Living as Conquerers
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on March 1, 2024 in Luke 11:14-28
The Third Sunday in Lent March 3 2024
Text: Luke 11:14-28) Historic Series
Theme: Living as Conquerers.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/qXudBkI9m4A
sermon runs from 27:00 through 47:30
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: revelehmann@gmail.com
You can also find us on Facebook
The Third Sunday in Lent – Oculi March 3, 2024
“If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you…Blessed are those who hear the World of God and keep it.” Lk.11:20,28
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
“My eyes are always on the LORD, because He frees my feet from the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me because I am lonely and afflicted. Redeem Israel, O God, from all its distress” (Psalm 25).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Christ, The Stronger One. “My eyes are ever on the LORD.” These are the opening words of the entrance psalm for the day. They are a translation of the Latin word “Oculi.” Our eyes must ever be on the Lord if we are to gain the victory over sin, death, and the devil.
On this day in the history of the Church, the catechumens were given a thorough examination to see that their eyes were on the Lord. This was followed by a public renunciation of the devil and the pronouncement that Christ, The Stronger One, has thrown him out.
So it was and is that the lessons today also admonish believers to look upon themselves, too, that they may see and evaluate where they stand in faith in the Savior. One is either for Him or against Him, there is no middle ground. One is either in the Kingdom of God or in the kingdom of Satan.
So it is that we pray: Almighty God, look with favor on Your humble servants and stretch out the right hands of Your power to defend us against all our enemies, through 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 Lessons of the Day are from the Historic Pericope Series of the Christian Church.)
The Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-15
God tells the prophet to admonish Jerusalem and the rulers to turn from their evil ways and reset their eyes on God. If they continue to walk apart from Him and remain in their wickedness, destruction will fall upon them. For his warning them, Jeremiah was threatened with death.
The Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 5:1-9
Christians who have turned from the wickedness of sin and set their eyes on Christ, put off the evil one with his deeds of darkness. The Apostle Paul encourages them to walk in Christ love, living as children of the light.
The Gospel Lesson: Luke 11:14-28
Jesus drives a demon out of a man. However, instead of rejoicing, some of the crowd reject Him, saying that He did it with the help of Beelzebul (an OT name for Satan) behind Him. Refuting their nonsense, Jesus calls us to keep our eyes focused on Him so we do not backslide from faith.
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The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Rev. Matthew Brooks, from Jefferson City, MO
Points to Ponder: “We should take heed that we not only refrain from blaspheming the gospel and Christ, who does such great things for us and dries the devil out of us, but with zeal and fear hold fast to them in order that we may not become possessed of seven worse devils. For thus it was with the people of Jesus’ day, who had never been so wicked as while the Gospel was being preached to them.
If we neglect the great light which we now have, it will come to pass in our case too, that we shall become worse than we were before, for the devil does not slumber. This should be sufficient warning.” — Martin Luther on Christ’s Defense against Those Who Slandered Him
“’Children of Light!’ Such a title of honor and distinction God has placed upon us through Christ. Let us live up to that honor and never forget who we are. Let us ever remain with God’s Word and Sacraments that we may bear these wonderful titles.” — Pastor Frederic Niedner on Ep.5:1f
Outline of Our Worship
The Preparation
Opening Thoughts on the Service
The Entrance Hymn: #642
Order of Worship: The Service: Setting One page 154-160
Prayer of the Day
The Ministry of the Word
Jeremiah 26:1-15
Psalm 25
Ephesians 5:1-9
Gospel Acclamation: Lent pg.161
Luke 11:14-28
Hymn: #871
Sermon: Guest Preacher Rev. Matthew Brooks
The Apostles’ Creed pg.163
Our Response to the Word
Prayer of the Church: pg.164
The Offering
Hymn: #518
The Lord Blesses Us
The Closing Prayers and Blessing Hymnal page 171
Closing Hymn: #400
Silent Prayer
Lent 3 – Oculi (“My Eyes Are Ever on the LORD”) – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-15 Jeremiah Is Threatened
1In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, the following word came from the Lord. 2 This is what the Lord says. Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house, and speak to people from the cities and towns of Judah who have come to worship at the House of the Lord. Tell them everything I have commanded you to tell them. Do not hold back a single word. 3 Maybe they will listen, and everyone will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring about the disaster that I was planning because of the evil things they have done.4 You are also to say this to him. This is what the Lord says. If you will not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (but you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make the name of this city a curse word for all the nations of the earth.
7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people listened as Jeremiah spoke these words at the House of the Lord. 8 When Jeremiah had finished saying everything the Lord had commanded him to say to all the people, then the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9 Why do you prophesy in the name of the Lord that this house will be like Shiloh and that this city will be desolate with no one living here?” All the people crowded around Jeremiah in the House of the Lord.
10 When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they came up from the king’s house to the House of the Lord and sat in the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord’s house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has been prophesying against this city, as you heard with your own ears.”
12 Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and to all the people, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the things that you have heard. 13 Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring about the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, look, I am in your hands. Do with me whatever seems good and right in your eyes. 15 But you can be certain of this. If you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live here, for it is true that the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”
Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 5:1-9 Walk in Love As Followers of God
1Therefore, be imitators of God as his dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But do not let sexual immorality, any kind of impurity, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking are also out of place. Instead, give thanks. 5 Certainly you are aware of this: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, who is God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 So do not share in what they do. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Gospel Lesson: Luke 11:14-28 Jesus Drives Out a Demon
14 Jesus drove out a demon, which was mute. After the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. 15 But some of them said, “He drives out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” 16 Others were testing him by demanding of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed. And a house divided against itself falls. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? You say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 But if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So they will be your judges. 20 Yet if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks him and defeats him, he takes away that man’s full armor, in which he had trusted, and divides up his plunder.
23 “The one who is not with me is against me. The one who does not gather with me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, but does not find any. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house, the one I left.’ 25 When it returns, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and dwell there. The last condition of that man becomes worse than the first.”
27 While he was saying these things, a woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Even more blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
March 3 |
Monday
March 4 |
Tuesday
March 5 |
Wednesday
March 6 |
Thursday
March 7 |
Friday
March 8 |
Saturday
March 9 |
Next Sun.
March 10 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service No Communion this week Guest: Rev. Brooks online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study Lent 3 – Oculi |
Pastor & Elizabeth return home from Texas. Note that tomorrow we will sponsor at Zion a joint Midweek Lent supper/service/Call meeting with the members of Peace. | 11 am
Midweek Bible Class 6 pm Supper & Call Meeting 7 pm Midweek Lent 4 |
|
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Lent 4 – Laetare |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
The difference between walking in faith and walking in unbelief is like the difference between light and darkness. We were born in spiritual darkness, in our blindness unable to guide ourselves on the way to heaven. But Christ has shined His light into our lives, and our faith makes us sighted spiritually. Now we can see the path that we are to follow, and we can be the agents to guide others to the true Light that gives life to every man.
The Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 5:1-9 (answers are found on the back side)
- How has our life changed now that we are found in the light?
- What is our role to be regarding those still in darkness?
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); Barbara Long; Kathy Workentine; Robbie Woessner; Kay Schmidt at Quail Creek Rehab after tumor removal; Liz Lisenby looking ahead this week to treatment for her blood disease; Norine Richardson; Loise Wiese.
Thank You to Rev. Matthew Brooks for leading us in worship today. Rev. Brooks and his family live in the Jefferson City area of Missouri. We appreciate your service today in Pastor Lehmann’s absence. Pastor and Elizabeth are gone this weekend for the baptism of grandson Ezra Mason Baker in Texas. Should need arise, you may reach him on his cell phone.
Joint Mid-week Lent & Call Meeting This coming Thursday, March 7, we will hold a joint Mid-week Lenten time with the members of Peace LC, Marshfield. On the 7th we will sponsor the supper and Lenten service. During the supper hour, we will look at another list of candidates that the district president will send us and elect one candidate to whom we will send a call to serve as our next pastor. Please note the change of time for supper and service on this occasion. The supper will be held at 6 pm, with the Lenten service following at 7 pm. Pastor Lehmann will have returned to conduct the meeting and service.
Looking at the Lenten Season On Thursday, March 14, we will return to our mid-week Lenten observance time with our suppers and services at Zion held on Thursday evenings, 5:45 and 6:30 pm, and at Peace in Marshfield, on Wednesday evenings, 6 and 7 pm. The Lenten theme this year is People of the Passion. Each service in our midweek Lenten series centers on a key person or people and a characteristic of them that played into their roles in Jesus’ death and resurrection. This week’s focus will be Peter – The Born Leader. On March 14th it will be Pontius Pilate – The Thinker
Forward in Christ’s latest edition for March has arrived. There are copies in the narthex for family and friends.
Upcoming Services and Events
Thursday, March 7 – Joint Lenten Supper, Service, and Call Meeting – supper at 6 pm, service at 7 pm
Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 – Youth Retreat at Christ Alone LC, Dardenne Prairie, MO – “Preparing to Give an Answer”
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Lent 4 – Laetare: Isaiah 52:7-10; Galatians 4:21-31; John 6:1-15 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answers to Today’s Epistle Lesson Brief Study:
- No longer is our life filled with the “fruitless deeds of darkness,” (compare Galatians 5:19-21); rather we are now concerned with doing that “which pleases the Lord.” (compare Galatians 5:22-23).
- We are to be the law-bearers and expose those fruitless deeds of darkness in those around us, not dwelling on those evils. We must also be gospel-bearers, offering full and free forgiveness to those who hear our message!
This week I am praying for……
People Of The Passion
The Passion of Jesus Christ was all about people. Jesus suffered and died for all people. People were there. People took part. People stood by and watched. What do we know about these people? Each service in our midweek Lenten series centers on a key person or people and their roles in Jesus’ death and resurrection—from Judas, to Pontius Pilate, to the women who first saw the resurrected Jesus. Through our observance of their place in the Passion, may God help us gain insights into our lives in Him and strengthen our faith to follow Him more dearly.
People Of The Passion
# 1: Judas, the Opportunist – Luke 22:1-6; John 12:4-6
# 2: Caiaphas, the Schemer – John 11:47-53; February 21,2024
# 3: Nicodemus, the Silent Believer – John 3:1,2
# 4: Peter, the Born Leader – Luke 22:31,32,61,62; John 21:17
# 5: Pontius Pilate, the Thinker – John 19:12
# 6: One of the Mob, the Follower – Matthew 27:20-23
