The Holy Land Tour with Pastor Nabil Nour.

Departing October 24, 2011 from Minneapolis
$3,698
All Inclusive! (except lunches)

“You can’t escape the feeling and the presence of God here. This is His special land”

Dear friends in Christ,

You are invited to come and join me (a native of Israel) on a spiritual journey to the Holy Land, Israel, which I promise to be a journey and an experience of a lifetime. On this journey, you will hear the Good News and follow in the footsteps of the Savior, Jesus. You will see glorious sights, smell wonderful aromas and get a taste of foreign delicacies. We will be departing on October 24, 2011 for 11 days.

If this is a trip you want to take, now is the time to take this exciting adventure of a lifetime. You will come back refreshed and rejoicing because you walked the walk of our only Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible will come alive and the names and places will jump out at you whenever you read or hear them.
The price of $3,698 for the 11-day trip includes airfare, hotels, tips, taxes and two meals a day.

For further information, contact:

Pastor Nabil S. Nour (Phil. 1:6)

Redeemer Lutheran Church P.O. Box 158 Armour, SD 57313-0158
(605) 724-2489 (ofc) (605) 724-2722 (hm)
redeemarmour@unitelsd.com

Your Journey Features:

• Round-trip air transportation from Minneapolis
• Deluxe and first class hotels
• Land transportation via deluxe, private motor coach
• Professional, English-speaking guides
• Tips ($87) and airline taxes & fuel surcharge ($546) included
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary
• Masada and boat ride on the Sea of Galilee

Please Read This Important Information:

Each tour member must hold a U.S. passport that is valid up to 6 months after the scheduled return. Application forms are available at your local Passport Office or U.S. Postal Service. Any required visas will be processed for US citizens only. Non-US citizens are solely responsible for obtaining any required visas.
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Rates based on double-occupancy, the airline fuel surcharge and currency exchange rate(s) at the date of quotation to your host. Subject to change up to 30 days prior to departure.

The Holy Land

Day 1 Mon, Oct 24: MINNEAPOLIS - EUROPE - TEL AVIV. Tour members gather at the ticket counter at the airport two hours prior to departure to Europe. Dinner and breakfast are served in-flight.

Day 2 Tue, Oct 25: TEL AVIV. Upon our arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, we are met and transferred to our hotel in a suburb of Tel Aviv - situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is served at our hotel. Weather permitting; we suggest a walk on the beach after dinner.

Day 3 Wed, Oct 26: MEDITERRANEAN SEA - CAESAREA - MT. CARMEL - HAIFA - PLAIN OF ARMAGEDDON - TIBERIAS. After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast, we begin the thrilling journey of following in the footsteps of Jesus. At Caesarea by the Sea, we visit the Crusader's Castle, the Roman Amphitheater and water duct, and the port from which the Apostle Paul sailed to Rome. We continue northward along the Mediterranean coast to Mount Carmel where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal by the Brook Kishon. After Haifa, we view Megiddo and the Plain of Armageddon, Jezreel and Esdraelon. Eastward, we arrive in Tiberias and get our first glimpse of the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 Thu, Oct 27: MT. TABOR - DEBORIYA - NAIN - BETHSHEAN - TIBERIAS. Traveling westward across Galilee, we visit Mt. Tabor (Psalms 89:12), Deboriya, the hometown of the Prophetess Deborah, at the foothill of Tabor (Judges 4 and 5). Continue to the Village of Nain where Jesus brought life to a young man (Luke 7:11-18). Then, on to Nazareth the hometown of Jesus where we tour the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1:5-42) and Mary’s Fountain (Luke 4:16-22). On the way back, we stop by Cana—the site of Jesus first Miracle.

Day 5 Fri, Oct 28: TIBERIAS. Today is a free day at leisure for shopping or other pursuits on our own.

Day 6 Sat, Oct 29: TIBERIAS - SEA OF GALILEE - CAPERNAUM - MT. OF BEATITUDES - TABGHA - CAESAREA PHILIPPI - MT. HERMON - GOLAN HEIGHTS - JORDAN RIVER. This will be an exciting day in the Galilee area. After a delicious breakfast, we depart the Roman hot springs resort city of Tiberias via a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum (John 6:24) to walk among the ancient ruins of this first century synagogue where Jesus preached (Matthew 4:13-17). Then, on to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and to Tabgha, the chapel dedicated to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:34-44). We then proceed to Upper Galilee and the site of Peter's Confession (Matthew 16:16) at Caesarea Philippi and to Mt. Hermon (Psalm 89:12), the probable site of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and the present day Golan Heights where Israel, Lebanon and Syria come together. We follow the fresh mountain waters of Mt. Hermon to the Sea of Galilee and to the outlet passage at the southern tip of the sea. Next, we stop at the beautiful Pilgrims Park at the Jordan River. Return to our hotel for overnight.

Day 7 Sun, Oct 30: BETHSHEAN - JERICHO - BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM. Early morning departure to Bethshean, then head south through the Jordan Valley to ancient Jericho, where the walls came tumbling down (Joshua 6:1-27), view of the Mt. of Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), and Elisha's Fountain. Continue to Bethlehem where we visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus, and Shepherds Fields (Luke 2:1-20) then the Field of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17 & 4:13). We return to Jerusalem passing Rachel's Tomb (if viewable) to our hotel in Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 8 Mon, Oct 31: JERUSALEM. After a night of rest and a hearty breakfast, this exciting day begins with a drive to Mt. Scopus and the Mt. of Olives (Matthew 24:3) for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster and the Dominus Flevit. Walk along Hosanna Road to the Gethsemane to see the Church of All Nations that stands on the Rock of Agony where Jesus was betrayed by Judas (Matthew 26:36-57). See the Pillar of Absalom, the Eastern (Golden) Gate and the Pinnacle of the Temple. We then drive to Mt. Zion where we visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu on the site of Caiaphas' House, the Room of the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) and the Tomb of King David. Continue on to tour New Jerusalem: Hebrew University, the Shrine of the Book that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Model City of Jerusalem which depicts in miniature the Holy City as it appeared in the first century. Return to our hotel for overnight.

Day 9 Tue, Nov 1: MASADA - DEAD SEA - QUMRAN - BETHANY. This morning, we drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. A beautiful new road takes us south along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, a truly remarkable piece of history. Ascend to Masada by cable car to visit the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from 70-73 A.D., the Jewish defenders made the last stand of the Judean Revolt against Rome and where the remains of storehouses, cisterns and a sixth century Byzantine church are still on view. Return along the Dead Sea to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Visit the remains of the Community Center of the Essenes and the Caves of the Scrolls. We continue on the Jericho Road viewing the Inn of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). If possible, we visit Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:1-46) on the return to Jerusalem. On to our Jerusalem hotel for overnight.

Day 10 Wed, Nov 2: JERUSALEM. Today begins at the Western (Wailing) Wall where the faithful Jews cry their petitions to God, continue to the Temple Area of Mt. Moriah. Visit the El Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which is built on the ancient site of Solomon's Temple (Genesis 22:9-14) and over the Rock of Sacrifice where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and the ceremonial sacrifice of animals took place. After this, we walk along the Via Dolorosa to Pilate's Judgment Hall, the Chapel of the Flagellation, the Ecce Homo Arch (John 19:13) where Jesus was tried before Pilate (Mark 15:6). Then, we continue through the Old City bazaars to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Visit the Garden Tomb and Golgotha - Place of the Skull - for a worship service. Dinner and overnight at our hotel

Day 11 Thu, Nov 3: TEL AVIV - EUROPE - MINNEAPOLIS. Early morning departure for our flight home - the end of a most enjoyable journey.

Itinerary–for Holy Land Nour Tour is scheduled for October 24, 2011

The Holy Land
Day 1 Mon, Oct 24: MINNEAPOLIS - EUROPE - TEL AVIV. Tour members gather at the ticket counter at the airport two hours prior to departure to Europe. Dinner and breakfast are served in-flight.
Day 2 Tue, Oct 25: TEL AVIV. Upon our arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, we are met and transferred to our hotel in a suburb of Tel Aviv - situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is served at our hotel. Weather permitting; we suggest a walk on the beach after dinner.
Day 3 Wed, Oct 26: MEDITERRANEAN SEA - CAESAREA - MT. CARMEL - HAIFA - PLAIN OF ARMAGEDDON - TIBERIAS. After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast, we begin the thrilling journey of following in the footsteps of Jesus. At Caesarea by the Sea, we visit the Crusader's Castle, the Roman Amphitheater and water duct, and the port from which the Apostle Paul sailed to Rome. We continue northward along the Mediterranean coast to Mount Carmel where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal by the Brook Kishon. After Haifa, we view Megiddo and the Plain of Armageddon, Jezreel and Esdraelon. Eastward, we arrive in Tiberias and get our first glimpse of the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 Thu, Oct 27: MT. TABOR - DEBORIYA - NAIN - BETHSHEAN - TIBERIAS. Traveling westward across Galilee, we visit Mt. Tabor (Psalms 89:12), Deboriya, the hometown of the Prophetess Deborah, at the foothill of Tabor (Judges 4 and 5). Continue to the Village of Nain where Jesus brought life to a young man (Luke 7:11-18). Then, on to Nazareth the hometown of Jesus where we tour the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1:5-42) and Mary’s Fountain (Luke 4:16-22). On the way back, we stop by Cana—the site of Jesus first Miracle.
Day 5 Fri, Oct 28: TIBERIAS. Today is a free day at leisure for shopping or other pursuits on our own.
Day 6 Sat, Oct 29: TIBERIAS - SEA OF GALILEE - CAPERNAUM - MT. OF BEATITUDES - TABGHA - CAESAREA PHILIPPI - MT. HERMON - GOLAN HEIGHTS - JORDAN RIVER. This will be an exciting day in the Galilee area. After a delicious breakfast, we depart the Roman hot springs resort city of Tiberias via a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum (John 6:24) to walk among the ancient ruins of this first century synagogue where Jesus preached (Matthew 4:13-17). Then, on to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and to Tabgha, the chapel dedicated to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:34-44). We then proceed to Upper Galilee and the site of Peter's Confession (Matthew 16:16) at Caesarea Philippi and to Mt. Hermon (Psalm 89:12), the probable site of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and the present day Golan Heights where Israel, Lebanon and Syria come together. We follow the fresh mountain waters of Mt. Hermon to the Sea of Galilee and to the outlet passage at the southern tip of the sea. Next, we stop at the beautiful Pilgrims Park at the Jordan River. Return to our hotel for overnight.
Day 7 Sun, Oct 30: BETHSHEAN - JERICHO - BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM. Early morning departure to Bethshean, then head south

through the Jordan Valley to ancient Jericho, where the walls came tumbling down (Joshua 6:1-27), view of the Mt. of Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), and Elisha's Fountain. Continue to Bethlehem where we visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus, and Shepherds Fields (Luke 2:1-20) then the Field of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17 & 4:13). We return to Jerusalem passing Rachel's Tomb (if viewable) to our hotel in Jerusalem for overnight.
Day 8 Mon, Oct 31: JERUSALEM. After a night of rest and a hearty breakfast, this exciting day begins with a drive to Mt. Scopus and the Mt. of Olives (Matthew 24:3) for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster and the Dominus Flevit. Walk along Hosanna Road to the Gethsemane to see the Church of All Nations that stands on the Rock of Agony where Jesus was betrayed by Judas (Matthew 26:36-57). See the Pillar of Absalom, the Eastern (Golden) Gate and the Pinnacle of the Temple. We then drive to Mt. Zion where we visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu on the site of Caiaphas' House, the Room of the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) and the Tomb of King David. Continue on to tour New Jerusalem: Hebrew University, the Shrine of the Book that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Model City of Jerusalem which depicts in miniature the Holy City as it appeared in the first century. Return to our hotel for overnight.
Day 9 Tue, Nov 1: MASADA - DEAD SEA - QUMRAN - BETHANY. This morning, we drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. A beautiful new road takes us south along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, a truly remarkable piece of history. Ascend to Masada by cable car to visit the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from 70-73 A.D., the Jewish defenders made the last stand of the Judean Revolt against Rome and where the remains of storehouses, cisterns and a sixth century Byzantine church are still on view. Return along the Dead Sea to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Visit the remains of the Community Center of the Essenes and the Caves of the Scrolls. We continue on the Jericho Road viewing the Inn of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). If possible, we visit Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:1-46) on the return to Jerusalem. On to our Jerusalem hotel for overnight.
Day 10 Wed, Nov 2: JERUSALEM. Today begins at the Western (Wailing) Wall where the faithful Jews cry their petitions to God, continue to the Temple Area of Mt. Moriah. Visit the El Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which is built on the ancient site of Solomon's Temple (Genesis 22:9-14) and over the Rock of Sacrifice where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and the ceremonial sacrifice of animals took place. After this, we walk along the Via Dolorosa to Pilate's Judgment Hall, the Chapel of the Flagellation, the Ecce Homo Arch (John 19:13) where Jesus was tried before Pilate (Mark 15:6). Then, we continue through the Old City bazaars to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Visit the Garden Tomb and Golgotha - Place of the Skull - for a worship service. Dinner and overnight at our hotel
Day 11 Thu, Nov 3: TEL AVIV - EUROPE - MINNEAPOLIS. Early morning departure for our flight home - the end of a most enjoyable journey.

“We Are Witnesses of these things.” (Acts 5:27-32).

 

S-1232 5SAE//3A 02/06/11 (O) #506; (S) #412; (C) #48

Text: Isaiah 58:3-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; Matthew 5:13-20

Theme: “We Are Witnesses of these things.” (Acts 5:27-32).

Question: “Are you a WITNESS for the Gospel?

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD Observing Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany is from the book of Acts: “And when they had brought them [disciples], they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.’” (Acts 5:27-32).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

You who are the most beloved in the Lord Jesus, transformed to be witnesses of the cross and empty tomb. It was on January 15^th, 1967 in Los Angeles, CA the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs met in what was called the Supergame (today the Super Bowl), when the final gun sounded the Green Bay Packers won with a score of 35-10. Ever since that day people in the United States and around the world; have sat, watched and talked about the game, the plays and the commercials. Today is no different. This evening some of us here will sit, watch, eat and talk about the 45^th consecutive Super Bowl. When the game will be over, people will continue to talk about the plays, commercials and the outcome. PAUSE.

However, there is an even LONGER running Super event that takes place today.75 years ago, (October 2, 1930) with a prophetic voice of proclamation, Dr. Walter A. Maier went on The Lutheran Hour Broadcast and speaking for Lutheranism and all of faithful Christianity said this:

“…we acknowledge as our own the apostle’s determination, “Not to know anything...save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” ....I offer you, in the name of the Triune God, not the Christ of present-day compromise and concession, not the Christ of twentieth-century indifference and indecision, not the Christ of modern doubt and denial, who has been exalted in His humanity, only to be robbed of His deity, but the Christ of the cross. With my hand on the Bible I dedicate this radio mission to the preaching of that cross, the cruel gibbet on which the Savior died the blackest death of all history. That crucified Christ, Son of God, yet Son of Man, the all-sufficient Savior and Him alone, we offer with the pledge, “Nothing Save Jesus Christ and Him Crucified in every message, every prayer, every hymn broadcast over this Gospel network.”

With that pledge, The Lutheran Hour was joined with this pulpit, with every parish, with every prophet and apostle who has believed and proclaimed God’s Word is truth; with every soul which has courageously confessed Jesus Christ alone is the Savior of the world, and His Name is the only Name which they trust for forgiveness and salvation. Jesus Christ is the Savior. This is God’s truth and it is a truth which Satan, the “The Father of Lies”[i], does not wish you, or anyone in this dark and damned world to know or acknowledge. And although Satan has worked tirelessly in every age, it is in our time that he has seen his efforts bearing some terrible fruit as more and more people refuse to believe they need the Savior, they need the Redeemer, and they need the Christ.

Jesus is the Savior of the world. There is no denying it! That is a truth Satan does not want the world to hear. And lest you think this is mere empty oratory, let me point to a case last year in California where, at the Los Angeles Community College, a professor called a student a “fascist”, and threatened to expel him for making a speech which defended Christian marriage.^[ii] Consider Georgia’s Augusta State University student Jennifer Keaton who was told she would be expelled from pursuing her counseling degree program unless she altered her “central religious beliefs on human nature and conduct.” In other words, Jennifer had to stop being the Christian if she wanted to be a counselor.^[iii] “Christians be silent” is the order which is being heard again and again in America’s institutions of higher education.

“The Father of Lies” does not want people to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. In his unholy crusade he has enlisted extremists from other religions. Go to Baghdad and ask the few Christians who survived the Reformation Day attack on Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church. Let them tell you how the priest was ordered to lie down and then was murdered. Let them tell how gunmen shot at the crucifix, how they murdered more than 50 of our brothers and sisters as they prepared to worship. Understand, this was not an isolated incident. Again and again it is happening as religious terrorists demand, “Christians be silent.”[iv]

Or would you care to look at one of America’s great banking firms, J.P. Morgan Chase. This past Christmas the brilliant powers-that-be ordered all of its banks to “take down any and all Christmas decorations which had not been supplied by company headquarters.” Wishing not to be offensive to unbelievers, they decided it would be best if they ignored the Christ Child’s birth. True, when the Christian community cried out, the company reversed itself, but they had, like so many other stores, tried to profit from Christ’s birth, even as they wished to minimize the Savior’s coming. Once more the world had said, “Christians be silent.”

In truth, it would be easier to be silent. It would be politically correct to be silent. It might make us more popular if we were to be silent or preached a message without sin or repentance, without the Savior, or the salvation He has won. It would be easier to preach a social Gospel, a name-it-claim-it brand of religion. But we can’t do that. The faithful followers of the Lord can never do that. Turn to Scripture and see Peter and John who were arrested and arraigned by the same Sanhedrin which had orchestrated the crucifixion of the Christ. When these apostles were told to stay silent in regard to the Savior, with deliberation and dedication they declared: “We cannot help but speak about what we have heard and seen.” These special servants of the Savior knew preaching Christ must take priority over silence or political correctness.

And, we, His modern day disciples cannot remain silent to the truth of the Savior’s cross and empty tomb. Every son of Adam and every daughter of Eve has been called upon by the Lord of the Church to bear witness of His gift of salvation which He earned for us through His suffering on the cross of Calvary. PAUSE.

Many talk about the weather, the Super Bowl, the events in Cairo and the economy. But when was the last time you spoke about Jesus to a friend; perhaps to a brother or sister who have not darkened the house of the Lord? When was the last time you gave a powerful witness to the God of the Bible even though you knew you would be ridiculed for it?

Oh you, who are blood bought and redeemed by the Christ of the Bible, witnessing is not an obligation but an opportunity; it is not a payment but a privilege; it is not a have to, but a want to. When we are faithful in ignoring the father of lies, and speak of the Father of Love God will work in the hearts and ears of hearers.

Let me introduce you to an Arab Palestinian from the West Bank. Tass Saada was born into a Muslim home in Gaza. He and his friends murdered Jews in Israel. They murdered civilians and soldiers alike. They attacked Christians in Jordan. Sometimes they tossed hand grenades at Christians’ homes. Other times they strafed houses with machine-gun fire.

But in 1993 after marrying an American girl (Karen) and moving to the US a country he had long hated—this Jihadist met the Savior (I changed this line from Found Jesus. Jesus was not lost Tass was). This violent radical was one day radically transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. This killer became a man of peace and compassion.

What made the change in the life of this Radical? Someone cared enough to share with Him the love of Jesus. Someone challenged him to read the Bible! Someone called him lovingly and caringly to review the difference between the god of the Muslims who destroys life, and the God of the Bible who wants to save all lives. Perhaps I should let Tass tell you his story: (Read out of the book: Some of the above information and below are paraphrased from the book Inside the Revolution by Joel C. Rosenberg pp. 363-366) “I was a Palestinian sniper,” Saada would later tell me. “But then I fell in love with a Savior who loves Arabs as well as Jews.” In his remarkable book, Once An Arafat Man, Saada explained his realization that the God of the Bible loves us all with an unfathom­able, everlasting, unquenchable love. He explained that God’s love is so amazing, so divine, that He actually offers all of us—Jew and Gentile alike—the free gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. And he explained that God wants to adopt each one of us into His own family. He wants to bless us. He wants to take care of us. He wants to heal us and change us and make us more like Him. And He wants to empower us to be a blessing to others.

This change happened because someone witnessed to Tass Saada. There are many in our community, county and country that have not been challenged or heard of the love of the Savior. Dr. Walter Maier’s words on the Lutheran Hour 75 years ago still ring true today. We are partners with the Apostles who said, “We are witnesses of these things.” This pulpit, this congregation, and every Bible Study and event that took place here has been to equip people to be faithful witnesses so that others like Tass Saada, you and me, come to bow before the Throne of Grace and meet the God of love and mercy—Jesus.

Like the Apostles, like the different speakers of the Lutheran hour, we, too, remain committed to telling this sin-saddened world that Jesus has not almost succeeded in saving us; He is not an almost Savior, an almost Redeemer an almost Conqueror. He is the One to whom we must go, for He is the One Who has eternal life. This is the Christ Whom we have seen and heard. His is the story that we share. May God grant His Spirit’s blessing upon us as He breaks Satan’s silence as we share what we have seen and heard. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

---

[i] John 8: 44

[ii] http://www.examiner.com/church-state-in-los-angeles/judge-rules-favor-of-lacc-student-defending-traditional-marriage

[iii] http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/27/georgia-university-tells-student-lose-religion-lawsuit-claims/

[iv] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11463544

v Rosenberg C. Joel. Inside the Revolution, Tyndall House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois pp. 363-368

“God Can USE You!” (Mt. 4:18-20).

S-1231 3SAE//3A 01/23/10 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Hymns from LSB (O) #851; #725; (S) #826; #866; LS. #867; #620; #862; (C) #924

Text: Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-25

Theme: “God Can USE You!” (Mt. 4:18-20).

Question: “Do you value LIFE?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the Third Sunday of the Epiphany is from the Gospel: “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (Mt. 4:18-20).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

You who are the most treasure possession in God’s sight and loved by Him eternally hear the words of life so that you can celebrate life because life is a most precious gift from Him who is the Lord of LIFE, Jesus Christ.

Today, as we gather in His house and read the Book of life, we see how the Savior takes simple fishermen, common ordinary men from Galilee and make them the best fisher of men in the world. They go on His mission; they carry the torch of life and love, and share the hope of glory that their teacher and Rabbi has taught them. For 3 years these men walked with the Savior, accompanied Him, saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead and taught that life is precious from the womb to the tomb.

From Capernaum they go out and reach the end of the world—even reaching you. And today, the Savior equips you, common ordinary men and women, boys and girls to be used by Him to bring about the healing ointment of the Gospel to those who are walking in the darkness of sin.

On this Life Sunday, I implore you fellow saints in the name of Him who is Life, Jesus, to join me on this journey and see how the God of the universe will use you as He used others.

In our Gospel reading today, we heard the Savior calling these Galilean men to follow Him and He will make them become fishers of men. And indeed, by His power and might they did become the greatest fishermen the world has ever seen. They went far and near to proclaim the salvation that is found in Jesus. They spoke with young and old. They told them of His life and ministry. They told of His death and resurrection. They spared no expense to get the Word out that Jesus is the Lord of life and love. They even paid the price with their lives to be used by Him, so others might know Him and become His fisher of men. PAUSE.

These Galilean men are not the only ones who have been called by Jesus to follow Him. You, too, have been called. Yes, you sitting here in the pew have been called by the Gospel, and through Baptism have been marked as one who has been touched by the loving hands of Him who knit you together in your mother’s womb.

So why then, are we not at all time being used by the Savior to tell His story? Why don’t we stand up for the life of the unborn? Why don’t we do all we can to promote and preserve life at every stage including the unborn? Simply, because we choose not to be used by God. We want to do what is good for us and shut our eyes against the inhumanity of the unborn.

This past week I was visiting with one of our members and he was relating to me of what Kimberly Martinez (the director of the Alpha Center “a pregnancy crisis center in Sioux Falls”) said to our Lutherans For Life chapter while meeting in Alexandria. Kimberly stated that a pregnant woman walked to the office. After Kimberly spent considerable time attempting to convince her that life is precious and she shouldn’t abort the baby. She refused to hear any of Kimberly’s advice. Kimberly suggested an ultra sound, perhaps seeing the baby moving and having all of his fingers and toes might deter her, again she was adamant about the destruction of that little gift in the womb. Kimberly thought of one final plan. She took her behind the office and showed her the many plaques of baby’s lives that were spared in the Garden of Life; the woman was still not convinced. Finally, the woman said, “I know I am killing a human being, but I DON’T CARE, I’m going to do it anyway!!!”

Now we may sit here and wonder how could any woman be so callous, cruel, cold-hearted and calculating on destroying life? How could you see a life knit together in your womb and still end that life because you want to? How could you terminate it by destroying not only one life, but many who will never hold that child! Think of the father, uncles and aunts, cousins, grandparents and friends. Why? Because she has chosen not be used by God to be a caring and loving mother. She has chosen to walk in darkness instead of the light.

But we are not any better. Don’t think for a moment you are better than that woman because you have not ended the life of a child. Why do I say that? So many of us don’t let God use us. Yes, you heard me right. It is discouraging that in a congregation of 100 + we can’t get a slate of volunteers to serve as ushers or be greeters. We can’t meet the budget. We can’t always get people to stand up for what is right. We can’t get people to do what is right for the benefit of all. We are so selfish and desire only that which is good for us

Do you know that on the average 10% of the people of this congregation carry the weight for the other 90%. Many of you come to God’s house and expect everything to be ready. Lights on, heat on, bulletins folded, side walk cleaned. But do you ever wonder who does it? Do you even care? Sadly many of us DON’T. Many of us don’t even care about Sanctity of Human Life Sunday because we make it out to be a political problem. This is not a political problem but a spiritual problem.

But it doesn’t have to be that way my beloved and you His most treasured possession. God wants to use you like He did the men of Galilee. He wants you to continue to invite the little ones to come to Him. For He specifically stated, “Let the little children come to Me!” Jesus loved the little one and old ones too. He died for all so that they may have life to the full. The cross is for them just as much as it is for YOU.

God wants to use you to speak and speak loudly of His grace to those who are still walking in their selfish and self-centered ways; who pe rmit the darkness to rule their lives and hearts. Who have no joy in their lives because they let circumstances rule and reign on them. How sad, we are part of that group. How sad that we don’t protect the little ones, the vulnerable ones, the innocent ones and the precious ones—for they belong to Him. He knit them together by His grace and love. Even they have been purchased and won by the holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death of our dear Lord Jesus Christ!

So why are we here today? Why are we observing a Sunday called, “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday”? Isn’t that getting a little political? Are we doing this because we live in a society that does not uphold the God-given value of human life? No, there is more to it than that. We do not uphold the sanctity of human life because we live in a society that doesn’t, but because we serve a GOD WHO DOES. Why are we observing this Sanctity of Human Life Sunday? Is it because life is precious? No, there is even more to it than that. We uphold the sanctity of human life because life is precious TO GOD! Life is so precious to Him that He was willing to sacrifice the life of His One and ONLY Son!

The Word of God On the page, in the flesh and on the Cross, before us today raises the life issues—things like abortion and assisted suicide—way above the political realm. The Word of God before us today reminds us why it is important for us who are members of the Body of Christ to address these issues. The Word of God before us today tells us that every human life is a life created by God, every human life is a life for whom Jesus Christ died, and every human life is a life Jesus desires to take into His arms and call to an eternal relationship with Him.

Yes, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God wants to use you. Yes, I am talking to each and every one of you here today. God brought you here today to equip you as you hear His Word of forgiveness for all sins. God brought you here to feed you, nurture and equip you to be fishermen for Him. God brought you here to show you that you can be used by Him, who was used by the heavenly Father to give His life for all sinners—YOU.

But this call is for more than just today. It is a call that is more than for us just to sit here. God is here with us to make us fishers of men. We are His net to be cast into the sea of this sin darkened world to bring life. As we have been made whole by Christ, we are used by the Holy Spirit to catch them so that they too might be brought to Jesus and made whole. This includes even callous sinners like the young woman Kimberly was ministering to. May we by the power of the Holy Spirit continually be used to share the words of hope with all people by going fishing daily, defend the unborn, preserve life and share the good news with a world that desperately needs it. God grant it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Now the peace of God.

Soli Deo Gloria

“DON’T Miss It!!!” (Isaiah 42:5).

S-1229 Baptism of our Lord/3A 01/09/10 Hymns (O) #5; (S) #833 LSB; LS #307; 298; #312; (C) #50

Text: Isaiah 42:1-7; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 3:13-17

Theme: “DON’T Miss It!!!” (Isaiah 42:5).

Question: “Have you planned to do something and you missed it?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the Baptism of our Lord is from the O.T:  “Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up His voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:1-3).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, His most holy Bride: in today’s age and media electronics we have signs all over to grab and draw our attention. Throughout all the large cities there are marquees, posters, billboards with flashing lights to cause us to look at them and see their advertisement. Now, even churches and small towns, like Armour have a sign as you come into town advertising the latest events and movies going on in town.

But there was a time in our history when people didn’t rely so much on the internet, face-book, instant messaging, billboards or neon signs to give them the latest news. There was the newspaper which people read. And if an event of great importance occurred there would be a special edition of the paper. Paper boys would stand on street sides with a bundle of papers and hollering, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”

Why do they do that? They don’t want you to miss out on what they are selling, peddling, or promoting. They want you to see and hear the latest news.

Today, the prophet Isaiah points us to God’s own billboard. God has a very important message to the world. He is not giving this responsibility to anyone like a prophet or a teacher but He Himself speaks in the O. T. lesson. In essence, God is saying to us, (lift my hands up and motion back and forth); DON’T MISS WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO YOU. God’s marquee, neon sign or billboard announces the coming of the Servant—the the One who will bring justice to the nations and make His Law known to all people. This Servant of God has a very important mission of making the Law of God known to one and all, young and old. His mission is making known the Law as Law and Gospel: First, you need a Savior, a Lover, the only One who can help you, and Second, this One, this Savior, “He is My beloved One, in whom I am well pleased!”

The term “Law” as used here is Torah, meaning both Law/Gospel. God’s message and ministry is of the utmost importance and He wants us along with all people who lived in the past, living today, and will live in the future to hear it, learn it and live by it. For this reason He says, “DON’T MISS what I am sharing with you. DON’T miss the important message I have of the coming Servant. Note: He doesn’t come as a Master in the sense of a “Task Master” a Despot, or a Ruler who needs to be served. Rather, His title is “SERVANT.” “He has come not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as the Ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45).

The importance of this message by God is even confirmed in the Gospel lesson for today. Here, again, the Creator of the Universe doesn’t delegate this responsibility to anyone like a prophet or teacher. Oh, N0 He Himself takes center stage and speaks from heaven with a booming voice giving His approval of the coming Servant—the One who has come already in the flesh—His Son’s mission and ministry is to bring about the ointment of the Gospel to all in need. He is Servant, and a Servant who will lift up the hurting, mourning, afflicted, lonely, and oppressed by their sins, in short, you and me! PAUSE.

This is His mission, something He will declare just 11 chapters later, in Isaiah 53: Behold Him being led like a lamb to the slaughter outside the city gates on the cruel cross of Calvary. He goes, but He never opens His mouth to complain nor cry out. Instead, He gives His life for you and me. Behold again, with eyes of faith the marvelous gift of Baptism: Baptism is joined to death. Death is not the final chapter, dying with Christ we rise daily. Death ALWAYS brings victory. His death is our death, His resurrection is our Resurrection. His victory is our victory.

This is not a victory just for the history books. This is a very personal victory, a victory with your name on it, not as “victor” but as one who is an inheritor of the peace. You are, by virtue of your Baptism, not the victor, but “More than A CONQUEROR, MORE THAN A VICTOR. You are in inheritor of the Kingdom of God, even now.

We saw this victory just three days ago when we celebrated Christ’s victory and its completion in the life of our saints Herm. His empty place in the pew is felt by us all. His sage words of Godly wisdom will be missed. Ah, but they have been planted in our hearts, just as our Baptismal grace is. The Gift of Holy Baptism is this: God has called us into His Son’s Victory. He is the King, the Servant King who welcomes home His children. Herm and others who dies in the Lord, received their crown, but we who are left; we continue to walk by faith that is by light, and not by sight. He holds on to us with His Servant hands, those hands that are nail-pierced. He cradles us next to His heart, that heart that was pierced through, all because He has placed us, in our Baptismal Grace, into the Tomb He borrowed from Joseph of Arimathea.

Listen again to our Epistle: ³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. We are placed in His tomb with Him, and just as it could not hold Him so also it cannot and does not hold us. Yes, Baptismal living right now is this: We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loved us. Jesus’ Baptism, the coming of the Servant King, humbly submitting to a Baptism unto forgiveness of sins (even though He was without sin) makes it possible for us to receive what He brought: Forgiveness for us, for indeed, in His Servant Reigning, He who knew no sin became sin for us that we would become the Righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Yes, what Herm and others know now, so do we… the God who came to serve and give His life as our Ransom is here with us today and always will be.

Don’t miss it, beloved! Don’t miss this amazing gift, that in His Baptism not only is the Father is well pleased with Him, but on account of This Servant Son He is well pleased with you too.

The prophet Isaiah spoke so well, of this Son, this Jesus: who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: ⁶ "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, ⁷ to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Don’t miss it, you are His beloved. Don’t miss it, He has breathed the breath of Eternal Life into you. Don’t miss it, He has called you in His Son’s perfect righteousness. Don’t miss it, He is using you and your Baptismal place as His son or daughter, to reflect with Epiphany light, the goodness of the God who bursts open prison doors, who opens formerly shut eyes, who gives light, the light of life to those who have sat in the great and deep darkness.

Even so, Amen. HE hasn’t missed you! Amen and Soli Deo Gloria

“I wished I was Here!” (Luke 2:49).

S-1227 2SAC/3A 01/02/10 Hymns (O) #129; (S) #133; (C) #294

Text: 1 Kings 3:4-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Luke 2:40-52

Theme: “I wished I was Here!” (Luke 2:49).

Question: “Have you said, ‘I wished I was here!’”?

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for our second Sunday After Christmas is from the Gospel lesson: “And He said to them, ‘Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house’?” (Luke 2:49).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, His most holy Bride: I’m certain you are just like me, at times have said, “I wished I was here.” I have said that many times. When I came to this country, I would call home for Christmas or Easter and would tell my parents, oh how “I wished I was here”. Even as recently as November and December I said that. On November 20^th, I was saying to my children, “I wished I was here” to hunt deer and on December 11^th, I was saying the same thing “I wished I was here” with my family to celebrate our Nour’s Christmas together.

Today, as we gather in the Lord’s house for the first time in the year of our Lord 2011, our hearts, ears and eyes look forward with great anticipation to what the Lord has in store for us and to us. Certainly the boxes and bows are gone, the booming music of Christmas are no longer being heard in shopping malls or on the streets, but the celebration of the babe of Bethlehem continues. Why do we celebrate? Because the Lord of heaven and earth is right here with us.

Yes, the Lord is here and this is not a wish but a reality. From the beginning of time, God’s desire was to be with His children. You might say, He always said, “I want to be here with you.” The Babe of Bethlehem is the fulfillment of God’s desire. The Prophet Isaiah put it this way, “… You shall call His name, Immanuel which means God is with us.” Indeed God’s desire has ALWAYS been to be with His people at all times and in all places.

And today, is no different. Jesus is here, with us, in His Father’s House and being about His Father’s business. It is interesting that Luke 2:49 simply says, “I must be in My Father’s ___.” That blank is either house as we have it here in the ESV or business as with other translations. The key thing is that our thanksgiving, our celebration need never end, for God is here, in Jesus, with us today. He is still about His Father’s ___!

And why is He Here? Why would He want to be with us? What is His business? He carries out His business here. In this place He cares for His holy bride. His business is to forgive you all your sins, smother you with His LOVE, and assure you that you have been restored to the Family and to know you have full rights of adoption through the gift of Baptism! As this New Year dawns, know that you are not orphans and that whatever this New Year brings - God is more than “here” - He is here – “for you” as a Father is for His beloved son or daughter!

Yes, Jesus is here. When His parents asked Him “Why did you this to us?” He responded (dei in Greek = it is necessary) for me to be here to fulfill the Father’s will and carry out the Father’s business which He sent me as His heaven-sent gift. PAUSE.

In the text, Luke tells us that Jesus is now 12 years old. It is important to know that. For every Jewish boy at the age of 12 was to receive his bar-mitzvah (literally son of the Commandments). It was the entree into manhood. This newly minted man would still be obedient to his parents and learn the family trade, giving back 18 years for the 12 of his youth. He would learn the family business and honor his family. Jesus is no exception. He was about the Father’s business down to every minute detail.

He received His bar-mitzvah and going to the Temple in Jerusalem from His home in Nazareth, Jesus was coming home. That is, He came home, for His home is with us, for He is Immanuel. He chose to go to the temple and city where He would prove to be the True Temple (Revelation 21:22). There He sat and learned and listened. There He submitted to the will of both fathers—His earthly and heavenly. With wisdom He gave honor to both. He went where He would ultimately be found guilty of your sin and mine, and He went way, obediently, under the care of His mother and father. He learned the art of carpentry—to “measure twice and cut once” from Joseph. Joseph also taught Him what it meant to love His mother and honor His God.

In this humility and obedience we see that He was about the Father’s business. To honor, love, obey and fear His Father and do His will. In the temple the true and living Temple was speaking to the learned men of Himself and of His Father. He was teaching them what they needed to learn—that the Father of love is His Father and this love encompasses all humanity from the first Adam to the last Adam.

Today, as we gather in the Temple we hear the voice of Him who is love and who has taught us all about love by dying our death and rising to raise us from our graves. In this Temple we see Wisdom in the person of Jesus. Wise beyond any 12 years old man could be—teaching those who would listen and learn from Him of the Father’s love. Here in this Temple, we see again and celebrate often the coming of Immanuel for the purpose of carrying out once-for-all-time sacrifice for sin—yours, mine and the world. By the Holy Spirit’s power we who have gathered in this place—the Temple of the Lord see Him as our Lord and Savior and give thanks for what He has done. PAUSE.

Don’t for a moment forget the GIFT of CHRISTmas my beloved and His beloved. For in the Father’s house you will learn of His love, sacrifice, service, salvation and business. Look around and see what man gives us. Every single gift you have gotten whether a car, Ipad, toaster, Crockpot will not last. We see and know that everything man puts his hand to will decay and fail.

But God in love and mercy has given us something far grander and greater: The True Temple... wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a bed of straw in a small and humble village. Now all this comes together in the iron-clad gift that cannot fade and does not fail. Listen to how Paul paints this grand picture of our adoption and salvation—the ever faithful Gift and Gift-Giver: “In Him you also, when you heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your Salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His Glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14)

Guarantees are only as good as their guarantor. Jesus is the guarantor who is the true Temple spoken of in Revelation 21, the One who welcomes us home, a) to His Father’s House, b) for this is His Father’s business, and this is c) given in His Father’s perfect Love. This guarantee is not limited like those attached to the Wii we received or toaster we gave just 9 days ago. This is the guarantee that is of our Salvation and not just our “salvation” but our Eternal Salvation which is guaranteed by Him whose business it is to love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable, folks just like you and me. PAUSE.

Saints in Christ, remember how I began my sermon? Saying, “There were those moments when I said, ‘I wished I was here!’” When you love someone so much you want to be with them. When the miles and ocean’s wave separate you, you long to be with them and be near them. And so it is with our loving and amazing God.

Sin had separated us from the love of God. Miles and ocean waves kept us apart. But Jesus had a remedy—He would come to do what we couldn’t do—He came to be our Savior and Redeemer. He came as the Second Adam to undo what the first Adam did—bring about restoration and adoption in order that we may never have to say, “I wished I was I here.” For Jesus is here now and always. Here you see His business of loving you. Here you will touch Him in the Chalice and Wafer. Here you will Hear Him in His Word. Here you will know Him as He comes to you daily with His love, grace and favor.

Oh how He loves you! Merry Christmas, beloved... And thank God with me that the celebration of this greatest moment of History needs not end, because Jesus is here-for you and me. What a grand day this is. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

“I’m in the RIGHT Place!” (Psalm 1:1-2, John 14:2)

S-1228 Epiphany/3A 01/06/10 Hymns (O) #193; (S) #201; #394; #123; #335; (C) #47

Text: Psalm 23; 121; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; John 14:1-21

Theme: “I’m in the RIGHT Place!” (Psalm 1:1-2, John 14:2)

CELEBRATION of the New Life for Herman Konard Fuerniss

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for this celebration is Herm’s confirmation text “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2) …“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). Please be seated.

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

You who are blessed by the Father of love, especially you Alice, Sherman, Perry, Cameron, Laurie, Garrett, Peggy, family and friends, we have gathered in the Lord’s house today to celebrate the New Life of our departed brother in the faith, and find comfort in His Word and promise—a promise that is anchored in the cross and the empty tomb.

Today, as you mourn the passing of your loved one—husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, brother and friend, from this vale of tears to life eternal, take comfort in the One who has destroyed the sting of death, the grave and the power of sin—Jesus YOUR Savior.

Jesus was and still is the hallmark of this saint. Ever since I met him (about 9 years ago) when I became the vacancy Pastor of St. Paul, I was impressed with his love for the Word, the church, and family in that order. And when he became one of our saints here, I got to know him better. What impressed me about this brother were His devotion, trust and confidence in His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved His Lord and His Church; that is why when St. Paul Lutheran Church in the country closed it was hard on him. He wanted that Church to be used so that others might know of the love of the Savior that took Him to the cross.

Now, anyone who knew Herm would often hear him say, “It is not about me, but about the Lord.” And that is the truth. I am not here to eulogize this man or paint him in a bigger picture than he really is. But to share the truth of his trust in His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The text of his confirmation is a fitting tribute to him because it describes him to a tee.

Listen, again, please to his text. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night” Yes, Herm was blessed because for over 84 years, 6 months and 2 days that he walked the dusty roads of Choteau Creek he walked it hand in hand with His Lord and God.

How blessed was he? Blessed with a lovely wife who stood by him for over 55 years! Six wonderful children and their spouses, grandchildren and friends galore! He is blessed not because of the earthly treasures, (though they are many) but because His parents shared with him the heavenly blessings of knowing the Savior, and in his life he along with Alice passed it on to their children and others by word and example.

Yes, he WAS blessed and IS blessed. And, I, as a Pastor, was blessed to know him and be taught by him of the preciousness of the Word. I know of other Pastors who were drawn to him as well. Why blessed? Because his delight was in the Law of the Lord upon which he meditated daily. There has never been a time when Herm or I whether at the house or hospital that we didn’t share the Word. As late as 14 hours before he saw the Sonrise in heaven (as one of his daughters told me) we shared the Word together. The Word was his hope, his anchor and his joy. PAUSE.

The last few years haven’t been the most enjoyable to this man. Cancer had made his dwelling in his stomach and thus began the many trips to Sioux Falls, surgeries, Chemo and radiation treatments and long stays at hospitals. These were hard days, but he never gave up. He fought the good fight and he ran the race that was set before him as the Epistle for today reminds us. He kept the faith never wavering or wondering if God still loves him.

About 6 weeks ago, the word came back from the doctors that there is nothing that they could do. Your time on earth is running short, and the hour glass is running empty. Those were hard words to swallow, and yet he trusted in His Lord and God to see him through and so did the family. Brother Herm was brought home and I attempted to visit and commune him often. A week ago, today, was my last time to commune him and his family in his bedroom because he was so weak to sit in the chair. After receiving the Lord’s Supper, I asked the family if “I could have a moment of privacy with my parishioner?” The family kindly left me alone with Herm.

Sitting by the bed, I took his hand in mine, rubbed it for a while and prayed with him. I said I will come back to see you again unless the Lord calls you home then I will see you in heaven and his response was, “That will be ok Pastor!” After some moments of silence, I said to him, “Herm, what is the one thing that you want me to tell your family during the Celebration of the New Life?” He said, “Tell them I AM IN THE RIGHT PLACE!” Thus the title of this celebration. Herm is in the RIGHT PLACE.

Our loving and gracious Savior always puts us in the RIGHT place. Study the Scriptures and you will see that God’s place is the RIGHT PLACE. God placed Mary to be the mother of Jesus in the Right place. God chose Joseph to be the adopted father of Jesus in the Right place. When the babe of Bethlehem was born it was in the Right place. And when His parents took Him to the Temple to circumcise Him at 8 days old there was Simeon at the Right place.

With eyes of faith, Simeon saw more than the Christ Child he was holding. He saw the Christ Child holding him. That’s why he could speak so peacefully about death. His words “Lord, lettest now Thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have see Your SALVATION…” don’t sound much like the abject fear the world connects with the monster it calls death. They sound more like the confession of a man who is ready for discharge from service on earth and who is eager for enlist­ment in heaven’s ranks. They come from someone who knows whose loving arms are wrapped around him and who trusts those powerful arms to hold him even into eternity.

Yes, Simeon, Anna, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and our beloved brother Herm were and are in the RIGHT PLACE. And oh, what a place it is. The Lord Himself spoke these comforting words in the Upper Room just as He was about to give His life on the cross for the sins of the world saying…“Let not YOUR hearts be troubled, you believe in God believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will COME back again to take you to be with Me!” Indeed, that is what the Savior did for this saint who saw His Sonrise in heaven this past Sunday @ 6:10 a.m. Can you envision the look on Herm’s face when He awoke to see His Savior? Can you imagine the joy that filled his heart when he walked into heaven and saw the pierced hands of His Savior? Can you visualize him walking with all the strength as a young man not bothered by cancer, not needing any assistance and oh eating pecan pie? Can you picture him now made new by the blood of the Lamb who said, “Behold, I make all things new!!!”

Yes, my beloved and His beloved, Herm is in the right place—a place built with most the most expensive materials in the world, and by the Greatest Carpenter in the World—the Carpenter from Nazareth. This Carpenter didn’t use timber or nails, concrete or steel, or gold or silver; but His own precious flesh and blood, bones and muscles to guarantee Herm and all the world that the Right place for the believer is with Jesus.

What a joy to celebrate the New Life today of this beloved saint, who is now in the glory of heaven. What an honor to know that the Carpenter from Nazareth said to Herm last Thursday THIS IS NOW THE NEW RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU! In time and space Herm knew that church was the place to receive the abundant grace of God. From heaven, Herm witnesses to us yet on earth. His life is a legacy that this House of worship is the RIGHT place. For here in this place, the Word of the Lord is proclaimed, forgiveness is delivered, and the Sacrament is bestowed. This house is a major GRACE PLACE. Here you find comfort for life and confidence when death comes so that you can walk through the valley of the shadow knowing the risen Redeemer is intimately by your side. No wonder you found Herm sitting (point to his spot) right here hearing, singing and praising His Savior. OH WHAT A PLACE IT IS!

I would like you to remember as you depart from this place the good news of Jesus that held your husband, father, father-in-law in His pierced hands what the word “RIGHT” Stands for”

R – Rejoicing

I – In

G – God’s

H – Heavenly

T – Truth

CELEBRATE LIFE MY DEAR FAMILY OF FAITH BECAUSE HERM IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE. AMEN. CHRIST IS RISEN! (3X)

SOLI DEO GLORIA…