Sermon for 01 March 2015, Second Sunday in Lent, Reminiscere

Rev. Paul J Cain

Genesis 32:22-32

Wrestling with God

Second Sunday in Lent, Reminiscere, 01 March 2015

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

There are many people in this world that wrestle with God.

Some wrestle with His very existence. To me, it seems that Atheists have two Commandments. 1. There is no God. 2. I hate Him. We may smile with that as bit of humor that is far too true, but the spiritual condition of these folks is quite serious. Often, self-proclaimed “atheists” are actually agnostics, those who don’t believe in organized religion, because they usually had a bad experience with a congregation, a pastor, or a Christian. And it scarred them. Mocking those who mock the one true God is counterproductive when it comes to telling the good news about Jesus and also defending the faith.

Others wrestle with God as they wrestle with the gap between what the Bible says and what they personally believe and do. The devil loves to tempt us to widen the gap, to deny that the Bible is God’s Word, to turn us in hypocrites whose walk and talk are inconsistent, to get us to rationalize further departure from God’s word as a good idea, and to ultimately give up entirely on receiving God’s gifts, hearing His Word, or even giving up on faith: doubting both the existence of God and the devil. The devil doesn’t mind if you don’t believe in him.

There are those who wrestle with God apart from Christ and despair that they cannot find a merciful God. Such ones are all over the world and even in our community. We are given to proclaim Christ to them.

The faithful especially struggle with God. We see the world as it is and wonder why it isn’t as it should be. We know the world and all that is in it, including us, is fallen due to sin, yet there are days when we yearn for fairness. Death, disease, and disappointment are all unfair. If the Lord were truly fair, Jesus would have gone free and we would be rightly punished for our sins for all time and eternity. Thank the Lord He is not fair and is merciful and gracious to us in Christ Jesus.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer borrowed the language of Jacob’s Genesis 32 experience to describe that of the Old Testament prophets: These were men who wrestled with God and with their own age, an age in which everything was out of joint, an age in which national and [ethnic] völkisch arrogance was paired with godlessness and immorality, men who felt called by their God and stepped out among their people, men for whom the covenant with God became their undoing—and today we will try to understand these men as a prelude, as it were, to what was to come, and will try to reexperience and understand their tragedy.”^[1]

Godlessness and immorality in our own day make a Sunday morning study of the Minor Prophets all the more timely and appropriate.

We’ve now concluded both Hosea and Joel. Ten short prophetic books remain, all from about 850 to 430 years before Christ. They may be minor in size, but they are large in content. And are regularly quoted in the New Testament.

Let’s turn to the Old Testament reading for Lent 2, Genesis 32, beginning with the 22^nd verse:

²² The same night [Jacob] he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. ²³ He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. ²⁴ And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.

Jacob is preparing to meet his estranged brother, Esau. One of his sons is yet to be born. But before that happens, the Lord needs to give Jacob yet another blessing.

Jacob had to wrestle with God first. When lecturing on Genesis, Dr. Luther spent no less than twelve pages on just verse 24. Here is a sample:

We shall therefore make an attempt to see if we can dig out the true sense and doctrine of this passage. If we cannot attain it perfectly, we shall nevertheless not be very far from the mark. First of all, however, the hindrances of various opinions must be removed. Hosea adduces this passage when he says (Hos. 12:3–5): “In his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed, he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, etc.” From this all the interpreters infer that the man wrestling with Jacob was an angel, but we always observe this canon, that whenever Holy Scripture makes mention of apparitions, as above in Gen. 18, when three men meet Abraham, and the word angel is not expressly mentioned, there we do not interpret it as angels because it is clearly stated: “The Lord appeared to him,” not an angel. But afterwards, in chapter 19, when two angels go on to Sodom, we concede that they were angels.

So also in chapter 28:12–13, when Jacob sees the angels ascending and descending and the Lord stands on the ladder. Here we understand the Lord not as an angel, as those who ascend and descend are called angels by name, but as the Son of God, who was to become incarnate, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is true God and true man. By the communication of properties we say: “Man is on high above all creatures, and God is the lowliest one.” This is the mystery “into which angels long to look” (cf. 1 Peter 1:12), because on account of the unity of Person they see God below but man above. So also we say: “Man sits at the right hand of God the Father.” Likewise: “God descends into hell and ascends into heaven.” This is the communication of properties concerning which we spoke more copiously above.^[2]

Luther contends that the one who wrestles with Jacob is the pre-incarnate Christ. Consider what else Luther shares about those who wrestle with where and how to find God:

But the false prophets used to fight against this viewpoint and say: “God is everywhere; therefore He can be adored and worshiped in every place, both in Bethel as well as on any other mountain.” They did not have regard for the commandment of God. For when God fixes a certain manner and designates a certain place for His worship, it must not be said: “Wherever I will worship God, it will be pleasing to Him if only I do it in a godly and devoted manner,” or, “I shall make offerings to Him wherever it pleases me.” Isaiah, for example, censures this madness very severely, saying (Is. 57:5): “You burn with lust … under every green tree.” The Turks and Jews are accustomed to speak in this manner today, claiming that they are able to serve God outside of the unity of faith and the church of Christ. Mohammed claims that anyone is saved in his own religion if he prays, if he gives alms, if he does other good works. It is not necessary for him to be a Christian or that he should be in the unity of Christ and the church. In the papacy also all corners were occupied with chapels, convents, and idolatry of every kind…

And also:

This is true, indeed, that God is not bound, neither to Jerusalem nor to any other place, and that He is able to save also elsewhere. No one will deny this. But try it and see what you will get! If you invent forms of worship according to your own judgment, you will be in danger of God’s wrath. By His almighty power God could save the human race without Christ, without Baptism, and without the Word of the Gospel. He could have illuminated men’s hearts inwardly through the Holy Spirit and forgiven their sins without the ministry of the Word and of ministers. But it was not His will to do so. And God very strictly prohibited all erring forms of devotion and worship…

Finally, Luther directs us to where Christ has promised to be:

If you want to be absolved from your sins in this manner, go to your pastor, or to your brother and neighbor if your pastor cannot hear you; he has the command to absolve you and comfort you. Do not invent a special absolution for yourself. If you want to receive the Lord’s Supper, go to the assembly of the church and the public congregation and receive it there. Do not devise a special administration and use of the sacraments. For God does not want us to go astray in our own self-chosen works or speculations, and so He gathers us together and encloses us within the limits of the Word so that we are not tossed about by every kind of doctrine (cf. Eph. 4:14).^[3]

²⁵ When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

This is no ordinary wrestler. Jacob realizes that his opponent is no mere man, but one who is capable of blessing him.

²⁷ And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” ²⁸ Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ²⁹ Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.

TLSB: Luth: “Israel [means] a prince or God’s fighter, that is, he who wrestles with God and wins. This happens through that faith which holds so firmly to God’s Word, until it overcomes God’s wrath and obtains God as the gracious Father” (WA DB 8:137).

³⁰ So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” ³¹ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. ³² Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.

TLSB: Luth: “For through faith, in the struggle of the cross, one learns to recognize and experience God rightly” (WA DB 8:137).

After this, Jacob was off to meet his brother. He didn’t expect it to go well. Yet, the Lord prepared him and his sons and his descendants for the future that lay before them because of His promises to them in Christ.

How are you wrestling with God now? Neither idolatry nor adultery offer any good future for the people of God. Wealth, fame, health, and computer data all rust and fade. They are no way to plan one’s eternity.

The baptized are given the name of Christian as God’s triune name is placed upon them by water and word “In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy  Spirit.”

He goes with us, every step of the way. There’s a collect I love in LSB on page 311, one for guidance in our calling. It goes like this:

Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

TLSB: Alone and faced with danger, Jacob finds God to be his adversary. Yet faithful Jacob wrestles and receives a new name and God’s blessing. It does not always seem that God is on our side. Sometimes He causes Christians to bear trials, temptations, and suffering—i.e., the cross. Yet, this is not to destroy us, but to strengthen us and finally bless us. Christian faith clings to God’s Word of mercy in Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

---

^[1] Bonhoeffer, D. (2008). Barcelona, Berlin, New York: 1928–1931. (D. W. Stott, Trans., C. J. Green, R. Staats, H. C. Von Hase, H. Roggelin, & M. Wünsche, Eds.) (Vol. 10, p. 328). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

^[2] Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 6: Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 31-37. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 6, pp. 125–126). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.

^[3] Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 6: Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 31-37. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 6, pp. 127–129). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.

Sermon for 22 February 2015, First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)

Rev. Paul J Cain

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Now Is the Day

First Sunday in Lent, Invocabit, 22 February 2015

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Procrastination. How easy it is to put things off for another day! Procrastination can also be a way to attempt to avoid a problem. It can also be a way to avoid making a decision. Many decisions are time-sensitive. When enough time goes by, the decision is made for you. One day, it will be too late to be saved.

Today, however, is different. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Please do not misunderstand me. I’m not urging you to fall for the deception that is called “Decision Theology.” Scripture is clear that we all are dead in our trespasses and sins and are enemies of God. No, there is not enough good in us to reach out to God. He has to reach out to us and has in Christ Jesus. By water and the Word, the Holy Spirit creates faith within us. There is, however, enough bad in us as depraved, fallen, sinful human beings to reject God.

We need clarification on both the word “decision” and a phrase from today’s Epistle, “working together with Him,” in order to avoid the traps of our religious context.

Consider the way Joshua 24:15 is often misquoted: Choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."(Joshua 24:15 ESV)

I assert that this restatement of Joshua 24:15 is inadequate and misleading: Choose this day whom you will serve (DOT DOT DOT) But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."(Joshua 24:15 ESV) There is a lot left out in the middle replaced by that DOT DOT DOT. And a significant phrase is left out at the beginning.

Consider the whole verse in context without the DOT DOT DOT: And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15 ESV)

You get to choose only "if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord." And then, your choice is between one set of pagan gods or another set of pagan gods. Because it is NOT evil to serve the Lord, Joshua declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This is not a text to support our choosing to be saved. Jesus did it all: It is finished!

In John 15, Jesus says, ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Also, Ephesians 2 says: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV).

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Much of the misunderstanding of Scripture like today’s Epistle text can be traced back to the mid 1800’s and the popular revivalist preacher Charles Grandison Finney. This isn’t a history lesson, so I’ll keep this reference short. Finney’s goal was good—he wanted there to be more Christians. Unfortunately, he rejected the idea that God worked through His Word and Sacraments.

Using something called the “anxious seat” or “anxious bench” he pressured people to make a rational decision to become a Christian, something a person cannot do according to the Bible. Today, all across conservative Christianity, we can see altar calls, recommended prayers to pray for new Christians asking Jesus to come into one’s heart, and other marks of “decision theology.”

As I said before with Finney, the intention and goal of Christians who believe this way is good. They are zealous for new Christians, new converts. The error is twofold. First, such a mindset denies how Scripture says people are brought to faith. That’s serious business. Second, such beliefs attribute to human beings something that they cannot do, something contrary to Scripture. As a result, some people who “decide for Christ” often doubt later if they were sincere enough. Others fall away from the church after the emotional high wears off.

God has given us ways that He has promised to work. He has promised to use such ways. God gave His word to the Church to convict people of their sin and to give them hope. This is the work of the Law and the Gospel.

Scripture is clear that we all are dead in our trespasses and sins and are enemies of God. No, there is not enough good in us to reach out to God. He has to reach out to us and has in Christ Jesus. By water and the Word, the Holy Spirit creates faith within us. There is, however, enough bad in us as depraved, fallen, sinful human beings to reject God.

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

There is an even simpler solution to what “working together with him” means. It doesn’t mean that we work together with God to save ourselves. Look for the subject and verb of the sentence. They come later. “We” is the subject. “Appeal” is the verb. Who does Paul mean by “we”? In chapter one of 2 Corinthians, Paul refers to himself and Timothy. TSLB: As an apostle and ambassador of Jesus Christ, Paul was in essence God’s co-worker (cf 1:1; 5:19). Paul and Timothy were entrusted with God’s message of reconciliation in Christ, just as pastors today are entrusted with the same message of reconciliation in Christ. The phrase “working together with Him” does not refer to any “work” by the Christian or the unconverted in converting themselves or making a decision to be saved. Paul and Timothy are the ones “working together” with God to get God’s message out.

Paul quotes from Isaiah 49, a portion of Scripture that speaks to the spiritual restoration of Israel. Many had fallen away. The Lord had preserved a faithful remnant. Now, Paul calls all who hear his message to repentance and faith. Now is the day. Do not procrastinate about your spiritual future.

Procrastination is not the only threat to salvation. False theology is an insidious evil. In addition, spiritual warfare is real and serious. Persecution continues, even today.

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Consider what trouble Paul had to suffer to proclaim that message to his original hearers. He tried to avoid misunderstandings. He could not avoid persecution. He had to put up with slander, threats to his life, punishment, sorrow, and utter poverty. Yet Paul, the true witness, lives and proclaims the living Christ in joy that you may have the riches of life everlasting.

Persecution continues. The news is daily filled with horrific accounts and even more horrific video of atrocities committed by ISIS, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The group’s original name was al Qaeda in Iraq, but they were forced to change it because Osama bin Laden thought their tactics were too brutal. And many are illegal even according to Sharia Law. And they are just one of the groups persecuting Christians, other non-Muslim minority religious groups, and Muslims they disagree with.

Dave Grossman tells of a conversation between himself and an old war veteran: “…the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy.” Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial. “Then there are sheepdogs,” he went on, “and I’m a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf.”

Bearing the sword is a responsibility of civil government according to Romans 13. Civil governments around the world have the God-given vocation to protect their citizens from threats that are external and internal. If recent atrocities by ISIS do not spur the world to unite against them to defeat them, what will it take? In 1 Timothy 2, St. Paul calls for us to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” That is now familiar language to us, especially after seeing it in traditional prayers. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Yes, we are given to be at peace with one another according to Ephesians 4. Yet, if others will not be at peace with us, self-defense is justified.

In spiritual self-defense, our defenses are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6). Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the spirit, the Word of God.

Paul’s appeal is quite personal and urgent: Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Heed God’s Word. Be equipped for the spiritual battles yet to come.

This text reminds me of the spiritual application of “The Sheep Dog” to pastors, a quote shared by a friend of ours: We offer ourselves, one way or another, to try to work for God. We want, as it were to be among the sheep dogs employed by the Lord Shepherd. Have you ever watched a good sheep dog at work? He is not an emotional animal. He goes on with his job quite steadily; takes no notice of bad weather, rough ground or of his own comfort. He seldom or never stops to be stroked. Yet his faithfulness and intimate communion with his master are the loveliest things in the world. Now and then he looks at the shepherd. And when the time comes for rest, they are generally to be found together. Let this be the model of your love.

Evelyn Underhill (#219, p. 356) as cited in the Minister’s Prayer Book by Doberstein (1986).

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

The old evil foe called the devil or Satan is cunning. He uses others for his own sinister purposes. Whether those others are witting or unwitting pawns of the old evil foe is not always readily obvious.

It is very clear from all of our Scripture texts for the First Sunday in Lent that the threat is real. The old evil foe takes his opportunity to lure you away from the Lord very seriously. He desires to keep you away from the Lord, His Word, His sacramental gifts of the forgiveness of sins, and fellow faithful Christians for as long as he can, if possible, forever.

Know this: Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Jesus, true God and true man, our only Savior, has defeated sin, death, and Satan for all time. The threat is real, but dangerous only outside of Christ and His strength, His Gifts, and His protection. Amen.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Sermon for 2 November 2014, All Saints' Day (Observed)

The Rev. Paul J Cain

1 John 3:1–7

Pure, Righteous Children of God

All Saints’ Day (Observed), 02 November 2014

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A little girl was once asked which child in her family was her mother’s favorite. She had a ready answer: “She loves Jimmy best because he’s the oldest, and she loves Johnny best because he’s the youngest, and she loves me best because I’m the only girl.” That is exactly how God loves His children. It is wonderful to know that God loves us personally, no matter what our experiences have been. Each one of us, His Saints, is most precious in His sight.

St. John the evangelist would agree. In 1 John 3 he writes: 1See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

There’s a simple reason why Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven…” Because of the Son’s appearance to take away sins, we all are His brothers. We all share the same Father in heaven.

That Christians are called children of God means something. Children are heirs of their parents. Your Lord has good gifts for you. Jesus’ last will and testament described these gifts very simply: “for you for the forgiveness of sins.” His death activated the will. His Resurrection was simply uncharted territory, legally. Christ is the executor of His own testament.

Christ’s Resurrection has consequences for you, the children of God. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. Our bodies feel the effects of sin—daily. On the Last Day, suffering, sorrow, and pain will come to an end. No more uncertainty. No more worries. No more death. On that day of Resurrection, our bodies will be changed, glorified. What we will be specifically be has not yet appeared; but we know that when Jesus appears, we shall have glorified Resurrected bodies like His own. It will be good. It will be better than good. It truly surpasses all human understanding.

All of this is possible because of Jesus—bottom line. No one else could be good enough, holy enough, pious enough, sinless enough. When it comes to forgiveness, salvation, resurrection, and entering heaven, our thoughts, words, and deeds are as filthy rags. Those who enter heaven do so with Jesus’ passport, His entrance Visa, His heavenly citizenship papers, signed in His own blood. Fiction—print, web, and video—tends to lie about the afterlife. Beware. And just for the record, all those jokes about St. Peter and the pearly gates are just that—jokes. Even St. Peter gained heaven only as a gift from Christ.

We are blessed with the freedom to exercise our earthly citizenship this Tuesday, Election Day. You have the opportunity to compare your knowledge of the Scriptures and what they say about sin, righteousness, and life in this world with the statements, official positions, and votes of candidates for office or re-election. That is how we as Christian citizens may cast our votes. Please do not take the right to vote for granted. Many people around the world and throughout history did not have the freedom to cast a vote. You do.

Until heaven, we live in this life by faith, and not by sight. We are saved by faith alone. ….everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.

In the four verses after the three verses of today’s Epistle reading, St. John says everything perfectly clearly, but our ears are unaccustomed to this kind of language. Lutheran ears are used to hearing St. Paul. We have to admit, we’re a little confused. So, let’s find the basics of the Christian faith in the text.

Jesus is Son of God and Son of Man. What else are we taught here? “He is pure.” “In Him there is no sin.” The white paraments this All Saints Sunday reflect that purity, holiness, and divinity. Jesus was literally perfect. He needed to be to accomplish His heavenly mission. What was Jesus sent to do for you? “He appeared to take away sins.” That was the work of His holy life, His teaching, preaching, healing, suffering, passion, crucifixion, death, and burial. The Resurrection is the exclamation point!

Jesus appeared to take away sins. This work could be done only by One who had no sin of His own. Just how serious is this “sin” stuff? “Sin is lawlessness.” “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness.” “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you.”

St. John agrees with our favorite epistle writer, St. Paul. Sin is bad. Sin is worse than bad. All human beings sin, but the baptized do not make a practice of sinning. That is lawlessness. One cannot be a participant in the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Sin kills. Sin deceives. Sin is lawlessness. Even one damns. No wonder we need a Savior from sin—Jesus.

We can be deceived. Sometimes the world leads us astray by contrary examples and encouragement to sin by denying that something is sin. The devil lies to us. Satan means “deceiver.” And haven’t you been surprised in the past how you can talk yourself things that you are horrified by in retrospect? Want a sign from the Lord to prove that you are a sinner? His Word is that sign. His Word says it so clearly to every single one of us. We don’t want to hear it, but that’s the truth. Sin kills. Sin deceives. Sin is lawlessness. Even one sin eternally condemns. No wonder we need a Savior from sin—Jesus.

Yet it seems like such a simple message, right? This is Sunday School 101 information to many, if not all of you. Good! Great! Wonderful! This we hear, believe, teach, confess, and do. But before we take this precious teaching for granted, remember how rare it is. This Gospel message is the common heritage of all Christians. Some say it is only for new believers. You know it is something for every Sunday and every sermon and every day. Some say it is old-fashioned, irrelevant, and small minded. You know it is eternally relevant, very practical, and that salvation is open to all who believe in Christ. Some allow the Gospel to be replaced by advice preaching that is only law, while others obscure the Gospel with man-made teachings of today or a thousand years ago. Still others ignore the uniqueness of both law and gospel and end up with a mixed-up “golawspel” smoothie. There are those who never hear. Many hear and never do.

The Christian life is a life lived in Christ, for Christ lives in you. He is the vine and you are the branches. Apart from Him, you can do nothing. We are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone. Faith is alive and breathing doing good works to serve the neighbor. “Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone And rests in Him unceasing; And by its fruits true faith is known, With love and hope increasing. For faith alone can justify; Works serve our neighbor and supply The proof that faith is living.” LSB 555:9 Or, as St. John wrote, “Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.”

Fellow children of the heavenly Father, Jesus appeared to take away sins. This could be done only by One who had no sin of His own. He saved you from the lawlessness and death of sin so that you may practice righteousness—not to earn heaven, but to serve your earthly neighbors, especially other Christians, until the Last Day. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Amen.

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.