“Focus on the Finish” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The analogy of comparing “athletic completion” to “Christian living” is a theme often repeated in scripture. In this week’s Old Testament reading, Isaiah says that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Paul uses this comparison about his own ministry by checking with the leaders of the Church to make sure that he “was running or had run the race” of faith correctly. (Galatians 2:2) He urges the Galatians to keep running the good race and not to allow others to “cut in on” their race or to keep them from obeying the truth. (Galatians 5:7) And near the end of his earthly life and ministry, he tells the young pastor, Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

In our text Paul says further, “In a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize… [so] run in such a way to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) These words remind us of the words of Jesus – that many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14) and that many seek to be welcomed to a heavenly home, but that only those who come through the “Narrow door” may enter. (Luke 13:24) We know that narrow door is Jesus and only those who believe in His sacrificial, life-giving death in our place will inherit the gift of eternal life.

Paul reminds us that “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training” (v. 25). The serious athlete engages in all-consuming preparation for completion; preparation which is relentless, focused, determined and intentional. These focused athletes watch carefully what they eat and take into their bodies; how much rest they get; a vigorous training schedule. “They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (v. 25)

Jesus, Himself, promises that He will award us that everlasting crown… “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) In order to receive that crown – to run the good race and fight the good fight – we too must engage in all-consuming preparation; preparation which is relentless, focused, determined and intentional. We faithfully, joyfully and regularly hear His Word and receive His sacraments; we study His Word in bible study groups, families and individually; we gather for worship.

In Jesus we find our model. “I set my face like flint.” (Isaiah 50:7) He set His face steadfastly, unswervingly toward the cross to take our place, to take our sin – in order that we might be forgiven, finish well the race of Christian living, and receive the Crown of Eternal Life! More than a model for us, Jesus is our Savior from sin and death!

The Christian life is not a sprint; rather, it’s a marathon. There are times when we become discouraged and tired. At such times “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31) So, run dear Christians and “Focus on the Finish Line!”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Snow

Sermon Audio

“Jesus, the Ultimate Authority” (Mark 1:21-28)

Who will have the “authority” at the Super Bowl this weekend? (As you read this we know the winner, but who had the authority?)  Who has the authority in the classroom – especially with a substitute teacher?  Who has the authority in the family, especially when the 2-year-old demands – “I do it!” (translated – I want to be in charge!). What about the authority between husband and wife?  And who has the “authority” in our government – President Obama (Democrat) or House Speaker, John Boehner, and the Republican majority Congress?

Recently, (January 20) President Obama delivered his State of the Union address. There was much fanfare and media coverage. It was interrupted many times by applause. With much authority the president spoke, but nothing really changed. In many ways, it was more of a pep talk than anything else.

How interesting to compare and contrast this with today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1, as Jesus speaks in the synagogue. The audience was much smaller. No television. No fanfare. Interrupted, yes, but not by applause… And it was much more than a pep talk.

God’s Word from Mark 1, records for us: “Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.  The people were amazed at His teaching, because He taught them as One who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (v.21-22)

The teachers of the law in Jesus’ day were like the attorneys-at-law in our day.  They did not establish the law, but stated opinions and backed it up by quoting others whose authority had already been established. But Jesus’ “teaching” was DIFFERENT! “He taught them as One who had authority.”  Numerous times the Gospel writers record Jesus saying:

  • “You have heard that is was said …do not murder…But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother is a murderer…”
  • “You have heard that is was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart…”
  • “You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you: Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:21-22, 27, 38, 43)

Jesus spoke with AUTHORITY because He IS the “AUTHOR”, the Word of God incarnate.

In a worldly sense, Jesus did not have any power at all. He was not a worldly king or priest; He was not even a scribe or Pharisee. His authority was hidden – true God, humbling Himself as true Man.

And so it is today. Jesus’ authority is hidden in the humble preaching and teaching of pastors and Christians, moms and dads. Millions of people push away the Bible, talk about Christ in a disrespectful way. They treat God’s Word as a mere “pep talk” with no authority over their life; their attitude is “I will do as I please.”

God has strong words for those who do not listen to His Word.  In the Old Testament reading – Deuteronomy 18 – after the promise: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to Him.” (v.15) and then the warning: (v.19) “If anyone does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name, I Myself will call him to account.” God is talking about punishment – eternal separation from God / punishment in hell!

But there is good news: the “prophet like Moses” – Jesus – was sent by the Father “not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17) Listen and be blessed by the authority of Jesus and His Word!

There was an interruption (not applause): “a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, ‘What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!’ ‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him.’” (Mark 1:23-27)

What disrespect of the demons to demand of Jesus: “What do You want with us?” (as if the demons could “demand their rights,” saying in effect that Jesus had no right to interfere with what they were doing!)  The same is true today. When God’s Word is so clear about “no longer conforming to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2); and “Live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16) What a rejection of Jesus’ authority to live our lives in selfish, self-serving, worldly ways, contrary to God’s clear Word!

The evil spirit said: “I know who You are – the Holy One of God!”  Does knowledge give authority? In today’s second reading, God’s Word warns us: “knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Note the warning from God’s Word: “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  But the man who loves God is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)

HERE is the Good News – “being KNOWN BY GOD” and therefore loving God and His Word!  Note how this is so much more than merely being “amazed at Jesus teaching and His power over demons.” Being known by God is the gift of faith – ours because of Jesus’ authority of Word and deeds. Again today, through Jesus’ AUTHORITY of “His teaching,” life, death and resurrection we are “known by God:”

– Because of His authority: Jesus renews us daily in the blessings of our baptism;
– He “removes the power of sin” through His forgiveness in Confession and Absolution;
– He “creates a new heart” through His Word in liturgy and hymns; the readings and sermon;
– and especially, as He gives us His true body and true blood in the Lord’s Supper!

He does not give these for “knowledge that puffs up, but (for) love (that) builds up… the man who loves God is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)

“Being known by God / loving God,” He blesses us as we daily read, hear and live according to His Word and we actively seek to DO His will. All through of the Authority of Jesus and His Word in us!

Pastor Myers

Sermon Audio

 

“The Miraculous Power of God’s Word!” (Jonah 3: 1-5, 10)

At the speaking of God’s almighty Word, the heavens, the earth and everything in them – visible and invisible – came into being. That’s amazing! In today’s text, we hear something, perhaps, equally amazing – at the speaking of God’s almighty Word, the hearts and lives of a wicked people were changed. They listened, believed, repented and were saved, all because of the Miraculous Power of God’s Word. That’s amazing!!

Most people know the story of the reluctant prophet, Jonah. He had been called by God to travel to the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to speak God’s judgment because of the wickedness of its inhabitances. He refused – instead fleeing by ship in the opposite direction. But God loved the people of Nineveh and wanted them to hear both His judgment and forgiveness. So, He caused a terrible, violent storm to arise on the water. Reluctantly, but at Jonah’s advice, the sailors threw Jonah overboard, and a great sea creature swallowed him. Three days later he was “deposited” back on the shore. “The Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’” (Jonah 3: 1-2) This time Jonah was willing. He went to Nineveh to proclaim the will and Word of God.

This city was one of great wickedness (Jonah 1: 2) With over 120,00 inhabitants, Nineveh was a huge city, especially for its day and time, but even in comparison with many of the towns of present-day Kansas. (Jonah 3:3 and 4: 11) When Jonah traveled into the heart of the city and began to proclaim its impending doom because of its wickedness (sin), the most remarkable thing happened. God performed a miracle in the hearts and lives of the Ninevites. They heard His Word, believed, repented, were forgiven by God and were spared from His divine destruction!

In the gospel reading, we hear Jesus’ invitation to four humble fishermen, “Come follow Me” and “at once they left their nets and followed Him.” (Mark 1:17-18) They were willing disciples who became “fishers of men.”

God has, likewise, called us to speak to a wicked, sinful city, state, nation and world. They, and we too, are in danger of being destroyed by God because of sin. But by the power of the gospel, through Jesus’ death in our place, we are forgiven and given His divine call to proclaim His Word to those who desperately need to hear it. We speak His Word regarding Life Issues (Abortion, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide); Issues of Morality (Living together before marriage, Sex before marriage, Purity of Marriage, Same Sex Unions); and Addictions (Pornography, Drugs, Alcohol).

As He called Jonah, so He calls us to take up His Word of Truth (a Word of Command and Promise) in order to confront the wickedness of our city, state, nation and world. Through the Miraculous power of God’s Word, there is forgiveness for ALL repentant sinners!

God is calling us – you and me – to stand firm in His Word and against sin! We pray that God would perform a miracle today – as He did in Nineveh – that He would perform a miracle in the hearts and lives of all people so that we would hear His Word, believe, repent and be forgiven! Thank God for the Miraculous Power of His Word!

See you in church this weekend!

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Snow

Sermon Audio Not Available

“Life – a Precious Gift from God” (Psalm 139:14)

Life is truly a gift from God. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. God is “pro-life” and as His faithful, Bible-believing followers, so are we!

In the first book of the Bible – Genesis 1 – we read that the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) hovered over the face of the waters and that the earth was formless, empty and dark. (Genesis 1:2) When God miraculously spoke with His almighty Word and Power, everything immediately came into being – the light; the atmosphere; the land, water and plant life; the sun, moon and stars; the birds of the air and the fish of the seas; and finally, every land animal and the crown of His creation – human life! (See also Genesis 2.)

The prophet Jeremiah, by the inspiration of God, quotes God, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”(Jeremiah 1:5a) And the Psalmists says, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139: 13-16)

God graciously creates, sustains and cares for life at every stage – pre-born, infancy, adolescence, maturity and old age. On this “Life Weekend,” as we thank Him for the gift of life which He gives to each one of us, He calls us to take up His Word of Truth in order to confront the wickedness of our city, state and nation – the sin of Abortion. As we observe “Life Weekend,” we can’t help but remember the tragedy of abortion on demand which has killed some 56 million innocent babies since the 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. (1.4 million each year; 3500 each day; approximately 45 babies during the length of the sermon.) The horrifying atrocities of the WWII Nazi war machine pale in comparison to the murder of innocent human life at the hand of the modern-day abortion industry!

God’s word is perfectly clear; it is not ambiguous; it is not complicated; it is not hard to understand! He tells us, “Thou shalt NOT MURDER (kill).” (Deuteronomy 5:17) But like the temptation of our first parents – Adam and Eve – the sinister devil seeks to tempt us into doubt, disbelief and misunderstanding.

God calls us – as citizens of His Kingdom and as citizens of our land – to use powerful prayer; peaceful protest; and personal persuasion in order to advance the cause of life. God is calling us – you and me – to STAND; to stand for Him and against sin! We pray that God would perform a miracle today… that He would perform a miracle in the hearts and lives of all Americans, so that we would hear His Word, believe, repent, be forgiven by God and be spared from God’s divine judgment!

In the nail-marked hands of Jesus there is forgiveness for those who have been involved in the sin of Abortion and for those who have been reluctant to speak out against it and for Life. In Jesus, there is forgiveness for ALL repentant sinners!

What a joy and privilege it is to be God’s spokespersons for Life! Life is a precious gift from God and along with the Psalmist we say, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139: 14)

See you in church this weekend!

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Snow

Sermon Audio

“Wise Men Still Worship Christ” (Matthew 2:1-2)

Has it ever struck you as “odd” that Matthew – who writes specifically to the Jews – includes this story of the Gentile Christmas; and Luke – who writes specifically to the Gentile, Theophilus – gives us the Jewish Christmas story? What a GREAT REMINDER that Jesus is “the baby born King of the Jews and the Gentiles!”

We celebrate “the Gentile Christmas” / Epiphany (January 6) – “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, behold Magi from the east came to Jerusalem…” Who were these “Magi?” The Christmas carol says: “We Three Kings of Orient are, bearing gifts, we travel afar…” This is a favorite carol, but not very accurate. God’s Word tells us these were Magi – (where we get the word “magicians”) – they were very educated astrologers, with great knowledge and high positions in society; but not “kings” as we might understand the term.

Over 600 years prior to Jesus’ birth, during the Babylonian captivity, God’s Word tells us about a well-known “magi” named Daniel: “Now king Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel… as chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners… over all the wise men of Babylon.” (Daniel 2:48) Daniel and the “wise men” were the advisors to the king; the most knowledgeable of the nation!

But what was it that made them truly “wise?” There is a difference between “wisdom” and “knowledge.” “Knowledge” has to do with the learning of facts and figures, but “wisdom” has to do with the life application of such facts and figures.

What a contrast in today’s Gospel: Gentile men followed the star some 2-300 miles seeking to worship the “King of the Jews.” But the Jews in Jerusalem, particularly the chief priests and teachers of the Law, who had the knowledge that He would be born “in Bethlehem of Judea;” foolishly did not travel the less than six miles (down to Bethlehem)! These Gentiles were “wise men” because they applied the knowledge to their lives. As a result, they “saw the Child…bowed down and worshiped Him and presented Him with gifts.” (Matthew 2:11-12) Returning home, and for the rest of their lives, they must have shared the wonderful news!

Would you and I have joined these Wise Men? Are we willing to leave our “comfort zone;” go to a different culture under the rule of a foreign, pagan government; follow a “star” for directions (without GPS), and wise enough even to stop to ask for directions? They did all this by faith to worship not a powerful king, but a baby! But this baby was JESUS!

According to worldly standards – it made absolutely NO SENSE! What a great sacrifice these men made, with such an expensive trip and gifts! All this because they wisely were led by the Holy Spirit to the King of Kings!

True wisdom only comes from God’s Word which tells us: “The fear of the Lord (faith) is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it.” (Psalm 111:10) All the facts and figures in the world will never bring meaning and purpose to life, nor do they bring comfort at the time of cancer, sickness, loss and death. Only the God-given wisdom of the fear, love and trust in God makes a person truly “wise.” God’s Word reminds us that “the Holy Scriptures are able to make us WISE unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) IT IS ONLY by God’s gift of faith that we are among The Wise Men (women/children) who still worship Christ.

The Wise men “bowed down and worshiped Him.” The first action in our worship also must be honest humility. Only through the wisdom of God do we recognize our sinfulness and the great privilege to be in His presence.

Secondly, these wise men “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts.” The first Wise Men brought only the best for this “newborn King.” Do we present our best offerings of time, abilities and money to Jesus and His work through His Church? This is how “Wise men (and women and children) still worship Christ.”

Now, as the decorations and lights, the Christmas trees and garlands are all coming down, you and I, made “wise” through faith in Jesus Christ, are led by Jesus living in our lives through Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the hearing of God’s Word. Now we, like the Wise Men, continue our lives of worshiping Jesus, the King, as we too “bow down in worship,” “present gifts” worthy of Jesus; and as we “wisely,” joyfully and willingly live in the blessings of “the One born King of kings and Lord of lords;”

In the precious name of Jesus,
Pastor Myers

Sermon Audio

“The Gift of Seeing Jesus” (Luke 2:25-38)

Now that the special Christmas services are over for another year, the presents are opened, all that’s left of the Christmas dinner are left-overs; the tree will soon come down, the lights will soon be turned off, the family and friends have returned home to “get back to work,” NOW WHAT? Now it’s time for the New Year’s Eve party and another New Year with the image of the old man and the baby – right?

Isn’t it interesting that on this last weekend of 2014 (First Sunday after Christmas) our text DOES tell us the story of the “old man” Simeon and the “old woman,” Anna – and the baby – Jesus! This is another reminder that Christmas is not “over for another year” but rather the great blessings of Christmas continue as (with Simeon and Anna) we live in the confident Hope that Jesus brings!

Luke records for us: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts (as) the parents brought in the Child Jesus…” (v.25-27b) three times Luke records for us that the Holy Spirit “was upon Simeon;” “revealed to Simeon;” “moved Simeon!” And likewise, “Anna, a prophetess, moved by the Holy Spirit, never left the temple, but worshiped night and day…” Notice that it was the working of the Holy Spirit that caused Simeon to be “watching and waiting” – to see “the Lord’s Christ” (long-promised Messiah).

And notice, 1) the way it was with Simeon, the same for you and me today – there was no big fanfare. God’s Word doesn’t tell us HOW it was revealed to Simeon “that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ,” nor how he was “moved by the Spirit” to go to the Temple that day. Still today, the Holy Spirit works through common means: a) the water and Word of Holy Baptism; b) the spoken, written and sung Word of God; c) the common bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper with the promises and Words of God..

Also, note 2) that Simeon was in the place where Jesus was present“moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” (v.27) Jesus’ presence is with us in our devotional times; our prayer times; as well as our times of public worship and Bible Study. How easy it is to “skip” these important times; to leave the Bible and devotional book sitting unused on the table or bed-side stand; to choose not to come to public worship services. WHAT IF Simeon had decided NOT to come to the Temple that day? Oh, what blessings we miss when we spend no time in God’s Word or miss out on the public gathering of believers in worship!

And thirdly, 3) Simeon “took Jesus in his arms.” We TAKE Jesus who is “The Word become flesh” (John 1) – when we take His Word, the Bible and read, study, listen and learn from it; and when Jesus invites: “Take eat, this IS My Body… Take drink, this IS My blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

So many people try to live without this blessed gift of seeing / holding Jesus because their selfish nature has blinded them to this Blessed Hope. The Apostle Paul wrote: “I pray… that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Ephesians 1:18)

I’m certain that Simeon and Anna were “never the same again!” They had “seen and held” Jesus! Think of how Simeon and Anna MUST have shared this with everyone they met! God’s peace and presence in us moves us to be positive witnesses. For Jesus came for “all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles; and for glory to God’s people, Israel!” No one is left out!

May God, the Holy Spirit, so fill us; enlighten us; empower us – as He did to Simeon and Anna – that we not only receive God’s peace but that God’s peace go THROUGH us – to our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers – this week and always. Amen.

Pastor Myers

Sermon Audio