The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

 The Fourth Sunday after Trinity, 2022

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Vimeo Live Player:

Permanent Video here later, Easier To Open and Watch

The melodies are linked in the hymn name. 

The lyrics are linked in the hymn number.

• The melody site is linked here.
• TLH Lyrics site is linked here.

The Hymn # 452                      The Son of God  
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual 
The Gospel 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #528:10-15  If God Himself Be For Me

A Simple Guideline

The Communion Hymn # 308       Invited Lord  
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 # 651                    Be Still My Soul 

Prayers and Announcements

•  Kermit and Maria Way, Pastor Jim and Chris Shrader, Callie, her mother Peggy, and her father Calvin, C.
• The doctor gave Lynda Roper good news.
• Esther Estrada will arrive in Minnesota on July 20th. Glen Kotten and Esther will be married on July 23rd.
• Norma Boeckler's son has experience with church broadcasting and has ideas about the sound.
• The Bible Book came out last year, and a much improved The King James Version, the newest book, is reaching new people. Email if you or someone else wants one or two.

KJV Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

KJV Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

Fourth Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, who art merciful, and through Christ didst promise us, that Thou wilt neither judge nor condemn us, but graciously forgive us all our sins, and abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul: We pray Thee, that by Thy Holy Spirit Thou wilt establish in our hearts a confident faith in Thy mercy, and teach us also to be merciful to our neighbor, that we may not judge or condemn others, but willingly forgive all men, and, Judging only ourselves, lead blessed lives in Thy fear, through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

A Simple Guideline

 

KJV Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 

Basic to the Bible is the revelation that God is merciful. The parallel qualities follow adding to the initial powerful statement - Be merciful. Why? Because God is merciful, not judging, not condemning, but forgiving.

As Lenski points out in his unique, grammatical way, be merciful does not mean be merciful once, but be continuously merciful, always merciful. Lenski, Luke, p. 372.

This relationship can be found in another form in John 15, Jesus as the True Vine. He is continuously bearing fruit, so we as, as the fruit  of the Vine, obtain those qualities from faith in Him. That is the way we obtain grace, through faith in all the work of Jesus Christ but primarily in His Atonement, Resurrection, and Ascension.

The Gospel-dominant emphasis in the Bible is often ignored or misunderstood. Our human temptation is to dwell on the Law and merge the Law and Gospel together, as if we cannot be forgiven unless we are perfect.

The opening of this passage is also teaching us that we should be as forgiving toward others as God is toward us.

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 

This passage has been promoted by hucksters like the one who had a money machine. He worked on cruise lines long ago. He had a machine that converted ordinary dollars into $100. As I recall, he sold many copies of this machine, which was engineered to work that way.

Verse 38 is a remedy for those who cannot let go and forgive, who will not help others, who have no time for others, who want to keep everything for themselves, including their time.

Instead, when we give - of ourselves and what we have to share - we should have no fears about God giving to us far more than we give to others. What we share goes out and comes back in other forms.

Many times I have built up Lutheran, Biblical book collections and given most of them away, so others can enjoy them and gain from them. Lately I have received a lot of those titles back, while mailing three boxes away for free. 

Money and time are like roses, which grow more productive when shared with others. That is often missed by visitors. They are pruned so they can be even more fruitful, John 15.

Time is our most precious commodity because it is extremely limited, day by day, and in the long view (which gets shorter all the time). God wants us to share time with others because those moments may be the last ones we have.

If shunning worked for the betterment of mankind, we would be in Paradise now. America has so many classes, levels, and types of shunning, to enforce a code no one can comprehend, that many fear using the "wrong" word or going to the "wrong" gathering or having the "wrong" opinion.

39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 

Many are completely blind spiritually and are praised and protected as great leaders. One can follow their landings in the ditch, followed by their disciples (whom they made) who are just as blind. I will not mention Fuller Seminary and their blind followers (think of the $100 machine). 

For example, Westcott-Hort created their own Greek New Testament (GNT), snipping and clipping and pasting with glee. Today's modern scholars of the GNT realize that 160 years later, they still only have the Westcott-Hort GNT (in effect), whose theories have been completely destroyed as wrong, delusional, and a massive joke. The "modern, scholarly" GNTs continue to blind new students while the majority of Bible readers stick to the Byzantine, Majority Text and the King James Version.

40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

We should always keep in mind that everything in the Bible is about Jesus the Son of God. I had a class quiz on each special happening in the Exodus , calling on confirmands - Burning Bush, the bronze serpent raised up, blood on the doorposts, the lamb without spot, bread from heaven, etc - one student said when I asked him about one event - "I am not sure but the answer is probably Jesus."

This is a verse about Jesus. We should strive to be like Jesus. The fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 are in several cases the descriptions of Jesus - meek and lowly, etc. 

KJV Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

KJV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And the Beatitudes are based upon Christ Himself. 

Everything is conditioned upon keeping Jesus Christ as our center, our foundation, and "our hero" as Luther wrote. Someone who wants to change, dilute, or reject the Gospel (and there are many) will have disciples like them, who are the little Antichrists follow their master, their Father Below.

41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

This is always where we need to start when examining the faults of others. In the Age of Woke, we have much more blaming, shunning, and demanding repayment for mistakes made, even if the slight is imaginary.

 

The blackouts have been annoying. Yesterday, it was slight for one household, only a few seconds for another one. I now have it set up so I can see that happening and I can stop until the monitor shows it working again. Yesterday's blip was too short for me to notice.

Today I have a script, this post, to guide the combinations I am trying - only one at a time, to avoid getting all the wires crossed. There may some ideas from the camera manufacturer, but I will do these first. I will use the Tacoma hymns for the sound.

1. The white Logitech camera, with built in sound. Actually, this will be a later test, because that is a good but inferior camera.

2. HDMI zoom camera, the way we usually have it. We get a warbly sound from the organ. I understand this is problem with Vimeo. We had that problem with IBM/Ustream but found a solution in how the plug was used in one slot or another - and it varied. 

3. Moving the mike around, which is plugged into the sound board.

4. Using the big white mike, which will be plugged into a USB slot.

I do not assume these alternatives will work, but we have the equipment to try it out. I have read that compression of the sound is the cause. I will consider local help after discussing this with Vimeo.

The Third Sunday after Trinity, 2022

 

The Third Sunday after Trinity - Luke 15:1-10.

 Norma A. Boeckler

The Third Sunday after Trinity, 2022

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Vimeo player here:

The stored video appears on a link shortly after the service.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Daylight Time

                       

The Hymn #575            Before the Lord We Bow - Francis Scott Key

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Turn Thee unto me and have mercy upon me: 

for I am desolate and afflicted.

Look upon mine affliction and my pain: 

and forgive all my sins.

Psalm. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul: 

O my God, I trust in Thee, let me not be ashamed.

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

Collect

O God, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy that, Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual  

Cast thy burden upon the Lord: 

and He shall sustain thee.

V. I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me: 

He hath delivered my soul in peace. 

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. I will love Thee, O Lord my Strength: 

the Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer. Hallelujah!

     

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed             p. 22

The Sermon Hymn #436            The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want

       

Jesus Christ Does Not Shun

The Communion Hymn #310                  Thy Table I Approach - Loy Translation

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 #49                 Almighty God Thy Word Is Cast

In Our Prayers

• Medical treatment - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit and Maria Way, Callie and Peggy, C., a pastor with diabetes and eye trouble.
• The video trials were not completed this week due to lack of energy.
• The Fourth of July is a major holiday for all patriots. God bless our native land.

 By Norma A. Boeckler

KJV 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.  3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Third Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray, having suffered ourselves to be led away from the right path by Satan and our own sinful flesh: We beseech Thee graciously to forgive us all our sins for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ; and quicken our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Thy word, and in true repentance and a steadfast faith continue in Thy Church unto the end, and obtain eternal salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end Amen.

Jesus Christ Does Not Shun

KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Introduction

This parable begins with shunning, because the works-saints do

not like Jesus welcoming sinners and even sitting down for a meal with them. They are offended because they always obey the Law of Moses, so they think, and they are far above the common people, especially the riff-raff, the tax collectors and open sinners. Everyone knew this, so it offended the haughty ones that a Teacher, a Rabbi fellowshiped with these people.

As Luther observed, the Scribes and Pharisees were outwardly righteous and followed the Law better than anyone, so people were impressed by them. This gave them the right to look down on the hated tax collectors and the open sinners.

The era of Pietism gave fresh energy to the righteousness of the Law. There were reasons because the state churches became rationalistic and against the traditional Biblical views. The Pietists sometimes became extremists, who made up their own rules. CFW Walther and his brother belonged to two such associations, the second one being Pastor (later Bishop) Martin Stephan. No wonder the LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC shun anyone who questions their Waltherian Objective Justification. They even expel those who teach Justification by Faith and call them "false teachers."

We are living in the New Pietism, which is a set of ever-changing laws on Wokeness. People have pointed and sneered at others for not wearing a useless mask. One woman loudly warned me about standing less than six feet from her, pointing to my proper place. But the next window made us a few feet away violating her rule.

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 

This parable is impossible to refute in its basic language. We have a natural love for our animals and want them healthy and safe. We often see videos of people taking risks to save a cat or dog. I searched and searched for our Sheltie, only to find her sound asleep on a pile of plastic. With Sassie I could tell to her find a lost buddy and she would follow the scent and end the caper just by being there (the truant looking deflated). The two little dogs had been mistreated, so they tended to wander, hide, and even jump back into the car for safety.

So the first sentence of the parable immediately makes us sympathetic about the lost sheep and identifying with the owner. People think, "Yes, I would do that, thinking about the sheep's fears and weaknesses."

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 

Finding the lost animal means rejoicing and carrying it home, just as the Savior rejoices and carries us in our weakened state.

In the past, many clergy have sought to emphasize the Law to make the Gospel more appealing, but they have short-changed the emphasis on God's grace for the repentant. 

In many places in the Gospels alone (not to mention a thousand other places in the Bible), we can say "What would we do without this passage? This puts the right emphasis on forgiveness and God's attitude."

God rejoices in seeking us out, finding us, and taking us back into His fold. I think of the weight of a grown sheep - we are not informed how much this one weighs. However, that reminds us that it is no burden for God.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 

God's Word is always ringing out to proclaim forgiveness through faith in Christ. It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit through the Word condemns us for not "believing on Me" in the words of Jesus. That is the foundational sin because not believing on Jesus means no grace. There all kinds of ways of wiggling around this and taking short-cut to the righteousness of the Law. 

 

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 

Jesus' ironic humor is so clear, and it is aimed at the works-saints and works-salesmen who want to make Moses their Savior and Jesus their Law-giver. They are twisted and wrong. Heaven rejoices more over one sinner repenting than 99 who are already perfect and need no repentance at all.

This also reminds us to look at the repentant with happiness rather than pounding the Law to increase the repentance. The word does not mean "change your ways," a falsehood sold by many a preacher with no Greek and little Gospel. It means sorrow for sins, which moves us to trust in forgiveness through faith in Jesus the Savior. 

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

I get teased often about forgetting and losing things. Often the loss is crucial for the moment, and panic follows, time is short.

This lost piece of silver is a large sum of money. Go back in time when a new Ford Model T car cost $800. The value of silver was high because its inherent value never goes down.

"Why are you wearing your reading glasses outdoors? Answer - "So I know where they are."

The first sentence leads everyone to think about lost, valuable objects and the need to find them. This is very good for those who take God's grace, love, and mercy for granted.

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

This makes me think of mothers who have grieved over their sons. Rather than be angry, they pray for resolution, whatever is needed. And when that happens, they rejoice and enjoy that wonderful rush that comes with repentance and forgiveness.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

There is a huge back-up team on our side - not only the Holy Trinity but also the angels who watch over us in heaven and also help us on earth. If we reflect on our lives, we can all count many examples of miraculous intervention, not only for us but also for loved ones. That is why I always write a prayer for those who are in need. Each night, I pray out loud for every member of our congregation.

Christina jumped on my bike at Augustana and rode down a steep driveway into heavy traffic. She did not know about hand brakes. I kept shouting, and at the last minute, she found them.

Divine intervention? I think so. I have a long list, but nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

The miraculous is all around us, from the Means of Grace to our reception at the heavenly Gates, wearing the robes of righteousness, the righteousness of faith in the Son of God, Savior, our Good Shepherd.

Trinity 2 2022

 The Second Sunday after Trinity, 2022

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Daylight Time

The player is here:

The video will be linked here shortly after the service.

The melodies are linked in the hymn name. 

The lyrics are linked in the hymn number.

• The melody site is linked here.
• TLH Lyrics are found at the Bethany Lutheran Hymnal Blog

 Norma A. Boeckler

The Hymn #322           And Wilt Thou Pardon Lord?

The Confession of Sins

The Absolution

The Introit p. 16

Introit

O Lord, I have trusted in Thy mercy: 

my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

I will sing unto the Lord: 

because He hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm. How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? 

How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?

The Gloria Patri

The Kyrie p. 17

The Gloria in Excelsis

The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

O God, the Strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, 

mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do nothing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; 

through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual

Gradual

I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul, 

for I have sinned against Thee.

V. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: 

the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Give ear to my words, O Lord: consider my meditation. Hallelujah!

The Gospel

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!

Praise be to Thee, O Christ!

The Nicene Creed p. 22

The Sermon Hymn #207     Like the Golden Sun Ascending

        

Why the World Hates

The Communion Hymn #277   I Heard the Voice of Jesus

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 #411                        From Eternity O God

        

In Our Prayers

• Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Lynda Roper, Callie and her mother Peggy, C. and her family.
• Those working to protect the unborn, the weakest of the weak, the poorest of the poor.
• Our nation, built upon the sacrifices of patriots and the faith of its Founders, has a Constitution that has outlived all others.
• KJVs are being requested by Springdale neighbors, who also want Spanish Bibles.

KJV 1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

KJV Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Second Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we give thanks unto Thee, that through Thy holy word Thou hast called us to Thy great supper, and we beseech Thee: Quicken our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not hear Thy word without fruit, but that we may prepare ourselves rightly for Thy kingdom, and not suffer ourselves to be hindered by any worldly care, 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. 

Why the World Hates

KJV 1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Introduction

Luther's sermon on this passage includes the verses just before 1 John 3:13 - about Cain killing Abel. That serves as an allegory of the world hating Christian believers. Cain was haughty and wanted all the glory of his works. However, when the two brothers offered their sacrifices, God honored Abel's because of the man's faith and humility. God did not honor Cain's because of Cain's pride and lack of faith in God.

1 John 3: 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

This is now being played out in America, and echoed throughout the unbelieving world. Protecting the unborn enrages unbelievers, who respond by destroying buildings where people are counseled about keeping the unborn child.

I volunteered at a pro-life center in Columbus. Of all the young women I met there, only one came with the prospective father of the child. All the rest came alone, except for the married couple hoping a child was on the way. Where were all the teen-age boys? They were never along.

We live in a world where the righteousness of works has taken over, not only disconnected from the concept of God (Natural Law - God commands what is good for us - basic to the US Constitution) but antagonistic toward anything Christian. Therefore, the highly praised works are not derived from God's Commandments but from the destructive power of Satan. Cain belonged to Satan, so he hated Abel. Thus, the works become more destructive because of this power.

John's Gospel and Letters state clearly that the unbelieving world will hate Christians just as they hated Jesus Christ. Nothing is too absurd and destructive for this generation, so we should not be filled with wonder ("do not marvel") that the world hates Christians since that has been a theme since the very beginning. 

And it is important to discern that Cain and Abel were brothers, that opposition and hatred are not simply from enemies far away but also from the incense-scented halls of the visible church. We find the opposition in the Church of Rome and in the denominations (Lutherans too) that hate the teaching of their founders and do their best to show their unChristian works to the world. 

We should expect that the world hates us for loving the Gospel Word, which includes the Bible in its various parts and the whole. No one can water down the Scriptures enough to please unbelievers, sceptics, and rationalists. When I sit in the garden to work on the flowers and weeds, I am surrounded by creatures, even a bunny walking casually by, not by evolutes.

We know we belong to the invisible Christian Church because we love those who are also believers. That tie unites a bewildering variety of people drawn by the Word. 

He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Many can carry on with the outward signs of the Christian Church, which vary in a hundred different ways. But when the unbeliever is loyal to his Father Below, he works against the Gospel and persecutes the believer. The radicals took over ELCA starting in 1987 and completed the victory in 2009, driving out several million members and pastors. The radicals will never let go of their prize, and yet WELS-LCMS-ELS will continue to work with them for the Thrivent money. 

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

The two go together. When people are proud and haughty, obsessed with keeping what they have and the honors they think they deserve, they do their best to crush their opposition, very much like Cain and Abel. Here John is using the same term that Jesus did in John 8.

Lenski, 1 John, p. 469.

Man-murderer (ανθρωποκτονος) is the very word that Jesus used with reference to the devil in John 8:44; it applies to all the devil’s children (v. 10b); included among these are the antichristians who have gone out from us (2:19). John has called the latter liars (1:6, 10; 2:22) and combines liar and man-murderer as Jesus does in John 8:44.

Faith and eternal life go together. Expressing one is proclaiming the other. I have found that the "conservative" Lutherans will do everything possible to promote universal forgiveness without faith and to condemn and silence Justification by Faith in Jesus Christ. I noticed that two "conservative" graduates of the Jesuit Marquette University (John Brenner, WELS, and Gregory Schulz, LCMS) write about the "justification of the world," as if every person is forgiven, no matter what. Everyone who writes for Christian News promotes this anti-Scriptural dogma and anyone who teaches Justification by Faith is excommunicated. Ask me how I know.

This is what we see in secular life. There are trigger-words and snares that catch anyone who is pro-life, or can only count to two with genders, etc. The watchers keep track of terms they do not like and silence those people, one way or the other. The "goals" are scared to them, so when something new "aligns with our goals," any offense means automatic dismissal.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

This was automatic in the Apostolic Church. Because Jesus gave up His life, the believers gave up theirs. False brothers fell away, and it is easy to see why, but the martyrs increased the numbers across the known world. Now we do not have "laying down our lives" but "lifting a finger," and hardly a finger is lifted. The official charities do some of the works, but the most important efforts should be for our next-door neighbor or relative. 

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Some might say, "This is a passage about works," but it is really about the fruit of the Spirit, works that naturally grow from the Gospel taught and believed. Years ago, in the LCA, a bunch of members agreed to visit and spend time in the home for handicapped adults. Only one or two actually did. I was one. The other person had a chronic and fatal disease and died young. She always visited Erin Joy too and had so much fun with her. I often felt sorry for those who never stopped to be with life-long handicapped people.