The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” Luke 23:35
What an unexpected place to find a king! Lying not in a king-sized bed, but in a manger. Wrapped not in royal robes, but in cloths. Surrounded not by scholars, paparazzi, or dignitaries but by shepherds. Jesus’ first hours were not exactly fit for a king.
Fast forward 33 years. Again, what an unexpected place to find a king! Hanging on a cross. Stripped of clothing, as well as dignity. Surrounded by criminals. Jesus’ last hours weren’t exactly fit for a king either.
The unroyal treatment continued as people who gathered around to take in this spectacle literally added insult to his injury. But when they sarcastically sneered that he should save himself, Jesus didn’t take the rulers up on their invitation. It wasn’t because he couldn’t save himself. It was because he wouldn’t save himself. It wasn’t a lack of power that kept the King on the cross. It was an overflowing abundance of love.
That’s what makes this King so notable, so extraordinary, so different from every other king! Jesus was willing to receive so much less than he deserved in order that we might receive so much more than we deserve.
Through faith in him, sinful human beings who deserve hell now also find themselves in the most unexpected of places: Welcomed into the family of a Heavenly Father. Loved by the Divine Heart with a love inexhaustible and unconditional. Bowing in prayer before the throne of the King of kings, whom we also call “Brother.” Confident of life eternal in heaven even in the face of death itself. What unexpected places to find sinners! All because of Jesus, who is indeed God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.
In joyful, grateful response, let us give our Savior the royal treatment in our lives. Let us make our hearts fit for the King.
Prayer:
King of kings, I praise you not only for your incredible power but even more for your incredible love—love that led you to offer your life for me. Fill my heart with fervent love for you, that I may through my words and actions honor you as my King and my God. Amen.
Welcome! Thank you for joining us for worship this morning. In our service we gather before our almighty God to offer him our worship and praise. We also gather to strengthen ourselves through the study of God’s holy and powerful Word.
Restroomsare located in the link way (through the Information Room and down the stairs) at St. John’s and lower level at Emmanuel.
NurseryIn the lower level of both churches, the service is available to watch on TV and children have space for their needs. At St. John’s exiting church, it is located down the stairs to the left, to the link way, and down the stairs again to the left. At Emmanuel exiting church, it is located down the hallway to the right.
The Season of End TimeThe Church Year comes a close in November with the season of End Time. In this season, we are reminded that we are living in the “last days” between Christ’s first coming at Christmas and his second coming on Judgment Day. The world could be ended any time. For a believer, the end of his life or the end of the world is a wonderful thing! It means the beginning of a new and better existence in a much more glorious world than this one.
Welcome Home!
Our Need for Christian Community
The Lost Are Now Found
You Are Free to Be Yourself
You Are Perfectly Safe Here
You Have an Everlasting Family
You are Part of Christ’s Glorious Kingdom
Our Worship Series: Welcome Home
The Holy Spirit wants believers to think of each other as family. Having a spiritual family is essential to our well-being. In this worship series, we look at how our Father knits us together in love and unity. We see the benefits of being part of this family. In the Church, Christ has given us a better home.
Our Theme for Today: You Are Part of Christ’s Glorious Kingdom
Do you know what those names have in common? They are all names of royal families. A member of each of those families serves as a monarch. The extended members of those families enjoy fabulous privileges, even if the monarch serves largely as a figurehead.
For the past month, we have seen that Christ has welcomed us into his home and made us part of this family. Today, we see that this is a royal family. For our brother Jesus is King. He does more than serve as a figurehead. Christ rules over all Creation for the benefit of his family. He promises us that one day we will sit with him on his throne (Revelation 3:21).
Today—Christ the King Sunday—the Church Year comes to an end. We praise Christ for his glorious reign. We thank him for making us part of his royal family, giving us a claim to the Kingdom.
✠Gathering✠
*ST. JOHN’S: SUNDAY SCHOOL JOY LITANY See insert for songs and recitations
*EMMANUEL: OPENING HYMN — 579Lift High the Cross
Please stand
INVOCATION
M: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
C:To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.Revelation 1:4-6
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6
Since we have such a merciful King, let us humbly approach his throne, confess our sins, and plead for his mercy.
C:Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:2-5,7-8,12
M: As God’s called servant I announce to you what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. You are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. I am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:1,10-11,15,25
C: Amen.
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
After a brief musical introduction, the congregation sings:
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Lord Jesus Christ,
by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
✠The Word ✠
FIRST LESSONJeremiah 23:2-6
Christ is the King of kings, with countless sheep in his flock. Yet he cares for every single one. He knows us by name. He leads into his kingdom of peace and righteousness.
2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
PSALM OF THE DAY— 45hymnal page 83
SECOND LESSONColossians 1:13-20
Everyone is part of a kingdom. The only question is if it is a kingdom of darkness or light. Everyone has a king. The only question is if your king really cares for you. Our Savior-King has proven his love in blood.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 22:13
M: Alleluia. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Alleluia.
After a one verse musical introduction, the congregation sings
Please stand
GOSPELLuke 23:35-43 (today’s sermon text)
With eyes of faith, the criminal sees Jesus for whom he really is—a gracious king, suffering and dying that we might be forgiven.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY — 351Hail, O Once-Despised Jesus
SERMON Luke 23:35-43 “Behold, the King on the Cross!”
Unbelievers deny him 2. A criminal confesses him
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITHApostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated
THANK OFFERING
Members of this congregation have joined together in love and faith to do the Lord’s work in this community and around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our ministry. Please greet one another and sign our friendship register.
✠Prayers ✠
Please stand
PRAYER TO CHRIST THE KINGread by pastor
M:Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS bulletin page11
LORD’S PRAYER
M: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who taught us to pray:
C:Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
*EMMANUEL:
PRAYER & BLESSING
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace.
Live in harmony with one another.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
SOLOIST LUCAS STELTER SINGS HYMN — 727There Is a Higher Throne
*ST. JOHN’S:
ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNIONspoken by pastor
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS — 309 Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
139 Jesus, in Your Dying Woes
Please stand
PRAYER & BLESSING
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace.
Live in harmony with one another.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
SOLOIST JAMES WACHHOLZ SINGS HYMN — 727There Is a Higher Throne
After today’s service, please give your friendship registers to an usher or pastor.
✠ Announcements✠
Activities for the week of November 24 – November 30
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School/Montello Care Center singing
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with communion
9:00 A.M. –12:00 P.M.
Thai Village Craft Sale in St. John’s linkway
9:30 A.M. -12:00 P.M.
Scholastic Book Fair in St. John’s gym (final day)
Mon.
6:30 P.M.
Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
6:30 P.M.
Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.
Thanksgiving break – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
5:15 P.M.
Women’s Bible Study at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Thanksgiving Eve Worship
7:30 P.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.
Thanksgiving Day – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
9:00 A.M.
Thanksgiving Worship at Emmanuel
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
Fri.
Thanksgiving break – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday December 1 , 2019Advent 1: “Prepare for Christ’s Coming: Walk in the Light”
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Scholastic Book Fair in St. John’s gym
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship
9:00 A.M. –12:00 P.M.
Thai Village Craft Sale in St. John’s linkway
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Wyatt Beahm (William and Alyssa Beahm’s infant son), Ron Blada, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Xzander Jahr, Melvin Johnson, Oliver Knoch, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Shirley Krueger, Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt, Mark and Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son and daughter in-law), Katie Segrist (Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, Jennifer Strauss – (added this week: Melvin Johnson, Oliver Knoch)
– For Natasha Rebecca Jahr who was born Friday (11/22) to Andrew and Rebecca Jahr
– For Bob Klapper who will celebrate his 83rd birthday on Monday (11/25)
– For Bob & Sandy Klapper who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday (11/28)
– For the family of Patrick Madigan, father of St. John’s member Mike Madigan, who was called home on Tuesday (11/19).
– For our communicants at St. John’s
MEMBERS OF ST. JOHNS AND SCHOOL FAMILIES This past summer the St. Johns council authorized the borrowing of $10,000 from the church’s line of credit to replace and refurbish the school boilers. As some may be aware, there have been a number of issues from the last couple years keeping the boilers running and the school heated and it could no longer be repaired. This project was completed late last fall. This also means that the church officially is borrowing money from its line of credit. If you wish to donate to help paying off the loan, please go ahead and do so. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Look to the information room for where this project is at with regards to being paid off and where the other projects on the board are at with funding.
THAI VILLAGE & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIRwill be open today at St. John’s. Thai Village will be open today 9:00am-12:00pm. come check out high quality fair trade goods including jewelry, bags/purse, greeting cards, ornaments, gifts and more! You can check out their items ahead of time at https://thaivillage.org/. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be open today for the final time 9:00am-12:00pm.
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT WOMEN’S PROGRAM hosted by Emmanuel will be held Sunday December 8, 2019 at 4:30 at Emmanuel Parish Hall. This year’s program “An Evening With Isaiah” will be part of our inspirational readings and songs of the season. This year along with refreshments and desserts we will be serving appetizers. Signup sheets are out today in St. John’ information room and Emmanuel’s Parish Hall. We hope you can join us. Any questions contact Sue Stelter (608) 297-2761.
CHOIR Are any members of Emmanuel and St. John’s interested in being part of the choir for the Christmas Eve Services? If so, practices will be on Monday evenings in Dec., 6:30pm at St. John’s. Any questions, please call Lynn Sellnow 616-826-0816.
LADIES AID INVITES YOU TO OUR PARISH CHRISTMAS DINNER: DECEMBER 5TH , 2019 5:30pm Punch and Fellowship, 6:00pm Dinner. The cost is $17.65 per person. THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS TODAY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH! What’s on the menu? roast beef, southern fried chicken, baked Virginian ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed veggies and full salad bar. Please pay either Kay Maass or Bernice Wegner or drop your payment off at the school/church office. Checks should be made out to St. John’s Ladies Aid. Hope to see you there!
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “The will of God never takes you to where the grace of God will not protect you.”
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: RUTH Join us this Wednesday at 5:15pm (a little earlier due to Thanksgiving worship). Come study the last chapter of Ruth and enjoy fellowship and snacks in the lower level of St. John’s. We will take a break after this week for the holidays and pick back up in January. Stay tuned!
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY See you on November 26 before we break for the holidays!
UPDATE on CARDS FOR PRISON MINISTRY Thanks to all who picked up packs of cards to write for the prison ministry. All the cards are out. Please return completed cards by Thanksgiving Day, November 28, to the collection box in the linkway or to the church office.
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY A “Sneak Peek at the Gospel” for the day is the topic of the Sunday morning Bible study every week. It’s from 9:00-9:45am – come anytime. We meet in the church. All are welcomed. All are encouraged to attend.
ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House. Interested in having your church offering automatically deposited? Stop by the office or Information Room and fill out your application today.
MEDITATIONS & FORWARD IN CHRIST New “Meditations” and “Forward in Christ” WELS daily devotional booklets and WELS monthly devotional magazine are available in the church entry (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA Opportunities for gospel connections are flourishing across the African continent. Christian groups in Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, and more are learning about WELS and Lutheran doctrine and reaching out for fellowship and doctrinal instruction. To follow what’s happening with WELS mission work across Africa, visit wels.net/missions or follow Missions on Facebook at fb.com/WELSMissions.
EQUIPPING CHRISTIAN WITNESSES Equipping Christian Witnesses, the new campaign from Martin Luther College, focuses on recruitment, financial aid, and facilities. By enrolling more future ministry workers, helping them fund their Christian education, and enhancing their learning environments across the campus, WELS strengthens the foundation for its future. Learn more at mlc-wels.edu/mlc-campaign.
WELS NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LUTHERAN LEADERSHIP WELS Congregational Services will host the first WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 21-23. The conference will have five keynote presentations that deal with major cultural challenges before every WELS congregation. Twenty-five breakout sessions will deal with issues specific to certain congregations, including overcoming a consumer mentality in church, Christian apologetics, increasing volunteerism, retaining and gaining young members, fully utilizing the gifts of women in ministry, equipping members for personal evangelism, having a “high-expectations” church, strategic planning, using social media for outreach, operating a financially sustainable elementary school, and more. Learn more at register at lutheranleadership.com.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WELS? Subscribe to the WELS Together e-newsletter to stay connected with the people of your synod and the ministry they serve. Also, don’t miss the twice-monthly videos, expanding on important and exciting synod news. Go to wels.net/together to read more and subscribe today.
FOLLOW MISSIONS ON FACEBOOK Like the new WELS Missions Facebook page to stay up to date on news from Home and World Mission fields, read inspiring stories of the gospel at work, and take advantage of the many resources WELS Missions has to offer. Visit facebook.com/WELSMissions to get started.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”
Three Unexpected Advent Carols
… that Ring Out the Good News
Midweek Week Advent Devotions – 2019
Emmanuel, Mecan and St. John’s, Montello, WI
Wednesday December 4, 2019
Moses’ Carol Rings Out the Good News about God’s Nature in Action
Wednesday December 11, 2019
Hannah’s Carol Rings Out the Good News about God’s Help for the Poor and Needy
Wednesday December 18, 2019
Ezekiel’s Carol Rings Out the Good News about the Growth of the Kingdom
3:30pm at Emmanuel, Mecan 6:30pm at St. John’s, Montello
November 24
Emm Wayne Stelter, Bob Ferber, Gary Wegner
SJ (comm) James Wachholz; Chief, Jon Vote, Joe Vote, Jesse Schable, Richard Freitag
November 27 Thanksgiving Eve
SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Jaster, Jacob Jaster, Jeff Reimer,
Jeremy Breiwa
November 28 Thanksgiving
Emm Darrell Buchholz, Don Stelter, Gary Wegner
December 1
Emm (comm) Lucas Stelter, Jim Stuempges, Paul Dahlke
comm. assist. Brian Ninnemann
SJ Don Smith; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Gordon Krause,
Glen Bubolz
December 4
Emm Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller
SJ Kenon Smith; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Thomas Wojtalewicz
December 8
Emm Don Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Joe Heller
SJ (comm) James Wachholz; Chief, Kenny Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls,
Mark Emond, Ben Emond
December 11
Emm Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller
SJ James Wachholz, Chief, Ben Emond, Kevin Kaul, Corey Kaul,
Ken Borzick
December 15
Emm Darrell Buchholz, Bruce Stelter, Gary Wegner
SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Haiden Van Treeck,
What does power look like? Some might immediately think of the professional athlete with a frame sculpted through countless hours in the weight room, sitting down at the bench press, and pushing up 300 pounds. Others might think of a workhorse pickup truck with a V-10 engine, storming up a rocky incline, and towing a trailer down an open stretch of highway. Still, others might think of power as being able to make decisions that control the actions of other people. The CEO of a business, for example, has the authority to establish company-wide protocol, to redirect resources, to promote and terminate employees. That is power.
All of these examples, however, pale in comparison with the power of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul was referring to Jesus when he wrote, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Jesus sits atop the organizational chart of all things as “the firstborn of all creation.”
All the powerful examples we mentioned earlier are limited in scope. For example, the workhorse pickup truck can’t bench press 300 pounds, and the high powered CEO would not, on his own, be able to tow a trailer down the highway. Christ the King, on the other hand, is all-powerful—that is to say, “not limited to one area” powerful.
In other words, there is no area of your life where Jesus finds his hands tied. There is no situation in your life where Jesus has to tell you “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do for you.” When you and I wake up in the morning, we can never be exactly sure what’s going to happen in the day ahead. And that can be intimidating because there’s just so much that is out of our control. But Christians can face each day boldly, even with all its uncertainties—because this much is certain: Jesus is in control—as the firstborn over all creation.
Prayer:
Beautiful Savior, Lord of Creation, I entrust myself and those I love to your powerful hands. Draw us near to you and direct us in your paths. Amen.
“But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35,36
Somewhere in rural Indiana, there is an old cemetery with many tombstones that are more than 100 years old. One of these tombstones has this epitaph: “Pause, Stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me.” Boy, that’s chilling! Someone later scratched these words beneath it: “To follow you I’m not content, until I know which way you went.”
The Bible tells us that death is not the end of a person’s existence. The moment a person dies, eternity begins. But where will you and I spend eternity? In heaven with our Creator? Or in hell, separated from him and all of his blessings?
Honestly, we are not worthy of eternal life in heaven. We haven’t even come close to living the perfect, sin-free lives that a holy God demands. What we deserve is to spend our eternity apart from God.
But God wants you to spend eternity with him in heaven. That’s why he sent his Son to this earth. Because of Jesus’ perfect life and death on the cross in your place, you are forgiven. Through faith in him, you are worthy and deserving of eternal life.
Imagine how wonderful it will be when we are home in heaven. There will be no more pain or sorrow or guilt or frustration. And, Jesus tells us, that there will be no death. There will be no sense that the end is one day going to come. We will have no need for a bucket list of things we want to do before we die because our time there will never end.
And so, we do not need to fear our death. It is merely the gateway to a much better existence—one that will never end.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for making me worthy of eternal life. Keep my faith strong until I enter heaven and enjoy your love and presence forever. Amen.
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5
Mom and dad wake up suddenly to loud crying coming from their child’s room. They quickly run down the hall and flip on their son’s light to investigate. Seeing their six-year-old son sobbing on the bed they ask what’s wrong. Through the tears, he manages to cry out, “It’s dark in here and I can’t see!” Sure enough, dad looks over and sees the nightlight isn’t on. A quick investigation reveals the bulb is burned out and so a trip to the garage for a replacement bulb is in order. With the light on again all is right and the child’s tears stop, he lays his head down on the pillow and sleep soon returns.
One of the most beautiful promises about heaven is that the light won’t go out. We are used to periods of night this side of heaven. Not just physical night but we all experience moments of darkness and fear in this life. Even though it is unpleasant we accept it as just part of life. We will have good days at work and bad days at work. We will have days when we will win and days when we will lose. There will be seasons of life where everything goes our way and everything makes sense. There will be seasons of life where nothing goes our way and few things make sense.
However, God promises that once his people get to heaven, there will be no more night for he will be their light. They will not have to fear anything because God has chased all the darkness away. Tears will be dried and worries will be taken away. Everything will be made clear. Finally, God’s people will go from dark to living in the light forever.
Prayer:
Gracious God, when the darkness of this world overwhelms me, help me to remember your promise of the life of light to come. Amen.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4
When you hear the word “church” what do you think of?
Maybe you think of the people who gather on a Sunday morning to worship. Maybe you think a little bigger than that and you think of everyone who worships Jesus around the world. However, it’s easy to forget that the church is even bigger and includes not just people from different places but different times as well.
The book of Revelation reminds us that the Christian church consists of all believers in Jesus as their Savior from sin and hope for eternal life. It includes all believers—those who still live in this world as well as those whose souls are now in heaven. It tells us that after this world ends, all of God’s people will be together and will see God’s face. It paints a picture, not of the struggling church we so often see today but of the glorious church, we will be one day.
This image is a wonderful comfort to Christians when they are facing difficult times. When they feel small and alone, they can remember that they are part of a larger body that goes beyond where they live and even when they live. When they feel defeated, they can remember that, in the end, Jesus’ Church will be victorious. When their faith flounders and they wonder whether God is really with them, they can look forward to the day when they will see him face to face.
This is the reason the church talks so much about heaven. They know how wonderful it will be when they are all gathered there together. Then, finally, they will see the church as it really is.
Prayer:
Lord God, comfort me with the truth about your church as I look forward to seeing it gathered one day in your presence. Amen.
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Weddings are beautiful events. Hours go into planning even the simplest wedding. So many choices need to be made. Which dress will the bride wear? What music will be played? What food will be served? Who will be in the wedding party and who will be invited to attend?
Probably the biggest decision gets made before any of the other planning happens—the bride and groom choose each other. Big wedding or small, it is this choice that makes weddings such a beautiful event. Two people choose each other and from that choice, a beautiful life is built together.
Every believer in Jesus can know that they have been chosen by God to be his own. But, unlike a bride and groom, it wasn’t that both God and the Christian chose each other. No, this was God’s choice and his alone. Even before the creation of the world, he wrote every Christian’s name in the book of life. God looked through all eternity and decided he wanted to be with that person forever. He sent his Son to be born into this world to live perfectly in their place and to pay with his life for the wages of their sin. He has caused them to be born into a place and time and arranged a way for his Word to be heard and believed by them. God did all of this because he chose them to be saved.
It is no wonder Saint Paul gave God thanks for choosing the early Christians to be saved. And, it is no wonder Christians thank God for choosing them. Because he has, they know that they will have a beautiful, eternal life with him.
Prayer:
Lord, I marvel that you would choose sinners to become saints through faith in your Son. Thank you for choosing to do such a thing. Amen.
[Jesus said] “But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Luke 20:37,38
It was an exceptionally cold day in the late Fall as we drove to the cemetery. Even though it was midafternoon the sun made long shadows. The hearse led our procession of cars slowly out of town, and even though our vehicle was full the conversations were muted.
I couldn’t help think about how everything would change now. The house would always be a little quieter. Holidays would seem a little emptier. Pictures that used to bring only happy memories would always have a twinge of sadness.
It was then that my brother spoke up and said with more hope than sadness, “I am so thankful for the resurrection.” With this thought, suddenly there was hope even in my crying eyes.
As sad as we are when we are separated from our loved ones by death, as much as it might change our lives here and now, as Christians we know that our God is the God of the living, not the dead. The moment a Christian closes his eyes in death he opens them to see Jesus. The final step a believer takes here on earth is simply the step before they walk with Christ forever. For the one who trusts Jesus the last day here is just the beginning of an eternity with our Lord.
While saying good-bye to a loved one is always difficult, we find certain hope in a God who promises that we will live forever with him. Nothing can change that.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the sure hope and comfort that you are the God of the living and that all who believe will live, even though they die. Amen.
It happened to my neighbors while they were on vacation. It started as just a small drip in some old plumbing. Pretty soon, the water had made a large hole for itself and soon there was a steady stream of water flowing under an upstairs sink. When my neighbors finally returned home, they found six inches of water in their basement. Floors, walls, and furniture on the upstairs level, main level, and basement would all need to be thrown out and replaced.
Like the leak in my neighbors’ plumbing, sin started out small. In a moment, Adam and Eve thought they knew better than God. So, they disobeyed him. They did their own thing. Pretty soon the effects of sin had spread. Adam and Eve felt shame and wanted to run from God. Things that were once enjoyable were now filled with pain. And, eventually, their lives ended in death. The curse of sin caused so much damage.
It took a little longer than expected, but eventually, my neighbor got his house repaired better than new. All the big problems caused by the small leak were finally fixed and things were as they should be.
God promises that he will put things back the way they should be. We are not told how long it will be but we are promised that God will do it. He will do it because he has already taken care of sin when his Son was sacrificed on a cross two thousand years ago. He will do it by creating a new heaven and a new earth where the effects of sin will be entirely taken away and everything will be as God designed it to be. No longer will we be chased by guilt and shame. Temptation and sin will be a thing of the past. There will be no more pain and suffering. Even death will be a forgotten memory.
At long last, the curse will be gone for all of those who relied on Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and trusted his promise to remove the curse sin caused. No longer will there be any curse!
Prayer:
Gracious God, here and now I struggle under the curse of sin. When those struggles seem to overwhelm me, turn my eyes toward the sacrifice of your Son and toward the day when you will remove sin’s curse forever. Amen.
From the time we are young, we are told to “plan ahead.” It was part of the knowledge given to us by our parents. It was drummed into us in school. It was something we learned by experience, usually when we did not do it.
The Bible tells us that God is the perfect planner. Before he even created this world, God knew that the perfection of mankind would be lost because of sin. The perfect fellowship between God and his creation would be destroyed. It was not the condition that God wanted for us.
So, God planned. He planned a way to win us back from our separation from him. In time, he carried out his plan by sending Jesus to take our place in two ways. Jesus lived a perfect life in our place. Then he was punished, yes killed, even though innocent as payment for our sins. Then Jesus rose to show that he had conquered the death we deserved. He took our sinfulness on himself and totally paid for it. Now, we have the fellowship with God that he always intended. We are not dead in sins, but alive!
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for your plan, the gift of Jesus who took my sins on himself and brought me back into fellowship with you. Amen.
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