship with Him, and all His people.....

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Why Make them Known?....

            You may forget them ....

            The people need to hear them....

            Because they prove God’s presence?....

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In verse 9, the advice to take care, to keep/guard your soul diligently, and to make these things known is based on some critical why’s – why’s also noted in the epistle reading from Ephesians 6.  ....

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It’s simple really, lose focus of what God has done in your life, and it will be harder to see what He is doing right now, and even harder to trust in what He will do.  If you forget that which God has promised, to be our God, our YHWH – the IAM, then you become easy prey for the devil, and the spiritual warfare that occurs.  Look at those weapons – each is what gives us faith!  Without such a focus on God, and knowing His promises and faithfulness, doubts will sneak in.  Guilt and shame, for sins long since paid for, will arise, and cause our hope diminish.  Don’t be distracted from the promises of God counting, His ruling that were are righteous because of the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, covers all our sin.....

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As we begin to understand that God’s statutes are not just His laws but the relationship they define, that His rules including the ruling that His people are cleansed by Him, in the waters of Baptism, through the power of the word, we begin to understand the reaction of the world, which is prophesied in verse 6.  They don’t marvel just at the guidelines of behavior, other peoples have such. But hear again why they marvel,....

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⁷For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? ....

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It isn’t just the codes of behavior – it is the fact that we have a God, not made of wood or stone, not bought with cash, or credit; whose presence isn’t tied to our intrinsic value and past performance.  Instead we have a God who will rescue us from our own captivity, from our own brokenness, from moral bankruptcy or condescending self-righteousness.  Who then having redeemed us, and restored us, calls us His people, and gives us the opportunity to call upon Him, using His personal name, knowing He is near.....

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That is what the peoples of the world marvel at, when they really begin to see God at work in us. It is what Paul tells the people of God, gathered in Colossae, ....

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God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. 28 We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. 29 That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. Col 1:27 (MSG)....

May we, by God’s grace work hard at this as well, to make this known – that God has been, and is at work in our lives, in the lives of our children, and will be in our children’s children.  ....

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Working in us through His grace and mercy, bringing us into the incomparable peace of God our father, peace which guards us, hearts and minds, as we are in Christ Jesus.....

AMEN?....

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Concordia Lutheran Church....

11^th Week of Pentecost- August 15, 2009....

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“Do You Want to…”....

John 6:51-69 and Joshua 24:14-18....

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† IHS †....

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{My dear friends}, grace and peace has been poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. ....

 (Eph 1:3 Message mod.)....

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A Question, and a similar call....

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In the gospel reading today, a question is asked, one similar to the decision Joshua asks the people of God to make in the reading from the Old Testament.  Both are nice to read, because there, it is not us being asked.  It is not us squirming between two options, the one we know we need to make, and the one that is more convenient to make.....

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But what if they were asked of us today, and a decision was called for, could we honestly face ourselves?  ....

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What would happen if I like Joshua, were to demand that you choose to serve, gods of the past, or gods of our present world, or admit and serve the God that we know is good?  Are you ready to stop choosing to sin, stop chasing after the false gods of this age, and to get serious about your faith?....

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Or what if you were asked by God, Do you want to go away as well? Or are you ready to embrace the great mysteries of our faith, and be shepherded by God into places that could lead to death, or worse, to being mocked for believing that which is scandalous, and perhaps from the world’s view, silly?  I mean, do we really comprehend the depth of what it means for God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to be not just the source for life, but the source and meaning of that life?....

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Do we really want to take 10 minutes, and look into what it means, to be in a covenant relationship with God?  Are we willing to be honest, to look at our lives, and consider the depth of our commitment to God?  To look, not just at Sunday between nine and noon, but to look at Monday morning at eleven, sitting in the doctor’s office?  Are we ready to look at 2 a.m., when our sleep Is broken by the worry’s of life?  What about Friday night between 7 and midnight for those under 40, or you know 9:30 for the rest of us?....

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Do our lives testify to a desire that answers those questions as the apostles and Israel did?  If not, are we willing to renew the relationship, as God would demand, and yes, welcome?....

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The Parties....

            Whose asking?....

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I wonder if who asks us to make the decision to choose, or who asks us if we are going to leave makes the difference.  I mean, were I to ask you, I imagine most of you would, like I would should another pastor ask me, respond with an enthusiastic yes!  Of course I would recognize God is good, and that all other gods are worthless!  And would I ever leave God behind, and go after something less demanding, less challenging, easier to understand?  Like the apostle Peter, I would hastily reply – No, I would never ever, ever, ever leave you Lord!....

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But what if we were face to face with God, and it was Him asking us to commit to a relationship with Him, a relationship that had some level of accountability, some demand for interaction, some demand for transparent intimacy, basically, that we would be faithful to Him, and grow in our love and service?....

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Would you answer the almighty, all knowing, all powerful God with such fervor, with such assurance?  Would you tell Him, that you are ready to trust Him, to the point that whatever He desired to do with you, wherever He led you in the world, you were ready to follow, without any doubt?....

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If you answered in positively, how do you deal with the times where, you didn’t uphold your part of the deal?....

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The Need for Renewal....

            There was sin....

            There will be temptation....

            Renewal?....

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If you are like me, the times I have tried to respond to God, by my own strength or wisdom, are numerous.  The times were my emotions drove me to my knees, to enthusiastically commit my way to God, or to confess him in front of others. So many times I thought that my faithfulness would move mountains, if God would only let me have the power, and then get out of my way!  The only problem is, that most of the time,  okay, all the time, my good intentions were not support by my actions, and left me open to failure, sometimes spectacularly so.....

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Just like the Israelites in Joshua’s day, and like Peter in the Gospel, I had two problems.  The sins of the past, and the temptations of the future.  Remember, by the time the book of Joshua started, the people of God had wandered about in the desert for forty years, because they struggled with being faithful to the pledge they made at Mount Sinai, when they were marked as God’s people, with the blood of the sacrifice that would cover their sin.  After Joshua leads them into God’s Holy Land, the place He set apart for them to celebrate in His presence as He provided for them, they would be tempted time and time again. So often, they would choose to do what was right in their eyes, or in the eyes of their neighbors who chased false Gods. ....

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Peter was no different.  A loud and often wrong man, his intention to serve God was not well-tempered.  I mean, Peter had the nerve to tell Jesus that Jesus didn’t need to die for us!  He fell for the temptation to fight to defend Jesus in the garden, slicing off a guys ear, ( I think he was actually trying to behead him…)....

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I sometimes wonder why God puts up with our failures, especially for those of us who swear we love Him?  There are days, I will admit, that I sometimes wish He wouldn’t.  Why not just be done with us, for the failures can sometimes crush us, or we harden ourselves to them, tired of having to ask for forgiveness again and again. ....

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In theology-speak, we need to renew the covenant.  We need to do what Joshua calls on Israel to do, and what the apostles realize they need – to understand and see the covenant a-new – to hear again the incredible promises of God, for those He has called, or to use John’s words, granted the right to come into His presence, to be quickened, given life, by the Holy Spirit. ....

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The Promise....

            10 phrases about life....

            Generated, ....

            Not just Bios, but Zoe....

            So come…....

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We need to realize that God hasn’t removed us from His people – the promise that He gave us in our baptism hasn’t disappeared because of our stumbling around in sin, and sometimes unfaithful.  AM I excusing our behavior?  No, absolutely not.  ....

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I am pointing you to this altar – where God’s faithfulness is demonstrated as He is your host, and the very nourishment you need, to see the covenant as if it was brand new.  Your sins forgiven, as Thomas a Kempis noted, He calls us to this feast, broken sinners who will be made whole, people who struggle with what is right, and need God’s love and care, and receive it.....

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Ten times in the gospel, it notes that our life is found in Christ.  We are promised to live forever, should we be nourished by God.  We are told His flesh is the bread that is the life of the world.  Without being sustained by His body and Blood, there is no life in us, and we are not promised to be raised on the last day. ....

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In the Bible, there are two words for life  - the first is bios, where we get biology from.  The almost physical, mechanical fact that we are alive. Blood flows throughout the body. Zoe is far different – it is cognitive, conscious, life of existing, the kind of life that has meaning and definition.  That is the life that is given, that is generated, begotten in us by the very work of God in our baptism.  The kind of life that enters into a relationship, and is capable of finding incredible joy, and incredible pain, in the midst of those relationships – especially the relationship we were together created to have – with God.....

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And yes, like any relationship, sin can mar it, and cause pain, and even doubt, and a sense that it is broken.  It is because of this, we need to be re-assured, and find the covenant and its promises renewed.....

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This is the place of covenant renewal – but it is not so much that we re-pledge our faith, or re-commit, as much as the place where we are renewed, the place where we are strengthened, reminding and sustained by the very Body and Blood which was given and shed for us. Renewed that we might again cry out again in praise and wonder; realizing that God is our God, who has renewed the covenant.  That, because of the covenant, He can be our soul desire; it is His faithfulness that sustains it, and calls us back, and strengthens us.  Peter said it – where else is there to go, you have the words of life.....

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I would end this sermon, by reading the quote of A Kempis again.  Hear the words, let them stick to your heart and mind…....

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COME to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.⁴³ The bread which I will give is My Flesh, for the life of the world.⁴⁴ Take you and eat: this is My Body, which shall be delivered for you. Do this for the commemoration of Me.⁴⁵ He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, abideth in Me, and I in him.⁴⁶ The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”....

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THESE are all Your words, O Christ, eternal Truth, though they were not all spoken at one time nor written together in one place. And because they are Yours and true, I must accept them all with faith and gratitude. They are Yours and You have spoken them; they are mine also because You have spoken them for my salvation. Gladly I accept them from Your lips that they may be the more deeply impressed in my heart.....

Words of such tenderness, so full of sweetness and love, encourage me; but my sins frighten me and an unclean conscience thunders at me when approaching such great mysteries as these. The sweetness of Your words invites me, but the multitude of my vices oppresses me.....

You command me to approach You confidently if I wish to have part with You, and to receive the food of immortality if I desire to obtain life and glory everlasting.....

“Come to me,” You say, “all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.”⁴⁸....

Oh, how sweet and kind to the ear of the sinner is the word by which You, my Lord God, invite the poor and needy to receive Your most holy Body! Who am I, Lord, that I should presume to approach You? Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain You, and yet You say: “Come, all of you, to Me.”....

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Come, and know that there is an incredible peace, between you and your God.  The peace which passes all understanding, and guards you, heart and mind, as you are in Christ Jesus!....

AMEN?....

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