Mid-Week Lenten Service 2023

Bethany Lutheran Church

Mid-Week Lenten Service, 7 PM Central

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

 

 

The Hymn # 166         Savior When in Dust To Thee
The Order of Vespers                                             p. 41

The Psalmody              Psalm 14                         p. 124    
The Lection                            The Passion History

The Sermon Hymn # 657            Beautiful Savior                        

The Sermon –  Access to Grace

 
The Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer

The Collect for Grace                                            p. 45

The Hymn #551                 Sun of My Soul

Access to God's Grace

KJV Romans 

4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all...

The common claim is often heard - "faith must be absent with forgiveness, or it would be man's work, to have faith." People do get nervous and uncertain, because this foolish warning is the opposite of Paul's teaching through the Holy Spirit. And it is also taught throughout the Bible. Paul clearly teaches that works do not give us access to God's grace - faith does. Paul taught and Jesus emphasized that the Gospel does not come to the Jews alone but to the Gentiles as well. 

4:20 Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

The Scriptures do not give us philosophical terms but actual vivid examples where the teaching is directly related to human behavior. Abraham and Sarah seemed to be without a son, but God promised them a son when both were far too old to have one. Abraham trusted that God will give them both what they longed for in a son. But God promised them more than a son - the Promise inclined the line that led to Jesus as the Messiah.

21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Abraham believed in God's astonishing Promise. They hoped for a son, but were promised a kingdom - and way beyond human concepts of a kingdom. We are worshiping all over the world because God blessed the faith of Abraham and counted that as righteousness, forgiveness.

22 And therefore it was imputed (GJ - counted) to him for righteousness.

Instead of saying, "We cannot have a son," Abraham and Sarah took the Promise to heart, fulfilling their dream of a son and the glorious hope of the future Savior, which was counted - imputed - as forgiveness.

23 Now it was not written for his [Abraham's] sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

God determined that the Gospel Word would plant the seed of faith in all who heard and believed. God promised and Abraham believed that Promise.

4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed , if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

The vast majority - including the apostate Lutherans - make a muddle, mess, and madhouse out of their peculiar distortions, making the simple Gospel of forgiveness of sin into a philosophical tangle of opinions and cute phrases.

25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

The Gospel message is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Timothy 3:16) to show the world He was without sin. The resurrection remains the core of all Christian Faith.

5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Therefore is a word used to conclude  what is taught just before in Romans 4,  a chapter which itself is very clear. All of Romans 4 is wrapped up in Romans 5:1-2. Sin causes turmoil and sorrow when we are unrepentant. Peace is the result of faith and forgiveness.

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Access is a wonderful, clear word. I want to see my eye doctor. "Make an appointment and you will have access to him on Tuesday at 9 AM." 

Here is a sign at the rare books section - No Access! That is easy to understand. A single book can be worth $160,000. I wanted to see it. "It is locked up, at home. You don't have access."

Grace, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life are associated directly with faith in Jesus Christ. Sadly, the LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC synods are united with ELCA in promoting universal forgiveness without faith. The LCMS-WELS-ELS sects were "delighted" to discover they taught the same blasphemies. They also show their doctrinal unity with ELCA by participating in many doctrinal programs, from evangelism to worship onward. They show they shame by hiding this unity and raking in insurance money because they are impoverished in every possible way.

 Bearing the cross is a blessing, marked by opposition, hatred, and disagreeable things.