Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1,2
There is a lot of privilege and prestige that comes with free access. Very few people have direct and free access to the world’s most powerful leaders. It’s a privilege granted only to a few. For the average person to gain even one encounter with someone like the President of the United States, it would take a lot of back-channeling and knowing the right people. Most of us don’t have that access.
Which makes the words in the Bible reading today even more amazing. The apostle Paul writes that we have gained access to the almighty and holy God. But it gets even more amazing. God is holy and perfect and just. And we are not. We sin, make mistakes, and mess up. If we stood before God in this sinful condition, we could not survive.
Someone not only needed to give us access to God but also make us ready to stand before God. That person is Jesus. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room for us because he fixed our relationship with God.
Jesus lived the perfect life we never could, and now he gives us his perfection. Jesus takes our sin and gives us his holiness through faith. Simply by believing that Jesus has done this for us, we can stand in the grace of God.
To stand in God’s grace means we know Jesus has won peace between God and us, and that we will live forever in the presence of God’s glory.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me access to God and for giving me your perfect life. Help me to always make use of the privilege you have given to me to go before God with every care and concern. Amen.
In the popular Toy Story movies, toys come to life with personalities of their own when humans are not present. The main character, Woody, is a cowboy sheriff doll. When Woody gets anxious, worried, or forgets his identity, he lifts his boot and sees the name “ANDY” scribbled on the underside. It’s the name of his owner. Woody then remembers who he is and his purpose. He finds meaning in his identity.
God wanted to put his name on his people. One of the jobs of the priests of ancient Israel was to speak a blessing using God’s name. It was God’s way of putting his name on the people he loved. It was their reminder of their purpose, meaning, and identity.
God still puts his name on his people. Many churches close their worship services with the words of this ancient blessing. It’s a reminder that God’s name is on the people he loves.
When we hear that blessing, it’s a reminder of who we are. It’s like Woody checking the bottom of his boot and seeing the name “ANDY” scrawled there. With this blessing, God puts his name on his children.
When you feel anxious or afraid, remember God’s name is on you. When you forget who you are, remember that God has claimed you. He’s put his name on you. When your sins weigh you down, remember Jesus has washed them away. He’s made you his child, and God loves to bless his children.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for putting your name on me and claiming me as your child. Help me to always find my purpose and identity in the simple fact that you love me. Amen.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
A father sat on the edge of his young daughter’s bed. She had been a terror that day—fighting with her sister, talking back to her mother, scribbling on the walls, and refusing to finish her green beans. She had not done anything to earn or deserve any love from anyone that day. Yet, her father still sat near her, smiled at her, and had a full heart of love for her. As she fell asleep, her father leaned over and spoke the blessing recorded in our Bible reading today. Her father was comforted knowing that as much as he loved his daughter, God loved her even more.
The words of this blessing have been spoken to God’s people for over 3,500 years, even though we all act like terrors before God. When we sin, when we go our way instead of God’s way, we are not deserving of a blessing like this. We deserve punishment, not love. But instead of turning his face away from us, God chose to turn his face away from his Son, Jesus, as he hung on the cross. Jesus took our place. He died as our substitute paying the penalty for our sins.
Because of what Jesus did, God now makes his face shine on us. Like we might break out a big, broad smile when we see someone we love, God smiles on us. Instead of turning away from us, God graciously turns to look right at us. His face shines with love and recognition. He knows each of us individually. And to each one of us, he gives the greatest blessing he can give to any sinner; he gives peace.
God gives the peace of knowing that no matter what is going on in our lives, whether we are going through good times or bad times, our relationship is right with God. God gives the peace of knowing that our many sins are forgiven in Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for smiling on me and blessing me, even though I don’t deserve it. Amen.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13
Try teaching a preschool student some high school geometry. Unless you’re working with a very rare math prodigy, it’s not going to go very well. It’s hard enough to teach a three-year-old the names of the shapes, let alone how to find the angles of an isosceles triangle. You start with the basics.
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, it was the night before his crucifixion. Jesus had been training his disciples for three years. They had learned a lot about the kingdom of God and the mission of Jesus. Yet there was still so much that they did not know.
Instead of trying to cram all his teachings into their brains in one night like a procrastinating college student the night before an exam, Jesus promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit who would teach them truths they had yet to learn.
The disciples received that gift on the Day of Pentecost after Jesus went into heaven. The Holy Spirit opened their hearts and minds to God’s Word so that they could share that Word with others.
Jesus still sends the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through God’s Word. When people join a church, they often take a Bible information class. They learn the basics of Christianity from the Bible before progressing in their knowledge of the truth. Growing in that truth takes time.
So, take the time. Take the time to read and study the Bible. You have Jesus’ promise that, when you do, he will send the Holy Spirit to help you grow in your knowledge of the truth.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to reveal the truth. Help me to want to always keep learning more about you. Amen.
Consider how the word justify is used in the following statement: “I just don’t know how we can justify the cost of a brand-new football stadium.” This example shows us how the word justify is used nowadays. To justify means to “give a good reason for, rationalize or defend.”
However, God uses the word justify in another way. In Romans 5:1, justify means “to declare not guilty. It’s like a judge who looks at a guilty criminal and says to him, “You’re free to go!” That’s a miscarriage of justice, isn’t it? It seems so until we realize that God, the Father, took our every attempt to rationalize our wrongdoing and every lame excuse for sin and stacked them all on the broad shoulders of Jesus. Jesus took that whole mess and paid for it on the cross. In its place, he gives us innocence and peace with him, and, just as importantly, he gives us the faith to believe it.
Through that faith, there is peace between you and God. Whether you die today or years from now, the gates of heaven are open for you. Whether you feel emotionally at peace or not, whether your body is strong or falling apart, whether you are ill or healthy, God still declares you innocent through Jesus. And he still maintains that peace between himself and you by faith.
Today, whether you feel peace in response to these truths or not, believe this, “Since you have been justified through faith, you have peace with God through your Lord Jesus Christ.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I am troubled by my sin and wonder how I might appear in you sight, direct me to the cross of my Savior, Jesus, where the full price of my sin was paid. Fill my heart with the peace of forgiveness. Assure me by faith in Christ that you declare me to be holy in your sight and an heir of heaven. Amen.
The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” Genesis 11:6,7
What is God’s desire for us? What does he want for you and me?
God’s will is simple: God wants us to be with him for time and eternity. Because of that, God stepped into human history in a big way. Humanity was on the fast pace to completely rejecting God and his love. They were all about “making a name for themselves.” They were in rebellion against God, refusing to spread out around the world as God had instructed.
So, in amazing grace God confused their languages. Amazing grace? Yes!
Did you notice the name used for God? It’s “LORD.” With this name for God, we are reminded that our God is faithful; he is faithful to his justice but also faithful to his love. And so, in amazing grace, the Lord confused their languages. Why?
Because ultimately, that would result in the circumstances for the most people possible to turn their attention to him, believe in the Lord and end up in heaven.
And that’s God’s desire for us. He desires that as many of us as possible end up in heaven. And thank God; he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get us there!
Prayer:
Oh Savior, work in my life in whatever way necessary so that through your Word, I stay on the way to heaven. In your name I pray. Amen.
[Jesus said] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.” John 14:26,27
Are you looking for peace? We want there to be peace in the world, but then war is waged. We want to live peaceful and quite lives, but riots break out in the streets. We want there to be peace in our relationships, but sharp words stir things up. At the end of a long day, we just want some peace and quiet, but we come home to more work—a stack of laundry, something to fix, something to clean.
What is it that troubles you? What is happening in your life, internally or externally, that robs you of a sense of peace? Externally a war of evil is being waged. Internally, we wrestle sinful desires or guilt. We just want peace. We just need peace!
In this world the concept of peace is so elusive, and it always will be. The peace that our world dangles in front of us is just a concept. It’s an ideal that we’re striving for but never seem to find it.
The peace that Jesus gives is not merely a state of mind. It’s something that God declares. You have peace with God through the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. God declares that you are at peace with him. You have the peace of a complete salvation—there is nothing left for you to do. Rest in the peace of Jesus and his love!
As Jesus was about to leave this world, he gave his disciples an out-of-this-world peace! He promised to send his Spirit to remind and to teach. Jesus hasn’t left us in this world to find our own peace. He gives us his Spirit to remind and teach by his Word that even as the battles rage internally and externally, we have peace. Peace with God. An out-of-this-world peace in Jesus and by his Spirit.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and continually bring eternal, out-of-this-world peace in Jesus. Amen.
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2
WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
We pray that you find comfort, peace and motivation through
God’s Word today.
At St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, we practice close
Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in
receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to
the service.
At St. John’s, the restrooms are located in the link way, out the church entry way, to the left and down the stairs. At Emmanuel, they are located in the lower level, out the church entry way and to the right. You may also find a nursery changing station in the lower level of St. John’s.
In our worship bulletin, you will find an outline of today’s order of worship. The entire service can be found in the hymnal or up on the screen.
TODAY’S THEME
Through the Word, the Triune God Blesses Us
The Scriptures never use the words “Trinity” or “Triune.” They never even summarize in any single place the entirety of this doctrine. Instead, as we read God’s Word from the first verse of Genesis to the last verse of Revelation, he gives us hints and glimpses of his Triune nature. Thus, the doctrine of the Trinity can seem very academic, even abstract. It may seem to have little relevance to the Christian’s daily life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, as God provides those hints and glimpses, his primary focus is on the way in which his Triune nature is a blessing to us. God shows us how we benefit from the fact he exists as Trinity. God dwells in a “majesty and mystery” (Prayer of the Day) that far exceeds our understanding. But here is what we can understand. Every time we gather in the name of the Lord, our Triune God, we receive indescribable blessings.
ORDER OF SERVICE The Service Setting 2 with communion – pg. 172
HYMNS 483, 586, 715, 927
PSALM 8A
SERMON John 16:12-15 “Our Salvation–The Work of the Triune God”
LESSONS
Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
John 16:12-15
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
– For the sick and others facing trials…Caryl Bassett, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Florence Dahlke, Vicki Davis (Marilyn Riemer’s sister), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer (Sally’s husband), Earl Ewert, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Joe Heller, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob & Sandy Klapper, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Brian Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Karen Radke, Wayne Riemer, Sierra Schmidt (Linda Lou Wacholtz’s grand-daughter), Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Pat Sommerfeld, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dixie Wagner, Stacy Weisensel (added this week: __)
– For missions
– For Northern Wisconsin District Convention 6/14-15 at Fox Valley Lutheran High School–Appleton
TEACHER INSTALLATION FOR BARBARA STELTER, LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR Stay tuned for the August date. Located in the link way at St. John’s and entry way of Emmanuel, you will find a gift box. If you would like to give a gift to Barbara, we will be collecting gas cards as she will be driving back and forth from Princeton. We will present these to her at her installation.
SCHOOL PAINTING Thank you to everyone who showed up to paint our school this past week. It looks beautiful and clean. To God be the glory and service in His name!
“How is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Acts 2:8-11
He recently moved from overseas with his family. Everything was new. The language was not his native tongue. The food was not what he was accustomed to. He had to drive on new roads with new rules. Working and interacting in a new culture was not always easy.
Imagine the relief when he came across something familiar. Christianity was not predominate in his home country, but this man was a Christian. When he came to a Christian church in a country and culture not his own, he walked into something familiar. As his voice joined with others in praise to God, he and his family suddenly didn’t feel like strangers anymore.
After the worship service, he ran up to the pastor, service folder in hand. He exclaimed, “Pastor! In my country, in my language we say the same thing!” He pointed to prayers, lessons, words spoken in unison that confessed the triune God.
That is the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word to unite us with God. In doing so, he also unites us with each other. No matter where you are from or what language you speak, together we hear and read the same powerful Word of God translated into our own native tongues.
When we read and study the Bible, or when we walk through those church doors, we’re stepping into a place where we find unity amid diversity. The Spirit takes us to a place that transcends time, language, and culture. With our unique backgrounds and cultures and languages we hear the same wonders of God proclaimed—the wonderful news of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the nations. Then our varied voices blend into one as we praise and proclaim one Lord and Savior. You’re no longer a stranger in a new place. You belong here now.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, unite and strengthen my bond with all believers everywhere by the power of your Word! Amen.
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . . And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:17,21
“Daddy? Mommy? Help me!” The little girl calls out frantically. She was downstairs playing by herself when she tripped. It hurts. She feels all alone. For a moment, she doesn’t know where her parents are. Can they hear her? Will they come to help her? The cries intensify.
But as soon as he heard his daughter cry for help, Daddy leaped up from his desk and ran downstairs to help his daughter. All she needed was to be picked up, comforted, and to know that she was not alone as she rested in the arms of her father.
“Lord, help me!” We are down here, and God is in heaven. We trip and stumble. We experience something that hurts or something that terrifies us. At times, we may feel all alone. For a moment, we may wonder, “Can God hear me? Will he come to help me?” The cries intensify.
But before you ever cried out to the Lord, he has come to help you. First, he sent his Son to rescue you from the punishment of sin. By his dying and rising from the dead, Jesus has saved you eternally. Because of Jesus, you can call the God who made you “Father,” and he listens.
God also sent his Spirit, the Comforter. God is not far away. He’s closer than we might often realize. He sends his Spirit to dwell in you and in the heart of every believer. The Spirit unites us with the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are not left hanging in this life wondering if God still listens, cares, and will help us. He has come to help and comfort.
The Lord will come again to rescue you one last time from this world of troubles. Until then, he has given you his Spirit to comfort and assure you that you are not alone—you rest in the tender love and care of your God and your Father!
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirt, and comfort me when I am hurt, strengthen me when I am week, and keep me in your tender care. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
