Jonah 3:1-10
New International Version (NIV)
Jonah 3
Jonah Goes to Nineveh
1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles:Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sorry
Do to unforeseen problems last week with the computer there will be no posting of a sermon from last week 15 January 2012. We have fixed the problems to the best of our knowledge and are sorry for the any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you for the understanding. Yours in God, Divine Shepherd web-staff.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Look
The Magi Visit the Messiah
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Escape to Egypt
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[c]
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”[d]
The Return to Nazareth
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Escape to Egypt
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[c]
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”[d]
The Return to Nazareth
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Friday, January 6, 2012
2012 Dreams
The beginning of each New Year is like the first day of school or the first college class. When each student enters the class they all have a perfect score, they are all A students, what happens after that will determine how they will end up. By God’s grace we have been brought to the year 2012. A new year with new hopes, dreams, and opportunities unfolds for each of us day by day. My calendar like yours already has events locked in. There will be great celebrations in 2012. On June 10th Divine Shepherd will celebrate 25 years as a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. 25 years of being guided and forgiven by God’s grace and mercy. There will also be some challenging times in 2012. As of yet we don’t know what they are or when they will happen but we know when we face them, as He has in the past, God our Father will walk us through them.
As 2012 unfolds its always fun to dream a little. As God’s chosen and forgiven people what can we do in 2012? What dreams can we make a reality in 2012? How can we as a church bring the Good News of sins forgiven and peace with God to more of His People? How can we do the things we are doing better?
Below are some of the things that are in the works for 2012 at Divine Shepherd. Some are in the works, some are needs of the congregation, some are dreams that we hope to work toward. As you read this take a few minutes and pray that God will continue to lead and guide us in all we do. Then add a few notes or thoughts to each of these items. I would also invite you to share what you are thinking with one of the Elders or our President or me. Your input is greatly appreciated and valued.
2012
Pre school expansion. Because of the great success God has granted Divine Shepherd Preschool we are talking about expanding. Our thought at this point is to move the 3 year olds to a Tuesday – Thursday class, by themselves and lengthening the 4 and 5 year old class by 30 minutes on Monday – Wednesday – Friday.
Thoughts?
Update the kitchen. With so many events happening at Divine Shepherd its apparent that our Kitchen, that has served us very well, is in need of some updating. How might we redesign it to better serve God’s people?
Thoughts?
Worship, if you haven’t noticed the sanctuary is very full on most Sundays. How do we accommodate everyone that is coming to hear God’s Word? Add more chairs and hymnals? Do we go to a bulletin with everything printed in it? Do we go to two services?
Thoughts??
Classroom space, another concern is when we gather for Sunday school, Wednesday evening Family night, Vacation Bible School and many other activities we do not have enough classrooms. How do we accommodate the growing number of classes and learners we are blessed with?
Thoughts??
These are just a few of the items we are working on and thinking about. Do you have any others? If so pull one of us aside or write them down and let talk!
God’s blessing in 2012 and always as we live and dream serving our Master.
Pastor Randy
As 2012 unfolds its always fun to dream a little. As God’s chosen and forgiven people what can we do in 2012? What dreams can we make a reality in 2012? How can we as a church bring the Good News of sins forgiven and peace with God to more of His People? How can we do the things we are doing better?
Below are some of the things that are in the works for 2012 at Divine Shepherd. Some are in the works, some are needs of the congregation, some are dreams that we hope to work toward. As you read this take a few minutes and pray that God will continue to lead and guide us in all we do. Then add a few notes or thoughts to each of these items. I would also invite you to share what you are thinking with one of the Elders or our President or me. Your input is greatly appreciated and valued.
2012
Pre school expansion. Because of the great success God has granted Divine Shepherd Preschool we are talking about expanding. Our thought at this point is to move the 3 year olds to a Tuesday – Thursday class, by themselves and lengthening the 4 and 5 year old class by 30 minutes on Monday – Wednesday – Friday.
Thoughts?
Update the kitchen. With so many events happening at Divine Shepherd its apparent that our Kitchen, that has served us very well, is in need of some updating. How might we redesign it to better serve God’s people?
Thoughts?
Worship, if you haven’t noticed the sanctuary is very full on most Sundays. How do we accommodate everyone that is coming to hear God’s Word? Add more chairs and hymnals? Do we go to a bulletin with everything printed in it? Do we go to two services?
Thoughts??
Classroom space, another concern is when we gather for Sunday school, Wednesday evening Family night, Vacation Bible School and many other activities we do not have enough classrooms. How do we accommodate the growing number of classes and learners we are blessed with?
Thoughts??
These are just a few of the items we are working on and thinking about. Do you have any others? If so pull one of us aside or write them down and let talk!
God’s blessing in 2012 and always as we live and dream serving our Master.
Pastor Randy
Fighting to save Christmas
By now all of you have been immersed in the commercialism of Christmas. The Christmas music on the radio, the TV specials and all the holiday baking and decoration give a hint of the true meaning of Christmas but they all seem to miss the real meaning of the season we are in. I found a great article on the web site of Brothers of St. John the steadfast. It has a wonderful explanation of Advent and Christmas and the fight with the world to preserve it and retain the real meaning of the feast of Christ, Christmas. Here it is.
We Christians hold a great festival during the winter solstice, the shortest days of the year. We call this wintertime festival “Christmas,” meaning the “feast of Christ.” It takes several weeks to prepare and several weeks to celebrate.
The weeks of preparation are called Advent – the season of growing darkness before the solstice. The weeks of celebration are called Christmastime – the season of growing light after the solstice. Truly, we are the children of light.
In contrast, the commercial “holiday season” begins in November and then comes to a crashing halt on December 25. Advertisers have no use for Advent or Christmastime except when it comes to stealing all the religious symbols of these seasons – the tree, the greens, the lights, the music – in order to sell their wares.
We Christians own Advent and Christmastime. The symbols of these seasons are our property, not just an advertiser’s gimmick. If we want to keep them as part of Christianity, we’re going to have to wrestle them back, probably with a good fight.
And it’s worth a fight. We need Advent. We need a time before Christmas to encounter the darkness, to slip slowly into winter, instead of immediately masking it with tinsel. We need a season of hunger and silence to make us eager for our coming festival, instead of “holiday” parties and concerts and all the other distractions that can rob Advent from us. For without Advent we stop being what we are: a people who are waiting. We need the gospel’s terrifying announcement of the end of time. We need the prophets’ consolations and threats. We learn who we are in the uneasy raving of John the Baptist and in the gentle strength of Holy Mary.
We also need Christmastime. We need a festival that runs beyond a single day, beyond a single week. We need time to tell about the journey of the magi, about the embrace of old Simeon, about the leaping Jordon and that glorious voice thundering what we yearn to hear: You are my beloved child!
In the many days of Christmastime we shout loud and clear that Jesus Christ is born. The reign of God is here among us, in our own flesh and blood. That’s why our tradition beckons us to gather around the star-topped tree of life, and tinsel our homes in silver and gold, and spread our tables with the fruitful bounty of the harvest. The marvels of Christmas are not just pretty decorations. They are signs of God’s reign, signs of a life that conquers death, of “the light shining on in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Of course, Advent cannot exist if we jump the gun on Christmas. And Christmastime cannot exist if we are already tired of it by December 25. These two seasons are a package deal: One demands the other. Only after the silence of Advent can the carols of Christmastime spring. Only after Advent’s darkness can a single star give such cheer. Only after Advent’s terror can an angel be heard, once again, telling us to fear not. Year after year, we so genuinely need these seasons as rehearsal for heaven.
This festival of the winter solstice – this “feast of Christ” – does more than lead us from one year to another. In the power of Christ, Advent and Christmastime lead us from time into eternity. (End of article)
As we travel through the dark days of Advent and winter we always have our eyes on the soon coming light of the world. Our Immanuel, Savior, Redeemer and friend comes to us with joy and hope and those most precious gifts of forgiveness and adoption into our Fathers heavenly family. From our family to yours, a very blessed Christmas, as we worship our Savior born to us in the city of David.
God’s richest blessings to you! Pastor Vonda, Ryan and Megan.
We Christians hold a great festival during the winter solstice, the shortest days of the year. We call this wintertime festival “Christmas,” meaning the “feast of Christ.” It takes several weeks to prepare and several weeks to celebrate.
The weeks of preparation are called Advent – the season of growing darkness before the solstice. The weeks of celebration are called Christmastime – the season of growing light after the solstice. Truly, we are the children of light.
In contrast, the commercial “holiday season” begins in November and then comes to a crashing halt on December 25. Advertisers have no use for Advent or Christmastime except when it comes to stealing all the religious symbols of these seasons – the tree, the greens, the lights, the music – in order to sell their wares.
We Christians own Advent and Christmastime. The symbols of these seasons are our property, not just an advertiser’s gimmick. If we want to keep them as part of Christianity, we’re going to have to wrestle them back, probably with a good fight.
And it’s worth a fight. We need Advent. We need a time before Christmas to encounter the darkness, to slip slowly into winter, instead of immediately masking it with tinsel. We need a season of hunger and silence to make us eager for our coming festival, instead of “holiday” parties and concerts and all the other distractions that can rob Advent from us. For without Advent we stop being what we are: a people who are waiting. We need the gospel’s terrifying announcement of the end of time. We need the prophets’ consolations and threats. We learn who we are in the uneasy raving of John the Baptist and in the gentle strength of Holy Mary.
We also need Christmastime. We need a festival that runs beyond a single day, beyond a single week. We need time to tell about the journey of the magi, about the embrace of old Simeon, about the leaping Jordon and that glorious voice thundering what we yearn to hear: You are my beloved child!
In the many days of Christmastime we shout loud and clear that Jesus Christ is born. The reign of God is here among us, in our own flesh and blood. That’s why our tradition beckons us to gather around the star-topped tree of life, and tinsel our homes in silver and gold, and spread our tables with the fruitful bounty of the harvest. The marvels of Christmas are not just pretty decorations. They are signs of God’s reign, signs of a life that conquers death, of “the light shining on in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Of course, Advent cannot exist if we jump the gun on Christmas. And Christmastime cannot exist if we are already tired of it by December 25. These two seasons are a package deal: One demands the other. Only after the silence of Advent can the carols of Christmastime spring. Only after Advent’s darkness can a single star give such cheer. Only after Advent’s terror can an angel be heard, once again, telling us to fear not. Year after year, we so genuinely need these seasons as rehearsal for heaven.
This festival of the winter solstice – this “feast of Christ” – does more than lead us from one year to another. In the power of Christ, Advent and Christmastime lead us from time into eternity. (End of article)
As we travel through the dark days of Advent and winter we always have our eyes on the soon coming light of the world. Our Immanuel, Savior, Redeemer and friend comes to us with joy and hope and those most precious gifts of forgiveness and adoption into our Fathers heavenly family. From our family to yours, a very blessed Christmas, as we worship our Savior born to us in the city of David.
God’s richest blessings to you! Pastor Vonda, Ryan and Megan.
Epiphany Video
A very blessed Epiphany to all of you. President Harrison offers all of us great Epiphany advice for 2012. "Stay in the Word". Here are some opportunities to do so.
Worship, Sundays at 9:15 and Wednesdays at 7:00
Early Risers Bible Study Tuesday morning at 6:00 am
Woman's Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30 am
Faith a Flame Bible Study Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm
Family night Bible Study, Wednesdays at 6:00
Rusty Restorations Men's Breakfast and Bible Study,
the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 6:30 am
LWML Bible Study and brunch 2nd Saturday mornings at 9:00
We hope you can join us.
Worship, Sundays at 9:15 and Wednesdays at 7:00
Early Risers Bible Study Tuesday morning at 6:00 am
Woman's Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30 am
Faith a Flame Bible Study Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm
Family night Bible Study, Wednesdays at 6:00
Rusty Restorations Men's Breakfast and Bible Study,
the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 6:30 am
LWML Bible Study and brunch 2nd Saturday mornings at 9:00
We hope you can join us.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
"Go in His Peace"
Luke 2
New International Version (NIV)
Luke 2 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
New International Version (NIV)
Luke 2 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
What Child is This, That Comes To Save Us
John 1:1-14
New International Version (NIV)
John 1
The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
New International Version (NIV)
John 1
The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas week services
The Celebration of the incarnation of our Savior draws near. Here is the Christmas week schedule.
Wednesday December 21st. Family night pot luck at 5:30 Divine Shepherd will supply the chicken. The congregation is asked to bring a salad or desert. Hymn sing at 6:45. Children's Christmas program at 7:00
Saturday December 24th. Rusty Restorations breakfast and Bible study at 6:30 am
Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6:00 pm.
Christmas day Worship at 9:15
God's richest blessings on your Christmas celebrations.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday December 18,2011,Sermon Reading, Sermon
"Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates"
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God’s People
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.
With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God’s People
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.
With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
"Come, Lord Jesus. Come Quickly."
Isaiah 40:6-8
6 A voice says, “Cry out.”And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass,and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,because the breath of the LORD blows on them.Surely the people are grass.8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,but the word of our God endures forever.
6 A voice says, “Cry out.”And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass,and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,because the breath of the LORD blows on them.Surely the people are grass.8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,but the word of our God endures forever.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"Prepare the Royal Highway"
Isaiah 40:3-5
New International Version (NIV)
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
New International Version (NIV)
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Monday, November 28, 2011
Advent Worship
Welcome to the season of Advent, a season of hope and anticipation. The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.
Join us Wednesday evenings at 5:30 for supper. Bible Study is from 6:00 to 7:00 and Advent worship services at 7:00 O Come, O Come...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
"Comfort, Comfort Ye My People"
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God’s People
1 Comfort, comfort my people,says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed,that her sin has been paid for,that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
"I'm Thankful When...?
Philippians 4:6-20
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday November20,2011,Sermon Reading,Sermon
"Sheep Do Sheep Things"
Matthew 25
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The Parable of the Bags of Gold
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
“‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Sheep and the Goats
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The Parable of the Bags of Gold
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
“‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Sheep and the Goats
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Harvest dinner is on!!
The cooking has begun! Come and join us tonight for a great Thanksgiving dinner. We serve from 5:00 to when the food is gone. See you there.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Pumpking Chucking with Trebuchets postponed
Due to the impending snow storm for Saturday morning our Pumpkin chucking with trebuchets is postponed. We will reschedule for another time. The harvest dinner is still scheduled for Saturday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 The attached video is from last years Pumpkin toss.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
"We are children of The Day"
November 13, 2011
“We are children of The Day”
1 Thessalonians 5
The Day of the Lord
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
“We are children of The Day”
1 Thessalonians 5
The Day of the Lord
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday November 6,2011 Sermon Reading, Sermon
November 6, 2011
"Waiting, not so patiently"
Matthew 5
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"Waiting, not so patiently"
Matthew 5
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Current Bible Studies at Divine Shepherd
Sunday Mornings
Sunday School. 10:30-11:30 Preschool through High School
Faith Builders 10:30-11:30 Adult education and new believers
Tuesday
Early Risers 6:00-7:00 am Yes coffee is provided! Working through Romans
Woman's Group 9:30-10:30 Current study, Women of the Old Testament
Wednesday
Family night 5:00-8:00
5:00-5:30 Chapel Chime practice 6th-8th grade
5:30-6:00 Family night meal provided by the Congregation
6:00-7:00 Bible Study and activities for all ages
K-5th
6th 7th 8th Confirmation
High School Youth
Adults study the book of Job
7:00-8:00 Wednesday Worship
Faith Aflame 6:30-7:30 Biblical whole life living
Nov. 8th, 22nd. Dec. 13th 27th.
Jan. 24th. Feb. 7th 28th.
March 13th 27th. April 10th 24th.
May 8th 22nd.
Rusty Restorations 6:30-8:00am Men's Bible study and breakfast
2nd and 4th Saturday mornings.
Breakfast at 6:30. Bible Study from 7 to 8.
LWML 9:00 to 10:00 2nd Saturday of each month. Brunch Bible
Study and a short business meeting.
November 2011 Too Casual?
A couple of years ago Ryan and I were building some much needed book shelves for my quickly growing library. The work and bookshelves were progressing nicely. After the shelves were finished we needed to cut and install the plywood backs to give the bookshelves strength. I set the sheet of plywood on the table saw. Ryan was there to guide it after it came out. After the plywood was through the saw I shut it off. Ryan asked what we should do with this long and cumbersome piece since we were crowded for space. The only place to lay it was on the other side of the table saw. I have to admit that I was not as careful as I should have been. Ryan picked up his end and began to move it and I, with one hand, grabbed the back and lifted it up over the still- spinning saw blade. Somehow, the plywood back tipped down and when I tried to correct it the ring finger on my right hand glazed over the still spinning saw blade cutting ever so slightly into my finger nail. Yes I still have all my fingers but it reminded me that I was too casual in my approach to a very important task.
When we become too casual with important things it can distract us from what’s really important. Last week as I was driving down the interstate the car in front of me could not stay in one lane. As I was passing it began to crowd my way. When the driver saw my car they quickly corrected. As I passed the driver’s window I saw the problem. The driver had both wrists on the steering wheel and both hands firmly holding the phone, texting away. That person had taken the task of guiding this three thousand pound vehicle down the road too casually
There is no doubt that Divine Shepherd is a casual congregation. That casualness is one of our strengths and one of the things many people like about our congregation. The casualness of this congregation helps people feel comfortable here. But there is also the danger that when we gather in worship our casualness might distract us from what is happening in the worship service.
The focus of worship is different than any other activity that happens here at Divine Shepherd. When we gather for Bible Study or Family night food and fun, we are gathered together to learn and lean on each other. We begin each event by asking God to be with us, teach us, and bless us. We invite God to be a part of the activities. When we gather in worship the dynamics change. Almighty God, the eternal and everlasting Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier has invited you! Think about that for a second. You personally are the one being invited into His presence and into His house. You are His guest! In worship God comes to serve you. That’s why we call worship the Divine Service. The Divine majesty of the Holy Trinity transcends time and space to serve you. As His invited guest He serves us by forgiving our sins. He serves us by preaching His words of Law and Gospel to us through the preacher. He serves us by giving us faith to believe through the waters of Holy Baptism. He serves us with His own body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. In worship, God gives you His gifts that help you in this world and prepares you for life eternal with Him in Heaven.
Because of the casual nature of so many things at Divine Shepherd it can be very easy to become too casual in Worship as well. Our Lord does not demand that we dress a certain way for Worship but being in His presence commands a certain amount of respect. Respect in how we dress. Respect in how we act. Respect for others as they prepare to be served by our Savior and respect that comes when we put away the things of the world and prepare to be served by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Will we be struck down by divine lightning if we check our phone messages or go to the bathroom during worship? Absolutely not, we have that freedom in the Gospel. But what a loving and powerful message it sends as we put all of those things on hold for this hour and devote that time to our King. What a beautiful gesture when we bring our best to Him on Sunday morning. Our best dress, our best behavior, our best gifts and we lay them at the feet of the one who gave His life for us. The salvation Christ gave to each of us is not a casual matter it was intentional, loving and purposeful.
I love the casual nature of Divine Shepherd and I love that we also stand before our King and bring Him our best not because He commands us to or we have to, but because we want to bring these gifts to our Savior.
Like the drummer boy of the Christmas song, bringing our best to Him!
Pastor Randy
When we become too casual with important things it can distract us from what’s really important. Last week as I was driving down the interstate the car in front of me could not stay in one lane. As I was passing it began to crowd my way. When the driver saw my car they quickly corrected. As I passed the driver’s window I saw the problem. The driver had both wrists on the steering wheel and both hands firmly holding the phone, texting away. That person had taken the task of guiding this three thousand pound vehicle down the road too casually
There is no doubt that Divine Shepherd is a casual congregation. That casualness is one of our strengths and one of the things many people like about our congregation. The casualness of this congregation helps people feel comfortable here. But there is also the danger that when we gather in worship our casualness might distract us from what is happening in the worship service.
The focus of worship is different than any other activity that happens here at Divine Shepherd. When we gather for Bible Study or Family night food and fun, we are gathered together to learn and lean on each other. We begin each event by asking God to be with us, teach us, and bless us. We invite God to be a part of the activities. When we gather in worship the dynamics change. Almighty God, the eternal and everlasting Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier has invited you! Think about that for a second. You personally are the one being invited into His presence and into His house. You are His guest! In worship God comes to serve you. That’s why we call worship the Divine Service. The Divine majesty of the Holy Trinity transcends time and space to serve you. As His invited guest He serves us by forgiving our sins. He serves us by preaching His words of Law and Gospel to us through the preacher. He serves us by giving us faith to believe through the waters of Holy Baptism. He serves us with His own body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. In worship, God gives you His gifts that help you in this world and prepares you for life eternal with Him in Heaven.
Because of the casual nature of so many things at Divine Shepherd it can be very easy to become too casual in Worship as well. Our Lord does not demand that we dress a certain way for Worship but being in His presence commands a certain amount of respect. Respect in how we dress. Respect in how we act. Respect for others as they prepare to be served by our Savior and respect that comes when we put away the things of the world and prepare to be served by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Will we be struck down by divine lightning if we check our phone messages or go to the bathroom during worship? Absolutely not, we have that freedom in the Gospel. But what a loving and powerful message it sends as we put all of those things on hold for this hour and devote that time to our King. What a beautiful gesture when we bring our best to Him on Sunday morning. Our best dress, our best behavior, our best gifts and we lay them at the feet of the one who gave His life for us. The salvation Christ gave to each of us is not a casual matter it was intentional, loving and purposeful.
I love the casual nature of Divine Shepherd and I love that we also stand before our King and bring Him our best not because He commands us to or we have to, but because we want to bring these gifts to our Savior.
Like the drummer boy of the Christmas song, bringing our best to Him!
Pastor Randy
What a great fall!
October Congregational newsletter
The last week of September and the 1st week of October have been just wonderful! I can’t remember when we have had such perfect fall weather. The trees are slowly turning red and gold and have not been affected by frost or high winds. The days have been clear and warm but not hot or cold. The nights are crisp but not cold enough to end the growing season. God has really been doing a great job the last few weeks!
I’ve said and heard that a lot the last few weeks. I wonder if I will be so quick to complement God a few weeks from now when the weather might be more winter like? It’s easy to say “good job God!” when what He supplies meets our expectations. It’s easy to trust in God when life does not present any challenges.
In Psalm 34 David writes this I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. David reminds us that the praise we have for God is for “all times”. Yes, when we have beautiful fall weather our hearts overflow with praise to God our creator who has blessed us. But also when the days are more challenging, the weather is not cooperating, our sinful nature drags us back into dysfunction and drudgery, that also is the time to praise our loving God. David reminds us “let the afflicted hear and rejoice!”
We all know how easy it is to praise God when things are good, but when we hear the afflicted rejoice in their suffering we truly see praise from another perspective. After Job lost all he had his response was “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!” That’s praise in affliction. That’s true trust and hope in the promises of God. That’s a trust and hope not based on my emotions or circumstances but based of God and His eternal, truthful promises. In these first few verses David also reminds us of the community of believers we are a part of. Glorify the Lord with me: let us exalt His name together.” The pronouns are not singular, neither are we in the body of Christ. On the great days we rejoice and praise our wonderful God together. On the challenging days we uphold one another, lift up the afflicted and praise and rejoice our mighty, loving, merciful and loving God.
Check our Psalm 34! Rejoicing always!. Pastor
Psalm 34 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Welcome to Divine Shepherd
Our church sign had a saying up a few weeks ago, "Autumn leaves God never does." As fall turns to winter we are again reminded that things change, but we are also reminded by the one who creates the seasons, God does not change. His grace and mercy are constant in our lives. As the holiday season quickly approaches we invite you to join us in worship of the unchanging eternal God. We worship on Sunday at 9:15 with Sunday school for all ages following the service. We also worship on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 with Bible Study at 6:00. God's richest blessings!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
"A Reformation of the Heart"
Romans 3
God’s Faithfulness
1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written:
“So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge.”[a]
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” 8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!
No One Is Righteous
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good,not even one.”[b]
13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.”[c] “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[d]
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[e]
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[f]
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[g]
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law
(Image found with google image search)
Monday, October 24, 2011
"Half-hearted Love"
Matthew 22:34-46
New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’
If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’
If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
"Practice Makes Better"
Matthew 22:1-14
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 22
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 22
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"LWML Sunday"
Sorry this sermon took me so long to post we have been having technical difficulties the past week. Thnk you for your understanding. Web-site hand Scot.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is Near”
Matthew 21:23-27
New International Version (NIV)
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
New International Version (NIV)
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday september 18, 2011, Sermon Reading, Sermon
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.
“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.
“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sweet Swaddling Swine! Community food drive and breakfast
Do you remember Mr. Rogers neighborhood, the PBS show with the warm and friendly host who always asked the question “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Mr Rogers invited children and adults alike to be his neighbor for over 3 decades. Mr Rogers idea of who his neighbor was, is much different than the concept of “my neighbor” that we have most of the time. If I asked you who are your neighbors how would you answer? I would guess that most of us when answering that question would look up and down the street naming the neighbors that are close to where we live. And certainly they are your neighbors, but we have many more neighbors than just those in proximity to where we live, Mr. Rogers proved that. Our neighbors don’t end one or two houses from where we hang our hat. Our neighbors are all the people we come in contact with. That’s a Mr Rogers teaching that comes from Jesus. There are a number of places in God’s Word where Jesus expands our understanding of who our neighbor is. The best know is the story of the Good Samaritan. A well meaning man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho fell into the hands of thugs. In modern language we would say he was jacked. Left for dead on the side of the road this man was helpless. Two of the religious leaders of the time passed by, actually when passing by they put as much distance as they could between themselves and the beaten and battered man. Passing by on the other side of the road I can almost hear their excuses, frankly because we often use the same ones. Someone else will be along shortly to help I don’t have time. Or, I don’t want to get involved. Or, he’s not my responsibility. It's obvious that these two religious leaders did not see this man as their neighbor or feel any responsibility to help him. A third man came by later. He was an outcast, a hated foreigner. He certainly had no social responsibility to this helpless man and yet he stopped, tended his wounds, took him to the nearest place for help and paid for his care! That is how to be a neighbor. At the end of the parable Jesus asked His hearers “Which of these three was a neighbor to the man?” The answer? The one who showed him mercy! We don’t have to look far to see someone needing mercy, in fact all we have to do is look in the mirror. All of us are in need of the mercy of our Savior Jesus Christ. Without His mercy we would be eternally condemned for all the sins we have committed. But Jesus is merciful, and has freely given His mercy to you. Much like the Samaritan man in the parable Jesus found us beaten and battered by sin. He did not turn away expecting us to save ourselves or expect someone else to help us out. He became our substitute. He gave His life on the cross to pay for our sin. Jesus has shown us mercy and shown us what a true neighbor will do. We don’t have to look far in our communities to see those needing mercy either. Unfortunately some families in the Black Hawk, Summerset and Piedmont valley areas sometimes have to make the decision to pay the utilities or the rent or to buy food for the family. Divine Shepherd is asking for your help as we seek to show Christ’s mercy to our neighbors. Divine Shepherd is holding its first Sweet Swaddling Swine Community food drive. Tuesday September 20th. We will be offering a drive through breakfast from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. for a donation of nonperishable food items. The drive through breakfast will be coffee or juice and a pork breakfast sausage wrapped in a specially made sweet pancake. 100% of collected food items and donations will go to the Piedmont Black Hawk community food pantry. This Sweet Swaddling Swine food drive and the awareness of the Piedmont Black Hawk food pantry may be of direct benefit to you or one of your neighbors. The Piedmont Black Hawk community food pantry is located in the basement of Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church at 12365 Sturgis Rd Piedmont, SD 57769. The food pantry is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Needy families from the Black Hawk, Summerset and Piedmont areas are eligible to receive 1 bag of grocery items every 2 weeks, larger families will receive 2 bags.
On Tuesday September 20th, we hope you will help support our neighbors by bring some food items for the Piedmont Black Hawk food pantry and letting us feed you some Sweet Swaddling Swine on your way to work. Just being neighborly, Pastor Randy Sturzenbecher and your neighbors at Divine Shepherd.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
"Forgive"
Today is the 10th anniversary of the tragic attack on the United States in New York, and Washington DC. In honor and remembrance of those who bravely helped save many lives (firefighters, police, and EMTs), we also remember those who on this day ten years ago said goodbye to loved ones whose lives were cut short on September 11, 2001.At 9:11 Divine Shepherd rang our church bell continually and prayed for protection, and forgiveness until 9:15 to remember and honors all those people who died during 9/11/01.
Matthew 18:21-35
New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.23“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.35“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Sunday, September 4, 2011
"Who is the Greatest?"
Matthew 18:1-20
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 18
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 18
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
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