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Living the Baptized Life, Rejoicing in the Gospel :: Philippians 3:17-21

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The Apostle Paul writes: Together, become imitators of me, brothers, and pay attention to those walking in this way, just as you have an example in us. For as I have told you often and now tell you again, even weeping, many walk around [as] enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly and the glory in their shame, those who have in mind earthly things.  However, our citizenship is already in heaven, out of which also we expect a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be conformed to his glorious body in accordance with the activity that enables him even to subject all things to himself (vv 17-21) [Introduction] Philippians could be the favorite New Testament epistle of Christians. With just 1,629 words, this epistle is beloved for all of the joy, encouragement, affection, warmth, and thankfulness expressed by Saint Paul. It’s not like Paul’s letters to the Galatians, Colossians, Corinthians, and Thessalonians, which...
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Strong in the One Who Empowers Me :: Philippians 4:13

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[Introduction: Who you are] We will begin with the truth about ourselves that we all should never forget: I am baptized. Now say that with me ... I am baptized. When you really get down to it, that’s what today is all about ... it’s about our baptism. Today is All Saints Day. Today is a day to remember all the saints who went before us in the faith, but it’s also a day that’s perfect for remembering our baptism ... the day God called us saints, his beloved children (1 Jn 3:1). It’s also Debbie’s confirmation day, the day she remembers her baptism.  We Lutherans don’t think of baptism as something that happened to us a long time ago, saying I was baptized on such and such day. Instead, we know that your baptism, my baptism, our baptism is a present reality ... an on-going reality ... a gift of God. He has baptized us! And he keeps us in our baptism! He has, as Saint Paul says in Ephesians 5, sanctified us ... or made us holy, thereby calling us saints. This is why Peter says, Baptis...
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The Best Truth of All: Forgiven and Free :: Romans 3:19-28

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[Introduction] There is nothing more precious than a newborn baby. There is no better feeling than cradling one. No one more beautiful in all of creation. When we look at them, newborns all seem to be so innocent, so pure ... their tiny fingers wrapped around your knuckle. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s regrets or plan for tomorrow’s anxieties. They’re untouched by cynicism and hate. Physically, they are astonishingly fragile ... a bobbing head, wispy velvety skin.  Knowing they are completely helpless, our instinct to protect them manifests with a fierce strength that we often forget we have. And for once in our life, with a newborn in our arms ... cuddled next to our heart ... we stop thinking about ourselves, and we start actually guarding, protecting, and treasuring our neighbor as ourself.  1. [We are born in sin.] But a reality quickly sets in. That sweet child in your arms ... the one who seemingly has never lied, never lashed out, never schemed ... is already carryi...
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No Better Job Than Sharing the Word of Peace :: Luke 10:1-9

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[Introduction] Sharing peace. Can there possibly be a better job in the world than this?  This is exactly the work Jesus gave seventy-two disciples to do in our Gospel reading.  Go , he told them, and share peace in every house that receives you (v3-5). Don’t worry about what it’ll cost or what you’ll wear (v 4). ... Just keeping going, he told them, even when someone tries to get in your way. If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. If not, your peace will be returned to you (v 6). ... Go , he told them. Remind everyone that the Kingdom of God [has come and, in fact, continues to] come upon you (v 9). He will bring you peace. Seriously, now ... Could there be a better job than that? I certainly can’t imagine one.  So let’s consider the means by which we share peace, and remember where it comes from.  1. Today we are observing the Feast of Saint Luke, the beloved physician and co-worker of the Apostle Paul. None of the Gospel writers share the w...
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Forgiveness Is Our Most Pressing Need :: Matthew 9:1-8

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When Jesus saw their corrupted thoughts, he said, ‘Why do you reflect on wickedness in your hearts?  [Catechism] For the past month, we’ve been walking through the Ten Commandments. Given our Gospel reading from Matthew 9, we continue that journey today.  Please turn now to Page 321 in your [Lutheran Service Book], and join me in confessing our faithful doctrine on the Fifth Commandment. As the Head of the Family should teach them in a simple way to his household. What is the Fifth Commandment? You shall not murder (Ex 20:13, Dt 5:17 ESV). What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we may not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need. 5. It would seem the Fifth Commandment ... Don’t commit murder ... is the easiest of the Ten to keep. I mean, how hard can it be?  In Missouri, there are only two degrees of murder. Both include “knowingly causing the death of another person.” ... So don’t choose a victim. Don’t cho...
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