Third Sunday in Advent 2022

  

Bethany Lutheran Church

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

The Third Sunday in Advent, 2022

The Hymn #381         I Know My Faith Is Founded

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men: 

the Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing: but in everything, 

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 

let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalm. Lord, Thou hast been favorable unto Thy land: 

Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

The Gloria Patri

The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

Lord, we beseech Thee, give ear to our prayers and lighten 

the darkness of our hearts by Thy gracious visitation; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

The Epistle and Gradual

Gradual       

Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: stir up Thy strength and come. V. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Hymn # 63                 On Jordan's Bank the Baptist Cries

The Prophet of Isaiah 40

The Hymn # 660                  I'm But a Stranger              

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #657                 Beautiful Savior   

Announcements and Prayers

• December 18th - Eighth Wedding Anniversary of Corey and Abby Meyer Fagan.
• Ongoing medical care - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit and Maria Way, Pastor K, Doc Lito.
• Saturday, Zach Engleman's Birthday.

Epistle

KJV 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Gospel

KJV Matthew 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Third Sunday In Advent

Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst suffer Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to become man, and to come into the world, that He might destroy the works of the devil, deliver us poor offenders from sin and death, and give us everlasting life: We beseech Thee so to rule and govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may seek no other refuge than His word, and thus avoid all offense to which, by nature, we are inclined, in order that we may always be found among the faithful followers of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and by faith in Him obtain eternal salvation, through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

The pink candle represents the Introit for today - "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4ff.


The Prophet of Isaiah 40

KJV Matthew 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

This passage is described two ways, one as John the Baptist being uncertain about Jesus, the other as John having his disciples learn that Jesus would follow and become the fulfillment of Isaiah 40. Not surprisingly, my Harvard trained teacher at Augustana College tried to promote the first idea, downplaying Jesus - "John had an enormous following."

The Book of Isaiah makes it clear. The forerunner of the Messiah will be Voice crying in the wilderness (dessert), - Prepare the Day of the Lord. The Savior would appear after being announced to Israel. That was embedded in Israel's memory because of the signs in Isaiah of it becoming true.

I was thinking about what was happening 30 years ago, just as my parents remembered key events and people 30 years before I was a young lad, the coming of the Depression and WWII. They compared our prosperity with the difficulties of those two epochs - almost on a daily basis. One speaker said on his audio tapes - "The Depression must have been great, because those who lived during that time never stopped talking about it. They had no money but they had plenty of love and vegetables from the garden."

Likewise, Israel remembered the Star of Bethlehem and all furor around that event. Everyone saw it gleaming in the night sky. Thirty years ago, I was stunned by the beauty of the cloudless sky in the dessert, and the way the glow of Phoenix showed the way from Yuma back to home. Everyone saw the Hale-Bopp comet, because it was unusual and impossible to miss.

John was not doubtful but following the urge of the Spirit. As the forerunner of the Messiah, his role was to prepare the people through preaching about repentance and faith in the Savior. Thousands went out into the dessert to listen to him as the last of the prophets. Parents could say to their children, "We saw the Star."

I grew up during a time when many scientists and Leftist theologians mocked the Star of Bethlehem. When the computer models and planetariums reproduced the Star, the doubters moved to another topic.

John was preparing his disciples to follow Jesus, who had been clearly identified as Messiah, baptized, and identified as the Son. As Luther wrote, 

The other reason was because Christ appeared so very humble and common, being the son of a poor carpenter and of a poor widow. Neither did he belong to the priesthood, nor to the learned; but was only a layman and a common apprentice. He had never studied, was brought up as a carpenter apprentice just like other lay-men; hence it seemed as though the excellent testimony of John concerning Christ and the common layman and apprentice, Jesus of Nazareth, did not at all harmonize with each other.

Luther also wrote that John had the greatest role at the moment, because he pointed to his humble figure and said, "This is the One."

Today, the majority will have something good to say about Jesus, but that often means a watered down and politicized version, like Godspell, Braaten-Jenson, and the Unitarians. Hearing about the risen Christ makes them angry and vindictive.

4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

1. The blind see
2. The lame walk
3. Lepers are cleansed
4. The deaf hear
5. The dead are raised up
6. The poor have the Gospel preached to them.

The Trinity is implied in this list of six signs, miracles from God, which continue in this day. Seven is -- blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended (GJ -scandalized, fallen from faith) in me.

What Jesus did then is still happening today. And people are still scandalized, which means the revelation of the 

Scriptures is not acceptable to them.

7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

This change to Jesus preaching about John displays the unity of the Scriptures. John baptized and pointed out Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus pointed out John as the final Old Testament prophet.

1. Does a reed move from the wind? (Wind, Greek, Spirit)

2. Do prophets wear beautiful silken robes, like the yes-men serving in royal households?

3. Did curiosity pull you out to find the final prophet from Isaiah? Note - Yes, and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Lenski, Matthew p. 486

"The greatness of those who are officially less than John consists in the great treasures of revelation given to them by God. Read 13:16, 17. Jesus is speaking of the time now in progress. In spite of his great office John could not in prison see the great miracles Jesus was working. Soon he would give up his life, and, therefore, could not see the consummation of Jesus’ work (death, resurrection, etc.)."

So we are greater than John the Baptist in that all the treasures of Heaven are revealed to us.

Big John just told me about a pastors's wife who wrapped her arms around a Super Giant print Bible and said, "This is mine!"

Second MidWeek Advent Service

 

Vimeo:

The Hymn # 81                O Jesus Christ Thy Manger
The Order of Vespers p. 41
The Psalmody Psalm 2 on page 123
The Lections

Exodus 3

John 8

The Sermon Hymn #56     Jesus Came the Heavens Adoring

The Son of God Dominates the Old Testament

The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer p. 44
The Collect for Peace p. 45
The Benediction p. 45
The Hymn # 83        Hark What Mean These Holy Voices

Announcements and Our Prayers

• Randy Anderson is doing well.
• Doctor's care - Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris, Pastor K, Dr. Lito Cruz, Kermit Way, Callie.
• The Constitutional Crisis

KJV Exodus 3 

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

14 And God said unto Moses, I AM That I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

KJV John 8:52 

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.

59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

The Son of God Dominates the Old Testament

    I often get free books about the Bible, since so many classics are in circulation. They are often great treasures, but the best and most valuable source is the Word of God itself.

    I was reminded of this from reading a book on Spener, who founded what is called Pietism. His work was largely against "Your dogmatics books versus my dogmatics books." This is what we have today, especially because the rationalists have taken over and used the Bible to promote their philosophies. This is true for all the denominations, including the Lutherans, who should know better. It even involves an obsession with costumes to wear and the proper use of incense.

    What we have in the Bible is a book about the Bible called the Bible. The best way to study the Scriptures is through regular reading of the Word of God.

    So many oddities are part of the puzzle that we can put together through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is always active through reading, hearing, and remembering the Word.

    Like the "faith of Jesus," a phrase or passage has to mean something, especially when it is erased from most modern translations - as "the faith of Jesus" is.

    So here we have the Angel of the Lord speaking to Moses through the Burning Bush. The Angel of the Lord is God in more than one place (Peniel) but not always.

    Often someone will be quite brilliant but miss the obvious - obvious to a believer. Roland Bainton had many good qualities and was a brilliant historian. But he did not accept the divinity of Christ, a popular notion at the turn of the century. He used this statement - "I agree with John and the Apostle Paul." 

    It is true that those apostles did not teach about the Virgin birth of Christ, but John revealed that "the Word became flesh," which is another way to describe the Nativity. Paul explicitly taught the Two Natures of Christ in Romans 1, the most important doctrinal letter. Variety helps us see the same truth from various perspectives.

    How else to describe the nature of God than to have the Son execute the Father's commands with the Spirit as witness and teaching us?  He is always working with the Word, and never apart from the Word. That is John 1, which explains Genesis 1 to us.

    John 8 teaches us about the pre-existence of the Son, before He was born.

This is a mystery that we cannot comprehend on our own, but we see it carefully shown to us in various ways.

    Jesus is teaching us clearly that He was and is God, that He existed long before King David - even from eternity. "Before Abraham was, I AM."

    All the English translations use - I am, or I AM. But when the same two Greek words are translated elsewhere in John and in Mark, they write "I am he." That is like answering the phone, not revealing divinity.

    This is clearly taught by the Word itself. No one can give a rationalistic answer for how God works. But the Word puts us in a state of wonder about God's nature, past, and character. This one and only Triune God can and does exist in the past, present, and future. He is all powerful and yet listens to a child's prayer. He knows our anxieties and troubles, and He sees far ahead to help us.

The Second Sunday in Advent, 2022

  

The Second Sunday in Advent, 2022

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Vimeo Player:

The Hymn # 56           Jesus Came the Heavens Adoring

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation 

Collect

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle                          Romans 15:4-13

Gradual

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined: our God shall come.

V. Gather My saints together unto Me: 

those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The powers of heaven shall be shaken: 

and then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud 

with power and great glory. Hallelujah!

The Gospel                           Luke 21:25-36 

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #71                            Watchman Tell Us    

The God of Patience and Consolation

The Hymn #314          Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray  - Henry E. Jacobs

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Litany p. 110/Bethany Hymnal Blog; and Lord's Prayer
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 647                             O Little Town of Bethlehem 

 

Prayers and Announcements

• Poinsettias are in memory of Walter Boeckler, Norma's husband, who died 20 years ago today, and 
• Doc Lito's mother-in-law, who died recently.
• Medical care - Randy Anderson, Kermit Way, Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader, Anita Engleman, Pastor K, Doc Lito, and Callie. 
• Bethany Hymnal Blog - 40,000 views, in less than 3 years.
• Midweek Advent Service - 7 PM Wednesday

Second Sunday In Advent

Lord God, heavenly Father, who by Thy Son hast revealed to us that heaven and earth shall pass away, that our bodies shall rise again, and that we all shall appear before the judgment seat: We beseech Thee, keep us by Thy Holy Spirit in Thy word; establish us in the true faith, graciously defend us from sin and preserve us in all temptations, that our hearts may not be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, but that we may ever watch and pray and, trusting fully in Thy grace, await with joy the glorious coming of Thy Son, and at last obtain eternal salvation, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

KJV Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

KJV Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

The God of Patience and Consolation

KJV Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Introduction 

The Apostle Paul had a special ministry in his work with Jews and Gentiles. The Christian Church was established by the ancient Old Testament Scriptures. In the Apostolic Age, congregations were built upon the Promises of the Old Testament, which were simply called "The Scriptures." 

The New Testament was being written and copied before all the Apostles died, and that was very early. In spite of persecution, the Bible was completed by 100 AD. Although heretics tried to insert their own opinions and falsehoods - as they do today - the Bible was preserved carefully. No other ancient document has so many copies (leather - parchment, and paper - papyrus) - and so much in agreement. The modern money-making Bibles do not agree with each other, yet they charge customers a high price for their constantly changing paraphrases - which they call translations - RSV, NRSV, NIV, ESV, Beck, etc.

Paul is writing in verse 4 about patience and comfort. As Lenski says, patience is objective and refers to God's Promises making us patient, so the result is comfort based on what God has revealed about the future - and its meaning.

When the times are terrible, as they are now, it is easy to give up hope. Everyone can cast scenarios about what will happen in the next few years. The limits of human wisdom are revealed quickly as the latest fads turn into follies - and consequences follow. 

Centuries before it happened, the prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of Christ, being born of a Virgin, divine, having Two Natures, human and divine (Isaiah 7 and 9). Many more predictions were established, read, and remembered. That is why the people were elated, excited, and fearful when the Promises were fulfilled - the Star of Bethlehem, John preaching Isaiah 40, the miracles performed by Jesus Christ.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Christians in Rome and other cities had the blessing to know witnesses of the Resurrection of Christ, not only the Apostles, but those who saw and heard Him before He ascended to Heaven. However, there were conflicts about meat offered to idols and about eating kosher foods. Even today, when we are supposed to be so wise about everything, one can find congregations and sects where there are absolute laws about the most trivial issues.

The glory of the entire Bible is the Gospel Word, not customs that vary from place to place, or age to age. The New Age churches are full of bitterness and strife because they imagine they have discovered new truths (laws, actually) that must be obeyed. That is why so many big churches of the 1950s and 1960s are now theatres, restaurants, and low-cost housing. 

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

This is one of the great but overlooked verses from Paul. Another way to say this is - Welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed us to the glory of God. We are not gathered by the Savior grudgingly, but in the spirit of the Beatitudes, blessed and encouraged many different ways through the grace revealed in the Scriptures. There is no sorrow or trouble that is omitted from the help of God's Word.

When someone is spiritually beaten and robbed on the road to Jericho, the Good Samaritan (Jesus) helps him in every way possible, going to him, tending to his wounds, carrying him to a place to rest and recuperate. And the Good Samaritan promises to return and help even more.

The Savior's work is helping, healing, caring, and forgiving. 

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

The strangest thing is to go back and try to imagine how a small nation became a vassal to Alexander the Great's general and then to Rome, yet their religion and language continued, with all the faults humans could lay upon it.

Jesus Christ was rejected by the religious leaders even though He was sent for them first of all. The most unlikely person to teach this was the very man who persecuted Christians. That meant he lost his friends and had to deal with the Christians who doubted him.

Paul did not abandon Judaism and even did his work as a Christian rabbi, thus being a tangible reminder of the Good Shepherd, who gathers the sheep and chases away the ravenous wolves.

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Luther:

52. All the good we can do to God is to praise and to thank him. This is the only true service we can render him, according to his words in Psalm 50:23: “Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his way aright will I show the salvation of God.” We receive all blessings from him, in return for which we should make the offering of praise. If anything else purporting to be service to God is presented for your consideration rest assured it is erroneous and delusive. For instance, the distracted world attempts to serve God by setting apart houses, churches, cloisters; vestures, gold-trimmed, silk and every other kind; silver vessels and images; bells and organs, candles and lamps; the money for which expense should have been appropriated to the poor if the object was to make an offering to God. Further, it keeps up a muttering and wailing in the churches day and night. But true praise and honor of God, a service that cannot be confined to place or person, is quietly ignored the world over. The pretenses of priests and monks about their system of exercises being service to the Lord, are false and delusive.

This is proven repeatedly with clergy making a great show of themselves, filling the air with incense smoke, trying to be as Roman or Eastern Orthodox as possible, and yet being shallow and repetitive about Biblical doctrine, as if a few slogans are a sermon.

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Faith, prayer, and praise go together. As a country we overlook the fact that God carved out a section of the world for us 

• where the climate was ideal, 
• water abundant, rivers and lakes for navigation and food criss-cross the land, 
• minerals were found on the surface, like copper in Jerome, Arizona and anthracite coal on bluffs in the East,
• buffalo and prairie grass produced the incredible deep soil of the Great Plains.

1776 not only marked the Declaration of Independence but also the publication of Gibbon's The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, which was completed in 1789, when our Constitution was published. This historical masterpiece, equaled only by Thucydides, had a great, positive effect on our Founders. 

The Bible began in two languages barely used today - and especially avoided in seminaries - Hebrew and Greek. Those who speak the modern versions of Hebrew and Greek today are among the smallest populations of the world, but their languages are the bedrock of God's revelation and the basis for Christian teaching everywhere. Britain's use of the KJV took English around the world. Slavery was excused by many who used the Bible for that purpose, but it was also the Bible that set the slaves free in America through Christians in America and Wilberforce in England.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

This is such a beautiful statement and exhortation. God is the God of hope, because there are no boundaries for His power and compassion. We often do not see it in the moment but this becomes true and thrilling over time, when we see the feelings of fear and despair replaced by joy, peace, forgiveness, and comfort.

The substance of this one verse is founded in a few basic truths - 

1. Joy and peace come from believing in Jesus Christ - there is no substitute for this, which is created only by the Holy Spirit in the Gospel Word. We believe because this implanted Word has grown in our hearts.
2. Joy is from knowing we have forgiveness and eternal life from the Gospel Promises. Peace comes from the victory over our sinfulness and anxiety.
3. The result is hope - which means relying on the mercy, love, and grace of God's Word.

Luther:

85. The way we possess peace and joy we have before spoken of; the secret is in perceiving the will of God, how he gave Christ to bear our sins, which we are under obligation to believe. The more clearly we perceive his will, the stronger will be our faith, our hope and love. Hence we must continually preach the Gospel - receive it and meditate upon it. For faith comes through no other medium than the Gospel.

The apostle says, in effect; “May God, who through the Gospel effects hope, grant you grace, enabling you to appropriate the Gospel and believe.

Through believing, you first perceive Christ. Thereupon follow perfect peace and an assured conscience. These are blessings common to all, and you will have harmony among yourselves.” The Christian’s peace and joy is something received, not as the gift of the world is received, through mortal sense, but through faith. He who is the source of your good, and from whom you derive your peace and joy, is not recognized by sight or touch. However, in the world you will have disquietude and grief. But learn that Christ is the common blessing of all and you will enjoy blessed peace. For all being alike rich, no one can begrudge another anything. This is what it means to have peace and joy through faith or in faith.

86. “That ye may abound in hope,” continues the prayer. In other words, “that your hope may ever increase.” Now, suffering and persecution contribute to the increase of hope. We are not given increased hope to decrease adversity; no, adversity is increased that hope may not rely on human power, but be established through the power of the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit aids us, fortifying our hope and enabling us not to fear nor to flee from the disasters of the world; but to stand firm even unto death, and to overcome all evil; so that evil must flee from us and cease its attacks. Remember, it is hope in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in human weakness, that must do all this through the medium of the Gospel. As before said, “Through patience and through comfort of the Scriptures we have hope.” Where the Gospel is not, there is neither hope, comfort, peace, joy, faith, love, Christ, God, nor anything good. Evidence of this fact is before us in the wretched, spiritless, carnal clerical orders, notwithstanding their much praying and holding of masses. From these things, O thou God of hope, of patience and of comfort, graciously preserve us. Amen.