Saturday after the First Sunday in Lent
February 27, 2010
The Lord be with you
The adult Sunday morning Bible study at Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) this Sunday will continue its series titled “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible.” The question submitted for this week is:
In 1 Samuel 13:9-13, God gets very angry at Saul for sacrificing burnt offerings at the Ark of the Covenant – so much so that Samuel tells Saul that now his kingdom will not endure. But in 2 Samuel 6:18 David does the same thing, and God seems to have no problem with it. Why?
The name of the Bible study is “Does God Have A Double Standard?”
Everyone is welcome. We should be able to handle this in one class.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
St. Matthias, Apostle
Feast Day of St. Matthias, Apostle
February 24, 2010
The Lord be with you
Today is the Feast Day of St. Matthias, Apostle. He is one of the lesser-known a
postles. According to the Early Church Fathers, Matthias was one of the seventy-two sent out by Jesus in Luke 10:1-20. After the ascension, Matthias was chosen by lot to fill the vacancy in the Twelve resulting from the death of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:16-25). Early Church tradition places Matthias in a number of locations. Some historians suggest that he went to Ethiopia; others place him in Armenia, the first nation to adopt Christianity as a national religion. Martyred for his faith, Matthias may well have met his death at Colchis in Asia Minor, around 50 AD. The Church of St. Matthias at Trier, Germany, claims the honor of being the final burial site for Matthias, the only one of the Twelve to be buried in Europe north of the Alps.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 24, 2010
The Lord be with you
Today is the Feast Day of St. Matthias, Apostle. He is one of the lesser-known a
postles. According to the Early Church Fathers, Matthias was one of the seventy-two sent out by Jesus in Luke 10:1-20. After the ascension, Matthias was chosen by lot to fill the vacancy in the Twelve resulting from the death of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:16-25). Early Church tradition places Matthias in a number of locations. Some historians suggest that he went to Ethiopia; others place him in Armenia, the first nation to adopt Christianity as a national religion. Martyred for his faith, Matthias may well have met his death at Colchis in Asia Minor, around 50 AD. The Church of St. Matthias at Trier, Germany, claims the honor of being the final burial site for Matthias, the only one of the Twelve to be buried in Europe north of the Alps.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Worship for Lent 2
Feast Day of St. Matthias, Apostle
February 24, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday in Lent. At Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) we will be using the second setting of the morning service, which begins on page 167 of our hymnal. Our hymnal calls all the primary services for Sunday morning “Divine Service,” with different “settings” (five of them). To be honest, I have never cared for the change in the name from “Morning Service” to “Divine Service.” Our first two English hymnals (ELHB and TLH) called these main Sunday services “Morning Service.” With the introduction of LW in 1982 (and in the ELCA, LBW in 1978) the new nomenclature of “Divine Service” was introduced (see correction in the first comment below). While this new vocabulary did bring our denomination in line with the current liturgical fads and trends, it also introduced confusion. Prior to LW (and LSB) the word liturgy was most often defined in our circles as “the work of the people.” Now it is often defined (maybe most often) as God’s work. While we certainly receive the gifts of God through Word and Sacrament during the service, it still is our worship as well, where we bring to the Lord praise and thanksgiving, where we ascribe to him honor and glory. The phrase “Morning Service,” or simply “Service” as the old ALC hymnal titled the regular morning service, leaves open the dual nature of our morning time together (both our worship of the Lord and the gifts of the Lord to us in Word and Sacrament). I share this information simply to clear up any confusion for any one who might read these notes and wonder why so often I do not say we are using “Divine Service, setting …”
[For those who do not know the meaning of all the initials, LCMS = Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; ELHB = Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book; TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal; LW = Lutheran Worship; ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; LBW = Lutheran Book of Worship; LSB = Lutheran Service Book; ALC = American Lutheran Church]
We will continue to use the Lent options in the liturgy. Among other things, this means we will use the Gloria in Excelsis for our hymn of praise instead of This Is the Feast, and our post-communion canticle will be the Nunc Dimittis instead of Thank the Lord.
The appointed lessons are Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:1-35. The sermon is titled “In Your Face.” It will draw from each of the lessons, but for a text I will use Jeremiah 26:12. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. You may wish to read your copy of Luther’s Small Catechism on the Lord’s Supper to prepare for the Sacrament.
We have been learning the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416). This will be the last week we use it (for awhile), as the congregation seems to have mastered it. It will be one of our Distribution Hymns. Now we will begin to learn the only Lent hymn that was unknown that the hymnal review committee wanted the congregation to learn. (There were only four Lent hymns in the hymnal that were unknown.) The hymn is “My Song Is Love Unknown” (LSB 430) and it will be our Opening Hymn. Our Sermon Hymn will be “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” (LSB 427). Our two additional Distribution Hymns will be “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee” (LSB 632) and “The Church’s One Foundation” (LSB 644). Our Closing Hymn will be “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 576). You may not immediately recognize “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee,” but you do know the tune, Old Hunderedth. The most famous hymn coupled with this tune begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all people …”
As usual, you can hear the tunes of the hymns at Better Noise (see the link on the right hand side of this blog). A YouTube video of our new hymn, “My Song Is Love Unknown,” which includes the words, has been posted at the end of these notes.
Philippians 3:17-4:1: Philippians was written by Paul while he was in prison. Mainly Paul is thanking the Philippians for their support. In this section he is warning the Philippians about those who oppose “the cross of Christ.” Anyone who detracts from the saving work of Christ could be put in this category. Again, God is not obscure about what he wants, repentant people who put their faith in him [Jesus]. The result of a failure to do so is also clear, “destruction.” The result of faith in Jesus is also clear, our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like his glorious body at his Second Coming.
Luke 13:31-35: In this lesson some Pharisees warn Jesus of Herod’s intention to murder him. This would be the same Herod who murdered John the Baptist. Some feel these Pharisees are seeking to frighten Jesus, making him look like a coward in front of his followers. Others feel these Pharisees were speaking with a good intention. It is certain that not all Pharisees were opponents of Jesus (John 3:1). No matter what their motives were, their warning does not change our Lord’s course of action. Jesus calls Herod a “fox” (ESV). In English the word fox often is associated with being clever. However this same word could be translated Jackal, which would mean Jesus is not calling Herod clever, but that he was a parasite. Jesus is clear, he will continue his Kingdom work, which would lead him to Jerusalem, where he will be condemned and die. The compassion of God as he reaches out to a sinful world seeking repentance and faith can be seen in the metaphor Jesus uses of God as a hen reaching out to her chicks.
the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
O God, why do you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 24, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the Second Sunday in Lent. At Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) we will be using the second setting of the morning service, which begins on page 167 of our hymnal. Our hymnal calls all the primary services for Sunday morning “Divine Service,” with different “settings” (five of them). To be honest, I have never cared for the change in the name from “Morning Service” to “Divine Service.” Our first two English hymnals (ELHB and TLH) called these main Sunday services “Morning Service.” With the introduction of LW in 1982 (and in the ELCA, LBW in 1978) the new nomenclature of “Divine Service” was introduced (see correction in the first comment below). While this new vocabulary did bring our denomination in line with the current liturgical fads and trends, it also introduced confusion. Prior to LW (and LSB) the word liturgy was most often defined in our circles as “the work of the people.” Now it is often defined (maybe most often) as God’s work. While we certainly receive the gifts of God through Word and Sacrament during the service, it still is our worship as well, where we bring to the Lord praise and thanksgiving, where we ascribe to him honor and glory. The phrase “Morning Service,” or simply “Service” as the old ALC hymnal titled the regular morning service, leaves open the dual nature of our morning time together (both our worship of the Lord and the gifts of the Lord to us in Word and Sacrament). I share this information simply to clear up any confusion for any one who might read these notes and wonder why so often I do not say we are using “Divine Service, setting …”
[For those who do not know the meaning of all the initials, LCMS = Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; ELHB = Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book; TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal; LW = Lutheran Worship; ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; LBW = Lutheran Book of Worship; LSB = Lutheran Service Book; ALC = American Lutheran Church]
We will continue to use the Lent options in the liturgy. Among other things, this means we will use the Gloria in Excelsis for our hymn of praise instead of This Is the Feast, and our post-communion canticle will be the Nunc Dimittis instead of Thank the Lord.
The appointed lessons are Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:1-35. The sermon is titled “In Your Face.” It will draw from each of the lessons, but for a text I will use Jeremiah 26:12. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. You may wish to read your copy of Luther’s Small Catechism on the Lord’s Supper to prepare for the Sacrament.
We have been learning the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416). This will be the last week we use it (for awhile), as the congregation seems to have mastered it. It will be one of our Distribution Hymns. Now we will begin to learn the only Lent hymn that was unknown that the hymnal review committee wanted the congregation to learn. (There were only four Lent hymns in the hymnal that were unknown.) The hymn is “My Song Is Love Unknown” (LSB 430) and it will be our Opening Hymn. Our Sermon Hymn will be “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” (LSB 427). Our two additional Distribution Hymns will be “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee” (LSB 632) and “The Church’s One Foundation” (LSB 644). Our Closing Hymn will be “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 576). You may not immediately recognize “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee,” but you do know the tune, Old Hunderedth. The most famous hymn coupled with this tune begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all people …”
As usual, you can hear the tunes of the hymns at Better Noise (see the link on the right hand side of this blog). A YouTube video of our new hymn, “My Song Is Love Unknown,” which includes the words, has been posted at the end of these notes.
Preview of the Lessons
Jeremiah 26:8-15: Jeremiah lived from 626 to 585 BC. Kings during his life time were Josiah, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Josiah was a faithful king, but Jehoiakim and Zedekiah both abandoned the faith of Israel. This message comes from “the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim” (26:1) which would be the year 609 BC. Josiah had sponsored a restoration of the faith during his reign (which had all but died out during the reign of Manasseh) but the “reformation” was not truly embraced by the people. When Jehoiakim became king the state support for the true faith would evaporate and the people would rust headlong back to crass idolatry. The Lord knew this and sent Jeremiah to warn them, urging them to repent and find a gracious God. His warning falls on deaf ears. God’s grace is spurned. Jeremiah is arrested for his warning and the disaster that could have been avoided does come. There is nothing secret about what God wants, repentant people who put their faith in him. When things fall apart because of human sinfulness, it is not because God has not made his desires, or the consequences of ignoring his desires, clear.Philippians 3:17-4:1: Philippians was written by Paul while he was in prison. Mainly Paul is thanking the Philippians for their support. In this section he is warning the Philippians about those who oppose “the cross of Christ.” Anyone who detracts from the saving work of Christ could be put in this category. Again, God is not obscure about what he wants, repentant people who put their faith in him [Jesus]. The result of a failure to do so is also clear, “destruction.” The result of faith in Jesus is also clear, our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like his glorious body at his Second Coming.
Luke 13:31-35: In this lesson some Pharisees warn Jesus of Herod’s intention to murder him. This would be the same Herod who murdered John the Baptist. Some feel these Pharisees are seeking to frighten Jesus, making him look like a coward in front of his followers. Others feel these Pharisees were speaking with a good intention. It is certain that not all Pharisees were opponents of Jesus (John 3:1). No matter what their motives were, their warning does not change our Lord’s course of action. Jesus calls Herod a “fox” (ESV). In English the word fox often is associated with being clever. However this same word could be translated Jackal, which would mean Jesus is not calling Herod clever, but that he was a parasite. Jesus is clear, he will continue his Kingdom work, which would lead him to Jerusalem, where he will be condemned and die. The compassion of God as he reaches out to a sinful world seeking repentance and faith can be seen in the metaphor Jesus uses of God as a hen reaching out to her chicks.
Sunday’s Collect
O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that my happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Gradual (Hebrews 12:2)
O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Verse (Luke 13:35)
Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”Introit
For zeal for your house has consumed me,and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
O God, why do you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr
Commemoration of Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr
February 23, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS, today is recognized as the Comm
emoration of Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr. Born around 69 AD, Polycarp was a central figure in the Early Church. A disciple of the evangelist John, he linked the first generation of believers to later Christians. After serving for many years as bishop of Smyrna (located in modern Turkey, famous in the First Century for Emperor worship, and one of the churches the book of Revelation was sent to; Revelation 1:11; 2:8) Polycarp was arrested, tried, and executed for his faith on February 23, in 155 or 156 AD. An eyewitness narrative of his death, The Martyrdom of Polycarp, continues to encourage believes in times of persecution.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 23, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS, today is recognized as the Comm
emoration of Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr. Born around 69 AD, Polycarp was a central figure in the Early Church. A disciple of the evangelist John, he linked the first generation of believers to later Christians. After serving for many years as bishop of Smyrna (located in modern Turkey, famous in the First Century for Emperor worship, and one of the churches the book of Revelation was sent to; Revelation 1:11; 2:8) Polycarp was arrested, tried, and executed for his faith on February 23, in 155 or 156 AD. An eyewitness narrative of his death, The Martyrdom of Polycarp, continues to encourage believes in times of persecution.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Monday, February 22, 2010
Christ Sanctifies All Human Action
Monday after the First Sunday in Lent
February 22, 2010
The Lord be with you
"But Christ, the repairer of evildoing, assumes manhood in the fullness, and saves humanity and becomes the type and figure of us all, to sanctify the firstfruits of every action and leave to his servants no doubt in their zeal for the tradition. Baptism, then, is a purification from sins, a remission of trespasses, a cause of renovation and regeneration."
-Gregory of Nysaa, On the Baptism of Christ
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I Trust When Dark My Road
The First Sunday in Lent
February 21, 2010
The Lord be with you
Way back in the very first month I was doing this blog, I published a post about another blog, I Trust When Dark My Road. The blog is written by an active Lutheran pastor who also battles clinical depression. He explores how faith is (or can be) and important factor in relating to the full range of mental illnesses. The following is ripped straight off his blog, so you can get a feel of some of the posts that can be found there.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
I have been doing a peer review of a fantastic book by a 17th century theologian named Herberger. I pray that this volume will be published by CPH or someone else within the next year, because it is packed full of wisdom from God’s Word. Nearly every page seems to be full of gems like this one:
We have certainly reflected long and hard here the relationship between physical depression and spiritual distress. Here Herberger seems to have an understanding of this hundreds of years ago. Depression is the playground or bath in which the devil loves to work. Depression turns us inward, makes us overfocus and blow every little setback so far out of proportion that is hardly recognizable. Depression can easily lead us to despair even of our very lives.
But Christ calls us back from peering over the edge. There is a sickness, but it is not unto death. There are problems, but they can be overcome. No matter what the difficulty you face, whether it is personal, financial, medical or spiritual, Christ is with you. He will see you through it.
Thanks, Doctor Herberger. Your words bring into focus how God can use these things to our benefit. We pray with you:
February 21, 2010
The Lord be with you
Way back in the very first month I was doing this blog, I published a post about another blog, I Trust When Dark My Road. The blog is written by an active Lutheran pastor who also battles clinical depression. He explores how faith is (or can be) and important factor in relating to the full range of mental illnesses. The following is ripped straight off his blog, so you can get a feel of some of the posts that can be found there.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Melancholia balneum diaboli
I have been doing a peer review of a fantastic book by a 17th century theologian named Herberger. I pray that this volume will be published by CPH or someone else within the next year, because it is packed full of wisdom from God’s Word. Nearly every page seems to be full of gems like this one:
- To have a sick heart is the greatest trouble on earth. Many may have not a single sick soul in the house, but in the breast there is a sickbed in which an ailing heart lies, letting out great groans. There laughter is stifled. Hence St. Paul calls it “Satan’s messenger”; for “the devil truly avails himself of the melancholy of the pious.” Melancholia balneum diaboli. He climbs on top of what is cast down, and pours out more onto what is already soaked, just like a true sadist. He turns a little infraction into a great, terrifying sin unto death. He has to do everything to the extreme: out of a speck of dust floating in the sunbeam he makes a huge mountain. He sharpens all thoughts into daggers and spits for the heart, making man to despair of bringing out the best of the situation.
We have certainly reflected long and hard here the relationship between physical depression and spiritual distress. Here Herberger seems to have an understanding of this hundreds of years ago. Depression is the playground or bath in which the devil loves to work. Depression turns us inward, makes us overfocus and blow every little setback so far out of proportion that is hardly recognizable. Depression can easily lead us to despair even of our very lives.
But Christ calls us back from peering over the edge. There is a sickness, but it is not unto death. There are problems, but they can be overcome. No matter what the difficulty you face, whether it is personal, financial, medical or spiritual, Christ is with you. He will see you through it.
Thanks, Doctor Herberger. Your words bring into focus how God can use these things to our benefit. We pray with you:
- “O my dear Lord Jesus Christ, who said: ‘Pray, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’; by virtue of this Your promise, O Lord, grant to me who pray not for gold or silver, but for a strong, firm faith. Let me find, for I seek not pleasure or worldly joy, but comfort and new life through Your blessed, comforting, wholesome word. Open unto me who knock. Nothing do I desire that the world counts great and high, for by such I am not made a hair’s breadth better before You: Instead, give me Your Holy Spirit to illumine my heart, strengthen and comfort me in my anguish and distress, preserve me in true faith and trust in Your grace until my end. Amen.”
We Have A Winner
The First Sunday in Lent
February 21, 2010
The Lord be with you
Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) has just concluded voting in its second annual T-Shirt design contest. I select a theme Bible verse and members of the congregation submit designs, hopefully reflective of the verse. The members of the congregation then vote for one of the designs, which will be place on a T-Shirt along with the Bible verse. This year's Bible passage was Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
The design receiving the most votes was submitted by Ramona. Below is her design.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 21, 2010
The Lord be with you
Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) has just concluded voting in its second annual T-Shirt design contest. I select a theme Bible verse and members of the congregation submit designs, hopefully reflective of the verse. The members of the congregation then vote for one of the designs, which will be place on a T-Shirt along with the Bible verse. This year's Bible passage was Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
The design receiving the most votes was submitted by Ramona. Below is her design.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Theology of Suffering
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
February 20, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday, while I was at Gardner Webb University for my first course in my D.Min program, I was delighted to be told by my professor that Dr. Marva Dawn would be coming to our campus for a lecture. Dr. Dawn has written numerous books (of which I’ve read a few), lectured internationally, and just happens to be a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The topic of her presentation is “The Theology of Suffering,” a subject she is intimately familiar with both from a book perspective and a personal perspective. In other words, when she speaks about suffering it is not just from an academic perspective, safely tucked away in an ivory tower, but also from a personal perspective. She has been in the trenches of suffering.
The lecture will be Tuesday, March 23. Registration begins at 9:30 AM. Lunch begins at noon, followed by a book signing. She will also be the guest speaker at the chapel service, 7:00 PM. Cost is $25.00 and includes lunch. Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The presentation is part of the C.O. & Eliza Greene Lectures on Pastoral Ministry series.
Blessings in Christ
Pastor John Rickert
February 20, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday, while I was at Gardner Webb University for my first course in my D.Min program, I was delighted to be told by my professor that Dr. Marva Dawn would be coming to our campus for a lecture. Dr. Dawn has written numerous books (of which I’ve read a few), lectured internationally, and just happens to be a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The topic of her presentation is “The Theology of Suffering,” a subject she is intimately familiar with both from a book perspective and a personal perspective. In other words, when she speaks about suffering it is not just from an academic perspective, safely tucked away in an ivory tower, but also from a personal perspective. She has been in the trenches of suffering.
The lecture will be Tuesday, March 23. Registration begins at 9:30 AM. Lunch begins at noon, followed by a book signing. She will also be the guest speaker at the chapel service, 7:00 PM. Cost is $25.00 and includes lunch. Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The presentation is part of the C.O. & Eliza Greene Lectures on Pastoral Ministry series.
Blessings in Christ
Pastor John Rickert
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Spirituality
Commemoration of Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor
February 18, 2010
The Lord be with you
The Spirituality of the Cross (The Way of the First Evangelicals) is by far and away the best book I have read on spirituality that you do not have to have a theological degree to understand. Check out this link to Paul McCain’s facebook page to read how it made a major difference in the life of one person
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 18, 2010
The Lord be with you
The Spirituality of the Cross (The Way of the First Evangelicals) is by far and away the best book I have read on spirituality that you do not have to have a theological degree to understand. Check out this link to Paul McCain’s facebook page to read how it made a major difference in the life of one person
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor
Commemoration of Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor
February 18, 2010
The Lord be with you
Today is recognized as the commemoration of Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor. Obviously every Christian Church does not celebrate this commemoration. Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1843 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, initially began studies leading to
ward a degree in law. However, after a close encounter with death, he switched to the study of theology, entered an Augustinian monastery, was ordained a priest in 1505, and received a doctorate in theology in 1512. As a professor at the newly established University of Wittenberg, Luther’s scriptural studies led him to question many of the late Medieval Church’s teachings and practices, especially the selling of indulgences. His refusal to back down from his convictions resulted in his excommunication in 1512. Following a period of seclusion at the Wartburg castle, Luther returned to Wittenberg, where he spent the rest of his life preaching and teaching, translating the Scriptures, and writing hymns and numerous theological treatises. He is remembered and honored for his lifelong emphasis on the biblical truth that for Christ’s sake God declares us righteous by grace through faith alone. Luther died on February 18, 1546, while visiting the town of his birth. The 2003 movie Luther, starring Joseph Fiennes, does a good job in depicting some of the early key events in Luther’s life up to 1530.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 18, 2010
The Lord be with you
Today is recognized as the commemoration of Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor. Obviously every Christian Church does not celebrate this commemoration. Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1843 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, initially began studies leading to
ward a degree in law. However, after a close encounter with death, he switched to the study of theology, entered an Augustinian monastery, was ordained a priest in 1505, and received a doctorate in theology in 1512. As a professor at the newly established University of Wittenberg, Luther’s scriptural studies led him to question many of the late Medieval Church’s teachings and practices, especially the selling of indulgences. His refusal to back down from his convictions resulted in his excommunication in 1512. Following a period of seclusion at the Wartburg castle, Luther returned to Wittenberg, where he spent the rest of his life preaching and teaching, translating the Scriptures, and writing hymns and numerous theological treatises. He is remembered and honored for his lifelong emphasis on the biblical truth that for Christ’s sake God declares us righteous by grace through faith alone. Luther died on February 18, 1546, while visiting the town of his birth. The 2003 movie Luther, starring Joseph Fiennes, does a good job in depicting some of the early key events in Luther’s life up to 1530.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The SPARROW at STARBUCKS
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2010
The Lord be with you
The following story is true, according to truthorfiction.com. They site a story by John Thomas Oaks in the November/December issue of Christian Reader. I received it from one of the members of Lamb of God and enjoyed it so much I thought I’d share it with you. Oh, and the picture on this post is of musicians at Starbucks, but not the musicians in the story.
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York Cit
y holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig – I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in.
During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"
To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?" "Well. ...do you know any hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one." "Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one." "Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.
Why should I be discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued. I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said. "Why is that?" "Well . .." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed. "Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual... "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?" She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it. God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
* Noah was a drunk
* Abraham was too old
* Isaac was a daydreamer
* Jacob was a liar
* Leah was ugly
* Joseph was abused
* Moses had a stuttering problem
* Gideon was afraid
* Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
* Rahab was a prostitute
* Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
* David had an affair and was a murderer
* Elijah was suicidal
* Isaiah preached naked
* Jonah ran from God
* Naomi was a widow
* Job went bankrupt
* John the Baptist ate bugs
* Peter denied Christ
* The Disciples fell asleep while praying
* Martha worried about everything
* The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
* Zaccheus was too small
* Paul was too religious
* Timothy had an ulcer
* Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. God bless you..
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 17, 2010
The Lord be with you
The following story is true, according to truthorfiction.com. They site a story by John Thomas Oaks in the November/December issue of Christian Reader. I received it from one of the members of Lamb of God and enjoyed it so much I thought I’d share it with you. Oh, and the picture on this post is of musicians at Starbucks, but not the musicians in the story.
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York Cit
y holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig – I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in.During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"
To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?" "Well. ...do you know any hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one." "Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one." "Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.
Why should I be discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued. I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said. "Why is that?" "Well . .." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed. "Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual... "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?" She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it. God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
* Noah was a drunk
* Abraham was too old
* Isaac was a daydreamer
* Jacob was a liar
* Leah was ugly
* Joseph was abused
* Moses had a stuttering problem
* Gideon was afraid
* Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
* Rahab was a prostitute
* Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
* David had an affair and was a murderer
* Elijah was suicidal
* Isaiah preached naked
* Jonah ran from God
* Naomi was a widow
* Job went bankrupt
* John the Baptist ate bugs
* Peter denied Christ
* The Disciples fell asleep while praying
* Martha worried about everything
* The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
* Zaccheus was too small
* Paul was too religious
* Timothy had an ulcer
* Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. God bless you..
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Philipp Melanchthon, Confessor
Commemoration of Philipp Melanchthon (birth), Confessor
Shrove Tuesday
February 16, 2010
The Lord be with you
A date that is commemorated only on Lutheran liturgical calendars (as far as I kno
w) is the birth of Philipp Melanchthon, which is today. Melanchthon (1497-1560) was a brilliant student of the classics and a humanist scholar. In 1518, he was appointed to teach along with Martin Luther at the University of Wittenberg. At Luther’s urging, Melanchthon began teaching theology and Scripture in addition to his courses in classical studies. In April 1530, Emperor Charles V called an official meeting between the representatives of Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism, hoping to effect a meeting of minds between two opposing groups. Since Luther was at that time under papal excommunication and an imperial ban, Melanchthon was assigned the duty of being the chief Lutheran representative at this meeting. He is especially remembered and honored as the author of the Augsburg Confession, which was officially presented by the German princes to the emperor on June 25, 1530, as the defining document of Lutheranism within Christendom. The Augsburg Confession had an impact far beyond Lutheranism, as most confessional documents that came after it followed the pattern of the Augsburg Confession, often lifting out whole paragraphs. Melanchthon died on April 19, 1560.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Shrove Tuesday
February 16, 2010
The Lord be with you
A date that is commemorated only on Lutheran liturgical calendars (as far as I kno
w) is the birth of Philipp Melanchthon, which is today. Melanchthon (1497-1560) was a brilliant student of the classics and a humanist scholar. In 1518, he was appointed to teach along with Martin Luther at the University of Wittenberg. At Luther’s urging, Melanchthon began teaching theology and Scripture in addition to his courses in classical studies. In April 1530, Emperor Charles V called an official meeting between the representatives of Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism, hoping to effect a meeting of minds between two opposing groups. Since Luther was at that time under papal excommunication and an imperial ban, Melanchthon was assigned the duty of being the chief Lutheran representative at this meeting. He is especially remembered and honored as the author of the Augsburg Confession, which was officially presented by the German princes to the emperor on June 25, 1530, as the defining document of Lutheranism within Christendom. The Augsburg Confession had an impact far beyond Lutheranism, as most confessional documents that came after it followed the pattern of the Augsburg Confession, often lifting out whole paragraphs. Melanchthon died on April 19, 1560.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Worship for Lent 1
Shrove Tuesday
February 16, 2010
The Lord be with you
For those who come to this site regularly, you will notice that these notes concerning this coming Sunday’s worship service is being posted earlier that usual. That is because this Thursday (the usual day these notes are posted) I will begin my first seminar class at Gardner Webb University as I pursue a Doctorate of Ministry degree. Indeed this degree program will have me at GWU for most Thursdays over the next two years (the third year I’ll be working on my D.Min. project and expect to be back in Spartanburg for most of the time). If you want to pray that my old brain can develop a few more wrinkles, I’d be grateful. Now, I will turn my attention to the notes about Sunday’s service.
This coming Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. Lent lasts 40 days. This parallels Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry, and the 40 years the Jewish people wandered in the wilderness after they were delivered through the waters of the Red Sea when they left Egypt. If you look at your calendars, though, you will notice that there are 46 days during Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Saturday. The 40 days of Lent exclude Sundays. This counting comes about because many Christians throughout the centuries fasted during Lent, but Sunday is always a “Feast Day,” when you don’t fast. So, if you are planning a fast this Lenten season, remember to celebrate each Sunday by breaking the fast to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.
Sunday will be using the Matins for our liturgy (page 219). We will use all the Lent options, which includes dropping the use of the word “Alleluia.” (This will be restored Easter Sunday.) The appointed lessons are Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:8b-13; and Luke 4:1-13. Instead of the Introit we will be using the appointed Psalm (Psalm 91). The antiphon will be verse 1. Our opening hymn will be “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416), which is the “Transfiguration” hymn we are learning. The sermon hymn will be “Jesus Loves Me” (LSB 588). Our closing hymn will be “Christ, the Life of All the Living” (LSB 420) (finally a true Lent hymn). The sermon is titled “We are Weak, but He is Strong.” The sermon is based on the Gospel lesson, and the text will be verse 2.
Due to copyright restrictions, the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” is not to be found at the “Better Noises” webpage, nor could I find a video for it. “Better Noises” does have the words and music for our other two hymns. I found a wonderful video of Christ, the Life of All the Living by Tom Limbaugh being played on the guitar, but I cannot copy it to these notes. However if you click on the highlighted hymn name, it will take you to that video on the YouTube web site.
February 16, 2010
The Lord be with you
For those who come to this site regularly, you will notice that these notes concerning this coming Sunday’s worship service is being posted earlier that usual. That is because this Thursday (the usual day these notes are posted) I will begin my first seminar class at Gardner Webb University as I pursue a Doctorate of Ministry degree. Indeed this degree program will have me at GWU for most Thursdays over the next two years (the third year I’ll be working on my D.Min. project and expect to be back in Spartanburg for most of the time). If you want to pray that my old brain can develop a few more wrinkles, I’d be grateful. Now, I will turn my attention to the notes about Sunday’s service.
This coming Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. Lent lasts 40 days. This parallels Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry, and the 40 years the Jewish people wandered in the wilderness after they were delivered through the waters of the Red Sea when they left Egypt. If you look at your calendars, though, you will notice that there are 46 days during Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Saturday. The 40 days of Lent exclude Sundays. This counting comes about because many Christians throughout the centuries fasted during Lent, but Sunday is always a “Feast Day,” when you don’t fast. So, if you are planning a fast this Lenten season, remember to celebrate each Sunday by breaking the fast to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.
Sunday will be using the Matins for our liturgy (page 219). We will use all the Lent options, which includes dropping the use of the word “Alleluia.” (This will be restored Easter Sunday.) The appointed lessons are Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:8b-13; and Luke 4:1-13. Instead of the Introit we will be using the appointed Psalm (Psalm 91). The antiphon will be verse 1. Our opening hymn will be “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416), which is the “Transfiguration” hymn we are learning. The sermon hymn will be “Jesus Loves Me” (LSB 588). Our closing hymn will be “Christ, the Life of All the Living” (LSB 420) (finally a true Lent hymn). The sermon is titled “We are Weak, but He is Strong.” The sermon is based on the Gospel lesson, and the text will be verse 2.
Due to copyright restrictions, the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” is not to be found at the “Better Noises” webpage, nor could I find a video for it. “Better Noises” does have the words and music for our other two hymns. I found a wonderful video of Christ, the Life of All the Living by Tom Limbaugh being played on the guitar, but I cannot copy it to these notes. However if you click on the highlighted hymn name, it will take you to that video on the YouTube web site.
Preview of the Lessons
Deuteronomy 26:1-11: The word “deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is not that Moses was giving the people a law that superseded what they received at Mt. Sinai. Instead Moses is giving them the Law a second time. In other words, Deuteronomy is a series of sermons, given by Moses just prior to his death, where he reviews the history of God’s interaction with the people. So we can find the Ten Commandments, not only in the book of Exodus, but also in Deuteronomy. In this reading Moses is telling the people about a thank offering that they should give to the Lord when their crops come in. This is to be from their “first fruits.” It is in recognition of the Lord’s faithfulness in keeping his promise to Abraham and giving the land to his descendants. As the sacrifices all point to Jesus in one way or another, you might also see this are pointing forward to the Father giving his only begotten Son, fulfilling the promise of the “seed” given first to Adam and Eve, but then renewed to Abraham and his descendants.Romans 10:8b-13: Paul starts with a quote from Deuteronomy 30:14, which he applies to the Gospel. This word of faith both invites us to Christ and creates our faith in Jesus. Verses 9 and 10 have confused some, making them think that there are two steps in salvation. Step one is believing. Step two is public confession. Actually this is two aspects of one reality, which is accented by Paul reversing the order found in verse 9 when he speaks of it in verse 10. To say this a little differently; a person who believes in Christ speaks of what he believes showing that they are saved. Paul also accents that it is a unit by quoting Isaiah 28:16 and Joel 2:32 to show that salvation is for all by grace through faith in Jesus (no matter what their ancestry might be).
Luke 4:1-13: The traditional Gospel lesson for the First Sunday in Lent is one of the accounts of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. That is what this reading is. Luke leads up to this account by recording the ministry of John the Baptist, including the baptism of Jesus (3:1-22) and then the genealogy of Jesus (3:21-38). (Matthew starts his Gospel with Jesus’ genealogy, Mark skips it, and John really turns it on its ear with his prologue (1:1-14)). As the sermon is in its early stages so I don’t know what will be omitted (and therefore can be included here), I’m not going to say much more. I’ll just say, as you ponder this reading think of possible parallels between Jesus and Adam as well as Jesus and the nation of Israel in the wilderness.
Sunday’s Collect
O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Gradual (Hebrews 12:2)
O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Verse (Ephesians 6:11)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.Introit
Instead of the Introit, this Sunday we are using the appointed Psalm.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Monday, February 15, 2010
Worship for Ash Wednesday
Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus
February 15, 2010
The Lord be with you
Ash Wednesday is only a couple of days away. Most liturgical churches will have special Ash Wednesday services, and Lamb of God Lutheran will be no exception to that. We will have two services, one at 12:15 PM and the second at 7:00 PM. We will continue to hold services each Wednesday through the Lenten Season at 12:15 and 7:00 PM. The 12:15 service is shorter to accommodate people who might wish to worship on their lunch hour. It is also more convenient for those who do not wish to drive their cars after dark. To help keep this service short the liturgy is spoken and only one hymn is sung. The evening service is longer as the liturgy will be sung and we will have three hymns.
Both the 12:15 and the 7:00 services will be longer on Ash Wednesday then the rest of the Lenten services. That is because both services will include the traditional imposition of Ash and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
At Lamb of God our messages in our Lenten services rotate between a focus on a Catechetical theme and a selected Lenten theme. This year we have our focus on Catechetical themes. The use of the Lenten services for focusing on basic Christian truths is an ancient practice. This year we will be taking a closer look at the biblical truths contained in the Apostles’ Creed. We will spend two week on each article. Ash Wednesday’s message is titled “God, the Father Almighty.”
During the 12:15 service we will sing “We All Believe in One True God” (LSB 953). During the evening service we will also sing “O Lord, throughout These Forty Days (LSB 418), “O Lord, We Praise Thee” (LSB 617), and “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” (LSB 924).
Whether or not you live in Spartanburg and can worship with us, I encourage you to worship the Lord this Ash Wednesday, and each Wednesday this Lenten season.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 15, 2010
The Lord be with you
Ash Wednesday is only a couple of days away. Most liturgical churches will have special Ash Wednesday services, and Lamb of God Lutheran will be no exception to that. We will have two services, one at 12:15 PM and the second at 7:00 PM. We will continue to hold services each Wednesday through the Lenten Season at 12:15 and 7:00 PM. The 12:15 service is shorter to accommodate people who might wish to worship on their lunch hour. It is also more convenient for those who do not wish to drive their cars after dark. To help keep this service short the liturgy is spoken and only one hymn is sung. The evening service is longer as the liturgy will be sung and we will have three hymns.
Both the 12:15 and the 7:00 services will be longer on Ash Wednesday then the rest of the Lenten services. That is because both services will include the traditional imposition of Ash and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
At Lamb of God our messages in our Lenten services rotate between a focus on a Catechetical theme and a selected Lenten theme. This year we have our focus on Catechetical themes. The use of the Lenten services for focusing on basic Christian truths is an ancient practice. This year we will be taking a closer look at the biblical truths contained in the Apostles’ Creed. We will spend two week on each article. Ash Wednesday’s message is titled “God, the Father Almighty.”
During the 12:15 service we will sing “We All Believe in One True God” (LSB 953). During the evening service we will also sing “O Lord, throughout These Forty Days (LSB 418), “O Lord, We Praise Thee” (LSB 617), and “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” (LSB 924).
Whether or not you live in Spartanburg and can worship with us, I encourage you to worship the Lord this Ash Wednesday, and each Wednesday this Lenten season.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus
Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus
February 15, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS today is recognized as the Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus. Philemon was a prominent first-century Christian who owned a slave named Onesimus. Although the name Onesimus means “useful,” Onesimus proved himself “useless” when he ran away from his master and perhaps even stole from him (Philemon 18). Somehow Onesimus came into contact with the apostle Paul while the latter was in prison (possibly in Rome), and through Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel, he became a Christian. After confessing to the apostle that he was a runaway slave, Onesimus was directed by Paul to return to his master and become “useful” again. In order to help pave the way for Onesimus’s peaceful return home, Paul sent him on his way with a letter addressed to Philemon, a letter in which he urged Philemon to forgive his slave for running away and to “receive him as you would receive me” (v. 17), “no longer as a slave but … as a beloved brother” (v. 16). The letter was eventually included by the Church as one of the books of the New Testament. Some (like me) connect this Onesimus with the bishop praised by Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the church at Ephesus in the early 2nd century. He would have been quite elderly by this time. This connection appeals to me because the bishop Onesimus gathered together one of the early collections of Paul’s letters (all of which we now have in the New Testament). It certainly would make sense that Paul’s Onesimus would include in his collection of Paul’s letters the letter that paved the way for his freedom and service in the Church.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 15, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS today is recognized as the Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus. Philemon was a prominent first-century Christian who owned a slave named Onesimus. Although the name Onesimus means “useful,” Onesimus proved himself “useless” when he ran away from his master and perhaps even stole from him (Philemon 18). Somehow Onesimus came into contact with the apostle Paul while the latter was in prison (possibly in Rome), and through Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel, he became a Christian. After confessing to the apostle that he was a runaway slave, Onesimus was directed by Paul to return to his master and become “useful” again. In order to help pave the way for Onesimus’s peaceful return home, Paul sent him on his way with a letter addressed to Philemon, a letter in which he urged Philemon to forgive his slave for running away and to “receive him as you would receive me” (v. 17), “no longer as a slave but … as a beloved brother” (v. 16). The letter was eventually included by the Church as one of the books of the New Testament. Some (like me) connect this Onesimus with the bishop praised by Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the church at Ephesus in the early 2nd century. He would have been quite elderly by this time. This connection appeals to me because the bishop Onesimus gathered together one of the early collections of Paul’s letters (all of which we now have in the New Testament). It certainly would make sense that Paul’s Onesimus would include in his collection of Paul’s letters the letter that paved the way for his freedom and service in the Church.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
The Transfiguration or Our Lord
Commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr
February 14, 2010
The Lord be with you
The celebration of the Transfiguration of Our Lord always falls on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany of Our Lord. The commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr, falls on February 14. This year these two days coincide. For more about Saint Valentine, see the post about him.
The Transfiguration is a significant and uniquely Lutheran contribution to the Christian calendar. This festival commemorates the moment on the Mount of Transfiguration when three of Jesus’ disciples glimpsed their lord in divine splendor, seeing Him as the center of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). Jesus proclaimed to His disciples, then and now, that He was the long-awaited one who had come to die for the sins of the world and be raised again in glory.
For more about this Sunday see the worship notes.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr
February 14, 2010
The Lord be with you
The celebration of the Transfiguration of Our Lord always falls on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany of Our Lord. The commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr, falls on February 14. This year these two days coincide. For more about Saint Valentine, see the post about him.
The Transfiguration is a significant and uniquely Lutheran contribution to the Christian calendar. This festival commemorates the moment on the Mount of Transfiguration when three of Jesus’ disciples glimpsed their lord in divine splendor, seeing Him as the center of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). Jesus proclaimed to His disciples, then and now, that He was the long-awaited one who had come to die for the sins of the world and be raised again in glory.
For more about this Sunday see the worship notes.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
St. Valentine, Martyr
The Transfiguration or Our Lord
Commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr
February 14, 2010
The Lord be with you
The celebration of the Transfiguration of Our Lord always falls on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord. The commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr falls on February 14. This year these two days coincide. As the Transfiguration is a major Church Festival, and the commemoration of St Valentine is a minor Church festival, most churches that recognize such things will give scant attention to Valentine. However, if he is totally ignored, the day is in danger of simply becoming a Hallmark Card day, with little thought to the real Valentine.
The name Valentine means “worthy,” and so it is not surprising that there has been more than one individual with the name. Indeed a number of them have figured prominently in Church history. However the man this day is associated with lived in the Third Century. More than enough archeological evidence has been found to confirm the main points of his story, though some detail might be embellished.
Valentine was a physician and priest living in Rome during the rule of Emperor Claudius II. It was illegal to be a Christian or help them. He was caught while marrying a Christian couple. He was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner – until Valentine made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor – whereupon he was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. The year was 270 AD.
Tradition suggests that, on the day of his execution, Valentine left a note of encouragement for a child of his jailer written on an irregularly shaped piece of paper. He signed it “From your Valentine.” This greeting became a pattern for millions of written expressions of love and caring that new are the highlight of Valentine’s Day in many nations. Another traditions also claims that Valentine restored the sight of that same child.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr
February 14, 2010
The Lord be with you
The celebration of the Transfiguration of Our Lord always falls on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord. The commemoration of Saint Valentine, Martyr falls on February 14. This year these two days coincide. As the Transfiguration is a major Church Festival, and the commemoration of St Valentine is a minor Church festival, most churches that recognize such things will give scant attention to Valentine. However, if he is totally ignored, the day is in danger of simply becoming a Hallmark Card day, with little thought to the real Valentine.
The name Valentine means “worthy,” and so it is not surprising that there has been more than one individual with the name. Indeed a number of them have figured prominently in Church history. However the man this day is associated with lived in the Third Century. More than enough archeological evidence has been found to confirm the main points of his story, though some detail might be embellished.
Valentine was a physician and priest living in Rome during the rule of Emperor Claudius II. It was illegal to be a Christian or help them. He was caught while marrying a Christian couple. He was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner – until Valentine made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor – whereupon he was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. The year was 270 AD.
Tradition suggests that, on the day of his execution, Valentine left a note of encouragement for a child of his jailer written on an irregularly shaped piece of paper. He signed it “From your Valentine.” This greeting became a pattern for millions of written expressions of love and caring that new are the highlight of Valentine’s Day in many nations. Another traditions also claims that Valentine restored the sight of that same child.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos
Commemoration of Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos
February 13, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS, today is set aside to commemorate Aquil
a, Priscilla and Apollos. Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (Prisca), were Jewish contemporaries of Saint Paul and traveled widely. Because of persecution in Rome, they went to Corinth where they met the apostle Paul, who joined them in their trade of tent-making (Acts 18:1-3). In turn, they joined Paul in his mission of proclaiming the Christian Gospel. The couple later traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18), where the two of them established a home that served as hospitality headquarters for new converts to Christianity. Apollos was one of their numerous Jewish pupils in the faith. An eloquent man, Apollos, “being fervent in spirit … spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25). He later traveled from Corinth to the province of Achaia, “showing by the Scriptures (the Old Testament) that Christ was Jesus” (Acts 18:28). Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos are all remembered and honored for their great missionary zeal.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 13, 2010
The Lord be with you
On the liturgical calendar used in the LCMS, today is set aside to commemorate Aquil
a, Priscilla and Apollos. Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (Prisca), were Jewish contemporaries of Saint Paul and traveled widely. Because of persecution in Rome, they went to Corinth where they met the apostle Paul, who joined them in their trade of tent-making (Acts 18:1-3). In turn, they joined Paul in his mission of proclaiming the Christian Gospel. The couple later traveled with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus (Acts 18:18), where the two of them established a home that served as hospitality headquarters for new converts to Christianity. Apollos was one of their numerous Jewish pupils in the faith. An eloquent man, Apollos, “being fervent in spirit … spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25). He later traveled from Corinth to the province of Achaia, “showing by the Scriptures (the Old Testament) that Christ was Jesus” (Acts 18:28). Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos are all remembered and honored for their great missionary zeal.Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Friday, February 12, 2010
Cub Scouts' Spaghetti Dinner a Success
Friday after Epiphany 5
February 12, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday the Cub Scouts of Pack 1031, sponsored by Lamb of God Lutheran Church, had a spaghetti dinner to raise needed funds for awards, adventures, and other activities. It was a great success, raising nearly $500.00. I received back 54 tickets, but we made noticeably more than what those 54 tickets represent so I suspect I didn’t get back all the tickets sold. We all had a good time. The food was great. The boys did a great job serving our guests. Thank you to everyone who helped! I hope you enjoy the following pictures.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 12, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday the Cub Scouts of Pack 1031, sponsored by Lamb of God Lutheran Church, had a spaghetti dinner to raise needed funds for awards, adventures, and other activities. It was a great success, raising nearly $500.00. I received back 54 tickets, but we made noticeably more than what those 54 tickets represent so I suspect I didn’t get back all the tickets sold. We all had a good time. The food was great. The boys did a great job serving our guests. Thank you to everyone who helped! I hope you enjoy the following pictures.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Worship for Transfiguration Sunday
Thursday after Epiphany 5
February 11, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the last Sunday in the Epiphany season, which is always celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday. It also happens to be the commemoration of St. Valentin
e, Martyr. The appointed lessons are Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36. The sermon, based on the Gospel lesson, is titled “I Don’t Understand”. The actual text will be Luke 9:33. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. There are five hymns in the “Transfiguration” section of our hymnal. Lamb of God knows one, “‘Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here” (LSB 414). This will be our sermon hymn. The hymnal review committee suggested that all of the four unknown hymns were worth learning, so we will begin learning one of them, “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416). This will be our opening hymn Sunday, and we will use it each Sunday for a month. Our distribution hymns will be “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord” (LSB 637), “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction” (LSB 719), and “Thine Forever, God of Love” (LSB 687). Our closing hymn will be “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” (LSB 643). We will be using the first setting of the morning service for our liturgy (page 151).
There will be a Voters’ Meeting following tomorrows worship service. The main topic on the agenda is our budget. Due to the economy, last year was a lean year in reference to offerings. The Church Council is anticipating 2010 to be lean also. The budget reflects this. Therefore some tough decisions had to be made. It is especially important this year that everyone has a chance to see the budget and ask questions before it is approved. That is why a copy has been in your boxes for two weeks. So we can have maximum participation, the meeting will be held immediately after our worship service in the sanctuary.
Due to copyright restrictions, the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” is not to be found at the “Better Noises” webpage, nor could I find a video for it. The same restriction prohibited “Better Noises” from posting the words for “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing,” but the site does have the tune. All other lyrics and tunes can be found at “Better Noises” (see the link on the right-hand side of this blog). I found a wonderful arrangement of “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord” on YouTube, and the video is posted at the end of these notes.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12: This is quite literally the last chapter in the life of Moses. He was not permitted to lead the Israelites into Canaan. That privilege would be Joshua’s, his long-time second-in-command. (However Moses does get to stand in the Promised Land with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.) In Numbers 20:2-13 we find the story which led to Moses not being allowed to lead the people across the Jordan. The people were complaining about the lack of water, among other things. God tells Moses to command water to come forth from a rock. Instead Moses strikes the rock. The verdict is that Moses did not uphold the Lord as holy by not believing a mere word could accomplish what God said it would. Therefore he would not lead the people into the Promised Land. Many commentators magnify this incident (how horrible Moses’ act was!). Perhaps they are seeking to defend God; to justify God’s decision for what might seem like a small misstep on Moses’ part. Perhaps these commentators are correct. However there is another possibility. Passages like James 2:10 and Galatians 3:10 remind us that if we break one part of the Law, we break the whole Law. So all have sinned and fallen short, indeed all have broken the entire Law. That includes Moses, you and me. There are no exceptions so no one can earn eternal life. Moses, though, is the key man in the Old Testament. In this lesson we learn that the Lord gave him a special vision of the entire land the people would occupy. When Moses died, the Lord buried him. No one on earth knows where.
Hebrews 3:1-6: The big concern of the writer of the book of Hebrews is to encourage Jews to remain faithful to Jesus instead of returning to the Temple. Persecution of the Faith was increasing and an easy way to avoid that persecution would be to apostate from Christianity. Therefore this book is filled with contrasts with Jewish practices and traditions, demonstrating how they point to Jesus as types, and how the Christian Faith is therefore superior to the Faith of the Temple as much as the real thing is always superior to a picture of it. In this reading Jesus is compared to Moses (thus tying the passage to both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel lesson). Moses was faithful as a steward or servant is faithful. Jesus is faithful as the Son. Moses is a slave in the building (the Church), Jesus though is the faithful Son of the builder. Moses pointed to the future, and that future is Jesus.
Luke 9:28-36: The sermon is based on this reading so I’ll not say much. In it Jesus, along with Peter, James and John, ascend a mountain where Jesus is “transfigured.” Moses and Elijah appear and carry on a conversation with the Lord. Moses represents the Law and is the foremost of the writing prophets. Elijah represents the prophets and is the foremost of the non-writing prophets. This story basically marks the end of the first half of Jesus ministry. From this point on his face is set towards Jerusalem and his crucifixion. The disciples reach their panicle of pre-resurrection understanding in Luke 9:18-22 and then rapidly become more and more confused. It is not until the resurrection, and Pentecost, that things really snap into place for them. The disciples are sometimes faulted for this. However there is at least one admirable thing here. Even though they were clueless, they continue to follow Jesus. When our way is dark, we should remember Jesus is our light and continue to follow him.
O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Alleluia. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips. Alleluia.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
P.S. Remember tonight, from 5:00 to 8:00 you can come to church and have a wonderful spaghetti dinner while helping to support our Cub Scout pack. The cost is $5.00 per person, with no family being charged more than $20.00.
February 11, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the last Sunday in the Epiphany season, which is always celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday. It also happens to be the commemoration of St. Valentin
e, Martyr. The appointed lessons are Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36. The sermon, based on the Gospel lesson, is titled “I Don’t Understand”. The actual text will be Luke 9:33. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. There are five hymns in the “Transfiguration” section of our hymnal. Lamb of God knows one, “‘Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here” (LSB 414). This will be our sermon hymn. The hymnal review committee suggested that all of the four unknown hymns were worth learning, so we will begin learning one of them, “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” (LSB 416). This will be our opening hymn Sunday, and we will use it each Sunday for a month. Our distribution hymns will be “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord” (LSB 637), “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction” (LSB 719), and “Thine Forever, God of Love” (LSB 687). Our closing hymn will be “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” (LSB 643). We will be using the first setting of the morning service for our liturgy (page 151).There will be a Voters’ Meeting following tomorrows worship service. The main topic on the agenda is our budget. Due to the economy, last year was a lean year in reference to offerings. The Church Council is anticipating 2010 to be lean also. The budget reflects this. Therefore some tough decisions had to be made. It is especially important this year that everyone has a chance to see the budget and ask questions before it is approved. That is why a copy has been in your boxes for two weeks. So we can have maximum participation, the meeting will be held immediately after our worship service in the sanctuary.
Due to copyright restrictions, the hymn “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” is not to be found at the “Better Noises” webpage, nor could I find a video for it. The same restriction prohibited “Better Noises” from posting the words for “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing,” but the site does have the tune. All other lyrics and tunes can be found at “Better Noises” (see the link on the right-hand side of this blog). I found a wonderful arrangement of “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord” on YouTube, and the video is posted at the end of these notes.
Preview of the Lessons
Deuteronomy 34:1-12: This is quite literally the last chapter in the life of Moses. He was not permitted to lead the Israelites into Canaan. That privilege would be Joshua’s, his long-time second-in-command. (However Moses does get to stand in the Promised Land with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.) In Numbers 20:2-13 we find the story which led to Moses not being allowed to lead the people across the Jordan. The people were complaining about the lack of water, among other things. God tells Moses to command water to come forth from a rock. Instead Moses strikes the rock. The verdict is that Moses did not uphold the Lord as holy by not believing a mere word could accomplish what God said it would. Therefore he would not lead the people into the Promised Land. Many commentators magnify this incident (how horrible Moses’ act was!). Perhaps they are seeking to defend God; to justify God’s decision for what might seem like a small misstep on Moses’ part. Perhaps these commentators are correct. However there is another possibility. Passages like James 2:10 and Galatians 3:10 remind us that if we break one part of the Law, we break the whole Law. So all have sinned and fallen short, indeed all have broken the entire Law. That includes Moses, you and me. There are no exceptions so no one can earn eternal life. Moses, though, is the key man in the Old Testament. In this lesson we learn that the Lord gave him a special vision of the entire land the people would occupy. When Moses died, the Lord buried him. No one on earth knows where.
Hebrews 3:1-6: The big concern of the writer of the book of Hebrews is to encourage Jews to remain faithful to Jesus instead of returning to the Temple. Persecution of the Faith was increasing and an easy way to avoid that persecution would be to apostate from Christianity. Therefore this book is filled with contrasts with Jewish practices and traditions, demonstrating how they point to Jesus as types, and how the Christian Faith is therefore superior to the Faith of the Temple as much as the real thing is always superior to a picture of it. In this reading Jesus is compared to Moses (thus tying the passage to both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel lesson). Moses was faithful as a steward or servant is faithful. Jesus is faithful as the Son. Moses is a slave in the building (the Church), Jesus though is the faithful Son of the builder. Moses pointed to the future, and that future is Jesus.
Luke 9:28-36: The sermon is based on this reading so I’ll not say much. In it Jesus, along with Peter, James and John, ascend a mountain where Jesus is “transfigured.” Moses and Elijah appear and carry on a conversation with the Lord. Moses represents the Law and is the foremost of the writing prophets. Elijah represents the prophets and is the foremost of the non-writing prophets. This story basically marks the end of the first half of Jesus ministry. From this point on his face is set towards Jerusalem and his crucifixion. The disciples reach their panicle of pre-resurrection understanding in Luke 9:18-22 and then rapidly become more and more confused. It is not until the resurrection, and Pentecost, that things really snap into place for them. The disciples are sometimes faulted for this. However there is at least one admirable thing here. Even though they were clueless, they continue to follow Jesus. When our way is dark, we should remember Jesus is our light and continue to follow him.
Sunday’s Collect
O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gradual (Psalm 117:1-2a; 96:8)
Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Verse (Psalm 45:2a)
Alleluia. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips. Alleluia.
Introit (Psalm 84:1-2, 9, 11; antiphon: Psalm 84:4)
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
P.S. Remember tonight, from 5:00 to 8:00 you can come to church and have a wonderful spaghetti dinner while helping to support our Cub Scout pack. The cost is $5.00 per person, with no family being charged more than $20.00.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Irenaeus Quote
"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, of his boundless love, became what we are that he might make us what he himself is." Irenaeus, Against Heresies
Irenaeus lived in the 2nd century, AD.
Irenaeus lived in the 2nd century, AD.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Scout Sunday
Monday after Epiphany 4
February 8, 2010
The Lord be with you
This past Sunday was recognized at Lamb of God as “Scout Sunday.” The members of our Cub Scout Pack 1031, along with members of their families, joined us in worship. The boys received their “God and Me” medals, which they worked on for two months. This past Sunday was chosen as “Scout Sunday” because scouting started in the United States February 8, 1910, making this past Sunday the closest Sunday to the 100 anniversary of scouting in this country. One of our members took some pictures with their cell phone (so they aren’t all that sharp), and forwarded them on to me. The following pictures are from them.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 8, 2010
The Lord be with you
This past Sunday was recognized at Lamb of God as “Scout Sunday.” The members of our Cub Scout Pack 1031, along with members of their families, joined us in worship. The boys received their “God and Me” medals, which they worked on for two months. This past Sunday was chosen as “Scout Sunday” because scouting started in the United States February 8, 1910, making this past Sunday the closest Sunday to the 100 anniversary of scouting in this country. One of our members took some pictures with their cell phone (so they aren’t all that sharp), and forwarded them on to me. The following pictures are from them.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
A Lesson from a Fireplace
Monday after Epiphany 4
February 8, 2010
The Lord be with you
The story is told of a faithful church member who stopped attending worship services. When the pastor noticed the man had missed services for more than a month, he made a visit to the man’s home.
It was a cold, wintry evening, and the pastor saw through the window the man at home alone, sitting in front of a blazing fire. The man welcomed the pastor inside, and together they walked toward the fireplace in the family room.
Before sitting down, the pastor picked up the iron poker, and carefully moved a small piece of glowing wood to the front of the fireplace. The pastor sat down, and began to ask the man about his family, his work, and his hobbies around the house. They chatted about sports, politics, and local events. After almost an hour, the pastor stood up, picked up the piece of wood in his hands, and held it out to the man.
“It’s cold,” he remarked. “Apart from the warmth of the fire, it’s now cold.”
The man paused. “Thank you, Pastor,” he replied. “I understand. I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”
Apart from Christ, from His Word and Sacraments, and from His body, the church, we are likely to grow cold. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
As we approach Lent (beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17) remember that most LCMS churches, like Lamb of God Lutheran, will be offering worship services on Wednesdays. If you don’t live close to Lamb of God, there are links to all the LCMS churches in South Carolina in the right-hand sidebar of this page. If you don’t live in South Carolina, there is a link on the right-hand sidebar to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s webpage, where you can find a Lutheran Church in your area.
Blessings in Christ
Pastor John Rickert
February 8, 2010
The Lord be with you
The story is told of a faithful church member who stopped attending worship services. When the pastor noticed the man had missed services for more than a month, he made a visit to the man’s home.
It was a cold, wintry evening, and the pastor saw through the window the man at home alone, sitting in front of a blazing fire. The man welcomed the pastor inside, and together they walked toward the fireplace in the family room.
Before sitting down, the pastor picked up the iron poker, and carefully moved a small piece of glowing wood to the front of the fireplace. The pastor sat down, and began to ask the man about his family, his work, and his hobbies around the house. They chatted about sports, politics, and local events. After almost an hour, the pastor stood up, picked up the piece of wood in his hands, and held it out to the man.
“It’s cold,” he remarked. “Apart from the warmth of the fire, it’s now cold.”
The man paused. “Thank you, Pastor,” he replied. “I understand. I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”
Apart from Christ, from His Word and Sacraments, and from His body, the church, we are likely to grow cold. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
As we approach Lent (beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17) remember that most LCMS churches, like Lamb of God Lutheran, will be offering worship services on Wednesdays. If you don’t live close to Lamb of God, there are links to all the LCMS churches in South Carolina in the right-hand sidebar of this page. If you don’t live in South Carolina, there is a link on the right-hand sidebar to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s webpage, where you can find a Lutheran Church in your area.
Blessings in Christ
Pastor John Rickert
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Blind Skiing
Saturday after Epiphany 4
February 6, 2010
The Lord be with you
One of the responsibilities of a pastor is to teach the truths of God found in the Bible. In the Lutheran Church that includes Catechism/Confirmation classes. In other denominations such classes might be called “seekers classes,” “membership classes,” and so on. The class prepares students for full membership, not only in the local church but also in the denomination (in our case the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod).
In some of our churches these classes are called “Confirmation” classes and in others they are called “Catechism” classes. When the students are young (usually teens) the classes are typically called Junior Confirmation/Catechism classes. While each LCMS church is free to do this in any fashion deemed best suited to its local setting, most offer these classes in basic Christian truths to children in the 7th and 8th grades. Some churches have a one year course, others two, and some three. (Yes, there are other options being used as well.)
Over the years along with the Bible I have always used Luther’s Small Catechism as one of my text books. I have also always used a second text, but I have experimented with various options. One of those options is a book titled Catechetical Helps by Erwin Kurth, published by Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis. It seems I always come back to this one. One of its many strengths are the great illustrations it has. I thought I’d share a few in a series of posts spread out over time.
In explaining that the purpose of the Bible is to reveal God’s salvation in Jesus Christ, and therefore we should give head to it, Catechetical Helps uses an illustration adapted from Leadership Journal.
A television program during the 1988 Winter Olympics featured blind skiers in training for slalom skiing. The blind skiers were paired with sighted skiers, who skied beside them shouting out commands, “Left!” “Right!” “Straight ahead!” As they heard and trusted the commands, the blind skiers were able to negotiate the course and cross the finish line, depending solely on the sighted skier’s word. It was either complete trust or disaster!
In this world, we are by nature blind to God’s plan of salvation. We rely solely on the Word of Christ, who speaks to us, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 6, 2010
The Lord be with you
One of the responsibilities of a pastor is to teach the truths of God found in the Bible. In the Lutheran Church that includes Catechism/Confirmation classes. In other denominations such classes might be called “seekers classes,” “membership classes,” and so on. The class prepares students for full membership, not only in the local church but also in the denomination (in our case the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod).
In some of our churches these classes are called “Confirmation” classes and in others they are called “Catechism” classes. When the students are young (usually teens) the classes are typically called Junior Confirmation/Catechism classes. While each LCMS church is free to do this in any fashion deemed best suited to its local setting, most offer these classes in basic Christian truths to children in the 7th and 8th grades. Some churches have a one year course, others two, and some three. (Yes, there are other options being used as well.)
Over the years along with the Bible I have always used Luther’s Small Catechism as one of my text books. I have also always used a second text, but I have experimented with various options. One of those options is a book titled Catechetical Helps by Erwin Kurth, published by Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis. It seems I always come back to this one. One of its many strengths are the great illustrations it has. I thought I’d share a few in a series of posts spread out over time.
In explaining that the purpose of the Bible is to reveal God’s salvation in Jesus Christ, and therefore we should give head to it, Catechetical Helps uses an illustration adapted from Leadership Journal.
A television program during the 1988 Winter Olympics featured blind skiers in training for slalom skiing. The blind skiers were paired with sighted skiers, who skied beside them shouting out commands, “Left!” “Right!” “Straight ahead!” As they heard and trusted the commands, the blind skiers were able to negotiate the course and cross the finish line, depending solely on the sighted skier’s word. It was either complete trust or disaster!
In this world, we are by nature blind to God’s plan of salvation. We rely solely on the Word of Christ, who speaks to us, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Jacob/Israel
Saturday after Epiphany 4
February 6, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday, on the Liturgical Calendar used in the LCMS, was the Commemoration of Jacob (Israel), Patriarch. As I didn’t get around to posting something about it yesterday, I thought I’d do so today.
Jacob, the third of the three Hebrew patriarchs, was the younger of the twin s
ons of Isaac and Rebekah. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob, whose name means “deceiver,” was renamed Israel, which means “he strives with God” (Genesis 25:26; 32:28). His family life was filled with trouble, caused by his acts of deception toward his father and his brother, Esau, and his parental favoritism toward his son Joseph. Much of his adult life was spent grieving over the death of his beloved wife Rachel and the presumed death of Joseph, who had been appointed by the Egyptian pharaoh to be in charge of food distribution during a time of famine in the land. Prior to Jacob’s death, through the blessing of his sons, God gave the promise that the Messiah would come through the line of Jacob’s fourth son, Judah (Genesis 49).
One lesson we can learn from the story of Jacob/Israel is that, no matter how badly we might mess up, God can work through our blunders to bring a blessing. In Jacob’s case the greatest blessing of all time, for God preserves the promise of the Messiah through Jacob. It is because of Jacob’s descendant, Jesus, that Jacob, and all who trust in Jesus, receive forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
The picture is of Jacob wrestling with the Angle of the Lord by Rembrandt.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 6, 2010
The Lord be with you
Yesterday, on the Liturgical Calendar used in the LCMS, was the Commemoration of Jacob (Israel), Patriarch. As I didn’t get around to posting something about it yesterday, I thought I’d do so today.
Jacob, the third of the three Hebrew patriarchs, was the younger of the twin s
ons of Isaac and Rebekah. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob, whose name means “deceiver,” was renamed Israel, which means “he strives with God” (Genesis 25:26; 32:28). His family life was filled with trouble, caused by his acts of deception toward his father and his brother, Esau, and his parental favoritism toward his son Joseph. Much of his adult life was spent grieving over the death of his beloved wife Rachel and the presumed death of Joseph, who had been appointed by the Egyptian pharaoh to be in charge of food distribution during a time of famine in the land. Prior to Jacob’s death, through the blessing of his sons, God gave the promise that the Messiah would come through the line of Jacob’s fourth son, Judah (Genesis 49).One lesson we can learn from the story of Jacob/Israel is that, no matter how badly we might mess up, God can work through our blunders to bring a blessing. In Jacob’s case the greatest blessing of all time, for God preserves the promise of the Messiah through Jacob. It is because of Jacob’s descendant, Jesus, that Jacob, and all who trust in Jesus, receive forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
The picture is of Jacob wrestling with the Angle of the Lord by Rembrandt.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Worship for Epiphany 5
Thursday after Epiphany 4
February 4, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. The appointed lessons are Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20; and Luke 5:1-11. The sermon, based on the Gospel lesson, is titled “More than a Miracle”. Our hymns will be “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 575), “Just as I Am, without One Plea” (LSB 570), and “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying” (LSB 826). We will be using the "Service of Prayer and Preaching" for our liturgy (page 260). This will be “Scout Sunday.” This is not an official liturgical day, just an extra for us. Our Cub Scouts, who have worked for over two months, will receive their "God and Me" awards near the end of the service. After the service we will have a short reception in the narthex where our cub family can meet our church family. You will also be able to purchase tickets for our pack’s fund-raising spaghetti dinner, which will be this Wednesday, February 11. The cost is $5.00 per person, with no family being charged more than $20.00.
Every hymn for Sunday can be found on line at “Better Noises” (see link on the right-hand side of this blog). Better Noise also provides a little bit of information about the people who wrote the music and lyrics of the hymns. At the end of these worship notes is a video of “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less.” It is a little slower than Karen will probably play it. There are two well known tunes to this hymn, though you wouldn’t know it by checking out YouTube videos. I found a ton of videos with the tune we will not be using.
1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: We continue our read through 1 Corinthians in our epistle lessons. Chapters 12 through 14 deal with the gifts of the Spirit. It is worth noting that Paul’s famous “Love Chapter” (chapter 13) as well as a treatment concerning worship and the Lord’s Supper (14:12b-40) fall in this section. In this section Paul deals with the use of foreign languages (tongues) in the worship service. Using Acts 2 as our guide, “tongues” should be understood in the same way that we might say “English is my mother tongue,” meaning language. Paul speaks of people understanding these foreign languages, thereby underscoring that these “tongues” are not nonsensical vocal utterances (so-called “tongues of ecstasy”). Paul sums things up with the words “strive to excel in building up the church.” That is what love does, that is what worship does, that is what the Lord’s Supper does, indeed that is what the Holy Spirit does. Luther put it this way in his Small Catechism, “He (the Holy Spirit) calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.”
Luke 5:1-11: The event recorded here is very early in Jesus’ public ministry, before he has selected his 12 main disciples. Early one morning Jesus arrives at the lake of Gennesaret (AKA the Sea of Galilee). Present is a large crowd and at least Peter, James and John. Putting out a few yards in Peter’s fishing boat Jesus teaches concerning the kingdom of God (4:43-44). After the sermon Jesus tells Peter to put out into the deep and fish. Peter does so, even though he “knows” nothing will be caught. Much to his surprise the net is filled with so many fish he must call others in other boats to help bring the catch in. Peter recognizes he is in the presence of someone special, someone who is far more righteous and holy than he. Expecting the same thing that Isaiah expected (judgment) he pleads for Jesus to leave. Like Isaiah, Peter receives the unexpected, absolution, grace, mercy, forgiveness. Jesus then calls Peter to follow him and enter into training for the ministry of catching men alive (only Luke has the “alive” part). Peter, and others (at least James and John) follow Jesus. The sermon is based on this lesson so I will only add to this overview that there is more going on here than just a miraculous catch of fish.
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
O my God, make haste to help me!
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day,
for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;
I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
The February newsletter will be available Sunday.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
P.S. As we didn’t have a worship service last week, the Bible study planned for last week will be our lesson for this week (From Scrolls to the Bible). You can read more about it in the post from last week.
February 4, 2010
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday is the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. The appointed lessons are Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20; and Luke 5:1-11. The sermon, based on the Gospel lesson, is titled “More than a Miracle”. Our hymns will be “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 575), “Just as I Am, without One Plea” (LSB 570), and “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying” (LSB 826). We will be using the "Service of Prayer and Preaching" for our liturgy (page 260). This will be “Scout Sunday.” This is not an official liturgical day, just an extra for us. Our Cub Scouts, who have worked for over two months, will receive their "God and Me" awards near the end of the service. After the service we will have a short reception in the narthex where our cub family can meet our church family. You will also be able to purchase tickets for our pack’s fund-raising spaghetti dinner, which will be this Wednesday, February 11. The cost is $5.00 per person, with no family being charged more than $20.00.
Every hymn for Sunday can be found on line at “Better Noises” (see link on the right-hand side of this blog). Better Noise also provides a little bit of information about the people who wrote the music and lyrics of the hymns. At the end of these worship notes is a video of “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less.” It is a little slower than Karen will probably play it. There are two well known tunes to this hymn, though you wouldn’t know it by checking out YouTube videos. I found a ton of videos with the tune we will not be using.
Preview of the Lessons
Isaiah 6:1-8: This is the call of the prophet Isaiah. It has a number of parallels to the call of Peter in our Gospel lesson for Sunday. Isaiah sees a vision of the throne of God. The sight is awesome. Around the throne are “seraphim.” “Im” is the plural ending in Hebrew, so I guess technically in English the word should be translated “seraphs.” It means “burning ones.” They look nothing like the modern depiction of angels. Gigantic, living, flying, flaming beings, whose voices rattle the foundations of heaven, would terrify anyone. Then, to think of them as servants of an even more awesome Being (God), well any sane person would react like Isaiah. A candle or flashlight seems quite bright in the night, but in the daytime their weakness is revealed. So is our “goodness” and “righteousness” when compared to the Divine. We might look rather “good” compared to other fallen people, but standing next to God our “goodness” and “righteousness” is revealed as weak and pathetic. Isaiah recognizes his sinfulness and expects judgment, condemnation, etc. That is how it is in the “real” world, isn’t it? What he finds, though, is forgiveness, absolution, mercy, atonement. With this forgiveness, Isaiah willingly answers God’s call for someone to spread his word. “Holy, Holy, Holy,” the “Sanctus,” “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying,” and other hymns, all draw some of their inspiration from this passage.1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: We continue our read through 1 Corinthians in our epistle lessons. Chapters 12 through 14 deal with the gifts of the Spirit. It is worth noting that Paul’s famous “Love Chapter” (chapter 13) as well as a treatment concerning worship and the Lord’s Supper (14:12b-40) fall in this section. In this section Paul deals with the use of foreign languages (tongues) in the worship service. Using Acts 2 as our guide, “tongues” should be understood in the same way that we might say “English is my mother tongue,” meaning language. Paul speaks of people understanding these foreign languages, thereby underscoring that these “tongues” are not nonsensical vocal utterances (so-called “tongues of ecstasy”). Paul sums things up with the words “strive to excel in building up the church.” That is what love does, that is what worship does, that is what the Lord’s Supper does, indeed that is what the Holy Spirit does. Luther put it this way in his Small Catechism, “He (the Holy Spirit) calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.”
Luke 5:1-11: The event recorded here is very early in Jesus’ public ministry, before he has selected his 12 main disciples. Early one morning Jesus arrives at the lake of Gennesaret (AKA the Sea of Galilee). Present is a large crowd and at least Peter, James and John. Putting out a few yards in Peter’s fishing boat Jesus teaches concerning the kingdom of God (4:43-44). After the sermon Jesus tells Peter to put out into the deep and fish. Peter does so, even though he “knows” nothing will be caught. Much to his surprise the net is filled with so many fish he must call others in other boats to help bring the catch in. Peter recognizes he is in the presence of someone special, someone who is far more righteous and holy than he. Expecting the same thing that Isaiah expected (judgment) he pleads for Jesus to leave. Like Isaiah, Peter receives the unexpected, absolution, grace, mercy, forgiveness. Jesus then calls Peter to follow him and enter into training for the ministry of catching men alive (only Luke has the “alive” part). Peter, and others (at least James and John) follow Jesus. The sermon is based on this lesson so I will only add to this overview that there is more going on here than just a miraculous catch of fish.
Sunday’s Collect
O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Gradual (Psalm 117:1-2a; 96:8)
Praise the LORD, all nations!Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Verse (Luke 5:10b)
Alleluia. Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. Alleluia.Introit (Psalm 71:15-18; Psalm 71:12)
O God, be not far from me;O my God, make haste to help me!
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day,
for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;
I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
The February newsletter will be available Sunday.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
P.S. As we didn’t have a worship service last week, the Bible study planned for last week will be our lesson for this week (From Scrolls to the Bible). You can read more about it in the post from last week.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
An Easter God - An Easter People
Wednesday after Epiphany 4
February 3, 2010
The Lord be with you
I am part of the SED (Southeastern District) Ablaze! Task Force (a link to the SED is in the righthand sidebar). The general purpose of this group is to support and encourage the churches in the SED in their efforts to share the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. A recent project of ours was the Advent homily series, “An Advent God – An Advent People.” It was well received around the district so we were inspired to try something a little more ambitious, a devotional series for Easter to Pentecost 2010.
Once again I was asked to provide the framework for the project. We went with the title: “An Easter God – An Easter People.” My skeleton suggested the following themes for each week: Easter as Event; Easter as Message; Easter as Baptism; Easter as Communion; Easter as Vocation; Easter as Worship; and Easter as Eschatology. The various liturgical holidays during the time are recognized as well. I provided suggested Bible passages, suggested how the passage might be worked into the general theme, and so on. Each devotion, hopefully, will include a story about sharing the Gospel.
I sent this work on to the district, specifically Sally Hiller. She used her contacts (which extend far beyond the SED) to recruit writers. These writers were not bound by my suggestions. If they wanted to use a different Bible verse, or work the weeks theme a different way, they could.
This past Monday I found out that the devotional is in its final editing stages. I also found out something that was quite surprising to me. This is being picked up by the LCMS (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod), and will be made available to all in our denomination either in a downloadable format or in booklet form. I certainly hope it will be a blessing to all who use it, encouraging us to share God’s grace with those who do not yet know our Lord Jesus.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 3, 2010
The Lord be with you
I am part of the SED (Southeastern District) Ablaze! Task Force (a link to the SED is in the righthand sidebar). The general purpose of this group is to support and encourage the churches in the SED in their efforts to share the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. A recent project of ours was the Advent homily series, “An Advent God – An Advent People.” It was well received around the district so we were inspired to try something a little more ambitious, a devotional series for Easter to Pentecost 2010.
Once again I was asked to provide the framework for the project. We went with the title: “An Easter God – An Easter People.” My skeleton suggested the following themes for each week: Easter as Event; Easter as Message; Easter as Baptism; Easter as Communion; Easter as Vocation; Easter as Worship; and Easter as Eschatology. The various liturgical holidays during the time are recognized as well. I provided suggested Bible passages, suggested how the passage might be worked into the general theme, and so on. Each devotion, hopefully, will include a story about sharing the Gospel.
I sent this work on to the district, specifically Sally Hiller. She used her contacts (which extend far beyond the SED) to recruit writers. These writers were not bound by my suggestions. If they wanted to use a different Bible verse, or work the weeks theme a different way, they could.
This past Monday I found out that the devotional is in its final editing stages. I also found out something that was quite surprising to me. This is being picked up by the LCMS (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod), and will be made available to all in our denomination either in a downloadable format or in booklet form. I certainly hope it will be a blessing to all who use it, encouraging us to share God’s grace with those who do not yet know our Lord Jesus.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Purification of Mary & Presentation of Our Lord
The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
February 2, 2010
The Lord be with you
Many people today will be thinking of groundhogs today as they either rejoice or morn over whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees, or does not see, his shadow. The best thing about Groundhog Day, in my opinion, is the movie “Groundhog Day,” that came out over a decade ago staring Bill Murray. (While not a candidate for one of the all time great films, it is an enjoyable diversion.)
On the liturgical calendar used at Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) today is recognized for something far more significant, the purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. Thirty-two days after Jesus’ circumcision and seventy weeks after the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah by the angel Gabriel, the Lord comes to His temple to fulfill the Torah (Luke 2:22-38). The days are indeed fulfilled with the presentation. Jesus’ parents keep the Torah and fulfill it by bringing Jesus to His true home. Also, Jesus’ parents offer the alternative sacrifice of two turtledoves or two pigeons. Leviticus 12:8 allows this instead of a lamb, since not everyone could afford a lamb (showing the poverty and humility of Joseph and Mary). Yet no lamb was necessary because already here at forty days old, Jesus is the Lamb of God brought to His temple for sacrifice. Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis is a beautiful example of the immediate response to this inauguration of God’s consolation and redemption in the Christ Child. Speaking to Mary, Simeon also prophesies about the destiny of the child.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
February 2, 2010
The Lord be with you
Many people today will be thinking of groundhogs today as they either rejoice or morn over whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees, or does not see, his shadow. The best thing about Groundhog Day, in my opinion, is the movie “Groundhog Day,” that came out over a decade ago staring Bill Murray. (While not a candidate for one of the all time great films, it is an enjoyable diversion.)
On the liturgical calendar used at Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) today is recognized for something far more significant, the purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. Thirty-two days after Jesus’ circumcision and seventy weeks after the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah by the angel Gabriel, the Lord comes to His temple to fulfill the Torah (Luke 2:22-38). The days are indeed fulfilled with the presentation. Jesus’ parents keep the Torah and fulfill it by bringing Jesus to His true home. Also, Jesus’ parents offer the alternative sacrifice of two turtledoves or two pigeons. Leviticus 12:8 allows this instead of a lamb, since not everyone could afford a lamb (showing the poverty and humility of Joseph and Mary). Yet no lamb was necessary because already here at forty days old, Jesus is the Lamb of God brought to His temple for sacrifice. Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis is a beautiful example of the immediate response to this inauguration of God’s consolation and redemption in the Christ Child. Speaking to Mary, Simeon also prophesies about the destiny of the child.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
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