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Ephesians 4:11-14

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

In raising children, one of the seemly least effective things to do is to assign them a share in household chores.  Children usually don’t want to do chores any more than adults.  They can complain and drag their feet.  It is easy for a parent to think, “Why am I trying to get my kids to do chores?  It would be easier for me to just do them myself!” 

If the only goal is getting a task done, doing it yourself is often much quicker. You know the saying “if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.” But, in this case, the chore isn’t the goal. The parents’ goal is raising children to be mature, wise, and loving.  The chores are only a teaching tool.  By participating in the work of the household, a child comes to know what it means to be part of a family and community.  A child learns to develop respect for others, their work in the family, and his or her own role and calling.  This is how children learn to actually be a part of a family.

God gave various chores, or callings, in His church.  Not everyone has the same role, but all have a role, because God cares that we grow to be mature, wise, and loving.  In following God’s will and faithfully caring for one another, the will of God is accomplished.  As grow up, we are not easily fooled by satanic temptations and lies.  We support one another and most of all, we recognize that God, as the head of HIs body the church, has placed us all where we need to be for the good of all.

Jesus is the world’s one Savior.  He is the one who could offer the perfect sacrifice that forgives the sins of the world.  Jesus is the one who rose from the dead and now offers eternal life to all people through faith.  Jesus fulfilled His calling, and will come again on the last day as judge of the living and the dead.

In the mean time, God cares for you and is helping you to grow up in the faith through the various callings in His church.  As God gives us opportunities to serve one another in love, God causes us to become mature and grow in wisdom and love.  

Let us pray,

Thank you Lord for patiently caring for me throughout my life and involving me in my place in your body the church. I thank you for the care that you have provided through others in my congregation who teach and care for me.  I ask you to help me likewise to serve others with joy.  In your name I pray,  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Ephesians 4:4-7

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Diversity is a hot topic in secular society today.  Oddly, the topic of unity is largely ignored.  This very passage in Ephesians talks of how there is great diversity in the church, the body of Christ.  However, the foundation of our diversity is our unity.  We are, by God’s design, one body and are brought to life by one Spirit.

We were rescued from the most horrible kind of diversity.  What is that?  Diversity without unity leads to the isolation and brokenness of Sin.  God came to remove our separation from Him.  He did this when Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  Through faith in Jesus, we are one with our heavenly Father.

Where we had nothing but futility and the grave in front of us, Jesus gave us the forgiveness of our sins, the resurrection from the dead and life everlasting.  He also shows us that in our connection to Him, we have connection to one another.  We all have a calling.  Each person’s calling is given according to God’s Will in keeping with the measure of Christ’s gift.  Each gift is given for the common good and serves to unite those who believe in the Lord Jesus.

Therefore, united in the one body of Christ, and made alive by the Holy Spirit we are blessed with the divine gift of unity.  One hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  God grant us joy as we abide in Him through faith and grant us encouragement as we care for one another in His Love.

Let us Pray

I thank you Lord Jesus for calling me out my isolation in sin into the unity of your church.  Guard all your servants in faith so that they may experience your joy through unity in your church.  Help me to use the gift that you have given to me in a way that is pleasing to you. By your grace, may I be a blessing to my congregation.  In your name I pray, AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Jesus brought peace between God and mankind to the world.  Even though humanity’s hatred poured out upon Him on the cross, to this day, through His church, Jesus still offers forgiveness to all who repent and trust in Him alone. Through His death on the cross Jesus created forgiveness for all nations, all people.

Those who believe in the Lord Jesus are now His people and are raised to His new life through their baptism.  Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Christians belong to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and are given the Holy Spirit.  Because of this high calling, we are taught to remember how Jesus has treated us, and in like manner have His heart for one another.

When St. Paul was in prison, his greatest wish for his fellow believers is that they would remember Jesus and their high calling.  And how should they do that?  By living in a manner worthy of our calling in Jesus.  Through faith in Jesus our lives will be characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with each other in love and eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Whenever this Christian character is seen among God’s people, there is reason for high praise to God.  For God alone is certainly the cause of this great transformation.  God grant us faith and His Holy Spirit so that in all things the life of Jesus shall be seen in our relationships towards one another and all others.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for your forgiveness.  Please strengthen my faith and remind me of my calling when my relationships with others become difficult.  By your strength I was forgiven, and blessed with eternal life.  By your strength, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, these will be see in my life.  I thank you for this great blessing.  In your name I pray, AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Matthew 27:57-61

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

Tomorrow is Saturday, July 31st. While this day may remarkable for many things, it is also the day that the church remembers Joseph of Arimathea, the man who took responsibility for the burial of Jesus’ body after his crucifixion.  What do we know about this man?

Joseph was a man of some means and social standing.  He is called a disciple of Jesus and one who didn’t approve of the council’s action in condemning Jesus to death.  He saw to it that Jesus body was not desecrated.  Since time was short, due to the sabbath, he put Jesus body in his own new tomb and rolled a great stone over the entrance.

Many other stories and traditions surrounding Joseph have been told over the years, but this core of His witness as recorded in the Bible still stands as the most significant.  What is significant about Joseph’s witness?  When all were hiding in fear, Joseph stood up publicly for the Lord and did what was right and proper.  

This is a profound witness for us to commemorate today.  In our would fear still reigns.  And those who would oppose and desecrate the name of Jesus still use intimidation and threats to silence the Gospel.  Today this is called self-censorship.  Yet, God is greater than all threats and will continue to provide faithful servants to point the world to Jesus.

The enemies of Jesus were certainly frightening.  They did manage to orchestrate Jesus’ crucifixion.  But, God used their actions to work out the forgiveness of sins for all who trust in Jesus.  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross stands as the one salvation for all and is offered to all through faith alone.  

Actually, Joseph’s faithful act of burial endured but for a few days.  But, this wasn’t due to the threats of Jesus’ enemies.  Not at all!  In the end the guards would be scattered and the heavy stone would be cast aside at the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Jesus enemies, along with sin, death, and devil would themselves be defeated.  

May God grant each of us a bold faith like Joseph of Arimathea.

Let us pray

Lord I thank you for preserving in your Holy Word the faithful actions of your servant Joseph.  Help me to be faithful and bold as I pursue the calling you have given to me.  I ask this in your name.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

John 11:1-4

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Today, June 29, the church remember Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  They are mentioned a few times in relation to Jesus’ ministry.  In fact, it is just a little confusing because, especially the name Mary, is common and sometimes there is a question if all the references are to the same person.  However, in John 11 we have all three noted together, and so today I will use this text for our meditation.

There are a few things that are a little troubling about this text.  First of all, though it seems that this family is special to the Lord, Jesus didn’t seem alarmed when He heard of Lazarus’s serious illness.  Instead, He lingered for two more days where they were.  At last, when they came to their town, Bethany, Lazarus had already died.  They were too late!

Disappointment could not be avoided.  Sorrow was everywhere.  Lazarus was already buried.  Still, Mary and Martha believed in the Lord Jesus.  The disciples who had followed Jesus to Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem, feared what might happen because Jesus had been predicting His death.   So, in the midst of this hopeless situation, God brought a miracle of life.  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

This miraculous sign was a joy to Mary and Martha, and certainly amazed all the people who came to mourn a death and not witness a resurrection.  But, to others, the challenge of God’s power in Jesus was the last straw.  Jesus’ enemies saw in this miracle the most compelling reason yet to arrest and execute Jesus.

This pattern continues to this day.  Whenever the gifts of God are received in faith, the evil one is enraged.  But we shall not fear.  For the evil one is defeated already through Jesus resurrection and will be utterly defeated at Jesus’ return.  For this reason all that the evil one does (frightening as it often seems) will only serve to further God’s plan of salvation.

This is what we witnessed in Jesus’ ministry. His enemies plans, including Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and death became the centerpiece of our salvation.  Through faith in Jesus our sins are forgiven.  Through the baptism that Jesus commanded, we are made one with Him and His resurrection on the third day.  

We rejoice today, that as God’s baptized children we will stand together with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at the resurrection.  And we give thanks also today as we remember these fellow believers.  They continued steadfast through great trials and were sustained by their Lord Jesus.  And as they remained faithful, may God also grant us His Grace and faith throughout our lives.  

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus Christ for your faithful love for your saints, and especially for the witness of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  Help me to bear witness to your Gospel in all seasons of my life.  Especially help me to glorify you during times of mourning, for I know that in you is resurrection and eternal life.  

In your Name I pray, AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

On this day, July 28, in the year 1750, Johann Sebastian Bach died.  Christians celebrate the day of a believers death as his birthday into eternal life.  Johann believed in Jesus as his Savior. He now lives in Christ and awaits with us the resurrection.  He was a Lutheran Christian and a Kantor (choirmaster) at his church.  If you go to Leipzig, you can tour his home, and right across the street, see his church. To modern eyes it is a magnificent building. But, there are much larger and more ornate churches in Germany.

We are thankful that God has given us the Gospel through pastors, musicians, teachers, and all God’s people in His church.  He did this for you so that so that “you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” When you listen to the music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, this must be in your mind, or you will not understand it at all.  His work is a profound proclamation of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

When I visited Leipzig a number of years ago, I saw Bach’s church and visited his home, now a museum.  Though the church seemed amazing, it wasn’t, as I mentioned earlier, the most beautiful I had seen in Germany.  In fact, there was a more magnificent church right in town by the name of St. Paul’s, or in German, the Paulinerkirche.  But, I didn’t see St. Paul’s.  Why not? Leipzig is located in what was once Communist/Atheist East Germany.  Though the church survived World War II almost unscathed, the communists decided to dynamite the church to make room for expansion of the university.  That was their stated goal, but they demolished the beautiful St. Paul’s to try to erase the spiritual heart of the city and the Christian faith.  People protested.  Many were arrested.  Where once the Gospel rang out, there was but an empty hole after the explosions. 

Many years later, it was determined to replace the church. The building that replaced St. Paul’s was in the shape of the former church, but cold and dead in comparison to what had been dynamited.  Sadly, so much more was lost in terms of faith in their culture, not to mention the lives of so many people lost in the war.  

But, God is gracious.  The Gospel of Jesus that could not be halted by the cross of calvary, continues to this day.  Jesus rose from the dead and His church still calls all people to repentance and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.  Even in a very broken and secularist society, even in Leipzig, the song of faith is heard.  And today we remember the victory of one of God’s servants who died on this day 271 years ago, Johann Sebastian Bach.  For through His compositions we are still lifted to look to Jesus, believe and be saved.

Let us pray

Lord God heavenly Father, I thank you for your rich mercy in giving your Gospel to your church so that your love in Jesus is still heard among us.  I thank you for church musicians who help us to take this Gospel with us into the week, giving us an eternal song in our hearts.  Bless all who labor in your church to provide music.  Direct them so that their musical efforts will clearly proclaim your word and glorify Jesus Christ.  In your name I pray.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Exodus 16:3

“Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Slavery for the people of Israel was a living death.  The Pharaoh feared their population and had put in place policies to diminish their whole population. Similar to governmental policies around the world today, births were restricted, working conditions were intentionally made deadly, and suffering was increased.  

The people prayed to the Lord for deliverance, and God heard their cry for help.  He sent His servant Moses, and with mighty miracles He rescued His people from slavery.  God was taking them to the promised land.

But, even though they had barely begun their journey, some began to panic.  They feared the journey.  They had come along, perhaps, thinking that this was the easy way out.  But, instead, they faced a journey across a wilderness.  Of themselves, they could see no way they would ever survive.  This wasn’t easy way out that they expected.

It is thought that among the Israelites were many hangers on, people who left with them.  They didn’t believe, formed the core of a rabble, and were quick to complain.  This rabble was able to stir up unbelief among God’s people.  We see this situation today whenever the way forward involves difficulty and sacrifice.  The easy way out is as tempting as ever and complaint is common.

There is no easy way out.  For this reason, faith in God is necessary.  God proved His own faithfulness when He provided His people with manna from heaven, meat, and water in abundance.  God cared for His people during the worst trials.  For those who trusted in the Lord, the trials — though difficult —  served to affirm their faith.  For those who complained in unbelief, the journey was too much.  They quickly fell into sin.

God has shown us that putting our faith in the easy way out is a deception.  The faithful way in Jesus is our only salvation.  Jesus is Himself the faithful one, who didn’t turn aside from us, even though our salvation meant His death on cross and grave.  Jesus continued undeterred for us and our salvation.  On the third day He rose from the dead and shows us the future of all who trust in Him.  

Though faith seems easy, as in “just trust in the Lord and your will be saved.”  We know also that because of our sinful nature, such faith is impossible for us.  We too easily trust in the attitudes shown by those who longed for their old slave life in Egypt.  Therefore, God helps us. The Holy Spirit encourages us through faith to follow Jesus all our days, and through all our trials.  In this way God brings us to our eternal Home with Him, which will be the promised land,  the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting. 

LET US PRAY

I thank you Lord for strengthening me in faith all the days of my life.  Sustain all who call you their Lord and Savior, especially during times of physical and spiritual trial, so that we will remember Jesus Holy example, give thanks for your gifts, and bear all difficulties, trusting in your faithfulness in Jesus.  In HIs Name I pray,  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Mark 10:35-37

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

July 25 is a day the church has chosen to commemorate St. James the Elder, the brother of John.  Since yesterday was July 25th, your pastor may have mentioned St. James in his sermon.  We are thankful for the faithful believers that God has used in the past, and still uses today, to share the Gospel with all nations.

When it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus, you may rightly think that there are others better suited for such a high calling than you.  Seriously, how many of us walked with Jesus and witnessed His miracles.  This is true!  James was wonderfully prepared to share the Gospel from the perspective of a first hand witness.  He did share the Gospel faithfully, and even to the point of martyrdom, He remained faithful in His calling.  He was, in fact, the first of the apostles to die as a martyr.

But, it is also important to remember that even the great apostles of the Lord, needed the Lord Jesus to be their Savior.  As we are sinners, so were they! They, like us, had no hope with Jesus.  The text I read for you illustrates this point.  James and John wanted to secure positions of honor as disciples.  We are not told in the Bible why they wanted this honor.  But, along with the other disciples, we may speculate about their motives in wanting to be first.  This isn’t helpful, but it is human nature to think less of James and John for their request.

Jesus, in Matthew 10, goes on to talk about what truly makes one great.  Greatness doesn’t come from being honored, but from being a humble servant, even to the point of death.  James and John thought themselves up to the challenge.  James, obviously, was willing to die for the Lord, and he did.  But, were it not for Jesus perfect sacrifice, all would have been lost for James, and for us.

Jesus offered Himself for us and through faith in Him we are forgiven and share in His resurrection to eternal life.  Whatever other honors God may decide to bestow on His servants isn’t our concern.  For in Jesus we have already been honored with forgiveness, eternal life, and a place in God’s eternal kingdom.

With that in mind, we can also be certain that because we have been so wondrously blessed by the Lord, we are “good enough” to share with others the Love of God in Jesus.  Being “good enough” in God’s plan, isn’t about us be first among each other, but about God putting us first in Jesus.  Therefore, we can simply share what God has done for us in Jesus. God Himself will give us the opportunities to tell others of our wonderful Savior Jesus.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for the ministry of your faithful apostles, and especially your servant James.  Help me to remember all those whom you have give to serve me with the Gospel in my congregation.  Strengthen me and grant me the words to share the joy of what Jesus has done for me with all who would hear.  I ask this in your name.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 23:2-3

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Blessings are wonderful, but they are often invisible.  When troubles hits our lives, those troubles loom large and frightening.  Why is this so, when blessings also abound? Troubles are magnified by the evil one and our own weak faith.

Because of this, we are naturally attracted to worry and fear.  When that happens, blessings can be overshadowed.  It is possible to forget blessings altogether.  When the green pastures become small in our minds, we can be sure that our faith is suffering.

God’s Word brings a healthy correction to our perception of life.  From the midst of our daily lives in a sinful world, God’s Word strengthens our faith to bring balance to our understanding of reality.  Through faith in Jesus, we are enabled to see the blessings of God and appreciate the green pastures and quiet waters that are in the Lord Himself.  

This is more than just a beautiful of scene of pastoral meditation. Psalm 23 teaches us about Jesus.  In Him we have a Good Shepherd who cares for us.  The restoration of our souls was created on His cross of sacrifice for our sins.  The living water of the Psalm anticipates Holy Baptism where God claimed us as His children and brings us to life through faith.

The universal appreciation of the 23rd Psalm is no doubt due to the fact of our great need for rest in the Lord’s presence.  But, more than just a pastoral vision, the 23rd Psalm points us to Jesus and our life in Him.  May the blessings of Jesus refresh your faith today and always.

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus for offering me all perfect blessings as a gift through faith.  Help me to clearly see your blessings today.  May the distractions of the evil one and my own wavering faith never cause me to miss the joys that you have given to your people.  Help all pastors and congregations as they prepare for services this Sunday.  May your church be as a green pasture and a place of quiet water to refresh your people.  In your name I pray, AMEN.