“A Story Worth Knowing” (Ruth 1:16-17)

S-1213 20SAP/3C 10/10/10 Hymns (O) #297; S#660 L.S. #32; #370; #457 (C) #52

Text: Ruth 1:1-19; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; Luke 17:11-19

Them: “A Story Worth Knowing” (Ruth 1:16-17)

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is from the O.T. Lesson: “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, it is an art to tell a story. A story that is told well captures the hearts and heads of its listeners from the moment the narrator begins until the end. All the while the listeners are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the next syllable and the image that will be painted on the canvas of their minds. Therefore, sit back and listen to a story that is worth knowing.

The story begins in the land of Judah—Bethlehem. There we are introduced to Elimelech’s family—wife Naomi and two sons Mahlon and Chilion. Elimelech whose name means (God is my King) didn’t trust God his King, because there was no king in the land. He takes the family away from the land of bread, the land flowing with milk and honey – due to the drought and famine, to another land—Moab to satisfy his hunger. Elimelech is not relying on God here, but himself to be the provider for his family.

While away from his homeland and hometown Bethlehem, Elimelech and his two sons die in Moab, and his wife Naomi and the two daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah remain. Now there are 3 destitute and distraught ladies. No husband, no family, no land, and no food. They find themselves in an odd place in an odd way.

Now the narrator begins to weave the script by pulling on the strings of the listener’s ears and hearts. He paints with wide-stroke brush the images of the destitute and despondent women and the options before them. And how the Awesome God of Israel, intervenes and provides for all of their needs.

This is the incredible story of Naomi the widow from Bethlehem and her newly widowed daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabite who return to Bethlehem—the house of bread because word had come that God has provided for His people again.

Along the journey home, Naomi begs and pleads with the two daughters-in-law to return home to their father’s homes. Orpah returns, but Ruth with those familiar words proclaims I shall go with you wherever you go. Ruth’s own words have come down to us to encourage us also to return home to the God who provides for all that we need. Here is how Ruth confessed her faith: “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

With these words, Ruth is determined and declares that the God of the Hebrews will be her God. She will bow to Him, worship Him and serve Him. He will guide her every step and movement. She will live under His banner of love, protection and provision.

The Moabite Ruth after marrying Boaz becomes the mother of Obed {the one whose worship is found in service}. Obed is David’s grandfather. Without our Triune God’s blessing Ruth and Naomi, redeeming both women, we would not have Jesus. Ah yes, the Lord is our King and He provides for all that is needed. He redeemed the truly outcast... and did far more than just save them. He blesses us today through them.

And the story that is worth knowing continues with how God intervenes in the lives of these widows. He provides for them a kinsman-redeemer—one who will buy them back and provide for them to live a decent and honorable life. Ruth the Moabite is now redeemed by the God who redeems all people from their sins—by the greatest provision from Bethlehem—the house of bread, with the Bread of Heaven, Jesus the Christ. PAUSE.

Don’t for a moment think that this story is simply a story that took place so long ago in a foreign land. NO! NO! NO! This story is being played out day in and day out in your lives and mine. For you see in reality you and I are the foreigners, we are the outcast of society, we are the misfits of the world, we are the Samaritans and the Moabites. We are the ones who have been brought from the desert dreary life to eat at the Eternal banquet that God provides for us.

Do you realize that there is nothing that you have, or offer to God that will appease Him from destroying you? There is nothing that you can do to take away His wrath from you. After all, we don’t like our story. We want to compose and contain our own story the way we think it should be.

But the truth is we are nothing but strangers here. Our sermon hymn reminds us of this “I’m but a stranger her, heaven is my home!” (TLH 660 v. 1). We can bring nothing to God. Instead, we see ourselves crawling and coming home from Moab with nothing but the promise from the lips of God Himself, WHERE YOU GO, I WILL GO! (Matthew 28:20b), and with this promise comes from the Father of all compassion and mercy and provides us all that we need.

We saw in the story before us and in the Gospel lesson today, how God intervenes and provides what is needed. The 10 lepers are cleansed from sin and commanded by the gracious Lord, the Bread of heaven—Jesus to show themselves to the priest so that the leprosy of sin will be removed. And they are cleansed and healed. Naomi and Ruth, too, are provided for by the gracious hands of God Himself. And so do you His most beloved bride. Yes, He provides for you what you can’t provide for yourself. We stand before the High Priest Jesus whose crimson blood washes away all of our leprosies and sends us on our way redeemed and forgiven.

Remember the story that is worth knowing? It began in Bethlehem (the house of bread) with no bread. Elimelech (God is my King) but there was no king. There was famine and drought. But how does it end? With a story that you should know and share with others—it is your story and mine. In Bethlehem, the God of heaven in a lowly manger provides the gift of heaven—manna—His Son, Jesus Christ. Now there is bread. Now there a King: Jesus Christ. Now there is a family. Now there are provisions flowing from His pierced side and hands. Now there is forgiveness and peace. Now there is joy in the house because the famine and drought have been replaced with faith and delicacies.

Today, you the Redeemed from Moab, the Samaritans, the outcasts, will dine on the true manna from heaven—Jesus Himself as He serves you the eternal bread and the joyful cup for the salvation of your soul and the blessings that comes from the God who goes where you go.

Most precious beloved of our Savior, know this—this is not simply the story of Ruth—but yours and mine and we should know it and tell it to all people.

Perhaps some you still remember the Television miniseries Roots? It was the story of a slave from Africa by the name of Kunta Kinte who was kidnapped and brought to the shores of the USA. His American captors wanted to give him a different name, but he refused to accept it and kept telling his family about his home, how was kidnapped and brought here. All along he reminded them of the freedom he had in the old country and his name was Kunta Kinte.

We too, have a name and a story—it is the story of our salvation. We have been brought about by the true Bread of Heaven—Jesus Christ, who freed us from the slavery of leprosy, death and the devil; and gave us freedom. Therefore, today, we, like Kunta Kinte relive our story and share it with others—the story of our Redemption and salvation. The story of God’s love for you by sending His greatest gift—His ONLY begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. May God grant you the power and ability to live, know and share the story that is worth knowing Amen.

Now the peace of God…

SDG.

“Get Out Of The Boat” (Matthew 14:28-29)

S-1212 18SAP/3C 9/26/10 Hymns (O) #735; S#722; (C) #731

Text: Isaiah 52:17-10; Acts 1:1-8; Matthew 14:22-32

Them: “Get Out Of The Boat” (Matthew 14:28-29)

Mission Fest St. Peter, Hannover, ND

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! It is a great honor indeed and a privilege to be with you today. The text for our Mission Fest Celebration is from the Gospel lesson: “And Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” (Matthew 14:28-29).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, today’s text challenges every son of Adam and every daughter of Eve to live a life worthy of our calling as God’s redeemed and beloved children. This calling is to get out of the boat and to speak to a world that is lost in sin. Today, the Holy Spirit exhorts us to be Christ’s representatives in the pulpit, in the pew, in the parish hall and in the public square. Today, the Savior calls us to be His men and women, boys and girls and live our lives to change other lives—lives that have not come to know the Rabbi from Nazareth as the heaven-sent Savior of the world. Today, Jesus challenges you not to sit on your duff and do nothing, but to hear the message, and get out of the boat.

The problem though, we don’t want to get out of the boat. We are very comfortable in our life-style. Why rock the boat? Why bother? I live my life and they live their lives. Oh, yes, I am a Christian, but Pastor, don’t you ask me to volunteer, don’t ask me to be a Sunday school teacher, don’t ask me to share what I heard and learned. That is for you Pastor. You are trained in theology. You know what to say and how to say. You are so good at it Pastor. Besides, that is why we called you. That is why we pay you too. Oh how we love our boat. Though it is rusty, old, ugly looking, leaks a little, doesn’t move fast or much at all. None-the-less we still like our boat and love to stay in it. For in my boat I find comfort and contentment. PAUSE

Tell me about YOUR boat. What does it look like? Is it your house, your neighborhood, your work, your tractor, your cows, and your bank account? What is the stuff on your boat? Concerns, cares, burdens, blessings, joys, Etc? Truth be told, most of us to tend to be happy in our boat with our own stuff because it is very safe.

Jesus says, “I have something for you to do!” Trust me in all circumstances. However, we say to Him, “But I like my boat. (Walk over to the boat and continue preaching from it) It is safe, comfortable, leaky, broken, ugly boat, but it is MINE. I can control it. I can push it this way or that. I can determine which way I should go, and when I should go. But it is still MINE!

Do you know why we do this, because we are afraid? We are afraid to let God lead us and direct us. Fear is the number one reason why people refuse to get out of the boat. Fear whispers to us that God is not really big enough to take care of us. It tells us we are not really safe in His hands. It causes us to distort the way we think about Him. You will never know God is trustworthy if you don’t risk obeying Him. When you come to the end of your life—all those “what if’s” become “might have beens.” What might have been if I had trusted God?

You see the devil doesn’t want you to get out of the boat; because it is safe. But Jesus tells us put your hand in mine and I will lead you. Just as our sermon hymn stated “Lord, when the temptest rages, I need not fear, For You, the Rock of Ages, Are always near. Close by Your side abiding, I fear no foe, For when Your hand is guiding, in peace I go.” (722 v. 2)

Oh, but to take that step. Dare to be different. To do the unusual is not me. To get out of the boat is so hard. It is so challenging. It is so demanding. It is downright difficult. “Get out of the boat to serve others,” Jesus tells us. “Don’t play it safe. Go I Am with you wherever you go.” But to take Jesus at His Word is so well…not me. Oh, I trust in Jesus, BUT…send someone else Lord. Tell the next person in the pew, they know how to speak.

You are not alone with fear and doubts. You won’t be the first and you won’t be the last to come up with excuses why you shouldn’t and couldn’t get out of the boat. Remember the prophet Jeremiah. God called him from the womb and set him apart to be His spokesperson. But Jeremiah came up with one excuse after another. Listen to how Jeremiah tells of his own fears: “Now the Word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD’” Jeremiah, like us expresses serious doubts about his own ability to answer God’s call. He responds, “I am just a kid Lord. Can’t do it! Now how, no way!” But the Lord gently and lovingly says: “You are my man, you are my woman. I will use you because my power is in you.”

Honestly, how can a teenager speak to other teenagers about living the wrong way? How can you

Tell your neighbor about the love of Jesus without sounding preachy? How can you tell your co-worker stop stealing? We are so afraid to be a light that burst in the darkness of sin. Satan loves to keep us in the boat. PAUSE

Do you have doubt about your ability to speak God’s Word and stand boldly as a Christian in difficult situation? Do you feel like a child in your spiritual maturity even though you may have gray hair and a solid standing in society? Do you fear speaking up when the opportunity arises? If so, shift your focus from you to the One who changes YOU—Jesus the Christ. By His mighty power He takes each and every one of us and makes us His spokesperson. He uses us in spite of us. He gives us His powerful and mighty Word to change lives.

Remember, you are the baptized, redeemed, forgiven, blood-bought and heaven-bound children of the Most High God. Remember that Christ has called you by the Gospel. And you should remember that Jesus Christ the Lord of the church is the Lord of action: “Let’s go!” (Mark 1:38). Jesus told His disciples. The Church has her marching orders: Preach the Gospel, have compassion, touch the lives in need! Through repentance and faith, we can get out of the boat with courage to carry Christ’s message to a hurting world. Yes, you can because you are armed with the mighty power of the One who made the universe. You can because you are not alone, but He lives in you and with you where ever you go.

Sometimes we make fun of people like Peter and others. We say something like this: “He has weak faith he fell as he saw the wind! We sit in judgment as if we are better or stronger. But do you know and realize that Peter is the only one from the 12 who got out of the boat? He is the only one who trusted in Jesus mighty power to step out in faith and walk towards Him.

This is not a laughing matter. It is a matter of life and death. We the baptized, chosen and beloved Children ought to be brave and courageous like Peter by getting out of the boat and getting our feet wet. As we recognize our fears, we admit we can’t do it alone, but He does it in us and through us. And we are afraid and begin to sink, Jesus doesn’t scold us, first He reaches down with His nail-pierced hands and saves us and sends us on our way. Christ’s anchor will keep your boat safe in every storm. (Hebrews 9:19)

God uses preachers and people to share salvation's story. That was the way it was when Jesus sent out His disciples. The Gospel of Luke tells of the time Jesus commissioned 70 men to go out, two-by-two, and prepare the way for the Savior. The job of the 70 disciples was to share Jesus' credentials; to make it so people knew Somebody wonderful, Somebody special was coming to town. Jesus said they were to travel fast, travel light, travel with prayer in their hearts and God's words on their tongues.

Now God did all of this not because we are so kind, so caring, so compassionate, so cute. He did it because He cared. He still cares. That's why He still sends the Holy Spirit... the third Person of the Trinity, to try and call lost souls to salvation. In that work He enlists representatives, representatives to tell people the kingdom of God is here in Jesus. That's what the 70 did when Jesus sent them out. It's what we do day in and day out. All of us try to tell people the kingdom of God is near. We tell how Jesus did all which was asked of Him. He lived, He suffered, and He died. That was what was asked. And then, three days after He had been killed, long enough so there could be no doubt about His demise, He rose and showed to the world that even death and grave had been conquered. That's the Jesus story and all who believe it find the Kingdom of God is not just near... they find it is actually here.
My friend, you have had someone share salvation's story with you, haven't you? Maybe that person went to seminary and was schooled in theology... maybe that individual's prime credentials were found in the fact they cared about you. You've had someone speak to you of the Savior, haven't you? Was it a parent, a spouse, a family member who prays for you and tries to get you to go to church... who keeps talking about Jesus... who goes on and on and on about the Savior? They can drive you crazy, can't they? I know. I drive tens of thousands of people crazy every week. What's that? You don't want anybody preaching at you. You don't need anybody preaching to you. Yes, I know none of us likes somebody telling us we're wrong... and telling us we need to change... and pointing out our sins. Of course you don't need another sinner pointing out your shortcomings. Sure, I understand where you're coming from. You think we're boring; well, we can be. You think we do a bad job; sometimes we do. You think we believe we've got the answers; we don't but Jesus does. You think we're pompous and pushy and a real pain. I can't argue with you. Sometimes we are. But there's one other thing we are... one thing you forgot to mention. We are representatives of the Savior. Believe on Him and you will be saved. Believe on Him and you'll get in.

Believe on Jesus... the kingdom of heaven is near. My friend, I know we who are part of Jesus' kingdom have many faults. We do... but He doesn't. I'll apologize for our flaws, but we can't repent of our telling lost souls about Jesus. Look, If I had a medicine which would heal every cancer, I would keep talking about it and telling people about it. I wouldn't be able to help myself from telling them about this miracle cure. It would be a sin if I stopped telling people. That's what's happening here. The medicine of Jesus' blood saves people from sin; it cleans up their souls. It moves them from hell to heaven. It gives them a peace of mind and heart and soul they can't get anywhere else. Jesus is the medicine you need. We have to keep talking about Him.

Today, as we celebrate the Mission Fest, remember your calling. It is not just to sit and listen, but by the grace get out of the boat and tell someone about the Savior of the world.

Amen.

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“What A Wonderful Gift.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

S-1211 17SAP/3C 9/19/10 Hymns (O) #461; S# “In the Garden”; (C) #770

Texts: Isaiah 43:1-3a; Revelation 21:1-5; John 20:11-18

Theme: “What A Wonderful Gift.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Celebration of the New Life of Sandra (Sandy, Sam) Vogt

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for The celebration of the New Life promised to our departed sister in the faith, is from St. Paul’s 2^nd letter to the church at Corinth chapter 5:18-19 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, especially you Todd, Sondra, Cory, Kasie family and friends, we love getting and giving gifts. Some gifts are more special than others. Some cost little and others cost a lot. Some gifts we cherish and appreciate, at other times we don’t appreciate the gift we have received until it is too late. As the years go by we forget the gifts we received or who gave them to us. None-the-less gift giving is special between family and friends.

Sometimes, when we get a gift we say to the giver, “You shouldn’t have!” At other times we act surprised, but we knew all along that the gift was coming our way. Today, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will talk about the gift that we all need—the Wonderful gift the Father of all mercy and compassion gives to us sinner not because we deserve it, not because we are such good people; but ONLY because He is so gracious, loving, merciful and compassionate.

Listen now to the giver of the greatest gift the world has ever received as we meet the Savior’s encounter early on Resurrection morning visiting with a woman weeping at the sight of His tomb.

Beloved Captives of the Resurrection Certainty, did you notice how in our Gospel reading Mary cried? The first were tears of the deepest of sadness and sorrow. Her friend, mentor, and much more, the One in whom she had put her hope and trust was seemingly gone, dead, buried, and never to be held nor to be beheld, again. How deep was her grief and sorrow! You and I know the pain of loss. For you Todd, Sondra, Cory, Kasie and beloved family, these tears of Mary are mirrored in your own hearts today. Your wife of 27 years is no longer here, your mother, your sister, your aunt, your friend, she will no longer drop in for a cup of coffee, no longer watching over and holding the grandchildren, no longer share a lingering phone conversation, or a bite to eat with you. Ah yes, death it seems so final. And indeed it WAS.

Mary cried again, her cry became the cry of surprised joy: “Rabboni!” or “dear, precious Teacher!” He rose, as He said, as He promised. He told her that she could not continue to cling to Him, but to go and tell the disciples that He is to ascend not just to God, but to My Father, who is become Your Father, and to My God, who is become most intimately Your God. Now we celebrate that same joy, we are given that same gift today—the WONDERFUL gift of forgiveness that brings about peace and joy. Jesus’ rising from the tomb, and His ascension to the Father means that Jesus’ Father is Sandy’s Father, and Jesus’ God is Sandy’s God… and He is Your Father and Your God as well. Mary cried the cry of joy, of faith, and of life, for Jesus kept His promise. He rose. Now your wife, mother, sister, cousin, friend, she is alive. Her cancer, like all her sin, is cast into the depth of the sea, it is remembered…. No more (Micah 7:19; Jeremiah 31:31-34)! PAUSE.

One of her children wrote this message on Caringbridge.com “Tonight was a very peaceful night for our wonderful mother.  She has left us tonight and has gone to a place where cancer will never be able to touch her or hurt her again.  She will not have to worry about any more bad bubbles.  She is at home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Sondra her eldest daughter). How true that is—peace at last—through the Lord, Jesus Christ—the Great Physician who gave her such a wonderful gift through His death and glorious resurrection.

Forgiveness and life go hand in hand. Forgiveness brings about peace of mind and heart. Forgiveness allows you to sleep at night without tossing about. Forgiveness builds up instead of tearing down. Most of you here know that Sandy and I had a wedge between us for most of the past four years. What the issue was is now of no consequence, for it has been forgiven, cast into the depths of the sea and remembered…. NO MORE. This now forgiven matter caused deep pain, but just recently we were reunited. I confessed my sin to her, and she, her sin to me, and we celebrated the broken body and shed blood of our Savior as the guarantee that all is now at peace, that the sin is now no more. Forgiveness, reconciliation and healing are mighty and wonderful gifts from God Himself to sinners like us.

King David once sang as one of the shortest, yet more powerful of the Psalms, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity, It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3).

This song we share now. Your beloved wife received the full adoption as beloved daughter of the Most High God and King (Luke 6:35). Her name WAS and IS and WILL remain written in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 21:27). She has received Life from the One who is the Lord of Life, Jesus…. Forevermore!

Sandy knew that her journey here in this life was coming to an end. But she wept not with the first tears of her sister, Mary, but with the later tears as she saw her risen Savior and Teacher Jesus Christ through the eyes of faith. Sandy dearly loved you Todd, Sondra, Cory, Kasie and family. She knew what her Baptismal Grace meant: that a bruised reed, smoldering flax, a simple sinner’s life meant more to Jesus than all the riches and strength of the world. Sandy knew, by faith then what she now sees with the sight of certainty, the sight of the resurrection glory: That her God and Savior, Jesus makes all things new—through the cross and the empty tomb.

Oh, for this brief time we call life on this earth, you will not behold her as you have before, for that we are all saddened and full of sorrow. You, her dear family, you miss her so much. But the grave is never, ever, do you hear me, the end of the story for those who trust in Jesus. On account of Jesus, sin is no more; there is no past, but the present reality of the Resurrection and the hope of Glory. You may cry now and in the days and years to come. You miss her and rightly so. But do not let those tears be tears of despair. Let them be salted with the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection, that indeed, Jesus has already made all things new, and that neither death nor life, angels nor principalities, height nor depth, yes, absolutely nothing including cancer is able to separate you from the Love of God… nothing will keep you from seeing Your Savior, and nothing, absolutely nothing, will be able to keep you from the love you shared here below, and the eternal love you will share in heaven when you see your beloved one…. This time in the joyous, nail-pierced hands of Him who was dead and is alive. PAUSE

Saints in Christ travel to the Delmont cemetery (not far from here) and you will find a unique head stone with these words etched on it.

“STOP, LOOK AND READ,

AS YOU WALK BY.

AS YOU ARE NOW,

SO ONCE WAS I

AS I AM NOW

YOU SOON SHALL BE

“TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME!”

This past Saturday He who is the Resurrection and the Life Jesus Christ gave her the GIFT of eternal life. He took the cross away from her and gave her the everlasting peace and joy that He alone gives to all people who believe in Him. That is the Wonderful GIFT He gives to all people. Remember, what I said earlier? Some of the gifts we get or give cost a little and sometimes a lot. This wonderful Gift was given at a very high price—the life’s blood of the Lamb of God shed on the altar of the cross.

Sandy made her peace with those she loved before her Savior took her home. That is what was behind our reconciliation, and the joyous meal of forgiveness we shared just 14 days ago. And that peace she made with us came because God the Father made peace with Sandy through the blood of His Only-Begotten Son. What a wonderful gift! What a precious gift! What a joy! What an eternal certainty… Life…. Forever more. Amen.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Hallelujah!

“A Godly Desire.” (1Timothy 2:3-4)

S-1210 17SAP/3C 9/19/10 Hymns (O) #383; S#347; (C) #441

Texts: Amos 8:4-7; 1Timothy 2:1-15; Luke 16:1-15

Theme: “A Godly Desire.” (1Timothy 2:3-4)

Question: “What’s your desire?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for The 17^th Sunday After Pentecost is from the Epistle lesson: “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Timothy 2:3-4).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, a young woman from Yonkers, New York was madly in love with her fiancé and desired more than anything else to be married to him and have a BIG fancy wedding. However, they didn’t have a lot of money to have a big fancy wedding. But she still desired to have an elaborate wedding with all of the glitter and glamour that comes with it. AND SHE DID!

Her wedding was one of those rare weddings that brides-to-be dream about. She got a $1,200 wedding dress, a big diamond ring and flowers galore. She had the best of everything she desired. The problem she got it all through deception and lies. 23-year-old Jessica Vega, of Yonkers, N.Y., faked cancer to get a discounted wedding.

After claiming she had leukemia and less than a year to live, Vega was the recipient of sympathy and good will from members of her community. Vega said she wanted to marry her fiancée and be with the couple’s baby daughter before she passed away. Generous strangers donated the wedding ring and wedding flowers in addition to the dress.

After about 6 months, Michael O’Connell noticed that his wife was not getting ill or getting worse. He became suspicious and contacted the doctor she was supposed to be seeing. Dr. Dan Costin’s told her husband that Vega was “NEVER A PATIENT HERE.”

Upon his discovery, Michael filed for divorce and is seeking full custody of the couple now 1-year old daughter. Once the world found out about it many felt hurt and betrayed. The owner (Gina Verdes) of the shop who gave her the wedding dress stated: “You can’t help but to feel betrayed and you know scammed by someone who would say that they are dying from a terminal illness.” PAUSE.

Deception, scheming, planning, lying, betrayal and Scamming produces hurt and harm for too many people. But that is the nature of man—sinful to the core. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Mt. 15:19). When we look to man, to ourselves, all we see is death, corruption, fear, isolation, in short... sin! Sin is the norm and rule of what we do, because we are selfish and self-seeking, for it is part of who we are. You see that clearly in the Gospel lesson we read today (Luke 16).

But there is another picture, another angle, another story that we need to see and hear. Today, the Holy Spirit teaches us a very important lesson—what God does for His saints and cherished ones. In Paul’s letter to his son Timothy, Paul reveals what God desires. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” God’s desire for you His beloved and beautiful bride is to be saved. Saved from pain, deception, hurt and harm. He desires to have YOU in His protective and pierced hands. He desires for YOU to know Him intimately, and grow gracefully in the truth that sets YOU free. God desires for YOU to see Him as the ALL merciful and compassionate God who gives His all so that He may right the wrong the world is in.

There are many Jessica Vegas in our world and in this building. We deceive, we lie, and we scheme and plan our personal desires at the expense of others. We promote ourselves to get the most of life. We may face Leukemia, but we live a double life. In Church we are the most holy people, but in the privacy of our homes or alone from people we are men and women who succumb to the will and desire of the devil.

How many of us have habits that we don’t want people to find out? How many of us have secrets that we don’t want people to know? How many of us pretend to be something we are not? There are many who are addicted to alcohol, dirty magazines, or dirty movies that enter our homes through the TV and still others spend plenty of money down at the Casino—to fulfill one’s desire. PAUSE.

This is who we are if the truth be told. But we don’t want to tell the truth all the time. We don’t want to correct the wrong. We want God’s grace and still live in sin. But the Apostle Paul challenges us with these words: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we...?” (Rom. 6:1-2a). Yes, how can we? How can we do what we do, just like Jessica did? Simple, within us is the sinful nature. And as long as we live in this flesh we will sin, even when we try our best not to.

BUT, I am so glad our Good, Gracious and Righteous Lord is not like us. He is holy, just, pure, and loving and desires to do what we can’t do. In His grace He covers your sin, and in His righteousness, He pays for and absorbs that sin. We all stand guilty in His presence. Listen again to the apostle Paul. Yes listen to the condemnation! “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by HIS grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God put forward as a propitiation by HIS blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in HIS divine forbearance He had passed over former sins” (Rom. 6:23-25). Yes, we are all guilty, and... and He is our Gracious and Righteous Savior. This Gracious and Righteous Redeemer and Mediator gives us the truth—that in Christ, and only in Christ Jesus, that is, in Him alone, Him plus nothing, are we all saved.

This is the absolute truth that you take with you today and every day as you leave this holy ground. Yes, you enter here a sinner, but leave a saint. You enter here dead, but leave alive. You enter here blind, but you leave seeing. You enter here deaf, but leave with ears open. You enter here lame, but leave whole—all because God desires for YOU His beloved and beautiful bride to be with Him eternally.

Study Scripture from its beginning to its last Word and you will know that God’s desire that His grace be poured abundantly upon all people. From the Paradise of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane He lovingly and passionately gives us His mercy to forgive our sins.

On three occasions, God proclaimed His decree of GRACE to all people without exception, calling them into His Kingdom of grace. The first time was in Paradise, through Adam as the root and head of the entire human race. The second proclamation was through Noah, the second ancestor of humanity, and the third was made by the apostles, who were commissioned to go into all the world, teaching all nations and preaching the Gospel to every creature.

And now that grace—the Divine Grace has come to us through the Lamb’s shed blood on the altar of the cross right here in this garden we call, Redeemer Lutheran Church; we realize how blessed and loved we are. Sunday after Sunday, the Lord God Almighty reveals His desire to us—forgiving us our sins, feeding us His sacred meal and showering us with His Sea of unending love. But He doesn’t stop there, He sends us out with changed hearts, armed by His Spirit and His Word to share the Gospel with those who don’t know Him as the eternal and merciful Lord.

What a privilege this Mediator and Redeemer Jesus Christ blesses us with every minute, hour, day, week and month to the end of our lives. Yes, you get to have the grandest wedding with the grandest ring and all of the glitter and glamour that goes with it.

Here the Lord dresses YOU with the fanciest wedding DRESS stitched with golden thread and purchased by His blood. Here, He places on YOUR finger the signet RING of His love. And here He provides YOU with His healing touch from the leukemia of sin.

Oh, to know the desire of our groom Jesus who wants nothing better than to spend an eternity with His holy bride—YOU. Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“With His Finger.” (John 3:16)

S-1209 Snookies Funeral 9/14/10 Hymns (O) #199; S #457; #342; (C) #205

Texts: Job 19:21-27; Rev. 21:1-7; John 14:1-6

Theme: “With His Finger.” (John 3:16)

Celebration of New Life for Orville “Snookie” Olson

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for the celebration of the New Life of our departed brother Snookie is: “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and ONLY Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved especially you Wilma, family and friends. Today is a sad day and a happy day. Sad, because you Wilma lost your son, but so did the community lose a son. But it is also a happy day. Happy, because Snookie is now in the presence of the Almighty, Amazing and Awesome God who called Him by the Gospel, and made him His child in the waters of Baptism. A happy day because Snookie has been transported from this earth to heaven above, where there is no more pain or sorrow, or cancer or death.

As long as we live on earth we will have sad days and happy days. Sin is the reason for the sad days. Grace is the reason for the happy days. Sin brings about sorrow and suffering. Grace brings about sweetness and salvation. Sin causes pain and punishment. Grace brings about peace and pardon. Sin brings about tears and terror, Grace brings about treasures and triumph.

This is why today is a sad and happy day. Because today we mourn the passing of someone we love. Someone who no longer will greet us, or see at any of the school sports activities. No longer will you see him at the corner of the street by the Bank, or post office saddling his bike, with his rolled up sweats and radio in his ears. But it is also a very, very happy day, because the fight with cancer is over. The hardships this world offered will no longer touch him. But above all, He is in the presence of the One who loved Him and sent His Son to redeem him and claim him as His very own.

Indeed Snookie was one of those unique individuals that God made and created in His own image. With child-like simplicity he lived his life without a worry in the world. Give him the radio, and the bike he rode around and he was content. Take him to watch the Packers play football or Basketball, and he was in 7^th heaven. He loved cheering on his team. Even when they were practicing you could hear his voice saying, “Go Packers!” That voice will be missed in the gym. PAUSE.

But you know what really made him special to me? It was the joy of seeing him come to church, always happy. When he came up to the table, he couldn’t wait to receive the precious body and blood of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the precious gift that is the Lord’s Supper. Always using his fingers to encourage others to come to the table sooner, because he wanted to receive this life-giving Sacrament that he longed to take into his mouth and give thanks to the Lord.

As a Pastor I have indeed been privileged beyond my wildest imagination to be Snookie’s “Bud” as he often referred to me. I have spent much time one on one with him. And I must admit to you that in the 16 years of ministry, 5 years of preparation to the ministry, I have never been touched by someone who confessed the faith as Snookie did.

In late 1999 and early 2000 I began to teach Snookie the faith. Now Snookie couldn’t read or write. So I used a special booklet to help me educate him. Those times when I would sit with him around the kitchen table were such a joy, because you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth as I shared with him the story of salvation with pictures.

On more than one occasion he said things that I still remember. In one lesson, we were talking about the gift of forgiveness that Jesus earned for us. As I was explaining the concept of forgiveness to him, I said, “Because of Jesus’ blood all your sins are gone away.” And in his own special way he said, “Bye bye sin!” Out of the mouth of children the truth is declared and with child-like faith he trusted and believed.

In my final session with him I asked him, “Snookie, “Why should God let you into heaven?” He thought for a moment and looked at me and smiled. Then he took the book in his hands (show the book.) and kept flipping through the pages until he arrived (show the page, I have also enlarged this picture and placed on an easel for those in attendance to see); to the page where Christ is hanging on the cross. He took his finger (demonstrate) and kept pointing to the picture by pounding on it.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I sat in amazement in his kitchen at how the Holy Spirit was at work in this man’s life as he confessed his faith. With his finger he confessed the faith of our Fathers. With His finger, he confessed that he is a sinner in a need of a Savior. With his finger he pointed to the cross upon which Christ was crucified. With His finger he taught me that no matter how old you are, no matter if you can’t read or write, you can believe and know the gift of God’s eternal love in sending His Son to claim this simple child and take Him to heaven to spend an eternity of joy and peace.

Yes, I remember vividly the day in 2000 in the Olson’s kitchen when Snookie confessed his faith. And as long as I live I will never forget how he touched me and taught me, you don’t have to be a college graduate or one that has many degrees to believe, but with the simple child-like faith, you can by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Those fingers of Snookie never stopped working. Often you found him in the Lord’s house and kneeling at the table of the Lord. As I gave him the body of Jesus, he would take it with his fingers and place it in his mouth, and he did the same with the cup of salvation and always left with joy in his heart. Even last week when I was at the hospital he did the same, with his fingers he touched the Body and drank the blood for the forgiveness of his sins and strengthening of his faith. PAUSE.

This is why today is a happy day, a celebration day, a victory day! The text of Snookie’s confirmation attests to this truth. Hear again the text please: “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and ONLY Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). His love for sinners brought Him to that cross and kept Him on it. There His love poured the life blood from His sacred veins for sinners like Snookie, and you and me.

Yes, God loved him, sent His Son to die for him and rose for him so that he may have life and have it abundantly. This past Saturday His loving and gracious Lord, the One who sent His Son to die on the cross of Calvary, reached from heaven with His outstretched and pierced hands and said, “Snookie, come home! You have lived as a child all of your life, come be my BELOVED child. Come rest from your labor. Come and rejoice in the Living hope that I gave you through my death and resurrection. Come and live and laugh and know that I love you!”

Saints in Christ, Snookie always called me his “Bud.” That is a very endearing term that I will cherish and miss hearing. But I want you to know that Snookie budded on earth to blossom in heaven. Certainly our town will never be the same. We will all have an empty place in our hearts. But oh, the joy that awaits us when we are joined with Snookie and the throng in heaven and celebrate the New Life Christ earned for us without end.

Wilma, family and friends I pray that the peace that filled Snookie’s heart and moved him to use his finger to confess His Lord, move you to worship the same and fill your hearts with that same peace; now and forever. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA.

“He Came To Save ME.” (1Timothy 1:15)

S-1208 165SAP/3C 9/1205/10 Hymns (O) #32; S#342; L.S. # 377; #311; (C) #400

Texts: Ezekiel 34:11-24; 1Timothy, 1:12-17; Luke 15:12-17

Theme: “He Came To Save ME.” (1Timothy 1:15)

Question: “If you are in danger, would you want to be saved?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for The 16^th Sunday After Pentecost is from the Epistle lesson: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1Timothy 1:15)

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, 9 years ago yesterday was a Black Day in the history of the USA. Early on Tuesday morning of 9-11, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked Flights number 11, 175, 77 and 93. Flights 11 and 175 crashed into the Twin Towers, flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, VI, and the fourth flight—93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Within a couple of hours, there was mayhem and misery, death and debris, fire and fumes and dust that filled the skies over New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. When all was said and done the total death toll of the attacks was 2,996, including the 19 hijackers. The overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 70 countries.

On that tragic and terrible day many gave their lives to save others. On Flight 93 few people did a heroic thing—Todd Beamer and Mark Bingham began a revolt saying, “LET’S ROLL!” By their brave efforts they stopped the plane from reaching its destination—The White House, and crashed into a wooded area thus saving more lives. Others gave their lives that day to save the wounded and trapped. 23 NYPD, 341 NYC Fire fighters, 2 paramedics and 37 Port Authority officers died in the line of duty.

Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham and the many faithful Police Officers (PO), Fire Fighters (FF), Paramedics, Port Authority, woke up that Tuesday morning, not thinking about this being their last and final day. The PO, FF and other agents new there might be a possibility to die in the line of duty, but they didn’t count on it. Certainly our hearts ache over the events of 9-11 PAUSE.

Unlike these brave men and women who gave their lives to save others, Pastor Paul tells of another who came for the specific mission of saving the world. Listen to Pastor Paul’s own words: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Paul is saying here, that Jesus’ main mission didn’t just happen as a last resort, but was planned before the foundation of the world. In the Garden of Eden we see the plans of God unfolding. It was a Black Day unlike any other in all of Creation. The hijacker was not Al-Qaeda terrorist, but a fallen angel who attacked the beauty of God’s creation and crashed the lives of Adam and Eve and their descendants; and were destined to death and destruction, mayhem and misery, and fire and fumes that burn without end.

But God’s plan was put in motion. He promised saying: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15) and in John 3:16 we hear God’s great promise: “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and ONLY Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life”.

It is as clear as a crystal why Jesus came. Jesus left heaven, entered a virgin’s womb, laid on a bed of straw and came into our world of sin and sorrow foe one reason. Only one reason why He lived in this world, died in it, and rose again. That was to save sinners. He came not to judge, but to seek and save the lost. And He came not just for the world—not for Paul, but for ME—the sinner.

But why did He need to save us? There was no other choice to save humanity. Saint Paul tells us here that the Son of God came into the world and became a man in order to save sinners. It seems implausible, but a few moments’ reflection on this great mira­cle should convince us how highly believable it is.

God’s nature is made up of two glorious qualities. On the one hand, He is absolutely holy, just, and true. On the other hand, He is full of unending love, grace, and mercy. What was God to do when man transgressed His holy Law? Should He, perhaps, have forgiven man his sin and received him into heaven without anything further? No, never! For if God had done this, He would have had to ignore the part of His nature that is holy and just. God wrote His Law into the heart of man at His creation, and He threatened man with the punishment of temporal and eternal death if he should transgress that Law. If God had pardoned fallen man without anything further, He would have declared before all creatures that He is not faith­ful. He would be just like a poor earthly father who com­mands and threatens his children, but who follows through on neither his orders nor his punishments.

But God is also full of unending love, grace, and mercy. He is an eternally overflowing sea of love with which He embraces all of His creation. By virtue of this love, He could want nothing less than to rescue the human race from its sin. How could God do this without compromising His holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness? He determined to become a man and to suffer Himself the consequences of man’s sinfulness. Already, as a newborn child, we see Him in deepest humility, covered in miserable swaddling clothes, lying in a stall. This is the Lamb of God, who bears the world’s sins, and in Him, holiness and love, righteousness and grace, and faith­fulness and mercy are reconciled.

But Pastor Paul in today’s text goes further. What he says is not only “trustworthy,” or exceedingly believable. It is also “deserving of full acceptance.” If the great Christmas miracle were only true, if we could not or would not be able to receive it, it would only have called forth a passing amaze­ment. It would, then, have brought us no salvation and have worked in us no joy. But God be praised! This miracle is wor­thy of acceptance precisely because it happened for the salva­tion of all people, all sinners. Paul writes “of whom I am the foremost” to show that he applied the Christmas miracle to himself.

How blessed we are to be in the same boat with Pastor Paul, poor miserable beggars who need the unending sea of love from God that showers us with mercy and forgiveness. We the foremost sinners have been touched by the pierced hands of the One who came to SAVE us—Jesus the Christ.

The Hymn writer penned it well when he wrote: “Chief of sinners, though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me; Died that I might live on high, Lived that I might never die; As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is Mine” PAUSE.

On Tuesday morning of 9-11 many PO, FF, Paramedics and others ran towards the fiery inferno to save the hurting and dying. Some carried 100 pounds of weight on their shoulders as they climbed the tower to reach their destination. Yet in all of this they didn’t know they were going to die.

When the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, woke up early on that Friday of 34A.D; He knew full well what was going to happen to Him. None-the-less He continued on His climb—not up the Twin Towers, Not to the Pentagon, Not to Washington, D.C. or Pennsylvania, but to a small hill outside of Jerusalem—Calvary. And as He did so He was carrying more than 100 pounds of weight on His shoulders—He carried the world’s sins including yours and mine. With Joy He ran forward to save the world—and ME—the Sinner. The author to the Hebrews declares: “Looking to 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” (Heb. 12:2). Here it is: “For the JOY that was set before Him”. What joy? Certainly not the pain and punishment of hell, not being forsaken by God, not mocked by the people; but saving YOU and ME—the SINNER.

Join me in thanking the Lord who loved us with the overflowing sea of love to save you and me the foremost sinner in the world. AMEN.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“A Tale To Tell” (Philemon 9)

S-1207 15SAP/3C 9/05/10 Hymns (O) #462; S#23 SOD; (C) #416

Texts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-35

Theme: “A Tale To Tell” (Philemon 9)

Question: “Do you like to tell stories?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for The 15^th Sunday After Pentecost is from the Epistle lesson: “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” (Philemon 9)

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, telling stories is an art that draws many people. We love to hear stories. Sad stories grip our hearts and cause us to weep. Good stories make our hearts glad. Love stories warm our hearts, and remind us of our love. Great stories capture our attention. We love telling and hearing stories, because stories engage us on many fronts.

Please listen to this amazing story. Last March in Sydney Australia David and Kate Ogg were in the hospital unexpectedly. Kate gave birth to premature twins at 27 weeks, which is dangerous for babies. Emily was fine when she was born, and after 20 minutes of working on Jamie, doctors pronounced him DEAD.

After declaring him dead, nurses laid little Jamie on Ogg’s bare chest so that they may say their final farewell. What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. After five minutes, Jamie began moving, but the doctor said it was a reflex. She continued to hold him and caress him, at one time she even took a little breast milk on her finger and placed it on his lips and she felt his lips move. She called the doctor to come see what was happening, but he wouldn’t come saying the bay is dead and she is imagining things. However, for the next two hours, she continued to do what her instincts told her—she kept cuddling the beautiful baby. Eventually Jamie opened his eyes and they stayed open. What an amazing and wonderful sight it must have been to see.

Kate held her baby for two hours skin to skin while talking to him and telling him about the world. The official name of what the Ogg’s practiced is called “Kangaroo care,” which is skin to skin contact between the parents and the premature baby to help them. The doctor could not believe it when he arrived back at the bedside to see the living baby.

Now, that is a story that engages the heart and mind to see not only the love of a mother to her child—cuddling, caressing and talking to him, but the love of God to that child as well and to revive him and save him. PAUSE.

Today, the apostle Paul from a Roman prison engages us in this short letter of an amazing story as well; a personal story that he experienced through a runaway slave—Onesimus--whose name means usefull. Onesimus belonged to Paul’s companion Philemon who was a convert to Christianity because he heard the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection through Paul’s lips.

And in this story, Paul shares these loving words with his brother in the faith saying: “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” On account of Philemon Paul was comforted and refreshed because of all the work he was doing for the Lord.

Paul’s heart was touched that even while he is away rotting in prison, he could find joy and happiness as the story of Christ continues to go forth through the labors of others. Now Paul wants to send Onesimus back to his master, but not as a slave, but as a fellow worker and brother in the Lord. This is indeed a tale worthy to be told.

Onesimus, a slave man became free on account of hearing the story of Christ’s sacrificial death for his sins and the worlds; returns to his master to serve him with loyalty and love because he knows he belongs to another. As a brother in the Lord, he knows how useful he has become. And thus, returns not because he has too, but because he wants to serve his earthly master, and more importantly to serve His heavenly Master—Jesus Christ. PAUSE.

Paul tells us he derived much joy and comfort from the love of Philemon. This is not just any kind of love, but a love rooted in Christ, His cross and the empty tomb. A love that allows Philemon to forgive the runaway slave; Onesimus and take him back again. Now Onesimus is welcomed not as a slave but as a brother and fellow story teller of Jesus. Paul from Prison, Philemon the master and Onesimus the slave share something special with one another–the love of Jesus. This love is so rich and beautiful that they tell others about it.

Like Onesimus, we were slaves to sin, death and eternal hell. We were runaway slaves and useless to God. But because of God’s mercy in sending His Son to be the Mediator of the world, in dying our death on the cross, we have peace with God. Now we are free and have become useful to Him and His ministry.

We too, are fellow workers with these men. We too, have our tale to tell. How God for Christ sake has saved us from the destructive power of Satan and the punishment of hell. You, my brothers and sisters in Christ have a story to tell. The world needs to hear your side of the story—and what it is that Christ has done and continues to do in your life. Don’t be embarrassed to tell the tale that changed your life. Each one of you has been touched by the power of the Gospel in a special way. You have your own story that warms the heart and captures the mind. Use your story telling ability to convey that marvelous love story the Lord Jesus has given you to share with a world that needs to hear it.

Please, stop running away and being useless. Don’t permit Satan, or anyone else from hindering you to share your story. The world is not interested in these kinds of stories, but they need to hear it none-the-less. Your story is a story that needs to be told again and again; because Christ has given you such a beautiful story.

Remember my opening paragraph? I shared these thoughts with you. “Telling stories is an art that draws many people. We love to hear stories. Sad stories grip our hearts and cause us to weep. Good stories make our hearts glad. Love stories warm our hearts, and remind us of our love. Great stories capture our attention. We love telling and hearing stories, because stories engage us on many fronts.”

Today, I have tale to tell you that is nothing short of a miracle. It is not a once upon a time tale but once upon a cross TALE. The whole Bible is a compilation of great tales told by God to humanity to remind them that they are His chosen and beloved people. The tale that I am sharing with you today, is one that you have heard before, but is worth repeating again and again and told over and over—it is the story of our salvation.

Because of sin, we were pronounced dead in the sight of God—dead to God and dead in sin. We use to be useless but not anymore. For the Great Mediator, Jesus has pleased our cause before the Mercy Seat of God. Jesus, the Great Physician had a remedy for this death. On the cross of Calvary He hung naked for 6 hours. His warm body slowly gave way to coldness and death. Eventually He was put in a cold, dark grave and rose again on the third day.

But through His resurrected and warm body, He takes us close to His skin, caresses us and embraces us close to Him with His pierced hands. He gives us the milk of His Word to revive us. He gives us the body and blood to strengthen us. He gives us His message of mercy to comfort us. He gives us His compassion to sustain us. He gives us His forgiveness to cleanse us. He gives us His love to warm us. He gives us His ALL to reconcile us. Now that is a tale to tell.

In my opening story, I told you what the Ogg’s did was called “Kangaroo Care.” Through his mother’s touch, Jamie was revived. Today, I don’t share with you a “Kangaroo Care,” but a “Christ Care”—“A LOVE Care”—where Jesus draws us to Himself, holds us against His skin, never letting us go. God cared enough for you to revive you, restore you and redeem you. What an amazing and incredible story you have. A tale to tell the world. May the One who saved you, made you useful for His cause; bless you as you tell this comforting and incredible tale. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA