I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body & Life Everlasting
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on November 20, 2019 in Luke 20:27-38
Third Sunday in End Time – Saints Triumphant November 17, 2019
Text: Luke 20:27-38 CW 3 Year Series C 19:2158
Theme: I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body & Life Everlasting
A few minutes ago, you all said that which is the most difficult article of faith to believe. What is it? “I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Do you truly believe that which is said to be the most difficult? How do you know it is true?
In every age men have sought some type of pledge of immortality, proof of life beyond the grave. Some people point to the dying leaves of autumn and to the tender shoots of springtime as pictures of human death and resurrection and as an indication that there is life beyond the tomb.
But, when the cold fingers of death come tapping on your shoulder, there will be no comfort in the fact that November is the time of falling leaves and April is the season when lilies bloom. In that moment when death knocks at your door, nothing will comfort your anxious heart except the sight of our Savior, triumphant in the skies, the seal of victory over death in His nail-pierced hands, and the shout of assurance on His lips: “Because I live, you also will live” (Jn.14:19).
His victory over the grave is our pledge of the resurrection to life eternal. His empty tomb proclaims loudly and clearly that one day our graves shall be empty, too, for as Paul declares, “Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…for as in Adam all die, so also in Christ they all will be made alive” (1Co.15:20). Just as the first pickings of fruit are the foretaste, the pledge of more to follow, so Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the resurrection to eternal life for all who believe in that later, greater harvest at the end of time.
So it is that I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting.
I. Man may deny it.
Yet, there are many who deny it. Throughout the history of the world this article of faith has suffered and still suffers the most opposition and is hard to believe. Even in Jesus’ day the Sadducees, the religious leaders who were in charge of the temple, denied it.
They said there was no resurrection. They also said there were no angels nor spirit (Ac.23:8). When you passed this life your soul perished along with your body (Josephus).
If there is no resurrection and your soul dies with your body, I guess that would mean there is no heaven or hell. And I wonder if in many minds there was no God, for, if there are no spirits and God is spirit (Jn.4:24), does that mean they did not believe He existed? Yet, they accepted the first 5 books of the Bible which speak of the Spirit of God hovering over the deep, creating the world, and preserving His people Israel. I don’t get it. But they denied these.
People today believe very strange things too, like reincarnation. They say that after death you come back in another form. I might come back as a tree or a dog. Now, how strange is that? There are those, even within the church, who deny the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Why?
The reason is that no article of faith so contradicts human experience as this one does. Our eyes see that the whole world is swept away by death and dies. Presidents, kings, high and low, young and old, indeed, all the children of men, one after another, are laid in the grave and buried. Martin Luther, in his inimitable way, described the reality like this: “Wild animals devour one, the sword devours another; this man leaves a leg in Hungary, fire consumes that one; worms eat this man in the earth, fish that man in the water, while birds under the sky eat yet another. And so on.” I suppose we could add to his listing guns that take lives and atomic blasts that vaporize bodies. It’s all so very gruesome to consider. Yet, it’s true.
In the horror of it all, it is difficult for the human mind to conceive that man, who dies and perishes in so many different ways, can live again; that his members so widely scattered, reduced to dust and ashes in fire, water, soil and air, can be gathered together again; that his soul will live in the same body in which it lived before; and that he will have the same eyes, ears, hands, feet and all members but in a different manner, in a glorified state that goes beyond anything of which we know – this is difficult for the human mind to conceive.
People even joke about it and tell stories like: A man was about to die. His minister came to comfort him with the resurrection of the dead. The man asked the minister: “Is it true that the dead will rise? Okay, I shall believe it to please you. But you will see that nothing will come of it.” So men deny it even mock it with ridiculous questions like the Sadducees asked Jesus here about marriage.
I fear that we would find few people on earth today who sincerely
believe this article as God gives it. Many give little attention to it and
how important it is for faith in life in the present.
II. Jesus describes it.
But I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting because Scriptures declare it and Jesus describes it. He said: “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy to experience that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. In fact, they cannot die anymore, for they are like the angels…they are sons of God, because they are sons of the resurrection.”
Sometimes when people hear this they are disturbed. They say, “You mean I will no longer know my husband, wife, or family like I do now?” Jesus didn’t say that. He said people “will neither marry nor be given in marriage.” Then how will we relate to others? He answers as “sons of God because they are sons of the resurrection.”
In biblical times the picture of sonship was inheritance. A son was heir of his parent’s things. He carried on the family name. It also meant closeness. Jesus is the Son of God. He is close to the heavenly Father, so close that He said they were one. It’s not as much about gender as it is closeness, special relationships, and divine inheritance. All who believe are sons of God; sons of the resurrection.
So, will you be at a loss for your spouse or your family in heaven? No! In fact, Jesus describes an existence where family ties are stronger, more complete, and perfect the way God first created them. Will you know those who have passed on and enjoy being with them again? Yes, but differently and with a divine relationship that will exist among all believers who are there. We will be like the angels in holiness and immortality. But most of all the Savior will be with us, our heavenly Bridegroom who fills His Church, the Bride, with blessings in every way. That’s what our family and friends who have gone before us even now enjoy in part and, as we are all there in the resurrection, will enjoy to the fullest in a life that is everlasting.
I believe it. Why? Because Jesus describes it and…
III. …the Scriptures verify it. Scriptures verify life beyond the grave when they say that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Those three have not passed out of existence. God is still their God. Their souls are even now living with the Lord above for He is not a God of the dead but of the living. It does not say He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is their God, although they have now passed from this life here. Even now their souls, and those of all the O.T. and N.T. believers, are with Him above.
So, the Scriptures verify what Jesus describes, what many deny, and what Christians rely upon. In the resurrection and life everlasting we will be one redeemed family under Christ, filled by the glory of God with the peace, harmony, and contentment that we so often lack now. No longer will there be any suffering from the consequences of sin, the broken relationships, or the hurtful and destructive situations that fill our lives in the present.
As God declares in the O.T. Lesson today: “Watch this! I am about to create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered. They will not come to mind. Instead, rejoice and celebrate forever, because of what I am creating. Watch this! I am about to create Jerusalem (i.e., the new Jerusalem, the heavenly one) to be a source of gladness and her people will be a source of joy…I will rejoice over my people. The sound of weeping will not be heard in her again, nor will the sound of crying…and my chosen ones will enjoy all the work of their hands…They will not harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain, says the LORD” (Is.65:17f).
All around me I see and feel plainly enough that I must one day die and sink into the grave. There I will decay. But Jesus and the Word of God say more. They speak differently to me and all who believe in Him as their Savior. They tell me that in the end I shall rise in glory with my complete self, soul and body, even as God made me and Jesus redeemed me. And in faith I shall live with Him forever.
I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com email address: revelehmann@gmail.com
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The Third Sunday of End Time: Saints Triumphant November 17, 2019
“(In the resurrection from the dead) They cannot die any more, for they are like the angels. They are sons of God, because they are sons of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35-36
F o r O u r V i s i t o r s
We extend a warm and sincere welcome in our Savior’s name. Please sign our guest book, located to the right just outside the sanctuary. If you desire more information about Zion Lutheran Church or are in need of spiritual guidance, please call upon our pastor at any time. We are delighted to have you join us today and invite you to return soon.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
“Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD” (Psalm 150).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Saints Triumphant Each day we draw nearer to the end of all things and the great Day of Judgment. It is nearer today than the day we first believed. So we will want to be assured of our standing before God in the present since He will come at a time when we do not expect Him.
We know that physical death is not the end. On the Last Day our bodies shall be reunited with our souls which go ahead of us. Will they be reunited in heaven at the resurrection to life?
Speaking of heaven, what is it like? What are relationships like there? Outside of the few things the Bible tells us, only those who passed this present existence in faith know. They are the saints triumphant. As the saints militant, remaining in faith in the present, we look forward to joining them one day.
To that end we pray: Almighty God and Savior, You have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered from this world of sin and death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of Your Son that we may sit with Him and all Your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25
In figurative ways God describes the resurrection to life, to which only those who stand in faith will rise. It will be an endless time when those who believed will suffer none of the ravages of sin that currently exist. He will create new heavens and a new earth in which all creation will enjoys a peace and security that it currently does not know.
Epistle Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Paul gives thanks to God for calling his friends, God’s chosen from the beginning, to faith. He encourages them to stand firm in faith and to continue in prayer for the spread of the Word. God is faithful and will preserve and protect His saints till the end.
Gospel Lesson: Luke 20:27-38
Many operate under the false premise that in the next world the same conditions prevail as are found here. Jesus corrects such thinking of that which takes place in the resurrection to eternal life.
O u r P r a c t i c e o f H o l y C o m m u n i o n
The Lord’s Supper is a wonderful gift in which we receive Jesus’ own body and blood to forgive our sins and strengthen us in faith. It is a gift given with certain responsibilities. The Sacrament is intended for those who have been instructed, understand, and confess as one what they are receiving and doing. Through it we express our unity of faith (1 Cor.10:17). Therefore, we ask that only confirmed members of Zion Lutheran Church or our sister congregations of the WELS or ELS approach to receive Communion. If you would like to become a communicant member of Zion or have any questions about our practice, the pastor would be happy to meet with you after the service.
The Week in Review:
Last Sunday’s Worship Attendance: 33; New Member Welcome Potluck: 23; Gardens Bible Class: 6; Midweek Bible Class: 7; Sunday Offering: $996; Military Chaplaincy. $25
We Serve the Lord with Gladness:
Today’s Organist: Jane Rips Today’s Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
November’s Ushers: Wade Richardson, Bob Woessner, & Jerry Hunt
Outline of
Our Worship
Lord, Hear Us
Remembrance of our Friends
Fallen Asleep in Jesus’ Name
Opening Hymn: #551
Order of Worship:
Service of Word and Sacrament
Hymnal page 26
Lord, Speak To Us
Isaiah 65:17-25
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Hymn Response: #550
Luke 20:27-38
The Gospel Response: pg.30
Sermon Hymn: #215
Sermon: Luke 20:27-38
“I Believe…in the Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting.”
Lord, We Respond
Nicene Creed: page 31
The Offering
Prayer & Lord’s Prayer:
Hymnal page 32
Lord, Bless Us
The Order of Holy Communion:
Hymnal pages 33-35
(Visitors: Please read box inside about the practice of Holy Communion)
Distribution Hymn: #311
Thanksgiving & Blessing:
Hymnal pages 36-37
Silent Prayer
C a l e n d a r & A n n o u n c e m e n t s f o r Z i o n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
Today Nov.17 End Time 3: Saints Triumphant
9:00 am Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion
10:15 am Bible study for all ages
Monday Nov.18
Tuesday Nov.19
10 am Gardens Bible Study
Wednesday Nov.20
Thursday Nov.21
11 am Midweek Bible Class
Friday Nov.22
Saturday Nov.23
Next Sunday Nov.24 End Time 4: Christ the King
9:00 am Divine Worship Service
10:15 am Bible study for all ages
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
“Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest,” a favorite hymn assures us. Everything is peace right now for the saints above. “But then there breaks a yet more glorious day: The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia!”
The Old Testament Lesson (Isaiah 65:17-25)
1. When will the saints be triumphant, according to God’s first promise (v.17)?
2. What will the new heavens and the new earth be like (v.18–25)?
Prayer/Sick List Those We Remember In Our Prayers Geri Woessner; Erma Yancey; Eryn Chaffin; Gail Stuesser; Dea Windsor, Alyssa Cook’s mother; Barbara Long; Clyde Johnson; Bill Seutter; Dave Ballou, recovering at home from open heart surgery last week; Elizabeth Lisenby with some new medical challenges.
Meditations new set of daily devotions beginning the first of December has arrived. There are plenty of copies for family and friends in the narthex.
Upcoming Dates
Sunday, November 24 – Zion Thanksgiving Potluck Meal after the Service
Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving Day Service, 10 am
Sunday, December 1 – Decorating Zion for Christmas after Bible Study. Pizza for lunch!
Point to Ponder Throughout the Week
“Everything depends on our retaining a firm hold on this article (of the Resurrection), for if this one totters and no longer counts, all the others will lose their value and validity. For everything has been done; Christ has come and has established His in the world for the sake of the resurrection and the life to come. If this article is taken away…all the rest must fall and go down with it….Thus we honorably carry the dead to the grave, follow the corpse, sing and pray as a testimony of our faith that these very dead will rise and that the bodies will be transfigured.”
— Martin Luther on This Doctrine Is Fundamental
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Fourth Sunday of End Time – Christ the King: Jeremiah 23:2-6; Colossians 1:13-20; Luke 23:35-43
Answers to Today’s Old Testament Lesson Brief Study:
3. The saints will especially be triumphant on Judgment Day, when God makes new heavens and a new earth.
4. In summary, God’s pictures seem to say that the new heavens and new earth will be full of joy and life. No work will end up worthless. God will be close at hand to each of us. Perfect peace will reign in Christ.
This week I am praying for……
