Welcome to Christ Lutheran Church
Divine Service 10:30 am
We provide a traditional LCMS service using the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) every Sunday morning at 10:30am central time, preceded by Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00am. If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person due to Covid-19, or other reasons, please join us online via Facebook Live. (Facebook account required.)
Activities
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- February 16 service
Grace and peace to you in the name of our living Savior, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to set aside time to attend the church service Sunday to hear God’s word and receive His gifts of forgiveness.
Sunday February 16th is the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #904 Blessed Jesus at Your Word; #705 The Man is Surely Blessed; #557 Seek Where You May to Find a Way; and #707 Oh that the Lord Would Guide My Ways.
The Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; and Luke 6:17-26. As I read through these passages I noticed a number of contrasts contained in each one.
In Psalm 1 the psalmist describes the contrast between those whom God blesses, and those who are not. Described another way, the psalm points out those who are righteous, meditating on and following God’s words, in contrast to those who scoff at God’s word and join themselves to sinners. Imagery in the psalm describes the blessed as deep rooted trees with a flourishing fruitful life, while the wicked scoffers will wither and perish on the day of judgment.
In the Old Testament reading, God speaks through the prophet to contrast blessing from curse. We speak of ‘blessings’ or ‘blessedness’ in various ways, so it can be difficult to define. ‘Blessing’ as used in the Bible to describe people has to do with being favored by God, being recipients of His benefits, including favorable physical conditions like health and prosperity. But ‘blessing’ also includes spiritual assurance, peace, and contentedness that flow from God’s constant kindness and generosity, even when conditions are otherwise difficult. God promises blessings to those who trust Him. Cursing on the the other hand is to ask God to remove favor, to urge Him to inflict harm, destruction and death upon someone. Very similar sounding to Psalm 1, God promises blessings of life on those who trust Him. In contrast, He threatens and curses those who trust in man and personal abilities rather than trusting Him.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of Chapter 15 of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Corinth. Paul rhetorically proposes two possibilities–there is no such thing as physical resurrection from the dead , or there is a resurrection. If there is no resurrection, Jesus is still dead, and we will die in our sin separated from God, and that will be our end. Any talk of resurrection would be a lie against God. But in fact Jesus is raised from the dead. Hundreds were witnesses to this miracle. And because Jesus is resurrected and alive, we who trust in Him will also be raised from the dead to live eternal life just as He promised. People may argue about details of what is is to be Christian. Paul argues that our eternity and everything we teach and hope for depends on this crucified and resurrected Jesus. Saving faith is anchored on the fact that Jesus is alive forever.
The Gospel lesson describes people coming from all over the country to see and hear Jesus. As is His habit, He miraculously heals the sick and demon-possessed. The miracles reinforce His teaching. Luke reports on what Jesus teaches, what is often called the ‘sermon on the plain’. Jesus lists a series of blessings to be enjoyed by those who trust in Him even in difficult conditions. Jesus also lists a number of ‘woes’ that will be inflicted on those who are enjoying life. This may sound confusing–Jesus is promising blessing on those whose depend on Him and suffer on His account. They look forward to the heaven that is coming. But in contrast, Jesus warns of curses that will fall upon those who merely live for today, ignoring Jesus’ words and giving no thought to how He has come to ensure our future. Blessing is obviously better than curses. Jesus is the one which is in your future. He encourages all people to be His disciples, to receive His blessings and avoid the curses coming to unbelievers. As the psalmist put in Psalm 1, ‘the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.’ Promise and warning. Gospel and Law. These are the words of Jesus that members of His church continue to speak.
COLLECT: Merciful Father, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
As another reminder, Ash Wednesday is March 5 and the beginning of the season of Lent. You are encouraged to attend midweek services beginning at 6:30 pm.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 9 service
Greetings in the name of Christ, our Savior. I encourage you to attend church tomorrow to receive the gifts He gives there. February 9 is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Scripture texts assigned to the day are Psalm 138; Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 14 12b-20; and Luke 5:1-11.
The Old Testament lesson and the gospel lesson both speak to the awesome absolute, infinite, holiness of God and Jesus. Such holiness exposes the profane earthly ways of us sinners. Both lessons also include a surprise, as God and Jesus choose sinful men to proclaim the Word of God. Through the saving work of Jesus, God the Father forgives and welcomes sinners. Don’t run to hide from Him, but run to Him that you may be saved from condemnation and separation.
The opening verses of the 6th Chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy describe the prophet’s Call to serve God. In the temple, Isaiah sees God. It is unclear if this is a ‘vision’, or an actual sighting of God extending out from the Most holy place of the temple, and surrounded by angels. In either case, Isaiah has reason to cry out, ‘Woe!’, an expression of great distress, usually indicating fear of approaching death or destruction. (Note that Chapter 5, preceding this reading, includes six woes and three judgments.) In the presence of holy God, Isaiah is made keenly aware of his sinful self and his sinful context—he is a man of unclean lips living among people with unclean lips. In the days of Moses, God has warned that no one sees Him and lives. Isaiah trembles as he considers his ‘lost’ condition. But God in his mercy sends an angel to take a burning coal from the incense censer on the altar, and to touch the coal to Isaiah’s lips, an act of purification. In God’s eyes, Isaiah has had his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. God commissions Isaiah to speak His words of warning and words of comfort to the people. In His word, God offers life and salvation. It is wise to listen to Him.
The Gospel reading describes a similar event. Jesus is teaching God’s word to the crowds. He confirms the authority of His teaching, by performing a miracle. He leads Peter and his partners to catch a large number of fish despite what would normally be a near impossible situation. Jesus has once again demonstrated His divine power. Peter responds like the prophet Isaiah, crying out, confessing his sinful condition, and fearing that Jesus’ divine holiness will destroy him. Instead, Jesus uses the surprising catch of fish as a metaphor for Peter’s (and the other apostles’) future vocation as fishers of men. Jesus uses sinful spokesmen to speak His word that the Church may increase. We are not apostles, but we Christians each have opportunity to bear witness to Jesus, and to tell other people about the life and salvation He has made available. As you speak the word of God to them, the Holy Spirit will use it to accomplish His purposes.
The epistle lesson is a portion of the 15th Chapter of St. Paul’s first letter to the congregation in Corinth (southern Greece). Paul addresses questions about spiritual gifts, especially the role of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues was considered by many to indicate a ‘super Christian’, that is someone especially spiritual. Paul corrects that thinking by pointing out the far greater importance of being able to articulate the gospel in a way people can understand. Instead of envying those who speak in tongues, use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you to proclaim the gospel, and to instruct and encourage others in their Christian walk.
Hymns chosen for the day are #507 Holy, Holy, Holy; #856 O Christ Who Called the Twelve; #621 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence; and #830 Spread the Reign of God the Lord.
COLLECT: Gracious Father God keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith, so that relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- January 19 service
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you as we continue through the season of Epiphany. I encourage you to come to church Sunday to hear God’s Word and to receive His gifts of forgiveness.
A shrimp boil and sale are scheduled for next Saturday January 25, from 11 am to 2 pm, or we sell out. Price is $15 per plate. We also sell by the pound. Let your friends and neighbors know.
On Sunday January 19 we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal.
Hymns chosen for the day are #792 New Songs of Celebration Render; #408 Come, Join in Cana’s Feast; #629 What is this Bread; and #538 Praise Be to Christ.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 128:1-6; Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and John 21-11.
Psalm 128 is a song of ascents, the kind of song religious pilgrims would have sung as they made their way up the mountain to Jerusalem, and up the steps leading to the temple. The psalm describes some of the blessings God grants to individuals and families, especially the gift of children. The psalm encourages all people to fear God and to walk in His ways.
In Isaiah 62, Gods speaks through the prophet to the people of Israel. His message is a bit like the later fairy tale Cinderella. Israel is about to come under God’s destructive judgment by means of the Assyrian army. The people will feel like a poor woman, seemingly forsaken and desolate. God promises to come like a rescuing prince. He will lift the nation up out of her destruction and poverty, and take her to Himself like a groom takes a bride—He rejoices in her, He will be committed to her, and will give her a new and joyous name. He will put His crown on her head and treat her like royalty. In our spiritual poverty we may feel alone and forsaken. Jesus has come as a bridegroom. He has rescued you from the brokenness of this world. His Spirit has brought you into the Church, His bride. Like wedding vows which promise love, nourishing, and commitment even in times of poverty and illness, Jesus has made a commitment to you. Despite your sin, He delights in you and has given His life for you so that you may be with Him forever. In heave He will crown you with His crown of righteousness.
Speaking in tongues has often been treated as evidence of “real” Christianity. In Chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians, St. Paul puts speaking in tongues in its proper place as just one of the various spiritual gifts God grants to Christians. God apportions those gifts to individuals as He wills, and for the benefit of the Church. Don’t be envious of other’s gifts. God will equip you and use you as He determines. The greatest gifts are faith, hope, and love. They motivate us to believe and to say, ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Let’s keep our eyes on Him, not on our abilities or lack of.
The gospel lesson is the Apostle John’s account of Jesus’ first public miracle, transforming water into wine at a wedding at a town named Cana. The new wine was better than what they had been drinking. Jesus does all things well. The account leads to another epiphany. Jesus with His divine creative power has the ability to transform nature. Even in small moments like a wedding, Jesus brings joy. In the miracle, we are able to see His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. Jesus came into the world to die for you that you would be set free from your sin and be restored to God. By His divine power He overcame death and rose to new and glorified life. He wants you to believe in Him and share in His joy.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, You govern all things in heaven and on earth. Mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- January 12 service
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you as we continue through the season of Epiphany. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to grant you greater and deeper insight into Jesus’ identity and His saving work, so that you may grow in faith and appreciation of Him.
A shrimp boil and sale are scheduled for Saturday January 25, from 11 am to 2 pm or we sell out. In the past we have also added cookies and other baked goods. Let Lance Hartman know if you would like to help. Price is $15 per plate. We also sell by the pound. Let your friends and neighbors know.
On Sunday January 12 we , like many congregations, will celebrate the baptism of Jesus. We will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. There will be a brief review of the Small Catechism’s instruction on baptism (LSB p.325). We will once again be substituting hymn #935, a versification of the Magnificat, for the Kyrie and the Gloria Excelsis.
Hymns chosen for the day are #398 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed; #401 From God the Father, Virgin Born; #616 Baptismal Waters Cover Me; and #598 Once in Blest Baptismal Waters.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 29:1-11; Isaiah 43:1-7; Romans 6:1-11; and Luke 3:15-22.
Psalm 29 is a psalm of David. The psalm has imagery we might compare to a severe thunderstorm. David makes several allusions to God’s mighty voice echoing over the waters. His Word can come in judgment with destructive power. But in His grace, God uses His power for your good. God attaches His words of forgiveness to the waters of baptism which deliver to us the new life that only He can give. So, we join David in worshipping God, ascribing to Him the glory and strength due to Him.
In Isaiah 43, the prophet speaks of trouble and judgment in terms of destruction by flood waters and consuming fires. God uses Isaiah to speak to the people of Israel. They are about to be attacked by the Assyrian army, and years later by the Babylonian army. They are both instruments of God’s judgment. But God encourages the people of Israel (and us) that His judgment will not harm us or others who carry His name, for He who created us, will also redeem us. In baptism, God marks you as his own and puts His name upon you, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. You are His precious possession. He has bought you with the blood of Jesus. So, He will stand in your stead and take your punishment upon Himself because you are dear to Him. One day God will gather you to be near Him. So, you should not fear the future. God keeps His promises.
In the sixth chapter of his letter to the Romans, St. Paul urges people to refrain from sinning. Such action is impossible for a person without God. Even with God, new obedience is difficult. We are discouraged when we fail. So, Paul begins the chapter writing about the power of baptism. In baptism you and I are given a new identity and a new status before God. We are connected to Jesus. it is like we have already died and been buried with Him and raised from the dead to have new life with Him. Jesus died to sin, paying the cost to release us from its control. So, we should also consider ourselves dead to sin.
In the gospel reading for the day, St. Luke summarizes events surrounding Jesus’ baptism. In a way we get to eavesdrop as God’s voice from heaven identifies Jesus as His beloved Son. Jesus our humble and sinless Savior undergoes an anointing intended for sinners. As a current television commercial puts it, God gets us. He knows that without Jesus we would be lost in sins judgment. But Jesus in His grace connects Himself to you, and by the power of the Holy Spirit transforms you into a child of God, with all the heavenly benefits that includes.
COLLECT: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- January 5 service
Brothers and sisters, God has brought us to a new year. A traditional Collect for New Year’s Eve states that we commit to God’s mercy and forgiveness the year that has ended, and at the same time we commend God’s blessing and love to the times that are yet to come. As the Holy Spirit abides in us, Christians live each day in the ‘now’, trusting in the eternal Savior Jesus who is, who was, and who will be forever.
January 5 is the twelfth day of Christmas, a sort of ‘Epiphany Eve’. An epiphany could be described as an event that results in a sudden awareness or a moment of insight, clarity, or new understanding. In modern lingo we might say, ‘a light comes on.’ The season of Epiphany traditionally begins with a retelling of the story of men from “the east” coming to visit the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). Detailed reading of the Scriptures indicates Jesus was no longer a baby in the manger but instead many months old. Magi ‘from the east’ arrived to worship Jesus. The men who visited were not kings, and arguably were not so ‘wise’ in terms of knowing God. It is not clear what they understood or believed about Jesus. Nonetheless, the event marks Gentile coming to Jesus to honor Him. Some English translations have dropped the Hebrew word for ‘Look!’ or ‘Behold!’ that occurs in 2:1 and 2:9. The point is, a significant epiphany has taken place. Readers should be alert to the title ‘king of the Jews’ and begin to ask, ‘what does this mean’? ‘What does the title say about Jesus? What kind of king is He? What is His kingdom like? And why would this be important to us?’
During the Epiphany season we will read several additional epiphanies recorded in Scripture, each revealing a bit more about Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will gain additional insights and appreciation as to why Jesus came into the world.
Sunday January 5 we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. We will be substituting hymn #935, a versification of the Magnificat, for the Kyrie and the Gloria Excelsis. Hymns chosen for the day are #409 Hail, O Source of Every Blessing; #403 O Savior of Our Fallen Race; #606 I Lay My Sins on Jesus; and #397 As With Gladness, Men of Old.
Scripture assigned to be read are Psalm 84:1-5, 10-12; 1 Kings 3:4-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; and Luke 2:40-52.
Psalm 84 is a psalm of the sons of Korah, who were descendants of Levi and were a family of tabernacle and temple musicians (see 1 Chronicles 6:1, 22, 33). It is to be performed according to “the gittith”. The meaning of gittith is unclear, but perhaps refers to instrumentation or style. The psalmist speaks of the loveliness of the Lord’s house, probably referring to the temple. The psalmist speaks of the joy and benefit of being in the temple. Among other reasons, there God hears his prayers, and gives direction and encouragement. The psalmist longs to be in the temple once again to sing God’s praises. Many Christians search their works trying to find assurance of salvation and a relationship with God. This leads to arrogance or despair—either we exaggerate the goodness of our works, or we feel as though we have failed at everything. The psalmist would encourage us turn our eye away from ourselves, and recognize the gifts Christ gives in worship as the assurance of salvation and relationship with God. Lord, grant us a desire to be in your house of worship to receive your gifts.
The reading from 1 Kings Chapter 3 reports on an event early in the reign of King Solomon, son of King David. God spoke to Solomon in a vision, saying He would give him whatever he asked for. Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding so he could properly rule the nation, and asked for discernment so he could discern between good and evil. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him extraordinary wisdom, and in addition gave him riches and honor.
The epistle reading is a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Ephesus in the western part of what is modern Turkey. St. Paul frontloads his letter to the Ephesians with a beautiful description of the gospel. He speaks of predestination, the assurance that before the foundation of the world God in His great love had chosen you to be “adopted” as His child, holy and blameless before Him. God accomplishes this by sending His Son, Jesus into the world to redeem you with His blood that your sins would be forgiven, and your guilt no longer held against you. The concept of predestination is often misunderstood or misapplied. It is erroneously concluded that if some are predestined to be adopted and forgiven, then others must be predestined to be rejected and condemned. Scripture declares that God does not desire anyone to be lost. Jesus came to save the world. By His death, Jesus has forgiven your sin, and the sins of every person. Everyone who trusts Jesus’ works and promises will receive the forgiveness He earned for us. If anyone is condemned, it is their own fault for not trusting Jesus. Ask yourself, which sin of yours did Jesus not die for? If you answer (and believe) that Jesus has forgiven everyone of your sins, you are one of His chosen children.
The gospel lesson is a portion of the account reported by St. Luke. Jesus is 12 years old, and in the temple discussing theology with the teachers there. The teachers are amazed at the wisdom Jesus displays, not only in the questions He asked, but also in the answers He gave. He is far wiser than Solomon. When His parents come looking for Him, Jesus explains that He must be in His Father’s house. The original Greek can be translated a bit differently, that ‘it was necessary to be among the things of His Father’ or said another way, He ‘had to be about His Father’s business.’ Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus’ words. They did not understand why their young son had to be in the temple. Jesus words are a revealing preview of His purpose. He would accomplish the saving work God had assigned to Him. Throughout His earthly ministry people misunderstood Jesus’ teaching ad miracles. People continue to misunderstand the work Jesus needed to do. Years later, when Jesus was crucified and risen from the dead, the Father’s work becomes more evident. Hopefully this an epiphany for you, a new insight into Jesus’ identity and purpose. Notice when He speaks of Father, Jesus is referring to God, not Joseph.
COLLECT: Almighty and gracious God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shone forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please contact me if you have prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster