“The ‘Violence’ That the Church Needs”
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on November 1, 2024 in Matthew 11:12-15
Sermon for the Festival of the Reformation November 3, 2024
Text: Matthew 11:12-15 Historic Pericope Series 24:2471
Theme: The ‘Violence’ That the Church Needs.
A week from this coming Tuesday we will go to the polls. If you have not already done so, I encourage you of voting age to vote. It is our privilege, yes, I would say responsibility as Christians to do so.
No matter with which political party you identify, as Christians in line with God’s Word, look around at our country and world. One cannot deny that there is a sad moral, ethical, religious, and materialistic state apart from the Word of God that is overtaking us. At times it even seems like that fallen state has made inroads into the Church and the attitudes and lives of Christians. We might almost be led to the point of saying that the Church needs a cleansing to shake it and wake it up. As Jesus Himself warned the Church in Sardis in Revelation, “Your works are not complete in the sight of God….If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know what time I will come upon you” (3:2f).
Jesus’ words are ominous, almost terrifying. Whether or not the Church needs such a drastic shaking from God, we cannot tell. That we must leave to the Head of the Church, Christ Himself. If in His divine providence, He deems it necessary to bring chastisement upon us for our departure from Him, He will bring it about for the welfare of His people. But as Christians we do not desire such a violent shaking, nor do we ask God to send it. On the contrary, Paul encourages (1Tm.2:1f), “I urge first of all that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. Peaceful, quiet – not violent.
So, dear Christian, as you go to vote next week, pray for God’s blessing on our land. Then pray for whomever is elected that they shall carry out God’s saving will among us. But persecution and violence is not something for which Christians pray.
Yet there is a “violence” of another kind in the Kingdom of God which is desirable and must affect us all. Jesus speaks of it in our text. The Church of the Reformation needs it in every age for it is profitable. It is not a violence that causes pain and destruction but blessing. What is The ‘Violence’ that the Church and every Christian Need in every age?
(I. The age of John the Baptist)
Perhaps the word “violence” strikes you as being too strong. And it is, in our normal way of thinking about it, for we think of violence as wicked and destructive. A violent storm destroys home and life. A violent mob disrupts and creates havoc. A violent ruler wages war and causes pain and death. That’s how we commonly think of violence – it causes pain and heartache. But God’s Kingdom causes no pain or heartache. It only brings great blessing when the “violence” Jesus describes in our text takes place.
So it is that many translations use the idea of extreme power or forcefulness to communicate Jesus’ thoughts. The Church always needs a proper, godly form of power and forcefulness behind it, like that which took place in John the Baptist’s day.
At the time of our text, King Herod had thrown John into prison because John preached against Herod’s sin. So, at first it might seem that Jesus speaks of the violence that believers like John suffer because of their witness to God’s truths. But Jesus doesn’t only refer to the days of John’s ministry. He refers to the beginning (pres. = ongoing) of His own: “From the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” But there was no violent persecution of Jesus’ disciples during this time until much later. So, Jesus does not speak of the violence against the Church for its faith. Then what?
He is describing what took place when John and Jesus carried out their ministries. Their words came with power and forcefulness. Their words “violently” disrupted people’s lives. It powerfully changed hearts, turning people away from themselves to God.
Think of John’s message: “Repent. Prepare the way of the Lord.” Jesus implied the same thing: “The time has come. The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mk.1)
Those were forceful messages that stirred a type of “violence” in the hearts of people as the Holy Spirit led them to faith. He snatched them from all types of backgrounds for the Kingdom of God. People became hungry and thirsty for God’s Word, grabbing for the Gospel as hungry souls seeking Christ’s forgiveness.
Think about it. When sinners, overwhelmed in guilt and sorrow for their sins, left for dead by God’s thunderbolts of the Law, eagerly hear that the forgiveness of heaven is found fully and freely in Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” they grab for it with all they’ve got. The tax collectors, the sinners, even some Pharisees like Nicodemus, seized the Kingdom of God by faith when they heard John’s and Jesus’ sermons. This was divine “violence,” worked by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people in John’s age, bringing them to saving faith. It was a violence that went forth with God’s blessing and benediction. It caused a great reformation among the people and made our Lord Jesus smile with delight at the pure preaching of God’s Word.
II. That was also the case at the time of the Reformation in Martin Luther’s day. You could even make an analogy to our text and say, “From the days of the Reformation until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Those were powerful preachers of the Word at that time. What made Luther’s and the other’s preaching so powerful?
It wasn’t Luther himself, for Luther freely admitted that he was nothing but a weak and sinful man. But it was the Word preached that was forceful. Like the Book of Hebrews says, “The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joints and marrow”(4:12). God’s Word is overwhelming. Nothing overwhelms its power! But men try. Oh, how they try to thwart it!
At Luther’s time they cried, “Traditions, decisions of councils, decrees of Rome,” all kinds of things were given equal authority to, yes, even exalted above the Bible. False doctrine abounded. Instead of forgiveness through Christ alone, “buy indulgences and get so many years out of sufferings. Pray to Mary and the saints, and they’ll help you into heaven.” All falsities. The clear and comforting truths like, “By grace are you saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works”; or “there is no other name under heaven whereby we are saved”; or Jesus’ promise: “Come to me and I will give you rest” – such assurances were lost, buried under the rubble of work righteousness or “buy it.” The Church was in Need of good “Violence” in the Reformation. It came as the true Gospel was restored and preached.
III. And that brings us to our present day and age. Look at the state of the world and Church today. Are people’s lives in need of the violence and power which the true Word brought in John’s day, the Apostles’ day, and Luther’s day? Yes! The Church in every age is always in need of such violence. But where shall it be found?
Many think the power is found in numbers, so they call for all denominations to unite, no matter what they teach. Others think the power is found in wealth, entertainment, or human qualities like friendliness, love, and compassion. As Christians we are to be that, as well as humble and caring. But the power of Christ’s Church is not found there, and no one shall ever be saved simply because you were friendly, loving, compassionate, or lowly. But you will save yourself and others by proclaiming the Word of Truth, the Gospel of what God has done for us only in Christ, who forgave and saved us at the foot of His cross. That is what the faithful Church proclaims. “Whoever has ears, hear it!”
Each of us has ears. So let us hear with eagerness, like the people in John’s day, and forcefully clasp the Kingdom of Grace to ourselves at every opportunity. Oh, when will people of our day learn again that we live by faith and not by sight, through the hearing and receiving of the Word. It alone is the source of the Violence That is Needed in the Church, whether in John’s day, the time of the Reformation, in our day, or in every age.
“The Word of God is powerful and effective!” “We are not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe…For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed by faith, for faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous will live by faith.” God grant it to us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
The Festival of the Reformation
– Sunday, November 3, 2024 –
Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, 4717 Golden Ave, Springfield, Missouri
(Member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
Zion Telephone: 417.887.0886 www.zionluthchurch.com
Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
“The Kingdom of Heaven forcefully advances, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matt. 11:12
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 on the table 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.
O u r M i s s i o n
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Churches exist to proclaim the Gospel, making disciples for Christ and strengthening believers for a life of service to God. To God alone be the glory.
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
This morning’s worship is patterned after the outline of “The Deutsche Messe,” The German Mass and Order of Service, arranged by Martin Luther in 1526. The term “Mass” comes from the Latin word “mitto,” meaning “to send.” At the end of the service the pastor dismissed the congregation with words by which he “sent” them into the world as witnesses for Christ.
In arranging the service, Luther’s intent was two-fold: 1) to place the worship service into the language that his people understood and in which they could participate; and 2) to purify it from the doctrinal and devotional abominations and features that had crept into the service in his day.
In the present day, our Sunday worship services in our Lutheran churches have made additions that have arisen over time and were not a part of the simplified worship service that Martin Luther wrote for the German people. But many of the service parts are the same. Luther’s service for the German people always included an order of Holy Communion that was a bit shorter than the ones which our congregations normally use in our day. Holy Communion will be a part of the worship service today.
On Reformation Sunday we thank God for the gift of His Word and His preservation of it throughout history. It is a strong and powerful Word that carries the message of salvation straight to the heart. Through it He calls each of us to be His redeemed children by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, by the Word of God alone, through Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. With His Word He blesses us for time and eternity in the redeeming love that we have received from Him. By it He enables us to stand firm in faith to the end.
The Order of Worship
The Preparation
Call to Worship and Opening Prayer
Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
All: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. Into Your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Opening Hymn: “Built on the Rock the Church Shall Stand” 856
The Confession of Sins
(Luther did not place a Confession of Sins at the start of the service. The early Lutheran Church continued the practice of private confession and absolution. It was not until the introduction of “The Common Service” of 1888 that the addition of the confession and absolution for all worshipers became part of the Lutheran liturgy in America.)
P: Let us confess our sins:
All: O almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess to You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserve Your punishment now and forever. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter suffering and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful being.
The Kyrie Pastor
(The Kyrie is a cry for God’s mercy and help. It expresses confidence of faith that God will hear and answer our prayers. “Kyrie Eleison” is Greek for “Lord, have mercy” and was sung by the pastor.)
The Prayer of the Day Pastor
(The Prayer of the Day, historically known as “The Collect,” is an ancient set of prayers “collected” together. They summarize all petitions of God’s Church and are noted for their brevity, beauty, and poetry. Each Sunday has its unique Prayer of the Day, based on the Gospel, chanted by the pastor.)
The Ministry of the Word
(Luther retained the centuries-old list of Scripture Lessons. He also retained the practice of chanting the readings. Each person speaking (e.g., Jesus, apostles, Pharisees) had their own melody to identify who was speaking. Luther saw chanting as a means to minimize the reader’s personality and to adorn and focus attention on the words of the lesson. The lessons will not be chanted this morning.
The Epistle Lesson: Revelation 14:6-7 A Flying Angel Proclaims the Eternal Gospel.
6Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven. He had the everlasting Gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7He said with a loud voice: “Fear God and give Him glory because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.”
The Hymn: “Thy Strong Word” 630
The Gospel Lesson: Matthew 11:12-15 The Kingdom of Heaven Forcefully Advances.
12From the day of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been advancing forcefully and forceful people are seizing it. 13In fact, all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14If you are willing to receive it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.
The Hymn: “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” 862
The Sermon: “The ‘Violence’ That the Church Needs” Matthew 11:12-15
The Response to the Word
The Hymn: “We All Believe in One True God” 940
(Following the lesson of the day, before the prayer, the congregation would sing a hymn, confessing their faith.)
The offering is not taken during the service, but is deposited in the offering plates
at the door as the individual Christian leaves the sanctuary.
Paraphrase on the Lord’s Prayer
(After the sermon a public paraphrase of the Lord’s Prayer and admonition for those who were to partake of the sacrament followed. Whether the words were read in the pulpit immediately after the sermon or at the altar, Luther left to the individual officiant’s judgment. It seemed that the ancients did so in the pulpit so that it was still the custom to read general prayers or the Lord’s Prayer in the pulpit. He asked that the wording of both would follow a prescribed manner for the sake of the common people lest the officiant “do it one way today and another tomorrow and so parade his talents and confuse the people so that they can neither learn nor retain anything.”)
Pastor: Friends in Christ: Since we are here assembled in the name of the Lord, I admonish you to lift your hearts to God to pray with me The Lord’s Prayer, as Christ our Lord has taught us and graciously promised to hear us.
That God, our Father in heaven may look with mercy on us, His needy children on earth, and grant us grace so that His holy name is hallowed by us and all the world through the pure and true teaching of His Word and the fervent love of our lives; that He would graciously turn from us all false doctrine and evil living whereby His precious name is being blasphemed and profaned.
That His Kingdom may come to us and expand; that all transgressors and they who are blinded and bound in the devil’s kingdom be brought to know Jesus Christ His Son by faith, and that the number of Christians may be increased.
That we may be strengthened by His spirit to do and suffer His will, both in life and in death, in good and in evil things, and always to break, slay, and sacrifice our own wills.
That He would give us our daily bread, preserve us from greed and selfish cares, and help us to trust that He will provide for all our needs.
That He would forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors so that our hearts may rest and rejoice in good conscience before Him and no sin may ever frighten or alarm us.
That He would not lead us into temptation but help us by His Spirit to subdue the flesh, to despise the world and its ways, and to overcome the devil with all his wiles.
And lastly, that He would deliver us from all evil, both of body and soul, now and forever.
All those who earnestly desire these things will say from their hearts: Amen, trusting without any doubt that it is “Yea,” and answered in heaven as Christ has promised: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you shall receive it, and you will.” Amen.
Join with me in the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hymnal p. 168
The Admonition to Receive Holy Communion
The Office of Consecration
(It seemed to Luther that immediately after the consecration of the bread, Jesus administered it before blessing the cup. He based that on the accounts of the Lord’s Supper from Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25. After the bread was taken, then the cup was blessed and administered while the German Sanctus, the Agnus Dei, or other hymns were sung. The elevation of the elements was retained because the act went well with the Sanctus and signified that Christ commanded us to remember Him, elevating Him by faith in our hearts and minds through Word and Sacrament. We do not worship the bread or the wine. But we receive in faith, gratitude, and reverence the body and blood of Christ along with the bread and wine for forgiveness. The elevation was later abolished in the Lutheran Church in 1542 because the idea of worshiping the elements had slipped back into many people’s thinking. The men and the women at the time of the Reformation communed separately.)
The Sanctus: “Isaiah, Mighty Seer in Days of Old”
(It appears that this hymn, known as the German Sanctus, or another appropriate hymn was sung as the people came forward during the distribution of the bread before the cup was blessed. Then, while the cup was later blessed and administered, other appropriate hymns would be sung.)
The Distribution
The Distribution Hymn: “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared” 667
The Communion Collect
The Benediction
(Luther directed the clergy to use the words of blessing which God gave to His Old Testament priests to bless the people of Israel.)
The Closing Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” 863
(Modern day Lutherans found the end of this service to be too abrupt to their liking. A closing hymn was added by Scandinavian Lutherans in the 1800s.)
Silent Prayer
* * *
Today’s Service Music: Jane Rips, organist The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder Martin Luther’s closing comments on the Service he introduced in his day:
“In short, this or any other order shall be so used that whenever it becomes an abuse, it shall be straightway abolished and replaced by another, even as King Hezekiah put away and destroyed the brazen serpent, though God Himself had commanded it be made, because the children of Israel made an abuse of it (2 Kings 18:4). For the orders must serve for the promotion of faith and love and not be to the detriment of faith. As soon as they fail to do this, they are invalid, dead, and gone; just as a good coin, when counterfeited, is canceled and changed because of the abuse, or as new shoes when they become old and uncomfortable are no longer worn but thrown away and new ones bought.
“An order is an external thing. No matter how good it is, it can be abused. Then it is no longer an order, but a disorder. No order is, therefore, valid in itself…..But the validity, value, power, and virtue of any order is in its proper use. Otherwise, it is utterly worthless and good for nothing. God’s Spirit and grace be with us all. Amen.” From Volume 53 of Luther’s Work on Hymns and Liturgy
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
Nov.3 |
Wed.
Nov.6 |
Thurs.
Nov.7 |
Fri.
Nov.8 |
Sat.
Nov.9 |
Next Sun.
Nov.10 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion on-line – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study 5 pm Area Reformation Service at Beautiful Savior LC, Bella Vista, AR Reformation Festival |
9:30 am
Women’s Neighborhood Bible Study on Ruth (part 2) |
LWMS sponsored Women’s Fall Retreat at Heit’s Point (near Lincoln, MO)
Friday evening supper & fellowship |
Saturday Bible Study:
“I’m Moving Forward in Christ” Personal outdoors recreation time Early Saturday Evening Worship |
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service on-line-Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study Door Offering for WELS Military Ministry
24th Sunday after Trinity |
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Norine Richardson; Melissa Morlock-Jaeger; Liz Lisenby; Barbara Long; Pastor Roger Neumann, Oskaloosa, IA; Jim Wiese’s family whose mother the Lord took to Himself in eternity this past week.
Divine Call Sent At the joint service and call meeting of Peace and Zion 2 weeks ago, Pastor Benjamin Birner was selected to whom our eighth call for a pastor was sent. He is 32 years old and presently serves Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Liverpool, NY. He and wife Julie have 2 children, age 3 and infant. Please keep Pastor Birner and family in your prayers.
The Area Reformation Service will be held at Beautiful Savior LC, Bella Vista, AR, this afternoon at 5 pm. A supper will follow. Pastor Ross Chartrand from the new mission in Bentonville, AR will be the guest preacher. Singers are invited to take part in a joint choir, with a brief rehearsal at 4:30 pm.
Forward in Christ’s latest issue for November has arrived. There are plenty of copies for family and friends on the credenza in the narthex.
Fall Clean-up With all the events going on in October, we haven’t been able to schedule in our normal Fall Clean-up time in preparation for winter. We will plan on clean-up time from Nov.11-23rd on your own time. A Task Sign-up Schedule will be placed in the fellowship hall so that those who can’t make a Saturday can do something whenever you have time.
Upcoming Services and Events
Today, 5 pm – Area WELS/ELS Reformation Service at Beautiful Savior LC, Bella Vista, AR
Thursday, November 7, 9:30 am – Neighborhood Women’s Bible Study on Ruth, part 2
Friday-Sunday, November 8-10 – LWMS sponsored Women’s Fall Retreat at Heit’s Point
Next Sunday, November 10 – Door Offering for WELS Military Ministry
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Trinity 24: 1 Kings 17:17-24; Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 9:18-26 (Historic Pericope Series)
From Martin Luther’s Day to the present, October 31, 1517 has been considered the birthday of the Reformation. At noon on this Eve of All Saints’ Day (“All Hallows E’en”; “Holy Evening”), Luther nailed on the Castle Church (Schloss Kirche) door, which served as a bulletin board for faculty and students of the University of Wittenberg, his Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, commonly called The Ninety-five Theses. He intended that these theses serve as a basis for a scholarly discussion with his colleagues at the university and other learned men. His act may have been prompted by the fact that people were gathering in Wittenberg to adore the collection of religious relics (bones of the saints, pieces of the cross, etc.) on All Saints’ Day, November 1.
At the same time a Dominican monk named John Tetzel was causing a great stir with his sale of indulgences (pardon from temporal punishment and satisfaction for sin). In Luther’s own words: “This same Tetzel now began to peddle indulgences. With might and main he sold grace for money as dearly or as cheaply as he could. At the time I was preacher here in the cloister and was filled as a new doctor with an ardent love for the Scriptures.
“When many people from Wittenberg ran after indulgences, I did not know what indulgences were, but no one else knew either. I carefully began to preach that one could do something better and more certain than to purchase indulgences….At first I let everything continue its course. Then it was reported that Tetzel was preaching some cruel and terrible propositions, such as the following:
– He had grace and power from the Pope to offer forgiveness even if someone had slept with the Holy Virgin Mother of God, as long as a contribution would be put into the coffer;
– Furthermore, the red Cross of Indulgences and the papal coat of arms on the flag of the churches were as powerful as the Cross of Christ;
– Moreover, even if St. Peter were here now he’d have no greater grace or power than (Tetzel) had;
– Furthermore, he would not want to trade places in heaven with St. Peter, for he (Tetzel) had redeemed more souls with his indulgences than Peter with his sermons;
– Furthermore, if anyone put money into the coffer for a soul in purgatory, the soul would leave purgatory for heaven the moment one could hear the penny clink at the bottom of the chest;
– Also the grace of indulgences is the grace by which man is reconciled with God;
– Furthermore, it is not necessary to show remorse or sorrow or do penance for sins when purchasing indulgences or a letter of indulgence. He even sold indulgences for future sins. Such abominable things he did abundantly. He was merely interested in money.” (1541 WA 51,538)
In the 95 Theses Luther applied his evangelical theology to indulgences. He hoped thereby to find answers to a problem which disturbed him and other sincere Christians for a long time.
The following are a few examples of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses regarding the abuses which had crept into the church. With these he called for a debate in the church on such issues:
#1 Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying, “Repent ye,” intended that the whole life of believers should be penitence.
#3 It does not refer solely to inward penitence; nay, such inward penitence is naught unless it outwardly produces various mortifications of the flesh.
#21 Those preachers of indulgences are in error who say that by the indulgences of the Pope a man is loosed and saved from all punishment.
#27 They preach human doctrine who say that the soul flies out of purgatory as soon as the money, thrown into the chest, rattles.
#37 Every true Christian, whether living or dead, has a share in all the benefits of Christ and of the Church, given him by God, even without letters of indulgence.
#43 Christians should be taught that he who gives to a poor man or lends to a needy man does better than if he buys indulgences.
#62 The true treasure of the Church is the holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.
#94 Christians are to be exhorted to strive to follow Christ, their Head, through pain, death, and hell.
#95 And thus to enter heaven through many tribulations rather than in the security of peace.
