Dead and Buried

We have come to the final stretch of Lent, known as “Holy Week.” Think about what that title is implying. We normally talk about a “holiday” (short for “holy day”), where one day is set aside for some special observance or celebration. But for centuries, believers have set aside this entire week for special observance. Clearly, what is discussed during Holy Week is important. Indeed, what we see happen this holy week is the foundation of our eternity.

In Holy Week, we see the impossible. The Son of God dies. The Lord of life enters the last place he belonged—the grave. But what we will see this week is that, when Jesus entered the tomb, he did not go alone. He buried all our baggage with him: sin, guilt, shame, condemnation, fear. Jesus will walk out of the tomb. But thanks to him, those things will all stay dead and buried.

  • Palm Sunday

    As we begin Holy Week, we see Jesus bury humanity’s endless attempts at seizing power. In our world, power dynamics are almost always in play. Those who don’t have power want it, often more than anything else. Those who have power are willing to do anything to keep it. In contrast, Jesus—who possesses all power as the Son of God—willingly surrendered his power and placed himself in the hands of his enemies. Why? What he wanted more than anything else was not power, but you.

    So, Jesus begins this Holy Week riding into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing full well that he was riding to the cross. He would surrender himself to the punishment that our sins deserved, so that through Spirit-wrought faith we might seize the glory and heaven that only he deserves.

    Gospel—Luke 19:28–40

    First Reading—Isaiah 42:1–4

    Second Reading—Philippians 2:5–11

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 24

    Hymn of the Day—Ride On, Ride On in Majesty (CW 411)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMk3aD3nNw440mORHFqpXvsr&si=SCpcfE7AI9d0nZJ4

  • Holy Thursday

    [4:00pm Wonewoc & 6:30pm Hillsboro]

    On Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus began to execute the terms of the New Covenant. This New Covenant replaced an old one and was fundamentally different from in it every way. While the Old Covenant was more like a contract, the New Covenant is more like a will. The old offers rewards in return for work; the new makes unconditional and lasting promises. The old will always leave us starving in our relationship with God; the new satisfies the deepest hunger of our soul.

    This is precisely why Jesus connected this new covenant with a special meal. To an uninformed outsider, the Lord’s Supper looks like a poor snack—a bite of bread and sip of wine. But the followers of Christ understand that this holy food provides all the blessings of the new covenant.

    Gospel—Luke 22:7–20

    First Reading—Jeremiah 31:31–34

    Second Reading—Hebrews 10:15–25

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 116

    Hymn of the Day—Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior (CW 659)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkwV9SPWbl09iLEZtKgX2H7&si=JOeUupLGXn0lfWG8

  • Good Friday

    [1:00pm Wonewoc & 6:30pm Hillsboro]

    On Good Friday we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord both with sorrow and solemn joy. Though the events of this day fill us with horror, the implications of those events give us every reason for praise. Jesus’ death had this breathtaking significance. Once and for all, it paid for the guild of all of us and for all of time. Standing in our place, our substitute was forsaken by his Father on the cross so that we could be reconciled to God and have an eternal home in heaven.

    We look at Jesus on the cross, and there is sorrow. He is there because of us. He is there because he loves us that much, so much he gave us his last breath. Jesus took all our guilt into the tomb with him. It will stay there. He will not. That is why we can call this Friday good.

    Gospel—John 19:17–30

    First Reading—Isaiah 52:13–53:12

    Second Reading—Galatians 3:10–13

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 22

    Hymn of the Day—A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth (CW 422)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMk9wwRsyevLzRZCCIDpdXso&si=x67X3dHZ-WYpKCgm

Because He Lives

It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events—who, when, where—that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. There are many compelling stories. Lots of dates and data to remember. However, for a moment, set all that aside, and just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would freedom exist in Europe? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details: who, when, where. You also need to focus what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!

In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event. . . the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! It is our privilege and pleasure to use the fifty days of Easter to discuss this fact: because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.

  • The Festival of the Resurrection | Easter Dawn

    [6:00am Wonewoc]

    In the darkness before dawn, the women walked to the tomb with heavy hearts. Jesus was dead. His mission was over. In their mind, they were feeble followers of a failure. All that was left to do was finish embalming the corpse and then try to move on. Yet, Jesus wasn’t dead. And because he lived, they were not followers of a failure at all. They were disciples of the one who had conquered sin and defeated death.

    It is as simple as this. Because he lives, we have a whole new identity: not sinners, but redeemed saints; not rebels, but God’s chosen nation; not doomed, but saved; not only servants, but sons and daughters of God Almighty; not losers, but victorious, because Christ gives us the victory. The living Lord has given us a whole new identity. It is all because of him. It is all because he lives.

    Gospel—John 20:1–18

    First Reading—Exodus 15:1–11

    Second Reading—Colossians 3:1–4

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 118

    Hymn of the Day—Awake, My Heart, with Gladness (CW 443)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmTj-GSbrG3FkzZQ0PC34wf&si=dbSWWWt8YeY7piuT

  • The Festival of the Resurrection | Easter Day

    [8:30am Wonewoc & 10:30am Hillsboro]

    Death can sting in many ways. First, death can sting by casting a shadow over every moment of life. No matter what earthly joy you are experiencing, death guarantees it won’t last. Second, death can sting by separating loves. There are no phone calls or hugs from the dead. Third, death can sting by instilling fear of what follows. Deep down, every human being senses that after death there is some sort of reckoning. . . a judgement. Yes, death can sting in many ways.

    Note that word can. Because he lives, death has lost its sting for those who put their faith in the living Lord. Because Christ lives, we have all the proof we need that God accepted Jesus’ death as the complete and final payment for all our sin. Those who are in Christ need no judgment. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. More, Christ’s resurrection is the assurance that our Christian loved ones are not lost. We will see them again in the resurrection. For Christ’s resurrection means we will rise to a world of incomprehensible and unending joy.

    Death remains unnatural. But Christ has defeated death. So, while death may still cause tears, death does not cause dread. Because he lives, death has lost its sting.

    Gospel—Luke 24:1–12

    First Reading—Isaiah 25:6–9

    Second Reading—1 Corinthians 15:51–57

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 16

    Hymn of the Day—Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands (CW 440)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkJfgNFy6TNAKBrKHGQN2N-&si=YDetBNEZQevxrZYR

  • Second Sunday of Easter

    If Jesus remained dead, all he would provide is an example of a beautiful life. Therefore, if Jesus remained dead, the mission of his followers would simply be to share advice. “Here is how Jesus would want us to love one another. Or “Jesus would want us to think about money like this.” Or “This is how Jesus would pray.” But because he lives, his followers now have a meaningful mission. It is not to share advice, but to testify to what we have seen and know to be true. Christ has risen! Thus, Jesus is not a standard, but our Savior. Jesus is not primarily an example for this life, but the doorway into eternal life. His resurrection to glory will be the resurrection of all who put their faith in him. Sharing that good news—that’s our mission.

    The Sunday after Easter can seem like a bit of a letdown. Chances are the church isn’t quite as full. There might not be a choir or special instruments to go along with our hymns. Even the lilies have begun to wilt. It might feel like the fun is all over. Wrong! The adventure has just begun. Because he lives! Therefore, we have a meaningful mission. Let us open our eyes to the privilege and the opportunity.

    Gospel—John 20:19–21

    First Reading—Acts 4:12,17–32

    Second Reading—Revelation 1:4–18

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 150

    Hymn of the Day—O Sons and Daughters of the King (CW 456)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMnkcw8dM-gtCPxc1CbYyQYc&si=XrkYOhB96jUq6cPC

  • Third Sunday of Easter

    A recent survey asked Americans which of the five senses they would least like to lose. 77% chose sight. Navigating life blind poses a plethora of challenges that the sighted do not face. This is why Scripture often uses the concept of blindness as a metaphor for how hard it is to navigate life without a correct understanding of Christ. Spiritual blindness can take many different forms. In some cases, it is hostile opposition to the message of Jesus. In others, spiritual blindness might be demonstrated in confusion about Jesus’ true identity. In still others, spiritual blindness might be the inability to understand our spiritual condition.

    No matter the form spiritual blindness takes, Easter has the power to replace it with sight. Easter allows us to see where we sinners stand with a holy God. It enables us to see the path through life that is worth pursuing (as opposed to those that lead to a dead end). Spiritual sight gives us the ability to see who holds our future in his hands and who is worth our eternal worship. Because he lives, we can see things clearly.

    Gospel—John 21:1–14

    First Reading—Acts 9:1–22

    Second Reading—Revelation 5:11–14

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 30

    Hymn of the Day—Christ the Lord Is Risen Again (CW 459)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm83xf4QPL8R7DGC0zwl-RV&si=5C8ItqEdVaVQx7zC

  • Fourth Sunday of Easter

    The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in his Word that he cares for you dearly. . . that he would do anything for you. . . that he’s leading you into the green pastures of paradise. How do you know you can trust him? Simple. Jesus followed up his words with action. Jesus promised he would die to save you from your sin. He did. Scripture promised the Savior would rise from the dead, proving that payment for sins was complete. It happened.

    Jesus always does what he says. His every promise is fulfilled. Jesus once illustrated that point in a striking metaphor, that of the Good Shepherd. All shepherds use words, calling to the sheep hoping they will follow. What sets the Good Shepherd apart is the fact that his words are followed by action, including his willingness to lay down his life for his sheep. Because he lives, we know Jesus is trustworthy and true.

    Gospel—John 10:22–30

    First Reading—Acts 13:15-16a, 26–39

    Second Reading—Revelation 7:9–17

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 23

    Hymn of the Day—The King of Love My Shepherd Is (CW 552)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMk4GpsB6vx-UTZRsVaOfAm1&si=5nBzkHaFMpqggRp8

  • Fifth Sunday of Easter

    If someone saved you from a horrible death, what would you do to thank them? Probably just about anything they asked! You would be that grateful. Jesus not only saved us from eternal death in hell, but he won for us an eternity in paradise. What shall we do to thank him? This week we see that Jesus asks for just one thing—love. He asks us, in every interaction we have with others, to demonstrate the same selfless love that he has shown to us. That is how we thank him.

    Fortunately, Jesus doesn’t just ask us to show love. Jesus empowers us to show love. The same divine power which raised Jesus from the dead now raises us up to a new and better life, enabling us to set aside our natural selfishness and self-glorification and instead live in a more excellent way. Like Christ, we strive to do everything for the benefit of others. Because he lives, we live lives of lavish love.

    Gospel—John 13:31–35

    First Reading—Acts 11:1–18

    Second Reading—1 Corinthians 13:1–13

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 145

    Hymn of the Day—Welcome, Happy Morning (CW 469)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkh3KVHWP9_TCk2ri5khVQS&si=d3X5I8pjzm8_Ufwr

  • Sixth Sunday of Easter

    Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance; it’s a product of Easter.

    Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus’ tomb. Forgiveness, life, and glory came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life’s highs and the lowest of life’s lows. Because he lives, we have deep and lasting joy.

    Gospel—John 16:16–24

    First Reading—Acts 14:8–22

    Second Reading—Revelation 21:21–27

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 65

    Hymn of the Day—Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMnzdfwdUeEE5uLTyqsCgMYS&si=PZF3IIZ4lRknjsco

  • The Festival of the Ascension

    [6:30pm Hillsboro]

    When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to focus on Christ’s ascension. This is for good reason. Jesus’ ascension marked the fact that his work was complete, in one sense. Never again will a sacrifice for sins need to be made. However, Jesus’ ascension also marks that, in another sense, his work is just beginning. Through the Church, Jesus now proclaims forgiveness of sins throughout the world.

    The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So, Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth. More, he ascended into heaven and sat down on the throne of God. He lives and reigns over everything for the benefit of his Church.

    Gospel—Luke 24:44–53

    First Reading—Acts 1:1–11

    Second Reading—Revelation 19:11–16

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 47

    Hymn of the Day—A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing (CW 472)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm78moYyYiXJkSjozkl5EYJ&si=iSqSJo7Tc1B2EJNT

  • Seventh Sunday of Easter

    After he rose, when Jesus’ followers gathered together, they comprised a group that was not very diverse. They all belonged to the same ethnic group, grew up in the same culture, spoke the same language, and followed the same customs. That would change drastically on Pentecost, when the gospel would be proclaimed in many languages to people from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 1:5).

    This diversity has always been part of Christ’s plan. Rather than eliminating differences among the Church’s members, the Church’s unity is built on truths that transcend those differences. The Church truly is a communion of saints. Differences in our world often lead to division. That is not to be the case in the Church. Because he lives, Christ creates unity within diversity. And when the world sees the unity in diversity that characterizes Christ’s Church, it will recognize something unique and special about Christians.

    Gospel—John 17:20–26

    First Reading—Acts 16:6–10

    Second Reading—Revelation 22:12–17, 20

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 133

    Hymn of the Day—Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense (CW 446)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkDHaVy2czPxvG-V1XkSHEY&si=sgj6TCeX19p2VfVu

  • The Festival of Pentecost

    Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to spread around the world. For Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers in these Last Days. We conclude this worship series with this glorious thought: because he lives, Christ sends us his Spirit.

    That raises some questions. Where? How? If God now reveals himself by his Spirit, where is the Holy Spirit found? How does he come to us? God has not left the answer to those questions in doubt. When Jesus promised to send the Spirit, he indicated that the Spirit’s work would be connected to words, specifically to God’s Word. As a result, we need never wonder where we can find the Spirit or how he comes to us. Where the Word is proclaimed, there you will find the Holy Spirit’s presence and blessing.

    Gospel—John 14:23–27

    First Reading—Genesis 11:1–9

    Second Reading—Acts 2:1–21

    Psalm of the Day—Psalm 104

    Hymn of the Day—Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (CW 585)

    Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkvIsNRvBeJe5NPMTCv4ufi&si=kzuRmFF3KV6Xwgdt

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