Oct. '12 Newsletter for St. John Baldwin

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, LCMS Newsletter                       P.O. Box 162, Baldwin, Illinois 62217-0162 (618) 785-2344             

                                                                     Pastor John M. Taggatz,          Jenna Otten, Secretary

October, 2012                              Lela Rehmer, Custodian          Kevin Kahle, Groundskeeper      

                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                            Church E-mail:  stjohnch@egyptian.net; jtaggatz@yahoo.com

                                                            Church Web Site:  www.stjohnbaldwin.ctsmemberconnect.net

Serving on the Altar Guild for October are:  Linda & Toni

Ushers for the Month of October are: Larry Erdmann, Kevin Luthy, Terry Rehmer, Cory Rehmer, Brian Scheonbeck, Bruce Schoenbeck, Wes Stellhorn, Dennis Wegener

CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE…

(618) 785-2344    (or)

(618) 785-2602

-When a member of your family is admitted to the hospital, so a visit can be made by Pastor Taggatz.

- When your group plans to hold a meeting, so it can be cleared and placed on the church calendar.

-When your home or business phone number or address is changed, so church records can be corrected.

- When you are planning to move either out of town or locally.

- When you know you are pregnant so that we will be able to assist you in any way we can with prayers, encouragement and support.

- When a new baby arrives in your family or in the family of another church member.

- When you are planning a wedding or baptism.

Church Information—

Pastor’s E-mail:  jtaggatz@yahoo.com

Pastor Taggatz on Twitter:  @jtaggatz

Pastor Taggatz’s Blog: www.thewordendures.blogspot.com 

“In Season and Out of Season”

                Ecclesiastes 3 begins with words familiar to much of the world: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.”   Like it or not, the summer season is over.  Many sighed with regret that relaxing, fun-filled, less structured days are over.  Others, refreshed and invigorated, have eagerly plunged into the routines of Fall again, excited about new challenges and enthusiastic about projects and activities that lie ahead.

                Even though the ebb and flow of our lives change with the variation of the seasons, some things remain constant.  One of those constants is, of course, God’s presence with us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” promises the Father.  “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; What can man do to me?’”  (Hebrews 13:5-6)

                Another is God’s complete control over the seasons.  We may become impatient, but God’s timing and His response are always right.  “At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love answer me in Your saving faithfulness,” (Psalm 69:13), we boldly pray, asking that God’s will be done.

                Another constant is the privilege to be about our Father’s business.  As long as we remain on earth, God has a purpose for us.  The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).  He goes on to remind us that our words won’t always be heeded.  In every season, throughout the history of the Church, there have been scoffers and those who “will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).  We leave them to God; we are called simply to be “ready in season and out of season.”

                As Christians, we don’t go on vacation.  Wherever we are we are preaching the Word, to whomever God places around us. The whole object of our Christian life is that God’s Word be preached and taught.  We do this directly and indirectly.  We provide the help to those whose entire lives are given to this preaching and teaching, even as we use the gifts God has given us to witness to His saving grace as we go about our daily lives.  “In season and out of season” we joyfully proclaim His gift of salvation to all who will hear.

See You in Church!

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Pastor Taggatz

You can learn to be content with your circumstances as you find your rest in Christ.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well         fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).

LUTHERAN WITNESS SIGNUP

IMPORTANT UPDATE…

It’s that time of the year again that our congregation is asked by our Southern IL District Office to send in the number of people who would like to subscribe to the Lutheran Witness Magazine, our LC-MS church body’s flagship news source.  If you would like to continue to receive a copy of the Lutheran Witness as it’s paid for by our congregation please call the church office at:  785-2344 or sign your name in the back of the church to continue to receive the subscription for next year in 2013.  If we don’t hear from you by: November 1 you will NOT be able to get a subscription paid for by our church, but will have to contact Concordia Publishing House to continue to get your subscription.  There is an envelope in your church offering box that you received at the beginning of the year for the Lutheran Witness if you would like to make a donation toward your subscription to offset the cost that the church pays for these magazines for members of our congregation.  Thank you for your response in this matter. 

LWML Sunday will be on September 30^th.  The Ladies Aid is going to be having a door offering on that Sunday to support the SIGHT Ministry center, which puts together large print Christian devotional materials (books of the Bible, hymns etc…) for those who are visually impaired.  Thank you for your support!!! 

SPECIAL FAMILY NIGHT Oct. 26^th @ 6pm!  The next special family night at our church will be on the fourth Friday of the month (Oct. 26^th) from 6-8:30pm.  These family nights will be informal with opportunities for the children to play and for families to fellowship with one another while doing a variety of activities and having a few treats as well.  At this upcoming Family Fun Night the children will be having a special bike ride race at the St. John parking lot, as well as some treats, they are welcome to wear their costumes as well, since it’s close to Halloween, and there will be a special devotion from God’s Word for everyone.  Come join us for a fun and exciting time!!!

All you can eat Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs Dinner @ St. John Sun. Oct. 14^th--This will be on Sunday Oct. 14^th from 11am-1pm.  $8 a plate for Adults, $4 a plate for Children 5-12, and Children 4 and under free.  This price includes all you can eat homemade spaghetti, meatballs, Italian salad, garlic bread, dessert and a drink.  Carry outs are available, please bring your own container.  Proceeds go to our local Lutheran parochial schools for children’s tuition, there will be Thrivent matching funds for this event. We are asking for donations of desserts. Please sign up in the back of the church. Thanks for your support & God bless you!!! 

Lutherans for Life Meeting @ St. John Red Bud

The next meeting in on Sept. 28th at 6:30 p.m.at the St. John SCHOOL LIBRARY in Red Bud.  We will still be viewing the documentary BLOOD MONEY -- an insider look at the abortion industry.  If you wish, please bring a snack to share.  Drinks will be provided.  Hope to see you there.  New Members and Guests are always welcome.

Fox Business Channel to air 'Intersection' September 30^th
Mark your calendars and grab some popcorn! On Sunday, September 30, the Fox Business Channel will air The Intersection of Church & State as paid programming. Viewing times will be 5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central, 3 p.m. Mountain, and 2 p.m. Pacific.

The Intersection of Church & State, a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries, spends a profitable hour exploring the give-and-take relationship shared by church and state in this country. Expert commentary from clergy and government officials, lawyers, educators and social service providers offer insights and depth to the historical background and ongoing fruition of this vital liaison. Viewers are reminded that though the church-state connection can be contentious at times, enormous good is accomplished when the two work together, addressing human concerns in a collaborative manner. Program host for this election year program is the Rev. Gregory Seltz, the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

Have you Changed your Phone Number or Address?-With the popularity of cell phones, we are finding an increasing number of people are dropping their local lines and switching to using only their cell phones. If your phone number has changed, or you have a new address, please be sure to let the church/school office know so we can change our records. Thank you.

Pastor’s Visits--Pastor makes visits to homebound and nursing home members on a regular basis. If you or someone you know would like to be added to his visitation list, let him know. Any member who would like to talk with him at the Church is welcome to call the office (785-2344) for an appointment.

The Pastor’s Study--The Pastor's Study is a symbol of the calling of the Christian minister to be the shepherd of a flock of God. Here, sermons are prepared to feed the congregation on God's Holy Word. Here the work of the church is planned so that the congregation may grow in Grace and bear fruit in Service, Fellowship, Teaching, and Witnessing. Here you will always find a friend and counselor in time of need. He will not be surprised at your sins, nor will he judge you on them, but he will always invite you to share with him the wisdom and love of God, the knowledge of forgiveness of sins, and the saving Grace of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

“Living Each Day as a Steward”

This Year’s Stewardship Emphasis

C.S. Lewis said, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’ ”   As redeemed children of God, of course, we desire to belong to that first category.  We long to live each day as stewards who earnestly pray, “Thy will be done.”  As God’s stewards, we are devoted to using all that we are and have for His purpose.  We are God’s stewards each and every day.

On Sundays October 7^th, 14^th, & 21^st, 2012 the theme of our worship services and our Bible studies will be living each day as a steward.  We will learn how the Holy Spirit, working through Word and Sacrament, transforms us to be more like our Chief Steward, Jesus, Who willingly poured out His life in giving and serving, ultimately sacrificing His very life for our eternal lives.  Just as Jesus faithfully served His Father by serving us, we are to use our lives and gifts in faithful service to Him by serving others.  “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

As your pastor, I pray that each of you will take advantage of these opportunities to grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord that you might be strengthened in faith both for eternity and for a fruitful life here on earth.  The three weekly themes are as follows:

Sunday Oct. 7^th-- “The Steward’s Identity”

Sunday Oct. 14^th-- “The Steward’s Purpose”

Sunday Oct. 21^st-- “The Steward’s Lifestyle” (Commitment Sunday)

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 15:58,“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”        During our three-week program, “Living Each Day as a Steward,” both our worship services and our adult Bible classes will focus on the work of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament as He teaches us how to live each day as stewards. 

Commitment Sunday will be Sunday Oct. 21^st.  I’m asking that you make a financial commitment to the Lord’s work through our church for the coming year.  Your support enables the work of the Lord gets done day after day through our church.  Please bring the enclosed commitment form to church with you on this Sunday Oct. 21^st. 

God’s blessings on your continued faithful stewardship of the blessings He has entrusted to your care.

Pastor Taggatz

We remember in our prayers—[If you would like to add to our prayer list please call the church.]

 “Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

In your prayers this month, pray for the Church;  For our nation as we prepare for another Presidential election; For those who serve in the armed forces; For the families of our church;  For our Southern IL District Prison Ministry;  For all who travel;  For seasonable weather for our farmers as they harvest their crops; For missionaries who bring God’s Word to the nations, Rev. Tim & Lisa Beckendorf of Lutheran Bible Translators to Botwsana, Africa & Nicole Dekker who is a missionary to South Africa. For those who are ill, awaiting, or recovering from surgery: We pray especially for Carol Jean Orella, Sally Fadler, Mickey Umbdenstock, Karen Willis, Linda Nagel, Elizabeth Montroy, Lee Hogandobler, Evan Saldana, & Margaret Dixon, the grandmother of Nicki Buch, all who are battling serious illnesses.  We pray for Hayden Smith, a friend of Christa Poynor, who is currently battling cancer.  For Greg Laufer, Elvera & Russell Mahan, Susan Reinhardt, and Krista Hammel, that they would be healed in the midst of their illness. For all of those who are unemployed or underemployed, that they would be able to find suitable work to support themselves and their families.  For those who are in nursing homes or homebound.

We mourn with the families of Clinton Bremer, who was called home to heavenly rest last month, and Rhonda Nieweglowski, upon the death of her father, Charles Augustus Lindbergh Coke.  We pray that God the Father would comfort Clinton & Rhonda’s families with His Son Jesus’ victory over death and with the assurance that Clinton & Charles, who have departed in the Christian faith, have joined the whole company of heaven in singing praises to the living Lamb who was slain; and that they too, through faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, will see Clinton & Charles again and their Lord Jesus, who bled and died so that we would have eternal life with Him in heaven. 

PRAISE GOD THAT MORE NAMES HAVE BEEN WRITTEN IN GOD’S BOOK OF LIFE!!!  Congratulations to Megan Steibel, upon the baptism of her son Brayden, Ginny & Timothy Higgerson, upon the baptism of their son, Bentley, and to Zachary & Deanne Junge, upon the baptism of their daughter Ellie.  Thanks be to God that these children have been baptized into God’s family through water and the Holy Word of God!!!  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!

BIBLE STUDIES—

                  Sunday Mornings (8:45 a.m.)  “Martin       Luther’s Catechisms”

                  Wednesday Mornings (10 a.m.)   “Who Am               I? What Am I Doing Here?”

Remember:  Every 3^rd Sunday of the month we are praying for people who are in the military.  If you have a relative or friend who is an armed serviceman and woman in our Nation’s military please let the Church know so that we may be able to pray for them on the third Sunday of the month.  Also, please let us know if your family member is no longer serving in our US Military so that we can keep our records up to date.

Are you or a family member…coping with grief and loss… stressed out by financial issues… dealing with family or marital problems? Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois’ professional licensed counselors can help. They provide individual, couple, marital and family counseling to help address these types of situations. Insurance is accepted. Call:  800-363-LCFS (5237) to schedule a FREE confidential initial consultation.  LUTHERAN CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES IN SPARTA HAS MOVED With the closing of the Nice Twice Thrift Shop, Lutheran Child and Family Services moved its office to 1107 N. Market in Sparta. 

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN HS

810 Soldiers Way, Evansville, IL   62242

Phone 618-853-7300       Fax 618-853-7361

www.coslhs.org               admin@coslhs.org

John Christman, Principal

Found: While cleaning the trailer, a pair of reading glasses & sunglasses were found. Stop by school to claim them.

Coming Events:

Oct. 1                     VB away @ 6:00 pm vs. Oak Ridge, MO

Oct. 9                     VB away @ 6:30 pm vs. Marissa

Oct. 11                   VB home @ 6:30 pm vs. Governor French, Belleville

Oct. 12-14             Steeleville Oktoberfest

Oct. 18                   8^th Grade visit day

Oct. 18                   VB away @ 6:30 pm vs. Trinity Christian, Carbondale

Church Council Meeting Sept. 11th, 2012 7:30 pm

Vision: Making Known the Love of Christ

Mission: St. John Lutheran Church is dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ within its church and into the community

Regular Council Meeting --September 11, 2012

Present:  Pastor Taggatz, Gene Luthy, Gerald Poeniski, Marla Huebner, Susan Piel, Dennis Wegener, Marvin Liefer, Tony Junge, Bob Wirth, Corey Roscow, Linda Schoenbeck, and Fleta Junge.

The meeting was called to order by President Gene Luthy.

Opening devotions were given by Pastor Taggatz.

Minutes from the previous meeting: Were read and approved.

Financial Secretary’s Report:  Total receipts for Aug. 2012, $11,813.51.

Treasurer’s report:  Ending balance for the general fund for Aug 2012, $8,211.30. Motion was made and second to approve. Motion carried.

Spiritual Ministries/Elder: Membership transfer requested and approved for Erica (Reinhardt) Kisro’s children to St. John Lutheran Church in Chester.  Motion was made and second to grant transfer. Motion carried.

- Request for membership transfer for Rhonda and Faith Greatting from St. John Lutheran, Sparta to St. John Lutheran, Baldwin.  Motion was made and second to accept transfer. Motion carried.

- Special meeting on September 16^th to vote on a lay delegate for the Circuit meeting to be held on September 30^th.  Marvin Liefer has volunteered.

- Special meeting on September 16^th to vote for a lay leader for the Doxology Session to be held in November 16 thru 18^th in Donaldson, IN.

               

Church Properties:  Cemetery exempt for the next four years.

- Light pole behind school should be soon.

Social Ministries:

 COSLHS:

Christian Education:

Evangelism: 

Sunday School:  There are presently 16 to 18 registered for Sunday School with six children in the preschool class.

 

Stewardship:  Have not heard anymore on the Thrivent Grant for the food pantry.

Lutheran Youth Fellowship:  LYF will be holding their Chicken & Dumpling Dinner on September 16^th.

- LYF meeting will be on October 7^th.

- LYF Chili Dinner will be on November 4^th.

Pastor’s Report: 

Pastoral Acts from Aug.15^th ‘12 through Sept. 11^th, 2012—

-Regular Saturday & Sunday worship responsibilities

                 -3 Bible Study class sessions (Sunday            mornings) & 3 Wed. morning Bible Studies

                        - 1 Pastor’s Circuit Meeting on Tue. Sept. 4^th hosted by St. John Baldwin

                        -18 Homebound Visits

                -7 Hospital Visits

                -Led Worship for the COSLHS Opening         Service on Sun. Aug. 19^th 

                -6 Spiritual Care Meetings

                -1 Funeral for Clinton Bremer on Wed. Aug.                 29^th

                -2 Funeral Visitations for Clinton Bremer on                 Tue. Aug. 28^th and Wed. Sept. 5^th for Rhonda               Nieweglowski’s                 family

                -1 Baptism planning meeting on Thur. Aug. 30^th

                -R. County Nursing Home Chapel, Aug. 22^nd

                -1 COSLHS Meeting--Tue. Sept. 4^th

                -1 Family Night @ St. John Baldwin on Friday             Aug. 24^th--(We had 5 adults and 7 kids in       attendance)…

Baptisms

-for Bentley Higgerson, the son of Ginny & Tim Higgerson will be baptized on Saturday, September 15 at 5:00 pm service.

- Christa Poynor plans on having her son, Nathan baptized within the next few weeks.

- Ellie Marie Junge (daughter of Zachery & Deanna Junge) will be baptized on Sunday, September 23^rd, 2012.

- Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 16^th to elect a lay & alternate delegate for the upcoming Circuit Forum to be held on Sunday, September 30 at St. John Lutheran in Red Bud at 7:00 p.m.

- Special Family Night will be on the third Friday of the month September 21^st from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

- Door Offering for Missions at St. John Baldwin for 2012 will be:

-SIGHT Ministry Center in September 30^th,   2012 for LWML Sunday.

- Giving through Thrivent Choice Program for September 2012 has amounted to $189.00. Total amount our church has received from this program since January is $2,641.00.

- Confirmation & Pre-confirmation Instruction started on September 5^th. Those students are 8^th graders--Lindsay Harbaugh, Justin Prost and Michaela Seders; 7^th graders-- Margaret Copple and Tabitha Seders; and 6^th grader--McKenna Ford.

Old Business: 

New Business:  Motion was made to accept Heuman Heating & Cooling to be the contractor for the furnaces and air conditioners. He will check and clean as needed. Costs for his services will be $825.00. Motion was seconded and motion carried.

- October 14^th, there will be a Spaghetti Dinner to help raise money for tuition for students.  Currently there are five students at St. John Lutheran at Red Bud and four students at Trinity Lutheran at Prairie.

- Insurance policy coverage’s and comparison of rates will be conducted.

- Adopt-A-Student forms for Concordia Seminary St. Louis Seminarians are available if anyone is interested.

- Altar Guild interested in purchasing new banners for special religious holidays with vestry decoration funds if monies are available for that usage or the possibility of memorials going toward the purchases of banners.

- Marvin Liefer has volunteered to be a lay delegate for the Circuit Forum.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried.

The meeting was closed prayer and with the Lord’s Prayer.

President, Gene Luthy

Secretary, Marla Huebner

Special Congregation Meeting                      

September 16, 2012

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Gene Luthy.

President Luthy addressed the congregation in regards to vote for a lay delegate for the Circuit meeting to be held on September 30^th.

Marvin Liefer has volunteered. Motion was made and second to accept Marvin Liefer.  Motion carried.

President Gene Luthy volunteered himself as an alternate lay delegate for the Circuit meeting. Motion was made and second to accept Gene Luthy. Motion carried.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried

President, Gene Luthy

Secretary, Marla Huebner

Special Council Meeting

September 16, 2012

Present:  Pastor Taggatz, Gene Luthy, Marla Huebner, Marvin Liefer and Susan Piel.

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Gene Luthy.

Harry Wetzel has volunteered to be the lay leader for the Doxology Session to be held in November 16 thru 18^th in Donaldson, IN.  Motion was made and second to accept Harry Wetzel. Motion carried.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried.

President, Gene Luthy

Secretary, Marla Huebner

We Believe, Teach and Confess.

Formula of Concord:  Epitome

Article 2-- Free Will

                                                                                       

Introductory Note:  Since the fall into sin, the will of mankind is so blind and corrupt that we can choose only to do evil. We are spiritually dead by nature, enemies of God and naturally hostile toward Him. While we are free to choose in earthly matters, we have no power, ability, or free will in spiritual matters. Before conversion we are entirely incapable—in any way—of responding to or cooperating with God’s grace. After conversion and because of Christ, the new man in us does in fact respond to and cooperate with God the Holy Spirit. (See also AC XVIII; Ap XVIII; FC SD II.)

AC-Augsburg Confession; SA-Smalcald Articles; FC Ep-Formula of Concord, Epitome; SD-Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration 

                                                                                               

The Chief Questions in This Controversy

¹ The will of mankind is found in four different states: (1) before the fall; (2) since the fall; (3) after regeneration; and (4) after the resurrection of the body. The chief question in this article is only about the will and ability of mankind in the second state. That is, what powers in spiritual matters does a person have after the fall of our first parents and before regeneration? Can a person by his own powers—prior to and before his regeneration by God’s Spirit—get ready and prepare himself for God’s grace? Can a person accept ‹and apprehend› or reject the grace offered through the Holy Spirit in the Word and holy ‹divinely instituted› Sacraments?

The Pure Teaching about This Article, according to God’s Word

² 1. This is our teaching, faith, and confession on this subject: in spiritual matters the understanding and reason of mankind are ‹completely› blind and by their own powers understand nothing, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

³ 2. Likewise, we believe, teach, and confess that the unregenerate will of mankind is not only turned away from God, but also has become God’s enemy. So it only has an inclination and desire for that which is evil and contrary to God, as it is written in Genesis 8:21, “the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Romans 8:7 says, “The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” Just as a dead body cannot raise itself to bodily, earthly life, so a person who by sin is spiritually dead cannot raise himself to spiritual life. For it is written in Ephesians 2:5, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ.” And 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”

⁴ 3. God the Holy Spirit, however, does not bring about conversion without means. For this purpose He uses the preaching and hearing of God’s Word, as it is written in Romans 1:16, the Gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” ⁵ Also Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” It is God’s will that His Word should be heard and that a person’s ears should not be closed (Psalm 95:8). With this Word the Holy Spirit is present and opens hearts, so that people (like Lydia in Acts 16:14) pay attention to it and are converted only through the Holy Spirit’s grace and power, who alone does the work of converting a person. ⁶ For without His grace, and if He does not grant the increase, our willing and running, our planting, sowing, and watering (1 Corinthians 3:5–7)—are all nothing. As Christ says ‹in John 15:5›, “apart from Me you can do nothing.” With these brief words the Spirit denies free will its powers and ascribes everything to God’s grace, in order that no one may boast before God (1 Corinthians 1:29; [2 Corinthians 12:5; Jeremiah 9:23]).

Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. 2005 (Edited by Paul Timothy McCain) (477–479). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

EQUIPPING THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS…Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.   Topics in the past have included: The Apocrypha, Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son, Entering the Promised Land, Jonah, Matthew, and more.  You can tune in LIVE weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on KFUO, 850 AM in St. Louis.  You can also listen on-demand at  www.issuesetc.org.

The deadline for getting articles and reports in to be included in the Newsletter is the 18^th of every month.

Church Office Hours have changed to Monday and Tuesday from 10am -1pm starting in May. Please get the announcements no later than 10am on Tuesday. If you can’t get them in by that time, they will still be announced, but will not be in the bulletin.  Thank You!

Stand to Reason Blog: Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Marry Whom They Love?

str.typepad.com  By: Alan Shlemon

                Are we really depriving homosexuals the right to marry the person they love? Yes. But there’s nothing unusual about that. Nobody has the right to marry any person they love. Everyone has restrictions.

                When you take an honest look at the marriage law, it turns out that there is nothing unfair about it. Homosexuals have the same rights and the same restrictions as heterosexuals. For example, there is no legal right granted to a heterosexual that does not apply in exactly the same way to every homosexual. Both can marry in any state. Both can marry someone of the opposite sex. Both can receive the benefits that come with legal marriage. Heterosexuals and homosexuals are treated alike.

                There is also no legal restriction for homosexuals that does not also apply in exactly the same way to every heterosexual. Neither one can marry their sibling. Both are prohibited from marrying someone already married. They can’t marry a child. And neither has the freedom to marry someone of the same sex.

The marriage law applies equally to every person, whether they are homosexual or not. Everyone is treated the same.

                Homosexuals cry foul, of course, because the kind of person they are legally entitled to marry is not a person they love. They believe this is a restriction that is limited to them. But it’s not. There isn’t a person in the United States that has unfettered freedom to marry anyone just because they love them. There are numerous parings of people who love each other and can’t marry.

I have a male friend who I’ve known for over a decade. We have a long-term, committed relationship. We talk every week, we make sacrifices to visit one another, and we’re there to meet each other’s needs. We’re not sexually involved, but I routinely say I love him and he says the same to me. I can’t marry him even though he’s someone I love. I’m restricted. The state won’t recognize our relationship.

                Brothers and sisters usually develop strong bonds. They love one another and often have deep, meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. Their commitment to one another is significant. But they can’t marry one another. Though they love each, they state won’t recognize their relationship. The same is true of two brothers or two sisters.

                Fathers and daughters also have long-term, committed relationships. There’s a special bond between them that develops and lasts for years. I can say that the love I feel towards my daughter has a unique texture to it. It’s taught me an aspect of love that, until I had a daughter, I never experienced. There are things that I’ve done and would do for her that virtually no one else on the planet can make me do. And like many fathers and daughters, our special relationship could last half a century or more. But guess what? The state doesn’t care about us as a couple. It doesn’t matter how much we love each other. We can’t get married.

                There are dozens of more examples of pairs of people who develop strong, meaningful, and long-term relationships. These people love each other, but that doesn’t mean the state is required to recognize them within the definition of marriage.

                Sometimes people point out that in these examples there is no sexual activity and that’s why it’s not the same as a homosexual pair. But why does that matter? Why do we have to use our sex organs with one another to qualify for marriage? Isn’t it enough that we love each other and are committed? Making sexual activity a requirement for marriage is arbitrary.

So what do all these relationships (and many others) have in common? None of them produce the next generation. Committed male friends, siblings, and parent-child relationships don’t have kids.

                There is one kind of couple that, throughout all of human history, is known to produce children: heterosexuals. Long-term, monogamous, heterosexual unions as a group and by nature produce the next generation. They create families that become the building blocks of civilization. These families are the most stable and advantageous environment for raising children. They not only stabilize society,they make society possible. That role can’t be underestimated.

Notice that I said, “As a group and by nature.” As a group, heterosexual couples have kids. There may be exceptions, but the group’s tendency is to produce children. Laws are designed to generalize for the group. “By nature” is a reference to the fact that heterosexual unions produce children by the natural function of their sexual activity. Unlike male friends, siblings, and other relationship couples, it is biologically natural for heterosexuals to produce children.

                The government, that normally has a hands-off policy to most relationships, gets involved in sanctioning these long-term, heterosexual unions. It creates a group of privileges and protections for these male-female couplings because it recognizes their role in creating and stabilizing society.

                But the government doesn’t get involved in any other relationship pair. It doesn’t legally sanction two male friends, siblings, or father-daughter relationships. That’s because, though there are exceptions, they don’t as a group and by nature produce the next generation. They might love each other – deeply and for a long period of time – but that is irrelevant to the government. The state has a concern to perpetuate and protect our civilization and that explains its vested interested in heterosexual unions.

                So why does the government not sanction the relationship of two homosexual males? For the same reason it doesn’t sanction the relationship of male friends, siblings, or a father and daughter. Homosexual couples don’t as a group and by nature produce the next generation. Although, theoretically, homosexuals can adopt, this is the exception. Most same-sex lovers don’t pursue parenting. Furthermore, children don’t naturally result from their sexual activity.

                Instead, the state must intervene and grant them children. As Jennifer Roback Morse explains, “Same-sex couples cannot have children. Someone must give them a child or at least half the genetic material to create a child. The state must detach the parental rights of the opposite-sex parent and then attach those rights to the second parent of the same-sex couple. The state must create parentage for the same-sex couple. For the opposite-sex couple, the state merely recognizes parentage.”

                A common objection is that marriage can’t be about children because not all married couples have kids. First, although that’s true, every child has a mother and father and a right to know them. These children have a vested interest in the union and stability of their parents. But that’s not something they can protect. Society needs to secure that right for kids so far as we are able.

                Second, even if some marriages don’t produce children, it doesn’t nullify the natural tie of marriage to procreation. The purpose of marriage remains regardless of whether married couples actualize it or not. Books are meant to be read even if they collect dust on a bookshelf.

Third, marriages create the optimal environment for raising children. Same-sex marriage intentionally creates the condition where a child is denied their mother or father or both. This is not healthy, a claim that has been long noted by researchers.

                The push for same-sex marriage is not primarily about the right to marry the person you love. No one has that right because everyone – including heterosexuals – is restricted. Nor is it to secure the right to adopt children. Homosexuals could be granted every legal right and privilege of marriage, but they would still demand the right to legal marriage.

                That’s because this battle is not principally about rights, but about respect. Homosexuals demand public approval for their lifestyle and relationships. As Time magazine wrote, same-sex marriage advocates, “want nothing less than full social equality, total validation—not just the right to inherit a mother-in-law’s Cadillac. As Andrew Sullivan, the (also persistently single) intellectual force behind gay marriage, has written, ‘Including homosexuals within marriage would be a means of conferring the highest form of social approval imaginable.’”[i]

                Make no mistake about it. Redefining marriage will impact our culture. It won’t be today, next week, or next year. It will be in the long-term because ideas have consequences. When you sever the natural tie of marriage to procreation and no longer require that children be attached to their parents, you’re doing violence to a vital institution. Marriages start families and families produce the next generation. This is how we secure and stabilize society. That’s why you can’t take a sledgehammer to the core of civilization – the family – and expect that no harm will come.

This post by Alan Shlemon is part of a Thursday series responding to common challenges pertaining to homosexuality.

“Antidote for Materialism”

      We live in a society that focuses on the gaining of more and more things.  We’re daily bombarded by advertising that tells us that our lives won’t be complete unless we buy what the advertisers are trying to sell.  We see our friends and neighbors with new cars and boats, and we notice an attitude of materialism creeping into our own thinking.  Instead of maintaining an eternal perspective and focusing on God’s gifts to us, we’re looking at the things of the world to bring us satisfaction.

      God doesn’t desire that we go without any comforts of life or that we live in broken down homes and drive beat-up cars.  What He does desire is that we put him first.

      The best way to break loose from the grip of greed and materialism is to give.  “God loves a cheerful giver,” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7.  One church bulletin added this message: “God loves a cheerful giver, but we will accept from a grouch!”  Giving under pressure, however, bars us from the joy God wants us to experience from giving willingly.

      Paul commended the Macedonian churches because “out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).  How was it that people in “extreme poverty” can give with an “abundance of joy”?  The answer is found in verse 5 “…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”

      May we nurtured by God’s Word and Sacrament, be equipped by His Spirit to ignore the world’s pull on our affections so that we will be eager to give as we have been blessed and even beyond.

Oktoberfest--Activities Include: Pumpkin Carving, Bible Study, Fall Nature Hike, and more!

Join us for a time of fellowship and fun!

Where: Camp Wartburg

When: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October 15th, 2012

Cost: $40—includes lunch!

RSVP attendance to Camp Wartburg (618.939.7715) by Monday, October 8th.

A Retreat For

Gracefully Aging Adults!

Hosted by the Southern Illinois District & Camp Wartburg

“FANTASTIC! A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE!”

                That’s what most couples say after attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend. In fact, their greatest regret is that they didn’t attend sooner!

                Why? On a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend, couples are gently guided through a communication process that deepens their relationship and communication with each other. They receive not only the gift of greater depth and growth, but also renew and rekindle the sparks they felt for each other when first married.

                Isn’t it time for you to experience new life in your marriage? Whether married 3 years or 50 years, you’ll rediscover the love you have for each other on a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend. In a comfortable and private environment away from family, work, and all the other “stuff” that keeps you from making your relationship a priority, together you can refresh your marriage.

                The next St. Louis area Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend is scheduled for November 2-4, 2012, at the Holiday Inn on South Lindbergh Blvd. For more information or to apply, visit GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Tom & Kathy Von Behren at 636-343-9453 or vonbeh@sbcglobal.net. Applications are due October 24! Don’t let yourself miss out on this great event!

The LYF would like to say THANK YOU!!! To everyone who supported the Chicken and Dumplings Dinner and for all the wonderful desserts that were donated. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

We also would like to say a big THANK YOU!!!! To the following people for their extraordinary effort to go above and beyond by pitching in to help with the dinner: Jeff Rowold, Mark Schoenbeck, Red Schoenbeck, and Linda Schoenbeck. Your dedication will always be remembered. God's Blessing to all of you.

LYF UPDATE—Our first meeting will be on Sunday Oct 7th. On that day there will be an LYF gathering at around 11:30 a.m. after church. We will have a short activity, Bible study, and discussion about upcoming activities and fundraisers for our Youth Group.

DONATIONS FOR THE CHILI DINNER FOR SUN. NOV. 4th—In the back of the Church on the table is a signup sheet for donations for tomato juice, tomato sauce and fried hamburger for the Chili Dinner Nov 4th. Please take the can donated items to the kitchen by Oct 28th. The fried hamburger can be taken to the kitchen Saturday November 3rd. All LYF parents and members who want to take part in the youth events that we offer here at St. John Baldwin are asked to help participate at the Chili Dinner.

If you have any questions call or email Fleta Junge: tfjunge@htc.net /call 282-4642 or 618-444-2764.

                                                     

Our Ladies Aid Society belongs to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. The LWML has Zone Officers, District Officers and National Officers. The LWML collects mites from each member and distributes this money collected throughout the world for projects of churches, schools, and missions.

Each of our members receive a small mite box where we place our spare change we wish to donate. The LWML Mission Grant for 2010 - 2012 Totaled $58,000.00

These funds were disbursed to Camp Wartburg, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School at Centralia, Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School at Evansville, International & American Campus Ministry at SIU Carbondale, Lutheran Braille Workers Center here at Baldwin, Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Seminary Student Scholarships of Southern Illinois District, Shared Prison Ministry with Southern Ill. District, SIU Edwardsville Lutheran Campus Ministry and Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School of East St. Louis. On LWML Sunday, which will be celebrated here on Sept. 30, more information will be given to let you know how you can help meet the mission goals of the LWML by giving us your spare change.

During the past year a few of our members and even others from our community have worked very hard quilting and funds from that project are given back to our church or used for some mission work. Our ladies held a bake sale at the Chicken Dinner to also help raise funds. We received some matching funds from Thrivent and profits were given to help a Seminary Student.

Prior to the chicken dinner our ladies are responsible for organizing and cleaning the kitchen. Some of our ladies spend time making comforters which are distributed through World Relief and given to some local charities also. The ladies aid also likes to keep a few nice comforters on hand to have available in case that someone in our community is in need. Baby Comforters are also made and are given to the Pregnancy Center in Sparta or to other organizations in Belleville called Blankets for Linus.

Over this past year we have given funds to The Randolph County Care Center, Child Fund International, Violence Prevention, Adopt a Seminary Student, Lutheran Bible Translators, Epiphany Gift, donated to the Light and Fuel fund for the church, and given to LWML Grants.

Our members bring an item such as a hand towel or other toiletry item to each meeting and later in the year the items will be wrapped up and given to the Pregnancy Center in Sparta for distribution.

We have a condolence Committee that gathers the ladies to help serve meals after a funeral. On Sept. 4, we served lunch for a Circuit Pastors Conference in Baldwin.

Other committees are the Altar, Flower, Card and quilt

Committee. The Altar Committee consists of our aid members as well as other women from the congregation. Their duties are to change the altar paraments, fill the candles and put out the wine and bread for Communion. The Flower Committee makes sure that there are flowers on the altar. The Card Committee sends greeting cards when needed. The Quilt Committee organizes quilting times.

Our group meets the 1^st Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. All women of the congregation are invited and encouraged to join us in Christian fellowship.

On Sunday, November 4, 2012, Randolph County Thrivent Chapter will host a Board member election and Rib-eye dinner at St. John Veteran Memorial Hall, 1324 High Street, Chester, IL. A fun day of cards and games starting at 2p.m with dinner at 5pm. A Randolph County Thrivent members are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Mike Welge @ 618-826-5453 or Julie Ratz @ 618-282-3873 or 573-579-3592 by October 26th.

Correction for the Family Fun Night (Oct. 26^th) There will be no Bike ride but can still bring costumes and receive treats!

Our Ladies Aid Members are asked to come and help clean our room at the school on Tues. Oct. 2. Bring some buckets and rags and help us get the fall cleaning done. Let's meet at 9 a.m.

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church

P. O. Box 162

Baldwin, IL 62217-0162

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

“Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home” (Psalm 23) Elvera Mahan’s Funeral Sermon (9.27.12)

“Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home” (Psalm 23) Elvera Mahan’s Funeral Sermon

(9.27.12) Pastor John M. Taggatz St. John Lutheran Church Baldwin, IL

1.                         In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  Dear family and friends of Elvera, our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you mourn her death.  But, Elvera wouldn’t want you to grieve as one who doesn’t have any hope.  She would want you to know that she was a baptized child of God, who was brought into God’s Kingdom through water and the power of His Word here in this church at St. John Baldwin on Feb. 19, 1922.  It was there that Elvera was connected to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for her sins and also raised to new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.   On her Confirmation Day here at St. John on March 25^th, 1934, Elvera came to confess the faith she received in her baptism, that Jesus Christ is her Savior.  On that day she received her confirmation verse from Psalm 145:18-19, “⁸The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  ¹⁹He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”  Elvera wanted her funeral sermon to be from Psalm 23, which points to the fact that Jesus our Good Shepherd hears our cries for help, as her confirmation verse says, and leads us to everlasting life.  The message is entitled, “Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home.”   Dear family and friends of Elvera.

2.                         Over the past five years I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Elvera and her husband Russell.  I always enjoyed my visits with them and I know that as her pastor I will deeply miss her, but I know that one day, we who believe in Jesus as our Savior & Good Shepherd, will see her again for all eternity in the glories of heaven.  Elvera was a matriarch to her family.  For her, family was always number one, as one can see from the fact that she was married to her husband Russell for 69 years.  She was an organizer and planner; I’ve seen that full well in the Church Record Book she translated from German into English along with her sister Emma in the early 1980s.  The church greatly thanks her for that work she and her sister did.  Elvera loved to plan family gatherings where she would have a slip & slide ready for the children to use before slip and slides were even invented.  She would plan hay rides too for these family gatherings along with homemade chicken noodle soup.  Her and her husband Russell would tell me about the travels they had taken across the world to Africa, Australia, and other parts of the United States. Elvera enjoyed music and dancing and even had her own Country Western Band where many people remember her playing her signature song, “Behind the Barn.”  Many family members still remember the Christmas carols she would sing with them while playing the accordion in celebration of our Savior’s birth.  Elvera showed her dedication to her family after her daughter Diane died when she drove many, many times to take care of her grandchildren, David & Catherine.   

3.                         As her pastor I always appreciated being able to give to Elvera & her husband Russell our Lord’s body and blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the forgiveness of her sins.  She and her husband Russell truly did want to hear God’s Word and receive the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation that our Lord Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd freely gives. 

4.                         As I said before, Elvera had asked that her funeral sermon be from Psalm 23.  Let me read it to you again, “¹The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  ³He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

5.                         Why does God compare us as His people to sheep and Himself as our Good Shepherd?  After all, sheep are helpless animals.  They can’t outwit their enemies.  They don’t have sharp hoofs to ward off an enemy’s attack.  They don’t have sharp teeth to tear at the flesh of an attacking animal.  They don’t have great speed to outrun their predators.  They really have only one means of defense.  That’s their shepherd.  If it were not for the faithful shepherd, the sheep would perish.  I guess it’s no coincidence then that God’s Word compares us with sheep.  We, too, are helpless, the Bible tells us that we were conceived and born sinful from birth and we could do nothing on our own power to earn God’s forgiveness for our sin.  We were at one time spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, helpless and destitute, but Jesus our Good Shepherd through His death and resurrection has raised us up through the hearing of His Word and the Sacrament of Baptism and made us one of His sheep.  Elvera knew this and that’s why she took confidence in the baptism that she received here at St. John and the hearing of Jesus her Good Shepherd’s Word for the forgiveness of her sins and eternal life. Elvera knew that in and of ourselves we can’t stand against the attacks of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh.  If it weren’t for the constant care of our Good Shepherd Jesus, we too would perish.

6.                         It’s for good reason that Jesus is called “The Good Shepherd.”  The prophet Ezekiel foretold the fact that the shepherd of God’s people would be a king descended from the line of King David in Ezekiel 34.  Zechariah prophesied that this shepherd Jesus would be struck down (13:7), sold for 30 pieces of silver, (11:2) and pierced through His side (12:10).  All of this coincides with the words of Jesus in John 10:11, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  Elvera knew that Jesus her Good Shepherd died for her so that she could have eternal life in Him, and not just for her soul, but for her body as well, when Jesus comes in glory at the End of the Age to raise her body from the dead so she will be with the Lord for all eternity in heaven in both soul and body.  This promise is for all who believe in Jesus as their Good Shepherd who laid down His life for them, His sheep.  And, Jesus not only cares for His flock’s physical needs, he has taken care of our greatest need, the need for the forgiveness.  He did this by His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.

7.                         Even though Jesus’ lifeless body was in the grave for a brief time, He rose from the dead triumphant on the third day.  And we too, the members of His flock, have the assurance that Jesus lives to preserve us as His own until we stand with Him in heaven.  And, we will be with Elvera too in a reunion that will have no end on account of the faith we have in Jesus as our Savior as St. Paul promises us in 1 Thessalonians 4.  There in heaven we’ll see the glorious vision of St. John fulfilled from Rev. 7:17, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” 

8.                         When we become frightened by the troubles in our lives, by the death of our loved ones, like our dear sister in the faith Elvera, and our own frailty and mortality, let us as the sheep of Jesus our Good Shepherd turn our eyes to Him.  For Jesus says to us, just as He promised Elvera all the days of her earthly life, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:29).

9.                         Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, know that as your Good Shepherd, Jesus guides you, He feeds you, and He gives you rest. He leads us through his Holy Word, where we find nourishment and rest for our souls. He guides us in the paths of righteousness, which lead to eternal life, as He has done for our dear sister in the faith, Elvera. These paths of righteousness are not our own righteousness and good works but the way to eternal life opened by Christ’s righteousness.  Our Good Shepherd Jesus gives us rest when He delivers us from the burden of sin and from our pointless efforts to save ourselves by our own works. Jesus says to us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His Word revives our souls whenever the assurance of forgiveness brings peace and joy to our hearts.

10.                     This brings us to the final verse of this psalm. Our Good Shepherd brings us all the way from the green pastures and still waters to His Heavenly Father’s house. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In John 14:2–3 the Lord Jesus says to us, “… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” We have a wonderful Shepherd in Jesus.  Elvera knew this and trusted her salvation in Him, and she wanted you to hear this wonderful message as well, that’s why she wanted her funeral sermon based on Psalm 23. If you can say, “The Lord is my shepherd,” through the faith you received in your baptism and the hearing of His Holy Word, then you can be sure that all the wonderful promises of this psalm are yours.  You can be assured that you will join Elvera and all the sheep of God in the glories of heaven to sing praises to the Lamb who was slain and rose again for all eternity.  What a wonderful reunion without any end it will be!  Amen.  

“Jesus- I Believe, Help My Unbelief” Mark 9.14–29, Sept 16th, ’12 Series B

     

1.                  Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  In our Gospel lesson for today taken from Mark 9:14-29 we see that Jesus descends from the Mount of Transfiguration and meets a defiant demon, an anxious father, an astonished crowd, and despairing disciples. Even today, despair threatens to overwhelm our faith by pointing out how we fail to change or improve, suggesting that God neither cares for us nor has power to help. However, we see in the Gospel lesson today that Jesus doesn’t linger in the glory of the transfiguration, but graciously descends to a world of despair and doubt so that He might deliver us.  We thank Jesus for His compassion, which brought Him to our world of pain and dismay.  Today we ask Him to give us faith to overcome our doubts, and help us believe that all things are possible with Him.  The message is entitled, “Jesus:  I Believe, Help My Unbelief.”  Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

2.                  Mark 9:14–29 says, “¹⁴ And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. ¹⁵ And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. ¹⁶ And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” ¹⁷ And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. ¹⁸ And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” ¹⁹ And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” ²⁰ And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. ²¹ And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” ²³ And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” ²⁵ And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” ²⁶ And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. ²⁸ And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” ²⁹ And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

3.                  The most important thing in the entire world is to learn to say, “I believe.”  Without faith in the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent, there’s no salvation.  By the grace of God, a child can say it.  By the grace of God, given through Holy Baptism little Bentley will have saving faith.  Without the Holy Spirit, the wisest man on earth doesn’t even know what it means to believe.  The disciples had made a fine confession of their faith earlier in Mark’s Gospel.  Now we see that their faith fails them in a crucial moment.  What could we expect from this troubled father in our text?  May the Lord teach us all to believe, to help us in the midst of our unbelief!

4.                  Here in Mark 9 Jesus, with Peter, James, and John, had been on the Mount of Transfiguration.  This amazing experience had lifted the disciples far above the distasteful things of this world.  They had a foretaste of heaven.  To a lesser degree, we too have moments when we feel the nearness of God, when in God’s Word and Sacraments Jesus reveals to us His love.  But, the return to the realities of life in this world are unavoidable.

5.                  As the little group came down from the mountain, they saw that the other disciples were in the midst of an agitated crowd.  In the front were the scribes, who were questioning the disciples and taking advantage of their inability to heal a demon possessed boy whose father had brought him to Jesus to be healed.  In the absence of Jesus, the disciples had tried to drive out the demon that was harassing the child.  Before the scribes could answer Jesus about why they were arguing with the disciples, the father poured out his tale of woe.  His son had from early childhood been troubled by a demon who would cast him to the ground, trying to destroy him by throwing him into fire and water.  The father hoped Jesus would do what the disciples couldn’t.  Heal this child.

6.                  Faith that takes God at His Word and lays hold of His almighty power can never fail.  It can truly move mountains.  Deeply moved the father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”  This man detests the weakness of his faith, but he goes straight the Jesus, the only One who can make up for his lack of faith.  When we go to Jesus where He promises to be found in His Word and Sacraments, we find that our own weak faith is strengthened in our hour of need.  Here in Mark 9 we see how soon the time of need and sorrow was over for the troubled soul of that father!  Before the crowd could grow larger, Jesus rebuked the demon, commanding it with authority to leave the child forever.  As always, the voice of Jesus, the Son of God, demands obedience.  Although the demon cried out in anger and gave the boy a final blow so vicious that he appeared to be dead, Jesus took him by the hand and restored him to life and health.      

7.                  In this passage from Mark 9 we learn of what to do with our doubt, despair, and unbelief.  We take them to our Lord Jesus who alone can give us saving faith to believe in Him, which He has done through the hearing of His Holy Word and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.  There was a pastor who once encountered a young man who was a dynamic, devout Christian, but he suffered from cerebral palsy.  He told the pastor that some of his friends had come to him and said, “We’re going to heal you of your cerebral palsy.”  So, they had laid hands on him and pronounced him whole, but Harvey still had cerebral palsy.  Then they told him, “The problem is that you don’t have enough faith, and if you don’t have enough faith, you will never be healed.  If you really want to be healed, you have to claim your healing in Jesus’ name.  You have to believe that you are healed before you can be healed.”  When he remained unhealed, they eventually had concluded that he must be guilty of a heinous sin that was blocking the healing.  Finally, they had declared he must be under demonic possession, so they had planned an exorcism and tried to drive the demon out of him, but still he wasn’t healed.  Finally he came to the pastor in tears and said, “Pastor do you think that I’m possessed by a demon?”  The pastor told him that he didn’t think so, then he prayed that Harvey would have peace and that he would trust the Lord with His body and his life, because sometimes God says “no” even to the most ardent prayers.

8.                  This kind of thing goes on ever day in America and around the world.  Blind people are told to believe they can see and they try their best to do so, but they open their eyes and can’t see a thing.  The lame are told to believe they can walk, but they can’t get out of their wheelchairs, though they exert themselves.  So, by implication, the problem is with them, they have inadequate faith.  But, no one asks the obvious question, “If faith is all that is needed, why doesn’t he healer himself have enough faith to cause the healing to take place?” 

9.                  We can’t make a decision to believe something that we don’t actually believe.  We can repent of our sins by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We can learn about Jesus and study His Holy Word.  We can make decisions to do all kinds of things that will affect our future behavior, but what we can’t do is create saving faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior by our own willpower.  This is what’s wrong with modern evangelistic techniques that suggest that all a person has to do is make a decision and faith will well up in his soul.  It doesn’t work like that.  Paul tells us in Romans that faith comes by hearing, it comes by the Word of God that points us to Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer from sin, death and the power of the devil.  It’s the Holy Spirit who creates saving faith, as we will see today with the baptism of little Bentley.

10.  The father of this young boy who was demon possessed was in the presence of Jesus, the Author of Faith (Heb. 12:2).  Jesus called him to trust Him.  He had every reason to believe that Jesus had the power to do something for his son, but he wasn’t completely sure that he believed enough.  So, he cried out in honesty with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).  Every Christian has some level of saving faith in their heart.  But, the intensity of that faith isn’t constant.  It increases and diminishes.  No matter how strong your faith is, there are moments in this life when it’s assaulted by the devil.  Sometimes it can seem as if your faith is barely hanging on, and you make a prayer much like this man made to Jesus, “I believe, but my belief isn’t perfect, it isn’t pure, it isn’t strong.  I need help.  Help me with my unbelief.”  When you’re assaulted with doubts and your faith seems frail, go to the source of faith, the Word of God that points you to Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  Trust in your baptism, that you were washed and cleansed of all of your sin and made a child of God through water and the Word.  Trust in His body and blood given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins in the Lord’s Supper.  There’s no time in your life when your faith is stronger than when you are immersed in God’s Word and His Sacraments.  Staying close to God’s Word, listening to the promises of our Lord Jesus, and opening your heart to Him are the things that kill unbelief and build a powerful faith that doesn’t let you down in the midst of doubt, despair, and unbelief.

11.  Please pray with me:  Dear Jesus, we pray that You have patience with us.  Help us not to wait until the trouble that surrounds us is so great that we can hardly see Your presence for our tears.  May we rather come and learn of Your grace and power to help and to save, so that when Satan assails us and our loved ones, we may not doubt but believe, so that the mountains of difficulties and the depth of despair may not rob us of the certainty that You are mightier than Satan and sorrow.  We, too, pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!”  Amen.

“Taming the Tongue” (James 3:1-12)

            (Read James 3:1-12).  One of the most important things we can learn as Christians is to recognize when we need to keep our tongues under control.  Consider this.  One of your friends says, “Did you hear about Sally Price?  I understand she…”  You open your mouth and STOP!  Gossip is a definite no-no.  Or, your spouse put the dishes in the wrong place again!  You know he’s trying to help, but this is the umpteenth time he’s gotten it wrong.  You feel yourself getting angry and open your mouth and STOP!  You smile, glad that you’ve got a husband who’s trying to help and remember that men are by nature incapable of figuring out where the dishes belong. 

            Although the tongue is a 3 inch muscle, it’s very powerful.  The tongue drives our lives.  James tells us that a bit in a horse’s mouth is a little piece of steel, but when used properly it can control a 2000 pound animal.  A rudder on a ship is small, but it enables the captain to control the course of an immense ship.  Finally, a spark in a forest; under control, a spark can make a fire to warm cold travelers.  But, out of control, a spark can cause an inferno that can destroy thousands of acres of trees. 

            Who can save us from the words we use to hurt our neighbor, God, and ourselves?  Jesus can!  Martin Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” mentions Satan where Luther writes, “Rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure, One little Word shall fell him.”  It was through ONE WORD that human history was changed.  When Jesus spoke the words, “It is finished” from the cross we were saved from the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh.  Those words, “It is finished” were one word in the Greek.  The word, “tetelestai.” 

            James makes clear to us that we as human beings have no way of taming our tongues on our own.  That’s why Jesus spoke no evil.  The charges of blasphemy were false when Jesus stood on trial before the Sanhedrin.  There was no guile in Him as 1 Peter 2 tells us.  And finally, Jesus was crucified for our sins.  We as human beings would destroy ourselves were it not for the grace we’re given in Jesus.  Only the cross on which Christ died empowers us to tame our tongues.  Knowing that God for Jesus’ sake forgives us gives us comfort for the trouble our tongues have caused. Please pray with me:  O Lord, purify me so that my words may uplift, strengthen, bring peace where there is strife and bring sincerity where there is falsehood.  Use my lips to speak your glory, to tell of Your wonderful deeds, and to proclaim Your salvation in Jesus.  Amen.

“Jesus is Our Sure Investment”--Psalm 146:1–10, Sept. 9th, 2012 Rally Day Sermon

1.            Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  The message from God’s Word today is taken from Psalm 146:1-10 and is entitled, “Jesus is Our Sure Investment,” dear brothers in Christ.

2.            One of the popular journals of today is Money magazine. The point of the magazine is simple, it’s a guide to making money. It tells you which stocks are good, how to avoid taxes legally, which banks are granting the highest returns on their money market accounts, and how to save money as you spend it. Money magazine also profiles investors and suggests ways to join the ranks of the wealthy. People have always been concerned about their investments. Our economy is powered on the growth of capital. The possibility of an inside tip has always allured us. The problem with all of this is that when we deal with money we’re dealing with that which passes away. The real investment is for eternity rather than for time. This is the investment with the big payoff, and this is the subject of Psalm 146.  It’s also the reason why we teach our children to invest their time in the study of God’s Word.  Luther believed that we as Christians should invest our time in the study and teaching of God’s Word.   Hear from the reformer himself, "I am much afraid that schools will prove to be great gates of Hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt" (Martin Luther).  As we begin Rally Day in our churches let’s remember why we invest our time in the study of God’s Word.

3.            The psalmist begins by praising God. He then warns against trusting in men (v. 3). The problem is their mortality. When a man dies his spirit departs, he returns to the earth, and his plans perish (v. 4). What good are all of his investments to him now? Where are all those things that he cherished? The blessed person is the one who has God for help. That one’s hope is in Him (v. 5). God is the Creator and the Redeemer (vv. 6–9). Over against our human mortality stands this truth: “The Lord shall reign forever.” Here’s where we can stand. Jesus is our sure investment for eternal life.

4.            Psalm 146:1-2 says, “1Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”  Verse 1 opens with: “Praise the Lord!” We can learn from this that we need to exhort ourselves to engage in worshiping God. The psalmist vows that as long as he lives, “I will praise the Lord.” Such praise will be his theme. He adds, “I will sing praise to my God while I have my being” (v. 2; compare Ps. 104:33).

5.            Psalm 146:3-4 says, “3Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 4When his breath departs he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”  We’re faced with only two alternatives in life, either to trust men, including ourselves, or trust God. Most people, when they’re honest, admit that they spend most of their time trusting men. They trust politicians to run the country. They trust news commentators to tell them what’s going on in the world. They trust professors to educate them. They trust doctors to diagnose them, and they trust pastors to care for their souls. Here’s where we make our investments. We put our faith, time, money, and energy into what people say. Most of us would admit that we don’t really pray over decisions. We don’t expect God to run our lives day to day. Nevertheless, the psalmist clearly tells us that we’re foolish to continue this. He writes, “Do not put your trust in princes, / Nor in a son of man [a ‘man,’ see Ps. 8:4], in whom there is no help [literally, ‘salvation’]” (v. 3). As we look to men, even great spiritual leaders, we need to ask one question: “Can this person save me?” This question places even kings and presidents in perspective.

6.            Psalm 146:3 describes the powerlessness of man. Dr. A. C. Gaebelein told of a visit he had from an orthodox Jew. I’ll let him tell it in his own words: “He stated that he had read the New Testament and found the title of Jesus of Nazareth so often mentioned as ‘the son of man.’ He then declared that there is a warning in the Old Testament not to trust the son of man. As we asked him for the passage he quoted from this Psalm, ‘Trust not … in the son of man in whom is no salvation.’ We explained to him that if our Lord had been only the son of man and nothing else, if He had not been Immanuel, the virgin-born Son of God, if it were not true as Isaiah stated it, that He is the child born and the Son given, there would be no salvation in Him. But He came God’s Son and appeared in the form of man for our redemption. His argument showed the blindness of the Jew. The statement is given in this Psalm, that man is sinful, that there is no hope in man, he is a finite creature and turns to dust. There is but One in whom salvation and all man’s needs is found, the God of Jacob, the loving Jehovah” (The Book of Psalms, p. 500–501). 

7.            Now we’re told why we should make no ultimate investment in a man. First, “his spirit departs.” The life can be crushed out of him. Mortality is his lot. Thus, “he returns to his earth.” The idea of “his earth” designates the earth from which he was created (see Gen. 2:7). He’s dust. Would you trust dust with your destiny? Second, when he dies, “in that very day his plans [or ‘thoughts’] perish” (v. 4). What good are his schemes now? What benefit are his investments to him? When he’s taken, all is taken from him. Why then would we trust man? There’s a better alternative; that is to trust God. To this we turn.

8.            Psalm 146:5–9, “5Blessèd is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; 7who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; 8the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. 9The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.”   The psalmist pronounces a blessing upon the one “who has the God of Jacob for his help.” He calls him “Blessed.” “The God of Jacob” isn’t only a title for Yahweh, it also brings to our minds all that God did to help this patriarch, making him wealthy, blessing him after breaking him through a night of wrestling with an angel, giving him twelve sons who became the fathers for the twelve tribes of Israel, rescuing him from famine, and restoring his lost son Joseph to him (see Gen. 25:26ff.). As God did with Jacob so He’ll do with us. The man is blessed “whose hope is in the Lord his God” (v. 5). Why is this so?   The psalmist answers this for us.  He lists the ways that the Lord keeps his promises and helps His people.  Ultimately, the Lord has kept His promises through His Son Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross to win for us the forgiveness of sins. When someone is oppressed, the Lord is responsible for being sure that justice prevails. When someone is hungry, the Lord is responsible for feeding that person. As the psalmist lists the problems of the helpless and insignificant, the reader is reminded that the powerful and influential can only give temporary help. It’s the Lord who gives real freedom, real sight, real strength, real hope, and real love.

9.            The prophet Isaiah describes these activities in chapter 35 as the deeds of the Lord during and after the captivity. The psalmist may be picking up on these promises of the prophet. As Jesus himself carries out the promises also in our Gospel reading today (Mt 11, Mk 7), he demonstrates his divinity, his power, and his love.  Jesus’ ministry reminds us that the greatest gifts aren’t natural food, physical healing, and political freedom, but spiritual food, which gives eternal life; healing that frees us from sin and death; and freedom that will endure forever. These blessings the Lord provided for his people through the messianic King, whom he sent to them. For these blessings we praise the Lord now and forever. 

10.         Psalm 146 ends with, “10The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations.  Praise the LORD!”  This psalm opens with the call: “Praise the Lord!” It also closes with the same call. Here’s our sure investment for life. Here is an investment with an eternal return. Here’s an investment that won’t pass away. As the psalmist says: “The Lord shall reign forever.” When we put our faith, our love, our time, and our energy into serving Him, we’re not only preparing for eternity; we’re experiencing some of eternity right now.  It would be proper to end with Johann Herrnschmidt’s hymn based on Psalm 146, which reflects the unique thought of the psalmist that JESUS IS OUR SURE INVESTMENT FOR OUR SALVATION.  The hymn says, “Trust not in princes, they are but mortal; Earthborn they are and soon decay. Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal When the dark grave will claim its prey. Since, then, no one can help afford, Trust only Christ, our God and Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!” (CW 235:3) Amen.

“The Worship We Share” Basics of the Christian Faith Series Sept. 2nd, 2012

1.                             Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Why do we gather here for worship every Lord’s Day?  Is worship really necessary for us as Christians, or is it something that’s irrelevant in our modern age when we can catch a sermon or a worship service on the TV, radio, and the internet in the comfort of our own car and our own homes?  In our message from God’s Word today we’re going to see that worship is important to our lives as Christians and how God serves us through, “The Worship We Share,” dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

2.                             One Sunday morning 40 Hell’s Angels roared up into the parking lot of a church in Concord, California, just as the service began.  One of the bikers got off of his motorcycle, walked into the church, and sat down.  The rest of the motorcycle gang stood at the edge of the parking lot, smoking and waiting for the service to end.  The congregation held its breath, wondering what would happen next.  When the service ended, some church members invited the bikers in for coffee, it must have been a Lutheran church.  Some came.  During the conversation over coffee in the fellowship hall, the congregation learned why the lone Hell’s Angel had come to the worship service.  It seems he’d broken the gang’s “code” somehow, and his fellow bikers had punished him by making him go to church.  Maybe going to church is punishment for some people.  Maybe even some of us here have found it painful at times.  Maybe more than one or two of us wince when we sing the lines of the hymn, “Grant us courage for the facing of this hour.” 

3.                             Just what makes worship painful at times?  A worship service can be poorly planned.  Some sermons are less inspiring than others.  But, those aren’t the only things that get in our way.  Sometimes we who worship in a liturgical setting don’t understand the meaning behind what we say and do together in worship.  Then it’s easy to go through the motions of the service and leave 60 minutes later unchanged by the Word of God.  Instead of a blessing, worship becomes a bore.  When we let this happen to us week after week, we may begin to resent the time we spend in church.  We may look for reasons to attend less often.  We may show up, but use our time to plan next week’s menus or what we need to get done at work or at home.  Or, we may congratulate ourselves on “doing what good people do” showing up in church on Sunday.  Or, we may come with an attitude that expects the sermon and the ceremonies to impress us and, if not, we’ll find better entertainment somewhere else.

4.                             Even if nothing quite this drastic happens, we may suffer in other ways.  We may find ourselves valuing our time of prayer and Bible study through the week more than the time we spend in worship.  We may “get more out of” being alone with God than from being with God and His people in church.  What a tragedy.  What a tragedy when we realize even a few of all the wonderful things God wants to do for us in worship.  When the Holy Spirit gathers us together as the body of Christ to worship, we stand on the edge of eternity.  Heaven touches earth.  The God who created the universe moves His throne to the place in which we gather.  In grace, He comes to us to receive our praises, forgive our sins, hear our prayers, and speak His powerful, freeing Word into our hearts.  We join the angels in their delight standing in God’s presence to enjoy His love as we lift our voices to honor the Holy One.  The psalmist writes in Psalm 16:11, “You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”  That will happen in its fullness in heaven.  But, that eternal joy can be part of our worship now.  Think of it!  We as God’s people can praise Him in a way more fully than the angels themselves!  How can this be?  Because we worship as the redeemed, the ones bought back from Satan’s terrible grasp by our Lord Jesus who’s taken away the sins of the world--your sins and mine.  The holy angels don’t know the grace of God in that way, but we can!  And we worship our Lord and Savior for it!  And as we worship together, we practice the praise song we’ll shout throughout eternity on that day when we enter God’s presence in heaven as the Apostle John describes for us over and over again in the Book of Revelation. 

5.                             We don’t need to pit personal prayer, meditation, and Bible Study against worship in God’s house with God’s people.  Scripture tells us both are important.  God wants to meet with us, to touch us with His grace in both settings.  And both personal Bible Study and worship can work together.  When a person grows more deeply in the study of God’s Word, their worship will also cause them to grow and mature in the Christian faith.  This gives us another reason to learn to understand the liturgical heritage we share.  As we grow in our understanding of the elements of the liturgy, we can use these elements in our own private devotions.  As they become more meaningful to us in our personal prayer lives, they will carry more meaning as we gather with God’s people in worship.  And, they will mean more to us as we use them in our own personal devotions during the week.

6.                             Literally millions of God’s people down through the centuries have found their personal devotional lives tied up in their corporate worship lives.  The liturgy we use has developed over 2000 years of Christian worship.  Lutherans aren’t alone in using the liturgy.  The Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox churches also use it.  Why would Lutherans bring into their worship a form of worship left over from the Roman Catholic Church?  We need to remember that Luther and his coworkers didn’t create a new church.  Rather, they reformed the church that was still there, though corrupt.  They followed the “principle of retention.”  Retaining the traditional teachings of the church and practices except where these conflicted with the Bible.  Lutherans respect the tradition of the church, not “tradition” with a capital T, as exemplified by the Roman Catholic Church, which bases its theology on Scripture plus the “tradition”--the decrees of popes and councils.  Instead, we as Lutherans base our faith on Christ alone, believing that the Scriptures alone, are as Luther said, “the cradle in which we find Jesus.”  Human beings put the liturgy together, but it’s anchored in the Holy Scriptures and filled with quotations from the Bible.  We use the liturgical traditions of the Church, not for their own sake, but because they put us in contact with the Word of God, which is His means of grace.   

7.                             Maybe you’ve begun to ask yourselves exactly what we mean when we use the word liturgy.  The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek word leitourgia, which means, “public duty.” It’s a prescribed form of worship like our service of Holy Communion, but it can be other worship services as well, like Matins or Vespers.  We believe that our Lutheran practice of worship using the liturgy must be centered in our Lord Jesus Christ and His cross.  The essence of our worship centers on the cross of Christ.  Because God acted in Jesus to redeem us poor sinners when we were helpless and in rebellion against Him, we can now come together as His family to hear the Gospel.  This Good News involves much more than mere words spoken by a human being with kind intentions.  No, it’s the Gospel of God that we hear and speak to one another. 

8.                             This Gospel doesn’t just inform us about what Christ has done; it transforms us by conveying to us the grace of God through His Word.  You hear me say to you as your pastor, “I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  We speak together the words of the Creed, reminding one another of the truth that has set us free, the truth that’s now at work in us, with God’s power continuing to give us freedom and peace.  We listen to the sermon, centered in the cross of Christ, and we receive the grace of God that comes in His Word to soothe our hurts, clarify our dilemmas, and comfort us in our pain knowing that our Lord Jesus is with us.  We receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus along with the bread and the wine in the Lord’s Supper that gives to us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.  We Lutherans believe that something very real happens to us when we worship together as the people of God.  We don’t just hear about forgiveness; it’s given to us.  We don’t just tell one another about freedom from sin, death, and Satan’s power; the chains that anchor us to our old sinful ways drop away.  We come together to receive from our Heavenly Father the freedom and power He makes available to us in His Word and Sacraments.  And then we respond to that freedom and use that power to return to Him the praise and honor He so richly deserves.

9.                             Once a Christian grasps the centrality of God’s action in our Lutheran approach to worship, the question of going somewhere else to “get more out of” worship goes away.  Remember how at one point in Jesus’ ministry a number of followers left the Lord and how Jesus turned to the 12 and asked them, “you don’t want to leave too, do you?  And Simon Peter answered for himself and the other disciples, “Lord to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  (John 6:67-68).  What more could God’s children “get out of” worship?  Why would we want to participate in a service where the cross of Jesus wasn’t central?  Where those who lead and those who act don’t expect God to act, forgive, and free us as His Word is preached and His grace toward us in Jesus is declared?  Jesus is the object of our faith.  He’s the foundation that will never move.  He’s our Rock & Cornerstone.  In our worship we focus on Him alone.  We, “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” who endured the cross in our place (Heb. 12:2).  We praise our God-- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who has redeemed us and who stoops down in His grace to bring that redemption to us (Ps 18;35; 40:16-17).  All this leaves us with a better understanding of what God does for us when we gather to worship Him.  I pray it leaves each of us with an interest in learning more about the elements of our worship services we use so that our worship will grow more meaningful to us.  And I pray that it leaves each of us with a  sense of excitement as we anticipate coming to God’s House in a few days to worship Him there with all God’s people, with our brothers and sisters in God’s family.  God bless your worship both now and forever!  Amen.