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 1 service
Greetings in the name of Jesus, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Martin Luther began his Ninety-Five Theses by observing that the life of a Christian on earth will always be one of repentance, a result of grief over sin and the faith that turns us to Jesus. As we continue through the season of Lent, be in worship where God is giving out the gifts of forgiveness paid for by Jesus. we also have midweek services at 6:30.
I’ll begin by pointing out that next Sunday March 8 we have a time change, springing forward one hour.
During the service tomorrow March 1, we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Four beginning on page 203 in the LSB hymnal. There will be some adjustments to the liturgy during the season of Lent.
Hymns chosen for the day are #535 How Wide the Love of Christ; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your image; #571 God Loved the World So That He Gave; #629 What is This Bread; and #543 What Wondrous Love Is This.
Scripture texts suggested by the three-year lectionary are Psalm 121; Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:1-8, 13-17; and John 3:1-17. Two themes that I see connecting the lessons from Genesis 12 and John 3 are God’s plan to create a people for Himself. God makes promises and His people are those who respond with faith that takes action.
Genesis 12 involves God’s call to Abra(ha)m. God instructs Abra(ha)m to his home and extended family and promises him several blessings including giving him a land and being made a great nation. Through Abra(ha)m (and his descendant) all families would be blessed. Even though he was an old man, Abra(ha)m responds in faith and follows God’s leading. At God’s direction he left his extended family and the land he knew. Later, God said He would count Abraham’s faith as righteousness.
In the epistle reading, St. Paul explains how God counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness. That is, God counts us being in a right relationship with Him, not because of the works we do, but because of trusting God’s promise of forgiveness given through Jesus, paid for by His death in the cross.
In the gospel lesson from John 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus meets secretly with Jesus. Jesus tells him about the new life given by being born again of water and the Holy Spirit, a metaphor for baptism. God wants all people to have a change of heart, to look to Jesus on the cross and believe He has redeemed them. In doing so, they receive forgiveness and will live. Those who do not believe in Jesus will be condemned.
In this Lenten season we should ask, do I believe Jesus died for my sins? If no, why not? Do I recognize the eternal danger I am in? If yes, how should I respond?
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 the lessons we will be reading Sunday. I encourage you again to gather for worship. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 22 service
Brothers and sisters, we have entered the season of Lent. Lent is a solemn penitential season 40 days long (doesn’t include Sundays) ending at Easter. Lent is a time for each of us to consider the seriousness of our sin, and the rescue from eternal punishment that Jesus earned for us by His suffering (often referred to as Passion) and death on the cross. During the season, we add midweek services intended to consider those issues more closely. You are encouraged to attend, Wednesdays beginning at 6:30. Keep in mind God’s word spoken through the Prophet Joel (2:13), “Return to the Lord Your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.”
February 22 is the first Sunday in Lent. During the season of Lent, we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four, beginning on page 203 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for this coming Sunday are #560 Drawn to the Cross; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #562 All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall; #613 To Thee, Omniscient Lord of All; and #418 O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 32:1-10; Genesis 3:1-21; Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11.
The Old Testament lesson from Genesis 3 takes us back to the time of creation. Adam and Eve, the first people, disobeyed God’s command, giving into the temptation of the devil who appeared as a serpent. This disobedience brought sin into the world. Mankind’s nature was corrupted. All natural descendants of Adam and Eve would be conceived and born corrupted by sin. Being sinners, we would do sinful things. The penalty or punishment for sin was separation from God and the curse of death. God promises that an “offspring” (singular, descendant) of Eve would crush the serpent’s head, that is, overturn the devil’s work.
In his letter to the church in Rome, St. Paul summarizes how the one man Adam trespassed against God and brought sin, condemnation, and death into the world. Adam made us all sinners. Paul also describes how the one man, Jesus demonstrates God’s grace, bringing the gifts of justification and righteousness from God. Jesus was obedient to God’s plan of rescue. He died in our place, setting us free from the threat of eternal death. Jesus makes us all righteous before God.
The gospel reading tells events on Jesus’ life after His baptism and before beginning His public ministry. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert wilderness that the devil might tempt Him. After 40 days of fasting, Jesus would have been physically weakened. The devil’s urging would bring into question Jesus’ relationship to God and His commitment and obedience to God’s plan to save us sinners. That obedience and commitment would be tested several more times during Jesus’ earthly life. Jesus rejects the devil’s offers and faithfully demonstrates His commitment as the perfect Son. The term ‘Son’ is more than describing Jesus’ ontological divine relationship to God. It also indicates He is the substitute for God’s people, Israel, who are also collectively referred to as God’s son (for example, Exodus 4:22 and Hosea 11:1).
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 schedules or the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- Sunday February 15
Brothers and sisters, Grace, and peace to you in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to gather for worship this Sunday. In the third commandment God says, ‘Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy’. Martin Luther explained the commandment this way, ‘we should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but gladly hear and learn it.’ So, come, listen, and learn of the forgiveness and eternal life Jesus has earned for you.
Sunday, February 15 is the last Sunday in this Epiphany season. Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. I encourage you to attend the midweek services during Lent, each scheduled to begin at 6:30.
At Sunday’s service we will commemorate the Transfiguration of our Lord. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #395 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright; #416 Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory; #631 Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face; and #417 Alleluia Song of Gladness.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 99:1-5,9; Exodus 24:8-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.
As we consider Jesus’ Transfiguration, it is helpful to first attempt the difficult task of trying to explain what God’s glory is. In the Old Testament, ‘glory’ is one translation of the Hebrew word ‘kavod’. It can also mean heavy, significant, or extremely important. We sometimes talk about “weighty” matters. In the case of God’s ‘glory’, it involves His divine nature and divine attributes such as perfection and holiness, but includes aspects of majesty, authority, and power. God’s glory seems to summarize His nature and attributes, and when it is revealed in His presence, it is often accompanied by brilliant radiant light, and clouds.
In the Old Testament lesson, Moses is invited by God to join Him on Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and other instruction. God’s glory is described as a devouring fire. As Moses climbed the mountain, a cloud surrounded him and kept him from seeing God’s face. But that is a good thing, for God warns that no one can see Him and live. Moses spent 40 days in the near presence of God. When Moses came down from the mountain, he had what looked like a sunburn. He was radiating God’s glory.
In the epistle lesson, St. Peter gives an eyewitness account of what he saw and heard when Jesus was transfigured. The event was evidence that Jesus is the Son of God. Surprisingly, Peter tells us that we have been given something more sure than that experience. That is, we have the assurance given through the word of God, spoken by God’s spokesmen, the prophets. That Word tells us Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah who came into the world to save you from God’s condemnation against sin. Peter urges us to pay attention to God’s Word. As it witnesses to Jesus, it is like a lamp leading through a dark world and on to heaven.
The gospel lesson is St. Matthew’ report of Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus’ divine nature shines through His human nature, and God the Father’s voice confirms that Jesus is His beloved Son. Like Peter, we might be wowed by the lights of the transfiguration. But Jesus did not come to give His disciples spiritual experiences. He came to save the world from sin. So, Jesus came back down from the mountain, journeying to Jerusalem where He would endure the scandal of the cross. There would be dark days ahead for the disciples. The light of the transfiguration serves to assure us of Jesus’s identity, and gives Jesus’ disciples (including us) a glimpse of the glory that is awaiting us in heaven.
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.
- February 8 service
Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to attend worship to receive God’s gifts of forgiveness.
There are a few events I want you to be aware of. First, the stained-glass windows in the narthex have been installed. I think you will be very pleased. During Sunday’s service we will include a dedication of the windows to God’s service .
Tomorrow, Saturday 7th, the shrimp boil fund raiser will be serving food from 11 until we run out. Plates are $15. Shrimp can also be purchased at $20 per pound.
And I will use this opportunity to add an alert that Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Season of Lent is February 18. Midweek services during Lent will begin at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, February 8 is the fifth Sunday of Epiphany. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151. Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #526 You are the Way; #729 I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; and #805 Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 112:1-9; Isaiah 58:3-9a; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; and Matthew 5:13-20.
Last Sunday the Gospel reading was from Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes were a list of blessings that Jesus’ disciples will enjoy, now and in the future. One theme in the Scripture readings this week is ‘what are some proper responses to the blessings God/Jesus freely gives?’
In the Old Testament lesson, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah. The passage begins with the people of Israel spiritually blind and tone deaf to what God wants from them. They want God’s blessings. They believe they have acted righteously. They ask rhetorically, we have prayed, we have fasted, we have acted humbly, so why is it that God doesn’t give us any credit? God answers, yes, they went through the motions, fasting and sitting in sackcloth. But they were only giving lip service, doing things so God would give them their desires, with no love for Him, and with no remorse over sin. They’ve spent their time fasting as a time to quarrel and fight and to abuse their workers. God follows with a list of what fasting ought to be: turning from sin; stop being judgmental; show kindness to others especially the needy, setting aside time to hear and contemplate God’s word. Love for neighbor is an important response of God’s people who have experienced His love and mercy.
In the epistle lesson, St. Paul encourages the Corinthian congregation (and all Christians) to grow in wisdom. Scripture tells us that wisdom begins with proper fear of God. As Paul explains it, wisdom is also based on the cross of Jesus. It is not by our works but through Jesus’ crucifixion that we receive the favor of God. If you want to know what God thinks of you, look to the cross. God loved you so much that Jesus was sent to die for you, paying for your sin and breaking down the barrier that separated you from Him. It is impossible to fathom the depth of God’s love. But the Holy Spirit enlightens us to see Jesus as our Savior, and the eternal benefits He has prepared for us who believe in Him.
The gospel lesson is a continuation of the so-called Sermon on the Mount. After telling the disciple of the benefits they will receive, Jesus instructs them (and us) to respond, to be lights and salt in the world. One of our challenges is to understand what is meant by salt and light. Jesus gives a summary of their meaning by saying let others see your good works so they will give glory to God. There is also a reminder that God’s Law is not bad, it is good for us. Jesus doesn’t relax the Law so we can live recklessly. Instead, He emphasizes the strictness of the Law. When we realize what the Law demands and recognize the punishment we sinful wretches deserve, then we can better appreciate Jesus’s obedience and sacrifice. Jesus fulfilled the Law for you. He saved you from God’s condemnation. How should we respond?
COLLECT: Almighty Lord, 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 schedules or the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- January 25 service
Brothers and sisters, greetings to you in the name of Jesus. The approaching cold and potentially icy weather has been in the news all week, so I won’t rehash any of that information. In previous emails I have alerted you that the Shrimp Boil fundraiser is postponed to February 7, and the Bible study for tomorrow has been canceled. At this time, I intend to conduct worship and administer communion tomorrow beginning at 10:30. Please monitor the road conditions near you. If the internet cooperates, we will be streaming tomorrow’s service on Facebook so you can watch online if the drive becomes unsafe.
On Sunday, January 25 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #545 Word of God, Come Down on Earth; #839 O Christ, Our True and Only Light; #628 Your Table I Approach; and #921 On What Has Now Been Sown.
Scripture texts to be read are Psalm 27:1-9, 14; Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; and Matthew 4:12-25. If you won’t be attending worship, I encourage you to take time to read these passages.
In the prophecy of Isaiah, God mentions two of the tribes of Israel, Zebulun and Naphtali. When God apportioned the land of Israel (Joshua 13-19), He assigned these two tribes land along the northeastern frontier and border. Because of the geography and topography of these territories, they became a major travel route between Egypt and Damascus Syria. The land of the two tribes became a frequent and first battleground against enemies attacking from that direction. During the time of the judges, God equipped Gideon and men from Naphtali and Zebulun to destroy the armies of the Canaanites and the Midianites (Judges 4-7). They were praised for their efforts. But centuries later, in the time of Isaiah, God was critical of the sins of the northern nation of Israel, including the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. He disciplined them and humbled them by sending the Assyrian army to attack them. Naphtali in particular was hard hit; all the citizens were captured and deported to Assyria (2 Kings 15:29). Eventually all the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel were defeated and taken away as slaves. In the passage we will read from Chapter 9 on Sunday, Isaiah begins by reminding them God had brought them into this state of contempt and defeat (because of their sin). But God also promises to set them free from oppressors, and to bring light to their darkness. Their descendants will have reason to celebrate victory as Gideon and their forefathers once did when they routed the Midianites. Jesus fulfills the prophecy when He begins His public ministry, healing and proclaiming the gospel in Galilee, a region within these two ancient lands.
The epistle lesson is a portion of St. Pau’s first letter to the congregation in Corinth, southern Greece. After writing in the opening verses of that letter that He praised God for showing grace to all of them, he begins to criticize and instruct them because of the divisions among them. Rather than being united around the gospel, they were dividing themselves in camps based on their favorite preacher, or who had conducted their baptism. Corinthians considered rhetoric and speech givers to be entertaining. They valued what sounded wise. Paul points out that as Christians they should be focused on the cross. That is, Christ crucified for sinners sounds foolish—how can the death of a man benefit us sinners? How can a man rise from the dead, and what good would it do for us? But Christians trust that this message of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection for sinners is the true power of God that He uses to save us.
As reported in the verses of Matthew 4 to be read Sunday, Jesus begins His public ministry, calling people to repentance and announcing that the reign of God was approaching and nearby. In His words and actions, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, beginning His work in Galilee, a significant portion of what was once the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus calls His first disciples. The first twelve would be His witnesses and learn from Him for three years before He would send them out to continue His ministry. His miracles are evidence of His identity, power, and purpose as He heals the sick, restores the infirm, and gives freedom to those oppressed by demons. Not necessarily using visible miracles, Jesus continues to use the Church to be His witnesses and to continue to Proclaim His good news of salvation.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal us and defend us; 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 the lessons to be read Sunday. God bless you. Pastor Boster