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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- March 30 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, God gave His one and only son, Jesus. to die for you, that you would be forgiven of your sin, and so you could be a member of His heavenly kingdom. God is so extravagant in His gifts! In Jesus He has demonstrated His patience and mercy toward us sinners. I encourage you to attend church Sunday to receive His gifts of forgiveness, and to set aside time to thank Him.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events. The community is invited to participate in each of these events.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Singers from several Lutheran congregations in the region join their voices together as the Houston Lutheran Chorale. They will be performing a Lenten Cantata next Sunday April 6 at 4pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 14423 West Road, southeast of the intersection of highways 290 and 6. You are encouraged to attend.
Singers from Brookshire area churches will be performing an Easter Cantata at the Brookshire Methodist Church on the afternoon of Palm Sunday, April 13. You are encouraged to attend.
Plan now to attend Holy Week services beginning with Palm Sunday on April 13, a noon service on Good Friday April 18, and the Easter celebration on April 20.
On Saturday May 3 we are scheduled to hold our annual German Sausage Dinner and auction.
Sunday March 30th is the fourth Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are#915 Today Your Mercy Calls Us; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #612 As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered; #636 Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness; and #605 Father Welcomes.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 32:1-11; Isaiah 12:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
The introduction to Psalm 32 identifies it as a maskil of David. It is not clear what a maskil is. The psalm is often classified as one of the ‘penitential palms’. The suffering from sin’s guilt is contrasted with the relief and blessings of being forgiven by God. Those who stubbornly attempt to deny or hide their sin will be weighed down by guilt and sorrow. Actual physical ailments can result from unconfessed guilt. The psalmist encourages everyone to confess their sins to God and to rely upon His mercy. God will be the shelter of the repentant, and He will guide the faithful in the way they should go. They will rejoice in His favor. Martin Luther’s study of the psalm led to his understanding of justification—each person is a sinner without righteousness and cannot merit God’s forgiveness. God in His mercy and for the sake of the suffering and death of Jesus forgives us and declares us righteous before Him. Confess your sin to Jesus and rely on Him to save you from God’s punishment.
In the 11th chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy, God foretells a “shoot from the stump of Jesse” who will bring righteousness and peace to the world. The tribes of Israel will come under God’s judgment and be taken off to Assyria. But this “shoot” will restore a remnant. The poetry of Isaiah 12 expresses the joy God’s saved remnant will enjoy. Later revelation shows that this prophecy is ultimately referring to Jesus.
In his second letter to the congregation in Corinth (southern Greece), St. Paul describes the suffering we face in this sin-broken world. Because we oppose God’s will we have physical suffering, and our relationships with others also suffer. Paul reminds us that Jesus suffered and died in order to reconcile us to God the Father. In response, we should live as reconciled people, and to be reconciled also to one another. As followers of Jesus we become His ambassadors, telling others about Him and extending the invitation of the gospel that they would follow Him as well. Jesus saved you from sin. And that is great news. But He saved you for something as well—to be His witnesses.
In the Gospel lesson, Jesus tells a parable about two rebellious sons and their gracious merciful father. Often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son because the youngest son is so lavish and wasteful, it might be better understood as the Parable of the Prodigal Father, a dad who lavishly and extravagantly shows patience and mercy to his two stubborn sons. In that way the parable points to God’s concern for all sinners–those who openly sin, and those who imagine themselves without sin. God does not desire any one to die, not even the wicked, but rather that they would return to Him and enjoy the benefits He has prepared for them. Turn to God. He is preparing for you. And let each Christian rejoice when another sinner joins us in Christ’s Church!
COLLECT: Gracious God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing and joyful obedience; 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 schedules or Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 23 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ suffered and died to redeem you from your sins and to reconcile you to God. What a wonderful act of grace this is! Jesus grants comfort now, and assurance of your future. I encourage you to be in worship Sunday to receive His forgiveness as it is distributed through God’s word and the Lord’s Supper. Where there is forgiveness there is also life and salvation.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Saturday May 3rd has been set as the date of this year’s German Sausage Dinner.
Sunday March 23rd is the third Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #613 To Thee, Omniscient Lord of All; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #716 I Walk in Danger All the Way; #619 Thy Body Given For Me, O Savior; and #761 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 85:1-9; Ezekiel 33:7-20; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; and Luke 13:1-9. These passages share a theme of considering God’s actions in the past to be assured of what He is doing now and will fulfill in the future.
Psalm 85 is a psalm of the sons of Korah, descendants of the tribe of Levi responsible for leading worship. The psalmist is suffering effects of sin in his life and the community around him and considers it as God’s chastisement. He prays that God would withdraw His anger, grant him peace, and restore his nation as He has done throughout history. God hates sin. He punishes sin. But in His mercy God also restores sinners. Examples of this restoration include freeing the tribes of Israel from slavery in Egypt, and releasing exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem. The psalmist draws comfort from God’s saving actions throughout history. God demonstrates that He is faithful and righteous. God’s salvation is near to those who fear Him. Through Jesus, God speaks peace to our troubled souls. He will give what is good to those who turn to Him. So, we should repent of our sin every day. The psalmists’ words encourage us to turn to the salvation and peace God offers through Jesus.
The Old Testament lesson narrates God’s call to Ezekiel to be His spokesman. Ezekiel is to proclaim God’s Law so that people would recognize their sin and turn from it. After warning the neighboring nations, God wants Ezekiel to concentrate attention on Israel, warning them against their wickedness. Because of their sin they will be judged and put to death. Guilt can lead to despair and spiritual rot. So, Ezekiel is also to proclaim the mercy and righteousness of God. He doesn’t want anyone to die. Those who turn to God will be saved from judgment. Faithful pastors, missionaries, and teachers of the Church continue to proclaim both God’s Law and His Gospel that people would turn from wickedness and turn to God. Pray that we would all have open ears and hearts to hear God’s call to repentance and faith in Jesus.
In the epistle lesson, a portion of the letter to the Corinthians (southern Greece), St. Paul recounts the history of God dealing with the tribes of Israel in Egypt. God graciously provided protection, food, and water to them during their wandering in the wilderness. They were al recipients of God’s blessings. It would appear the people are all the same. But the truth is, many were unfaithful and lived ungodly lives. God was not pleased with them, and they would come under His judgment. Paul tells this story as instruction and an example of God’s rejection of people who take His grace for granted or desire evil as many of the Israelites did. We should beware. Even the most devout Christian can fall for temptation. God has provided Jesus as the way of escape from condemnation. So, Paul urges Christians to continue to turn to Jesus. Baptized into Jesus, you can withstand temptation. He will help you. He has made a new person. The Holy Spirit lives in you, Sin is no longer your only option. You don’t have to sin. But though the spirit may be willing, our flesh is weak. When we do fall to temptation, Jesus is our escape and the way to restoration. We should not treat sin lightly. We should not imagine we are immune to sin or that we can overcome temptation on our own. We should not take Jesus’ forgiveness for granted.
In the gospel lesson, Luke the evangelist reports that Jesus had been warning crowds to recognize that events of that time were signs of God’s approaching judgment. In response, some of the folks listening to Him mentioned reports that the governor Pilate had ordered the killing of Galileans offering their sacrifices. Consider for a moment some of the unspoken questions that might underlie their report. Why did God allow this? Worship might be assumed to be one of the safest places or activities to be involved in. Is worship safe? Was there something wrong with those worshippers that they deserved such punishment? You might have other questions. Jesus responds to them by warning them to be concerned about their own sin. He warns that they all have reason to repent. Some might conclude that the murder at worship indicates God is cruel and impatient. Jesus tells a parable about an owner of a vineyard, and his vinedresser or groundskeeper. The parable hints at Jesus’ role as an intercessor who nurtures us that we would turn from sin and produce fruit of faith. Now is the day of salvation. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus before He comes again to bring God’s judgment on earth.
COLLECT: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways, and bring them with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word,; 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 schedules or this week’s scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 16 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, delivered by Christ, I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday to receive His gifts of salvation. Greetings to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to not neglect the preaching of God’s word or the reception of the Lord’s Supper through which He distributes forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Sunday March 16th is the second Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #850 God of Grace and God of Glory; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #579 The Law of God is Good and Wise; and #725 Children of the Heavenly Father. During the Distribution of the Lord’s Supper, we will sing #693 O Holy Spirit Grant Us Grace and #689 Let Me Be Thine Forever.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 4:1-8; Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:31-35.
The introduction to Psalm 4 states it is a psalm of King David, intended to be accompanied by stringed instruments. Two times ‘selah’ is used, which may be a marker for a musical interlude, indicating time should be used to contemplate the meaning of the verse just sung . The psalm has an interesting flow to it. the psalm begins as a lament asking God for help against enemies. These enemies have caused anguish apparently by dishonoring the king’s name. In speaking a false witness against God’s anointed one, they set themselves against God’s will. David urges such people to repent, to make right sacrifices and to trust God. The psalm ends with a confession of confidence that God provides safety and peace. So rather than being angry at enemies, we should be joyful that God hears us and gives us relief from our troubles. As Christians we might apply this passage as a confession of trust. Our enemies including the devil may speak ill of us. Such talk may trouble us, even make us angry. God assures you that through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, He protects you from the accusations of the devil.
In the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah, God has sent the prophet to accuse the people of their sin, and to warn them of the approaching destruction and their subsequent captivity in Babylon. The citizens weren’t really worshipping God; instead, they were treating Him like a good luck piece (compare with what happened at Shiloh, 1 Samuel 4). The leaders and citizens of Jerusalem rejected Jeremiah’s prophecy, and threatened to kill him. Jeremiah responded with a confession trusting in God. Even if they were to kill Jeremiah, God’s warning would still stand. Jeremiah was not the source of the warning of judgment; it came from God. We should listen to God’s word, wheover is speaking it to us. Christianity was not invented by men. God is the One who wants you to repent from your sin and to turn to Him in faith.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, a city in northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. Roman soldiers were stationed at a garrison there. Persecution against Christians was increasing. St. Paul himself had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He urged the congregation to imitate him, to be faithful, not imitate the society or give into desires of the flesh. Emphasis is not so much on obedience, but rather to keep looking to Jesus, and holding on to His promises.
In the gospel lesson recorded in Luke 13, Jesus had been teaching in the villages along the way to Jerusalem. Jewish religious leaders told Jesus that He should leave because King Herod intended to kill Him. It is not clear what motivated them to warn Him—were they sincerely concerned for Him, or was this merely a good reason to send Him further away from their jurisdiction. In any case, it could be considered a temptation for Jesus to abandon His mission. Rather than being concerned about His own safety, Jesus remains committed to His task of suffering and dying on Jerusalem to restring people to God and redeeming them from their sins. He desires to save them all. But similar to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, Jesus laments that people are not listening to His message. Jesus warns, and He invites. Who will listen to Him? Those who do not will be destroyed. Those who do will be eternally saved from God’s condemnation.
COLLECT: O, Almighty and gracious God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul,; 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 schedules or Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you, Pastor Boster
- Sunday March 9 service and other news
Greetings to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to not neglect the preaching of God’s word or the reception of the Lord’s Supper through which He distributes forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events.
Tonight, Saturday the 8th, move your clock ahead one hour in keeping with Daylight Savings Time. You wouldn’t want to be late for Bible study or worship.
Wednesday the 12th at 6:30pm you are encouraged to gather for a midweek Lenten service. Midweek services are scheduled throughout the season of Lent.
We have begun the season of Lent. It is a time of sober reflection regarding our sinful condition, and to consider the fundamental importance of Jesus’ suffering and death which released us from God’s condemnation against sin. Sundays are described as being in Lent, weekly highlights when the good news of forgiveness is echoed and delivered. We should repent every day, but Lent is a particular time to consider your false gods and vices, and how they divide you from God. But don’t stop there focused on you. You should also remember that Jesus has come to set you free from those things. Repentance involves contrition (sorrow over sin), and also faith which turns again and again to Jesus. During this Lenten season, let us pray each day that our gracious Father in heaven will direct us to faith and repentance, that we may celebrate the Easter resurrection in sincerity and in truth.
Sunday March 9th is the first Sunday in Lent. As we change seasons we will also switch to a different liturgy. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #421 Jesus, Grant that Balm and Healing; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #666 O Little Flock Fear Not the Foe; #435 Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain; and #418 O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 91:1-2, 9-15; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:8b-13; and Luke 4:1-13.
There is a hymn that declares ‘I walk in danger all the way.’ We are warned by Scripture that the devil is like a prowling lion seeking whom he may devour. In Psalm 91, the psalmist uses several different images to describe the protective character of God. God is like a fortress that shelters us. He is like a mother bird whose wings are a refuge that will hide us. God is like a warrior wearing shield and buckler, fighting on our behalf. God protects us from the threats of the devil and this broken world. The psalm is also messianic as it points to the temptations Jesus faced. God is with us in our trouble so let us hold fast to Him. We join in confessing with the psalmist that God is our protector, Through Jesus, He will deliver you from evil.
The Old Testament lesson from Deuteronomy 26 reports on instruction God gave the tribes of Israel as He was about to lead them into the Promised Land. They were to remember how God had delivered them and cared for them and their ancestors throughout history. The point is, that God has not changed. As He did in the past, He will also do so in the future. This is reason for all people to celebrate and to give thanks to God. God sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you on your journey to the promised land of heaven. Praise Him. Don’t reject His care.
There is an old axiom that says something like, ‘what you pray (or what you say) is what you believe’. In other words, how we worship will inform and shape our faith. Pray or say or observe something often enough and it leads to what you trust. Said in an opposite way, ‘what you believe is what you pray (or what you say). In other words, you can ascertain what people think and what they believe by listening to what they say and observing how they worship. St Paul in Romans 8 points out that our words express what is in our heart. Paul assures the church that your past is not what determines your future with God. Rather, no matter who you are or what you have done, your relationship with God depends on Jesus. Whoever trusts Jesus in their heart and confesses that faith in Him, will be saved from God’s condemnation. Consider your words. What are you believing and saying about Jesus?
In the Gospel lesson, Luke 4, the evangelist reports on temptations Jesus faced after His baptism. Jesus was into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit and was weakened by forty days of fasting. The devil tempted Jesus to forego His ministry by distorting and misapplying God’s word, offering to help Jesus avoid suffering and to attain personal prestige and power (Note that the devil is unable to deliver on any of this). Jesus made proper interpretation of God’s word and withstood the devil’s temptation. This would not be the only encounter between Jesus and the devil and demons. Jesus was tempted just as you and I are tempted, but he remained obedient to God and without sin. His perfect obedience became the payment offered on the cross and redeemed us from our sin Know God’s Word. Make use of God’s Word. The devil can be resisted. But because we are weak and sin still clings to us, trust in Jesus. He is your Savior and Redeemer. He does not fail. Those who trust Him will be given an eternal place in heaven.
COLLECT: O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them safely to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church, that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come,; 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 scheduled or Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 2 service and other information
Brothers and sisters, greetings to you in the name of our powerful and glorious Savior, Jesus Christ. In explaining the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven), Martin Luther wrote, “God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come.” And God’s will is also done “when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.” So we regularly pray that God’s will would be done among us. I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday as another opportunity to take part in publicly observing God’s will.
Let me begin by reminding you of a few things. This coming Wednesday, March 5 is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season. I encourage you to attend the weekly midweek services leading up to Easter. The services are scheduled to start at 6:30 pm.
Please also make plans to attend this year’s German Sausage Dinner (GSD) scheduled for May 3rd, the first Saturday of the month. It helps us raise some funds to support God’s ministry here, but we hope you also enjoy the good food and music, and have opportunity to meet some new and old friends.
On Sunday March 2nd we will commemorate the Transfiguration of our Lord. Three of Jesus’ disciples were given a glimpse of Him in His divine glory. They are amazed as they also see and hear long gone Old Testament heroes Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus about His approaching departure. From that moment Jesus’ ministry would take a more direct path to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, resurrected, and ascended.
We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #874 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright; #602 The Gifts Christ Freely Gives; and #414 ‘Tis Good Lord to Be Here.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 99:1-5, 9; Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36.
Psalm 99 rejoices over the greatness of God. There is no one else like Him. We should be awed by His divine power and holiness. He rules with justice and righteousness. His reign extends over all things. Throughout history people have called on God. He disciplines but He also forgives. The writer of the psalm encourages each of us to join in worshipping and exalting God, thanking and praising Him for His gifts to us.
Deuteronomy 34 reports on the death of the Old Testament leader Moses. God had chosen him to lead the Israelites out of captivity and slavery in Egypt, through the trials of the Sinai desert, and to the promised land of Canaan. God takes Moses to the top of a mountain so that he might see into the Promised Land. But as punishment from God, he would not be allowed to enter. Years earlier, Moses had not acted in faith toward God at Meribah (Numbers 20:11-31). The people of Israel had been thirsty. God heard their cries and said He would bring water out of a rock. Rather than trusting the Word of God, Moses instead twice struck the rock with his staff. Even so, God had continued to sustain and guide Moses for many years and through many trials. When Moses died, God took care of his burial. You may find it surprising that even though Moses did not enter the Promised Land of Canaan during his earthly life, he was allowed to stand there with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses is often associated with Old Testament Law. Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of that Law for us, redeeming us, setting you free from the Law’s condemnations. Consider what that means for your eternal rest.
Moses is considered a great hero of the Old Testament. In Hebrews Chapter 3, using the image of a household, the argument is made that Jesus is far greater than Moses. It is true that Moses was a faithful servant in the house of God, but Jesus is the Son and owner and builder of the house. You and I (as the Church) are also members of His house as we trust in Him. Do not wait for some future day to follow Jesus. Tomorrow may not come. Consider the destruction of those rebellious Israelites who were unfaithful to God during the wilderness journey. Their unbelief excluded them from receiving the benefit of God’s promises.
The gospel lesson is St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Three of the apostles see Jesus metamorphose into dazzling light, and overhear His conversation with Moses and Elijah. These two Bible heroes represent the Law and the Prophets and their words which testify to Jesus. By the apostles’ report, we are given an image of the divine glory that belongs to Jesus. It is a glory largely hidden in the suffering He endured during His earthly ministry and in His crucifixion. But Jesus’ glory is revealed more fully in His resurrection and ascension. As we enter the season of Lent, we will be considering Jesus’ suffering and death and what that accomplished for us sinners. The Transfiguration is another epiphany that points us to the heavenly home Jesus is preparing for those who trust Him. Jesus reigns there even now in all glory and holiness. We should be comforted to know that He is in control of all things. Neither death nor the devil can stop Jesus from carrying out His saving work.
COLLECT: O Father God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshadowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; 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 worship schedules or the Sunday lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster