Bethany Lutheran Church
Holy Communion
Pastor Gregory Jackson
This was broadcast an earlier year and can be used instead.
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
Introit
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 Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation
The Epistle Romans 15:4-13
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #59 Hail to the God's Anointed
The Sanctus p. 26
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 47 Savior Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise
- Prayers - Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader, Sarah Buck, Doc Lito, Kermit Way, Lori Howell is doing well.
- Those suffering from emotional and metabolic stress.
- Very bad weather in Minneapolis, which may still allow a saved service.
The Son of Man
Luke 21:25-31
First of all, I want to mention my difficulty with language. That problem is used by doctors and nurses when they test me. I block phrases for no particular reason, except I am older now.
Second I have started the process of assisted living, which is supported by Social Security and savings, a fair deal with many good options. I am looking forward to it, especially since Glen is from that area, and his mother still works there (and attended - with Glen - the initial discussion with me).
Third, Zoom has become more complicated for me. I am not going to use Zoom, so I will try to use the simpler form, which is
https://www.youtube.com/@GregoryJacksonPhD
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.
Many of you have said - like me - that all of the Revelation of St. John is most of the end of the New Testament. But study this passage from Luke 21:25 to 38. This is Revelation so involved with the end of the world that they have to recognize the parallel in Revelation and many other passages (not unlike Daniel and other books).
Jesus is warning them to watch out for
- Signs in the sun
- Signs in the moon
- Stars
- Earth - distresses
- The seas
- Fear
- Powers of the earth 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.
Nota bene - take note - these two verses are very powerful. Walking by a large poster just now, I noticed a favorite Psalm 91, saying almost the same words of Jesus. And yet centuries are apart!
At least two households said, they laughed out loud when I was evicted (a threat) and the landlord said I was leaving in a couple of days?
This Luke passage and Psalm 91 alone remind us of what God can do in faith, many miracles beyond any expectation.
Scoffers fall into their own trap when they trust in themselves and all the things that enchant them. That is done easily because most of the world is bedazzled by so many dazzles.
But in fact, the Faith of Jesus is the greatest attraction of all, as He is so ready to show us in so many ways. Instead of looking down at everything wrong and disappointing, look up at Jesus and His desire to lead, to enlighten, to strengthen.
Redemption is near.
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.
Repetition is the key to the Scriptures, because so much is taught and so much is forgotten or ignored. Creation is another key, because everyone who wants to eat good food will always look for what is happening. The farmer or gardener looks for the tell-tale signs. Rosarians look for the bud and how it is so ready to burst into the flower. Cold and dryness hurt the rose and people watch for it to reach its full bloom. Impatient? We should know that time table belongs to God, who overflows goodness and blessings in so many different ways.
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.
This is the Great Promise - heaven and earth will pass away but the Words of Jesus will never pass away. They become the Ultimate Knowledge of God.
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.
So many are casual or caustic about anything faithful to Jesus the Son of God. This passage alone is quite a jolt!
AMEN!