Today the Church Commemorates Jerome, Translator of Holy Scripture

Jerome was born in a little village on the Adriatic Sea around the year A.D. 345. At a young age he went to study in Rome, where he was baptized. After extensive travels, he chose the life of a monk and spent five years in the Syrian desert. There he learned Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament . After ordination at Antioch and visits to Rome and Constantinople, Jerome settled in Bethlehem. From the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, he used his ability with languages to translate the Bible into Latin, the common language of his time. This translation, called the Vulgate, was the authoritative version of the Bible in the western Church world for over 1,000 years. Considered one of the great scholars of the early church, Jerome died on September 30, 420. He was originally interred at Bethlehem but his remains were eventually taken to Rome.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran-Worden, IL on Jerome, translator of Scripture on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

The Intersection of Church and State

The Intersection of Church & State, a television special from Lutheran Hour Ministries, airs tomorrow Sunday, September 30 at 4PM Central on the Fox Business Channel as paid programming.  The hour-long program explores how the U.S. Constitution was crafted both to protect the church and the state and to provide a framework within which the two can work together for the common good. For more information, as well as additional airings, visit www.intersectionofchurchandstate.com.  Below is a promo video.  Grace Lutheran Bible Study will be watching and discussing this video at 9:30AM on Sundays October 14 and 21.  Join us.

Today the Church Commemorates St. Michael and All Angels

The name of the archangel St. Michael means “Who is like God?”  Michael is mentioned in the Book of Daniel (12:1), as well as in Jude (v.9) and Revelation (12:7).  Daniel portrays Michael as the angelic helper of Israel who leads the battle against the forces of evil.  In Revelation, Michael and his angels fight against and defeat Satan and the evil angels, driving them from heaven.  Their victory is made possible by Christ’s own victory over Satan in His death and resurrection, a victory announced by the voice in heaven: “Now the salvation and the poser and the kingdom of God and the authority of His Christ have come” (Revelation 12:10). Michael is often associated with Gabriel and Raphael, the other chief angels or archangels who surround the throne of God.  Tradition names Michael as the patron and protector of the Church, especially as the protector of Christians at the hour of death.

To listen to a Saint Michael & All Angels Sermon Preached by Rev. Matt Harrisont on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Art and Religion and Grace Lutheran

 

Seth Boggs and son Ethan

The LCMS National Youth Gathering identity mark is a design treatment of the theme, Live Love(d) and incorporates a distinctive cross that will help tell the story of the theme. Seth Boggs, a graphic designer and art instructor at Concordia University Nebraska, designed the mark.  Seth Boggs is a former member of Grace Lutheran and son of Tom and Lorna Boggs.   He painted the mural of Jesus and the children at the bottom of the steps of the church basement.

Youth Planning Meeting Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 26 at 6:30PM we will plan future events for the year, elect officers, and choose our youth leaders.  Come and bring your calendars and ideas.

Also please note: The next Wednesday, October 3 following Youth Night we will have a youth and parent meeting regarding the Youth Gathering at 7:45.  If you are planning on going to the National Youth Gathering (July 1-5 San Antonio, Texas) you MUST come to this meeting.  

Sermon - September 23, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 9:30-37

Archerfish - Creation Video

Answers in Genesis offers some great videos on creation.  Here is an example.  Use the comment link to let me know if you would like more of this on our web-site.

Prepare for Sunday - September 23, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 9:30-37
Title: "Discussion on the Way"

Today the Church Commemorates Jonah

A singular prophet among the many in the Old Testament, Jonah the son of Amittai was born about an hour's walk from the town of Nazareth. The focus of his prophetic ministry was the call to preach at Nineveh, the capital of pagan Assyria (Jonah 1:1). His reluctance to respond and God's insistence that his call be heeded is the story of the book that bears Jonah's name. Although the swallowing and disgorging of Jonah by the great fish is the most remembered detail of his life, it is addressed in only three verses of the book (1:17; 2:1, 10). Throughout the book, the important theme is how God deals compassionately sinners. Jonah's three-day sojourn in the belly of the fish is mentioned by Jesus as a sign of his own death, burial, and resurrection (Mt. 12:3941).

To listen to an interview of Pastor Kevin Golden of Village Lutheran-Ladue, MO on Jonah on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

     St. Matthew, also known as Levi, identifies himself as a former tax collector, one who was therefore considered unclean, a public sinner, outcast from the Jews.  Yet it was such a one as this whom the Lord Jesus called away from his occupation and wealth to become a disciple (Matthew 9:9-13).
     Not only did Matthew become a disciple of Jesus, he was also called and sent as one of the Lord’s twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4).  In time, he became the evangelist whose inspired record of the Gospel was granted first place in the ordering of the New Testament.  Among the four Gospels, Matthew’s portrays Christ especially as the new and greater Moses, who graciously fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17) and establishes a new covenant of salvation in and with His own blood (Matthew 26:27-28).
     Matthew’s Gospel is also well-known and beloved for its record of the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); for the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes and the Our Father (Matthew 5-7); and for the institution of Holy Baptism and the most explicit revelation of the Holy Trinity (Matthew 28:16-20).  Tradition is uncertain where his final field of labor was and whether Matthew died naturally or a martyr’s death.  In celebrating this festival, we therefore give thanks to God that He has mightily governed and protected His Holy Church through this man who was called and sent by Christ to serve the sheep of His pastures with the Holy  Gospel.

Sermon - September 16, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Vicar Walter Gilkey
Text: Mark 9:14-29

Today the Church Commemorates Cyprian of Carthage, Pastor and Martyr

Cyprian (A.D. ca. 200258), was acclaimed bishop of the north African city in Carthage around 248. During the persecution of the roman Emperor Decius, Cyprian fled Carthage but returned two years later. He was then forced to deal with the problem of Christians who had lapsed from their faith under persecution and now wanted to return to the Church. It was decided that these lapsed Christians could be restored but that their restoration could take place only after a period of penance that demonstrated their faithfulness. During the persecution under Emperor Valerian, Cyprian at first went into hiding but later gave himself up to the authorities. He was beheaded for the faith in Carthage in the year 258.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Bill Weinrich of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on Third Century Bishop and Martyr Cyprian of Carthage on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

The State of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod: Free Digital Report

Click on the image below to download your free issue.

Today the Church Commemorates Holy Cross Day

One of the earliest annual celebrations of the Church, Holy Cross Day traditionally commemorated the discovery of the original cross of Jesus on September 14, 320, in Jerusalem.  The cross was found by Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Treat.  In conjunction with the dedication of a basilica at he site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the festival day was made official by order of Constantine in AD 335.  A devout Christian, Helena had helped locate and authenticate many sites related to the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus throughout biblical lands.  Holy Cross Day has remained popular in both Eastern and Western Christianity.  Many Lutheran parishes have chosen to use “Holy Cross’ as the name of their congregation.  

To listen to an interview of Pastor Scott Kinnaman of Concordia Publishing House on Holy Cross Day on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Will Weedon of St. Paul Lutheran-Hamel, IL on The Holy Cross Day Hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

A great quote in an article in the September Lutheran Witness:

"Firmly rooted in Christ's mercy in Baptism, the Lord's Supper and the pulpit, the LCMS brings a wholeness to her ministry that cannot be found in the responses of other governmental or social agencies or even some churches.  People require water to quench not only the thirst of our bodies but also our spirits, bread to satisfy not only the hunger of our bellies but also our souls, a word of hope to comfort troubled minds not only today but also for eternity." (Edward Grimenstein, September, p. 11)

When the church does mercy work (diakonia) it is not just for the body, but the soul as well.

Those Who Serve - A Video

LCMS military chaplains and the troops to whom they show spiritual care explain how the LCMS and her congregations are uniquely poised to show Christ's mercy to these heroes in our midst, both active duty and veterans.

Thank you to our chaplains and troops!  We are praying for you.

The Grace Lutheran website has added a video explaining the purpose of the Sunday Service using a video from Pastor Andy Richard.  Click here to see the updated page.

Sermon - September 9, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 7:24-37

Today the Church Commemorates Zacharias and Elizabeth

Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord (Lk 1:6). Zecharias, a priest in the Jerusalem temple, was greeted by the angel Gabriel who announced that Zecharias and Elizabeth would become parents of a son. Initially Zecharias did not believe Gabriel's announcement because of their old age. For his disbelieve, Zecharias became unable to speak. After their son was born, Elizabeth named her son John. Zecharias confirmed his wife's choice and his ability to speak was restored. In response, he sang the Benedictus, a magnificent summary of God's promises in the Old Testament and a prediction of John's work as forerunner to Jesus (Lk. 1:6879). Zecharias and Elizabeth are remembered as examples of faithfulness and piety.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on Zacharias and Elizabeth on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Sermon - September 2, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 7:14-23

Today the Church Commemorates Moses

Moses was born in Egypt several generations after Joseph brought his father Jacob and his brothers there to escape a famine in the land of Canaan. The descendants of Jacob had been enslaved by the Egyptians and were ordered to kill all their male children. When Moses was born his mother put him in a basket and set it afloat in the Nile River. He was found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised by her as her own son (Exod 2:110). At age 40 Moses killed an Egyptian taskmaster and fled to the land of Midian, where he worked as a shepherd for forty years. Then the Lord called him to go back to Egypt and tell Pharaoh, Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness (5:1). Eventually Pharaoh gave in and, after the Israelites celebrated the first Passover, Moses led them out. At the Red Sea the Egyptian army was destroyed and the Israelites passed to safety on dry land (Exodus 12-15). At Mount Sinai they were given the Law and erected the Tabernacle (Exodus 19-40). But because of disobedience they had to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Moses himself was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, although God allowed him to view it (Deuteronomy 34). In the New Testament Moses is referred to as lawgiver and prophet. The first five books of the Bible are attributed to him.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University-Chicago on Moses on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Gregory the Great, Pastor

One of the great leaders in Europe at the close of the sixth century, Gregory served in both the secular and sacred arenas of his era. As mayor of Rome, he restored economic vitality to his native city, which had been weakened by enemy invasions, pillage, and plague. After he sold his extensive properties and donated the proceeds to help the poor, he entered into full-time service in the Church. On September 3, 590 A.D., Gregory was elected to lead the church in Rome. As Bishop of Rome he oversaw changes and growth in the areas of church music and liturgical development, missionary outreach to northern Europe, and the establishment of a church-year calendar still used by many churches in the western World today. His book on pastoral care became a standard until the 20th century.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran-Worden, IL on 6th & 7th Century Bishop Gregory the Great on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Hannah

Hannah was the favored wife of Elkanah, the Ephraimite, and the devout mother of the prophet Samuel. He was born to her after years of bitter barrenness (1 Sam 1:68) and fervent prayers for a son (1:918). After she weaned her son, Hannah expressed her gratitude by returning him for service in the House of the Lord at Shiloh (1:2428). Her prayer (psalm) of thanksgiving (2:110) begins with the words, My heart exults in Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. This song foreshadows the Magnificat, the Song of Mary centuries later (Lk 1:4655). The name Hannah derives from the Hebrew word for grace. She is remembered and honored for joyfully having kept the vow she made before her son's birth and offering him for lifelong service to God.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University-Chicago on Hannah on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Prepare for Sunday - September 2, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 7:14–23
Title: "Inside Out"

Today the Church Commemorates Joshua

Joshua, the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, is first mentioned in Exodus 17 when he was chosen by Moses to fight the Amalakites, whom he defeated in a brilliant military victory. He was placed in charge of the Tent of Meeting (Ex. 33:11) and was a member of the tribal representatives sent to survey the land of Canaan (Num 13:8). Later, he was appointed by God to succeed Moses as Israel's commander-in-chief. He eventually led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land and directed the Israelites' capture of Jericho. He is remembered especially for his final address to the Israelites, in which he challenged them to serve God faithfully (Josh 24:127), concluding with the memorable words, As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord(24:15).

To listen to an interview of Nathan Jastram of Concordia University Wisconsin on Joshua on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.