True to the Gospel Ministry.
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on December 13, 2024 in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Lighting Candles at Advent
What is the meaning of the Advent wreath, and what do the candles signify?
The evergreen in the wreath represents life. It represents our Savior and the life that we have in Him, for His coming brings the hope of salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
The four colored candles in the wreath represent the four Sundays in Advent. Three of them are violet, symbolizing repentance and preparation, since our sin made it necessary for Christ to enter our world. The candle for the third Sunday is rose to remind us that in the midst of our time of repentance there is cause for joy because the Savior has come for us. At the celebration of Jesus’ birth, a white candle is placed in the middle.
Except for the third candle, which is sometimes called Gaudete (Latin – Rejoice), no specific names have been assigned to each candle in the wreath. But over the years several designations arose. Some name them the candles Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd, and Angel. Others refer to them as the candles of Love, Peace, Joy, and Hope, which are spiritual gifts that the Savior brings us.
On this Third Sunday in Advent we add the lighting of the third candle to those lit the first two weeks. They signify:
- Candle of Prophecy (violet)
As the first candle on the wreath, my light is the first to pierce the darkness. I represent the light of the holy prophets who spoke in times past with news of a coming Savior. Theirs was the first ray of hope to all men lost in the darkness of their sins.
- Bethlehem Candle (also called Redeemer Candle – violet)
As the second candle on the wreath, my light symbolizes the coming on earth of Jesus, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He is “the Light of the world” who will come again soon to take all who believe in Him to heaven.
- John the Baptist’s Candle (also called Shepherd Candle – rose)
The Prophet’s Candle reminds us of Jesus’ first advent long ago. The Redeemer’s Candle testifies to Christ’s second advent yet to come. As the third candle, I bring a message of preparation to receive the Lord Jesus in faith right now. I represent John the Baptist. His preaching of repentance and Baptism with water still rings out as our way to prepare for the joyful coming of the Savior into our hearts and lives.
The Third Sunday in Advent December 15, 2024
Text: Romans 4:1-5 Historic Pericope Series 24:2477
Theme: “True to the Gospel Ministry”
This is written to you, members of Zion and Peace Lutheran Churches, and to all Christian churches. It tells you how to regard the Christian ministry God has given you. It’s timing seems uncanny to me and beneficial since we are in the midst of calling another pastor to serve us. You see, this one is getting old, and he understands how his skills and abilities are diminishing. So, this is written to you to help you see what you must look for in a minister of the Gospel.
But this text is also written to me, a duly called Christian preacher. There is a sense in which a minister of Christ is always a minister of Christ until death parts us from this life. It reminds me of the charge Christ gave me at the time of my ordination and admonishes me to put all other human concerns aside in order to faithfully fulfill the charge He lays before a called worker.
It comes on a Sunday that since ancient times has been devoted to the work of John the Baptist. The day does not seek to highlight the person of John, but the faithful ministry he carried out in preparing sinners for the coming of Christ. Of his work Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet, the one least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Mt.11:12). The ministry was not about his person, but about his God-given work and the way it was carried out.
Likewise, the ministry is not about us, the congregation or specifically the preacher, but about how the work is carried out to the salvation of souls. For that we must be True to the Gospel Ministry.
I. Servants of Christ.
Paul begins, “So let a man consider us as ministers of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” Now that’s a mouthful, one short sentence packed with deep considerations of your relationship to your preacher, your preacher’s relationship to you, and most of all of that preacher’s relationship to God. In considering that, you will also have considered your relationship to Him and His Word. Let’s start by asking a simple question: “Ministers, preachers, what are they?”
Paul calls them servants of Christ, not lords, kings, or masters, but servants. A servant has no authority of his own, and he dare not act as though he is in charge with his own notions and standards.
Actually, the word for servant in Greek means “an under-rower.” It has to do with those who propelled the sea-going ships in ancient times. Those ships were not driven by engines or even primarily by sails. They were driven by men with oars, sitting on benches, rowing the ships across the sea. Those men were known as “under-rowers,” signifying that there was a master over them directing their efforts. Following his commands, they propelled the ship forward, toward a goal which they could not see, since they were facing backwards from the direction in which the ship went. They applied their efforts in the way that their superior officer knew best and directed them.
So it is to be with ministers of the Gospel. They are servants of Christ, under-rowers, plain men who carry out directions given to them. Like the sailors of old with their hands on the oars, looking to the master of the ship to guide them, so Christian ministers are to do all their work at the will of their heavenly Master, Christ. Woe to that minister who assumes to himself power and authority to rule arbitrarily according to his own ideas and thoughts! And woe to that congregation that feels it directs the minister’s work for Him apart from the Word of Christ. Christ, the Lord, is the Master of His Ship, the Church, knowing how, where, and with what to steer it. Whereas men, in their sin, may misdirect it. John the Baptist is a good example here of such an “under-rower.”
Humbly in the desert, he carried out the work given him as the Forerunner of Christ. Tirelessly he prepared the way of the Lord, calling people to repent and believe in the Savior to come. John never lorded it over others. At the same time, he was not like a flimsy reed bending to the winds of popular opinions, nor was he threatened by human authority to stop preaching the Word given him. Imagine if he had fearfully or with the desire to be humanly rewarded bowed to King Herod’s wishes that he stop preaching about sin and grace. The message of salvation, found in the coming Christ, would have been lost. But John did not cave to human pressure. He followed the direction of His Master and spoke the Word of Truth, even though it landed him in prison. He was a servant of Christ. So are we to be.
God forbid that any preacher or congregation forget this. And don’t you let me forget that either lest we both be un-True to the Gospel Ministry.
II. Furthermore, Paul calls them Stewards of God’s mysteries. Stewards were managers, oversee-ers who watched over and directed the affairs of a wealthy man’s household for him. Although they served like the “under-rower” did, what made the steward different is that he did not constantly work under the directing eye of the master. The steward had the freedom to work away from the master, to direct the affairs of the household and dispense the provisions appropriately to all who were in the house, according to their needs.
Likewise, preachers dispense to others the “provisions” of Christ. They never give out what they think is needed, but only that which belongs to God and His Word. Paul calls it the “mysteries” of salvation. It’s only a “mystery” in the sense that none of us, no sinful man, woman, or child on their own would know the way to salvation through Christ if God had not revealed it to us. But in mercy God reveals His grace to sinners in Christ alone. That’s what we dispense. As soon as any preacher or congregation begins to give their own thoughts and views that don’t jive with God’s Word, they cease being Christ’s servants and stewards of the wondrous “mysteries” of God.
God forbid, that any preacher or congregation forget this. And in all humility, don’t you let me forget it, that we are stewards of God’s mysteries. As we distribute His saving gifts in Christ, we are True to the Gospel Ministry. By not dispensing them, we do eternal harm.
III. “Moreover, it is required of stewards to be found faithful.” That is the only prerequisite of God. Faithfulness is required. He does not say, “The man must have a fine personality, a friendliness about him, likeable;” or “he must be intelligent and have good business sense;” or a hundred and one other things that people think make for a good minister. He doesn’t even say, “the man has to be a good speaker with interesting stories and impactful sermons for people’s daily lives.” No! There is but one requirement – faithfulness. God does not expect us to find gifts in the man that He has not given. He does expect faithfulness to His Word and the things He has given.
Again, think of John the Baptist and his work as the Forerunner to Christ. I would imagine that there were many humanly undesirable things about him as people saw it. Oh, my, the man lived out in the open wilderness and wore only a smelly old camel’s hair coat. How would you like to invite him over to dinner at your house? He ate grasshoppers and wild honey. And he was blunt with his words, not polished like a politician trying to win people over to his thoughts. John faithfully proclaimed the Word of repentance and faith in the salvation that only God would prepare for them. Of him Jesus said: “Among those born of women there has not appeared anyone greater than John the Baptist.” With all his faults as people might see it, Jesus commended him. Why? Because John could be counted on to proclaim the words and promises of God, pointing to the Savior, calling out that all might hear, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” even in the threat of death. That’s faithfulness.”
Woe to any preacher not like John. Woe to any congregation with itching ears to hear something else. Woe to all who detract from the saving Word of Christ. There is nothing worse in the kingdom of God than men or congregations unfaithful to the Word of Truth for “salvation is found in no one else (but Christ), for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” And “we are not ashamed of this Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.”
You know, dear friends, as we go about this calling process to replace “this getting-older-guy,” you are going to see call lists that indicate wondrous gifts which God has given to His called workers, who are even now serving elsewhere in His Kingdom. When I look at their abilities and interests, I am tempted to think, “Boy, I wish I had that,” or “I wish I could do that.” But that’s not what God has given me. Although He can bring about growth in gifts that we never thought we had, He has given us each what He has determined for the welfare of His Kingdom.
I am confident that He will send the right person, in the right way, in the right time to us. But until that time comes, you have called me to be your pastor. God help me be True to the Gospel Ministry. Pray for me and for whomever the Lord calls here next that we only strive to be servants of Christ, under-rowers to Him…stewards of the mysteries of salvation…faithful to His Word. You do not want us to tamper with that in any way. We want to be True to the Gospel Ministry. Then on that Last Day, as Paul writes: “There will be praise for each person from God.” God grant it to us in our lives of faith 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 Third Sunday in Advent – Gaudate (“Rejoice”) December 15, 2024
“Comfort, comfort, My people,” says your God. “Speak to (their) heart.” Isaiah 40:1
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
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. Shout for joy to the LORD…. Sing for joy together before the LORD.” (Psalm 98).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Rejoice! The Savior Comes to Proclaim Divine Comfort. God sent John the Baptist into the desert to preach the desperate need for repentance. In the Bible, heat and the desert are often used to picture the oppressive nature of sin in our lives. It beats us down, wears us out, and in the end would consume us through God’s judgment upon it.
But there was more. God promised to come to His people as they prepared with repentant hearts to receive Him. He would come to comfort them, end their hard times, and bestow on them forgiveness and double blessings. Divine deliverance was at hand. Sorrow and suffering would flee before Him, and rejoicing would return to them.
So it is that the message of the Third Sunday in Advent comes like a refreshing pool on a hot summer’s day to bring relief to God’s people. In the desert of sin there is joy to be found in the advent of the Savior.
To that end we pray: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of Your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with Your light; for Your name’s sake. 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: Isaiah 40:1-11
Through the Prophet Isaiah, God comforted His distressed people with the assurance that He will come to deliver His afflicted people from their time of hard captivity. Their time of tribulation would end; their sins would be paid for. He would send a messenger to prepare His way for Him to come to His repentant people. And they would rejoice.
The Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
The King who is coming again has servants who faithfully prepare the people for His coming. They are to be faithful stewards of God’s mysteries, getting the people ready for His Second Advent. He will be the One to judge the work and intentions of one’s heart.
The Gospel Lesson: Matthew 11:2-11
While in prison John sent his disciples to Jesus that they might find out if He were the Messiah. Jesus reveals that John was the long-awaited Forerunner of the Christ and greatest of His messengers.
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
Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation. This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17). It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says. Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.
The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder: “God has chosen despised and frail human beings for the ministry of the Word that the divine power of the Word might become apparent – a power that is impossible to suppress, even in the weakest of persons. Moreover, if the mighty of the world were to preach the Gospel, people would be captivated more by the authority of the person preaching than by the Word itself.”
– Martin Luther on Man’s Weakness Makes God’s Power Stand Out from a sermon on Is.40
Outline of Our Worship
The Preparation
Advent Candle Lighting John the Baptist’s Candle
The Entrance Hymn: #310
Order of Worship: The Service: Setting Two with Holy Communion: page 172-180
Hymn: #346
Prayer of the Day
The Ministry of the Word
Isaiah 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: Advent pg.179
Matthew 11:2-11
Sermon Hymn: #312
Sermon: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 True to the Gospel Ministry.
The Nicene Creed pg.180
Our Response to the Word
Prayer of the Church: pg.182
The Offering
The Lord Blesses Us
Preparation for Holy Communion Hymnal page 182-187
(Visitors: Please read above regarding Holy Communion)
Consecration and Distribution
Distribution Hymn: #320
Thanksgiving & Blessing Hymnal: middle of page 187
Closing Hymn: #353
Silent Prayer
Third Sunday in Advent – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11 God Comforts His People.
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her. Her warfare is over. Her guilt is fully paid for. She has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice is calling out: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. In the wasteland make a level highway for our God. 4 Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be made low. The rugged ground will become level, and the rough places will become a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh together will see it. Yes, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
6 A voice was saying, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry out?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like a wildflower in the countryside. 7Grass withers, flowers fade, when the breath of the Lord blows on them. Yes, the people are grass. 8 Grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of our God endures forever.
9 Get up on a high mountain, O Zion, you herald of good news. Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, you herald of good news. Lift it up! Do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 Look, God the Lord will come with strength, and his arm is ruling for him. Look, his reward is with him. The result of his work is in front of him.
11 Like a shepherd he will care for his flock. With his arm he will gather the lambs. He will lift them up on his lap. He will gently lead the nursing mothers.
Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 The Lord Will Reveal the Heart’s Intentions.
1This is the way a person should think of us: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 In this connection, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But it is a trivial matter to me if I am evaluated by you or by a day in a human court. Why, I do not even evaluate myself. 4 I do not in fact know of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this; rather, the one who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing ahead of time, until the Lord comes. He will bring to light whatever is hidden in darkness and also reveal the intentions of hearts. Then there will be praise for each person from God.
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 11:2-11 John, More than a Prophet, Is Not the Christ.
2 While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?”
4 Jesus answered them, “Go, report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the one who does not take offense at me.”
7 As these two were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? No, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you! And he is much more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. 11 Amen I tell you: Among those born of women there has not appeared anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
Dec.15 |
Mon.
Dec.16 |
Tues.
Dec.17 |
Wed.
Dec.18 |
Thurs.
Dec.19 |
Fri.
Dec.20 |
Sat.
Dec.21 |
Next Sun.
Dec.22 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study Advent 3 |
6 pm
Elders, Trustees, & Church Council Monthly Meeting |
9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Pre-Christmas Brunch & Fellowship
Advent 4 |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
God doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own in this world but He prepares us for the final great event—Jesus’ return at the end. He sends His messengers to point out the reality of sin so that we don’t drift into complacency. But then He sends His good news of salvation in Christ and connects us with Him in baptism. What a change that creates in our focus for living!
The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11 (the answers are found on the back side)
- How will the people receive “double” for all their sins?
- Who is the “voice of one calling in the desert to prepare a way for the Lord?”
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Norine Richardson; Liz Lisenby; Pastor Roger Neumann from Oskaloosa, IA.
Divine Call Sent At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace Wednesday, Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck was selected to whom our ninth call for a pastor will be sent. He is 62 years old and presently serves St. Jacob Lutheran Church, Grass Lake, MI. He and wife Karen have 2 non-dependent adult children.. Please keep Pastor Uhlenbrauck and family in your prayers over the next few weeks as he prayerfully considers the call. More information about Pastor Uhlenbrauck may be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Pre-Christmas Brunch Next Sunday we will enjoy our annual pre-Christmas Brunch during the fellowship time following the worship service. We hope that you can all stay and enjoy this meal time together. There is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall for items you might bring.
The New Issues of Meditations daily devotions and the Forward in Christ for December will be found in the narthex. There are plenty of copies that you can share with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Upcoming Services and Events
Tuesday, December 17, 6 pm – Elders, Trustees, Church Council Monthly Meeting
Next Sunday, December 22 – Zion’s annual Christmas Brunch after worship; please stay and join in the fellowship
Tuesday, December 24, 6 pm – at Zion, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (at Peace, Marshfield, 9 pm)
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: 30; Bible Study: 17; Offerings: $1,660.
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Advent 4: Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answers to Today’s Old Testament Lesson Brief Study:
- God was not going to punish them twice as hard as they deserved. Instead, they would receive “double” grace—much more blessing than could be expected. This is not something that can be earned, but what is inherited by his free grace—a full forgiveness that is not deserved.
- The Bible makes it clear (Mt 3:3, Mk 1:3 and Lk 3:4) that this is pointing ahead to the person of John the Baptist. He was the voice who preached stern and pointed law to the people to prepare their hearts with repentance. And he was the one who preached the sweet gospel as he pointed to the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This is the good news we are also to shout out to people—a word that will outlast worldly “experts.”
This week I am praying for……
