Increase Your Hope and Joy. Read the Scriptures!
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on December 9, 2023 in 13, Romans 15:4
Advent 2 December 10, 2023
Text: Romans 15:4-13 Historic Series 23:2418
Theme: Increase Your Hope. Read the Scriptures.
How often do you read the Old Testament Scriptures? If I gave you a test on the Old Testament writings, how would you do? Would you pass the test?
Many people find the Old Testament Scriptures hard to read. The names are difficult to pronounce. There are so many awful and bloody stories, stories about horrible sins, terrible wars, and the slaughtering of thousands of people. There are very detailed descriptions of worship ceremonies, equipment, clothing, buildings, prophecies and sayings that are often hard to understand. And the history, very few people know the accounts of ancient history. These and other factors keep some Christians from not paying much attention to the Old Testament.
But no one should doubt that the Old Testament is of the greatest relevance for us New Testament Christians. Paul knew that the Old Testament lessons are vital for us. So he wrote, “Everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Not just any old hope, but THE hope, the hope that is found in our Savior whose birth we will soon celebrate. So, dear friends, Increase Your Hope. Read the Scriptures.
I. They tell you about the Christ to come.
Think about it. Without the Old Testament, we would know nothing about the beginning of the world; we would know very little about the end of the world; and we would know very little about ourselves, what we are like, and what we so desperately need.
It’s the Old Testament that reveals to us how God called the world out of nothingness into existence. It tells us how He preserves and governs it. It tells us how man was created good and in the image of God, how man was tempted by the devil, and how he fell into sin and death. It tells us how at the very beginning God promised to save us by sending a Redeemer to take away our sin and crush the power of the devil in our lives. It tells us where He would be born. It tells us what kind of a mother He would have. It tells us how people would rejoice at His coming. I wonder how many of our Advent and Christmas songs aren’t based on the O.T.
Next week we will sing one: “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People.” That’s one of my favorite Advent hymns. Without the Old Testament, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy its message. You see, the New Testament is an announcement that God’s promises in the Old Testament are fulfilled, and I may have comfort from my sins. God promised it and He fulfilled it. In so many ways the New Testament can’t be understood without the Old Testament, otherwise known by Paul as “the Scriptures.”
Without the Old Testament we would not be sure that Jesus is the Savior of the world, whose coming was promised. The Old Testament tells us about His coming ahead of time. He would be descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would come through the tribe of Judah and King David’s family line. It pinpoints that family for us. In the Old Testament we learn when and where He would appear, the works He would perform, and the teachings He would speak. We learn that He would be the seed of the woman, true man, son of a virgin, but that He would also be the Son of God, who comes with divine power and glory. Without the Old Testament the New Testament wouldn’t have any foundation.
So, when the New Testament teaches us about the birth of Jesus in lowly surroundings, when it teaches us about Jesus’ person, His miracles, His words, and His suffering, death, and resurrection, we already learned about His coming through the books of Moses, the Psalms, and the prophets. When the Bible says things like, “It is written,” or “Have you not read,” understand that it means these things are true because God told you about it ahead of time.
For example, there is an account from the book of Acts (ch.17) that describes the Apostle Paul’s coming to the city of Berea. When he arrived, he went into the synagogue to preach the Gospel. The Bereans listened with interest for they had not heard these things about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. Then they went home to “examine the Scriptures every day to see if these things were true.” They only had the Old Testament; the New Testament was not written yet. They received what Paul said with great hope and joy because they had read the Old Testament Scriptures.
So dear friends, Increase Your Hope and joy. Read Scriptures, the Old Testament. They tell you about the Christ to come.
II. But they tell you more. They convince us of our need for Christ.
I am sure that many of you have heard the horrible news of the
things that have happened in the war taking place in Israel and Gaza – horrible accounts of rape, murder, destruction – too horrible and wicked to describe. But it’s nothing new. The Old Testament describes the terrible sins of men in the past, just like today.
The history of those sins is given to us for our instruction and correction so that we recognize how great the corruption of fallen man is in sin and how we must pray and fight against it. Obviously, those in the Middle East have not learned and care not to learn what God says. But we are also weak and full of sin like they are.
This history and ongoing nature of sin ought to convince us of our need for Christ before God’s divine wrath and judgment fall on the Last Day. “The day is coming that will burn like a furnace.” Malachi wrote. “All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble. I will take action, says the Lord of Armies” (4:1f). Paul adds that These things were “written down for our instruction on whom the end of the ages has come” (1Co.10:11). Have people learned and turned away from their wickedness? It’s frightening.
But the Scriptures also report that God “forgives all wickedness, rebellion, and sin” when people truly repent and bring forth the honest fruits of faith in God. We all need His forgiveness. Everything contained in the Old Testament Scriptures, as we see it mirrored today, convinces us of that need.
III. And it points us ahead to Christ so that we might have hope.
Then the New Testament holds out to us the meaning of Jesus’ birth, His life, His suffering, and death as the Savior. In Him is our forgiveness. So we look forward to His birth with great hope and joy. Here comes the One who redeems us! And He redeems the Old Testament people too, as they believed in His promises.
Even though they fell into serious sin at times and God punished them, letting them feel His wrath, He did not eternally reject them. He remembered His covenant of grace that He made with them first. He led them to repentance and received them again in grace as they turned to Him. They are examples for us.
Here remember Adam and Eve, the first people to sin; Noah, whom God kept safe from the Flood; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Patriarchs; Job, the man of endurance; Moses, the man who knew God face to face; Aaron, the first high priest; David, the kingly prophet and psalmist who greatly sinned, yet received a great pardon; Daniel, the faithful one. God led all of them and more on miraculous paths until they died, blessed in the faith in the Promised Savior to come. They are examples of endurance and hope, pointing us to the hope that can be ours.
In them we see the Lord’s promises at work, promises like: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them; they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand.”
In them we have examples of God’s promise that, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. But God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” 1Co.10:13).
Finally, in them we can see the assurance, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phlp.1:6). How can we not read these things in the Scriptures without being strengthened in faith and convinced of the hope that is ours in Christ? Why should God give us all these examples of great sinners who were led to salvation on the wonderful path of grace if He did not desire that we seize the hope they had in Christ. That hope comforts us in life, grants us endurance in faith, and allows us to die in full confidence in the Savior who came for us.
Don’t rob yourself of the treasure of the Scriptures. Increase Your Hope and Joy in Them this Advent Season. Read Them. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” God grant it to us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com email: revelehmann@gmail.com
You can also find us on Facebook
The Second Sunday in Advent – December 10, 2023
“Lift up your heads because your redemption is near!” Luke 21:29
“And may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace.” Romans 15:13
Welcome: The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
“Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift yourselves up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in. Who is this king of glory? The LORD strong and mighty – the Lord of Armies – He is the King of Glory. (Psalm 24).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Lift Your Heads in Anticipation. Your King Comes. For centuries the Christian Church has ushered in the Advent Season with the singing of the hymn: “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates.” What is meant by these words?
The psalmist first spoke these words. He may have pictured in his mind the gigantic doors or gates in the wall that encircled Jerusalem. “Be alert!” he cried. “Get ready to open for the King!” Years later we can picture Jesus riding through those “doors” on Palm Sunday.
Today we should think of them as the doors of our hearts, opening to receive in faith our Advent King, recalling His birth, remembering His promise to come for us again, and rejoicing that He comes to us even now, daily, through Word and Sacrament.
To that end we pray: “Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for Your only begotten Son. By His coming give us strength in our conflicts and enable us to serve You as one people with cleans hands and pure hearts; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
The Old Testament Lesson: Malachi 4:1-6
The great and dreadful Day of the Lord is coming. In it the evil doer will be judged. But before that day comes, The Sun of Righteousness shall arrive with healing for His people. His Forerunner will prepare the way before Him.
The Epistle Lesson: Romans 15:4-13
As we wait and longingly look forward to Christ’s appearance in His Second Coming, we might grow weary and discouraged. But the Scriptures were written to maintain hope in the hearts of withing believers, believing Jews and Gentiles alike. These Scriptures were written for our learning and for the uniting of all God’s people in Him.
The Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:25-36
The Lord speaks to His people to cheer and encourage the faithful. Terrifying things will continue to come upon the earth. But when you see the signs of the end all around, lift your heads in expectation and hope. Always be on the watch as you wait for the Lord’s final Advent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Organist: Jane Rips.
The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder: “Who can lift up his head in the face of such terrible wrath and judgment? If the whole world is filled with fear at that day and lets fall its head and countenance out of terror and anxiety, how shall we look up and lift up our hears? How shall we manifest any joy in and longing for these signs?
“In answer I would say that all this is spoken only to those who are really Christians and not to heathen…. True Christians are so afflicted with all manner of temptations and persecutions that in this life they are miserable. Therefore, they wait and long and pray for redemption from sin and all evil, as we also pray in the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Thy Kingdom come,’ and ‘Deliver us from evil.’
“If we are true Christians, we will earnestly and heartily join in this prayer. If we do not so pray, we are not yet true Christians.”
— Martin Luther on The Comfort Christians Have When these Signs Appear – Luke 21:25ff
Outline of Our Worship
The Preparation
Advent Candle Lighting:
The Candle of Peace
The Entrance Hymn: #305
Order of Worship: The Service: Setting One page 154-160
Prayer of the Day
The Ministry of the Word
Malachi 4:1-6
Psalm 24
Romans 15:4-13
Gospel Acclamation: Advent pg.161
Luke 21:25-36
Hymn: #304
Sermon: Romans 15:4,13 Increase Your Hope and Joy. Read the Scriptures!
Hymn: #942
The Apostles’ Creed pg.163
Our Response to the Word
Prayer of the Church: pg.164
The Offering
The Lord Blesses Us
The Closing Prayer and Blessing Hymnal page 171
Closing Hymn: #326
Silent Prayer
Lighting Candles at Advent
Quite often the candles in the church’s Advent wreath are lit with no particular acknowledgment of their presence or meaning. What is the meaning of the wreath, and what do the candles signify?
The evergreen in the wreath represents life. In the gloom of winter, the evergreen is about the only thing that shows signs of life. It represents our Savior and the life that is in Him, for in the winter of our sin His coming brings the hope of salvation and everlasting life to all who believe in Him.
The four colored candles in the wreath represent the four Sundays in Advent. Three of them are violet in color, symbolizing a time of repentance and preparation, since it was our sin that made it necessary for Christ to enter our world. The candle for the third Sunday is rose, a color of rejoicing, to remind us that in the midst of our time of repentance there is cause for joy because our Lord has come to take away our sins.
Except for this third candle, which is sometimes called Guadete (Latin for “Rejoice”), no specific names or concepts have been assigned to each candle in the wreath. But over the years several different designations arose. Last year we followed the designation for the candles which refers to them as Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds, and Angel. This year we follow the designation Love, Peace, Joy, and Hope, since these are the fruits of the Spirit which God gives to each believer by way of faith in the Child born in Bethlehem (Gal.5:22).
The first candle in the wreath that was lit last Sunday is called Love. It reminds us of the redeeming love of God that was revealed to fallen mankind during this season. The second candle that we light today is called Peace to symbolize the blessed relationship with God that we now enjoy through the Savior.
The Second Candle: Peace
When our Lord first created Adam and Eve, he created them in His own image – holy and righteous, having perfect knowledge and being in harmony with Him. As a result, there was peace in Eden.
But that peace was soon shattered by Adam and Eve’s disobedience. In the fall into sin, God’s image was lost to mankind. No longer holy, a wall of separation divided God and man, and man with man. That wall is sin. Only the promised Seed of the woman could tear it down and overcome its power in people’s lives. That promised Seed is Christ Jesus.
At His first coming, Christ Jesus breached the wall. He restored the image of God and regained for us the harmonious relationship. Although the perfection of God’s image cannot be enjoyed to its fullest capacity here while this imperfect world exists, still, in the heart of each believer, God’s righteousness has begun its reign.
All who believe in the Savior know again “the peace of God which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). So may this peace of God, revealed to us this season, compel us by the Spirit’s power to share His love and peace among all until He comes again.
Congregational Scripture Reading:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid….You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you’….I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27f; 16:33)
Prayer (Pastor):
O Holy Spirit, You have called us to faith by the Gospel. Enlighten our hearts with Your gifts. Sanctify and keep us in faith. Let the peace of Christ shine within and through us. Help us to become peacemakers in Your Kingdom, reflecting the light of Christ’s salvation in this dark world of sin, and in such a way to help draw others to faith in Him; through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Second Sunday in Advent – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Malachi 4:1-6 – The Day of the Lord Comes
1Look! The day is coming, burning like a blast furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble. The day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord of Armies, a day that will not leave behind a root or branch for them. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise, and there will be healing in its wings. You will go out and jump around like calves from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked. They will surely be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action, says the Lord of Armies.
4 Remember the law of my servant Moses, which I commanded to him at Horeb to serve as statutes and judgments over all Israel.
5 Look! I am going to send Elijah the prophet to you before the great and fearful day of the Lord comes! 6 He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with complete destruction.
Epistle Lesson: Romans 15:4-13 – Filled with Hope, Joy, and Peace
4 Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope. 5 And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 For this reason, accept one another as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God. 8 For I am saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. 9 He also did this so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
For this reason, I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing to your name.
10 And again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples give him praise.
12 And again Isaiah says: There will be a Root of Jesse, and he is the one who will rise up to rule the Gentiles; on him the Gentiles will place their hope.
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you continue to believe, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:25-36 – Lift Up Your Heads; Redemption Is Near
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And on the earth nations will be in anguish, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the surging waves, 26 people fainting from fear and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
29 He told them a parable. “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 As soon as they are sprouting leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is actually near. 31 So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Amen I tell you: This generation will not pass away until all these things happen. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Watch yourselves or else your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, and that day may come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a trap on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert all the time, praying that you may be able to escape all these things that are going to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
Dec.10 |
Monday
Dec.11 |
Tuesday
Dec.12 |
Wednesday
Dec.13 |
Thursday
Dec.14 |
Friday
Dec.15 |
Sat.
Dec.16 |
Next Sun.
Dec.17 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Advent 2 |
6 pm
Elders, Trustees, and Church Council Monthly Meeting |
11 am
Midweek Bible Class
|
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Christmas Brunch Advent 3 |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
In their writings and their ministries, the prophets who came before Christ, like Isaiah, Malachi, and John the Baptist, fix our attention on the need for preparation. The Lord is coming. Such preparation means repentance—recognizing how our sins have offended God and trusting in the forgiveness He gives us in Christ Jesus. Only the Savior brings the certainty of hope and peace to our troubled hearts as we wait for His second appearing.
The Epistle Lesson: Romans 15:4-13 (the answers are found on the back side)
- When Paul wrote this letter what “Scriptures” did the Christians in Rome have?
- What is the connection between the hope and peace that Jesus gives and accepting one another (v. 7)?
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (Long’s son-in-law); Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter)r; Barbara Long; Kathy Workentine; Robbie Woessner, undergoing radiation; Liz & Roger Lisenby; Lois Wiese in the Aurora hospital with an infection in her leg.
Two Sets of Devotions are available to you in the narthex for the Advent Season. There are not many copies left of Meditations’ 3 months daily devotions as well as the special set of Advent Devotions from Martin Luther College. This past week we delivered copies of them and invitations to worship in the neighborhoods nearby.
Thank You to all who were able to stay after Bible class last Sunday and decorate the church for Christmas…also to those who were able to help us in passing out the devotions and invitations to worship with us this past week.
Stained Glass Windows Installed In case you did not notice upon entering church today, two new stained-glass windows are temporarily installed in the narthex and the nursery. Both windows are on the wall near the front entrance. Take the time after worship to see them. The one near the door is Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and be fed with the Bread of Life. The one in the nursery portrays the Good Shepherd holding a lamb. Much of the cost was covered by memorials.
Forward in Christ’s present issue for December has arrived. There are plenty of copies for family and friends in the narthex.
Upcoming Services and Events
Sunday, December 17 – Zion’s annual Christmas brunch after worship (sign-up in the fellowship hall)
Sunday, December 24 – 9 am our regular Sunday morning worship; 6 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
(9 pm – Children’s & Candlelight Service at Peace LC, Marshfied)
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: 27; Bible Study: 13; Midweek Bible Class: 4; Offerings: $2,646; Ballou memorial: $500.
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Advent 3: Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 11:2-10 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answers to Today’s Epistle Lesson Brief Study:
- Roman believers had only the Old Testament. Think how much more we have today with the entire Bible!
- Since Christ has accepted us and made us part of His family through faith, we have peace with God. How could we not accept one another when our God has been so accepting of us?
