Well, well, well.. my junior year is over. Now here is summer, which promises to be a lot better then last summer. 'Why?' you ask. This summer I actually have things to do. One of the things im looking forward too the most is my spending two weeks in Ft. Wayne for Christ Academy. I dont really have anything else planned, but the summer should be full of reading, watching movies (POTC II!!!), hanging out with friends, video games, Exaulted and maybe dragon Lance role playing. This should be the best summer yet. Which will hopefully lead into a great senior year! To those who are newly graduated, good luck in whatever you are doing. The Lord bless you in everything you do. Continue recieving Gods Word and his Body and Blood as often as you can.
Have a wonderful summer!
Pax Domini
P.S You graduates don't forget your old friends.
TLH 220
1. Jesus, my great High Priest,
Offered His blood and died;
My guilty conscience seeks
No sacrifice beside.
His powerful blood did once atone,
And now it pleads before the throne.
2. To this dear Surety's hand
Will I commit my cause;
He answers and fulfils
His Father's broken laws.
Behold my soul at freedom set;
My Surety paid the dreadful debt.
3. My Advocate appears
For my defense on high;
The Father bows His ears
And lays His thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
Shall turn His heart, His love, away.
4. Should all the hosts of death
And powers of hell unknown
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and mischief on,
I shall be safe, for Christ displays
Superior power and guardian grace.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
The DaVinci Code
When I grow up I want to be Pastor Borghardt. He has an awesome post on the Higher Things website about the DaVinci code. If you plan on or have read the book or seen the movie, you should read it.
http://higherthings.org/?article=1475
Pax
http://higherthings.org/?article=1475
Pax
Friday, May 05, 2006
Corpus Depicted on Cross
This was in the HT Reflection for today, I just thought it was awesome:
"This is why there is always a corpus, a body, depicted on the cross. We all know that Jesus rose from the dead. We’re in the middle of the Easter season, after all. We keep saying it to each other and to the world: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Yet we always depict the cross with a corpus, the lifeless body of Jesus.The world finds the crucifix bizarre, macabre, weird. What an ugly symbol! But viewed through baptismal eyes, this is the symbol of victory, the emblem of our salvation. This is the bronze serpent held high on a stick on which snakebitten Israel look and lived (St. John 3:14; Numbers 21:8-9). This is our death by which we die to sin. This is our life by which we live for righteousness. Those horrible wounds are the wounds of our healing. The resurrection of Jesus is the evidence that His death is the victory over Death.The cross of Jesus is the tree of life, planted in the Zion, the Church, from which the nations may come and eat of its fruits and live. Even its leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2) . The fruits of that saving treeare yours in the Holy Supper, where Jesus gives you the fruits of His sacrifice – His broken Body, His shed Blood, for you, for your forgiveness and life."
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God. On the tree of the cross you gave salvation to mankind that, whence death arose,thence life also might rise again and that he who by a tree once overcame likewise by a tree might be overcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Preface for the Passion of our Lord)
1. Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide;
Nor let Thy Word, that heavenly light,
For us be ever veiled in night.
2. In these last days of sore distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That pure we keep, till life is spent,
Thy holy Word and Sacrament.
3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold.
Oh, prosper well Thy Word of grace
And spread its truth in every place!
4. Oh, keep us in Thy Word, we pray;
The guile and rage of Satan stay!
Oh, may Thy mercy never cease!
Give concord, patience, courage, peace.
5. O God, how sin's dread works abound!
Throughout the earth no rest is found,
And falsehood's spirit wide has spread,
And error boldly rears its head.
6. The haughty spirits, Lord, restrain
Who o'er Thy Church with might would reign
And always set forth something new,
Devised to change Thy doctrine true.
7. And since the cause and glory, Lord,
Are Thine, not ours, to us afford
Thy help and strength and constancy.
With all our heart we trust in Thee.
8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,
Thy Church's buckler, shield and sword.
Oh, let us in its power confide
That we may seek no other guide!
9. Oh, grant that in Thy holy Word
We here may live and die, dear Lord;
And when our journey endeth here,
Receive us into glory there.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #292
"This is why there is always a corpus, a body, depicted on the cross. We all know that Jesus rose from the dead. We’re in the middle of the Easter season, after all. We keep saying it to each other and to the world: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Yet we always depict the cross with a corpus, the lifeless body of Jesus.The world finds the crucifix bizarre, macabre, weird. What an ugly symbol! But viewed through baptismal eyes, this is the symbol of victory, the emblem of our salvation. This is the bronze serpent held high on a stick on which snakebitten Israel look and lived (St. John 3:14; Numbers 21:8-9). This is our death by which we die to sin. This is our life by which we live for righteousness. Those horrible wounds are the wounds of our healing. The resurrection of Jesus is the evidence that His death is the victory over Death.The cross of Jesus is the tree of life, planted in the Zion, the Church, from which the nations may come and eat of its fruits and live. Even its leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2) . The fruits of that saving treeare yours in the Holy Supper, where Jesus gives you the fruits of His sacrifice – His broken Body, His shed Blood, for you, for your forgiveness and life."
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God. On the tree of the cross you gave salvation to mankind that, whence death arose,thence life also might rise again and that he who by a tree once overcame likewise by a tree might be overcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Preface for the Passion of our Lord)
1. Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide;
Nor let Thy Word, that heavenly light,
For us be ever veiled in night.
2. In these last days of sore distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That pure we keep, till life is spent,
Thy holy Word and Sacrament.
3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold.
Oh, prosper well Thy Word of grace
And spread its truth in every place!
4. Oh, keep us in Thy Word, we pray;
The guile and rage of Satan stay!
Oh, may Thy mercy never cease!
Give concord, patience, courage, peace.
5. O God, how sin's dread works abound!
Throughout the earth no rest is found,
And falsehood's spirit wide has spread,
And error boldly rears its head.
6. The haughty spirits, Lord, restrain
Who o'er Thy Church with might would reign
And always set forth something new,
Devised to change Thy doctrine true.
7. And since the cause and glory, Lord,
Are Thine, not ours, to us afford
Thy help and strength and constancy.
With all our heart we trust in Thee.
8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,
Thy Church's buckler, shield and sword.
Oh, let us in its power confide
That we may seek no other guide!
9. Oh, grant that in Thy holy Word
We here may live and die, dear Lord;
And when our journey endeth here,
Receive us into glory there.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #292
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Gospel of Judas
Well, today I finally got around to watching The Gospel of Judas which I taped a while ago. Its interesting and instead of writing about it. I give you a link to Pastor Cwirla's post on his Blogosphere.
http://blog.higherthings.org/wcwirla/article/1372.html
edit: Here is another good resource for it: http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Audio_GospelofJudas.aspx
Christ is Risen!
http://blog.higherthings.org/wcwirla/article/1372.html
edit: Here is another good resource for it: http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Audio_GospelofJudas.aspx
Christ is Risen!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Death?
TLH 198
Oh, where is thy sting, Death? We fear thee no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
This past week one of the people in my handbell group lost her father. The choir sang the verse above during "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord. C. F. W. Walther wrote great words of comfort in this verse. There have been many deaths this past year. One that sticks out for me is the death of Nathan Charles. It hit many people I know. The second line "Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door." Through Christs ressurection heaven is open to us. All of us. Those who have died heaven is open to also.
The blood of Christ, which at the Lambs High Feast we drank of today, atones the world of sin. Christ died for us. Through baptism we are baptised into His death. He Lives! Therefore we to shall live through all eternity!
Christ is Risen!
A blessed Eastertide to you all!
Oh, where is thy sting, Death? We fear thee no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
This past week one of the people in my handbell group lost her father. The choir sang the verse above during "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord. C. F. W. Walther wrote great words of comfort in this verse. There have been many deaths this past year. One that sticks out for me is the death of Nathan Charles. It hit many people I know. The second line "Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door." Through Christs ressurection heaven is open to us. All of us. Those who have died heaven is open to also.
The blood of Christ, which at the Lambs High Feast we drank of today, atones the world of sin. Christ died for us. Through baptism we are baptised into His death. He Lives! Therefore we to shall live through all eternity!
Christ is Risen!
A blessed Eastertide to you all!
Christ is Risen
At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
office hymn, 17th cent.
office hymn, 17th cent.
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious king,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from his pierced side.
Alleluia!
Praise we him, whose love divine
Gives his sacred blood for wine,
Gives his body for the feast
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
Alleluia!
Where the paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dread angel sheathes the sword;
Israel’s hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
Alleluia!
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, paschal bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we manna from above.
Alleluia!
Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce powers beneath you lie;
You have conquered in the fight
You have brought us life and light.
Alleluia!
Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
You have opened paradise,
And your saints in you shall rise.
Alleluia!
Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s power, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in you to be.
Alleluia!
Father, who the crown shall give,
Savior, by whose death we live,
Spirit, guide through all our days;
Three in One, Your name we praise.
Alleluia!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Easter Vigil
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places, with all our heart and mind and voice, praise You, O Lord, Holy Father, almighty everlasting God, and Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
For He is the very Paschal Lamb who offered Himself for the sin of the world,
who has cleansed us by the shedding of His precious blood.
This is the night when You brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt
and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground.
This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from bondage to sin and are restored to life and immortality.
This is the night when Christ, the Life, arose from the dead. The seal of the grave is broken and the morning of the new creation breaks forth out of night.
Oh, how wonderful and beyond all telling is Your mercy toward us, O God, that to redeem a slave You gave Your Son.
How holy is this night when all wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away.
How holy is this night when innocence is restored to the fallen and joy is given to those downcast.
How blessed is this night when man is reconciled to God in Christ.
Holy Father, accept now the evening sacrifices of our thanksgiving and praise. Let Christ, the true light and morning star, shine in our hearts, He who gave light to all creation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Collect for the Vigil of Easter)
For He is the very Paschal Lamb who offered Himself for the sin of the world,
who has cleansed us by the shedding of His precious blood.
This is the night when You brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt
and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground.
This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from bondage to sin and are restored to life and immortality.
This is the night when Christ, the Life, arose from the dead. The seal of the grave is broken and the morning of the new creation breaks forth out of night.
Oh, how wonderful and beyond all telling is Your mercy toward us, O God, that to redeem a slave You gave Your Son.
How holy is this night when all wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away.
How holy is this night when innocence is restored to the fallen and joy is given to those downcast.
How blessed is this night when man is reconciled to God in Christ.
Holy Father, accept now the evening sacrifices of our thanksgiving and praise. Let Christ, the true light and morning star, shine in our hearts, He who gave light to all creation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Collect for the Vigil of Easter)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday
Psalm 22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save [d] me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.
O Sacred Head Now Wounded (TLH)
1. O sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown.
O sacred Head, what glory,
What bliss, till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.
2. Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee,
Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee
And flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish,
With sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish
That once was bright as morn!
3. Now from Thy cheeks has vanished
Their color, once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished
The splendor that was there.
Grim Death, with cruel rigor,
Hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou has lost Thy vigor,
Thy strength, in this sad strife.
4. My burden in Thy Passion,
Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression
Which brought this woe on thee.
I cast me down before Thee,
Wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee;
Redeemer, spurn me not!
5. My Shepherd, now receive me;
My Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me,
O Source of gifts divine!
Thy lips have often fed me
With words of truth and love,
Thy Spirit oft hath led me
To heavenly joys above.
6. Here I will stand beside Thee,
From Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me!
When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish
In death's cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish,
Thee in mine arms I'll clasp.
7. The joy can ne'er be spoken,
Above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken
I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of life, desiring
Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring,
I'd breathe my soul to Thee.
8. What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this, Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever!
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
Outlive my love for Thee.
9. My Savior, be Thou near me
When death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me,
Forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
Oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish
By virtue of Thine own!
10. Be Thou my Consolation,
My Shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy Passion
When my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
Upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfold Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well!
"John 18:33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken"
Today we look at the crucifixion of Jesus. Good Friday one of the most holy days of the Church year. It was foretold in the Old testament. It is the day when Christ saves us! "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Those are the words he speaks on the cross. Even when he is dead Salvation comes through him. John 18:3bringinging a sudden flow of blood and water." The sacraments! Through Christ's dead body comes the sacraments. The holy water used in baptism. His precious blood that yesterday. "When he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said 'Take. Eat. This is my Body" Through this broken body comes the blood that makes us white as snow and the water that washes us clean and clothes us with Christ.
Without Christ's Crucifixion our Faith is futile. Truly his laying his life down on the cross is the purest gospel we have.
Pax Christi
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Maundy Thursday
IntroitI will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord
How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
O Lord, truly I am your servant;
I am you servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
O Lord, We Praise You
2. Your holy body into death was given,
Life to win for us in heaven,
No greater love than this to you could bind us:
May this feast of that remind us!
O Lord, have mercy!
Lord, your kindness so much did move you
That your blood now moves us to love you.
All our debt you have paid;
Peace with God once more is made.
O Lord, gave mercy!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Passion Hymn
Passion Week is my favorite week of the church year. It contains amazing hymns! But most of all it presents the Gospel in the purist form. Christ on the Cross.
What better image do we as Christians have then the image of Christ beaten, bloody, and dead on the cross? The Cross where Christ becomes the biggest sinner yet was without sin. He confesses for everything we do. For what everyone ever has done or ever will do. You lied to your parents, What does Christ say when the Father is on the brink of releasing his justice on us. Christ says "(insert your name here) didn't do anything. I did that. I also did what Suzy did and Joe he didn't do anything either. I did all those things." Then Christ takes the blow for us. He willingly takes our fate upon himself. He willingly lays down his life. He alone has the authority to lay down his life. NO ONE takes it from him. The Father has given him authority to lay his life down and take it up again. (John 10:17-18)
This Passion week don't focus on how we need to "act better" there is no way we can. This week Rejoice! For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)
Have a blessed week as you observe Christs Passion.
1. The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
We celebrate with one accord;
It is our comfort in distress,
Our heart's sweet joy and happiness.
2. He blotted out with His own blood
The judgment that against us stood;
He full atonement for us made,
And all our debt He fully paid.
3. That this is now and ever true
He gives an earnest ever new:
In this His holy Supper here
We taste His love so sweet, so near.
4. His Word proclaims, and we believe.
That in this Supper we receive
His very body, as He said,
His very blood for sinners shed.
5. A precious food is this indeed,--
It never fails us in our need,--
A heavenly manna for our soul,
Until we safely reach our goal.
6. Oh, blest is each believing guest
Who in this promise finds His rest;
For Jesus will in love abide
With those who do in Him confide.
7. The guest that comes with true intent
To turn to God and to repent,
To live for Christ to die to sin,
Will thus a holy life begin.
8. They who His Word do not believe,
This food unworthily receive,
Salvation here will never find,--
May we this warning keep in mind!
9. Help us sincerely to believe
That we may worthily receive
Thy Supper and in Thee find rest.
Amen, he who believes is blest.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Not a Tame Lion
"One day you'll see him and another you won't. He doesn't like being tied down--and of course he has other countries to attend to. It's quite all right. He'll often drop in. Only you mustn't press him. He's wild, you know. Not like a tame lion."
I recently bought The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It is quickly becoming my favorite movie. I read the books regularly. You can get something out of the books each time you read them. I'm finding out even through the few times I've seen the movie that seeing differnt things each time holds true with the movie also. The movie is extremely close to the book. Yet from my point of view they are extremely different. Many of the symbolisms are the same, but some of the dialogue has changed. You can see one thing in the way the dialogue is in the book, and something else in other places in the movie. I find different symbolisms in the book then in the movie. Then when I see the movie I find things I didn't see in the book. Some of the symbolisms I see in both the book and the movie. I don't know if C. S. Lewis meant them to be there (in the case of the movie either Andrew Adamson or people who worked on the script).
I recommend that if you have not seen it yet that you do. It is a great movie in both that it sticks to the story line as written in the book, extraordinarily closely, and it is great as far as movies go. Everything from the beautiful locations, battle scenes, costuming, to the way Aslan was presented in both appearance and personality (for lack of a better word).
As was brought up in my theology class to day, truly Aslan (God) is not a tame lion. From the human perspective, the way God works is illogical. Of ways to save the world why send your only son to die, therefore cracking the stone table? Why save the world at all? Why make it appear that some of your prophets are just crazy men? Thankfully God does work in illogical ways, or mankind would be in a serious predicament.
Pax Domini
I recommend that if you have not seen it yet that you do. It is a great movie in both that it sticks to the story line as written in the book, extraordinarily closely, and it is great as far as movies go. Everything from the beautiful locations, battle scenes, costuming, to the way Aslan was presented in both appearance and personality (for lack of a better word).
As was brought up in my theology class to day, truly Aslan (God) is not a tame lion. From the human perspective, the way God works is illogical. Of ways to save the world why send your only son to die, therefore cracking the stone table? Why save the world at all? Why make it appear that some of your prophets are just crazy men? Thankfully God does work in illogical ways, or mankind would be in a serious predicament.
Pax Domini
Monday, March 20, 2006
Glory Be to Jesus
Well, I now have 3 blogs so I'm not sure how often I will be updating this one. Be sure to check out the Higher Things Blogs at http://higherthings.org/discussion/blog.html
Now how about a Lenten Hymn!
1. Glory be to Jesus,
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the life-blood
From His sacred veins!
2. Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind!
3. Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Did the world redeem!
4. Abel's blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
5. Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts rejoicing
Make their glad reply.
6. Lift we, then, our voices,
Swell the mighty flood,
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #158
Now how about a Lenten Hymn!
1. Glory be to Jesus,
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the life-blood
From His sacred veins!
2. Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind!
3. Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Did the world redeem!
4. Abel's blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
5. Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts rejoicing
Make their glad reply.
6. Lift we, then, our voices,
Swell the mighty flood,
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #158
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Where in the World is God?
A crucial question plagues the world today: "Where in the world is God?" The skeptics put it this way: "Where in the world is God, anyway?" For them the tragedies and perplexities of life are just too overwhelming. They can't make any sense out of it-- how a God who is supposedly good and all powerful could allow such things to happen. In fact, they're not at all sure that there is a God.
But for us, its not a question of the existence of God--it's simply a matter of where we can get in touch with God. The problems of life and the nagging burden of sin make this question an urgent one. We all need to know: "Where in the world is God? How can we contact him?"
There's nothing we human beings would rather do than climb up into heaven and get the straight scoop from God. But this arrogant idea that we can get in touch with God through our own power ignores the fact that there is a great barrier between God and man: the wall of sin built by man himself. That wall is so high and so strong that no human effort can penetrate it. That's why i's so laughable that people would eventalk about coming to God on their own.
But, though we could not come to him, he has come to us. God, the creator of teh hole universe, came down to planet earth. he came in lowly weakness, clothed in human skin and bones. And even though it meant death--even a horrible death on the cross--he humbled himself so that he could take all our guilt on himself and remove forever the barrier of sin.
This is the God we have. He comes into this world to rescue us. He shoulders his cross and carries our sin in his own sinless body and then ultimately dies our death. Remarkable, isnt it? This God of ours will stop at nothing to give us his love.
Where in the world is God? We have a God who comes down to meet us in the word of his gospel. Even to touch and handle the living flesh of Jesus is not beyond our reach, for he condescends to attact his word of promise to the earthly elements of bread and wine. And in that Word made visible, we have athe sign and seal of our redemtion and the encouragement to faith and hope and love. "For you," he says to every weary soul weighed down by sin and plagued by trial, "for the forgiveness of your sin." The real presence of Jesus in his Holy Supper is not some dry doctrine, but liveing reality. We have his Word on it.
Where in the world is God? Not far away. In the precious gospel of Jesus, his Son, he is in your mouth and in your heart, throughout this Lenten season, and even into eternity.
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion. With your Spirit me endow for such meditation. Grant the I in love and faith may the image cherish of your suffering, pain, and death that I may not perish. Amen.
-Taken from "Triumph at the Cross" by Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil-
But for us, its not a question of the existence of God--it's simply a matter of where we can get in touch with God. The problems of life and the nagging burden of sin make this question an urgent one. We all need to know: "Where in the world is God? How can we contact him?"
There's nothing we human beings would rather do than climb up into heaven and get the straight scoop from God. But this arrogant idea that we can get in touch with God through our own power ignores the fact that there is a great barrier between God and man: the wall of sin built by man himself. That wall is so high and so strong that no human effort can penetrate it. That's why i's so laughable that people would eventalk about coming to God on their own.
But, though we could not come to him, he has come to us. God, the creator of teh hole universe, came down to planet earth. he came in lowly weakness, clothed in human skin and bones. And even though it meant death--even a horrible death on the cross--he humbled himself so that he could take all our guilt on himself and remove forever the barrier of sin.
This is the God we have. He comes into this world to rescue us. He shoulders his cross and carries our sin in his own sinless body and then ultimately dies our death. Remarkable, isnt it? This God of ours will stop at nothing to give us his love.
Where in the world is God? We have a God who comes down to meet us in the word of his gospel. Even to touch and handle the living flesh of Jesus is not beyond our reach, for he condescends to attact his word of promise to the earthly elements of bread and wine. And in that Word made visible, we have athe sign and seal of our redemtion and the encouragement to faith and hope and love. "For you," he says to every weary soul weighed down by sin and plagued by trial, "for the forgiveness of your sin." The real presence of Jesus in his Holy Supper is not some dry doctrine, but liveing reality. We have his Word on it.
Where in the world is God? Not far away. In the precious gospel of Jesus, his Son, he is in your mouth and in your heart, throughout this Lenten season, and even into eternity.
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion. With your Spirit me endow for such meditation. Grant the I in love and faith may the image cherish of your suffering, pain, and death that I may not perish. Amen.
-Taken from "Triumph at the Cross" by Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil-
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Fasting During Lent?
"The season of Lent lasts for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. Sundays are not counted because every Lord's Day is a "little Easter" in the Church. Lent corresponds to the 40 days that our Lord Jesus fasted in the wilderness, in which He overcame the temptations of the devil. "
What do you all think of fasting or giving up something for Lent? I dont give up anything for Lent, but I know some reasons people do. So I ask, First, Do you give up anything for Lent. and second, what are your reasons for doing it?
Lord, Who throughout these forty days
For us didst fast and pray,
Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins
And close by Thee to stay.
As Thou with Satan didst contend,
And didst the victory win,
O give us strength in Thee to fight,
In Thee to conquer sin.
As Thou didst hunger bear, and thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and chiefly live
By Thy most holy Word.
Abide with us, that so, this life
Of suffering over past,
An Easter of unending joy
We may attain at last.
What do you all think of fasting or giving up something for Lent? I dont give up anything for Lent, but I know some reasons people do. So I ask, First, Do you give up anything for Lent. and second, what are your reasons for doing it?
Lord, Who throughout these forty days
For us didst fast and pray,
Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins
And close by Thee to stay.
As Thou with Satan didst contend,
And didst the victory win,
O give us strength in Thee to fight,
In Thee to conquer sin.
As Thou didst hunger bear, and thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and chiefly live
By Thy most holy Word.
Abide with us, that so, this life
Of suffering over past,
An Easter of unending joy
We may attain at last.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Ash Wednessday
“Almighty and everlasting God, our Father, because You hate nothing that You have made and You forgive the sins of all those who are penitent, create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from You, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” (Collect for Ash Wednesday)
Monday, February 27, 2006
As Epiphany Comes to and End
How about one last hymn.
Hail, O Source of every blessing,
Father of all humankind!
Gentiles now, your grace possessing,
In your courts admission find.
Grateful now we fall before you,
In your Church obtain a place,
See your glory and adore you;
Praise your truth and laud your grace.
Once far off but now invited,
We approach your sacred throne;
In your covenant united,
Reconciled, redeemed, made one.
Now revealed to eastern sages,
See the Star of Mercy shine;
Mystery hid in former ages,
Mystery great of love divine.
Hail, O all inviting Savior!
Gentiles now their offerings bring;
In your temples seek your favor,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
May we, body, soul, and spirit,
Live devoted to your praise,
Glorious realms of bliss inherit,
Grateful anthems ever raise!
LW 84
Hail, O Source of every blessing,
Father of all humankind!
Gentiles now, your grace possessing,
In your courts admission find.
Grateful now we fall before you,
In your Church obtain a place,
See your glory and adore you;
Praise your truth and laud your grace.
Once far off but now invited,
We approach your sacred throne;
In your covenant united,
Reconciled, redeemed, made one.
Now revealed to eastern sages,
See the Star of Mercy shine;
Mystery hid in former ages,
Mystery great of love divine.
Hail, O all inviting Savior!
Gentiles now their offerings bring;
In your temples seek your favor,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
May we, body, soul, and spirit,
Live devoted to your praise,
Glorious realms of bliss inherit,
Grateful anthems ever raise!
LW 84
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Yay South Dakota
Feb 22, 7:48 PM (ET)
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Reuters) - South Dakota's
state senate voted on Wednesday for an abortion ban
aimed at giving the conservative-tilting Supreme Court
an opening to overturn rulings granting women the
right to the procedure.
Only an unlikely veto by Republican Gov. Michael
Rounds could prevent the legislation from becoming
law, people on both sides of the issue said.
"We hope (Rounds) recognizes this for what it is: a
political tool and not about the health and safety of
the women of South Dakota," said Kate Looby of Planned
Parenthood, which operates the sole clinic providing
abortions in South Dakota.
"If he chooses to sign it, we will be filing a lawsuit
in short order to block it," she said after attending
the afternoon debate at the state capitol in Pierre.
Proponents have said the law was designed for just
such a court challenge.
The timing is right, supporters say, given the recent
appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice
Samuel Alito to the high court. The two conservatives
could pave the way to a decision overturning Roe v.
Wade, the 1973 ruling said women have a constitutional
right to abortion.
The high court said on Tuesday it will rule on whether
the federal government can ban some abortion
procedures, a case that could reveal whether the court
reshaped by President George W. Bush will restrict
abortion rights.
Five states have proposed similar bans, but South
Dakota's legislature was the first to pass a law,
which threatens to punish doctors who perform
abortions with a five-year prison term and $5,000
fine.
Proposed amendments to the law to create exceptions to
specifically protect the health of the mother, or in
cases of rape or incest, were voted down. Also
defeated was an amendment to put the proposal in the
hands of voters.
The bill as written does make an exception if the
fetus dies during a doctor's attempt to save the
mother's life.
Two years ago, Rounds vetoed a similar bill, saying it
would wipe out existing restrictions on abortion while
it was fought in the courts. A rewritten bill lost
narrowly.
Some legislators opposed to abortion rights questioned
whether it was premature to challenge Roe v. Wade, and
said litigation would prove expensive for the sparsely
populated state. An anonymous donor has offered $1
million to the state to defray the costs of
litigation.
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Reuters) - South Dakota's
state senate voted on Wednesday for an abortion ban
aimed at giving the conservative-tilting Supreme Court
an opening to overturn rulings granting women the
right to the procedure.
Only an unlikely veto by Republican Gov. Michael
Rounds could prevent the legislation from becoming
law, people on both sides of the issue said.
"We hope (Rounds) recognizes this for what it is: a
political tool and not about the health and safety of
the women of South Dakota," said Kate Looby of Planned
Parenthood, which operates the sole clinic providing
abortions in South Dakota.
"If he chooses to sign it, we will be filing a lawsuit
in short order to block it," she said after attending
the afternoon debate at the state capitol in Pierre.
Proponents have said the law was designed for just
such a court challenge.
The timing is right, supporters say, given the recent
appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice
Samuel Alito to the high court. The two conservatives
could pave the way to a decision overturning Roe v.
Wade, the 1973 ruling said women have a constitutional
right to abortion.
The high court said on Tuesday it will rule on whether
the federal government can ban some abortion
procedures, a case that could reveal whether the court
reshaped by President George W. Bush will restrict
abortion rights.
Five states have proposed similar bans, but South
Dakota's legislature was the first to pass a law,
which threatens to punish doctors who perform
abortions with a five-year prison term and $5,000
fine.
Proposed amendments to the law to create exceptions to
specifically protect the health of the mother, or in
cases of rape or incest, were voted down. Also
defeated was an amendment to put the proposal in the
hands of voters.
The bill as written does make an exception if the
fetus dies during a doctor's attempt to save the
mother's life.
Two years ago, Rounds vetoed a similar bill, saying it
would wipe out existing restrictions on abortion while
it was fought in the courts. A rewritten bill lost
narrowly.
Some legislators opposed to abortion rights questioned
whether it was premature to challenge Roe v. Wade, and
said litigation would prove expensive for the sparsely
populated state. An anonymous donor has offered $1
million to the state to defray the costs of
litigation.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ahhh... Rant on synods
I begin this rant with something that has recently happened in the ELS. Rev. Rolf Preus was suspended by the ELS synodical president. The synod later told his congregation that they had the choice between their pastor or the synod. Ultimatly they chose the synod. But, what really makes this worse is that before the congregation voted him out of ministry there, they had another vote. In that ballet they UNANIMOUSLY voted that he was preaching the Word of God in its truth and purity and rightly administering the sacraments. Yet they voted him out because they didnt want to be kicked out of the synod. Why has the synod become more important then scripture. This can be seen in the ELS, ELCA, and the LCMS to name a few. Luke 10:16 says "He who listens to you listens to me, he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." So what does that say about that congregation? Here ends the Rant on the ELS.
Now to my synod the LCMS. Basically, what this is about is how the LCMS is full of people who want to please everyone. They will try to please everyone whether it holds to scripture or not. This whole ABLAZE thing its just trying to get more and more members. What do they do with these people once they are members. Absolutly nothing! They dont try to catechize them. Or teach them anything. The Methodists had something like this a couple years ago called Ignite. They are now basically unitarians. To end this part I leave you with some quotes from Klemet Preus' book: The Fire and the Staff...
"An effective church is one in which the Spirit works through the Word and Sacraments. We cannot become more "effective" then the Spirit already is. But we can "efect" faith by the Gospel and teh Sacraments. An effective church, a successful church, is one where the Word is taught and the Sacraments administerd. Our success as minsisters or as churches ismeasured only by whether we consistently and purely teach this Word and rightly administer Baptism and the Lord's Supper."
No where does that say anything about being successful by the number of members. To those of you who are in the ministry or studying to enter it, I pray you will stay strong in the Word. Those of you who do will most likely face persecution. Major cuts in pay if you arent suspended or voted out. Stay strong in the Word and do not break from it. The Lord be with you.
Now to my synod the LCMS. Basically, what this is about is how the LCMS is full of people who want to please everyone. They will try to please everyone whether it holds to scripture or not. This whole ABLAZE thing its just trying to get more and more members. What do they do with these people once they are members. Absolutly nothing! They dont try to catechize them. Or teach them anything. The Methodists had something like this a couple years ago called Ignite. They are now basically unitarians. To end this part I leave you with some quotes from Klemet Preus' book: The Fire and the Staff...
"An effective church is one in which the Spirit works through the Word and Sacraments. We cannot become more "effective" then the Spirit already is. But we can "efect" faith by the Gospel and teh Sacraments. An effective church, a successful church, is one where the Word is taught and the Sacraments administerd. Our success as minsisters or as churches ismeasured only by whether we consistently and purely teach this Word and rightly administer Baptism and the Lord's Supper."
No where does that say anything about being successful by the number of members. To those of you who are in the ministry or studying to enter it, I pray you will stay strong in the Word. Those of you who do will most likely face persecution. Major cuts in pay if you arent suspended or voted out. Stay strong in the Word and do not break from it. The Lord be with you.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The Liturgy
I love the Liturgy! Now some of you might be saying, "Why, its so boring?" Others may be saying, "Yeah thats just what youve known your whole life." Still others may be saying, "you just really dont like contemporary ways of worship so the liturgy is the only thing left."
So why do I love the Liturgy so much? What makes it so special? Its Biblical! The entire thing a biblical way of worshiping. Now, lets break down the liturgy. Because it is what I have been using most recently I'm going to use Divine Service I (DSI)
The liturgy is broken up into three parts: The Preperation, The Service of the Word and The Service of the Sacrament.
The Preperation
The Preperation begins with the Prelude. The Prelude is a musical peice that helps draw us into an atitude of prayer and praise.
Ringing of the bells - The ringing of the bells calls God's people "to enter the lord's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).
A hymn of invocation is sung - This hymn is one of praise, prayer, or reflection on the season of the church year. We are a "singing church" so here we follow the advice Paul gives us in Colossians 3:16 "..As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.."
The Invocation - During the Invocation we call upon God to be with us. It shows our worship of the Triune God and helps us to remember our Baptism in His name. (Matthew 18:20, 28:19)
The Confession of Sins - We examine ourselves and publicly confess our sins. Confession at the beginning of the service creates a climate of acceptance. In spite of our sins, we are accepted by God.
I John 1:8-10 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn purify us from all unrighteousness."
Absolution - Jesus said to his disciples, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:23). The pastor speaks for God and announces God's cleansing forgiveness to those who made confession. Again here the Trinity is mentioned as forgiving us.
The Service of the Word
The Introit- Introit in Latin means "he enters into." The Introit is a part of a psalm or a hymn that announces the theme of the day and begins the Service of the Word. The Introit traditionally consists of an Antiphon(refrain), a psalm, the Gloria Patri, and the Antiphon is repeated.
Romans 16:27 "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."
The Kyrie - Kyrie in Greek means "O Lord." It is a cry to the Lord for help and strength. In ancient times, the crowds would shout "Lord, have mercy" as the King entered their town. The church has taken over his prayer to greet its King Jesus Christ in the church service. As the people so long ago expected help from their King, so we Christians expect help from our Savior.
Matthew 20:31 "..Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
The Hymn of Praise - The hymn of Praise give the congregation the opportunity to praise God and express joy because Jesus is our victorious Savior. During Advent and Lent, the hymn of praise is omitted. ('This is the feast' would fall under the Hymn of Praise also)
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Salutaion - In the Salutation, the pastor and the congregation great each other in the Lord's name.
Ruth 2:4 "The Lord be with you, The Lord bless you they called back"
Luke 1:28 "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
The Collect - The main thoughts of the day are collected, or summarized in this short prayer.
The First Lesson - The first reading is from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when it is from the Book of Acts. This reading usually relates to the Gospel of the day.
The Gradual - Gradual means "step" in latin. It is a scripture passage for each season of the church year. It is a response to the First Lesson and a bridge to the Second Lesson. Sometimes a psalm is sung or spoken.
The Second Lesson -The second reading is from one of the epistles (letters) in the New Testament.
The Verse - A verse from the holy scriptures is usually sung in preparation for the reading of the Gospel. There are general verses as well as specific verses for the seasons of the church year. (In DS I it is just Alleluia, Alleluia. But the one in DS II comes from John 6:68 "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.")
The Holy Gospel -The Gospel Lesson is a selection from the accounts of the life of our Lord recorded by the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Because Christ is with us in the Gospel reading, we stand to honor his presence. We also sing versicles (short verses) before and after the reading of the Gospel. On certain festival days the minister may read the Gospel while standing among the people (in the center). He may be accompanied by torches who proclaim Jesus and his word as the "light of the world" and a processional cross.
The Creed - After hearing the word of God read and proclaimed, the worshiper responds with his confession of faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. It is customary for the Nicene Creed to be spoken when Holy Communion is celebrated and on major festivals. The Apostles' Creed is used at other times.
1 Corinthians 15:1 "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
The Hymn of the Day - This hymn follows the theme of the readings and set the stage for the sermon.
The Sermon - The Pastor proclaims God's Word. He stresses both what God demands of us (the Law) and what God does for us through Jesus Christ (the Gospel).
The Offering - The gifts of God's people are a response to God's blessings "as God has prospered them" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Our offerings are for the support of the church. They enable the church to provide the written and spoken word of God, Christian education, and pastoral care, food, clothing, shelter, and a helping hand to those in need.
The Offertory - As the offerings are brought to the Lord's table, the worshipers sing the offertory to express gratitude for all God's blessings, dedicate themselves to God, and request His continued blessings.
Pslam 51:10-12 "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation adn grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
The Prayers - This prayer in the service follows the directive of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy, a pastor: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." I Tim 2:1-2
The Service of Holy Communion
The Preface - Preface means "introduction." The pastor and people get ready to celebrate the Holy Meal by greeting each other and with an exhortation as how to celebrate the meal.
Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our heartsand our hands to God in heaven"
The Common Preface - These words state why we should give thanks using words and ideas appropriate for the season of the church year.
The Sanctus - Sanctus is Latin meaning "Holy." The Sanctus contains words from Isaiah's vision of God (Isaiah 6:3) and the crowd's response on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). We join them in spirit by singing their words as we anticipate Christ’s coming in the sacrament.
The Lord's Prayer - We pray to God as our Father using the prayer he taught us. (Matthew 6:9ff)
The Words of Institution - The pastor speak/chants the words which Jesus spoke when He instituted the Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. With these words the bread and wine are consecrated, that is, set apart for God's use in the special meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.)
The Peace - The greetings of peace which Jesus spoke on the first Easter is shared before we approach the altar to receive Him. In the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. ( John 14:27; John 20:19-21.)
The Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei is a Latin phrase meaning "Lamb of God." John the Baptist spoke these words as he pointed to Jesus coming toward him (John 1:29). As Christ comes to us in the Holy Supper, we recognize him as the Lamb of God sacrificed for us to free us from the bondage of sin and death.
The Administration of the Supper - As we kneel at the Lord's Table, the pastor invites us, "Take, eat; this is the true body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, given into death for your sins. Take, drink, this is the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shed for the forgiveness of your sins." After we receive the Sacrament we hear the comforting words spoken by the pastor, "The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you in the true faith to life everlasting." We respond, "Amen," for this is our sincere desire. Its is a good practice to offer a silent prayer of thanks when we return to our pews. While the meal is being distributed, the congregation and/or the choir sing hymns.
The Post-Communion Canticle - "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace," or an appropriate hymn is sung. The purpose is to offer our thanks and express our faith in what God has done for us and promised to do for us in the future.
Luke 2:29- 32 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Isreal."
Post-Communion Collect - Once again we express our appreciation to our gracious God for giving us this Holy Meal through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Psalms 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever"
The Benidiction - The benediction spoken by the pastor is the Aaronic benediction, the blessing God first gave to Aaron and the other priests to speak to thew people of Israel. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has come to us in a special way through this Holy Meal. The blessing is God's promise that Christ will go with us as we leave the church and return to the world to serve Him. We sing "Amen" to affirm the blessing; "So be it -- it is true!" (Numbers 6:23-27)
So there you have it the Liturgy, the biblical way to worship. I would add a hymn but I doubt that many of you have even made it this far.
So why do I love the Liturgy so much? What makes it so special? Its Biblical! The entire thing a biblical way of worshiping. Now, lets break down the liturgy. Because it is what I have been using most recently I'm going to use Divine Service I (DSI)
The liturgy is broken up into three parts: The Preperation, The Service of the Word and The Service of the Sacrament.
The Preperation
The Preperation begins with the Prelude. The Prelude is a musical peice that helps draw us into an atitude of prayer and praise.
Ringing of the bells - The ringing of the bells calls God's people "to enter the lord's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).
A hymn of invocation is sung - This hymn is one of praise, prayer, or reflection on the season of the church year. We are a "singing church" so here we follow the advice Paul gives us in Colossians 3:16 "..As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.."
The Invocation - During the Invocation we call upon God to be with us. It shows our worship of the Triune God and helps us to remember our Baptism in His name. (Matthew 18:20, 28:19)
The Confession of Sins - We examine ourselves and publicly confess our sins. Confession at the beginning of the service creates a climate of acceptance. In spite of our sins, we are accepted by God.
I John 1:8-10 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn purify us from all unrighteousness."
Absolution - Jesus said to his disciples, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:23). The pastor speaks for God and announces God's cleansing forgiveness to those who made confession. Again here the Trinity is mentioned as forgiving us.
The Service of the Word
The Introit- Introit in Latin means "he enters into." The Introit is a part of a psalm or a hymn that announces the theme of the day and begins the Service of the Word. The Introit traditionally consists of an Antiphon(refrain), a psalm, the Gloria Patri, and the Antiphon is repeated.
Romans 16:27 "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."
The Kyrie - Kyrie in Greek means "O Lord." It is a cry to the Lord for help and strength. In ancient times, the crowds would shout "Lord, have mercy" as the King entered their town. The church has taken over his prayer to greet its King Jesus Christ in the church service. As the people so long ago expected help from their King, so we Christians expect help from our Savior.
Matthew 20:31 "..Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
The Hymn of Praise - The hymn of Praise give the congregation the opportunity to praise God and express joy because Jesus is our victorious Savior. During Advent and Lent, the hymn of praise is omitted. ('This is the feast' would fall under the Hymn of Praise also)
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Salutaion - In the Salutation, the pastor and the congregation great each other in the Lord's name.
Ruth 2:4 "The Lord be with you, The Lord bless you they called back"
Luke 1:28 "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
The Collect - The main thoughts of the day are collected, or summarized in this short prayer.
The First Lesson - The first reading is from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when it is from the Book of Acts. This reading usually relates to the Gospel of the day.
The Gradual - Gradual means "step" in latin. It is a scripture passage for each season of the church year. It is a response to the First Lesson and a bridge to the Second Lesson. Sometimes a psalm is sung or spoken.
The Second Lesson -The second reading is from one of the epistles (letters) in the New Testament.
The Verse - A verse from the holy scriptures is usually sung in preparation for the reading of the Gospel. There are general verses as well as specific verses for the seasons of the church year. (In DS I it is just Alleluia, Alleluia. But the one in DS II comes from John 6:68 "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.")
The Holy Gospel -The Gospel Lesson is a selection from the accounts of the life of our Lord recorded by the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Because Christ is with us in the Gospel reading, we stand to honor his presence. We also sing versicles (short verses) before and after the reading of the Gospel. On certain festival days the minister may read the Gospel while standing among the people (in the center). He may be accompanied by torches who proclaim Jesus and his word as the "light of the world" and a processional cross.
The Creed - After hearing the word of God read and proclaimed, the worshiper responds with his confession of faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. It is customary for the Nicene Creed to be spoken when Holy Communion is celebrated and on major festivals. The Apostles' Creed is used at other times.
1 Corinthians 15:1 "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
The Hymn of the Day - This hymn follows the theme of the readings and set the stage for the sermon.
The Sermon - The Pastor proclaims God's Word. He stresses both what God demands of us (the Law) and what God does for us through Jesus Christ (the Gospel).
The Offering - The gifts of God's people are a response to God's blessings "as God has prospered them" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Our offerings are for the support of the church. They enable the church to provide the written and spoken word of God, Christian education, and pastoral care, food, clothing, shelter, and a helping hand to those in need.
The Offertory - As the offerings are brought to the Lord's table, the worshipers sing the offertory to express gratitude for all God's blessings, dedicate themselves to God, and request His continued blessings.
Pslam 51:10-12 "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation adn grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
The Prayers - This prayer in the service follows the directive of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy, a pastor: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." I Tim 2:1-2
The Service of Holy Communion
The Preface - Preface means "introduction." The pastor and people get ready to celebrate the Holy Meal by greeting each other and with an exhortation as how to celebrate the meal.
Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our heartsand our hands to God in heaven"
The Common Preface - These words state why we should give thanks using words and ideas appropriate for the season of the church year.
The Sanctus - Sanctus is Latin meaning "Holy." The Sanctus contains words from Isaiah's vision of God (Isaiah 6:3) and the crowd's response on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). We join them in spirit by singing their words as we anticipate Christ’s coming in the sacrament.
The Lord's Prayer - We pray to God as our Father using the prayer he taught us. (Matthew 6:9ff)
The Words of Institution - The pastor speak/chants the words which Jesus spoke when He instituted the Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. With these words the bread and wine are consecrated, that is, set apart for God's use in the special meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.)
The Peace - The greetings of peace which Jesus spoke on the first Easter is shared before we approach the altar to receive Him. In the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. ( John 14:27; John 20:19-21.)
The Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei is a Latin phrase meaning "Lamb of God." John the Baptist spoke these words as he pointed to Jesus coming toward him (John 1:29). As Christ comes to us in the Holy Supper, we recognize him as the Lamb of God sacrificed for us to free us from the bondage of sin and death.
The Administration of the Supper - As we kneel at the Lord's Table, the pastor invites us, "Take, eat; this is the true body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, given into death for your sins. Take, drink, this is the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shed for the forgiveness of your sins." After we receive the Sacrament we hear the comforting words spoken by the pastor, "The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you in the true faith to life everlasting." We respond, "Amen," for this is our sincere desire. Its is a good practice to offer a silent prayer of thanks when we return to our pews. While the meal is being distributed, the congregation and/or the choir sing hymns.
The Post-Communion Canticle - "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace," or an appropriate hymn is sung. The purpose is to offer our thanks and express our faith in what God has done for us and promised to do for us in the future.
Luke 2:29- 32 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Isreal."
Post-Communion Collect - Once again we express our appreciation to our gracious God for giving us this Holy Meal through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Psalms 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever"
The Benidiction - The benediction spoken by the pastor is the Aaronic benediction, the blessing God first gave to Aaron and the other priests to speak to thew people of Israel. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has come to us in a special way through this Holy Meal. The blessing is God's promise that Christ will go with us as we leave the church and return to the world to serve Him. We sing "Amen" to affirm the blessing; "So be it -- it is true!" (Numbers 6:23-27)
So there you have it the Liturgy, the biblical way to worship. I would add a hymn but I doubt that many of you have even made it this far.
Monday, January 16, 2006
To Anonymous Commenters
If you wish to comment, please do. I just ask that you put your name to it. If you dont have a blog, or use the other option, I dont remember what it is exactly, I think you can have your name and web site/email, If you comment 'anonymously' please at least put your name at the end of the comment. You will not be ridiculed (no matter who it is) so long as your comment remains in good taste and is respectful to me and my readers. Feel free to disagree! It brings discussion and helps me to expand my thoughts. Matthew 18 may also be something good to read.
Thank you and Goodnight.
Thank you and Goodnight.
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